bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-speech gestures influence the magnitude and stability of articulatory movements: Evidence for coupling-based enhancement
Authors: Garvin Karee , Spradling Eliana , Franich Kathryn
Published: November 2024

Humans rarely speak without producing co-speech gestures of the hands, head, and other parts of the body. Co-speech gestures are also highly restricted in how they are timed with speech, typically synchronizing with prosodically-prominent syllables. What functional principles underlie this relationship? Here, we examine how the production of co-speech manual gestures influences spatiotemporal patterns of the oral articulators during speech production. We provide novel evidence that co-speech gestures induce more extreme tongue and jaw displacement and that they contribute to greater temporal stability of oral articulatory movements. This effect–which we term coupling enhancement–differs from stress-based hyperarticulation in that differences in articulatory magnitude are not vowel-specific in their patterning. Speech and gesture synergies therefore constitute an independent variable to consider when modeling the effects of prosodic prominence on articulatory patterns. Our results are consistent with work in language acquisition and speech-motor control suggesting that synchronizing speech to gesture can entrain acoustic prominence.
Clarification of fibrin generation and degradation reaction processes of clot- fibrinolysis waveform in hemorrhagic disorders
Authors: Matsumoto Tomoko , Tujii Nukumi , Shimomura Daiki , Kouno Aya , Suzuki Takeshi , Shinohara Sho , Arai Nobuo , Kurono Hiroshi , Kumano Osamu , Kamioka Mikio
Published: November 2024

Clot-fibrinolysis waveform analysis (CFWA) is an assay used to simultaneously evaluate coagulation and fibrinolysis reactions. Although the assay detected the reaction via transmittance changes, there was no evidence that the transmittance changes indicated reactions. This study aimed to demonstrate that transmittance changes indicate coagulation and fibrinolysis reactions by detecting relative markers. CFWA was conducted using activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) reagent and CaCl2 solution with tissue-plasminogen activator (tPA); transmittance changes were monitored, and the first derivative curve was described in pooled normal plasma (PNP) and factors V, VIII, IX, X, and XI-deficient plasma samples. The samples during the coagulation and fibrinolysis reactions were prepared by adding the reaction stop solution, fibrin monomer complex (FMC), fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP), D-dimer and plasmin-α2 plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC) were measured to compare the waveform with the tendencies of these markers. The fibrinolysis markers FDP, D-dimer, and PIC increased in all samples as the reaction time increased. In FMC, the value increased during the coagulation phase, decreased at the end of the phase, and increased again during the fibrinolysis phase. FMC, FDP, and D-dimers were generated from fibrin/fibrinogen in the CFWA assay, indicating that the assay reflects coagulation and fibrinolysis reactions by monitoring transmittance.
Localization of α-smooth muscle actin in osteoblast differentiation during periodontal development
Authors: Takebe Hiroaki , Sato Hanaka , Mizoguchi Toshihide , Hosoya Akihiro
Published: November 2024

α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) is an actin isoform commonly found within vascular smooth muscle cells. Moreover, α-SMA-positive cells in the periodontal tissue are speculated to be a marker for mesenchymal stem cells during tooth development. This study demonstrated the fate of α-SMA-positive cells around the tooth germ immunohistochemically. First, α-SMA- and Runx2-positive localization was demonstrated. Second, the distribution of α-SMA-positive cell progeny at the early root (P9) and root (P15) formation stage were revealed using lineage-tracing analysis. α-SMA-positive cells were detected in the upper part of the dental follicle at the early bell stage (P1). The positive reaction of Runx2 was detected around the dental follicle and the positive reaction area of Runx2 was broader than that of α-SMA. At P9 and P15, α-SMA-positive cells in the periodontal ligament (PDL) were detected in the upper and lower parts. The positive reaction of Runx2 was also localized in the PDL. The lineage-tracing analysis demonstrated that the α-SMA/tomato-positive cells expressing Runx2 or Osterix are localized in the PDL at P15. Some of the Runx2- and Osterix-positive cells on the alveolar bone surface and Col1-positive reaction were found in the osteocytes. α-SMA/tomato-positive reactions were also found in the Runx2- and Osterix-positive cells and Col1-positive reaction area. Thus, indicate that the progeny of the α-SMA-positive cells in the PDL during the root formation stage could differentiate into osteoblasts. In conclusion, α-SMA could be a potential marker of progenitor cells that differentiate during alveolar bone ossification.
Research on the Coordinated Development of Water Resources-Economy-Ecology Coupling in Shanxi Province based on System Dynamics
Authors: Wang Aili , Liang Shuaitao , Wang Shunsheng
Published: November 2024

