bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global landscape analysis of reuse and refill solutions
Authors: Moss Ellie , Gerken Kristina , Youngblood Kathryn , Jambeck Jenna R.
Published: November 2022

One important strategy to address plastic pollution is replacing disposable items with reusable ones and creating systems to support the circulation, cleaning and reuse of these items. The Global Landscape of Reusable Solutions was created to understand the evolution, current state, and potential environmental benefits of reuse and refill solutions being provided in nine distinct categories. The Landscape is a consistently updated dataset created through desktop research by researchers in seven geographic regions and engagement with experts around the world. As of June 10, 2022, the Landscape identified 1,196 solutions operating in 119 countries. The top three categories were 557 Package-Free Shops, 169 Reuse Advocacy Programs (excluding advocacy efforts by for-profit companies in the space), and 155 Reusable Cup and Container Programs. While 52 of the solutions in the global landscape are established or mature, 79.6% (952) are start-ups or small businesses (e.g., Package Free Shops with only one location). Europe has the largest number of reuse solutions with 441, and North America follows with 317. Barriers to growth for reuse solutions include solving for reusable item material and assortment, expanding and integrating reuse infrastructure, willingness of businesses to adopt reuse solutions amid concerns of impact on transaction speed and operations and acceptance by customers; and, in some locations, policies that restrict reusing and refilling containers. Adoption and scaling of reuse solutions can be supported by behavioral campaigns that normalize and promote reuse, better and more available data, sharing examples of successful systems, and increasing knowledge and understanding of reuse system design.
Potential of native and bioprocessed brewers' spent grains as organic soil amendments
Authors: Cacace Claudio , Cocozza Claudio , Traversa Andreina , Coda Rossana , Rizzello Carlo Giuseppe , Pontonio Erica , De Mastro Francesco , Brunetti Gennaro , Verni Michela
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The use of novel soil amendments and the exploitation of plant growth-promoting microorganisms are considered promising tools for developing a more sustainable agriculture in times when ensuring high-yield productions with limited resources is essential.

Methods

In this study, the potential of brewers' spent grain (BSG), the major by-product of the brewing industry, as organic soil amendment, was investigated. Bioprocessed BSG, obtained by an enzymatic treatment coupled with fermentation, together with native BSG, were used as amendments in a pot-trial. An integrated analytical approach aimed at assessing the modification of the physicochemical properties of a typical Mediterranean alkaline agricultural soil, and the plant growth-promoting effect on escarole (Cichorium endivia var. Cuartana), was carried out.

Results

The use of biomasses led to soil organic content and total nitrogen content up to 72 and 42% higher, compared to the unamended soils. Moreover, the lower pH and the higher organic acids content doubled phosphorus availability. Although the number of leaves per plant in escaroles from pots amended with native and bioprocessed BSG did not show any difference compared to plants cultivated on unamended pots, the average fresh weight per escarole head, was higher in pots amended with bioprocessed BSG.

Discussion

Hence, the results collected so far encourage BSG application for agricultural purpose, while solving the problem of disposing of such abundant side stream.
Effect of Mn Doping on the Microstructure and Electrical Properties of Potassium Niobate Ceramics Using Plasma Spraying
Authors: Gao Rui , Guo Weiling , Wang Hongxing , Li Xuewu , Xing Zhiguo
Published: November 2022

KNN piezoelectric ceramics are of great importance in the field of scientific research due to their high Curie temperature, good electrical properties, etc. The application of potassium sodium niobate K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) is strictly limited due to the volatility of Na+ and K+ in KNN and its leakage current. In order to investigate the effect of Mn doping on KNN-based piezoelectric ceramic coatings, KNN and KNN-0.02Mn (KNMN) coatings were successfully prepared using a plasma spraying technique. The phase structure, microscopic morphology, and electrical properties of the coatings were studied in the research. The results showed that both the KNN and KNMN coatings had chalcogenide structures. The KNN coating had an orthogonal phase structure, whereas the KNMN coating had a tetragonal phase structure. Compared with the KNN coating, the microhardness of the KNMN coating was improved through doping with Mn ions. The doping of Mn ions could replace both the A and B sites in the KNN piezoelectric ceramics, further reducing the oxygen vacancies and leakage currents in the coating, and its dielectric properties were improved.
Design and Motion Planning of a Metamorphic Flipping Robot
Authors: Guan Yuntao , Zhuang Zheming , Zhang Chunsong , Tang Zhao , Zhang Ze , Dai Jian S.
Published: November 2022

