bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Inpatient Antibiotic Consumption in Switzerland
Authors: Friedli Olivier , Gasser Michael , Cusini Alexia , Fulchini Rosamaria , Vuichard-Gysin Danielle , Halder Tobler Roswitha , Wassilew Nasstasja , Plüss-Suard Catherine , Kronenberg Andreas
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to analyze inpatient antibiotic consumption during the first 16 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland. The entire period (January 2018–June 2021) was divided into the prepandemic period, the first and second waves, and the intermediate period. In the first year of the pandemic, total overall inpatient antibiotic consumption measured in defined daily doses (DDD) per 100 bed-days remained stable (+1.7%), with a slight increase in ICUs of +4.2%. The increase in consumption of broad-spectrum antibiotics was +12.3% overall and 17.3% in ICUs. The segmented regression model of monthly data revealed an increase in overall antibiotic consumption during the first wave but not during the second wave. In the correlation analysis performed in a subset of the data, a significant positive association was found between broad-spectrum antibiotic consumption and an increasing number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients (p = 0.018). Restricting this dataset to ICUs, we found significant positive correlations between the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and total antibiotic consumption (p = 0.007) and broad-spectrum antibiotic consumption (p < 0.001). In conclusion, inpatient antibiotic use during the different periods of the COVID-19 pandemic varied greatly and was predominantly notable for broad-spectrum antibiotics.
The Protective Anticancer Effect of Natural Lycopene Supercritical CO2 Watermelon Extracts in Adenocarcinoma Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Di Sano Caterina , Lazzara Valentina , Durante Miriana , D’Anna Claudia , Bonura Angela , Dino Paola , Uasuf Carina Gabriela , Pace Elisabetta , Lenucci Marcello Salvatore , Bruno Andreina
Published: June 2022

Carotenoids may have different effects on cancer and its progression. The safety of carotenoid supplements was evaluated in vitro on human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) adenocarcinoma A549 cells by the administration of three different oleoresins containing lycopene and other lipophilic phytochemicals, such as tocochromanols. The oleoresins, obtained by the supercritical CO2 green extraction technology from watermelon (Lyc W), gấc(Lyc G) and tomato (Lyc T) and chlatrated in α-cyclodextrins, were tested in comparison to synthetic lycopene (Lyc S), by cell cycle, Annexin V-FITC/PI, clonogenic test, Mytosox, intracellular ROS, Western Blot for NF-kB and RT-PCR and ELISA for IL-8. The extracts administered at the same lycopene concentration (10 µM) showed conflicting behaviors: Lyc W, with the highest lycopene/tocochromanols ratio, significantly increased cell apoptosis, mitochondrial stress, intracellular ROS, NF-kB and IL-8 expression and significantly decreased cell proliferation, whereas Lyc G and Lyc T significantly increased only cell proliferation. Lyc S treatment was ineffective. The highest amount of lycopene in Lyc W was able to counteract and revert the cell survival effect of tocochromanols supporting the importance of evaluating the lycopene bio-availability and the real effect of antioxidant tocochromanols’ supplementation which may not only have no anticancer benefits but may even increase cancer aggressivity.
Exploring the Utility of Anonymized EHR Datasets in Machine Learning Experiments in the Context of the MODELHealth Project
Authors: Pitoglou Stavros , Filntisi Arianna , Anastasiou Athanasios , Matsopoulos George K. , Koutsouris Dimitrios
Published: June 2022

The object of this paper was the application of machine learning to a clinical dataset that was anonymized using the Mondrian algorithm. (1) Background: The preservation of patient privacy is a necessity rising from the increasing digitization of health data; however, the effect of data anonymization on the performance of machine learning models remains to be explored. (2) Methods: The original EHR derived dataset was subjected to anonymization by applying the Mondrian algorithm for various k values and quasi identifier (QI) set attributes. The logistic regression, decision trees, k-nearest neighbors, Gaussian naive Bayes and support vector machine models were applied to the different dataset versions. (3) Results: The classifiers demonstrated different degrees of resilience to the anonymization, with the decision tree and the KNN models showing remarkably stable performance, as opposed to the Gaussian naïve Bayes model. The choice of the QI set attributes and the generalized information loss value played a more important role than the size of the QI set or the k value. (4) Conclusions: Data anonymization can reduce the performance of certain machine learning models, although the appropriate selection of classifier and parameter values can mitigate this effect.
Modeling of a Double Gas Hydrate Particle Ignition
Authors: Gaidukova Olga , Misyura Sergey , Razumov Dmitrii , Strizhak Pavel
Published: June 2022

This paper presents the numerical research findings for the conditions and characteristics of methane-propane hydrate particle ignition. The curves of the ignition delay times of a hydrate particle versus its size and ambient temperature were obtained. The effect of the rates of phase transformations (evaporation and dissociation) on the hydrate particle ignition behavior was analyzed. Following the mathematical modeling of the processes under study using different heating schemes of gas hydrates, the patterns of processes developing in a particle during the induction period were identified. It was established that the ignition behavior of methane, propane, and other gases was significantly different from that of other gases produced from hydrate decomposition. The established differences form the basis for predicting the characteristics of gas hydrate ignition at different power plants.
Nonlinear Response Prediction of Spar Platform in Deep Water Using an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Arifuzzaman Md , Uddin Md. Alhaz , Jameel Mohammed , Towhidur Rahman Bhuiyan Mohammad
Published: June 2022

