bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Non-DHT-Based RC-Based Architecture for Fog Computing in Healthcare 4.0
Authors: Roy Indranil , Mitra Reshmi , Rahimi Nick , Gupta Bidyut
Published: May 2023

Cloud-computing capabilities have revolutionized the remote processing of exploding volumes of healthcare data. However, cloud-based analytics capabilities are saddled with a lack of context-awareness and unnecessary access latency issues as data are processed and stored in remote servers. The emerging network infrastructure tier of fog computing can reduce expensive latency by bringing storage, processing, and networking closer to sensor nodes. Due to the growing variety of medical data and service types, there is a crucial need for efficient and secure architecture for sensor-based health-monitoring devices connected to fog nodes. In this paper, we present publish/subscribe and interest/resource-based non-DHT-based peer-to-peer (P2P) RC-based architecture for resource discovery. The publish/subscribe communication model provides a scalable way to handle large volumes of data and messages in real time, while allowing fine-grained access control to messages, thus enabling heightened security. Our two − level overlay network consists of (1) a transit ring containing group-heads representing a particular resource type, and (2) a completely connected group of peers. Our theoretical analysis shows that our search latency is independent of the number of peers. Additionally, the complexity of the intra-group data-lookup protocol is constant, and the complexity of the inter-group data lookup is O(n), where n is the total number of resource types present in the network. Overall, it therefore allows the system to handle large data throughput in a flexible, cost-effective, and secure way for medical IoT systems.
Understanding Progestins: From Basics to Clinical Applicability
Authors: García-Sáenz Manuel , Ibarra-Salce Raúl , Pozos-Varela Francisco Javier , Mena-Ureta Tania Sofia , Flores-Villagómez Susana , Santana-Mata Mario , De Los Santos-Aguilar Ramón G. , Uribe-Cortés Daniel , Ferreira-Hermosillo Aldo
Published: May 2023

Progestin is a term used to describe a synthetic progestogen. The activity and potency of synthetic progestins are mostly evaluated via parameters associated with their endometrial effects, which are related to their interactions with progesterone, estrogen, androgen, glucocorticoid, and mineralocorticoid receptors. The chemical structure of progestins is the key to understanding their interactions with these receptors and predicting the other effects associated with these drugs. Due to their endometrial effect, progestins are used for different gynecological conditions, such as endometriosis, contraception, hormonal replacement therapy, and artificial reproduction techniques. This review is focused on improving our knowledge of progestins (from their history and biochemical effects related to their chemical structures to clinical applications in gynecological conditions) in order to improve clinical practice.
Obesity Is Associated with Changes in Laboratory Biomarkers in Chilean Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19
Authors: Viscardi Sharon , Marileo Luis , Delgado Hugo , San Martín Andrés , Hernández Loreto , Garcés Paola , Guzmán-Oyarzo Dina , Boguen Rodrigo , Medina Gustavo , Letelier Pablo , Villano Ines , Guzmán Neftalí
Published: May 2023

Background and aims: It is reported that patients with obesity are more frequently hospitalized for COVID-19, and evidence exists that obesity is a risk factor, regardless of other comorbidities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of obesity with changes in laboratory biomarkers in hospitalized Chilean patients. Materials and methods: A total of 202 hospitalized patients (71 with obesity and 131 without obesity) with a diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory (days 1, 3, 7, 15) data were obtained. We performed a statistical analysis, assuming significance with a value of p < 0.05. Results: Significant differences in chronic respiratory pathology are observed between patients with and without obesity. The inflammatory markers CPR, ferritin, NLR, and PLR are elevated during the evaluated period, while changes in leukocyte populations are present on day 1 (eosinophils) and day 3 (lymphocytes). Finally, a persistent elevation of D-dimer level is observed, presenting significant differences on day 7 between patients with and without obesity. Obesity had a positive correlation with admission to the critical patient unit, invasive mechanical ventilation, and length of hospital stay. Conclusion: Patients with obesity hospitalized for COVID-19 present marked elevations of inflammatory and hemostasis parameters, with a correlation between obesity, changes in laboratory biomarkers, and the risk of adverse clinical outcomes also observed.
Performance of p16/Ki67 Immunostaining for Triage of Elderly Women with Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance
Authors: Bruno Maria Teresa , Guaita Arianna , Boemi Sara , Mazza Gabriele , Sudano Maria Chiara , Palumbo Marco
Published: May 2023

