bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between Kidney Disease Progression and Metabolomic Profiling in Stable Kidney Transplant Recipients—A 3 Year Follow-Up Prospective Study
Authors: Andrian Titus , Siriteanu Lucian , Voroneanu Luminița , Nicolescu Alina , Deleanu Calin , Covic Andreea , Covic Adrian
Published: October 2024

Background: kidney transplant recipients are exposed to multiple pathogenic pathways that may alter short and long-term allograft survival. Metabolomic profiling is useful for detecting potential biomarkers of kidney disease with a predictive capacity. This field is still under development in kidney transplantation and metabolome analysis is faced with analytical challenges. We performed a cross-sectional study including stable kidney transplant patients and aimed to search for relevant associations between baseline plasmatic and urinary metabolites and relevant outcomes over a follow-up period of 3 years. Methods: we performed a cross-sectional study including 72 stable kidney transplant patients with stored plasmatic and urinary samples at the baseline evaluation which were there analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance in order to quantify and describe metabolites. We performed a 3-year follow-up and searched for relevant associations between renal failure outcomes and baseline metabolites. Between-group comparisons were made after classification by observed estimated glomerular filtration rate slope during the follow-up: positive slope and negative slope. Results: The mean estimated GFR (glomerular filtration rate) was higher at baseline in the patients who exhibited a negative slope during the follow-up (63.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 55.8 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0,019). After log transformation and division by urinary creatinine, urinary dimethylamine (3.63 vs. 3.16, p = 0.027), hippuric acid (7.33 vs. 6.29, p = 0.041), and acetone (1.88 vs. 1, p = 0.023) exhibited higher concentrations in patients with a negative GFR slope when compared to patients with a positive GFR slope. By computing a linear regression, a significant low-strength regression equation between the log 2 transformed plasmatic level of glycine and the estimated glomerular filtration rate was found (F (1,70) = 5.15, p = 0.026), with an R2 of 0.069. Several metabolites were correlated positively with hand grip strength (plasmatic tyrosine with r = 0.336 and p = 0.005 and plasmatic leucine with r = 0.371 and p = 0.002). Other urinary metabolites were found to be correlated negatively with hand grip strength (dimethylamine with r = −0.250 and p = 0.04, citric acid with r = −0.296 and p = 0.014, formic acid with r = −0.349 and p = 0.004, and glycine with r = −0.306 and p = 0.01). Conclusions: some metabolites had different concentrations compared to kidney transplant patients with negative and positive slopes, and significant correlations were found between hand grip strength and urinary and plasmatic metabolites.
Grip Strength, Anthropometric Indices, and Their Combination in Screening for Metabolic Syndrome in the Korean Population
Authors: Lee Bum Ju
Published: October 2024

