bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of ultrasensitive and mass spectrometry quantification of blood-based amyloid biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis in a memory clinic cohort
Authors: Hirtz Christophe , Busto Germain U. , Bennys Karim , Kindermans Jana , Navucet Sophie , Tiers Laurent , Lista Simone , Vialaret Jérôme , Gutierrez Laure-Anne , Dauvilliers Yves , Berr Claudine , Lehmann Sylvain , Gabelle Audrey
Published: February 2023

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder with β-amyloid pathology as a key underlying process. The relevance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain imaging biomarkers is validated in clinical practice for early diagnosis. Yet, their cost and perceived invasiveness are a limitation for large-scale implementation. Based on positive amyloid profiles, blood-based biomarkers should allow to detect people at risk for AD and to monitor patients under therapeutics strategies. Thanks to the recent development of innovative proteomic tools, the sensibility and specificity of blood biomarkers have been considerably improved. However, their diagnosis and prognosis relevance for daily clinical practice is still incomplete.

Methods

The Plasmaboost study included 184 participants from the Montpellier’s hospital NeuroCognition Biobank with AD (n = 73), mild cognitive impairments (MCI) (n = 32), subjective cognitive impairments (SCI) (n = 12), other neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) (n = 31), and other neurological disorders (OND) (n = 36). Dosage of β-amyloid biomarkers was performed on plasma samples using immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IPMS) developed by Shimadzu (IPMS-Shim Aβ42, Aβ40, APP669–711) and Simoa Human Neurology 3-PLEX A assay (Aβ42, Aβ40, t-tau). Links between those biomarkers and demographical and clinical data and CSF AD biomarkers were investigated. Performances of the two technologies to discriminate clinically or biologically based (using the AT(N) framework) diagnosis of AD were compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses.

Results

The amyloid IPMS-Shim composite biomarker (combining APP669–711/Aβ42 and Aβ40/Aβ42 ratios) discriminated AD from SCI (AUC: 0.91), OND (0.89), and NDD (0.81). The IPMS-Shim Aβ42/40 ratio also discriminated AD from MCI (0.78). IPMS-Shim biomarkers have similar relevance to discriminate between amyloid-positive and amyloid-negative individuals (0.73 and 0.76 respectively) and A−T−N−/A+T+N+ profiles (0.83 and 0.85). Performances of the Simoa 3-PLEX Aβ42/40 ratio were more modest. Pilot longitudinal analysis on the progression of plasma biomarkers indicates that IPMS-Shim can detect the decrease in plasma Aβ42 that is specific to AD patients.

Conclusions

Our study confirms the potential usefulness of amyloid plasma biomarkers, especially the IPMS-Shim technology, as a screening tool for early AD patients.
Demographic, clinical, immunological, and molecular features of iranian national cohort of patients with defect in DCLRE1C gene
Authors: Ghadimi Soodeh , Jamee Mahnaz , Abolhassani Hassan , Parvaneh Nima , Rezaei Nima , Delavari Samaneh , Sadeghi-Shabestari Mahnaz , Tabatabaei Sedigheh Rafiei , Fahimzad Alireza , Armin Shahnaz , Chavoshzadeh Zahra , Sharafian Samin
Published: February 2023

Background

DCLRE1C gene mutation leads to Artemis deficiency, a severe form of combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Impaired DNA repair and block in early adaptive immunity maturation results in T-B-NK+ immunodeficiency associated with radiosensitivity. Recurrent infections early in life are the main characteristic of Artemis patients.

Method

Among 5373 registered patients, 9 Iranian patients (33.3% female) with confirmed DCLRE1C mutation were identified since 1999–2022. The demographic, clinical, immunological and genetic features were collected through retrospective investigation of medical records and using next generation sequencing.

Results

Seven patients were born in a consanguineous family (77.8%). The median age of onset was 6.0 (5.0–17.0) months. Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) was clinically detected at a median (IQR) age of 7.0 (6.0–20.5) months, following a median diagnostic delay of 2.0 (1.0–3.5) months The most typical first presentation was pneumonia (44.4%) and otitis media (3.33%), followed by BCG lymphadenitis (22.2%) and gastroenteritis (11.1%). The most prevalent manifestations were respiratory tract infections (including otitis media) (66.6%) and chronic diarrhea (66.6%). In addition, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (P5) and celiac disease and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (P9) as autoimmune disorders were reported in 2 patients. All patients had reduced B CD19+ and CD4+ cell counts. IgA deficiency occurred in 77.8% of individuals.

Conclusion

Recurrent infections particulary respiratory tract infection and chronic diarrhea during the first months of life in patients born to consanguineous parents should raise the suspicion for inborn errors of immunity, even in the presence of normal growth and development.
Bilateral primary angiosarcoma of the breast: a case report
Authors: Ooe Yuka , Terakawa Hirofumi , Kawashima Hiroko , Ikeda Hiroko , Inaki Noriyuki
Published: February 2023

Background

Primary angiosarcoma of the breast is very rare, accounting for 0.05% of all malignant breast tumors. It has very high malignant potential and poor prognosis, though due to the rarity of the disease, there is no established treatment. We report this case along with a literature review.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 30-year-old Asian woman who was diagnosed with bilateral primary angiosarcoma of the breast while breastfeeding. After surgery, she underwent radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for local recurrence of liver metastases, but these were ineffective, and she required several arterial embolization procedures for intratumoral bleeding and rupture of liver metastases.

