bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Object Detection for Industrial Applications: Training Strategies for AI-Based Depalletizer
Authors: Buongiorno Domenico , Caramia Donato , Di Ruscio Luca , Longo Nicola , Panicucci Simone , Di Stefano Giovanni , Bevilacqua Vitoantonio , Brunetti Antonio
Published: November 2022

In the last 10 years, the demand for robot-based depalletization systems has constantly increased due to the growth of sectors such as logistics, storage, and supply chains. Since the scenarios are becoming more and more unstructured, characterized by unknown pallet layouts and stock-keeping unit shapes, the classical depalletization systems based on the knowledge of predefined positions within the pallet frame are going to be substituted by innovative and robust solutions based on 2D/3D vision and Deep Learning (DL) methods. In particular, the Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are deep networks that have proven to be effective in processing 2D/3D images, for example in the automatic object detection task, and robust to the possible variability among the data. However, deep neural networks need a big amount of data to be trained. In this context, whenever deep networks are involved in object detection for supporting depalletization systems, the dataset collection represents one of the main bottlenecks during the commissioning phase. The present work aims at comparing different training strategies to customize an object detection model aiming at minimizing the number of images required for model fitting, while ensuring reliable and robust performances. Different approaches based on a CNN for object detection are proposed, evaluated, and compared in terms of the F1-score. The study was conducted considering different starting conditions in terms of the neural network’s weights, the datasets, and the training set sizes. The proposed approaches were evaluated on the detection of different kinds of paper boxes placed on an industrial pallet. The outcome of the work validates that the best strategy is based on fine-tuning of a CNN-based model already trained on the detection of paper boxes, with a median F1-score greater than 85.0%.
Fine-Grained High-Utility Dynamic Fingerprinting Extraction for Network Traffic Analysis
Authors: Sun Xueying , Yi Junkai , Yang Fei , Liu Lin
Published: November 2022

Previous network feature extraction methods used for network anomaly detection have some problems, such as being unable to extract features from the original network traffic, or that they can only extract coarse-grained features, as well as that they are highly dependent on manual analysis. To solve these problems, this paper proposes a fine-grained and highly practical dynamic application fingerprint extraction method. By putting forward a fine-grained high-utility dynamic fingerprinting (Huf) algorithm to build a Huf-Tree based on the N-gram (every substring of a larger string, of a fixed length n) model, combining it with the network traffic segment-IP address transition (IAT) method to achieve dynamic application fingerprint extraction, and through the utility of fingerprint, the calculation was performed to obtain a more valuable fingerprint, to achieve fine-grained and efficient flow characteristic extraction, and to solve the problem of this method being highly dependent on manual analysis. The experimental results show that the Huf algorithm can realize the dynamic application of fingerprint extraction and solve the existing problems.
AWGN Removal Using Modified Steering Kernel and Image Matching
Authors: Cheon Bong-Won , Kim Nam-Ho
Published: November 2022

Image noise occurs during acquisition and transmission and adversely affects processes, such as image segmentation and object recognition and classification. Various techniques are being studied for noise removal, and with the recent development of hardware and image processing algorithms, noise removal techniques that combine non-local techniques are attracting attention. However, one disadvantage of this method is that blurring occurs in the edges and boundary line of the resulting image. In this study, we proposed a modified local steering kernel based on image matching to improve these shortcomings. The proposed technique uses image matching to differentiate the weight obtained by the steering kernel according to the local characteristics of the image and calculates the weight of the filter based on the similarity between the center window and the matching window. The resulting images were quantitatively evaluation and enlargement of images were used and compared with the existing noise removal algorithms. The proposed algorithm showed clearer contrast in the enlarged images and better results than the conventional image restoration techniques in the quantitative evaluation using peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity index.
An Observation of the Changing Trends of a River Channel Pattern in Bangladesh Using Satellite Images
Authors: Wahiduzzaman Md , Yeasmin Alea
Published: November 2022

The shifting pattern of the Ganges-Padma River in Bangladesh is examined using satellite images. The meandering Ganges-Padma River has recently transformed into a braided river. Satellite imageries from 1973–2016 are used to compute the sinuosity ratio and braiding index (two measures that allow for the trend analysis). It turns out that both the sinuosity ratio and the braiding index went up with time, surpassing the cut-off for meandering. Overall, the braiding index variation exceeds the sinuosity variation.
Experimental Study on High-Energy Gas Fracturing Artificial Coal
Authors: Li Junjun , Li Guofu , Wang Zheng , Yu Mengfei , Gao Junke
Published: November 2022