With the advantages of high flexibility, strong adaptability, etc., the legged robot can help humans to complete numerous complicated tasks. In this paper, a kind of reconfigurable legged robot with a flexible waist was proposed. Compared with the common robots with a rigid trunk, the proposed robot can twist its waist flexibly. Through analysis, it is found that the flexible waist can improve the trunk workspace, foot endpoints’ workspace and static stability margin of the robot, and further enhance the motion performance of the robot. Meanwhile, by imitating the creatures in nature, the motion gait planning of the robot was provided. Additionally, the proposed robot has excellent reconfigurable characteristics, and can flexibly transform among three forms to adapt to different working environments and accomplish different tasks. Further, after capsizing, the robot can complete the motion of turning over more easily. In this paper, the reconfiguration posture and the motion of turning over of the robot were planned in detail, and finally verified by ADAMS simulation.
Pet Owner Perception of Ferret Boredom and Consequences for Housing, Husbandry, and Environmental Enrichment
Authors: Dancer Alice M. M. , Díez-León María , Bizley Jennifer K. , Burn Charlotte C.
Published: November 2022

Boredom is a potential chronic but overlooked animal welfare problem. Caused by monotony, sub-optimal stimulation, and restrictive housing, boredom can therefore affect companion animals, particularly those traditionally caged, such as ferrets. We surveyed owners’ (n = 621) perceptions of ferrets’ capacity to experience boredom, behaviours they associate with it, and whether their perception of their ferrets’ capacity for boredom influenced training techniques, housing, and environmental enrichment (EE). Most (93.0%) owners believed that ferrets could experience boredom, but owners who doubted that ferrets experience boredom (7.0%) provided slightly but significantly fewer EE types to their ferrets. Heat map and classification tree analysis showed that owners identified scratching at enclosure walls (n = 420) and excessive sleeping (n = 312) as distinctive behavioural indicators of ferret boredom. Repetitive pacing (n = 381), yawning (n = 191), and resting with eyes open (n = 171) were also suggested to indicate ferret boredom, but these overlapped with other states. Finally, ferret owners suggested social housing, tactile interaction with humans, and exploration as most important for preventing boredom. These results suggest that pet ferrets are at risk of reduced welfare from owners who doubt they can experience boredom, highlighting an opportunity to improve welfare through information dissemination. We recommend further investigation into ferret boredom capacity, behavioural indicators, and mitigation strategies.
Positive Aspects of Welfare in Sheep: Current Debates and Future Opportunities
Authors: Muhammad Mukhtar , Stokes Jessica E. , Manning Louise
Published: November 2022

The concept of positive welfare is an expansion of the traditional understanding that animal welfare is defined by minimizing stress, pain, suffering, and disease. Positive welfare shifts the animal welfare narrative from a focus on reducing negative experiences to proactively providing animals with opportunities to have positive experiences and feelings. The concept, although around for several decades, is in its infancy in terms of developing ways of assessing positive welfare on farms, especially in extensive systems, and there are challenges in the adoption of positive welfare practices and the monitoring of continuous improvement at the farm level. Using an iterative approach, this critical review aims to explore the extent to which positive welfare interventions and indicators are positioned and have been developed within the animal welfare literature for sheep. This paper critiques existing positive welfare indicators, such as choices in food and the physical environment, conspecific social synchronization, maternal bonds, intergenerational knowledge transfer, positive human–animal relationships, etc., as currently assessed by the ‘good life framework’. It also reviews the characteristics of scientific measures for (positive) affective states in the current sheep literature and their potential contribution to understanding positive welfare states in sheep. In conclusion, this paper provides recommendations for future research regarding sheep welfare.
Bacteriocins Revitalize Non-Effective Penicillin G to Overcome Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
Authors: Ovchinnikov Kirill V. , Kranjec Christian , Thorstensen Tage , Carlsen Harald , Diep Dzung B.
Published: November 2022

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is among the biggest challenges in human and veterinary medicine. One of the major factors that contributes to resistance is use of frontline clinical antibiotics in veterinary practices. To avoid this problem, searching for antimicrobials aimed at veterinary applications is becoming especially important. Thiopeptide micrococcin P1 and leaderless peptide EntEJ97s are two different bacteriocins that are very active against many gram-positive bacteria; however, sensitive bacteria can rapidly develop resistance towards those bacteriocins. To overcome this problem, we searched for synergy between those bacteriocins and conventional antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP): a common pathogen in animal skin infections. The two bacteriocins acted synergistically with each other and with penicillin G against MRSP clinical isolates in both planktonic and biofilm assays; they also prevented resistance development. The therapeutic potential was further validated in a murine skin infection model that showed that a combination of micrococcin P1, EntEJ97s and penicillin G reduced cell-forming units of MRSP by 2-log10 CFU/g. Taken together, our data show that a combination of bacteriocins with conventional antibiotics can not only prevent resistance development but also pave the way to revitalize some old, less useful antibiotics, such as penicillin, which by itself has no effect on methicillin-resistant pathogens.
Pre-Emptive Antimicrobial Locks Decrease Long-Term Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Blanco-Di Matteo Andres , Garcia-Fernandez Nuria , Aguinaga Pérez Aitziber , Carmona-Torre Francisco , Oteiza Amaya C. , Leiva Jose , Del Pozo Jose Luis
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to prove that pre-emptive antimicrobial locks in patients at risk of bacteremia decrease infection. We performed a non-randomized prospective pilot study of hemodialysis patients with tunneled central venous catheters. We drew quantitative blood cultures monthly to detect colonization. Patients with a critical catheter colonization by coagulase-negative staphylococci (defined as counts of 100–999 CFU/mL) were at high risk of developing a catheter-related bloodstream infection. We recommended antimicrobial lock for this set of patients. The nephrologist in charge of the patient decided whether to follow the recommendation or not (i.e., standard of care). We compared bloodstream infection rates between patients treated with antimicrobial lock therapy versus patients treated with the standard of care (i.e., heparin). We enrolled 149 patients and diagnosed 86 episodes of critical catheter colonization by coagulase-negative staphylococci. Patients treated with antimicrobial lock had a relative risk of bloodstream infection of 0.19 when compared with heparin lock (CI 95%, 0.11–0.33, p < 0.001) within three months of treatment. We avoided one catheter-related bloodstream infection for every ten catheter-critical colonizations treated with antimicrobial lock [number needed to treat 10, 95% CI, 5.26–100, p = 0.046]. In conclusion, pre-emptive antimicrobial locks decrease bloodstream infection rates in hemodialysis patients with critical catheter colonization.
Association between Paraoxonase/Arylesterase Activity of Serum PON-1 Enzyme and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Erre Gian , Bassu Stefania , Giordo Roberta , Mangoni Arduino , Carru Ciriaco , Pintus Gianfranco , Zinellu Angelo
Published: November 2022