Conclusions

Angiosarcoma has a poor prognosis due to a high rate of local recurrence and distant metastasis. Although there is no established evidence for radiotherapy or chemotherapy, multimodality treatment may be necessary because of the high malignancy and rapid progression of the disease.
Flow-dependent shear stress affects the biological properties of pericyte-like cells isolated from human dental pulp
Authors: Bertani Giulia , Di Tinco Rosanna , Bertoni Laura , Orlandi Giulia , Pisciotta Alessandra , Rosa Roberto , Rigamonti Luca , Signore Michele , Bertacchini Jessika , Sena Paola , De Biasi Sara , Villa Erica , Carnevale Gianluca
Published: February 2023

Background

Human dental pulp stem cells represent a mesenchymal stem cell niche localized in the perivascular area of dental pulp and are characterized by low immunogenicity and immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory properties. Pericytes, mural cells surrounding the endothelium of small vessels, regulate numerous functions including vessel growth, stabilization and permeability. It is well established that pericytes have a tight cross talk with endothelial cells in neoangiogenesis and vessel stabilization, which are regulated by different factors, i.e., microenvironment and flow-dependent shear stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a pulsatile unidirectional flow in the presence or not of an inflammatory microenvironment on the biological properties of pericyte-like cells isolated from human dental pulp (hDPSCs).

Methods

Human DPSCs were cultured under both static and dynamic conditions with or without pre-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Pulsatile unidirectional flow shear stress was generated by using a specific peristaltic pump. The angiogenic potential and inflammatory properties of hDPSCs were evaluated through reverse phase protein microarrays (RPPA), confocal immunofluorescence and western blot analyses.

Results

Our data showed that hDPSCs expressed the typical endothelial markers, which were up-regulated after endothelial induction, and were able to form tube-like structures. RPPA analyses revealed that these properties were modulated when a pulsatile unidirectional flow shear stress was applied to hDPSCs. Stem cells also revealed a downregulation of the immune-modulatory molecule PD-L1, in parallel with an up-regulation of the pro-inflammatory molecule NF-kB. Immune-modulatory properties of hDPSCs were also reduced after culture under flow-dependent shear stress and exposure to an inflammatory microenvironment. This evidence was strengthened by the detection of up-regulated levels of expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in PBMCs.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the application of a pulsatile unidirectional flow shear stress induced a modulation of immunomodulatory/inflammatory properties of dental pulp pericyte-like cells.
Cost-effectiveness in unstable economies: the case of sacubitril/valsartan in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in Argentina
Authors: Giorgi Mariano A. , Boissonnet Carlos P. , Luque Paula Soledad , Piastrella Jimena , Porley Carlos , Ditata Fernanda , Volman Sergio
Published: February 2023

Background

Sacubitril/valsartan (an Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor—ARNI) is one of the cornerstones in the management of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) having demonstrated significant reductions in both mortality and hospitalisations as compared with enalapril. It proved to be a cost-effective treatment in many countries with stable economies. In Argentina, a country with chronic financial instability and a fragmented health care system, the estimation of its cost-effectiveness requires to consider local financial data.

Objectives

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of sacubitril/valsartan in HFrEF in Argentina.

Methods

We populated an Excel-based cost-effectiveness model, previously validated, using inputs from the pivotal phase-3 PARADIGM-HF trial and from local sources. As the main problem to consider was the financial instability, we adopted a differential approach to cost discounting based on the opportunity cost of capital. Thus, a discount rate for costs were set at 31.6%, using the BADLAR rate published by the Central Bank of Argentina. Discount for effects were set at 5% as is the current practice. Costs were expressed in Argentinian pesos (ARS). We used the perspective for both the social security and private payers at a 30-year horizon. The primary analysis was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) versus enalapril, the previous standard of care. Alternative scenarios performed included a 5% cost discount rate and 3 a 5-year horizon (as is usually used).

Results

In Argentina the cost-per quality adjusted life-year (QALY) gained for sacubitril/valsartan versus enalapril was 391,158 ARS and 376,665 ARS for a social security and a private payer, respectively, at a 30- year horizon. These ICERs were under the cost- effectiveness threshold of 520,405.79 ARS (1 Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita) suggested by Argentinian health technology assessment bodies. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed an acceptability of sacubitril/valsartan as a cost-effective alternative of 86.40% and 88.25% for social security and private payers, respectively.