The low permeability of coal seams has always been the main bottleneck restricting coalbed gas drainage. To improve the permeability of a coal seam, a high-energy gas fracturing technology is proposed. Firstly, based on the high-energy gas fracturing mechanism and gas production principle of fracturing agent, a fracturing agent applicable to coal reservoirs was developed, and its performance and sensitivity were tested. Then, a high-energy gas-fracturing simulated coal sample test was conducted, and the drilling wall pressure and strain of the simulated coal sample were tested. The results show that high-energy gas fracturing technology is a safe and efficient technical means for improving the permeability of coal reservoirs. The pressure–time curve of the borehole wall under the action of high-energy gas can be divided into three stages, namely, the rapid pressure-rising stage, steady pressure stage, and falling stage; the maximum pressure in the borehole is about several hundred MPa, and the pressure distribution in the borehole is not uniform. Compared with explosives blasting, the stress wave intensity in coal caused by the action of high-energy gases is low, the duration is short, and the peak stress attenuates slowly with increasing distance. Under the action of high-energy gas, no crush zone is generated near the borehole; the number of radial cracks produced is small but long. The extent of the fracture zone depends mainly on the quasi-static splitting wedge effect of the high-energy gas.
The Use of a Movable Vehicle in a Stationary Condition for Indirect Bridge Damage Detection Using Baseline-Free Methodology
Authors: Hashlamon Ibrahim , Nikbakht Ehsan
Published: November 2022

The use of an instrumented scanning vehicle has become the center of focus for bridge health monitoring (BHM) due to its cost efficiency, mobility, and practicality. However, indirect BHM still faces challenges such as the effects of road roughness on vehicle response, which can be avoided when the vehicle is in a stationary condition. This paper proposes a baseline-free method to detect bridge damage using a stationary vehicle. The proposed method is implemented in three steps. First, the contact-point response (CPR) of the stationary vehicle is computed. Secondly, the CPR is decomposed into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) using the variational mode decomposition (VMD) method. Finally, instantaneous amplitude (IA) of a high frequency IMF is computed. The peak represents the existence and location of the damage. A finite element model of a bridge with damage is created. The results show that the method can identify the damage location under different circumstances, such as a vehicle with and without damping, different speeds of the moving vehicle, different sizes of damage, and multiple damage. A higher speed was found to provide better visibility of damages. In addition, smaller damage was less visible than wider damage.
Crosslinking Mechanisms of Phenol, Catechol, and Gallol for Synthetic Polyphenols: A Comparative Review
Authors: Choi Hyunbin , Lee Kyueui
Published: November 2022

Since the first introduction of a synthetic polyphenol called polydopamine, both it and its derivatives have received significant attention from material scientists owing to their unique functionality. In particular, synthetic polyphenols have been utilized as interfacial engineering tools; many important review papers have been published regarding this topic. However, despite those that have focused on the applicability of synthetic polyphenols, fundamental aspects of crosslinking mechanisms and resultant characteristics have still been overlooked in the community. This review covers the mechanisms for building synthetic polyphenols, which are dependent on the number of hydroxyl groups of each phenolic building block. The inherent physicochemical properties of the developed polyphenolic materials are discussed in depth herein. This review can provide guidelines for selecting appropriate phenolic building blocks when designing relevant polyphenolic biomaterials.
Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) Invasion Caused Trophic Structure Disruptions of Fish Communities in the South China River—Pearl River
Authors: Shuai Fangmin , Li Jie
Published: November 2022

Widespread introductions of non-native species, including aquaculture and ornamental species, threaten biodiversity and ecosystem functioning by modifying the trophic structure of communities. In this study, we quantified the multiple facets of trophic disruption in freshwater communities invaded by Nile tilapia, by comparing uninvaded and invaded rivers downstream of the Pearl River, China. Nile tilapia invasion reduced the trophic status of native fish species by forcing native herbivores and planktivores to seek new food sources. The food chain was also shortened by decreasing the trophic levels of native invertivores, omnivores, and piscivores, while the total isotopic niche area (TA) of native invertivores, omnivores, piscivores, and planktivores species also decreased. Simultaneously, Nile tilapia invasion affected the isotopic diversity of the fish community. Decreasing isotopic richness (IRic), isotopic evenness (IEve), and increasing isotopic uniqueness (IUni) indicated that Nile tilapia had a high trophic niche overlap with native species and competed with native species for food resources, and even caused the compression of the trophic niche of native species. Understanding the process described in this study is essential to conserve the stability of freshwater ecosystems, and improve the control strategy of alien aquatic organisms in south China.
A New Laboratory Workflow Integrating the Free Light Chains Kappa Quotient into Routine CSF Analysis
Authors: Hannich Malte Johannes , Abdullah Mohammed R. , Budde Kathrin , Petersmann Astrid , Nauck Matthias , Dressel Alexander , Süße Marie
Published: November 2022

We performed this cohort study to test whether further analysis of intrathecal inflammation can be omitted if the free light chain kappa (FLCκ) quotient is within the reference range in the corresponding quotient diagram. FLCκ concentrations were measured in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. The intrathecal fraction (IF) of FLCκ was calculated in relation to the hyperbolic reference range. 679 patient samples were used as a discovery cohort (DC). The sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of the FLCκ-IF for the detection of an intrathecal humoral immune response (CSF-specific OCB and/or IF IgG/A/M > 0%) was determined. Based on these data, a diagnostic algorithm was developed and prospectively validated in an independent validation cohort (VC, n = 278). The sensitivity of the FLCκ-IF was 98% in the DC and 97% in the VC with a corresponding NPV of 99%. The use of the FLCκ-IF as a first line analysis would have reduced the Ig and OCB analysis by 62% in the DC and 74% in the VC. The absence of a FLCκ-IF predicts the absence of a humoral intrathecal immune response with a very high NPV of 99%. Thus, integration of our proposed algorithm into routine CSF laboratory analysis could help to reduce analytical efforts.
The State of the Dopaminergic and Glutamatergic Systems in the Valproic Acid Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Maisterrena Alexandre , Matas Emmanuel , Mirfendereski Helene , Balbous Anais , Marchand Sandrine , Jaber Mohamed
Published: November 2022

