bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroplasticity Elicited by Modified Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Zhang Xue , Wang Xiaolu , Liang Yunxiao , Shan Yilong , Song Rong , Li Xin , Dou Zulin , Wen Hongmei
Published: January 2023

Modified pharyngeal electrical stimulation (mPES) is a novel therapeutic method for patients with neurogenic dysphagia and tracheostomy. However, the underlying neural mechanisms are still unclear. This study aims to investigate the impact of mPES on swallowing-related neural networks and involuntary swallowing frequency using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). 20 healthy volunteers participated in this study, including two separate experimental paradigms. Experiment 1: Immediate effect observation, 20 participants (10 female; mean age 47.65 ± 10.48) were delivered with real and sham mPES in random order for 8 repetitions. fNIRS signals were collected during the whole period of Experiments 1. Swallowing frequency was assessed during sham/real mPES. Experiment 2: Prolonged effect observation, 7 out of the 20 participants (4 female; mean age 49.71 ± 6.26) completed real mPES for 5 sessions (1 session/day). 13 of the 20 participants withdrew for personal reasons. Hemodynamic changes were recorded by fNIRS on day 1 and 5. Results show that mPES evoked cortical activation over a distributed network in bilateral primary somatosensory, primary motor, somatosensory association cortex, pre-motor and supplementary motor area, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, Broca’s area, and supramarginal gyrus part of Wernicke’s area. Meanwhile, the increased frequency of involuntary swallowing was associated with decreased frontopolar activation (frontopolar cortex: Channel 6, p = 0.024, r = −0.529; Channel 23, p = 0.019, r = −0.545). Furthermore, after five days of mPES, decreased cortical activations were observed in the right dorsolateral prefrontal and supramarginal gyrus part of Wernicke’s area, and left frontopolar and M1 areas. Overall, these results might suggest that mPES could elicit changes in neuroplasticity that could reorganize the swallowing-related neural network and increase involuntary swallow frequency.
Brightness Perception in World-Centered Coordinates Assessed by Pupillometry
Authors: Istiqomah Novera , Kinzuka Yuya , Minami Tetsuto , Nakauchi Shigeki
Published: January 2023

Subjective brightness perception reportedly differs among the peripheral visual fields owing to lower- and higher-order cognition. However, there is still a lack of information associated with subjective brightness perception in the world-centered coordinates, not in the visual fields. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anisotropy of subjective brightness perception in the world-centered coordinates based on pupillary responses to the stimuli in five locations by manipulating the world-centered coordinates through active (requiring head movement) and passive scenes (without head movement) in a virtual reality environment. Specifically, this study aimed to elucidate if there is an ecological advantage in the five different locations in the world-centered coordinates. The pupillary responses to glare and halo stimuli indicated that the brightness perception differed among the five locations in the world-centered coordinates. Furthermore, we found that the pupillary response to stimuli at the top location might be influenced by ecological factors (such as from the bright sky and the sun’s existence). Thus, we have contributed to the understanding of the extraretinal information influence on subjective brightness perception in the world-centered coordinates, demonstrating that the pupillary response is independent of head movement.
Research on the Spatial Sequence of Building Facades in Huizhou Regional Traditional Villages
Authors: Cheng Geng , Li Zao , Xia Shuting , Gao Mingfei , Ye Maosheng , Shi Tingting
Published: January 2023

Under the influences of the regional environment, building communities within traditional villages exhibit regional styles and features. Based on the research team’s early studies, and given the protection and renewal practices of Huizhou traditional villages in Southern Anhui Province, China, this study investigated the spatial sequences of building facades and explicated the laws of these spatial sequences. This research involved a series of technical steps. First, in the case selection stage, typical traditional villages and spatial sequence paths were established. Second, in the data acquisition stage, 3D laser scanning technology was used to acquire building elevation data and conduct 3D modelling. Finally, the measurement indices were determined by vector analysis of the data. Factor analysis and cluster analysis were suitable for the reduction and classification of the above data in order to explore the constitution law of building units. Meanwhile, the regularity of the facade organization of building groups was further quantified by examining the combination and connection relationships between the building and spatial patterns. Then, the laws of facade organization of the building groups were explicated. The purpose of this study is not only to achieve accurate inheritance of historical data information, but also to explore the centralized contiguity mechanism behind the traditional villages through external features from the perspective of rescue. The results demonstrated that there are spatial sequences represented by building facades in Huizhou traditional villages. Moreover, internal laws of “largely identical but with minor differences” in the building unit composition and building group organization were identified. These findings: (1) provide a deeper understanding of the regional characteristics of Huizhou traditional villages in Southern Anhui Province, China; (2) offer a foundation for practical administration requirements; and (3) recognize a novel research perspective and a feasible technical route for the protection of traditional villages in other regions, with an appreciation for the value of spatial sequences.
Impact of Overcoming BIM Implementation Barriers on Sustainable Building Project Success: A PLS-SEM Approach
Authors: Kineber Ahmed Farouk , Massoud Mostafa Mo. , Hamed Mohammed Magdy , Alhammadi Yasir , Al-Mhdawi M. K. S.
Published: January 2023

