bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Modified Surgical Face Mask to Improve Protection and Wearing Comfort
Authors: Zhang Tengfei (Tim) , Zhang Tinglu , Liu Sumei
Published: May 2022

Wearing face masks is essential for reducing infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, ordinary surgical face masks can provide only moderate protection. The N95 face masks should provide sufficient protection but may impose complaints about breathing difficulty or even impair respiratory health. This investigation proposed a novel face mask modified from the surgical face mask to improve both protection and comfort. The filter material of the surgical face mask was covered and sealed on a cardboard support frame but with openings for air permeating through. The modified face masks were worn by a test subject for measuring the air contents inside the face masks. The protection performance was evaluated by the overall PM1 filtration efficiency. The concentrations of CO2, O2, N2, and water vapor were adopted to evaluate the breathing comfort. The performance of the proposed face mask was compared with the market-available surgical and N95 face masks. In addition, CFD modeling was adopted to investigate the dynamic air exchange of the face mask with respiration and the surrounding air. Impacts of the air sampling tube positions on the measurement results were also examined. The results revealed that the overall PM1 filtration efficiency of the modified face mask could reach 96.2%, which was much higher than that of the surgical face mask and only slightly lower than the N95 face mask. As compared with the N95 face mask, the modified mask reduced the respiratory flow resistance and the concentrations of CO2 and water vapor and thus increased the O2 content and breathing comfort.
Mechanical Characteristics and Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Mortar-Rock Binary Medium
Authors: Tang Wenyu , Lin Hang , Chen Yifan , Feng Jingjing , Hu Huihua
Published: May 2022

The stability of the interface between mortar and rock is very important in engineering construction. In this paper, the all-digital acoustic emission (AE) system is used to detect the direct shear test of the mortar-rock binary medium interface with different sawtooth angles under different normal stress states. The stress-displacement information and AE signal during the whole shearing process are extracted. The coupling relationship between stress and AE characteristic parameters is discussed. The quantitative relationship between sawtooth angle and shear strength of binary medium is established, and three AE characteristic parameters that can be used to predict structural instability are proposed. The research shows that: With the increase of the normal stress and the sawtooth angle, the shear strength of the mortar-rock binary medium increases. The relationship of that is obtained by least squares fitting. The shear stress-displacement curve is divided into five stages according to the change of deformation law. Through the analysis of AE characteristic parameters, it is found that increasing the sawtooth angle makes the AE count and AE cumulative count increase. Based on the analysis of the characteristic parameters of RA-AF, the changes of shear cracks and tensile cracks within the whole shearing process were obtained, respectively. In the process of binary medium shearing, the AE peak frequency is in the range of 120–340 kHz. Three acoustic emission parameters that can predict the macroscopic damage of binary media are obtained: the AE b value, the ratio of shear crack signals, and the number of signals with a peak frequency of 220 Hz to 320 Hz.
Influence of Ventilation Operating Modes on Energy Efficiency
Authors: Tihana Jelena , Zajacs Aleksandrs , Ivancovs Dmitrijs , Gaujena Baiba
Published: May 2022

The most significant increase in construction volumes in Latvia was registered in the time period from 2005 to the middle of 2008. Many large suburban areas around Riga were landscaped for building single-family-type houses. People have been using these properties for 12–15 years, and now, the challenge for the inhabitants is to find the most efficient way to maintain a high level of living comfort. Deteriorating systems require investments, so it is in the interest of owners to ensure that the benefits of such investments are maximized and that energy consumption is as low as possible. In this study, the authors simulated various scenarios where HVAC system parameters were changed, and the thermal performance of building structures was improved. Annual energy consumption, indoor quality and thermal comfort were analyzed. The importance of this work is justified by the need to realize and define the energy efficiency levels of existing single-family houses and demonstrate the amount of investment required to move closer to established energy efficiency targets.
Does Tumor Volume Have a Prognostic Role in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Russo Elena , Accorona Remo , Iocca Oreste , Costantino Andrea , Malvezzi Luca , Ferreli Fabio , Franzese Ciro , Scorsetti Marta , Capaccio Pasquale , Mercante Giuseppe , Spriano Giuseppe , De Virgilio Armando
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of tumor volume in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). The study was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 1417 patients with a median age of 59.3 years (IQR 57.5–60) were included. The combined Hazard Ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) were 1.02 (95% CI, 0.99–1.05; p = 0.21) for primary tumor volume (pTV) and 1.01 (95% CI, 1.00–1.02; p = 0.15) for nodal tumor volume (nTV). Regarding locoregional control (LRC), the pooled HRs were 1.07 (95% CI, 0.99–1.17; p = 0.10) for pTV and 1.02 (95% CI, 1.01–1.03; p < 0.05) for nTV. Finally, the pooled HRs for disease-free survival (DFS) were 1.01 (95% CI, 1.00–1.03; p < 0.05) for pTV and 1.02 (95% CI, 1.01–1.03; p < 0.05) for nTV. In conclusion, pTV and nTV seem not to behave as reliable prognostic factors in OPSCC.
Development of Training Materials for Pathologists to Provide Machine Learning Validation Data of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Breast Cancer
Authors: Garcia Victor , Elfer Katherine , Peeters Dieter J. E. , Ehinger Anna , Werness Bruce , Ly Amy , Li Xiaoxian , Hanna Matthew G. , Blenman Kim R. M. , Salgado Roberto , Gallas Brandon D.
Published: May 2022

