bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing raffinose family oligosaccharides content in plants: A tightrope walk
Authors: Sanyal Rajarshi , Kumar Sandeep , Pattanayak Arunava , Kar Abhijit , Bishi Sujit K.
Published: March 2023

Plants synthesize various compounds for their growth, metabolism, and stress mitigation, and one such group of compounds is the raffinose family of oligosaccharides (RFOs). RFOs are non-reducing oligosaccharides having galactose residues attached to a sucrose moiety. They act as carbohydrate reserves in plants, assisting in seed germination, desiccation tolerance, and biotic/abiotic stress tolerance. Although legumes are among the richest sources of dietary proteins, the direct consumption of legumes is hindered by an excess of RFOs in the edible parts of the plant, which causes flatulence in humans and monogastric animals. These opposing characteristics make RFOs manipulation a complicated tradeoff. An in-depth knowledge of the chemical composition, distribution pattern, tissue mobilization, and metabolism is required to optimize the levels of RFOs. The most recent developments in our understanding of RFOs distribution, physiological function, genetic regulation of their biosynthesis, transport, and degradation in food crops have been covered in this review. Additionally, we have suggested a few strategies that can sustainably reduce RFOs in order to solve the flatulence issue in animals. The comprehensive information in this review can be a tool for researchers to precisely control the level of RFOs in crops and create low antinutrient, nutritious food with wider consumer acceptability.
Functional insights of plant bcl-2–associated ahanogene (BAG) proteins: Multi-taskers in diverse cellular signal transduction pathways
Authors: Jiang Hailong , Liu Xiaoya , Xiao Peixiang , Wang Yan , Xie Qihui , Wu Xiaoxia , Ding Haidong
Published: March 2023

Bcl-2-associated athanogene (BAG) gene family is a highly conserved molecular chaperone cofactor in evolution from yeast to humans and plants playing important roles in a variety of signal pathways. Plant BAG proteins have special structures, especially those containing CaM-binding IQ motifs which are unique to plants. While early studies focused more on the structure and physiological function of plant BAGs, recent studies have revealed many novel functional mechanisms involved in multiple cellular processes. How to achieve signal specificity has become an interesting topic of plant BAG research. In this review, we have provided a historic view of plant BAG research and summarized recent advances in the establishment of BAG as essential components in normal plant growth, environmental stress response, and plant immunity. Based on the relationship between BAG proteins and their newly interacting proteins, this review highlights the functional mechanisms of various cellular signals mediated by plant BAGs. Future work needs to focus on the post-translational modification of BAG proteins, and on understanding how specificity is achieved among BAG signaling pathways.
Study on bioactive compounds of microalgae as antioxidants in a bibliometric analysis and visualization perspective
Authors: Yang Ning , Zhang Qingyang , Chen Jingyun , Wu Shilin , Chen Ran , Yao Liping , Li Bailei , Liu Xiaojun , Zhang Rongqing , Zhang Zhen
Published: March 2023

Natural antioxidants are more attractive than synthetic chemical oxidants because of their non-toxic and non-harmful properties. Microalgal bioactive components such as carotenoids, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds are gaining popularity as very effective and long-lasting natural antioxidants. Few articles currently exist that analyze microalgae from a bibliometric and visualization point of view. This study used a bibliometric method based on the Web of Science Core Collection database to analyze antioxidant research on bioactive compounds in microalgae from 1996 to 2022. According to cluster analysis, the most studied areas are the effectiveness, the antioxidant mechanism, and use of bioactive substances in microalgae, such as carotene, astaxanthin, and tocopherols, in the fields of food, cosmetics, and medicine. Using keyword co-occurrence and keyword mutation analysis, future trends are predicted to improve extraction rates and stability by altering the environment of microalgae cultures or mixing extracts with chemicals such as nanoparticles for commercial and industrial applications. These findings can help researchers identify trends and resources to build impactful investigations and expand scientific frontiers.
Overexpression of the aldehyde dehydrogenase AhALDH3H1 from Arachis hypogaea in soybean increases saline-alkali stress tolerance
Authors: Cao Yingxue , Wang Jing , Zhao Siqi , Fang Qingxi , Ruan Jingwen , Li Shuanglin , Liu Tongxin , Qi Yuxin , Zhang Ling , Zhang Xiaoming , Meng Fanli
Published: March 2023

