bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GABA Receptors Can Depolarize the Neuronal Membrane Potential via Quantum Tunneling of Chloride Ions: A Quantum Mathematical Study
Authors: Nawafleh Sager , Qaswal Abdallah Barjas , Suleiman Aiman , Alali Obada , Zayed Fuad Mohammed , Al-Adwan Mohammad Abu Orabi , Bani Ali Mo’ath
Published: March 2022

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors represent the major inhibitory receptors in the nervous system and their inhibitory effects are mediated by the influx of chloride ions that tends to hyperpolarize the resting membrane potential. However, GABA receptors can depolarize the resting membrane potential and thus can also show excitatory effects in neurons. The major mechanism behind this depolarization is mainly attributed to the accumulation of chloride ions in the intracellular compartment. This accumulation leads to increase in the intracellular chloride concentration and depolarize the Nernst potential of chloride ions. When the membrane potential is relatively hyperpolarized, this will result in a chloride efflux instead of influx trying to reach their depolarized equilibrium potential. Here, we propose different mechanism based on a major consequence of quantum mechanics, which is quantum tunneling. The quantum tunneling model of ions is applied on GABA receptors and their corresponding chloride ions to show how chloride ions can depolarize the resting membrane potential. The quantum model states that intracellular chloride ions have higher quantum tunneling probability than extracellular chloride ions. This is attributed to the discrepancy in the kinetic energy between them. At physiological parameters, the quantum tunneling is negligible to the degree that chloride ions cannot depolarize the membrane potential. Under certain conditions such as early neuronal development, gain-of-function mutations, stroke and trauma that can lower the energy barrier of the closed gate of GABA receptors, the quantum tunneling is enhanced so that the chloride ions can depolarize the resting membrane potential. The major unique feature of the quantum tunneling mechanism is that the net efflux of chloride ions is attained without the need for intracellular accumulation of chloride ions as long as the energy barrier of the gate is reduced but still higher than the kinetic energy of the chloride ion as a condition for quantum tunneling to take place.
Peracetic Acid Activated with Electro-Fe2+ Process for Dye Removal in Water
Authors: Yuan Deling , Yang Kai , Zhu Eryu , Li Xiongbo , Sun Mengting , Xiao Lichun , Hari Qiga , Tang Shoufeng
Published: March 2022

An electro-Fe2+-activated peracetic acid (EC/Fe2+/PAA) process was established for organic dye removal in water. The operation factors such as the PAA dosage, Fe2+ amount, current density, and pH were investigated on methylene blue (MB) removal for the synergistic EC/Fe2+/PAA system. Efficient MB decolorization (98.97% and 0.06992 min−1) was achieved within 30 min under 5.4 mmol L−1 PAA, 30 μmol L−1 Fe2+, 15 mA cm−2 current intensity, and pH 2.9. Masking tests affirmed that the dominating radicals were hydroxyl radicals (OH), organic radicals (CH3CO2·, CH3CO3·), and singlet oxygen (1O2), which were generated from the activated PAA by the synergetic effect of EC and Fe2+. The influence of inorganic ions and natural organic matter on the MB removal was determined. Moreover, the efficacy of the EC/Fe2+/PAA was confirmed by decontaminating other organic pollutants, such as antibiotic tetracycline and metronidazole. The studied synergy process offers a novel, advanced oxidation method for PAA activation and organic wastewater treatment.
A Systematic Survey on Cybersickness in Virtual Environments
Authors: Ramaseri Chandra Ananth N. , El Jamiy Fatima , Reza Hassan
Published: March 2022

Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology with a broad range of applications in training, entertainment, and business. To maximize the potentials of virtual reality as a medium, the unwelcome feeling of cybersickness needs to be minimized. Cybersickness is a type of simulation sickness that is experienced in virtual reality. It is a significant challenge for the usability of virtual reality systems. Even with advancements in virtual reality, the usability concerns are barriers for a wide-spread acceptance. Several factors (hardware, software, human) play a part towards a pleasant virtual reality experience. In this paper, we review the potential factors which cause sickness and minimize the usability of virtual reality systems. The reviewed scientific articles are mostly part of documents indexed in digital libraries. We review the best practices from a developer’s perspective and some of the safety measures a user must follow while using the virtual reality systems from existing research. Even after following some of the guidelines and best practices virtual reality environments do not guarantee a pleasant experience for users. Limited research in virtual reality environments towards requirements specification, design, and development for maximum usability and adaptability was the main motive for this work.
The Preparation and Electrochemical Pseudocapacitive Performance of Mutual Nickel Phosphide Heterostructures
Authors: Guo Shao-Bo , Zhang Wei-Bin , Yang Ze-Qin , Bao Xu , Zhang Lun , Guo Yao-Wen , Han Xiong-Wei , Long Jianping
Published: March 2022

