bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying candidate host plants for trap cropping against Drosophila suzukii in vineyards
Authors: Fragnière Anne-Laure , Bacher Sven , Kehrli Patrik
Published: February 2024

The spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is a serious pest in vineyards where it is difficult to control. Trap cropping, which involves manipulating the host plant composition in the crop vicinity to lure the pest away from grapes and towards more attractive host plant fruits, might be an interesting but so far neglected control approach to limit SWD egg-laying in grapes. An ideal trap crop should be more attractive to the pest than the actual crop and should ideally restrict pest development. We determined the attractiveness of fruits of 60 plant species for SWD egg-laying and their suitability for larval development in laboratory assays. Compared to grapes, 16 of the 60 fruits were strongly preferred by SWD females for egg-laying and additionally inhibited the development of SWD larvae into adults. Host preference was strongly influenced by the hardness of the fruit skin, and larval development was marginally affected by the acidity of fruits. However, none of the measured fruit traits had a significant effect on the emergence success of SWD. All 16 candidate trap crop plants should be further tested for their potential to reduce SWD infestation of grapes. We provide practical advice on the next steps to be taken for implementing a successful trap cropping strategy against SWD in commercial vineyards.
Combining fuzzy MCDM with Kano model and FMEA: a novel 3-phase MCDM method for reliable assessment
Authors: Shao Jia , Zhong Shuya , Tian Mi , Liu Yuanyuan
Published: February 2024

In the circular economy era, this study addresses sustainable business management for high-investment and long-life cycle projects, where accurate and reliable assessments are crucial to ensuring successful outcomes. The objective is to elevate the reliability of assessments by introducing a novel decision-making method that, for the first time, integrates time-based satisfaction and risk factors simultaneously. We propose a 3-phase multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method, which combines fuzzy MCDM comprising fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal situation (TOPSIS), Kano model, and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) techniques, to handle reliable assessments effectively. Our method is distinct in its incorporation of time-based satisfaction weights derived from Kano model, emphasising decision-makers’ criteria preferences in short, medium, and long terms. Furthermore, we introduce risk-discounted weights by using FMEA to tune criteria scores. The method is validated via a numerical example case, assessing and selecting the most appropriate hydrogen storage method for lightweight vehicles. The results suggest that cryo-compressed hydrogen tank with 250–350 bar and at cryogenic temperature is the most suitable storage method. Health & safety with a weight of 0.5318 emerges as the most important main criterion, and permeation & leakage with a weight of 0.4008 is the most important sub-criterion. To bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application, we transform the new method into a user-friendly web application with graphical user interface (GUI). End-users can conduct reliable assessments and foster sustainable business management through informed decision-making.
Thermal Conductivity Switching in Pd-Catalyzed Gd and GdH2 Films Upon Gasochromic Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation
Authors: Hirata Riko , Yamashita Yuichiro , Yagi Takashi , Kashiwagi Makoto , Takeya Satoshi , Oguchi Yuki , Iesari Fabio , Okajima Toshihiro , Taketoshi Naoyuki , Shigesato Yuzo
Published: February 2024

Thermal conductivity switching in Pd-catalyzed Gd hydride films was investigated using in situ analyses of electrical, optical, structural, and thermophysical properties upon gasochromic hydrogenation/dehydrogenation at room temperature. These reactions allow the films to reversibly switch between the metallic (GdH2) phase in the hydrogenated state and the semiconductor (GdH3) phase in the dehydrogenated state. We fabricated three-layered films comprising Pd (5 nm)/Gd or GdH2 (300 nm)/Mo (100 nm) using DC magnetron sputtering using Pd, Gd, and Mo targets, respectively, on unheated synthetic quartz substrates. Ar or mixture of Ar + H2 (H2: 5 % to 50 %) gases were used for the deposition of the Gd or GdH2 films, respectively. The thermal conductivities of the Gd or GdH2 films were analyzed using in situ rear-heating/rear-detection type time-domain picosecond pulsed light heating thermoreflectance measurements by employing a gas mixture of N2/Ar and H2 (H2: 3 %) at 1 atm, which is below the explosive limit for hydrogen. The thermal conductivities of Gd and GdH2 films were measured for one and two hydro-/dehydrogenation cycles, respectively. The thermal switching ratios of the ON state thermal conductivity to the OFF state thermal conductivity were 6.4 and 2.9–5.4 for the Gd film and the GdH2 (H2: 5 %–50 %) films, respectively. The thermal conductivity of the Gd hydrides films changed along with those estimated from the Wiedemann–Franz Law and electrical conductivities.
Potential Utilization of Iron Oxidation Reaction Heat for the Generation of SiO2–FeO System Melts
Authors: Endo Rie , Mitsui Kimia , Hashiyama Shota , Miyazaki Leo , Watanabe Takashi , Ueda Mitsutoshi , Hayashi Miyuki , Tanei Hiroshi , Susa Masahiro
Published: February 2024

