bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is my model fit for purpose? Validating a population model for predicting freshwater fish responses to flow management
Authors: Hale Robin , Yen Jian D. L. , Todd Charles R. , Stuart Ivor G. , Wootton Henry F. , Thiem Jason D. , Koehn John D. , Tonkin Zeb , Lyon Jarod P. , McCarthy Michael A. , Bird Tomas J. , Fanson Ben G.
Published: September 2023

Models based on ecological processes (process‐explicit models) are often used to predict ecosystem responses to environmental changes or management scenarios. However, models are imperfect and need to be validated, ideally by testing their assumptions and outputs against independent empirical data sets. Examples of validation of process‐explicit models are rare. Recently, stochastic population models have been developed to predict the likely responses (over 10–120 years) of a riverine fish (golden perch, Macquaria ambigua) to flow management in the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB) in eastern Australia, one of the world's most regulated river basins. Declines in golden perch (and other species) are a direct consequence of altered hydrology, and managers require information to predict how fish will respond to possible future hydrological conditions to guide substantial investments in flow management. Here, we use two independent field data sets to validate our population model. We compared model predictions to observed trends to ask: (1) How do predicted population sizes and growth rates compare with observed data? (2) Does the correlation between predicted and observed population sizes and growth rates vary among populations? (3) Does the correlation between predicted and observed population sizes and growth rates vary across observed hydrological conditions? (4) How do modeled and observed fish movement rates compare? We found reasonable correlations between fish population sizes and growth rates as predicted by the model and observed in independent data sets for several populations (Aim 1), but the strength of these correlations varied among populations (Aim 2) and hydrological conditions (Aim 3). Predicted and observed fish movement rates were strongly correlated (Aim 4). Population models are frequently used in conservation decision‐making but are rarely validated. We demonstrate that: (1) validation can identify model strengths and weaknesses; (2) observed data sets often have inherent limitations that can preclude robust validations; (3) validation is likely to be more common if appropriate observed data sets are available; and (4) validation should consider the purpose of modeling. Wider consideration of these messages would contribute to more critical examinations of models, so they can be most appropriately used in conservation decision‐making.
Curcumin‐loaded nanomedicines as therapeutic strategy in malaria management
Authors: Amin Ruhul , Melody Devi Chanam , Sarkar Dona , Sharifi‐Rad Javad , Sönmez Gürer Eda , Oana Docea Anca , Calina Daniela
Published: September 2023

Malaria, a parasitic protozoan disease widespread in tropical climates, is transmitted by Plasmodium spp. Many people are affected by this significant public health disease, which has a high incidence of illness and mortality worldwide. Because drug‐resistant parasites are on the rise, there are not enough controls on mosquitoes, and there are not any malaria vaccinations. Malaria is particularly challenging in developing countries. Antimalarial drugs approved by Food and Drug Administration are the main options for combating and preventing malaria; also the control of transmission at the level of mosquitoes is important. Current antimalarial chemotherapeutic therapies have significant clinical flaws such as Plasmodium resistance, the drugs that call for the development of novel drug candidates. To combat malaria, nanotechnology may give a viable alternative that is both more effective and safer than current treatment options. Nanotechnology‐based curcumin formulations have proved to overcome the limitations of current therapies in terms of optimum therapeutic benefits, safety, and cost‐efficiency, which increases a patient's capacity to adhere to prescribed medicine. The limits of current malaria therapies and the need to employ nanotechnological curcumin to treat malaria were addressed and discussed in this paper.
PBP and PSP promote β' form crystallization of palm oil, palm stearin, and a cocoa butter replacer
Authors: Zhang Qing , Qi Ang , Li Hong , Li Xuehong , Zhang Hong , Wei Tao , Zhang Lu
Published: September 2023

To precisely regulate the crystallization of lipids, an in‐depth understanding of the correlation between the structures of the crystallization promoters and their functionalities is crucial. The effects of the crystallization promoters 1,3‐dipalmitoyl‐2‐behenoyl‐glycerol (PBP) and 1,3‐dipalmitoyl‐2‐stearoyl‐glycerol (PSP) on the crystallization behavior of palm oil, palm stearin, and a cocoa butter replacer were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, polarized light microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The chain‐length difference between PSP and PBP resulted in different thermally stable polymorphs. PBP was stabilized in the β‐3L form, but PSP was stabilized in the β′‐2L form. The addition of PBP and PSP significantly promoted nucleation and led to an earlier onset of crystallization during cooling. After isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization, the PSP and PBP increased the melting temperatures of the palm oil and the cocoa butter replacer but decreased the melting temperature of the palm stearin, since PBP and PSP effectively promoted β′ formation but retarded the β' to β transformation. Due to the differences in chain length and subcell matching, palm stearin crystallizes on PSP and PBP via different modes.

