bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical analysis of mental influencing factors for anxiety and depression of rural and urban freshmen
Authors: Li Chang , Sun Bingchuan
Published: December 2023

The freshmen stage is a high incidence period for psychological issues. With the increasing gap between urban and rural areas in China, the mental problems of rural freshmen are more prominent in recent years due to the huge contrast of campus life with their growth environment and other reasons. The concern for the mental well-being of both rural and urban freshman students prompted our comprehensive five-year study (2018–2022) on psychological issues in a group of 12,564 first-year students from dozens of public universities in Shandong province. The investigation employed PPS (probability proportional to size) sampling and was conducted near the the end of the first semester. Using the data gathered, we analyzed and compared the indicators of psychological problems in rural and urban freshmen by Duncan's Multiple Range Test. We also conducted a canonical correlation analysis and pathway analysis to examine the psychological factors that contribute to anxiety and depression in both rural and urban freshmen. According to the findings, rural freshmen exhibit significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression than their urban counterparts. Inferiority, obsession, and internet addiction were identified as the primary influencing factors of anxiety and depression in both rural and urban freshmen. Social phobia was found to be a significant influencing factor for anxiety in rural freshmen, while bigotry was identified as a specific influencing factor for urban freshmen. Furthermore, the results of the path analysis suggest that anxiety plays a crucial role as a mediating factor between the main influencing factors and depression. These results substantially extend former research in this area and have important implications for the development of effective intervention strategies to address anxiety and depression. According to these results, policymakers should assess and intervene of anxiety and depression as a whole, and provide mental health education according to main effect factors of freshmen from rural and urban areas. Detailed policy recommendations are in discussion and conclusion.
Genetically predicted lifestyle factors, socioeconomic status and risk of coronary artery disease in individuals with diabetes: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Mai Zhenhua , Wang Shuang , Chen Hao , Zhang Jingjing , Liu Hao , Zhao Le , Chen Yongze , Huang Ruixian , Zhou Hao , Chen Xiaoming , Ding Yuanlin , Kong Danli
Published: December 2023

Background

This study explores the causal links between genetically predicted lifestyle factors, socioeconomic status, and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk in individuals with diabetes using a bidirectional Mendelian-randomization approach.

Methods

This study explored the potential causal relationships of lifestyle factors and socioeconomic status with the risk of CAD in diabetes patients by a bidirectional, two-sample Mendelian-randomization (MR) analysis.

Results

Genetically predicted smoking initiation (p = 0.005, 95% CI: 1.08–1.55) and insomnia (p = 0.001, 95% CI: 1.06–1.29) were associated with a higher risk of CAD in individuals with diabetes, whereas educational attainment (p = 0.0001, 95% CI: 0.47–0.78) was associated with a lower risk of CAD. The lifetime smoking index (p = 0.016, 95% CI: 1.12–3.03) was suggestively associated with a higher risk of CAD, while household income before taxes (p = 0.048, 95% CI: 0.41–1.00) was suggestively associated with a lower risk of CAD. In addition, we observed a suggestive negative association between the genetically predicted risk of CAD and the lifetime smoking index (p = 0.016, 95% CI: 0.98–0.99) and a significant causal relationship between the risk of CAD and household income before taxes (p = 0.006, 95% CI: 0.97–0.99).

Conclusion

The results of this study provide evidence that smoking initiation, lifetime smoking index and insomnia are associated with an increased risk of CAD in individuals with diabetes, educational attainment and household income before taxes are associated with a reduced risk of CAD in individuals with diabetes, and the possible role of lifetime smoking index and household income before taxes on the risk of CAD in individuals with diabetes. It provides an opportunity for the prevention and management of CAD in individuals with diabetes.
The role of Xpert MTB/RIF using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in active screening: insights from a tuberculosis outbreak in a junior school in eastern China
Authors: Wu Qian , Wu Kun-Yang , Zhang Yu , Liu Zheng-Wei , Chen Song-Hua , Wang Xiao-Meng , Pan Jun-Hang , Chen Bin
Published: December 2023

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks in schools present a public health challenge. In order to effectively control the spread of transmission, timely screening, accurate diagnosis and comprehensive epidemiological investigations are essential.

Methods

In July 2021, a TB outbreak occurred in a junior high school in Y City, Zhejiang Province. Students and faculty were screened for TB by symptom screening, chest radiography, and tuberculin skin test during four rounds of contact screenings. For sputum smear-negative and sputum-scarce patients, bronchoscopy was used to collect BAL samples for Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampin (MTB/RIF). Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed on isolates to identify the strains of MTB isolates and predict drug resistance.

