bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Related Quality of Life in Patients with Bladder Cancer Receiving a Radical Cystectomy
Authors: Mastroianni Riccardo , Iannuzzi Andrea , Ragusa Alberto , Tuderti Gabriele , Ferriero Mariaconsiglia , Anceschi Umberto , Bove Alfredo Maria , Brassetti Aldo , Misuraca Leonardo , D’Annunzio Simone , Guaglianone Salvatore , Papalia Rocco , Simone Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

Radical Cystectomy (RC) and Urinary Diversion (UD) is a complex surgery associated with a significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, HRQoL assessment is too often overlooked, with survival and complications being the most commonly investigated outcomes. This study aimed to identify the most impaired HRQoL features in patients receiving RC, compared to a healthy population (HP) control, as well as patients’ recovery after surgery, differentiating between patients receiving ORC and RARC. Patients with Bca, who were candidates for RC with curative intent, were enrolled in the “BCa cohort”. HRQoL outcomes were collected with an EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. These were collected at baseline, and then at 6-, 12- and 24 mo after surgery in the BCa cohorts, and at baseline in the HP cohort. A 1:1 propensity score matched (PSM)-analysis, adjusted for age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and smoking history, was performed. Between January 2018 and February 2023, a total of 418 patients were enrolled in the study, 116 and 302 in the BCa and HP cohorts, respectively. After applying the 1:1 propensity scored match (PSM) analysis, two homogeneous cohorts were selected, including 85 patients in each group. Baseline HRQoL assessment showed a significant impairment in terms of emotional and cognitive functioning, appetite loss and financial difficulties for the BCa cohort. Among secondary outcomes, we investigated patients’ recovery after RC and UD, comparing HRQoL outcome questionnaires between the HP and BCa cohorts at 6-, 12- and 24 mo after surgery, and a subgroup analysis was performed differentiating between patients receiving ORC and RARC with totally intracorporeal UD. Interestingly, ORC compared to RARC provided a major impact on HRQoL recovery across the early, mid and long term. In particular, the ORC cohort experienced a major impairment in terms of symptoms scales items such as fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain and appetite loss. Consequently, comparing ORC and RARC vs. HP reported a major HRQoL impairment in the ORC cohort, possibly defining a benefit of RARC in early, mid- and long-term recovery. To conclude, this study confirmed the undeniable impact of RC on HRQoL. Interestingly, we highlighted the benefit of RARC in early, mid- and long-term recovery, expressed as less impairment of symptoms scales.
Role of bZIP Transcription Factors in Response to NaCl Stress in Tamarix ramosissima under Exogenous Potassium (K+)
Authors: Chen Yahui , Zhang Min , Sui Dezong , Jiang Jiang , Wang Lei
Published: December 2023

Salt stress is a significant environmental factor affecting plant growth and development, with NaCl stress being one of the most common types of salt stress. The halophyte, Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb (T. ramosissima), is frequently utilized for the afforestation of saline-alkali soils. Indeed, there has been limited research and reports by experts and scholars on the regulatory mechanisms of basic leucine zipper (bZIP) genes in T. ramosissima when treated with exogenous potassium (K+) to alleviate the effects of NaCl stress. This study focused on the bZIP genes in T. ramosissima roots under NaCl stress with additional KCl applied. We identified key candidate genes and metabolic pathways related to bZIP and validated them through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results revealed that under NaCl stress with additional KCl applied treatments at 0 h, 48 h, and 168 h, based on Pfam protein domain prediction and physicochemical property analysis, we identified 20 related bZIP genes. Notably, four bZIP genes (bZIP_2, bZIP_6, bZIP_16, and bZIP_18) were labeled with the plant hormone signal transduction pathway, showing a predominant up-regulation in expression levels. The results suggest that these genes may mediate multiple physiological pathways under NaCl stress with additional KCl applied at 48 h and 168 h, enhancing signal transduction, reducing the accumulation of ROS, and decreasing oxidative damage, thereby enhancing the tolerance of T. ramosissima to NaCl stress. This study provides gene resources and a theoretical basis for further breeding of salt-tolerant Tamarix species and the involvement of bZIP transcription factors in mitigating NaCl toxicity.
Role of RPA Phosphorylation in the ATR-Dependent G2 Cell Cycle Checkpoint
Authors: Liu Shengqin , Byrne Brendan M. , Byrne Thomas N. , Oakley Gregory G.
Published: December 2023

