bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia Associated with a CaV1.2 Variant with Mixed Gain- and Loss-of-Function Effects
Authors: Kummer Sebastian , Rinné Susanne , Seemann Gunnar , Bachmann Nadine , Timothy Katherine , Thornton Paul S. , Pillekamp Frank , Mayatepek Ertan , Bergmann Carsten , Meissner Thomas , Decher Niels
Published: July 2022

The voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel isoform CaV1.2 is critically involved in many physiological processes, e.g., in cardiac action potential formation, electromechanical coupling and regulation of insulin secretion by beta cells. Gain-of-function mutations in the calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha 1 C (CACNA1C) gene, encoding the CaV1.2 α1-subunit, cause Timothy syndrome (TS), a multisystemic disorder that includes autism spectrum disorders and long QT (LQT) syndrome. Strikingly, TS patients frequently suffer from hypoglycemia of yet unproven origin. Using next-generation sequencing, we identified a novel heterozygous CACNA1C mutation in a patient with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) and associated hypoglycemic episodes. We characterized the electrophysiological phenotype of the mutated channel using voltage-clamp recordings and in silico action potential modeling experiments. The identified CaV1.2L566P mutation causes a mixed electrophysiological phenotype of gain- and loss-of-function effects. In silico action potential modeling supports that this mixed electrophysiological phenotype leads to a tissue-specific impact on beta cells compared to cardiomyocytes. Thus, CACNA1C variants may be associated with non-syndromic hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia without long-QT syndrome, explained by very specific electrophysiological properties of the mutated channel. We discuss different biochemical characteristics and clinical impacts of hypoglycemia in the context of CACNA1C variants and show that these may be associated with significant morbidity for Timothy Syndrome patients. Our findings underline that the potential of hypoglycemia warrants careful attention in patients with CACNA1C variants, and such variants should be included in the differential diagnosis of non-syndromic congenital hyperinsulinism.
C-Reactive Protein Velocity (CRPv) as a New Biomarker for the Early Detection of Acute Infection/Inflammation
Authors: Levinson Tal , Wasserman Asaf
Published: July 2022

C-reactive protein (CRP) is considered a biomarker of infection/inflammation. It is a commonly used tool for early detection of infection in the emergency room or as a point-of-care test and especially for differentiating between bacterial and viral infections, affecting decisions of admission and initiation of antibiotic treatments. As C-reactive protein is part of a dynamic and continuous inflammatory process, a single CRP measurement, especially at low concentrations, may erroneously lead to a wrong classification of an infection as viral over bacterial and delay appropriate antibiotic treatment. In the present review, we introduce the concept of C-reactive protein dynamics, measuring the velocity of C-reactive protein elevation, as a tool to increase this biomarker’s diagnostic ability. We review the studies that helped define new metrics such as estimated C-reactive protein velocity (velocity of C-reactive protein elevation from symptoms’ onset to first C-reactive protein measurement) and the measured C-reactive protein velocity (velocity between sequential C-reactive protein measurements) and the use of these metrics in different clinical scenarios. We also discuss future research directions for this novel metric.
Synergistic Effect of Cold Treatment Combined with Ethyl Formate Fumigation against Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Jeon Jong-Chan , Kim Hyun-Kyung , Koo Hyun-Na , Kim Bong-Su , Yang Jeong-Oh , Kim Gil-Hah
Published: July 2022

Drosophila suzukii is a quarantine pest that is rapidly spreading in berries. This study evaluated the synergistic effect of combination treatment with ethyl formate (EF) and cold temperature for D. suzukii control on imported grapes. A higher insecticidal effect was observed at 1 °C than at 5 °C at all developmental stages, and the pupal stage showed the strongest tolerance to cold temperature. After EF fumigation alone, eggs showed the highest tolerance at 216.67 mg·h/L (LCT99 value), and adults showed the highest susceptibility at <27.24 mg·h/L. Among the combination treatment methods, cold temperature after fumigation resulted in the best synergistic effect. The effect of this combination was significant, with 23.3% higher mortality for eggs, 22.4% for larvae, and 23.4% for pupae than observed with EF fumigation alone. Furthermore, the period of complete D. suzukii control in the 12 L desiccator was shorter in the combination treatment group at the LCT80 value than at the LCT50 value of the egg stage. EF showed a very high sorption rate (24%) after 4 h of exposure at a grape loading ratio of 15% in a 0.65 m3 fumigation chamber. As the grape loading ratio for combination treatment decreased, D. suzukii mortality increased, but when EF was administered at the LCT80 value, there was little difference in the mortalities of the eggs and larvae but not the pupae. All D. suzukii developmental stages were completely controlled within 7 days after combination treatment, and phytotoxicity was not observed in grapes. These results suggest that the combination of cold-temperature treatment and EF fumigation could be used for D. suzukii control.
Phylogeny of the Chinese Subgenera of the Genus Homoneura (Diptera, Lauxaniidae, Homoneurinae) Based on Morphological Characters
Authors: Kong Chaoyang , Feng Keli , Zhao Shengjuan , Li Wenliang , Li Xuankun
Published: July 2022

