bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Potential of the Combination of Pentoxifylline and Vitamin-E in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inhibition of Intestinal Fibrosis
Authors: Lee Hyun Joo
Published: August 2022

Background: Although intestinal fibrosis is a consequence of recurrent inflammation in Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), alleviating inflammation alone does not prevent the progression of fibrosis, suggesting that the development of direct anti-fibrotic agents is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-fibrotic properties of combination treatment with pentoxifylline (PTX) and vitamin E (Vit-E) on human primary intestinal myofibroblasts (HIMFs) and the therapeutic potential of the combination therapy in murine models of IBD. Methods: HIMFs were pretreated with PTX, Vit-E, or both, and incubated with TGF-β1. We performed Western blot, qPCR, collagen staining, and immunofluorescence to estimate the anti-fibrotic effects of PTX and Vit-E. The cytotoxicity of these was investigated through MTT assay. To induce murine models of IBD for in vivo study, C57BL/6 mice were treated with repeated cycles of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), developing chronic colitis. We examined whether the combined PTX and Vit-E treatment would effectively ameliorate colonic fibrosis in vivo. Results: We found that the co-treatment with PTX and Vit-E suppressed TGF-β1-induced expression of fibrogenic markers, with decreased expression of pERK, pSmad2, and pJNK, more than either treatment alone in HIMFs. Neither PTX nor Vit-E showed any significant cytotoxicity in given concentrations. Consistently with the in vitro results, the co-administration with PTX and Vit-E effectively attenuated colonic fibrosis with recovery from thickening and shortening of colon in murine models of IBD. Conclusions: These findings demonstrated that the combination of PTX and Vit-E exhibits significant anti-fibrotic effects in both HIMFs and in vivo IBD models, providing a promising therapy for IBD.
Novel Method for Early Prediction of Clinically Significant Drug–Drug Interactions with a Machine Learning Algorithm Based on Risk Matrix Analysis in the NICU
Authors: Yalçın Nadir , Kaşıkcı Merve , Çelik Hasan Tolga , Allegaert Karel , Demirkan Kutay , Yiğit Şule , Yurdakök Murat
Published: August 2022

Aims: Evidence for drug–drug interactions (DDIs) that may cause age-dependent differences in the incidence and severity of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in newborns is sparse. We aimed to develop machine learning (ML) algorithms that predict DDI presence by integrating each DDI, which is objectively evaluated with the scales in a risk matrix (probability + severity). Methods: This double-center, prospective randomized cohort study included neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in a tertiary referral hospital during the 17-month study period. Drugs were classified by the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification and assessed for potential and clinically relevant DDIs to risk analyses with the Drug Interaction Probability Scale (DIPS, causal probability) and the Lexicomp® DDI (severity) database. Results: A total of 412 neonates (median (interquartile range) gestational age of 37 (4) weeks) were included with 32,925 patient days, 131 different medications, and 11,908 medication orders. Overall, at least one potential DDI was observed in 125 (30.4%) of the patients (2.6 potential DDI/patient). A total of 38 of these 125 patients had clinically relevant DDIs causing adverse drug reactions (2.0 clinical DDI/patient). The vast majority of these DDIs (90.66%) were assessed to be at moderate risk. The performance of the ML algorithms that predicts of the presence of relevant DDI was as follows: accuracy 0.944 (95% CI 0.888–0.972), sensitivity 0.892 (95% CI 0.769–0.962), F1 score 0.904, and AUC 0.929 (95% CI 0.874–0.983). Conclusions: In clinical practice, it is expected that optimization in treatment can be achieved with the implementation of this high-performance web tool, created to predict DDIs before they occur with a newborn-centered approach.
Subretinal Injection Techniques for Retinal Disease: A Review
Authors: Irigoyen Cristina , Amenabar Alonso Asier , Sanchez-Molina Jorge , Rodríguez-Hidalgo María , Lara-López Araceli , Ruiz-Ederra Javier
Published: August 2022

Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) affect an estimated 1 in every 2000 people, this corresponding to nearly 2 million cases worldwide. Currently, 270 genes have been associated with IRDs, most of them altering the function of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium. Gene therapy has been proposed as a potential tool for improving visual function in these patients. Clinical trials in animal models and humans have been successful in various types of IRDs. Recently, voretigene neparvovec (Luxturna®) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of biallelic mutations in the RPE65 gene. The current state of the art in gene therapy involves the delivery of various types of viral vectors into the subretinal space to effectively transduce diseased photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium. For this, subretinal injection is becoming increasingly popular among researchers and clinicians. To date, several approaches for subretinal injection have been described in the scientific literature, all of them effective in accessing the subretinal space. The growth and development of gene therapy give rise to the need for a standardized procedure for subretinal injection that ensures the efficacy and safety of this new approach to drug delivery. The goal of this review is to offer an insight into the current subretinal injection techniques and understand the key factors in the success of this procedure.
Albumin-to-Alkaline Phosphatase Ratio as a Prognostic Biomarker for Spinal Fusion in Lumbar Degenerative Diseases Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spinal Fusion
Authors: Guo Youfeng , Zhao Haihong , Xu Haowei , Gu Huida , Cao Yang , Li Kai , Li Ting , Hu Tao , Wang Shanjin , Zhao Weidong , Wu Desheng
Published: August 2022

