bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Process and outputs from a community codesign workshop on reducing impact of heat exposure on pregnant and postpartum women and newborns in Kilifi, Kenya
Authors: Lusambili Adelaide , Khaemba Peter , Agoi Felix , Oguna Martha , Nakstad Britt , Scorgie Fiona , Filippi Veronique , Hess Jeremy , Roos Nathalie , Chersich Mathew , Kovats Sari , Luchters Stanley
Published: August 2023

Background

Ambient heat exposure is increasing due to climate change and is known to affect the health of pregnant and postpartum women, and their newborns. Evidence for the effectiveness of interventions to prevent heat health outcomes in east Africa is limited. Codesigning and integrating local-indigenous and conventional knowledge is essential to develop effective adaptation to climate change.

Methods

Following qualitative research on heat impacts in a community in Kilifi, Kenya, we conducted a two-day codesign workshop to inform a set of interventions to reduce the impact of heat exposure on maternal and neonatal health. Participants were drawn from a diverse group of purposively selected influencers, implementers, policy makers, service providers and community members. The key domains of focus for the discussion were: behavioral practices, health facilities and health system factors, home environment, water scarcity, and education and awareness. Following the discussions and group reflections, data was transcribed, coded and emerging intervention priorities ranked based on the likelihood of success, cost effectiveness, implementation feasibility, and sustainability.

Results

Twenty one participants participated in the codesign discussions. Accessibility to water supplies, social behavior-change campaigns, and education were ranked as the top three most sustainable and effective interventions with the highest likelihood of success. Prior planning and contextualizing local set-up, cross-cultural and religious practices and budget considerations are important in increasing the chances of a successful outcome in codesign.

Conclusion

Codesign of interventions on heat exposure with diverse groups of participants is feasible to identify and prioritize adaptation interventions. The codesign workshop was used as an opportunity to build capacity among facilitators and participants as well as to explore interventions to address the impact of heat exposure on pregnant and postpartum women, and newborns. We successfully used the codesign model in co-creating contextualized socio-culturally acceptable interventions to reduce the risk of heat on maternal and neonatal health in the context of climate change. Our interventions can be replicated in other similar areas of Africa and serve as a model for co-designing heat-health adaptation.
Impacts of public health and social measures on COVID-19 in Europe: a review and modified Delphi technique
Authors: Paulo Marília Silva , Peyroteo Mariana , Maia Mélanie R. , Pries Cara , Habl Claudia , Lapão Luís Velez
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 led countries to implement a set of public health and social measures (PHSMs) attempting to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study aims to review the existing literature regarding key results of the PHSMs that were implemented, and to identify the PHSMs considered to have most impacted the epidemiological curve of COVID-19 over the last years during different stages of the pandemic.

Methods

The PHSM under study were selected from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT), supplemented by topics presented during the Rapid Exchange Forum (REF) meetings in the scope of the Population Health Information Research Infrastructure (PHIRI) project (H2020). The evidence- based review was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to identify which reviews have already been published about each PHSMs and their results. In addition, two modified Delphi panel surveys were conducted among subject matter experts from 30 European countries to uphold the results found.

Results

There were 3,212 studies retrieved from PubMed, 162 full texts assessed for eligibility and 35 included in this PHSMs summary. The measures with clearest evidence on their positive impact from the evidence-based review include social distancing, hygiene measures, mask measures and testing policies. From the modified Delphi panel, the PHSMs considered most significant in the four periods analyzed were case isolation at home, face coverings, testing policy, and social distancing, respectively.

Discussion

The evidence found has significant implications for both researchers and policymakers. The study of PHSMs’ impact on COVID-19 illustrates lessons learned for future pan- and epidemics, serving as a contribution to the health systems resilience discussion. These lessons, drawn from both the available scientific evidence and the perspectives of relevant subject matter experts, should also be considered in educational and preparedness programs and activities in the public health space.
Mitigation of pesticide residue levels in the exposed dermal regions of occupationally exposed farmworkers by use of personal protective equipment
Authors: Lari Summaiya , Vanka Janardhan , Jee Babban , Pandiyan Arun , Yamagani Praveen , Kumar Senthil Balakrishnan , Naidu Mohan , Jonnalagadda Padmaja
Published: August 2023