The genus Homoneura comprises over 700 described species in eight known subgenera distributed worldwide and has the highest species richness of Lauxaniidae. Five subgenera and more than 200 species have currently been recorded from China. Despite its high diversity, the monophyly of Homoneura and its subgenera, and the phylogenetic relationships among its subgenera remain to be investigated. One maximum-parsimony tree was generated based on 105 morphological characters scored from 24 species, representing all five subgenera of Homoneura recorded from China. The results did not support the monophyly of the genus Homoneura and subgenus Homoneura. The subgenus Chaetohomoneura is a sister to subgenus Neohomoneura. The monophyly of the subgenera Euhomoneura and Neohomoneura is supported. Much of the current classification of the genus Homoneura needs a revision before taxonomy can reflect natural groupings.
Anastomotic Urethroplasty with Double Layer Continuous Running Suture Re-Anastomosis Versus Interrupted Suture Re-Anastomosis for Infective Bulbar Urethral Strictures: A Prospective Randomised Trial
Authors: Claassen Frederik M. , Martins Francisco E. , Mutambirwa Shingai B. A. , Potgieter Linda , Botes Lezelle , Kotze Harry F. , Smit Francis E.
Published: July 2022

Introduction: The objective of this study was to compare a double-layer running suture re-anastomosis urethral stricture repair with early catheter removal to the conventional interrupted suture re-anastomosis after excision of a bulbar urethral stricture. Methods: A consecutive series of patients with bulbar urethral stricture were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomized into two groups according to an odd/even serial number distribution. Patients’ medical records were analyzed for demographics, stricture characteristics, and lower urinary tract obstructive symptoms. The outcomes were based on the presence/absence of obstructive voiding symptoms, and retrograde urethrography (RGU) performed on the first post-operative day in Group 1 and in both groups (Groups 1 and 2) at six weeks after surgery. Flexible urethroscopy was only performed on specific cases where RGU was unclear both pre- and post-operatively or when clinical recurrence was suspected. The minimum follow-up (FU) was 18 months. Success was defined as no need for subsequent dilatation, direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU), or urethroplasty. Results: A total of thirty-six patients with a mean age of 45 years (range 20 to 69 years) with bulbar urethral stricture were included in this study. Group 1 and Group 2 included 19 and 17 patients, respectively. Two patients were lost during randomization and subsequently to FU. The average stricture lengths were comparable between the two groups according to the retrograde urethrogram: 1.20 cm (range 0.6 to 2) in Group 1 and 1.27 cm (range 0.5 to 2.4) in Group 2, respectively (p = 0.631). The success rate for Group 1 was 90% after a mean follow-up of thirty-six months (range 20 to 40), which was clinically significant compared to the 71% in Group 2 after a mean FU of thirty-three months (range 19 to 40; p = 0.0218; 95% CI: 0.462–41.5766). Conclusions: Anastomotic urethroplasty (AR) performed with a double layer re-anastomosis had a cure rate comparable to the conventional anastomosis with interrupted sutures after a follow-up of eighteen months and longer. The urethral catheter can be safely removed within twenty-four hours after the excision of stricture and double-layer re-anastomosis.
Clinical Factors Associated with Non-Obese Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Detected among US Adults in the NHANES 2017–2018
Authors: Razouki Zayd Adnan , Zhang Xiaotao , Hwang Jessica P. , Heredia Natalia I.
Published: July 2022

NAFLD can occur in non-obese individuals with BMI < 25 kg/m2. Our goal was to examine the prevalence and clinical factors associated with non-obese NAFLD using vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) with controlled attenuation parameter which estimates steatosis and fibrosis among US adults. We aggregated data from the 2017–2018 cycle of NHANES and included adults (age ≥ 20 years) with BMI < 25 kg/m2 with complete data for the survey, medical examination, and VCTE along with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). We excluded participants with risks of other liver diseases. We considered patients to have non-obese NAFLD if CAP was >285 dB/m, or non-obese NAFLD fibrosis if this CAP criteria was met and liver stiffness was >8.6 kPa. We calculated the adjusted OR and 95% CI for associations with non-obese NAFLD using multivariable logistic regression. The prevalence of non-obese NAFLD was 6.2% and Asian Americans (12.2%) had the highest non-obese NAFLD prevalence. Clinical factors associated with non-obese NAFLD were advanced age and metabolic syndrome (ORadjusted = 6.8, 95% CI 3.0–15.5). In a separate model, we found elevated glucose (ORadjusted = 4.1, 95% CI 2.1–7.9), triglycerides (ORadjusted = 3.8, 95% CI 1.7–8.5), and truncal fat (100-unit increase ORadjusted = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.04–1.10) were associated with higher odds of non-obese NAFLD. Meanwhile, low physical activity (ORadjusted = 2.9, 95% CI 1.2–7.1) was also positively associated with non-obese NAFLD. Non-obese NAFLD is prevalent in the US and is highly associated with metabolic conditions and syndrome. Our results support the importance of considering racial/ethnic differences when investigating NAFLD in a clinical setting.
New Technologies for Personalized Medicine in Head and Neck Oncologic and Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Cebrián Carretero José Luis , Navarro Cuéllar Carlos
Published: July 2022