Background: The p16/Ki67 technique has been poorly studied in postmenopausal women with ASC-US cytology. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of p16/Ki67 staining, HPV testing and HPV 16 genotyping for the identification of CIN2 + lesions in postmenopausal women with ASC-US cytology. Method: A total of 324 postmenopausal women with positive ASC-US were included. The women underwent HPV test, colposcopy, and biopsy. The slides were discolored and then stained with the CINtec Plus Kit for p16/Ki67. The HPV test results were classified as HPV16 +, hrHPV+ (other hrHPV genotypes), or HPV negative. Results: The p16/Ki67 sensitivity for CIN2+ was 94.5%, the specificity 86.6%, PPV of 59% and NPV of 95.9%. The HPV test showed a sensitivity of 96.4% for CIN2+, a specificity of 62.8%, a PPV of 35% and a NPV of 98.8%. In postmenopausal women, the prevalence of genotype 16 decreases in favor of the other high-risk genotypes. Conclusion: Given the low sensitivity of cytology and the low percentage of HPV16-positive cancers among elderly women, triage via cytology and genotyping is not the best strategy; double staining cytology shows high profiles of sensibility and specificity for CIN2+ in ASCUS postmenopausal women.
Extended List of Warning Signs in Qualification to Diagnosis and Treatment of Inborn Errors of Immunity in Children and Young Adults
Authors: Dąbrowska Anna , Grześk Elżbieta , Urbańczyk Anna , Mazalon Marta , Grześk Grzegorz , Styczyński Jan , Kołtan Sylwia
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) refer to genetically determined disorders presenting with recurrent infections, autoimmunity, allergies, and malignancies. IEI is now commonly used, replacing the previously used term primary immunodeficiencies (PID). The 10 warning signs of IEI are widely used in the identification patients with IEI. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the utility of the 10 and 14 warning signs in IEI diagnosing. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 2851 patients was performed (98.17% were subjects under 18 years old and 1.83% were adults). All patients were questioned about the 10 warning signs and four additional signs: severe eczema, allergies, hemato-oncologic disorders and autoimmunity. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and odds ratio were calculated for the 10 and 14 warning signs. Results: IEI were diagnosed in a total of 896 (31.4%) patients and excluded in 1955 (68.6%). The strongest predictors of IEI were hemato-oncologic disorders (OR = 11.25; p < 0.001) and autoimmunity (OR = 7.74; p < 0.001). The strongest predictors of severe IEI were hemato-oncologic disorders (OR = 89.26; p < 0.001), positive family history (OR = 25.23; p < 0.001), and autoimmunity (OR = 16.89; p < 0.001). There were 20.4% and 14% of IEI patients without any signs from the 10 and 14 warnings signs, respectively (p < 0.001). 20.3% and 6.8% of patients with severe PIDs had no presence of any signs from 10 and 14 signs, respectively (p = 0.012). Conclusions: The 10 warning signs have limited usefulness in identifying IEI. The modified list of 14 warning signs seems to represent an effective diagnostic method for the detection of IEI patients, especially those with severe PIDs.
Countermovement, Hurdle, and Box Jumps: Data-Driven Exercise Selection
Authors: Janikov M. Tino , Pádecký Jan , Doguet Valentin , Tufano James J.
Published: May 2023

Apart from squat jumps, countermovement jumps (CMJ), and drop jumps, differences among other jump variations are not as well researched, making data-driven exercise selection difficult. To address this gap, this study compared selected concentric and eccentric jump parameters of maximal effort CMJ, hurdle jumps over 50 cm hurdle (HJ), and box jumps onto a 50 cm box (BJ). Twenty recreationally trained men (25.2 ± 3.5 years) performed 3 repetitions of CMJs, HJs, and BJs, each on separate days. The data were collected using force platforms and a linear position transducer. The mean of 3 trials of each jump variation was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Cohen’s d. Countermovement depth was significantly greater (p ≤ 0.05) and peak horizontal force significantly lower during CMJ compared to HJ and BJ. However, there were no differences in peak velocity, peak vertical and resultant force, and total impulsion time. Finally, BJ significantly decreased peak impact force by ~51% compared to CMJ and HJ. Therefore, the propulsive parameters of HJ and BJ seem to be similar to CMJ, despite CMJ having a greater countermovement depth. Furthermore, overall training load can be decreased dramatically by using BJ, which reduced peak impact force by approximately half.
Face Aging by Explainable Conditional Adversarial Autoencoders
Authors: Korgialas Christos , Pantraki Evangelia , Bolari Angeliki , Sotiroudi Martha , Kotropoulos Constantine
Published: May 2023

This paper deals with Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) applied to face aging. An explainable face aging framework is proposed that builds on a well-known face aging approach, namely the Conditional Adversarial Autoencoder (CAAE). The proposed framework, namely, xAI-CAAE, couples CAAE with explainable Artificial Intelligence (xAI) methods, such as Saliency maps or Shapley additive explanations, to provide corrective feedback from the discriminator to the generator. xAI-guided training aims to supplement this feedback with explanations that provide a “reason” for the discriminator’s decision. Moreover, Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME) are leveraged to provide explanations for the face areas that most influence the decision of a pre-trained age classifier. To the best of our knowledge, xAI methods are utilized in the context of face aging for the first time. A thorough qualitative and quantitative evaluation demonstrates that the incorporation of the xAI systems contributed significantly to the generation of more realistic age-progressed and regressed images.
Laser Scribing of Photovoltaic Solar Thin Films: A Review
Authors: Jamaatisomarin Farzad , Chen Ruqi , Hosseini-Zavareh Sajed , Lei Shuting
Published: May 2023