Unsafe pesticide handling practices with the limited use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by the Indian farming groups lead to an increased risk of exposure to pesticides. Therefore, a community-based follow-up study based on dosimeters, wipes, and hand-wash technique was carried out to evaluate the dermal exposure to pesticides and to analyze the impact of the usage of PPE on minimizing the exposure among the farmworkers of Rangareddy district, Telangana, India. Risk in terms of hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and safety analysis as margins of safety was assessed. Farmworkers averaged 18 years of farming experience and showed resistance to adopting good agricultural practices. Ten pesticide residues were detected in concentrations ranging from 0.000 to 246 mg ml−1in hand-wash, 0.000 to 198.33 ng cm−2in patch dosimeter, and 0.000 to 1,740 ng cm−2in wipe samples collected from farmworkers not using PPE. The second phase includes the intervention study results that revealed a significant reduction both in the concentrations and the number of pesticide residues detected in the hand-wash, patch, and wipe samples of the farmworkers who have used the PPE provided to them (p< 0.01). Furthermore, the probabilistic health risk assessment in terms of the HQ values ranged from 0.02 to 1029.82, and HI was >1, suggesting the non-carcinogenic risks associated with dermal exposure to pesticides among them. Additionally, the safety risk assessment in terms of the margin of safety suggests that they follow risky handling practices. The study confirms that farmworkers are exposed to pesticides and emphasizes the significance of using PPE in reducing the risk.
Seeing eye to eye: trustworthy embodiment for task-based conversational agents
Authors: Robb David A. , Lopes José , Ahmad Muneeb I. , McKenna Peter E. , Liu Xingkun , Lohan Katrin , Hastie Helen
Published: August 2023

Smart speakers and conversational agents have been accepted into our homes for a number of tasks such as playing music, interfacing with the internet of things, and more recently, general chit-chat. However, they have been less readily accepted in our workplaces. This may be due to data privacy and security concerns that exist with commercially available smart speakers. However, one of the reasons for this may be that a smart speaker is simply too abstract and does not portray the social cues associated with a trustworthy work colleague. Here, we present an in-depth mixed method study, in which we investigate this question of embodiment in a serious task-based work scenario of a first responder team. We explore the concepts of trust, engagement, cognitive load, and human performance using a humanoid head style robot, a commercially available smart speaker, and a specially developed dialogue manager. Studying the effect of embodiment on trust, being a highly subjective and multi-faceted phenomena, is clearly challenging, and our results indicate that potentially, the robot, with its anthropomorphic facial features, expressions, and eye gaze, was trusted more than the smart speaker. In addition, we found that embodying a conversational agent helped increase task engagement and performance compared to the smart speaker. This study indicates that embodiment could potentially be useful for transitioning conversational agents into the workplace, and further in situ, “in the wild” experiments with domain workers could be conducted to confirm this.
Natural History Collections: What Are They and Why Do We Need Them?
Authors: Barkdull Megan , Miller Colleen R. , Pipkin Monique A. , Moreau Corrie S.
Published: August 2023

Biodiversity is the word used to describe the rich variety of life on Earth. Right now, Earth’s biodiversity is threatened. Museums, zoos, and other kinds of natural history collections help to protect biodiversity. One way they do this is by helping researchers study life on Earth. Another way is by teaching people, through exhibits and events. Natural history collections face many challenges. One challenge is getting enough money to stay open. Another is finding new space as collections grow. Finally, some people who want to use and learn from collections cannot access them because they are not nearby. Museum collections are now putting information on the internet, so that many people can access and use it. We can all help natural history collections to continue protecting Earth’s biodiversity by visiting them, volunteering, and donating specimens or other resources.
What rare cancers have in common. The making of lists of (very) rare cancers and the coordination of medical work
Authors: Pillayre Héloïse , Besle Sylvain
Published: August 2023

This article aims to understand why medical actors recently published lists of rare and very rare cancers. It studies four lists of rare and very rare cancers based on interviews with the main actors on these lists and an analysis of medical articles in which these lists were published. It argues that these lists constitute boundary objects whose aim is to deal with the organizational challenges raised by precision medicine, which imply increasing the coordination work between various types of actors. Our work therefore allows a better understanding of the functioning of the recursive standardization process of a boundary object and, by analyzing how the category of rarity is built at the intersection of both professional and nosographic principles, shows the intertwining of the biomedical, organizational, and political aspects on which rests the practice of contemporary precision medicine.
Social reproduction: the sidelined aspect in gender and agricultural research
Authors: Kawarazuka Nozomi , Hoa Pham Thi , Huyen Le Thi Thanh , Trang Bui , Achandi Esther Leah
Published: August 2023

Introduction

This study explores women’s agribusiness by employing feminist theories to gain an understanding of the gender dimension of business beyond economic value, including non-material and non-market aspects associated with social reproduction.

Methods

We conducted fieldwork between July and October 2021 in Vietnam through in-depth interviews with 16 women entrepreneurs in towns on the border with China, who engage in livestock-trading, and in the Central Highlands, who engage in domestic and international horticultural trade.

Results

Our findings confirm that women entrepreneurs manage their business, family, and family relations together as one consolidated commitment in flexible, informal, and creative ways. Research focusing solely on economic analyses obscures not only women’s hidden labor and time in the household that enable men to dominate agribusiness, but also women’s resistance to male-privileged agribusiness.