The search for standardized protocols has been a constant concern in Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery [...]
Stress, Anxiety and Depression Prevalence among Greek University Students during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Two-Year Survey
Authors: Kavvadas Dimitrios , Kavvada Asimoula , Karachrysafi Sofia , Papaliagkas Vasileios , Cheristanidis Stavros , Chatzidimitriou Maria , Papamitsou Theodora
Published: July 2022

Background: The negative effect of COVID-19 pandemic on college students’ mental health is well-demonstrated. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of the pandemic on the students of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Northern Greece), in terms of stress, anxiety, and depression, and to analyze the probable correlation of various social and phycological factors. Methods: The survey was conducted in the form of a questionnaire, which was first distributed in November 2020 and then re-launched in November 2021. The evaluation was carried out through the DASS21 screening tool. Associations regarding participants’ characteristics and the three variables (stress, anxiety, and depression) were investigated with Pearson’s chi-squared (Χ2) test. Results: The first-year results (November 2020) revealed severe prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression (37.4%, 27.2% and 47% respectively). The second-year results (November 2021) revealed a significant augmentation in all three variables, mainly for the extreme severe scales (47.3%, 41.1% and 55% respectively). Participants who were receiving psychiatric treatment exhibited higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, especially during the second year of the pandemic (p-Value < 0.00001). Female students’ mental health was at higher risk, as elevated prevalence of negative symptoms was observed (p-Value < 0.00001). Conclusions: The community of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki has been greatly affected during the last 2 years. The inherent risks of the confinement measures on students’ well-being and mental health are undeniable. Recurrent annual psychological evaluation in universities and colleges is strongly advised.
Abdominal Pain in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Clinical Challenge
Authors: Wils Pauline , Caron Bénédicte , D’Amico Ferdinando , Danese Silvio , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent
Published: July 2022

Up to 60% of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients experience abdominal pain in their lifetime regardless of disease activity. Pain negatively affects different areas of daily life and particularly impacts the quality of life of IBD patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the multifactorial etiology implicated in the chronic abdominal pain of IBD patients including peripheral sensitization by inflammation, coexistent irritable bowel syndrome, visceral hypersensitivity, alteration of the brain–gut axis, and the multiple factors contributing to pain persistence. Despite the optimal management of intestinal inflammation, chronic abdominal pain can persist, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches are necessary. Integrating psychological support in care models in IBD could decrease disease burden and health care costs. Consequently, a multidisciplinary approach similar to that used for other chronic pain conditions should be recommended.
Addressing Human Factors in Cybersecurity Leadership
Authors: Triplett William J.
Published: July 2022

This article identifies human factors in workplaces that contribute to the challenges faced by cybersecurity leadership within organizations and discusses strategic communication, human–computer interaction, organizational factors, social environments, and security awareness training. Cybersecurity does not simply focus on information technology systems; it also considers how humans use information systems and susceptible actions leading to vulnerabilities. As cyber leaders begin to identify human behavior and processes and collaborate with individuals of the same mindset, an organization’s strategy can improve substantially. Cybersecurity has been an expanding focal point from the viewpoint of human factors. Human inaccuracy can be unintentional due to an inaccurate strategic implementation or accurate unsatisfactory plan implementation. A systematic literature review was conducted to realize unintentional human factors in cybersecurity leadership. The results indicate that humans were the weakest link during the transmission of secure data. Furthermore, specific complacent and unintentional behaviors were observed, enabled by the ignorance of leaders and employees. Therefore, the enforcement of cybersecurity focuses on education, awareness, and communication. A research agenda is outlined, highlighting a further need for interdisciplinary research. This study adopts an original approach by viewing security from a human perspective and assessing how people can reduce cybersecurity incidents.
The Fungal Protein Mes1 Is Required for Morphogenesis and Virulence in the Dimorphic Phytopathogen Ustilago maydis
Authors: Cánovas David
Published: July 2022

Polarized growth is a defining property of filamentous fungi, which plays an important role in different aspects of their biology, including virulence. However, little information is available about the determinants of cell surface organization and their role in polarized growth. The fungal protein MesA was identified in a genetic screen in Aspergillus nidulans and is involved in the stabilization of the polarity axes, but it has no evident role in budding yeast. In this work, I present evidence that in the dimorphic fungal phytopathogen Ustilago maydis MesA/Mes1 is involved in cell wall stability and polarized growth. mes1 mutants were more sensitive to drugs provoking cell wall stress, and they displayed a temperature-sensitive phenotype. Actin cytoskeleton was disorganized in a mes1 mutant, suggesting that there is a connection between Mes1, the actin cytoskeleton and polarized morphogenesis. The septin ring was also absent from the bud tip, but not the bud neck. Deletion of mes1 provoked defects in endocytosis and vacuolar organization in the cells. Mes1 was essential for strong polarized growth in the hyphal form, but it was dispensable during low or moderate polarized growth in the yeast form in U. maydis at a permissive temperature. Consistently, mes1 mutants showed delayed mating and they were avirulent.
Sex-Related Differences of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs): New Perspectives for These Biomarkers in Cardiovascular and Neurological Diseases
Authors: Trentini Alessandro , Manfrinato Maria Cristina , Castellazzi Massimiliano , Bellini Tiziana
Published: July 2022