To maximize the benefits without sacrificing the functionality of projects, sustainability concepts should be used across all stages of the decision-making process when creating residential buildings. The primary sustainable aims may be improved with BIM activities. However, in the building sector of underdeveloped nations, BIM activities use informal methods. By examining the connection between overcoming BIM implementation challenges and the overall sustainable success (OSS) in building projects, this research seeks to establish a model for BIM implementation. Following the BIM hurdles identified in earlier research, 86 building stakeholders in the Egyptian building sector were given questionnaires. The structure of the obstacles was established and confirmed using partial least-squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), and the connections between the OSS and overcoming BIM deployment were investigated. The adoption of BIM contributed 40.7% to the project’s long-term sustainability, according to the data, which demonstrated a strong link. The findings of this research will serve as a roadmap for decision-makers who want to use BIM in developing nations’ building sectors to save costs and increase sustainability.
Drugs Targeting p53 Mutations with FDA Approval and in Clinical Trials
Authors: Nishikawa Shigeto , Iwakuma Tomoo
Published: January 2023

Mutations in the tumor suppressor p53 (p53) promote cancer progression. This is mainly due to loss of function (LOS) as a tumor suppressor, dominant-negative (DN) activities of missense mutant p53 (mutp53) over wild-type p53 (wtp53), and wtp53-independent oncogenic activities of missense mutp53 by interacting with other tumor suppressors or oncogenes (gain of function: GOF). Since p53 mutations occur in ~50% of human cancers and rarely occur in normal tissues, p53 mutations are cancer-specific and ideal therapeutic targets. Approaches to target p53 mutations include (1) restoration or stabilization of wtp53 conformation from missense mutp53, (2) rescue of p53 nonsense mutations, (3) depletion or degradation of mutp53 proteins, and (4) induction of p53 synthetic lethality or targeting of vulnerabilities imposed by p53 mutations (enhanced YAP/TAZ activities) or deletions (hyperactivated retrotransposons). This review article focuses on clinically available FDA-approved drugs and drugs in clinical trials that target p53 mutations and summarizes their mechanisms of action and activities to suppress cancer progression.
Understanding the Clinical Significance of MUC5AC in Biliary Tract Cancers
Authors: Benson Katherine K. , Sheel Ankur , Rahman Shafia , Esnakula Ashwini , Manne Ashish
Published: January 2023

Biliary tract cancers (BTC) arise from biliary epithelium and include cholangiocarcinomas or CCA (including intrahepatic (ICC) and extrahepatic (ECC)) and gallbladder cancers (GBC). They often have poor outcomes owing to limited treatment options, advanced presentations, frequent recurrence, and poor response to available systemic therapy. Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) is rarely expressed in normal biliary epithelium, but can be upregulated in tissues of benign biliary disease, premalignant conditions (e.g., biliary intraepithelial neoplasia), and BTCs. This mucin’s numerous glycoforms can be divided into less-glycosylated immature and heavily-glycosylated mature forms. Reported MUC5AC tissue expression in BTC varies widely, with some associations based on cancer location (e.g., perihilar vs. peripheral ICC). Study methods were variable regarding cancer subtypes, expression positivity thresholds, and MUC5AC glycoforms. MUC5AC can be detected in serum of BTC patients at high concentrations. The hesitancy in developing MUC5AC into a clinically useful biomarker in BTC management is due to variable evidence on the diagnostic and prognostic value. Concrete conclusions on tissue MUC5AC are difficult, but serum detection might be relevant for diagnosis and is associated with poor prognosis. Future studies are needed to further the understanding of the potential clinical value of MUC5AC in BTC, especially regarding predictive and therapeutic value.
Multiple Laparoscopic Liver Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Nassar Alexandra , Tzedakis Stylianos , Dhote Alix , Strigalev Marie , Coriat Romain , Karoui Mehdi , Dohan Anthony , Gaillard Martin , Marchese Ugo , Fuks David
Published: January 2023

Over the past decades, liver cancer’s minimally invasive approach has primarily become as a new standard of oncological care. Colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are one of the most developed indications of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR). CRLM resection is still the best treatment known in terms of survival. As multiple CRLM are found in up to 80% of cases at diagnosis (Manfredi S. and al, Annals of Surgery 2006), a lot of possible technical management approaches are described. With the development of the parenchymal-sparing strategy, multiple concomitant laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) are gaining acceptance. However, no recommendation is available regarding its indications and feasibility. Also, laparoscopic two-stage hepatectomy is developing for bilobar CRLM, and this also does not have established recommendation. The purpose of this paper was to highlight novelty and updates in the field of multiple minimally invasive liver resections. A review of the international literature was performed. The feasibility of laparoscopic concomitant multiple LLR and two-stage hepatectomy for CRLM as well as their outcomes were discussed. These clarifications could further guide the implementation of minimal resection in multiple colorectal liver metastases therapies.
The 3D-Printing Fabrication of Multichannel Silicone Microreactors for Catalytic Applications
Authors: Ibáñez-de-Garayo Alejandro , Imizcoz Mikel , Maisterra Maitane , Almazán Fernando , Sanz Diego , Bimbela Fernando , Cornejo Alfonso , Pellejero Ismael , Gandía Luis M.
Published: January 2023