Discussion

Positioning social reproduction at the center of women’s economic activities enables researchers to have a full picture of how male-privileged agri-food systems are sustained, which is the first step towards disrupting existing inequalities in agri-food systems.
Assessment of Raisins Byproducts for Environmentally Sustainable Use and Value Addition
Authors: Okasha Mahmoud , Hegazy Rashad , Kamel Reham M.
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the potential and sustainable use of the biomass derived from various stages of the grape drying process. A total of eleven byproducts, each containing varying organic materials, were produced and subjected to testing. Ultimate analysis, as well as analyses of heating values, chemical composition, lignocellulose composition, total solids concentration and biogas production were performed with the recommended criteria and assessment methods. The results reveal that carbon (C), nitrogen (N), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) levels were significantly different among the byproducts. The ash content of byproducts 5–11 ranged from 3.56 to 5.11%, which was lower than the estimated values in the other byproducts. The analysis of higher heating value showed significantly higher calorific values for byproducts 10 and 11 (22.73 ± 0.08 and 22.80 ± 0.07 MJ kg−1, respectively). Byproducts 1–9 had lower sugar content than byproducts 10 and 11 (rejected raisins). Byproducts 5–9 had the lowest lignin content, and there were no significant differences in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents between byproducts 1–6. The highest accumulated biogas volume after 40 days was 11.50 NL L−1 of substrate for byproduct group C (byproducts 10 to 11), followed by 11.20 NL L−1 of substrate for byproduct group B (byproducts 5–9) and 9.51 NL L−1 of substrate for byproduct group A (byproducts 1–4). It is concluded that byproducts consisting of biomass derived at different stages of raisin production may be an effective solid fuel and energy source. The amounts of volatile solids in the tested raisin processing byproducts indicated their appropriateness for pyrolysis conversion to a liquid product with high volatile content.
Analytical and Numerical Investigation of Fatigue Life in Rectangular Plates with Opposite Semicircular Edge Single Notches
Authors: Hazizi Kristaq , Ghaleeh Mohammad , Rasool Shafqat
Published: August 2023

This study undertakes an investigation into the fatigue life of carbon steel specimens with opposite semicircular edge notches using a combined approach based on experimental and numerical analysis. The study emphasises the determination of stress concentration factors (SCFs) for these notches based on S-N curves of carbon steel, employing a comprehensive method to evaluate their impacts on fatigue performance. Both experimental and numerical methods are applied to understand the influence of notches on fatigue characteristics, yielding insights into potential failure modes and opportunities for design enhancement. The research deepens our comprehension of fatigue mechanics in carbon steel structures, offering valuable perspectives regarding structural engineering and design refinement. The outcomes highlight the significance of integrating experimental testing and numerical simulations to carry out an exhaustive investigation of fatigue behaviour in notched specimens.
La Serenissima in Cyprus: Aspects of Venetian Art on the Edge of a Maritime Empire, 1474/89–1570/1
Authors: Andronikou Anthi
Published: August 2023

This article investigates the manifestation of Venetian visual culture of the Renaissance in the island of Cyprus, which, between 1474/89 and 1570/1, stood as one of Venice’s Mediterranean colonies. To date, scholarship on panel and wall painting production of Venetian Cyprus has devoted careful attention to the infiltration of Italian details and styles in the broader sense—mainly drawn from the Italian Middle Ages—thus failing to notice any correlations between Cypriot visual arts and contemporary Venetian. In this study, I aim to provide an overarching perspective that will illuminate the presence and assimilation of fifteenth- and sixteenth-century Venetian visual vocabulary in Cypriot artistic capital. With an emphasis on devotional painting, I will examine iconographic schemes, such as the Man of Sorrows and the Holy Conversation, and facets of stylistic and iconographic correspondences between the two territories. I will also probe the architectural function, purpose, and tenor of lunette-shaped panels in Cyprus and collate them with their Venetian equivalents. Put simply, I hope to flesh out the artistic contact Cypriot artists and their sponsors maintained with Venice rather than with Italy as a whole.
Extreme Ultraviolet Radiation Sources from Dense Plasmas
Authors: Bergmann Klaus
Published: August 2023

The concept of dense and hot plasmas can be used to build up powerful and brilliant radiation sources in the soft X-ray and extreme ultraviolet spectral range. Such sources are used for nanoscale imaging and structuring applications, such as EUV lithography in the semiconductor industry. An understanding of light-generating atomic processes and radiation transport within the plasma is mandatory for optimization. The basic principles and technical concepts using either a pulsed laser or a gas discharge for plasma generation are presented, and critical aspects in the ionization dynamics are outlined within the framework of a simplified atomic physics model.
Synthesis of a Yolk-Shell Nanostructured Silicon-Based Anode for High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Xiangjie , Kong Weikang , Du Guangyuan , Li Shilong , Tang Yueyuan , Cao Jun , Lu Xueyi , Tan Rui , Qian Guoyu
Published: August 2023

