bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gell River Fire Driven by Forced Channeling and Lateral Fire in 2018–19 Summer, Tasmania
Authors: Ozaki Mitsuhiro , Williamson Grant , Fox-Hughes Paul , Love Peter , Aryal Jagannath
Published: July 2023

Mountain fire can become more complex than fires at lower elevation due to the complex interaction of fire, topography, and weather. The Gell River Fire in Tasmania, Australia occurred in rugged terrain where there are abundant fire sensitive vegetation communities, as well as the presence of infrastructure including high-voltage transmission lines. The fire began at the end of December 2018 and lasted a few months, with a final burnt area of approximately 350km2 despite significant fire suppression effort. The fire was investigated by employing wind vector maps, numerical weather model vertical sounding charts (NWMVS) and Prototype 2, which is an integrated fire simulator and can detect lateral fire channeling (LFC). Our analysis of the fire found its spread was likely to be introduced into a valley by forced channeling (FC), which is modified synoptic wind, and showed rapid spread in the valley. The simulated fire also showed wider spread than the observed data in the valley, with the simulated fire impacting highly sensitive vegetation communities on the fringes of the valley. This alludes to some potential conclusions: (1) The loss of fire sensitive vegetation would have increased if fire suppression activity had not been conducted. (2) Spotting fires could be produced by LFC because these spotting fire would allow spreading fire in a shorter period. (3) Heterogeneity of vegetation, such as combination of buttongrass and forest, could help carry fire rapidly in the valley with LFC. Fire can propagate faster in buttongrass than in forests while the forests allow the spotting fire.
The Rise of ASEAN SMEs: How to Successfully Enter the Global Market
Authors: Sudibyo Novy Anggraini , Najb Mukhamad , Andrianto Muhammad Syaefudin , Alimovich Erkin , Marhadi Marhadi , Boros Anita
Published: July 2023

The aims of this paper are 1) to explore the type of industry of SMEs that can survive for more than 5 years in ASEAN, and 2) to analyze the success factors of SMEs in ASEAN to be able to survive for more than 5 years. This paper employs a qualitative method, with a literature review and meta-analysis. From 2007 to 2017, data was extracted from Google Scholar, Emerald Insight, Sage Pub, and EBSCO databases. There are 14 factors that influence the success of SMEs in the main sectors, 20 factors in the manufacturing sectors, and 14 factors in the service sectors, depending on the type of industry. For instance: eCommerce, technology, and social media, international oriented, good management system, government support, working condition /environment, skill and competency labour/owner, market penetration/selection, policy, organizational performance, and characteristics, networking with government /supplier / customer, networking with government /supplier /customer, planned /strategy (business /market /operational /organizational). The findings of this literature review reveal several important factors that are critical to the success of SMEs in competing with other industries and can be developed for a longer period.
Advancing Pig Welfare Assessment: Introducing the SSPD-PER Method for Objective and Reliable Pig Emotion Recognition
Authors: Kim Jung Hwan , Colaco Savina Jassica , Poulose Alwin , Neethirajan Suresh , Han Dong Seog
Published: July 2023

The utilization of Pig Emotion Recognition (PER) driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises to mitigate labor costs and alleviate stress among domestic pigs, thereby minimizing the need for consistent human intervention. Nevertheless, this research acknowledges the inherent limitations within the raw PER datasets, which often include irrelevant porcine features, hence impeding genuine progress in real-world evaluations. A significant proportion of PER datasets derive from sequential pig imagery obtained from video recordings, and a common pitfall in these studies is the unregulated shuffling of data. This lack of control can result in the overlap of data samples between training and testing groups, thereby yielding skewed experimental evaluations. To address these challenges, this paper introduces a novel solution in the form of the Semi-Shuffle-Pig Detector (SSPD) for PER datasets, with the intent to facilitate a less biased experimental output. By applying the SSPD, we can ensure that all testing data samples remain distinct from the training datasets, and any superfluous information from raw images is systematically discarded. This optimized method enhances the true performance of classification, providing unbiased experimental evaluations. Notably, our approach has led to a remarkable improvement in the Isolation After Feeding (IAF) metric by 20.2\% and achieved higher accuracy in segregating IAF and Paired After Feeding (PAF) classifications exceeding 92\%. This methodology, thereby, ensures the preservation of pertinent data within the PER system and eliminates potential biases in experimental evaluations. Consequently, it elevates the accuracy and reliability of real-world PER applications, resulting in a tangible positive impact on both pig welfare management and food safety standards.
The Random Vibrations of the Active Body of the Cultivators
Authors: CARDEI PETRU , Constantin Nicolae , Muraru Vergil , Persu Catalin , Sfiru Raluca , Vladut Nicolae-Valentin , Ungureanu Nicoleta , Matache Mihai , Muraru-Ionel Cornelia , Cristea Oana-Diana , LAZA Evelin-Anda
Published: July 2023

