bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of different signaling pathways on odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells: a review
Authors: Zhou Lisha , Zhao Shuya , Xing Xianghui
Published: October 2023

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are a type of mesenchymal stem cells that can differentiate into odontoblast-like cells and protect the pulp. The differentiation of DPSCs can be influenced by biomaterials or growth factors that activate different signaling pathways in vitro or in vivo. In this review, we summarized six major pathways involved in the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs, Wnt signaling pathways, Smad signaling pathways, MAPK signaling pathways, NF-kB signaling pathways, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, and Notch signaling pathways. Various factors can influence the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs through one or more signaling pathways. By understanding the interactions between these signaling pathways, we can expand our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the regeneration of the pulp–dentin complex.
New insights into osmobiosis and chemobiosis in tardigrades
Authors: Hvidepil Lykke K. B. , Møbjerg Nadja
Published: October 2023

Tardigrades are renowned for their ability to enter the extremotolerant state of latent life known as cryptobiosis. While it is widely accepted that cryptobiosis can be induced by freezing (cryobiosis) and by desiccation (anhydrobiosis), the latter involving formation of a so-called tun, the exact mechanisms underlying the state—as well as the significance of other cryptobiosis inducing factors—remain ambiguous. Here, we focus on osmotic and chemical stress tolerance in the marine tidal tardigrade Echiniscoides sigismundi. We show that E. sigismundi enters the tun state following exposure to saturated seawater and upon exposure to locality seawater containing the mitochondrial uncoupler DNP. The latter experiments provide evidence of osmobiosis and chemobiosis, i.e., cryptobiosis induced by high levels of osmolytes and toxicants, respectively. A small decrease in survival was observed following simultaneous exposure to DNP and saturated seawater indicating that the tardigrades may not be entirely ametabolic while in the osmobiotic tun. The tardigrades easily handle exposure to ultrapure water, but hypo-osmotic shock impairs tun formation and when exposed to ultrapure water the tardigrades do not tolerate DNP, indicating that tolerance towards dilute solutions involves energy-consuming processes. We discuss our data in relation to earlier and more contemporary studies on cryptobiosis and we argue that osmobiosis should be defined as a state of cryptobiosis induced by high external osmotic pressure. Our investigation supports the hypothesis that the mechanisms underlying osmobiosis and anhydrobiosis are overlapping and that osmobiosis likely represents the evolutionary forerunner of cryptobiosis forms that involve body water deprivation.
The fate of nitrogen from different sources in a rice-wheat rotation system – A 15N labeling study
Authors: Jia Wenxin , Ma Quan , Li Li , Dai Cunhu , Zhu Min , Li Chunyan , Ding Jinfeng , Guo Wenshan , Zhu Xinkai
Published: October 2023

High loss and low nitrogen (N) efficiency in agricultural production is severe. Also, ammonia volatilization and N leaching aggravated environmental pollution. The eutrophication of surface water and the emissions of N2O increased, hence green fertilization management urgently needs to be rationalized. Coordinating N supply from different sources has been shown to reduce environmental pollution. Therefore, this study was dedicated to clarifying the transport of N sources in the rice-wheat rotation system. The stable isotope tracer technology was used to label fertilizer (F), soil (T), and straw (J) with 15N, respectively. The utilization of N by crops (the N ratio in organs), as well as the residual N in soil and loss status, were measured. According to the potential of response to N, all the wheat cultivars were divided into groups with high (HNV) and low efficiency (LNV). The N contribution ratio showed that 43.28%~45.70% of total N accumulation was from T, while 30.11%~41.73% and 13.82%~24.19% came from F and J. The trend in soil N residue (T > F > J) was consistent with the above, while it was the opposite in N loss (T< F< J). The seasonal effectiveness showed that T achieved the highest N utilization efficiency (31.83%~44.69%), followed by F (21.05%~39.18%) and J (11.02%~16.91%). The post-season sustainability showed that T decreased the most in soil N residue (2.08%~12.53%), and F decreased the most in N accumulation (9.64%~18.13%). However, J showed an increase in N recovery rate (2.87%~5.89%). N translocation and distribution showed that N from different sources in grains was significantly higher than that in stems, glumes, and leaves. The ratio of HNV (75.14%~79.62%) was higher than that of LNV (71.90%~74.59%) in grain, while it was the opposite in other organs. Plant N accumulation, soil N supply, and straw N transformation were determined jointly by the three N sources, thus reducing N loss and N2O production. Therefore, the results will highlight the insights for constructing local N and emission reduction models.
Approaching the Unknown. The COVID-19 pandemic, political parties and digital adaptations: party élites' perceptions in Italy and Spain
Authors: Vittori Davide , Barberà Oscar
Published: October 2023