The High Throughput Truthing project aims to develop a dataset for validating artificial intelligence and machine learning models (AI/ML) fit for regulatory purposes. The context of this AI/ML validation dataset is the reporting of stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) density evaluations in hematoxylin and eosin-stained invasive breast cancer biopsy specimens. After completing the pilot study, we found notable variability in the sTILs estimates as well as inconsistencies and gaps in the provided training to pathologists. Using the pilot study data and an expert panel, we created custom training materials to improve pathologist annotation quality for the pivotal study. We categorized regions of interest (ROIs) based on their mean sTILs density and selected ROIs with the highest and lowest sTILs variability. In a series of eight one-hour sessions, the expert panel reviewed each ROI and provided verbal density estimates and comments on features that confounded the sTILs evaluation. We aggregated and shaped the comments to identify pitfalls and instructions to improve our training materials. From these selected ROIs, we created a training set and proficiency test set to improve pathologist training with the goal to improve data collection for the pivotal study. We are not exploring AI/ML performance in this paper. Instead, we are creating materials that will train crowd-sourced pathologists to be the reference standard in a pivotal study to create an AI/ML model validation dataset. The issues discussed here are also important for clinicians to understand about the evaluation of sTILs in clinical practice and can provide insight to developers of AI/ML models.
Current Developments in the Effective Removal of Environmental Pollutants through Photocatalytic Degradation Using Nanomaterials
Authors: Sivaraman Chandhinipriya , Vijayalakshmi Shankar , Leonard Estelle , Sagadevan Suresh , Jambulingam Ranjitha
Published: May 2022

Photocatalysis plays a prominent role in the protection of the environment from recalcitrant pollutants by reducing hazardous wastes. Among the different methods of choice, photocatalysis mediated through nanomaterials is the most widely used and economical method for removing pollutants from wastewater. Recently, worldwide researchers focused their research on eco-friendly and sustainable environmental aspects. Wastewater contamination is one of the major threats coming from industrial processes, compared to other environmental issues. Much research is concerned with the advanced development of technology for treating wastewater discharged from various industries. Water treatment using photocatalysis is prominent because of its degradation capacity to convert pollutants into non-toxic biodegradable products. Photocatalysts are cheap, and are now emerging slowly in the research field. This review paper elaborates in detail on the metal oxides used as a nano photocatalysts in the various type of pollutant degradation. The progress of research into metal oxide nanoparticles, and their application as photocatalysts in organic pollutant degradation, were highlighted. As a final consideration, the challenges and future perspectives of photocatalysts were analyzed. The application of nano-based materials can be a new horizon in the use of photocatalysts in the near future for organic pollutant degradation.
Tuning the Electronic Properties of Homoleptic Silver(I) bis-BIAN Complexes towards Efficient Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Krisch Dominik , Sun He , Pellumbi Kevinjeorjios , Faust Kirill , Apfel Ulf-Peter , Schöfberger Wolfgang
Published: May 2022

We report herein the preparation and characterization of six readily assembled bis-coordinated homoleptic silver(I) N,N′-bis(arylimino)acenaphthene (BIAN) complexes of general structure [Ag(I)(BIAN)2]BF4 and the influence of the electronic properties of the ligand substitution pattern on their performance in electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2R). All the explored catalysts displayed substantial current enhancements in carbon-dioxide-saturated solvents dependent on the ligated BIAN and no significant concurrent H2 evolution when utilizing 2% H2O as a proton source. Additionally, preliminary studies, employing a drop-casted ink of 0.4 mg cm−2 [Ag(I)(4-OMe-BIAN)2]BF4 (Ag4) immobilized onto carbon paper gas diffusion electrodes in a flow cell with 1M KHCO3 aqueous electrolyte, resulted in a propitious Faradaic efficiency of 51% for CO at a current density of 50 mA cm−2.
Fibrotic Signaling in Cardiac Fibroblasts and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: The Dual Roles of Fibrosis in HFpEF and CAD
Authors: Bachmann Julian C. , Baumgart Simon J. , Uryga Anna K. , Bosteen Markus H. , Borghetti Giulia , Nyberg Michael , Herum Kate M.
Published: May 2022

Patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and atherosclerosis-driven coronary artery disease (CAD) will have ongoing fibrotic remodeling both in the myocardium and in atherosclerotic plaques. However, the functional consequences of fibrosis differ for each location. Thus, cardiac fibrosis leads to myocardial stiffening, thereby compromising cardiac function, while fibrotic remodeling stabilizes the atherosclerotic plaque, thereby reducing the risk of plaque rupture. Although there are currently no drugs targeting cardiac fibrosis, it is a field under intense investigation, and future drugs must take these considerations into account. To explore similarities and differences of fibrotic remodeling at these two locations of the heart, we review the signaling pathways that are activated in the main extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing cells, namely human cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Although these signaling pathways are highly overlapping and context-dependent, effects on ECM remodeling mainly act through two core signaling cascades: TGF-β and Angiotensin II. We complete this by summarizing the knowledge gained from clinical trials targeting these two central fibrotic pathways.
Long Non-Coding RNAs as Novel Biomarkers in the Clinical Management of Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients: A Promise or a Pledge?
Authors: Trevisani Francesco , Floris Matteo , Vago Riccardo , Minnei Roberto , Cinque Alessandra
Published: May 2022

Papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) represents the second most common subtype of renal cell carcinoma, following clear cell carcinoma and accounting for 10–15% of cases. For around 20 years, pRCCs have been classified according to their mere histopathologic appearance, unsupported by genetic and molecular evidence, with an unmet need for clinically relevant classification. Moreover, patients with non-clear cell renal cell carcinomas have been seldom included in large clinical trials; therefore, the therapeutic landscape is less defined than in the clear cell subtype. However, in the last decades, the evolving comprehension of pRCC molecular features has led to a growing use of target therapy and to better oncological outcomes. Nonetheless, a reliable molecular biomarker able to detect the aggressiveness of pRCC is not yet available in clinical practice. As a result, the pRCC correct prognosis remains cumbersome, and new biomarkers able to stratify patients upon risk of recurrence are strongly needed. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are functional elements which play critical roles in gene expression, at the epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels. In the last decade, ncRNAs have gained importance as possible biomarkers for several types of diseases, especially in the cancer universe. In this review, we analyzed the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the prognosis of pRCC, with a particular focus on their networking. In fact, in the competing endogenous RNA hypothesis, lncRNAs can bind miRNAs, resulting in the modulation of the mRNA levels targeted by the sponged miRNA, leading to additional regulation of the target gene expression and increasing complexity in the biological processes.
The Impact of Membrane Protein Diffusion on GPCR Signaling
Authors: Boltz Horst-Holger , Sirbu Alexei , Stelzer Nina , de Lanerolle Primal , Winkelmann Stefanie , Annibale Paolo
Published: May 2022

Spatiotemporal signal shaping in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling is now a well-established and accepted notion to explain how signaling specificity can be achieved by a superfamily sharing only a handful of downstream second messengers. Dozens of Gs-coupled GPCR signals ultimately converge on the production of cAMP, a ubiquitous second messenger. This idea is almost always framed in terms of local concentrations, the differences in which are maintained by means of spatial separation. However, given the dynamic nature of the reaction-diffusion processes at hand, the dynamics, in particular the local diffusional properties of the receptors and their cognate G proteins, are also important. By combining some first principle considerations, simulated data, and experimental data of the receptors diffusing on the membranes of living cells, we offer a short perspective on the modulatory role of local membrane diffusion in regulating GPCR-mediated cell signaling. Our analysis points to a diffusion-limited regime where the effective production rate of activated G protein scales linearly with the receptor–G protein complex’s relative diffusion rate and to an interesting role played by the membrane geometry in modulating the efficiency of coupling.
Development and Validation of a New Screening Tool with Non-Invasive Indicators for Assessment of Malnutrition Risk in Hospitalised Children
Authors: Klanjšek Petra , Pajnkihar Majda , Marčun Varda Nataša , Močnik Mirjam , Golob Jančič Sonja , Povalej Bržan Petra
Published: May 2022

There is no evidence of the most effective nutritional screening tool for hospitalized children. The present study aimed to develop a quick, simple, and valid screening tool for identifying malnutrition risk of hospital admission with non-invasive indicators. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Children`s nutritional baseline using a questionnaire, subjective malnutritional risk, and Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment were assessed on admission. Concurrent validity was assessed using American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN)and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics assessment and Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment tool. A new screening tool Simple Pediatric Nutritional risk Screening tool (SPENS) was developed, and sensitivity, specificity and reliability were evaluated. A total of 180 children aged from 1 month to 18 years were included (142 in the development phase and 38 in the validation phase). SPENS consist of four variables and shows almost perfect agreement with subjective malnutritional risk assessment (κ = 0.837) with high sensitivity and specificity (93.3% and 91.3% respectively). Compared with Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment and ASPEN and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics assessment, SPENS had sensitivity 92.9% and 86.7%, a specificity of 87.5% and 87.0%, and an overall agreement of 0.78 and 0.728, respectively. Due to the fast, simple, easy, and practical to use, screening the SPENS can be performed by nurses, physicians, and dieticians.
Treatment of an Avulsed and Ankylosed Incisor through Single Tooth Alveolar Osteotomy and Conventional Orthodontic Mechanisms
Authors: Vasoglou Georgios , Markomanolaki Chrysi Christina , Vasoglou Michail , Markomanolakis Andreas
Published: May 2022