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder mainly characterized by deficits in social communication and stereotyped behaviors and interests. Here, we aimed to investigate the state of several key players in the dopamine and glutamate neurotransmission systems in the valproic acid (VPA) animal model that was administered to E12.5 pregnant females as a single dose (450 mg/kg). We report no alterations in the number of mesencephalic dopamine neurons or in protein levels of tyrosine hydroxylase in either the striatum or the nucleus accumbens. In females prenatally exposed to VPA, levels of dopamine were slightly decreased while the ratio of DOPAC/dopamine was increased in the dorsal striatum, suggesting increased turn-over of dopamine tone. In turn, levels of D1 and D2 dopamine receptor mRNAs were increased in the nucleus accumbens of VPA mice suggesting upregulation of the corresponding receptors. We also report decreased protein levels of striatal parvalbumin and increased levels of p-mTOR in the cerebellum and the motor cortex of VPA mice. mRNA levels of mGluR1, mGluR4, and mGluR5 and the glutamate receptor subunits NR1, NR2A, and NR2B were not altered by VPA, nor were protein levels of NR1, NR2A, and NR2B and those of BDNF and TrkB. These findings are of interest as clinical trials aiming at the dopamine and glutamate systems are being considered.
Bayesian Network Models for Evaluating the Impact of Safety Measures Compliance on Reducing Accidents in the Construction Industry
Authors: Al-Kasasbeh Maha , Mujalli Randa Oqab , Abudayyeh Osama , Liu Hexu , Altalhoni Amr
Published: November 2022

Construction is one of the most hazardous industries worldwide. Implementing safety regulations is the responsibility of all parties involved in a construction project and must be performed systematically and synergistically to maximize safety performance and reduce accidents. This study aims to examine the level of safety compliance of construction personnel (i.e., top management, frontline supervisors, safety coordinators/managers, and workers) to gain insight into the top safety measures that lead to no major or frequent accidents and to predict the likelihood of having a construction site free of major or frequent accidents. To achieve the objectives, five safety measures subsets were collected and modeled using six combinations of five different Bayesian networks (BNs). The performance of these model classifiers was compared in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, recall, precision, F-measure, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Then, the best model for each data subset was adopted. The inference was then performed to identify the probability of the commitment to safety measures to reduce major or frequent accidents and recommend enhancement regulations and practices. While the context in this paper is the Jordanian construction industry, the novelty of the work lies in the BN modeling methodology and recommendations that any country can adopt for evaluating the safety performance of its construction industry. This research endeavor is, therefore, a significant step toward providing knowledge about the top safety measures associated with reducing accidents and establishing efficiency comparison benchmarks for improving safety performance.
Experimental Study on Vibration Velocity of Piled Raft Supported Embankment and Foundation for Ballastless High Speed Railway
Authors: Fu Qiang , Gu Meixiang , Yuan Jie , Lin Yifeng
Published: November 2022

In recent years, the high development of high-speed railway lines cross through areas with poor geological conditions, such as soft soil, offshore and low-lying marsh areas, resulting geotechnical problems, such as large settlements and reduction of bearing capacity. As a new soil reinforcement method in high speed railway lines, the piled raft structure has been used to improve soil conditions and control excess settlement. In order to study the dynamic behavior of piled raft supported ballastless track system in soft soil, an experimental study on vibration velocities of piled raft supported embankment and foundations is presented in soft soil with different underground water levels. Vibration velocities at specified positions of the piled raft supported embankment and foundations are obtained and discussed. The vibration velocity curves on various testing locations of piled raft foundations are clearly visible and have sharp impulse and relaxation pattern, corresponding to loading from train wheels, bogies, and passages. Vibration velocity distribution in the horizontal direction at three train speeds clearly follows an exponential curves. Most of the power spectrums of vibration velocity at various locations are mainly concentrated at harmonic frequencies. The change in water level has slight impaction on the peak spectrum of vibration velocity at harmonic frequencies. The vibration power induced by train loads are transmitted, absorbed, and weakened to a certain extent through embankment and piled raft structure. The dynamic response character of embankments are affected by their self-vibration characteristics and the dynamic bearing capacity of the piled raft structure.
Shake-Table Testing of a Cross Vault
Authors: Vintzileou Elizabeth , Mouzakis Charalambos , Karapitta Lucia , Miltiadou-Fezans Androniki
Published: November 2022