The interaction between water resources, economy, and ecology significantly influences regional security and stability. This study developed an index system for assessing the coupling of water resources, economy, and ecology in Shanxi Province. Subsequently, a coupling coordination degree model for water resources, economy, and ecology was established to assess and analyze the coupling coordination levels. Additionally, the study employed a grey correlation analysis to investigate the impact of 21 indicators on the system's coupling coordination. A system dynamics simulation model was then constructed to forecast various coupling coordination scenarios up to 2035. Key findings included: (1) An overall upward trend in the comprehensive evaluation index of water resources, economy, and ecology. (2) Significant developmental disparities among the eleven cities in Shanxi Province, with some cities showing a decline in 2015. (3) The economic subsystem indicators in the water resources–economy–ecology model had a 34.02% correlation, exerting a marginally greater impact on the system's coupling coordination than other subsystems, with GDP per capita being the most influential indicator. (4) Scenario simulations predict that the highest level of coupling coordination, reaching a coupling coordination degree of 0.94, will be achieved in 2035 under Scenario 5(pursuing comprehensive development). The findings offer theoretical backing for shaping the future developmental trajectory of Shanxi Province.
Association Between Idiopathic Genu Valgum and Achilles Tendon and Gastrocnemius Tightness in Soldiers: Assessing the Efficacy of Achilles Tendon Stretching
Authors: Kim Min-Woo , Lee Dong Ha , Seo Young Chae
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the prevalence of idiopathic bilateral symmetric genu valgum among soldiers experiencing reduced sports performance and ankle discomfort due to Achilles tendon or gastrocnemius tightness and evaluates the efficacy of Achilles tendon stretching. A retrospective study was conducted from May 2023 to January 2024 at the 5th Air Mobility Wing Medical Battalion. Out of 110 soldiers, 69 met the criteria for inclusion. The hip-knee-ankle axis was measured using orthoenterograms, and outcomes were assessed with the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for Children (OxAFQ-C) and changes in ankle dorsiflexion angles. Among the 69 patients, 32 had Achilles tendon tightness and 13 had gastrocnemius tightness. Post-stretching, improvements were observed in the mechanical axis of the lower limbs and OxAFQ-C scores for physical symptoms and school/play activities, with no significant change in emotional scores. Ankle dorsiflexion angles improved significantly in the stretching group. This study suggests that Achilles tendon stretching is beneficial for soldiers with these conditions.
Novel insight into the gene etiology of ulcerative colitis gained from transcriptome association study and single cell sequence analysis
Authors: dong Zhenhua , Jia Jianling , Ren Donghui , Yu Kai , Zhao Dingliang , Wang Daguang
Published: November 2024

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a prevalent chronic gastrointestinal disease. Gene plays an important role in UC pathogenesis. Therefore, we aim to identify UC susceptibility genes and specific cell types expressing these genes.
Methods: We conducted a cross-tissue transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) by integrating UC GWAS with 49 tissues gene-expression matrix from the Genotype-Tissue Expression project (GTEx). Subsequently, we employed Functional Summary-based Imputation (Fusion) to verify candidate genes within colon tissue. Conditional and Joint Analysis (COJO) was utilized to filter out genes potentially influenced by linkage disequilibrium. Multimarker Analysis of Genomic Annotation (MAGMA) was then applied to pinpoint genes relevant to UC. Validation of the selected genes was performed using Mendelian randomization (MR). GeneMANIA analysis was conducted to elucidate biological functions of identified genes. Finally, single-cell RNA sequencingwas employed to ascertain cell types in which these genes are enriched.
Results: The cross-tissue TWAS, Fusion and MAGMA analyses identified a total of 5 genes, of which 3 genes, ADCY3, ITGB6, and MTMR3, were retained after MR. These genes were found to be implicated in several functional pathways, including the cAMP metabolic process and phosphorus-oxygen lyase activity. Furthermore, we observed ADCY3 predominantly enriched in B cells, while ITGB6 and MTMR3 enriched in epithelial cells.
Conclusion: Our study has identified three genes associated with UC susceptibility. These findings not only enhance our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of UC but also offer novel avenues for exploring molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for UC.
Predicting PM 2.5 Levels over Indian Metropolitan Cities using Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Govande Amitabha , Attada Raju , Shukla Krishna Kumar
Published: November 2024

Air pollution, particularly ambient particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5µm (PM2.5), has emerged as a significant global concern due to its adverse impact on public health and the environment. Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and the increased number of automobiles in the cities have led to a significant enhancement in the PM2.5 concentrations to their hazardous level, which indicates the requirement for early warning systems to reduce exposure. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) have come forth as highly sought-after tools widely utilized for air quality (AQ) forecasting. A deep learning based Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) models are highly being used due to their performance in predicting the AQ from the time series data. The present study evaluated three types of RNNs, namely SimpleRNN, Gradient Recurrent Units and Long Short-Term Memory to forecast the PM2.5 in the four major Indian metropolitan cities. This research utilizes the daily in-situ PM2.5 data from national AQ monitoring agency in India, known as Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for the period 2018 to 2023. Various atmospheric gases and dispersion factors were employed to train model for the prediction of PM2.5 over the cities of Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkata. The ability of the each RNN model is evaluated and compared with observed data using various statistical parameters such as root mean squared error, mean absolute error, and mean absolute percentage error, coefficient of determination and correlation coefficient. Our findings indicate that all three neural networks can capture future PM2.5 trends consistently, albeit with some uncertainty. Gradient Recurrent Unit was the most proficient in estimating PM2.5 levels in all the cities, followed by Long-Short Term Memory and SimpleRNN.
Health Literacy in Parents of Children with Hirschsprung Disease: A Novel Study
Authors: Olsbø Signe , Kiserud Sara George , Hermansen Åsmund , Hamilton-Larsen Marie , Bjørnland Kristin
Published: November 2024