We present the treatment of an injured and avulsed incisor (which was afterwards ankylosed), by subapical osteotomy and conventional orthodontic mechanisms. A 9-year-old boy presented for orthodontic treatment with an injured and avulsed central incisor, which, after initial repositioning, ended up with ankylosis and severe root resorption. The case was treated by single tooth alveolar osteotomy and distraction osteogenesis through conventional orthodontics, advocating for the floating bone concept due to the short vertical distance by which the tooth alveolus part had to be relocated. Orthodontic treatment of the avulsed central incisor was completed after osteotomy and distraction osteogenesis, and the tooth was restored to its proper position, aiming to address issues of aesthetics and function for the time being. The patient was finally referred to a prosthodontist for future and final implant rehabilitation due to severe root resorption. Distraction osteogenesis after surgical procedures is a reliable solution for dealing with an ankylosed and submerged tooth.
Laryngeal Masks in Neonatal Resuscitation—A Narrative Review of Updates 2022
Authors: Mani Srinivasan , Pinheiro Joaquim M. B. , Rawat Munmun
Published: May 2022

Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) is crucial to neonatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation because respiratory failure precedes cardiac failure in newborns affected by perinatal asphyxia. Prolonged ineffective PPV could lead to a need for advanced resuscitation such as intubation, chest compression, and epinephrine. Every 30 s delay in initiation of PPV increased the risk of death or morbidity by 16%. The most effective interface for providing PPV in the early phases of resuscitation is still unclear. Laryngeal masks (LMs) are supraglottic airway devices that provide less invasive and relatively stable airway access without the need for laryngoscopy which have been studied as an alternative to face masks and endotracheal tubes in the initial stages of neonatal resuscitation. A meta-analysis found that LM is a safe and more effective alternative to face mask ventilation in neonatal resuscitation. LM is recommended as an alternative secondary airway device for the resuscitation of infants > 34 weeks by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. It is adopted by various national neonatal resuscitation guidelines across the globe. Recent good-quality randomized trials have enhanced our understanding of the utility of laryngeal masks in low-resource settings. Nevertheless, LM is underutilized due to its variable availability in delivery rooms, providers’ limited experience, insufficient training, preference for endotracheal tube, and lack of awareness.
Effect of Electromagnetic Pulses on the Microstructure and Abrasive Gas Wear Resistance of Al0.25CoCrFeNiV High Entropy Alloy
Authors: Samoilova Olga , Shaburova Nataliya , Krymsky Valeriy , Myasoedov Vyacheslav , Ostovari Moghaddam Ahmad , Trofimov Evgeny
Published: May 2022

High entropy alloys (HEAs) are among the most promising materials, owing to their vast chemical composition window and unique properties. Segregation is a well-known phenomenon during the solidification of HEAs, which negatively affects their properties. The electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is a new technique for the processing of a metal melt that can hinder segregation during solidification. In this study, the effect of an EMP on the microstructure and surface properties of Al0.25CoCrFeNiV HEA is studied. An EMP, with an amplitude of 10 kV, a leading edge of 0.1 ns, a pulse duration of 1 ns, a frequency of 1 kHz, and pulse power of 4.5 MW, was employed for melt treatment. It was found that the microstructure of Al0.25CoCrFeNiV HEA changes significantly from dendritic, for an untreated sample, to lamellar “pearlite-like”, for an EMP treated sample. Moreover, EMPs triggered the formation of a needle-like σ-phase within the solid solution grains. Finally, these microstructural and compositional changes significantly increased the microhardness of Al0.25CoCrFeNiV HEA, from 343 ± 10 HV0.3 (without the EMP) to 553 ± 15 HV0.3 (after the EMP), and improved its resistance against gas-abrasive wear. Finally, an EMP is introduced as an effective route to modify the microstructure and phase formation of cast HEAs, which, in turn, opens up broad horizons for fabricating cast samples with tailorable microstructures and improved properties.
Overcoming the Dilemma between Low Electrical Resistance and High Corrosion Resistance Using a Ta/(Ta,Ti)N/TiN/Ti Multilayer for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Tu Rong , Min Rui , Yang Mai , Yuan Yang , Zheng Long , Li Qizhong , Ji Baifeng , Zhang Song , Yang Meijun , Shi Ji
Published: May 2022

Bipolar plates in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are confronted by the dilemma of low contact resistance and high corrosion resistance; this study aimed to simultaneously satisfy these dimensions in a harsh environment. Using thick multilayer coatings can improve the corrosion resistance, but the contact resistance would be largely compromised. To address this challenge, we propose compatible tantalum/titanium-based coatings on 316L stainless steel (SS316L) as bipolar plates for PEMFCs. With the transition layer, the optimal TaN/(Ta,Ti)N/TiN/Ti coating exhibits an ultralow corrosion current density of 0.369 μA·cm−2 (at +0.6 V vs. SCE) and a contact resistance of 6 mΩ cm2 at 138 N/cm2 after 5 h of potentiostatic polarization, both of which meet the standard of the U.S. Department of Energy. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and an equivalent electrical circuit model further elucidated that TaN/(Ta,Ti)N/TiN/Ti coating significantly impedes the oxidation reaction and dissolution of metals and provides good protection for the SS316L.
Defect Structure and Upconversion Luminescence Properties of LiNbO3 Highly Doped Congruent In:Yb:Ho:LiNbO3 Crystals
Authors: Xu Lei , Xu Yuheng , Chen Guanying
Published: May 2022