It is now established that sex differences occur in clinical manifestation, disease progression, and prognosis for both cardiovascular (CVDs) and central nervous system (CNS) disorders. As such, a great deal of effort is now being put into understanding these differences and turning them into “advantages”: (a) for the discovery of new sex-specific biomarkers and (b) through a review of old biomarkers from the perspective of the “newly” discovered sex/gender medicine. This is also true for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling, which play a role in both CVDs and CNS disorders. However, most of the studies conducted up to now relegated sex to a mere confounding variable used for statistical model correction rather than a determining factor that can influence MMP levels and, in turn, disease prognosis. Consistently, this approach causes a loss of information that might help clinicians in identifying novel patterns and improve the applicability of MMPs in clinical practice by providing sex-specific threshold values. In this scenario, the current review aims to gather the available knowledge on sex-related differences in MMPs levels in CVDs and CNS conditions, hoping to shed light on their use as sex-specific biomarkers of disease prognosis or progression.
Connectedness between Sectors: The Case of the Polish Stock Market before and during COVID-19
Authors: Chirilă Viorica
Published: July 2022

This article studies the connectedness between economic sectors of the Polish stock market. The sectors that are considered are the following: banks, basic materials, chemicals, construction, developers, energy, food, and oil and gas. The analysis of the connectedness among sectors is conducted from a statistical and dynamic perspective. Using the time-varying parameter vector autoregression (TVP-VAR) method, the intensity, direction and variation of volatility spillover between the economic sectors are studied. Two samples are analysed, the first one being from 1 January 2013 to 12 December 2019, which corresponds to the period before the pandemic caused by COVID-19, and the second one being from 1 January 2020 to 2 December 2021, which corresponds to the period during the pandemic. A series of results are obtained. First, the connectedness between the economic sectors varies depends on the time. Second, the connectedness between the sectors was stronger during the crisis caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 rather than before the crisis. The volatility of each sector was also primarily due to their own volatility. Thirdly, the banking sector was the main sector with respect to volatility spillover. The results that are obtained are important for making the right decisions regarding financial stability under crisis circumstances, when considering development strategies for some economic sectors but also in portfolio management for performing diversification and risk-mitigation strategies.
Collaborative Ryukyuan Language Documentation and Reclamation
Authors: Hammine Madoka , Tsutsui Billins Martha
Published: July 2022

Traditional “endangered” approaches in linguistics tend to impose Western epistemologies of languages on marginalized Indigenous language communities such as the Ryukyus. Instead, by using a collaborative approach, we ask for a change of approach from research on the Ryukyus to research with/for the Ryukyus. This article is a reflective study of collaboration in particular cases. We aim to address the issues of relationality between communities and researchers—how can communities initiate work with like-minded linguists to suit their own needs? Thus, we respond to this question to open a conversation on why insider/outsider collaboration is essential. Using our experiences of carrying out our research in different parts of the Ryukyus reflectively, we aim to provide a practical guide for collaboration that is necessary for both the good of communities and the field of linguistics. Through continuous cooperation and collaboration, we can engage in active decolonization of the field of linguistics and language documentation. We suggest that decolonization cannot be achieved without collaborative and ethical research practices based on Indigenous epistemologies. We conclude the paper with ideas of research approaches based on Ryukyuan Indigenous epistemologies, which require a transformation from individual approaches to community-based-relational approaches.
Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma and Associated Endocrinopathies in Slovenia from 1995 to 2021
Authors: Milicevic Sara , Krajc Mateja , Blatnik Ana , Peric Barbara
Published: July 2022