Domes, vaults and arches are structural components of high vulnerability, due to the horizontal component of the thrust they impose to the supporting vertical elements (piers or walls), accentuated by the asymmetry of loading due to seismic actions. In order to explore the possibilities of reducing this vulnerability, a cross vault made of brickwork and supported by two stone masonry walls was tested on the earthquake simulator. A series of seismic tests was performed to the specimen at its as-built state, as well as after strengthening using techniques adequate for monuments, namely, grouting of piers, arrangement of struts/ties at the base of the cross vault and vertical prestressing of the masonry piers. The tests have confirmed the vulnerability of the original specimen, as well as the improvement of its behavior after strengthening, in terms of sustained maximum base acceleration, deformations and observed damage.
New Co and Mn Catalysts Bearing ONO Ligands Containing Nucleophile for the Coupling of CO2 and Propylene Oxide
Authors: Viciano Mónica , Muñoz Bianca K. , Zangrando Ennio , Godard Cyril , Castillón Sergio , Blanco González Mª Dolores , García-Ruíz Mónica , Claver Carmen
Published: November 2022

A series of novel ONO ligands bearing an ionic pendant-armed (hereinafter indicated as ONONu, where Nu corresponds to an anionic nucleophile) were synthesized, characterized, and successfully coordinated to cobalt and manganese precursors. New air-stable cobalt (III) complexes (1–6) and manganese (II) complexes (7 and 8) were obtained and characterized. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of the Co(III) compound 5 confirmed the presence of two quaternized ligands coordinated to the metal and iodide as counterion. These novel complexes were revealed to be active catalysts in the coupling reaction of carbon dioxide and propylene oxide (PO) in different degrees of success. Among these, the manganese complex 8 afforded the best results towards the formation of propylene carbonate (PC) with a productivity of 256 kg PC/(kg cat·h), achieving a TON of 4860.
Correlation between Photocatalytic Properties of ZnO and Generation of Hydrogen Peroxide—Impact of Composite ZnO/TiO2 Rutile and Anatase
Authors: Mediouni Nouha , Dappozze Frederic , Khrouz Lhoussain , Parola Stephane , Amara Abdesslem Ben Haj , Rhaiem Hafsia Ben , Jaffrezic-Renault Nicole , Namour Philippe , Guillard Chantal
Published: November 2022

The generation of hydrogen peroxide on commercial and synthesized ZnO from different precursors was studied using two model molecules, formic acid (FA) and phenol (Ph), as well as phenolic intermediates, hydroquinone (HQ), benzoquinone (BQ), and catechol (CAT). The samples were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electronic Microscopy (TEM), RAMAN, and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) before evaluating their photocatalytic properties. We found that the improved efficiency is accompanied by a high level of H2O2 production, fewer oxygen vacancies, and that the number of moles of H2O2 formed per number of carbon atoms removed is similar to the degradation of FA and Ph with a factor of 1. Moreover, a comparative study on the formation of H2O2 was carried out in the presence of TiO2 rutile and TiO2 anatase, with commercial ZnO. Our results exhibit the impact of the presence of TiO2 on the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and the formation of phenolic intermediates, which are much lower than those of ZnO only, which is in agreement with the formation of hydroxyl radicals °OH and superoxide O2°− degrading significantly hydroquinone (HQ), benzoquinone (BQ), and cathecol (CAT).
SIRT7 Deficiency Protects against Aging-Associated Glucose Intolerance and Extends Lifespan in Male Mice
Authors: Mizumoto Tomoya , Yoshizawa Tatsuya , Sato Yoshifumi , Ito Takaaki , Tsuyama Tomonori , Satoh Akiko , Araki Satoshi , Tsujita Kenichi , Tamura Masaru , Oike Yuichi , Yamagata Kazuya
Published: November 2022

Sirtuins (SIRT1–7 in mammals) are evolutionarily conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent lysine deacetylases/deacylases that regulate fundamental biological processes including aging. In this study, we reveal that male Sirt7 knockout (KO) mice exhibited an extension of mean and maximum lifespan and a delay in the age-associated mortality rate. In addition, aged male Sirt7 KO mice displayed better glucose tolerance with improved insulin sensitivity compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) enhances insulin sensitivity and extends lifespan when it is overexpressed. Serum levels of FGF21 were markedly decreased with aging in WT mice. In contrast, this decrease was suppressed in Sirt7 KO mice, and the serum FGF21 levels of aged male Sirt7 KO mice were higher than those of WT mice. Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) stimulates Fgf21 transcription, and the hepatic levels of Atf4 mRNA were increased in aged male Sirt7 KO mice compared with WT mice. Our findings indicate that the loss of SIRT7 extends lifespan and improves glucose metabolism in male mice. High serum FGF21 levels might be involved in the beneficial effect of SIRT7 deficiency.
Topical Application of Butyl Flufenamate Ointment Promotes Cranial Defect Healing in Mice by Inducing BMP2 Secretion in Skin Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Yang Fan , Liu Xuenan , Wei Donghao , Zhu Yuan , Wang Feilong , Liu Xuejiao , Yan Fanyu , Zhang Xiao , Liu Yunsong
Published: November 2022