Objective: To determine if preoperative albumin-alkaline phosphatase ratio (AAPR) is predictive of clinical outcomes in patients with degenerative lumbar diseases undergoing lumbar fusion. Method: 326 patients undergoing posterior lumbar decompression and fusion were retrospectively analyzed. The cumulative grade was calculated by summing the Pfirrmann grades of all lumbar discs. Grouping was based on the 50th percentile of cumulative grade. The relationship between AAPR, intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) severity, and fusion rate was explored using correlation analyses and logistic regression models. Meanwhile, the ROC curve evaluated the discrimination ability of AAPR in predicting severe degeneration and non-fusion. Results: High AAPR levels were significantly negatively correlated with severe degeneration and non-fusion rate. A multivariate binary logistic analysis revealed that high preoperative AAPR was an independent predictor of severe degeneration and postoperative non-fusion (OR: 0.114; 95% CI: 0.027–0.482; p = 0.003; OR: 0.003; 95% CI: 0.0003–0.022; p < 0.001). The models showed excellent discrimination and calibration. The areas under the curve (AUC) of severe degeneration and non-fusion identified by AAPR were 0.635 and 0.643. Conclusion: The AAPR can help predict the severity of disc degeneration and the likelihood of non-fusion.
Efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Dialysis Patients: Epidemiological Analysis and Evaluation of the Clinical Progress
Authors: Mosconi Giovanni , Fantini Michela , Righini Matteo , Flachi Marta , Semprini Simona , Hu Lilio , Chiappo Francesca , Veterani Barbara , Ambri Katia , Ferrini Franca , Milanesi Catia , Giudicissi Antonio , La Manna Gaetano , Rigotti Angelo , Buscaroli Andrea , Sambri Vittorio , Cappuccilli Maria
Published: August 2022

This study investigated the impact of the fourth COVID-19 pandemic wave on dialysis patients of Romagna territory, assessing the associations of vaccination status with infection risk, clinical severity and mortality. From November 2021 to February 2022, an epidemiological search was conducted on 829 patients under dialysis treatment for at least one month. The data were then analyzed with reference to the general population of the same area. A temporal comparison was also carried out with the previous pandemic waves (from March 2020 to October 2021). The epidemiological evolution over time in the dialysis population and in Romagna citizens replicated the global trend, as the peak of the fourth wave corresponded to the time of maximum diffusion of omicron variant (B.1.1.529). Of 771 prevalent dialysis patients at the beginning of the study, 109 (14.1%) contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection during the 4-month observation period. Vaccine adherence in the dialysis population of the reference area was above 95%. Compared to fully or partially vaccinated subjects, the unvaccinated ones showed a significantly higher proportion of infections (12.5% vs. 27.0% p = 0.0341), a more frequent need for hospitalization (22.2% vs. 50.0%) and a 3.3-fold increased mortality risk. These findings confirm the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in keeping infectious risk under control and ameliorating clinical outcomes in immunocompromised patients.
Optical Coherence Tomography Analysis of Retinal Layers in Celiac Disease
Authors: Vitiello Livio , De Bernardo Maddalena , Erra Luca , Della Rocca Federico , Rosa Nicola , Ciacci Carolina
Published: August 2022

Celiac disease is an immune-mediated, chronic, inflammatory, and systemic illness which could affect the eye. The aim of this study is to look for possible signs of retinal involvement in celiac disease that could be utilized as biomarkers for this disease. Sixty-six patients with celiac disease and sixty-six sex-matched healthy subjects were enrolled in this observational case–control study. A comprehensive ophthalmological evaluation, axial length measurements, and SD-OCT evaluation were performed. The thickness of the retinal layers at the circle centered on the fovea (1 mm in diameter) and the average of the foveal and parafoveal zones at 2 and 3 mm in diameter were evaluated, together with retinal volume and the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). Concerning the thicknesses of the retinal layers in each analyzed region, no statistically significant differences were found. The same results were obtained for the total volume. Regarding peripapillary RNFL, the celiac patients showed slightly thicker values than the healthy controls, except for temporal and nasal-inferior quadrants, with no statistically significant differences. All the analyzed parameters were similar for the celiac patients and the healthy individuals. This could be related either to the non-involvement of the retinal layers in celiac disease pathophysiology or to the gluten-free diet effect.
History of Technological Advancements towards MR-Linac: The Future of Image-Guided Radiotherapy
Authors: Rammohan Nikhil , Randall James W. , Yadav Poonam
Published: August 2022

Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) enables optimal tumor targeting and sparing of organs-at-risk, which ultimately results in improved outcomes for patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revolutionized diagnostic imaging with its superior soft tissue contrast, high spatiotemporal resolution, and freedom from ionizing radiation exposure. Over the past few years there has been burgeoning interest in MR-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) to overcome current challenges in X-ray-based IGRT, including but not limited to, suboptimal soft tissue contrast, lack of efficient daily adaptation, and incremental exposure to ionizing radiation. In this review, we present an overview of the technologic advancements in IGRT that led to MRI-linear accelerator (MRL) integration. Our report is organized in three parts: (1) a historical timeline tracing the origins of radiotherapy and evolution of IGRT, (2) currently available MRL technology, and (3) future directions and aspirations for MRL applications.
Exosomes Derived from Bone Marrow-Mesenchymal Stem Cells Attenuates Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity in a Mouse Model
Authors: Yang Tao , Li Wei , Peng Anquan , Liu Jia , Wang Qin
Published: August 2022

Background: Both hypoxia preconditioning and exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC-Exo) have been adopted to alleviate hair-loss-related ototoxicity. Whether hypoxic BMSCs-derived exosomes (hypBMSC-Exo) could alleviate cisplatin-induced ototoxicity is investigated in this study. Methods: Cisplatin intraperitoneally injected C57BL/6 mice were trans-tympanically administered BMSC-Exo or hypBMSC-Exo in the left ear. Myosin 7a staining was utilized to detect mature hair cells. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was assessed to indicate auditory sensitivity at 8, 16, 24, and 32 kHz. The relative expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), and SOD2 were determined with RT-PCR and Western blot. The content of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), SOD, and glutathione (GSH) in the middle turns of the cochlea were measured. Results: Up-regulated HIF-1α expression was observed in hypBMSC-Exo compared with BMSC-Exo. Diminished auditory sensitivity and increased hair cell loss was observed in the cisplatin-exposed mice with increased content of H2O2 and MDA and decreased content of SOD and GSH, which could be reversed by hypBMSC-Exo or BMSC-Exo administration. It is worth noting that hypBMSC-Exo demonstrated more treatment benefits than BMSC-Exo with up-regulated SOD1 and SOD2 expression in the middle turns of the cochlea tissues. Conclusions: Hypoxic preconditioning may provide a new therapeutic option in regenerative medicine, and hypBMSC-Exo could be utilized to alleviate cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.
Intracranial Solitary Fibrous Tumor: A “New” Challenge for PET Radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Sardaro Angela , Mammucci Paolo , Pisani Antonio Rosario , Rubini Dino , Nappi Anna Giulia , Bardoscia Lilia , Rubini Giuseppe
Published: August 2022

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the central nervous system, previously named and classified with the term hemangiopericytoma (HPC), is rare and accounts for less than 1% of all intracranial tumors. Despite its benign nature, it has a malignant behavior due to the high rate of recurrence and distant metastasis, occurring in up to 50% of cases. Surgical resection of the tumor is the treatment of choice. Radiotherapy represents the gold standard in the case of post-surgery residual disease, relapse, and distant metastases. In this context, imaging plays a crucial role in identifying the personalized therapeutic decision for each patient. Although the referring imaging approach in SFT is morphologic, an emerging role of positron emission tomography (PET) has been reported in the literature. However, there is still a debate on which radiotracers have the best accuracy for studying these uncommon tumors because of the histological or biological heterogeneity of SFT.
Low Anterior Resection Syndrome: What Have We Learned Assessing a Large Population?
Authors: Dulskas Audrius , Kavaliauskas Povilas , Kulikauskas Edgaras , Smolskas Edgaras , Pumputiene Kornelija , Samalavicius Narimantas E. , Nunoo-Mensah Joseph W.
Published: August 2022

Our goal was to assess the rate of symptoms commonly included in LARS score in a large general population. The study was based on a population-based design. We disseminated LARS scores through community online platforms and general practitioners throughout Lithuania. We received 8183 responses to the questionnaire. There were 142 (1.74%) participants who were excluded for lack of information. There were 6100 (75.9%) females and 1941 (24.1%) males. After adjusting for sex and age, male participants had a significant average score of 18.4 (SD ± 10.35) and female 20.3 (SD ± 9.74) p < 0.001. There were 36.4% of participants who had minor LARS symptoms, and 14.2% who had major LARS symptoms. Overall, major LARS-related symptoms were significantly related to previous operations: 863 participants in the operated group (71.7%), and 340 in the non-operated group (28.3%; p0.001). In 51–75-year-old patients, major LARS was significantly more prevalent with 22.7% (p < 0.001) and increasing with age, with a higher incidence of females after the age of 75. After excluding colorectal and perineal procedures, the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated the use of neurological drugs and gynaecological operations were independent risk factors for major LARS–odd ratio of 1.6 (p = 0.018, SI 1.2–2.1) and 1.28 (p = 0.018, SI 1.07–1.53), respectively. The symptoms included in the LARS score are common in the general population, and there is a variety of factors that influence this, including previous surgeries, age, sex, comorbidities, and medication. These factors should be considered when interpreting the LARS score following low anterior resection and when considering treatment options preoperatively.
Lung Transplant for ARDS after COVID-19: Long-Term Outcomes and Considerations about Detrimental Issues
Authors: Palleschi Alessandro , Crotti Stefania , Scandroglio Anna Mara , Lissoni Alfredo , Fominskiy Evgeny , Rosso Lorenzo , Tosi Davide , Musso Valeria , Blasi Francesco , Gori Andrea , Nosotti Mario
Published: August 2022