Purpose: To explore health literacy (HL) among parents of children with Hirschsprung disease (HD).
Methods: Norwegian-speaking parents of children under 16 who underwent HD surgery at a tertiary center were surveyed using the Health Literacy Questionnaire-Parent, electronic Health Literacy Scale, General Self-efficacy Scale, and a study-specific questionnaire. Demographics were collected and ethical approval was obtained.
Results: Among 132 parents (77 mothers) of 91 children (median age 8 years), high HL scores appeared in the domains “understanding health information” and “active engagement,” with lower scores in “provider support,” “health information appraisal,” and “social support.” Higher HL correlated with parents aged over 40 and higher education. Lower scores were seen with non-exclusive Norwegian use at home and not living with the child’s other parent. High electronic HL scores were common (mean 3.6, maximum score 5). 69% had high self-efficacy scores (score >2, maximum score 4). Self-efficacy correlated strongly with higher HL scores.
Conclusion: Parents of children with HD feel healthcare providers lack understanding of their child's challenges, experience limited social support and struggle with interpreting health information. We suggest targeted HL interventions for young, lower-educated, non-cohabitating parents and those not primarily speaking the official language at home.
Adsorption capacity of red mud and steel slag for As, Cd, and Pb: implication to understanding the chemistry of immobilization in soils
Authors: Lwin Chaw Su , Lee Mina , Jung Ha-il , Kim Kwon-Rae
Published: November 2024

Heavy metal(loids) (HM) contamination in soil is a significant concern, posing risks to the environment and public health. This study evaluated the sorption efficiencies of red mud (RM), neutralized red mud (NRM), and steel slag (SS) as adsorbents for using in HM-immobilization. The characteristics of adsorbents were analyzed using SEM and BET. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to study the adsorption of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) onto the selected adsorbents at initial metal concentrations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 mg L–1. Adsorption isotherms of As, Cd, and Pb were simultaneously investigated using adsorption experimental data. Results showed that equilibrium sorption efficiencies of RM and NRM were greatly increased compared to SS, since characterization of RM and NRM have larger specific surface area and pore volumes and diameter than SS. The highest sorption efficiencies of RM, NRM, and SS were seen at 20 mg L–1, with 32.59%, 30.21%, and 23.81% for As; 99.51%, 94.55%, and 11.43% for Cd; and 99.46%, 99.29%, and 30.22% for Pb, respectively. The data were fitted to Langmuir isotherm model, showing that RM, while not much different from NRM, had the highest maximum adsorption capacity and sorption energy for HM ions, especially Cd and Pb. This study suggests that RM could be a cost-effective alternative adsorbent for HM ion retention, making it suitable for on-site metal-immobilization. Finally, since NRM demonstrated good adsorption properties like RM, it can be an effective alternative for application in alkaline soils instead of RM.
Composting of Garden Waste Using Organic Inoculum in a Portable Temperature-Controlled Reactor: Process Optimization and Evaluation of Compost Efficiency
Authors: Shivam Hrishikesh , Sharma Dayanand , Nayak Ashish Kumar , Bansal Tushar
Published: November 2024

With the fast-growing urbanization simultaneously there is a rise in the production of garden waste including dry leaves, stems, twigs, grasses, flowers, etc which indeed is posing a challenge for local government agencies everywhere to ensure its proper management and disposal. To overcome the problem of garden waste controlled temperature and aeration flow rate reactor has fabricated. . Four trials T1, T2, T3, and T4 were executed constituting different forms of garden waste like grinded, un-shredded, shredded with additives, and shredded without additives, and were carried out for 30 days using a portable temperature-controlled in-vessel reactor. The temperature (50- 600C) has maintained during the process of composting and moisture has maintained up to 65% throughout the composting period. The trial 1 was the best combination among the all trials in which the variation of pH was (7.7-8.2), total organic carbon (40-37.6), total nitrogen (0.6-1.1), C:N ratio (61.5-34.2), cellulose (43.3-3.9), hemicellulose (10.1-0.6) and lignin (13.1-0.11) at the end of 30 days. The degradation rate of Un-shredded leaves was found to be very slow due large size of dry leaves. The findings demonstrated that effective garden waste management is feasible by following specific criteria, which decreases the environmental impact of current disposal.
Study on vanadium extraction by composite calcination of sodium chloride-sodium carbonate in titanium tetrachloride vanadium-containing refining tailings
Authors: Yang Qi-Lin , Shao Jiu-Gang , Du Wei-Tong , Chen Chun-Yu , Wang Fei , Mao Rui
Published: November 2024