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors for future diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and low grip strength (GS) is associated with an increased risk of MS. However, the index (among absolute GS, relative GS, and anthropometric indices) that is more strongly associated with MS has not been conclusively identified. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to simultaneously examine the associations of MS with relative and absolute GS and anthropometric indices in a Korean population. Methods: In this large-scale cross-sectional study, we used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). A total of 20,915 subjects were included in the statistical analyses. Complex sample binary logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations between MS and indices such as the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body mass index (BMI), and absolute and relative GS. Results: The prevalence of MS was 40.48% in men and 34.4% in women. The mean GS values in the healthy group and MS group were 38.06 ± 0.13 and 38.06 ± 0.15 years for men (p = 0.980) and 22.72 ± 0.07 and 21.19 ± 0.11 years for women (p < 0.001), respectively. Among all the indices, the WHtR was the index most strongly associated with MS in men. Among the GS indices, the GS/weight index was closely associated with MS, and the magnitude of this association was stronger than that of the absolute GS index. In women, the WHtR was the most related index to MS among all the indices. Among the GS indices, the GS/weight and GS/BMI indices were strongly associated with MS, and the magnitudes of these associations were much greater than those of the absolute GS index. Conclusions: Although absolute and relative GS indices are strongly associated with MS in the Korean population, the strongest association was observed for the simple anthropometric index (WHtR).
Impact of Operating Table Height on the Difficulty of Mask Ventilation and Laryngoscopic View
Authors: Ikeda Tsuyoshi , Miyoshi Hirotsugu , Xia Guo-Qiang , Kido Kenshiro , Sumii Ayako , Watanabe Tomoyuki , Kamiya Satoshi , Narasaki Soshi , Kato Takahiro , Tsutsumi Yasuo M.
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Airway management techniques, including mask ventilation and tracheal intubation, are vital across medical settings. However, these procedures can be challenging, especially when environmental conditions are less than ideal. This study explores how the height of the operating table affects the difficulty of anesthesia techniques involving mask ventilation and tracheal intubation. Methods: Twenty anesthesiologists participated in this study. We assessed the difficulty of procedures such as mask ventilation, Macintosh laryngoscopy, and video laryngoscopy using McGRATH and AWS, on a four-level scale. The operating table’s height was adjusted at four points: the operator’s umbilicus, the inferior margin of the 12th rib, the xiphoid process, and the nipple. Results: Mask ventilation was easiest at the operating table’s height aligned with the inferior margin of the 12th rib. Conversely, direct laryngoscopic exposure was perceived as easier at higher table heights, with nipple height being optimal. The McGRATH laryngoscopy showed consistent difficulty across table heights, whereas the AWS tended to be somewhat more difficult at greater heights. Conclusions: The optimal bed height for video laryngoscopy coincided with that for mask ventilation. Video laryngoscopy offers enhanced flexibility in optimal patient positioning compared to Macintosh laryngoscopy, contributing to its advantages in tracheal intubation procedures.
Management of Busulfan-Induced Lung Injury in Pediatric Patients with High-Risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Castelli Sveva , Thorwarth Anne , van Schewick Claudia , Wendt Anke , Astrahantseff Kathy , Szymansky Annabell , Lodrini Marco , Veldhoen Simon , Gratopp Alexander , Mall Marcus A. , Eggert Angelika , Deubzer Hedwig E.
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Integrating the cytotoxic drug busulfan into a high-dose chemotherapy regimen prior to autologous hematopoietic stem cell rescue in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma has improved the survival of children battling this deadly disease. Busulfan-induced toxicities can, however, be severe. Here, we describe the diagnosis and successful treatment of acute pulmonary injury by total-body-weight-adjusted busulfan therapy in two children with high-risk neuroblastoma. Case series: Patient 1 developed life-threatening biphasic acute respiratory failure on days +60 and +100 after busulfan therapy, requiring intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation. Despite intensive anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory therapy, including systemic corticosteroids, topical inhalation regimens, azithromycin, nintedanib and extracorporal photopheresis, patient 1 required extended intensive care measures and non-invasive respiratory support for a total of 20 months. High-resolution computed tomography showed diffuse intra-alveolar and interstitial patterns. Patient 2 developed partial respiratory failure with insufficient oxygen saturation and dyspnea on day +52 after busulfan therapy. Symptoms were resolved after 6 months of systemic corticosteroids, topical inhalation regimens and azithromycin. High-resolution computed tomography showed atypical pneumonic changes with ground-glass opacities. While both patients fully recovered without evidence of pulmonary fibrosis, cancer therapy had to be paused and then modified until full recovery from busulfan-induced lung injury. Conclusions: Busulfan-induced lung injury requires prompt diagnosis and intervention. Symptoms and signs are nonspecific and difficult to differentiate from other causes. Therapeutic busulfan drug level monitoring and the identification of patients at risk for drug overdosing through promoter polymorphisms in the glutathione S-transferase alpha 1 gene encoding the main enzyme in busulfan metabolism are expected to reduce the risk of busulfan-induced toxicities.
Optimizing Maintenance of Energy Supply Systems in City Logistics with Heuristics and Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Guerrero Antoni , Juan Angel A. , Garcia-Sanchez Alvaro , Pita-Romero Luis
Published: October 2024

In urban logistics, effective maintenance is crucial for maintaining the reliability and efficiency of energy supply systems, impacting both asset performance and operational stability. This paper addresses the scheduling and routing plans for maintenance of power generation assets over a multi-period horizon. We model this problem as a multi-period team orienteering problem. To address this multi-period challenge, we propose a dual approach: a novel reinforcement learning (RL) framework and a biased-randomized heuristic algorithm. The RL-based method dynamically learns from real-time operational data and evolving asset conditions, adapting to changes in asset health and failure probabilities to optimize decision making. In addition, we develop and apply a biased-randomized heuristic algorithm designed to provide effective solutions within practical computational limits. Our approach is validated through a series of computational experiments comparing the RL model and the heuristic algorithm. The results demonstrate that, when properly trained, the RL-based model is able to offer equivalent or even superior performance compared to the heuristic algorithm.
Mathematical Modeling of the Floating Sleeper Phenomenon Supported by Field Measurements
Authors: Uranjek Mojmir , Imamović Denis , Peruš Iztok
Published: October 2024

This article aims to provide an accurate mathematical model with the minimum number of degrees of freedom for describing the floating sleeper phenomenon. This was accomplished using mathematical modeling supported by extensive field measurements of the railway track. Although the observed phenomenon is very complex, the simplified single degree of freedom (SDOF) mathematical model proved accurate enough for its characterization. The progression of the deterioration of the railway track was successfully correlated to changes in the maximal dynamic factor for different types of pulse loading. The results of the presented study might enable the enhanced construction and maintenance of railroads, particularly in karst areas.
Location and Size Planning of Charging Parking Lots Based on EV Charging Demand Prediction and Fuzzy Bi-Objective Optimization
Authors: Bao Qiong , Gao Minghao , Chen Jianming , Tan Xu
Published: October 2024