Transition metal phosphide composite materials have become an excellent choice for use in supercapacitor electrodes due to their excellent conductivity and good catalytic activity. In our study, a series of nickel phosphide heterostructure composites was prepared using a temperature-programmed phosphating method, and their electrochemical performance was tested in 2 mol L−1 KOH electrolyte. Because the interface effect can increase the catalytic active sites and improve the ion transmission, the prepared Ni2P/Ni3P/Ni (Ni/P = 7:3) had a specific capacity of 321 mAh g−1 under 1 A g−1 and the prepared Ni2P/Ni5P4 (Ni/P = 5:4) had a specific capacity of 218 mAh g−1 under 1 A g−1. After the current density was increased from 0.5 A g−1 to 5 A g−1, 76% of the specific capacity was maintained. After 7000 cycles, the capacity retention rate was above 82%. Due to the phase recombination effect, the electrochemical performance of Ni2P/Ni3P/Ni and Ni2P/Ni5P4 was much better than that of single-phase N2P. After assembling the prepared composite and activated carbon into a supercapacitor, the Ni2P/Ni3P/Ni//AC had an energy density of 22 W h kg−1 and a power density of 800 W kg−1 and the Ni2P/Ni5P4//AC had an energy density of 27 W h kg−1 and a power density of 800 W kg−1.
Prediction of Grain Size in Cast Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Ma Shuai , Zhang Zhibo , Huang Zhuming , Song Dongfu , Jia Yiwang , Zhou Nan , Wang Kai , Zheng Kaihong , Du Huijing
Published: March 2022

Grain refinement of cast alloys, especially aluminum–silicon and magnesium-based alloys, is an effective approach to improve the strength of alloys. Grain size is the most representative parameter used to characterize grain refinement in the industry, thereby attracting increasing attention for developing accurate grain size prediction models. In this paper, several important grain size prediction models under different adaptation conditions are reviewed. These models are obtained either by regression of experimental data or by physical/mathematical inference under certain assumptions of specified cases, focusing on the effects of alloy composition, solidification temperature gradient, grain growth rate, and fining agent composition, among others. The trends of grain size prediction models were also discussed. The results revealed machine learning as an effective tool to establish a data-driven prediction model of grain size in cast aluminum alloys.
Operationalizing Leadership and Clinician Buy-In to Implement Evidence-Based Tobacco Treatment Programs in Routine Oncology Care: A Mixed-Method Study of the U.S. Cancer Center Cessation Initiative
Authors: Hohl Sarah D. , Bird Jennifer E. , Nguyen Claire V. T. , D’Angelo Heather , Minion Mara , Pauk Danielle , Adsit Robert T. , Fiore Michael , Nolan Margaret B. , Rolland Betsy
Published: March 2022

Background: Delivering evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment in oncology settings improves smoking abstinence and cancer outcomes. Leadership engagement/buy-in is critical for implementation success, but few studies have defined buy-in or described how to secure buy-in for tobacco treatment programs (TTPs) in cancer care. This study examines buy-in during the establishment of tobacco treatment programs at National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers. Methods: We utilized a sequential, explanatory mixed-methods approach to analyze quantitative data and qualitative interviews with program leads in the U.S.-based NCI Moonshot-supported Cancer Center Cessation Initiative (n = 20 Centers). We calculated descriptive statistics and applied structural coding and content analysis to qualitative data. Results: At least 75% of participating centers secured health care system administrative, clinical, and IT leadership buy-in and support. Six themes emerged from interviews: engaging leadership, access to resources, leveraging federal funding support to build leadership interest, designating champions, identifying training needs, and ensuring staff roles and IT systems support workflows. Conclusions: Buy-in among staff and clinicians is defined by the belief that the TTP is necessary, valuable, and evidence based. Recognizing and securing these dimensions of buy-in can facilitate implementation success, leading to improved cancer outcomes.
What Is COVID 19 Teaching Us about Pulmonary Ultrasound?
Authors: Soldati Gino , Demi Marcello
Published: March 2022

In lung ultrasound (LUS), the interactions between the acoustic pulse and the lung surface (including the pleura and a small subpleural layer of tissue) are crucial. Variations of the peripheral lung density and the subpleural alveolar shape and its configuration are typically connected to the presence of ultrasound artifacts and consolidations. COVID-19 pneumonia can give rise to a variety of pathological pulmonary changes ranging from mild diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), characterized by peripheral bilateral patchy lung involvement. These findings are well described in CT imaging and in anatomopathological cases. Ultrasound artifacts and consolidations are therefore expected signs in COVID-19 pneumonia because edema, DAD, lung hemorrhage, interstitial thickening, hyaline membranes, and infiltrative lung diseases when they arise in a subpleural position, generate ultrasound findings. This review analyzes the structure of the ultrasound images in the normal and pathological lung given our current knowledge, and the role of LUS in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with COVID-19 lung involvement.
A Performance Assessment Study of Different Clinical Samples for Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Diagnosis Tests
Authors: Ahmed Naveed , Kalil Mohammad Nur Amin , Yusof Wardah , Bakar Mimi Azliha Abu , Sjahid Afifah Sjamun , Hassan Rosline , Fauzi Mohd Hashairi , Yean Chan Yean
Published: March 2022

