bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable Polymeric Nanoparticles Loaded with Flavonoids: A Promising Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Li Mingrui , Liu Ying , Weigmann Benno
Published: February 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of disorders that cause chronic non-specific inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, primarily affecting the ileum and colon. The incidence of IBD has risen sharply in recent years. Despite continuous research efforts over the past decades, the aetiology of IBD is still not fully understood and only a limited number of drugs are available for its treatment. Flavonoids, a ubiquitous class of natural chemicals found in plants, have been widely used in the prevention and treatment of IBD. However, their therapeutic efficacy is unsatisfactory due to poor solubility, instability, rapid metabolism, and rapid systemic elimination. With the development of nanomedicine, nanocarriers can efficiently encapsulate various flavonoids and subsequently form nanoparticles (NPs), which greatly improves the stability and bioavailability of flavonoids. Recently, progress has also been made in the methodology of biodegradable polymers that can be used to fabricate NPs. As a result, NPs can significantly enhance the preventive or therapeutic effects of flavonoids on IBD. In this review, we aim to evaluate the therapeutic effect of flavonoid NPs on IBD. Furthermore, we discuss possible challenges and future perspectives.
Effects of Maternal High-Fructose Diet on Long Non-Coding RNAs and Anxiety-like Behaviors in Offspring
Authors: Zou Yuchen , Guo Qing , Chang Yidan , Zhong Yongyong , Cheng Lin , Wei Wei
Published: February 2023

Increased fructose intake is an international issue. A maternal high-fructose diet during gestation and lactation could affect nervous system development in offspring. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays an important role in brain biology. However, the mechanism whereby maternal high-fructose diets influence offspring brain development by affecting lncRNAs is still unclear. Here, we administered 13% and 40% fructose water to establish a maternal high-fructose diet model during gestation and lactation. To determine lncRNAs and their target genes, full-length RNA sequencing was performed using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies platform, and 882 lncRNAs were identified. Moreover, the 13% fructose group and the 40% fructose group had differentially expressed lncRNA genes compared with the control group. Enrichment analyses and co-expression analyses were performed to investigate the changes in biological function. Furthermore, enrichment analyses, behavioral science experiments, and molecular biology experiments all indicated that the fructose group offspring showed anxiety-like behaviors. In summary, this study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying maternal high-fructose diet-induced lncRNA expression and co-expression of lncRNA and mRNA.
Nogo-A and LINGO-1: Two Important Targets for Remyelination and Regeneration
Authors: Kalafatakis Ilias , Papagianni Fevronia , Theodorakis Konstantinos , Karagogeos Domna
Published: February 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that causes progressive neurological disability in most patients due to neurodegeneration. Activated immune cells infiltrate the CNS, triggering an inflammatory cascade that leads to demyelination and axonal injury. Non-inflammatory mechanisms are also involved in axonal degeneration, although they are not fully elucidated yet. Current therapies focus on immunosuppression; however, no therapies to promote regeneration, myelin repair, or maintenance are currently available. Two different negative regulators of myelination have been proposed as promising targets to induce remyelination and regeneration, namely the Nogo-A and LINGO-1 proteins. Although Nogo-A was first discovered as a potent neurite outgrowth inhibitor in the CNS, it has emerged as a multifunctional protein. It is involved in numerous developmental processes and is necessary for shaping and later maintaining CNS structure and functionality. However, the growth-restricting properties of Nogo-A have negative effects on CNS injury or disease. LINGO-1 is also an inhibitor of neurite outgrowth, axonal regeneration, oligodendrocyte differentiation, and myelin production. Inhibiting the actions of Nogo-A or LINGO-1 promotes remyelination both in vitro and in vivo, while Nogo-A or LINGO-1 antagonists have been suggested as promising therapeutic approaches for demyelinating diseases. In this review, we focus on these two negative regulators of myelination while also providing an overview of the available data on the effects of Nogo-A and LINGO-1 inhibition on oligodendrocyte differentiation and remyelination.
PCR Assay for Rapid Taxonomic Differentiation of Virulent Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae Bacteriophages
Authors: Kornienko Maria , Bespiatykh Dmitry , Malakhova Maja , Gorodnichev Roman , Kuptsov Nikita , Shitikov Egor
Published: February 2023

Phage therapy is now seen as a promising way to overcome the current global crisis in the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, phages are highly strain-specific, and in most cases one will have to isolate a new phage or search for a phage suitable for a therapeutic application in existing libraries. At an early stage of the isolation process, rapid screening techniques are needed to identify and type potential virulent phages. Here, we propose a simple PCR approach to differentiate between two families of virulent Staphylococcus phages (Herelleviridae and Rountreeviridae) and eleven genera of virulent Klebsiella phages (Przondovirus, Taipeivirus, Drulisvirus, Webervirus, Jiaodavirus, Sugarlandvirus, Slopekvirus, Jedunavirus, Marfavirus, Mydovirus and Yonseivirus). This assay includes a thorough search of a dataset comprising S. aureus (n = 269) and K. pneumoniae (n = 480) phage genomes available in the NCBI RefSeq/GenBank database for specific genes that are highly conserved at the taxonomic group level. The selected primers showed high sensitivity and specificity for both isolated DNA and crude phage lysates, which permits circumventing DNA purification protocols. Our approach can be extended and applied to any group of phages, given the large number of available genomes in the databases.
Ethnobotanical Study of Traditional Medicinal Plants Used for the Treatment of Infectious Diseases by Local Communities in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mbelwa, Mzimba District, Northern Region, Malawi
Authors: Chisamile Wilfred , Sonibare Mubo , Kamanula John
Published: February 2023