The market share of electric vehicles (EVs) is growing rapidly. However, given the huge demand for parking and charging of electric vehicles, supporting facilities generally have problems such as insufficient quantity, low utilization efficiency, and mismatch between supply and demand. In this study, based on the actual EV operation data, we propose a driver travel-charging demand prediction method and a fuzzy bi-objective optimization method for location and size planning of charging parking lots (CPLs) based on existing parking facilities, aiming to reduce the charging waiting time of EV users while ensuring the maximal profit of CPL operators. First, the Monte Carlo method is used to construct a driver travel-charging behavior chain and a user spatiotemporal activity transfer model. Then, a user charging decision-making method based on fuzzy logic inference is proposed, which uses the fuzzy membership degree of influencing factors to calculate the charging probability of users at each road node. The travel and charging behavior of large-scale users are then simulated to predict the spatiotemporal distribution of charging demand. Finally, taking the predicted charging demand distribution as an input and the number of CPLs and charging parking spaces as constraints, a bi-objective optimization model for simultaneous location and size planning of CPLs is constructed, and solved using the fuzzy genetic algorithm. The results from a case study indicate that the planning scheme generated from the proposed methods not only reduces the travelling and waiting time of EV users for charging in most of the time, but also controls the upper limit of the number of charging piles to save construction costs and increase the total profit. The research results can provide theoretical support and decision-making reference for the planning of electric vehicle charging facilities and the intelligent management of charging parking lots.
A Hierarchical Approach to a Tri-Objective Portfolio Optimization Problem Considering an ESG Index
Authors: Lara Moreno Yeudiel , Hernández Castellanos Carlos Ignacio
Published: October 2024

Traditional portfolio construction primarily revolves around a bi-objective approach, focusing on minimizing portfolio variance while maximizing expected returns. However, this approach leaves out other objectives that could interest decision makers. In this work, we incorporate an extra objective, namely the environmental, social, and governance index (ESG), as a secondary objective. This addition empowers investors to customize their portfolios by defining explicit trade-off thresholds between expected returns and risk, considering the ESG index. To achieve this goal, we make use of external archiving techniques and evolutionary algorithms. In particular, we first find approximate solutions to the bi-objective problem; then, we look for efficient solutions for ESG. We tested our approach with data on the Dow Jones, S&P500, and Nasdaq100 from Yahoo Finance. The results show that the proposed methodology can identify portfolios with good returns and risks considering ESG.
Paving the Way for SQIsign: Toward Efficient Deployment on 32-bit Embedded Devices
Authors: Hu Yue , Shen Shiyu , Yang Hao , Wang Weize
Published: October 2024

The threat of quantum computing has spurred research into post-quantum cryptography. SQIsign, a candidate submitted to the standardization process of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is emerging as a promising isogeny-based signature scheme. This work aimed to enhance SQIsign’s practical deployment by optimizing its low-level arithmetic operations. Through hierarchical decomposition and performance profiling, we identified the ideal-to-isogeny translation, primarily involving elliptic curve operations, as the main bottleneck. We developed efficient 32-bit finite field arithmetic for elliptic curves, such as basic operations, like addition with carry, subtraction with borrow, and conditional move. We then implemented arithmetic operations in the Montgomery domain, and extended these to quadratic field extensions. Our implementation offers improved compatibility with 32-bit architectures and enables more fine-grained SIMD acceleration. Performance evaluations demonstrated the practicality in low-level operations. Our work has potential in easing the development of SQIsign in practice, making SQIsign more efficient and practical for real-world post-quantum cryptographic applications.
Fuzzy Linear Temporal Logic with Quality Constraints
Authors: Yu Xianfeng , Li Yongming , Geng Shengling
Published: October 2024

As an extension of quantitative temporal logic, uncertain temporal logic essentially describes the temporal behavior of uncertain and incomplete systems, thus better solving search and decision-making problems in such systems. Fuzzy linear temporal logic (FLTL) is a focal point in uncertain temporal logic research. However, there are evident shortcomings in the current research outcomes. First, in previous FLTL studies, the practice of obtaining path reachability and formula satisfaction values independently and subsequently selecting the smaller of the two as the satisfaction value metric led to information loss. Furthermore, this simplistic information fusion approach fails to reflect the varying importance of these two types of information to the requirements. Second, computing path reachability and temporal logic formula satisfaction values separately may result in a mismatch between the two pieces of information with respect to the same path segment. Thus, the primary challenge lies in accurately integrating the satisfaction values of temporal logic formulas with the path reachability of the segments that yields these satisfaction values, utilizing various reasonable information synthesis methods, to ensure synchronization between path reachability and formula satisfaction values without incurring information loss. Additionally, it is crucial to reflect the different preference requirements for these two types of information. Moreover, the temporal logic formula characterizes system properties, with its sub-formulas delineating distinct sub-properties. Consequently, considering the varying importance preferences of sub-formulas is also significant. To address these deficiencies, we introduced quality constraint operators into FLTL, resulting in quality-constrained fuzzy linear temporal logic (QFLTL). This incorporation enables the synchronization and comprehensive fusion of path-reachability information and formula satisfaction values within the final semantic metric, thereby resolving the issues related to information synchronization and loss. Furthermore, it can accommodate the differing preference requirements between the two types of information and sub-properties during the information synthesis process. We defined the syntax and semantics of QFLTL and examined its expressive power and properties. Notably, we investigated the decidability of logical decision problems in QFLTL, encompassing validity, satisfiability, and model-checking issues. We proposed corresponding solution algorithms and analyzed their complexities.
Experimental Study and Random Forest Machine Learning of Surface Roughness for a Typical Laser Powder Bed Fusion Al Alloy
Authors: Shan Xuepeng , Gao Chaofeng , Rao Jeremy Heng , Wu Mujie , Yan Ming , Bi Yunjie
Published: October 2024

