bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Product Selection Considering Multiple Consumers’ Expectations and Online Reviews: A Method Based on Intuitionistic Fuzzy Soft Sets and TODIM
Authors: Cao Pingping , Zheng Jin , Li Mingyang
Published: September 2023

Large amounts of online reviews from e-commerce sites and social media platforms can help potential consumers to better understand products and play an important part in assisting potential consumers in making purchase decisions. Moreover, while multiple consumers purchase the same product, the index parameters of the product that are of concern among them are usually different, i.e., they have different expectations for the product. Therefore, the question of how to effectively analyze online product reviews and consider multiple consumers’ expectations to select products is an important issue that needs to be addressed. The objective of this study is to propose a product selection method based on intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets and TODIM. Firstly, the online reviews are extracted by the web crawler and are pretreated. Next, the sentiment orientations of each online review concerning product index parameters are recognized using the dictionary-based sentiment analysis algorithm. Then, the evaluation values of sentiment orientations for product index parameters are firstly expressed by intuitionistic fuzzy numbers and are then transformed into intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets. Further, the alternative product set is obtained according to the uni-int decision function and multiple consumers’ expectations, and we then rank the alternative products using the TODIM method. Finally, a case study is provided to illustrate the validity and feasibility of the proposed method.
Fixed/Preassigned-Time Stochastic Synchronization of Complex-Valued Fuzzy Neural Networks with Time Delay
Authors: Abudusaimaiti Mairemunisa , Abudukeremu Abuduwali , Sabir Amina
Published: September 2023

Instead of the separation approach, this paper mainly centers on studying the fixed/preassigned-time (FXT/PAT) synchronization of a type of complex-valued stochastic fuzzy cellular neural networks (CVSFCNNs) with time delay based on the direct method. Firstly, some basic properties of the sign function in complex fields and some generalized FXT/PAT stability lemmas for nonlinear stochastic differential equations are introduced. Secondly, by designing two delay-dependent complex-valued controllers with/without a sign function, sufficient conditions for CVSFCNNs to achieve FXT/PAT synchronization are obtained. Finally, the feasibility of the theoretical results is verified through a numerical example.
Enhancing Medical Image Segmentation: Ground Truth Optimization through Evaluating Uncertainty in Expert Annotations
Authors: Athanasiou Georgios , Arcos Josep Lluis , Cerquides Jesus
Published: September 2023

The surge of supervised learning methods for segmentation lately has underscored the critical role of label quality in predicting performance. This issue is prevalent in the domain of medical imaging, where high annotation costs and inter-observer variability pose significant challenges. Acquiring labels commonly involves multiple experts providing their interpretations of the “true” segmentation labels, each influenced by their individual biases. The blind acceptance of these noisy labels as the ground truth restricts the potential effectiveness of segmentation algorithms. Here, we apply coupled convolutional neural network approaches to a small-sized real-world dataset of bovine cumulus oocyte complexes. This is the first time these methods have been applied to a real-world annotation medical dataset, since they were previously tested only on artificially generated labels of medical and non-medical datasets. This dataset is crucial for healthy embryo development. Its application revealed an important challenge: the inability to effectively learn distinct confusion matrices for each expert due to large areas of agreement. In response, we propose a novel method that focuses on areas of high uncertainty. This approach allows us to understand the individual characteristics better, extract their behavior, and use this insight to create a more sophisticated ground truth using maximum likelihood. These findings contribute to the ongoing discussion of leveraging machine learning algorithms for medical image segmentation, particularly in scenarios involving multiple human annotators.
Cumulative Incidence Functions for Competing Risks Survival Data from Subjects with COVID-19
Authors: Haque Mohammad Anamul , Cortese Giuliana
Published: September 2023

Competing risks survival analysis is used to answer questions about the time to occurrence of events with the extension of multiple causes of failure. Studies that investigate how clinical features and risk factors of COVID-19 are associated with the survival of patients in the presence of competing risks (CRs) are limited. The main objective of this paper is, under a CRs setting, to estimate the Cumulative Incidence Function (CIF) of COVID-19 death, the CIF of other-causes death, and the probability of being cured in subjects with COVID-19, who have been under observation from the date of symptoms to the date of death or exit from the study because they are cured. In particular, we compared the non-parametric estimator of the CIF based on the naive technique of Kaplan–Meier (K–M) with the Aalen–Johansen estimator based on the cause-specific approach. Moreover, we compared two of the most popular regression approaches for CRs data: the cause-specific hazard (CSH) and the sub-distribution hazard (SDH) approaches. A clear overestimation of the CIF function over time was observed under the K–M estimation technique. Moreover, exposure to asthma, diabetes, obesity, older age, male sex, black and indigenous races, absence of flu vaccine, admission to the ICU, and the presence of other risk factors, such as immunosuppression and chronic kidney, neurological, liver, and lung diseases, significantly increased the probability of COVID-19 death. The highest hazard ratio of 2.03 was observed for subjects with an age greater than 70 years compared with subjects aged 50–60 years. The SDH approach showed slightly higher survival probabilities compared with the CSH approach. An important foundation for producing precise individualized predictions was provided by the competing risks regression models discussed in this paper. This foundation allowed us, in general, to more realistically model complex data, such as the COVID-19 data, and can be used, for instance, by many modern statistical learning and personalized medicine techniques to obtain more accurate conclusions.
Two-Dimensional Moran Model: Final Altitude and Number of Resets
Authors: Aguech Rafik , Abdelkader Mohamed
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we consider a two-dimension symmetric random walk with reset. We give, in the first part, some results about the distribution of every component. In the second part, we give some results about the final altitude Zn. Finally, we analyse the statistical properties of NnX, the number of resets (the number of returns to state 1 after n steps) of the first component of the random walk. As a principal tool in these studies, we use the probability generating function.
Estimating the Capital Asset Pricing Model with Many Instruments: A Bayesian Shrinkage Approach
Authors: de Andrade Alves Cássio Roberto de Andrade , Laurini Márcio
Published: September 2023

