bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incentive Mechanisms for Smart Grid: State of the Art, Challenges, Open Issues, Future Directions
Authors: Bhattacharya Sweta , Chengoden Rajeswari , Srivastava Gautam , Alazab Mamoun , Javed Abdul Rehman , Victor Nancy , Maddikunta Praveen Kumar Reddy , Gadekallu Thippa Reddy
Published: April 2022

Smart grids (SG) are electricity grids that communicate with each other, provide reliable information, and enable administrators to operate energy supplies across the country, ensuring optimized reliability and efficiency. The smart grid contains sensors that measure and transmit data to adjust the flow of electricity automatically based on supply/demand, and thus, responding to problems becomes quicker and easier. This also plays a crucial role in controlling carbon emissions, by avoiding energy losses during peak load hours and ensuring optimal energy management. The scope of big data analytics in smart grids is huge, as they collect information from raw data and derive intelligent information from the same. However, these benefits of the smart grid are dependent on the active and voluntary participation of the consumers in real-time. Consumers need to be motivated and conscious to avail themselves of the achievable benefits. Incentivizing the appropriate actor is an absolute necessity to encourage prosumers to generate renewable energy sources (RES) and motivate industries to establish plants that support sustainable and green-energy-based processes or products. The current study emphasizes similar aspects and presents a comprehensive survey of the start-of-the-art contributions pertinent to incentive mechanisms in smart grids, which can be used in smart grids to optimize the power distribution during peak times and also reduce carbon emissions. The various technologies, such as game theory, blockchain, and artificial intelligence, used in implementing incentive mechanisms in smart grids are discussed, followed by different incentive projects being implemented across the globe. The lessons learnt, challenges faced in such implementations, and open issues such as data quality, privacy, security, and pricing related to incentive mechanisms in SG are identified to guide the future scope of research in this sector.
IL-10 Producing Regulatory B Cells Mediated Protection against Murine Malaria Pathogenesis
Authors: Kalkal Meenu , Chauhan Rubika , Thakur Reva Sharan , Tiwari Mrinalini , Pande Veena , Das Jyoti
Published: April 2022

Various immune cells are known to participate in combating infection. Regulatory B cells represent a subset of B cells that take part in immunomodulation and control inflammation. The immunoregulatory function of regulatory B cells has been shown in various murine models of several disorders. In this study, a comparable IL-10 competent B-10 cell subset (regulatory B cells) was characterized during lethal and non-lethal infection with malaria parasites using the mouse model. We observed that infection of Balb/c mice with P. yoelii I 7XL was lethal, and a rapid increase in dynamics of IL-10 producing B220+CD5+CD1d+ regulatory B cells over the course of infection was observed. However, animals infected with a less virulent strain of the parasite P. yoelii I7XNL attained complete resistance. It was observed that there is an increase in the population of regulatory B cells with an increase of parasitemia; however, a sudden drop in the frequency of these cells was observed with parasite clearance. Adoptive transfer of regulatory B cells to naïve mice followed by infection results in slow parasite growth and enhancement of survival in P. yoelii 17XL (lethal) infected animals. Adoptively transferred regulatory B cells also resulted in decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokine (IFN-γ) and enhanced production of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). It infers that these regulatory B cells may contribute in immune protection by preventing the inflammation associated with disease and inhibiting the parasite growth.
Forensic Application of Genetic and Toxicological Analyses for the Identification and Characterization of the Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum L.)
Authors: Tittarelli Roberta , Gismondi Angelo , Di Marco Gabriele , Mineo Federico , Vernich Francesca , Russo Carmelo , Marsella Luigi Tonino , Canini Antonella
Published: April 2022

Background: A reliable and science-based taxonomic determination of Papaver somniferum L. (opium poppy), the illegal species of the genus Papaver, may have practical and legal implications for law enforcement. P. somniferum is a controlled plant because of its narcotic substances, such as morphine and codeine. As poppy plants have rather similar morphological features, both chemical and genetic analysis are required in order to achieve an accurate characterization of such species. The chemical structures of alkaloids are extremely variable even within the same species, which is why the genetic approach may lead to a more scientific Papaver sp. differentiation. The aim of our study was the taxonomic identification of poppy capsules seized by the Italian Police Forces being considered as potential P. somniferum derivatives. Methods: The alkaloids detected using gas chromatography/mass-spectrometry (GC/MS) were morphine, codeine, thebaine, noscapine, meconin, hydrocotarnine, and traces of papaverine. Further genetic analysis was carried out simultaneously using three plastid DNA barcoding regions (matK, trnH-psbA, and rbcL) for the samples’ identification. Results: The Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method showed that the analysed samples were genetically identical. Conclusions: The morphological, toxicological, and genetic profile of the samples revealed that they belonged to P. somniferum species. Furthermore, the alkaloid content of dried poppy capsules might be used to investigate and track their origin.
Utilization of Legume-Nodule Bacterial Symbiosis in Phytoremediation of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils
Authors: Jach Monika Elżbieta , Sajnaga Ewa , Ziaja Maria
Published: April 2022