Surface quality represents a critical challenge in additive manufacturing (AM), with surface roughness serving as a key parameter that influences this aspect. In the aerospace industry, the surface roughness of the aviation components is a very important parameter. In this study, a typical Al alloy, AlSi10Mg, was selected to study its surface roughness when using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). Two Random Forest (RF) models were established to predict the upper surface roughness of printed samples based on laser power, laser scanning speed, and hatch distance. Through the study, it is found that a two-dimensional (2D) RF model is successful in predicting surface roughness values based on experimental data. The best and minimum surface roughness is 2.98 μm, which is the minimum known without remelting. More than two-thirds of the samples had a surface roughness of less than 7.7 μm. The maximum surface roughness is 11.28 μm. And the coefficient of determination (R2) of the model was 0.9, also suggesting that the surface roughness of 3D-printed Al alloys can be predicted using ML approaches such as the RF model. This study helps to understand the relationship between printing parameters and surface roughness and helps print components with better surface quality.
On the Utilization of Emoji Encoding and Data Preprocessing with a Combined CNN-LSTM Framework for Arabic Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Alawneh Hussam , Hasasneh Ahmad , Maree Mohammed
Published: October 2024

Social media users often express their emotions through text in posts and tweets, and these can be used for sentiment analysis, identifying text as positive or negative. Sentiment analysis is critical for different fields such as politics, tourism, e-commerce, education, and health. However, sentiment analysis approaches that perform well on English text encounter challenges with Arabic text due to its morphological complexity. Effective data preprocessing and machine learning techniques are essential to overcome these challenges and provide insightful sentiment predictions for Arabic text. This paper evaluates a combined CNN-LSTM framework with emoji encoding for Arabic Sentiment Analysis, using the Arabic Sentiment Twitter Corpus (ASTC) dataset. Three experiments were conducted with eight-parameter fusion approaches to evaluate the effect of data preprocessing, namely the effect of emoji encoding on their real and emotional meaning. Emoji meanings were collected from four websites specialized in finding the meaning of emojis in social media. Furthermore, the Keras tuner optimized the CNN-LSTM parameters during the 5-fold cross-validation process. The highest accuracy rate (91.85%) was achieved by keeping non-Arabic words and removing punctuation, using the Snowball stemmer after encoding emojis into Arabic text, and applying Keras embedding. This approach is competitive with other state-of-the-art approaches, showing that emoji encoding enriches text by accurately reflecting emotions, and enabling investigation of the effect of data preprocessing, allowing the hybrid model to achieve comparable results to the study using the same ASTC dataset, thereby improving sentiment analysis accuracy.
Discontinuation of Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (CSF) Drainage in Acute Hydrocephalus: A Prospective Cohort Study and Exploratory Data Analysis
Authors: Pandit Anand S. , Palasz Joanna , Harris Lauren , Nachev Parashkev , Toma Ahmed K.
Published: October 2024

Background: The optimal management of CSF drainage in acute hydrocephalus, in particular when to initiate drain weaning, remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of timing and method of drain weaning on patient outcomes. Methods: This prospective observational study in a large-volume tertiary neuroscience centre included all adult patients who required temporary CSF drainage for acute hydrocephalus of any cause between January 2020 and March 2021. Contemporaneous data collection was conducted, including patient demographics, time to clamp, weaning methods, and clinical outcomes of hospital length of stay (LOS), rate of shunt insertion, drain-related infections, and mechanical complications. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to identify the independent associations of timing-related factors. Results: A total of 69 patients were included (mean age = 59.4 years). A total of 59% had CSF diversion for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, and 88% had EVD drainage. The length of drainage prior to the first clamp was significantly associated with the overall length of drainage (p < 0.0001), LOS (p = 0.004), and time to shunt (p = 0.02) following multivariate adjustment. For each day delayed in initiating the drain challenge, the overall LOS increased by an additional 1.25 days. There was no association between the weaning method and LOS, the rate of shunting, or CNS infection; however, those in the gradually weaned group had more mechanical complications, such as drain blockage or CSF leakage, than those rapidly weaned (p = 0.03) after adjustment. Discussion: This study recommends challenging the drain early via a rapid wean to reduce LOS, mechanical complications, and possibly infections. The consequences of temporary CSF diversion have significant implications at financial and patient levels, but the quality of evidence regarding weaning remains poor. Further randomised multicentre studies and national databases of practice are required to allow definitive conclusions to be drawn.
Administration of rIL-33 Restores Altered mDC/pDC Ratio, MDSC Frequency, and Th-17/Treg Ratio during Experimental Cerebral Malaria
Authors: Mukherjee Saikat , Ghosh Pronabesh , Ghosh Soubhik , Sengupta Anirban , Sarkar Samrat , Chatterjee Rimbik , Saha Atreyee , Bawali Sriparna , Choudhury Abhishek , Daptary Altamas Hossain , Gangopadhyay Anwesha , Keswani Tarun , Bhattacharyya Arindam
Published: October 2024