During COVID-19 politics was radically transformed. Even though parliaments, parties, and parliamentary groups continued working, they did so mainly through digital means. Our aim is to investigate how political parties and their élites reacted to those changes. For this aim, we launched a pilot survey among party élites in Spain and Italy. We use descriptive statistics and multivariate OLS regressions to answer to our research questions. Our results point out that parties quickly adapted to executive online meetings, but meetings of other (representative) organs were far less frequent. As for the élites' adaptation and in particular privacy concerns, we find that socio-demographic characteristic of the élites matter and being member of a digital party are not crucial determinants, as we expected. Ideology, on the contrary, play a much relevant role, with right-wing élites being more concerned about privacy. Finally, younger and more educated respondents are more favorable toward moving some parties' activities in the on-line sphere.
The relationship between family cohesion and adaptability and non-suicidal self-injury behavior in ethnic minority adolescents: a moderating mediation model
Authors: Lai Junrong , Chen Zhiyan
Published: October 2023

To explore the relationship between family cohesion and adaptability and non-suicidal self-injury behavior among ethnic minority adolescents, as well as the mediating effect of depression and the moderating effect of school connectedness, this study adopts the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale, the Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Behavior Questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the School Connectedness Scale to collect behavioral data from 949 ethnic minority middle-school students. Descriptive statistical analysis and correlation analysis, as well as the mediating and moderating effects, were performed using SPSS 25.0 and the PROCESS macro program. We found that family cohesion and adaptability significantly and negatively predicted non-suicidal self-injury in ethnic minority adolescents (β = −0.28, p < 0.001); depression mediated the relationship between family cohesion and adaptability and non-suicidal self-injury in minority adolescents, with a confidence interval (mediating effect size −0.15, and a Bootstrap 95% CI) of [−0.19, −0.12]. School connectedness moderated the second half of the mediating effect (β = −0.08, p < 0.01).
The impact of self-efficacy on the well-being of primary school teachers: a Greek-Cypriot study
Authors: Reppa Glykeria , Mousoulidou Marilena , Tzovla Eirini , Koundourou Christiana , Christodoulou Andri
Published: October 2023

Introduction

This research was conducted to examine the extent to which teachers’ self-efficacy affects their well-being following the COVID-19 pandemic. The originality of the research lies in the fact that there are not enough studies that simultaneously examine the relationship between well-being and self-efficacy in primary school teachers in Greece and Cyprus.

Methods

A total of 258 primary school teacher participants took part in this study, aged 23–62. The Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale and the PERMA Profiler questionnaire were used to study the relationship between teachers’ well-being and self-efficacy.

Results

Results show that after the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers’ well-being is moderate to high. Moreover, teachers’ self- efficacy is also high and related to their well-being.

Discussion

An important finding from the current research is that teachers’ self-efficacy in promoting student engagement was the most important predictor for teachers’ well-being. The implications of the results are discussed, and recommendations are made.
International Chinese students’ experiences of participating in mandala-based art therapy in Korea: a phenomenological study
Authors: Mo Ya Nan , Ko Kyung Soon
Published: October 2023

Background

Although China and South Korea share a similar East Asian culture, owing to major social and cultural differences, international students encounter several difficulties, which can lead to various psychological problems.

Objective

To explore the experiences of eight Chinese doctoral students in South Korea participating in mandala-based art therapy.

Method

Data for this phenomenological study were gathered through individual interviews and visual art from April 5 to 20, 2022. The MAXQDA software program was used for data analysis.

Results

The data analysis results yielded 355 codes, 53 subcategories, and 17 categories. Five final themes emerged: (a) sealed lips by others’ eyes, (b) inner exploration and outward expression, (c) healing power of the mandala, (d) filling the inner space together, and (e) opportunities to understand art therapy.

Conclusion

The researchers hope that completing this intervention will enable participants to complete their studies more effectively and achieve their ideals as well as future career goals, helping them ultimately return home safely with both personal and academic growth.
The impact of the two-year COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admission and readmissions of children and adolescents because of mental health problems
Authors: Raffagnato Alessia , Miscioscia Marina , Bruni Gaia , Del Col Lara , Traverso Annalisa , Ferrarese Martina , Ancora Caterina , Zanato Silvia , Gatta Michela
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the specific risk factors and psycho-social and clinical features of hospitalized neuropsychiatric patients during the COVID pandemic and to analyze the hospital readmission phenomenon, which, according to recent studies, increased in frequency during the first pandemic period.

Patients and methods

This observational retrospective cohort study examined 375 patients aged between 0 and 17 years who were hospitalized between 1 February 2018 and 31 March 2022 due to neuropsychiatric issues. The majority of the patients were girls: there were 265 girls compared to 110 boys (M = 13.9 years; SD 2.30 years). The total sample was divided into two groups: the pre-COVID-19 group (160 inpatients hospitalized between February 2018 and February 2020) and the COVID-19 group (215 inpatients hospitalized between March 2020 and March 2022). To explore the readmission phenomenon (second aim), we selected from the two groups of patients with at least one hospital readmission within 365 days after the first discharge. Multiple variables (sociodemographic, clinical, psychological, and related to hospitalization) were collected for each patient by reviewing their medical records.

