bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light and Shadow in Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: A Powerful Tool for Cannabis sativa L. Analysis
Authors: Díaz-Liñán María del Carmen , Sánchez de Medina Verónica , Ferreiro-Vera Carlos , García-Valverde María Teresa
Published: November 2023

Cannabis sativa L. is an ancient cultivar that has found applications in various fields, e.g., medicine, due to its beneficial effects. However, due to its psychotropic effects, the regulation of this cultivar has increased throughout the decades. In this context, the need for rapid and reliable analytical methods to ensure the quality control of Cannabis cultivars has become of extreme importance. NIRS has arisen as a powerful tool in this field due to its multiple advantages, e.g., non-destructive, rapid, and cost-effective. In this article, the chemometric techniques commonly employed in NIRS method development are described, along with their application for the analysis of Cannabis samples. Regarding qualitative methods, different mathematical treatments and classification models are explained. As for quantitative methods, the representative linear and non-linear modelling techniques applied for the development of prediction equations are described, alongside their application in the Cannabis field. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time this type of review is written, since there are several articles which address cannabinoid determination, but the main purpose of this review is to enhance the potential of NIRS over the traditional techniques employed for the analysis of Cannabis samples.
BlobCUT: A Contrastive Learning Method to Support Small Blob Detection in Medical Imaging
Authors: Li Teng , Xu Yanzhe , Wu Teresa , Charlton Jennifer R. , Bennett Kevin M. , Al-Hindawi Firas
Published: November 2023

Medical imaging-based biomarkers derived from small objects (e.g., cell nuclei) play a crucial role in medical applications. However, detecting and segmenting small objects (a.k.a. blobs) remains a challenging task. In this research, we propose a novel 3D small blob detector called BlobCUT. BlobCUT is an unpaired image-to-image (I2I) translation model that falls under the Contrastive Unpaired Translation paradigm. It employs a blob synthesis module to generate synthetic 3D blobs with corresponding masks. This is incorporated into the iterative model training as the ground truth. The I2I translation process is designed with two constraints: (1) a convexity consistency constraint that relies on Hessian analysis to preserve the geometric properties and (2) an intensity distribution consistency constraint based on Kullback-Leibler divergence to preserve the intensity distribution of blobs. BlobCUT learns the inherent noise distribution from the target noisy blob images and performs image translation from the noisy domain to the clean domain, effectively functioning as a denoising process to support blob identification. To validate the performance of BlobCUT, we evaluate it on a 3D simulated dataset of blobs and a 3D MRI dataset of mouse kidneys. We conduct a comparative analysis involving six state-of-the-art methods. Our findings reveal that BlobCUT exhibits superior performance and training efficiency, utilizing only 56.6% of the training time required by the state-of-the-art BlobDetGAN. This underscores the effectiveness of BlobCUT in accurately segmenting small blobs while achieving notable gains in training efficiency.
Identification and Characterization of Retinitis Pigmentosa in a Novel Mouse Model Caused by PDE6B-T592I
Authors: Xia Chun-Hong , Liu Haiquan , Li Mei , Zhang Haiwei , Xing Xinfang , Gong Xiaohua
Published: November 2023

The cGMP-phosphodiesterase 6 beta subunit (PDE6B) is an essential component in the phototransduction pathway for light responses in photoreceptor cells. PDE6B gene mutations cause the death of rod photoreceptors, named as hereditary retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in humans and retinal degeneration (RD) in rodents. Here, we report a new RD model, identified from a phenotypic screen of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-induced mutant mice, which displays retinal degeneration caused by a point mutation in the Pde6b gene that results in PDE6B-T592I mutant protein. The homozygous mutant mice show an extensive loss of rod photoreceptors at the age of 3 weeks; unexpectedly, the loss of rod photoreceptors can be partly rescued by dark rearing. Thus, this RD mutant model displays a light-dependent loss of rod photoreceptors. Both western blot and immunostaining results show very low level of mutant PDE6B-T592I protein in the retina. Structure modeling suggests that the T592I mutation probably affects the function and stability of PDE6B protein by changing intramolecular interactions. We further demonstrate that the expression of wild-type PDE6B delivered by subretinally injected adeno-associated virus (rAAV) prevents photoreceptor cell death in this RD model in vivo. The PDE6B-T592I mutant is, therefore, a valuable RD model for evaluating rAAV-mediated treatment and for investigating the molecular mechanism of light-dependent rod photoreceptor cell death that is related to impaired PDE6B function.
Plasma Exchange versus Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Worsening Myasthenia Gravis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Special Attention to Faster Relapse Control
Authors: Pavlekovics Mark , Engh Marie Anne , Lugosi Katalin , Szabo Laszlo , Hegyi Peter , Terebessy Tamas , Csukly Gabor , Molnar Zsolt , Illes Zsolt , Lovas Gabor
Published: November 2023