Background: A decrease in serum paraoxonase (PON-1) and arylesterase (ARE) activity has been reported in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and linked to chronic inflammation and impaired antioxidant defense. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to critically appraise the current evidence on plasma/serum concentrations of PON-1 and ARE activity in RA patients and healthy controls. The Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception to November 2021. We used random-effects meta-analysis. The risk of bias was estimated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist tool. The certainty of the evidence was assessed with GRADE. The study complied with the PRISMA statements and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022345380). Results: Seventeen studies reported PON-1 activity (1144 RA patients, 797 controls) and ten reported ARE activity (1367 RA patients, 1037 controls). RA patients had significantly lower PON-1 (SMD = −1.32, 95% CI −1.94 to −0.70; p < 0.001) and ARE activity (SMD = −0.91, 95% CI −1.37 to −0.46; p < 0.001). There was substantial heterogeneity (PON, I2 97%; ARE, 95.7%, p < 0.001 for both). There was no publication bias. The pooled SMD values did not significantly change after sensitivity analysis. The certainty of the evidence was very low due to the observational nature of the studies and the large heterogeneity. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis has shown that both serum PON-1 and ARE activity are significantly lower in RA patients, suggesting a deficit in antioxidant defense mechanisms in this disease.
An RRT-Dijkstra-Based Path Planning Strategy for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Chen Ruinan , Hu Jie , Xu Wencai
Published: November 2022

It is challenging to plan paths for autonomous vehicles on half-structured roads because of the vast planning area and complex environmental constraints. This work aims to plan optimized paths with high accuracy and efficiency. A two-step path planning strategy is proposed. The classic planning problem is divided into two simpler planning problems: reduction problems for a vast planning area and solving problems for weighted directed graphs. The original planning area is first reduced using an RRT (Rapidly Exploring Random Tree) based guideline planner. Second, the path planning problem in the smaller planning region is expanded into a weighted directed graph and transformed into a discrete multi-source cost optimization problem, in which a potential energy field based discrete cost assessment function was designed considering obstacles, lanes, vehicle kinematics, and collision avoidance performances, etc. The output path is then obtained by applying a Dijkstra optimizer. Comparative simulations are conducted to assess the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. The results shows that the designed strategy balances efficiency and accuracy with enough planning flexibility and a 22% improvement in real-time performance compared to the classic Lattice planner, without significant loss of accuracy.
Physicochemical Characteristics and Consumers’ Preferences for Milk Fat Products
Authors: Chudy Sylwia Maria , Cais-Sokolińska Dorota , Tomaszewska-Gras Jolanta
Published: November 2022

The aim of this work is to analyse the physicochemical features of milk fat products (60%, 74% and 82% fat) and to learn about consumer preferences regarding these products, based on the results of consumer research. In addition, this study was conducted to answer the question of which features of milk fat products are most valued by consumers and which fat attribute has the strongest influence on consumer choice. Tests on the physicochemical characteristics of milk fat products, including analysis of composition, water activity, tocopherol and β-carotene content, colour, texture, melting profile and solid fat index, as well as consumer tests are carried out. The tested products met the requirements of Appendix II for Regulation (EU) No. 1308/2013. Based on consumer preferences, it was found that taste, followed by colour, was the most important attribute of milk fat products. The most desired fat was butter (82% fat), although it was difficult to spread at 4 °C. The best cuttability and spreadability was found in butter containing three-quarters fat (74%), but it was the least desired product by consumers. Most of the respondents (68%) preferred the yellow shade of milk fats to the white one. This indicates the need to add colours (e.g., carrot juice concentrate or other natural healthy food ingredients).
Acoustic Roughness Measurement of Railway Tracks: Implementation of a Chord-Based Optical Measurement System on a Train
Authors: Mauz Florian , Wigger Remo , Wahl Tobias , Kuffa Michal , Wegener Konrad
Published: November 2022