In order to investigate the extraction and utilization of vanadium resources in the tailings of titanium tetrachloride refining, on the basis of traditional sodium calcination, the NaCl-Na2CO3 composite calcination-water leaching process for vanadium extraction was proposed, focusing on the study of the calcination process conditions and leaching process conditions on the calcination clinker physical composition and vanadium leaching rate of the influence of the law, and ultimately to determine the optimal process conditions, and to explore the leaching kinetics. The NaCl-Na2CO3 composite The melting of the additive increases its contact surface with vanadium-bearing minerals increases vanadate generation, and reduces the addition of a single sodium salt. The two synergistic effects significantly increased the vanadium leaching rate. Under the following conditions: m(NaCl):m(Na2CO3) = 3:2, calcination temperature of 800℃, calcination time of 3 h, leaching temperature of 70℃, leaching time of 90 min and liquid-solid ratio of 10:1 mL/g, the vanadium leaching rate of NaCl-Na2CO3 composite calcination was 93.84%, which was 4.43% higher than that of single NaCl as the calcination additive. The vanadium leaching process was in accordance with the nuclear contraction model, and the leaching process was controlled by a mixture of chemical reaction and diffusion with an apparent activation energy of 39.81 kJ/mol.
Divergent and Convergent TMEM106B Pathology in Murine Models of Neurodegeneration and Human Disease
Authors: Du Muzi , Akerman Suleyman C. , Fare Charlotte M. , Ruan Linhao , Vidensky Svetlana , Mamedova Lyudmila , Lee Joshua , Rothstein Jeffrey D.
Published: November 2024

TMEM106B is a lysosomal/late endosome protein that is a potent genetic modifier of multiple neurodegenerative diseases as well as general aging. Recently, TMEM106B was shown to form insoluble aggregates in postmortem human brain tissue, drawing attention to TMEM106B pathology and the potential role of TMEM106B aggregation in disease. In the context of neurodegenerative diseases, TMEM106B has been studied in vivo using animal models of neurodegeneration, but these studies rely on overexpression or knockdown approaches. To date, endogenous TMEM106B pathology and its relationship to known canonical pathology in animal models has not been reported. Here, we analyze histological patterns of TMEM106B in murine models of C9ORF72-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (C9-ALS/FTD), SOD1-related ALS, and tauopathy and compare these to postmortem human tissue from patients with C9-ALS/FTD, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and AD with limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (AD/LATE). We show that there are significant differences between TMEM106B pathology in mouse models and human patient tissue. Importantly, we also identified convergent evidence from both murine models and human patients that links TMEM106B pathology to TDP-43 nuclear clearance specifically in C9-ALS. Similarly, we find a relationship at the cellular level between TMEM106B pathology and phosphorylated Tau burden in Alzheimer’s disease. By characterizing endogenous TMEM106B pathology in both mice and human postmortem tissue, our work reveals considerations that must be taken into account when analyzing data from in vivo mouse studies and elucidates new insights supporting the involvement of TMEM106B in the pathogenesis and progression of multiple neurodegenerative diseases.
Spatiotemporal distribution and influencing factors of early historical habitation sites in Hunan Province, China
Authors: Zhang Da , Zhou Hongwei , Shi Yun , Zhang Yiwen , Zhu Jiajie , Yang Xueyan
Published: November 2024

Studies on historical sites reveal human-environment interactions. Currently, research on sites from the Paleolithic to the Shang and Zhou Dynasties is incomplete and often focuses on a few sites.This Hunan-based study, focusing on architectural types, analyzed site distribution at a regional scale across these periods. Results indicate site concentration in 4 regions, with 2 regions showing greater diversity. The Neolithic period witnessed a notable rise in site numbers and types.Site distribution was shaped by natural environmental factors and influenced by productivity and population movements.These findings deepen comprehension of ancient human settlements in Hunan, aiding a systematic understanding of civilization's evolution.
Dampening of positive affect partially accounts for the association between women’s reported history of child maltreatment and current depressive symptoms
Authors: STONE LINDSEY , Sylvester Alisha
Published: November 2024

Background
Child maltreatment exerts lasting effects on emotion regulation, which in turn accounts for adult’s risk for psychopathology such as depression. Child maltreatment is associated with impairments in reward sensitivity (responding to positive stimuli in-the-moment) as well as chronic anhedonia, lack of positive moods and pleasure to environmental stimuli. To date though, emotion regulation strategies that account for these deficits in positive moods and responses is limited. We examined the role of positive rumination and dampening of positive affect, both voluntary emotion regulation strategies. We hypothesized that alterations in positive rumination and dampening would explain the association between women’s history of child maltreatment and risk for current depressive symptoms. Given that child maltreatment also impairs emotion regulation of negative affect, we also explored the unique effects of positive affective strategies after controlling for dysphoric rumination.
Methods
Undergraduate women (n = 122) completed surveys on child maltreatment, depressive symptoms, and their tendency to dampen or engage in positive rumination in response to positive affect, reflecting cross-sectional data. The PROCESS macro, model 4 was run in SPSS to examine the extent to which emotion regulation strategies accounted for the association between child maltreatment history and current depressive symptoms.
Results
Child maltreatment history was associated with a higher tendency to dampen positive affect but was not linked with positive rumination. Dampening partially explained the link between child maltreatment and women’s current depressive symptoms. Dampening continued to account for unique variance in the association between child maltreatment and depressive symptoms (β = 0.13) after including rumination in the model.
Conclusions
Results suggests that emotion suppression strategies among child maltreatment survivors may also extend to positive affect, and specificity in regulation strategies are altered. Currently dysphoric women with a history of child maltreatment tend to dampen their positive moods and reactions to events, which has immediate treatment implications for this population. Future, longitudinal research is warranted to clarify the role of alterations in positive emotion regulations strategies in understanding how child maltreatment fosters risk for psychopathology such as depression.
Metallothionein 2A as a prognostic marker promotes glioma progression
Authors: Gong Li , Luo Ming , Deng Xinzhou , Li Haixia , Cao Nan , Feng Wei , Chai Jingjing , Luo Zhiguo , Huang Hongyan
Published: November 2024