Cells respond to DNA double-strand breaks by initiating DSB repair and ensuring a cell cycle checkpoint. The primary responder to DSB repair is non-homologous end joining, which is an error-prone repair pathway. However, when DSBs are generated after DNA replication in the G2 phase of the cell cycle, a second DSB repair pathway, homologous recombination, can come into action. Both ATM and ATR are important for DSB-induced DSB repair and checkpoint responses. One method of ATM and ATR working together is through the DNA end resection of DSBs. As a readout and marker of DNA end resection, RPA is phosphorylated at Ser4/Ser8 of the N-terminus of RPA32 in response to DSBs. Here, the significance of RPA32 Ser4/Ser8 phosphorylation in response to DNA damage, specifically in the S phase to G2 phase of the cell cycle, is examined. RPA32 Ser4/Ser8 phosphorylation in G2 synchronized cells is necessary for increases in TopBP1 and Rad9 accumulation on chromatin and full activation of the ATR-dependent G2 checkpoint. In addition, our data suggest that RPA Ser4/Ser8 phosphorylation modulates ATM-dependent KAP-1 phosphorylation and Rad51 chromatin loading in G2 cells. Through the phosphorylation of RPA Ser4/Ser8, ATM acts as a partner with ATR in the G2 phase checkpoint response, regulating key downstream events including Rad9, TopBP1 phosphorylation and KAP-1 phosphorylation/activation via the targeting of RPA32 Ser4/Ser8.
Modification of Gene Expression of Tomato Plants through Foliar Flavonoid Application in Relation to Enhanced Growth
Authors: Martinez-Alonso Alberto , Yepes-Molina Lucia , Guarnizo Angel L. , Carvajal Micaela
Published: December 2023

The exogenous application of phenolic compounds is increasingly recognized as a valuable strategy for promoting growth and mitigating the adverse effects of abiotic stress. However, the biostimulant effect under optimal conditions has not been thoroughly explored. In this study, we investigated the impact of foliar application of flavonoids, specifically CropBioLife (CBL), on tomato plants grown under controlled conditions. Our study focused on determining growth parameters, such as cell size, and assessing the concentration of hormones. Principal component analysis (PCA) from all physiological variables was determined. Additionally, we utilized high-throughput mRNA-sequencing technology and bioinformatic methodologies to robustly analyze the transcriptomes of tomato leaves regulated by flavonoids. The findings revealed that CBL primarily influenced cell enlargement by 60%, leading to increased growth. Furthermore, CBL-treated plants exhibited higher concentrations of the hormone zeatin, but lower concentrations of IAA (changes of 50%). Moreover, RNA-seq analysis indicated that CBL-treated plants required increased mineral transport and water uptake, as evidenced by gene expression patterns. Genes related to pathways such as fatty acid degradation, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and ABC transporters showed regulatory mechanisms governing internal flavonoid biosynthesis, transport, and tissue concentration, ultimately resulting in higher flavonoid concentrations in tomato leaves.
Bacterial Pneumonia and Cryptogenic Pleuritis after Probable Monkeypox Virus Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Ciepłucha Hubert Dawid , Bożejko Mateusz , Piesiak Paweł , Serafińska Sylwia , Szetela Bartosz
Published: December 2023

A large number of monkeypox (MPOX) cases have been reported in Europe and North America in 2022, and a new outbreak of this disease was declared. We describe a case of a patient with probable monkeypox during the height of this epidemic in Poland. The patient’s symptoms resolved within two weeks, but over the next two months, he developed community-acquired pneumonia requiring hospitalization and, subsequently, non-specific pleuritis. The simultaneous occurrence of such severe infections in a previously healthy young man is not typical and suggests a potential underlying cause. We believe the potential association of these diseases with probable monkeypox virus infection is very likely. Cases of monkeypox pneumonia, both viral and secondary bacterial, have already been reported in the literature. Cases of viral pleuritis in the course of MPOX in animals have also been described; however, to our knowledge, no similar cases have been described in humans to date. Our case indicates that it is important to monitor patients after MPOX in order to respond promptly to potentially life-threatening but, as of yet, not fully understood complications.
COVID-19 Outbreak: A Call to Arms for the World Healthcare Systems
Authors: Russo Vincenzo , Mennini Francesco Saverio
Published: December 2023

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has placed a strong pressure on worldwide healthcare systems over the last years, testing their capacity to withstand stress [...]
Exploring Rehabilitation Provider Experiences of Providing Health Services for People Living with Long COVID in Alberta
Authors: Horlick Sidney , Krysa Jacqueline A. , Brehon Katelyn , Pohar Manhas Kiran , Kovacs Burns Katharina , Russell Kristine , Papathanassoglou Elizabeth , Gross Douglas P. , Ho Chester
Published: December 2023

Background: COVID-19 infection can result in persistent symptoms, known as long COVID. Understanding the provider experience of service provision for people with long COVID symptoms is crucial for improving care quality and addressing potential challenges. Currently, there is limited knowledge about the provider experience of long COVID service delivery. Aim: To explore the provider experience of delivering health services to people living with long COVID at select primary, rehabilitation, and specialty care sites. Design and setting: This study employed qualitative description methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with frontline providers at primary care, rehabilitation, and specialty care sites across Alberta. Participants were interviewed between June and September 2022. Method: Interviews were conducted virtually over zoom, audio-recorded, and transcribed with consent. Iterative inductive qualitative content analysis of transcripts was employed. Relationships between emergent themes were examined for causality or reciprocity, then clustered into content areas and further abstracted into a priori categories through their interpretive joint meaning. Participants: A total of 15 participants across Alberta representing diverse health care disciplines were interviewed. Results: Main themes include: the importance of education for long COVID recognition; the role of symptom acknowledgement in patient-centred long COVID service delivery; the need to develop recovery expectations; and opportunities for improvement of navigation and wayfinding to long COVID services. Conclusions: Provider experience of delivering long COVID care can be used to inform patient-centred service delivery for persons with long COVID symptoms.
Parallel Synthesis of Piperazine Tethered Thiazole Compounds with Antiplasmodial Activity
Authors: Rayala Ramanjaneyulu , Chaudhari Prakash , Bunnell Ashley , Roberts Bracken , Chakrabarti Debopam , Nefzi Adel
Published: December 2023