Bone defects and fractures heal slowly compared with injuries to other tissues, creating a heavy burden for patients, their families, and society. Alongside conventional treatment methods for fractures and bone defects, adjuvant therapies play an important but underappreciated role. In a previous study, we found that systemic administration of flufenamic acid promoted osteogenesis in vivo, but its side effects limited the application of our findings. In the present study, we assess the effects of external butyl flufenamate ointment on the healing of cranial defects in mice. We found that application of butyl flufenamate ointment on the surface of the skin accelerated the healing of cranial defects in mice by promoting BMP2 secretion from mouse-skin mesenchymal stem-cells. These findings indicate that butyl flufenamate ointment has potential therapeutic value for treating superficial fractures or bone defects while avoiding the toxicity and side effects of systemic medication, representing a safe and convenient adjuvant therapy to promote healing of superficial bone defects and fractures.
Genomic Landscape Highlights Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Silicate Solubilization, Stress Tolerance, and Potential Growth-Promoting Activity of Bacterium Enterobacter sp. LR6
Authors: Raturi Gaurav , Sharma Yogesh , Mandlik Rushil , Kumawat Surbhi , Rana Nitika , Dhar Hena , Tripathi Durgesh Kumar , Sonah Humira , Sharma Tilak Raj , Deshmukh Rupesh
Published: November 2022

Silicon (Si) is gaining widespread attention due to its prophylactic activity to protect plants under stress conditions. Despite Si’s abundance in the earth’s crust, most soils do not have enough soluble Si for plants to absorb. In the present study, a silicate-solubilizing bacterium, Enterobacter sp. LR6, was isolated from the rhizospheric soil of rice and subsequently characterized through whole-genome sequencing. The size of the LR6 genome is 5.2 Mb with a GC content of 54.9% and 5182 protein-coding genes. In taxogenomic terms, it is similar to E. hormaechei subsp. xiangfangensis based on average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH). LR6 genomic data provided insight into potential genes involved in stress response, secondary metabolite production, and growth promotion. The LR6 genome contains two aquaporins, of which the aquaglyceroporin (GlpF) is responsible for the uptake of metalloids including arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb). The yeast survivability assay confirmed the metalloid transport activity of GlpF. As a biofertilizer, LR6 isolate has a great deal of tolerance to high temperatures (45 °C), salinity (7%), and acidic environments (pH 9). Most importantly, the present study provides an understanding of plant-growth-promoting activity of the silicate-solubilizing bacterium, its adaptation to various stresses, and its uptake of different metalloids including As, Ge, and Si.
Robust Automatic Modulation Classification Using Convolutional Deep Neural Network Based on Scalogram Information
Authors: Abdulkarem Ahmed Mohammed , Abedi Firas , Ghanimi Hayder M. A. , Kumar Sachin , Al-Azzawi Waleed Khalid , Abbas Ali Hashim , Abosinnee Ali S. , Almaameri Ihab Mahdi , Alkhayyat Ahmed
Published: November 2022

This study proposed a two-stage method, which combines a convolutional neural network (CNN) with the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) for multiclass modulation classification. The modulation signals’ time-frequency information was first extracted using CWT as a data source. The convolutional neural network was fed input from 2D pictures. The second step included feeding the proposed algorithm the 2D time-frequency information it had obtained in order to classify the different kinds of modulations. Six different types of modulations, including amplitude-shift keying (ASK), phase-shift keying (PSK), frequency-shift keying (FSK), quadrature amplitude-shift keying (QASK), quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), and quadrature frequency-shift keying (QFSK), are automatically recognized using a new digital modulation classification model between 0 and 25 dB SNRs. Modulation types are used in satellite communication, underwater communication, and military communication. In comparison with earlier research, the recommended convolutional neural network learning model performs better in the presence of varying noise levels.
Alternate Pembrolizumab Dosing Interval in Advanced NSCLC with PD-L1 TPS ≥ 50%: 3 Weekly Compared to 6 Weekly Dosing
Authors: Jones Lauren , Rittberg Rebekah , Leung Bonnie , Shokoohi Aria , Pender Alexandra , Wong Selina , Al-Hashami Zamzam , Wang Ying , Ho Cheryl
Published: November 2022