Congruent In:Yb:Ho:LiNbO3 crystals with different In3+ concentrations have been grown by Czochralski method. Red and green upconversion emissions were observed under 980 nm excitation at room temperature. The effect of In3+ on the upconversion luminescence was studied in association with the defect structure caused by In3+ doping. Infrared transmission spectra indicate a clear shift of the OH− absorption peak along with an increase of doped In3+ concentrations, owing to the occupation of InLi2+ blow the threshold concentration (3%) that suppresses the NbLi4+ defects, and the occupation of InNb2− and InLi2+ above the threshold. Moreover, In3+ induced upconversion luminescence intensity changes were observed to be consistent with the measured lifetime and the OH group content changes, manifesting the highest upconversion luminescence at In3+ concentration of 1 mol%. Mechanistic investigations indicated that both the green (at 548 nm) and the red (666 nm) emissions involve two-photon processes, being ascribed to two sequential energy transfers from to the excited Yb3+ ions to the Ho3+ ions. These results suggests that In:Yb:Ho:LiNbO3 crystals provide opportunities for strong short wavelength up conversion lasers and related laser devices.
Gemcitabine and Cisplatin as Neo-Adjuvant for Cholangiocarcinoma Patients Prior to Liver Transplantation: Case-Series
Authors: Abdelrahim Maen , Al-Rawi Hadeel , Esmail Abdullah , Xu Jiaqiong , Umoru Godsfavour , Ibnshamsah Fahad , Abudayyeh Ala , Victor David , Saharia Ashish , McMillan Robert , Al Najjar Ebtesam , Bugazia Doaa , Al-Rawi Maryam , Ghobrial Rafik M.
Published: May 2022

Background: The management of cholangiocarcinoma is continually reviewed on a current evidence basis to develop practice guidelines and consensus statements. However, the standardized treatment guidelines are still unclear for cholangiocarcinoma patients who are listed for liver transplantation. We aimed to validate and evaluate the potential efficacy of chemotherapy combination of Gemcitabine and Cisplatin as a neo-adjuvant treatment for cholangiocarcinoma patients before liver transplantation. Methods: In this prospective case series, patients with locally advanced, unresectable, hilar, or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with no evidence of extrahepatic disease or vascular involvement were treated with a combination of neoadjuvant gemcitabine and cisplatin with no radiation. All patients included received chemotherapy prior to being listed for liver transplantation at a single cancer center according to an open-labeled, and center-approved clinical management protocol. The primary endpoints were the overall survival and recurrence-free survival after liver transplantation. Results: Between 1 March 2016, and 15 March 2022, 10 patients (8 males and 2 females) with a median age of 62.71(interquartile range: 60.02–71.87) had a confirmed diagnosis of intrahepatic or hilar cholangiocarcinoma and underwent liver transplantation. Median days of neoadjuvant therapy for a given combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin were 181 (IRQ: 120–250). Nine patients (90%) were reported with no recurrence or metastasis, and only 1 patient had confirmed metastasis (10%); days for metastasis after transplantation were 612 for this patient. All patients received a combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin as neo-adjuvant while awaiting liver transplantation. The median days of follow-up were 851 (813–967). Overall survival was 100% (95% CI 100–100%) at both years one and two; 75% (95% CI 13–96%) at years three to five. One patient died at eight hundred and eighty-five days. No adverse events were reported after liver transplantation including the patient who was confirmed with recurrence. Conclusions: Our finding demonstrated that neo-adjuvant gemcitabine and cisplatin with no radiation prior to liver transplantation resulted in excellent outcomes for patients with cholangiocarcinoma.
K–8 Classroom Self-Collection Using XpressCollect Nasal Swab: A Usability and Efficacy Study
Authors: Cox Kate , Haggerty Laura , Abeln Kate , Hernandez Luis , Wicker Jessica , Padgett Leah , Privitera Mary Beth
Published: May 2022

This study demonstrates that students in kindergarten through eighth grade can use the XpressCollect nasal swab to self-collect a specimen under the guidance of a teacher. This phased study was conducted with parents, teachers, and students. Phases 1 and 2 were conducted as interviews with teachers and parents to assess the suitability of the XpressCollect for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Additionally, teacher and parent feedback was obtained to develop and optimize the instructional materials for subsequent phases. In Phases 3 and 4, teachers guided small groups and full classes of students through the sample collection process with XpressCollect. The samples collected by the students were sent to a laboratory to analyze the effectiveness of specimen self-collection based on the presence of ribonuclease P (RNase P) on each nasal swab. The presence of RNase P enables disease determination; thus, student samples were analyzed for adequate or inadequate sampling. All students in kindergarten through eighth grade are capable of self-collecting an anterior nares specimen with XpressCollect, as the laboratory results identified acceptable RNase P Ct values for the samples collected in a classroom setting.
Development of a Deep Learning Model for Malignant Small Bowel Tumors Survival: A SEER-Based Study
Authors: Yin Minyue , Lin Jiaxi , Liu Lu , Gao Jingwen , Xu Wei , Yu Chenyan , Qu Shuting , Liu Xiaolin , Qian Lijuan , Xu Chunfang , Zhu Jinzhou
Published: May 2022