The onset of malaria causes the induction of various inflammatory markers in the host’s body, which in turn affect the body’s homeostasis and create several cerebral complications. Polarization of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) from the classically activated M1 to alternatively activated M2 phenotype increases the secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules. Treatment with recombinant IL-33 (rIL-33) not only alters this MDSC’s polarization but also targets the glycolysis pathway of the metabolism in MDSCs, rendering them less immunosuppressive. Along with that, the Helper T-cells subset 17 (Th17)/T regulatory cells (Tregs) ratio is skewed towards Th17, which increases inflammation by producing more IL-17. However, treating with rIL-33 also helps to restore this ratio, which brings back homeostasis. During malaria infection, there is an upregulation of IL-12 production from dendritic cells along with a distorted myeloid dendritic cells (mDC)/plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) ratio towards mDCs promoting inflammation. Administering rIL-33 will also subvert this IL-12 production and increase the population of pDC in the host’s immune system during malaria infection, thus restoring mDC/pDC to homeostasis. Therefore, treatment with rIL-33 to reduce the pro-inflammatory signatures and maintenance of immune homeostasis along with the increase in survivability could be a potential therapeutic approach for cerebral malaria.
BONCAT-iTRAQ Labelling Reveals Molecular Markers of Adaptive Responses in Toxoplasma gondii to Pyrimethamine Treatment
Authors: Mina John G. , Parthasarathy Anutthaman , Porta Exequiel O. , Denny Paul W. , Kalesh Karunakaran
Published: October 2024

We employed a BONCAT-iTRAQ labelling approach to investigate newly synthesised proteins (NSPs) in Toxoplasma gondii subjected to varying concentrations of the antifolate drug pyrimethamine. Our results reveal that numerous NSPs exhibited altered expression levels in response to the drug, with significant upregulation observed at higher concentrations. Key proteins involved in protein synthesis, stress responses, energy metabolism, and cytoskeletal dynamics were identified, indicating that T. gondii undergoes complex adaptive responses to pyrimethamine treatment. While some of the identified pathways reflect a generic stress response, this study provides important molecular markers and mechanistic insights specific to the parasite’s adaptation strategies. These findings contribute to understanding how T. gondii modulates its proteome in response to drug-induced stress and lay the groundwork for further investigations into potential therapeutic targets.
Dog-Associated Road Safety Concerns: A Pre-COVID Survey of New Zealand Pet Owners
Authors: Awawdeh Leena , Forrest Rachel H.
Published: October 2024

Aims: To investigate the road safety concerns associated with pet dogs in New Zealand. Methods: An online survey was developed and offered to New Zealanders via SurveyMonkey© from 8 January 2019 to 31 March 2019) using New Zealand residents aged ≥ 18 years. Questions about the demographics of respondents and their number of pet dogs along with those about dog transportation and dog roaming were asked. Results: Of 2744 respondents who completed the online survey, 1494 (65%) owned a dog. Of the total respondents, 1511 completed the question about how their dog or dogs travel in vehicles. Of these, 2% (n = 29) let their dog sit on the driver’s knee, and 12% (n = 179) allowed their dog to sit on the passenger’s knee. Only 7% (n = 105) allowed the dog to roam free throughout the vehicle, while 44% (n = 663) allowed their dogs to roam free in the backseat area only and 19% (n = 280) put their dog in the boot/hatchback area. A minority of respondents (2%, n = 22) indicated they let their dog travel unrestrained on the deck of a ute or truck. Approximately half, 51% (n = 767), of the respondents indicated that they restrained or crated their dogs in or on the vehicle. Respondents also expressed concerns about roaming dogs being a road safety hazard with the themes of responsible ownership, physical and psychological harm, and the dangers of rescue altruism emerging. Conclusions: Increased awareness about proper pet restraints during transportation and preventing dogs from roaming, especially near and on roads, is crucial to ensure traffic safety for humans and dogs.
Molecular Phylogenetics and Historical Biogeography of Subtribe Ecliptinae (Asteraceae, Heliantheae)
Authors: de Almeida Rafael Felipe , Alves Maria , van den Berg Cássio , Pellegrini Marco O. O. , Gostel Morgan R. , Roque Nádia
Published: October 2024