Results

Between July 2021 and November 2021, a total of 1,257 students and faculty were screened for TB during screenings. A total of 15 students (1.2% of persons screened) aged 15 years were diagnosed with TB. Eighty percent (12/15) of the cases were laboratory-confirmed (10/12 [83%] Xpert MTB/RIF-positive, 2/12 [17%] culture-positive). Most cases (12/15 [80%]) were in students from Class 2. All cases were asymptomatic except for the index case who had symptoms for more than two months. Seven MTB isolates were collected and belonged to lineage 2.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated the potential of Xpert MTB/RIF using BAL as a screening tool in school TB outbreaks for sputum smear-negative and sputum-sparse suspects, which may not only rapidly improves diagnostic accuracy, but also facilitates epidemiological investigations and homology analysis.
The High Energy X-ray Probe (HEX-P): supernova remnants, pulsar wind nebulae, and nuclear astrophysics
Authors: Reynolds Stephen , An Hongjun , Abdelmaguid Moaz , Alford Jason , Fryer Chris , Mori Kaya , Nynka Melania , Park Jaegeun , Terada Yukikatsu , Woo Jooyun , Bamba Aya , Bangale Priyadarshini , Diesing Rebecca , Eagle Jordan , Gabici Stefano , Gelfand Joseph , Grefenstette Brian , Garcia Javier , Kim Chanho , Kumar Sajan , Intyre Brydyn Mac , Madsen Kristin , Manconi Silvia , Motogami Yugo , Ohsumi Hayato , Olmi Barbara , Sato Toshiki , Shang Ruo-Yu , Stern Daniel , Tsuji Naomi , Younes George , Zoglauer Andreas
Published: December 2023

HEX-P is a probe-class mission concept that will combine high spatial resolution X-ray imaging (<10″ full width at half maximum) and broad spectral coverage (0.2–80 keV) with an effective area far superior to current facilities (including XMM-Newton and NuSTAR) to enable revolutionary new insights into a variety of important astrophysical problems. HEX-P is ideally suited to address important problems in the physics and astrophysics of supernova remnants (SNRs) and pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe). For shell SNRs, HEX-P can greatly improve our understanding via more accurate spectral characterization and localization of non-thermal X-ray emission from both non-thermal-dominated SNRs and those containing both thermal and non-thermal components, and can discover previously unknown non-thermal components in SNRs. Multi-epoch HEX-P observations of several young SNRs (e.g., Cas A and Tycho) are expected to detect year-scale variabilities of X-ray filaments and knots, thus enabling us to determine fundamental parameters related to diffusive shock acceleration, such as local magnetic field strengths and maximum electron energies. For PWNe, HEX-P will provide spatially-resolved, broadband X-ray spectral data separately from their pulsar emission, allowing us to study how particle acceleration, cooling, and propagation operate in different evolution stages of PWNe. HEX-P is also poised to make unique and significant contributions to nuclear astrophysics of Galactic radioactive sources by improving detections of, or limits on, 44Ti in the youngest SNRs and by potentially discovering rare nuclear lines as evidence of double neutron star mergers. Throughout the paper, we present simulations of each class of objects, demonstrating the power of both the imaging and spectral capabilities of HEX-P to advance our knowledge of SNRs, PWNe, and nuclear astrophysics.
Characterization of the evolutionary and virological aspects of mutations in the receptor binding motif of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Authors: Masuda Yuuka , Nasser Hesham , Zahradnik Jiri , Mitoma Shuya , Shimizu Ryo , Nagata Kayoko , Takaori-Kondo Akifumi , Schreiber Gideon ,   The Genotype to Phenotype Japan (G2P-Japan) Consortium, Shirakawa Kotaro , Saito Akatsuki , Ikeda Terumasa , Ito Jumpei , Sato Kei
Published: December 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has substantially diversified during the pandemic, resulting in the successive emergence of variants characterized by various mutations. It has been observed that several epidemic variants, including those classified as variants of concern, share mutations at four key residues (L452R, T478K, E484K, and N501Y) within the receptor binding motif (RBM) region of the spike protein. However, the processes through which these four specific RBM mutations were acquired during the evolution of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the degree to which they enhance viral fitness, remain unclear. Moreover, the effect of these mutations on the properties of the spike protein is not yet fully understood. In this study, we performed a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis and showed that the four RBM mutations have been convergently acquired across various lineages throughout the evolutionary history of SARS-CoV-2. We also found a specific pattern in the order of acquisition for some of these mutations. Additionally, our epidemic dynamic modeling demonstrated that acquiring these mutations leads to an increase in the effective reproduction number of the virus. Furthermore, we engineered mutant spike proteins with all feasible combinations of the four mutations, and examined their properties to uncover the influence that these mutations have on viral characteristics. Our results provide insights into the roles these four mutations play in shaping the viral characteristics, epidemic proliferation, and evolutionary pathway of SARS-CoV-2.
Urachus adenocarcinoma mistaken for umbilical incision implant cancer after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a case report
Authors: Mai Yanxing , Feng Lei , Liu Zhenxi , Nie Yu , Jiang Zesheng , Qin Jiasheng
Published: December 2023