During the first outbreak of COVID-19 in Italy, based on the only few cases reported from a Chinese centre at the time, we performed lung transplantation in two patients with irreversible acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after COVID-19 at our centre. After two years, we report the outcomes of these cases and some considerations. The first patient, an 18-year-old male, is in excellent conditions twenty-four months after surgery. The second patient was a 48-year-old man; his airways were colonized by carbapenemase-producing klebsiella pneumoniae at the time of lung transplantation, and he had previously suffered from delirium and hallucinations in the intensive care unit. His postoperative clinical course was complicated by dysexecutive behaviour and then septic shock; he died 62 days after surgery. The recently reported experience of different transplantation centres has led to the inclusion of irreversible acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after COVID-19 among the indications for lung transplantation in carefully selected patients. Our results confirm the feasibility and the good long-term outcomes of lung transplantation for COVID-19-associated ARDS. Nonetheless, our experience corroborates the need for careful recipient selection: special attention must be paid to the single-organ dysfunction principle, the evaluation of any neuro-psychiatric disorder, and MDR germs colonization, before listing.
Application of Injectable, Crosslinked, Fibrin-Containing Hyaluronic Acid Scaffolds for In Vivo Remodeling
Authors: Hinsenkamp Adél , Fülöp Ágnes , Hricisák László , Pál Éva , Kun Kiara , Majer Aliz , Varga Viktória , Lacza Zsombor , Hornyák István
Published: August 2022

The present research aimed to characterize soft tissue implants that were prepared with the use of crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) using two different crosslinkers and multiple reagent concentrations, alone or in combination with fibrin. The effect of the implants was evaluated in an in vivo mouse model, after 4 weeks in one group and after 12 weeks in the other. The explants were compared using analytical methods, evaluating microscopic images, and a histology analysis. The kinetics of the degradation and remodeling of explants were found to be greatly dependent on the concentration and type of crosslinker; generally, divinyl sulfone (DVS) resists degradation more effectively compared to butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE). The presence of fibrin enhances the formation of blood vessels, and the infiltration of cells and extracellular matrix. In summary, if the aim is to create a soft tissue implant with easier degradation of the HA content, then the use of 2–5% BDDE is found to be optimal. For a longer degradation time, 5% DVS is the more suitable crosslinker. The use of fibrin was found to support the biological process of remodeling, while keeping the advances of HA in void filling, enabling the parallel degradation and remodeling processes.
Numerical Investigation on Higher-Order Harmonic Waves Induced by a Submerged Inclined Plate
Authors: Zhou Zhimin , Sun Yawei , Chen Lifen , Ning Dezhi , Wojciech Sulisz
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a two-dimensional time-domain numerical flume has been established to model and investigate nonlinear interactions between nonlinear surface waves and a submerged inclined thin plate. The model solves the Laplace equation and the fully nonlinear free surface boundary conditions within the framework of potential flow theory based on the high-order boundary element method. The mixed Euler–Lagrangian method is applied to update the water surface at each time step, and the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method for time stepping. A so-called four-point method was employed to separate the second-order harmonic free and bounded wave that has the same wave frequency but different wave celerity in front of and behind the submerged plate. It is found that the amplitude of the second-order harmonic free wave increases with the inclination angle of the submerged plate, and the level/amount of the increase is larger for a larger wave steepness. In addition, the amplitudes of both the second-order reflected and transmitted waves are found to increase with the wave steepness, and their empirical relationships are derived for potential use in practical engineering.
Cryptococcus neoformans Prp8 Intein: An In Vivo Target-Based Drug Screening System in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Identify Protein Splicing Inhibitors and Explore Its Dynamics
Authors: Fernandes José Alex Lourenço , Zatti Matheus da Silva , Arantes Thales Domingos , Souza Maria Fernanda Bezerra de , Santoni Mariana Marchi , Rossi Danuza , Zanelli Cleslei Fernando , Liu Xiang-Qin , Bagagli Eduardo , Theodoro Raquel Cordeiro
Published: August 2022