Soybean production is severely hampered by saline-alkaline stress caused by saline-alkalization. Plants have aldehydrogenase (ALDH) family members that convert reactive aldehydes to carboxylic acids to remove active aldehyde molecules. However, little is known about the increased saline-alkali tolerance caused by the ALDH function in soybean. Here, we introduced a previously identified ALDH coding gene AhALDH3H1 from Arachis hypogaea into the soybean genome to investigate its critical role in response to saline-alkali stress. Transgenic soybean with increased aldehyde dehydrogenase activity showed significant tolerance to saline-alkali stress. It reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content compared to its receptor, suggesting that over-expression of AhALDH3H1 accelerated soybean tolerance to saline-alkali stress by increasing aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, which is responsible for scavenging toxic MDA. To further analyze the inner mechanisms that allow transgenic plants to tolerate saline-alkali stress, we sequenced the transcriptome and metabolome of P3 (wild type, WT) and transgenic lines which were separately treated with water and a saline-alkali solution. When subjected to saline-alkali stress, the integrated analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome suggested that several genes related to cell wall structure crucial for preserving cell wall extensibility and plasticity were largely responsible for restoring homeostasis within the transgenic cells compared to WT. Metabolites, including both necessary ingredients for cell wall genesis and harmful production produced during the saline-alkali stress response, could be transported efficiently with the help of the ABC transporter, reducing the negative effects of saline-alkali stress. These findings suggest that introducing AhALDH3H1 increases transgenic soybean tolerance to saline-alkali stress may through cell wall structure maintenance and metabolites transport.
Caregiving burden, depression, and anxiety among family caregivers of patients with cancer: An investigation of patient and caregiver factors
Authors: Karimi Moghaddam Zhaleh , Rostami Mina , Zeraatchi Alireza , Mohammadi Bytamar Jahangir , Saed Omid , Zenozian Saeedeh
Published: March 2023

Background

Caring for patients with cancer can result in significant burden, anxiety, and depression among family caregivers, leading to alterations in their mental and physical wellbeing. Evidence on the level of cancer caregivers' burden, depression, anxiety, their role in assisting their patients, and other patient and caregiver factors that play in improving/worsening the outcomes, is limited. This study explored the prevalence of caregiving burden, depression, and anxiety with a focus on the patient and caregiver-related factors among cancer family caregivers.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on the population of caregivers of adult patients with cancer in Zanjan, Iran between 2019 and 2020. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Zarit Burden Inventory (ZBI) were used to measure outcome variables. Clinical and basic characteristics of the caregivers and patients were also collected. An independent samples t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise linear regression were performed using SPSS software version 26.

Results

Mean ± standard deviation age of the caregivers (167 men and 133 women) was 40.77 ± 12.56. Of the caregivers, 46.3, 53, and 30.7% showed severe depression, anxiety, and burden, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between ZBI with both BDI [r(298) = 0.19, p < 0.01] and BAI [r(298) = 0.20, p < 0.01]. Caregiving ≥24 months (B = 14.36, p < 0.001), outpatient care setting (B = −12.90, p < 0.001), being retired (B = −12.90, p < 0.001), depression (B = 0.28, p < 0.001), supplemental health insurance (B = −7.79, p < 0.001), being illiterate (B = 7.77, p < 0.01), surgery (B = 8.55, p < 0.01), ECOG1 (B = 4.88, p < 0.01), and patient's age (B = 0.11, p < 0.05) were found to be significant predictors of caregiving burden.

Conclusion

High levels of depression, anxiety, and burden were observed among the caregivers of patients with cancer. These findings underline the importance of paying close attention to the needs and psychological challenges of this population.
Polish-German preschoolers develop and use heritage Polish differently depending on whether they heard German from birth or not
Authors: De Houwer Annick
Published: March 2023

This study assessed the language proficiency and use of a hitherto under-investigated group, viz., 3.5-year-olds growing up with Polish as a heritage language and German as societal language. All children (N = 28) heard Polish from birth in the home but half the children also heard German from birth (Bilingual First Language Acquisition, BFLA) while the other half added German through preschool (Early Second Language Acquisition, ESLA). All children attended German preschools. Data collection relied on an online survey filled out by 28 mothers and 20 fathers. There were large discrepancies between parental answers to general versus detailed questions regarding language use (choice) amongst parents and children. This has important repercussions for much of questionnaire based bilingualism research. Children were developing productive language as expected but BFLA preschoolers spoke German better or spoke both languages equally well whereas ESLA preschoolers spoke Polish better. Apart from BFLA children’s much longer and daily exposure to German from birth, these BFLA-ESLA differences in relative Polish proficiency may relate to different current patterns of language choice, with (1) Polish less present in parent–child interactions involving BFLA than ESLA preschoolers, and with (2) BFLA but not ESLA preschoolers mostly hearing Polish from just a single parent. The BFLA-ESLA difference thus made a difference to children’s heritage Polish development and use already at age 3.5.
Values mediated emotional adjustment by emotion regulation: A longitudinal study among adolescents in China
Authors: Liu Ping , Mo Bibo , Yang Panpan , Li Dan , Liu Shihong , Cai Dan
Published: March 2023