Silicon is a desirable anode material for Li-ion batteries owing to its remarkable theoretical specific capacity of over 4000 mAh/g. Nevertheless, the poor cycling performance of pure Si electrodes caused by dramatic volume expansion has limited its practical application. To alleviate the adverse effects of Si expansion, we have synthesized anode materials of nano-Si particles trapped in a buffering space and outer carbon-based shells (Si@Void@C). The volume ratio of Si nanoparticle to void space could be adjusted accurately to approximately 1:3, which maintained the structural integrity of the as-designed nanoarchitecture during lithiation/delithiation and achieved a notable specific capacity of ~750 mAh/g for as-prepared half-cells. The yolk-shell nanostructure alleviates volumetric expansion on both material and electrode levels, which enhances the rate performance and cycling stability of the silicon-based anode.
Enhanced Dyeing of Polypropylene Using Fluorine–Oxygen Gas Mixtures
Authors: Namie Masanari , Kim Jae-Ho , Yonezawa Susumu
Published: August 2023

Surface fluorination with pure F2 gas can easily make the surface on PP (polypropylene) hydrophobic, and it causes limited dyeability, as reported in a previous paper. In this study, to produce a more hydrophilic surface, surface fluorination of PP was performed at 25 °C, total gas pressure of 13.3 kPa, and reaction time of 1 h using F2 and O2 mixtures with different proportions of F2 gas. The surface roughness of the fluorinated PP samples was about 1.5 times higher than that of the untreated sample (5 nm). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results showed that the PP-derived bonds (-C-C- and -CHx) decreased because they were converted into polar groups (-C–O, -CHF-, and -CFx), which increased the surface electronegativity of the PP. The variation in the F2 gas proportion in the gas mixture significantly affected the hydrophilicity and surface composition of the PP. At F2 gas proportions of <70%, the hydrophilicity of the fluorinated PP samples was increased. Notably, the hydrophilic and negatively charged PP surface enhanced the dyeing of the polymer with basic methylene blue (MB). In contrast, at F2 gas proportions of >90%, the PP surface became hydrophobic owing to increased numbers of hydrophobic -CF3 bonds. Thus, enhanced PP dyeing can be controlled based on the composition of the F2 and O2 gas mixture.
Spectrum Sensing Based on Hybrid Spectrum Handoff in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Vaduganathan Lakshminarayanan , Neware Shubhangi , Falkowski-Gilski Przemysław , Divakarachari Parameshachari Bidare
Published: August 2023

The rapid advancement of wireless communication combined with insufficient spectrum exploitation opens the door for the expansion of novel wireless services. Cognitive radio network (CRN) technology makes it possible to periodically access the open spectrum bands, which in turn improves the effectiveness of CRNs. Spectrum sensing (SS), which allows unauthorized users to locate open spectrum bands, plays a fundamental part in CRNs. A precise approximation of the power spectrum is essential to accomplish this. On the assumption that each SU’s parameter vector contains some globally and partially shared parameters, spectrum sensing is viewed as a parameter estimation issue. Distributed and cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) is a key component of this concept. This work introduces a new component-specific cooperative spectrum sensing model (CSCSSM) in CRNs considering the amplitude and phase components of the input signal including Component Specific Adaptive Estimation (CSAE) for mean squared deviation (MSD) formulation. The proposed concept ensures minimum information loss compared to the traditional methods that consider error calculation among the direct signal vectors. The experimental results and performance analysis prove the robustness and efficiency of the proposed work over the traditional methods.
Kidney Issues Associated with COVID-19 Disease
Authors: Dousdampanis Periklis , Mouzaki Athanasia , Trigka Konstantina , Stefanidis Ioannis , Galanopoulos Konstantinos-Eugenios , Siavelis Ioannis-Santo , Stathopoulou Dionysia , Assimakopoulos Stelios F.
Published: August 2023

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 and the resulting COVID-19 can cause both lung and kidney damage. SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect renal cells expressing ACE2 receptors, resulting in kidney damage, and acute kidney injury (AKI) has been reported in COVID-19 hospitalized patients. The pathophysiology of COVID-19-associated AKI is multifactorial. Local and systemic inflammation, immune system dysregulation, blood coagulation disorders, and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) are factors that contribute to the development of AKI in COVID 19 disease. COVID-19 patients with kidney involvement have a poor prognosis, and patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) infected with SARS-CoV-2 have an increased mortality risk. CKD patients with COVID-19 may develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis. In particular, patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and requiring dialysis, as well as patients who have undergone kidney transplantation, have an increased risk of mortality and require special consideration. Nephrologists and infectious disease specialists face several clinical dilemmas in the prophylaxis and treatment of CKD patients with COVID-19. This entry presents recent data showing the effects of COVID-19 on the kidneys and CKD patients and the challenges in the management of CKD patients with COVID-19, and discusses treatment strategies for these patients.
A Physical Phenomenon for the Fractional Nonlinear Mixed Integro-Differential Equation Using a Quadrature Nystrom Method
Authors: Jan A. R. , Abdou M. A. , Basseem M.
Published: August 2023