Background This study aims to explore a deep learning (DL) algorithm for developing a prognostic model and perform survival analyses in SBT patients. Methods The demographic and clinical features of patients with SBTs were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. We randomly split the samples into the training set and the validation set at 7:3. Cox proportional hazards (Cox-PH) analysis and the DeepSurv algorithm were used to develop models. The performance of the Cox-PH and DeepSurv models was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration curves, C-statistics and decision-curve analysis (DCA). A Kaplan–Meier (K–M) survival analysis was performed for further explanation on prognostic effect of the Cox-PH model. Results The multivariate analysis demonstrated that seven variables were associated with cancer-specific survival (CSS) (all p < 0.05). The DeepSurv model showed better performance than the Cox-PH model (C-index: 0.871 vs. 0.866). The calibration curves and DCA revealed that the two models had good discrimination and calibration. Moreover, patients with ileac malignancy and N2 stage disease were not responding to surgery according to the K–M analysis. Conclusions This study reported a DeepSurv model that performed well in CSS in SBT patients. It might offer insights into future research to explore more DL algorithms in cohort studies.
Implant-Retained Mandibular Overdentures: Patient-Related Outcome Measurements after Seven Years of Function
Authors: D'haese Jan , Matthys Carine , Sahak Hamed , Besseler Jos , De Bruyn Hugo
Published: May 2022

Denture wearers often complain about jeopardized function and reduced quality of life due to lack of prosthesis’ retention. Implant-retained mandibular overdentures, on two non-connected implants (2IOD) are well-proven solutions to overcome these issues. We prospectively assessed 69 patients and scrutinized clinical records until at least seven years of function. Thirty-six were retained on Locator® Abutments (LA) and thirty-tree on Ball Abutments (BA). Both systems were compared regarding the type, amount, and total cost of required maintenance. One implant was lost, yielding 98.7% survival after seven years. In total, 438 technical issues occurred: 121 (27.35%) in BA and 317 (72.4%) in LA. Out of these, 343 events (78%) were solved chairside: 191 (43.6%) were replacements of retention caps, 113 (25.8%) were minor acrylic repairs, 26 (5.9%) pressure ulcers had to be relieved, and 13 (3%) were related to abutments. LA required 179 insert replacements compared to 12 in the BA group. The overall initial treatment cost was EUR 3850 (base year of the analysis: 2003). The average total maintenance cost in relation to the initial cost for the LA and BA groups was 19.11 (range 0–82.24%) and 18.91% (range 0–113.26%) respectively (p = 0.540). Conclusions: The seven-year maintenance costs for a 2IOD is acceptable when the patient is regularly checked and professionally maintained. Most events are easily solvable chairside, but a few patients required more expensive interventions, regardless of the type of attachment used.
A Thermodynamically Consistent, Microscopically-Based, Model of the Rheology of Aggregating Particles Suspensions
Authors: Jariwala Soham , Wagner Norman J. , Beris Antony N.
Published: May 2022

In this work, we outline the development of a thermodynamically consistent microscopic model for a suspension of aggregating particles under arbitrary, inertia-less deformation. As a proof-of-concept, we show how the combination of a simplified population-balance-based description of the aggregating particle microstructure along with the use of the single-generator bracket description of nonequilibrium thermodynamics, which leads naturally to the formulation of the model equations. Notable elements of the model are a lognormal distribution for the aggregate size population, a population balance-based model of the aggregation and breakup processes and a conformation tensor-based viscoelastic description of the elastic network of the particle aggregates. The resulting example model is evaluated in steady and transient shear forces and elongational flows and shown to offer predictions that are consistent with observed rheological behavior of typical systems of aggregating particles. Additionally, an expression for the total entropy production is also provided that allows one to judge the thermodynamic consistency and to evaluate the importance of the various dissipative phenomena involved in given flow processes.
The Role of Green Innovation in the Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility on Firm Performance
Authors: Novitasari Maya , Tarigan Zeplin Jiwa Husada
Published: May 2022