Values have a direct impact on adolescents’ mental health. However, its potential mediated mechanism has received little attention. A 1-year longitudinal survey design was used to explore the mediating role of emotion regulation in the relationships between self-transcendence (vs. self-enhancement) values and emotional adjustment among adolescents. Participants were 863 senior school students from Shanghai and Qingdao, Shandong Province. Data on self-transcendence and self-enhancement values, loneliness, depression, and emotion regulation were collected at 2019 and 2020 by using self-report measures. The results showed that (1) adolescents’ endorsement with self-transcendence values decreased and self-enhancement values increased; compared to adolescents in Qingdao, adolescents in Shanghai were more depressed, (2) emotion regulation only mediated the effect of self-transcendence values on loneliness, and (3) not only the relationship between self-transcendence values and depression, but also the relationships between self-enhancement values and loneliness and depression were suppressed by emotion regulation. The study may provide more empirical evidences for the benefits of self-transcendence values and may also give more references on how to improve adolescents’ emotional adjustment.
Identifying challenges to critical incident decision-making through a macro-, meso-, and micro- lens: A systematic synthesis and holistic narrative analysis
Authors: May Brandon , Milne Rebecca , Shawyer Andrea , Meenaghan Amy , Ribbers Eva , Dalton Gary
Published: March 2023

It is predicted that emergency responses to critical incidents will increase over the next few decades, as society faces unique and dynamic challenges (e.g., pandemics, migrant crises, and terrorism). As such, it is necessary to breakdown, identify, and evaluate the unique barriers associated with decision-making in the context of critical incident responses. The aim of the current study was to synthesize the bibliographic characteristics of the research on decision making and present a holistic narrative analysis of the multi-layered factors. Additionally, the systematic synthesis of evidence facilitated a critical appraisal of the quality and distribution of evidence across macro-, meso-, and micro- levels. Results suggested that research was moderately heterogeneous, as evidence captured diverse narrative factors. However, micro-centric characteristics (e.g., cognitive-related factors) were not well represented. Instead, research primarily focused toward intermediate meso-level characteristics, capturing factors such as “interoperability” and “organization policy and procedure” as critical challenges to decision-making. Six key narratives were also identified and discussed. Both the quality appraisal and narrative findings suggested that research should seek opportunities to experimentally assess, evaluate and validate decision-making. Whilst this has previously appeared ethically and practically problematic, advances in technology, research and analysis have allowed high-fidelity simulation experimentation to recreate critical incidents.
Understanding the associations between the number of close friends and life satisfaction: Considering age differences
Authors: Kang Weixi
Published: March 2023

Life satisfaction refers to one's subjective evaluation of life, which is the cognitive aspect of subjective well-being. Understanding factors that contribute to life satisfaction has important implications as higher life satisfaction is closely associated with better physical, psychological, and behavioral health outcomes. Close friendship serves as a valuable source of social support across life spans. Although there are some studies regarding the associations between friendship and well-being, much less is known regarding the relationships between the number of close friends and life satisfaction and how this association varies with age. By analyzing data from 29,785 participants with an age range of 16–101 years old from the Understanding Society, the current study found that there is a significant interaction effect of age with the number of close friends (b= −0.003,p< 0.01, 95% C.I. [−0.004, −0.001]) after controlling for demographic covariates. Simple slope regressions showed that the positive association between the number of close friends and life satisfaction is the strongest in young people (b= 0.018,p< 0.001, 95% C.I. [0.012, 0.024]), and less strong in middle-aged (b= 0.008,p< 0.001, 95% C.I. [0.003, 0.013]), and the weakest in older adults (b= 0.004,p< 0.01, 95% C.I. [0.002, 0.007]).
Living with migraine: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Battista Simone , Lazzaretti Arianna , Coppola Ilaria , Falsiroli Maistrello Luca , Rania Nadia , Testa Marco
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Migraine is one of the top ten causes of disability worldwide. However, migraine is still underrated in society, and the quality of care for this disease is scant. Qualitative research allows for giving voice to people and understanding the impact of their disease through their experience of it. This study aims at synthesising the state of the art of qualitative studies focused on how people with migraine experience their life and pathology.

Methods

MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library were consulted up to November 2021 for qualitative studies. Studies to be eligible had to focus on adults (age > 18 years) with a diagnosis of primary episodic or chronic migraine following the International Classification of Headache. The quality of the study was analysed using the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) tool. The synthesis was done through a thematic analysis. CERQual (Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) approach was used to assess the confidence in retrieved evidence.

Results

Ten studies were included, counting 262 people with migraine. Our synthesis produced four main themes. (1) “Negative impact of migraine symptoms on overall life” as migraine negatively impacts people's whole life. (2) “Impact of migraine on family, work and social relationship” as migraine reduces the possibility to focus at work and interact with people. (3) “Impact of migraine on emotional health” as people with migraine experience psychological distress. (4) “Coping strategies to deal with migraine” such as keep on living one's own life, no matter the symptoms.