Inteins are genetic mobile elements that are inserted within protein-coding genes, which are usually housekeeping genes. They are transcribed and translated along with the host gene, then catalyze their own splicing out of the host protein, which assumes its functional conformation thereafter. As Prp8 inteins are found in several important fungal pathogens and are absent in mammals, they are considered potential therapeutic targets since inhibiting their splicing would selectively block the maturation of fungal proteins. We developed a target-based drug screening system to evaluate the splicing of Prp8 intein from the yeast pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans (CnePrp8i) using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ura3 as a non-native host protein. In our heterologous system, intein splicing preserved the full functionality of Ura3. To validate the system for drug screening, we examined cisplatin, which has been described as an intein splicing inhibitor. By using our system, new potential protein splicing inhibitors may be identified and used, in the future, as a new class of drugs for mycosis treatment. Our system also greatly facilitates the visualization of CnePrp8i splicing dynamics in vivo.
The New Precision Stewards?
Authors: Meagher Karen M. , Watson Sara , Suh Gina A. , Virk Abinash
Published: August 2022

The precision health era is likely to reduce and respond to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Our stewardship and precision efforts share terminology, seeking to deliver the “right drug, at the right dose, at the right time.” Already, rapid diagnostic testing, phylogenetic surveillance, and real-time outbreak response provide just a few examples of molecular advances we dub “precision stewardship.” However, the AMR causal factors range from the molecular to that of global health policy. Mirroring the cross-sectoral nature of AMR science, the research addressing the ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) of AMR ranges across academic scholarship. As the rise of AMR is accompanied by an escalating sense of its moral and social significance, what is needed is a parallel field of study. In this paper, we offer a gap analysis of this terrain, or an agenda for “the ELSI of precision stewardship.” In the first section, we discuss the accomplishments of a multi-decade U.S. national investment in ELSI research attending to the advances in human genetics. In the next section, we provide an overview of distinct ELSI topics pertinent to AMR. The distinctiveness of an ELSI agenda for precision stewardship suggests new opportunities for collaboration to build the stewardship teams of the future.
Industrial Revitalization of Rural Villages via Comprehensive Land Consolidation: Case Studies in Gansu, China
Authors: Zhu Jing , Ma Siqi , Zhou Qianyu
Published: August 2022

Although comprehensive land consolidation may stimulate industrial revitalization, the interactions and pathways between land consolidation and industrial revitalization are unclear. Using villages in China as case studies, the historical development process and pathways of comprehensive land consolidation, and rural industrial revitalization, are summarized and clarified. Development processes and pathways for villages in Puhe, Maosi, Dianzi, and Baicaopo in Gansu Province were compared. The comparison suggested the following nested generic strategy for revitalization, comprising: (1). A core strategy for guiding industrial development that consolidates the spatial layout; (2). Strengthening ecological restoration as a key part of the optimization strategy with (1); and (3). Including and enhancing cultural industrialization as a desirable supplement. Our study and worked examples can be applied to other villages or regions worldwide to explore the development path of village industry revitalization under the guidance of our proposed comprehensive land consolidation framework.
Contact Allergy in the Elderly: A Study of 600 Patients
Authors: Németh Dominik , Pónyai Györgyi
Published: August 2022

The proportion of elderly in the general population is increasing. Ageing of the skin and immune system can modify the features of contact hypersensitivity (CH). The number of epidemiological studies according to the age-related features of CH is very limited. We aimed to analyse the clinical characteristics of CH in an elderly patient population. A total of 600 patients (patient age > 60 years old) were patch tested with the European Environmental Baseline Series (EEBS) and 440 of them with the Complementary Fragrance Series (CFS) at the same time according to the actual international methodological standards in the Allergy Outpatient Unit of Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermato-Oncology of Semmelweis University between 2015–2019. Out of 600 tested patients, 54.8% had at least one allergen positivity. Female predominance was observed (78.7%). The most common diagnosis was contact dermatitis (63.7%), followed by psoriasis (6.2%). Most of the cases (58.0%) were found in the age group of 60–69. The five most common contact allergens were benzoic acid, methylisothiazolinone (MI), wood tar, nickel, and balsam of Peru. Allergic skin symptoms are present in all ages and also in the elderly. According to our data, the most common contact allergens are preservatives, followed by balsam of Peru among men and nickel among women. In case of contact dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis are worth patch testing to verify CH even in those above 60 years old.
Marginalization of Sundarbans’ Marichjhapi: Ecocriticism Approaches in Amitav Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide and Deep Halder’s Blood Island
Authors: Biswas Camellia , Channarayapatna Sharada
Published: August 2022