Thiazole and piperazine are two important heterocyclic rings that play a prominent role in nature and have a broad range of applications in agricultural and medicinal chemistry. Herein, we report the parallel synthesis of a library of diverse piperazine-tethered thiazole compounds. The reaction of piperazine with newly generated 4-chloromethyl-2-amino thiazoles led to the desired piperazine thiazole compounds with high purities and good overall yields. Using a variety of commercially available carboxylic acids, the parallel synthesis of a variety of disubstituted 4-(piperazin-1-ylmethyl)thiazol-2-amine derivatives is described. the screening of the compounds led to the identification of antiplasmodial compounds that exhibited interesting antimalarial activity, primarily against the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine-resistant Dd2 strain. The hit compound 2291-61 demonstrated an antiplasmodial EC50 of 102 nM in the chloroquine-resistant Dd2 strain and a selectivity of over 140.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Sweet Potato Ammonium Transporter (AMT): Influence on Nitrogen Utilization, Storage Root Development and Yield
Authors: Meng Ya-Yi , Wang Ning , Zhang Hai-Yan , Xu Ran , Si Cheng-Cheng
Published: December 2023

Ammonium, as a major inorganic source of nitrogen (N) for sweet potato N utilization and growth, is specifically transported by ammonium transporters (AMTs). However, the activities of AMT family members in sweet potatoes have not been analyzed. In the present study, the sweet potato cultivar ‘Pushu 32’, which is planted in a large area in China, was used in field experiments at the Agricultural Base of Hainan University (20°06′ N, 110°33′ E) in 2021, and Sanya Nanfan Research Institute of Hainan University (18°30′ N, 109°60′ E) in 2022. Four N levels were tested: 0, 60, 120, and 180 kg ha−1. The results are as follows. Twelve IbAMT genes were identified in the sweet potato genome, which were classified into three distinct subgroups based on phylogeny; the same subgroup genes had similar properties and structures. IbAMT1.3 and IbAMT1.5 were mostly expressed in the storage roots under N deficiency. Compared with the NN and HN groups, IbAMT1.3 and IbAMT1.5 expressions, N content in storage roots, N uptake efficiency at the canopy closure, N fertilization contribution rates, number of storage roots per plant, storage root weight, and yield were all increased in the MN group. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between the expressions of IbAMT1.3 and IbAMT1.5 with N content in the storage roots of sweet potato. In a word, IbAMT1.3 and IbAMT1.5 may regulate N utilization, affect the development of the storage root. and determine the yield of sweet potato. The results provide valuable insights into the AMT gene family’s role in the use of N and effects on storage root development and yield in sweet potatoes.
Dysregulated miRNA-375, IL-17, TGF-β, and Microminerals Are Associated with Calpain-10 SNP 19 in Diabetic Patients: Correlation with Diabetic Nephropathy Stages
Authors: Ezzat Ghada M. , Azoz Nashwa Mostafa A. , El Zohne Randa A. , Abdellatif HebatAllah , Saleem Tahia H. , Emam Wafaa Abdelaziz , Mohammed Amena Rezk , Mohamed Shimaa Ali , Muhammed Asmaa A. , Abd el-Rady Nessren M. , Hamdy Marwa , Sherkawy Hoda S. , Sabet Marwa A. , Seif Eldin Salwa , Dahpy Marwa A.
Published: December 2023

Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) have been shown to have the potential to improve glucose metabolism through interactions with cytokines and signaling events with multiple genes. miRNA-375 and the Calpin-10 gene are potential genetic biomarkers for the early prediction of diabetic nephropathy (DN). 128 healthy controls and 129 type 2 diabetic (T2DM) participants were matched for age and sex. Three subgroups were identified from the T2DM group: 39 patients had microalbuminuria, 41 had macroalbuminuria, and 49 patients had renal problems. Circulating miR-375 expression levels were measured via qPCR. Calpain-10 SNP 19 (rs3842570) genotyping was assessed with allele-specific PCR in all the included participants. Spectrophotometry was used to measure the concentrations of serum copper, zinc, and magnesium, while ELISA was used to measure the levels of TGF-β and IL-17. There was significant up-regulation in the expression of miR-375 and serum levels of TGF-β, IL-17, Cu, and the Cu/Zn ratio, whereas, in contrast to the control group, the Zn and Mg levels were lower in the T2DM group. The DN groups had significantly lower miR-375, TGF-β, IL-17, Mg, and Zn levels compared with the T2DM without nephropathy group. Furthermore, between TGF-β, IL-17, and miRNA-375, there were notable correlations. Calpain-10 SNP 19 genotype 22 and allele 2 were linked to a higher incidence of T2DM and DN. Significant TGF-β, Cu, Cu/Zn ratio, HbAc1, and creatinine levels, but insignificant miRNA-375 levels, were associated with genotype 22 of Calpain-10 SNP 19. interactions between the Calpain-10 SNP 19 genotype 22 and IL-17, TGF-β, mineral levels, and miRNA-375 might contribute to the aetiology of DN and T2DM and may have clinical implications for diagnosis and management.
Intraspecific Variability in Trionymus aberrans Goux, 1938 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) with Description of the Second-Instar Nymph
Authors: Kalandyk-Kołodziejczyk Małgorzata , Walczak Marcin , Podsiadło Elżbieta , Franielczyk-Pietyra Barbara , Brożek Jolanta
Published: December 2023