In this work, the existence and uniqueness solution of the fractional nonlinear mixed integro-differential equation (FrNMIoDE) is guaranteed with a general discontinuous kernel based on position and time-space  L2Ω×C0,T, T<1. The FrNMIoDE conformed to the Volterra-Hammerstein integral equation (V-HIE) of the second kind, after applying the characteristics of a fractional integral, with a general discontinuous kernel in position for the Hammerstein integral term and a continuous kernel in time to the Volterra integral (VI) term. Then, using a separation technique methodology, we developed HIE, whose physical coefficients were time-variable. By examining the system’s convergence, the product Nystrom technique (PNT) and associated schemes were employed to create a nonlinear algebraic system (NAS).
Forecasting the Active Cases of COVID-19 via a New Stochastic Rayleigh Diffusion Process
Authors: Nafidi Ahmed , Chakroune Yassine , Gutiérrez-Sánchez Ramón , Tridane Abdessamad
Published: August 2023

In this work, we study the possibility of using a new non-homogeneous stochastic diffusion process based on the Rayleigh density function to model the evolution of the active cases of COVID-19 in Morocco. First, the main probabilistic characteristics and analytic expression of the proposed process are obtained. Next, the parameters of the model are estimated by the maximum likelihood methodology. This estimation and the subsequent statistical inference are based on the discrete observation of the variable x(t) “number of active cases of COVID-19 in Morocco” by using the data for the period of 28 January to 4 March 2022. Then, we analyze the mean functions by using simulated data for fit and forecast purposes. Finally, we explore the illustration of using this new process to fit and forecast the active cases of COVID-19 data.
Fractal Analysis and FEM Assessment of Soft Tissue Affected by Fibrosis
Authors: Prieto-Vázquez Arturo Yishai , Cuautle-Estrada Alejandro , Grave-Capistrán Mario Alberto , Ramírez Octavio , Torres-SanMiguel Christopher René
Published: August 2023

This research shows an image processing method to determine the liver tissue’s mechanical behavior under physiological damage caused by fibrosis pathology. The proposed method consists of using a liver tissue CAD/CAE model obtained from a tomography of the human abdomen, where the diaphragmatic surface of this tissue is compressed by a moving flat surface. For this work, two tools were created—the first to analyze the deformations and the second to analyze the displacements of the liver tissue. Gibbon and MATLAB® were used for numerical analysis with the FEBio computer program. Although deformation in the scenario can be treated as an orthogonal coordinate system, the relationship between the total change in height (measured) and the deformation was obtained. The outcomes show liver tissue behavior as a hyperelastic model; the Mooney–Rivlin mathematical characterization model was proposed in this case. Another method to determine the level of physiological damage caused by fibrosis is fractal analysis. This work used the Hausdorff fractal dimension (HFD) method to calculate and analyze the 2D topological surface.
Inhibitory Activity and Mechanism of Action with Thymol against the Blueberry Pathogenic Fungi Caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora
Authors: Ye Shengjie , Shuai Liang , Luo Donglan , Ba Liangjie
Published: August 2023

Decay caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora is an important postharvest disease of blueberries that seriously affects the commercial value of blueberry fruit. In this paper, we studied the inhibitory activity and mode of action of thymol against the pathogenic fungus of blueberries caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora. The results demonstrated that thymol administration could limit mycelial growth in vitro; the inhibitory effect was positively connected with thymol mass concentrations, and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 100 mg/L. Further investigations revealed that MIC thymol treatment dramatically reduced the germination of pathogenic spores and led to an increase in the conductivity of the pathogen, leakage of contents, and a decrease in pH. Propidium iodide (PI) staining experiments demonstrated that MIC thymol caused damage to mycelial cell membranes. Additionally, MIC thymol treatment promoted mycelium malondialdehyde content accumulation, inhibited superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities, decreased adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) content and energy charge levels, and the fluorescence intensity of mycelium caused by MIC thymol treatment was significantly increased by the 2,7-Dichlorodi-hydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay. The results of this study indicate that thymol suppresses the proliferation of Neopestalotiopsis clavispora by compromising the integrity of their cell membranes, promoting the accumulation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and interfering with energy metabolism.
Effect of Compost Tea in Horticulture
Authors: Pilla Niccolò , Tranchida-Lombardo Valentina , Gabrielli Paolo , Aguzzi Altero , Caputo Michele , Lucarini Massimo , Durazzo Alessandra , Zaccardelli Massimo
Published: August 2023

Nowadays, modern agriculture looks for valid, sustainable, and green alternatives that are able to improve and maintain soil quality and fertility over time. Recycling organic waste as fertilizer is one of the strategies for sustainable production. Recently, the use of new products derived from compost, such as compost tea (CT), is increasing due to their positive effects on crops. This perspective wants to give an updated shot at the effect of compost tea in horticulture. In addition to the classification of compost tea, with a focus on production procedures and composition, the possible effects they have both on the control of phytopathogens in horticulture and the influence they can have on the content of bioactive molecules and nutrients were highlighted. It is interesting to note that compost teas can have an effect on the final content of micro and macronutrients, thus improving the nutritional qualities and also increasing the content of bioactive compounds that may play a role in maintaining and improving human health. The combined use of compost tea with other treatments is being explored as a promising and innovative direction.
Rheumatic Diseases: New Progress in Clinical Research and Pathogenesis
Authors: Koo Malcolm , Lu Ming-Chi
Published: August 2023