Local communities in Mzimba District, Malawi, have limited access to healthcare services and often rely on traditional medical practice and medicinal plants (MPs) for most of their medical care. However, phytomedicines’ use has not been well documented. This study aimed to identify and document medicinal plants and the associated ethnobotanical knowledge. Ethnobotanical data were collected in seven localities (19 villages) in the T/A Mbelwa, Mzimba, from May to June 2021. Forty traditional healers, herbalists, and farmers selected purposively and by snowball sampling were interviewed through semi-structured interviews, field observations, group discussions, and guided field walks. Quantitative indices, viz. relative frequency of citation (RFC), use value (UV), relative importance (RI) values, informant consensus factors (ICFs), and fidelity levels (FLs), were used to analyze the data. Eighty MPs belonging to 43 families and 77 genera were recorded. The Leguminosae family showed the highest number of species (16), followed by Solanaceae, Rubiaceae, and Phyllanthaceae. Trees (35 species) and roots (62%) accounted for the most significant habit and part, respectively. Washing (29%) was the most common preparation method. The most cited plant was Zanthoxylum chalybeum (RFC = 0.80, UV = 0.28, RI = 1.66), followed by Cassia abbreviata (RFC = 0.68, UV = 0.35, RI = 1.50). Respiratory disorders showed the highest ICF (0.53), followed by general and unspecified disorders (0.31). Z. chalybeum, C. abbreviata, and Oldfieldia dactylophylla showed maximum FLs (100%) for treating malaria and dysentery. Phytochemical, bioassay, toxicity, and conservation studies are needed to assess medicinal plants’ safety, efficacy, and quality as steps toward discovering new promising therapeutic leads without neglecting conservation programs for their sustainable utilization.
Precision Medicine and the future of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Clinically Oriented Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sethi Yashendra , Patel Neil , Kaka Nirja , Kaiwan Oroshay , Kar Jill , Moinuddin Arsalan , Goel Ashish , Chopra Hitesh , Cavalu Simona
Published: February 2023

Cardiac diseases form the lion’s share of the global disease burden, owing to the paradigm shift to non-infectious diseases from infectious ones. The prevalence of CVDs has nearly doubled, increasing from 271 million in 1990 to 523 million in 2019. Additionally, the global trend for the years lived with disability has doubled, increasing from 17.7 million to 34.4 million over the same period. The advent of precision medicine in cardiology has ignited new possibilities for individually personalized, integrative, and patient-centric approaches to disease prevention and treatment, incorporating the standard clinical data with advanced “omics”. These data help with the phenotypically adjudicated individualization of treatment. The major objective of this review was to compile the evolving clinically relevant tools of precision medicine that can help with the evidence-based precise individualized management of cardiac diseases with the highest DALY. The field of cardiology is evolving to provide targeted therapy, which is crafted as per the “omics”, involving genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics, for deep phenotyping. Research for individualizing therapy in heart diseases with the highest DALY has helped identify novel genes, biomarkers, proteins, and technologies to aid early diagnosis and treatment. Precision medicine has helped in targeted management, allowing early diagnosis, timely precise intervention, and exposure to minimal side effects. Despite these great impacts, overcoming the barriers to implementing precision medicine requires addressing the economic, cultural, technical, and socio-political issues. Precision medicine is proposed to be the future of cardiovascular medicine and holds the potential for a more efficient and personalized approach to the management of cardiovascular diseases, contrary to the standardized blanket approach.
Relationship between Postoperative Anterior Chamber Depth and Refraction Based on the Haptic Fix Position in Intraocular Lens Intrascleral Fixation
Authors: Noguchi Santaro , Nakakura Shunsuke , Noguchi Asuka , Tabuchi Hitoshi
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to analyze the refraction and iris capture tendency regarding the fixation position with respect to the intrascleral fixation (ISF) of intraocular lenses. Consecutive patients who underwent ISF 1.5 mm (ISF 1.5, 45 eyes) and 2.0 mm (ISF 2.0, 55 eyes) from the corneal limbus with NX60, as well as those who underwent normal phacoemulsification with in-the-bag ZCB00V (ZCB, 50 eyes), were enrolled. The anterior chamber depth (post-op ACD), the estimated ACD when using the SRK/T (post-op ACD—predicted ACD), and the refractive error (post-op MRSE, and the predicted MRSE) were all calculated. In addition, the postoperative iris capture was also investigated. The post-op MRSE—predicted MRSE values were: −0.59, 0.02, and 0.00 D (ISF 1.5, ISF 2.0, and ZCB) (p < 0.05, between ISF 1.5 vs. ISF 2.0 and ZCB); the post-op ACD values were: 4.00, 4.17, and 4.29 mm (p < 0.05, ISF 1.5 vs. ZCB); and the post-op ACD—predicted ACD values were: −2.03, −1.98, and −1.60 mm (p < 0.05, between ZCB vs. ISF 1.5 and ISF 2.0). The iris capture occurred in four eyes with regard to ISF 1.5 and three eyes with ISF 2.0 (p = 0.52). Moreover, ISF 2.0 possessed 0.6D hyperopia and 0.17 mm deeper anterior chamber depth. The refractive error of ISF 2.0 was less than that of ISF 1.5. Lastly, no significant iris capture onset was noted between ISF 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm.
Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine Decreases Postoperative Pain after Gastric Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Luo Xin , Chen Peishan , Chang Xinlu , Li Yang , Wan Lei , Xue Fushan , An Lixin
Published: February 2023