Practical Applications: PBP and PSP have potential as β'‐form crystallization promoters for plastic fats. This research indicated the possibility of regulating the nanostructures of fats by structural design of the crystallization promoters.
Design and implementation of optimal algorithm for shelves handling based on the change of return position of movable shelves
Authors: Yao Wenbin , Gong Gaiyun
Published: September 2023

A shelf‐to‐person picking system based on automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) is developed in the mobile shelf warehouse, which can meet the needs of multi batches, small volume and multi variety picking. In this system, the efficiency of picking is affected by Storage location allocation, optimal combination of picking orders, optimization of handling shelves and AGVs scheduling. This article establishes a mathematical model according to the shortest walking distance of AGV in view of the situation that the return position of the shelf can be changed. In this article, a hybrid intelligent algorithm is designed, and its effectiveness is verified by numerical examples. At the same time, the heuristic algorithm and intelligent algorithm were compared in two cases, and the range of intelligent algorithm parameters was analyzed to verify the stability and effectiveness of the algorithm.
Joint modeling on serum creatinine and time to end stage of renal disease for chronic kidney disease patients under treatment at the University of Gondar Referral Hospital
Authors: Belay Samson , Melese Dessie , Muhammed Kasim
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health problem worldwide. The general objective of this study is to identify the joint factors of serum creatinine (SCr) and time to end stage of renal disease (ESRD) for CKD patients under treatment at University of Gondar Referral Hospital (UOGRH).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The collected information was secondary data type obtained from 311 CKD patient's medical charts in the UOGRH from September 2019 to January 2022 G.C. Joint modeling analysis contained a linear mixed model for SCr and the Cox‐PH model for time to ESRD of CKD patients under treatment was used.

Result

From the total of 311 patients, 104 (33.4%) patients were developed the ESRD, while the other 207 (66.6%) were censored patients. In the longitudinal submodel, the variable sex, age, electrolyte, visit time, anemia, diabetes mellitus, chronic heart disease, hypertension, and hepatitis have a significant effect on the variable SCr. In survival process, anemia (HR = 2.53, p = < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (HR = 2.206, p = < 0.0047), chronic heart disease (HR = 2.83, p = < 0.0011), HIV (HR = 2.778, p = < 0.0045), hypertension (HR = 2.616, p = < 0.001), and hepatitis (HR = 4.4, p = < 0.0074) have a significant effect on the variable ESRD. On the basis of the result of the joint model, the variable anemia, diabetes mellitus, chronic heart disease, hypertension, and hepatitis were common significant factors.

Conclusion

The majority of patients 207 (66.6%) of CKD patients were censored. On the basis of the smaller information criteria value and the significance association value, the joint model better fits the data. In the joint model, the variable anemia, diabetes mellitus, chronic heart disease, hypertension, and hepatitis were common factors of two responses, and also concluded that the rate of progression of longitudinal measure SCr decreased over time.
21‐gene expression assay and clinical outcomes of premenopausal patients with hormone receptor‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Hyung Jaewon , Lee Sae Byul , Kim Jisun , Kim Hee Jeong , Ko BeomSeok , Lee Jong Won , Son Byung‐Ho , Lee Hee Jin , Gong Gyungyub , Jeong Hyehyun , Jeong Jae Ho , Kim Jeong Eun , Ahn Jin‐Hee , Jung Kyung Hae , Kim Sung‐Bae
Published: September 2023

The prognostic role of the recurrence score (RS) based on the 21‐gene expression assay in premenopausal women is not well delineated, and we investigated the association of outcomes and the RS in premenopausal patients who had 21‐gene expression assay at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, between June 2005 and July 2018. Invasive breast cancer‐free survival (IBCFS) by STEEP version 2.0 was compared according to the RS and clinical risk factors. A total of 554 patients were included in our study and 116 patients (20.9%) had age <40 years, 238 patients (43.0%) had luminal B subtype (Ki67 ≥ 20%), and 83 patients (15.0%) had RS >25. All patients received adjuvant tamoxifen ± chemotherapy. Overall, patients with RS >25 showed trend toward worse IBCFS from multivariable analysis (adjusted HR 1.89 [95% CI: 0.95‐3.73], P = .069). When comparing outcomes according to age and luminal subtypes, patients with luminal B subtype and age <40 years (n = 60) showed significantly worse outcomes compared to the others (luminal A or luminal B + age ≥40 years, n = 494; adjusted HR 2.95 [95% CI: 1.49‐5.82], log‐rank P < .001). Among patients with luminal B subtype and age <40 years, there was no significant association observed between IBCFS and the RS (log‐rank P = .51). In conclusion, while RS >25 showed association with poor outcomes in premenopausal women, it may have less prognostic significance among those with luminal B subtype and age <40 years.
Positive mental imagery and mental health amongst university students in Pakistan
Authors: Bibi Akhtar , Blackwell Simon E. , Margraf Jürgen
Published: September 2023

Mental health problems amongst university students pose a major public health challenge, and this is particularly the case in Pakistan. Alongside broader societal and cultural pressures, cognitive factors likely also play a role in the development of and resilience to mental health problems and may provide a feasible target for interventions. The current study built on previous research in primarily European samples investigating the relationship between one cognitive factor, positive future‐oriented mental imagery, and mental health, extending this to a sample of university students in Pakistan (N = 1838). In a cross‐sectional design, higher vividness of positive future‐oriented mental imagery was associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms and higher levels of positive mental health amongst participants completing questionnaire measures on paper (N = 1430) or online (N = 408). In the sample completing the measures on paper, these relationships remained statistically significant even when controlling for socio‐demographic and mental health‐related variables. The results provide a foundation for further investigating positive mental imagery as a potential mechanism of mental health and intervention target amongst university students in Pakistan.
Shell‐Net: A robust deep neural network for the joint segmentation of retinal fragments
Authors: Pappu Geetha Pavani , Uppudi Prashanth Gowri Shankar , Biswal Birendra , Kandula Srinivasa Rao , Dhavala Meher Savedasa , Potturi Giri Madhav , Sharat Paila Sai , Polapragada Sridevi , Datti Nagadhara Harini
Published: September 2023