Conclusion

Sacubitril/valsartan is a cost-effective treatment in HFrEF using local inputs that considered the financial instability. For both payers considered the cost per QALY gained are under the cost-effectiveness threshold considered.
Model-based cloud service deployment optimisation method for minimisation of application service operational cost
Authors: Stupar Ivana , Huljenic Darko
Published: February 2023

Many currently existing cloud cost optimisation solutions are aimed at cloud infrastructure providers, and they often deal only with specific types of application services. Unlike infrastructure providers, the providers of cloud applications are often left without a suitable cost optimisation solution, especially concerning the wide range of different application types. This paper presents an approach that aims to provide an optimisation solution for the providers of applications hosted in the cloud environments, applicable at the early phase of a cloud application lifecycle and for a wide range of application services. The focus of this research is the development of the method for identifying optimised service deployment option in available cloud environments based on the model of the service and its context, intending to minimise the operational cost of the cloud service while fulfilling the requirements defined by the service level agreement. A cloud application context metamodel is proposed that includes parameters related to both the application service and the cloud infrastructure relevant for the cost and quality of service. By using the proposed optimisation method, knowledge is gained about the effects of the cloud application context parameters on the service cost and quality of service, which is then used to determine the optimal service deployment option. The service models are validated using cloud applications deployed in laboratory conditions, and the optimisation method is validated using the simulations based on the proposed cloud application context metamodel. The experimental results based on two cloud application services demonstrate the ability of the proposed approach to provide relevant information about the impact of cloud application context parameters on service cost and quality of service and use this information for reducing service operational cost while preserving the acceptable service quality level. The results indicate the applicability and relevance of the proposed approach for cloud applications in the early service lifecycle phase since application providers can gain valuable insights regarding service deployment decision without acquiring extensive datasets for the analysis.
Medication administration errors in the domain of infusion therapy in intensive care units: a survey study among nurses
Authors: Beaudart Charlotte , Witjes Maureen , Rood Paul , Hiligsmann Mickael
Published: February 2023

Background

Despite extensive research carried out on medication administration errors (MAEs) in the domain of infusion therapy, there is limited knowledge on nurse’s perceptions on the occurrence of MAEs during infusion therapy. Since nurses are responsible for medication preparation and administration in Dutch hospitals, it is vital to understand their perspectives on the risk factors for MAEs.

Aim

The purpose of this study is to investigate the perception of nurses, working in adult ICUs, on the occurrence of MAEs during continuous infusion therapies.

Methods

A digital web-based survey was distributed among 373 ICU nurses working in Dutch hospitals. The survey investigated nurses’ perceptions on the frequency, severity of consequences and preventability of MAEs, factors for the occurrence of MAEs, and infusion pump and smart infusion safety technology.

Results

A total of 300 nurses started to fill out the survey but only 91 of them (30.3%) fully completed it and were included in analyses. Medication-related factors and Care professional-related factors were perceived as the two most important risk categories for the occurrence of MAEs. Important risk factors contributing to the occurrence of MAEs included high patient-nurse ratio, problems in communication between caregivers, frequent staff changes and transfers of care, and no/incorrect dosage/concentration on labels. Drug library was reported as the most important infusion pump feature and both Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) and medical device connectivity as the two most important smart infusion safety technologies. Nurses perceived the majority of MAEs as preventable.

Conclusions

Based on ICU nurses' perceptions, the present study suggests that strategies to reduce MAEs in these units should focus on, among other factors, the high patient-to-nurse ratio, problems in communication between nurses, frequent staff changes and transfers of care, and no/incorrect dosage/concentration on drug labels.
Review of "Urban Oases Dutch Hofjes as Hidden Architectural Gems" by Willemijn Wilms Floet
Authors: Khalilnezhad Mohammad Reza , Russo Alessio
Published: February 2023

Book details

Willemijn Wilms Floet

URBAN OASES Dutch Hofjes as Hidden Architectural Gems.

nai010 publishers, 2021.

ISBN 978-94-6208-660-9.

€ 39.95, paperback (Also available in Dutch and as e-book in English and Dutch).

pp. 208, with illustrations (220 full color).
Bohemian sandstone for restoration of cultural heritage sites: 3D microstructure and mass transport properties
Authors: Capek Pavel , Vesely Martin , Svoboda Milos , Remzova Monika , Zouzelka Radek , Kocirik Milan , Brabec Libor , Rathousky Jiri
Published: February 2023