Currently used rescue interventions to prevent rapid myasthenic deterioration are plasma exchange (PLEX) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). We investigated the evidence to determine whether the two methods were interchangeable or whether one was superior to the other. This review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021285985). Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy and safety of PLEX and IVIG in patients with moderate-to-severe myasthenia gravis (MG) were included. Five major databases were systematically searched (PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science). Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for adverse events and mean differences (MD) for changes in quantitative myasthenia gravis scores (QMG). Three RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Two investigating 114 patients in total were eligible for meta-analysis to analyze efficacy and safety. For the change in QMG score, the MD was −2.8 (95% CI: −5.614–0.113), with PLEX performing better. For adverse events, an OR of 1.04 was found (95% CI: 0.25–4.27). This study demonstrated a low risk of bias in evaluating treatment efficacy but indicated a high risk of bias in assessing procedural safety outcomes. Although the results did not show any significant difference, there was a tendency indicating faster efficacy of PLEX in the first two weeks of treatment. In such a critical clinical condition, this tendency may be clinically meaningful, but further studies should clarify this benefit.
Early Adverse Family Experiences and Elevated Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Predict Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Females with Non-Psychotic Mental Disorders and Suicidal Ideation
Authors: Zinchuk Mikhail S. , Druzhkova Tatiana A. , Popova Sofya B. , Zhanina Marina Y. , Guekht Alla B. , Gulyaeva Natalia V.
Published: November 2023

Nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior (NSSI), prevalent in patients with non-psychotic mental disorders (NPMD), is associated with numerous adverse outcomes. Despite active research into the clinical and psychological aspects of NSSI, the underlying biological mechanisms remain obscure. Early adverse experiences are believed to induce long-lasting changes in neuroendocrine mechanisms of stress control playing a key role in NSSI development. The aim of the study was to evaluate parameters potentially predicting development of NSSI in female patients with NPMD and suicidal ideation. Eighty female patients over 18 years with NPMD and suicidal ideation (40 with and 40 without NSSI) and 48 age matching women without evidence of mental illness (healthy controls) were enrolled. Diagnostic interviews and self-report measures were used to assess childhood maltreatment, presence, frequency, and characteristics of suicidal and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors, the Beck Depression Inventory scale to assess severity of depression. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis markers, hormones, and neurotrophic factors were measured in blood serum. The likelihood of developing NSSI in patients with NPMD and suicidal ideation was associated with early adverse family history and elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone levels. Dysregulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as a result of early chronic stress experiences may represent critical biological mechanism promoting the development of NSSI behaviors in patients with NPMD.
Role of Chromatin and Epigenetic Dysregulation in Prostate Cancer: From Development to Progression and Therapeutic Response
Authors: Paleati Nikhila , Munirathinam Gnanasekar
Published: November 2023

A multitude of epigenetic modifications and genetic mutations have been found to play pivotal roles in the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa) [...]
Knee Flexion While Walking Exceeds Knee Flexion Contracture in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Bartonek Åsa , Lidbeck Cecilia
Published: November 2023

Flexed knee gait is commonly related to contractures in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Therefore, knee position while walking was compared with passive knee extension and explored with respect to functional mobility. Gait was assessed with 3D motion analysis in 30 children with bilateral spastic CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I–III, and in 22 typically developing (TD) children. Knee angle at initial contact (KneeAngleIC) was greater than knee flexion in stance (MinKneeFlexSt) in all groups. MinKneeFlexSt exceeded knee contractures at GMFCS levels II and III. Both KneeAngleIC and MinKneeFlexSt were greater at GMFCS II and III than at GMFCS I and the TD group. The excessive knee flexion while walking at GMFCS II and III could not be explained by knee joint contractures. Functional mobility measured with the timed-up-and-go test took longer in children at GMFCS level III compared to the other groups, assumed to be explained by the energy-requiring flexed knee gait and spatial insecurity. Discriminating between passive knee extension at the physical assessment and maximum knee extension while weight bearing may contribute to further understanding of flexed knee gait and its causes in ambulating children with spastic bilateral CP.
The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Youth with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tsinopoulou Vasiliki-Rengina , Kotanidou Eleni P. , Athanasiadis Nikolaos , Sapountzi Evdoxia , Bacopoulou Flora , Ntzani Evangelia , Galli-Tsinopoulou Assimina , Christoforidis Athanasios
Published: November 2023

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age and female adolescents. The diagnosis of PCOS is difficult during puberty due to overlapping of the criteria with normal variations of menstruation during this age period. There are insufficient data on the gut microbiome and PCOS and potential mechanisms linking the two. The present systematic review aimed to detect dysbiosis patterns in youth with PCOS, compared with healthy controls. Methods: One hundred seventy-eight studies were identified by a databases search and sixty-eight by a full-text assessment for eligibility; four were included in the systematic review and underwent quality control. Results: The results of the study were controversial in accordance to findings from the literature. A change in gut microbiome α diversity was found in PCOS adolescents, with no significant alterations in β diversity. Almost all studies found Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria in abundance in both groups, with changes in family composition and fluctuations at the phylum level. A statistically significant association between these changes and clinical or biochemical features of the syndrome was described. Conclusions: This systematic review confirmed gut microbiota dysbiosis in youth with PCOS. However, further data are needed to clarify these changes and to build a strategy to prevent the syndrome.
Parents’ Perceptions Regarding Their Children’s Medications and Expert-Assessed Drug-Related Problems in Pediatric Patients with Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Authors: Harings Tanjana , Neininger Martina Patrizia , Eisenhofer Simone , Thiele Alena Gerlinde , Kiess Wieland , Bertsche Astrid , Beblo Skadi , Bertsche Thilo
Published: November 2023