The article identifies the Sundarbans landscape as a ‘marginal scape’ in the context of the Marichjhapi Massacre of 1979. It applies the conservationist vs. environmental (in)justice approach of ecocriticism to Amitava Ghosh’s The Hungry Tide and Deep Halder’s Blood Island: An Oral History of Marichjhapi Massacre. It relates the idea of environmental discrimination and injustice based on caste to the misallocation of the ‘Commons’. For the Marichjhapi Dalit Refugees, the Sundarbans landscape and its ecological attributes become an essential medium in reconstructing their layered identity after migrating from Bangladesh to Sundarbans, which becomes marginalized. The paper argues that the management of environmental resources/landscapes has always been in the hands of the rich, entwined with Brahminical hegemony, who try to impose political geography over ecological systems to suppress the dispossessed. It concludes by comprehending that any justice-based approach (here, social and environmental) still favours non-human beings and ends up causing a multi-layered crisis for marginalized human populations.
Titan Yellow and Congo Red Removal with Superparamagnetic Iron-Oxide-Based Nanoparticles Doped with Zinc
Authors: Pietrzyk Paulina , Phuong Nguyen Thu , Olusegun Sunday Joseph , Hong Nam Nguyen , Thanh Dinh Thi Mai , Giersig Michael , Krysiński Paweł , Osial Magdalena
Published: August 2022

In this work, we present magnetic nanoparticles based on iron oxide doped with zinc synthesized using the wet co-precipitation method for environmental application. The morphology of the samples was revealed by SEM and TEM, which showed particles of granular shape and size of about 15 nm. The specific surface areas of the materials using the BET method were within the range of 85.7 to 101.5 m2 g−1 depending on the zinc content in the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). Magnetometry was performed to determine the magnetic properties of the particles, indicating superparamagnetism. Synthesized magnetic nanoparticles with different amounts of zinc dopant were used as an adsorbent to remove model pollutant Titan yellow (TY) from the aqueous solutions. Adsorption was determined by investigating the effects of sorbent amount, dye concentration, and contact time. The synthesized material removed Titan yellow quickly and efficiently within the physical adsorption. The adsorption isotherms were consistent with the models proposed by Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson. The monolayer adsorption capacities were 30 and 43 mg g−1 for Fe3O4 and Fe3O4@10%Zn, respectively, for the removal of TY. However, that of Congo red is 59 mg g−1 by Fe3O4@10%Zn. The proposed nanoparticles offer fast and cost-effective water purification, and they can be separated from solution using magnets.
Gathering Strength, Gathering Storms: Knowledge Transfer via Selection for VRPTW
Authors: Xu Wendi , Wang Xianpeng , Guo Qingxin , Song Xiangman , Zhao Ren , Zhao Guodong , Yang Yang , Xu Te , He Dakuo
Published: August 2022

Recently, due to the growth in machine learning and data mining, for scheduling applications in China’s industrial intelligence, we are quite fortunate to witness a paradigm of evolutionary scheduling via learning, which includes a new tool of evolutionary transfer optimization (ETO). As a new subset in ETO, single-objective to multi-objective/many-objective optimization (SMO) acts as a powerful, abstract and general framework with wide industrial applications like shop scheduling and vehicle routing. In this paper, we focus on the general mechanism of selection that selects or gathers elite and high potential solutions towards gathering/transferring strength from single-objective problems, or gathering/transferring storms of knowledge from solved tasks. Extensive studies in vehicle routing problems with time windows (VRPTW) on well-studied benchmarks validate the great universality of the SMO framework. Our investigations (1) contribute to a deep understanding of SMO, (2) enrich the classical and fundamental theory of building blocks for genetic algorithms and memetic algorithms, and (3) provide a completive and potential solution for VRPTW.
Heterogeneous Information Network-Based Recommendation with Metapath Search and Memory Network Architecture Search
Authors: Yuan Peisen , Sun Yi , Wang Hengliang
Published: August 2022

Recommendation systems are now widely used on the Internet. In recommendation systems, user preferences are predicted by the interaction of users with products, such as clicks or purchases. Usually, the heterogeneous information network is used to capture heterogeneous semantic information in data, which can be used to solve the sparsity problem and the cold-start problem. In a more complex heterogeneous information network, the types of nodes and edges are very large, so there are lots of types of metagraphs in a complex heterogeneous information network. At the same time, machine learning tasks on heterogeneous information networks have a large number of parameters and neural network architectures that need to be set artificially. The main goal is to find the optimal hyperparameter settings and neural network architectures for the performance of a task in the set of hyperparameter space. To address this problem, we propose a metapath search method for heterogeneous information networks based on a network architecture search, which can search for metapaths that are more suitable for different heterogeneous information networks and recommendation tasks. We conducted experiments on Amazon and Yelp datasets and compared the architecture settings obtained from an automatic search with manually set structures to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm.
A Path Planning Model for Stock Inventory Using a Drone
Authors: Radácsi László , Gubán Miklós , Szabó László , Udvaros József
Published: August 2022