We characterised the microstructure of sandstone from the Msene locality (Czech Republic) by combining X-ray computed micro-tomography, back-scattered electron imaging, chemical composition analysis and textural analysis and gas permeation. Both, 2D and 3D images were commonly processed by linking an anisotropic non-linear diffusion filter and a segmentation method based on power watershed. This approach guaranteed binarised outputs that were almost the same in wide ranges of spatial-filter and power-watershed parameters, i.e., subjective choices of the parameters played the negligible role. The rock pore structure was found to be statistically homogeneous and almost isotropic with perfectly connected pore space. We also partitioned the void and solid phases into either grains or pores and throats, which enabled us to study characteristic sizes and connectivity of partitioned regions. By comparing pore and throat sizes, we demonstrated the significant convergent-divergent nature of the pore space because the throat size covered at most one half of the total surface area per pore (cavity). In addition, we calculated coordination numbers for all pores (cavities) to verify almost perfect connectivity of internal pores with those at the external surface. Effective (macroscopic) transport properties of the reconstructed pore space were simulated and the results were validated by experimentally observing steady state flow of inert gas. These findings appear to be a favorable starting point for future investigation of consolidation procedures. The well-connected pore structure with minimum occurrence of dead-end pores suggests that the consolidation agent is very likely to flood the whole pore space.
A statistical study of convective and dynamic instabilities in the polar upper mesosphere above Tromsø
Authors: Nozawa Satonori , Saito Norihito , Kawahara Takuya , Wada Satoshi , Tsuda Takuo T. , Maeda Sakiho , Takahashi Toru , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Narayanan Viswanathan Lakshmi , Kawabata Tetsuya , Johnsen Magnar G.
Published: February 2023

We have studied the convective (or static) and dynamic instabilities between 80 and 100 km above Tromsø (69.6° N, 19.2° E) using temperature and wind data of 6 min and 1 km resolutions primarily almost over a solar cycle obtained with the sodium lidar at Tromsø. First, we have calculated Brunt–Väisälä frequency (N) for 339 nights obtained from October 2010 to December 2019, and the Richardson number (Ri) for 210 nights obtained between October 2012 to December 2019. Second, using those values (Nand Ri), we have calculated probabilities of the convective instability (N2 < 0) and the dynamic instability (0 ≤ Ri < 0.25) that can be used for proxies for evaluating the atmospheric stability. The probability of the convective instability varies from about 1% to 24% with a mean value of 9%, and that of the dynamic instability varies from 4 to 20% with a mean value of 10%. Third, we have compared these probabilities with the F10.7 index and localK-index. The probability of the convective instability shows a dependence (its correlation coefficient of 0.45) of the geomagnetic activity (localK-index) between 94 and 100 km, suggesting an auroral influence on the atmospheric stability. The probability of the dynamic instability shows a solar cycle dependence (its correlation coefficient being 0.54). The probability of the dynamic instability shows the dependence of the 12 h wave amplitude (meridional and zonal wind components) (C.C. = 0.52). The averaged potential energy of gravity waves shows decrease with height between 81 and 89 km, suggesting that dissipation of gravity waves plays an important role (at least partly) in causing the convective instability below 89 km. The probability of the convective instability at Tromsø appears to be higher than that at middle/low latitudes, while the probability of the dynamic instability is similar to that at middle/low latitudes.

Graphical Abstract
Ocean gravity waves generated by the meteotsunami at the Japan Trench following the 2022 Tonga volcanic eruption
Authors: Ho Tung-Cheng , Mori Nobuhito , Yamada Masumi
Published: February 2023

The 2022 eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano excited an atmospheric Lamb wave, which induced a fast-traveling tsunami. This tsunami was driven by the pressure-forced wave traveling at the speed of the Lamb wave and, thus, was much faster than conventional tsunamis. This was the first case in which ocean bottom monitoring systems widely observed an air pressure-induced tsunami. We found that the pressure-forced waves split and generated ocean gravity waves after passing the Japan Trench based on the S-net data. Our simulations show that changes in water depth can amplify or decrease the pressure-forced wave. Simultaneously, an ocean gravity wave is generated due to the conservation of water volume. Because the ocean gravity wave was slower than the pressure-forced wave near Japan, it was separated from, and traveled behind, the pressure-forced wave. We explained the wave separation phenomenon and reproduced the waveforms of different splitting stages observed by the stations near the Japan Trench.

Graphical Abstract
Presenting fabrics in digital environment: fashion designers’ perspectives on communicating tactile qualities of the fabrics
Authors: Jang Shin Young , Ha Jisoo
Published: February 2023

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced the fashion industry to digitalize the conventional work system. Fashion designers were required to work from home, and textile trade shows were held online. However, fabric suppliers were unable to present their fabrics in a manner that enabled their properties to be easily understood. Visual information, such as photographs, videos, and the brief explanations provided by fabric suppliers were insufficient for fashion designers to comprehend the fabric’s properties. Thus, this research aims to identify the critical information for fashion designers in their digital fabric search and to discover effective ways to present this information. The current state of online tactile information was analyzed by conducting content analysis on several online fabric retailers. Then, semi-structured one-on-one in-depth interviews with 25 fashion designers were conducted to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the existing types of visual and textual information. Results revealed the most effective ways to present fabrics online. Specific guidelines were established for photographing or writing each type of information. Finally, a conceptual framework for fabric tactile communication in digital environments was developed. This study can contribute to the improvement of a designer’s experience in online fabric markets and can be used as a fundamental guide on designer’s tactile perception of fabrics, which can support technologies, such as haptic devices and 3D clothing simulation software.
Association of Early Sports Practice with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Community-Dwelling Adults: A Retrospective Epidemiological Study
Authors: da Silva Gabriela C. R. , Tebar William R. , Saraiva Bruna T. C. , Farah Breno Q. , Vanderlei Luiz Carlos M. , Ferrari Gerson , Christofaro Diego Giulliano Destro
Published: February 2023

Background

Sports practice in childhood and adolescence has been inversely related to the chances of developing cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs). However, it is not clear whether sports practice in childhood and adolescence could be inversely related to CRF in adult life.