The morphological characteristics of adult females of Trionymus aberrans Goux, 1938 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) collected from post-industrial wastelands and other habitats in Poland and other countries were studied. Distinctive morphological variations were observed in the specimens from post-industrial wastelands in Poland. Scanning electron micrographs of the morphological characters of T. aberrans are provided. The presence of unusual pores, each with four loculi, was demonstrated for the first time in a species of Pseudococcidae. The importance of introducing additional morphological characters into the species description is discussed. New data on the frequency and host preferences of T. aberrans are also provided. This research is the first long-term study on scale insect species in post-industrial wastelands. The second-instar nymph of T. aberrans is described and illustrated and the presence of translucent pores on the hind coxae of this developmental stage is reported for the first time.
Comment on Gruntkowski, L.M.; Martinez, L.F. Online Grocery Shopping in Germany: Assessing the Impact of COVID-19. J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2022, 17, 984–1002
Authors: Van Hove Leo
Published: December 2023

Gruntkowski and Martinez examined the impact of factors such as perceived risk and perceived usefulness on German consumers’ intention to purchase groceries online once the COVID-19 pandemic had subsided. They also compared consumer perceptions before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. This comment shows that Gruntkowski and Martinez’s research suffers from a number of problems, the most important of which is the use of an unrepresentative sample. They should therefore have refrained from generalizing their findings to the German population.
Preparation and Characterization of Modified ZrO2/SiO2/Silicone-Modified Acrylic Emulsion Superhydrophobic Coating
Authors: Ben Jiaxin , Wu Peipei , Wang Yancheng , Liu Jie , Luo Yali
Published: December 2023

Superhydrophobic coatings have increasingly become the focal point of research due to their distinctive properties like water resistance, wear resistance, and acid-base resilience. In pursuit of maximizing their efficiency, research has primarily revolved around refining the fabrication process and the composition of emulsion/nanoparticle coatings. We innovatively devised a superhydrophobic coating by employing a spraying technique. This involved integrating a γ-Methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH570)-modified ZrO2/SiO2/silicone-modified acrylic emulsion. A comprehensive evaluation of this coating was undertaken using analytical instruments such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The coating demonstrated exceptional performance across a range of tests, including wear, immersion, and anti-icing cleaning, showcasing notable wear resistance, sodium chloride corrosion resistance, self-cleaning efficiency, and thermal stability. In particular, one coating exhibited super-hydrophobic properties, with a high contact angle of 158.5 degrees and an impressively low rolling angle of 1.85 degrees. This remarkable combination of properties is attributed to the judicious selection of components, which significantly reinforced the mechanical strength of the coating. These enhancements make it highly suitable for industrial applications where self-cleaning, anti-icing, and anti-contamination capabilities are critical.
Review of Systematic Tendencies in (001), (011) and (111) Surfaces Using B3PW as Well as B3LYP Computations of BaTiO3, CaTiO3, PbTiO3, SrTiO3, BaZrO3, CaZrO3, PbZrO3 and SrZrO3 Perovskites
Authors: Eglitis Roberts I. , Jia Ran
Published: December 2023

We performed B3PW and B3LYP computations for BaTiO3 (BTO), CaTiO3 (CTO), PbTiO3 (PTO), SrTiO3 (STO), BaZrO3 (BZO), CaZrO3 (CZO), PbZrO3 (PZO) and SrZrO3 (SZO) perovskite neutral (001) along with polar (011) as well as (111) surfaces. For the neutral AO- as well as BO2-terminated (001) surfaces, in most cases, all upper-layer atoms relax inwards, although the second-layer atoms shift outwards. On the (001) BO2-terminated surface, the second-layer metal atoms, as a rule, exhibit larger atomic relaxations than the second-layer O atoms. For most ABO3 perovskites, the (001) surface rumpling s is bigger for the AO- than BO2-terminated surfaces. In contrast, the surface energies, for both (001) terminations, are practically identical. Conversely, different (011) surface terminations exhibit quite different surface energies for the O-terminated, A-terminated and BO-terminated surfaces. Our computed ABO3 perovskite (111) surface energies are always significantly larger than the neutral (001) as well as polar (011) surface energies. Our computed ABO3 perovskite bulk B-O chemical bond covalency increases near their neutral (001) and especially polar (011) surfaces.
An Investigation of Modular Composable Acoustic Metamaterials with Multiple Nonunique Chambers
Authors: Yang Xiaocui , Shen Xinmin , Hu Daochun , Wang Xiaoyong , Song Haichao , Zhao Rongxing , Zhang Chunmei , Shen Cheng , Yang Mengna
Published: December 2023