This paper introduces an instrumental variable Bayesian shrinkage approach specifically designed for estimating the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) while utilizing a large number of instruments. Our methodology incorporates horseshoe, Laplace, and factor-based shrinkage priors to construct Bayesian estimators for CAPM, accounting for the presence of measurement errors. Through the use of simulated data, we illustrate the potential of our approach in mitigating the bias arising from errors-in-variables. Importantly, the conventional two-stage least squares estimation of the CAPM beta is shown to experience bias escalation as the number of instruments increases. In contrast, our approach effectively counters this bias, particularly in scenarios with a substantial number of instruments. In an empirical application using real-world data, our proposed methodology generates subtly distinct estimated CAPM beta values compared with both the ordinary least squares and the two-stage least squares approaches. This disparity in estimations carries notable economic implications. Furthermore, when applied to average cross-sectional asset returns, our approach significantly enhances the explanatory power of the CAPM framework.
Perception of Facial Impressions Using Explicit Features of the Face (xFoFs)
Authors: Yeom Jihyeon , Lee Jeongin , Yang Heekyung , Min Kyungha
Published: September 2023

We present a novel approach to perceiving facial impressions by defining the explicit features of the face (xFoFs) based on anthropometric studies. The xFoFs estimate 35 anthropometric features of human faces with normal expressions and frontalized poses. Using these xFoFs, we have developed a method to objectively measure facial impressions, compiling a dataset of approximately 4896 facial images to validate our method. The ranking of xFoFs among the face image dataset guides an objective and quantitative estimation of facial impressions. To further corroborate our study, we conducted two user studies: an examination of the first and strongest impression perception and a validation of the consistency of multiple important impression perceptions. Our work significantly contributes to the field of facial recognition and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) by providing an effective solution for integrating xFoFs with existing facial recognition models.
Analytical Solution of Stability Problem of Nanocomposite Cylindrical Shells under Combined Loadings in Thermal Environments
Authors: Avey Mahmure , Fantuzzi Nicholas , Sofiyev Abdullah H.
Published: September 2023

The mathematical modeling of the stability problem of nanocomposite cylindrical shells is one of the applications of partial differential equations (PDEs). In this study, the stability behavior of inhomogeneous nanocomposite cylindrical shells (INH-NCCSs), under combined axial compression and hydrostatic pressure in the thermal environment, is investigated by means of the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). The nanocomposite material is modeled as homogeneous and heterogeneous and is based on a carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced polymer with the linear variation of the mechanical properties throughout the thickness. In the heterogeneous case, the mechanical properties are modeled as the linear function of the thickness coordinate. The basic equations are derived as partial differential equations and solved in a closed form, using the Galerkin procedure, to determine the critical combined loads for the selected structure in thermal environments. To test the reliability of the proposed formulation, comparisons with the results obtained by finite element and numerical methods in the literature are accompanied by a systematic study aimed at testing the sensitivity of the design response to the loading parameters, CNT models, and thermal environment.
Inverses and Determinants of n × n Block Matrices
Authors: Saadetoğlu Müge , Dinsev Şakir Mehmet
Published: September 2023

Block matrices play an important role in all branches of pure and applied mathematics. In this paper, we study the two fundamental concepts: inverses and determinants of general n×n block matrices. In the first part, the inverses of 2×2 block matrices are given, where one of the blocks is a non-singular matrix, a result which can be generalised to a block matrix of any size, by splitting it into four blocks. The second part focuses on the determinants, which is covered in two different methods. In the first approach, we revise a formula for the determinant of a block matrix A, with blocks elements of R; a commutative subring of Mn×n(F). The determinants of tensor products of two matrices are also given in this part. In the second method for computing the determinant, we give the general formula, which would work for any block matrix, regardless of the ring or the field under consideration. The individual formulas for determinants of 2×2 and 3×3 block matrices are also produced here.
SCM Enables Improved Single-Cell Clustering by Scoring Consensus Matrices
Authors: Yu Yilin , Liu Juntao
Published: September 2023