Silicon-containing steel forms an oxide layer within the scale during hot rolling. This layer comprising oxides such as Fe2SiO4 and FeO adversely affect the surface quality of steel owing to strong adhesion between Fe2SiO4 and the steel substrate. A method to melt this silicon-containing oxide layer through the oxidation reaction of iron plates by applying SiO2 powder to the surface is proposed. The aim of this study is to understand the reaction mechanism and identify the optimal conditions for this process. Application of SiO2 coating to the surface of an iron plate at 6.67 × 10–4 g·mm−2 and maintaining the plate at 1423 K, just below the eutectic temperature of Fe2SiO4–FeO system (1450 K), cause the surface oxide scale to melt when exposed to oxidation in an atmospheric environment. Notably, reducing the electric furnace temperature hinders the melting process, whereas excessive application of SiO2 hampers the formation of sufficient liquid phase. On the surface of the iron plate, primarily FeO and Fe2SiO4 are formed. Heat generation is mainly due to the formation of FeO, which leads to the rapid generation of Fe2SiO4. Eutectic reactions within SiO2–Fe2SiO4 or FeO–Fe2SiO4 systems drive the formation of the liquid phase. Once the liquid phase was established, rapid diffusion of iron ions within it resulted in rapid iron oxidation and additional heat generation. Ultimately, a liquid phase in equilibrium with FeO is formed across the entire surface of the iron plate.
Making Sense of AI Benefits: A Mixed-method Study in Canadian Public Administration
Authors: Madan Rohit , Ashok Mona
Published: February 2024

Public administrators receive conflicting signals on the transformative benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the counternarratives of AI’s ethical impacts on society and democracy. Against this backdrop, this paper explores the factors that affect the sensemaking of AI benefits in Canadian public administration. A mixed-method research design using PLS-SEM (n = 272) and interviews (n = 38) tests and explains the effect of institutional and consultant pressures on the perceived benefits of AI use. The quantitative study shows only service coercive pressures have a significant effect on perceived benefits of AI use and consultant pressures are significant in generating all institutional pressures. The qualitative study explains the results and highlights the underlying mechanisms. The key conclusion is that in the earlier stages of AI adoption, demand pull is the main driver rather than technology push. A processual sensemaking model is developed extending the theory on institutions and sensemaking. And several managerial implications are discussed.
Novel Mn0.5Zn0.5Al0.1MgxLixFe(1.9-x)O4 nanoferrites: synthesis, theoretical cation distribution, and improving their dielectric properties
Authors: Rady K. E. , Farg S. M. , Kabel Shehab
Published: February 2024

The effect of Mg2+–Li1+ ions in modifying the structural, electrical, and magnetic characteristics of nanocrystalline Mn–Al–Zn ferrites was examined experimentally and theoretically in the current study. The chemical co-precipitation method was used to create the investigated ferrite samples, which have the chemical formula (Mn0.5Zn0.5 Al0.1Mgx Lix Fe(1.9-x)O4) and concentration range of the substituent (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2). The cation distribution of the investigated system was assumed and confirmed. Furthermore, the activation energy, AC resistivity, dielectric loss tangent, and dielectric constant were investigated in terms of their compositional dependence. The final results showed that the increasing of Mg2+–Li1+ concentration enhanced the physical and dielectric properties of the prepared samples. The experimental findings show also that as temperature rises, ε′, tan δ, and σ all increase but they all decrease as Mg2+–Li1+ content increases. With increasing Mg2+–Li1+ concentration, the AC resistivity of the prepared samples also continuously increased, resulting in the sample with x = 0.2 having high resistivity, which can be used in specific technical applications such as transformer cores.
NAVS: A Neural Attention-Based Visual SLAM for Autonomous Navigation in Unknown 3D Environments
Authors: Wu Yu , Chen Niansheng , Fan Guangyu , Yang Dingyu , Rao Lei , Cheng Songlin , Song Xiaoyong , Ma Yiping
Published: February 2024

Navigation in unknown 3D environments aims to progressively find an efficient path to a given target goal in unseen scenarios. A challenge is how to explore the navigation quickly and effectively. An end-to-end learning approach has been proposed to extract geometric shapes from RGB images, but it is not suitable for large environments due to its exhaustive exploration with exponential search space. Active Neural SLAM (ANS) presents a Neural SLAM module to maximize the exploration coverage to tackle the active SLAM task. However, ANS still frequently visits the explored areas due to the inappropriate local target selection. In this paper, we propose a Neural Attention-based Visual SLAM (NAVS) model to explore unknown 3D environments. Spatial attention is provided to quickly identify obstacles (such as similarly colored tea table or floor). We also leverage the priority of unknown regions in the short-term goal decision to avoid frequent exploration with a channel attention. The experimental results show that our model can build a more accurate map than ANS and other baseline methods with less running time. In terms of relative coverage, NAVS achieves a 0.5$$\%$$
%
improvement over ANS in overall and a 1.1$$\%$$
%
improvement over ANS in large environments.
Highly sensitive plasmonic-grating PCF biosensor for cancer cell detection
Authors: Elmahdy Nagat A. , Hameed Mohamed Farhat O. , Obayya S. S. A. , Younis B. M.
Published: February 2024