Background: A fixed dose of 200 mg of pembrolizumab every 3 weeks (Q3W) is the standard of care for patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and PDL1 ≥50%. In April 2020, based on pharmacokinetic modeling without formal comparative studies, the FDA approved 400 mg every 6 weeks (Q6W). Pharmacokinetic studies also suggested comparable target engagement with weight-based and flat dosing for the respective schedules. The objective of this study was to determine if overall survival (OS) differs based on the Q3W vs. Q6W dosing schedule of pembrolizumab. Methods: BC Cancer patients with stage IV NSCLC and PDL1 ≥50% treated with pembrolizumab were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were treated with weight-based dosing, per institution standard, of pembrolizumab 2 mg/kg Q3W or 4 mg/kg Q6W. Patient demographics, treatment and outcome were recorded. Patients were assigned to Q3W or Q6W according to the schedule that was used for the majority of treatment (greater than 50%). Results: 718 patients with NSCLC and PDL1 ≥50% received first-line pembrolizumab between 2017 and2021, Q3W/Q6W dosing 677/41 patients. Baseline characteristics with respect to age, sex, smoking status, histology and performance status (PS) were similar between groups. In the multivariate model, including age, sex, PS and dosing schedule, the hazard ratio for death (HR) for OS Q3W vs. Q6W was 0.759 (p = 0.230). A 2:1 case-matched analysis for OS was performed, controlling for sex, age ± 5 years, PS and duration on pembrolizumab ± 2 months for Q3W vs. Q6W (n = 113) with a HR 0.834 (p = 0.500). Conclusions: There was no OS difference demonstrated with pembrolizumab dosing Q3W compared to Q6W in a multivariate analysis that included age, sex and PS. A case-matched analysis that controlled for these variables and for duration of treatment confirmed these findings. This study supports the use of Q6W pembrolizumab dosing, allowing for less frequent interactions with the medical system.
Feasibility Study and Clinical Impact of Incorporating Breast Tissue Density in High-Risk Breast Cancer Screening Assessment
Authors: Rusnak Alison , Morrison Shawna , Smith Erika , Hastings Valerie , Anderson Kelly , Aldridge Caitlin , Zelenietz Sari , Reddick Karen , Regnier Sonia , Alie Ellen , Islam Nayaar , Fasih Rutaaba , Peddle Susan , Cordeiro Erin , Tomiak Eva , Seely Jean M.
Published: November 2022

Breast tissue density (BTD) is known to increase the risk of breast cancer but is not routinely used in the risk assessment of the population-based High-Risk Ontario Breast Screening Program (HROBSP). This prospective, IRB-approved study assessed the feasibility and impact of incorporating breast tissue density (BTD) into the risk assessment of women referred to HROBSP who were not genetic mutation carriers. All consecutive women aged 40–69 years who met criteria for HROBSP assessment and referred to Genetics from 1 December 2020 to 31 July 2021 had their lifetime risk calculated with and without BTD using Tyrer-Cuzick model version 8 (IBISv8) to gauge overall impact. McNemar’s test was performed to compare eligibility with and without density. 140 women were referred, and 1 was excluded (BRCA gene mutation carrier and automatically eligible). Eight of 139 (5.8%) never had a mammogram, while 17/131 (13%) did not have BTD reported on their mammogram and required radiologist review. Of 131 patients, 22 (16.8%) were clinically impacted by incorporation of BTD: 9/131 (6.9%) became eligible for HROBSP, while 13/131 (9.9%) became ineligible (p = 0.394). It was feasible for the Genetics clinic to incorporate BTD for better risk stratification of eligible women. This did not significantly impact the number of eligible women while optimizing the use of high-risk supplemental MRI screening.
Serial Changes in Body Composition and the Association with Disease Activity during Treatment in Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Lee Ji Young , Kim Kyung Won , Ko Yousun , Oh Chi Hyuk , Kim Bo Hyun , Park Seong Jin , You Myung-Won
Published: November 2022

Objectives: To analyze serial changes in body composition and investigate the association between body composition changes and disease activity changes in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). Methods: Seventy-one patients with CD who had been treated and followed-up at our institution were included. Two to four computed tomography images were acquired at baseline, and the 2–5-year, 5–8-year, and last follow-ups were selected per patient for body composition and disease activity analyses. Visceral fat area (VFA), skeletal muscle index (SMI; skeletal muscle area/height2), and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) were assessed using an artificial-intelligence-driven fully automated method. Disease activity was assessed using a modified computed tomography scoring system and the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease. The associations between body composition, disease activity, and remission were investigated. Results: The mean age was 29.83 ± 11.27 years; most patients were men (48/71, 67.6%); and the median follow-up was 144 (12–264) months. Overall, VFA and SFA gradually increased, while SMI decreased during the follow-up. Sarcopenia was associated with the female sex, higher disease activities at baseline (p = 0.01) and the last follow-up (p = 0.001). SMI and SFA inversely correlated with the disease activity, i.e., the more severe the disease activity, the lower the SMI and SFA (p < 0.05). SMI at the last follow-up was the only significant predictor of remission (OR = 1.21, 95% confidence interval: 1.03–1.42, p = 0.021). Conclusion: SMI decreased while VFA and SFA increased during the treatment follow-up in patients with CD. Sarcopenia was associated with higher disease activity, and SMI and SFA inversely correlated with disease activity. SMI at the last follow-up was the significant factor for remission.
Pathological Changes in the Lungs of Patients with a Lethal COVID-19 Clinical Course
Authors: Viksne Valters , Strumfa Ilze , Sperga Maris , Ziemelis Janis , Abolins Juris
Published: November 2022