In this study, a model and solution are shown for controlling the inventory of a logistics warehouse in which neither satellite positioning nor IoT solutions can be used. Following a review of the literature on path planning, a model is put forward using a drone that can be moved in all directions and is suitable for imaging and transmission. The proposed model involves three steps. In the first step, a traversal path definition provides an optimal solution, which is pre-processing. This is in line with the structure and capabilities of the warehouse. In the second step, the pre-processed path determines the real-time movement of the drone during processing, including camera movements and image capture. The third step is post-processing, i.e., the processing of images for QR code identification, the interpretation of the QR code, and the examination of matches and discrepancies for inventory control. A key benefit for the users of this model is that the result can be achieved without any external orientation tools, relying solely on its own movement and the organization of a pre-planned route. The proposed model can be effective not only for inventory control, but also for exploring the structure of a warehouse shelving system and determining empty cells.
A Provable Secure Session Key Distribution Protocol Based on NSSK for In-Vehicle CAN Network
Authors: Yin Long , Xu Jian , Wang Zihao , Wang Chen
Published: August 2022

Many CAN-based session key sharing approaches are based on the group key scheme, which can easily lead advanced adversaries to infiltrate all ECUs (electronic control units) in the network if the sharing key is leaked. To address the above problem, we propose a provable secure session key distribution protocol based on the improved NSSK (Needham–Schroeder shared key) protocol for the in-vehicle CAN network. We applied the mechanisms of message authentication and digital signature to fix the defects of the original NSSK regarding its lack of resistance to the Denning–Sacco attack. Then, we analyzed the provable security of the proposed protocol on the random oracle model and verified the security goals of the protocol by using the simulation tools AVISPA and Tamarin Prover; the results reflect that the protocol met the security requirements for key distribution such as session key secrecy, injective agreement, and known key secrecy. Finally, we compared our new protocol with other key distribution protocols in CAN bus communication to evaluate the performance of the new protocol in actual scenarios. The result shows that the protocol is secure against many payload-based attacks and is practical for in-vehicle CAN networks.
Predicting Time SeriesUsing an Automatic New Algorithm of the Kalman Filter
Authors: Borrero Juan D. , Mariscal Jesus
Published: August 2022

Time series forecasting is one of the main venues followed by researchers in all areas. For this reason, we develop a new Kalman filter approach, which we call the alternative Kalman filter. The search conditions associated with the standard deviation of the time series determined by the alternative Kalman filter were suggested as a generalization that is supposed to improve the classical Kalman filter. We studied three different time series and found that in all three cases, the alternative Kalman filter is more accurate than the classical Kalman filter. The algorithm could be generalized to time series of a different length and nature. Therefore, the developed approach can be used to predict any time series of data with large variance in the model error that causes convergence problems in the prediction.
Proposing a High-Precision Petroleum Pipeline Monitoring System for Identifying the Type and Amount of Oil Products Using Extraction of Frequency Characteristics and a MLP Neural Network
Authors: Mayet Abdulilah Mohammad , Nurgalieva Karina Shamilyevna , Al-Qahtani Ali Awadh , Narozhnyy Igor M. , Alhashim Hala H. , Nazemi Ehsan , Indrupskiy Ilya M.
Published: August 2022

Setting up pipelines in the oil industry is very costly and time consuming. For this reason, a pipe is usually used to transport various petroleum products, so it is very important to use an accurate and reliable control system to determine the type and amount of oil product. In this research, using a system based on the gamma-ray attenuation technique and the feature extraction technique in the frequency domain combined with a Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural network, an attempt has been made to determine the type and amount of four petroleum products. The implemented system consists of a dual-energy gamma source, a test pipe to simulate petroleum products, and a sodium iodide detector. The signals received from the detector were transmitted to the frequency domain, and the amplitudes of the first to fourth dominant frequency were extracted from them. These characteristics were given to an MLP neural network as input. The designed neural network has four outputs, which is the percentage of the volume ratio of each product. The proposed system has the ability to predict the volume ratio of products with a maximum root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.69, which is a strong reason for the use of this system in the oil industry.
Covert Network Construction, Disruption, and Resilience: A Survey
Authors: Ficara Annamaria , Curreri Francesco , Fiumara Giacomo , De Meo Pasquale , Liotta Antonio
Published: August 2022

Covert networks refer to criminal organizations that operate outside the boundaries of the law; they can be mainly classified as terrorist networks and criminal networks. We consider how Social Network Analysis (SNA) is used to analyze such networks in order to attain a greater knowledge of criminal behavior. In fact, SNA allows examining the network structure and functioning by computing relevant metrics and parameters to identify roles, positions, features, and other network functioning that are not otherwise easily discovered at first glance. This is why Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) are showing growing interest in SNA, which is also used to identify weak spots and disrupt criminal groups. This paper provides a literature review and a classification of methods and real-case applications of disruption techniques. It considers covert network adaptability to such dismantling attempts, herein referred to as resilience. Critical problems of SNA in criminal studies are discussed, including data collection techniques and the inevitable incompleteness and biases of real-world datasets, with the aim of promoting a new research stream for both dismantling techniques and data collection issues.
A Fuzzy AHP-Fuzzy TOPSIS Urged Baseline Aid for Execution Amendment of an Online Food Delivery Affability
Authors: Ajjipura Shankar Harshitha Urs , Kodipalya Nanjappa Udaya Kumara , Alsulami M. D. , Prasannakumara Ballajja C.
Published: August 2022