Background: Postoperative pain is one of the most common complications after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD); however, there have been only a few studies assessing the efficacy of interventions on postoperative pain after gastric ESD. This prospective randomized controlled trial was designed to assess the effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine (DEX) on postoperative pain after gastric ESD. Materials and methods: A total of 60 patients undergoing elective gastric ESD under general anesthesia were randomly divided into the DEX group receiving DEX with a loading dose of 1 μg/kg, followed by a maintenance dose of 0.6 μg/kg/h until 30 min before the end of the endoscopic procedure, and the control group receiving normal saline. The primary outcome was the visual analog scale (VAS) score of postoperative pain. Secondary outcomes were the dosage of morphine for postoperative pain control, hemodynamic changes during the observable period, the occurrence of adverse events, lengths of postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and hospital stays, and patient satisfaction. Results: The incidence of postoperative moderate to severe pain was 27% and 53% in the DEX and control groups, respectively, with a significant difference. Compared to the control group, VAS pain scores at 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h postoperatively, the dosage of morphine in the PACU, and the total dosage of morphine within 24 h postoperatively were significantly decreased in the DEX group. Both incidences of hypotension and use of ephedrine in the DEX group were significantly decreased during surgery, but they were significantly increased in the postoperative period. Postoperative nausea and vomiting scores were decreased in the DEX group; however, the length of PACU stay, patient satisfaction, and duration of hospital stay were not significantly different between groups. Conclusion: Intraoperative DEX can significantly decrease postoperative pain level, with a slightly reduced dosage of morphine and a decreased severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting after gastric ESD.
Takayasu Arteritis Coexisting with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Zhao Mutong , Liu Ying , Hu Zhihai , Sun Juan , Yang Zhou , Wei Li , Xu Zigang , Ma Lin
Published: February 2023

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare large-vessel vasculitis that can result in significant morbidity and mortality. The coexistence of TA with leishmaniasis infection has not been reported previously. Case description: An 8-year-old girl presented with recurrent skin nodules that heal spontaneously for four years. Her skin biopsy revealed granulomatous inflammation with Leishmania amastigotes identified in the histocyte cytoplasm and the extracellular space. The diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis was made and intralesional sodium antimony gluconate was started. One month later, she experienced dry coughs and fever. The CT angiography of the carotid arteries showed dilation in the right common carotid artery and thickening of artery walls with elevated acute phase reactants. The diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis (TA) was made. Reviewing her chest CT before treatment, a soft-tissue density mass was identified in the right carotid artery region, suggesting a pre-existing aneurysm. The patient was treated with surgical resection of the aneurysm with systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Her skin nodules resolved with scars after the second cycle of antimony while a new aneurysm arose due to a lack of control of TA. Conclusions: This case highlights that benign as the natural course is for cutaneous leishmaniasis, fatal comorbidities can occur as a consequence of chronic inflammation, and can be aggravated by the treatment.
A Novel Insight into the Immune-Related Interaction of Inflammatory Cytokines in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Naiyila Xiaokaiti , Li Jinze , Huang Yin , Chen Bo , Zhu Mengli , Li Jin , Chen Zeyu , Yang Lu , Ai Jianzhong , Wei Qiang , Liu Liangren , Cao Dehong
Published: February 2023