Accurate diagnosis to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for the clinical management of this lethal infection. Recently, many low-cost and easy-to-use rapid test kits (RTK) have been developed in many countries for the massive screening of SARS-CoV-2. Thus, evaluating the accuracy and reliability of an RTK is critical. The current study was conducted on 157 individuals to evaluate the performance accuracy of rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection kits using different clinical samples compared with qRT-PCR results. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from patients for qRT-PCR and RTK tests, and then buccal and nasal, and nasal swabs were collected for RTK tests separately. The nasal and buccal swabs showed high sensitivity (98%) and specificity (100%) compared with the qRT-PCR results. Meanwhile, for nasal, the sensitivity was 96% with 98% specificity, and nasopharyngeal swabs showed 98% sensitivity and 94% specificity. Fisher’s exact test revealed statistical significance (p < 0.05) between nasopharyngeal, nasal and buccal, and nasal swabs compared with qRT-PCR results. The study concludes that different clinical samples used for the rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 showed high sensitivities and specificities compared with qRT-PCR. The RTKs using nasal and buccal, nasopharyngeal, and nasal swabs are valuable tools for the early detection of SARS-CoV-2, especially when molecular detections are available with limited access and a high infectivity rate, when the timely detection of virus cases is urgently needed. These types of clinical samples are effective to be used by RTKs for surveillance among community and healthcare workers.
A Rapid RT-LAMP Assay for SARS-CoV-2 with Colorimetric Detection Assisted by a Mobile Application
Authors: Londono-Avendano María Aurora , Libreros Gerardo , Osorio Lyda , Parra Beatriz
Published: March 2022

Loop-mediated amplification has been promoted for SARS-CoV-2 screening, however, antigen tests are preferred in low-income countries and remote zones. Poor training in molecular biology, plus the need for RNA purification or reading instruments to overcome issues of sensitivity in colorimetric detection, are some of the reasons limiting the use of this technique. In this study, nasopharyngeal swabs, aspirates and saliva were amplified in an in-house LAMP assay and subject to colorimetric detection, achieved by the naked eye and by image analysis with a mobile application. Accuracy of detection by the naked eye ranged from 61–74% but improved to 75–86% when using the application. Sensitivity of the digital approach was 81% and specificity 83%, with poor positive predictive value, and acceptable negative predictive value. Additionally to the reported effect of some transport media’s pH, the presence of mucus and warming up of reagents while setting up the reaction critically affected performance. Accuracy per type of sample was 55, 70 and 80%, for swabs, aspirates and saliva, respectively, suggesting potential to improve the test in saliva. This assay, carried out in a closed tube, reduces contamination, has few pipetting steps and requires minimal equipment. Strategies to improve performance and implications of the use this sort of colorimetric LAMP for massive testing are discussed.
Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) and Data Fusion in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Recent Advances and Challenges
Authors: Gupta Abhishek , Fernando Xavier
Published: March 2022

This article presents a survey of simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) and data fusion techniques for object detection and environmental scene perception in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). We critically evaluate some current SLAM implementations in robotics and autonomous vehicles and their applicability and scalability to UAVs. SLAM is envisioned as a potential technique for object detection and scene perception to enable UAV navigation through continuous state estimation. In this article, we bridge the gap between SLAM and data fusion in UAVs while also comprehensively surveying related object detection techniques such as visual odometry and aerial photogrammetry. We begin with an introduction to applications where UAV localization is necessary, followed by an analysis of multimodal sensor data fusion to fuse the information gathered from different sensors mounted on UAVs. We then discuss SLAM techniques such as Kalman filters and extended Kalman filters to address scene perception, mapping, and localization in UAVs. The findings are summarized to correlate prevalent and futuristic SLAM and data fusion for UAV navigation, and some avenues for further research are discussed.
How Do Curricular Design Changes Impact Computer Science Programs?: A Case Study at San Pablo Catholic University in Peru
Authors: Gutierrez-Pachas Daniel A. , Garcia-Zanabria Germain , Cuadros-Vargas Alex J. , Camara-Chavez Guillermo , Poco Jorge , Gomez-Nieto Erick
Published: March 2022