Background
Metallothionein 2A (MT2A) plays a significant role in carcinogenesis and metastasis, while its function in glioma remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the function and mechanisms of MT2A in glioma.
Methods
Raw data pertaining to glioma were collected from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas database and The Cancer Genome Atlas database to explore the expression and role of MT2A. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to elucidate the function of MT2A and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in glioma cells.
Results
MT2A was elevated in glioma patients with certain clinical characteristics, and high levels of MT2A were not only associated with poor prognosis but also served as a valuable prognostic indicator in glioma. The overexpression of MT2A increased the proliferative, migratory, and invasive capabilities of glioma cells, and upregulated the expression of epithelial‒mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins, including TGF-β1, Vimentin, Twist1, and Slug in vitro and in vivo, whereas the downregulation of MT2A had the opposite effects. Knockdown of MT2A induced G2/M phase arrest and enhanced apoptosis in glioma cells.
Conclusions
MT2A promotes glioma progression by regulating cell proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as the EMT process, suggesting its potential utility as a prognostic marker for glioma.
Unexpected Neurological Deterioration Following Occipitocervical Fusion Surgery
Authors: Nakagawa Takane , Takahashi Hiroshi , Miura Kousei , Gamada Hisanori , Okuwaki Shun , Sakashita Kotaro , Sunami Takahiro , Ogata Yosuke , Noguchi Hiroshi , Funayama Toru , Koda Masao
Published: November 2024

Background
Occipitocervical posterior decompression and fusion (O-C fusion) surgery is occasionally required for treating high cervical myelopathy due to atlantoaxial subluxation. The advance of the instrumentation systems has led to favorable clinical outcomes following O-C fusion surgery. However, the rate of perioperative complications in O-C fusion surgery is relatively high, including instrumentation failure, respiratory complications, and dysphagia. Here we report a rare case involving an unexpected deterioration of myelopathy following O-C fusion surgery.
Case presentation:
A 49-year-old male was transported to our hospital by ambulance with left-sided upper and lower limb paralysis. At the initial visit, a neurological examination revealed left upper limb weakness (MMT grade 2). X-ray and CT revealed severe atlantoaxial subluxation due to Os Odontoideum, while MRI revealed significant spinal cord compression at the C2 level. On the diagnosis of acute exacerbation of high cervical myelopathy, an O-C2 posterior decompression and fusion surgery including C1 laminectomy was performed. Postoperatively, the patient exhibited a deterioration in right-sided upper limb paralysis (MMT grade 2), despite proper implant placement confirmed by CT. During two weeks postoperatively, there was no improvement in the right-sided upper limb paralysis, and bilateral deep sensory impairment worsened. Follow-up X-rays revealed a progressive decrease in the O-C2 angle and dynamic X-ray imaging demonstrated a recurrence of instability at the O-C2 level. On the diagnosis of the instrumentation failure, a revision surgery was performed 3 weeks after the primary surgery. Intraoperative findings revealed instability at the C2 screw head and loosening of the set screw on the C2 screw head. To achieve a more secure fixation, we extended the fusion to C4 with a triple rod connection. Following the revision surgery, his myelopathy and paralysis gradually improved. At the final follow-up 6 months after surgery, X-rays showed that O-C2 was firmly stabilized.
Conclusions
In O-C fusion surgery, screw head fixation close to the O-C rod bending site may result in unexpected instrumentation failure.
Assessing Spatial and Temporal Urban Air Quality Variabilities with the Vaisala AQT530 Monitor
Authors: Papaconstantinou Roubina , Bezantakos S. , Pikridas M. , Parolin M. , Stylianou M. , Savvides C. , Sciare J. , Biskos George
Published: November 2024