Highly sensitive biosensor based on D-shaped photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with plasmonic grating is introduced and analyzed. The suggested structure is tested using four different grating structures (rectangular, triangular, circular, or elliptical) on the polished surface of the D-shaped PCF. The sensing operation depends on surface plasmon resonance mechanism where the analyte refractive index (RI) is utilized to control the coupling between the core mode and surface plasmon mode via phase matching phenomenon. Rhodium is employed as a plasmonic material to induce the SPMs. The resonance (i.e., phase matching) wavelength is a function of the analyte RI. The geometrical parameters of the proposed structure are optimized using full vectorial finite element method to enhance the sensor sensitivity. The proposed biosensor can be utilized in the detection of different cancerous Basel, Breast and Cervical cells. The performance of the reported biosensor is investigated in terms of sensitivity, linear response, and fabrication tolerance. The reported biosensor has high sensitivities of 19,750 nm/RIU, 20,428 nm/RIU and 20,041 nm/RIU for the detection of Basel, Breast and Cervical cancer cells, respectively. The presented biosensor is a good candidate for biological sample detection and organic chemical sensing.
Determinants of zero-car and car-owning apartment households
Authors: De Gruyter Chris , Truong Long T. , de Jong Gerard , Foster Sarah
Published: February 2024

While much research has explored the determinants of car ownership, there is little understanding of these factors in the context of apartment households, where off-street car parking provision is frequently stipulated by planning requirements and zero-car households are more evident. Drawing on a survey of apartment residents (n = 1316) in three Australian cities, this study aimed to understand the determinants of zero-car and car-owning apartment households. The data was analysed using binary and multinominal logistic regression, including random parameter modelling. A joint model of car ownership and off-street car parking supply was also developed to account for potential endogeneity between these two variables. The results highlight the significant association between car ownership and off-street car parking supply, alongside a range of socio-demographics, attitudes, perceptions, built environment and transport characteristics. An additional off-street car parking space, on average, was found to increase the odds of having 2+ cars, compared with zero cars, by around 10 times. The findings imply that reducing off-street residential car parking requirements can play a significant role in supporting lower car ownership levels among apartment households.
Emotional temperaments in advanced pregnant goats and its relationship with the feto-maternal blood flow and placentome echotexture
Authors: Samir Haney , Swelum Ayman A. , Farag Ahmed , El-Sherbiny Hossam R.
Published: February 2024

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of xylazine sedation (non-sedated versus sedated conditions) and animal temperament on the fetal and maternal hemodynamics during the late stage of gestation in goats. In addition, it aimed to study the concentrations of cortisol and the echotexture of the placentome. Fourteen goats were assigned into two equal groups (n = 7, each) based on the animal’s emotional temperament (calm versus nervous groups). All goats were examined for assessment of the blood flow within the fetal aorta (FA), umbilical artery (UMA), and middle uterine artery (MUA) using color-pulsed Doppler ultrasonography. Goats were exposed to light sedation using the recommended dose of xylazine (0.05 mg/Kg Bw) intramuscularly. Goats in each group were reassessed for the studied parameters after sedation. Blood samples were drawn to determine the concentrations of cortisol. Placentome echotexture pixel intensity (PXI) was evaluated using computer image analysis software. Results revealed the significant impact of the xylazine sedation on the Doppler indices of the blood flow within the measured arteries (FA, UMA, and MUA), the PXI of placentome echotexture, and cortisol concentrations. The emotional temperament of goats had significant effects on the blood flow parameters of the MUA and UMA, concentrations of cortisol, and the PXI of the placentome. The interaction effect (sedation x temperament) was noticed in the measured parameters of the UMA blood flow, fetal heart rate, and cortisol concentrations. In conclusion, xylazine sedation and emotional temperaments induced alterations in the echotexture of the placentomes as well as the hemodynamic parameters of late-stage pregnant goats without affecting the pregnancy outcomes.
Current trends in textile wastewater treatment—bibliometric review
Authors: Islam Mohammad Tajul , Al Mamun Md. Abdullah , Halim Abul Fazal Mohammad Fahad , Peila Roberta , Sanchez Ramirez Diego Omar
Published: February 2024

A bibliometric study using 1992 to 2021 database of the Science Citation Index Expanded was carried out to identify which are the current trends in textile wastewater treatment research. The study aimed to analyze the performance of scholarly scientific communications in terms of yearly publications/citations, total citations, scientific journals, and their categories in the Web of Sciences, top institutions/countries and research trends. The annual publication of scientific articles fluctuated in the first ten years, with a steady decrease for the last twenty years. An analysis of the most common terms used in the authors’ keywords, publications’ titles, and KeyWords Plus was carried out to predict future trends and current research priorities. Adsorbent nanomaterials would be the future of wastewater treatment for decoloration of the residual dyes in the wastewater. Membranes and electrolysis are important to demineralize textile effluent for reusing wastewater. Modern filtration techniques such as ultrafiltration and nanofiltration are advanced membrane filtration applications.
What Makes People Happy with their Lives in Developing Countries? Evidence from Large-Scale Longitudinal Data on Ghana
Authors: Atta-Ankomah Richmond , Adjei-Mantey Kwame , Asante-Poku Nana Amma , Agyei-Holmes Andrew
Published: February 2024