Objectives

This study aimed to analyze the association between early sports practice and cardiovascular risk factors in a randomized sample of community-dwelling adults.

Methods

For this, 265 adults aged ≥ 18 years composed the sample. Cardiovascular risk factors of obesity, central obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension were collected. Early sports practice was retrospectively self-reported using an appropriate instrument. Total physical activity level was assessed by accelerometry. The association between early sports practice and cardiovascular risk factors in adulthood was analyzed by binary logistic regression, adjusted for sex, age, socioeconomic status, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Results

Early sports practice was observed in 56.2% of the sample. The prevalence of central obesity (31.5 vs. 50.0%; p = 0.003), diabetes (4.7% vs. 13.7%; p = 0.014), dyslipidemia (10.7% vs. 24.1%; p = 0.005), and hypertension (14.1% vs. 34.5%; p = 0.001) was lower in participants who reported early sports practice. Participants who reported early sports practice in childhood and adolescence were, respectively, 60% (OR = 0.40; 95% CI 0.19–0.82) and 59% (OR = 0.41; 95% CI 0.21–0.82) less likely to have hypertension in adult life when compared to those with no early sports practice, independently of sex, age, socioeconomic status, and habitual physical activity level in adulthood.

Conclusion

Early sports practice in childhood and adolescence was a protective factor for hypertension in adulthood.
Provider perspectives on clinical decision support to improve HIV prevention in pediatric primary care: a multiple methods study
Authors: Pickel Julia , Fiks Alexander G. , Karavite Dean , Maleki Pegah , Beidas Rinad S. , Dowshen Nadia , Petsis Danielle , Gross Robert , Wood Sarah M.
Published: February 2023

Background

Clinical decision support (CDS) is a promising intervention for improving uptake of HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). However, little is known regarding provider perspectives on acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of CDS for HIV prevention in pediatric primary care, a key implementation setting.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional multiple methods study utilizing surveys and in-depth interviews with pediatricians to assess acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of CDS for HIV prevention, as well as to identify contextual barriers and facilitators to CDS. Qualitative analysis utilized work domain analysis and a deductive coding approach grounded in the Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research. Quantitative and qualitative data were merged to develop an Implementation Research Logic Model to conceptualize implementation determinants, strategies, mechanisms, and outcomes of potential CDS use.

Results

Participants (n = 26) were primarily white (92%), female (88%), and physicians (73%). Using CDS to improve HIV testing and PrEP delivery was perceived as highly acceptable (median score 5), IQR [4–5]), appropriate (5, IQR [4–5]), and feasible (4, IQR [3.75–4.75]) using a 5-point Likert scale. Providers identified confidentiality and time constraints as two key barriers to HIV prevention care spanning every workflow step. With respect to desired CDS features, providers sought interventions that were integrated into the primary care workflow, standardized to promote universal testing yet adaptable to the level of a patient’s HIV risk, and addressed providers’ knowledge gaps and bolstered self-efficacy in providing HIV prevention services.

Conclusions

This multiple methods study indicates that clinical decision support in the pediatric primary care setting may be an acceptable, feasible, and appropriate intervention for improving the reach and equitable delivery of HIV screening and PrEP services. Design considerations for CDS in this setting should include deploying CDS interventions early in the visit workflow and prioritizing standardized but flexible designs.
Indoor positioning using circle expansion-based adaptive trilateration algorithm
Authors: Ibwe Kwame , Pande Simeon , Abdalla Abdi T. , Gadiel Godwin Mruma
Published: February 2023

The increasing availability of mobile devices with wireless communications capabilities has stimulated the growth of indoor positioning services. Indoor positioning is used to locate, in real time, devices’ positions for easy access. The indoor positioning, however, is challenging compared to outdoor positioning due to the large number of obstacles. Global positioning system is ideal for outdoor localization but fails in indoor environments with limited space. Recent development of the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought forth portable and cost-effective wireless technologies that can be used for indoor positioning. In this work, an adaptive trilateration algorithm based on received signal strength indicator (RSSI) was proposed. To assess the positioning accuracy of the proposed algorithm, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11n), ZigBee and LoRaWAN IoT technologies were used. Results show that the error performance is improved by 4% in BLE, 17% in ZigBee, 22% in Wi-Fi and 33% in LoRaWAN when compared to the existing related work.
Drivers of business model innovation in micro and small enterprises: evidence from Egypt as an emerging economy
Authors: ElNaggar Rasha A. A. , ElSayed Mayar Farrag
Published: February 2023