Low-cost gas and particle sensors can significantly increase the spatial coverage of Air Quality (AQ) monitoring networks in urban settings. Considering that the accuracy of such sensors is not high enough to replace reference instruments for AQ monitoring, the question is whether they can be used to capture spatial differences among different stations, as well as temporal trends and month-to-month variabilities at a specific location. To investigate that, we carried out measurements over a period of 19 months with two Vaisala AQ Transmitters-Monitors (Model AQT530), collocated with reference-grade instruments, in two AQ monitoring stations in Nicosia: an urban traffic and an urban background station. The AQ monitors employ Low-Cost Sensors (LCSs) for gaseous pollutants (i.e., CO, NO2, NO, and O3) and Particulate Matter (PM). Statistical analysis of the reference measurements shows that the mean concentrations of the pollutants at the two stations, determined over the entire study period and for each month separately, were significantly different. Analysis of the LCS measurements showed that that the reproducibility of the NO2, NO, O3, and PM2.5 sensors, over a period when these were co-located at the traffic station, is poor, excluding them from further investigating their ability to capture spatial differences between different stations. The CO and PM10 measurements from the AQ monitors effectively captured the differences in pollutant concentrations between the two stations when averaged over the entire study period or on a monthly basis, with few exceptions during specific months depending on the sensor. These LCSs were also able to capture concentration differences between the two stations on a daily or monthly basis, as long as those were above a certain threshold for each pollutant. The CO and PM sensors captured the month-to-month trend over the entire period of the measurements, similarly to the reference instruments, while the NO2, NO and O3 sensors did not, mainly due to their sensitivity to the environmental conditions. Despite that, all sensors captured the statistical significance of the month-to-month concentration differences at the same station, with the PM2.5 measurements showing the highest capability of doing so in accordance with the reference instruments.
Research on the Synergistic Relationship between Urban Tourist Attractions and Green Infrastructure in Japanese Cities Based on Green Tourism
Authors: YANG Zhuojing , Homma Riken
Published: November 2024

In the context of sustainable development, the concept of green tourism has garnered widespread attention. As more people choose cities as their travel destinations, this trend not only promotes urban economic development but also impacts urban ecosystems. Based on this, this paper proposes the concept of coordinated planning for urban green infrastructure (UGI) and urban tourist attractions. By studying and conducting a comparative analysis of the synergy between green infrastructure and urban tourist attractions in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kumamoto, this study explores the relationship between green infrastructure and urban tourist attractions in cities with different levels of economic development and population sizes. The study mainly considers the spatial correlation between UGI and urban tourist attractions.
Incidence, sutcome and trends of in-hospital cardiac arrest over a ten-year period in a swiss tertiary hospital
Authors: Oechslin Luca , Abplanalp Jan , Biaggi Patric , Hadzalic Hasan , Britschgi Daniel , Luz Christian , Url Alfons , Stocker Reto , Wyss Christophe
Published: November 2024

Objective:
The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the incidence, characteristics, outcomes and potential predictors of outcome of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) occurring from 2012 to 2022 at a tertiary hospital in Switzerland.
Methods:
All in-hospital cardiac arrest missions over a ten-year period were retrospectively analyzed. Subsequently, statistical analysis was conducted to identify variables influencing the outcome (outcomes of interest were return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival after 6 and 12 months).
Results:
Over a ten-year period, there were 364 resuscitations, resulting in an overall incidence of 1.87 resuscitation per 1000 hospitalizations. ROSC was achieved in 63.4% and 37.4% were alive at 12 months. In 71.2% the initial rhythm was unshockable. Observed cardiac arrest and continuous ECG monitoring were significant positive predictors for ROSC and improved survival. Older age was associated with worse survival throughout the study period. Over the ten-year study period both incidence and outcomes of IHCA were unchanged.
Conclusion:
IHCA was infrequent but associated with high mortality rates. Continuous ECG monitoring emerged as a robust predictor for achieving ROSC and for improved survival following IHCA.
Untargeted Metabolomics and Proteomics-based Research of the Long-term Exercise on Human Body
Authors: Zhuang Wenqian , Wang Yang , Xu Xin , Zhao Jingjing
Published: November 2024

Regular long-term exercise can benefit the body and reduce the risk of several diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. The proteomic and metabolomic changes, as well as the physiological responses associated with long-term exercise, remain incompletely understood. To investigate the effects of long-term exercise on the human body, 14 subjects with long-term exercise habits and 10 subjects without exercise habits were selected for this study. Morning urine samples were collected and analyzed for untargeted metabolomics and proteomics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 404 differential metabolites and 394 differential proteins were screened in this research, and the analysis results indicated that long-term exercise may affect energy metabolism, amino acid synthesis and metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and inflammatory response. These findings offer a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular effects of long-term exercise on the human body and provide a basis for future research exploring the underlying mechanisms.
Control of tomato black leaf mold by disinfecting agricultural materials contaminated with overwintering causal fungus in commercial greenhouses.
Authors: Kirino Namiko , Kawaguchi Akira
Published: November 2024