Microstructured reactors (MSRs) are especially indicated for highly demanding heterogeneous catalysis due to the small channel dimensions that minimize diffusional limitations and enhance mass and heat transport between the fluid and the catalyst. Herein, we present the fabrication protocol of the fused filament 3D printing of silicone monolithic microreactors based on a multichannel design. Microchannels of 200 to 800 µm in width and up to 20 mm in length were developed following the scaffold-removal procedure using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) as the material for the 3D-printed scaffold fabrication, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the building material, and acetone as the ABS removing agent. The main printing parameters such as temperature and printing velocity were optimized in order to minimize the bridging effect and filament collapsing and intercrossing. Heterogeneous catalysts were incorporated into the microchannel walls during fabrication, thus avoiding further post-processing steps. The nanoparticulated catalyst was deposited on ABS scaffolds through dip coating and transferred to the microchannel walls during the PDMS pouring step and subsequent scaffold removal. Two different designs of the silicone monolithic microreactors were tested for four catalytic applications, namely liquid-phase 2-nitrophenol photohydrogenation and methylene blue photodegradation in aqueous media, lignin depolymerization in ethanol, and gas-phase CO2 hydrogenation, in order to investigate the microreactor performance under different reaction conditions (temperature and solvent) and establish the possible range of applications.
Polyaniline/Bi12TiO20 Hybrid System for Cefixime Removal by Combining Adsorption and Photocatalytic Degradation
Authors: Baaloudj Oussama , Nasrallah Noureddine , Kenfoud Hamza , Bourkeb Khaled Wassim , Badawi Ahmad K.
Published: January 2023

Sillenite catalysts have shown efficient photocatalytic activity for the removal of various pollutants from water in previous studies, thus enhancing their activity by combining them with other materials will be very promising for environmental applications. In this context, an interesting hybrid system containing Polyaniline (PANI) as an adsorbent and Bi12TiO20 (BTO) sillenite as a catalyst was proposed in this work. Cefixime (CFX) has been selected as a pollutant for this study, and its removal was evaluated using PANI (adsorption), PANI and BTO (combined system) and the hybrid system Bi12TiO20/Polyaniline (BTO/PANI). First, the impact of PANI adsorption was investigated on its own; after that, the solution was filtered to separate the adsorbent from the liquid in order to re-treat the solution using photocatalysis (combining adsorption with photocatalysis). At the same time, a similar technique was used involving the hybrid system BTO/PANI. The results show that the hybrid system can remove a very high Cefixime concentration of 30 mg/L, almost 100%, within only 2 h, and this is better than previous investigations. These results indicate that it is possible to combine photocatalysis and adsorption processes to control water pollution.
Factors Affecting the Use of Pain-Coping Strategies in Individuals with Cerebral Palsy and Individuals with Typical Development
Authors: Riquelme Inmaculada , Montoya Pedro
Published: January 2023

Many individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) suffer from pain and must develop pain-coping strategies, although the factors determining them are unknown. This observational study aims at exploring the association between different pain-coping strategies and factors such as age, sex, pain, health status, sleep or motor and cognitive function in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and typically developing peers (TD). Main caregivers of 94 individuals with CP (age range = 6–69 years, mean age = 17.78 (10.05)) and the closest relative of 145 individuals with TD (age range = 6–51 years, mean age = 19.13 (12.87)) completed questionnaires on the previous topics (Parent Report of the PEDsQL Pediatric Coping Inventory, the Health Utility Index HUI-3, Epworth Sleepiness Score and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). Pain presence, duration, intensity, location and ratings of current and worst pain in the last week in an 11-point numerical rating scale were assessed in an interview. Global health was the best predictor the of use of any type of pain-coping strategy, including cognitive self-instruction, problem-solving, distraction, seeking social support and catastrophizing, in both individuals with CP and individuals with TD. However, different health attributes predicted their use in each population. Emotional health was the best predictor in individuals with CP, whereas cognition and pain were the best predictors in individuals with TD. Speech ability was a predictor in both groups. In conclusion, the assessment of health attributes such as emotional health and speech may help design specific interventions for enhancing self-efficacy and adaptive pain coping skills.
Point Prevalence of Complementary or Alternative Medicine Use among Children Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Vernon-Roberts Angharad , Denny Abida , Day Andrew S.
Published: January 2023