Despite its recognition as a resilience strategy, there is a scarcity of research on business model innovation (BMI) in micro and small enterprises in emerging economies. Business model innovation drivers in micro and small enterprises may differ from those in large firms in developed economies. In micro and small businesses, BMI is determined by the dynamic capabilities of the business, as well as the ability of the business owner to reconfigure and exploit its resources in a way that creates market value. This is one of few studies that connects the concepts of social capital and  market orientation to explain business model innovation and its consequences in a turbulent business environment. This study investigates the impact of managerial ties, business owner market orientation and perceived environmental uncertainty as drivers to BMI. Also, it investigates the effect of BMI on business performance. The results of analyzing the responses of 426 micro and small enterprises by Smart PLS 3.3 show that business model innovation mediates the relationship between business ties and business performance. Surprisingly, the results proved that micro and small business owners adopting reactive market orientation, contribute to BMI more than those adopting proactive market orientation. The findings emphasize the importance of micro and small business owner in driving BMI. This study ensures that BMI is a function of how resources can be deployed and configured dynamically to generate value.
Uncovering psychiatric phenotypes using unsupervised machine learning: A data-driven symptoms approach
Authors: Hofman Amy , Lier Isabelle , Ikram M. Arfan , van Wingerden Marijn , Luik Annemarie I.
Published: February 2023

Background

Current categorical classification systems of psychiatric diagnoses lead to heterogeneity of symptoms within disorders and common co-occurrence of disorders. We investigated the heterogeneous and overlapping nature of symptom endorsement in a population-based sample across three of the most common categories of psychiatric disorders: depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and sleep–wake disorders using unsupervised machine learning approaches.

Methods

We assessed a total of 43 symptoms in a discovery sample of 6,602 participants of the population-based Rotterdam Study between 2009 and 2013, and in a replication sample of 3,005 participants between 2016 and 2020. Symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Hierarchical clustering analysis was applied on test items and participants to investigate common patterns of symptoms co-occurrence, and further quantitatively investigated with clustering methods to find groups that may represent similar psychiatric phenotypes.

Results

First, clustering analyses of the questionnaire items suggested a three-cluster solution representing clusters of “mixed” symptoms, “depressed affect and nervousness”, and “troubled sleep and interpersonal problems”. A highly similar clustering solution was independently established in the replication sample. Second, four groups of participants could be separated, and these groups scored differently on the item clusters.

Conclusions

We identified three clusters of psychiatric symptoms that most commonly co-occur in a population-based sample. These symptoms clustered stable over samples, but across the topics of depression, anxiety, and poor sleep. We identified four groups of participants that share (sub)clinical symptoms and might benefit from similar prevention or treatment strategies, despite potentially diverging, or lack of, diagnoses.
Statistics of synchronization times in Kuramoto oscillators
Authors: Sinha Abhisek , Ghosh Anandamohan
Published: February 2023

The synchronization of coupled systems is a widely studied phenomenon in nonlinear science. As a completely synchronized state emerges asymptotically, it is pertinent to quantify the statistics of the timescales in which it is attained. We study the Kuramoto model, a paradigmatic model of synchronization, and record the time at which the synchronized state is reached for the first time. The First Synchronization Time (FST), on suitable rescaling, exhibits a universal distribution for a wide range of parameter values and even in the presence of noise. We obtain an approximate time evolution of the order parameter using the celebrated Ott-Antonsen ansatz and analytically demonstrate that the FST exhibits a universal Gumbel distribution.
Familial Risk of Graves Disease Among First-Degree Relatives and Interaction With Smoking: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Kim Hyun Jung , Hong Gahwi , Hwang Jungyun , Kazmi Sayada Zartasha , Kim Kyoung-Hoon , Kang Taeuk , Swan Heather , Cha Jaewoo , Kim Young Shin , Kim Kyeong Uoon , Hann Hoo Jae , Ahn Hyeong Sik
Published: February 2023

Context

Population-based studies on the familial aggregation of Graves disease (GD) are scarce and gene-environment interactions are not well-studied.

Objective

We evaluated the familial aggregation of GD and assessed interactions between family history and smoking.

Methods

Using the National Health Insurance database, which includes information on familial relationships and lifestyle risk factors, we identified 5 524 403 individuals with first-degree relatives (FDRs). Familial risk was calculated using hazard ratios (HRs), comparing the risk of individuals with and without affected FDRs. Interactions between smoking and family history were assessed on an additive scale using relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI).

Results

The HR among individuals with affected FDRs was 3.39 (95% CI, 3.30-3.48) compared with those without affected FDR, and among individuals with affected twin, brother, sister, father, and mother, the HRs were 36.53 (23.85-53.54), 5.26 (4.89-5.66), 4.12 (3.88-4.38), 3.34 (3.16-3.54), and 2.63 (2.53-2.74), respectively. Individuals with both a positive family history and smoking had an increased risk of disease (HR 4.68) with statistically significant interaction (RERI 0.94; 95% CI, 0.74-1.19). Heavy smokers with a positive family history showed a nearly 6-fold increased risk, which was higher than moderate smoking, suggesting a dose-response interaction pattern. Current smoking also showed a statistically significant interaction with family history (RERI 0.52; 95% CI, 0.22-0.82), while this was not observed for former smoking.