Segmentation of retinal fragments like blood vessels, optic disc (OD), and optic cup (OC) enables the early detection of different retinal pathologies like diabetic retinopathy (DR), glaucoma, etc. This article proposed a novel deep learning architecture termed as Shell‐Net for the accurate segmentation of the retinal fragments. The main novelty of the architecture relies on the intellectual fusion of two different styled networks for attaining better segmentation results. The lower part of the Shell‐Net (feature condenser) follows the down‐sampling and up‐sampling style, whereas the upper part of the network (feature amplifier) follows the up‐sampling and down‐sampling style of architecture. In addition to this, an additional residual module (feature stabilizer) is integrated with the network to achieve more spatial information from lower levels. The lower part of the network reduces the data through summarization, enabling much scope for precise extraction of heavy details such as thick vessels, OD, and OC. On the contrary, the upper part of the network augments the data using duplication, assisting in the enlargement of minuscule details such as the tiny vessels and boundaries. Experiments were performed on publicly available datasets like Digital Retinal Images for Vessel Extraction (DRIVE), Child Heart and Health Study in England (CHASE_DB1), Structured Analysis of the Retina (STARE), Online Retinal Fundus Image Dataset for Glaucoma Analysis and Research (ORIGA), DRISHTI‐GS1, and Retinal Image database for Optic Nerve Evaluation (RIMONE r1). The network accomplished an average accuracy (ACC) and specificity (SPE) of 0.96 and 0.98 when tested on DRIVE, CHASE_DB1, and STARE datasets respectively for vessel segmentation. Furthermore, it outperformed previously existing models in OD and OC segmentation by achieving an average accuracy of 0.98 with a specificity of 0.99 on the DRISHTI_GS1 dataset.
Predicting coronary artery disease using learning rate based snow leopard optimization with soft swish scaling based bidirectional long short‐term memory
Authors: Kowsalyadevi J. , Geetha P.
Published: September 2023

The most common kind of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which impacts millions globally. For CAD detection, the computed tomography (CT) image is very helpful. CT aids in the quick visualization of the heart and coronary arteries with a higher spatial resolution. So, this research methodology uses the CT image for CAD detection with the risk assessment by the proposed SS‐B‐LSTM (Soft Swish Scaling based Bidirectional Long Short‐Term Memory) algorithm. Moreover, the proposed methodology considers the vital features from different regions of the heart encompassing calcium tissue, leaflet tissue, and blood pool. Thus, CAD can be detected efficiently, and the risk assessment is done precisely. The proposed research mainly consists of seven steps: preprocessing, heart segmentation, clustering, feature extraction, feature selection, disease detection, and risk assessment. The proposed technique detects CAD with an accuracy of 96.66%. Furthermore, the computational time of the proposed framework is 0.3948 s. After experimental evaluation, the proposed technique is found to be more efficient in detecting and classifying CAD. Moreover, the complexity is low compared to the existing works.
COVID‐19‐related stress exacerbates the effect of child maltreatment on negative affect via increased identity confusion during adolescence
Authors: Azarmehr Rabeeh , Reck Ava J. , Zhang Linhao , Oshri Assaf
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Exposure to childhood maltreatment may undermine the crucial developmental task of identity formation in adolescence, placing them at risk for developing negative affect. The current study investigated whether COVID‐19‐related stress intensified the indirect link between child maltreatment and adolescents' negative affect through identity confusion.

Method

Using multidimensional assessments of child maltreatment (threat vs. deprivation), the study included a sample of 124 adolescents (Mage = 12.89, SD = 0.79; 52% female) assessed before (January 2018 to March 2020) and during the pandemic (May to October 2020) in Georgia, United States. The majority of the participants were European American (78.8%), followed by African American (11.5%), Hispanic (3.8%), Asian/Pacific Islander (1.0%), and other (4.8%). We used structural equation modeling to test (a) the mediating role of identity confusion in the link between childhood maltreatment and negative affect and (b) whether COVID‐19‐related stress moderated these indirect effects. Simple slopes and Johnson–Neyman plots were generated to probe regions of significant interaction effects.

Results

Threat and deprivation predicted an increase in adolescent identity confusion. Additionally, childhood threat and deprivation were indirectly linked to adolescents' negative affect through increased levels of identity confusion. COVID‐19‐related stress significantly exacerbated the link between identity confusion and negative affect.