The development of thin-film photovoltaics has emerged as a promising solution to the global energy crisis within the field of solar cell technology. However, transitioning from laboratory scale to large-area solar cells requires precise and high-quality scribes to achieve the required voltage and reduce ohmic losses. Laser scribing has shown great potential in preserving efficiency by minimizing the drop in geometrical fill factor, resistive losses, and shunt formation. However, due to the laser induced photothermal effects, various defects can initiate and impact the quality of scribed grooves and weaken the module’s efficiency. In this regard, much research has been conducted to analyze the geometrical fill factor, surface integrity, and electrical performance of the laser scribes to reach higher power conversion efficiencies. This comprehensive review of laser scribing of photovoltaic solar thin films pivots on scribe quality and analyzes the critical factors and challenges affecting the efficiency and reliability of the scribing process. This review also covers the latest developments in using laser systems, parameters, and techniques for patterning various types of solar thin films to identify the optimized laser ablation condition. Furthermore, potential research directions for future investigations at improving the quality and performance of thin film laser scribing are suggested.
Experimental Study on Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Barge-Type Breakwaters under Different Mooring Methods
Authors: Cheng Xiaofei , Li Shimin , Wang Gang
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a yacht project in Tingjiang Town, Mawei, Fujian, is suggested as an example of a barge type breakwater made out of scrap barges. The physical modelling of a two-dimensional flume wave test was carried out on a barge-type breakwater, focusing on the wave dissipation and anchor chain forces under two different mooring methods, the “crossed tilt” mooring and the “front and rear direct pull” mooring, with no change in the size of the breakwater. The test results show that the effect of wave elimination of the barge-type breakwater gradually decreases with the increase of wave elements under different mooring conditions, but the effect of wave elimination of the barge-type breakwater is significantly better under the “crossed tilt” mooring systems than under the “front and rear direct pull” mooring systems; the maximum tension of the anchor chain under the “inner eight” diagonal mooring method is significantly higher than that under the front and rear straight pulling mooring method. The maximum anchor chain tension under the “crossed tilt” mooring system is significantly greater than that under the fore and aft straight mooring method, while the average anchor chain tension does not change significantly under the two mooring methods.
A Snapshot of the Taxonomic Composition and Metabolic Activity of the Microbial Community in an Arctic Harbour (Ny-Ålesund, Kongsfjorden, Svalbard)
Authors: Cappello Simone , Smedile Francesco , Caruso Gabriella , Patania Sabrina , Lunetta Alessia , Azzaro Maurizio
Published: May 2023

Within the Svalbard archipelago, Kongsfjorden is an important marine ecosystem that is recognised as one of the main representative Arctic glacial fjords. Prokaryotic organisms are key drivers of important ecological processes such as carbon fluxes, nutrient mineralisation, and energy transfer, as well as sentinels of environmental pollution, especially in sediments, that are a repository of contaminants. In some areas of the Arctic, the structure and metabolic activity of the microbial community in the organic matter turnover and globally in the functioning of the benthic domain are mostly still unknown. A snapshot of the main microbial parameters such as bacterial abundance (by microscopic and plate counts), structure (by 16S rRNA sequencing), and metabolic activity was provided in Ny-Ålesund harbour, contextually in seawater and sediment samples. Fluorogenic substrates were used to assess the microbial ability to utilise organic substrates such as proteins, polysaccharides, and organic phosphates through specific enzymatic assays (leucine aminopeptidase—LAP, beta-glucosidase—ß-GLU, and alkaline phosphatase—AP, respectively). The metabolic profiles of psychrophilic heterotrophic bacterial isolates were also screened using a qualitative assay. The phylogenetic analysis of the microbial community revealed that Proteobacteria prevailed among the observed taxonomic groups. Several of the observed sequences were assigned to clones found in harbours, microbial biofilms, antifouling paints, or oil-polluted facilities of cold environments, highlighting a signature of human pressure on the polar habitat of Ny-Ålesund harbour.
Digital Twin in the Maritime Domain: A Review and Emerging Trends
Authors: Madusanka Nuwan Sri , Fan Yijie , Yang Shaolong , Xiang Xianbo
Published: May 2023

This paper highlights the development of Digital Twin (DT) technology and its admittance to a variety of applications within the maritime domain in general and surface ships in particular. The conceptual theory behind the evolution of DT is highlighted along with the development of the technology and current progress in practical applications with an exploration of the key milestones in the extension from the electrification of the shipping sector towards the realization of a definitive DT-based system. Existing DT-based applications within the maritime sector are surveyed along with the comprehension of ongoing research work. The development strategy for a formidable DT architecture is discussed, culminating in a proposal of a four-layered DT framework. Considering the importance of DT, an extensive and methodical literature survey has also been carried out, along with a comprehensive scientometric analysis to unveil the methodical footprint of DT in the marine sector, thus leading the way for future work on the design, development and operation of surface vessels using DT applications.
A Natural Moisture Gradient Affects Soil Fungal Communities on the South Shore of Hulun Lake, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Chen Xin , Wang Yujue , Wang Yao , Zhang Yushu , Shen Yuting , He Xiaojia , Xiao Chunwang
Published: May 2023