In this study, we evaluated the effect of disinfecting agricultural materials contaminated with Pseudocercospora fuligena on tomato black leaf mold (BLM) using two methods: spraying with benzothiazole solution (referred to as "spraying") and smoking with Tetrachloroisophthalonitrile (TPN) smoke agent (referred to as "smoking").
Meta-analysis of the conidial germination data showed a combined relative risk (RR) of 0.20 (95% CI: 0.14–0.27) for spraying and 0.06 (95% CI: 0.04–0.08) for smoking, indicating significant inhibition of conidial germination.
The effect of material disinfection using both methods on BLM occurrence were investigated in 14 greenhouses across four fields. In two experiments conducted in 2014, the survival period of tomato plants in the disinfected greenhouses was extended by 11 and 32 days using the spraying method and by 11 and 26.5 days using the smoking method (Kaplan–Meier) ,compared with ones in non-disinfected greenhouses. The general linear mixed model (GLMM) analysis of disease incidence data from tomato leaves during the late cultivation period from experiments in 2014, 2015, and 2021 revealed significant associations between disinfection and BLM occurrence. Subsequently, the meta-analysis results revealed an RR of 0.66 (95% CI: 0.63–0.70) in two experiments of spraying and an RR of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.74–0.87) in four experiments of smoking.
In conclusion, disinfection of P. fuligena-contaminated agricultural materials effectively eliminated primary BLM infection and tended to slightly reduce disease occurrence during tomato cultivation. This study is the first to evaluate the impact of disinfecting conidia-contaminated materials on BLM occurrence in field experiments.
Performance Evolution of the Nano Boron Nitride Enhanced Bone Cement Composites
Authors: Wang Hong , Zhang Kangrui , Niu Wenduo , Min Sicong , Lu Fan , Zhang Shifeng , Gao Wensheng , Han Hua , Xia Yayi
Published: November 2024

Bone cement is a research hotspot and has been partially applied in the field of bone repair thanks to the good mechanical, physical and antibacterial properties. However, the easy wear and high temperature during curing characteristics would cause surrounding tissue necrosis, which seriously limits the wider application to some extent. In this work, the hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nano flakes were optimized to enhance the bone cement matrix (PMMA) via mechanical doping. The doping of h-BN into PMMA results in an improved mechanical, thermal-conductivity, wear-resistance properties, in addition, the h-BN has no significant impact on cell activity. What’s more, the co-modification of PMMA with h-BN and Vancomycin (Va) endows the bone cement composites with more persistent drug release characteristics. This comprehensive performance evolution evaluation provides a reference for the innovative application of modified bone cement.
A Framework Built on Reliability and Deep Learning for Detecting Attacks in the Home Area Network of Smart Grids
Authors: Ethirajan Venkatraman
Published: November 2024

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) into our daily lives finds application in various domains, with the Home Area Network (HAN) being a notable facet. Within the realm of IoT applications, the Smart Grid stands out as an intelligent power network characterized by bidirectional flows of electricity and information. This interconnected system utilizes advanced communication infrastructure to efficiently manage the operation of all linked components, ensuring a reliable and sustainable electricity supply. The Home Area Network serves as a dedicated network linking devices within homes, including electrical vehicles. As the HAN market evolves within the smart grid sector, offering diverse solutions for residential needs, it faces challenges associated with the increasing reliance on information technology. The deep integration of electrical components with computing information in cyberspace renders the system susceptible to cyber-attacks, posing concerns for both power system operators and users. These attacks have the potential to compromise the control system of the power grid, leading to disruptions and incidents. This paper introduces a model approach and validates the security of HAN networks. A novel Reliability Oriented Recursive Energy Effective Redirecting Algorithm [ROREERA] is proposed, incorporating a data encryption scheme for secure data transfer within the HAN. The encryption and decryption of data employ the Honey Crock algorithm. To enhance security further, a deep auto-encoder is employed for intrusion detection, safeguarding the HAN against cyber-attacks. The entire experimentation process is conducted within the Mat lab environment.
Novel Conjugated 5-Alkenyl Rhodanine Tethered 1,4-Benzodioxane Derivatives as Dual-Chitinases Inhibitors to Hinder the Growth of Asian Corn Borer
Authors: Chen Jinxiu , Shi Dongmei , Jiang Zhiyang , Zou Renxuan , Zhang Jingyu , Han Qing , Wang Na , Xu Zhijian , Yang Qing , Duan Hongxia
Published: November 2024

OfChtI and OfChi-h are ideal targets for developing agricultural inhibitors against Ostrinia furnacalis. In order to further confirm the importance of conjugated systems in rhodanine derivatives, sixteen novel 1,4-benzodioxane-tethered-rhodanine derivatives were designed and synthesized with or without C = C double bond of 5-alkenyl rhodanine skeleton. Among them, compounds 3a ~ 3h, with preserved 5-alkenyl rhodanine skeleton, all exhibited much better inhibitory activities against both OfChtI and OfChi-h, compared to that of the corresponding reduced compounds 4a ~ 4h without its C = C double bond. The inhibitory mechanism demonstrated that the 5-alkenyl rhodanine conjugated plane was conducive to improving the binding affinity with both two chitinases. Compound 3g was identified as the most potential dual-chitinases inhibitor against OfChtI (Ki = 2.57µM) and OfChi-h (Ki = 2.03µM). The bioassay study also indicated that compound 3g displayed the best insecticidal activity against O. furnacalis and distinctive sublethal effect in regulating its growth and development. These 1,4-benzodioxane-tethered-rhodanine derivatives deserved further investigation as novel dual-chitinases inhibitor candidates in the control of O. furnacalis.
Genome sequence-based identification of bacteria nodulating Mimosa pudica growing in Eastern Himalayas and Western Ghats of India and description of Cupriavidus mimosae sp. nov. and Cupriavidus gehlotii sp. nov
Authors: Sharma Lekha , Khairnar Mitesh , Pansare Aabeejjeet , Medicherla Krishna Mohan , Goswami Girish K , Rahi Praveen
Published: November 2024