Background: Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare endocrine tumour that is sporadic in 75% of cases and occurs as a part of inherited cancer syndromes in approximately 25% of cases. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and type of RET pathogenic variants (PVs) in the Slovenian MTC patient population diagnosed between 1995 and 2021 and to elucidate the full range of associated endocrinopathies. Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records of 266 MTC patients and their relatives seen in a tertiary centre between 1995 and 2021 was performed. Sequence analysis of exons 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 of the RET gene was analysed in most patients using Sanger sequencing. From 2017, the entire sequence of RET gene was analysed in most patients using targeted next-generation sequencing. Results: Germline PVs in the RET proto-oncogene were identified in 21.6% probands from 21 different MTC families. Of their tested relatives, 65% (67/103) were RET-positive and 35% (36/103) were RET-negative. PVs were detected in codon 618 and codon 634 in 28.6%, and in codon 790 in 23.8%. The RET-positive group consisted of 52 MTC patients, 13 patients with C cell hyperplasia and 2 individuals with neither. Associated endocrinopathies were diagnosed in 8/21 families: primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in six families and pheochromocytoma (PHEO) in five families. In 62% of RET-positive families (13/21), no associated endocrinopathies were diagnosed. PHEO was most commonly associated with C634R (6/13) and PHPT with C634R (4/7). Hirschsprung’s disease appeared in one patient with RET PV in codon 618. Based on data from the Cancer Registry of Republic of Slovenia, only individual cases of common cancers with well understood environmental risk factors were discovered; lung cancer in 2/21 of families, papillary thyroid cancer in 3/21 of families, cutaneous melanoma in 2/21 of families, cervical cancer in 1/21 families, and lymphoma in 1/21 families. Conclusions: Analysis of prospectively collected MTC cases during a 27-year period revealed that 21.6% of Slovenian patients are RET PV carriers. Sixty-two percent of families had none of the associated endocrinopathies, confirming the thesis that FMTC is the most common presentation. This could suggest using risk-stratified management approaches when screening for PHEO and PHPT in RET PV carriers. However, more studies are needed to evaluate potential genetic risk modifiers as well as safety, improved quality of life, and medical cost reduction in the case of a patient-oriented approach.
Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Variant rs3865444 in the CD33 Gene: A Possible Role in Susceptibility to Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Javor Juraj , Bucová Mária , Ďurmanová Vladimíra , Radošinská Dominika , Párnická Zuzana , Čierny Daniel , Kurča Egon , Čopíková-Cudráková Daniela , Gmitterová Karin , Shawkatová Ivana
Published: July 2022

Polymorphisms in genes encoding receptors that modulate the activity of microglia and macrophages are attractive candidates for participation in genetic susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS). The aims of the study were to (1) investigate the association between Alzheimer’s disease-linked variant rs3865444:C>A in the CD33 gene and MS risk, (2) assess the effect of the strongest MS risk allele HLA-DRB1*15:01 on this association, and (3) analyze the correlation of rs3865444 with selected clinical phenotypes, i.e., age of onset and disease severity. CD33 rs3865444 was genotyped in a cohort of 579 patients and 1145 controls and its association with MS risk and clinical phenotypes was analyzed by logistic and linear regression analysis, respectively. Statistical evaluation revealed that rs3865444 reduces the risk of MS in the HLA-DRB1*15:01-positive subpopulation but not in the cohort negative for HLA-DRB1*15:01. A significant antagonistic epistasis between rs3865444 A and HLA-DRB1*15:01 alleles in the context of MS risk was detected by the interaction synergy factor analysis. Comparison of allele and genotype distribution between relapsing-remitting MS, secondary progressive MS, and control groups revealed that rs3865444 C to A substitution may also be associated with a decreased risk of transition of MS to its secondary progressive form, irrespective of the HLA-DRB1*15:01 carrier status. On the other hand, no correlation could be found between rs3865444 and the age of disease onset or MS severity score. Future studies are required to shed more light on the role of CD33 in MS pathogenesis.
An Intelligent Learning System for Unbiased Prediction of Dementia Based on Autoencoder and Adaboost Ensemble Learning
Authors: Javeed Ashir , Dallora Ana Luiza , Berglund Johan Sanmartin , Anderberg Peter
Published: July 2022

Dementia is a neurological condition that primarily affects older adults and there is still no cure or therapy available to cure it. The symptoms of dementia can appear as early as 10 years before the beginning of actual diagnosed dementia. Hence, machine learning (ML) researchers have presented several methods for early detection of dementia based on symptoms. However, these techniques suffer from two major flaws. The first issue is the bias of ML models caused by imbalanced classes in the dataset. Past research did not address this issue well and did not take preventative precautions. Different ML models were developed to illustrate this bias. To alleviate the problem of bias, we deployed a synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) to balance the training process of the proposed ML model. The second issue is the poor classification accuracy of ML models, which leads to a limited clinical significance. To improve dementia prediction accuracy, we proposed an intelligent learning system that is a hybrid of an autoencoder and adaptive boost model. The autoencoder is used to extract relevant features from the feature space and the Adaboost model is deployed for the classification of dementia by using an extracted subset of features. The hyperparameters of the Adaboost model are fine-tuned using a grid search algorithm. Experimental findings reveal that the suggested learning system outperforms eleven similar systems which were proposed in the literature. Furthermore, it was also observed that the proposed learning system improves the strength of the conventional Adaboost model by 9.8% and reduces its time complexity. Lastly, the proposed learning system achieved classification accuracy of 90.23%, sensitivity of 98.00% and specificity of 96.65%.
Customer Perception of Logistics Service Quality Using SIPA and Modified Kano: Case Study of Indonesian E-Commerce
Authors: Masudin Ilyas , Hanifah Yulyetha Kurnia Putri , Dewi Shanty Kusuma , Restuputri Dian Palupi , Handayani Dwi Iryaning
Published: July 2022