Single-cell clustering facilitates the identification of different cell types, especially the identification of rare cells. Preprocessing and dimensionality reduction are the two most commonly used data-processing methods and are very important for single-cell clustering. However, we found that different preprocessing and dimensionality reduction methods have very different effects on single-cell clustering. In addition, there seems to be no specific combination of preprocessing and dimensionality reduction methods that is applicable to all datasets. In this study, we developed a new algorithm for improving single-cell clustering results, called SCM. It first automatically searched for an optimal combination that corresponds to the best cell type clustering of a given dataset. It then defined a flexible cell-to-cell distance measure with data specificity for cell-type clustering. Experiments on ten benchmark datasets showed that SCM performed better than almost all the other seven popular clustering algorithms. For example, the average ARI improvement of SCM over the second best method SC3 even reached 29.31% on the ten datasets, which demonstrated its great potential in revealing cellular heterogeneity, identifying cell types, depicting cell functional states, inferring cellular dynamics, and other related research areas.
Stability and Convergence Analysis of Multi-Symplectic Variational Integrator for Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Lv Siqi , Nie Zhihua , Liao Cuicui
Published: September 2023

Stability and convergence analyses of the multi-symplectic variational integrator for the nonlinear Schro¨dinger equation are discussed in this paper. The variational integrator is proved to be unconditionally linearly stable using the von Neumann method. A priori error bound for the scheme is given from the Sobolev inequality and the discrete conservation laws. Subsequently, the variational integrator is derived to converge at O(Δx2+Δt2) in the discrete L2 norm using the energy method. The numerical experimental results match our theoretical derivation.
Homogeneity Test for Multiple Semicontinuous Data with the Density Ratio Model
Authors: Wang Yufan , Xu Xingzhong
Published: September 2023

The density ratio model has been widely used in many research fields. To test the homogeneity of the model, the empirical likelihood ratio test (ELRT) has been shown to be valid. In this paper, we conduct a parametric test procedure. We transform the hypothesis of homogeneity to one on the equality of mean parameters of the exponential family of distributions. Then, we propose a modified Wald test and give its asymptotic power. We further apply it to the semicontinuous case when there is an excess of zeros in the sample. The simulation studies show that the new test controls the type-I error better than ELRT while retaining competitive power. Benefiting from the simple closed form of the test statistic, the computational cost is small. We also use a real data example to illustrate the effectiveness of our test.
Numerical Simulation of Failure Modes in Irregular Columnar Jointed Rock Masses under Dynamic Loading
Authors: Xia Yingjie , Liu Bingchen , Li Tianjiao , Zhao Danchen , Liu Ning , Tang Chun’an , Chen Jun
Published: September 2023

The mechanical properties and failure characteristics of columnar jointed rock mass (CJRM) are significantly influenced by its irregular structure. Current research on CJRMs is mainly under static loading, which cannot meet the actual needs of engineering. This paper adopts the finite element method (FEM) to carry out numerical simulation tests on irregular CJRMs with different dip angles under different dynamic stress wave loadings. The dynamic failure modes of irregular CJRMs and the influence law of related stress wave parameters are obtained. The results show that when the column dip angle α is 0°, the tensile-compressive-shear failure occurs in the CJRMs; when α is 30°, the CJRMs undergo tensile failure and a small amount of compressive shear failure, and an obvious crack-free area appears in the middle of the rock mass; when α is 60°, tensile failure is dominant and compressive shear failure is minimal and no crack area disappears; and when α is 90°, the rock mass undergoes complete tensile failure. In addition, in terms of the change law of stress wave parameters, the increase in peak amplitude will increase the number of cracks, promote the development of cracks, and increase the proportion of compression-shear failure units for low-angle rock mass. The changes in the loading and decay rate only affect the degree of crack development in the CJRMs, but do not increase the number of cracks. Meanwhile, the simulation results show that the crack expansion velocity of the CJRMs increases with the increase in dip angle, and the CJRMs with dip angle α = 60° are the most vulnerable to failure. The influence of the loading and decay rate on the rock mass failure is different with the change in dip angle. The results of the study provide references for related rock engineering.
Robust Sliding-Mode Control Design of DC-DC Zeta Converter Operating in Buck and Boost Modes
Authors: Al-Baidhani Humam , Corti Fabio , Reatti Alberto , Kazimierczuk Marian K.
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a new nonlinear control scheme for a pulse-width modulated dc-dc Zeta converter operating in buck and boost modes. The averaged model of the dc-dc power converter is derived, based on which a robust control law is developed using a simplified sliding-mode control technique. The existence and stability conditions are introduced to select proper controller gains that ensure fast output voltage convergence towards reference voltage. A detailed design procedure is provided to realize the control scheme using low-cost discrete components. The proposed control method handles large disturbances, accommodates the non-minimum phase property, and maintains regulated output voltage during step-up and step-down operation modes. The control system also maintains constant switching frequency, improves the transient response, and eliminates the steady-state error at the output voltage. A MATLAB/SIMULINK model is developed to simulate the closed-loop dc-dc Zeta converter in continuous conduction mode and investigate the tracking and regulation performance. The simulation results confirm the robustness and stability of the nonlinear controlled power converter under abrupt line and load variations.
Designing a Bayesian Regularization Approach to Solve the Fractional Layla and Majnun System
Authors: Sabir Zulqurnain , Hashem Atef , Arbi Adnène , Abdelkawy Mohamed
Published: September 2023