The article continues the exposition of the results obtained in the research of an agricultural machine for processing soil, designed for research with applications including exploitation. The MCLS complex cultivator was designed for the research of the working processes of the instruments intended for soil processing. The MCLS cultivator is a modulated machine (it can work for three working widths: 1, 2, and 4 m, with tractors of different powers) that is designed to use a wide range of working bodies.
The experimental data obtained with the structure with a working width of 1 m and the results of their processing within the framework of the theory of random vibrations are presented in this article. The experimental results are analysed as random vibrations of the supports of the active body. As a result, the main characteristics of random vibrations are exposed: the distribution function, the average value, the autocorrelation, and the frequency spectrum. These general results regarding random vibrations are used for several critical applications in the design, execution, and exploitation of some subassemblies and assemblies of agricultural machines of this type. The main applications are: estimating the probability of the occurrence of dangerous load peaks, counting and selecting the load peaks that produce fatigue accumulation in the material of the supports of the working bodies, identifying some design deficiencies or defects in the work regime, estimating the effects of vibrations on the quality of soil processing. All the outcomes are comprised of applications in MCLS research and exploitation. The applications pursue well-known objectives of modeling the working processes of agricultural machines: safety at work, increasing the quality of work, optimizing energy consumption, and increasing productivity, all in a broad context to obtain a compromise situation
Inverse Gas Dynamics Tables for the Isentropic Expansion of a Gas Due to Area Change and Flow Deflection
Authors: Sadasivan Anil Lal
Published: July 2023

The available direct gas dynamic tables provide the area ratio and the Prandtl-Meyer(P-M) angle of isentropic expansion of gas as functions of the Mach number. But finding the value of the Mach number in terms of area ratio or P-M angle requires an inverse function. Currently, the Mach number is determined by either interpolation from the direct gas dynamics tables, or the application of non-linear equation solvers using numerical methods. Both methods are approximate. In this paper inverse functions for Mach number in the form of Taylor’s series expansions are reported to develop the so-called inverse tables. The advantage of this approach is that the Mach number with a greater accuracy, referred to as nearly exact can be obtained by reading from the inverse table. In the presentation, the necessary equations and new tables that can be used by the scientific community will be disseminated. The data and computer programs are made available on GitHub through https://github.com/anillals/Inverse-gas-dynamic-tables- and-codes. A paper describing the complete mathematical steps in the derivation of the equations can be found at https://rdcu.be/dgrlf
Nonselective versus Selective Angioembolization for Trauma Patients with Pelvic Injuries Accompanied by Hemorrhage: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jang Hyunseok , Jeong Soon Tak , Park Yun Chul , Kang Wu Seong
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives: Angioembolization has emerged as an effective therapeutic approach for pelvic hemorrhages; however, its exact effect size remains uncertain. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect size of embolization-related pelvic complications after nonselective angioembolization compared to that after selective angioembolization in patients with pelvic injury accompanying hemorrhage. Materials and Methods Relevant articles were collected by searching the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases until June 24, 2023. Meta-analyses were conducted using odds ratios (ORs) for binary outcomes. Quality assessment was conducted using the risk of bias tool in non-randomized studies of interventions. Results: Five studies examining 357 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Embolization-related pelvic complications did not significantly differ between patients with nonselective and selective angioembolization (OR 1.581, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.592 to 4.225, I2 = 0%). However, in-hospital mortality was more likely to be higher in the nonselective group (OR 2.232, 95% CI 1.014 to 4.913, I2 = 0%) than in the selective group. In the quality assessment, two studies were found to have a moderate risk of bias, whereas two studies exhibited a serious risk of bias. Conclusions: Despite the favorable outcomes observed with nonselective angioembolization concerning embolization-related pelvic complications, determining the exact effect sizes was limited owing to the significant risk of bias and heterogeneity. Nonetheless, the low incidence of ischemic pelvic complications appears to be a promising result.
Assessing Lifetime Cancer Risk Associated with Population Exposure to PM-Bound PAHs and Carcinogenic Metals in Three Mid-Latitude Metropolitan Cities
Authors: Aldekheel Mohammad , Farahani Vahid Jalali , Sioutas Constantinos
Published: July 2023

Lifetime cancer risk characterization of ambient PM-bound carcinogenic metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were examined in the cities of Los Angeles (USA), Thessaloniki (Greece) and Milan (Italy), which share similar Mediterranean climates but are different in their urban emission sources and governing air quality regulations. The samples in Milan and Thessaloniki were mostly dominated by biomass burning activities whereas the particles collected in Los Angeles were primary impacted by traffic emissions. We analyzed the ambient PM2.5 mass concentration of Cadmium (Cd), Hexavalent Chromium (Cr(VI)), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), as well as 13 PAH compounds in the PM samples, collected during both cold and warm periods at each location. The Pb exhibited the highest annual-average concentration in all 3 cities, followed by Ni, As, Cr(VI), Cd and PAHs, respectively. The cancer risk assessment based on outdoor pollutants was performed based on three different scenarios, with each scenario corresponding to a different level of infiltration of outdoor pollutants into the indoor environment. Thessaloniki exhibited rather high risk value associated with lifetime inhalation of As, Cr(VI) and PAHs. The highest cancer risk values were calculated in Milan where the lifetime risk of exposure to As, Cr(VI) and PAHs exceeded the US EPA standard across all scenarios by a considerable margin. The risk associated with Cr(VI) in Milan, which was the most significant among the investigated elements, ranged from (6.08±0.36)×10-6 to (9.82±0.58) ×10-6. In contrast, the estimated risks associated with metal and PAHs in Los Angeles were mostly comparable to the guideline value, even when the infiltration factor was assumed to be at peak. This observation highlights the impact of local air quality measures in improving the air quality and lowering the cancer risks in Los Angeles compared to the other two cities.
Upcycling Wool Waste to Keratin Gel-Based Nanofibers Using Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Mouro Cláudia , Martins Rodrigo , Gomes Ana P. , Gouveia Isabel C.
Published: July 2023