Background: The success of e-commerce cannot be separated from a good delivery experience. Meanwhile, research that discusses the quality of logistics services that serve e-commerce by comparing the quality of its competitors in Indonesia is still little discussed. The case study in this research is two logistic service providers in Indonesia. Methods: This study uses the integration of the SIPA method and Kano Modification. Both SIPA and Kano can determine priority and effective strategies to improve service quality. Results: The use of SIPA can identify the importance of service attributes and compare the performance of the two logistics services. A dynamic cycle of service attributes encourages using Kano Modification in this study to expand opportunities for determining managerial strategies. Conclusions: The results in this study provide insight into the main strategies that must be carried out on attributes considered important and maintain quality to be superior to competitors.
The Safety-Hygiene Air Corridor between UK and Spain Will Coexist with COVID-19
Authors: Florido-Benítez Lázaro
Published: July 2022

Background: The main goal of this case study is to analyze the air traffic, air cargo, and the safety-hygiene air corridor between UK and Spain, in airports managed by MAG Group (UK) and AENA Group (Spain). Methods: To review the specific paradigm of research which discusses, investigates, and analyses the air traffic, air cargo, and the safety-hygiene air corridor between UK and Spain at airports managed by MAG (UK) and AENA (Spain). Results: The air traffic that airlines project onto the UK-Spain corridor has decreased due to the pandemic, but the result of this research shows that in the medium term, to implement the new Safety-Hygiene Air Corridor (SHAC) will return to economically nurture airlines, airports and destination thanks to vaccines, the digital COVID-19 certificate that will give more confidence to passengers to travel, and with new COVID-19 safety regulations at airports and airlines. Furthermore, the results of the research show the need to create Safety-Hygiene Air Corridor Elements (SHACE) to improve the air activity of these countries. Conclusions: The study contributes towards providing solutions such as those we propose in this study, the UK-Spain SHAC and SHACE will guarantee the value of corridors between countries, reduce the uncertainty of airlines, organizations, and passengers, to restore the tourism and aviation industries.
Flatness-Based Active Disturbance Rejection Control for a PVTOL Aircraft System with an Inverted Pendular Load
Authors: Villaseñor Rios Cesar Alejandro Villaseñor , Luviano-Juárez Alberto , Lozada-Castillo Norma Beatriz , Carvajal-Gámez Blanca Esther , Mújica-Vargas Dante , Gutiérrez-Frías Octavio
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a systematic procedure for the control scheme design for a PVTOL aircraft system with an inverted pendular load, which is a nonlinear underactuated system. The control scheme is based on the use of angular movement as an artificial control in order to propose new auxiliary control inputs. This is achieved by a linear extended state observer-based active disturbance rejection control to reject both nonmodeled dynamics and external disturbances. The flying planar inverted pendulum is then linearized around an unstable equilibrium point, and the resulting system is subdivided into two subsystems: (1) the height system, and (2) the horizontal pendulum system. For the height system, a linear extended state observer-based active disturbance rejection control is proposed in order to accomplish a take-off and landing task in the presence of external disturbances and non-linearities neglected in the linearization process. The flatness property in the horizontal-pendulum system is exploited in order to propose another active disturbance rejection control of linear nature. The flatness of the tangentially linearized model provides a unique structural property that results in an advantageous low-order cascade decomposition of the linear extended state observer design. Numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme in trajectory tracking tasks in the presence of disturbances caused by crosswinds with random amplitudes.
Systematic Design of a 3-DOF Dual-Segment Continuum Robot for In Situ Maintenance in Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Li Guoxin , Yu Jingjun , Dong Dailin , Pan Jie , Wu Haoran , Cao Shengge , Pei Xu , Huang Xindong , Yi Jianqing
Published: July 2022