To make the sound absorber easy to fabricate and convenient for practical application, a modular composable acoustic metamaterial with multiple nonunique chambers (MCAM–MNCs) was proposed and investigated, which was divided into a front panel with the same perforated apertures and a rear chamber with a nonunique grouped cavity. Through the acoustic finite element simulation, the parametric studies of the diameter of aperture d, depth of chamber T0, and thickness of panel t0 were conducted, which could tune the sound absorption performances of MCAM–MNCs–1 and MCAM–MNCs–2 for the expected noise reduction effect. The effective sound absorption band of MCAM–MNCs–1 was 556 Hz (773–1329 Hz), 456 Hz (646–1102 Hz), and 387 Hz (564–951 Hz) for T = 30 mm, T = 40 mm, and T = 50 mm, respectively, and the corresponding average sound absorption coefficient was 0.8696, 0.8854, and 0.8916, accordingly, which exhibited excellent noise attenuation performance. The sound absorption mechanism of MCAM–MNCs was investigated by the distributions of the total sound energy density (TSED). The components used to assemble the MCAM–MNCs sample were fabricated by additive manufacturing, and its actual sound absorption coefficients were tested according to the transfer matrix method, which demonstrated its feasibility and promoted its actual application.
Kinetics of Intermetallic Phase Precipitation in Manual Metal Arc Welded Duplex Stainless Steels
Authors: Orłowska Monika , Pańcikiewicz Krzysztof , Świerczyńska Aleksandra , Landowski Michał
Published: December 2023

The article presents the influence of heat treatment on the kinetics of transformations in lean duplex LDX2101 steel and a weld made of standard duplex 2209 material, which was welded by manual metal arc welding. Changes in the microstructure, hardness, and magnetic phase content were analyzed after heat treatment was conducted at a temperature of 800 °C for a period ranging from 15 to 1440 min. Light and scanning microscopy, Vickers hardness measurements, and magnetic phase content measurements using a ferritoscope were used for the research. In the LDX2101 steel, the presence of δ-ferrite and γ austenite was identified and additional Cr2N nitrides were observed in the heat-affected zone. After heat treatment, the decomposition of δ ferrite into γ2 austenite and Cr2N nitrides was observed in both areas. In the case of weld made by the coated electrode in 2209 grade, a ferritic–austenitic microstructure with allotriomorphic austenite (γA), Widmanstätten austenite (γW), and idiomorphic austenite (γI) and δ-ferrite area with “bee swarms” of fine precipitations of chromium nitrides Cr2N and non-metallic inclusions (NMIs) of slag, formed during the welding process, are observed in the as-welded state. After heat treatment, the presence of the χ phase (after 15 min of annealing) and the σ phase (after 120 min of annealing) was additionally identified. The kinetics of intermetallic phase evolution in welds made from 2209 material were presented. The obtained results of hardness measurements and metallographic tests were correlated, which allowed for a quick check of the precipitation processes on the used element.
Selection of Effective Temperature for Thermal Regeneration of Spent Alkali-Phenolic Binder Moulding Sand
Authors: Łucarz Mariusz
Published: December 2023

This article presents the results of research on alkali-phenolic binders used in moulding sands. The results of the presented experiments are part of a search for the optimum conditions to implement the thermal regeneration of spent alkali-phenolic binder moulding sands. The cured binders were subjected to thermogravimetric analysis in aerobic and anaerobic atmospheres. On the basis of the resin decomposition curves, the integral polymer decomposition temperature was determined, and the required thermal regeneration temperature for the alkali-phenolic binder moulding sands that were used was determined according to a specific procedure. The spent moulding sand was subjected to roasting procedures at different temperatures in order to confirm the necessary regeneration temperatures. The effects of the procedures that were carried out were evaluated by means of weight losses and ignition losses, microscopic pictures were taken, and using scanning microscopy, an analysis of the chemical composition in the micro areas on the surfaces of the matrix grains was carried out using scanning microscopy. The indicators for the comparisons between the individual binders were also calculated from the mass losses. The research and analysis that were carried out made it possible to indicate the required temperature for the thermal regeneration of the spent alkali-phenolic binder moulding sand to reduce the involved energy expenditure. The factors that can determine the successful implementation of the process and the obtaining of the best possible grain matrix for reuse were also indicated.
Optimized Sugar-Free Citrus Lemon Juice Fermentation Efficiency and the Lipid-Lowering Effects of the Fermented Juice
Authors: Hsu Chang-Lu , Pei Wen , Chen Tzu-Chun , Hsu Ming-Chieh , Chen Pei-Chun , Kuo Heng-Miao , Hung Jeng-Fung , Chen Yi-Jinn Lillian
Published: December 2023