Conclusion

A gene-environment interaction can be suggested between smoking and GD-associated genetic factors, which diminishes after smoking cessation. Smokers with a positive family history should be considered a high-risk group and smoking cessation should be advised.
Deep learning enabled multi-organ segmentation of mouse embryos
Authors: Rolfe S. M. , Whikehart S. M. , Maga A. M.
Published: February 2023

The International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) has generated a large repository of three-dimensional (3D) imaging data from mouse embryos, providing a rich resource for investigating phenotype/genotype interactions. While the data is freely available, the computing resources and human effort required to segment these images for analysis of individual structures can create a significant hurdle for research. In this paper, we present an open source, deep learning-enabled tool, Mouse Embryo Multi-Organ Segmentation (MEMOS), that estimates a segmentation of 50 anatomical structures with a support for manually reviewing, editing, and analyzing the estimated segmentation in a single application. MEMOS is implemented as an extension on the 3D Slicer platform and is designed to be accessible to researchers without coding experience. We validate the performance of MEMOS-generated segmentations through comparison to state-of-the-art atlas-based segmentation and quantification of previously reported anatomical abnormalities in a Cbx4 knockout strain.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Analysis of energy storage materials for developments in solar cookers
Authors: Khatri Rahul , Goyal Rahul , Sharma Ravi Kumar
Published: February 2023

Solar energy is accessible freely and can be utilized for many household and industrial applications. The consumption of solar energy for cooking applications has found significant success. Various innovations have been employed in facilitating cooking during off-sunshine hours. Thermal energy storage helps in overcoming the fluctuations in the supply of energy required for cooking during different time periods of the day. This study focuses on the different types of thermal energy storage mediums that are currently utilized in solar cooking. Primarily, oils and pebbles are most commonly used as sensible heat storage (SHS) while organic phase change materials (PCMs) are used as latent heat thermal energy storage materials (LHTES).

The properties and performances of various SHS and latent heat storage (LHS) mediums have been compared for their suitable utilization. SHS materials are cost-effective but have lower thermal gradient compared to LHTES materials. The energy storage capability of LHTES is high while degradation with the increasing number of charging and discharging cycles is also considerable. The melting point should be close to the utilization temperature for being used as LHTES as thermal diffusivity of the materials greatly influences the performance of solar cookers. The cooking time is lower for solar cooking systems equipped with energy storage compared to non-equipped cooking systems. It is recognized that the use of energy storage has been proved as a huge advantage to solar cooking systems, however, the design, and heat transfer characteristics of the cooking vessel along with the storage material type and volume must be optimized in order to make this technology more influential.
Teacher digital communications in the context of the humanistic paradigm of education
Authors: Sysoeva E. , Strekalova N.
Published: February 2023

В монографии рассматривается актуальная проблема обеспечения продуктивной совместной деятельность преподавателя и обучающегося, их конструктивного сотрудничества и партнерства в условиях переноса учебного процесс в виртуальное пространство, развития смешанных и гибридных форматов обучения и расширения коммуникационной составляющей в их взаимодействии. Описана специфика педагогической деятельности в условиях цифровизации общества и роль цифрового имиджа преподавателя для эффективного взаимодействии с обучающимися, рассмотрены потенциальные образовательные риски и риски цифровых коммуникаций, представлены этические нормы педагогического общения в условиях гуманизации образования. Результаты теоретического исследования сопровождаются эмпирическим материалом пилотажного исследования существующих сложностей осуществления удаленных педагогических коммуникаций и рекомендациями по нивелированию их негативных последствий. Монография адресована преподавателям и исследователям проблем трансформации образования.
The role of training and hyperbaria in the rehabilitation process after crushing injury of the sciatic nerve in mice - assessment of functional parameters using the CATWALK XT platform
Authors: Dolińska Anna , Górka Dariusz , Trzęsicki Michał , Białoń Natalia , Górka Mikołaj
Published: February 2023

Introduction
Peripheral nerve injuries are one of the most common injuries in the population and affect 3% of trauma patients. Unfortunately, full functional regeneration is a relatively rare phenomenon. Attempts to heal and regenerate damaged nerves are a frequent subject of research, especially when animal models are considered, and the results are not always satisfactory
Aim of the study
The aim of this study was to evaluate functional regeneration after sciatic nerve damage in mice treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and locomotor training, and to check the effectiveness of these methods.
Materials and Methods
The research material consisted of 75 mice with a damaged sciatic nerve. The mice were divided into three groups: H- subjected to hyperbaric therapy, T- subjected to training and K- not subjected to any therapy (control group). A functional gait analysis was performed using the CATWALK XT gait platform based on selected gait parameters.
Results
In the groups subjected to both hyperbaric therapy and training, the results of the analysis showed faster functional recovery. Statistically significant differences in the print area, print length, swing and SFI parameters were noted in the treated groups as opposed to the control group, while in the hyperbaric group of mice functional recovery turned out to be the most effective and fastest.
Conclusion
Mice of both groups (H, T) showed a faster recovery of sensory and motor functions in contrast to the control group not subjected to any treatment.
Caffeine: Effects on sleep and academic performance in college students
Authors: Bonanni Olivia , Mullen Mallory , Falcon Taylor , Huang Humphrey , Lowry Allison , Perron Tracy
Published: February 2023