A key objective of development thought is to improve the welfare of people and enhance their satisfaction with life. This is important following literature that suggests that increasing incomes may not necessarily lead to happiness in the long term. In this regard, this study investigates the drivers of happiness in Ghana and the determinants of transitions into different happiness states. Using a nationwide panel dataset over three time periods and employing econometric techniques, the study found that among the key determinants of happiness in Ghana are assets, social capital/networks, health status, ethnicity, age and location of residence. The study further found that assets neutralize the effects of other vital drivers while social network has a moderating effect on how assets predict happiness. In contrast, an inverted U-shape was found for the importance of assets to happiness over one’s age, suggesting that assets begin to matter less for one’s happiness beyond a certain age threshold. Aside from assets and social network, which predict transitions from any state of happiness to the other, the importance of other correlates of the transitions largely varies by the initial state of happiness. The implications are discussed within the framework of the goals of development policy.
Machining performance optimization of graphene carbon fiber hybrid composite using TOPSIS-Taguchi approach
Authors: Mohan M. Murali , Bandhu Din , Mahesh P. Venkata , Thakur Ashish , Deka Utpal , Saxena Ashish , Abdullaev Shukhratovich
Published: February 2024

Optimization of process factors plays a significant role in process efficiency and effectiveness. In this context, an attempt has been made to access the optimized machining factors for polymer nanocomposites including Graphene oxide (GO)/Carbon fiber (CF). To do this, graphene concentration (wt%), feed rate (FR), and spindle speed (SS) have been chosen as governing factors and their performances have been characterized by delamination value (DV) and thrust force (TF). After defining the levels for these factors, the Taguchi experiment design method was used to obtain the experimental trial series. A TiAlN SiC-coated 06 mm drill bit was used in a CNC machine configuration to drill holes. Their corresponding performance values were noted down as DV and TF. TOPSIS method has been incorporated for accessing the measured performance dataset and relative closeness values have been calculated. These relative closeness values have been further subjected to Taguchi’s signal-to-noise ratio (S/N ratio) leading to the evaluation of an optimized parametric combination. 2 wt% of graphene, 100 mm/min of feed rate (FR), and 2100 rpm of spindle speed (SS) make up the ideal machining configuration. The mean response table indicated the SS as the most influential governing contrariant on the TF and DV. In addition, an assessment was conducted to determine the suitability of the model, and it was determined that the stated model does not exhibit any deficiencies or complications.
Optimal dispersal and diffusion-enhanced robustness in two-patch metapopulations: origin’s saddle-source nature matters
Authors: Jorba-Cuscó Marc , Oliva-Zúniga Ruth I. , Sardanyés Josep , Pérez-Palau Daniel
Published: February 2024

A two-patch logistic metapopulation model is investigated both analytically and numerically focusing on the impact of dispersal on population dynamics. First, the dependence of the global dynamics on the stability type of the full extinction equilibrium point is tackled. Then, the behaviour of the total population with respect to the dispersal is studied analytically. Our findings demonstrate that diffusion plays a crucial role in the preservation of both subpopulations and the full metapopulation under the presence of stochastic perturbations. At low diffusion, the origin is a repulsor, causing the orbits to flow nearly parallel to the axes, risking stochastic extinctions. Higher diffusion turns the repeller into a saddle point. Orbits then quickly converge to the saddle’s unstable manifold, reducing extinction chances. This change in the vector field enhances metapopulation robustness. On the other hand, the well-known fact that asymmetric conditions on the patches is beneficial for the total population is further investigated. This phenomenon has been studied in previous works for large enough or small enough values of the dispersal. In this work, we complete the theory for all values of the dispersal. In particular, we derive analytically a formula for the optimal value of the dispersal that maximizes the total population.
Complete characterization of a class of permutation trinomials in characteristic five
Authors: Grassl Markus , Özbudak Ferruh , Özkaya Buket , Temür Burcu Gülmez
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we address an open problem posed by Bai and Xia in [2]. We study polynomials of the form $$f(x)=x^{4q+1}+\lambda _1x^{5q}+\lambda _2x^{q+4}$$

f

(
x
)

=

x

4
q
+
1

+

λ
1

x

5
q

+

λ
2

x

q
+
4

over the finite field $${\mathbb F}_{5^{k}}$$

F

5
k

, which are not quasi-multiplicative equivalent to any of the known permutation polynomials in the literature. We find necessary and sufficient conditions on $$\lambda _1, \lambda _2 \in {\mathbb F}_{5^{k}}$$

λ
1

,

λ
2

∈

F

5
k

so that f(x) is a permutation monomial, binomial, or trinomial of $${\mathbb F}_{5^{2k}}$$

F

5

2
k

.
“It is Not Even My Body”: Trans Persons Experiencing Body Borders
Authors: Pereira-García Sofía , Devís-Devís José , Fuentes-Miguel Jorge , Pichardo Galán José Ignacio , Pérez-Samaniego Víctor
Published: February 2024