We aimed to explore parents’ perceptions of their children’s medication use for inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), including the importance of medication intake, potential complications, and concerns about adverse drug reactions (ADR). Additionally, we aimed to determine expert-assessed clinically relevant drug-related problems, particularly those attributable to IEM. We interviewed 108 parents of 119 pediatric patients with IEM using a questionnaire relating to their perceptions regarding their children’s IEM medication. In affected siblings, a questionnaire was used for each child. We performed medication analyses to evaluate the patient’s complete medication regimen for clinically relevant drug-related problems, including medication for conditions other than IEM. It was very important to the parents of 85% of the patients to use IEM medication exactly as prescribed. The parents of 41% of patients perceived complications in their children’s use of IEM medication. The parents of 47% of patients reported fears concerning ADR because of IEM medication. Parents observed ADR in 27% of patients because of IEM medication. In 44% of patients, medication for conditions other than IEM was inadequate because of drug-related problems not associated with the IEM; a safe alternative existed in 21% of patients. In summary, almost half of the parents of patients with IEM reported complications with their child’s IEM medication intake and fears of ADR. Medication analyses showed that drug-related problems occurred regardless of IEM, emphasizing the general need to prescribe and dispense adequate, child-appropriate medication to minimize clinically relevant drug-related problems in pediatric patients.
Effect of Obesity on the Respiratory Parameters in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Caliendo Carolina , Femiano Rossella , Umano Giuseppina Rosaria , Martina Stefano , Nucci Ludovica , Perillo Letizia , Grassia Vincenzo
Published: November 2023

The aim of the study was to investigate how obesity can influence sleep respiratory parameters in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children. Methods: The study analyzes 56 Caucasian children and adolescents aged 11 ± 2.79 years with a BMI > 5th percentiles and a PSQ value ≥ 0.33. Children were divided into Obesity Group (OG) with BMI ≥ 95th and Control Group (CG) with 5th < BMI > 95th percentile. All selected children underwent PG. Respiratory parameters AHI (Apnea–Hypopnea Index), SaO2 (Saturation of Oxygen), ODI (Oxygen Desaturation Index), and Nadir (the lowest value of SaO2 registered during PG) were extracted from the PG. AHI was used to divide the severity of OSAS into four levels: snoring (AHI ≤ 1), mild (AHI > 1 and ≤5), moderate (AHI > 5 and <10), and severe (AHI ≥ 10). Results: The comparison analysis between the OG and CG showed a statistical significance only for ODI (p = 0.02). A statistically significant correlation between BMI and AHI (r = 0.02), SaO2 (r = 0.01), and Nadir O2 (r = 0.02) was found. Conclusions: There was no strong correlation between obesity and OSAS, but a positive association was found between BMI and AHI severity.
Food Parenting Practices Promoted by Childcare and Primary Healthcare Centers in Chile: What Influences Do These Practices Have on Parents? A Qualitative Study
Authors: Molina Paulina , Coloma María José , Gálvez Patricia , Stecher María José , Vizcarra Marcela , Schwingel Andiara
Published: November 2023

Chile, like many other countries in the world, is experiencing a high prevalence of childhood overweight. Among the factors influencing children’s eating behaviors are the food parenting practices promoted by community organizations. More information is needed on the influences of these recommendations on the parenting practices of parents of preschoolers. This study examined what types of food parenting practices are promoted in childcare and primary healthcare centers and how these recommendations influence subsequent parental behavior. Interviews using photo-elicitation were conducted with 25 parents of Chilean preschoolers. The interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Five themes were identified to describe food parenting practices promoted by community organizations and the influences that these practices had on parents of preschoolers. Healthcare centers were found to educate parents and provided a structured feeding. However, parents found their advice regarding dietary restriction challenging to follow. Childcare centers also provided information about healthy diet, food monitoring, and diversifying the child’s diet in a way that was perceived as adequate. While childcare centers encouraged structured and autonomous food parenting practices in a positive and supportive manner, healthcare centers tended to provide more restrictive guidance that posed challenges for parents struggling with preschool nutritional care.
Experimental Study and Mathematical Modeling of Mechanical Properties of Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Recycled Concrete Containing a High Content of Construction Waste
Authors: Chen Wei-Zhi , Chen Xue-Fei
Published: November 2023