Conclusion

Identity confusion is a mechanism underlying the link between child maltreatment and the development of negative affect in adolescence. Our results inform prevention and intervention programs that aim to reduce negative affect among adolescents who experience threatening and depriving rearing environments.
Fischer–Tropsch synthesis over the Co–Ni/Al2O3 nanocatalyst: influence of process variables, modeling and optimization using response surface methodology
Authors: Arsalanfar Maryam , Nouri Azita , Abdouss Majid , Rezazadeh Esmaeil
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Light olefins production greatly influenced by the process conditions. In the present work Al2O3 supported Co‐Ni nanocatalysts were evaluated for production of light olefins. Incipient wetness impregnation procedure was used for catalyst synthesis. Catalysts were characterized for determining the physicochemical properties using various techniques of XRD, SEM, EDS, H2‐TPR, TPD, TEM, XPS, TGA, DSC, FT‐IR, and BET. The influence of process conditions (Pressure, Temperature and H2/CO inlet feed molar ratio) was investigated on the catalytic performance of Co‐Ni/γAl2O3 nanocatalyst toward lower olefins. Temperature, pressure, and feed ratio factors were changed in wide ranges of 250–450 °C, 1–12 bar, and 1–4 respectively. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) method was employed for modeling and optimization.

RESULTS

The optimum process conditions were obtained using the RSM method (T = 383 °C, P = 4 bar, and H2/CO = 1.92). The highest selectivity of light olefinic products and conversion of carbon monoxide and the lowest selectivity toward methane were obtained concurrently under the optimized conditions with desirability of 0.896.

CONCLUSION

The impact of inlet feed ratio, temperature, and pressure factors was investigated and it was found that the performance of the catalyst greatly depends on the operational parameters. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Recovery of high‐purity‐4‐chloroguaiacol from bleaching wastewater by a heterogeneous extraction method
Authors: Hu Ping , Lei Shengwen , Luo Weiyan , Huang Xiaoqing , Ruan Wei , Ye Yueyuan , Zheng Zhifeng , Wang Dechao , Wang Duo
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

During the pulping and bleaching processes, 4‐chloroguaiacol accounts for a large proportion of chlorine containing pollutants. In this study, a heterogeneous extraction method for extracting 4‐chloroguaiacol from the bleaching wastewater by using the intermediate as the solid phase extraction agent is proposed.

RESULTS

The solid intermediate with the molar ratio of 4‐chloroguaiacol to calcium 2:1 is firstly prepared. It is used for reacting with the crude 4‐chloroguaiacol in the bleaching wastewater to generate the end solid complex with the molar ratio of 4‐chloroguaiacol to calcium 4:1. It is verified to be that the high‐purity 4‐chloroguaiacol can be released from the simple thermal decomposition of the end solid complex.

CONCLUSION

At an optimum extraction condition including 30 °C reaction temperature, the pH value of 7, using the deionized water as the solvent, the extraction yield and the purity of 4‐chloroguaiacol reached 89.2% and 97.8%. Furthermore, after 15 cycle extraction times, the extraction rate of 4‐chloroguaiacol can still reach 86.3%. The extraction yield and the purity of 4‐chloroguaiacol reached 68.15% and 99.56% when the guaiacol content was lower than 25 mg/L at the bleaching wastewater. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
SADS‐CoV nsp1 inhibits the IFN‐β production by preventing TBK1 phosphorylation and inducing CBP degradation
Authors: Xiang Yingjie , Mou Chunxiao , Shi Kaichuang , Chen Xiang , Meng Xia , Bao Wenbin , Chen Zhenhai
Published: September 2023

Swine acute diarrhea syndrome (SADS) is first reported in January 2017 in Southern China. It subsequently causes widespread outbreaks in multiple pig farms, leading to economic losses. Therefore, it is an urgent to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and immune evasion of Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS‐CoV). Our research discovered that SADS‐CoV inhibited the production of interferon‐β (IFN‐β) during viral infection. The nonstructural protein 1 (nsp1) prevented the phosphorylation of TBK1 by obstructing the interaction between TBK1 and Ub protein. Moreover, nsp1 induced the degradation of CREB‐binding protein (CBP) through the proteasome‐dependent pathway, thereby disrupting the IFN‐β enhancer and inhibiting IFN transcription. Finally, we identified nsp1‐Phe39 as the critical amino acid that downregulated IFN production. In conclusion, our findings described two mechanisms in nsp1 that inhibited IFN production and provided new insights into the evasion strategy adopted by SADS‐CoV to evade host antiviral immunity.
Kinetics of HBcrAg and HBsAg using highly sensitive iTACT assays in chronic hepatitis B patients with HBsAg seroclearance
Authors: Suzuki Takanori , Matsuura Kentaro , Watanabe Takehisa , Matsui Takeshi , Ogawa Shintaro , Kawamura Hayato , Kuno Kayoko , Fujiwara Kei , Nojiri Shunsuke , Kataoka Hiromi , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: September 2023

Two novel assays have been developed, iTACT‐hepatitis B core‐related antigen (iTACT‐HBcrAg) and iTACT‐hepatitis B surface antigen (iTACT‐HBsAg) assays. We investigated the longitudinal profiles of iTACT‐HBcrAg‐ and ‐HBsAg in patients with HBsAg seroclearance (SC) (<0.05 IU/mL). This study comprises 60 HBV‐infected patients with HBsAg SC, 27 in chronic hepatitis/liver cirrhosis (CH/LC) group and 33 in inactive carrier (IC) group. Longitudinal profiles of iTACT‐HBcrAg and ‐HBsAg were examined using stored serum samples. The median period from HBsAg SC to iTACT‐HBcrAg loss or to the last observation was longer in the CH/LC group than the IC group (39 vs. −3 months, p = 0.004), but this tendency was not observed in that by iTACT‐HBsAg. Comparing the times of iTACT‐HBcrAg and ‐HBsAg loss, the rate of patients who lost HBcrAg first was significantly higher in the IC group (p = 0.008). The cumulative incidence rate of iTACT‐HBcrAg loss after HBsAg SC was higher in the IC group that the CH/LC group (p = 0.002). Patients in the CH/LC group had higher rates of detectable iTACT‐HBcrAg than those in the IC group after HBsAg SC, suggesting that the presence of HBcrAg possibly contribute to the progression of chronic hepatitis B.
Bioprospecting the potential of metabolites from a Saharan saline soil strainNocardiopsis dassonvilleiGSBS4
Authors: Djinni Ibtissem , Conroy Leah , Varbanov Mihayl , Souagui Samiha , Yanat Betitera , Defant Andrea , Kecha Mouloud , Mancini Ines
Published: September 2023