We present a molecular phylogeny for the subtribe Ecliptinae (Asteraceae, Heliantheae) based on three plastid (matK, psbA-trnH, and trnQ-rps16) and two nuclear (nrITS and nrETS) markers. The results of the phylogenetic reconstruction were utilised as a topological constraint for a subsequent divergence dating analysis and ancestral range reconstructions. We sampled 41 species and 40 genera (72%) of Ecliptinae and two species of Montanoa (as outgroups) to elucidate the generic relationships between the genera of this subtribe. The Bayesian inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) analyses were performed for the combined molecular dataset. The divergence dating analysis was performed using a relaxed, uncorrelated molecular clock with BEAST v1.8.4 and calibrated using a single secondary calibration point from a recently published chronogram for the family. The ancestral range reconstructions focusing on continents (i.e., South America, North America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania) and biomes (Dry forests, Altitudinal grasslands, Savannas, and Rainforests) were performed on BioGeoBEARS. Our phylogenetic results indicate that the genera of Ecliptinae are grouped into five clades, informally named the Monactis, Oblivia, Blainvillea, Wedelia, and Melanthera clades. The most recent, common ancestor of Ecliptinae was widespread in the North and South American dry forests at 8.16 Ma and mainly radiated in these regions up to the Pleistocene. At least eight dispersal events to South America and four dispersal events from North America to Africa, Asia, and Oceania took place during this period in all five informal clades of Ecliptinae. At least 13 biome shifts from dry forests to rainforests were evidenced, in addition to ten biome shifts from dry forests to altitudinal grasslands and savannas. These results corroborate the mid-late Miocene to early Pleistocene radiation of Ecliptinae in tropical dry forests. Future studies should aim to sample the remaining 14 unsampled genera of Ecliptinae to position them in one of the five informal clades proposed in this study.
Study on the Performance of a Novel Double-Section Full-Open Absorption Heat Pump for Flue Gas Waste Heat Recovery
Authors: Cai Xin , Wang Zhanbin , Han Yuhao , Su Wei
Published: October 2024

Open absorption heat pumps are considered one of the most promising methods for efficiently utilizing low-grade waste heat, reducing energy consumption, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. However, traditional heat pumps have significant limitations in the range of flue gas temperatures they can recover, and their relatively low system performance further restricts practical applications. In this study, we propose a novel double-section full-open absorption heat pump driven by flue gas from the desulfurization tower. By designing the absorber with a double-layer structure, the system can recover more latent and sensible heat from the flue gas, significantly enhancing its thermal recovery capability. Additionally, replacing the traditional LiBr/H2O working pair with LiCl/H2O significantly reduces the risks of solution crystallization and equipment corrosion. Through comprehensive research, the strengths and weaknesses of the system were explored. The results indicate that this system effectively recovers flue gas waste heat within the temperature range of 30–70 °C. Specifically, at a flue gas temperature of 70 °C and a flow rate of 3 kg/s, the system achieves a COP of 1.838, along with a heating capacity of 158.83 kW and a ROI of 34.1%. These metrics demonstrate that the system not only delivers high performance but also exhibits excellent economic viability. Additionally, when the solution temperature is lowered to 10 °C, the system’s maximum COP reaches 1.96, reflecting a significant 30.67% improvement over traditional heat pumps. These findings highlight the system’s potential for application in coal-fired power plants, where varying levels of power output can benefit from enhanced thermal recovery and efficiency.
Mechanical Recycling of PET Multi-Layer Post-Consumer Packaging: Effects of Impurity Content
Authors: Santomasi Giusy , Todaro Francesco , Petrella Andrea , Notarnicola Michele , Thoden van Velzen Eggo Ulphard
Published: October 2024

The recycling of PET trays is highly challenging. The aim of this paper was to investigate the issues related to the mechanical recycling process and, the correlation between feedstock composition and the quality of the produced rPET. Four feedstocks with different degrees of impurity were mechanically recycled at a laboratory pilot scale. The optical and thermal properties of the rPET products were examined to determine the quality and to seek relations with the starting level of impurities. The final products of the PET trays’ mechanical recycling were found to be affected by the presence of impurities (organics) and multi-material (non-PET) elements in the feedstocks. The rPET products crystallised faster for contaminated feedstocks showed lower molecular mass and higher yellow index values due to thermal degradation. Yellowing is a crucial parameter in assessing the thermal degradation of rPET. Injection moulded samples corresponding to higher contamination levels, reported values of Yellow Index equal to 179 and 177 compared to 15 of mono-PET sample. The intrinsic viscosity decreased from 0.60 dL/g to just above 0.30 dL/g, and losses were more significant for soiled or multi-material feedstocks. A method of improving the final quality would involve the purification of the starting feedstock from impurities.
Oral Wound Healing in Aging Population
Authors: Bogdan-Andreescu Claudia Florina , Bănățeanu Andreea-Mariana , Botoacă Oana , Defta Carmen Liliana , Poalelungi Cristian-Viorel , Brăila Anca Daniela , Damian Constantin Marian , Brăila Matei Georgian , Dȋră Laurențiu Mihai
Published: October 2024

Background: Oral wound healing in the aging population is a multifaceted issue requiring a comprehensive approach, considering the physiological changes that come with aging and the frequent presence of comorbidities. Methods: This descriptive review summarizes the factors influencing oral wound healing in aging patients, including age-related physiological changes, hormonal modifications, multimorbidities, polypharmacy, oralome alterations, and nutritional status. Results: The aging population encounters numerous challenges in oral wound healing due to intrinsic factors, such as biological aging and hormonal changes, and extrinsic factors, such as medication use and lifestyle. Conclusion: Understanding these factors and their combined impact is essential for effective clinical management and improved outcomes in older adults.
Utility of Certain AI Models in Climate-Induced Disasters
Authors: Mishra Ritusnata , Kumar Sanjeev , Sarkar Himangshu , Ojha Chandra Shekhar Prasad
Published: October 2024