Aging and obesity make humans more prone to cardiovascular and metabolic syndrome diseases, leading to several serious health conditions, including hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbance. This study aimed to explore the hypolipidemic effect of fermented citrus lemon juice using a hyperlipidemic hamster model. The sugar-free lemon juice’s fermentation was optimized, and the characteristics of fresh and fermented lemon juice (FLJ) were evaluated and compared, which contained polyphenols and superoxide dismutase-like activity. Results showed that the absorption and utilization efficiency of FLJ was higher compared with the unfermented lemon juice. This study’s prefermentation efficiency evaluation found that 21–30 days of bacterial DMS32004 and DMS32005 fermentation of fresh lemon juice provided the best fermentation benefits, and 21-day FLJ was applied as a remedy after the efficiency compassion. After six weeks of feeding, the total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) values in the blood and liver of the FLJ treatment groups were decreased compared with the high-fat diet (HFD) group. In addition, the blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were significantly reduced in the FLJ treatment groups compared with the HFD group. In contrast, the blood high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) to LDL-C ratio increased considerably in the FLJ treatment groups, and the total to HDL ratio was significantly lower than in the HFD group. Compared with the HFD group, the TC content in the FLJ treatment groups’ feces increased significantly. This study demonstrated that the sugar-free fermentation method and fermentation cycle management provided FLJ with the potential to regulate blood lipids. Further research and verification will be carried out to isolate specific substances from the FLJ and identify their mechanisms of action.
The Nature of Available Choices Affects the Intake and Meal Patterns of Rats Offered a Palatable Cafeteria-Style Diet
Authors: Cawthon Carolina R. , Spector Alan C.
Published: December 2023

Humans choose which foods they will eat from multiple options. The use of cafeteria-style diets with rodent models has increased our understanding of how a multichoice food environment affects eating and health. However, the wide variances in energy density, texture, and the content of micronutrients, fiber, and protein can be interpretatively problematic when human foodstuffs are used to create rodent cafeteria diets. We minimized these differences with a custom rodent cafeteria diet (ROD) that varied similarly to a previously used human-foods cafeteria diet (HUM) in fat and sugar content. Here, we used our custom Five-Item Food Choice Monitor to compare the intake and meal patterns of rats offered ROD and HUM in a crossover design. Compared with chow, rats consumed more calories, sugar, and fat and less protein and carbohydrate while on either of the choice diets (p < 0.05). While energy intake was similar between HUM and ROD, there were differences in the responses. Rats consumed more of the low-fat, low-sugar choice on the ROD compared with the nutritionally similar choice on the HUM leading to differences in fat and carbohydrate intake between the diets (p < 0.05). The stability of macronutrient intake while on either choice diet suggests macronutrient intake is determined by the available foods and is strongly regulated. Therefore, interpretative consideration must be given to the nature of food choices in the context of available options when interpreting cafeteria-diet intake.
The Impact of an 8-Week Supplementation with Fermented and Non-Fermented Aronia Berry Pulp on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Christiansen Christine B. , Jeppesen Per B. , Hermansen Kjeld , Gregersen Søren
Published: December 2023

Aronia berries contain antioxidants that may be health-promoting, e.g., demonstrated positive effects on hypertension and dyslipidaemia. There is a close link between cardiovascular diseases and hypertension and dyslipidaemia, and cardiovascular events are the leading cause of death among subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Thus, we investigated the effect of an 8-week supplementation with fermented aronia extract (FAE), non-fermented aronia extract (AE), and placebo on cardiovascular risk factors. Snack bars were produced containing 34 g (37%) aronia extract, or 17 g (21%) wheat bran for placebo, as well as raisins and coconut oil. The study was randomized and blinded with a triple-crossover design. We examined the effects of aronia extracts on blood pressure, adiponectin, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein, and found no effects. After supplementation with placebo, there were significantly higher blood concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol, with the placebo group showing significantly higher increases in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol than the AE group. Furthermore, we observed an increase in HDL-cholesterol in the FAE group and an increase in triglyceride in the AE group. Thus, we assume that the raisins may have increased the participants’ cholesterol levels, with both AE and FAE having the potential to prevent this increase.
Innovative Biobased and Sustainable Polymer Packaging Solutions for Extending Bread Shelf Life: A Review
Authors: Gigante Vito , Aliotta Laura , Ascrizzi Roberta , Pistelli Laura , Zinnai Angela , Batoni Giovanna , Coltelli Maria-Beatrice , Lazzeri Andrea
Published: December 2023

Sustainable packaging has been steadily gaining prominence within the food industry, with biobased materials emerging as a promising substitute for conventional petroleum-derived plastics. This review is dedicated to the examination of innovative biobased materials in the context of bread packaging. It aims to furnish a comprehensive survey of recent discoveries, fundamental properties, and potential applications. Commencing with an examination of the challenges posed by various bread types and the imperative of extending shelf life, the review underscores the beneficial role of biopolymers as internal coatings or external layers in preserving product freshness while upholding structural integrity. Furthermore, the introduction of biocomposites, resulting from the amalgamation of biopolymers with active biomolecules, fortifies barrier properties, thus shielding bread from moisture, oxygen, and external influences. The review also addresses the associated challenges and opportunities in utilizing biobased materials for bread packaging, accentuating the ongoing requirement for research and innovation to create advanced materials that ensure product integrity while diminishing the environmental footprint.
Minjung Theology of Korea and Ecological Thinking: Focusing on the Theological Imagination of Ahn Byung-Mu
Authors: Kim Jongman , Kim Andrew Eungi
Published: December 2023