The invasive weed Mimosa pudica (wild) is widespread in India’s tropical regions and nodulated by beta-rhizobia, including Cupriavidus and Paraburkholderia. This study investigates the genetic diversity of rhizobia associated with M. pudica in the Eastern Himalayan (EH) and Western Ghat (WG) regions of India. MALDI-TOF-MS and 16S rRNA gene phylogeny identified EH rhizobia as Paraburkholderia, while WG rhizobia belonged to Cupriavidus. Core-gene phylogeny (bac120 genes) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values confirmed EH strain SKND8 as Paraburkholderia caribensis. In contrast, WG strains WGtm5T and WGlv3T clustered within the Cupriavidus taiwanensis species complex but had ANI values below 95.1% with validly published species, suggesting they are novel species. Distinct clusters in bac120 gene phylogeny and ANI values below 95.8% further indicate that both strains represent different species. Major fatty acids identified in WGtm5T and WGlv3T included C16: 0, C16:1 ꙍ7c and/or C16:1 ꙍ 6c and C18: 1ꙍ 7c and/or C 18: 1 ꙍ 6c. Based on ANI values, core-gene phylogeny, and phenotypic data, we proposed two novel species, Cupriavidus mimosae sp. nov for WGtm5T (MCC4888T = KACC 22828T) and Cupriavidus gehlotii sp. nov for WGlv3T (MCC4890T = KACC 22827T). The presence of nodulation and nitrogen-fixation genes and nodule formation in Vigna radiata and Vigna unguiculata by strain SKND8, WGtm5T and WGlv3T highlighted their nitrogen fixation potential. Additionally, WG strain WGmk3, identified as Herbaspirillum huttiense, lacks nodulation genes and may be an endophyte of M. pudica.
A digital health intervention model using community health workers: findings from primary health services in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Zaman Marzia , Hridhee Rubaiyat Alim , Bhuiyan Refat Ahmed , Gomes Charles Aunkan , Rahman Md. Mashiar , Sheikh Mohammed Shariful , Sarker Farhana , Mamun Khondaker A.
Published: November 2024

Objective: This paper aims to understand people’s health conditions after a digital health intervention model was implemented in a rural area of Bangladesh. We analyzed the health conditions of the served population 18 months after the operation.
Methods: The data presented in this paper are obtained from the model’s pilot implementation in one area in Bangladesh. Community health workers provided monthly health services at doorsteps while collecting various sociodemographic, health, economic, and environmental data. We presented the findings from the collected data on user health. Sociodemographic and health measurement data were presented as proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between diseases and their respective risk factors. We compared the health vitals across three consecutive periods to determine improvements in health outcomes over time.
Results: The model served 32,581 people from 7,090 households during this operation. We found that 21.76% of the served population were overweight, 8.18% had prehypertension, 16.45% had high blood glucose, and 11% children were malnourished. From the analysis of risk factors, we found that people aged > 40 were associated with developing hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases(CVD). CVD was associated with hypertension and stroke. Comparative analysis of different periods showed improved BMI, BP, and MUAC. Blood glucose measurements did not show significant improvement.
Conclusion: The implemented model provided regular health screenings, consultancy services, and digital referrals. The features included in the model are unique and designed according to the needs of the rural population. Findings from the operation identified demographics who were at high risk of developing NCDs. The comparative analysis found a positive impact on the health conditions of the rural people who took regular health measurements.
Mapping Architectural White Marble Use in Roman Italy: A Quantitative Study of Archaeometric Provenance Data
Authors: Taelman Devi
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a quantitative analysis of the distribution of white marble for architectural purposes in Roman Italy between 200 BCE and 500 CE. Through the analysis of a comprehensive dataset of 1,582 archaeometrically provenanced marble artefacts from 42 sites, this study addresses chronological trends and regional patterns in the use of white marble sources across Italy. The study shows significant differences in marble sourcing between Imperial Rome and smaller urban centres, reflecting two supply systems: a state-directed system for major public projects and a market-driven system for regional elite initiatives. While Carrara marble was the preferred choice in imperial and state projects, at least until the end of the second century CE, local elites in other areas of Italy selected material according to economic and logistical considerations. Outside Rome, Carrara and Proconnesian marble emerged as the most commonly applied white marble for architecture, although with regional and temporal distinctions in their relative importance. Carrara dominated southern Italy until the end of the second century CE, while Proconnesian marble was the most applied architectural white marble already in the first and second centuries CE. From the third century CE, we see that Proconnesian marble gained importance throughout Italy and surpassed Carrara.