Millions of tons of wool waste are produced yearly by textile industries, which may become a serious environmental hazard in the near future. Given this concern, it is crucial to explore strategies to reduce the amount of wool waste generated worldwide and adopt more sustainable practices for dissolving and regenerating wool keratin (WK) from textile waste. Most traditional methods involve the use of expensive, toxic, harmful, and poorly biodegradable compounds. To overcome these limitations and facilitate the reuse of wool waste through a cascade valorization strategy, researchers have started testing the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) as a more sus-tainable and eco-friendlier alternative for WK dissolution and regeneration.
In this study, the potential of two different DES mixtures, Choline chloride (ChCl): Urea and L-Cysteine (L-Cys): Lactic acid (LA), was explored for dissolving wool waste. Subsequently, the obtained gels based on DES-WK were blended with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in different ratios to produce nanofibers using the electrospinning technique. The effect of pH and the properties of the electrospinning solutions, namely electrical conductivity and viscosity, on the morphology of the gel solutions were evaluated. Moreover, the morphological features of the produced gel-based electrospun PVA/DES-WK nanofibrous membranes were analyzed using scanning electron mi-croscopy (SEM). Additionally, the PVA/L-Cys: LA DES-WK, which proved to be the most effective DES mixture for fabricating WK gel-based nanofibers, were characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and tensile tests. Furthermore, their antioxidant and an-timicrobial abilities were evaluated.
The results obtained revealed that this approach to valorize textile waste offers a unique avenue for the development of sustainable functional materials with potential applications in various biomedical and industrial fields.
Diagnostic Reference Levels in Interventional Pediatric Cardiology: Two-Year Experience in a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Latin America
Authors: Aristizabal Ana M , Gutiérrez Jaiber A , Ramirez Emmanuel , Mejía-Quiñones Valentina , Ubeda Carlos , Mosquera Walter Fernando , Mosquera Walter
Published: July 2023

This work presents patient radiation dose data for pediatric interventional cardiology procedures in a large hospital in Colombia.

The data collection period was from April 2020 to July 2022. The local DRLs were calculated as the 3rd quartile of patient dose data distributions for kerma area-product (Pka) values. The sample of collected clinical procedures (255) was divided into diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and grouped into five weight and five age bands.

The Pka differences found between diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were statistically in all weight and age bands, except the group between 1-5 years. The local DRLs were 69 Gy/cm2 (< 5 kg), 3.44 Gy/cm2 (5-<15 kg), 8.87 Gy/cm2 (15-<30 kg), 10.51 Gy/cm2 (30-<50 kg) y 22.61 Gy/cm2 (50-<80 kg), respectively.

In conclusion, from comparing our results with other existing DRL values, we are similar to other centers and scope to continue optimizing the radiation dose values. This will contribute to setting national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for Colombia in the near future.
Effects of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism BsmI of the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) Gene on VDR, SOD-2, and CYP24A1 Gene Expression in Subjects with Low Serum Vitamin D Levels
Authors: Retamoso Vanessa Rosa , Barbisan Fernanda , Moro Graziela Meira , Maurer Patricia , Rubio Debora Vasquez , Dos Santos Lauren Flores Vieira , Feijóo Lyana Berro , Frizzo Matias Nunes , Mânica Da Cruz Ivana Beatrice , Manfredini Vanusa , Barcelos Ana Leticia Vargas , Piccoli Jacqueline da Costa Escobar
Published: July 2023

Background: Hypovitaminosis D is a public health problem due to its implications for various diseases. Vitamin D has numerous functions, such as modulating the metabolism of some cellular tissues, and is expressed through the VDR gene that may influence gene expression modulation, which plays an important role in vitamin D metabolism. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the genotypes of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) BsmI of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene on VDR, SOD2, and CYP24A1 gene expression in individuals with low serum vitamin D levels. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study. Individuals were invited to participate and, after signing the informed consent form, answered a structured questionnaire with identification data. Blood was collected for biochemical analysis, and vitamin D was measured by chemiluminescence; BsmI polymorphism was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays with TaqMan allelic discrimination, and gene expression was conducted by qRT-PCR using QuantiFast SYBR® Green PCR Master Mix. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 software, and differences were considered significant at p<0.05. Results: 98 individuals with vitamin D ≤20 ng/dL were evaluated, and the SNP BsmI of the VDR gene showed CYP24A1 overexpression and low SOD2 expression. Conclusion: SNP Bsm I of the VDR gene can modulate the expression of the genes evaluated without interfering with serum levels.
Electrochemical vs Optical Biosensors for Point of Care Applications: A Critical Review
Authors: Pour Seyedeh Rojin Shariati , Calabria Donato , Emamiamin Afsaneh , Lazzarini Elisa , Pace Andrea , Guardigli Massimo , Zangheri Martina , Mirasoli Mara
Published: July 2023