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 was identified in 2019 and quickly became the cause of the fifth worst pandemic in human history. Our goal for this research paper was to examine the morphology of the lungs in 88 patients that died from COVID-19 in Latvia, thus increasing the data available about the histological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2-induced disease. Lung tissue samples from 88 autopsies were visualized in hematoxylin–eosin and assessed by light microscopy. The male-to-female ratio was 56:32, and the mean age was 62 years ± 15.5 years (22–94 years). Clinically important laboratory data were assessed, including leucocyte count, CRP (C-reactive protein) and D-dimer levels. Signs of diffuse alveolar damage were found in 83/88 (94.3%; 95% CI 87.0–97.9) of patients, 38/88 (43.2%; 95% CI 33.3–53.6) in the exudative phase, and 45/88 (51.1%; 95% CI 40.8–61.3) in the proliferative phase. Vascular damage was identified in 70/88 (79.5%; 95% CI 69.9–86.7) of patients, and 83/88 (94.3%; 95% CI 87.0–97.9) had signs of thrombosis. A sparse inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes and macrophages was a common finding aside from cases with an identified coinfection. Eighty patients had significant co-morbidities, including coronary heart disease (49), primary arterial hypertension (41), and diabetes mellitus (34). Since our group’s demographic profile and spectrum of co-morbidities were analogous to other reports, the histological findings of marked diffuse alveolar damage, widespread vascular lesions, and active thrombosis can be considered representative of severe COVID-19.
Tongue Contour Tracking and Segmentation in Lingual Ultrasound for Speech Recognition: A Review
Authors: Al-hammuri Khalid , Gebali Fayez , Thirumarai Chelvan Ilamparithi , Kanan Awos
Published: November 2022

Lingual ultrasound imaging is essential in linguistic research and speech recognition. It has been used widely in different applications as visual feedback to enhance language learning for non-native speakers, study speech-related disorders and remediation, articulation research and analysis, swallowing study, tongue 3D modelling, and silent speech interface. This article provides a comparative analysis and review based on quantitative and qualitative criteria of the two main streams of tongue contour segmentation from ultrasound images. The first stream utilizes traditional computer vision and image processing algorithms for tongue segmentation. The second stream uses machine and deep learning algorithms for tongue segmentation. The results show that tongue tracking using machine learning-based techniques is superior to traditional techniques, considering the performance and algorithm generalization ability. Meanwhile, traditional techniques are helpful for implementing interactive image segmentation to extract valuable features during training and postprocessing. We recommend using a hybrid approach to combine machine learning and traditional techniques to implement a real-time tongue segmentation tool.
Deep Learning-Based Segmentation of Head and Neck Organs-at-Risk with Clinical Partially Labeled Data
Authors: Cubero Lucía , Castelli Joël , Simon Antoine , de Crevoisier Renaud , Acosta Oscar , Pascau Javier
Published: November 2022

Radiotherapy is one of the main treatments for localized head and neck (HN) cancer. To design a personalized treatment with reduced radio-induced toxicity, accurate delineation of organs at risk (OAR) is a crucial step. Manual delineation is time- and labor-consuming, as well as observer-dependent. Deep learning (DL) based segmentation has proven to overcome some of these limitations, but requires large databases of homogeneously contoured image sets for robust training. However, these are not easily obtained from the standard clinical protocols as the OARs delineated may vary depending on the patient’s tumor site and specific treatment plan. This results in incomplete or partially labeled data. This paper presents a solution to train a robust DL-based automated segmentation tool exploiting a clinical partially labeled dataset. We propose a two-step workflow for OAR segmentation: first, we developed longitudinal OAR-specific 3D segmentation models for pseudo-contour generation, completing the missing contours for some patients; with all OAR available, we trained a multi-class 3D convolutional neural network (nnU-Net) for final OAR segmentation. Results obtained in 44 independent datasets showed superior performance of the proposed methodology for the segmentation of fifteen OARs, with an average Dice score coefficient and surface Dice similarity coefficient of 80.59% and 88.74%. We demonstrated that the model can be straightforwardly integrated into the clinical workflow for standard and adaptive radiotherapy.
Personalized Sliding Window Recommendation Algorithm Based on Sequence Alignment
Authors: Zhou Lei , Chen Bolun , Liu Hu , Wang Liuyang
Published: November 2022

With the explosive growth of the amount of information in social networks, the recommendation system, as an application of social networks, has attracted widespread attention in recent years on how to obtain user-interested content in massive data. At present, in the process of algorithm design of the recommending system, most methods ignore structural relationships between users. Therefore, in this paper, we designed a personalized sliding window for different users by combining timing information and network topology information, then extracted the information sequence of each user in the sliding window and obtained the similarity between users through sequence alignment. The algorithm only needs to extract part of the data in the original dataset, and the time series comparison shows that our method is superior to the traditional algorithm in recommendation Accuracy, Popularity, and Diversity.
Structure Analysis Research of Transportation Major Curriculum System in Application-Oriented Universities under the Perspective of Engineering Education Accreditation
Authors: Zhang Lanjiang , Bao Chunjiang , Guo Hongliang , Zhao Gang
Published: November 2022