The finite element method (FEM) is an essential method for predicting the response of the spar platform considering all nonlinear variables. Although FEM is an extremely laborious and time-consuming process for predicting platform responses using hydrodynamic loads, artificial neural networks (ANNs) can predict the response quickly, as required for platform management to either linger or stop the production of oil and gas. The application of ANN approaches to estimate the wave height and period from the expected wind forces is investigated in this paper. The ANN model can also predict the nonlinear responses of the spar platform subjected to the structural parameter as well as the wave height and wave period. The backpropagation technique depletes feed-forward neural networks, allowing the network to be trained. Following the formation of the neural network, rapid reactions from a freshly anticipated wind force are obtained. The results are validated via a comparison with results from a conventional finite element analysis. The findings demonstrate that the artificial neural network (ANN) technique is effective and is able to significantly reduce the required time to make predictions when compared to the conventional FEM.
Application of Single-Phase Supply AC-DC-AC VFD for Power Factor Improvement in LED Lighting Devices Loaded Power Distribution Lines
Authors: Petrauskas Gytis , Svinkunas Gytis
Published: June 2022

More and more light-emitting diode lighting devices (LED) are being connected to modern power distribution lines. In addition to its many positive features, this poses problems in terms of reactive power compensation. The large number of LEDs interacting with traditional reactive power compensators leads to a harmful phenomenon—overcompensation. This was experimentally determined in the investigated power distribution lines. Along with LEDs, a large number of devices with variable frequency drives (VFD) are connected to the same power distribution lines. This study presents an innovative approach to conventional diode rectifier supply side AC-DC-AC VFDs. It is proposed to use these VFDs as a reactive power compensation device while maintaining their main functions—motor powering and motor speed control. Minor improvements have been proposed to enable these VFDs to provide and draw out reactive power, thereby keeping power factors close to the unit in LED-loaded power distribution lines. The proposed improvements are based on the interaction between the power distribution lines inductivity and the DC circuit capacitance of the VFD. It has been shown that the power factor can be controlled by varying the capacity of the DC circuit. The ability of the AC-DC-AC VFD to compensate for the reactive power provided by the light-emitting diode lighting devices was confirmed by mathematical calculations and experimentally with a laboratory prototype.
Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of High Temperature Granite with Different Cooling Methods
Authors: Zhang Jin-Song , Lu Yu , Pang Jian-Yong , Bu Yi-Shun
Published: June 2022

Due to various factors, high-temperature rocks are often affected by different cooling methods. They will lead to changes in rock mechanical properties, which firmly connect with the safety and stability of practical projects. At present, there are many studies of the microscopic characteristics of rocks under different cooling methods, but few on the mechanical characteristics of rocks under the same conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out experimental research on the mechanical properties of rock under different cooling methods. The study shows that the deterioration degree of the sample increases gradually with temperature rising and the cooling methods have different effects on the change of the sample in mass, volume and density. The stress–strain curve of the sample is divided into the crack compaction stage, elastic deformation stage, nonlinear deformation stage and failure stage. The peak strength of the naturally cooled sample is higher than that of the water cooled. The peak strength comes with a trend that goes up first, and then down with the temperature increasing. The uniaxial compression failure of the sample under uniaxial action is tensile failure. The failure characteristic of the sample is influenced both by the cooling modes and the temperature.
Role of Regulatory T Cells in Skeletal Muscle Regeneration: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gama Jaciara F. G. , Romualdo Rayza D. , de Assis Mayara L. , de Oliveira Luana M. , Quírico-Santos Thereza , Alves Luiz A. , Lagrota-Candido Jussara
Published: June 2022

Muscle injuries are frequent in individuals with genetic myopathies and in athletes. Skeletal muscle regeneration depends on the activation and differentiation of satellite cells present in the basal lamina of muscle fibers. The skeletal muscle environment is critical for repair, metabolic and homeostatic function. Regulatory T cells (Treg) residing within skeletal muscle comprise a distinct and special cell population that modifies the inflammatory environment by secreting cytokines and amphiregulin, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligand that acts directly upon satellite cells, promoting tissue regeneration. This systematic review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the role of Treg in muscle repair and discusses their therapeutic potential in skeletal muscle injuries. A bibliographic search was carried out using the terms Treg and muscle regeneration and repair, covering all articles up to April 2021 indexed in the PubMed and EMBASE databases. The search included only published original research in human and experimental animal models, with further data analysis based on the PICO methodology, following PRISMA definitions and Cochrane guidelines.
Investigating the Effect of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors on the Interaction between Human Serum Albumin by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Fu Yuna , Wang Jianhua , Wang Yan , Sun Heng
Published: June 2022