Analytical chemistry applied to medical and diagnostic analysis, recently focused on the development of cost-effective biosensors able to monitor the health status or to assess the level of specific biomarkers that can be indicative for several diseases. The improvement of technologies relating to the possibility of non-invasive sampling of biological fluids, as well as sensors for the detection of analytical signals and the computational capabilities of the systems routinely employed in everyday life (e.g. smartphones, computers, etc.), make the complete integration of self-standing analytical devices more accessible. This review aims to discuss the biosensors that have been proposed in the last 5 years focusing on two principal detecting approaches, optical and electrochemical, which have been employed for quantifying different kind of target analytes reaching detection limits below the clinical sample levels required. These detection principles applied to Point-of-care (POC) devices, have been extensively reported in literature and even the limited examples found on the market are based on these strategies. This work will show the latest innovations considering the integration of optical and electrochemical detection with the most commonly reported analytical platforms for POC applications such as paper-based or wearable and implantable devices.
Algorithms for detecting of HEO satellites by optical measurements
Authors: Samotokhin Alexander Sergeevich , Khutorovsky Zakhary Naumovich
Published: July 2023

The problem of determining orbital parameters of motion of non-catalogized space objects in near-Earth space based on optical measurements is considered. Schemes are proposed for constructing initial approximations when using long and short tracks of optical measurements and subsequent identification of detected objects.
Efectos del aula invertida en el rendimiento académico en cursos de Física: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Muñoz Jiménez Wilton , Tamayo Ancona Martín E.
Published: July 2023

En esta revisión sistema de intervención se analizó la evidencia existente sobre el efecto de la metodología de aula invertida (FC) en el rendimiento académico en cursos de Física de educación secundaria y universitaria.  A partir de una búsqueda en cinco bases de datos y buscadores: Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), ERIC, Google Académico y Google Chrome, de un total de 425 registros inicialmente encontrados se seleccionaron 22 artículos para su revisión.   En la mayoría de los estudios (n = 20), se evidenció una mayor ganancia de aprendizaje en los cursos de Fisica donde se implementó alguna modalidad de FC en comparación con aquellos donde se utilizó el método tradicional de enseñanza u otro enfoque.  Además, se reportaron mejoras en la motivación, comprensión conceptual, habilidades tecnológicas, autonomía en el aprendizaje y autoconcepto, y un alto grado de aceptación del FC en el alumnado.  En conclusión, la evidencia analizada sugiere que el aula invertida mejora significativamente el rendimiento académico en los cursos de Física.
Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Rare-Earth Elements in Ferruginous Deposits and Bottom Sediments of the Laptev Sea
Authors: Kolesnik O.N. , Kolesnik A.N. , Astakhov A.S.
Published: July 2023

—The geochemical and mineralogical aspects of the distribution of rare-earth elements (REE) in ferruginous deposits (FD) and bottom sediments of the southeastern Laptev Sea are analyzed. The FD are dominated by biomorphs developed after polychaete tubes. The REE patterns depend on the proportion of ore and non-ore substances. The ore substance is represented mainly by iron hydroxides (limonite). It is a product of suboxic diagenesis enhanced by bioturbation and determines the slight enrichment of FD in MREE and cerium deficiency (Cean = 0.94). The non-ore substance comes from terrigenous sediments and has an (alumino)silicate composition. It controls the scandium content and is the source of REE mineral grains, among which monazite-(Ce) prevails. The sediments demonstrate a common similarity in REE patterns to shales and suspended material transported to the Laptev Sea by the Lena River, with elevated LREE and MREE contents and the value of Ce anomaly almost equal to unity (Cean = 1.06). In the sediments, REE minerals occur mostly in the silt fraction (<63 μm in size). The high content of organic matter (Corg of up to 2.15%) of predominantly terrigenous origin (OMter of up to 85%) in the sediments explains the oxygen deficiency and weak diagenetic mineral formation with low accumulation of trace elements, including REE, in the FD. The total REE content in the FD is lower than that in the sediments (on average, 173 ppm against 206 ppm).
Improving Smart Irrigation Systems through Energy Efficient Cluster-Head Selection in Heterogeneous WSNs
Authors: Hassan Emad , Oshaba Ahmed , Elemary Atef
Published: July 2023

Smart irrigation systems require reliable and energy-efficient communication between the sensors in a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) and the control system. To address this challenge, this paper presents several cluster-based selection protocols, based on the Stable Election Protocol (SEP) and Distributed Energy-Efficient Clustering (DEEC). The presented protocols divide the agriculture field into sub-fields to reduce energy consumption between far sensors and the base station (BS). Comparison with traditional protocols using evaluation metrics such as network throughput, stability, instability period, and lifetime, shows that the presented protocols outperform in terms of all metrics. The results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed protocols in prolonging the network's lifetime and improving energy efficiency in heterogeneous WSNs, thus supporting the performance of smart irrigation systems.
The SIR epidemic model with diffusion and nonlinear incidence: a symmetry approach
Authors: Naz R , Johnpillai A , Mahomed F , Omame A
Published: July 2023