A large part of the noise emissions from rail traffic originates from rolling noise. This is significantly determined by the surface roughness of the wheel and the rail. To quantitatively assess the noise generation from the wheel–rail contact, it is necessary to measure the surface roughness of the rail network. Direct measurements via trolley devices are usually associated with the need for a free track and limitation in velocity. Indirect measurements of rail roughness, such as measuring axle-box accelerations, enable operation during regular passage but only estimate the acoustic roughness. In this study, the potential of an optical and consequently contact-free measurement method using laser triangulation sensors to measure rail roughness from the train is investigated. The approach can combine the advantage of operation during regular passage with the characteristics of a direct measurement, enabling large-scale monitoring of the rail network. A measurement run with a train was carried out on a meter-gauge track at speeds up to 80 km h−1 The results of the optical measurement approach were compared with a tactile reference measurement on the track. The results show good agreement of the new measurement setup for dry rail surface conditions at 50 km h−1, with a mean deviation of 1.48 dB.
How K12 Teachers’ Readiness Influences Their Intention to Implement STEM Education: Exploratory Study Based on Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Wu Pengze , Yang Lin , Hu Xiaoling , Li Bing , Liu Qijing , Wang Yiwei , Huang Jiayong
Published: November 2022

Teachers are the key factors in ensuring the effectiveness of STEM education, and their intentions deeply influence their teaching practices. The existing research about the influencing factors of teachers’ intentions to implement STEM education has some problems, such as small sample sizes, being limited to teachers of a single subject, and the need for optimization of the theoretical model relied on. This research, based on the decomposed theory of planned behavior combined with the readiness of teachers, formed an assumption model of the factors influencing teachers’ STEM education intentions from the aspects of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Questionnaires were sent to 532 K12 general teachers in China. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to analyze recycled data and verify the assumption model. The results show the following: (1) The educational readiness of K12 teachers in China was at an upper–middle level. Among them, the level of emotional readiness was the highest, while the level of behavioral readiness was the lowest. (2) The STEM behavioral intention of teachers was at an upper–middle level, and attitudes and perceived behavioral control had direct significant impacts on teachers’ intentions to engage in STEM education. Perceived usefulness, self-efficacy, and behavioral readiness were the three strongest indirect impact factors. (3) The emotional readiness of the teachers directly affected their intentions to implement STEM education. Behavioral readiness and cognitive readiness indirectly had an impact on teachers’ intentions to implement STEM education by influencing self-efficacy.
Strong Earthquake-Prone Areas in the Eastern Sector of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation
Authors: Gvishiani Alexei D. , Dzeboev Boris A. , Dzeranov Boris V. , Kedrov Ernest O. , Skorkina Anna A. , Nikitina Izabella M.
Published: November 2022

This paper continues the series of publications by the authors on the recognition of areas prone to the strongest, strong, and significant earthquakes using the FCAZ system-analytical method. The areas prone to earthquakes with M ≥ 5.5 in the eastern sector of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation were recognized. It is shown that certain potential high seismicity zones are well confined to the boundaries of the Eurasian, North American, and Okhotsk tectonic plates. In addition, according to the results of the FCAZ recognition, some areas located at a sufficient distance from the main tectonic structures of the studied region were also recognized as highly seismic. The results of the study, among other factors, justify the use of the assessment of the completeness magnitude in the catalog for choosing the set of recognition objects for the FCAZ method.
Reversal of Photoinduced Bending of Crystals Due to Internal Refraction of Light
Authors: Chizhik Stanislav , Gribov Pavel , Kovalskii Viktor , Sidelnikov Anatoly
Published: November 2022

The well-known effect of bending of acicular crystals undergoing photochemical reactions is associated with the transformation gradient across the crystal thickness caused by the absorption of light. It is believed that the direction of bending is unambiguously dictated by the sign of the axial component of the reaction strain and due to the higher light intensity on the irradiated side of the crystal. In this study, it is shown experimentally and theoretically that thin crystals with a convex irradiated surface bend in the opposite direction if their thickness is less than the light penetration depth. The reversal of the bending direction is due to the lens effect, able to overcome the absorption of light in a thin crystal and provide a higher light intensity on the rear side of the crystal. A crystal of [Co(NO3)5NO2]Cl(NO3) experiencing nitro-nitrito photoisomerization, begins to bend in the opposite direction after it is thinned by etching to 2 µm when irradiated at the wavelengths of 523 nm, 465 nm, and 403 nm, absorbed at a depth of more than 10 µm in the crystal, but bends in the normal direction under 350 nm light absorbed at a depth of about 1 µm. The experimental results are fully confirmed by modeling the interaction of plane EM wave with crystals of various cross sections.
Evaluation and Correction of Climate Simulations for the Tibetan Plateau Using the CMIP6 Models
Authors: Gao Jiajia , Du Jun , Yang Cheng , Deqing Zhuoga , Ma Pengfei , Zhuo Ga
Published: November 2022