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common male condition that impacts many men’s quality of life by generating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). In recent years, inflammation has become very common in the prostate, and BPH with inflammation has a higher International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) score and an enlarged prostate. Chronic inflammation leads to tissue damage and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which play an important role in the pathogenesis of BPH. We will focus on current advancements in pro-inflammatory cytokines in BPH, as well as the future of pro-inflammatory cytokine research.
Comparison of Adverse Events between Isolated Left Atrial Appendage Closure and Combined Catheter Ablation
Authors: Zhang Yan , Yang Jing , Liu Qian , Wu Jinglan , Yin Lei , Lv Jing , You Ling , Zhang Yanan , Wang Lianxia , Zhao Yanlei , Hou Qian , Jing Weilin , Xie Ruiqin
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of an additional catheter ablation (CA) procedure on the risk of post-procedure adverse events during CA combined with left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). (2) Methods: From July 2017 to February 2022, data from 361 patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent LAAC at our center were analyzed retrospectively. The adverse events were compared between CA + LAAC and LAAC-only groups. (3) Results: The incidence of device-related thrombus (DRT) and embolic events was significantly lower in the CA + LAAC group than in the LAAC-only group (p = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively). A logistic regression analysis revealed that the combined procedure served as a protective factor for DRT (OR = 0.09; 95% confidence interval: 0.01–0.89; p = 0.04). Based on a Cox regression analysis, the risk of embolism marginally increased in patients aged ≥65 years (HR = 7.49, 95% CI: 0.85–66.22 p = 0.07), whereas the combined procedure was found to be a protective factor (HR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.07–0.87 p = 0.03). Further subgroup and interaction analyses revealed similar results. (4) Conclusions: The combined procedure may be associated with a lower rate of post-procedure DRT and embolization without a higher occurrence of other adverse events after LAAC. A risk-score-based prediction model was conducted, showing a good prediction performance.
Exploring the Relationship between Cognitive Ability Tilt and Job Performance
Authors: Kato Anne E. , Scherbaum Charles A.
Published: February 2023

Most of the work examining the relationship between intelligence and job performance has conceptualized intelligence as g. Recent findings, however, have supported the claim that more specific factors of intelligence contribute to the prediction of job performance. The present study builds upon prior work on specific cognitive abilities by investigating the relationship between ability tilt, a measure representing differential strength between two specific abilities, and job performance. It was hypothesized that ability tilt would differentially relate to job performance based on whether or not the tilt matched the ability requirements of the job, and that ability tilt would provide incremental validity over g and specific abilities for predicting performance when the tilt matched job requirements. Hypotheses were tested using a large sample from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) database. Ability tilt related with job performance in the expected direction for 27 of the 36 tilt-job combinations examined, with a mean effect size of .04 when the tilt matched job requirements. The mean incremental validities for ability tilt were .007 over g and .003 over g and specific abilities, and, on average, tilt explained 7.1% of the total variance in job performance. The results provide limited evidence that ability tilt may be a useful predictor in addition to ability level, and contribute to our understanding of the role of specific abilities in the workplace.
The Effect of Husbandry and Original Location on the Fouling of Transplanted Panels
Authors: Ralston Emily , Swain Geoffrey
Published: February 2023

The best way to stop the introduction of non-indigenous species (NISs) is by preventing their transport. In the case of ship hulls, this may be accomplished by managing entrainment onto the hull. This study was designed to examine the role of hull husbandry, i.e., cleaning and grooming, in fouling community structure and to determine the effect of husbandry on the recolonization of surfaces after a transplant was performed. A series of panels were placed at two locations along the east coast of Florida (Port Canaveral and Sebastian Inlet) that are typified by distinct fouling communities. Panels were subjected to one of three treatments: groomed weekly, cleaned every two months, or freely fouling. After four months, all panels were cleaned and transplanted between sites; no further husbandry was performed. Fouling community composition and coverage was characterized at monthly intervals both before and after transplantation. Hull husbandry was found to affect coverage and composition, with groomed panels carrying a lower cover of macrofouling in general. The effect of the original location on subsequent fouling composition and recolonization by specific organisms was confirmed for encrusting bryozoans, barnacles, sponges, and tunicates. Hull husbandry also affected subsequent fouling with specific preferences shown for surfaces that had been groomed, cleaned and undisturbed.
Coupling of Finite Element Method and Peridynamics to Simulate Ship-Ice Interaction
Authors: Liu Renwei , Xue Yanzhuo , Lu Xikui
Published: February 2023

In this work, the finite element method (PD-FEM) coupling strategy is used to simulate ship-ice interaction. Two numerical benchmark tests are selected to validate the coupling approach and its program. During the ice-breaking process simulation, the generation and propagation of radial and circular cracks in level ice are modeled and phenomena such as the shedding of wedge ice, flipping of brash ice, and cleaning of the channel are observed to be broadly consistent with experimental observation. The influence of ship speed and ice thickness on the ice load are investigated and analyzed. The ice load obtained from the numerical simulations is in general agreement with that given by Lindqvist’s empirical formula. The boundary effect on the crack path can also be avoid with the current coupling method.
Modeling and Adaptive Boundary Robust Control of Active Heave Compensation Systems
Authors: Du Rui , Wang Naige , Rao Hangyu
Published: February 2023