Saharan soil samples collected in El‐Oued province have been investigated for actinobacteria as a valuable source for the production of bioactive metabolites. A total of 273 isolates were obtained and subjected to antagonistic activity tests against human pathogenic germs. A strain with a broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity was selected and identified asNocardiopsis dassonvilleiGSBS4, with high sequence similarities toN. dassonvilleisubsp.dassonvilleiTX97886.1 (99%) based on polyphasic taxonomy approach and 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene sequence analysis. The GSBS4 ethyl acetate crude extract showed strong antibacterial activity towards pathogenic bacteria andCandida albicans. It inhibited biofilm formation byStaphylococcus aureusand methicillin‐resistantS. aureuswith minimum inhibitory concentrations estimated at 0.144 and 1.15 mg·mL−1, respectively. A 44% biofilm reduction was obtained forS. aureusand 61% forPseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, phenols composition of the crude extract showed a significant dose‐dependent antioxidant activity by α‐diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazyl (57.21%) and 2,2′‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (64.29%) radicals scavenging assays. Although no inhibition was obtained on human coronavirus human coronavirus (HCoV) 229E and on model enterovirus (poliovirus 1) infection, a dose‐dependent increase in cell viability of HCoV 229E‐infected cells was noticed as the viability increased from 21% to 37%. Bioassay‐guided fractionation of the crude extract gave a fraction showing antibacterial activity, which was analyzed by liquid chromatography‐electrospray mass spectrometric technique, providing structural features on a major purple metabolite.
Changes of microbiome in response to supplements with silver nanoparticles in cotton rhizosphere
Authors: Joshi Abhijeet , Joshi Radhika , Koradiya Prushti , Vank Hetvi
Published: September 2023

The current study focuses on analyzing the effects of supplements containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on plant growth and rhizospheric bacterial communities. Specifically, the impact of AgNP supplements was assessed on both plant growth promoting traits and bacterial communities in the soil. To do this, a screening process was conducted to select bacteria capable of synthesizing AgNPs through extracellular biosynthesis. UV‐Visible spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and field emission scanning electron microscopy all confirmed, produced AgNPs is in agglomerates form. The resulting AgNPs were introduced into soil along with various supplements and their effects were evaluated after 10 days using next generation sequencing (Illumina—16S rDNA V3–V4 region dependent) to analyze changes in bacterial communities. Seed germination, root‐shoot biomass and chlorophyll content were used to assess the growth of the cotton plant, whereas the bacterial ability to promote growth was evaluated by measuring its culturable diversity including traits like phosphate solubilization and indole acetic acid production. The variance in Bray–Curtis β diversity among six selected combinations including control depends largely on the type of added supplements contributing to 95%–97% of it. Moreover, seed germination improves greatly between 63% and 100% at a concentration range of 1.4 to 2.8 mg/L with different types of supplements. Based on the results obtained through this study, it is evident that using AgNPs along with fructose could be an effective tool for promoting Gossypium hirsutum growth and enhancing plant growth traits like profiling rhizospheric bacteria. The results that have been obtained endorse the idea of boosting the growth of rhizospheric bacteria in a natural way when AgNPs are present. Using these supplements in fields that have been contaminated will lead to a better understanding of how ecological succession occurs among rhizospheric bacteria, and what effect it has on the growth of plants.
Cover Image, Volume 98, Issue 8
Authors: Sánchez‐Gómez Rosario , Torregrosa Laurent , Zalacain Amaya , Ojeda Hernán , Bouckenooghe Virginie , Schneider Rémi , Alonso Gonzalo L , Salinas María Rosario
Published: September 2023

The cover image, by Rosario Sánchez‐Gómez et al., is based on the Research Article The Microvine, a plant model to study the effect of vine‐shoot extract on the accumulation of glycosylated aroma precursors in grapes, DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8802.

image
Survival of adult mountain goats in Washington: effects of season, translocation, snow, and precipitation
Authors: Harris Richard B. , Happe Patti J. , Moore William R. , Rice Clifford G. , Sevigny Jennifer M. , Vales David J. , White Kevin S. , Wirtz Emily C.
Published: September 2023