Background: Complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) describes products/practices outside conventional medical care. CAM may be used to support or replace conventional/prescribed therapies. The aim of this study was to determine patterns of CAM use among children attending a tertiary care hospital in New Zealand (NZ) and measure parental opinion about CAM. Methods: Prospective survey-based study among children and their parents attending inpatient and outpatient clinical areas. Surveys collected demographic and health variables, current CAM use, and parental opinions on CAM. Results: Of the 236 children participating: 41% female, mean age 6.8 years (SD5), 76 (32%) with a chronic illness. CAM was used by 132 (56%) children, the most common being: oral supplements, body manipulation methods, or holistic practices. CAM use was associated with lower child health rating (p = 0.001), Māori ethnicity (p = 0.03), parent education level (p = 0.002), and family member CAM use (p < 0.001). Opinion survey results revealed CAM use was most strongly related to doctors recommending CAM, information on CAM, and CAM cost. There was a 31% CAM disclosure rate to the child’s medical team. Conclusions: This study highlights cultural differences in CAM use not previously reported among children in NZ. Parental opinion regarding CAM influences use for their child and disclosure rates.
Understanding the Characteristics of At-Risk Youths in Guatemala: Evidence from a Sports for Human Development Program
Authors: Nuñez Pedro Danilo Ponciano , Portela-Pino Iago , Martínez-Patiño María José
Published: January 2023

Guatemala is a multiethnic and multicultural country that has suffered from poverty and violence. Sports can serve as tool to foster development across the country; however, there is limited research on the use of sports as a tool for promoting broader social benefits in Guatemala. The purpose of this study was to compare sports and the health and physiological characteristics of at-risk youths in Guatemala. The research objectives were achieved through a quantitative approach and the participation of 90 youths involved in an educational organization through sports and 91 youths who have not been influenced by any organization. The results showed that urban at-risk youths involved in a sports for education organization develop more self-esteem; they have higher levels of physical activity than their peers who are not involved in an educational organization; the socioemotional competencies of self-regulation and motivation are higher in urban areas; empathy is higher in men than in women; the level of the self-perception of health is lower and health literacy higher. However, the at-risk youths who are not involved in an educational organization showed that their self-regulation was higher, and the level of health literacy was higher for all factors. This was through a set of attitudes and skills as a result of their historical development and sociocultural strategies transmitted from generation to generation to foster health and physical activity.
Effects of Pullulan-Based Coatings Incorporating ɛ-Polylysine and Glutathione on the Preservation of Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata L.) Postharvest
Authors: Hu Aoxue , Mao Yingming
Published: January 2023

Pullulan has a fine-coating-forming ability, ɛ-polylysine has an antibacterial activity, and glutathione has both a potent antioxidant activity and polyphenol-oxidase-inhibiting ability. This study explored the effects of pullulan-based coatings incorporating ɛ-polylysine and glutathione (1% pullulan + 0.2% ɛ-polylysine + 0.3% glutathione) on the preservation of cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata L.) during refrigerated storage. Pullulan-based coatings incorporating ɛ-polylysine and glutathione decreased the weight loss, decay and rust spot indices, respiratory rate and malondialdehyde by 49.01%, 60.38%, 91.09%, 69.09% and 49.23%, respectively, and increased soluble solid content by 34.21% compared with the control group after 15 days of refrigerated storage (p < 0.05). Results show that pullulan-based coatings incorporating ɛ-polylysine and glutathione treatment may be practical materials for the preservation of cowpeas during refrigerated storage.
Outcome of Newborns with Confirmed or Possible SARS-CoV-2 Vertical Infection—A Scoping Review
Authors: Moza Andreea , Duica Florentina , Antoniadis Panagiotis , Bernad Elena S. , Lungeanu Diana , Craina Marius , Bernad Brenda C. , Paul Corina , Muresan Cezara , Nitu Razvan , Dumache Raluca , Iacob Daniela
Published: January 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has been isolated from various tissues and body fluids, including the placenta, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord of newborns. In the last few years, much scientific effort has been directed toward studying SARS-CoV-2, focusing on the different features of the virus, such as its structure and mechanisms of action. Moreover, much focus has been on developing accurate diagnostic tools and various drugs or vaccines to treat COVID-19. However, the available evidence is still scarce and consistent criteria should be used for diagnosing vertical transmission. Applying the PRISMA ScR guidelines, we conducted a scoping review with the primary objective of identifying the types, and examining the range, of available evidence of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mother to newborn. We also aimed to clarify the key concepts and criteria for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 vertical infection in neonates and summarize the existing evidence and advance the awareness of SARS-CoV-2 vertical infection in pregnancy. Most studies we identified were case reports or case series (about 30% of poor quality and inconsistent reporting of the findings). Summarizing the existing classification criteria, we propose an algorithm for consistent diagnosis. Registration: INPLASY2022120093.
Immunohistochemistry for Claudin-4 and BAP1 in the Differential Diagnosis between Sarcomatoid Carcinoma and Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
Authors: Zuccatosta Lina , Bizzarro Tommaso , Rossi Giulio , Gallo Graziana , Gasparini Stefano , Ambrosini-Spaltro Andrea
Published: January 2023