This study evaluates the abilities of fifteen High-resolution Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) models to simulate temperature and precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) for the years 1980–2014. The impacts of terrain correction and Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) correction on simulations of temperature and precipitation are examined. The results show that equal-weighted ensemble averaging of the CMIP6 high-resolution model provides a good representation of the spatial distribution of temperature over the TP, although simulations underestimate observations by 1.87 °C. The simulated spatial range of temperature cooling significantly exceeds the observed range, particularly in the central and southwestern TP. The performances of the simulations for precipitation are far poorer than those for temperature, and although the CMIP6 model represents the distribution of annual mean precipitation, simulations of precipitation show significant deviations from observations. Furthermore, model simulations of precipitation are 1.57 mm lower than observed, and 30% lower than observed in the southeastern TP. However, the CMIP6 model overestimated the intensity of precipitation in most regions, especially in the southeastern part of the TP. Meanwhile, the EOF analysis indicates that the effects of the correction of temperature exceed that of precipitation. Therefore, a range of methods should be considered for correcting temperature and precipitation over a complex terrain.
Multitemporal Analysis of the Influence of PM10 on Human Mortality According to Urban Land Cover
Authors: Ochoa-Alvarado Laura Marcela , Zafra-Mejía Carlos Alfonso , Rondón-Quintana Hugo Alexander
Published: November 2022

High urbanization and a consequent change in land cover can lead to a deterioration in air quality and generate impacts on public health. The objective of this paper is to provide a multitemporal analysis of the influence of particulate matter ≤ 10 μm (PM10) on human mortality from the land cover variation in a Latin American megacity. Six monitoring stations (monitoring daily PM10 concentration, increases in daily mortality (IDM), and land cover) were established throughout the megacity. The results suggest that for every 10% increase in vegetation cover, the daily PM10 concentration and IDM decreases by 7.5 μg/m3 and 0.34%, respectively. Moreover, it is evident that the monitoring station with the lowest vegetation cover (8.96 times) shows an increase of 1.56 times and 4.8 times in the daily PM10 concentration and IDM, respectively, compared with the monitoring station with the highest vegetation cover (46.7%). It is also suggested that for each increase of 100 inhabitants/hectare in population density, the daily PM10 concentration and IDM increases by 9.99 µg/m3 and 0.45%, respectively. Finally, the population densification of the megacity possibly implies a loss of vegetation cover and contributes to the increase in PM10 and IDM.
Sea Port SO2 Atmospheric Emissions Influence on Air Quality and Exposure at Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: Fuentes García Gilberto , Echeverría Rodolfo Sosa , Reynoso Agustín García , Baldasano Recio José María , Rueda Víctor Magaña , Retama Hernández Armando , Kahl Jonathan D. W.
Published: November 2022

In this work, we identify the current atmospheric sulfur dioxide emissions of the Veracruz port, an important Mexican seaport experiencing rapid growth, and its influence on the surrounding areas. Sulfur dioxide emissions based on port activity, as well as meteorology and air quality simulations, are used to assess the impact. It was found that using marine fuel with low sulfur content reduces emissions by 88%. Atmospheric emission estimates based on the bottom-up methodology range from 3 to 7 Mg/year and can negatively impact air quality up to 3 km downwind. After evaluating different characteristics of vessels in CALPUFF, it was found that maximum sulfur dioxide concentrations ranging between 50 and 88 µg/m3 for a 24-h average occurred 500 m from the port. During 2019, five days had unsatisfactory air quality. The combination of a shallow planetary boundary layer, low wind speed, and large atmospheric emissions significantly degraded local air quality.
A Deep Learning Model and Its Application to Predict the Monthly MCI Drought Index in the Yunnan Province of China
Authors: Mei Ping , Liu Jiahui , Liu Changzheng , Liu Jiannan
Published: November 2022

The Yunnan province of China is a typical humid region but with several severe region-wide droughts. Drought indices are generally used to identify and characterize drought events, and then play a key role in drought prediction. Therefore, a novel prediction model was proposed to predict a comprehensive drought indicator (meteorological composite index, MCI) in Yunnan province. This model combined the recurrent neural networks (RNN) based on a gated recurrent neural unit (GRU) and convolutional neural networks (CNN) with optimization using the modified particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. In this model, pre-processed predictor data were input into the GRU module to extract the time features of the sequences. Furthermore, the feature matrices were input into the CNN module to extract the deep local features and the inter-relationship of the predictors. The model was trained and used to predict the monthly MCI drought index of the representative five stations of Yunnan province from 1960 to 2020. The combined model was evaluated by comparison with traditional machine learning models such as the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and random forest (RF), and the traditional GRU model. The results show significantly improved skills in root mean square error, mean absolute error and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient. This novel method was valuable for the monthly drought prediction in Yunnan province and related climate-risk management.
Evaluation of Fengyun-4A Detection Accuracy: A Case Study of the Land Surface Temperature Product for Hunan Province, Central China
Authors: Fan Jiazhi , Han Qinzhe , Wang Songqi , Liu Hailei , Chen Leishi , Tan Shiqi , Song Haiqing , Li Wei
Published: November 2022