Results

The risk factors for mental health disorders were similar between the two groups, except for the significantly increased use of electronic devices in the COVID-19 group, increasing from 8.8% in the pre-COVID-19 group to 29.2% in the COVID-19 group. Patients suffering from eating disorders increased from 11.3% in the pre-COVID-19 group to 23.8% in the COVID-19 group. Hospital readmissions nearly increased from 16.7% in the 2-year pre-COVID-19 period to 26.2% in the 2-year COVID-19 period. A total of 75% of patients hospitalized three or more times in the last 2 years and 85.7% of the so-called “revolving door” patients (with relapse within 3 months after discharge) were identified in the COVID-19 group. However, the comparison between the two groups of patients readmitted before and during the COVID-19 pandemic did not show any differences in terms of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there was a significant increase in hospital readmissions, but these results suggest the need for better coordination between hospital and territorial services in managing the complexity of mental health problems related to situations arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and the necessity to implement prevention strategies and services.
Trends, influencing factors and prediction analysis of under-five and maternal mortality rates in China from 1991 to 2020
Authors: Zhang Meng , Qu Huimin , Xia Junfen , Hui Xiaoqing , Shi Cannan , Xu Feng , He Junjian , Cao Yuan , Hu Mengcai
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Under-five mortality rate (U5MR) and maternal mortality rate (MMR) are important indicators for evaluating the quality of perinatal health and child health services in a country or region, and are research priorities for promoting maternal and infant safety and maternal and child health. This paper aimed to analysis and predict the trends of U5MR and MMR in China, to explore the impact of social health services and economic factors on U5MR and MMR, and to provide a basis for relevant departments to formulate relevant policies and measures.

Methods

The JoinPoint regression model was established to conduct time trend analysis and describe the trend of neonatal mortality rate (NMR), infant mortality rate (IMR), U5MR and MMR in China from 1991 to 2020. The linear mixed effect model was used to assess the fixed effects of maternal health care services and socioeconomic factors on U5MR and MMR were explored, with year as a random effect to minimize the effect of collinearity. Auto regressive integrated moving average models (ARIMA) were built to predict U5MR and MMR from 2021 to 2025.

Results

The NMR, IMR, U5MR and MMR from 1991 to 2020 in China among national, urban and rural areas showed continuous downward trends. The NMR, IMR, U5MR and MMR were significantly negatively correlated with gross domestic product (GDP), the proportion of the total health expenditure (THE) to GDP, system management rate, prenatal care rate, post-natal visit rate and hospital delivery rate. The predicted values of national U5MR from 2021 to 2025 were 7.3 ‰, 7.2 ‰, 7.1 ‰, 7.1 ‰ and 7.2 ‰ and the predicted values of national MMR were 13.8/100000, 12.1/100000, 10.6/100000, 9.6/100000 and 8.3/100000.

Conclusion

China has made great achievements in reducing the U5MR and MMR. It is necessary for achieving the goals of Healthy China 2030 by promoting the equalization of basic public health services and further optimizing the allocation of government health resources. China’s experience in reducing U5MR and MMR can be used as a reference for developing countries to realize the SDGs.
Virtual overdose monitoring services/mobile overdose response services: estimated number of potentially averted drug poisoning fatality events by various telephone and digital-based overdose prevention/harm reduction services in North America
Authors: Rioux William , Enns Benjamin , Ghosh S. Monty
Published: October 2023

Background

Virtual overdose monitoring services or Mobile Overdose Response Services (MORS) are novel virtual harm reduction tools which have gained popularity as an adjunct public health intervention especially for those who cannot access harm reduction resources through traditional means. At this time, relatively little is known about their ability to reach their goals of reducing overdose mortality. Our study aims to summarize the potential effectiveness of various MORS collectively to avoid potential mortality from a drug poisoning event/drug overdose.

Methods

Utilizing publicly available data from various MORS alongside some usage data provided by these services for this study, we model the impact of these services on fatal drug poisoning/overdose. In order to calculate the number of deaths averted, a Monte Carlo simulation was used to calculate point estimates with 95% confidence for fatal drug poisonings/drug overdose potentially averted through the utilization of various MORS.

Results

From the earliest mention of MORS in current literature (2019), a total of 299 drug poisoning/overdose events occurred across these services. Noting the broad range of mortality statistics available in current literature, these technologies have potentially prevented between 33 to 243 deaths. Our Monte Carlo estimates 135 potentially fatal drug poisonings/overdose were overall averted by the various MORS.