Conclusions

Migraine negatively impacts people's whole life, from private to social and work sphere. People with migraine feel stigmatised as others struggle with understanding their condition. Hence, it is necessary to improve awareness among society of this disabling condition, and the quality of care of these people, tackling this disease from a social and health-policy point of view.
Pitfalls of hip hop pedagogy: Re-examining and questioning the definition
Authors: Wei Ming Tao , Yang Zhi , Wang Xin , Liu Dan Xi , Bai Yu Jie , Guo Rui Yi , Yu Ning , Ling Xi
Published: March 2023

Recently, hip-hop pedagogy or Hip-Hop Based Education (HHBE) have become buzz words in the academic and public debate around hip-hop. However, we found that most definitions of hip-hop pedagogy are missing the concept of pedagogy itself. One consequence of failing to adequately explain the concept of pedagogy is that it may lead future hip-hop researchers, students, and teachers inadvertently to disseminate misinformation or foster unclear thinking by using “hip-hop pedagogy” in inaccurate or vague ways. For these reasons, it is important to have a shared understanding of hip-hop pedagogy. In this article, we present three updated, expanded definitions of hip-hop pedagogy with the potential for widespread acceptance. These definitions aim to convey in the simplest terms what hip-hop pedagogy is for the purpose of informing educators and preparing them to use data.
“Mental maps”: Between memorial transcription and symbolic projection
Authors: Guelton Bernard
Published: March 2023

“The mental map” is a concept that has been used and defined in numerous ways. The cognitive map, and the concept map–also known as the “heuristic” or “mind” map–are the two distinct contextual meanings covered by the term mental map in the present article. In the mental map domain, the first major field of study is geography, spatial cognition, and neurophysiology and it aims to understand how the route taken by a subject (or a set of subjects) in space leads to memorization and internal representation(s). In general, the externalization of these representations takes the form of drawings, positioning in a graph, or oral/textual narratives, but it is primarily reflected as a behavior in space that can be recorded as tracking items. A second field of study, one which is geared more toward exploratory and combinatorial uses, is the concept (also heuristic or mind) map which consists in organizing notions, concepts, and information in the form of tree graphs or graphs that can be used to produce diagrams and flowcharts. The aim is projective, for clarification and discovery purposes or for data organization and visualization. To date, very few studies in the literature have examined the similar, overlapping and oppositional features in what is broadly referred to as “representation(s) of space” and “space(s) of representation.” How can we better apprehend the complex notion of “mental map?” The question of memorial transcription? Of “symbolic projection?” Can we identify meeting points between these two polarities and, if possible, a continuum? Through the notion of cognitive graph, recent advances in the understanding of brain mechanisms enable us to approach the distinctions between cognitive map and conceptual map as an articulated and continuous whole.
Beyond physical ability—predicting women’s football performance from psychological factors
Authors: Pettersen Susann Dahl , Martinussen Monica , Handegård Bjørn Helge , Rasmussen Lene-Mari Potulski , Koposov Roman , Adolfsen Frode
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Even though there is a clear agreement among researchers that psychological factors are a vital part of a football player’s performance, the topic has not been investigated thoroughly. The present study aimed to examine the predictive value of psychological factors on female football players’ match performance.

Methods

A sample of 156 players from the top two leagues in Norway completed the following questionnaires: Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire 2 (PMCSQ-2), Big Five Inventory (BFI-20), Self-Regulated Learning questionnaire, and Grit-S and Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ). Match performance data were collected from the online database of the performance analysis company InStat.

Results

Results from a linear mixed model analysis showed that perceived mastery climate and extraversion were the only significant predictors of performance. Other relevant indicators, such as mental toughness, self-regulated learning, and grit, did not predict performance.

Discussion

These findings suggest that the team climate facilitated by coaches may be more important for predicting match performance than individual psychological factors.
COVID-19 may lower quality of life when infections and deaths increase: A longitudinal study in the Peruvian jungle
Authors: Moya-Salazar Jeel , Villareal Chris A. , Cañari Betsy , Moya-Salazar Belén , Chicoma-Flores Karina , Contreras-Pulache Hans
Published: March 2023

Background

Quality of life (QoL) is a multifactorial concept on the perception of the individual’s wellbeing underpinned by environmental, psychological, and physical factors. Several studies have shown changes in QoL in the COVID-19 pandemic and may be due to increases in mortality rates, however, no study has investigated this among Peruvian jungle dwellers. Here, we have sought to estimate the QoL of individuals before and after the increase in cases and deaths from COVID-19.

Methods

A questionnaire-based longitudinal study was conducted in 102 inhabitants (mean 40.75 ± 7.49 years). The Spanish version of the WHOQOL-BREF was used in two stages: April and June. The first stage was accomplished before the first confirmed case of COVID-19, and the second stage was when the daily mortality rate was 3.5% with an incidence of 87%.

Results

Sixty (54.8%) participants were women, 67 (61.9%) were >31 years, and 38 (34.5%) and 32 (29.1%) participants had primary and secondary education, respectively. In the first and second stage we obtained an overall mean QoL of 46.65 ± 23.2 and 35 ± 27.7 points, respectively. Individuals had significantly lower QoL in the face of increased deaths in physical (p = 0.001), mental (p = 0.028) and environmental (p = 0.001) health domains, with the latter having the greatest impact (51.84 ± 5.81 vs. 16.66 ± 5.55 points).