Land surface temperature (LST) is an important parameter in determining surface energy balance and a fundamental variable detected by the advanced geostationary radiation imager (AGRI), the main payload of FY-4A. FY-4A is the first of a new generation of Chinese geostationary satellites, and the detection product of the satellite has not been extensively validated. Therefore, it is important to conduct a comprehensive assessment of this product. In this study, the performance of the FY-4A LST product in the Hunan Province was authenticity tested with in situ measurements, triple collocation analyzed with reanalysis products, and impact analyzed with environmental factors. The results confirm that FY-4A captures LST well (R = 0.893, Rho = 0.915), but there is a general underestimation (Bias = −0.6295 °C) and relatively high random error (RMSE = 8.588 °C, ubRMSE = 5.842 °C). In terms of accuracy, FY-4A LST is more accurate for central-eastern, northern, and south-central Hunan Province and less accurate for western and southern mountainous areas and Dongting Lake. FY-4A LST is not as accurate as Himawari-8 LST; its accuracy also varies seasonally and between day and night. The accuracy of FY-4A LST decreases as elevation, in situ measured LST, surface heterogeneity, topographic relief, slope, or NDVI increase and as soil moisture decreases. FY-4A LST is also more accurate when the land cover is cultivated land or artificial surfaces or when the landform is a platform for other land covers and landforms. The conclusions drawn from the comprehensive analysis of the large quantity of data are generalizable and provide a quantitative baseline for assessing the detection capability of the FY-4A satellite, a reference for determining improvement in the retrieval algorithm, and a foundation for the development and application of future domestic satellite products.
Tomographic Inversion of the Ionosphere by Rejecting Abnormal Corrections and Rays
Authors: Zhang Jianmin , Yu Jieqing , Jia Chenyi , Dai Yuchen , Zhu Yanyu , Huang Yingqi , Wu Lixin
Published: November 2022

The errors contained in slant total electron content (STEC) have a strong impact on the image generated by ionosphere tomography. This paper presents a method that rejects abnormal corrections and rays (RACR) in the multiplicative algebraic reconstruction technique (MART) algorithm by applying a correction threshold and a rejecting ratio threshold. The RACR algorithm was validated using ionosonde observations, Swarm satellite measurements, independent STEC observations and a vertical total electron content (TEC) map. Its performance was compared with the MART algorithm on both geomagnetically quiet days and disturbed days. The results show that the RACA algorithm is able to capture the main phase and the recovery phase of a storm and outperforms the MART algorithm under both geomagnetic conditions. The average improvements over the MART algorithm are 36.01%, 36.56%, 6.18%, 22.10% and 6.03% in the validation tests of the peak density of F2 layer, peak height of F2 layer, the electron density of the topside ionosphere, STEC and VTEC, respectively. The quality of the image produced by the RACR algorithm was controlled by the correction threshold and the rejection threshold. Smaller threshold values tend to make the image smoother. The RACR algorithm provides not only a way to produce a better tomographic image but also a means to detect abnormal rays.
Selection of Plant Species for Particulate Matter Removal in Urban Environments by Considering Multiple Ecosystem (Dis)Services and Environmental Suitability
Authors: Muhammad Samira , Wuyts Karen , Samson Roeland
Published: November 2022

To select plant species for particulate matter (PM) removal from urban environments, it is important to consider the plant species’ ecosystem (dis)services and environmental suitability in addition to their effectiveness in PM removal. In this study, 61 plant species were ranked for PM removal using three separate models: (i) leaf traits, (ii) leaf saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM), and (iii) ecosystem services and disservices. The plant species’ effectiveness in PM accumulation and the effective leaf traits were identified using leaf SIRM. In each model, plant species were assigned scores and weights for each criterion. The weighted average or the product (Π)-value was calculated for each plant species. The weighted average of each plant species was multiplied by the scores of leaf longevity and leaf area index (LAI) to scale up to a yearly basis and per unit of ground surface area. The preference ranking organization method for enrichment of evaluations (PROMETHEE) method was employed for the services and disservices model because of the lack of precise weights for the included criteria in the model. A scenario analysis was performed to determine a change in the ranking of plant species when the weights of the criteria were modified in the services and disservices model. The plant species with increased ecosystem services and reduced ecosystem disservices were Tilia cordata (Mill.), Tilia platyphyllos (Scop.), Alnus incana (L.), Acer campestre (L.), and Picea abies (L.). The findings of this study can be relevant to urban planners for recommending suitable choices of plant species for the development of urban green spaces.
A Selective Portfolio Management Algorithm with Off-Policy Reinforcement Learning Using Dirichlet Distribution
Authors: Yang Hyunjun , Park Hyeonjun , Lee Kyungjae
Published: November 2022