Engineering education accreditation (EEA) is the internationally accepted engineering education quality guarantee system, and it is the important foundation of international mutual recognition for engineering education and qualifications. First, in contrast to the criteria of EEA, the domestic construction of the transportation major curriculum system is analyzed at the present situation, and the DEMATEL-AISM model to carry out structural analysis research on the transportation major curriculum system in the application-oriented universities is established. Furthermore, the transportation major in Liaocheng University is taken as an example and the adversarial hierarchical topology map of the curriculum system, based on the DEMATEL-AISM model, is created. Finally, a curriculum structure is built which could adapt to the school-running characteristics and talents training goal. Through exploration and practice, the curriculum structure improves the transportation major educational objectives to achieve social fitness and provides a reference for the transportation major curriculum construction in colleges, especially application-oriented universities.
Ultrasonic-Aided Fast-Layered Alternating Iterative Tensor Channel Estimation for V2X Millimeter-Wave Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Zhou Xiaoping , Ma Zhen , Li Jiehui , Yu Liang
Published: November 2022

Millimeter-wave massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications can support enhanced V2X applications for connected and automated vehicles. The design of millimeter-wave V2X communications is, however, not exempt from challenges as a result of fast time-varying propagation and highly dynamic vehicular networks and topologies. To address some of these challenges, we propose an ultrasonic-aided tensor channel estimation for V2X millimeter-wave massive MIMO systems to improve the safety and traffic efficiency of cooperative automated driving. At the receiver, the dimension of multidimensional complex V2X information is reduced by the subspace tensor decomposition model. In order to quickly track beam angle changes caused by vehicle position changes, the ultrasonic-aided direction of arrival (DOA) tracking method is adopted to provide information about the surrounding environment. Based on the ultra-high resolution quantization grid and adaptive iterative update of the dictionary matrix, the DOA of the ultrasonic signal can be tracked. The angle update information of the millimeter-wave signal can be obtained by converting the estimated angle information. Using the cost function with global characteristics and ultrasonic-aided DOA tracking, a fast-layered alternating iterative tensor algorithm is proposed for joint iterative channel estimation. Simulation results show that the proposed solution outperforms some advanced alternative methods.
Potential of CO2 Emission Reduction via Application of Geothermal Heat Exchanger and Passive Cooling in Residential Sector under Polish Climatic Conditions
Authors: Fidorów-Kaprawy Natalia , Stefaniak Łukasz
Published: November 2022

The article summarizes the results of the 25-year time horizon performance analysis of the ground source heat pump that serves as a heat source in a detached house in the climatic conditions that prevail in Wrocław, Poland. The main aim is to assess the potential of ground regeneration and reduction of CO2 emission by passive cooling application. The study adds value to similar research conducted worldwide for various conditions. The behavior of the lower source of the heat pump was simulated using EED software. The ground and borehole properties, heat pump characteristics, heating and cooling load, as well as the energy demand for domestic hot water preparation have been used as input data. Based on the brine temperatures for all analyzed cases including the ground with lower and higher values of conductivity and heat capacity, the borehole filler of inferior and superior thermal properties, and the passive cooling option turned on and off, the seasonal efficiencies of the heat pump have been calculated. The energy and emission savings calculations are based on the values obtained. The application of passive cooling reduces the brine temperature drop by 0.5 K to over 1.0 K in consecutive years in the analyzed cases and the thermal imbalance by 65.0% to 65.9%. Electric energy savings for heating and domestic hot water preparation reach 4.5%, but the greatest advantage of the system is the possibility of almost emission-free colling the living spaces which allows reducing around 33.7 GWh of electric energy and 1186–1830 kg of CO2 emission for cooling.
Secondary-Frequency and Voltage-Regulation Control of Multi-Parallel Inverter Microgrid System
Authors: Dong Jiawei , Gong Chunyang , Bao Jun , Zhu Lihua , Hou Yuanjun , Wang Zhixin
Published: November 2022

As an important form of distributed renewable energy utilization and consumption, the multi-parallel inverter microgrid system works in both an isolated and grid-connected operation mode. Secondary-frequency and voltage-regulation control are very important in solving problems that appears in these systems, such as the distributed secondary-frequency regulation real-time scheme, voltage and reactive power balancing, and the secondary-frequency regulation control under the disturbances and unbalanced conditions of a microgrid system. This paper introduces key technologies related to these issues, such as the consensus algorithm and event-triggered technique, the dynamic and adaptive virtual impedance technique, and the robust and self-anti-disturbance control technique. Research and design methods such as small-signal state-space analysis, the Lyapunov function design method, the impedance analysis method, μ-synthesis design, and the LMI matrix design method are adopted to solve the issues in secondary-frequency regulation and voltage regulation. As the number of inverters increases, the structure of the microgrid becomes more and more complex. Suggestions and prospects for future research are provided to realize control with low-communication technology and a distributed scheme. Finally, for the case study, the droop-control model and primary frequency/voltage deviation of a multi-parallel inverter microgrid system is analyzed, and a state-space model of a multi-parallel inverter microgrid system with a droop-control loop is established. Then, the quantitative relationship between the primary frequency/voltage deviation and the active and reactive power output in the system is discussed. The methods and problems of centralized and decentralized secondary-frequency regulation methods, secondary-frequency regulation methods based on a consensus algorithm and an event-triggered mechanism, reactive power and voltage equalization, power distribution, and small-signal stability of the multiple parallel inverter microgrid system regarding the virtual impedance loop are analyzed.