Rheumatic diseases encompass a group of disorders that primarily target the musculoskeletal system, including joints, bones, muscles, and connective tissue [...]
The Relationship between Post-COVID Syndrome and the Burden of Comorbidities Assessed Using the Charlson Comorbidity Index
Authors: Falsetti Lorenzo , Zaccone Vincenzo , Santoro Luca , Santini Silvia , Guerrieri Emanuele , Giuliani Luca , Viticchi Giovanna , Cataldi Serena , Gasbarrini Antonio , Landi Francesco , Santoliquido Angelo , Moroncini Gianluca ,   on behalf of Gemelli Against Covid-Post-Acute Care Study Group
Published: August 2023

Introduction: The post-COVID-19 syndrome is a clinical entity characterized by the manifestation of signs and symptoms that develop after the acute phase of COVID-19, which persist for a duration of more than 12 weeks and are not explained by any alternative diagnosis. It has been observed that individuals with pre-existing chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, are at a greater risk of developing post-COVID-19 syndrome. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) is a useful tool employed to evaluate the burden of comorbidities and predict the prognosis of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. The present study aims to assess whether the burden of comorbidities, evaluated using the CCI, correlates with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Materials and Methods: Between 21 April 2020 and 15 May 2023, we enrolled all consecutive outpatients with previous COVID-19 admissions to a post-acute day-hospital service three months after a negative SARS-CoV-2 molecular test. We assessed age, sex, BMI, acute COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 signs, and symptoms and calculated CCI according to its current definition. Post-COVID-19 syndrome was defined as the persistence of at least one sign or symptom lasting more than 12 weeks after COVID-19 resolution and not explained by an alternative diagnosis. The relationship between post-COVID-19 and CCI was explored first with the chi-squared test, then with different binary logistic regression models. We considered significant values of p lower than 0.05. Results: We obtained a cohort of 3636 patients and observed a significant association between the number of post-COVID-19 symptoms and CCI. Patients developing post-COVID-19 were more commonly affected by a greater burden of comorbidities. Patients with at least one CCI point had an increased risk of post-COVID-19 syndrome (OR:2.961; 95%CI: 2.269–3.863; p < 0.0001), which increased further for CCI ≥ 4 (OR:6.062; 95%CI: 3.163–11.618; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Patients affected by post-COVID-19 show a greater clinical complexity and a larger burden of comorbidities, synthesized by a higher CCI; moreover, a higher CCI seems to correlate with an increasing post-COVID-19 risk, being the presence of ≥1 or ≥4 CCI points associated with a 3-fold and 6-fold increased risk of post-COVID-19 syndrome, respectively.
Benevolent Leadership: Unveiling the Impact of Supervisor Gender on HR Practices and Employee Commitment
Authors: Göbel Lena , Burkert Steffen
Published: August 2023

In this study, we examine the relationship between supervisor gender, the adoption of HR practices, and employee commitment. Based on leadership theories arguing that female supervisors are more focused on employee needs than male supervisors, we suggest that female supervisors are more likely to adopt HR practices that address employee needs. Using social exchange arguments, we predict that this in turn leads to higher affective commitment among employees. We test our theoretical predictions using three waves of the German Linked Personnel Panel (LPP). Our results indicate that female supervisors promote personnel development practices (DP) more than male supervisors, which has a positive impact on employees’ affective commitment to the organization. We find no statistically significant effect of a female supervisor on the provision of family-friendly work practices (FFWP). We discuss the implications of these findings and suggest avenues for future research.
Experimental Characterization and Evaluation of Crude Spiking Influence on Oil/Water Dispersed Flow in Pipe
Authors: Asaadian Hamidreza , Stanko Milan
Published: August 2023

This study centers around examining the impact of introducing varying (small) quantities of crude oil into mineral oil (Exxsol D60) on the resultant properties of dispersions and emulsions in oil–salty-water mixture properties such as rheology, droplet size distribution, separation duration, and interfacial tension. The experimentation encompassed bottle tests and a compact flow loop configuration featuring a 2 m horizontal pipe segment. The findings indicate that blends of oil infused with crude oil, combined with salty water at water ratios of 25% and 50%, necessitate an extended duration for separation and for the establishment and stabilization of interfaces, in contrast to mixtures of unaltered oil and saline water. To illustrate, in samples with spiking concentrations ranging from 200 to 800 ppm within a 25% water fraction, the separation period escalates from 51 s to 2 min and 21 s. Interestingly, when the water fraction increased to 75 percent, the impact of crude oil spiking on separation time was minimal. The analysis revealed that the Pal and Rhodes emulsion viscosity model yielded the most accurate predictions for the viscosity of resulting emulsions. The introduction of crude oil spiking elevated emulsion viscosity while diminishing interfacial tension from 30.8 to 27.6 mN/m (800 ppm spiking). Lastly, a comparative assessment was performed between droplet size distributions in the devised dispersed pipe flow and observed in an actual emulsion system comprising crude and salty water.
Herbal Medicine Nanocrystals: A Potential Novel Therapeutic Strategy
Authors: Guo Mengran , Qin Shugang , Wang Shiyan , Sun Min , Yang Huiling , Wang Xinchun , Fan Ping , Jin Zhaohui
Published: August 2023