We use Lie point symmetries to obtain reductions and closed-form solutions for the
diffusive SIR epidemic model with diffusion and nonlinear incidence. We determine
that the Lie algebra for this model is three-dimensional. We invoke these to establish
closed-form solutions of the diffusive SIR model. Furthermore, we utilized the closedform
solutions to generate a graphical representation of the infected curve, and
carried out a sensitivity analysis to gain valuable insights into the transmission
dynamics of the epidemic. Additionally, the most general Lie symmetry generator
is used to find the reductions and numerical solutions.
Effect of Extended Parallel Process Model Training on Enhancing Physical Activity of Overweight Pregnant Women: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hakimzadeh Atena , Hajian Sepideh , Afrakhteh Maryam , Rafiei Fatemeh
Published: July 2023

Background
Pregnancy overweight can bring about undesirable complications to the mother, fetus, and neonate. Thus, one of the goals of pregnancy care should be lifestyle modification that improves physical activity and healthy nutrition. The present study determined the effect of Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM)-based training on enhancing the physical activity of overweight pregnant women.
Method
This randomized controlled clinical trial examined 100 overweight pregnant women referred to two teaching hospitals in Tehran, Iran. The participants were assigned into two intervention and control groups through random allocation. The intervention group underwent EPPM-based training three times (18–20, 26–30, and 37–38 weeks of gestation), while the control group received regular prenatal care. The training content and approach were designed and presented based on the four constructs of EPPM, i.e., perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived efficacy, and perceived self-efficacy. The 32-item Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) was used to measure and compare the participants’ four activity types at three rounds (18–20, 26–30, and 37–38 weeks of gestation) and their physical activity calendar in two periods. The data were analyzed by the SPSS − 26 software at a significance level of < 0.05.
Results
After the educational intervention, the mean physical activity scores of the intervention and control groups were 1462.2 ± 477.67 and 861 ± 381.29 (P < 0.001; CI = 95%) in the first round, 1278.15 ± 480.31 and 675 ± 375.03 (P < 0.001; CI: 95%) in the second round, respectively. The mean weight gain value in the second trimester equaled 4.09 ± 0.76 and 4.52 ± 0.71 for the intervention and the control group, orderly. This difference was significant in the second trimester (P = 0.002) but not in the third. Likewise, a comparative analysis of the neonates’ anthropometric indices and prenatal complications revealed no significant differences.
Conclusion
The EPPM-based educational intervention effectively contributes to motivating pregnant women and changing their behavior toward improving their physical activity and can be employed to encourage them to enhance their physical activity during pregnancy.
Trial registration:
This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) under the IRCT20211207053310N1 Number(17/12/2021).
Molecular switching in transcription through splicing and proline-isomerization regulates stress responses in plants
Authors: Theisen Frederik , Prestel Andreas , Elkjær Steffie , Leurs Yannick , Morffy Nicholas , Strader Lucia , O'Shea Charlotte , Teilum Kaare , Kragelund Birthe , Skriver Karen
Published: July 2023

The Arabidopsis thaliana DREB2A transcription factor interacts with the negative regulator RCD1 and the ACID domain of subunit 25 of the transcriptional activator mediator (Med25) to integrate stress signals for gene expression, with elusive molecular interplay. Using biophysical and structural analyses together with high-throughput screening, we revealed a bivalent binding switch in DREB2A containing a novel ACID-binding motif (ABS) and the RCD1-binding motif (RIM). The RIM is lacking in a stress-induced DREB2A splice variant with retained activity. ABS and RIM bound to separate sites on Med25-ACID, and NMR uncovered a structurally heterogeneous complex deriving from a DREB2A-ABS proline residue populating cis- and trans-isomers with remote impact on the RIM. The cis-isomer stabilized an α-helix, while the trans-isomer may introduce energetic frustration facilitating rapid exchange between activators and repressors. Thus, DREB2A uses a post-transcriptionally and post-translationally modulated switch for transcriptional regulation.
Action researchers as “orchestrators” of coinnovation: A theoretical and methodological framework
Authors: Mliassen Marianne , Arntzen¹ Carthrine , Forslund¹ Lina , Nikolaisen¹ Morten , Alexandersson² Patrik , Gramstad¹ Astrid , Hellström² Andreas
Published: July 2023