To address the current challenge of climate change at the local and global levels, this article discusses a few important water resources engineering topics, such as estimating the energy dissipation of flowing waters over hilly areas through the provision of regulated stepped channels, predicting the removal of silt deposition in the irrigation canal, and predicting groundwater level. Artificial intelligence (AI) in water resource engineering is now one of the most active study topics. As a result, multiple AI tools such as Random Forest (RF), Random Tree (RT), M5P (M5 model trees), M5Rules, Feed-Forward Neural Networks (FFNNs), Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), and Support Vector Machines kernel-based model (SVM-Pearson VII Universal Kernel, Radial Basis Function) are tested in the present study using various combinations of datasets. However, in various circumstances, including predicting energy dissipation of stepped channels and silt deposition in rivers, AI techniques outperformed the traditional approach in the literature. Out of all the models, the GBM model performed better than other AI tools in both the field of energy dissipation of stepped channels with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.998, root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.00182, and mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.0016 and sediment trapping efficiency of vortex tube ejector with an R2 of 0.997, RMSE of 0.769, and MAE of 0.531 during testing. On the other hand, the AI technique could not adequately understand the diversity in groundwater level datasets using field data from various stations. According to the current study, the AI tool works well in some fields of water resource engineering, but it has difficulty in other domains in capturing the diversity of datasets.
Sirup Glukosa Berbasis Enzim dari Mikroba Lokal sebagai Gula Masa Depan Indonesia: Potensi dan Tantangan (Enzyme-Based Glucose Syrup from Local Microbes as Indonesia’s Future Sugar: Potentials and Challenges)
Authors: Islamy Agung , Nugraha Edhi Suyatma , Saraswati  , Nanik Rahmani
Published: October 2024

Gula sudah menjadi kebutuhan dasar rumah tangga yang tidak dapat terpisahkan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Seiring dengan meningkatnya jumlah penduduk Indonesia, maka tingkat kebutuhan akan ketersediaan gula juga mengalami peningkatan yang sangat signifikan. Pemerintah harus serius dalam menanggapi masalah ini dalam jangka panjang, salah satunya melalui pengembangan sirup glukosa berbasis bahan lokal menggunakan enzim dari mikroba lokal. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk memperoleh informasi akan potensi sumber daya lokal baik bahan baku dan mikroba lokal dalam pengembangan industri sirup glukosa dan tantangannya di Indonesia menggunakan pendekatan systematic review. Setelah melakukan penelusuran pustaka ternyata ada beberapa komoditas bahan baku dan isolat mikroba lokal yang berpotensi dikembangkan dalam industri sirup glukosa. Bahan baku tersebut seperti jagung, singkong, ubi jalar, talas, sagu dan sorgum. Dengan isolat mikroba yang berpotensi dapat dikembangkan seperti Anoxybacillus flavithermus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus awamori KT-11, Bacillus subtilis dan lain-lain.
 
Sugar has become a staple household need that is inseparable from daily life. Along with Indonesia’s increasing population, the demand for sugar availability has also increased significantly. The government must seriously address this issue in the long term, one of which is through the development of glucose syrup based on local ingredients using enzymes from local microbes. This study aimed to determine the potential of local resources, both raw materials and local microbes, in the development of the glucose syrup industry and its challenges in Indonesia, using a systematic review approach. After conducting a literature search, several commodities of raw materials and local microbial isolates have the potential to be developed in the glucose syrup industry. These raw materials include corn, cassava, sweet potato, taro, sago and sorghum with potential microbial isolates such as Anoxybacillus flavithermus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus awamori KT-11, Bacillus subtilis and more.
Mengukur Efisiensi Teknis dan Pendapatan Petani Jagung MDR-3 di Pulau Madura (Measuring Technical Efficiency and Farmers’ Income of MDR-3 Maize in Madura Island))
Authors: HAYATI MARDIYAH , Taufik Rizal Dwi Adi Nugroho  , Mohammad Wahyu Firdaus
Published: October 2024

Benih jagung unggul MDR-3 sebagai inovasi dari perusahaan lokal Madura diharapkan menjadi salah satu solusi menyelesaikan permasalahan rendahnya produktivitas jagung di Pulau Madura. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui tingkat efisiensi teknis usahatani jagung dan mengetahui tingkat pendapatan usahatani jagung MDR-3. Total responden adalah 70 petani yang tersebar di Kabupaten Pamekasan dan Sumenep dan dipilih secara purposive. Kegiatan usahatani jagung MDR-3 tergolong efisien secara teknis dengan nilai Technical Efficiency 0,887. Tingkat pendapatan usahatani jagung MDR-3 adalah Rp10.536.894,00 dengan nilai R/C rasio berada pada angka 3,8. Hasil penelitian membuktikan penggunaan benih jagung varietas unggul MDR-3 pada kegiatan usahatani tergolong efisien dan memberikan kontribusi pendapatan yang lebih tinggi daripada penggunaan benih jagung lokal dan lebih tinggi dari tingkat Upah Minimum Kabupaten/Kota (UMK).
 