The present work provides the numerical solutions of the mathematical model based on the fractional-order Layla and Majnun model (MFLMM). A soft computing stochastic-based Bayesian regularization neural network approach (BRNNA) is provided to investigate the numerical accomplishments of the MFLMM. The nonlinear system is classified into two dynamics, whereas the correctness of the BRNNA is observed through the comparison of results. Furthermore, the reducible performance of the absolute error improves the exactitude of the computational BRNNA. Twenty neurons have been chosen, along with the data statics of training 74% and 13%, for both authorization and testing. The consistency of the designed BRNNA is demonstrated using the correlation/regression, error histograms, and transition of state values in order to solve the MFLMM.
Dictyota and Canistrocarpus Brazilian Brown Algae and Their Bioactive Diterpenes—A Review
Authors: Georgii Ana Débora Nunes Pinheiro , Teixeira Valéria Laneuville
Published: September 2023

Dictyotaceae algae have gained recognition as prolific producers of diterpenes, which are molecules with significant biotechnological potential. These diterpenes hold immense promise as potential active drug components, making the algae a compelling area of study. The present review aims to present the latest advancements in understanding the biopotential of Brazilian Dictyota and Canistrocarpus brown algae, shedding light on the remarkable diversity and the biological and pharmacological potential of the secondary metabolites they produce. A total of 78 articles featuring 26 distinct diterpenes are reported in this review, with their antiviral potential being the mosthighlighted biological activity. Despite considerable research on these algae and their diterpenes, significant knowledge gaps persist. Consequently, the present review is poised to serve as a pivotal resource for researchers who are actively engaged in the pursuit of active diterpenes beyond the immediate purview. Furthermore, it holds the potential to catalyze an increase in research endeavors centered around these algal species within the geographical confines of the Brazilian coastline. Also, it assumes a critical role in directing future scientific explorations toward a better comprehension of these compounds and their ecological implications.
Eichhornia crassipes Ameliorated Rheumatoid Arthritis by Modulating Inflammatory Cytokines and Metalloproteinase Enzymes in a Rat Model
Authors: Sattar Sara , Shabbir Arham , Shahzad Muhammad , Akhtar Tasleem , Ahmad Arfan , Alnasser Sulaiman Mohammed , Riaz Bushra , Karimullah Shaik , Ahmad Ashfaq
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: This study was planned to investigate the anti-arthritic property of flowers of E. crassipes in a Sprague–Dawley rat model by administering Freund’s Complete Adjuvant (FCA). Materials and Methods: Arthritis was induced at day 0 in all rats except negative controls, while arthritic progress and paw edema were analyzed on specific days (8th, 13th, 18th, and 23rd) via the macroscopic arthritic scale and a digital Vernier caliper, respectively. Histopathological parameters were examined using a Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining method. Blood samples were withdrawn from rats to investigate the effects of the E. crassipes flower on the mRNA expression values of inflammatory markers, via a reverse transcription PCR technique. Serum samples were used to determine prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Values of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, and urea, besides hematological parameters, i.e., the hemoglobin (Hb) content and complete blood count (CBC), were investigated. Results: The data showed that E. crassipes inhibited the arthritic progress and ameliorated the paw edema. The amelioration of parameters assessed via the histopathological analysis of ankle joints, as well as via hematological analysis, confirmed the diminution of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the plant-treated groups. Treatment with E. crassipes inhibited the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6), nuclear factor KappaB (NF-κB), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2 and MMP-3), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Serum PGE2 levels were also found to be reduced in treatment groups. A biochemical investigation revealed the improvements in hepatic markers in plant-treated groups. The data indicated that the plant has no hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic effects at the studied dose. GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) analysis displayed the presence of phytochemicals having known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Conclusions: Therefore, it may be concluded that E. crassipes possesses anti-arthritic characteristics that could be attributed to the modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, MMPs, and PGE2 levels.
Histological Alterations in Hashimoto’s Disease: A Case-Series Ultrastructural Study
Authors: Avramidou Eleni , Gkantaras Antonios , Dermitzakis Iasonas , Sapalidis Konstantinos , Manthou Maria Eleni , Theotokis Paschalis
Published: September 2023