The body is at the forefront of the relationship between space and sexuality, and its materiality is the basis on which social and individual conceptions of sex and gender are constructed. In this paper, we use the notion of body borders to approach the way trans persons experience heteronormativity in their bodies. Defined as those elements placed on body physicality that produce social distinctions and reorganize people's social conditions, body borders are important in the processes of sex differentiation and gender oppression that negatively affect trans persons’ processes of identification/disidentification. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 10 of 43 trans persons from a wider study, who expressed their gender identities at different levels of intensity, we differentiate between four important body borders: man/woman, puberty, inside/outside and liminal zone. The findings reveal that body borders rely to a great extent on the gaze of others and are problematic for trans persons, especially at the beginning of their transition processes, or when their bodies are perceived as more androgynous. Although the experience of body borders is oppressive and causes conflicts to trans persons, they do not impede them from opening up possibilities for new models of transgender identities which defy non-heteronormative ideals and subvert the current gender regulation, which supports these borders.
Targeted siRNA delivery to lung epithelia reduces airway inflammation in a mouse model of allergic asthma
Authors: Ullah Irfan , Choi Hyo Sung , Choi Changseon , Chung Kunho , Jung Jae Wook , Yun Gyeongju , Heo Seoyoun , Yi Yujong , Kang Eunhwa , Kim Sang-Heon , Yoon Ho Joo , Rhim Taiyoun , Lee Sang-Kyung
Published: February 2024

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease triggered by allergic reactions in the bronchia. These reactions lead to swelling of mucous membranes, hypersecretion of mucus, and bronchoconstriction, resulting in a restricted opening of the lung airway. Allergic pulmonary inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness are induced when Th2 cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, bind to their cognate receptors on lung epithelial cells. Specifically, IL-13 stimulates inflammation through a multi-subunit receptor, mainly the alpha chain of the IL-4 receptor (IL-4Rα), which also plays a role in IL-4 signaling. In this study, we employed a lung epithelial cell-targeting siRNA carrier composed of a rabies virus glycoprotein-derived small peptide coupled with cationic nona-arginine and trileucine before cysteine peptide (RVG9R3LC). This carrier was complexed with siRNA, enabling targeted delivery of therapeutic siRNA to IL-4Rα (siIL4Rα) expressed in lung epithelial cells within an asthma model in vivo. Our approach demonstrated efficient gene knockdown in cultured lung epithelial cells and in vivo. Furthermore, two administrations of therapeutic siIL4Rα protected the ovalbumin-sensitized and challenged asthma mouse model from airway inflammation and excessive mucus secretion. Our findings suggest that the peptide-siRNA carrier system presents a promising therapeutic approach for respiratory inflammation.

Graphical abstract
Interaction Assessment of a Social-Care Robot in Day center Patients with Mild to Moderate Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rodríguez-Domínguez María Trinidad , Bazago-Dómine María Isabel , Jiménez-Palomares María , Pérez-González Gerardo , Núñez Pedro , Santano-Mogena Esperanza , Garrido-Ardila Elisa María
Published: February 2024

As dementia-induced impairments of daily functioning escalate, novel cognitive stimulation techniques utilizing technological advances, like social robots, have surfaced. This study examines the interaction level of the EBO social-care robot with day center patients in Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain. The study uses systematic video analysis as a method of interaction assessment. This observational pilot study was performed on patients above 65 with mild to moderate cognitive impairment (Minimental State Examination $$\ge $$
≥
21) receiving cognitive therapy at the AZTIDE social and health center. Two individualized 10–15 min sessions, replicating the Wizard of Oz technique, were conducted per participant, with the human operator’s commands being unnoticeably executed by the EBO robot. Of the six participants involved, all maintained complete eye contact with the robot, with 83.3$$\%$$
%
of the interactions recording maximum attention. Participants felt comfortable and calm, rating conversational factors such as attentiveness and naturalness as ’good’ or ‘excellent’. The high interaction level with the EBO robot suggests it as a promising tool for cognitive stimulation in patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. The systematic video evaluation also appears effective in assessing user–robot interaction, thus underscoring its potential utility in future social robotics research.
The first deep-sea ctenostome bryozoan from the Indian Ocean: Aethozoon flavum sp. nov.
Authors: Schwaha Thomas , Zeppilli Daniela , González-Casarrubios Alberto , Cepeda Diego
Published: February 2024

Aethozoid ctenostome bryozoans are an unusual, small group of solitary ctenostome bryozoans, occurring almost exclusively in deep-sea habitats. Currently, there are only five species belonging to four, still insufficiently known genera, which have been reported from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Recent examination of sediment core samples from an active volcanic area near Mayotte revealed a high abundance of aethozoids, recorded for the first time in the Indian Ocean. A comparative approach identified the specimens as belonging to a new species, Aethozoon flavum sp. nov. There are particular characters diagnostic of this new species, such as basally oriented duplicature bands, a highly denticulate proximal vestibular wall, and a highly elongated anal tube terminating in an almost vestibular anus. This species is the first ctenostome observed at depths of over 3.000 m in the Indian Ocean. Morphological characters are compared among all aethozoids, but still require more detailed analyses in most species. Aethozoids appear to be globally distributed and often occur in high numbers, which indicates that additional efforts will increase their distribution and species range. Ultimately, additional studies will be able to show the ecological importance of these bryozoans and molecular studies should reveal more about their diversity and phylogenetic affinities.
Framework for conceptualising transition readiness from emergency response to rebuilding livelihoods in Mogadishu, Somalia
Authors: Hauser Michael , Mugonya John
Published: February 2024