Heave compensation systems are essential for operations’ safety, reliability, and efficiency in harsh offshore environments. This paper investigates the vibration suppression problem of a type of deep-sea robot with the length of time variation and harsh operating environments for active heave compensation systems, where hydraulic heave compensators implement actuators with input nonlinearity, model coupling, and unknown nonlinear disturbances. A robust adaptive output feedback control scheme based on the backstepping control method is designed to eliminate deep-ocean robot vibration, where the adaptive law handles the system parameter uncertainty. Meanwhile, a nonlinear disturbance observer (NDO) is introduced to overcome the effects of random disturbances and model coupling. In addition, the stability of the whole system is proved according to Lyapunov’s theory, and the scheme is shown to be feasible by theoretical analysis. Finally, a comparative simulation study was conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
An Alpha-Glucan from Lomentospora prolificans Mediates Fungal–Host Interaction Signaling through Dectin-1 and Mincle
Authors: Xisto Mariana Ingrid Dutra da Silva , Dias Lucas dos Santos , Bezerra Francisco Felipe , Bittencourt Vera Carolina Bordallo , Rollin-Pinheiro Rodrigo , Cartágenes-Pinto Ana Carolina , Haido Rosa Maria Tavares , Mourão Paulo Antônio de Souza , Barreto-Bergter Eliana
Published: February 2023

Scedosporium and Lomentospora are a group of filamentous fungi with some clinically relevant species causing either localized, invasive, or disseminated infections. Understanding how the host immune response is activated and how fungi interact with the host is crucial for a better management of the infection. In this context, an α-glucan has already been described in S. boydii, which plays a role in the inflammatory response. In the present study, an α-glucan has been characterized in L. prolificans and was shown to be exposed on the fungal surface. The α-glucan is recognized by peritoneal macrophages and induces oxidative burst in activated phagocytes. Its recognition by macrophages is mediated by receptors that include Dectin-1 and Mincle, but not TLR2 and TLR4. These results contribute to the understanding of how Scedosporium’s and Lomentospora’s physiopathologies are developed in patients suffering with scedosporiosis and lomentosporiosis.
Diversity of Cellulolytic Microorganisms Associated with the Subterranean Termite Reticulitermes grassei
Authors: Carbonero-Pacheco Juan , Aguilar José , Raya María Carmen , Trapero Antonio , Gaju-Ricart Miquel , Agustí-Brisach Carlos
Published: February 2023

Reticulitermes grassei is a subterranean termite species that forages on woody structures of the Iberian Peninsula, and is often a building and crops pest. A total of 23 microorganisms associated with the activity of R. grassei were isolated from colonized ecosystems in southern Spain. They were morphologically and molecularly characterized, with fungi being the most prevalent ones. The fungi showed high values of optimum growth temperature, suggesting that they could be able to survive and develop in warm regions. Their cellulolytic activity was tested in carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) agar, concluding that all fungal isolates produce cellulases, and the enzymatic index (EI) was revealed in CMC agar with Gram’s iodine solution, with Penicillium citrinum showing the highest EI and Trichoderma longibrachiatum the highest mycelial growth rate on CMC. A preliminary microorganism dispersion assay was carried out with the termites, concluding that these insects may have a positive influence on fungal dispersion and the subsequent colonization of new substrates. Our study suggests that fungi associated with R. grassei may potentially be of interest in biotechnological fields such as biofuel production and the food industry.
Modelling of Loan Non-Payments with Count Distributions Arising from Non-Exponential Inter-Arrival Times
Authors: Low Yeh-Ching , Ong Seng-Huat
Published: February 2023

The number of non-payments is an indicator of delinquent behaviour in credit scoring, hence its estimation and prediction are of interest. The modelling of the number of non-payments, as count data, can be examined as a renewal process. In a renewal process, the number of events (such as non-payments) which has occurred up to a fixed time t is intimately connected with the inter-arrival times between the events. In the context of non-payments, the inter-arrival times correspond to the time between two subsequent non-payments. The probability mass function and the renewal function of the count distribution are often complicated, with terms involving factorial and gamma functions, and thus their computation may encounter numerical difficulties. In this paper, with the motivation of modelling the number of non-payments through a renewal process, a general method for computing the probabilities and the renewal function based on numerical Laplace transform inversion is discussed. This method is applied to some count distributions which are derived given the distributions of the inter-arrival times. Parameter estimation with maximum likelihood estimation is considered, with an application to a data set on number of non-payments from the literature.
Erosion Modelling Indicates a Decrease in Erosion Susceptibility of Historic Ridge and Furrow Fields Near Albershausen, Southern Germany
Authors: Schmidt Johannes , Usmar Nik , Westphal Leon , Werner Max , Roller Stephan , Rademacher Reinhard , Kühn Peter , Werther Lukas , Kottmann Aline
Published: February 2023