Background: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disease exhibiting stromal fibrosis and follicular cell destruction due to lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Besides deprecated analyses, histopathological approaches have not employed the use of electron microscopy adequately toward delineating subcellular-level interactions. Methods: Biopsies for ultrastructural investigations were obtained from the thyroids of five patients with HT after a thyroidectomy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was utilized to study representative tissue specimens. Results: Examination indicated interstitial extravasated blood cells and a plethora of plasma cells, based on their subcellular identity landmarks. These antibody-secreting cells were profoundly spotted near follicular cells, fibroblasts, and cell debris entrenched in collagenous areas. Pathological changes persistently affected subcellular components of the thyrocytes, including the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, lysosomes, and other intracellular vesicles. Interestingly, significant endothelial destruction was observed, specifically in the larger blood vessels, while the smaller vessels appeared comparatively unaffected. Conclusions: Our TEM findings highlight the immune-related alterations occurring within the thyroid stroma. The impaired vasculature component and remodeling have not been described ultrastructurally before; thus, further exploration is needed with regards to angiogenesis in HT in order to achieve successful prognostic, diagnostic, and treatment-monitoring strategies.
Serum-Based Lipid Panels for Diagnosis of Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Dahabiyeh Lina A. , Nimer Refat M. , Rashed Maha , Wells Jeremiah D. , Fiehn Oliver
Published: September 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a highly prevalent neurodegenerative movement disorder with an unclear etiology and a lack of definite diagnostic tests and effective treatments. About 95% of PD cases are idiopathic, in which none of the well-known genes underlying familial parkinsonism are mutated. We used untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to profile the serum lipidome of 50 patients with different stages of idiopathic PD (early, mid, or advanced) and 45 age-matched controls. When comparing the PD patients to the control subjects, 169 lipids were significantly altered in both a univariate analysis and a multivariate partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Compared to the controls, the patients with PD had higher levels of unsaturated triacylglycerides (e.g., TG O-56:9 and TG 52:3), saturated lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC 17:0, 16:0, and 15:0), and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE), while lower levels of phosphatidylserines (e.g., PS 40:4 and PS 16:0_22:4), sphingomyelins (SM 42:1), and ceramides (e.g., Cer 40:0 and 42:0) were found between the PD patients and the controls. A panel of 10 significantly altered lipids (PS 40:0, Cer 40:0, Cer 42:0, LPC 17:0, LPC 15:0, PC 37:7, PE O-40:8, PC O-42:4, FA 23:0, and SM 42:1) resulted in a strong receiver operating characteristic curve with an AUC = 0.974. This panel may, therefore, be useful for diagnosing PD. In addition, lipid panels may prove useful for distinguishing among the progression stages of PD. Using one-way ANOVA, 155 lipid species were significantly altered among the PD stages. Parkinson’s disease progressed from the early to advanced stages with decreasing levels of PC 31:1, PC 38:4, and LPE 22:5. Conversely, LPC-O 20:0, PC O-42:3, FA 19:0, and FA 22:2 showed an increase in their levels with disease progression. Overall, this study shows an intriguing number of robust changes in specific serum lipids that may become useful for diagnosing PD and its progression, once panels have been validated in larger clinical trials and prospective studies.
Marcus Theory and Tunneling Method for the Electron Transfer Rate Analysis in Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells in the Presence of Blocking Layer
Authors: Fahimi Mohammad Javad , Fathi Davood , Eskandari Mehdi , Das Narottam
Published: September 2023

In this research study, the effects of different parameters on the electron transfer rate from three quantum dots (QDs), CdSe, CdS, and CdTe, on three metal oxides (MOs), TiO2, SnO2, and SnO2, in quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) with porous structures in the presence of four types of blocking layers, ZnS, ZnO, TiO2, and Al2O3, are modeled and simulated using the Marcus theory and tunneling between two spheres for the first time. Here, the studied parameters include the change in the type and thickness of the blocking layer, the diameter of the QD, and the temperature effect. To model the effect of the blocking layer on the QD, the effective sphere method is used, and by applying it into the Marcus theory equation and the tunneling method, the electron transfer rate is calculated and analyzed. The obtained results in a wide range of temperatures of 250–400 °K demonstrate that, based on the composition of the MO-QD, the increase in the temperature could reduce or increase the electron transfer rate, and the change in the QD diameter could exacerbate the effects of the temperature. In addition, the results show which type and thickness of the blocking layer can achieve the highest electron transfer rate. In order to test the accuracy of the simulation method, we calculate the electron transfer rate in the presence of a blocking layer for a reported sample of a QDSSC manufacturing work, which was obtained with an error of ~3%. The results can be used to better interpret the experimental observations and to assist with the design and selection of the appropriate combination of MO-QD in the presence of a blocking layer effect.
A Dual-Inlet Pump with a Simple Valves System
Authors: Wang Le , Liu Junming , Wang Xin , Chen Si
Published: September 2023