Herein, we conducted an experimental test on basalt fiber-reinforced concrete with a high content of construction and demolition waste and then established some mathematical models based on Taylor’s formula. The concrete was prepared by using recycled clay brick powder in place of cement and recycled coarse aggregates as a substitution for natural coarse aggregates. The basalt fiber in weight dosages of 0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5% was used for reinforcement. The results showed that the compressive strength of concrete declined as the content of recycled aggregates increased, while the compressive strength first increased and then decreased as the basalt fiber dosage lifted. Regarding the splitting tensile strength, the reinforcement effect of basalt fiber in concrete with a high content of recycled aggregate is more significant when compared to its to its counterpart, which contains no or fewer recycled aggregates. The concrete with 0.5% basalt fiber dosage and 100% recycled aggregate content retains an equivalent compressive strength as to that of natural aggregate concrete and has about a 90% splitting tensile strength. In addition, the cubic function in comparison to the quadratic function has a higher fitting accuracy.
Hyperbaric Oxygen in Post-Stroke Patients: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Schmutz Jörg , Engelter Stefan , Peters Nils , Schmucki Patrick , Gelsomino Marco
Published: November 2023

Background: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been shown to improve the outcomes of certain stroke patients. Our objective was to assess the feasibility of employing HBOT in daily practice in unselected stroke patients with mild-to-moderate residual post-stroke symptoms, considering their ability to commute our center. Methods: This was an exploratory, interventional, prospective monocentric study on post-stroke patients who have completed their in-hospital stroke rehabilitation. We aimed to include 10 participants who were able to complete 40 daily HBOT sessions (2.0 ATA). Effectiveness was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS) pre- and post-HBOT. Results: We recruited 13 patients (12 males) with a mean age of 61 years. Three patients dropped out (two never started HBOT and one withdrew after five sessions because of traveling distance). Post-stroke time was 4–251 months. Among the 10 patients completing the HBOT program, 8 improved their NIHSS by a mean of 1,3 (1–4), while 2 patients’ NIHSS remained unchanged. There were no serious adverse events and no side effects. Conclusions: HBOT was shown to be feasible for mobile post-stroke patients who have completed standard rehabilitation. In the absence of major safety concerns, HBOT seems to be an interesting option post-stroke, with the potential to further improve residual stroke severity.
Identifying Optimal Candidates for Trimodality Therapy among Nonmetastatic Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients
Authors: Ran Shengming , Yang Jingtian , Hu Jintao , Fang Liekui , He Wang
Published: November 2023

(1) Background: This research aims to identify candidates for trimodality therapy (TMT) or radical cystectomy (RC) by using a predictive model. (2) Methods: Patients with nonmetastatic muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were enrolled. The clinical data of 2174 eligible patients were extracted and separated into RC and TMT groups. To control for confounding bias, propensity score matching (PSM) was carried out. A nomogram was established via multivariable logistic regression. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration curves were used to assess the nomogram’s prediction capacity. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was carried out to determine the nomogram’s clinical applicability. (3) Results: After being processed with PSM, the OS of the RC group was significantly longer compared with the TMT group (p < 0.001). This remarkable capacity for discrimination was exhibited in the training (AUC: 0.717) and validation (AUC: 0.774) sets. The calibration curves suggested acceptable uniformity. Excellent clinical utility was shown in the DCA curve. The RC and RC-Beneficial group survived significantly longer than the RC and TMT-Beneficial group (p < 0.001) or the TMT group (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found between the RC and TMT-Beneficial group and the TMT group (p = 0.321). (4) Conclusions: A predictive model with excellent discrimination and clinical application value was established to identify the optimal patients for TMT among nonmetastatic MIBC patients.
Association between COVID-19 Infection and Miscarriages, What We Really Know?
Authors: Chrysanthopoulos Ioannis , Potiris Anastasios , Drakaki Eirini , Mavrogianni Despoina , Machairiotis Nikolaos , Zarogoulidis Paul , Karampitsakos Theodoros , Machairoudias Pavlos , Vrachnis Dionysios , Panagopoulos Periklis , Drakakis Peter , Stavros Sofoklis
Published: November 2023

Background: COVID-19 is a modern worldwide pandemic that affected and continues to affect millions of people around the world. Since the discovery that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the binding site for COVID-19 to achieve cell entry, there has been a continuous debate about the effect of COVID-19 infection in first and second trimester abortions. The aim of this review is to investigate the impact of COVID-19 infection on the incidence of miscarriage. Furthermore, we seek to identify potential pathophysiological mechanisms of early pregnancy loss present in infected women. Methods: A literature review was conducted on different databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Ovid, Science Direct, Scopus, and Cochrane library, between 1 January 2020 and 31 August 2023. A total of 364 articles were identified and 32 articles were ultimately included in the review. Results: There are several case studies that provide evidence that early pregnancy loss is associated with COVID-19 infection. These findings are not further confirmed by the majority of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which demonstrate that the total number of miscarriages do not differ significantly between infected and non-infected groups. Furthermore, there are also case reports that associate COVID-19 infection with late second trimester abortions. Conclusions: Given that the virus persists globally, it is important to gain a better understanding of its associated risks in the reproductive process, and larger, more homogeneous, and controlled studies are required to obtain more robust data that can be meta-analyzed to obtain an overview of this potential relationship.
Visual Tooth Color Determination with Different Reference Scales as an Exercise in Dental Students’ Education
Authors: Klinke Thomas U. , Hannak Wolfgang B. , Böning Klaus , Jakstat Holger A. , Prause Elisabeth
Published: November 2023