Emergency cash transfers provide essential life support to vulnerable households affected by a crisis, including those living in chronic poverty. So far, project life cycles, nutrition, and asset-related thresholds have informed the decision of when beneficiaries switch from emergency cash transfers to an income-generating livelihoods program. However, factors beyond material poverty influence the likelihood of sustained improvements in well-being during such changes. We argue that a food systems perspective with additional metrics helps provide targeted transition support to beneficiaries. Based on insights gained from an Urban Safety Net in Mogadishu, Somalia, we suggest a multi-level framework to conceptualise the transition readiness of internally displaced people and poor host communities. Based on this framework, we make recommendations for improving safety net programming.
Should we consider Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) as a new diagnostic marker for rectal cancer?
Authors: Yazici Hilmi , Eren Kayaci Ayse , Sevindi Halil Ibrahim , Attaallah Wafi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI), which depends on peripheral neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte count, was found to be an effective prognostic indicator for various malignancies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic value and the prognostic impact of SIRI on rectal cancer patients.

Method

The medical records of patients underwent sphincter-sparing rectal cancer surgery at general surgery between 2017 and 2022 were examined retrospectively. Patient demographics, operation types, neoadjuvant chemo/radiotherapies, pathological results, and complications were recorded. A total number of 99 patients who operated with diagnoses other than cancer were conducted as a control group. SIRI was calculated from preoperative peripheral blood samples’ neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte count. The optimal cut-off value for SIRI was found to be 1.38. The clinicopathological outcomes and Overall Survival (OS) were analyzed under two groups according to the SIRI values lower or higher than 1.38.

Results

The number of eligible patients was 104. The median age of the entire cohort was 62 (31–89). The median follow-up time was 33 (1–62) months. The median SIRI value in the study group was significantly higher compared with the control group. The study group was examined under two groups: SIRI 1.38 and SIRI > 1.38. The male gender was significantly more frequent in the high SIRI group. The remaining patient demographics and operation types were similar between the groups. The pathological outcomes were similar between the two groups. Overall Survival rate was better in the low SIRI group than those higher. The higher group had significantly higher complication rates than the lower SIRI group (p: 0.004).

Conclusion

SIRI may be a valuable diagnostic marker in rectal cancer patients. Higher SIRI levels were also associated with poorer prognosis and increased complication rates. Still, further prospective studies with a larger number of patients are needed.
Examining Sustainable Overseas Investment Information-Sharing Model for Automobile Enterprises: A Multi-Modal Weight Network Approach
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Chen Xiaofang , Lin Changbo , Ma Sheqing , Feng Jie
Published: February 2024

In an era of globalization, automotive companies are increasingly looking to make overseas investments to expand their production capacity and explore foreign markets. However, the outcomes of such investments are often influenced by a myriad of factors, including policy changes, social dynamics, and market conditions. To address the need for a comprehensive overseas investment information-sharing model, this research proposes an innovative approach based on a multi-modal weight network. This model aims to provide users with a global perspective on overseas investment opportunities, encompassing policy insights, and market dynamics. It integrates data from various sources, offering multi-dimensional information on investment regions, scales, fields, motivations, and strategies. Real-time updates ensure the timeliness and accuracy of the information, enabling users to adapt to the rapidly changing international economic landscape. Challenges such as data collection, privacy concerns, investment diversity, advanced analytics, and real-time updates are carefully considered and addressed. The model incorporates sophisticated analytical methods to extract valuable insights from vast data, guiding sound decision-making for automotive enterprises. Experimental results demonstrate an impressive accuracy rate of 87.9% and an mAP value of 86.8%, highlighting the model’s effectiveness in providing precise and reliable investment information. This innovative multi-modal weight network model empowers automotive companies to navigate the complexities of international investments, enabling them to make informed decisions and achieve success in the global market.
Optimization of xylitol production through Candida tropicalis in xylose hydrolysate from rice husk
Authors: Eraso Lina M. , Cuaspud Olmedo , Arias Mario
Published: February 2024

Owing to the extensive cultivation and production of rice, which consequently generates a high amount of rice husk, rice husk is an easily available lignocellulosic waste; however, the applications it currently has do not entirely exploit its potential. This study aims the production of xylitol as an opportunity to value this residue through fermentation of rice husk hydrolysate. For it, the best particle size of rice husk among 0.25–0.6 mm, 0.6–1.2 mm, and unmilled rice husk (URH) for dilute acid hydrolysis was determined by using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to select the particle size that produced the highest amount of xylose release; subsequently, adaptation of Candida tropicalis was carried out as an alternative to common detoxification methods, by increasing the concentration of hydrolysate in the medium in 20% every 2 days, and then, xylitol fermentation from the best particle size hydrolysate with C. tropicalis was optimized performing a central composite design (CCD) 22. The best particle size for dilute acid hydrolysis was URH and produced a xylose concentration of 12.85 g/L, and the optimal conditions for xylitol fermentation were 4.41 g/L of inoculum and 68.28 g/L of xylose and accomplished a concentration of 36.74 g/L of xylitol, a yield of 0.58 g/g xylose, and a volumetric productivity of 0.34 g/L/h, providing evidence that rice husk has the potential to be valorized as a source of fermentable sugars for the production of xylitol as a high-value metabolite and proving adaptation method as a viable alternative for the strain’s growth as well as xylitol production.
Reimaging Teacher Resilience for Flourishing
Authors: Chen Junjun
Published: February 2024