Herbal medicines have gained recognition among physicians and patients due to their lower adverse effects compared to modern medicines. They are extensively used to treat various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular issues, chronic inflammation, microbial contamination, diabetes, obesity, and hepatic disorders, among others. Unfortunately, the clinical application of herbal medicines is limited by their low solubility and inadequate bioavailability. Utilizing herbal medicines in the form of nanocrystals (herbal medicine nanocrystals) has shown potential in enhancing solubility and bioavailability by reducing the particle size, increasing the specific surface area, and modifying the absorption mechanisms. Multiple studies have demonstrated that these nanocrystals significantly improve drug efficacy by reducing toxicity and increasing bioavailability. This review comprehensively examines therapeutic approaches based on herbal medicine nanocrystals. It covers the preparation principles, key factors influencing nucleation and polymorphism control, applications, and limitations. The review underscores the importance of optimizing delivery systems for successful herbal medicine nanocrystal therapeutics. Furthermore, it discusses the main challenges and opportunities in developing herbal medicine nanocrystals for the purpose of treating conditions such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular disorders, mental and nervous diseases, and antimicrobial infections. In conclusion, we have deliberated regarding the hurdles and forthcoming outlook in the realm of nanotoxicity, in vivo kinetics, herbal ingredients as stabilizers of nanocrystals, and the potential for surmounting drug resistance through the utilization of nanocrystalline formulations in herbal medicine. We anticipate that this review will offer innovative insights into the development of herbal medicine nanocrystals as a promising and novel therapeutic strategy.
Electrochemical Determination of 17-β-Estradiol Using a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with α-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Galvão Juliana Costa Rolim , Araujo Mayara da Silva , Prete Maiyara Carolyne , Neto Vanildo Leão , Dall’Antonia Luiz Henrique , Matos Roberto , Tarley Cesar Ricardo Texeira , Medeiros Roberta Antigo
Published: August 2023

In this study, a novel electrochemical assay for determining 17-β-estradiol (E2) was proposed. The approach involves modifying a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with a nanocomposite consisting of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs)—denoted as α-Fe2O3-CNT/GCE. The synthesis of the α-Fe2O3-CNT nanocomposite was achieved through a simple and cost-effective hydrothermal process. Morphological and chemical characterization were conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The presence of the α-Fe2O3-CNT film on the GCE surface resulted in an enhanced electrochemical response to E2, preventing electrode surface fouling and mitigating the decrease in peak current intensity during E2 oxidation. These outcomes substantiate the rationale behind the GCE modification. After the optimization of experimental conditions, E2 was determined by the square wave voltammetry technique using 0.1 mol L−1 KCl solution (pH = 7.0) with 20% ethanol as a supporting electrolyte. A linear concentration range of 5.0–100.0 nmol L−1 and a low limit of detection of 4.4 nmol L−1 were obtained. The electroanalytical method using α-Fe2O3-CNT/GCE was applied for E2 determination in pharmaceutical, lake water, and synthetic urine samples. The obtained results were attested by recovery tests and by high-performance liquid chromatography as a comparative technique at a 95% confidence level. Thus, the developed electrochemical sensor is simple and fast to obtain, presents high accuracy, and is viable for determining E2 in routine analysis.
Biomass-Derived Flexible Carbon Architectures as Self-Supporting Electrodes for Energy Storage
Authors: Yang Dehong , Xu Peng , Tian Chaofan , Li Sen , Xing Tao , Li Zhi , Wang Xuebin , Dai Pengcheng
Published: August 2023