Conclusion

Quality of life of Peruvian jungle dwellers is reduced during periods of increased mortality and incidence by COVID-19. Preventive strategies aimed at reducing the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health and global wellbeing of individuals living in the Amazon are recommended to Peruvian authorities.
Private sector antimalarial sales a decade after “test and treat”: A cross-sectional study of drug shop clients in rural Uganda
Authors: Shelus Victoria , Mumbere Nobert , Mulogo Edgar M. , Barrington Clare , Baguma Emmanuel , Muhindo Rabbison , Herrington James E. , Emch Michael , Maman Suzanne , Boyce Ross M.
Published: March 2023

Background

The World Health Organization has promoted “test and treat” guidelines for malaria since 2010, recommending all suspected malaria cases be confirmed with a parasitological test, typically a rapid diagnostic test (RDT), prior to treatment with antimalarial medications. However, many fevers at private drug shops in Uganda continue to be treated presumptively as malaria without diagnostic testing.

Methods

The purpose of this study was to document private sector malaria case management in rural Uganda through a cross-sectional survey of drug shop clients in Bugoye sub-county. Drug shop vendors (n = 46) recorded information about sales interactions with clients reporting fever or requesting antimalarials and collected capillary blood samples from clients who purchased medications without an RDT. We estimated the proportion of clients who purchased an RDT, adhered to the RDT result, and received antimalarials without having laboratory-confirmed malaria.

Results

Most drug shops were unlicensed (96%) and sold RDTs (98%). Of 934 clients with suspected malaria who visited study drug shops during the data collection period, only 25% bought an RDT. Since some clients reported previous RDTs from the public sector, 40% of clients were aware of their malaria status at the drug shop. Among those with negative tests, 36% still purchased antimalarials. Sixty-five percent of clients who purchased an antimalarial without an RDT subsequently tested negative.

Conclusions

Despite national guidelines, drug shop clients who purchase antimalarials from drug shops in Bugoye are often not tested to confirm a malaria diagnosis prior to treatment. Most clients treated presumptively with antimalarials did not have malaria. Interventions are needed to improve malaria case management and rational drug use in the private sector.
Short-course performance variation across all race sections: How 100 and 200 m elite male swimmers progress between rounds
Authors: Cuenca-Fernández Francisco , Ruiz-Navarro Jesús J. , Polach Marek , Arellano Raúl , Born Dennis-Peter
Published: March 2023

Introduction

To investigate performance variation in all race sections, i.e., start, clean swimming, and turns, of elite short-course races for all swimming strokes and to determine the effect of performance variation on race results.

Methods

Comparing finalists and non-qualified swimmers, a total of 256 races of male swimmers (n = 128, age: 23.3 ± 3.1, FINA points: 876 ± 38) competing in the European short-course swimming championships were analyzed. The coefficient of variation (CV) and relative change in performance (Δ%) were used to compare intra-individual performance progression between rounds and inter-individual differences between performance levels using a linear mixed model.

Results

While most performance variables declined during the races (P < 0.005), performance was better maintained in 200 m compared to 100 m races, as well as in finalists compared to non-qualified swimmers. In 100 m races, Start Times improved between heats, semi-finals, and finals (P < 0.005) and contributed to the improved Split Times of Lap 1 in freestyle (P = 0.001, Δ = −1.09%), breaststroke (P < 0.001; Δ = −2.48%), and backstroke (P < 0.001; Δ = −1.72%). Swimmers increased stroke rate from heats/semi-finals to finals in freestyle (P = 0.015, Δ = 3.29%), breaststroke (P = 0.001, Δ = 6.91%), and backstroke (P = 0.005; Δ = 3.65%). Increases in stroke length and clean-swimming speed were only significant between rounds for breaststroke and backstroke (P < 0.005). In 200 m races, Total Time remained unchanged between rounds (P > 0.05), except for breaststroke (P = 0.008; CV = 0.7%; Δ = −0.59%). Start (P = 0.004; Δ = −1.72%) and Split Times (P = 0.009; Δ = −0.61%) only improved in butterfly. From the turn variables, OUT_5 m times improved towards the finals in breaststroke (P = 0.006; Δ = −1.51%) and butterfly (P = 0.016; Δ = −2.19%). No differences were observed for SR and SL, while clean-swimming speed improved between rounds in breaststroke only (P = 0.034; Δ = 0.96%).

Discussion

Performance of finalists progressed between rounds in 100 m but not 200 m races, most probably due to the absence of semi-finals. Progression in 100 m races was mainly attributed to improved Start and Split Times in Lap 1, while turn performances remained unchanged. Within round comparison showed higher performance maintenance in 200 m compared to 100 m events, which showed more pronounced positive pacing. Success of finalists was attributed to their overall higher performance level and superior progression between rounds.
Management of acute aortic syndrome with evolving individualized precision medicine solutions: Lessons learned over two decades and literature review
Authors: Sultan Sherif , Acharya Yogesh , Chua Vi Long Keegan , Hatem Mohamed , Hezima Mohieldin , Veerasingham David , Soliman Osama , Hynes Niamh
Published: March 2023

Background

Thoracoabdominal acute aortic syndrome is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We aim to scrutinize our evolving strategies for acute aortic syndrome (AAS) management using minimally invasive and adaptive surgical techniques over two decades.