Elucidating patterns of adult survival rates is key to understanding population dynamics of large mammals. We used data from 7 separate studies of mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) conducted from 2002 through 2022 in western Washington, USA, to quantify survival rates in relation to key biotic and abiotic factors using known fate models implemented in program MARK. We monitored 324 (206 females, 118 males) radio‐marked mountain goats for 178,339 days. A substantial number of mountain goats in our sample (n = 217) had been translocated from the Olympic Peninsula to the Cascade Mountains on Washington's mainland, providing an added opportunity to examine translocation effects. We adopted a sequential modeling approach, first building a set of models to examine fundamental survival patterns by age, sex, season, study area, and translocated status. We used variables retained from the top model in a second set to investigate relationships between annual survival and local weather covariates hypothesized by previous studies to influence mountain goat behavior, habitat selection, and vital rates. Survival among adult females in spring was slightly lower than other sex and age categories, but seasonal patterns were otherwise not evident. There were significant negative relationships between survival and winter snow depth, an index of the previous year's drought, and mean daily temperature during the previous May, and a positive relationship with previous year's precipitation. Weather effects were similar among resident and translocated animals. By the end of the study period, weather effects had evidently contributed to reductions in mountain goat survival to a level low enough that population stability was unlikely. Because the frequency of droughts and warm spring temperatures are expected to increase with climate change, mountain goat populations in Washington will likely be increasingly challenged as the atmosphere warms.
Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of a New Active Transcutaneous Bone Conduction Implant
Authors: Key Seraphina , Mohamed Nusrat , Da Cruz Melville , Kong Kelvin , Hasan Zubair
Published: September 2023

Objective

This review aims to quantify the pooled functional gain (FG) in different types of hearing loss with the transcutaneous hearing device, Osia (Cochlear, Sydney, Australia) in comparison with the unaided state. Secondary outcomes are patient‐reported outcomes measures (PROMs) and complication rates.

Data Sources

Medline, Embase, SCOPUS, Cochrane CENTRAL, PROSPERO and Cochrane Library.

Review Methods

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of indexed search terms relating to “Osia,” “Osseointegration,” “Cochlear Implant,” and “Bone‐Anchored Prosthesis” was performed from database inception to September 20, 2022.

Results

Of the 168 studies identified, 14 studies with 15 patient cohorts (n = 314) met inclusion criteria for meta‐analysis. Pooled overall mean FG for all types of hearing loss was 35.0 dB sound pressure level (SPL) (95% confidence interval [CI] 29.12–40.97) compared against unaided hearing. Pooled FG for conductive/mixed hearing loss was 37.7 dB SPL (95% CI 26.1–49.3). Pooled single‐sided deafness (SSD) FG could not be calculated due to the small patient cohort for whom SSD data was reported. There is a trend toward improvements in speech receptiveness threshold, signal to noise ratio, and some PROMs compared with baseline hearing. Early complication rates demonstrate risks similar to other transcutaneous implants, with a low predicted explantation (0.11%, 95% CI 0.00%–1.90%) and wound infection rate (1.92% [95% CI 0.00%–6.17%]). No articles directly comparing transcutaneous devices were identified.

Conclusion

The Osia devices demonstrate clear audiologic benefits and a good safety profile for the included patient population. Our study results indicate that frequency‐specific gain, PROMs, and the audiological benefit in single‐sided deafness may be areas for future prospective research. Laryngoscope, 134:1531–1539, 2024
Unimodal versus bimodal auditory stimulation in inner ear malformations: Cognitive, language, and motor performance
Authors: Aslan Filiz , Ertugrul Gorkem , Sennaroglu Gonca , Sennaroglu Levent
Published: September 2023

Purpose

New perspectives on rehabilitation options for inner ear malformations have still been studied in the literature. This study investigated the cognitive, language, and motor skills of auditory brainstem implant (ABI) users in unimodal and bimodal groups.

Methods

The motor competency of the participants was assessed with Bruininks–Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test‐2 Short Form (BOT2 SF). Language performance was evaluated by the test of Early Language Development‐3 and Speech Intelligibility Rating. Word identification, sentence recognition tests, and Categories of Auditory Performance were used to assess auditory perception skills. To examine the cognitive performance, Cancellation Test and Gesell Copy Form were administered. All the tests were conducted in a quiet environment without any distractions.

Results

The participants were divided into two groups: (1) 17 children in the unimodal group and (2) 11 children in the bimodal (who used a cochlear implant on one side and ABI on the other side) group. There were significant correlations between the chronological age of participants and BOT2 SF total score, cancellation tests, auditory perception tests, and language performance. Similarly, there were significant correlations between the duration of ABI use and auditory perception tests, language performance, cancellation test, and some BOT2 SF subtests (r = −0.47 to −0.60, p < .001). There was no significant difference between the unimodal and bimodal groups in any task (p > .05). However, there were moderate‐to‐strong correlations among the auditory perception tests, cancellation test, language test, and BOT2 SF total score and subtests (r = 0.40 to 0.55, p < .05).

Conclusion

Although there were no significant differences between bimodal and unimodal groups, a holistic approach, which indicates that hearing and balance issues can have broader impacts on a person's physical, emotional, social, and psychological aspects, should be used in the assessment process.