With the increasing industrial activity of the growing human population, the accumulation of various contaminants in soil, including heavy metals, has increased rapidly. Heavy metals as non-biodegradable elements persist in the soil environment and may pollute crop plants, further accumulating in the human body causing serious conditions. Hence, phytoremediation of land contamination as an environmental restoration technology is desirable for both human health and broad-sense ecology. Legumes (Fabaceae), which play a special role in nitrogen cycling, are dominant plants in contaminated areas. Therefore, the use of legumes and associated nitrogen-fixing rhizobia to reduce the concentrations or toxic effects of contaminants in the soil is environmentally friendly and becomes a promising strategy for phytoremediation and phytostabilization. Rhizobia, which have such plant growth-promoting (PGP) features as phosphorus solubilization, phytohormone synthesis, siderophore release, production of beneficial compounds for plants, and most of all nitrogen fixation, may promote legume growth while diminishing metal toxicity. The aim of the present review is to provide a comprehensive description of the main effects of metal contaminants in nitrogen-fixing leguminous plants and the benefits of using the legume–rhizobium symbiosis with both wild-type and genetically modified plants and bacteria to enhance an efficient recovery of contaminated lands.
Insights into a Cancer-Target Demethylase: Substrate Prediction through Systematic Specificity Analysis for KDM3A
Authors: Chopra Anand , Willmore William G. , Biggar Kyle K.
Published: April 2022

Jumonji C (JmjC) lysine demethylases (KDMs) catalyze the removal of methyl (-CH3) groups from modified lysyl residues. Several JmjC KDMs promote cancerous properties and these findings have primarily been in relation to histone demethylation. However, the biological roles of these enzymes are increasingly being shown to also be attributed to non-histone demethylation. Notably, KDM3A has become relevant to tumour progression due to recent findings of this enzyme’s role in promoting cancerous phenotypes, such as enhanced glucose consumption and upregulated mechanisms of chemoresistance. To aid in uncovering the mechanism(s) by which KDM3A imparts its oncogenic function(s), this study aimed to unravel KDM3A substrate specificity to predict high-confidence substrates. Firstly, substrate specificity was assessed by monitoring activity towards a peptide permutation library of histone H3 di-methylated at lysine-9 (i.e., H3K9me2). From this, the KDM3A recognition motif was established and used to define a set of high-confidence predictions of demethylation sites from within the KDM3A interactome. Notably, this led to the identification of three in vitro substrates (MLL1, p300, and KDM6B), which are relevant to the field of cancer progression. This preliminary data may be exploited in further tissue culture experiments to decipher the avenues by which KDM3A imparts cancerous phenotypes.
Compact Microfluidic Platform with LED Light-Actuated Valves for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Automation
Authors: Burdó-Masferrer Mireia , Díaz-González María , Sanchis Ana , Calleja Álvaro , Marco María-Pilar , Fernández-Sánchez César , Baldi Antonio
Published: April 2022

Lab-on-a-chip devices incorporating valves and pumps can perform complex assays involving multiple reagents. However, the instruments used to drive these chips are complex and bulky. In this article, a new wax valve design that uses light from a light emitting diode (LED) for both opening and closing is reported. The valves and a pumping chamber are integrated in lab-on-a-foil chips that can be fabricated at low cost using rapid prototyping techniques. A chip for the implementation of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) is designed. A porous nitrocellulose material is used for the immobilization of capture antibodies in the microchannel. A compact generic instrument with an array of 64 LEDs, a linear actuator to drive the pumping chamber, and absorbance detection for a colorimetric readout of the assay is also presented. Characterization of all the components and functionalities of the platform and the designed chip demonstrate their potential for assay automation.
Editorial to Special Issue “Cognitive Involvement in Multiple Sclerosis”
Authors: Lanzillo Roberta
Published: April 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifaceted and complex disorder that mainly affects young adults, impacting their work and social abilities [...]
Research on Visual Preference of Chinese Courthouse Architecture Appearance
Authors: Pan Jingyin , Yuan Yuping , Wang Xinyu , Han Chenping
Published: April 2022

Whether courthouse architecture should be solemn or friendly is a topic worth exploring. Currently, a large quantity of courthouse buildings have been constructed in China, but the architectural style differs greatly. This situation provides a good foundation for the study on visual preference appraisal of the external form of courthouse buildings. This research selected 50 representative courthouse buildings as the research object and set architectural style, height–width ratio, window–wall ratio, and open ground in front of the buildings as the physical properties under study. Participants of different demographic characteristics were chosen to conduct a photo stimulation experiment. The results obtained were analyzed by SPSS. According to the research results, the neoclassical courthouse building with a large window–wall ratio, small height–width ratio, and large open ground is the most favorite among the participants; participants of different demographic characteristics render different visual preference appraisals of the external form of Chinese courthouse buildings. Contemporary Chinese court building should have a new image. This research can be taken as a reference for the external design of Chinese courthouse buildings.
Assessment of the Exterior Quality of Traditional Residences: A Genetic Algorithm–Backpropagation Approach
Authors: Xu Lu , Liu Ke , Sang Kun , Lin Guiye , Luo Qingliu , Huang Caizhu , Giordano Andrea
Published: April 2022