To ameliorate the deficient output flow performance of the piezoelectric pumps with cantilever valves, a dual-inlet pump with a simple valves system is proposed. On the basis of explaining the structure design of the prototype, the working principle of the prototype is explained, and the output flow is theoretically analyzed. Then, the manufacturing process of the prototype is introduced. The general operating frequency of the pump was obtained by combining the finite element analysis of the piezoelectric actuator under dry and wet modes with the mechanical vibration test, and a series of measured flow rates were compared and improved through valve stiffness optimization and pump chamber height adjustment in the subsequent control experiment. The proposed piezoelectric pump achieves a maximum flow rate of 33.18 mL/min at a 180 Vp-p voltage with the driving frequency of 100 Hz, which may bring new inspiration for the application of small intelligent pumps in the field of microfluidics.
Pump–Probe Optical Response and Four-Wave Mixing in a Zinc–Phthalocyanine–Metal Nanoparticle Hybrid System
Authors: Domenikou Natalia , Kosionis Spyridon G. , Thanopulos Ioannis , Yannopapas Vassilios , Paspalakis Emmanuel
Published: September 2023

We investigate theoretically the optical response of a zinc–phthalocyanine molecular quantum system near a gold spherical nanoparticle with a radius of 80 nm. The quantum system is irradiated by a strong pump and a weak probe coherent electromagnetic field. Using the density matrix methodology, we obtain analytical expressions for the absorption, dispersion, and the four-wave-mixing coefficients. The influence of the nanoparticle on the spontaneous decay rate of the quantum system, as well as on the external fields, are obtained by an electromagnetic Green’s tensor method. The spectroscopic parameters of the molecule are also obtained by ab initio methods. For the studied optical spectra, we find that, below a critical distance between the molecule and the plasmonic nanoparticle, determined by the minimal value of the effective Rabi frequency, single-peaked spectra are observed. Above this critical distance, the spectra exhibit the characteristic Mollow-shaped profiles. The enhancement of the pump field detuning induces the shift of the sideband resonances away from the origin. Lastly, and most importantly, regardless of the value of the detuning, the optical response of the system is maximized for an intermediate value of the interparticle distance.
Bio–Microfabrication of 2D and 3D Biomimetic Gut-on-a-Chip
Authors: Jang Yeongseok , Jung Jinmu , Oh Jonghyun
Published: September 2023

Traditional goal of microfabrication was to limitedly construct nano- and micro-geometries on silicon or quartz wafers using various semiconductor manufacturing technologies, such as photolithography, soft lithography, etching, deposition, and so on. However, recent integration with biotechnologies has led to a wide expansion of microfabrication. In particular, many researchers studying pharmacology and pathology are very interested in producing in vitro models that mimic the actual intestine to study the effectiveness of new drug testing and interactions between organs. Various bio–microfabrication techniques have been developed while solving inherent problems when developing in vitro micromodels that mimic the real large intestine. This intensive review introduces various bio–microfabrication techniques that have been used, until recently, to realize two-dimensional and three-dimensional biomimetic experimental models. Regarding the topic of gut chips, two major review subtopics and two-dimensional and three-dimensional gut chips were employed, focusing on the membrane-based manufacturing process for two-dimensional gut chips and the scaffold-based manufacturing process for three-dimensional gut chips, respectively.
Discovery of Antimicrobial Peptides That Can Accelerate Culture Diagnostics of Slow-Growing Mycobacteria Including Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Hilpert Kai , Munshi Tulika , López-Pérez Paula M. , Sequeira-Garcia Joana , Hofmann Sven , Bull Tim J.
Published: September 2023

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can directly kill Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, enveloped viruses, and parasites. At sublethal concentrations, some AMPs and also conventional antibiotics can stimulate bacterial response increasing their resilience, also called the hormetic response. This includes stimulation of growth, mobility, and biofilm production. Here, we describe the discovery of AMPs that stimulate the growth of certain mycobacteria. Peptide 14 showed a growth stimulating effect on Mycobacteria tuberculosis (MTB), M. bovis, M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), M. marinum, M. avium-intracellulare, M. celatum, and M. abscessus. The effect was more pronounced at low bacterial inocula. The peptides induce a faster transition from the lag phase to the log phase and keep the bacteria longer in the log phase before entering stationary phase when compared to nontreated controls. In some cases, an increase in the division rate was observed. An initial screen using MAP and a collection of 75 peptides revealed 13 peptides with a hormetic effect. For MTB, a collection of 25 artificial peptides were screened and 13 were found to reduce the time to positivity (TTP) by at least 5%, improving growth. A screen of 43 naturally occurring peptides, 11 fragments of naturally occurring peptides and 5 designed peptides, all taken from the database APD3, identified a further 44 peptides that also lowered TTP by at least 5%. Lasioglossin LL-III (Bee) and Ranacyclin E (Frog) were the most active natural peptides, and the human cathelicidin LL37 fragment GF-17 and a porcine cathelicidin protegrin-1 fragment were the most active fragments of naturally occurring peptides. Peptide 14 showed growth-stimulating activity between 10 ng/mL and 10 µg/mL, whereas the stability-optimised Peptide 14D had a narrow activity range of 0.1–1 µg/mL. Peptides identified in this study are currently in commercial use to improve recovery and culture for the diagnostics of mycobacteria in humans and animals.
Emergence and Persistent Circulation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus A (H5N8) in Kosovo, May 2021–May 2022
Authors: Cana Armend , Zecchin Bianca , Merovci Xhavit , Fusaro Alice , Giussani Edoardo , Heta Sadik , Krstevski Kiril , Mehmetukaj Dafina , Goga Izedin , Hulaj Beqe , Murati Bafti , Terregino Calogero , Dodovski Aleksandar
Published: September 2023