It is important for elucidating the regulation mechanism of life activities, as well as for the prevention, diagnosis, and drug design of diseases, to study protein–protein interactions (PPIs). Here, we investigated the interactions of human serum albumin (HSA) in the presence of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs: imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib, bosutinib, and ponatinib) using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The distribution of rupture events including the specific interaction force Fi and the non-specific interaction force F0 between HSA pairs was analyzed. Based on the force measurements, Fi and F0 between HSA pairs in the control experiment were calculated to be 47 ± 1.5 and 116.1 ± 1.3 pN. However, Fi was significantly decreased in TKIs, while F0 was slightly decreased. By measuring the rupture forces at various loading rates and according to the Bell equation, the kinetic parameters of the complexes were investigated in greater detail. Molecular docking was used as a complementary means by which to explore the force of this effect. The whole measurements indicated that TKIs influenced PPIs in a variety of ways, among which hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions were the most important. In conclusion, these outcomes give us a better insight into the mechanisms of PPIs when there are exogenous compounds present as well as in different liquid environments.
High-Frequency Irreversible Electroporation (H-FIRE) Induced Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption Is Mediated by Cytoskeletal Remodeling and Changes in Tight Junction Protein Regulation
Authors: Partridge Brittanie R. , Kani Yukitaka , Lorenzo Melvin F. , Campelo Sabrina N. , Allen Irving C. , Hinckley Jonathan , Hsu Fang-Chi , Verbridge Scott S. , Robertson John L. , Davalos Rafael V. , Rossmeisl John H.
Published: June 2022

Glioblastoma is the deadliest malignant brain tumor. Its location behind the blood–brain barrier (BBB) presents a therapeutic challenge by preventing effective delivery of most chemotherapeutics. H-FIRE is a novel tumor ablation method that transiently disrupts the BBB through currently unknown mechanisms. We hypothesized that H-FIRE mediated BBB disruption (BBBD) occurs via cytoskeletal remodeling and alterations in tight junction (TJ) protein regulation. Intracranial H-FIRE was delivered to Fischer rats prior to sacrifice at 1-, 24-, 48-, 72-, and 96 h post-treatment. Cytoskeletal proteins and native and ubiquitinated TJ proteins (TJP) were evaluated using immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, and gene-expression arrays on treated and sham control brain lysates. Cytoskeletal and TJ protein expression were further evaluated with immunofluorescent microscopy. A decrease in the F/G-actin ratio, decreased TJP concentrations, and increased ubiquitination of TJP were observed 1–48 h post-H-FIRE compared to sham controls. By 72–96 h, cytoskeletal and TJP expression recovered to pretreatment levels, temporally corresponding with increased claudin-5 and zonula occludens-1 gene expression. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed significant dysregulation of claudin genes, centered around claudin-6 in H-FIRE treated rats. In conclusion, H-FIRE is capable of permeating the BBB in a spatiotemporal manner via cytoskeletal-mediated TJP modulation. This minimally invasive technology presents with applications for localized and long-lived enhanced intracranial drug delivery.
The Thin Ideal and Attitudes towards Appearance as Correlates of Exercise Addiction among Sporty People during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bonfanti Rubinia Celeste , Lo Coco Gianluca , Salerno Laura , Di Blasi Maria
Published: June 2022

The stress and anxiety caused by the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) have exacerbated body image concerns. A society that perpetuates the attempt for a perfect and thin appearance represents a fertile ground for the development of exercise addiction (EA). This cross-sectional study aims to explore EA during the second wave of the pandemic (October–December 2020) and to examine the independent influence of both time spent on moderate and vigorous physical activities and body image variables (i.e., drive for leanness and sociocultural attitudes toward appearance) on EA. A sample of Italian sporty people (N = 194; 48.5% females; Mage = 25.91 ± 6.32) was surveyed using the Exercise Addiction Inventory, the Drive for Leanness Scale, the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire, and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. A total of 82% of the sample were symptomatic of and 11.3% were at risk of EA. Hierarchical regressions revealed an association between the time spent on vigorous physical activities and levels of EA (p < 0.05). Moreover, body image variables were positively related to EA, explaining an additional 11% of variance (p < 0.05). Results showed the importance of considering and addressing body image factors to investigate and dampen the risk of EA among sporty people.
Proton Therapy in the Management of Luminal Gastrointestinal Cancers: Esophagus, Stomach, and Anorectum
Authors: Kobeissi Jana M. , Simone Charles B. , Hilal Lara , Wu Abraham J. , Lin Haibo , Crane Christopher H. , Hajj Carla
Published: June 2022

While the role of proton therapy in gastric cancer is marginal, its role in esophageal and anorectal cancers is expanding. In esophageal cancer, protons are superior in sparing the organs at risk, as shown by multiple dosimetric studies. Literature is conflicting regarding clinical significance, but the preponderance of evidence suggests that protons yield similar or improved oncologic outcomes to photons at a decreased toxicity cost. Similarly, protons have improved sparing of the organs at risk in anorectal cancers, but clinical data is much more limited to date, and toxicity benefits have not yet been shown clinically. Large, randomized trials are currently underway for both disease sites.
Dose Profile Modulation of Proton Minibeam for Clinical Application
Authors: Kim Myeongsoo , Hwang Ui-Jung , Park Kyeongyun , Kim Dohyeon , Kim Hak Soo , Choi Sang Hyoun , Jeong Jong Hwi , Shin Dongho , Lee Se Byeong , Kim Joo-Young , Kim Tae Hyun , Baek Hye Jung , Kim Hojin , Kim Kihwan , Kim Sang Soo , Lim Young Kyung
Published: June 2022