Soil moisture content (SWC) can change the diversity and composition of soil fungal communities by affecting soil texture and soil nutrients. To explore the response of soil fungal communities to moisture in the grassland ecosystem on the south shore of Hulun Lake, we set up a natural moisture gradient that was subdivided into high (HW), medium (MW), and low (LW) water contents. Vegetation was investigated by quadrat method, and aboveground biomass was collected by the mowing method. Soil physicochemical properties were obtained by internal experiments. The composition of the soil fungal community was determined using high-throughput sequencing technology. The results showed significant differences in soil texture, nutrients, and fungal species diversity under the moisture gradients. Although there was significant clustering of fungal communities in different treatments, the fungal community composition was not significantly different. According to the phylogenetic tree, the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the most important branches. The fungal species diversity was smaller when SWC was higher, and in this environment (HW), the fungal-dominant species were significantly related to SWC and soil nutrients. At this time, soil clay formed a protective barrier for the survival of the dominant classes Sordariomycetes and Dothideomycetes and increased their relative abundance. In summary, the fungal community responded significantly to SWC on the southern shore of the Hulun Lake ecosystem in Inner Mongolia, China, and the fungal community composition of the HW group was stable and easier to survive.
Disruption of the Schizosaccharomyces japonicus lig4 Disturbs Several Cellular Processes and Leads to a Pleiotropic Phenotype
Authors: Acs-Szabo Lajos , Papp Laszlo Attila , Takacs Szonja , Miklos Ida
Published: May 2023

Gene targeting is a commonly used method to reveal the function of genes. Although it is an attractive tool for molecular studies, it can frequently be a challenge because its efficiency can be low and it requires the screening of a large number of transformants. Generally, these problems originate from the elevated level of ectopic integration caused by non-homologous DNA end joining (NHEJ). To eliminate this problem, NHEJ-related genes are frequently deleted or disrupted. Although these manipulations can improve gene targeting, the phenotype of the mutant strains raised the question of whether mutations have side effects. The aim of this study was to disrupt the lig4 gene in the dimorphic fission yeast, S. japonicus, and investigate the phenotypic changes of the mutant strain. The mutant cells have shown various phenotypic changes, such as increased sporulation on complete medium, decreased hyphal growth, faster chronological aging, and higher sensitivity to heat shock, UV light, and caffeine. In addition, higher flocculation capacity has been observed, especially at lower sugar concentrations. These changes were supported by transcriptional profiling. Many genes belonging to metabolic and transport processes, cell division, or signaling had altered mRNA levels compared to the control strain. Although the disruption improved the gene targeting, we assume that the lig4 inactivation can cause unexpected physiological side effects, and we have to be very careful with the manipulations of the NHEJ-related genes. To reveal the exact mechanisms behind these changes, further investigations are required.
Survey of Lichenized Fungi DNA Barcodes on King George Island (Antarctica): An Aid to Species Discovery
Authors: La Torre Renato Daniel , Ramos Daniel , Mejía Mayra Doris , Neyra Edgar , Loarte Edwin , Orjeda Gisella
Published: May 2023

DNA barcoding is a powerful method for the identification of lichenized fungi groups for which the diversity is already well-represented in nucleotide databases, and an accurate, robust taxonomy has been established. However, the effectiveness of DNA barcoding for identification is expected to be limited for understudied taxa or regions. One such region is Antarctica, where, despite the importance of lichens and lichenized fungi identification, their genetic diversity is far from characterized. The aim of this exploratory study was to survey the lichenized fungi diversity of King George Island using a fungal barcode marker as an initial identification tool. Samples were collected unrestricted to specific taxa in coastal areas near Admiralty Bay. Most samples were identified using the barcode marker and verified up to the species or genus level with a high degree of similarity. A posterior morphological evaluation focused on samples with novel barcodes allowed for the identification of unknown Austrolecia, Buellia, and Lecidea s.l. species. These results contribute to better represent the lichenized fungi diversity in understudied regions such as Antarctica by increasing the richness of the nucleotide databases. Furthermore, the approach used in this study is valuable for exploratory surveys in understudied regions to guide taxonomic efforts towards species recognition and discovery.
Impact of Thyroid Cancer Treatment on Renal Function: A Relevant Issue to Be Addressed
Authors: Di Paola Rossella , De Ananya , Capasso Anna , Giuliana Sofia , Ranieri Roberta , Ruosi Carolina , Sciarra Antonella , Vitagliano Caterina , Perna Alessandra F. , Capasso Giovambattista , Simeoni Mariadelina
Published: May 2023

Thyroid cancers require complex and heterogeneous therapies with different impacts on renal function. In our systematic literature review, we analyzed several aspects: renal function assessment, the impact of radiotherapy and thyroid surgery on kidney functioning, and mechanisms of nephrotoxicity of different chemotherapy, targeted and immunologic drugs. Our study revealed that the renal impact of thyroid cancer therapy can be a limiting factor in all radiotherapy, surgery, and pharmacological approaches. It is advisable to conduct a careful nephrological follow-up imposing the application of body surface based estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) formulas for the purpose of an early diagnosis and treatment of renal failure, guaranteeing the therapy continuation to thyroid cancer patients.
Land Use Planning and Green Environment Services: The Contribution of Trail Paths to Sustainable Development
Authors: Kyriakopoulos Grigorios L.
Published: May 2023