Level of Evidence

Level 4.
Numerical simulation for classes of one‐ and two‐dimensional multi‐term time‐fractional diffusion and diffusion‐wave equation based on shifted Jacobi Galerkin scheme
Authors: Alsuyuti Muhammad M. , Doha Eid H. , Ezz‐Eldien Samer S.
Published: September 2023

The current investigation focuses on presenting an efficient and reliable computational technique for solving a general class of one‐ and two‐dimensional multi‐term time‐fractional diffusion and diffusion‐wave equation (2D‐MT‐TFD‐DWE) with constant coefficients using the Galerkin scheme based on two distinct choices of basis functions. The major idea for obtaining the proposed numerical algorithms is based on constructing trial functions in the Galerkin scheme as compact combinations of shifted Jacobi polynomials. The existence and uniqueness of the considered problem are investigated using the Lax–Milgram theorem. Five numerical examples are considered with comparisons with analytical solutions and with numerical solutions that are given in the literature using some other existing techniques to confirm the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed schemes.
Analytical solution for seismic response of deep tunnels covered by an isolation layer subjected to SH waves
Authors: Yu Haitao , Chen Gong
Published: September 2023

The paper presented a novel analytical solution to evaluate the seismic‐induced stresses and displacements of tunnels covered by an isolation coating layer subjected to SH waves. The solution is derived based on the assumptions that the ground, isolation coating layer, and liner are linear elastic and in steady‐state motion. The analytical solution is obtained using the Bessel‐Fourier series. Comparisons are made between the seismic responses of tunnels obtained using the proposed analytical solution and those of the simulation results from the FEM software ABAQUS. Additionally, the proposed solution is also compared with the known degraded solution from the literature to validate its accuracy. The influence of various key factors, such as the Young's modulus ratio between the coating layer and the ground, the thickness of the coating layer, and the relative stiffness between the ground and the liner, on the seismic response of tunnels are investigated using the proposed analytical solution.
Effect of zinc oxide/layered double hydroxide on friction properties of silicone rubber at low temperature
Authors: Wang Xiaosen , Zhang Yanbin , Ren Shuangyang , Xu Zehua , Li Kangshuai , Hao Xiaxia , He Qiang
Published: September 2023

Friction significantly affects the service life of rubber seals, often leading to their failure. In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) and layered double hydroxide (LDH) were added to silicone rubber (HTV) by mechanical blending to study the friction properties of silicone rubber at low temperature. The addition of nanoparticles reduced the composites' glass transition temperature to −53.47°C. At low temperatures, the rubber's friction coefficient initially decreases before increasing. The original rubber exhibited the highest friction coefficient, whereas the 1/1‐ZnO/LDH/HTV composite had the lowest. There were a lot of pits on the friction surface of the original silicone rubber, but the friction surface of the composites with nano‐particles was smooth without pits, and the wear of 1/1‐ZnO/LDH/HTV composites was 18.4% lower than that of the original rubber. This was because ZnO and LDH formed a physical three‐dimensional network in rubber, which enhanced the intermolecular force, improved the low temperature resistance of composites and enhanced the wear resistance of rubber.
Behavioral responses of field‐collected German cockroaches to pyrethroids and pyrethroid‐formulated insecticides
Authors: Gaire Sudip , Sierras Angela , Morgan Henry L. , DeVries Zachary C.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Pyrethroids are synthetic insecticides with low mammalian toxicity and broad‐spectrum activity across insects. One major challenge with pyrethroids is their perceived repellency. This perception can influence decisions made by pest control operators, especially when insecticides are used to reduce insect entry into or movement within structures. One major indoor pest that has been repeatedly shown to be repelled by some pyrethroids is the German cockroach, Blattella germanica. However, most experiments evaluating pyrethroid repellency in the German cockroach have used end‐point assays, which do not provide information on the movement that led to the final position. Therefore, we evaluated the kinetic behavioral response of field‐collected German cockroaches to five pyrethroid‐based products and their active ingredients (A.I.) in open behavioral arenas using advanced video tracking software. In addition, in an effort to compare our free‐moving experiments with end‐point assays, we evaluated sheltering behavior using two‐choice harborage arrestment assays where German cockroaches were provided a choice between pyrethroid‐treated and untreated shelters.

RESULTS

All pyrethroid‐formulated products and their respective A.I.'s failed to affect field‐collected German cockroach movement behavior in free‐moving assays, while positive controls (DEET, corn mint oil) resulted in reduced time spent by German cockroaches in treated areas. However, despite their willingness to move over pyrethroids‐treated surfaces, field‐collected German cockroaches displayed a reduced propensity to arrest on pyrethroids treated tents.

CONCLUSION

While most pyrethroids/pyrethroid‐formulated products affected German cockroach arrestment, pyrethroids and pyrethroid‐formulated products failed to change German cockroach movement behavior in free‐moving assays. These results indicate the pyrethroids tested act as contact irritants rather than true‐spatial repellents on field‐collected German cockroaches. This distinction is critical to refining pest management strategies involving pyrethroids. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Development and evaluation of eco‐friendly carvacrol nanoemulsion as a sustainable biopesticide against bacterial leaf blight of cluster bean
Authors: Choudhary Pooja , Bhanjana Gaurav , Kumar Sandeep , Dilbaghi Neeraj
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

The study of carvacrol plant antibacterial components has recently become a hot topic in modern farming. Carvacrol industrial applications are restricted by their physicochemical instability and partial solubility in water. In the present study, an ultrasonic emulsification method was used to prepare a carvacrol nanoemulsion (CAR‐NE) employing nonionic surfactants. The CAR‐NE was characterized using a dynamic light scattering (DLS) instrument and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The goal of this work was nanoencapsulation of carvacrol to improve its aqueous solubility and preservation of the encapsulated compound against climatic conditions. Another aim of the present study was the evaluation of the growth‐promoting effects and antibacterial potential of CAR‐NE against bacterial leaf blight of cluster bean.