Conclusions

While there is yet to be a robust data set proving the effectiveness of these services, conservative estimates show that MORS can reduce mortality associated with substance use and therefore should be considered as a viable harm-reduction strategy but as an adjunct to more established harm reduction services such as supervised consumption sites and supervised injection facilities. While more research is needed, clinicians and practitioners should consider the suggestion of these tools for patients who use drugs.
Unplanned urbanization and health risks of Dhaka City in Bangladesh: uncovering the associations between urban environment and public health
Authors: Rahaman Mohammad Anisur , Kalam Abul , Al-Mamun Md.
Published: October 2023

Background

Dhaka City, the capital of Bangladesh, has experienced rapid and unplanned urbanization over the past few decades. This process has brought significant challenges to public health as the urban environment has become a breeding ground for various health risks. Understanding the associations between unplanned urbanization, the urban environment, and public health in Dhaka City is crucial for developing effective interventions and policies.

Objectives

This review paper aims to uncover the associations between unplanned urbanization and health risks in Dhaka City, with a specific focus on the urban environment and its impact on public health. The objectives of this study are to examine the health challenges faced by the city’s population, explore the specific urban environmental factors contributing to health risks, analyze the socioeconomic determinants of health in unplanned urban areas, evaluate existing policies and governance structures, identify research and data gaps, and provide recommendations for future interventions.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather relevant studies, articles, reports, and policy documents related to unplanned urbanization, the urban environment, and public health in Dhaka City. Various databases and online resources were searched, and the selected literature was critically analyzed to extract key findings and insights.

Results

The findings reveal that unplanned urbanization in Dhaka City has led to a range of public health risks, including air pollution, inadequate water and sanitation, poor waste management, overcrowding, slums, and substandard housing conditions. These environmental factors are strongly associated with respiratory diseases, waterborne illnesses, and other adverse health outcomes. Socioeconomic determinants such as poverty, income inequality, and limited access to healthcare further exacerbate the health risks faced by the urban population.

Conclusion

Unplanned urbanization in Dhaka City has significant implications for public health. Addressing the associations between unplanned urbanization, the urban environment, and public health requires comprehensive policies and interventions. Improved urban planning, enhanced infrastructure, and better policy governance are essential for mitigating health risks. Furthermore, addressing socioeconomic disparities and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services are crucial components of effective interventions.
Timing of outdoor light exposure is associated with sleep-wake consolidation in community-dwelling older men
Authors: Lok Renske , Ancoli-Israel Sonia , Ensrud Kristine E. , Redline Susan , Stone Katie L. , Zeitzer Jamie M.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

A consolidated sleep-wake pattern is essential for maintaining healthy cognition in older individuals, but many suffer from sleep fragmentation that exacerbates age-related cognitive decline and worsens overall mental and physical health. Timed light exposure (light therapy) has been explored as a countermeasure, but mixed results have been obtained. To determine whether the timing of light exposure is important for sleep-wake consolidation, we analyzed the natural light diets of a cohort of community-dwelling older men.

Methods

The degree of sleep-wake fragmentation and light exposure patterns were obtained over a week using wrist actigraphy. Correlations between fragmentation, light patterns, and various physical and mental health measures were examined (n = 877).

Results

Our findings revealed that higher sleep-wake fragmentation correlated with poorer physical and mental health and reduced cognition. Moreover, reduced daytime light exposure was associated with increased sleep-wake fragmentation. Interestingly, morning and evening light exposure (>1,000 lux) were not useful in distinguishing between low and high sleep-wake fragmentation scores, while increased afternoon light exposure showed much better discrimination. Specifically, optimal discrimination between low and high fragmentation occurred 6.7 h after habitual sleep offset. This suggests that afternoon light therapy might be more efficient in consolidating sleep and wake in older adults, particularly in those with low-amplitude circadian rhythms.

Discussion

This study highlights the significance of properly-timed light exposure in promoting consolidated sleep and cognitive health among older individuals. Tailored light-based strategies may have the potential to enhance physical, mental, and cognitive well-being in the aging population.
How does land transfer impact rural household income disparity? An empirical analysis based on the micro-perspective of farmers in China
Authors: Wang Bo , Shao Xuyang , Yang Xiao , Xu Honghai
Published: October 2023

Based on 2018 China Family Panel Studies data, this study uses quantile regression models and a propensity score matching (PSM) method to examine land transfer and the effects of different land transfer behaviors on the income disparity of farm households. The results show that first, participation in land transfer has a general income-increasing effect on rural households’ per capita income, and the effect is more significant for rural middle-and low-income groups; this helps reduce the income disparity among rural households. Second, after distinguishing between leased-in land and leased-out land as types of participation in land transfer, this study finds that the effect of land transfer is mainly attributed to the leased-out land type, while the effect of leased-in land on increasing income and reducing income disparity are not significant. Third, the effect of leasing out land to reduce income disparity may be realized by unlocking the business and investment potential of rural non-farm industries. Moreover, compared with other areas, rural areas with potential policy interference or higher non-farm industry participation rates have weaker income-increasing effects on land transfer and weaker suppressive effects on income disparity among rural households. Therefore, to alleviate the problem of widening rural income disparity, improve rural economic vitality, and consolidate the results of poverty alleviation, farmers should continue to be encouraged to participate in land transfer. Therefore, their transfer rights and interests should be effectively guaranteed, and support and convenience should be provided to engage in other non-farm fields.
Natural hosts and animal models for Rift Valley fever phlebovirus
Authors: Xu Yuqing , Wang Xiao , Jiang Lu , Zhou Yixuan , Liu Yihan , Wang Fei , Zhang Leiliang
Published: October 2023

Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV) is a zoonotic mosquito-transmitted arbovirus, presenting a serious threat to humans and animals. Susceptible hosts are of great significance for the prevention of RVFV. Appropriate animal models are helpful to better understand the onset and development of diseases, as well as the control measures and vaccine research. This review focuses on the role of animal hosts in the maintenance of the virus, and summarizes the host range of RVFV. We list some common animal models in the process of RVFV research, which would provide some important insights into the prevention and treatment of RVFV, as well as the study of Rift Valley fever (RVF) pathogenesis and vaccines.
TransPCGC: Point Cloud Geometry Compression Based on Transformers
Authors: Lu Shiyu , Yang Huamin , Han Cheng
Published: October 2023

Due to the often substantial size of the real-world point cloud data, efficient transmission and storage have become critical concerns. Point cloud compression plays a decisive role in addressing these challenges. Recognizing the importance of capturing global information within point cloud data for effective compression, many existing point cloud compression methods overlook this crucial aspect. To tackle this oversight, we propose an innovative end-to-end point cloud compression method designed to extract both global and local information. Our method includes a novel Transformer module to extract rich features from the point cloud. Utilization of a pooling operation that requires no learnable parameters as a token mixer for computing long-distance dependencies ensures global feature extraction while significantly reducing both computations and parameters. Furthermore, we employ convolutional layers for feature extraction. These layers not only preserve the spatial structure of the point cloud, but also offer the advantage of parameter independence from the input point cloud size, resulting in a substantial reduction in parameters. Our experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed TransPCGC network. It achieves average Bjontegaard Delta Rate (BD-Rate) gains of 85.79% and 80.24% compared to Geometry-based Point Cloud Compression (G-PCC). Additionally, in comparison to the Learned-PCGC network, our approach attains an average BD-Rate gain of 18.26% and 13.83%. Moreover, it is accompanied by a 16% reduction in encoding and decoding time, along with a 50% reduction in model size.
Supervised Methods for Modeling Spatiotemporal Glacier Variations by Quantification of the Area and Terminus of Mountain Glaciers Using Remote Sensing
Authors: Robbins Edmund , Hlaing Thu Thu , Webb Jonathan , Kachouie Nezamoddin N.
Published: October 2023

Glaciers are important indictors of climate change as changes in glaciers physical features such as their area is in response to measurable evidence of fluctuating climate factors such as temperature, precipitation, and CO2. Although a general retreat of mountain glacier systems has been identified in relation to centennial trends toward warmer temperatures, there is the potential to extract a great deal more information regarding regional variations in climate from the mapping of the time history of the terminus position or surface area of the glaciers. The remote nature of glaciers renders direct measurement impractical on anything other than a local scale. Considering the sheer number of mountain glaciers around the globe, ground measurements of terminus position are only available for a small percentage of glaciers and ground measurements of glacier area are rare. In this project, changes in the terminal point and area of Franz Josef and Gorner glaciers were quantified in response to climate factors using satellite imagery taken by Landsat at regular intervals. Two supervised learning methods including a parametric method (multiple regression) and a nonparametric method (generalized additive model) were implemented to identify climate factors that impact glacier changes. Local temperature, CO2, and precipitation were identified as significant factors for predicting changes in both Franz Josef and Gorner glaciers. Spatiotemporal quantification of glacier change is an essential task to model glacier variations in response to global and local climate factors. This work provided valuable insights on quantification of surface area of glaciers using satellite imagery with potential implementation of a generic approach.
Testing the Efficacy of a Prototype That Combines Ultrasound and Pulsed Electric Field for Extracting Valuable Compounds from Mitragyna speciosa Leaves
Authors: Jintawiwat Raweeroj , Punamorntarakul Natnakorn , Hirunyasiri Rossakornpat , Jarupoom Parkpoom , Pankasemsuk Tanachai , Supasin Supakiat , Kawee-ai Arthitaya
Published: October 2023