Ridge and furrow fields are land-use-related surface structures that are widespread in Europe and represent a geomorphological key signature of the Anthropocene. Previous research has identified various reasons for the intentional and unintentional formation of these structures, such as the use of a mouldboard plough, soil improvement and drainage. We used GIS-based quantitative erosion modelling according to the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) to calculate the erosion susceptibility of a selected study area in Southern Germany. We compared the calculated erosion susceptibility for two scenarios: (1) the present topography with ridges and furrows and (2) the smoothed topography without ridges and furrows. The ridges and furrows for the studied site reduce the erosion susceptibility by more than 50% compared to the smoothed surface. Thus, for the first time, we were able to identify lower soil erosion susceptibility as one of the possible causes for the formation of ridge and furrow fields. Finally, our communication paper points to future perspectives of quantitative analyses of historical soil erosion.
Impact of Green Manuring on Health of Low Fertility Calcareous Soils
Authors: Naz Asifa , Rebi Ansa , Naz Raheela , Akbar Muhammad Usman , Aslam Ana , Kalsom Amina , Niaz Abid , Ahmad Muhammad Ibrar , Nawaz Shahrish , Kausar Rizwana , Ali Baber , Saleem Muhammad Hamzah , Zhou Jinxing
Published: February 2023

This study was conducted in a rice-based cropping scheme to investigate the impact of green manuring on soil health, considering soil physicochemical properties and sustainable crop production. A field experiment was started on 2 November 2015 and completed on 15 April 2018 under a rice–berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) cropping system in calcareous soil. Two green manuring patterns, rice–berseem and rice–wheat–sesbania (rostrata), were compared with a commonly practiced rice–wheat (Oryza sativa-Triticumaestivum) cropping pattern. Green manuring of the berseem crop (last cutting) along with 50, 75, and 100% of the recommended fertilizer doses of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) were compared with recommended NPK fertilization along with control (no fertilizer). The plant growth parameters of rice, including plant height, tillers per plant at maturity, and yield data, were recorded at harvest. The pre-sowing soil analysis revealed that the experimental soil was low in salts, and the nutrient (NPK) status was very low. The results indicated that green manuring substantially enhanced the grain and straw yield of rice crops. Green manuring combined with 75% of recommended NPK produced the highest grain yield (5.83 t ha−1 in year III) compared to the other treatments. The soil analysis showed that the bulk density was reduced while soil porosity, organic carbon, and N, K, and P contents were significantly improved. From the results of this study, it is recommended that under calcareous soil conditions, the regular use of green manuring can significantly improve crop growth, yield, and physicochemical properties of soil and, therefore, should be adopted by farmers.
Effects of Partial Replacement of Nitrogen Fertilizer with Organic Fertilizer on Rice Growth, Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency and Soil Properties in the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Wang Jiabao , Zhang Xiangming , Yuan Manman , Wu Gang , Sun Yixiang
Published: February 2023

Cake fertilizer and dairy manure were used as experimental materials to carry out a 9-year (2012–2020) field experiment in the main rice production areas in the Yangtze River basin. Different fertilization modes were used (no fertilization, CK; chemical fertilizer application alone, HY; reduced fertilization with chemical fertilizer application, RF; cake fertilizer replacement of nitrogen fertilizer, CFR; and dairy manure replacement of nitrogen fertilizer, DMR). Changes in the total rice yield, yield components, absorption of nitrogen, soil pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, and soil bulk density under different fertilization treatments were analyzed. The results show that organic fertilizer replacement leads to a stable and high rice yield. The 9-year average rice yields of the CFR and DMR treatments were 60.0% and 61.5% higher than that of CK. The nitrogen uptake of the CFR and DMR treatments was also higher than that of the other treatments. The nitrogen recovery efficiency in the current season could be increased by 16.37–22.89%, and after 9 years of testing, the soil total nitrogen contents of CFR and DMR increased by 0.23–0.85 g·kg−1 compared to the other treatments. The available P and K contents of DMR increased by 30.17 mg·kg−1 and 22.02 mg·kg−1 compared with HY, respectively. The soil bulk density was reduced by 0.08 g·cm−3. Generally, the effects of dairy manure replacement were better than those of cake fertilizer. This is an important method that can be used to fertilize the soil and foster sustainable soil utilization in the rice-growing area of the Yangtze River Basin, as a long-term partial replacement for chemical nitrogen fertilizer.
Sound, Smell, Objects, and the Discursive Space of Nagai Kafū’s 1920s Fiction
Authors: Follaco Gala Maria
Published: February 2023

Throughout his life, Nagai Kafū (1879–1959) tackled crucial issues of modernity, such as the urban experience and conflicting notions of selfhood. This article explores some aspects of his narrative practice that enrich our understanding of his literary output while suggesting new avenues for future research on space-time representation in twentieth-century literature. I focus on passive senses such as hearing and smell, and on material objects and physical sensations as narrative devices employed by the author in order to broaden comprehension and enrich the experience of objective reality. In particular, I examine Yukidoke (Melting Snow), a 1922 short story understudied thus far but that offers useful insights as regards the author’s intent to defy superimposed notions of affect and space.
The Effects of Strategic Procurement 4.0 Performance on Organizational Competitiveness in the Circular Economy
Authors: Corboș Răzvan-Andrei , Bunea Ovidiu-Iulian , Jiroveanu Daniel-Constantin
Published: February 2023