Methods

This is a longitudinal observational study at our tertiary vascular centre from 2002 to 2021. Out of 22,349 aortic referrals, we performed 1,555 aortic interventions over twenty years. Amongst 96 presented with symptomatic aortic thoracic pathology, 71 patients had AAS. Our primary endpoint is combined aneurysm-related and cardiovascular-related mortality.

Results

There were 43 males and 28 females (5 Traumatic Aortic Transection (TAT), 8 Acute Aortic Intramural Hematoma (IMH), 27 Symptomatic Aortic Dissection (SAD) and 31 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) post-SAD) with a mean age of 69. All the patients with AAS received optimal medical therapy (OMT), but TAT patients underwent emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Fifty-eight patients had an aortic dissection, of which 31 developed TAA. These 31 patients with SAD and TAA received OMT initially and interval surgical intervention with TEVAR or sTaged hybrId sinGle lumEn Reconstruction (TIGER). To increase our landing area, we performed a left subclavian chimney graft with TEVAR in twelve patients. The average follow-up duration was 78.2 months, and eleven patients (15.5%) had combined aneurysm and cardiovascular-related mortality. Twenty-six percentage of the patients developed endoleaks (EL), of which 15% required re-intervention for type II and III. Four patients who had paraplegia (5.7%) and developed renal failure died. None of our patients had a stroke or bowel ischaemia. Twenty patients had OMT, eight of these were patients with acute aortic hematoma, and all eight died within 30 days of presentation.

Conclusion

Acute aortic hematoma is a sinister finding, which must be closely monitored, and consideration is given to early intervention. Paraplegia and renal failure result in an increased mortality rate. TIGER technique with interval TEVAR has salvaged complex situations in young patients. Left subclavian chimney increases our landing area and abolishes SINE. Our experience shows that minimally invasive techniques could be a viable option for AAS.
Learning-Based Visual Servoing for High-Precision Peg-in-Hole Assembly
Authors: Shen Yue , Jia Qingxuan , Wang Ruiquan , Huang Zeyuan , Chen Gang
Published: March 2023

Visual servoing is widely used in the peg-in-hole assembly due to the uncertainty of pose. Humans can easily align the peg with the hole according to key visual points/edges. By imitating human behavior, we propose P2HNet, a learning-based neural network that can directly extract desired landmarks for visual servoing. To avoid collecting and annotating a large number of real images for training, we built a virtual assembly scene to generate many synthetic data for transfer learning. A multi-modal peg-in-hole strategy is then introduced to combine image-based search-and-force-based insertion. P2HNet-based visual servoing and spiral search are used to align the peg with the hole from coarse to fine. Force control is then used to complete the insertion. The strategy exploits the flexibility of neural networks and the stability of traditional methods. The effectiveness of the method was experimentally verified in the D-sub connector assembly with sub-millimeter clearance. The results show that the proposed method can achieve a higher success rate and efficiency than the baseline method in the high-precision peg-in-hole assembly.
Design and Preliminary Performance Assessment of a PHM System for Electromechanical Flight Control Actuators
Authors: Bertolino Antonio Carlo , De Martin Andrea , Jacazio Giovanni , Sorli Massimo
Published: March 2023

The evolution toward “more electric” aircraft has seen a decisive push in the last decade due to growing environmental concerns and the development of new market segments (flying taxis). Such a push has involved both the propulsion components and the aircraft systems, with the latter seeing a progressive trend in replacing traditional solutions based on hydraulic power with electrical or electromechanical devices. Flight Control Systems (FCSs) are one of the aircraft systems affected the most since the adoption of Electromechanical Actuators (EMAs) would provide several advantages over traditional electrohydraulic or mechanical solutions, but their application is still limited due to their sensitivity to certain single points of failure that can lead to mechanical jams. The development of an effective and reliable Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) system for EMAs could help in mitigating the risk of a sudden critical failure by properly recognizing and tracking the ongoing fault and anticipating its evolution, thus boosting the acceptance of EMAs as the primary flight-control actuators in commercial aircraft. The paper is focused on the results of the preliminary activities performed within the CleanSky 2/Astib research program, dedicated to the definition of the iron bird of a new regional-transport aircraft able to provide some prognostic capabilities and act as a technological demonstrator for new PHM strategies for EMAs employed in-flight control systems. The paper is organized as follows. At first, a proper introduction to the research program is provided, along with a brief description of the employed approach. Hence the simulation models adopted for the study are presented and used to build synthetic databases to inform the definition of the PHM algorithm. The prognostic framework is then presented, and a preliminary assessment of its expected performance is discussed.
Multidisciplinary Design and Optimization of Variable Camber Wing with Non-Equal Chord
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Xiang , Wu Tingjia , Yin Hailian
Published: March 2023