The visual aesthetics of villages are remarkably affected by the exterior quality of traditional residences, influencing the impression and assessment of local culture. A proper scientific assessment of exterior quality can protect traditional cultures and improve the development of villages. This research was conducted in a village consisting of 115 residences (Mengjinglai village, which is on the border between China and Myanmar). The backpropagation (BP) neural network model with genetic algorithm (GA) was applied to evaluate the quality of the dwellings. All the evaluation values of the dwellings were defined by scores. Meanwhile, the score of each residence was affected by three main factors: architectural spatial elements, architectural construction elements, and historical and cultural elements. The results show that the village’s dwellings are well preserved and clearly express the traditional Dai style. Moreover, the GA–BP approach is more suitable than the traditional BP method for the assessment of the exterior quality. The quantitative machine learning model would be useful for other aspects of the assessment of similar villages in the future.
BIM-Based Dynamic Construction Safety Rule Checking Using Ontology and Natural Language Processing
Authors: Shen Qiyu , Wu Songfei , Deng Yichuan , Deng Hui , Cheng Jack C. P.
Published: April 2022

Real-time identification and prevention of safety risks in dynamic construction activities are demanded by construction safety managers to cope with the growing complexity of the construction site. Most of the studies on BIM-based construction safety inspection and prevention use data from the planning and design stage. Meanwhile, safety managers still need to spend a lot of time gathering reports about construction safety risks in certain periods or areas from inferred results in BIM. Therefore, this paper proposed an automatic safety risk identification and prevention mechanism for the construction process by integrating a safety rule library based on ontology technology and Natural Language Processing. An automatic inspection mechanism integrating BIM and safety rules is constructed, and a presentation mechanism of intelligent detection results based on Natural Language Processing is designed. The construction process safety rule checking system was developed, and the effectiveness of the system was verified by a case study. The outcome of this paper contributes to the development and application of ontology in construction safety research, and the NLP-based safety rule checking result presentation will benefit safety inspectors and construction managers in practice.
Metal-Organic Frameworks Decorated Cu2O Heterogeneous Catalysts for Selective Oxidation of Styrene
Authors: Han Mengyi , Tang Xue , Wang Peng , Zhao Zhiyong , Ba Xiaohua , Jiang Yu , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: April 2022

The selective oxidation of styrene with highly efficient, environmentally benign, and cost-effective catalysts are of great importance for sustainable chemical processes. Here, we develop an in situ self-assembly strategy to decorate Cu-based metal-organic framework (MOF) Cu-BDC-NH2 nanocrystals on Cu2O octahedra to construct a series of Cu2O@Cu-BDC-NH2 catalysts for selective oxidation of styrene. Using H2O2 as green oxidants, the optimized sample of Cu2O@Cu-BDC-NH2-8h could achieve 85% styrene conversion with 76% selectivity of benzaldehyde under a mild condition of 40 °C. The high performance of the as-prepared heterogeneous catalysts was attributed to the well-designed Cu+/Cu2+ interface between Cu2O and Cu-BDC-NH2 as well as the porous MOF shells composed of the uniformly dispersed Cu-BDC-NH2 nanocrystals. The alkaline properties of Cu2O and the –NH2 modification of MOFs enable the reaction to be carried out in a base-free condition, which simplifies the separation process and makes the catalytic system more environmentally friendly. Besides the Cu2O octahedra (od-Cu2O), the Cu2O cuboctahedrons (cod-Cu2O) were synthesized by adjusting the added polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and the obtained cod-Cu2O@Cu-BDC-NH2 composite also showed good catalytic performance. This work provides a useful strategy for developing highly efficient and environmentally benign heterogeneous catalysts for the selective oxidation of styrene.
Promoted Performance of Layered Perovskite PrBaFe2O5+δ Cathode for Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells by Zn Doping
Authors: Teketel Birkneh Sirak , Beshiwork Bayu Admasu , Tian Dong , Zhu Shiyue , Desta Halefom G. , Kashif Khan , Chen Yonghong , Lin Bin
Published: April 2022

Proton-conducting solid–oxide fuel cell (H-SOFC) is an alternative promising low-temperature electrochemical cell for renewable energy, but the performance is insufficient because of the low activity of cathode materials at low temperatures. A layered perovskite oxide PrBaFe1.9Zn0.1O5+δ (PBFZ) was synthesized and investigated as a promising cathode material for low-temperature H-SOFC. Here, the partial substitution of Fe by Zn further enhances the electrical conductivity and thermal compatibility of PrBaFe2O5+δ (PBF). The PBFZ exhibits improved conductivity in the air at intermediate temperatures and good chemical compatibility with electrolytes. The oxygen vacancy formed at the PBFZ lattice due to Zn doping enhances proton defects, resulting in an improved performance by extending the catalytic sites to the whole cathode area. A single cell with a Ni-BZCY anode, PBFZ cathode, and BaZr0.7Ce0.2Y0.1O3-δ (BZCY) electrolyte membrane was successfully fabricated and tested at 550–700 °C. The maximum power density and Rp were enhanced to 513 mW·cm−2 and 0.3 Ω·cm2 at 700 °C, respectively, due to Zn doping.
Mcl-1 Differentially Regulates Autophagy in Response to Changes in Energy Status and Mitochondrial Damage
Authors: Moyzis Alexandra G. , Lally Navraj S. , Liang Wenjing , Najor Rita H. , Gustafsson Åsa B.
Published: April 2022

Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) is a unique antiapoptotic Bcl-2 member that is critical for mitochondrial homeostasis. Recent studies have demonstrated that Mcl-1′s functions extend beyond its traditional role in preventing apoptotic cell death. Specifically, data suggest that Mcl-1 plays a regulatory role in autophagy, an essential degradation pathway involved in recycling and eliminating dysfunctional organelles. Here, we investigated whether Mcl-1 regulates autophagy in the heart. We found that cardiac-specific overexpression of Mcl-1 had little effect on baseline autophagic activity but strongly suppressed starvation-induced autophagy. In contrast, Mcl-1 did not inhibit activation of autophagy during myocardial infarction or mitochondrial depolarization. Instead, overexpression of Mcl-1 increased the clearance of depolarized mitochondria by mitophagy independent of Parkin. The increase in mitophagy was partially mediated via Mcl-1′s LC3-interacting regions and mutation of these sites significantly reduced Mcl-1-mediated mitochondrial clearance. We also found that Mcl-1 interacted with the mitophagy receptor Bnip3 and that the interaction was increased in response to mitochondrial stress. Overall, these findings suggest that Mcl-1 suppresses nonselective autophagy during nutrient limiting conditions, whereas it enhances selective autophagy of dysfunctional mitochondria by functioning as a mitophagy receptor.
Obesity-Associated Cancers: Evidence from Studies in Mouse Models
Authors: Lee Ho
Published: April 2022

Obesity, one of the major problems in modern human society, is correlated with various diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In particular, epidemiological and experimental evidence indicates that obesity is closely linked to at least 13 different types of cancer. The mechanisms that potentially explain the link between obesity and cancer include hyperactivation of the IGF pathway, metabolic dysregulation, dysfunctional angiogenesis, chronic inflammation, and interaction between pro-inflammatory cytokines, endocrine hormones, and adipokines. However, how the largely uniform morbidity of obesity leads to different types of cancer still needs to be investigated. To study the link between obesity and cancer, researchers have commonly used preclinical animal models, particularly mouse models. These models include monogenic models of obesity (e.g., ob/ob and db/db mice) and genetically modified mouse models of human cancers (e.g., Kras-driven pancreatic cancer, Apc-mutated colorectal cancer, and Her2/neu-overexpressing breast cancer). The experimental results obtained using these mouse models revealed strong evidence of a link between obesity and cancer and suggested their underlying mechanisms.
β-Arrestin2 Is Critically Involved in the Differential Regulation of Phosphosignaling Pathways by Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone and Taltirelin
Authors: Drastichova Zdenka , Trubacova Radka , Novotny Jiri
Published: April 2022

In recent years, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and its analogs, including taltirelin (TAL), have demonstrated a range of effects on the central nervous system that represent potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of various neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms of their actions remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated phosphosignaling dynamics in pituitary GH1 cells affected by TRH and TAL and the putative role of β-arrestin2 in mediating these effects. Our results revealed widespread alterations in many phosphosignaling pathways involving signal transduction via small GTPases, MAP kinases, Ser/Thr- and Tyr-protein kinases, Wnt/β-catenin, and members of the Hippo pathway. The differential TRH- or TAL-induced phosphorylation of numerous proteins suggests that these ligands exhibit some degree of biased agonism at the TRH receptor. The different phosphorylation patterns induced by TRH or TAL in β-arrestin2-deficient cells suggest that the β-arrestin2 scaffold is a key factor determining phosphorylation events after TRH receptor activation. Our results suggest that compounds that modulate kinase and phosphatase activity can be considered as additional adjuvants to enhance the potential therapeutic value of TRH or TAL.
Loss of Proximal Tubular Sirtuin 6 Aggravates Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction-Induced Tubulointerstitial Inflammation and Fibrosis by Regulation of β-Catenin Acetylation
Authors: Jin Jixiu , Li Wenjia , Wang Tian , Park Byung-Hyun , Park Sung Kwang , Kang Kyung Pyo
Published: April 2022

Renal fibrosis is a significant pathologic change associated with progressive kidney disease. Sirt6 is an NAD+-dependent deacetylase and mono-ADP ribosyltransferase known to play diverse roles in the processes attendant to aging, metabolism, and carcinogenesis. However, the role of proximal tubule-specific Sirt6 in renal fibrosis remains elusive. This study investigates the effect of proximal tubule-specific Sirt6 knockdown on unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. Renal fibrosis in wild type and PT-Sirt6KO (Sirt6flox/flox; Ggt1-Cre+) mice was induced by UUO surgery. After seven days, histologic examination and Western blot analysis were performed to examine extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression. We evaluated inflammatory cytokine and cell adhesion molecule expression after ureteral obstruction. The therapeutic effect of Sirt6 activator MDL-800 on UUO-induced tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis was assessed. The loss of Sirt6 in the proximal tubules aggravated UUO-induced tubular injury, ECM deposition, F4/80 positive macrophage infiltration, and proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression. Sirt6 activator MDL-800 mitigated UUO-induced renal tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. In an in vitro experiment, MDL-800 decreases the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced activation of myofibroblast and ECM production by regulating Sirt6-dependent β-catenin acetylation and the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. In conclusion, proximal tubule Sirt6 may play an essential role in UUO-induced tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis by regulating Sirt6-dependent β-catenin acetylation and ECM protein promoter transcription.
HSP90 Modulates T2R Bitter Taste Receptor Nitric Oxide Production and Innate Immune Responses in Human Airway Epithelial Cells and Macrophages
Authors: Carey Ryan M. , Hariri Benjamin M. , Adappa Nithin D. , Palmer James N. , Lee Robert J.
Published: April 2022

Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed in various cell types including ciliated airway epithelial cells and macrophages. T2Rs in these two innate immune cell types are activated by bitter products, including those secreted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, leading to Ca2+-dependent activation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS). NO enhances mucociliary clearance and has direct antibacterial effects in ciliated epithelial cells. NO also increases phagocytosis by macrophages. Using biochemistry and live-cell imaging, we explored the role of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in regulating T2R-dependent NO pathways in primary sinonasal epithelial cells, primary monocyte-derived macrophages, and a human bronchiolar cell line (H441). Immunofluorescence showed that H441 cells express eNOS and T2Rs and that the bitter agonist denatonium benzoate activates NO production in a Ca2+- and HSP90-dependent manner in cells grown either as submerged cultures or at the air–liquid interface. In primary sinonasal epithelial cells, we determined that HSP90 inhibition reduces T2R-stimulated NO production and ciliary beating, which likely limits pathogen clearance. In primary monocyte-derived macrophages, we found that HSP-90 is integral to T2R-stimulated NO production and phagocytosis of FITC-labeled Escherichia coli and pHrodo-Staphylococcus aureus. Our study demonstrates that HSP90 serves as an innate immune modulator by regulating NO production downstream of T2R signaling by augmenting eNOS activation without impairing upstream Ca2+ signaling. These findings suggest that HSP90 plays an important role in airway antibacterial innate immunity and may be an important target in airway diseases such as chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, or cystic fibrosis.
Acute Kidney Injury in Children with Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Marzuillo Pierluigi , Coppola Crescenzo , Caiazzo Roberta , Macchini Giulia , Di Sessa Anna , Guarino Stefano , Esposito Francesco , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele , Tipo Vincenzo
Published: April 2022

We hypothesized that—as in other common pediatric conditions—acute appendicitis (AA) could be complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of, and the factors associated with AKI in a cohort of patients with AA. We retrospectively collected data of 122 children (63.9% of male gender; mean age 8.6 ± 2.9 years; range: 2.2–13.9 years) hospitalized for AA. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease/Improving Global Outcomes creatinine criteria. We considered a basal serum creatinine value as the value of creatinine estimated with the Hoste (age) equation, assuming that the basal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 120 mL/min/1.73 m2. Explorative univariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the associations with AKI. Out of 122 patients, nine (7.4%) presented with AKI. One patient had stage two AKI and the remaining had stage one AKI. The maximum AKI stage was found at admission. The patients with AKI showed a higher prevalence of fever ≥ 38.5 °C (p = 0.02), vomiting (p = 0.03), ≥5% dehydration (p = 0.03), and higher levels of both C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.002) and neutrophils (p = 0.03) compared with patients without AKI. Because all patients with AKI also presented with vomiting, an Odds Ratio (OR) for the vomiting was not calculable. The exploratory univariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that fever ≥ 38.5 °C (OR = 5.0; 95% CI: 1.2/21.5; p = 0.03), ≥5% dehydration (OR = 8.4; 95% CI: 1.1/69.6; p = 0.04), CRP (OR = 1.1; 95% CI: 1.05/1.2; p = 0.01), and neutrophil levels (OR = 1.1; 95% CI: 1.01/1.3; p = 0.04) were all predictive factors of AKI. AKI can occur in 7.4% of patients with AA. Particular attention should be paid to the kidney health of patients with AA especially in the presence of vomiting, ≥5% dehydration, fever ≥ 38.5 °C, and high CRP and neutrophils levels.
COVID-19 Vaccination in Italian Children: The Limits of Parental Rights
Authors: Marrone Maricla , Luca Benedetta Pia De , Stellacci Alessandra , Buongiorno Luigi , Caricato Pierluigi , Cazzato Gerardo , Ferorelli Davide , Solarino Biagio , Stefanizzi Pasquale , Tafuri Silvio , Gorini Ettore , Landro Michele di , Dell’Erba Alessandro , Laforgia Nicola
Published: April 2022

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaigns initially targeted the adult population. After the authorization of the main agencies, including the EMA (European Medicines Agency), the European Vaccination Plan now involves young people between the ages of 12–17 and 5–11. In assessing the child’s “best interests”, the refusal of vaccination by parents or guardians, in addition to the increased circulation of the virus, is responsible for the risk of social distancing. This reduction in social contacts, particularly during very sensitive ages such as adolescence, has been linked to the increased incidence of psychiatric illness, a significant reason for extending vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in these younger children. One may consider that government should issue a law that allows the child to decide on the vaccination plan, even without the consent of the parents or guardians, without the need for a judge’s ruling. The availability of the child should be the point of reference, according to the National Bioethics Committee, for consent to vaccination. The authors investigate the subject in depth in order to counteract vaccination hesitation, and promote the dissemination of correct scientific information, using every different possible communication tool, as well as social networks and schools.
Comparison of REST and GraphQL Interfaces for OPC UA
Authors: Ala-Laurinaho Riku , Mattila Joel , Autiosalo Juuso , Hietala Jani , Laaki Heikki , Tammi Kari
Published: April 2022