Recently land-use planning and green environment services have been considered as inseparable parts of the design of trail paths for a sustainable development. At present there is need of a holistic overview of land uses and land cover, to be linked with the natural environment and regional development. The key determinants of such an approach embody changes in the wake of drivers and anthropocentric changes as well as changes in global greenhouse gases, causing climate change and affecting global biodiversity. In this study the key determinants and the main research objects of previously developed studies were systematically approached by a search of the literature through the Scopus database using these four fields of keywords: (a) “land use” AND environment AND development, (b) “trail path” in the “article titles” AND the subcategory of “land”, (c) “land use” AND “sustainable development”, and, (d) “sustainable” AND “trail”. The derived documents were collected and organized into the following four main domains, being paired together by: (a) year and country/territory, and, (b) keyword and subject area. The classification of the documents was followed by the calculation of relevant “intensity ratios” as key determinants that disclose the well-defined and the emerging fields of further perspectives regarding land use planning and the particular emerging dynamics of the development of trail paths.
A Study on the Advancement of Spatial Maps and the Improvement of the Legal System as a Key Tool for Sustainable National Landscape Planning: Case Study of South Korea
Authors: Cho Hyun-Ju , Kim Jin-Hyo , Lee Eun-Jae
Published: May 2023

For sustainable, national landscape-planning, this study focused on land cover changes, landscape analysis methods from various perspectives on the landscape, legal system analysis related to landscape planning, and analysis of a basic spatial map for landscape planning. First of all, in Korea the focus is on the aesthetic aspect of the landscape, while foreign countries look at the landscape from multiple perspectives and tried to solve the problem of landscape damage on this basis. Next, looking at the changes in land cover, it was found that the urbanized area increased significantly, but the area of agricultural land and wetlands decreased significantly due to development plans. In addition, looking at the contents of the landscape plan in terms of the legal system, the legal system of the Republic of Korea included a multifunctional aspect of the landscape, but the contents were only at the level of policy suggestions. Finally, through a review of a basic spatial map for landscape planning, it was found that among various basic spatial maps, the biotope map is highly likely to be used when establishing national landscape plans. The results of this study are meaningful in that they have not only established the concept of landscape in terms of multifunctionality but also established improvement measures in terms of legal and institutional aspects and the basic spatial map.
A Four-Speed Reform: A Typology for Legal Capacity Reforms in Latin American Countries
Authors: Constantino Caycho Renato Antonio , Bregaglio Lazarte Renata Anahí
Published: May 2023

In the past few years, Latin American countries have started to enact changes in their legal capacity regulations regarding persons with disabilities. However, even when these changes started over eight years ago, there were few to no analyses on the matter. In addition, there is no encompassing theory or typology on how these reforms happen and on their effects. In the present paper, we propose two axes of analysis for the reforms: enforceability and compliance with Article 12 of the CRPD. This matrix allows for four kinds of reforms: incipient, formal, conciliatory and radical. Using this matrix, we examined the legislative changes in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua and Peru. Incipient reforms (Mexico) are not that effective but can lead to serious later change. Formal reforms (the Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Nicaragua) have few to no effects. Conciliatory reforms (Argentina, Brazil and Costa Rica) are a legislative compromise that allows for progressive change. Finally, radical reforms create encompassing change that is good but might create problems in the implementation.
Pleural Fluid Resolution Is Associated with Improved Survival in Patients with Malignant Pleural Effusion
Authors: MacRosty Christina R. , Wright Amber , Ceppe Agathe , Ghosh Sohini , Burks A. Cole , Akulian Jason A.
Published: May 2023

Malignant pleural effusion is associated with a poor prognosis and, while risk stratification models exist, prior studies have not evaluated pleural fluid resolution and its association with survival. We performed a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with malignant pleural effusion between 2013 and 2017, evaluating patient demographics, pleural fluid and serum composition, and procedural and treatment data using Cox regression analysis to evaluate associations with survival. In total, 123 patients were included in the study, with median survival from diagnosis being 4.8 months. Resolution of malignant pleural fluid was associated with a significant survival benefit, even when accounting for factors such as placement of an indwelling pleural catheter, anti-cancer therapy, pleural fluid cytology, cancer pheno/genotypes, and pleural fluid characteristics. Elevated fluid protein, placement of an indwelling pleural catheter, and treatment with targeted or hormone therapies were associated with pleural fluid resolution. We conclude that the resolution of pleural fluid accumulation in patients with malignant pleural effusion is associated with a survival benefit possibility representing a surrogate marker for treatment of the underlying metastatic cancer. These findings support the need to better understand the mechanism of fluid resolution in patients with malignant pleural effusion as well as the tumor–immune interplay occurring with the malignant pleural space.
Effect of Bergamot Leaves (Citrus bergamia) in the Crosstalk between Adipose Tissue and Liver of Diet-Induced Obese Rats
Authors: Siqueira Juliana Silva , Nakandakare-Maia Erika Tiemi , Vieira Taynara Aparecida , Palacio Thiago Luiz Novaga , Grandini Núbia Alves , Belin Matheus Antônio Filiol , Nai Gisele Alborghetti , Moreto Fernando , Altomare Alessandra , Baron Giovanna , Aldini Giancarlo , Francisqueti-Ferron Fabiane Valentini , Correa Camila Renata
Published: May 2023