The increased demand for this form of food delivery has been expected to drastically alter restaurant patrons’ dining habits. As people have been forced to stay indoors to prevent the virus from spreading, food delivery services over the internet are in high demand. As established in this study, the planned ideal is a good executive implementation for online meal delivery services. Food delivery services are rapidly growing in India, opening up several opportunities for a wide range of online food delivery (OFD) platforms while also generating a competitive commercial sector. Following that, the fuzzy technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution method (FTOPSIS) is used to rank online food delivery (OFD) enterprises based on the characteristics chosen. In this paper, we study the present multi-criteria decision-analysis (MCDA) paradigm based on the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and the fuzzy technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS) method to achieve the goal. After that, a hierarchy multiple criteria decision-analysis (MCDA) model based on fuzzy sets theory is introduced to deal with the online food delivery Service in the chain system. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) is a fuzzy set theory technique for generating criteria weights, which are then used to interpret expert phonological evaluation statements.
What Knowledge Do Teachers Need to Predict the Mathematical Behavior of Students?
Authors: Flores-Medrano Eric , Gómez-Arroyo Danae , Aguilar-González Álvaro , Muñiz-Rodríguez Laura
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to explore the specialized knowledge of five mathematics teachers who participated in a continuing training project. Teachers were asked to formulate conjectures about the type of mathematical work that students enrolled in a calculus course would develop when approaching the graphical representation of functions as an introductory activity to the calculation of the volume of solids of revolution. The data collected was analyzed using the categories of the MTSK (Mathematics Teacher’s Specialized Knowledge) model. The results report how knowledge of topics and the knowledge of features of learning mathematics, particularly in relation to the knowledge of strengths and difficulties, served as fundamental pillars for the formulation of the conjectures about students’ mathematical behavior.
Steganography with High Reconstruction Robustness: Hiding of Encrypted Secret Images
Authors: Zhu Xishun , Lai Zhengliang , Zhou Nanrun , Wu Jianhua
Published: August 2022

As one of the important methods to protect information security, steganography can ensure the security of data in the process of information transmission, which has attracted much attention in the information security community. However, many current steganography algorithms are not sufficiently resistant to recent steganalysis algorithms, such as deep learning-based steganalysis algorithms. In this manuscript, a new steganography algorithm, based on residual networks and pixel shuffle, is proposed, which combines image encryption and image hiding, named Resen-Hi-Net, an algorithm that first encrypts a secret image and then hides it in a carrier image to produce a meaningful container image. The proposed Resen-Hi-Net has the advantages of both image encryption and image hiding. The experimental results showed that the proposed Resen-Hi-Net could realize both image encryption and image hiding; the visual container image quality was as high as 40.19 dB on average in PSNR to reduce the possibility of being attacked, and the reconstructed secret image quality was also good enough (34.39 dB on average in PSNR). In addition, the proposed Resen-Hi-Net has a strong ability to resist destructive attacks and various steganographic analyses.
Choroidal Changes in Blood Flow in Patients with Intermediate AMD after Oral Dietary Supplement Based on Astaxanthin, Bromelain, Vitamin D3, Folic Acid, Lutein, and Antioxidants
Authors: D’Aloisio Rossella , Di Antonio Luca , Toto Lisa , Rispoli Marco , Di Iorio Angelo , Delvecchio Giancarlo , Mastropasqua Rodolfo
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of oral administration of the combination of astaxanthin (AXT), lutein, folic acid, vitamin D3, and bromelain with antioxidants on choroidal blood flow in patients with age-related intermediate macular degeneration (AMD). Materials and Methods: Patients affected by intermediate AMD and treated with daily oral nutritional supplement with AXT, bromelain, vitamin D3, folic acid, lutein, and antioxidants for a period of at least 6 months were included in this retrospective study. A control group homogenous for age and sex was also included in the analysis. All participants underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) evaluation. Outcome measures were choroidal thickness (CHT) and choriocapillary vessel density (CCVD) after six months of AXT assumption. Results: CCVD values showed statistically significant difference between cases and controls at baseline (p < 0.001) and in the cases during follow-up (p < 0.001). The CHT measurements showed statistically significant difference between cases and controls (p = 0.002) and in the cases during follow-up (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The combined use of structural OCT and OCTA allows for a detailed analysis in vivo of perfusion parameters of the choriocapillaris and choroid and evaluation of changes of choroidal blood flow after oral nutritional supplements that affect blood flow velocity.