The feasibility of proton minibeam radiation therapy (pMBRT) using a multislit collimator (MSC) and a scattering device was evaluated for clinical use at a clinical proton therapy facility. We fabricated, through Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, not only an MSC with a high peak-to-valley dose ratio (PVDR) at the entrance of the proton beam, to prevent radiation toxicity, but also a scattering device to modulate the PVDR in depth. The slit width and center-to-center distance of the diverging MSC were 2.5 mm and 5.0 mm at the large end, respectively, and its thickness and available field size were 100 mm and 76 × 77.5 mm2, respectively. Spatially fractionated dose distributions were measured at various depths using radiochromic EBT3 films and also tested on bacterial cells. MC simulation showed that the thicker the MSC, the higher the PVDR at the phantom surface. Dosimetric evaluations showed that lateral dose profiles varied according to the scatterer’s thickness, and the depths satisfying PVDR = 1.1 moved toward the surface as their thickness increased. The response of the bacterial cells to the proton minibeams’ depth was also established, in a manner similar to the dosimetric pattern. Conclusively, these results strongly suggest that pMBRT can be implemented in clinical centers by using MSC and scatterers.
RIP3 Translocation into Mitochondria Promotes Mitofilin Degradation to Increase Inflammation and Kidney Injury after Renal Ischemia–Reperfusion
Authors: Feng Yansheng , Imam Aliagan Abdulhafiz , Tombo Nathalie , Draeger Derrick , Bopassa Jean C.
Published: June 2022

The receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3) has been reported to regulate programmed necrosis–necroptosis forms of cell death with important functions in inflammation. We investigated whether RIP3 translocates into mitochondria in response to renal ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) to interact with inner mitochondrial protein (Mitofilin) and promote mtDNA release into the cytosol. We found that release of mtDNA activates the cGAS–STING pathway, leading to increased nuclear transcription of pro-inflammatory markers that exacerbate renal I/R injury. Monolateral C57/6N and RIP3−/− mice kidneys were subjected to 60 min of ischemia followed by either 12, 24, or 48 h of reperfusion. In WT mice, we found that renal I/R injury increased RIP3 levels, as well as its translocation into mitochondria. We observed that RIP3 interacts with Mitofilin, likely promoting its degradation, resulting in increased mitochondria damage and mtDNA release, activation of the cGAS–STING–p65 pathway, and increased transcription of pro-inflammatory markers. All of these effects observed in WT mice were decreased in RIP3−/− mice. In HK-2, RIP3 overexpression or Mitofilin knockdown increased cell death by activating the cGAS–STING–p65 pathway. Together, this study point to an important role of the RIP3–Mitofilin axis in the initiation and development of renal I/R injury.
Complex Role of Microbiome in Pancreatic Tumorigenesis: Potential Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Amara Suneetha , Yang Li V. , Tiriveedhi Venkataswarup , Muzaffar Mahvish
Published: June 2022

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality with limited diagnostic and therapeutic options. Although immunotherapy has shown promise in the treatment of several cancers, its role in pancreatic cancer is rather limited. Several studies have focused on determining the role of the tumor microenvironment with cancer-cell-intrinsic events and tumor-infiltrating immune cellular properties. However, in the past decade, there has been emerging research aimed at delineating the role of the host microbiome, including the metabolites from microbes and host responses, on pancreatic tumorigenesis. Importantly, there is emerging evidence suggesting the beneficial role of a gut microbiome transplant to improve immunotherapeutic outcomes in cancer patients. In this review, we summarize the recent understanding of the role of the microbiome in pancreatic cancer progression, along with its clinical diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
Next-Generation Sequencing on Circulating Tumor DNA in Advanced Solid Cancer: Swiss Army Knife for the Molecular Tumor Board? A Review of the Literature Focused on FDA Approved Test
Authors: Vasseur Damien , Sassi Hela , Bayle Arnaud , Tagliamento Marco , Besse Benjamin , Marzac Christophe , Arbab Ahmadreza , Auger Nathalie , Cotteret Sophie , Aldea Mihaela , Blanc-Durand Félix , Géraud Arthur , Gazzah Anas , Loriot Yohann , Hollebecque Antoine , Martín-Romano Patricia , Ngo-Camus Maud , Nicotra Claudio , Ponce Santiago , Sakkal Madona , Caron Olivier , Smolenschi Cristina , Micol Jean-Baptiste , Italiano Antoine , Rouleau Etienne , Lacroix Ludovic
Published: June 2022