The excessive consumption of diets rich in sugar and fat is associated with metabolic manifestations involving adipose tissue and the liver. Bergamot, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has been used to treat metabolic disorders. This work aimed to verify the effect of Bergamot leaves extract (BLE) on the crosstalk in the adipose tissue–liver axis of obese rats. For 20 weeks, Wistar rats were distributed into two groups: control (Control) and high sugar–fat (HSF) diet groups. Afterwards, the animals were redistributed into three groups for 10 weeks: control diet + vehicle (Control, n = 08), HSF + vehicle (HSF, n = 08), and HSF + BLE (HSF + BLE, n = 08). The BLE was carried out daily by gavage (50 mg/kg). The HSF group presented obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, hepatic microvesicular steatosis, higher inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver and adipose tissue. In comparison to the HSF group, HSF + BLE animals showed protection by reducing the triglyceride levels, insulin resistance, inflammation and oxidative stress in hepatic and adipose tissues. BLE acted on the inflammation and oxidative stress in the adipose tissue–liver axis in obese rats when compared to the HSF group, which may have reflected on the improvement of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.
Wind Turbine Blade LPS Design Process Revisited—Leveraging on the Latest Knowledge from Actual Lightning Measurements in Wind Turbines
Authors: Madsen Søren Find , Vogel Stephan , Lopez Javier , Carloni Lisa
Published: May 2023

The present paper addresses some recent lightning measurements with the in actual wind turbines, to demonstrate the amount of data that is currently collected, and the information provided. Basic statistical analysis is conducted on the 2603 lightning waveforms obtained, and implications for design and verification processes for blades are suggested. Some reflections on the increased industry openness are shared, which is already benefitting the general understanding of lightning exposure, and the future standards on the topic.
Optimal Private Health Insurance Contract towards the Joint Interests of a Policyholder and an Insurer
Authors: Yang Peng , Chen Zhiping
Published: May 2023

This paper investigates the optimal private health insurance contract design problem, considering the joint interests of a policyholder and an insurer. Both the policyholder and the insurer jointly determine the premium of private health insurance. In order to better reflect reality, the illness expenditure is modelled by an extended compound Poisson process depending on health status. Under the mean–variance criterion and by applying dynamic programming, control theory, and leader–follower game techniques, analytically time-consistent private health insurance strategies are derived, optimal private health insurance contracts are designed, and their implications toward insurance are analysed. Finally, we perform numerical experiments assuming that the policyholder and the insurer calculate their wealth every year and they deposit their disposable income into the Bank of China with the interest rate being r=0.021. The values of other model parameters are set by referring to the data in the related literature. We find that the worse the policyholder’s health, the higher the premium that they pay for private health insurance, and buying private health insurance can effectively reduce the policyholder’s economic losses caused by illnesses.
Recognition of Sunflower Diseases Using Hybrid Deep Learning and Its Explainability with AI
Authors: Ghosh Promila , Mondal Amit Kumar , Chatterjee Sajib , Masud Mehedi , Meshref Hossam , Bairagi Anupam Kumar
Published: May 2023

Sunflower is a crop that has many economic values and ornamental usages. However, its production can be hampered due to various diseases such as downy mildew, gray mold, and leaf scars, and it is challenging for farmers to identify disease-prone conditions with traditional approaches. Thus, a computerized model composed of vision, artificial intelligence, and machine learning is the demand of the age to detect diseases in plants efficiently. In this paper, we develop a hybrid model with transfer learning (TL) and a simple CNN using a small dataset for detecting sunflower diseases. Out of the eight models tested on the dataset of four different classes (downy mildew, gray mold, leaf scars, and fresh leaf), the VGG19 + CNN hybrid model achieves the best results in terms of precision, recall, F1-score, accuracy, Hamming loss, Matthews coefficient, Jaccard score, and Cohen’s kappa metrics. The experimental outcomes show that the proposed model provides better precision, recall, and accuracy than other approaches on the benchmark dataset.
Biomechanical Effects of Medializing Calcaneal Osteotomy on Bones and the Tissues Related to Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity: A Computational Study
Authors: Bayod Javier , Larrainzar-Garijo Ricardo , Solórzano Brayan David , Cifuentes-De la Portilla Christian
Published: May 2023

Medializing calcaneal osteotomy (MCO) is a flatfoot treatment in stages IIa–IIb. It is true that structural correction is well known, but stress changes in foot tissues have not been sufficiently studied to date. Our objective was to evaluate the stress generated by MCO in both hindfoot and forefoot bones and in some soft tissues that support the arch. A finite element foot model was employed, simulating some situations related to flatfoot development. Results show a higher stress concentration around the osteotomy region when MCO is used in patients with plantar fascia weakness. Additionally, the stress increase found in lateral metatarsals would be the explanation for the long-term pain reported by patients.
Mathematical Methods for an Accurate Navigation of the Robotic Telescopes
Authors: Savanevych Vadym , Khlamov Sergii , Briukhovetskyi Oleksandr , Trunova Tetiana , Tabakova Iryna
Published: May 2023