Since the taper ratio of most wings is not equal to 1, the beam-disk trailing edge deflection mechanism originally designed for the rectangular wing is not fully applicable to the non-equal chord wing. Moreover, it is not only expected that the wing shape can achieve excellent aerodynamic performance under different flight conditions, but one also needs to consider whether the flexible skin can achieve this deformation. This paper used the honeycomb composite structure with zero Poisson’s ratio as the flexible skin of the trailing edge for the variable camber wing, and designed the beam-disk trailing edge deflection mechanism for the non-equal chord wing. The aerodynamic configuration was optimized considering the deformation capability of the skin, and the multidisciplinary design and optimization method of the variable camber wing with non-equal chord was studied. The results show that the aerodynamic performances of the optimized non-equal chord wings were better than before under all given flight conditions. The flexible skin could withstand the strain caused by the maximum deflection of the trailing edge of the wing, and the weight of the wing structure was reduced by 47.1% compared with the initial design when the structural stiffness and strength were satisfied.
Performance-Based Navigation Approach Procedures with Barometric Vertical Guidance: How to Select the Air Temperature for Approach Procedure Design
Authors: Pérez Sanz Luis , Martínez García-Gasco Carmen , Pérez Maroto Marta , Pérez-Castán Javier A. , Serrano-Mira Lidia , Gómez Comendador Víctor Fernando
Published: March 2023

In performance-based navigation (PBN) procedures with barometric vertical guidance, the effective vertical path angle (VPA) depends on the actual air temperature at the time of approach execution. A very low design temperature could result in an obstacle clearance height (OCH) higher than needed; hence, the airport throughput could be reduced when the cloud ceiling is below the OCH. Conversely, the design of a low temperature higher than is practical could lead to long periods in which the procedure cannot be used. The results of this research show that there is not much difference between the effective VPA for the different low temperatures studied. However, this slight difference, when obstacles penetrating the final approach surface (FAS) exist, usually leads to the approach minima being significantly different from each other. The objective of this study was to analyse the impact of the selected designed low temperatures in PBN procedures with barometric vertical guidance on the OCH/runway throughput and approach periods of use balance. Finally, guidelines on the selection of the minimum designed low temperature are proposed.
Agronomic Impacts on the Performance of Field Crop Seed (Introduction)
Authors: Jolánkai Márton , Kende Zoltán , Tarnawa Ákos
Published: March 2023

“Civilisation depends for continuance on the seed saved each year for planting the next”. [...]
Assessment of Heavy Metals Contamination and Antimicrobial Drugs Residue in Broiler Edible Tissues in Bangladesh
Authors: Bokhtiar Shaikh Mohammad , Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Ahmed Md. Jisan , Rahman Abdur , Rafiq Kazi
Published: March 2023

There are substantial public health consequences when hazardous heavy metal contaminants and antimicrobial drug residues are present in broiler edible tissues. This study aimed to assess the concentration of antimicrobial drugs and heavy metals residues in broiler meat, bones and edible composites (combinations of liver, kidney and gizzard). Samples were collected from different types of broiler farms, broiler wet meat markets and supermarkets, covering all five divisions of Bangladesh. The antimicrobial drug and heavy metal residues were analyzed by uHPLC and ICP-MS, respectively. In addition, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among broiler meat consumers in the study areas to evaluate their attitude towards the consumption of broiler meat. The survey clearly stated that broiler meat consumers in Bangladesh have a negative attitude toward the consumption of broiler meat, although all respondents reported to eat broiler meat regularly. The antibiotic with the highest prevalence of residues in broiler edible tissues was oxytetracycline, followed by doxycycline, sulphadiazine and chloramphenicol. On the other hand, all collected broiler edible tissues contained chromium and lead, followed by arsenic. The fact of the matter is that the antimicrobial drugs and heavy metals residues were found to be below the maximum residue limit (MRL), except for the lead content. In addition, the broiler meat samples from supermarkets had lower levels of antimicrobial drugs and heavy metals residue compared to the broiler meat collected from various types of farms and broiler wet meat markets. Irrespective of the source, broiler meat was found to contain antimicrobial drugs and heavy metals residues below the MRL, except for lead, suggesting that broiler meat is safe for human consumption. Therefore, raising public awareness regarding misconceptions about broiler meat consumption among consumers would be warranted.
Evaluation of Physicochemical and Microbial Properties of Extracts from Wine Lees Waste of Matelica’s Verdicchio and Their Applications in Novel Cosmetic Products
Authors: Di Nicolantonio Lucrezia , Ferrati Marta , Cristino Maria , Peregrina Dolores Vargas , Zannotti Marco , Vitali Luca Agostino , Ciancia Sonia Ilaria , Giovannetti Rita , Ferraro Stefano , Zara Susi , Di Valerio Valentina , Cataldi Amelia , Gigliobianco Maria Rosa , Censi Roberta , Di Martino Piera
Published: March 2023