This paper aimed to re-conceptualize teacher resilience, to develop the Teacher. Resilience Inventory, and to explore the impact of teacher resilience on job satisfaction and turnover intention using three sets of teacher samples from China. The validity of the Teacher Resilience Inventory was tested using content validity, construct validity, criterion validity, and cross validity. The results yielded the five dimensions of teacher resilience, namely, physical, emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual resilience, to re-conceptualize teacher resilience. The Teacher Resilience Inventory outlines a general picture of the resilience experience of teachers at work from a multidimensional perspective. Results also showed that teacher resilience significantly related to job satisfaction and turnover intention. This paper will advance the knowledge base on teacher resilience. It will also support teachers to negotiate and navigate demands and resources for desirable outcomes in their everyday life, during constant change and unprecedented uncertainties.
Matrix product and quasi-twisted codes in one class
Authors: Eldin Ramy Taki
Published: February 2024

Many classical constructions, such as Plotkin’s and Turyn’s, were generalized by matrix product (MP) codes. Quasi-twisted (QT) codes, on the other hand, form an algebraically rich structure class that contains many codes with best-known parameters. We significantly extend the definition of MP codes to establish a broader class of generalized matrix product (GMP) codes that contains QT codes as well. We propose a generator matrix formula for any linear GMP code and provide a condition for determining the code size. We prove that any QT code has a GMP structure. Then we show how to build a generator polynomial matrix for a QT code from its GMP structure, and vice versa. Even though the class of QT codes contains many codes with best-known parameters, we present different examples of GMP codes with best-known parameters that are neither MP nor QT. Two different lower bounds on the minimum distance of GMP codes are presented; they generalize their counterparts in the MP codes literature. The second proposed lower bound replaces the non-singular by columns matrix with a less restrictive condition. Some examples are provided for comparing the two proposed bounds, as well as showing that these bounds are tight.
The Mouth as a Site of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Atyeo N , Perez P , Matuck B , Byrd KM , Warner BM
Published: February 2024

Purpose of Review

During the height of the coronavirus pandemic, the oral cavity was recognized as a critically important site for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The purpose of this review is to analyze the literature surrounding SARS-CoV-2 entry, replication, and transmission and the resulting impact on host tissues in the oral cavity.

Recent Findings

The detection of viral genetic material in saliva allows for widespread surveillance testing and emphasizes the importance of viral transmission through shed in saliva. As the cohort of patients who have recovered from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection grows, several questions remain about the long-term impacts of viral infection on the oral tissues, including whether the oral cavity may serve as a persistent viral reservoir. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the viral life cycle in the diverse tissues of the oral cavity is warranted. We conclude with a broad outlook on the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the oral cavity and how these effects may relate to the post-acute coronavirus syndrome sequelae experienced by recovered patients.

SARS-CoV-2 can enter and replicate in the oral cavity and be spread between individuals via shed in saliva. Several acute oral manifestations of infection have been reported, and the lingering effects of infection on oral tissues are an area of ongoing investigation.
The Use of a Behavior Chain Interruption Strategy to Teach Mands for Help with an Adult with Intellectual Disability and Deaf-Blindness
Authors: Thompson Hannah E. , Hanson Robbie J.
Published: February 2024

Individuals with deaf-blindness and co-occurring diagnoses, such as intellectual and developmental disabilities, may experience difficulty with independence, specifically with communication. One behavior-analytic procedure that may be useful for increasing independence and teaching communication to this population is the behavior-chain interruption strategy (BCIS). The current study examined the use of the BCIS to teach a 65-year-old deaf-blind participant with severe intellectual disability to use a SadoTech Elderly Monitoring Pager to notify others in the environment when help was needed. The researcher alternated between establishing operation (EO; help needed, items missing, or inoperable) and abolishing operation (AO; help not needed, items present, and operable) trials for three previously mastered daily living routines. The results demonstrated that following intervention, the participant used the device independently during EO trials and never used it during AO trials across behavior chains, and similar results were obtained during a treatment-extension phase. Limitations and implications for applied practice are discussed.
Decay estimates for quasilinear elliptic equations and a Brezis–Nirenberg result in $$D^{1,p}({\mathbb R}^N)$$
Authors: Carl Siegfried , Tehrani Hossein
Published: February 2024

We prove decay estimates for solutions of quasilinear elliptic equations in the whole $${\mathbb R}^N$$

R

N

of the form $$\begin{aligned} u\in X: -\text{ div }\,A(x,\nabla u)=a(x) f(x,u), \end{aligned}$$

u
∈
X
:
-

div

A
(
x
,
∇
u
)
=
a
(
x
)
f
(
x
,
u
)
,

where $$X=D^{1,p}({\mathbb R}^N)$$

X
=

D

1
,
p

(

R

N

)

is the Beppo-Levi space (also called homogeneous Sobolev space). Based on these decay estimates we are able to prove a Brezis–Nirenberg type result for the energy functional $$\Phi : X\rightarrow {\mathbb R}$$