(1) Background. In the differential diagnosis between sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC) and sarcomatoid mesothelioma (SM), we aimed to investigate the role of Claudin-4 and BAP1, a panel recently used to distinguish conventional carcinoma from epithelioid mesothelioma. (2) Methods. We collected 41 surgical pleural biopsies of SM, 46 surgical resections of SC from different sites and 49 pleural biopsies of normal/hyperplastic mesothelium. All the cases were tested for Claudin-4 and BAP1 using immunohistochemistry. The statistical calculations of the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were performed. (3) Results: Claudin-4 was negative in 41/41 SMs, while it was positive in 18/36 (50.1%) SCs (eight diffusely, 10 focally) within their sarcomatous component. BAP1 was lost in 23/41 SMs, while it was regularly expressed in 46/46 SCs. All the cases of the normal/hyperplastic mesothelium were negative for Claudin-4 and retained the regular expression of BAP1. The Claudin-4 expression was useful for detecting SC (sensitivity, 39.1%; specificity, 100%) and the BAP1 loss was useful for diagnosing SM (sensitivity, 56.1%; specificity, 100%). (4) Conclusions. The staining for Claudin-4 and BAP1 exhibited a low/moderate sensitivity in diagnosing SC and SM (39.1% and 56.1%, respectively), but a very high specificity (100%). Claudin-4 was expressed only in SC and BAP1 loss was noted only in SM.
Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Bushfire Management: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Partheepan Shouthiri , Sanati Farzad , Hassan Jahan
Published: January 2023

The intensity and frequency of bushfires have increased significantly, destroying property and living species in recent years. Presently, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology advancements are becoming increasingly popular in bushfire management systems because of their fundamental characteristics, such as manoeuvrability, autonomy, ease of deployment, and low cost. UAVs with remote-sensing capabilities are used with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep-learning algorithms to detect fire regions, make predictions, make decisions, and optimize fire-monitoring tasks. Moreover, UAVs equipped with various advanced sensors, including LIDAR, visual, infrared (IR), and monocular cameras, have been used to monitor bushfires due to their potential to provide new approaches and research opportunities. This review focuses on the use of UAVs in bushfire management for fire detection, fire prediction, autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, and search and rescue to improve the accuracy of fire prediction and minimize their impacts on people and nature. The objective of this paper is to provide valuable information on various UAV-based bushfire management systems and machine-learning approaches to predict and effectively respond to bushfires in inaccessible areas using intelligent autonomous UAVs. This paper aims to assemble information about the use of UAVs in bushfire management and to examine the benefits and limitations of existing techniques of UAVs related to bushfire handling. However, we conclude that, despite the potential benefits of UAVs for bushfire management, there are shortcomings in accuracy, and solutions need to be optimized for effective bushfire management.
Teaching Machine Learning in K–12 Using Robotics
Authors: Karalekas Georgios , Vologiannidis Stavros , Kalomiros John
Published: January 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are pursued in most fields of data analysis, and have already become a part of everyday applications. As AI and ML are an integral part of the Industry 4.0 era, it becomes necessary to introduce a basic understanding of what AI and ML means and how it can be applied in K–12 education. Although educators need to prepare for this revolution, it is generally admitted that there is a shortage of suitable tools and methods toward this goal. In this article, we propose that it is necessary to design courses for machine learning using STEM-based robotic tools. We present selected robotic kits with ML capabilities that can be used to target concepts of machine learning in K–12 classrooms. Finally, we present our own conceptual rules on how constructivist educational robotics with AI capabilities can effectively support teaching scenarios in future K–12 curricula.
E-Health Self-Help Diagnosis from Feces Images in Real Scenes
Authors: Liao Fengxiang , Wan Jiahao , Leng Lu , Kim Cheonshik
Published: January 2023