Visual color determination (VCD) requires color competence and individual training. The aim of this study was to evaluate the deviations in students’ VCD with two different reference scales. The research hypothesis was that none of the color references would provide a better result. Participants evaluated nine templates randomly using two reference scales (VITA-classical (VC) and 3D-Master-Toothguide (3DM_TG)). The color distance to the chosen color (ΔEab) was calculated in the CIELAB 2000. The sum’s changes in the parameters (LCh°) represented the target variable. Results were evaluated with non-parametric, rank-scaled methods, utilizing the median with a 25%-75% quartile. The significance level (α = 0.05) is determined using the Student’s t-test. The mean ± 95%CI (SD) was −1.27 ± −1.09 (3.18); the median ΔE00 was −1.49 (−1.97; 0.96) for dC3DM_TG. The determination with VC showed noticeable differences (dCVC), with a mean ΔE00 of 0.00 ± 0.00 (2.20) and a median ΔE00 of 0.00 (1.17; 1.71). The standard error was 0.19 for the dCVC and 0.27 for the dC3DM_TG. dC3DM_TG vs. dCVC showed significant differences at p < 0.001. The dental student’s VCD resulted in color deviations, regardless of the reference template used. The color deviations in hue and chroma were comparable, regardless of the reference scale. VCD’s early implementation in dental education is useful to avoid shade misjudgments and potentially expensive remakes of dentures.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Lidocaine Tape for Topical Anesthesia of the Oral Mucosa: A Preliminary Controlled Trial
Authors: Tani Ryouji , Yamasaki Sachiko , Hamada Atsuko , Higaki Mirai , Asada Yasuyuki , Yanamoto Souichi
Published: November 2023

Local anesthesia is administered to reduce pain-induced stress during dental treatment. However, local anesthetic injections are extremely painful; thus, methods to minimize this pain should be developed. Clinical studies on the pain-relieving effects of dental topical anesthetics have shown that few topical anesthetics provide fast and adequate pain relief without harming the oral mucosa. We examined the efficacy and safety of lidocaine tape, which has a potent topical anesthetic effect. Lidocaine tape was applied to the oral mucosa of 14 healthy participants, and its suppression effect was assessed by examining the pain intensity at the non-lidocaine tape-applied site using the visual analog evaluation scale and the verbal evaluation scale. Lidocaine tape application significantly reduced visual analog scale (VAS) scores during mucosal puncture compared to non-application (p < 0.01). Moreover, lidocaine tape application significantly reduced VAS scores during local anesthetic injection compared to non-application (p < 0.001). Adverse events were evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0. No adverse events attributed to the application of lidocaine tape were observed in any participant. The findings in this study suggest that the application of lidocaine tape before infiltration anesthesia can reduce patient distress.
Investigation of Energy Consumption via an Equivalent Thermal Resistance-Capacitance Model for a Northern Rural Residence
Authors: Kang Ligai , Li Hao , Wang Zhichao , Wang Jinzhu , Sun Dongxiang , Yang Yang
Published: November 2023

To achieve the goal of carbon peaking, it is crucial to reduce both carbon emissions and energy consumption during the operational stage of residential buildings. This paper proposed a method for assessing carbon emissions and energy consumption for an energy system utilized in a rural residence. First, an equivalent thermal resistance-capacitance model for a rural residence was established. The parameters of thermal resistance and capacitance were optimized based on the data collected from an operating air source heat pump heating system. On this basis, the energy consumption was derived, and it was compared with real consumption. Then, a method of estimating house energy consumption index per unit area under specified weather conditions was proposed. Finally, the carbon emissions of three heating types—heating driven by air source heat pump, gas boiler, and coal boiler—were compared. Results showed that the derived energy consumption index per unit area was 46.77 W/m2. The carbon emissions of the air source heat pump were 1406.1 kgCO2.
Techno-Economic Comparative Analysis of Two Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Powering a Simulated House, including a Hydrogen Vehicle Load at Jeju Island
Authors: Mbouteu Megaptche Christelle Arielle , Kim Hanki , Musau Peter Moses , Waita Sebastian , Aduda Bernard
Published: November 2023

This work undertakes a techno-economic comparative analysis of the design of photovoltaic panel/wind turbine/electrolyzer-H2 tank–fuel cell/electrolyzer-H2 tank (configuration 1) and photovoltaic panel/wind turbine/battery/electrolyzer-H2 tank (configuration 2) to supply electricity to a simulated house and a hydrogen-powered vehicle on Jeju Island. The aim is to find a system that will make optimum use of the excess energy produced by renewable energies to power the hydrogen vehicle while guaranteeing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the entire system. In addition to evaluating the Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP) and the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), the search for achieving that objective leads to the evaluation of two new performance indicators: Loss of Hydrogen Supply Probability (LHSP) and Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH). After analysis, for 0 < LPSP < 1 and 0 < LHSP < 1 used as the constraints in a multi-objective genetic algorithm, configuration 1 turns out to be the most efficient loads feeder with an LCOE of 0.3322 USD/kWh, an LPSP of 0% concerning the simulated house load, an LCOH of 11.5671 USD/kg for a 5 kg hydrogen storage, and an LHSP of 0.0043% regarding the hydrogen vehicle load.
Advances in Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling for Biomass Pyrolysis: A Review
Authors: Kulkarni Anirudh , Mishra Garima , Palla Sridhar , Ramesh Potnuri , Surya Dadi Venkata , Basak Tanmay
Published: November 2023