FDA-approved next-generation sequencing assays based on cell-free DNA offers new opportunities in a molecular-tumor-board context thanks to the noninvasiveness of liquid biopsy, the diversity of analyzed parameters and the short turnaround time. It gives the opportunity to study the heterogeneity of the tumor, to elucidate complex resistance mechanisms and to adapt treatment strategies. However, lowering the limit of detection and increasing the panels’ size raise new questions in terms of detection of incidental germline alterations, occult malignancies and clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential mutations. In this review, after a technological discussion and description of the common problematics encountered, we establish recommendations in properly using these FDA-approved tests in a molecular-tumor-board context.
Mediterranean Diet Adherence, Body Mass Index and Emotional Intelligence in Primary Education Students—An Explanatory Model as a Function of Weekly Physical Activity
Authors: Melguizo-Ibáñez Eduardo , González-Valero Gabriel , Badicu Georgian , Filipa-Silva Ana , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Sarmento Hugo , Zurita-Ortega Félix , Ubago-Jiménez José Luis
Published: June 2022

Adolescence is a key developmental period from a health, physical and psychological perspective. In view of this, the present research aimed to establish the relationship between emotional intelligence, Mediterranean diet adherence, BMI and age. In order to address this aim, (a) an explanatory model is developed of emotional intelligence and its relationship with Mediterranean diet adherence, BMI and age, and (b) the proposed structural model is examined via multi-group analysis as a function of whether students engage in more than three hours of physical activity a week. To this end, a quantitative, non-experimental (ex post facto), comparative and cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 567 students (11.10 ± 1.24). The instruments used were an ad hoc questionnaire, the KIDMED questionnaire and the TMMS-24. Outcomes reveal that participants who engage in more than three hours of physical activity a week score more highly for emotional intelligence than those who do not meet this criterion. Furthermore, it was also observed that, whilst the majority of the sample was physically active, improvement was required with regards to Mediterranean diet adherence.
An Isogeometric Bézier Finite Element Method for Vibration Optimization of Functionally Graded Plate with Local Refinement
Authors: Wei Xing , Liu Dongdong , Yin Shuohui
Published: June 2022

An effective free vibration optimization procedure in combination with the isogeometric approach (IGA), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and an integrated global and local parameterization is presented. The natural frequency of functionally graded (FG) plates is calculated by the IGA based on the Bézier extraction of non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS) with the cubic NURBS basis function. The material composition is assumed to vary only in the thickness direction, and the volumetric fraction is described by the NURBS basis function in light of the superior properties of NURBS curves. The volume fractions of the control points are then optimized by the PSO. In most of the previous work, the control points for the volume fraction are usually equally spaced, which is incapable of identifying the optimal location of the graded zones in most cases. To overcome this bottleneck, a novel local refinement strategy is proposed. The reliability and effectiveness of the proposed approach are demonstrated through several numerical examples. It is interesting to observe that the optimal results are sandwich or laminate plates, and few parameters are involved in the integrated global and local parameterization.
A Deep Modality-Specific Ensemble for Improving Pneumonia Detection in Chest X-rays
Authors: Rajaraman Sivaramakrishnan , Guo Peng , Xue Zhiyun , Antani Sameer K.
Published: June 2022

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Fluid-filled lungs due to the disease result in painful breathing difficulties and reduced oxygen intake. Effective diagnosis is critical for appropriate and timely treatment and improving survival. Chest X-rays (CXRs) are routinely used to screen for the infection. Computer-aided detection methods using conventional deep learning (DL) models for identifying pneumonia-consistent manifestations in CXRs have demonstrated superiority over traditional machine learning approaches. However, their performance is still inadequate to aid in clinical decision-making. This study improves upon the state of the art as follows. Specifically, we train a DL classifier on large collections of CXR images to develop a CXR modality-specific model. Next, we use this model as the classifier backbone in the RetinaNet object detection network. We also initialize this backbone using random weights and ImageNet-pretrained weights. Finally, we construct an ensemble of the best-performing models resulting in improved detection of pneumonia-consistent findings. Experimental results demonstrate that an ensemble of the top-3 performing RetinaNet models outperformed individual models in terms of the mean average precision (mAP) metric (0.3272, 95% CI: (0.3006,0.3538)) toward this task, which is markedly higher than the state of the art (mAP: 0.2547). This performance improvement is attributed to the key modifications in initializing the weights of classifier backbones and constructing model ensembles to reduce prediction variance compared to individual constituent models.
Multi-Task Offloading Based on Optimal Stopping Theory in Edge Computing Empowered Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Mu Liting , Ge Bin , Xia Chenxing , Wu Cai
Published: June 2022

Vehicular edge computing is a new computing paradigm. By introducing edge computing into the Internet of Vehicles (IoV), service providers are able to serve users with low-latency services, as edge computing deploys resources (e.g., computation, storage, and bandwidth) at the side close to the IoV users. When mobile nodes are moving and generating structured tasks, they can connect with the roadside units (RSUs) and then choose a proper time and several suitable Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) servers to offload the tasks. However, how to offload tasks in sequence efficiently is challenging. In response to this problem, in this paper, we propose a time-optimized, multi-task-offloading model adopting the principles of Optimal Stopping Theory (OST) with the objective of maximizing the probability of offloading to the optimal servers. When the server utilization is close to uniformly distributed, we propose another OST-based model with the objective of minimizing the total offloading delay. The proposed models are experimentally compared and evaluated with related OST models using simulated data sets and real data sets, and sensitivity analysis is performed. The results show that the proposed offloading models can be efficiently implemented in the mobile nodes and significantly reduce the total expected processing time of the tasks.
Spatial Distribution of Multi-Fractal Scaling Behaviours of Atmospheric XCO2 Concentration Time Series during 2010–2018 over China
Authors: Ma Yiran , He Xinyi , Wu Rui , Shen Chenhua
Published: June 2022