Industry 4.0 and Cyber-physical systems require easy access to shop-floor data, which allows the monitoring and optimization of the manufacturing process. To achieve this, several papers have proposed various ways to make OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture), a standard protocol for industrial communication, RESTful (Representational State Transfer). As an alternative to REST, GraphQL has recently gained popularity amongst web developers. This paper compares the characteristics of the REST and GraphQL interfaces for OPC UA and conducts measurements on reading and writing data. The measurements show that GraphQL offers better performance than REST when multiple values are read or written, whereas REST is faster with single values. However, using OPC UA directly outperforms both REST and GraphQL interfaces. As a conclusion, this paper recommends using a GraphQL interface alongside an OPC UA server in smart factories to simultaneously yield easy data access, the best performance, and maximum interoperability.
Metaheuristic Extreme Learning Machine for Improving Performance of Electric Energy Demand Forecasting
Authors: Boriratrit Sarunyoo , Srithapon Chitchai , Fuangfoo Pradit , Chatthaworn Rongrit
Published: April 2022

Electric energy demand forecasting is very important for electric utilities to procure and supply electric energy for consumers sufficiently, safely, reliably, and continuously. Consequently, the processing time and accuracy of the forecast system are essential to consider when applying in real power system operations. Nowadays, the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) is significant for forecasting as it provides an acceptable value of forecasting and consumes less computation time when compared with the state-of-the-art forecasting models. However, the result of electric energy demand forecasting from the ELM was unstable and its accuracy was increased by reducing overfitting of the ELM model. In this research, metaheuristic optimization combined with the ELM is proposed to increase accuracy and reduce the cause of overfitting of three forecasting models, composed of the Jellyfish Search Extreme Learning Machine (JS-ELM), the Harris Hawk Extreme Learning Machine (HH-ELM), and the Flower Pollination Extreme Learning Machine (FP-ELM). The actual electric energy demand datasets in Thailand were collected from 2018 to 2020 and used to test and compare the performance of the proposed and state-of-the-art forecasting models. The overall results show that the JS-ELM provides the best minimum root mean square error compared with the state-of-the-art forecasting models. Moreover, the JS-ELM consumes the appropriate processing time in this experiment.
A Comparative Study of the Gemological Characteristics and Inclusions in Spinels from Myanmar and Tajikistan
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhu Jing-Ran , Yu Xiao-Yan
Published: April 2022

Currently, most of the popular spinels in the jewellery market come from Myanmar and Tajikistan. It is well known that provenance is one of the main factors affecting the value of a gemstone, and the geographic origin of a gemstone can be determined by examining its gemological and inclusion characteristics. This study systematically characterized the conventional gemology of spinels from Myanmar and Tajikistan and compared the inclusions in the spinels from these two countries by means of gemological microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that most red and pink Myanmarese spinels were octahedral or contact twins, while Tajikistani spinels are slabbed or octahedral distorted crystals. Columnar zircon is frequently found in Tajikistani spinels but rare in Myanmarese spinels, appearing as tiny accessory inclusions. There are three types of carbonate inclusions (magnesite, dolomite, and calcite) in Myanmarese spinels, but Tajikistani spinels have only one (magnesite). In addition, spinels of different origins include special inclusions. Myanmarese spinels contain pyrite inclusions; Tajikistani spinels contain rutile and talc inclusions.
Preparation and Characterization of B4C-HfB2 Composites as Material for High-Temperature Thermocouples
Authors: Feng Bing , Martin Hans-Peter , Michaelis Alexander
Published: April 2022

Boron carbide shows high thermoelectric power. Therefore, it is an interesting material for thermoelectric applications. In the past, there were already successful uses of boron carbide as a thermocouple material together with graphite. However, more reliable, cost-efficient, and long-term stable solutions are required for practical benefit. Boron carbide and hafnium boride composites were prepared by pressureless sintering of B4C and HfC powder mixtures. The effect of HfC addition on the sinterability of boron carbide was studied. Highly densified ceramic with a relative density of 95.4% was obtained at a sintering temperature of 2250 °C. The composition and the microstructure of the dense composites are characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). In addition, the correlation between the composition, Seebeck coefficient, and the electrical conductivity was investigated. The Seebeck coefficient of the composite is decreased and the electrical conductivity is increased with the increasing addition of HfC, and a change in conduction behavior from semiconducting to a metallic mechanism is observed. Functional thermocouples based on the prepared composites were tested and showed potential for temperature measurement application.
Introducing Ultra-Low Energy Ion Implantation of Radioactive Isotopes at ISOLDE, CERN for (Near-)Surface Characterization: The ASPIC and ASCII Vacuum Chambers
Authors: van Stiphout Koen , Lieske Leonard-Alexander , Auge Manuel , Hofsäss Hans
Published: April 2022