Background: This study aims to identify how and if strategic procurement 4.0 performance influences competitiveness under circular economy conditions. In this regard, to achieve the aim of the study, we examine the moderating and mediating effects of strategic procurement 4.0 performance. In addition, the paper explores the role of procurement 4.0 in the circular economy and its impact on organizational competitiveness, with a focus on the mediating factors in the relationship between manager attitudes and competitiveness, making a significant contribution to the emerging research in this field. Methods: The results of a two-way moderated multiple regression analysis showed that there is an effect that intensifies the relationship between the variables being studied. Mediating effects were tested using Smart PLS-4 and the results showed significant mediating effects of strategy for procurement 4.0 and planning for procurement 4.0. Results: The study found that organizations with high strategic procurement 4.0 performance and high circular economy openness have the highest level of competitiveness. However, low levels of circular economy openness result in similar competitiveness levels regardless of low or average strategic procurement 4.0 performance. Conclusions: We found that strategic procurement 4.0, aligned with sustainability goals and incorporating digital technologies, leads to increased competitiveness in the context of the circular economy, as demonstrated in the Romanian business environment. Moreover, our study highlights the importance of strategic training in procurement 4.0, the need for a three-level approach in procurement strategy, planning, and performance review, and the significance of considering non-financial aspects in competitiveness and innovation within the context of a circular economy.
A DyIII Complex of a Pentadentate Schiff Base with Field-Induced Single-Ion Magnet Behaviour
Authors: Corredoira-Vázquez Julio , Oreiro-Martínez Paula , García-Deibe Ana M. , Sanmartín-Matalobos Jesús , Fondo Matilde
Published: February 2023

The influence of the solvent in the reaction of dysprosium(III) chloride hydrate with the N3O2 ligand H2L (2,6-bis(2-hydroxyphenyliminomethyl)pyridine) was studied To this end, the new mononuclear chloride complex [Dy(L)Cl(H2O)2] (1) was isolated in absolute ethanol as solvent, without any evidence of the hydrolysis of the ligand. This clearly contrasts with previous results, where a similar reaction in methanol proceeds with the partial hydrolysis of the Schiff base, and the formation of a new hemiacetal donor to yield [Dy(HL’)2)][Dy(L)(Cl2)] (H2L’ = (6-(2-hydroxyphenyliminomethyl)-2-methoxyhydroxymethyl)pyridine). The single crystal X-ray structure of the chloride complex 1 shows that the DyIII ion is octacoordinated in a highly distorted N3O4Cl environment between triangular dodecahedral and biaugmented trigonal prisms. The full magnetic characterisation of 1 shows that it presents field-induced single ion magnet behaviour, with a thermal energy barrier Ueff of 113.5 K, which is the highest among dysprosium complexes derived from H2L.
Application of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance in an Electrochemical Energy Storage System
Authors: Sang Xiancheng , Xu Xixiang , Bu Zeyuan , Zhai Shuhao , Sun Yiming , Ruan Mingyue , Li Qiang
Published: February 2023

The improvement of our living standards puts forward higher requirements for energy storage systems, especially rechargeable batteries. Unfortunately, phenomena such as capacity failure, etc. have been major difficulties in the field of energy storage. Therefore, we need some advanced means to explore the reaction process and mechanisms of the cell. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has the advantages of a high sensitivity to electrons, lack of damage to samples, quantitative analysis, etc., which can make for a more in-depth exploration of most paramagnetic electrode materials and metal electrode materials. After a brief description of the principle of EPR, this review briefly summarizes the application of EPR to the characterization of transition metal oxide cathode and lithium metal anode electrode materials in recent years, such as showing how to study electrode materials by using EPR in situ and operando .
Unfolding the Transmission Dynamics of Monkeypox Virus: An Epidemiological Modelling Analysis
Authors: Al-Shomrani Mohammed M. , Musa Salihu S. , Yusuf Abdullahi
Published: February 2023