Computer science is a dynamic field of study that requires constant review and updating of the curricular designs in academic programs—in general, measuring the impact of plan changes has been little explored in the literature. In most cases, it focuses only on structuring its curricula, leaving aside several factors associated with important events or facts such as student dropout, retention, and inclusion. However, these features provide academic institutions with many opportunities to understand student performance and propose more effective preventive/corrective actions to avoid dropouts. This work focuses on the curricular changes’ influence on student gender imbalance, socioeconomic provenance, and dropout. Specifically, we employ three different approaches for our analysis: (i) a longitudinal study of four curricula from informatics engineering to computer science transition at San Pablo Catholic University, (ii) an exploratory analysis for identifying essential features that determines the events mentioned above, and (iii) a survival analysis to estimate the probability that a student will stay (not dropout) before graduate, and calculate the average permanence time per curricula. Our analysis shows that the female student rates decreased, student rates from lower socioeconomic provenance increased, and the dropout rates were reduced with updates towards an internationally standardized curriculum. This is even strongly evidenced when the program changes its name. Finally, the set of techniques employed in this work composes a statistical mechanism that can be replicated/adapted to any other program in computer science aiming to extract valuable insights to support the decision-making process in educational institutions.
Midwifery Now: Narratives about Motivations for Career Choice
Authors: Sim-Sim Margarida , Zangão Otília , Barros Maria , Frias Ana , Dias Hélia , Santos Anabela , Aaberg Vicki
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to analyse nursing students’ motivation to choose the midwifery career. This is a cross-sectional study with a qualitatively driven mixed-methods approach. The settings are three higher education institutions located in Portugal. The study was conducted between September 2019 and November 2021, with the participation of 74 midwifery master’s students, through convenience sampling. The data were collected through the LimeSurvey software and were subsequently analysed in the SPSS and IRaMuTeQ software programs. The emerging thematic areas were as follows: (1) building a professional identity and (2) knowledge construction. From these two thematic areas, six classes emerged that revealed commitment to the profession. It is in Class 6 that the ancestral essence of the profession lies, revealing the meanings of competence and care perpetuation linked to gender. Midwifery is a first-line profession, and the career choice reflects a commitment to support the mother/newborn dyad in view of the inevitability of human care for the preservation of the species. Midwives with a Socratic inspiration are the model for the profession. Given the development of professional identity, it can be interesting to have an educational curriculum where human values are reinforced. A woman-centred birth environment and birth territory are elementary for midwifery education.
Sustainability Competencies in Higher Education Research: An Analysis of Doctoral Theses in Portugal
Authors: Sá Patrícia , Lourenço Mónica , Carlos Vânia
Published: March 2022

Educational research has been highlighting the importance of defining key competencies and learning outcomes related to education for sustainability as a reference for the transparent evaluation of students’ learning in this domain. Drawing on a reference framework that identifies five key competencies in sustainability (i.e., systems-thinking competency, anticipatory competency, normative competency, strategic competency, and interpersonal competency), the study reported in this paper aims to understand whether, how, and to what extent these competencies are present in doctoral theses in Higher Education published in Portugal in the past ten years. To address this objective, a qualitative study framed in an interpretative paradigm was conducted, and a literature review was used as a preferential research method to elicit meaning, gain understanding, and develop empirical knowledge. The retrieved documents were treated using deductive content analysis, which was performed using WebQDA software. Results of the analysis show that the competencies considered in the reference framework are present in research on education for sustainability carried out in recent years in Portugal, with a greater emphasis on strategic and anticipatory competencies. Findings suggest that it is important to continue to conduct research on these competencies to successfully integrate them into educational curricula and teacher education programs.
Nondominated Policy-Guided Learning in Multi-Objective Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Kim Man-Je , Park Hyunsoo , Ahn Chang Wook
Published: March 2022

Control intelligence is a typical field where there is a trade-off between target objectives, and researchers in this field have longed for artificial intelligence that achieves the target objectives. Multi-objective deep reinforcement learning was sufficient to satisfy this need. In particular, multi-objective deep reinforcement learning methods based on policy optimization are leading the optimization of control intelligence. However, multi-objective reinforcement learning has difficulties when finding various Pareto optimals of multi-objectives due to the greedy nature of reinforcement learning. We propose a method of policy assimilation to solve this problem. This method was applied to MO-V-MPO, one of preference-based multi-objective reinforcement learning, to increase diversity. The performance of this method has been verified through experiments in a continuous control environment.
A Radar Emitter Recognition Mechanism Based on IFS-Tri-Training Classification Processing
Authors: Wang Jundi , Wang Xing , Tian Yuanrong , Chen Zhenkun , Chen You
Published: March 2022

Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) is one of the basic pieces of combat equipment necessary for the electromagnetic situational awareness of aircraft in modern operations and requires good rapid performance and accuracy. This paper proposes a data processing flow for radar warning devices based on a hierarchical processing mechanism to address the issue of existing algorithms’ inability to balance real-time and accuracy. In the front-level information processing module, multi-attribute decision-making under intuitionistic fuzzy information (IFS) is used to process radar signals with certain prior knowledge to achieve rapid performance. In the post-level information processing module, an improved tri-training method is used to ensure accurate recognition of signals with low pre-level recognition accuracy. To improve the performance of tri-training in identifying radar emitters, the original algorithm is combined with the modified Hyperbolic Tangent Weight (MHTW) to address the problem of data imbalance in the radar identification problem. Simultaneously, cross entropy is employed to enhance the sample selection mechanism, allowing the algorithm to converge rapidly.
Long Range Air Traffic Flow Management with Flight-Specific Flight Performance
Authors: Rosenow Judith , Asadi Ehsan , Lubig Daniel , Schultz Michael , Fricke Hartmut
Published: March 2022