Accurate sky identification is one of the most important functions of an automated telescope mount. The more accurately the robotic telescope is navigated to the investigated part of the sky, the better the observations and discoveries made. In this paper, we present mathematical methods for accurate sky identification (celestial coordinates determination). They include the automatic selection of the reference stars, preliminary and full sky identification, as well as an interaction with international databases, which are a part of the astrometric calibration. All described methods help to receive accurately calculated astrometric data and use it for the positional calibration and better navigation of the automated telescope mount. The developed methods were successfully implemented in the Collection Light Technology (CoLiTec) software. Through its use, more than 1600 small solar system objects were discovered. It has been used in more than 700,000 observations and successful sky identifications, during which, five comets were discovered. Additionally, the accuracy indicators of the processing results of the CoLiTec software are provided in the paper, which shows benefits of the CoLiTec software and lower standard deviation of the sky identification in the case of low signal-to-noise ratios.
Well-Posedness, Dynamics, and Control of Nonlinear Differential System with Initial-Boundary Value
Authors: Yang Xinsong , Rao Ruofeng
Published: May 2023

Well-posedness, dynamics, and control of nonlinear differential system with an initial-boundary value involve many mathematical, physical, and engineering problems [...]
A Systematic Review Investigating the Difference between 1 Cycle versus 2 Cycles of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Stage I Testicular Germ Cell Cancers
Authors: Rohozneanu Emanuiela Florentina , Deac Ciprian , Căinap Călin Ioan
Published: May 2023

Standard care for stage I testicular germ cell cancers (seminomatous—STC or non-seminomatous—NSTC) is orchiectomy followed by active surveillance, 1 or 2 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy, surgery or radiotherapy. The decision on the adjuvant therapeutic approach is guided by the associated risk factors of the patient and the potential related toxicity of the treatment. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the optimal number of adjuvant chemotherapy cycles. Although in terms of overall survival, there is no proven inconsistency regarding the number of cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy, and the rate of relapse may vary.
A Numerical Study of Scenarios for the Substitution of Pulverized Coal Injection by Blast Furnace Gas Enriched by Hydrogen and Oxygen Aiming at a Reduction in CO2 Emissions in the Blast Furnace Process
Authors: de Castro Jose Adilson , de Medeiros Giulio Antunes , da Silva Leonardo Martins , Ferreira Ivaldo Leão , de Campos Marcos Flavio , de Oliveira Elizabeth Mendes
Published: May 2023

A numerical simulation procedure is proposed for analyzing the partial replacement of pulverized coal injection by hydrogen, oxygen, and blast furnace gas (BFG) injections mixed with pulverized coal (PCI) within the tuyeres of large blast furnaces. The massive use of hydrogen-rich gas is extremely interesting for ironmaking blast furnaces in the context of net-zero carbon hot metal production. Likewise, this new approach allows for increasing productivity and for reducing the specific emissions of carbon dioxide toward a net-zero carbon ironmaking technology. Nevertheless, the mixture of pulverized coal injection and gas injection is a complex technology. In addition to the impact on chemical reactions and energy exchange, the internal temperature and gas flow patterns can also change drastically. With a view to assessing the state of the furnace in this complex operation, a comprehensive mathematical model utilizing multiphase theory was developed. The model simultaneously handles bulk solids (sinter, pellets, small coke, granular coke, and also iron ore), gas, liquid metal and slag, and coal powder phases. The associated conservation equations take into account momentum, mass, chemical species, and energy while being discretized and solved using finite volume techniques. The numerical model was validated against the reference operating conditions using 220 kg per ton of pig iron (kg/tHM) of pulverized coal. Therefore, the combined injection of different concentrations of fuel hydrogen, blast furnace gas, and oxygen was simulated for replacing 40, 60, and 80 kg/tHM of coal injection. Theoretical analysis showed that the best scenario with stable operation conditions could be achieved with a productivity increase of 20% corresponding to a CO2 reduction of 15% and 60 kg/tHM of PCI replacement.
Grain Boundary Wetting by the Second Solid Phase: 20 Years of History
Authors: Straumal Boris , Lepkova Tatiana , Korneva Anna , Gerstein Gregory , Kogtenkova Olga , Gornakova Alena
Published: May 2023