RESULTS

CAR‐NE showed a hydrodynamic diameter, ZP and PDI index of 43.88 ± 4.30 nm, −47.8 ± 0.23 mV and 0.246 ± 0.04, respectively. The spherical shape morphology of CAR‐NE was confirmed by TEM imaging. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of the CAR‐NE were 20 and 160 μL mL−1 (respectively) against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. cyamopsidis. Additionally, the antibacterial potential of CAR‐NE was evaluated for controlling bacterial blight of cluster bean in fields. The disease severity in the negative control plants (water) was 84%, but that in the CAR‐NE 160 (μL mL−1) was remarkably low at 14%, nearly the same as the positive control (streptomycin sulfate).

CONCLUSION

The shelf‐life of CAR‐NE was 2 months at room temperature without any appreciable changes in hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential. Consequently, plants treated with CAR‐NE 160 showed substantial improvement in plant growth. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Recent progress in the reprogramming of nonribosomal peptide synthetases
Authors: Ishikawa Fumihiro , Nakamura Shinya , Nakanishi Isao , Tanabe Genzoh
Published: September 2023

Nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) biosynthesize nonribosomal peptide (NRP) natural products, which belong to the most promising resources for drug discovery and development because of their wide range of therapeutic applications. The results of genetic, biochemical, and bioinformatics analyses have enhanced our understanding of the mechanisms of the NRPS machinery. A major goal in NRP biosynthesis is to reprogram the NRPS machinery to enable the biosynthetic production of designed peptides. Reprogramming strategies for the NRPS machinery have progressed considerably in recent years, thereby increasing the yields and generating modified peptides. Here, the recent progress in NRPS reprogramming and its application in peptide synthesis are described.
Design and Numerical Investigation of CsPbI3/CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3 Double‐Absorption‐Layer Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells Based on SCAPS‐1D
Authors: Zhang Ao , Duan Rui
Published: September 2023

CsPbI3 material has obvious advantages in constructing stable all‐inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the wide bandgap (1.73 eV) of CsPbI3 cannot effectively absorb low‐energy photons, which seriously hinders its development in single‐junction solar cells. In this study, a CsPbI3/CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3 double‐absorption‐layer heterojunction PSC is constructed by SCAPS‐1D. In the results, it is shown that adding a narrow bandgap CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3 absorption layer optimizes the band structure and energy level distribution, enhancing the device's built‐in potential and spectral absorption range. The combination of different electron‐transport layers, hole‐transport layers, and perovskite layers are stimulated, ultimately identifying the optimal material for the charge‐transport layers. In addition, the effects of internal factors (thickness and defect density of the absorption layer, interface defects, and work function of the back electrode) and ambient temperature on the overall performance of the device are investigated. The optimized power conversion efficiency of the device (fluorine‐doped tin oxide/Cd0.5Zn0.5S/CsPbI3/CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3/Cu2BaSnS4/Au) reaches 31.02%. In this study, a new attempt at the construction of stable and efficient all‐inorganic heterojunction PSC is provided.
Balancing profit and sustainability: Investigating the eco‐innovation strategies of G20 polluting industries
Authors: Mahajan Alisha , Majumdar Kakali
Published: September 2023

The present study investigates the impact of environmental stringency and strategic behavior of G20 countries for the period of 1990–2019 using Porter and Pollution‐Haven hypotheses as frameworks to understand the potential for eco‐innovation or pollution‐paradises. Mediation Effect of Research and Development and Foreign Direct Investment are investigated between exports of environmentally sensitive goods and environmental stringency with DOLS method of estimation. Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) is used to analyze the relationship of growth and environmental degradation with reference to strategic behavior of the G20. Results show that majority of G20 countries are practicing the Porter Hypothesis. Overall, the findings suggest that sustainability is a critical consideration in balancing trade potential and environmental impact. The article offers a novel contribution to the field of environmental economics by comprehensively analyzing the connections between environmental regulations and strategic behaviors of the G20 countries with special reference to trade of sensitive goods.
Are entrepreneurs penalized during job searches? It depends on who is hiring
Authors: Ding Waverly W. , Lee Hyeun J. , Shapiro Debra L.
Published: September 2023

Research Summary

How do job‐applicants with entrepreneurship experience—“post‐entrepreneurs”—fare in the wage labor job market? We propose an “entrepreneurship‐experience penalty” generally occurs yet varies in strength depending on the recruiters faced by post‐entrepreneurs in their job application process. In an experiment utilizing the selection‐decisions of 275 recruiters (experimental study participants) in reaction to objectively‐identical job‐applicants' resumes whose differences relate to whether their last‐held job was as a Founder or as an Executive, we found that: (a) resumes of Founders (compared to Executives) are about 23%–29% less likely to be picked as top‐choice for hire, (b) this entrepreneurship penalty is weaker for recruiters with (rather than without) entrepreneurial aspirations, and (c) this recruiter moderator‐effect is stronger for recruiters in smaller (rather than larger) firms.