The increasing need for dynamic in-flight adjustments of a trajectory allows the airport, air traffic control and the airline a high degree of flexibility in terms of in-flight execution. This concept enables numerous optimisation options to jointly meet the requirements of sustainable air transport to increase economic and ecological efficiency, as well as safety. One promising measure is to control the aircraft arrival rate to prevent over-demand in the approach sector around the airport. In so-called Long-Range Air Traffic Management, the arrival time of long-haul flights, in particular, is already controlled many hours before arrival. However, the control options and their effects on arrival time and fuel burn are heavily dependent on flight performance and the (hardly predictable) influence of the weather. In this study, we optimize the arrival time of 26 long-haul flights in the Asia-Pacific region with arrival at Changi Airport within a peak hour considering the arrival rate of medium-haul and short-haul flights. This control is done by speed adjustments and by choosing alternative routes. For the first time, we model each long-haul flight and its control options individually in real weather conditions. We found that speed adjustments should start three to four hours before arriving at the approach sector to maximize the fuel-saving potential of small deviations from the optimal cruising speed, considering the predictability of the arrival time under real weather conditions. Allowing the aircraft to additionally choose an alternative lateral route, different from the filed flight plan, both maximizes the potential for harmonization of the number of aircraft in the approach sector and minimizes the total fuel burn. Unlike speed adjustments, alternative routes changes are effective even during the last hour of the cruise phase.
Chromosome Changes in Soma and Germ Line: Heritability and Evolutionary Outcome
Authors: Bakloushinskaya Irina
Published: March 2022

The origin and inheritance of chromosome changes provide the essential foundation for natural selection and evolution. The evolutionary fate of chromosome changes depends on the place and time of their emergence and is controlled by checkpoints in mitosis and meiosis. Estimating whether the altered genome can be passed to subsequent generations should be central when we consider a particular genome rearrangement. Through comparative analysis of chromosome rearrangements in soma and germ line, the potential impact of macromutations such as chromothripsis or chromoplexy appears to be fascinating. What happens with chromosomes during the early development, and which alterations lead to mosaicism are other poorly studied but undoubtedly essential issues. The evolutionary impact can be gained most effectively through chromosome rearrangements arising in male meiosis I and in female meiosis II, which are the last divisions following fertilization. The diversity of genome organization has unique features in distinct animals; the chromosome changes, their internal relations, and some factors safeguarding genome maintenance in generations under natural selection were considered for mammals.
Numerical Modelling of Reactive Flows through Porous Media
Authors: Pereira Gerald G.
Published: March 2022

We consider a lattice Boltzmann (LB) model to solve the coupled Navier–Stokes and advection–diffusion equation with reactive boundary conditions at the interface between fluid and solid domains. The reactive boundary condition results in the position of the boundary changing continuously, and so boundary nodes may be partially filled with fluid at any instant. We develop the LB boundary conditions for both the velocity and concentration fields in the presence of partially filled boundary nodes and then validate this algorithm on some test cases—the Stefan problem for diffusion-dominated dissolution and kinetic-dominated dissolution. It is shown that the developed model agrees well with analytic results, so that they can be used for more general boundaries of arbitrary shape. Numerical simulations in three dimensions are then carried out on demonstration problems at various Peclet numbers to elucidate the transport mechanisms and their influence on solid grain dissolution.
X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy of Picrolite Raw Material on Cyprus
Authors: Moutsiou Theodora , Ioannides Demetrios , Charalambous Andreas , Schöder Sebastian , Webb Sam M. , Thoury Mathieu , Kassianidou Vasiliki , Zomeni Zomenia , Reepmeyer Christian
Published: March 2022

Picrolite artefacts comprise some of the most distinctive material remains in the prehistory of the island of Cyprus, in the Eastern Mediterranean. Picrolite exploitation dates from at least 12,000 years ago for the manufacture of personal ornaments and items with a symbolic function. It is commonly assumed that picrolite nodules were collected in secondary deposits on an ad hoc basis. This narrative, however, ignores the fact that picrolite carriers can only be found in very specific locations on the island, discrete from each other. Here we report initial outcomes of the application of handheld portable X-ray fluorescence (HHpXRF) and synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (SR-μXRF) to the analysis of picrolite raw materials performed at the newly opened PUMA beamline of the SOLEIL Synchrotron Radiation Facility. Our work refines the basic characteristics of the elemental constituents of the picrolite raw material and highlights key micro-structural differences between two distinct source regions on the Troodos Massif in western Cyprus. Picrolite source characterisation is expected to contribute significant new knowledge to the study of rare raw material consumption, prehistoric social organisation, networking and possible long-distance exchange of this idiosyncratic raw material within and beyond the island’s geographic boundaries.
Identification and Classification of Routine Locations Using Anonymized Mobile Communication Data
Authors: Ferreira Gonçalo , Alves Ana , Veloso Marco , Bento Carlos
Published: March 2022