Existing methods in portfolio management deterministically produce an optimal portfolio. However, according to modern portfolio theory, there exists a trade-off between a portfolio’s expected returns and risks. Therefore, the optimal portfolio does not exist definitively, but several exist, and using only one deterministic portfolio is disadvantageous for risk management. We proposed Dirichlet Distribution Trader (DDT), an algorithm that calculates multiple optimal portfolios by taking Dirichlet Distribution as a policy. The DDT algorithm makes several optimal portfolios according to risk levels. In addition, by obtaining the pi value from the distribution and applying importance sampling to off-policy learning, the sample is used efficiently. Furthermore, the architecture of our model is scalable because the feed-forward of information between portfolio stocks occurs independently. This means that even if untrained stocks are added to the portfolio, the optimal weight can be adjusted. We also conducted three experiments. In the scalability experiment, it was shown that the DDT extended model, which is trained with only three stocks, had little difference in performance from the DDT model that learned all the stocks in the portfolio. In an experiment comparing the off-policy algorithm and the on-policy algorithm, it was shown that the off-policy algorithm had good performance regardless of the stock price trend. In an experiment comparing investment results according to risk level, it was shown that a higher return or a better Sharpe ratio could be obtained through risk control.
Potential for Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Protect against the Adverse Effect of Phytosterols: Comparing Laboratory Outcomes in Adult Patients on Home Parenteral Nutrition Including Different Lipid Emulsions
Authors: Osowska Sylwia , Kunecki Marek , Sobocki Jacek , Tokarczyk Joanna , Majewska Krystyna , Burkacka Magdalena , Radkowski Marek , Makarewicz-Wujec Magdalena , Fisk Helena L. , Mashnafi Sultan , Baumgartner Sabine , Plat Jogchum , Calder Philip C.
Published: November 2022

Background: the effect on liver function markers and inflammation of the different content of phytosterols in lipid emulsions (LEs) used in the parenteral nutrition (PN) regimen of adult home PN (HPN) patients is not clear. Methods: plasma phytosterol and cytokine concentrations, fatty acid composition, liver function markers, and triglycerides were measured in 58 adult HPN patients receiving one of three different LEs (soybean oil-based: Intralipid; olive oil-based: ClinOleic; containing fish oil: SMOFLipid). Results: patients receiving Intralipid had higher plasma campesterol and stigmasterol concentrations than those receiving ClinOleic or SMOFLipid. Plasma sterol concentrations were not different between patients receiving ClinOleic and SMOFLipid. Differences in plasma fatty acids reflected the fatty acid composition of the LEs. Markers of liver function did not differ among the three groups. Blood triglycerides were higher with ClinOleic than with Intralipid or SMOFLipid. Total bilirubin correlated positively with the plasma concentrations of two of the phytosterols, ALT correlated positively with one, AST with one, and GGT with three. Conclusions: liver function markers correlate with plasma plant sterol concentrations in adult HPN patients. Adult HPN patients receiving SMOFLipid are more likely to have liver function markers and triglycerides within the normal range than those receiving ClinOleic or Intralipid. The omega-3 fatty acids in SMOFLipid may act to mitigate the adverse effects of plant sterols on liver function.
Protective Actions in Apical Periodontitis: The Regenerative Bioactivities Led by Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Lyu Ping , Song Yiming , Bi Ruiye , Li Zucen , Wei Yali , Huang Qin , Cui Chen , Song Dongzhe , Zhou Xuedong , Fan Yi
Published: November 2022

Resulting from bacterial infection, apical periodontitis (AP) is a common inflammatory disease of the periapical region of the tooth. The regeneration of the destroyed periapical alveolar bone and the surrounding periodontium tissues has long been a difficult task in clinical practice. These lesions are closely related to pathogen invasion and an overreactive immune response. It is worth noting that the protective healing process occurs simultaneously, in which mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a crucial function in mediating the immune system and promoting regeneration. Here, we review the recent studies related to AP, with a focus on the regulatory network of MSCs. We also discuss the potential therapeutic approaches of MSCs in inflammatory diseases to provide a basis for promoting tissue regeneration and modulating inflammation in AP. A deeper understanding of the protective action of MSCs and the regulatory networks will help to delineate the underlying mechanisms of AP and pave the way for stem-cell-based regenerative medicine in the future.
The Role of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B in Fibrinogen-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Cultured Primary Neurons
Authors: Sulimai Nurul , Brown Jason , Lominadze David
Published: November 2022