Indonesia’s government policy recommends that medium and large companies carry out corporate social responsibility programs. These programs provide sustainability for the company because they can involve community social relations, economic growth, and increasing environmental awareness. This study aimed to test corporate social responsibility on firm performance with green innovation as a mediation. This study used PROPER companies in 2015–2019, which were chosen using a purposive sampling method involving annual reports and financial reports, yielding 253 companies as a sample. Data were obtained from the Indonesia Stock Exchange and tested using STATA. This study indicates that corporate social responsibility can increase green innovation in companies with the stability of environmentally friendly materials, emission reductions for the surrounding community, and saving energy use. Corporate social responsibility has a positive effect on firm performance because the company has maintained the continuity of the process. After all, it has a harmonious relationship with the community. Furthermore, green innovation positively affects firm performance because the company can reduce energy use and utilize environmentally friendly resources. Therefore, green innovation can mediate the influence of corporate social responsibility and firm performance. This research contributes to senior managers who are part of their company’s top management to understand the critical role of corporate social responsibility in maintaining the company’s sustainability by paying attention to the part of the company’s environment and implementing government regulations. Corporate social responsibility can maintain good stakeholder relations and increase green innovation and firm performance. Theoretical contributions can enrich research related to the context of sustainable performance.
Mixed Methods in Analysis of Aggressiveness and Attractiveness: Understanding PE Class Social Networks with Content Analysis
Authors: Litsa Maria , Bekiari Alexandra
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study is to detect and analyze the relationship between verbal aggressiveness and interpersonal attractiveness using four secondary-school PE classes in central Greece (88 nodes). Content analysis of open-ended questions, social network analysis, Spearman test and PCA have been implemented. Main results: scientific and social attractiveness are interrelated with a subsequent emergence of power structures and negatively related to verbal aggressiveness. Targets of verbal aggressiveness receive aggressiveness consisting of hurt, irony, rudeness and threat. The general grade and students’ tendency for distinction are positively related to attractiveness and negatively related to verbal aggressiveness. Types of targets of interpersonal attractiveness are proposed (“the untargeted powerful” and “the targeted powerful”).
Research on Orbital Angular Momentum Multiplexing Communication System Based on Neural Network Inversion of Phase
Authors: Cao Yang , Zhang Zupeng , Peng Xiaofeng , Wang Yuhan , Qin Huaijun
Published: May 2022

An adaptive optical wavefront recovery method based on a residual attention network is proposed for the degradation of an Orbital Angular Momentum multiplexing communication system performance caused by atmospheric turbulence in free-space optical communication. To prevent the degeneration phenomenon of neural networks, the residual network is used as the backbone network, and a multi-scale residual hybrid attention network is constructed. Distributed feature extraction by convolutional kernels at different scales is used to enhance the network’s ability to represent light intensity image features. The attention mechanism is used to improve the recognition rate of the network for broken light spot features. The network loss function is designed by combining realistic evaluation indexes so as to obtain Zernike coefficients that match the actual wavefront aberration. Simulation experiments are carried out for different atmospheric turbulence intensity conditions, and the results show that the residual attention network can reconstruct the turbulent phase quickly and accurately. The peaks to valleys of the recovered residual aberrations were between 0.1 and 0.3 rad, and the root means square was between 0.02 and 0.12 rad. The results obtained by the residual attention network are better than those of the conventional network at different SNRs.
Low Frequency Stability of AC Railway Traction Power Systems: Analysis of the Influence of Traction Unit Parameters
Authors: Frutos Paul , Ladoux Philippe , Roux Nicolas , Larrazabal Igor , Guerrero Juan M. , Briz Fernando
Published: May 2022

Dynamic interactions between AC railway electrification systems and traction unit power converters can result in low frequency oscillation (LFO) of the contact-line voltage amplitude, which can lead to a power outage of the traction substation and the shutdown of train traffic. Several system parameters can influence the low frequency stability of the railway traction power system, including contact-line length and traction unit parameters such as transformer leakage inductance, DC-link capacitance, control bandwidths and synchronization systems. This paper focuses on the influence of these parameters on the LFO. The methodology is based on a frequency-domain analysis. Nyquist and Bode diagrams are used to determine the stability limit. The validation of the method is performed through the use of time-domain simulations.
Gender Neutralisation for Unbiased Speech Synthesising
Authors: Rizhinashvili Davit , Sham Abdallah Hussein , Anbarjafari Gholamreza
Published: May 2022

Machine learning can encode and amplify negative biases or stereotypes already present in humans, resulting in high-profile cases. There can be multiple sources encoding the negative bias in these algorithms, like errors from human labelling, inaccurate representation of different population groups in training datasets, and chosen model structures and optimization methods. Our paper proposes a novel approach to speech processing that can resolve the gender bias problem by eliminating the gender parameter. Therefore, we devised a system that transforms the input sound (speech of a person) into a neutralized voice to the point where the gender of the speaker becomes indistinguishable by both humans and AI. Wav2Vec based network has been utilised to conduct speech gender recognition to validate the main claim of this research work, which is the neutralisation of gender from the speech. Such a system can be used as a batch pre-processing layer for training models, thus making associated gender bias irrelevant. Further, such a system can also find its application where speaker gender bias by humans is also prominent, as the listener will not be able to judge the gender from speech.
Self-Assembly and Self-Repair during Motion with Modular Robots
Authors: Peck Robert H. , Timmis Jon , Tyrrell Andy M.
Published: May 2022