Φ
:
X
→
R

related to the p-Laplacian equation in $${\mathbb R}^N$$

R

N

in the form $$\begin{aligned} u\in X: -\Delta _p u=a(x) g(u), \end{aligned}$$

u
∈
X
:
-

Δ
p

u
=
a

(
x
)

g

(
u
)

,

saying that for the subspace V of bounded continuous functions with weight $$1+|x|^{\frac{N-p}{p}},$$

1
+

|
x
|

N
-
p

p

,

a local minimizer of $$\Phi $$
Φ
in the finer V topology is also a local minimizer in the X-topology. Global $$L^\infty $$

L
∞

-estimates on the one hand and pointwise estimates for solutions of quasilinear elliptic equations in terms of nonlinear Wolff potentials on the other hand play a crucial role in the proofs.
Soil amendments for management of Phytophthora root rot in avocado and their impact on the soil microbiome
Authors: Farooq Qurrat Ul Ain , McComb Jen , Hardy Giles E. St. J. , Burgess Treena I.
Published: February 2024

Phytophthora root rot is a major problem for avocado growers around the world. This review summarises the current control measures and their impact on the soil microbiome. The fungicide phosphite is widely used in the avocado industry, and reports from several countries indicate that Phytophthora cinnamomi is developing resistance. For this reason, alternative control measures have been investigated. Applying organic mulches and soil dressings of calcium or silicon provides a level of control. Biological control through the application of suppressive microbes has been actively investigated over many years, but reports of successful field deployment are rare. This review examines the effects on the soil microbiome of these control measures and assesses the future directions for research.
Effect of Municipal Mulch and Poultry Litter Amendments on Soil and Tree Parameters of a Mature Peach Orchard in a Humid Subtropical Climate
Authors: Lawrence Brian T. , Melgar Juan Carlos
Published: February 2024

Applying organic matter (OM) amendments in mature peach orchards with low organic matter content (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.) may improve tree nutrient and water status during the growing season and enable growers to reduce synthetic fertilizer inputs. Three treatments were applied to “Juneprince” and “Scarletprince” peach trees: (1) grower standard of bare soil (GS), (2) municipal mulch (M), and (3) poultry litter with municipal mulch (PLM). Synthetic fertilizer was reduced within the M and PLM treatments each year. Soil samples were taken from under the amendments, and the nutrient and water status of the soil and trees were monitored over 3 years. Fruit yield and tree growth measurements were also recorded. Soil OM did not increase, but soil P increased in all three treatments over time. Soil Cu was reduced by adding OM amendments, while PLM increased soil Na and increased leaf K in “Scarletprince” trees. The PLM and M treatments buffered soil water compared to GS, but tree water status between treatments was largely similar. The elevated N status over time from the PLM and M treatments delayed fruit maturity and reduced cumulative yield in “Juneprince” trees. The PLM treatment increased “Scarletprince” fruit size and mass over 3 years, as well as tree size compared to GS. Covering the soil with mulch allowed for reduced synthetic fertilizer use, but further reduction of supplemental synthetic fertilizer or adjustment of amendment rates is needed to limit N and ensure desired fruit harvest windows and long-term production.
Adjunctive efficacy of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis XLTG11 for functional constipation in children
Authors: Chen Ke , Zhou Zengyuan , Nie Yang , Cao Yanmei , Yang Ping , Zhang Ying , Xu Ping , Yu Qinghua , Shen Yang , Ma Weiwei , Jin Shanshan , Liu Changqi
Published: February 2024

Functional constipation (FC) can seriously affect the physical and mental health of children. The goal of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis XLTG11 in treating FC in children through a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled approach. Eligible children were randomized into either the intervention group (IG, n = 65, receiving conventional treatment with probiotics) or the control group (CG, n = 66, receiving conventional treatment without probiotics). The primary outcome measure was fecal frequency. Fecal gut microbiota analysis and PICRUSt (Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States) were used to predict gene family abundances based on 16S information. Over the course of treatment, the weekly frequency of feces within each group increased significantly (F = 41.97, p < 0.001). The frequency of feces (times/week (t/w)) in the IG was significantly higher than that in the CG (3.69 ± 2.62 t/w vs.3.18 ± 1.43 t/w, 4.03 ± 2.54 t/w vs. 2.89 ± 1.39 t/w and 3.74 ± 2.36 t/w vs. 2.94 ± 1.18 t/w and 3.45 ± 1.98 vs. 3.17 ± 1.41 t/w for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th week after intervention, respectively) (F = 7.60, p = 0.0067). After the intervention, dominate species shifted to Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve, and Escherichia coli in the IG. Additionally, genes related to short-chain fatty acid (SCF) metabolism were upregulated, while methane metabolism was downregulated. Administration of XLTG11 at a dose of 1 × 1010 CFU/day to children increased fecal frequency, induced beneficial changes in gut microbiota, and regulated SCFs and methane metabolism–related genes.