Exploring the spatial distribution of the multi-fractal scaling behaviours in atmospheric CO2 concentration time series is useful for understanding the dynamic mechanisms of carbon emission and absorption. In this work, we utilise a well-established multi-fractal detrended fluctuation analysis to examine the multi-fractal scaling behaviour of a column-averaged dry-air mole fraction of carbon dioxide (XCO2) concentration time series over China, and portray the spatial distribution of the multi-fractal scaling behaviour. As XCO2 data values from the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) are insufficient, a spatio-temporal thin plate spline interpolation method is applied. The results show that XCO2 concentration records over almost all of China exhibit a multi-fractal nature. Two types of multi-fractal sources are detected. One is long-range correlations, and the other is both long-range correlations and a broad probability density function; these are mainly distributed in southern and northern China, respectively. The atmospheric temperature and carbon emission/absorption are two possible external factors influencing the multi-fractality of the atmospheric XCO2 concentration. Highlight: (1) An XCO2 concentration interpolation is conducted using a spatio-temporal thin plate spline method. (2) The spatial distribution of the multi-fractality of XCO2 concentration over China is shown. (3) Multi-fractal sources and two external factors affecting multi-fractality are analysed.
Efficiency Fluctuations in a Quantum Battery Charged by a Repeated Interaction Process
Authors: Barra Felipe
Published: June 2022

A repeated interaction process assisted by auxiliary thermal systems charges a quantum battery. The charging energy is supplied by switching on and off the interaction between the battery and the thermal systems. The charged state is an equilibrium state for the repeated interaction process, and the ergotropy characterizes its charge. The working cycle consists in extracting the ergotropy and charging the battery again. We discuss the fluctuating efficiency of the process, among other fluctuating properties. These fluctuations are dominated by the equilibrium distribution and depend weakly on other process properties.
STEM Career Interest of Kazakhstani Middle and High School Students
Authors: Japashov Nursultan , Naushabekov Zhomart , Ongarbayev Samat , Postiglione Adriana , Balta Nuri
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study is to analyze secondary school students’ career interests in STEM subjects. This survey-based quantitative research is provided to gain insight into the STEM career interests of 398 students (7–11 graders), in the Almaty region of the Kazakhstan Republic. Through parametric and non-parametric test analysis, the relationship between students’ STEM career interest and their gender, their parents’ occupation, parents’ education, family size, school type, and school location were revealed. Results indicated that, on average, participant students showed positive interest in STEM careers. In particular, boys’ and girls’ responses were equally positive in many sub-scales of STEM. Additionally, great interest in STEM careers was shown by village students, whereas, for private school students who are living in the city, STEM career interests were the lowest in our sample. We also found that students’ family size, parents’ education, and occupation does not relate to students’ STEM career interest. Implications for STEM education in Kazakhstan are further discussed in this study.
MEAN: Multi-Edge Adaptation Network for Salient Object Detection Refinement
Authors: Guo Jing-Ming , Markoni Herleeyandi
Published: June 2022

Recent advances in salient object detection adopting deep convolutional neural networks have achieved state-of-the-art performance. Salient object detection is task in computer vision to detect interesting objects. Most of the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-based methods produce plausible saliency outputs, yet with extra computational time. However in practical, the low computation algorithm is demanded. One approach to overcome this limitation is to resize the input into a smaller size to reduce the heavy computation in the backbone network. However, this process degrades the performance, and fails to capture the exact details of the saliency boundaries due to the downsampling process. A robust refinement strategy is needed to improve the final result where the refinement computation should be lower than that of the original prediction network. Consequently, a novel approach is proposed in this study using the original image gradient as a guide to detect and refine the saliency result. This approach lowers the computational cost by eliminating the huge computation in the backbone network, enabling flexibility for users in choosing a desired size with a more accurate boundary. The proposed method bridges the benefits of smaller computation and a clear result on the boundary. Extensive experiments have demonstrated that the proposed method is able to maintain the stability of the salient detection performance given a smaller input size with a desired output size and improvise the overall salient object detection result.
Dynamic Analysis of a Planar Suspension Mechanism Based on Kinestatic Relations
Authors: Zhou Guofeng , Jin Shengye , Wang Yafei , Zhou Zhisong , Cao Shouqi
Published: June 2022