Solid-state physics research has long employed radioactive isotopes to investigate the crystallographic, electric and magnetic properties of nanostructures. Ion implantation (1–100 keV) is the method of choice for incorporating radioactive nuclei into the crystal structure. However, the enormous scientific interest in 2D materials, multiferroics and their interfaces of the last decades has lead to more stringent demands for isotope incorporation. Ultra-low energy (ULE) ion implantation (10–100 eV) provides the ability to precisely tune the depth of the implanted radioactive probes, even in the case of atomically thin 2D materials. To unlock this potential and expand the experimental capabilities of the ISOLDE collaboration in CERN, the apparatus for surface physics and interfaces at CERN (ASPIC), an experienced ultra-high vacuum chamber dedicated to surface characterization and modification, is refurbished and upgraded with a new component: the ASPIC’s ion implantation (ASCII) chamber, designed for ULE ion implantation of radioactive probes. This paper describes the scientific context, design and application of these vacuum chambers.
Postoperative Findings of Common Foot and Ankle Surgeries: An Imaging Review
Authors: Soltanolkotabi Maryam , Mallory Chris , Allen Hailey , Chan Brian Y. , Mills Megan K. , Leake Richard L.
Published: April 2022

Foot and ankle surgery is increasingly prevalent. Knowledge of the mechanisms underlying common foot and ankle deformities is useful in understanding surgical procedures used to restore normal biomechanics. As surgical techniques evolve, it is important for the radiologist to be familiar with these procedures, their expected postoperative appearance, and potential complications. This article reviews the key imaging findings of a variety of common and important foot and ankle surgical procedures.
Experience of Low-Pass Whole-Genome Sequencing-Based Copy Number Variant Analysis: A Survey of Chinese Tertiary Hospitals
Authors: Zheng Yu , Zhu Baosheng , Tan Jichun , Guan Yichun ,   The Chinese Genomic Structural Variants Consortium, Morton Cynthia C. , Lu Guangxiu
Published: April 2022

In China, low-pass whole-genome sequencing (low-pass WGS) is emerging as an alternative diagnostic test to detect copy number variants (CNVs). This survey aimed to study the laboratory practice, service quality, and case volumes of low-pass WGS-based CNV analysis among national accredited Chinese tertiary hospitals that have routinely applied low-pass WGS for more than a year and that have been certified in next-generation sequencing (NGS) clinical applications for more than three years. The questionnaire focused on (1) the composition of patients’ referral indications for testing and annual case volumes; (2) the capacity of conducting laboratory assays, bioinformatic analyses, and reporting; (3) the sequencing platforms and parameters utilized; and (4) CNV nomenclature in reports. Participants were required to respond based on their routine laboratory practices and data audited in a 12-month period from February 2019 to January 2020. Overall, 24 participants representing 24 tertiary referral hospitals from 21 provincial administrative regions in China returned the questionnaires. Excluding three hospitals routinely applying low-pass WGS for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) only, the analysis only focused on the data submitted by the rest 21 hospitals. These hospitals applied low-pass WGS-based CNV analysis for four primary applications: high-risk pregnancies, spontaneous abortions, couples with adverse pregnancy history, and children with congenital birth defects. The overall estimated annual sample volume was over 36,000 cases. The survey results showed that the most commonly reported detection limit for CNV size (resolution) was 100 kb; however, the sequencing methods utilized by the participants were variable (single-end: 61.90%, 13/21; paired-end: 28.57%, 6/21; both: 9.52%, 2/21). The diversity was also reflected in the sequencing parameters: the mean read count was 13.75 million reads/case (95% CI, 9.91–17.60) and the read-length median was 65 bp (95% CI, 75.17–104.83). To assess further the compliance of the CNV reporting nomenclature according to the 2016 edition of International System for Human Cytogenomics Nomenclature (ISCN 2016), a scoring metric was applied and yielded responses from 19 hospitals; the mean compliance score was 7.79 out of 10 points (95% CI, 6.78–8.80). Our results indicated that the low-pass WGS-based CNV analysis service is in great demand in China. From a quality control perspective, challenges remain regarding the establishment of standard criteria for low-pass WGS-based CNV analysis and data reporting formats. In summary, the low-pass WGS-based method is becoming a common diagnostic approach, transforming the possibilities for genetic diagnoses for patients in China.
Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma of the Uterus: Clinicopathological and Molecular Characteristics
Authors: Lee Yurimi , Na Kiyong , Woo Ha Young , Kim Hyun-Soo
Published: April 2022