Background
With the increasing complexity of health care services, more comprehensive and integrated services need to be redesigned. Action research and collaborative innovation processes that emphasize multiactor participation and user-centered approaches are suggested to balance research that is meaningful for both the research community and health service development. Engagement by actors with a diverse range of perspectives, experiences, resources, and competences is emphasized to enhance creative problem solving and innovation. However, “orchestrating” innovation, in which actors have diverse attitudes, agendas, positions of power, and horizons of understanding, is challenging. The purpose of this article was therefore to explore how researchers can support collaborative and creative processes to enhance coinnovation in complex health care contexts.
Methods
Experiences from two Scandinavian cases of coinnovation form the foundation of this theoretical paper.
Results
We identified four central components that are essential for action researchers to facilitate collaborative and creative coinnovation processes: 1) relational power reflexibility, 2) resource integration, 3) joint understanding, and 4) the facilitation of creativity.
Conclusions
This paper offers a theoretical contribution to orchestrating diverse actors and their contributions by leveling out the asymmetrical distribution of power, ensuring the integration of relevant resources, creating a joint understanding, and facilitating creativity in coinnovation processes/projects.
Estimation of the mortality attributable to heat in France between 2014 and 2022
Authors: Pascal Mathilde , Wagner Verene , Lagarrigue Robin , Casamatta Delphine , Pouey Jérôme , Vincent Nicolas , Boulanger Guillaume
Published: July 2023

Heat waves are associated with large excess mortality in France, but the extent of the total-heat related mortality is unknown. We estimated the fraction of mortality attributable to heat in France during summers 2014 to 2022, to complement the estimations of all-cause excess mortality during heat waves. Temperature-mortality relationships were developed for each of the 96 metropolitan French departments, for June-September, between 2014–2022. Several approaches were tested to control for a possible influence of the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020 (models including COVID-19 indicators, stratified models before/after the pandemic). The fraction of mortality attributable to heat was computed during summer and during heat waves. Taking COVID-19 into account did not improved the models. Relative risks (RR) tended to be slighly higher after the pandemic ; an increase from 19.8°C to 28.5°C was associated with a RR of 1.25 [CI 95% 1.21 :1.30] in 2004–2019, and 1.31 [1.24 :1.38] in 2020–2022. Between 2014 and 2022, 32,658 deaths [IC95% 29,612 : 34,975] were attributable to heat, 28% of these occured during heat waves. The largest impacts are observed in 2022 (6,969 [6,277 : 7,445]), and 2019 (4,441 [4,086 : 4,717]). Results suggest that a specific focus on heat waves is justified from an operational point of view ; they represent 28% of the heat-related mortality impact concentrated on only 6% of summer days. However, this reactive adaptation during heat waves must be complemented by structural adaptation to reduce the risk throughout the summer.
Period of hospitalization and mortality in transferred versus non-transferred COVID-19 patients: Results from Germany
Authors: Suski Pascal , Jörres Rudolf , Engelhardt Sebastian , Kahnert Kathrin , Lenherr Katharina , Bauer Andreas , Budweiser Stephan
Published: July 2023

Since its beginning, COVID-19 was a challenge for health-care systems worldwide, causing large numbers of hospitalizations and inter-hospital transfers. We studied whether transfer, as well as its reason, was associated with the duration of hospitalization in non-ICU and ICU patients. For this purpose, all patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 between August 1st and December 31st, 2021, in a network of hospitals in Southern Germany were comprehensively characterized regarding their clinical course, therapy, complications, transfers, reasons for transfer, involved levels of care, total period of hospitalization and in-hospital mortality. While mortality was not significantly associated with transfer, the period of hospitalization was. In non-ICU patients (n = 545), median (quartiles) times were 7.0 (4.0–11.0) and 18.0 (11.0–29.0) days in non-transferred (n = 458) and transferred (n = 87) patients, respectively, in ICU patients (n = 215), 12.0 (8.3–18.0) and 22.0 (15.0–34.0) days, respectively (n = 100 transferred, n = 115 non-transferred) (p < 0.001 each). Beyond ECMO therapy (4.5%), reasons for transfer were medical (33.2%) or capacity (61.9%) reasons, with medical/capacity reasons in 32/49 of non-ICU and 21/74 of ICU patients. Thus, the transfer of COVID-19 patients between hospitals was statistically associated with longer periods of hospitalization, corresponding to greater health care utilization, for which however specific patient characteristics and clinical decisions played a role.
A Novel Patient-controlled Analgesia Pump Allocator Improves Anesthesia Nurses’ Working Efficiency in Pump Allocation
Authors: Zheng Hongcai , Zhang Jing , Wang Chen , Li Jun , Huo Jinjin , Wang Fang , Wang Rong , Zhou Yang , Li Baohua , Li Zhengqian
Published: July 2023