Pyrolysis, a process for extracting valuable chemicals from waste materials, leverages computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to optimize reactor parameters, thereby enhancing product quality and process efficiency. This review aims to understand the application of CFD in pyrolysis. Initially, the need for pyrolysis and its role in biomass valorization are discussed, and this is followed by an elaboration of the fundamentals of CFD studies in terms of their application to the pyrolysis process. The various CFD simulations and models used to understand product formation are also explained. Pyrolysis is conducted using both conventional and microwave-assisted pyrolysis platforms. Hence, the reaction kinetics, governing model equations, and laws are discussed in the conventional pyrolysis section. In the microwave-assisted pyrolysis section, the importance of wavelength, penetration depth, and microwave conversion efficiencies on the CFD are discussed. This review provides valuable insights to academic researchers on the application of CFD in pyrolysis systems. The modeling of pyrolysis by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a complex process due to the implementation of multiple reaction kinetics and physics, high computational cost, and reactor design. These challenges in the modeling of the pyrolysis process are discussed in this paper. Significant solutions that have been used to overcome the challenges are also provided with potential areas of research and development in the future of CFD in pyrolysis.
A Three-Dimensional Time-Dependent Model of the Degradation Caused by Chromium Poisoning in a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stack
Authors: Yu Shangzhe , Schäfer Dominik , Zhang Shidong , Peters Roland , Kunz Felix , Eichel Rüdiger-A.
Published: November 2023

Chromium poisoning strongly influences the performance of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks. A novel numerical model is introduced by incorporating the chemical and electrochemical aspects of chromium poisoning. It offers a detailed analysis of the spatial distribution of critical chromium-based species, including SrCrO4 and Cr2O3. This model is integrated with a pre-existing three-dimensional, time-dependent computational fluid dynamics (CFD) toolbox, openFuelCell2. The numerical simulations indicate a quantitative agreement with experimental data over an extended 100 kh operation. Numerical simulations are conducted within a representative channel geometry originating from an F10 SOFC stack at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, and consider a wide range of stack designs, temperatures, and air absolute humidities. The simulation results demonstrate the potential of a protective coating produced through atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) technology in nearly eliminating chromium poisoning. It is also found that the APS protective coating could enable the operation of an SOFC stack with low requirements of air dehumidification at a temperature of 650 ∘C.
Bacteria and Yeasts Isolated from the Environment in Biodegradation of PS and PVC Microplastics: Screening and Treatment Optimization
Authors: Bule Možar Kristina , Miloloža Martina , Martinjak Viktorija , Cvetnić Matija , Ocelić Bulatović Vesna , Mandić Vilko , Bafti Arijeta , Ukić Šime , Kučić Grgić Dajana , Bolanča Tomislav
Published: November 2023

Biodegradation is the most environmentally friendly and, at the same time, economically acceptable approach to removing various pollutants from the environment. However, its efficiency in removing microplastics (MPs) from the environment is generally low. The successful biodegradation of MPs requires microorganisms capable of producing enzymes that degrade MP polymers into compounds that the microorganisms can use as a source of carbon and energy. Therefore, scientists are screening and characterizing microorganisms that can degrade MPs more efficiently. These microorganisms are often isolated from sites contaminated with MPs because the microorganisms living there are adapted to these pollutants and should be able to better degrade MPs. In this study, five bacterial strains and five yeast strains were isolated from various environmental samples including activated sludge, compost, river sediment, and biowaste. Among them, screening was performed for bacteria and yeasts with the highest potential for the biodegradation of polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) MPs, and the bacterium Delftia acidovorans and the yeast Candida parapsilosis were identified as the best candidates. Optimization of biodegradation of the selected MPs by each of these two microorganisms was performed, focusing on the influence of cell density, agitation speed and pH of the medium. It was found that within the selected experimental ranges, high values of cell density, low agitation speed, and a slightly basic medium favored the biodegradation of PS and PVC MPs by Delftia acidovorans. In the case of Candida parapsilosis, favorable conditions also included high cell density followed by a slightly higher, but not maximum, agitation speed and a weakly acidic medium. Broad spectroscopic and imaging methods indicated that Delftia acidovorans and Candida parapsilosis better adapt to PVC MPs to use it as a carbon and energy source.
Biological Responses of Oyster Crassostrea gasar Exposed to Different Concentrations of Biofloc
Authors: Costa Léa Carolina de Oliveira , Carvalho Andrezza , Holanda Mariana , Santos Jorge , Borges Lucélia , Guterres Bruna , Nam Junior Je , Fonseca Virginia , Muller Larissa , Romano Luis , Botelho Silvia , Pias Marcelo , Ventura Juliane , Poersch Luís H.
Published: November 2023