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, currently used as a set of standards by socially conscious investors to evaluate a company’s operations before investing, are becoming an important global trend today. In particular, environmental and ecological crises are increasingly being seen as issues that will determine the sustainability of human civilization. Scholars of religion have been paying more attention to the issue as well. In fact, religion and environmentalism have emerged as sub-disciplines in, among others, religious ethics, religious studies, the sociology of religion, and theology. In view of this development, this paper aims to reexamine Minjung theology, literally meaning “the people’s theology”, which arose as a form of liberation theology in South Korea in the 1970s, from an ecological perspective, particularly focusing on the former’s view on the relationship and interrelationship between the individual and the environment. The paper pays special attention to the work of Ahn Byung-Mu, a founding scholar of Minjung theology, shedding light on the connection between his concept of gong, literally meaning “publicness”, and ecology, the characteristics of his ecological thoughts and their relevance to his view of god, and his views on bapsanggongdongche, literally meaning “the table community”.
Hailing and Hallowing: Persian Hagiographies, Interpellation, and Learning How to Read
Authors: Sherman William E. B.
Published: December 2023

This essay discusses the pedagogical value of hagiology by examining how medieval Persian hagiographies can be used to explore the concept of “interpellation”: the process by which individuals are constituted as subjects in particular ideological systems. This essay uses an analysis of Rumi’s anecdote, “Moses and the Shepherd”, to demonstrate how hagiological approaches are valuable not just in understanding how a saint is constructed in a particular historical and cultural context but also how an audience is constructed and interpellated. The essay then introduces a pedagogical exercise that connects an analysis of Islamic hagiographies with an exploration of how students are interpellated with modern subjectivities in our contemporary ideological systems.
Economic Assessment for the Recreation Value of Al-Sunut Forest Reserve in Khartoum State, Sudan
Authors: Yusif Suliman , Cao Yukun , Eissa Abdelazim , Elzaki Elsamoal
Published: December 2023

This study aims to present a methodological framework for estimating the recreational value as part of the ecosystem’s services provided by the Sudanese forests. The number of visitors ready to pay for the forest’s services has been analyzed using the individual travel cost method (ITCM). The data were collected using questionnaires with 640 visitors randomly participating at the forest site, and respondents’ results were analyzed using SPSS software v21. Further analysis of ITCM was performed using analysis of moment structure. The linear regression model is used to estimate the effects of variables, like socioeconomic variables, on the frequency of the visits to assess the recreational value of the forest site. The results showed that the consumer’s excess for each visitor was 21,500 Sudanese pounds (SDG), and travel costs, age, income, distance, and family size of visitors affect the recreational use of the site. Most of the visitors were students, with the majority of their ages ranging between 21 and 30. An additional discovery indicated that higher-income visitors were more willing to travel. These encouraging findings are a helpful guide for planning the future management of forests for recreational uses. This meant that forests offer great recreational value, which might help the Forestry Office ensure that natural forests are planned for and used sustainably.
Study on Synergistic Emission Reduction in Greenhouse Gases and Air Pollutants in Hebei Province
Authors: Zhang Haixia , Liu Bo , Cai Angzu , Zhao Zefei , Wang Xia , Li Rui
Published: December 2023

Addressing climate change and improving air quality are prominent tasks facing China’s ecological environment. The synergistic emission reduction in greenhouse gases (GHGs) and air pollutants has become an important task of environmental governance in different provinces. In this study, Hebei Province was taken as the research object. Firstly, the emission factors of GHGs (CO2, CH4, and NO2) and air pollutants (SO2, NOX, and smoke & dust) in Hebei Province from 2011 to 2020 were calculated and analyzed. Seven socio-economic indicators were selected to analyze the trend during the study period. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient method was used to analyze the correlation between GHG and air pollutant emissions. Finally, the synergistic control effect coordinate system and the cross-elasticity coefficient of emission reduction were used to study the synergistic emission reduction effect of GHGs and air pollutants. The results showed that the total amount of GHG emissions fluctuated slightly from 2011 to 2020, and energy activities were the main source of total GHG emissions. The total emissions of air pollutants decreased year by year, and decreased by 71.13% in 2020 compared with 2011. During the study period, the emission synergy between smoke & dust and GHG was better than that between SO2, NOX, and GHG. GHG and SO2, NOX, and smoke & dust achieved synergistic emission reduction in most years, but the overall emission reduction synergy was poor.
Sustainable Coffee Leaf Diagnosis: A Deep Knowledgeable Meta-Learning Approach
Authors: Salamai Abdullah Ali , Al-Nami Waleed Tawfiq
Published: December 2023

Multi-task visual recognition plays a pivotal role in addressing the composite challenges encountered during the monitoring of crop health, pest infestations, and disease outbreaks in precision agriculture. Machine learning approaches have been revolutionizing the diagnosis of plant disease in recent years; however, they require a large amount of training data and suffer from limited generalizability for unseen data. This work introduces a novel knowledgeable meta-learning framework for the few-shot multi-task diagnosis of biotic stress in coffee leaves. A mixed vision transformer (MVT) learner is presented to generate mixed contextual attention maps from discriminatory latent representations between support and query images to give more emphasis to the biotic stress lesions in coffee leaves. Then, a knowledge distillation strategy is introduced to avoid disastrous forgetting phenomena during inner-loop training. An adaptive meta-training rule is designed to automatically update the parameters of the meta-learner according to the current task. The competitive results from exhaustive experimentations on public datasets demonstrate the superior performance of our approach over the traditional methods. This is not only restricted to enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of coffee leaf disease diagnosis but also contributes to reducing the environmental footprint through optimizing resource utilization and minimizing the need for chemical treatments, hence aligning with broader sustainability goals in agriculture.
Impact of Road Central Greening Configuration on Driver Eye Movements: A Study Based on Real Vehicle Experiments
Authors: Zhao Xiaoping , Shen Kai , Mo Zhenlong , Xue Yunqiang , Xue Chenhui , Zhang Shuwei , Yu Qian , Zhang Pengfei
Published: December 2023