Caffeine can have a powerful effect on individuals. This article looks at the effect of caffeine on sleep and academic performance in college students, as well as types of caffeine consumed, how much caffeine is consumed, reasons students consume caffeine, sleep quality, and academic performance outcomes.
A Quality Event
Authors: Jones Simon
Published: February 2023

Quality was on the agenda at Manufacturing Management’s second Leadership Day event, held at Norton Motorcycles near Derby, as delegates enjoyed a full day of workshops, panel discussions and a look behind-the-scenes at the factory
Certainty from Uncertainty
Authors: Darby Dave
Published: February 2023

Worries around Brexit and skills shortages in 2019 can be allayed by forming a strong partnership with your suppliers, say MSC Industrial Supply Co.
Reliability of Mining Machines and Development of the Express – Diagnostic System: State and Prospects
Authors: Pobegailo P. A. , Gadolina Irina
Published: February 2023

This article summarizes some of the results of our work in terms of consid-ering various issues of reliability of mining machines – mining excavators.In this case, we are talking about the development of the basis, structure andelements of a system for express diagnostics (analysis) of these machinesunder operating conditions, which should be adjusted for the conditions andcapabilities of engineers operating these machines to maintain their statewithin the framework of homeostasis (in the future, and control their state). Inaddition, the article presents a scheme that allows describing in an enlargedmanner the entire life cycle of a mining machine, taking into account bothdesign and operation. Additionally, there is a list of tasks that the authorsplan to solve in the future.
Gender mainstreaming and the public policy implementation process: round pegs in square holes?
Authors: McGauran Anne-Marie
Published: February 2023

This article argues that the ways in which policies are usually implemented in public sector organisations is contributing to the weak implementation of gender mainstreaming (GM), and that this is relevant for future development of GM implementation strategies. The experience of GM in Ireland is outlined, from the point of view of an inside action researcher. The findings suggest that the organisational characteristics affecting policy implementation in the public sector contribute to GM being implemented in an ‘integrationist’ rather than ‘transformative’ way, and with an emphasis on expert-bureaucratic processes rather than on greater participation with civil society.
Investigar la lengua hablada, hoy
Authors: López Serena Araceli
Published: February 2023

La investigación de la lengua hablada ha avanzado a pasos de gigante en las últimas décadas. Como ocurre con cualquier exploración que se acometa dentro de nuestra disciplina, su progreso ha derivado de nuestra capacidad para identificar, en los discursos orales, rasgos que nos permitan atribuirle ciertas características específicas, conformadas por un conjunto de correlaciones entre aspectos formales y funcionales, a este nuevo objeto de estudio, que, gracias a la extraordinaria acogida que ha tenido el marco teórico esbozado por Koch y Oesterreicher (1985, 2007 [1990]), hoy sabemos que es posible concebir, al menos, desde dos puntos de vista distintos: desde un punto de vista medial y desde un punto de vista concepcional.
Heteroassociative memory finite-state-machine processors
Authors: Healey Peter
Published: February 2023

A heteroassociative memory and the corresponding stable eigenmodes (states) of a ring resonator may be arranged to perform roles equivalent to the electronic logic and the latch memory of a classical finite state machine (FSM). Heteroassociative FSMs may be created by preloading (programming) an eigenstate memory with a set of associatively linked stable states. The links are completed by seeding the FSM with external stimuli. The underlying principle is similar to associative chain recall. However, a state transition can only occur in this system when the combined current FSM state and next input vector are identified as a new state stimulus. One-dimensional, open or closed, chains of stable states are quite straightforward to program; however, when branches are required, many unprogrammed states and links between states may appear. One solution to this problem is to use multiple-feedback loops, each loop corresponding to a higher level of decision. The lower level loops create keys which allow access to the higher levels only when prerequisite states have been reached.
Optical implementation of associative memory with controlled bit-significance
Authors: Lee Soo-Young , Shim Chang-Sup , Jang Ju-Seog , Shin Sang-Yung
Published: February 2023

Associative memory based on the Hopfield neural network model can be used directly to store and retrieve information with robustness and error-correction capability. Recently an attentive associative memory was reported which provides the flexibility of rapidly and arbitrarily changing the strengths of the stored images. With slight modification of the conventional retrieving formula we propose a new mechanism for incorporating another kind of attention, i.e., attention-to-bits or the relative significance of each bit in the input images. This relative significance is implemented by multiplying the proper weights on each bit of the input images and can be altered arbitrarily. Computer simulation shows that this associative memory indeed has a tendency to retrieve the stored images with minimum weighted-Hamming distances defined as sums of the weights for all the incorrect bits. When only partial input images are available or parts of the images are of critical importance, this attentive-bits associative memory may be of great use.