Background: The allocation of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps is a routine task for anesthesia nurses. This study investigated the impact of our previously developed PCA pump allocator on anesthesia nurses’ PCA pump allocation efficiency.
Methods: Seven anesthesia nurses received standardized training in the operation of traditional manual allocation of PCA pumps and allocation using the PCA pump allocator. The allocation of 280 PCA pumps was randomly divided into two groups: thecontrol group and the test group (140 patients in each group). Traditional manual allocation of PCA pumps was performed for the control group, and allocation using the allocator was performed for the test group. The operation time, nurses’ satisfaction with pump allocation, and the cleanliness of the operating table after pump allocation were compared between the two groups.
Results: Operation of a 100 ml PCA pump in the test group took 107.9±22.1 seconds, which was significantly shorter than in the control group (136.6±25.7 seconds; p<0.05). For a 250 ml PCA pump, the operation time in the test group was also significantly shorter than in the control group (214.0±34.7 seconds vs. 256.1±42.6 seconds; p<0.05). Further hierarchical analysis based on nurses’ seniority showed that allocation time using the allocator was significantly shorter for low-seniority anesthesia nurses (levels N1–N3) than manual allocation (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the operation time between the two allocation methods among senior (level N4) nurses (p>0.05). Most (86%, 6/7) anesthesia nurses expressed satisfaction with the allocation method using the allocator, and all nurses expressed a preference for choosing the allocation method using the allocator in their work. The bacterial culture results for the surface of the operating table were negative after the operation of both allocation methods.
Conclusion： The novel PCA pump allocator can significantly improve anesthesia nurses’ efficiency in allocating PCA pumps and improve their satisfaction. The PCA pump allocator complies with aseptic principles.
Optimizing Spectrum Efficiency in 6G Multi-UAV Networks Through Source Correlation Exploitation
Authors: Alnakhli Mohammad
Published: July 2023

In disaster areas With growing number of user demands and the exponential growth and development of Internet of Everything (IoE), the improvement in the achieved spectrum efficiency in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) communication-enabled wireless networks in 6G and 5G are needed. This work aim to improve the spectrum efficiency when redundancies (e.g., correlations in the source like co-located video sensors) are exploited. While it is intuitive that redundancies can be exploited to enhance spectrum efficiency. Here, a linear program is formulated to optimally allocate bandwidth to the links according the demands on each link, while satisfying the spatial spectrum reuse constraints. The linear program is then used to analytically establish the enhancement in spectrum efficiency in the presence of source correlation. Then, different mechanisms are identified to exploit correlations to maximize the improvement in the spectrum efficiency with a trade-off between accuracy and computational complexity. Results indicate that the spectrum efficiency can be enhanced by one to two orders of magnitude by identifying the correct set of source correlations. In terms of network performance, almost 100% of delay intolerant traffic can be admitted into the network by suitably exploiting source correlations and the mean delay for delay tolerant traffic can be reduced by 50 − 88%.
Exploring the ceRNA Network of Differentially Expressed lncRNAs in Gout: A Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Guo Jiemei , Fu Xiaopeng , Peng Siwei , Xiao Yan , Chen Peng , Chen Yu , Qiu Mengting , Liu Jun , Lin Siyuan , Su You Xin
Published: July 2023

Objective: To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network associated with gout, and to investigate potential targets for diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Methodology: The GSE160170 dataset was downloaded from the GEO database, annotated, and gene attributes were added. Differential expression of lncRNAs and mRNAs between gout patients and non-gout patients was analyzed using R software. The miRNAs targeted by differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were predicted, and a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed to analyze the competing relationships between lncRNAs and mRNAs. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to investigate the molecular functions of mRNAs regulated by lncRNAs in the ceRNA network. Key mRNAs were identified by constructing protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and ROC curves, and their diagnostic efficacy was evaluated.
Results: Ten differential lncRNAs were identified and analyzed using the ceRNA approach. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the mRNA regulated by differential lncRNAs was significantly enriched in protein phosphatase, DNA transcription factor binding activity, TNF pathway, and toll-like receptor-related pathway. Among the seven mRNAs with high diagnostic value identified through PPI and ROC curve analysis were BTG2, FOS, GATA2, JUN, MAPK6, and NAR4, which were the core genes of this study and have the potential to be used as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for gout. Additionally, five lncRNAs, including FAM182A, UCA1, MIR22HG, TTY10, and FAM215B, affected the expression of key mRNAs by adsorbing miRNAs such as hsa-miR-27a-3p and hsa-miR-1297, which may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of gout.
Efficient Estimation of Generative Models using Tukey Depth
Authors: Vo Minh-Quan , Nguyen Thu , Riegler Michael , Hammer Hugo L.
Published: July 2023

Generative models have recently received a lot of attention. However, a challenge with such models is that it usually is not possible to compute the likelihood function, making parameter estimation or training of the models challenging. The most commonly used alternative strategy is called likelihood-free estimation, based on finding values of the model parameters such that a set of selected statistics have similar values in the dataset and in samples generated from the model. However, a challenge is how to select statistics that are efficient in estimating unknown parameters. The most commonly used statistics are the mean vector, variances, and correlations between variables, but may be less relevant in estimating the unknown parameters. We suggest utilizing Tukey depth contours (TDCs) as statistics in likelihood-free estimation. TDCs are highly flexible and can capture almost any property of multivariate data, in addition, they seem not have been explored for likelihood-free estimation.
We demonstrate that TDC statistics are able to estimate the unknown parameters more efficiently than mean, variance, and correlation in likelihood-free estimation. We further apply the TDC statistics to estimate the properties of requests to a computer system, demonstrating its real-life applicability. The suggested method is able to efficiently find the unknown parameters of the request distribution, and quantify the estimation uncertainty.
CRP inhibits the osteoblastic differentiation of OPCs via the up-regulation of primary cilia and repression of the Hedgehog signaling pathway
Authors: Xu Jie , Wu Xiangmei , Zhu Huifang , Zhu Yinghua , Du Kailong , Deng Xiaoyan , wang changdong
Published: July 2023