Deep learning models and computer vision are commonly integrated for e-health self-help diagnosis. The abnormal colors and traits of feces can reveal the risks of cancer and digestive diseases. As such, this paper develops a self-help diagnostic system to conveniently analyze users’ health conditions from feces images at home, which can reduce dependence on professional skills and examinations equipment. Unfortunately, real scenes at home suffer from several severe challenges, including the lack of labeled data, complex backgrounds, varying illumination, etc. A semi-supervised learning strategy is employed to solve the scarcity of labeled data and reduce the burden of manual labeling. The unlabeled data are classified by an initial model that is pretrained on a small number of training data. Then, the labels with high confidence are allocated to the unlabeled samples in order to extend the training data accordingly. With regard to the small feces areas in certain samples, an adaptive upsampling method is proposed to enlarge the suitable local area according to the proportion of the foreground. Synthesized feces images in real scenes are tested to confirm the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method. In terms of accuracy, our proposed model can achieve 100% and 99.2% on color and trait recognition in medical scenes, respectively, and 99.1% and 100% on color and trait recognition in real scenes, respectively. The related datasets and codes will be released on Github.
Design and Analysis of an Effective Multi-Barriers Model Based on Non-Stationary Gaussian Random Fields
Authors: Li Zhi , Liu Lei , Wang Jiaqiang , Lin Li , Dong Jichang , Dong Zhi
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we propose an extension to the barrier model, i.e., the Multi-Barriers Model, which could characterize an area of interest with different types of obstacles. In the proposed model, the area of interest is divided into two or more areas, which include a general area of interest with sampling points and the rest of the area with different types of obstacles. Firstly, the correlation between the points in space is characterized by the obstruction degree of the obstacle. Secondly, multiple Gaussian random fields are constructed. Then, continuous Gaussian fields are expressed by using stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs). Finally, the integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) method is employed to calculate the posterior mean of parameters and the posterior parameters to establish a spatial regression model. In this paper, the Multi-Barriers Model is also verified by using the geostatistical model and log-Gaussian Cox model. Furthermore, the stationary Gaussian model, the barrier model and the Multi-Barriers Model are investigated in the geostatistical data, respectively. Real data sets of burglaries in a certain area are used to compare the performance of the stationary Gaussian model, barrier model and Multi-Barriers Model. The comparison results suggest that the three models achieve similar performance in the posterior mean and posterior distribution of the parameters, as well as the deviance information criteria (DIC) value. However, the Multi-Barriers Model can better interpret the spatial model established based on the spatial data of the research areas with multiple types of obstacles, and it is closer to reality.
Impact of Age Violation Probability on Neighbor Election-Based Distributed Slot Access in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Huang Wenjun , Li Xu , Liang Yanan
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we propose an analytical model of neighbor election-based distributed slot access by considering the relationship between the age of information (AoI) and the slot access process of nodes in wireless ad hoc networks. A node first maintains the information updates from its neighbors by relaying and receiving messages and determines message transmission slots by holding elections with its relevant competing neighbors. We first find out and analyze the interaction relationship between the transmission probability of nodes, the competing probability of neighbor nodes, and the violation probability that AoI exceeds the timeliness threshold of the neighbor election. Next, we obtain the approximated expression of the competing probability and the age violation probability based on the comprehensive analysis of the neighbor election process. Numerical and simulation results show that our approximation is tighter than the one in the literature and also provides insights into enhancing the design of network-aware distributed multiple access schemes.
Controlling in the Process of Development of the Energy and Heating Sector Based on Research of Enterprises Operating in Poland
Authors: Nesterak Janusz , Kołodziej-Hajdo Marta , Kowalski Michał J.
Published: January 2023

Enterprises operating in the energy and heating (E&H) sector play a particularly important role in the economy of each country. At the same time, the conditions in which they currently operate mean that the managers of these organizations have many decision-making problems that they have to deal with. They can be supported by the introduction of well-functioning controlling. This forces scientists to conduct extended research aimed at determining the current and future directions of development of controlling in E&H sector enterprises. At the moment, this is not a frequent field of research exploration. The area of research concerns issues related to the use of controlling in E&H sector enterprises. The objective of this paper is to present the results of the research obtaining knowledge on to what extent companies in the energy and heating sector use controlling tools helping them to increase efficiency of enterprises and effectiveness of the decisions made by managers. The scientific problem is looking for a way in which controlling can increase the efficiency of enterprises in the E&H sector and how it can improve the effectiveness of decisions made by managers. The general conclusion of the research is that it seems necessary to strengthen the role of controlling aimed at its transformation from reporting controlling to management controlling. In view of the challenges of the global economy related to the energy crisis, controlling should be used to a greater extent in the E&H industry to increase the efficiency of basic processes and to effectively implement modern management tools.
Influence of Cr Doping on Structural, Optical, and Photovoltaic Properties of BiFeO3 Synthesized by Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Tiburcio José , Sacari Elisban , Chacaltana Jesús , Medina Jesús , Gamarra Francisco , Polo Carlos , Mamani Efracio , Quispe Alberto
Published: January 2023

In this work, pure BiFeO3 and samples doped with different concentrations of chromium were synthesized to improve the optical properties and efficiency of solar cells based on BiFeO3. The sol-gel method was used for synthesis due to its ability to produce nanostructured materials with high purity and good homogeneity, as well as the possibility of controlling the size and shape of the resulting particles. The samples were characterized by different analytical techniques. Thermal analysis results indicate that the dopant increases the weight loss of the sample from 61 to 81%, with an increase in the exothermal in the nucleation and crystallization temperature range. The X-ray diffraction patterns and UV-visible spectra show a dependence of the crystallite size and bandgap with respect to the amount of Cr dopant, decreasing from 168 to 73 nm and from 2.14 to 1.92 eV, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images display a decreasing grain size as a result of an increasing amount of dopant. The I-V analysis results show a 1% Cr-doped BiFeO3 photovoltaic device exhibits enhanced photovoltaic performance with higher photocurrent and 4.17 times greater energy conversion efficiency compared with a pure BiFeO3 photovoltaic device. For their behavior, Cr-doped BiFeO3-based photoelectrodes are very promising materials for photovoltaic devices.
Green in the City: Estimating the Ecosystem Services Provided by Urban and Peri-Urban Forests of Tbilisi Municipality, Georgia
Authors: Alpaidze Levan , Salukvadze Joseph
Published: January 2023