Wine lees are sediments deposited on the walls and bottom of barrels resulting from wine fermentation and mainly consist of yeasts. Saccharomyces cerevisiae extracts, rich in beneficial components for the skin, have already been used in cosmesis, while wine lees have not been well exploited by the cosmetics industry yet. The aim of this work was the full characterization of the wine lees from Verdicchio’s wine, with the aim to exploit it as a beneficial ingredient in new cosmetic products. After mapping the microbial composition of the sample waste, the parameters for the sonication extraction process were optimized and the physicochemical properties of the extract were analyzed. The efficiency of the aqueous extraction—and in particular the yeast cell lysis necessary for the release of proteins from the cell—was assessed by evaluating cell shape and size, and protein release, under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Bradford’s protein assays. Thus, the total phenol content and antioxidant capacity of the supernatant recovered from native and sonicated lees were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu’s and spectrophotometric assays, respectively. To quantify the heavy metals and highlight the presence of microelements beneficial for the skin, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied. In vitro metabolic activity and cytotoxicity were tested on both HaCat keratinocytes and human gingival fibroblasts, showing that wine lees are safe for skin’s cells. The results show that sonicated lees appear to be more interesting than native ones as a consequence of the release of the active ingredients from the cells. Due to the high antioxidant capacity, content of beneficial elements for skin and an appropriate microbiologic profile, wine lees were included in five new solid cosmetic products and tested for challenge test, compatibility with human skin, sensory analysis, trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and sebometry.
Prediction and Optimization of Matte Grade in ISA Furnace Based on GA-BP Neural Network
Authors: Zhao Luo , Zhu Daofei , Liu Dafang , Wang Huitao , Xiong Zhangming , Jiang Lei
Published: March 2023

The control of matte grade determines the production cost of the copper smelting process. In this paper, an optimal matte-grade control model is established to derive the optimal matte grade with the objective of minimizing the cost in the whole process of copper smelting. This paper also uses the prediction capability of the BP (Backpropagation) neural network to establish a BP neural network prediction model for the matte grade, considering various factors affecting matte grade (including the input copper concentrate amount and its composition content, air drumming amount, oxygen drumming amount, melting agent amount, and other process parameters). In addition, the paper also uses the optimal matte grade to optimize the dosing, air supply/oxygen supply, and oxygen supply for the ISA and other furnaces. When using BP networks only, it is a nonconvex problem with gradient descent, which tends to fall into local minima and has some bias in the prediction results. This problem can be solved by optimizing its weights and thresholds through GA (Genetic Algorithm) to find the optimal solution. The analysis results show that the average absolute error of the simulation of the BP neural network prediction model for ice copper grade after GA optimization is 0.51%, which is better than the average absolute error of 1.17% of the simulation of the single BP neural network model.
Enhanced Multiple Speakers’ Separation and Identification for VOIP Applications Using Deep Learning
Authors: Mohamed Amira A. , Eltokhy Amira , Zekry Abdelhalim A.
Published: March 2023

Institutions have been adopting work/study-from-home programs since the pandemic began. They primarily utilise Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) software to perform online meetings. This research introduces a new method to enhance VoIP calls experience using deep learning. In this paper, integration between two existing techniques, Speaker Separation and Speaker Identification (SSI), is performed using deep learning methods with effective results as introduced by state-of-the-art research. This integration is applied to VoIP system application. The voice signal is introduced to the speaker separation and identification system to be separated; then, the “main speaker voice” is identified and verified rather than any other human or non-human voices around the main speaker. Then, only this main speaker voice is sent over IP to continue the call process. Currently, the online call system depends on noise cancellation and call quality enhancement. However, this does not address multiple human voices over the call. Filters used in the call process only remove the noise and the interference (de-noising speech) from the speech signal. The presented system is tested with up to four mixed human voices. This system separates only the main speaker voice and processes it prior to the transmission over VoIP call. This paper illustrates the algorithm technologies integration using DNN, and voice signal processing advantages and challenges, in addition to the importance of computing power for real-time applications.
Main Factors on Effect of Precise Measurement and Precise Tamping Based on BP Neural Network
Authors: Qu Jianjun , Liu Pan , Long Yiyu , Xu Fei
Published: March 2023

With the continuous development of precise measurement and precise tamping (PMPT) technology on Chinese railway conventional speed lines, the efficiency of machinery tamping operation and the quality of the track have been effectively improved. A variety of PMPT modes have been tried in the field operation, however there are some differences in the operation effect. The quality of the tamping operation is affected by multiple factors. In order to identify the key factors affecting the operation quality and to further improve the tamping operation effect, this paper establishes both the database of PMPT operation modes and the selection index system for evaluating the operation effect. Based on mega multi-source heterogeneous data and track geometry inspection data, this paper adopts the Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) prognosis model to quantify and sort the main factors affecting the effect of PMPT. The research results show that the initial quality of the track before tamping, whether the stabilizing operation or the tamping modes have great influence weights. It can scientifically guide the field operation to control the key factors and put forward some practical suggestions for promoting the field application of PMPT and the optimization of operation modes on the conventional speed lines.