This work aimed to test the efficacy of an ultrasound (US) and pulsed electric field (PEF) apparatus to extract mitragynine from dried Mitragyna speciosa cv. Karn Dang leaves. Four modes of the device were tested: PEF, US, US + PEF, and PEF + US, and the modes were compared using a conventional technique (maceration, as the control). The liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis revealed that the mitragynine contents from M. speciosa leaves using the four different modes were significantly different (p < 0.05). The highest extraction (106.63 ± 0.85 mg/L) of mitragynine was obtained by the mode using a combination of PEF + US, followed by US + PEF (97.27 ± 1.33 mg/L), with increased extraction efficiencies of 45.81 ± 0.59% and 33.00 ± 1.85%, respectively. Moreover, the total energy consumption under the combination technique was 25.0% lower than that with PEF assistance. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to analyze the structural and functional features of the alterations in M. speciosa leaves. This study demonstrated that a combination of PEF and US devices may be regarded as a green alternative technique and can assist in streamlining the implementation of agricultural products.
Simulation Modelling for the Promotion of Green Residence Based on the Theory of Sustainability—Taking Jiangsu Province as an Example
Authors: Xu Hao , Zhang Jun , Xu Xizhen , Zeng Zewei , Xu Yuzhu , You Jiawei , Li Jing
Published: October 2023

Green residences have enormous potential for energy savings, emission reduction, and other comprehensive benefits, and their growth is crucial to achieving China’s carbon neutrality and carbon peaking targets. Nevertheless, at the moment, the national green residence is impacted by complicated factors at several levels, including government agencies, green residence builders, and green residence consumers, which results in the low-quality development of domestic green residences overall. As of 2020, 94% of all labeled green residences are design-label residences that can only be achieved during the design stage, while less than 10% are operational-label residences with stronger energy and emission-saving benefits. This causes the phenomenon of “green residences on the planning” to be serious. In order to accomplish the promotion of high-quality development of green residences and to promote green residences in China, this paper analyzes the influencing factors of green residence promotion from the multi-level perspective of macro-landscape signals, meso-collective agent green residences, and micro-individual agent consumers, based on the multi-level perspective (MLP) framework of sustainability theory. The paper subsequently builds a simulation model of green residence promotion using the agent-based system dynamics modeling method. Additionally, Jiangsu Province’s green residence promotion data are chosen for analogue simulation experiments, and the simulation results are also used to analyze the success conditions as well as the path to green residence promotion. This study demonstrates that (1) the agent-based simulation model of dynamics for the green residence promotion system has high reference value for the simulation of the promotion of green residences, and the model can clearly simulate the impact of micro-individual agent–consumer factors on the promotion of green residences; (2) in order to promote green residences, exterior landscape signals must be continuously improved; the stronger the landscape signals, the quicker the development of operationally labeled green residences; (3) priority is given to the development of two-star design-labeled green residences before 2035, and three-star operationally labeled residences will occupy the majority of the market after 2040. Meanwhile, the duration of landscape signals and the change in behavioral preferences of individual agents must be maintained for a long time.
Osteosarcoma in Pediatric and Adult Populations: Are Adults Just Big Kids?
Authors: Kim Caleb , Davis Lara E. , Albert Catherine M. , Samuels Brian , Roberts Jesse L. , Wagner Michael J.
Published: October 2023

Malignant bone tumors are commonly classified as pediatric or adolescent malignancies, and clinical trials for these diseases have generally focused on these populations. Of primary bone cancers, osteosarcoma is among the most common. Osteosarcoma has a bimodal age distribution, with the first peak occurring in patients from 10 to 14 years old, and the second peak occurring in patients older than 65, with about 25% of cases occurring in adults between 20 and 59 years old. Notably, adult osteosarcoma patients have worse outcomes than their pediatric counterparts. It remains unclear whether age itself is a poor prognostic factor, or if inherent differences in tumor biology exist between age groups. Despite these unknowns, current treatment strategies for adults are largely extrapolated from pediatric studies since the majority of clinical trials for osteosarcoma treatments are based on younger patient populations. In light of the different prognoses observed in pediatric and adult osteosarcoma, we summarize the current understanding of the molecular etiology of osteosarcoma and how it may differ between age groups, hypothesizing why adult patients have worse outcomes compared to children.
Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: From Uncovered Resistance Mechanisms to Current Treatments
Authors: Le Thi Khanh , Duong Quang Hieu , Baylot Virginie , Fargette Christelle , Baboudjian Michael , Colleaux Laurence , Taïeb David , Rocchi Palma
Published: October 2023

Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains a significant medical challenge. Prostate cancer cells can develop mechanisms to resist androgen deprivation therapy, such as AR overexpression, AR mutations, alterations in AR coregulators, increased steroidogenic signaling pathways, outlaw pathways, and bypass pathways. Various treatment options for CRPC exist, including androgen deprivation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, localized or systemic therapeutic radiation, and PARP inhibitors. However, more research is needed to combat CRPC effectively. Further investigation into the underlying mechanisms of the disease and the development of new therapeutic strategies will be crucial in improving patient outcomes. The present work summarizes the current knowledge regarding the underlying mechanisms that promote CRPC, including both AR-dependent and independent pathways. Additionally, we provide an overview of the currently approved therapeutic options for CRPC, with special emphasis on chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and potential combination strategies.
Decoding the Complexity of Systemic Inflammation Predictors in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer, with Hemoglobin as the Hidden Key (the ESTHER Study)
Authors: Medici Federica , Ferioli Martina , Forlani Ludovica , Laghi Viola , Ma Johnny , Cilla Savino , Buwenge Milly , Macchia Gabriella , Deodato Francesco , Vadalà Maria , Malizia Claudio , Tagliaferri Luca , Perrone Anna Myriam , De Iaco Pierandrea , Strigari Lidia , Arcelli Alessandra , Morganti Alessio Giuseppe
Published: October 2023

Locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) is treated with concurrent chemoradiation (CRT). Predictive models could improve the outcome through treatment personalization. Several factors influence prognosis in LACC, but the role of systemic inflammation indices (IIs) is unclear. This study aims to assess the correlation between IIs and prognosis in a large patient cohort considering several clinical data. We retrospectively analyzed pretreatment IIs (NLR, PLR, MLR, SII, LLR, COP-NLR, APRI, ALRI, SIRI, and ANRI) in 173 LACC patients. Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics were also considered. Univariate and multivariate Cox’s regressions were conducted to assess associations between IIs and clinical factors with local control (LC), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Univariate analysis showed significant correlations between age, HB levels, tumor stage, FIGO stage, and CRT dose with survival outcomes. Specific pretreatment IIs (NLR, PLR, APRI, ANRI, and COP-NLR) demonstrated associations only with LC. The multivariate analysis confirmed Hb levels, CRT dose, and age as significant predictors of OS, while no II was correlated with any clinical outcome. The study findings contradict some prior research on IIs in LACC, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessments of potential confounding variables.
Characterization of the Root Nodule Microbiome of the Exotic Tree Falcataria falcata (Fabaceae) in Guangdong, Southern China
Authors: Xiang Siyu , Yan Shu , Lin Qianxi , Huang Rong , Wang Runhui , Wei Ruping , Wu Guandi , Zheng Huiquan
Published: October 2023

Falcataria falcata is an exotic tree species that was imported to southern China around 1940 and has been widely planted in the Guangdong province of China. Using the 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing approach, we investigated the composition of the bacterial endophytes in the root nodules of naturally grown F. falcata and elucidated the core bacterial endophyte group. Across all samples, there were 575 bacterial genera and 29 bacterial phyla. Proteobacteria accounted for 42–90% relative abundance in all regions. Notably, Bradyrhizobium, Paucibacter, Rhizobium, and Mesorhizobium were consistently detected in all regions studied. Among these, Bradyrhizobium (13–37%) and Paucibacter (1–34%) were the dominant genera. Despite the differences in endophytic amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) across all regions, our results demonstrate that some ASVs, which have been termed herein as commonly shared core ASVs (c-ASVs), still inhabit F. falcata root nodules across multiple regions simultaneously. More importantly, some c-ASVs dominated in F. falcata root nodules across multiple regions. This study demonstrated the consistency of the bacterial endophyte communities of F. falcata root nodules.
A Wellbore Pressure Control Method for Two-Layer Coal Seam Gas Coproduction Wells
Authors: Zhu Hongying , Qi Yaoguang , Hu Hao , Zhang Fenna , Jing Chuankai , Zhao Junwei
Published: October 2023

In coal seam gas (CSG) coproduction wells, due to the different production pressures of CSG production layer at different depths, the interlayer interference in wellbore seriously affects the gas production of a coproduction well. To effectively suppress the interlayer interference of the wellbore, a wellbore pressure distribution method for a two-layer coproduction well is proposed. Based on the analysis of the factors influencing the flow pressure distribution in the wellbore of two-layer coproduction wells, a method of coproduction flow pressure adjustment by regulating the wellhead pressure and the depth of the dynamic fluid level was established in this paper. The results show that wellhead pressure can directly affect the production pressure of two layers. The variation in layer 1 output mainly affects the pressure difference between the wellhead pressure and the pressure at the depth of layer 1, which has little effect on the pressure difference between layer 1 and 2. An increase in gas production from layer 2 would not only cause a pressure increase in layer 1, but also result in a reduction of the production pressure at layer 2. The maximum pressure gradient of the gas section is 0.14 MPa/100 m, and the pressure gradient of the gas–liquid section is 0.53–1.0 MPa/100 m.
Modeled and Measured Operating Temperatures of Floating PV Modules: A Comparison
Authors: Dörenkämper Maarten , de Jong Minne M. , Kroon Jan , Nysted Vilde Stueland , Selj Josefine , Kjeldstad Torunn
Published: October 2023