Green spaces play a significant role in providing essential natural services to cities. This study aims to estimate Tbilisi’s green cover and identify the surface cover classes, volumes, and values of ecosystem services. The study area embraces the territory of Tbilisi municipality in its legal/administrative boundaries, which is equal to 502 sq. km. We use the i-Tree Canopy program (v.7.1) to identify the surface cover classes and quantify and price the ecosystem services provided by Tbilisi’s urban and peri-urban forests. The analysis includes the identification and distribution of the surface classes of the territory of Tbilisi, which is presented as follows: grass/herbaceous (38.71% +/− 1.36%), various impervious surfaces (approx. 21.18%), soil/bare ground (8.61% +/− 0.78%), trees/shrubs (28.55% +/− 1.26%), and water (2.95% +/− 0.47) surfaces. Analysis revealed the volumes of the removal of atmospheric pollutants, the annual removal of atmospheric carbon, and the total carbon stock fixed in the trees and shrub vegetation and provided the monetary values, expressed in US Dollars rounded per sq. km, of stored and sequestered carbon and pollution removal on the studies territory. The results showed that the annual removal of air pollutants (CO, NO2, O3, SO2, PM2.5 and PM10) totals 1227 tons or 2.444 t/sq.km. The average annual carbon sequestration by trees and other vegetation is 43.72 thousand tons (87.09 t/sq.km), with an approximate value of 8.22 million USD. The trees are storing 1097.9 kilotons of carbon (2187.95 t/sq.km) with its CO2 equivalent of 4025 kilotons. The estimated value of this service equals 206.4 million USD. This type of analysis of surface covers and ecosystem services has been performed in Tbilisi for the first time. The study revealed the significant magnitude and the great potential of “green benefits” provided by the urban vegetation to the city. It gives additional arguments for better utilization of this knowledge for advanced planning of the urban green infrastructure of Tbilisi for strengthening its sustainable and resilient development.
Nutritional and Phytochemical Composition of Mahewu (a Southern African Fermented Food Product) Derived from White and Yellow Maize (Zea mays) with Different Inocula
Authors: Daji Grace Abosede , Green Ezekiel , Adebo Oluwafemi Ayodeji
Published: January 2023

Mahweu is an important indigenous beverage for many low-income and undernourished consumers in southern Africa. As a result, the nutritional and phytochemical profile of mahewu samples (obtained using optimized fermentation and boiling conditions from a previous study) as well as their related raw materials (white and yellow maize) were investigated. At these conditions, white and yellow maize mahewu (WM and YM) were prepared utilizing various inocula including sorghum malt, wheat, millet malt, or maize malt, and the pH, titratable acidity (TTA), total soluble solid (TSS), and proximate analysis were determined. The mineral content, amino acid composition, and phenolic compound profile were also investigated using inductive coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS), respectively. Fermentation was observed to have influenced the proximate composition of obtained mahewu samples compared to the raw flour with significant (p ≤ 0.05) improvement in protein from 8.59 to 9.7% (YM) and 8.78 to 9% (WM) as well as carbohydrate from 72.27 to 74.47% (YM) and 71.15 to 72.65% (WM). Sodium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, copper, and zinc were the minerals detected in the mahewu samples, while potassium was the most abundant mineral, having values ranging from 3051.61 to 3283.38 mg/kg (YM) and 2882.11 to 3129.97 mg/kg (WM). Heavy metals detected in this study were all below the recommended tolerable levels by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Arginine and leucine with values ranging from 0.47 to 0.52 g/100 g (YM) and 0.48 to 0.53 g/100 g (WM) as well as 0.91 to 1.04 g/100 g (YM) and 0.95 to 1.01 g/100 g (WM), respectively, were the most abundant essential amino acids, whereas for non-essential amino acids, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, alanine, and proline were observed to be abundant. Based on the different inocula, the derived mahewu samples prepared using either white or yellow maize have varying nutritional and health beneficial components and the choice of inocula might still be determined by consumer preference.
Image of a City through Big Data Analytics: Colombo from the Lens of Geo-Coded Social Media Data
Authors: Abesinghe Sandulika , Kankanamge Nayomi , Yigitcanlar Tan , Pancholi Surabhi
Published: January 2023

The image of a city represents the sum of beliefs, ideas, and impressions that people have of that city. Mostly, city images are assessed through direct or indirect interviews and cognitive mapping exercises. Such methods consume more time and effort and are limited to a small number of people. However, recently, people tend to use social media to express their thoughts and experiences of a place. Taking this into consideration, this paper attempts to explore city images through social media big data, considering Colombo, Sri Lanka, as the testbed. The aim of the study is to examine the image of a city through Lynchian elements—i.e., landmarks, paths, nodes, edges, and districts—by using community sentiments expressed and images posted on social media platforms. For that, this study conducted various analyses—i.e., descriptive, image processing, sentiment, popularity, and geo-coded social media analyses. The study findings revealed that: (a) the community sentiments toward the same landmarks, paths, nodes, edges, and districts change over time; (b) decisions related to locating landmarks, paths, nodes, edges, and districts have a significant impact on community cognition in perceiving cities; and (c) geo-coded social media data analytics is an invaluable approach to capture the image of a city. The study informs urban authorities in their placemaking efforts by introducing a novel methodological approach to capture an image of a city.
Could Collected Chemical Parameters Be Utilized to Build Soft Sensors Capable of Predicting the Provenance, Vintages, and Price Points of New Zealand Pinot Noir Wines Simultaneously?
Authors: An Jingxian , Deed Rebecca C. , Kilmartin Paul A. , Yu Wei
Published: January 2023