Digital location traces are a relevant source of insights into how citizens experience their cities. Previous works using call detail records (CDRs) tend to focus on modeling the spatial and temporal patterns of human mobility, not paying much attention to the semantics of places, thus failing to model and enhance the understanding of the motivations behind people’s mobility. In this paper, we applied a methodology for identifying individual users’ routine locations and propose an approach for attaching semantic meaning to these locations. Specifically, we used circular sectors that correspond to cellular antennas’ signal areas. In those areas, we found that all contained points of interest (POIs), extracted their most important attributes (opening hours, check-ins, category) and incorporated them into the classification. We conducted experiments with real-world data from Coimbra, Portugal, and the initial experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology to infer activities in the user’s routine areas.
Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist in Acute Respiratory Failure—A Narrative Review
Authors: Umbrello Michele , Antonucci Edoardo , Muttini Stefano
Published: March 2022

Maintaining spontaneous breathing has both potentially beneficial and deleterious consequences in patients with acute respiratory failure, depending on the balance that can be obtained between the protecting and damaging effects on the lungs and the diaphragm. Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) is an assist mode, which supplies the respiratory system with a pressure proportional to the integral of the electrical activity of the diaphragm. This proportional mode of ventilation has the theoretical potential to deliver lung- and respiratory-muscle-protective ventilation by preserving the physiologic defense mechanisms against both lung overdistention and ventilator overassistance, as well as reducing the incidence of diaphragm disuse atrophy while maintaining patient–ventilator synchrony. This narrative review presents an overview of NAVA technology, its basic principles, the different methods to set the assist level and the findings of experimental and clinical studies which focused on lung and diaphragm protection, machine–patient interaction and preservation of breathing pattern variability. A summary of the findings of the available clinical trials which investigate the use of NAVA in acute respiratory failure will also be presented and discussed.
Critically-Ill Patients with Biliary Obstruction and Cholangitis: Bedside Fluoroscopic-Free Endoscopic Drainage versus Percutaneous Drainage
Authors: Liao Yi-Jun , Lin Wan-Tzu , Tsai Hsin-Ju , Chen Chia-Chang , Tung Chun-Fang , Yang Sheng-Shun , Peng Yen-Chun
Published: March 2022

Severe acute cholangitis is a life-threatening medical emergency. Endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is usually used for biliary decompression. However, it can be risky to transport a critical patient to the radiology unit. We aimed to compare clinical outcomes between bedside, radiation-free EBD and fluoroscopic-guided PTBD in patients under critical care. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit with biliary obstruction and cholangitis from January 2011 to April 2020. Results: A total of 16 patients receiving EBD and 31 patients receiving PTBD due to severe acute cholangitis were analyzed. In the EBD group, biliary drainage was successfully conducted in 15 (93.8%) patients. Only one patient (6.25%) encountered post-procedure pancreatitis. The 30-day mortality rate was no difference between the 2 groups (32.72% vs. 31.25%, p = 0.96). Based on multivariate analysis, independent prognostic factors for the 30-day mortality were a medical history of malignancy other than pancreatobiliary origin (HR: 5.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–27.57) and emergent dialysis (HR: 7.30, 95% CI: 2.20–24.24). Conclusions: Bedside EBD is safe and as effective as percutaneous drainage in critically ill patients. It provides lower risks in patient transportation but does require experienced endoscopists to perform the procedure.
Chronotype Profile, Stress, Depression Level, and Temporomandibular Symptoms in Students with Type D Personality
Authors: Gębska Magdalena , Dalewski Bartosz , Pałka Łukasz , Kołodziej Łukasz , Sobolewska Ewa
Published: March 2022