Self-reconfigurable modular robots consist of multiple modular elements and have the potential to enable future autonomous systems to adapt themselves to handle unstructured environments, novel tasks, or damage to their constituent elements. This paper considers methods of self-assembly, bringing together robotic modules to form larger organism-like structures, and self-repair, removing and replacing faulty modules damaged by internal events or environmental phenomena, which allow group tasks for the multi-robot organism to continue to progress while assembly and repair take place. We show that such “in motion” strategies can successfully assemble and repair a range of structures. Previously developed self-assembly and self-repair strategies have required group tasks to be halted before they could begin. This paper finds that self-assembly and self-repair methods able to operate during group tasks can enable faster completion of the task than previous strategies, and provide reliability benefits in some circumstances. The practicality of these new methods is shown with physical hardware demonstrations. These results show the feasibility of assembling and repairing modular robots whilst other tasks are in progress.
Implementation of an Environmental Monitoring System Based on IoTs
Authors: Chen Chiung-Hsing , Hong Chih-Ming , Lin Whei-Min , Wu Yi-Chen
Published: May 2022

The objective of this paper is to study smart home network systems and the application of LabVIEW to develop a human machine interface (HMI), so that traditional instrument panels can be replaced with virtual panels to reduce the consumption of hardware resources. For energy efficiency, MATLAB’s fuzzy toolbox is used as the computing center, which is applied to the lighting system and air-conditioning system. This paper also uses LabVIEW’s common gateway interface (CGI) tools to develop remote monitoring functions, as well as to embed the network-related syntax into the web pages. The user can not only use computer equipment, but can also use their mobile devices to connect to the networks and conduct remote monitoring, which enhances convenience and security. This paper is finally tested with actual cases, and the electricity consumption with and without fuzzy logic control is compared. The test results show that fuzzy logic control can reduce electricity consumption. As well as using computers to test the remote monitoring functions, cell phones and pads were used.
Research on Polarization Coding Cooperative Communication Scheme for FSO System
Authors: Cao Yang , Qin Huaijun , Peng Xiaofeng , Wang Yuhan , Zhang Zupeng
Published: May 2022

To solve the problems of interruption events and the high bit-error rate of the FSO system caused by atmospheric turbulence, an FSO cooperative communication scheme based on system polarization code is proposed. In this scheme, the upper limit of the average bit-error rate of the atmospheric turbulence channel is used to construct the frozen bit set of the system polarization code, and the information bit set of the S−R link is recovered by using the ownership relationship between the frozen bit set of the S−R link and the S−D link at the destination node. Finally, the information bits of the S−R link and S−D link are combined using equal gain combination, and the original information is recovered by decoding. The simulation results show that the FSO cooperative communication system can overcome the influence of atmospheric turbulence and improve the system performance, and the bit-error rate performance of the FSO cooperative communication system can be improved by at least 0.5dB; the outage probability of the FSO cooperative communication system can be reduced to less than 10−7, and it shows a stable inhibitory effect on strong turbulence conditions.
Financial Data Anomaly Discovery Using Behavioral Change Indicators
Authors: Lopata Audrius , Gudas Saulius , Butleris Rimantas , Rudžionis Vytautas , Žioba Liutauras , Veitaitė Ilona , Dilijonas Darius , Grišius Evaldas , Zwitserloot Maarten
Published: May 2022

In this article we present an approach to financial data analysis and anomaly discovery. In our view, the assessment of performance management requires the monitoring of financial performance indicators (KPIs) and the characteristics of changes in KPIs over time. Based on this assumption, behavioral change indicators (BCIs) are introduced to detect and evaluate the changes in traditional KPIs in time series. Three types of BCIs are defined: absolute change indicators (BCI-A), relative change indicators (ratio indicators BCI-RE), and delta change indicators (D-BCI). The technique and advantages of using BCIs to identify unexpected deviations and assess the nature of KPI value changes in time series are discussed and illustrated in case studies. The architecture of the financial data analysis system for financial data anomaly detection is presented. The system prototype uses the Camunda business rules engine to specify KPIs and BCI thresholds. The prototype was successfully put into practice for an analysis of actual financial records (historical data).
Recent Progress in Conjugated Conducting and Semiconducting Polymers for Energy Devices
Authors: Heydari Gharahcheshmeh Meysam , Gleason Karen K.
Published: May 2022

Advanced conductors (such as conducting and semiconducting polymers) are vital building blocks for modern technologies and biocompatible devices as faster computing and smaller device sizes are demanded. Conjugated conducting and semiconducting polymers (including poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), polyaniline (PANI), polythiophene (PTh), and polypyrrole (PPy)) provide the mechanical flexibility required for the next generation of energy and electronic devices. Electrical conductivity, ionic conductivity, and optoelectronic characteristics of advanced conductors are governed by their texture and constituent nanostructures. Thus, precise textural and nanostructural engineering of advanced conjugated conducting and semiconducting polymers provide an outstanding pathway to facilitate their adoption in various technological applications, including but not limited to energy storage and harvesting devices, flexible optoelectronics, bio-functional materials, and wearable electronics. This review article focuses on the basic interconnection among the nanostructure and the characteristics of conjugated conducting and semiconducting polymers. In addition, the application of conjugated conducting and semiconducting polymers in flexible energy devices and the resulting state-of-the-art device performance will be covered.