In situ maintenance works for nuclear power plants are highly beneficial as they can significantly reduce the current maintenance cycle and cost. However, removing absorber balls in a constrained environment through an inspection port is fairly challenging. In this article, a 3-DOF dual-segment continuum robot system is proposed which is equipped with an end-effector to remove absorber balls by pneumatic conveying. Then, according to the symmetrical layout of actuation ropes, the kinematics of the single-segment continuum robot are extended, and the kinematics equation which is universal to the continuum robot with the dual segment is summarized. In addition, some special kinematics solutions can be obtained according to opposite-bending and feeding characteristics. Finally, the functions of the device are verified by tests. The results show that the continuum robot can smoothly pass through the divider plug and reach any position at the bottom of a ball-storage tank where absorber balls are located with only two segments. In a gas environment, the efficiency of absorber ball removal can reach 58.96 kg/h with a lift of 7.5 m and 48.54 kg/h with a lift of 10 m. This result undoubtedly paves the way for the in-service maintenance of nuclear power plants.
Research on 4WS Agricultural Machine Path Tracking Algorithm Based on Fuzzy Control Pure Tracking Model
Authors: Zhang Chengliang , Gao Guanlei , Zhao Chunzhao , Li Lei , Li Changpu , Chen Xiyuan
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a path tracking algorithm based on a fuzzy control pure tracking model for autonomous navigation of 4WS agricultural machines. The aim of this research is to implement path tracking for unmanned 4WS agricultural machinery and to solve the problem of difficult determination of forward-looking distances in pure tracking algorithms. By using the pure tracking algorithm model and a fuzzy controller, this paper converts the heading deviation and lateral deviation in one control cycle into the sum of lateral deviation as the first input to the fuzzy controller and the vehicle travel speed as the second input to the fuzzy controller, thus outputting the actual forward-looking distance. In order to verify the practicality, accuracy, and path tracking precision of the proposed path tracking algorithm, a straight-line path tracking test under variable speed conditions and a turning path tracking test under non-fixed forward-looking distance conditions were carried out using a test platform after simulation on MATLAB/Simulink in this paper. The test results show that: in the straight-line path tracking process, the maximum overshoot is 0.123 m, and after stable driving, the maximum lateral deviation of the straight-line tracking part is 0.058 m and the steady-state deviation is 0.039 m; in the bow-turn path tracking process, the absolute value of the maximum lateral deviation of the actual driving trajectory of the farm machine from the desired path is 0.139 m, and the average tracking deviation is 0.041 m. It can be seen that the path tracking control algorithm proposed in this paper has good tracking accuracy as well as convergence, and can meet the demand for the autonomous navigation function of 4WS agricultural machinery, which has a certain application value.
Reconstructing the Local Volatility Surface from Market Option Prices
Authors: Kwak Soobin , Hwang Youngjin , Choi Yongho , Wang Jian , Kim Sangkwon , Kim Junseok
Published: July 2022

We present an efficient and accurate computational algorithm for reconstructing a local volatility surface from given market option prices. The local volatility surface is dependent on the values of both the time and underlying asset. We use the generalized Black–Scholes (BS) equation and finite difference method (FDM) to numerically solve the generalized BS equation. We reconstruct the local volatility function, which provides the best fit between the theoretical and market option prices by minimizing a cost function that is a quadratic representation of the difference between the two option prices. This is an inverse problem in which we want to calculate a local volatility function consistent with the observed market prices. To achieve robust computation, we place the sample points of the unknown volatility function in the middle of the expiration dates. We perform various numerical experiments to confirm the simplicity, robustness, and accuracy of the proposed method in reconstructing the local volatility function.
Techno-Economic Evaluation of Optimal Integration of PV Based DG with DSTATCOM Functionality with Solar Irradiance and Loading Variations
Authors: Amin Ahmed , Ebeed Mohamed , Nasrat Loai , Aly Mokhtar , Ahmed Emad M. , Mohamed Emad A. , Alnuman Hammad H. , Abd El Hamed Amal M.
Published: July 2022

Nowadays, the trend of countries and their electrical sectors moves towards the inclusion of renewable distributed generators (RDGs) to diminish the use of the fossil fuel based DGs. The solar photovoltaic-based DG (PV-DG) is widely used as a clean and sustainable energy resource. Determining the best placements and ratings of the PV-DG is a significant task for the electrical systems to assess the PV-DG potentials. With the capability of the PV-DG inverters to inject the required reactive power in to the system during the night period or during cloudy weather adds the static compensation (STATCOM) functionality to the PV unit, which is being known as distributed static compensator (DSTATCOM). In the literature, there is a research gap relating the optimal allocation of the PV-DGs along with the seasonal variation of the solar irradiance. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to determine the optimal allocation and sizing of the PV-DGs along with the optimal injected reactive power by their inverters. An efficient optimization technique called Gorilla troop’s optimizer (GTO) is used to solve the optimal allocation problem of the PV-DGs with DSTATCOM functionality on a 94 bus distribution network. Three objective functions are used as a multi-objective function, including the total annual cost, the system voltage deviations, and the system stability. The simulation results show that integration of PV-DGs with the DSTATCOM functionality show the superiorities of reducing the total system cost and considerably enhancing system performance in voltages deviations and system stability compared to inclusion of the PV-DGs without the DSTATCOM functionality. The optimal integration of the PV-DGs with DSTATCOM functionality can reduce the total cost and the voltage deviations by 15.05% and 77.05%, respectively. While the total voltage stability is enhanced by 25.43% compared to the base case.
Attribute Based Pseudonyms: Anonymous and Linkable Scoped Credentials
Authors: Garcia-Grau Francesc , Herrera-Joancomartí Jordi , Dorca Josa Aleix
Published: July 2022