Soft sensors work as predictive frameworks encapsulating a set of easy-to-collect input data and a machine learning method (ML) to predict highly related variables that are difficult to measure. The machine learning method could provide a prediction of complex unknown relations between the input data and desired output parameters. Recently, soft sensors have been applicable in predicting the prices and vintages of New Zealand Pinot noir wines based on chemical parameters. However, the previous sample size did not adequately represent the diversity of provenances, vintages, and price points across commercially available New Zealand Pinot noir wines. Consequently, a representative sample of 39 commercially available New Zealand Pinot noir wines from diverse provenances, vintages, and price points were selected. Literature has shown that wine phenolic compounds strongly correlated with wine provenances, vintages and price points, which could be used as input data for developing soft sensors. Due to the significance of these phenolic compounds, chemical parameters, including phenolic compounds and pH, were collected using UV-Vis visible spectrophotometry and a pH meter. The soft sensor utilising Naive Bayes (belongs to ML) was designed to predict Pinot noir wines’ provenances (regions of origin) based on six chemical parameters with the prediction accuracy of over 75%. Soft sensors based on decision trees (within ML) could predict Pinot noir wines’ vintages and price points with prediction accuracies of over 75% based on six chemical parameters. These predictions were based on the same collected six chemical parameters as aforementioned.
Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 5 Gene Deletion Enhances Nicotine-Conditioned Place Preference: Illuminating the Putative Gateway Mechanisms
Authors: Roeder Nicole , Richardson Brittany , Mihalkovic Abrianna , Penman Samantha , White Olivia , Hamilton John , Gupta Ashim , Blum Kenneth , Gold Mark S. , Thanos Panayotis K.
Published: January 2023

Emerging evidence indicates that the endogenous cannabinoid system modulates the behavioral and physiological effects of nicotine. Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) are among the primary intracellular trafficking mechanisms of endogenous cannabinoids, such as anandamide. To this end, changes in FABP expression may similarly impact the behavioral manifestations associated with nicotine, particularly its addictive properties. FABP5+/+ and FABP5−/− mice were tested for nicotine-conditioned place preference (CPP) at two different doses (0.1 or 0.5 mg/kg). The nicotine-paired chamber was assigned as their least preferred chamber during preconditioning. Following 8 days of conditioning, the mice were injected with either nicotine or saline. The mice were allowed to access to all the chambers on the test day, and their times spent in the drug chamber on the preconditioning versus the test days were used to examine the drug preference score. The CPP results showed that the FABP5−/− mice displayed a higher place preference for 0.1 mg/kg nicotine than the FABP5+/+ mice, while no CPP difference was observed for 0.5 mg/kg nicotine between the genotypes. In conclusion, FABP5 plays an important role in regulating nicotine place preference. Further research is warranted to identify the precise mechanisms. The results suggest that dysregulated cannabinoid signaling may impact nicotine-seeking behavior.
Genomic Structure, Protein Character, Phylogenic Implication, and Embryonic Expression Pattern of a Zebrafish New Member of Zinc Finger BED-Type Gene Family
Authors: Zeng Chih-Wei , Sheu Jin-Chuan , Tsai Huai-Jen
Published: January 2023

We reported a new member of the C2H2-zinc-finger BED-type (ZBED) protein family found in zebrafish (Danio rerio). It was previously assigned as an uncharacterized protein LOC569044 encoded by the Zgc:161969 gene, the transcripts of which were highly expressed in the CNS after the spinal cord injury of zebrafish. As such, this novel gene deserves a more detailed investigation. The 2.79-kb Zgc:161969 gene contains one intron located on Chromosome 6 at 16,468,776–16,475,879 in the zebrafish genome encoding a 630-aa protein LOC569044. This protein is composed of a DNA-binding BED domain, which is highly conserved among the ZBED protein family, and a catalytic domain consisting of an α-helix structure and an hAT dimerization region. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the LOC569044 protein to be clustered into the monophyletic clade of the ZBED protein family of golden fish. Specifically, the LOC569044 protein was classified as closely related to the monophyletic clades of zebrafish ZBED4-like isoforms and ZBED isoform 2. Furthermore, Zgc:161969 transcripts represented maternal inheritance, expressed in the brain and eyes at early developmental stages and in the telencephalon ventricular zone at late developmental stages. After characterizing the LOC569044 protein encoded by the Zgc:161969 gene, it was identified as a new member of the zebrafish ZBED protein family, named the ZBEDX protein.