With the swift advancement of the wearable electronic devices industry, the energy storage components of these devices must possess the capability to maintain stable mechanical and chemical properties after undergoing multiple bending or tensile deformations. This circumstance has expedited research efforts toward novel electrode materials for flexible energy storage devices. Nonetheless, among the numerous materials investigated to date, the incorporation of metal current collectors or insulative adhesives remains requisite, which entails additional costs, unnecessary weight, and high contact resistance. At present, biomass-derived flexible architectures stand out as a promising choice in electrochemical energy device applications. Flexible self-supporting properties impart a heightened mechanical performance, obviating the need for additional binders and lowering the contact resistance. Renewable, earth-abundant biomass endows these materials with cost-effectiveness, diversity, and modulable chemical properties. To fully exploit the application potential in biomass-derived flexible carbon architectures, understanding the latest advancements and the comprehensive foundation behind their synthesis assumes significance. This review delves into the comprehensive analysis of biomass feedstocks and methods employed in the synthesis of flexible self-supporting carbon electrodes. Subsequently, the advancements in their application in energy storage devices are elucidated. Finally, an outlook on the potential of flexible carbon architectures and the challenges they face is provided.
Study on Extraction and Purification of Acanthopanax senticosus Polyphenols by an Ionic Liquid-Assisted Aqueous Two-Phase System
Authors: Li Ying , Li Xiaoli , Wang Xueyan , Xue Jiaojiao , Zhang Rui , Ding Yi , Chu Xiuling , Su Jianqing
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to extract and purify polyphenols from Acanthopanax senticosus. A new green method was developed, in which ionic liquids (ILs) were used as aqueous two-phase (ATP) adjuvants to extract the polyphenols from A. senticosus. An ionic liquid-assisted aqueous two-phase system (IL-ATPS) was established. The purification of the polyphenols from the extraction fluid by AB-8 macroporous resin was conducted, and the kinetic mechanisms were studied. The reuse of ionic liquids was executed. The results showed that an [OMIM]Br-assisted ethanol/NaH2PO4 system (IL-ATPS) was the best extraction solvent. In this study, the following optimal extraction conditions were determined: 32 wt.% ethanol, 25 wt.% NaH2PO4, 9 wt.% additional ionic liquid, a solid–liquid ratio of 1:40 g/mL, an extraction temperature of 50 °C, a pH of 4.0, an extraction time of 50 min, and an extraction rate of the polyphenols at 15.90 mg/g. The optimum adsorption parameters of the macroporous resin AB-8 were as follows: a flow rate of 3.5 BV·h−1, a sample volume of 40 mL, an elution flow rate of 3.5 BV·h−1, an eluent volume of 80 mL, and an eluant that was constituted by an 85% volume fraction of ethanol. The decolorization effect of 4% activated carbon was better than the other amounts; in addition, a decolorization rate of 76.81% and an ionic liquid recovery rate of 81.12% were found to be the most optimal. Compared with the traditional extraction methods, IL-ATPS has the advantages of requiring simple operation, saving time, and high efficiency. In addition, it can be used for the extraction of the polyphenolic compounds.
Research on the Prediction Model of Engine Output Torque and Real-Time Estimation of the Road Rolling Resistance Coefficient in Tracked Vehicles
Authors: Jia Weijian , Liu Xixia , Jia Guodong , Zhang Chuanqing , Sun Bin
Published: August 2023

Road parameter identification is of great significance for the active safety control of tracked vehicles and the improvement of vehicle driving safety. In this study, a method for establishing a prediction model of the engine output torques in tracked vehicles based on vehicle driving data was proposed, and the road rolling resistance coefficient f was further estimated using the model. First, the driving data from the tracked vehicle were collected and then screened by setting the driving conditions of the tracked vehicle. Then, the mapping relationship between the engine torque Te, the engine speed ne, and the accelerator pedal position β was obtained by a genetic algorithm–backpropagation (GA–BP) neural network algorithm, and an engine output torque prediction model was established. Finally, based on the vehicle longitudinal dynamics model, the recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm was used to estimate the f. The experimental results showed that when the driving state of the tracked vehicle satisfied the set driving conditions, the engine output torque prediction model could predict the engine output torque T^e in real time based on the changes in the ne and β, and then the RLS algorithm was used to estimate the road rolling resistance coefficient f^. The average coefficient of determination R of the T^e was 0.91, and the estimation accuracy of the f^ was 98.421%. This method could adequately meet the requirements for engine output torque prediction and real-time estimation of the road rolling resistance coefficient during tracked vehicle driving.
Arithmetic Optimization AOMDV Routing Protocol for FANETs
Authors: Wang Huamin , Li Yongfu , Zhang Yubing , Huang Tiancong , Jiang Yang
Published: August 2023

Flying ad hoc networks (FANETs), composed of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), possess characteristics of flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and rapid deployment, rendering them highly attractive for a wide range of civilian and military applications. FANETs are special mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), FANETs have the characteristics of faster network topology changes and limited energy. Existing reactive routing protocols are unsuitable for the highly dynamic and limited energy of FANETs. For the lithium battery-powered UAV, flight endurance lasts from half an hour to two hours. The fast-moving UAV not only affects the packet delivery rate, average throughput, and end-to-end delay but also shortens the flight endurance. Therefore, research is urgently needed into a high-performance routing protocol with high energy efficiency. In this paper, we propose a novel routing protocol called AO-AOMDV, which utilizes arithmetic optimization (AO) to enhance the ad hoc on-demand multi-path distance vector (AOMDV) routing protocol. The AO-AOMDV utilizes a fitness function to calculate the fitness value of multiple paths and employs arithmetic optimization for selecting the optimal route for routing selection. Our experiments were conducted using NS3 with three evaluation metrics: the packet delivery ratio, network lifetime, and average end-to-end delay. We compare this algorithm to routing protocols including AOMDV and AODV. The results indicate that the proposed AO-AOMDV attained a higher packet delivery ratio, network lifetime, and lower average end-to-end delay.