Monkeypox (mpox) is a zoonotic viral disease that has caused recurring outbreaks in West Africa. The current global mpox virus (mpoxv) epidemic in endemic and non-endemic areas has seriously threatened public health. In this study, we design an SEIR-based deterministic model that considers prodromal stage, differential infectivity, and hospitalisation to investigate the transmission behaviour of mpoxv, which could help enhance control interventions. The model is theoretically analyzed by computing essential epidemiological quantities/dynamics, such as the basic reproduction number, which estimates the number of secondary infections caused by a typical primary case in an entirely susceptible community. Stability of the model’s equilibrium states is examined to evaluate the transmission potential of the mpoxv. Furthermore, partial rank correlation coefficient was adopted for sensitivity analysis to determine the top-rank model’s parameters for controlling the spread of mpoxv. Moreover, numerical simulations and model predictions are performed and are used to evaluate the influence of some crucial model parameters that help in strengthening the prevention and control of mpoxv infection.
A Flexible Semi-Poisson Distribution with Applications to Insurance Claims and Biological Data
Authors: Almuhayfith Fatimah E. , Bapat Sudeep R. , Bakouch Hassan S. , Alnaghmosh Aminh M.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a discrete one-parameter distribution called the semi-Poisson distribution is introduced, which is based on a set of non-negative integers. It is seen that this distribution captures over-dispersion and zero-inflation scenarios well. A few properties of the proposed distribution, such as moments, the probability-generating function, index of dispersion, recurrence relation for the moments, and negative moments are presented. The distribution is applied to two real-life datasets related to insurance claims and parasite counts, where it is noted to perform better than many of the existing discrete distributions based on Z+, including some of the recently introduced ones.
A Multi-Objective Crowding Optimization Solution for Efficient Sensing as a Service in Virtualized Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Othman Ramy A. , Darwish Saad M. , Abd El-Moghith Ibrahim A.
Published: February 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) encompasses a wide range of applications and service domains, from smart cities, autonomous vehicles, surveillance, medical devices, to crop control. Virtualization in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is widely regarded as the most revolutionary technological technique used in these areas. Due to node failure or communication latency and the regular identification of nodes in WSNs, virtualization in WSNs presents additional hurdles. Previous research on virtual WSNs has focused on issues such as resource maximization, node failure, and link-failure-based survivability, but has neglected to account for the impact of communication latency. Communication connection latency in WSNs has an effect on various virtual networks providing IoT services. There is a lack of research in this field at the present time. In this study, we utilize the Evolutionary Multi-Objective Crowding Algorithm (EMOCA) to maximize fault tolerance and minimize communication delay for virtual network embedding in WSN environments for service-oriented applications focusing on heterogeneous virtual networks in the IoT. Unlike the current wireless virtualization approach, which uses the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II), EMOCA uses both domination and diversity criteria in the evolving population for optimization problems. The analysis of the results demonstrates that the proposed framework successfully optimizes fault tolerance and communication delay for virtualization in WSNs.
Active Fault-Tolerant Control Applied to a Pressure Swing Adsorption Process for the Production of Bio-Hydrogen
Authors: Ortiz Torres Gerardo , Rumbo Morales Jesse Yoe , Ramos Martinez Moises , Valdez-Martínez Jorge Salvador , Calixto-Rodriguez Manuela , Sarmiento-Bustos Estela , Torres Cantero Carlos Alberto , Buenabad-Arias Hector Miguel
Published: February 2023

Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology is used in various applications. PSA is a cost-effective process with the ability to produce high-purity bio-hydrogen (99.99%) with high recovery rates. In this article, a PSA process for the production of bio-hydrogen is proposed; it uses two columns packed with type 5A zeolite, and it has a four-step configuration (adsorption, depressurization, purge, and repressurization) for bio-hydrogen production and regeneration of the beds. The aim of this work is to design and use an active fault-tolerant control (FTC) controller to raise and maintain a stable purity of 0.9999 in molar fraction (99.99%), even with the occurrence of actuator faults. To validate the robustness and performance of the proposed discrete FTC, it has been compared with a discrete PID (proportional–integral–derivative) controller in the presence of actuator faults and trajectory changes. Both controllers achieve to maintain stable purity by reducing the effect of faults; however, the discrete PID controller is not robust to multiple faults since the desired purity is lost and fails to meet international standards to be used as bio-fuel. On the other hand, the FTC scheme reduces the effects of individual and multiple faults by striving to maintain a purity of 0.9999 in molar fraction and complying with international standards to be used as bio-fuel.
Parathyroid Cancer—A Rare Finding during Parathyroidectomy in High Volume Surgery Centre
Authors: Radu Petru , Garofil Dragos , Tigora Anca , Zurzu Mihai , Paic Vlad , Bratucu Mircea , Litescu Mircea , Prunoiu Virgil , Georgescu Valentin , Popa Florian , Surlin Valeriu , Strambu Victor
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: Parathyroid cancer is a very rare endocrine tumor, especially in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism due to end stage renal disease failure. This pathology is difficult to diagnose preoperatively because it has nonspecific clinical manifestations and paraclinical aspects. Our study of the literature identified 34 reported cases of parathyroid carcinoma over the last 40 years in patients undergoing dialysis. We present our experience as illustrative of the features of clinical presentation and histopathological findings of parathyroid carcinoma and assess its management considering the recent relevant literature. Materials and Methods: From January 2012 to November 2022, 650 patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism undergoing dialysis were treated at our academic Department of General Surgery and only two cases of parathyroid carcinoma were diagnosed on histopathological examination. Results: All patients presented with symptomatic hypercalcemia, with no clinical or imaging suspicion of malignant disease and were surgically treated by total parathyroidectomy. Histopathological examination revealed morphologic aspects of parathyroid carcinoma in two cases and immunostaining of Ki-67 was performed for diagnostic confirmation. Postoperative follow-up showed no signs of recurrence and no oncological adjuvant treatment or surgical reinterventions were needed. Conclusions: Parathyroid neoplasia is a particularly rare disease, that remains a challenge when it comes to diagnosis and proper management. Surgical approach is the only valid treatment to remove the malignant tissue and thus improve the patient’s prognosis. Medical and oncologic treatment may be beneficial to control hypercalcemia in case of tumor recurrence.