MDR-3 maize seeds, as an innovation from local companies in Madura, are expected to solve the problem of low maize productivity on Madura Island. This study aimed to determine the technical efficiency of maize farming using a stochastic production function assisted by the frontier 4.1c application and to determine the income level of MDR-3 maize farming. Seventy farmers from Pamekasan and Sumenep Regencies were selected purposely. MDR-3 maize farming activities were classified as technically efficient with a Technical Efficiency value of 0.887. The income level of MDR-3 maize farming was Rp10,536,894,00 with an R/C ratio of 3.8. The results of this study empirically prove that the use of MDR-3 superior maize seeds in farming activities is classified as efficient and provides a higher income contribution than the use of local maize seeds and is higher than the minimum wage level of the regency/city (UMK) at the research location.
ENSURING MULTIMODALITY IN THE TOURIST ROUTES OF THE VOLGOGRAD REGION
Authors:   Volgograd State Technical University, Kulikov Alexey Viktorovich , Tyukov Anton Pavlovich ,   Volgograd State Technical University, Erkin Danila Evgenievich ,   Volgograd State Technical University, Kulikov Andrey Alekseevich ,   Volgograd State Technical University
Published: October 2024

The paper uses a systematic approach in creating the proposed tourism system. The use of ontology has made it possible to develop a classification of tourist sites in the Volgograd region. The concepts of tourist bus routes have been developed on the basis of classification and established ontological relationships. According to the level of transport use and its interaction, it is proposed to divide the concepts of tourist routes into micro-levels, meso-levels and macro-levels of the tourism system being developed. A heat map of the transport accessibility of the Volgograd region has been compiled, which made it possible to ensure the use of different types of transport in multimodal tourist routes. Multimodal routes of tourist buses have been developed, technical, operational and economic indicators of the functioning of the buses used have been determined.
ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF FACTORS ON THE ALLOCATION OF POINTS FOR CONTAINER TRAINS OPERATING ACCORDING TO TECHNOLOGY OF FIXED FORMATIONS
Authors:   Russian University of transport, Nasybullin Ayrat Marsovich
Published: October 2024

The article describes the assessment of the operability of the main provisions of the previously developed methodology for assigning stopping points for container trains, which are plying according to the technology of fixed formation. To assess the impact of individual factors, re-gression modeling was performed using the least squares method with the econometric software product Gretl. The results allowed us to confirm the hypothesis about the rationality of assigning stops to container trains operating according to the technology of fixed formation.
ECONOMIC AND MATHEMATICAL MODELS OF RATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF URBAN PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION
Authors:   Voronezh State Forestry University, Belokurov Vladimir Petrovich , Panyavina Ekaterina Anatolevna ,   Voronezh State Forestry University, Busarin Eduard Nikolaevich ,   Voronezh State Forestry University, Korablev Ruslan Alexandrovich ,   Voronezh State Forestry University
Published: October 2024

A dynamic economic and mathematical model for determining the rational structure of passenger transport and its possible long-term forecast is considered. The proposed model makes it possible to comprehensively solve the issues of choosing the type of passenger transport, its number and distribution for servicing city routes.
Characteristics of Waterpipe Smokers Who Are Willing to Quit: Population-Based Findings from Syria
Authors: Ward Kenneth D. , Mukhopadhyay Ayesha , Lugemwa Tony , Vander Weg Mark W. , Asfar Taghrid , Maziak Wasim
Published: October 2024

Background: Many waterpipe users are willing to quit but have difficulty doing so. Little is known about the characteristics of those who are willing to quit. Methods: Using two-stage cluster sampling, we conducted a secondary analysis of a population-based household survey of 2038 adults in Aleppo, Syria. We examined the prevalence of, and reasons for, willingness to quit and compared users who were willing with those were not willing to quit based on sociodemographic, psychosocial, tobacco-related, and health-related characteristics. Results: Twelve percent of adults smoked waterpipe (n=248), of these, 56% were willing to quit, and 25% had made a quit attempt in the past year. Friends/socializing (69%) and boredom/free time (16%) were the most reported obstacles to quitting. Those who were willing to quit walked more frequently (odds ratio [OR]=1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.24-2.77), ate less fruit (OR=0.56; CI=0.42-0.73), and were more likely to experience sneezing/blocked nose (OR=2.55, CI=1.22-5.34). Compared to users who did not also smoke cigarettes, dual users who were willing to quit cigarettes were more likely to be willing to quit waterpipe (OR=2.32; CI=1.24-4.34), whereas dual users who were not willing to quit cigarettes were less likely to be willing to quit waterpipe (OR=0.24; CI=0.10-0.58). Conclusion: Many waterpipe users are willing to quit and perceive the loss of positive social functions as a major obstacle. Very few sociodemographic, tobacco-related, psychosocial, or health-related characteristics are associated with willingness to quit. However, quitting efforts may benefit from targeting dual users who are motivated to quit using all tobacco products.