Inflammation disrupts bone metabolism and causes bone damage. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a typical marker of inflammation. Although the measurement of CRP has been conducted for many decades, the precise influence on the molecular mechanisms of osteoblastic differentiation remains largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of CRP on primary cultured osteoblast precursor cells (OPCs) and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. OPCs were isolated from suckling Sprague-Dawleyrats. Fewer OPCs were observed after treatment with recombinant C-reactive protein. In a series of experiments, it was found that CRP inhibited the proliferation of OPCs, osteoblastic differentiation, and the gene expression of the hedgehog(Hh) signaling pathway in OPCs cells. The inhibitory effect of CRP on the proliferation of OPCs occurred via blockade of the G1-S transition of the cell cycle. In addition, the regulation effect of regulation of protocilium on osteoblasticdifferentiation was analyzed from the perspective of bioinformatics, from which the effect of primary cilia activation of recombinantCRP on OPCs was revealed in in vitro experiments. A specific Sonic Hedgehog signaling agonist (SAG) rescued osteoblasticdifferentiation that was inhibited by recombinantCRP. Moreover, chloral hydrate, which removes primary cilia, inhibited the formation of Suppressor of Fused (SUFU) and blocked the degradation of Gli2, counteracting the inhibition of osteogenesis caused by CRP. Thus, these data indicate that CRP can inhibit the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of OPCs. The underlying mechanism may be related to the activation of primary cilia and repression of the Hh pathway.
Health literacy and associated factors in China: findings from a “direct fast-forward” ethnic minority in border regions
Authors: Yang Wanqiu , Liu Yi , yao Yu , Wang Yanqing , Leng Dan , Li Chaoxiao , Liu Kunjie , Liu Jiazhou , Pu Yongjie , Li Mufei , Zhang Shuting , Di Mu , Yang Borui , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: July 2023

Background The health literacy of ethnic minorities in remote areas of China is far from satisfactory. However, the health literacy of some “direct fast-forward” ethnic minorities is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the health literacy of the Wa ethnic group and its influencing factors.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a stage sampling method in the Wa ethnic minority in the border region of southwest China. We used the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) to assess the level of health literacy. We defined low health literacy as less than 60% of the total score and adequate health literacy as more than 80% of the total score.Results A total of 668 individuals met the inclusion criteria and the mean age was 42.19 (SD 10.56) years. The mean HLQ total score was 29.9 (SD 10.56). The prevalence of adequate health literacy was 0.89%. There were significant differences between the low and the non-low health literacy groups in terms of gender, age, education, marital status, occupation, residing place, current smoking status, and waist circumference (all P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that women (t = 9·418, p < 0·001), older age (B=-0.0091, t=-2.644,p = 0.008), low educational level(B = 0.766, t = 6.018, p < 0.001), current smoking(B=-2.66, t=-3.038, p = 0.008), and residence far from township(B=-5.761, t=-4.1, p < 0.001) were associated with low HLQ total score.Conclusion Our findings suggest that the health literacy of the Wa ethnic group in border areas is far from favorable. It indicates that more attention should be paid to improving the health literacy level of “direct fast-forward” ethnic minorities.
A NAC Triad Mediates Plant Immunity by Negatively Regulating N-Hydroxy Pipecolic Acid Biosynthesis
Authors: Aharoni Asaph , Cai Jianghua , Panda Sayantan , Kazachkova Yana , Amzallag Eden , Meir Sagit , Rogachev Ilana
Published: July 2023

N-hydroxy-pipecolic acid (NHP) plays an important role in plant immunity. In contrast to its biosynthesis, our current knowledge with respect to the transcriptional regulation of the NHP pathway is limited. This study commenced with the engineering of Arabidopsis plants that constitutively produce high NHP levels and display enhanced immunity. Label-free proteomics revealed a NAC-type transcription factor (NAC90) that is strongly induced in these plants. We found that NAC90 is a target gene of SAR DEFICIENT 1 (SARD1) and induced by pathogen, salicylic acid (SA), and NHP. NAC90 knockout mutants exhibit constitutive immune activation, earlier senescence, higher levels of NHP and SA, as well as increased expression of NHP and SA biosynthetic genes. In contrast, NAC90 overexpression lines were compromised in disease resistance and accumulated reduced levels of NHP and SA. NAC90 could interact with NAC61 and NAC36 which are also induced by pathogen, SA, and NHP. We next discovered that this protein triad directly represses expression of the NHP and SA biosynthetic genes AGD2-LIKE DEFENSE RESPONSE PROTEIN 1 (ALD1), FLAVIN MONOOXYGENASE 1 (FMO1), and ISOCHORISMATE SYNTHASE 1 (ICS1). Constitutive immune response in nac90 is abolished once blocking NHP biosynthesis in the fmo1 background, signifying that NAC90 negative regulation of immunity is mediated via NHP biosynthesis. Our findings expand the currently documented NHP regulatory network suggesting a model that together with NHP glycosylation, NAC repressors take part in a ‘gas-and-brake’ transcriptional mechanism to control NHP production and the plant growth and defense trade-off.