In this study, we report the first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A H5N8, clade 2.3.4.4b in Kosovo on 19 May 2021. The outbreak consisted of three phases: May–June 2021, September–November 2021, and January–May 2022. In total, 32 backyards and 10 commercial holdings tested positive for the virus. Interestingly, the third and last phase of the outbreak coincided with the massive H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b epidemic in Europe. Phylogenetic analyses of 28 viral strains from Kosovo revealed that they were closely related to the H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4.b viruses that had been circulating in Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, and Russia in early 2021. Whole genome sequencing of the 25 and partial sequencing of three H5N8 viruses from Kosovo showed high nucleotide identity, forming a distinctive cluster and suggesting a single introduction. The results of the network analysis were in accordance with the three epidemic waves and suggested that the viral diffusion could have been caused by secondary spreads among farms and/or different introductions of the same virus from wild birds. The persistent circulation of the same virus over a one-year period highlights the potential risk of the virus becoming endemic, especially in settings with non-adequate biosecurity.
Autoimmunity and Infection in Glomerular Disease
Authors: Casuscelli Chiara , Longhitano Elisa , Maressa Veronica , Di Carlo Silvia , Peritore Luigi , Di Lorenzo Simone , Calabrese Vincenzo , Cernaro Valeria , Santoro Domenico
Published: September 2023

The ongoing glomerular damage of infections is not limited to the most widely known form of post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, which is today less common in the Western world; other forms of glomerulonephritis are associated with several bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens. The mechanisms responsible range from the direct damage of glomerular cells to the formation and deposition of immunocomplexes to molecular mimicry to the secretion of superantigens. Similarly, in the course of glomerular disease, infections are more frequent than in the general population due to the loss of immunoglobulins in urine and the immunosuppressive agents used to treat the autoimmune disease that decrease the activity of the immune system. Recognizing this two-way link, understanding its pathogenetic mechanism, and identifying the most appropriate therapeutic choice are essential for the personalized management of patients. In this continuously developing field, this short review summarizes the current state of the art as support for physicians, who are increasingly involved in managing patients with glomerular disease and infections.
Real-World, Multicenter Case Series of Patients Treated with Isavuconazole for Invasive Fungal Disease in China
Authors: Wu Lisha , Li Shougang , Gao Weixi , Zhu Xiaojian , Luo Pan , Xu Dong , Liu Dong , He Yan
Published: September 2023

Background: The incidence of invasive fungal disease (IFD) has increased significantly, and IFD is a major cause of mortality among those with hematological malignancies. As a novel second-generation triazole antifungal drug offering both efficacy and safety, isavuconazole (ISA) is recommended by various guidelines internationally for the first-line treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA) and invasive mucormycosis (IM) infecting adults. Given that it was only approved in China at the end of 2021, there is currently a lack of statistical data regarding its usage in the Chinese population. The primary objective of this report is to describe early experiences with ISA for the treatment of IFD. Methods: This was a real-world, multicenter, observational case series study conducted in China. It included patients from three centers who received ISA treatment from January 2022 to April 2023. A retrospective assessment on patient characteristics, variables related to ISA administration, the treatment response of IFD to ISA, and potential adverse events attributed to ISA was conducted. Results: A total of 40 patients met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 12 (30%) were diagnosed with aspergillosis, 2 (5%) were diagnosed with candidiasis, 12 (30%) were diagnosed with mucormycosis, and 14 cases did not present mycological evidence. The predominant site of infection was the lungs (36), followed by the blood stream (8), sinuses (4), and respiratory tract (2). The overall response rate was 75% (30 patients), with male patients having a higher clinical response than female patients (24/24 versus 6/16, p = 0.000) and autologous stem cell transplant patients having a higher clinical response than allogeneic stem cell transplant patients (6/6 versus 4/10, p = 0.027). During the observation period, four patients experienced adverse effects associated with ISA, but none of them discontinued the treatment. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that ISA, a novel first-line treatment for IA and IM, is associated with a high clinical response rate, low incidence, and a low grade of adverse effects. Given the short time that ISA has been available in China, further research is needed to identify its efficacy and safety in the real world.
Comparison of Antibiofilm Activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Phages on Isolates from Wounds of Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients
Authors: Suresh Sarika , Saldanha Joylin , Bhaskar Shetty Ashwini , Premanath Ramya , Akhila D. S. , Mohan Raj Juliet Roshini
Published: September 2023