The dynamic characteristics of a vehicle are significantly influenced by the suspension mechanism. In this paper, the nonlinear kinestatic relations of a planar suspension mechanism are taken into account in the dynamic analysis of a vehicle. A planar suspension mechanism can be considered a 1-DOF parallel mechanism. The Jacobian is used for the kinestatic analysis of the suspension. The motions of the suspension can be represented by instantaneous screw. Based on these kinematic and static relations, the dynamic performances of a quarter-vehicle model with a planar suspension mechanism are described in terms of Lagrangian equations. Finally, as illustrated in the examples, two different kinds of road disturbances are inputted into the wheel. The dynamic responses of a quarter-vehicle model are simulated and compared with the simulation software Adams/View for the validity of the theoretical method.
Unified Design Principles of Inductive Power Transfer Systems for Multi-Load Applications
Authors: Zhang Jiantao , Liu Ying , Zhu Chunbo , Chan Ching Chuen
Published: June 2022

In the design of inductive power transfer (IPT) systems for multi-load applications, the versatility of the coupling structure and the choice of parameter values are crucial due to the diversity of load appliance types and operating conditions. In this paper, based on the features of various coupling structures, the equivalent circuit models of four topologies, namely single-input single-output (SISO), single-input multiple-output (SIMO), multiple-input single-output (MISO) and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), are established, from which general transfer characteristics are obtained and analyzed. Based on the series–series (S/S) compensation topology, a set of design principles for IPT circuits satisfying various output requirements in a multi-load environment is presented. Moreover, a control strategy to address the impedance matching issue and to facilitate communication between the primary and secondary sides is proposed. The proposed control strategy is experimentally validated.
Effectiveness of Tannin Removal by Alkaline Pretreatment on Sorghum Ethanol Production
Authors: Foglia Franco , Drapcho Caye , Nghiem John
Published: June 2022

Sorghum has been proposed as a complement or replacement for corn in ethanol production. One difference between sorghum and corn is the presence of tannins, which may affect enzymatic activity. High-tannin sorghum hybrid XM217 was used to analyze the effect of tannin removal by the alkaline pretreatment of sorghum for ethanol production. A laboratory-scale dry-milling process was used on treated sorghum/corn blends to generate mash that was fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and then compared to a 100% untreated sorghum control. Cellulase was added to a similar set of mash to determine the feasibility of the tannin-removal treatment as a pretreatment method for cellulosic ethanol production. Theoretical ethanol yield increased from 68.2 ± 1.5% to 78.5 ± 2.5% for alkaline-pretreated sorghum vs. untreated sorghum, with a corresponding increase in mean ethanol concentrations from 8.02 ± 0.15 to 9.39 ± 0.26% w/v. The average theoretical ethanol yield increased from 69.8 ± 1.7% to 94.6 ± 1.9% when using cellulase with untreated and treated sorghum. The use of alkaline tannin removal resulted in a significant increase in the theoretical ethanol yield obtained when using 100% sorghum, when compared to the theoretical ethanol yield obtained when using 100% corn. The combination of cellulase and alkaline tannin removal improved the yield of ethanol in all cases compared to the experiments without cellulase.
Preventive Effects of Thinned Apple Extracts on TNF-α-Induced Intestinal Tight Junction Dysfunction in Caco-2 Cells through Myosin Light Chain Kinase Suppression
Authors: Lee Joo-Yeon , Kim Choon Young
Published: June 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction and elevation of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α. Tight junctions (TJ) control the paracellular barrier of the gut. Thinned apples are an indispensable horticultural agro-waste for apple cultivation, but are disposed by most farmers. This study aimed to elucidate the preventive effect of thinned apple extracts (TAE) on the intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction induced by TNF-α treatment in Caco-2 cells. The differentiated Caco-2 monolayers were pre-treated with mature apple extract (MAE) and TAE for 1 h and then incubated with 100 ng/mL TNF-α for 24 h. The TJ integrity was estimated by measuring the value of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and the flux of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran through paracellular transport. TAE had a better protective effect on the intestinal epithelial barrier than MAE did. Western blot results showed that TAE pre-retreatment elevated TJ protein levels such as claudin-1, -4, and -5. Moreover, TAE inhibited the interaction between zonula occludens proteins (ZO)-1 and occludin by reducing the tyrosine phosphorylation of ZO-1. The mechanisms underlying TAE-mediated attenuation of TNF-α-induced TJ disruption included suppression of myosin light chain kinase and NF-κB p65 protein levels. Therefore, thinned apples could be a sustainable ingredient for functional foods to prevent IBD.
Dry Heat as a Potential Decontamination Method on the Filtration Efficiency of Filtering Facepiece Respirators
Authors: Jin Zhixu , Sun Chenchen , Wu Wending , Yang Xiaobing
Published: June 2022