Attribute-based credentials (ABCs) provide an efficient way to transfer custody of personal and private data to the final user, while minimizing the risk of sensitive data revelation and thus granting anonymity. Nevertheless, this method cannot detect whether one attribute has been used more than once without compromising anonymity when the emitter and consumer collude with one another. The protocol proposed in this article deals with this issue by using a modification of ZSS pairing-based short signatures over elliptic curves and Verheul’s self-blinded credentials scheme. Each user can generate an identifier (pseudonym) that is unique and verifiable by everyone in a given scope, without compromising anonymity. However, the identifier cannot be reused in the same scope, since such reuse would be detected.
Case Report of Neonatal Sotos Syndrome with a New Missense Mutation in the NSD1 Gene and Literature Analysis in the Chinese Han Population
Authors: Jin Hui-Ying , Li Hai-Feng , Xu Jia-Lu , Hui Wang , Ruan Wen-Cong , Lv Cheng-Cheng , Xu Ren-Ai , Qiang Shu
Published: July 2022

Currently, no consensus exists regarding Sotos syndrome in the Chinese population. Here, we present a case of neonatal Sotos syndrome, followed by a retrospective analysis of five cases of neonatal Sotos syndrome, reported in China. The study subject was a twin premature infant, heavier than gestational age, with characteristic facial features, limb shaking, and hypertonia. Transient hypoglycemia, abnormal cranial magnetic resonance imaging, multiple nodules in polycystic kidneys and liver, abnormal hearing, patent ductus arteriosus, and an atrial septal defect were also noted. The subject showed overgrowth and developmental retardation at 3 months of age. Sequencing revealed a novel missense mutation, c.5000C>A, in the nuclear receptor binding the SET domain protein 1 gene, resulting in an alanine-to-glutamate substitution. The bioinformatics analysis suggested high pathogenicity at this site. This study provides insights into diagnosis of neonatal Sotos syndrome based on specific phenotypes. Subsequent treatment and follow-up should focus on developmental retardation, epilepsy, and scoliosis.
Mathematically Directed Single-Cut Osteotomy
Authors: Wallace Stephen J. , Patterson Joseph T. , Nork Sean E.
Published: July 2022

A mathematically directed osteotomy (MDO) is a surgical planning technique for correcting long bone deformities. Using a mathematically derived osteotomy plane, the single-cut correction simultaneously addresses angular deformity, axial malrotation, and minor shortening. This review describes an MDO’s indications for use, defines its input and output variables, includes the required graphs for osteotomy planning, and provides intraoperative tips and tricks for successful execution. Finally, the authors present a digital MDO calculator to simplify the complex computations and allow for more precise planning.
Uptake of COVID-19 Booster Dose among Saudi Arabian Population
Authors: Alshahrani Najim Z. , Alsabaani Abdullah A. , Ridda Iman , Rashid Harunor , Alzahrani Faris , Almutairi Talal Hamed , Alzahrani Bader Ahmed S. , Albeshri Abdulelah Saleh Saeed
Published: July 2022

Backgroundand objectives: Although several vaccines have been produced and administered around the world, new SARS-CoV-2 worsened the COVID-19 infection risk and impacted the initial vaccine dosage effectiveness. Based on studies indicating that the third and fourth COVID-19 vaccine doses significantly reduced COVID-19 transmission, Saudi Arabia has been administering COVID-19 booster vaccine doses to its citizens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine booster in relation to the socio-demographic characteristics and other associated factors among the Saudi population. Materials and Methods: This study was an online analytical cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire. Pearson Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with the uptake of COVID-19 booster dose vaccines. Results: A total of 2332 responded to our study. Overall, 527 (22.6%) participants had received a booster dose. An age of 55 and above (aOR: 5.415; 95% CI: 2.719–10.783), Eastern region (aOR: 2.513; 95% CI: 1.566–4.033), history of influenza vaccination at annual intervals (aOR: 2.387; 95% CI: 1.730–3.293), the first dose of Moderna vaccine (aOR: 1.324; 95% CI: 1.160–1.510), and cancer (aOR: 2.161; 95% CI: 1.218–3.879) were independent factors most associated with a higher uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. In contrast, the second dose of Moderna vaccine (aOR: 0.794; 95% CI: 0.683–0.922), AstraZeneca vaccine (aOR: 0.691; 95% CI: 0.509–0.939), strong symptoms from side effects after the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (aOR: 0.615; 95% CI: 0.404–0.935) were independent factors most associated with a lower uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. Conclusions: Our findings indicate low COVID-19 vaccine booster uptake. This necessitates the need for strategies to address discouraging factors of the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose uptake and engage the Saudi population to raise awareness about the importance of the booster dose.
New Ways of Working and Employee In-Role Performance in Swiss Public Administration
Authors: Cornu Frédéric
Published: July 2022

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, public organizations are tempted to introduce to practices that allow employees to work independently of time and space. However, little is known about the impact of such practices on employees’ outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between New Ways of Working (NWW) and in-role performance, while also considering the role that outcome-oriented culture plays in this relationship. Hierarchical regression models are used to analyze a sample of 1204 public employees at the cantonal level in Switzerland. Our findings support the hypothesized positive relationships between two NWW practices (flexibility in time and location and access to organizational knowledge). However, the moderating role of an outcome-oriented culture is only partially supported. Our study emphasizes the significance of having an organizational culture that is aligned with practices such as NWW to improve job performance.