The persistence of organisms as biofilms and the increase in antimicrobial resistance has raised the need for alternative strategies. The study objective was to compare the ability of isolated bacteriophages to remove in vitro biofilms formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from the environment with those isolated from diabetic and non-diabetic wounds. P. aeruginosa were isolated from clinical and environmental sites, and antimicrobial susceptibility was tested. Bacteriophages were isolated and characterized based on plaque morphology and host range. A reduction in the viable count assayed the lytic ability of candidate phages. The crystal violet method was used to determine the residual biofilm after 24 h of phage treatment on 72-h-old biofilms. The statistical significance of phage treatment was tested by one-way ANOVA. Of 35 clinical isolates, 17 showed resistance to 1 antibiotic at least, and 7 were multidrug resistant. Nineteen environmental isolates and 11 clinical isolates were drug-sensitive. Nine phages showed 91.2% host coverage, including multidrug-resistant isolates. Phages eradicated 85% of biofilms formed by environmental isolates compared to 58% of biofilms of diabetic isolates and 56% of biofilms of non-diabetic isolates. Clinical isolates are susceptible to phage infection in planktonic form. Biofilms of P. aeruginosa isolated from diabetic wounds and non-diabetic wounds resist removal by phages compared to biofilms formed by environmental isolates. All phages were efficient in dispersing PAO1 biofilms. However, there was a significant difference in their ability to disperse PAO1 biofilms across the different surfaces tested. Partial eradication of biofilm by phages can aid in complementing antibiotics that are unable to penetrate biofilms in a clinical set-up.
Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock: What Have We Learned in the Last Two Decades?
Authors: Kamath Shiwani , Hammad Altaq Hiba , Abdo Tony
Published: September 2023

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome encompassing physiologic and biological abnormalities caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Sepsis progression into septic shock is associated with a dramatic increase in mortality, hence the importance of early identification and treatment. Over the last two decades, the definition of sepsis has evolved to improve early sepsis recognition and screening, standardize the terms used to describe sepsis and highlight its association with organ dysfunction and higher mortality. The early 2000s witnessed the birth of early goal-directed therapy (EGDT), which showed a dramatic reduction in mortality leading to its wide adoption, and the surviving sepsis campaign (SSC), which has been instrumental in developing and updating sepsis guidelines over the last 20 years. Outside of early fluid resuscitation and antibiotic therapy, sepsis management has transitioned to a less aggressive approach over the last few years, shying away from routine mixed venous oxygen saturation and central venous pressure monitoring and excessive fluids resuscitation, inotropes use, and red blood cell transfusions. Peripheral vasopressor use was deemed safe and is rising, and resuscitation with balanced crystalloids and a restrictive fluid strategy was explored. This review will address some of sepsis management’s most important yet controversial components and summarize the available evidence from the last two decades.
Viability and Virulence of Listeria monocytogenes in Poultry
Authors: Panera-Martínez Sarah , Capita Rosa , García-Fernández Camino , Alonso-Calleja Carlos
Published: September 2023

The prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in 30 samples of poultry was determined using culture-dependent (isolation on OCLA and confirmation by conventional polymerase chain reaction -PCR-, OCLA&PCR) and culture-independent (real-time polymerase chain reaction, q-PCR) methods. L. monocytogenes was detected in 15 samples (50.0%) by OCLA&PCR and in 20 (66.7%) by q-PCR. The concentrations (log10 cfu/g) of L. monocytogenes (q-PCR) ranged from 2.40 to 5.22 (total cells) and from <2.15 to 3.93 (viable cells). The two methods, q-PCR using a viability marker (v-PCR) and OCLA&PCR (gold standard), were compared for their capacity to detect viable cells of L. monocytogenes, with the potential to cause human disease. The values for sensitivity, specificity and efficiency of the v-PCR were 100%, 66.7% and 83.3%, respectively. The agreement between the two methods (kappa coefficient) was 0.67. The presence of nine virulence genes (hlyA, actA, inlB, inlA, inlC, inlJ, prfA, plcA and iap) was studied in 45 L. monocytogenes isolates (three from each positive sample) using PCR. All the strains harbored between six and nine virulence genes. Fifteen isolates (33.3% of the total) did not show the potential to form biofilm on a polystyrene surface, as determined by a crystal violet assay. The remaining strains were classified as weak (23 isolates, 51.1% of the total), moderate (one isolate, 2.2%) or strong (six isolates, 13.3%) biofilm producers. The strains were tested for susceptibility to a panel of 15 antibiotics. An average of 5.11 ± 1.30 resistances per isolate was observed. When the values for resistance and for reduced susceptibility were taken jointly, this figure rose to 6.91 ± 1.59. There was a prevalence of resistance or reduced susceptibility of more than 50.0% for oxacillin, cefoxitin, cefotaxime, cefepime ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin and nitrofurantoin. For the remaining antibiotics tested, the corresponding values ranged from 0.0% for chloramphenicol to 48.9% for rifampicin. The high prevalence and level of L. monocytogenes with numerous virulence factors in poultry underline how crucial it is to follow correct hygiene procedures during the processing of this foodstuff in order to reduce the risk of human listeriosis.