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an inflammatory disease associated with a compromised blood–brain barrier (BBB) and neurodegeneration. One of the consequences of inflammation is an elevated blood level of fibrinogen (Fg), a protein that is mainly produced in the liver. The inflammation-induced changes in the BBB result in Fg extravasation into the brain parenchyma, creating the possibility of its contact with neurons. We have previously shown that interactions of Fg with the neuronal intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and cellular prion protein induced the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative damage, increased apoptosis, and cell death. However, the transcription pathway involved in this process was not defined. The association of Fg with the activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and the resultant expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C–C chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2) were studied in cultured primary mouse brain cortex neurons. Fg-induced gene expression of CCL2 and IL-6 and the expression of NF-κB protein were increased in response to a specific interaction of Fg with neurons. These data suggest that TBI-induced neurodegeneration can involve the direct interaction of extravasated Fg with neurons, resulting in the overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines through the activation of transcription factor NF-κB. This may be a mechanism involved in vascular cognitive impairment during neuroinflammatory diseases.
How Can Dupilumab Cause Eosinophilic Pneumonia?
Authors: Kurihara Momoko , Masaki Katsunori , Matsuyama Emiko , Fujioka Masato , Hayashi Reina , Tomiyasu Saki , Sasahara Kotaro , Sunata Keeya , Asaoka Masato , Akiyama Yuto , Nishie Miyuki , Irie Misato , Tanosaki Takae , Kabata Hiroki , Fukunaga Koichi
Published: November 2022

Reports of eosinophilic pneumonia (EP) as a side effect of dupilumab administration are limited in previous studies. Herein, we report two cases in which EP developed subsequent to the administration of dupilumab for eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS). Case 1: A 55-year-old woman presented with ECRS, eosinophilic otitis media, and bronchial asthma, and was treated with dupilumab for ECRS. Five weeks later, fever and dyspnea developed, and infiltration shadows were observed in her lungs. The peripheral blood eosinophil count (PBEC) was 3848/μL (26%), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed eosinophilic infiltration, and EP was subsequently diagnosed. Her condition improved following prednisolone treatment. Case 2: A 59-year-old man presented with fatigue and dyspnea after receiving dupilumab for ECRS. He had infiltrative shadows throughout his left lung field, and his PBEC was 4850/μL (26.5%). Prednisolone was initiated, and his condition improved. EP developed in both patients during the period of elevated PBEC after dupilumab administration, and dupilumab was suspected to be the causative agent in their EP. Hence, EP should be considered as a differential diagnosis when fever and dyspnea appear following dupilumab administration.
Influence of Centrifugation and Shaking on the Self-Assembly of Lysozyme Fibrils
Authors: Krzek Marzena , Stroobants Sander , Gelin Pierre , De Malsche Wim , Maes Dominique
Published: November 2022

Protein self-assembly into fibrils and oligomers plays a key role in the etiology of degenerative diseases. Several pathways for this self-assembly process have been described and shown to result in different types and ratios of final assemblies, therewith defining the effective physiological response. Known factors that influence assembly pathways are chemical conditions and the presence or lack of agitation. However, in natural and industrial systems, proteins are exposed to a sequence of different and often complex mass transfers. In this paper, we compare the effect of two fundamentally different mass transfer processes on the fibrilization process. Aggregation-prone solutions of hen egg white lysozyme were subjected to predominantly non-advective mass transfer by employing centrifugation and to advective mass transport represented by orbital shaking. In both cases, fibrilization was triggered, while in quiescent only oligomers were formed. The fibrils obtained by shaking compared to fibrils obtained through centrifugation were shorter, thicker, and more rigid. They had rod-like protofibrils as building blocks and a significantly higher β-sheet content was observed. In contrast, fibrils from centrifugation were more flexible and braided. They consisted of intertwined filaments and had low β-sheet content at the expense of random coil. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evidence of a fibrilization pathway selectivity, with the fibrilization route determined by the mass transfer and mixing configuration (shaking versus centrifugation). This selectivity can be potentially employed for directed protein fibrilization.
Gαs-Coupled CGRP Receptor Signaling Axis from the Trigeminal Ganglion Neuron to Odontoblast Negatively Regulates Dentin Mineralization
Authors: Saito Natsuki , Kimura Maki , Ouchi Takehito , Ichinohe Tatsuya , Shibukawa Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2022

An inflammatory response following dental pulp injury and/or infection often leads to neurogenic inflammation via the axon reflex. However, the detailed mechanism underlying the occurrence of the axon reflex in the dental pulp remains unclear. We sought to examine the intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway in odontoblasts via the activation of Gs protein-coupled receptors and intercellular trigeminal ganglion (TG) neuron–odontoblast communication following direct mechanical stimulation of TG neurons. Odontoblasts express heterotrimeric G-protein α-subunit Gαs and calcitonin receptor-like receptors. The application of an adenylyl cyclase (AC) activator and a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor agonist increased the intracellular cAMP levels ([cAMP]i) in odontoblasts, which were significantly inhibited by the selective CGRP receptor antagonist and AC inhibitor. Mechanical stimulation of the small-sized CGRP-positive but neurofilament heavy chain-negative TG neurons increased [cAMP]i in odontoblasts localized near the stimulated neuron. This increase was inhibited by the CGRP receptor antagonist. In the mineralization assay, CGRP impaired the mineralization ability of the odontoblasts, which was reversed by treatment with a CGRP receptor antagonist and AC inhibitor. CGRP establishes an axon reflex in the dental pulp via intercellular communication between TG neurons and odontoblasts. Overall, CGRP and cAMP signaling negatively regulate dentinogenesis as defensive mechanisms.