The power output of a photovoltaic system is dependent on the operating temperature of the solar cells. For floating PV (FPV), increased wind speeds can result in increased yield due to lowered operating temperatures, which has long been stated as a key advantage for FPV. So far, this effect has not been included in commercial software packages for yield estimation. Typically, only standard settings are provided, taking into account the mounting type (PVsyst) or mounting and module type (Sandia). This may result in an underestimation of the yield, and consequently, the estimated Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of the FPV project. In this study, a linkage between recorded module temperatures from FPV systems located in The Netherlands and Sri Lanka and the prevalent models employed within PVsyst and Sandia software for estimating module temperatures are established. Our findings reveal that the models within PVsyst and Sandia tend to overestimate module temperatures by 2.4% and 3%, respectively, for each 1 m/s increment in wind speed. We present two methods for determining the single heat loss coefficient, or U-value, tailored to specific sites accounting for local wind conditions. The first method computes the U-value based on the average monthly wind speed, whereas the second employs the irradiance-weighted average monthly wind speed. The latter method can be advantageous for locations characterized by significant fluctuations in wind speeds between night and day. Through a statistical residual analysis comparing measured and modeled module temperatures, we demonstrate that our proposed methods offer a more accurate representation of module temperature compared to the PVsyst and Sandia models when default settings are used. When we subsequently compute the specific yield using both measured and modeled temperatures, we observe that the approach using irradiance-weighted average wind speed shows a higher yield of up to 2% compared to the traditional methods.
Advanced Power Converters and Learning in Diverse Robotic Innovation: A Review
Authors: Singh Rupam , Kurukuru Varaha , Khan Mohammed
Published: October 2023

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the integration of advanced power management systems and learning techniques in the field of robotics. It identifies the critical roles these areas play in reshaping the capabilities of robotic systems across diverse applications. To begin, it highlights the significance of efficient power usage in modern robotics. The paper explains how advanced power converters effectively control voltage, manage current and shape waveforms, thereby optimizing energy utilization. These converters ensure that robotic components receive the precise voltage levels they require, leading to improved motor performance and enabling precise control over motor behavior. Consequently, this results in extended operational times and increased design flexibility. Furthermore, the review explores the integration of learning approaches, emphasizing their substantial impact on robotic perception, decision-making and autonomy. It discusses the application of techniques such as reinforcement learning, supervised learning and unsupervised learning, showcasing their applications in areas like object recognition, semantic segmentation, sensor fusion and anomaly detection. By utilizing these learning methods, robots become more intelligent, adaptable and capable of autonomous operation across various domains. By examining the interaction between advanced power management and learning integration, this review anticipates a future where robots operate with increased efficiency, adapt to various tasks and drive technological innovation across a wide range of industries.
Overview of DC/DC Converters for Concentrating Photovoltaics (CPVs)
Authors: Camail Philippe , Allard Bruno , Darnon Maxime , Joubert Charles , Martin Christian , Trovão João Pedro F.
Published: October 2023

With energy efficiencies close to two times higher than traditional photovoltaic (PV), concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems represent a promising solution for solar power generation. In the same way, the converging Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of both technologies favors interest toward CPV systems. In order to assess more clearly the potential of this technology, an up-to-date evaluation of the power electronic conversion techniques used in CPV to increase the yielded energy is crucial. This assessment not only sheds light on the latest advancements, but also provides insights into design trade-offs, performance limitations, and potential areas for improvement in CPV systems. This work focuses on the DC/DC converters used as an intermediary stage of conversion between the panels and a central grid-tied inverter. Electrical and economical metrics are used to compare actual converters developed and presented in a comprehensive literature review.
Genomic Prediction of Tree Height, Wood Stiffness, and Male Flower Quantity Traits across Two Generations in Selected Individuals of Cryptomeria japonica D. Don (Japanese Cedar)
Authors: Ejima Atsushi , Uchiyama Kentaro , Mori Hideki , Tsumura Yoshihiko
Published: October 2023

Breeding long-lived trees is challenging, but it has been shown that genomic information can be used to improve efficiency. In this study, genomic prediction (GP) was tested on selected individuals of a two-generation breeding population of Cryptomeria japonica, the most common plantation tree in Japan. In the 1980s, the second-generation plus trees (101 clones) were selected from about 8500 individuals obtained by cross-mating the first-generation plus trees (47 clones). RAD-seq based on 8664 SNPs was used to perform GP for three important traits in this population: tree height, wood stiffness, and male flower quantity. The association between traits and genotypes was modeled using five Bayesian models whose predictive accuracy was evaluated by cross-validation, revealing that the best model differed for each trait (BRR for tree height, BayesA for wood stiffness, and BayesB for male flower quantity). GP was 1.2–16.0 times more accurate than traditional pedigree-based methods, attributed to its ability to model Mendelian sampling. However, an analysis of the effects of intergenerational kinship showed that parent–offspring relationships reduce the predictive accuracy of GP for traits strongly affected by selection pressure. Overall, these results show that GP could significantly expedite tree breeding when supported by a deep understanding of the targeted population’s genetic background.
Editorial Summary: Boundary Layer Processes in Geophysical/Environmental Flows
Authors: Kuehl Joseph
Published: October 2023

Boundary layer processes play a crucial role in establishing the circulation patterns of the oceans and atmosphere, significantly affecting both regional and global climate, as well as the distributions of heat, nutrients, species, pollutants and more [...]