Filtering facepiece respirators have been widely used in the fields of occupational health and public hygiene, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, disposable respirators have been in high demand, and the waste generated from these disposable products poses a problem for the environment. Here, we aimed to test a practical decontamination method to allow for the reuse of KN95 respirators. In this study, three types of KN95 respirators were heated at 80 °C and 90 °C for different durations (15 min, 30 min, 45 min, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h, 6 h, 8 h, 10 h, and 24 h). The filtration efficiencies of the tested KN95 respirators before and after heating were measured, and the changes in microstructure were imaged with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition, a neural network model based on the nonlinear autoregressive with external input (NARX) to predict the filtration efficiency of the KN95 respirator was established. The results show that the temperature and time of dry heating affected particle prevention. The higher the temperature and the longer the heating time, the more obvious the decline in the filtration efficiency of the respirators. When the heating temperature reached 100 °C, the respirator may be no longer suitable for reuse. These results show that a dry heat temperature between 70 °C and 90 °C, and a heating time between 30 min and 2 h is assumed to be a suitable and effective decontamination method for respirators.
New Technology and Loss of Paid Employment among Older Workers: Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sundstrup Emil , Meng Annette , Ajslev Jeppe Z. N. , Albertsen Karen , Pedersen Flemming , Andersen Lars L.
Published: June 2022

Background: This study investigates the association between the implementation of new technology in the workplace and the subsequent loss of paid employment among older workers. Methods: We estimated the prospective risk of loss of paid employment (register-based) from questions on new technology among 10,320 older workers (≥50 years). To investigate potential differences between work types, analyses were stratified by job function: (1) work with symbols (office, administration, analysis, IT), (2) work with people (people, service, care), (3) work in the field of production (processing, producing or moving things). Results: The introduction of new technology at the workplace reduced the risk of losing paid employment among older workers working with symbols (risk ratio [RR] 0.74, 95% CI 0.72–0.76) and in the field of production (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.80–0.85), whereas new technology increased this risk among those working with people (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.19–1.26). Being involved in the introduction of new technology and receiving adequate training in its use decreased the risk of loss of paid employment. Conclusions: Depending on the context, the introduction of new technology at work associates positively as well as negatively with future labour market participation among older workers. Worker involvement and adequate training in the use of new technology seem to be important for retaining workers in the labour market.
Dengue Seroprevalence and Factors Associated with Dengue Seropositivity in Petaling District, Malaysia
Authors: Ng Rui Jie , Chong Zhuo Lin , Abdul Mutalip Mohd Hatta , Ng Chiu-Wan
Published: June 2022

Dengue virus (DENV) infection is a major public health concern, posing huge economic and disease burdens globally. In Malaysia, the incidence of DENV infections has increased significantly over the years. Nevertheless, the passive surveillance mechanism applied may not capture the actual magnitude of DENV infection. There was also a paucity of community-based studies exploring DENV seroprevalence. This study aimed to determine the DENV seroprevalence and the associated factors among the urban population in Petaling district, Malaysia. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 18 August to 26 October 2018 with 533 participants recruited. Blood samples were collected and analysed for DENV seropositivity using a composite reference standard comprised of three dengue serological tests. Associated factors were identified by fitting Generalised Linear Mixed Models with binomial error structure and logit link function. DENV seroprevalence obtained was 79.0% (95% CI: 75.2–82.4%). The age-specific DENV seroprevalence showed an increasing trend with advancing age, from 22.7% (95% CI: 9.6–45.0%) for those aged below five years old to 94.9% (95% CI: 81.3–98.7%) for those aged ≥60 years old. Only age group and house level were found to be significant factors associated with DENV seropositivity. The odds of being DENV seropositive generally increased with age, from 13.43 (95% CI: 2.77–65.22) for the 5–9 years old age group to 384.77 (95% CI: 39.27–3769.97) for the ≥60 years old age group, as compared to those aged below 5 years old. For house level, those who lived on the first and second floor (OR: 8.98, 95% CI: 3.16–25.12) and the third floor and above (OR: 4.82, 95% CI: 1.89–12.32) had greater odds of being DENV seropositive compared to those living on the ground floor. This study demonstrated the persistently high DENV seroprevalence among the urban population in Petaling district, which could be useful to evaluate dengue control measures taken and estimate more accurate disease incidence. The associated factors with DENV seropositivity identified could also contribute to undertaking more targeted preventive and control measures.
Effects of Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Exercise on 24 h Movement Behaviors in Inactive Female University Students
Authors: Lu Yining , Wiltshire Huw D. , Baker Julien S. , Wang Qiaojun
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine if low-volume, high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) was associated with changes in 24-h movement behaviors. A quasi-experimental study design was used. We collected accelerometry data from 21 eligible participants who consistently wore an ActiGraph for a period of two-weeks. Differences in behaviors were analyzed using a paired t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance. Regression analysis was used to explore relationships with factors that impacted changes. The results indicated a compensatory increase in sedentary time (ST) (4.4 ± 6.0%, p < 0.01) and a decrease in light-intensity physical activity (LPA) (−7.3 ± 16.7%, p < 0.05). Meanwhile, moderate-intensity physical activity (MPA), vigorous-intensity physical activity (VPA), and total physical activity (TPA) increased following exercise (p < 0.001). Sleep duration and prolonged sedentary time were reduced (p < 0.05). Exercise intensity and aerobic capacity were associated with changes in ST. The results from the study indicate that participating in a low-volume HIIE encouraged participants who were previously inactive to become more active. The observations of increases in ST may have displaced a prolonged sitting time. The decrease in sleeping time observed may be reflecting an increased sleep quality in connection with increased higher-intensity PA.