Oysters have the potential to be a part of more sustainable farming systems, such as multitrophic systems integrated into biofloc systems, due to their filtration activity, which enables them to act as organic consumers. However, the stress experienced by animals in a system with a high organic load can compromise their productive performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biological responses of Crassostrea gasar oysters when exposed to different concentrations of total suspended solids in biofloc systems. The oysters were exposed to four different concentrations of solids for 28 days. Hall effect sensors were installed on the outside of the shells to detect the movement of the oyster valves. Also, biochemical and histological analyses were conducted to assess the biological responses of the oysters to exposure to varying levels of solids. A difference in valve opening detected by the Hall sensors was observed from the second week of culture, indicating a relationship between shell closure and higher concentrations of suspended solids present in the system. In terms of biochemical analysis, a significant increase in lipid damage was observed in treatments with medium and high levels of total suspended solids compared with the control group. Conversely, no changes were observed in the gill structure of the oysters caused by the concentrations of suspended solids in the system when compared with the control. According to the analyses of gill activity and biochemistry, it is suggested that C. gasar should be cultured with total suspended solids at less than 200 mg/L. Oysters cultivated in a biofloc system keep their shells closed when subjected to high concentrations of total suspended solids; concentrations of total suspended solids below 200 mg/L do not induce oxidative stress, changes in behavior or histological alterations in C. gasar oysters cultivated in a biofloc system.
Prediction of Flow Properties of Porous Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) Structures
Authors: Piedra Saúl , Gómez-Ortega Arturo , Pérez-Barrera James
Published: November 2023

The flow through geometrically complex structures is an important engineering problem. In this work, the laminar flow through Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) structures is numerically analyzed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Two different TPMS structures were designed, and their porosity was characterized as a function of the isovalue. Then, CFD simulations were implemented to compute the pressure drop by systematically varying the flow velocity and the porosity of the structure. A Darcy–Forchheimer model was fitted to CFD results to calculate the inertial and permeability coefficients as functions of the porosity. These types of results can be very useful for designing fluid flow applications and devices (for instance, heat exchangers), as well as for integrating these TPMS structures since the flow can be very well estimated when using the porous medium model.
Inactivation Effect of Germination Combined with Cold Plasma Treatment on Bacillus licheniformis Spores
Authors: Huang Jichao , Sheng Kairan , Zhang Yali , Song Mengmeng , Ali Ahtisham , Huang Tianran , Huang Ming
Published: November 2023

Food spoilage, primarily caused by spore-forming bacteria, has become a critical concern since it results in substantial economic losses within the food industry. Past investigations have successfully identified Bacillus licheniformis as the main bacterium responsible for spoilage in roast chicken. In this study, we screened a new sterilization combination from 16 germinants and 4 cold plasma conditions, respectively. Among them, the combination of “A”GFNa-1 (composed of 60 mmol/L L-alanine, 10 mmol/L D-glucose, 10 mmol/L D-fructose, and 1 g/L NaCl) with cold plasma treatment (packed with 100% argon at 70 kV) proved effective in deactivating B. licheniformis spores, resulting in a reduction of approximately 2.1 log CFU/mL. Furthermore, we exposed the spores to different conditions: CK (no germination, no cold plasma), MF (germination only), CP (no germination, 100% argon packed, 70 kV cold plasma treatment for 3 min), and MF + CP (germination for 5 h, 100% argon packed, 70 kV cold plasma treatment for 3 min). The results of heat inactivation and dipicolinic acid (DPA) release rate demonstrated that cold plasma treatment effectively inactivated both spores and vegetative cells without inducing germination. Additionally, the reduced survival under hyperosmotic conditions and the presence of distinct red fluorescence patterns observed through confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) collectively suggest that cold plasma treatment disrupts the inner membrane structure and leads to the inactivation of B. licheniformis. Overall, our findings indicate a spore clearance rate of 99.2% and suggest that the combination of efficient germinants and cold plasma treatment holds promise as a viable approach to mitigate spore contamination in the food industry.
Cooking-Induced Oxidation and Structural Changes in Chicken Protein: Their Impact on In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion and Intestinal Flora Fermentation Characteristics
Authors: Lv Guanhua , Wang Hengpeng , Wei Xiaoou , Lu Minmin , Yang Wenhao , Aalim Halah , Capanoglu Esra , Zou Xiaobo , Battino Maurizio , Zhang Di
Published: November 2023