Safe driving depends on drivers’ ability to rapidly and accurately process information in varying traffic conditions. The presence of central green landscapes on roads is a key factor in this context. However, there is a gap in current research, which tends to focus on qualitative aspects of landscape design while lacking quantitative data-driven analyses. In this study, we aim to address this gap by investigating the impact of road central greening configuration on the eye movements of young novice drivers, a population particularly sensitive to external environmental changes. Specifically, we explore the influence of central green landscapes on four visual parameters: driver gaze, saccade, blinking, and pupil behavior. Through real vehicle experiments conducted on different road sections, we collected visual feature data to comprehensively analyze the patterns of driver eye movements. Our findings reveal that the introduction of central green landscapes can exert cognitive pressure on drivers, leading to specific alterations in their visual parameters. These changes include dispersed gaze points, reduced effective gaze durations, increased gaze frequencies, extended saccade durations and angles, heightened blink durations and frequencies, and reduced pupil area. By shedding light on the intricate interplay between road central greenery and driver behavior, this study provides valuable insights for optimizing landscape design in transportation planning and enhancing road safety considerations.
Effect of High Biological Value Animal Protein Sources on the Techno-Functional Properties of Ice Cream
Authors: Csurka Tamás , Hidas Karina Ilona , Varga-Tóth Adrienn , Dalmadi István , Pásztor-Huszár Klára , Friedrich László Ferenc
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effect of enriching ice cream with high biological value animal protein sources from by-products on its techno-functional properties. Ice creams were prepared with 10 g (100 g)−1 amount of different enrichments: whole egg, egg yolk, egg white, animal blood plasma, whole blood, and haemoglobin. The rheological properties, frozen texture, colour, dry matter content, and pH of the ice cream samples were analysed. The results indicate that these ‘natural food additives’ can influence the quality properties of ice cream, highlighting the potential for developing novel ice cream products with enhanced nutritional value and decreasing food wastes. The study reveals that enrichments significantly affect the rheological attributes of the ice cream mix, altering yield stress and consistency index without changing the overall rheological behaviour. The frozen texture varies among enrichments, with egg white resulting in the softest texture, while blood-based enrichments and egg yolk contribute to a harder texture. Colour analysis indicates changes in redness/greenness, yellowness/blueness and lightness due to different pigments and foaming effects of enrichment materials. Furthermore, enrichments influence dry matter content and pH, with egg yolk increasing fat content and haemoglobin boosting protein content. Sensory analysis suggests that certain enrichments improve taste sensation and colour preference, making them more acceptable to consumers despite the by-product ingredients.
How Does Differential Public Participation Influence Outcome Justice in Energy Transitions? Evidence from a Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Project in China
Authors: Kong Fanlin , Chen Shaojun , Gou Jie
Published: December 2023

A comprehensive understanding of public participation is critical for delivering justice in the energy transition. Waste-to-energy (WTE) is a practical approach toward sustainable energy transitions, which may threaten the realization of justice. Previous studies on WTE facilities have mostly discussed the siting stage under the environmental impact assessment (EIA) framework, and few have focused on whether public participation differs when different types of pollution occur. In this paper, we take a WTE project in Kunming, China as an example and, based on semi-structured interviews and questionnaires, explore the influence of differential public participation. The findings indicate that residents were more sensitive when faced with obvious pollution, which became the dominant factor in participation; meanwhile, they were inactively engaged in hidden pollution. Lower levels of health participation partly affect the realization of outcome justice. The shift from procedural justice to outcome justice is not inevitable and is subject to many factors. From an activism perspective, different perceptions of pollution risks and constraints on activities contribute to this state. We call for the government to complete the relevant engagement design in WTE projects and improve citizens’ awareness to achieve better environmental justice.
Study of Plans to Ensure the Sustainability of Urban Farming in Apartment Complexes
Authors: Kim Donghyun , Sim Hyunnam
Published: December 2023

Urban farming carries environmental, economic, and social benefits. However, it is challenging to secure agricultural land in Republic of Korean cities because of on cost constraints, resulting in low levels of engagement in urban farming. In this study, we attempted to explore the novel possibility of targeting apartments as urban farming sites. Despite the high ratio of apartments to other types of homes in Korean cities, there have been limited studies examining urban farming in apartment complexes. We derived indicators of urban farming initiation and ranked their importance. Based on the results, we propose policy directions for facilitating urban farming in apartments. Indicators were selected in three steps. First, initial indicators were obtained through reviews of urban farming theories, a literature review, and analysis of media articles. Second, the indicators were preliminarily categorized by type. Third, in-depth interviews and pilot surveys were conducted to select and stratify the final indicators. The importance of the indicators was analyzed using the analytic hierarchy process. Per our results, “public funding,” and “technical and management support” are the most important factors for facilitating urban farming in apartment complexes. These findings indicate four policy directions and important implications based on their expected effects.