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumor mainly affecting adolescents and young adults, with a predilection for the deep soft tissues of extremities. ASPS arising in the female genital tract is extremely rare and poses a significant diagnostic challenge. We herein present two rare cases of ASPS, one occurring in the uterine corpus of a 27-year-old woman, and the other in the uterine cervix of a 10-year-old girl. We described the clinical, histological, immunophenotypical, and molecular characteristics of primary uterine ASPS. We performed immunostaining for transcription factor E3 (TFE3), human melanoma black 45 (HMB45), melan-A, desmin, pan-cytokeratin (CK), paired box 8 (PAX8), CD10, hormone receptors, and S100, and targeted RNA and DNA sequencing using commercially available cancer gene panel. In case 1, a 27-year-old woman was referred to our hospital after laparoscopic uterine myomectomy at an outside hospital. Imaging studies revealed a residual tumor in the uterine corpus. In case 2, a 10-year-old girl underwent surgical excision for the cervical mass and was diagnosed as having ASPS. She was then referred to our hospital for further management. Both patients received total hysterectomy. Histologically, they displayed characteristic histological features of ASPS. Strong nuclear TFE3 immunoreactivity, periodic acid-Schiff-positive, diastase-resistant intracytoplasmic rod-shaped crystalloids or granules, and the identification of ASPSCR1–TFE3 fusion confirmed the diagnosis of ASPS in both cases. Lack of immunoreactivity for HMB45, melan-A, desmin, pan-CK, PAX8, and S100 excluded the possibility of perivascular epithelioid cell tumor, clear cell sarcoma, metastatic renal cell carcinoma, granular cell tumor, and paraganglioma. Our observations can help pathologists make an accurate diagnosis of uterine ASPS and suggest that pathologists should include primary uterine ASPS in the differential diagnosis of uterine mesenchymal tumors.
Visual Navigation and Path Tracking Using Street Geometry Information for Image Alignment and Servoing
Authors: Shahoud Ayham , Shashev Dmitriy , Shidlovskiy Stanislav
Published: April 2022

Single camera-based navigation systems need information from other sensors or from the work environment to produce reliable and accurate position measurements. Providing such trustable, accurate, and available information in the environment is very important. The work highlights that the availability of well-described streets in urban environments can be exploited by drones for navigation and path tracking purposes, thus benefitting from such structures is not limited to only automated driving cars. While the drone position is continuously computed using visual odometry, scene matching is used to correct the position drift depending on some landmarks. The drone path is defined by several waypoints, and landmarks centralized by those waypoints are carefully chosen in the street intersections. The known streets’ geometry and dimensions are used to estimate the image scale and orientation which are necessary for images alignment, to compensate for the visual odometry drift, and to pass closer to the landmark center by the visual servoing process. Probabilistic Hough transform is used to detect and extract the street borders. The system is realized in a simulation environment consisting of the Robot Operating System ROS, 3D dynamic simulator Gazebo, and IRIS drone model. The results prove the suggested system efficiency with a 1.4 m position RMS error.
Drone Usage for Medicine and Vaccine Delivery during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Attitude of Health Care Workers in Rural Medical Centres
Authors: Sham Rohana , Siau Ching Sin , Tan Steven , Kiu Dawn Chii , Sabhi Hasminulhadi , Thew Hui Zhu , Selvachandran Ganeshsree , Quek Shio Gai , Ahmad Noorsiah , Ramli Mohd Hanif Mohd
Published: April 2022

Rural areas are often difficult to access reliably with medicine and vaccines. This study aimed to examine rural health care workers’ attitude towards drone delivery for medicine and vaccines and the factors that influenced it. Health care workers from four rural health care facilities were sampled. Participants self-reported their demographic information, attitude towards medicine and vaccine delivery using drones, perception of benefits and risks of using drones, and perceived leadership innovativeness through an online or a pen-and-paper questionnaire. A total of 272 health care workers (mean age = 36.19, SD = 8.10) from all of the sites participated in this study. More than half of the study participants agreed or strongly agreed that using a drone to deliver medicine and vaccines is a good idea (54.2%, 95% CI [47.5, 60.8]), a wise idea (54.6%, 95% CI [47.9, 61.2]), and is desirable (52.5%, 95% CI [45.7, 59.0]). Males (β = 0.223), workers from the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department (β = 0.135), a lower perceived delivery risk (β = −0.237), and higher leadership innovativeness (β = 0.336) predicted positive attitudes towards drone usage. Assistant medical officers (β = −0.172) had a negative attitude. There is a need to further understand the roles of occupation and leadership innovativeness in predicting health care workers’ attitude towards drone usage, as these differences could be embedded within their roles in the health care system.
Comparison of Radar Signatures from a Hybrid VTOL Fixed-Wing Drone and Quad-Rotor Drone
Authors: Gong Jiangkun , Li Deren , Yan Jun , Hu Huiping , Kong Deyong
Published: April 2022

Current studies rarely mention radar detection of hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing drones. We investigated radar signals of an industry-tier VTOL fixed-wing drone, TX25A, compared with the radar detection results of a quad-rotor drone, DJI Phantom 4. We used an X-band pulse-Doppler phased array radar to collect tracking radar data of the two drones in a coastal area near the Yellow Sea in China. The measurements indicate that TX25A had double the values of radar cross-section (RCS) and flying speed and a 2 dB larger signal-to-clutter ratio (SCR) than DJI Phantom 4. The radar signals of both drones had micro-Doppler signals or jet engine modulation (JEM) produced by the lifting rotor blades, but the Doppler modulated by the puller rotor blades of TX25A was undetectable. JEM provides radar signatures such as the rotating rate, modulated by the JEM frequency spacing interval and the number of blades for radar automatic target recognition (ATR), but also interferes with the radar tracking algorithm by suppressing the body Doppler. This work provides an a priori investigation of new VTOL fixed-wing drones and may inspire future research.