Meat digestion and intestinal flora fermentation characteristics are closely related to human dietary health. The present study investigated the effect of different cooking treatments, including boiling, roasting, microwaving, stir-frying, and deep-frying, on the oxidation of chicken protein as well as its structural and digestion characteristics. The results revealed that deep-fried and roasted chicken exhibited a relatively higher degree of protein oxidation, while that of boiled chicken was the lowest (p < 0.05). Both stir-frying and deep-frying led to a greater conversion of the α-helix structure of chicken protein into a β-sheet structure and resulted in lower protein gastrointestinal digestibility (p < 0.05), whereas roasted chicken exhibited moderate digestibility. Further, the impact of residual undigested chicken protein on the intestinal flora fermentation was assessed. During the fermentation process, roasted chicken generated the highest number of new intestinal flora species (49 species), exhibiting the highest Chao 1 index (356.20) and a relatively low Simpson index (0.88). Its relative abundance of Fusobacterium was the highest (33.33%), while the total production of six short-chain fatty acids was the lowest (50.76 mM). Although stir-fried and deep-fried chicken exhibited lower digestibility, their adverse impact on intestinal flora was not greater than that of roasted chicken. Therefore, roasting is the least recommended method for the daily cooking of chicken. The present work provides practical advice for choosing cooking methods for chicken in daily life, which is useful for human dietary health.
Relativistic Time-of-Arrival Measurements: Predictions, Post-Selection and Causality Problems
Authors: Anastopoulos Charis , Plakitsi Maria-Electra
Published: November 2023

We analyze time-of-arrival probability distributions for relativistic particles in the context of quantum field theory (QFT). We show that QFT leads to a unique prediction, modulo post-selection that incorporates properties of the apparatus into the initial state. We also show that an experimental distinction of different probability assignments is possible especially in near-field measurements. We also analyze causality in relativistic measurements. We consider a quantum state obtained by a spacetime-localized operation on the vacuum, and we show that detection probabilities are typically characterized by small transient non-causal terms. We explain that these terms originate from Feynman propagation of the initial operation, because the Feynman propagator does not vanish outside the light cone. We discuss possible ways to restore causality, and we argue that this may not be possible in measurement models that involve switching the field–apparatus coupling on and off.
Theoretical and Numerical Simulations on the Hepatitis B Virus Model through a Piecewise Fractional Order
Authors: Aldwoah K. A. , Almalahi Mohammed A. , Shah Kamal
Published: November 2023

In this study, we introduce the dynamics of a Hepatitis B virus (HBV) model with the class of asymptomatic carriers and conduct a comprehensive analysis to explore its theoretical aspects and examine the crossover effect within the HBV model. To investigate the crossover behavior of the operators, we divide the study interval into two subintervals. In the first interval, the classical derivative is employed to study the qualitative properties of the proposed system, while in the second interval, we utilize the ABC fractional differential operator. Consequently, the study is initiated using the piecewise Atangana–Baleanu derivative framework for the systems. The HBV model is then analyzed to determine the existence, Hyers–Ulam (HU) stability, and disease-free equilibrium point of the model. Moreover, we showcase the application of an Adams-type predictor-corrector (PC) technique for Atangana–Baleanu derivatives and an extended Adams–Bashforth–Moulton (ABM) method for Caputo derivatives through numerical results. Subsequently, we employ computational methods to numerically solve the models and visually present the obtained outcomes using different fractional-order values. This network is designed to provide more precise information for disease modeling, considering that communities often interact with one another, and the rate of disease spread is influenced by this factor.
RETRACTED: Kulish et al. Fractional Model of Electron–Phonon Interaction. Fractal Fract. 2023, 7, 379
Authors: Kulish Vladimir , Aslfattahi Navid , Schmirler Michal
Published: November 2023

The journal retracts the article entitled “Fractional Model of Electron–Phonon Interaction” by Kulish et al [...]
A Critical Look at Omega-3 Supplementation: A Thematic Review
Authors: Liscano Yamil , Sanchez-Palacio Natalia
Published: November 2023

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 10–20% of women. Traditional treatments have raised concerns, but omega-3 fatty acids show potential as an alternative. This thematic review, sourced from databases like PubMed and Scopus between 1 February 2023 and 15 March 2023, seeks to delve into the various perspectives on omega-3 supplementation for PPD. The criteria included studies detailing depressive symptoms, social functioning, and neurobiological variables. The review includes research with women showing PPD symptoms, randomized clinical trials, and articles in Spanish, English, and French. Exclusions were studies lacking proper control comparisons and other interventions besides omega-3. Data extraction was performed independently. Two key studies provide contrasting findings on omega-3’s impact on PPD symptoms. In the study comparing DHA supplementation to a placebo, significant differences were not found in the EPDS scale, but differences were observed in the BDI scale. In contrast, another study recorded a significant decrease in depression scores in all dose groups, with reductions of 51.5% in the EPDS scale and 48.8% in the HRSD scale. Other studies, encompassing both prenatal and postpartum periods, underscore the differentiation between prenatal depression and PPD. Despite shared diagnostic criteria, PPD presents unique symptoms like restlessness, emotional lability, and baby-related concerns. It is crucial to address biases and obtain specific results, recommending exclusive PPD-focused studies. This review emphasizes the need for continuous exploration of omega-3’s relationship with PPD to enhance the life quality of pregnant women and their families.