Grain boundaries (GBs) can be wetted by a second phase. This phase can be not only liquid (or melted), but it can also be solid. GB wetting can be incomplete (partial) or complete. In the case of incomplete (partial) wetting, the liquid forms in the GB droplets, and the second solid phase forms a chain of (usually lenticular) precipitates. Droplets or precipitates have a non-zero contact angle with the GB. In the case of complete GB wetting, the second phase (liquid or solid) forms in the GB continuous layers between matrix grains. These GB layers completely separate the matrix crystallites from each other. GB wetting by a second solid phase has some important differences from GB wetting by the melt phase. In the latter case, the contact angle always decreases with increasing temperature. If the wetting phase is solid, the contact angle can also increase with increasing temperature. Moreover, the transition from partial to complete wetting can be followed by the opposite transition from complete to partial GB wetting. The GB triple junctions are completely wetted in the broader temperature interval than GBs. Since Phase 2 is also solid, it contains GBs as well. This means that not only can Phase 2 wet the GBs in Phase 1, but the opposite can also occur when Phase 1 can wet the GBs in Phase 2. GB wetting by the second solid phase was observed in the Al-, Mg-, Co-, Ni-, Fe-, Cu-, Zr-, and Ti-based alloys as well as in multicomponent alloys, including high-entropy ones. It can seriously influence various properties of materials.
On the Influence of Binder Material in PCBN Cutting Tools for Turning Operations of Inconel 718
Authors: Matos Francisco , Silva Tiago E. F. , Sousa Vitor F. C. , Marques Francisco , Figueiredo Daniel , Silva Francisco J. G. , Jesus Abílio M. P. de
Published: May 2023

Inconel 718 is a highly valued material in the aerospace and nuclear industries due to the fact of its exceptional properties. However, the processing of this material is quite difficult, especially through machining processes. Machining this material results in rapid tool wear, even when low material removal rates are considered. In this study, instrumented turning experiments were employed to evaluate the machinability of Inconel 718 alloy using PCBN tools while assessing the usage of two distinct binder phases, TiN and TiC, for those cutting tools. It was found that the tool life was highly sensitive to the cutting speeds but also affected by the workpiece mechanical properties. At lower cutting speeds, notch wear significantly impacted the tool integrity, whereas at higher cutting speeds, flank wear was the primary failure mode of the tool. The flank wear of the tools with TiN-based binder outperformed TiC by almost 30%, presenting a more consistent behavior when machining.
Induced Expression of CYP51a and HK1 Genes Associated with Penconazole and Fludioxonil Resistance in the Potato Pathogen Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Akosah Yaw A. , Kostennikova Zarina S. , Lutfullin Marat T. , Lutfullina Guzel F. , Afordoanyi Daniel M. , Vologin Semyon G. , Mardanova Ayslu M.
Published: May 2023

Preventing antifungal resistance development and identifying pathogens with high, medium, and low risk of resistance development to a particular fungicide or fungicide class is crucial in the fight against phytopathogens. We characterized the sensitivity of potato wilt-associated Fusarium oxysporum isolates to fludioxonil and penconazole and assessed the effect of these fungicides on the expression of fungal sterol-14-α-demethylase (CYP51a) and histidine kinase (HK1) genes. Penconazole stunted the growth of F. oxysporum strains at all concentrations used. While all isolates were susceptible to this fungicide, concentrations of up to 1.0 μg/mL were insufficient to cause a 50% inhibition. At low concentrations (0.63 and 1.25 μg/mL), fludioxonil stimulated growth in F. oxysporum. With an increase in the concentration of fludioxonil, only one strain (F. oxysporum S95) exhibited moderate sensitivity to the fungicide. Interaction of F. oxysporum with penconazole and fludioxonil leads to respective elevated expressions of the CYP51a and HK1 genes, which upsurge with increasing concentration of the fungicides. The data obtained indicate that fludioxonil may no longer be suitable for potato protection and its continuous use could only lead to an increased resistance with time.
The Fungus Nosema ceranae and a Sublethal Dose of the Neonicotinoid Insecticide Thiamethoxam Differentially Affected the Health and Immunity of Africanized Honey Bees
Authors: De la Mora Alvaro , Morfin Nuria , Tapia-Rivera José C. , Macías-Macías José O. , Tapia-González José M. , Contreras-Escareño Francisca , Petukhova Tatiana , Guzman-Novoa Ernesto
Published: May 2023

Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are affected by different biotic and abiotic stressors, such as the fungus Nosema ceranae and neonicotinoid insecticides, that negatively impact their health. However, most studies so far conducted have focused on the effect of these stressors separately and in European honey bees. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the impact of both stressors, singly and in combination, on honey bees of African descent that have demonstrated resistance to parasites and pesticides. Africanized honey bees (AHBs, Apis mellifera scutellata Lepeletier) were inoculated with N. ceranae (1 × 105 spores/bee) and/or chronically exposed for 18 days to a sublethal dose of thiamethoxam (0.025 ng/bee) to evaluate their single and combined effects on food consumption, survivorship, N. ceranae infection, and immunity at the cellular and humoral levels. No significant effects by any of the stressors were found for food consumption. However, thiamethoxam was the main stressor associated to a significant decrease in AHB survivorship, whereas N. ceranae was the main stressor affecting their humoral immune response by upregulating the expression of the gene AmHym-1. Additionally, both stressors, separately and combined, significantly decreased the concentration of haemocytes in the haemolymph of the bees. These findings indicate that N. ceranae and thiamethoxam differentially affect the lifespan and immunity of AHBs and do not seem to have synergistic effects when AHBs are simultaneously exposed to both stressors.