Background: Despite a growing interest in the types of human circadian activity, different chronotypes and personality-related issues have been rarely studied. It has already been emphasized that ‘stress personality’ is considered a risk factor for certain psychosomatic diseases and may be a temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) predictor. Therefore, an attempt has been made to analyze the chronotypes, stress levels, stress factors, and the occurrence of depression and TMDs in students with type D personalities. People with this personality trait tend to experience negative emotions more—depression, anxiety, anger, or hostility—yet may have a negative image of themselves and report somatic complaints. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the importance of the chronotype profile for the level of stress perceived, as well as for the occurrence of depression and TMDs in people with type D personalities. Material and Methods: The study has been conducted on a group of 220 physical therapy students. The study group G1 consisted of 110 participants with type D personalities, the control group G2 consisted of the same number of participants without the stress personality. All participants have been analyzed for the chronotype (MEQ), stress perception (PSS10), the occurrence of depression (Beck scale-BDI), the occurrence of TMDs symptoms and have completed the stress factor assessment questionnaire during the study, followed by DS14 questionnaire—a tool for assessing the prevalence of type D personality. Results: In students with type D personalities (G1), the definitely evening and evening chronotypes have been significantly more predominant than in the control group (G2). A significantly higher number of stressors and TMDs symptoms have been observed in the respondents from the G1 group than in the control group (<0.001). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that type D personality was strongly associated with a more frequent occurrence of all TMD symptoms. Additionally, a significant influence of the evening chronotype on the occurrence of type D personality was observed. Among the potential confounding variables, female gender and a mild and moderate degree of depression have an impact on the occurrence of type D personality (p < 0.05). In the multivariate model, adjusted with the above-mentioned factors, an increased risk of the type D personality trait was found. Conclusion: The evening chronotype and type D personality may imply greater feelings of stress, greater depression, and more frequent symptoms of TMDs in young adults.
Sinus Lift Associated with Leucocyte-Platelet-Rich Fibrin (Second Generation) for Bone Gain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Otero Ada Isis Pelaez , Fernandes Juliana Campos Hasse , Borges Tiago , Nassani Leonardo , Castilho Rogerio de Moraes , Fernandes Gustavo Vicentis de Oliveira
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze sinus lifting procedures and to compare the efficiency of this treatment associated with the second generation of platelet-rich fibrin related to its effects on bone gain and to clarify the regenerative efficacy in sinus lift procedure, whether alone or as a coadjutant to other bone graft materials. The PICOT question was, “In clinical studies with patients needing a maxillary sinus lift (P), does the use of PRF either alone (I) or in conjunction with other biomaterials (C) improve the clinical outcome associated with bone gain and density (O), with at least three months of follow-up (T)?” An electronic search was conducted in the MEDLINE (PubMed), Science Direct, and Scopus databases through a search strategy. A total of 443 articles were obtained from the electronic database search. Sixteen articles met all criteria and were included in this review. Within the limitation of this study and interpreting the results carefully, it was suggested that a higher risk for implant failure after a sinus elevation might be seen in patients with residual bone ≤4 mm, and PRF application was effective, suggesting reducing the time needed for new bone formation.
New Perspectives in Phlebology and Lymphology
Authors: Cavezzi Attilio
Published: March 2022

The recent research on chronic degenerative diseases (CDD), such as obesity, diabetes, neurodegeneration, atherosclerosis, autoimmune diseases, cancer and aging itself, has shown that Venous and Lymphatic Diseases (VLD) may play an important role in their development, de facto pushing phlebology and especially lymphology under a spotlight in biomedical research [...]
MicroRNAs—A Promising Tool for Asthma Diagnosis and Severity Assessment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kyyaly Mohammed Aref , Vorobeva Elena Vladimirovna , Kothalawala Dilini M. , Fong Wei Chern Gavin , He Peijun , Sones Collin L. , Al-Zahrani Mohammad , Sanchez-Elsner Tilman , Arshad Syed Hasan , Kurukulaaratchy Ramesh J.
Published: March 2022

Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNAs (Ribonucleic acids) with regulatory functions that could prove useful as biomarkers for asthma diagnosis and asthma severity-risk stratification. The objective of this systematic review is to identify panels of miRNAs that can be used to support asthma diagnosis and severity-risk assessment. Three databases (Medline, Embase, and SCOPUS) were searched up to 15 September 2020 to identify studies reporting differential expression of specific miRNAs in the tissues of adults and children with asthma. Studies reporting miRNAs associations in animal models that were also studied in humans were included in this review. We identified 75 studies that met our search criteria. Of these, 66 studies reported more than 200 miRNAs that are differentially expressed in asthma patients when compared to non-asthmatic controls. In addition, 16 studies reported 17 miRNAs that are differentially expressed with differences in asthma severity. We were able to construct two panels of miRNAs that are expressed in blood and can serve as core panels to further investigate the practicality and efficiency of using miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for asthma diagnosis and severity-risk assessment, respectively.
Blockchain as IoT Economy Enabler: A Review of Architectural Aspects
Authors: Pennino Diego , Pizzonia Maurizio , Vitaletti Andrea , Zecchini Marco
Published: March 2022

In the IoT-based economy, a large number of subjects (companies, public bodies, or private citizens) are willing to buy data or services offered by subjects that provide, operate, or host IoT devices. To support economic transactions in this setting, and to pave the way for the implementation of decentralized algorithmic governance powered by smart contracts, the adoption of the blockchain has been proposed both in scientific literature and in actual projects. The blockchain technology promises a decentralized payment system independent of (and possibly cheaper than) conventional electronic payment systems. However, there are a number of aspects that need to be considered for an effective IoT–blockchain integration. In this review paper, we start from a number of real IoT projects and applications that (may) take advantage of blockchain technology to support economic transactions. We provide a reasoned review of several architectural choices in light of typical requirements of those applications and discuss their impact on transaction throughput, latency, costs, limits on ecosystem growth, and so on. We also provide a survey of additional financial tools that a blockchain can potentially bring to an IoT ecosystem, with their architectural impact. In the end, we observe that there are very few examples of IoT projects that fully exploit the potential of the blockchain. We conclude with a discussion of open problems and future research directions to make blockchain adoption easier and more effective for supporting an IoT economy.
Remote Monitoring for Prediction and Management of Acute Exacerbations in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD)
Authors: Pépin Jean-Louis , Degano Bruno , Tamisier Renaud , Viglino Damien
Published: March 2022

The progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by episodes of acute exacerbation (AECOPD) of symptoms, decline in respiratory function, and reduction in quality-of-life increasing morbi-mortality and often requiring hospitalization. Exacerbations can be triggered by environmental exposures, changes in lifestyle, and/or physiological and psychological factors to greater or lesser extents depending on the individual’s COPD phenotype. The prediction and early detection of an exacerbation might allow patients and physicians to better manage the acute phase. We summarize the recent scientific data on remote telemonitoring (TM) for the prediction and management of acute exacerbations in COPD patients. We discuss the components of remote monitoring platforms, including the integration of environmental monitoring data; patient reported outcomes collected via interactive Smartphone apps, with data from wearable devices that monitor physical activity, heart rate, etc.; and data from medical devices such as connected non-invasive ventilators. We consider how telemonitoring and the deluge of data it potentially generates could be combined with electronic health records to provide personalized care and multi-disease management for COPD patients.
New Insights on Formyl Peptide Receptor Type 2 Involvement in Nociceptive Processes in the Spinal Cord
Authors: Colucci Mariantonella , Stefanucci Azzurra , Mollica Adriano , Aloisi Anna Maria , Maione Francesco , Pieretti Stefano
Published: March 2022

Formyl peptide receptor type 2 (FPR2/ALX) belongs to the formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) family clustered on chromosome 19 and encodes a family of three Class A of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). A short N-terminal region, an NPXXY motif in transmembrane (TM) region 7 and an E/DRY motif that bridges TM3 and TM6 stabilizing inactive receptor conformations characterize this class of receptors. In recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), FPRs play a crucial role in innate immune responses. FPR2/ALX is highly expressed in myeloid cells, as well as in chondrocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial, epithelial and smooth muscle cells. FPR2/ALX mRNA expression was recently reported in the rat brainstem, spinal cord, thalamus/hypothalamus, cerebral neocortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and striatum. The central nervous system (CNS) distribution of FPR2/ALX suggests important functions in nociception. Thus, the present study was carried out to investigate the possible role of FPR2/ALX in nociception in mice. Intrathecal administration of the formyl peptide receptor type 1 (FPR1) agonist fMLF and the FPR2/ALX agonist BML-111 relieved nociception and these effects were reduced by contemporary administration of the FPR2/ALX antagonist WRW4. Furthermore, measurement of cytokines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the spinal cord of neuropathic mice demonstrated that the antinociceptive effects of BML-111 might depend on the reduction in cytokine release and BDNF in the spinal cord. These results suggest a possible role of FPR2/ALX for pain control in the spinal cord.
Epigenome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Parkinson’s Disease Cortex
Authors: Kaut Oliver , Schmitt Ina , Stahl Fabian , Fröhlich Holger , Hoffmann Per , Gonzalez Frank J. , Wüllner Ullrich
Published: March 2022

Background: Epigenetic factors including DNA methylation contribute to specific patterns of gene expression. Gene–environment interactions can change the methylation status in the brain, and accumulation of these epigenetic changes over a lifespan may be co-responsible for a neurodegenerative disease like Parkinson’s disease, which that is characterised by a late onset in life. Aims: To determine epigenetic modifications in the brains of Parkinson’s disease patients. Patients and Methods: DNA methylation patterns were compared in the cortex tissue of 14 male PD patients and 10 male healthy individuals using the Illumina Methylation 450 K chip. Subsequently, DNA methylation of candidate genes was evaluated using bisulphite pyrosequencing, and DNA methylation of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) was characterized in DNA from blood mononuclear cells (259 PD patients and 182 healthy controls) and skin fibroblasts (10 PD patients and 5 healthy controls). Protein levels of CYP2E1 were analysed using Western blot in human cortex and knock-out mice brain samples. Results: We found 35 hypomethylated and 22 hypermethylated genes with a methylation M-value difference >0.5. Decreased methylation of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) was associated with increased protein levels in PD brains, but in peripheral tissues, i.e., in blood cells and skin fibroblasts, DNA methylation of CYP2E1 was unchanged. In CYP2E1 knock-out mice brain alpha-synuclein (SNCA) protein levels were down-regulated compared to wild-type mice, whereas treatment with trichloroethylene (TCE) up-regulated CYP2E1 protein in a dose-dependent manner in cultured cells. We further identified an interconnected group of genes associated with oxidative stress, such as Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MSRA) and tumour protein 73 (TP73) in the brain, which again were not paralleled in other tissues and appeared to indicate brain-specific changes. Conclusions: Our study revealed surprisingly few dysmethylated genes in a brain region less affected in PD. We confirmed hypomethylation of CYP2E1.