Umbilical incision implant cancer after LC is rare. Elective cholecystectomy was planned for a 49 years-old female patient with symptomatic gallstones. The patient underwent transumbilical single-port LC after admission to our hospital. Gallbladder specimens were obtained directly through the umbilical puncture hole, and histopathology suggested chronic cholecystitis. Three months after surgery, the patient experienced painful induration in the umbilicus. We initially considered incision scar hyperplasia complicated with pain, and used drugs to treat it conservatively without taking special treatment measures. Six months after LC, the umbilical induration pain affected her quality of life, and the patient requested surgical resection. Preoperative ultrasonography and abdominal computerized tomography (CT) revealed nodular changes around the umbilicus and no abdominal mass. Local resection of the periumbilical mass was performed, and the pathological confirmation was invasive adenocarcinoma. Subsequently, the patient underwent repeat periumbilical mass enlargement resection. Postoperative pathology showed no cancer at the enlarged resection margin, yet the umbilical center pathology showed invasive adenocarcinoma. The excised pathology was sent to the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center for consultation because of the rare nature of the findings associated with the case. After consultation, a diagnosis of umbilical urachus adenocarcinoma was confirmed based on pathological morphology, immunohistochemistry, and the specific anatomical location of the tumor. This case report shown that when there is a persistent mass induration in the navel after LC surgery, the possibility of incision tumor should be considered, rather than simply excluding the possibility of a cancer based on a non-cancer medical history.
Special Issue “Algorithms in Data Classification”
Authors: Tsoulos Ioannis G.
Published: December 2023

Data classification is a well-known procedure, with many applications to real-world problems [...]
Untangling Complexity in ASEAN Air Traffic Management through Time-Varying Queuing Models
Authors: Itoh Eri , Tominaga Koji , Schultz Michael , Duong Vu N.
Published: December 2023

Free route airspace allows airspace users to freely plan a route in en-route airspaces within certain restrictions. It is anticipated to offer the benefit of fuel saving and operational flexibility. Regarding its efficient implementation into the ASEAN airspace, the key challenge would be reducing hotspots with clusters of potential conflicts. This paper designed a time-varying queuing network model, which contributed to untangle trajectory complexity in the most congested hotspot area. A series of fast-time simulation experiments were conducted to identify hotspots in en-route airspace in Singapore FIR. The application of departure time control using time-varying queuing networks successfully reduced up to 45% of potential conflicts. This was achieved within an average delay of 30 min by controlling time of less than 60% of candidate flights. The original contribution of this paper is to develop a novel modeling and simulation framework for composing ideal air traffic patterns. Lastly, we discussed the extension of this study toward a generalized application of the proposed approach in future air traffic management.
Toward Zero Carbon Emissions: Investigating the Combustion Performance of Shaped Microcombustors Using H2/Air and NH3/Air Mixtures
Authors: Cinieri Giacomo , Shah Zubair Ali , Marseglia Guido , De Giorgi Maria Grazia
Published: December 2023

The research effort in the microcombustor field has recently increased due to the demand for high-performance systems in microelectromechanical and micro power generation devices. To address rising concerns about pollutants from fossil sources, zero-carbon fuels such as hydrogen (H2) and ammonia (NH3) have been considered as an alternative in microcombustion processes. In a microcombustor, the surface area-to-volume ratio is much higher compared to conventional combustion systems, resulting in faster heat transfer rates and more intense combustion reactions. However, achieving efficient mixing of fuel and an oxidizer in a microcombustor can be challenging due to its small size, particularly for highly reactive fuels like H2. For NH3, challenges in microcombustion involve a low reactive, high ignition temperature (923 K vs. 793 K of H2) and high concentration of NOx combustion products. Therefore, studying the performance of these fuels in microcombustors is important for developing clean energy technologies. In this paper, to explore features of non-premixed NH3/air and H2/air combustion in micro-scale combustors, an Ansys Fluent numerical investigation was conducted on a Y-shaped microcombustor. Results show that for combustion with H2, stationary flames can be achieved even at lower equivalence ratios. Additionally, the pollutants generated from H2 in the flame are generally twice those of NH3. The overall efficiency of the microcombustor is two times greater for NH3 conditions than for H2 conditions.
Prices of Organic Food—The Gap between Willingness to Pay and Price Premiums in the Organic Food Market in Poland
Authors: Smoluk-Sikorska Joanna , Śmiglak-Krajewska Magdalena , Rojík Stanislav , Fulnečková Pavlína Rojík
Published: December 2023

High prices of organic food are the main obstacle to the growth of the demand for organic food. This study’s main objective was to quantify the size of the gap between consumers’ willingness to pay more for organic food and the actual price premiums for organic food in Poland. Therefore, a two-step research study was undertaken. In order to identify barriers to the growth of organic food consumption and the perception of organic food prices, a survey based on an online questionnaire of 516 respondents was conducted. To determine price premiums of organic food, prices of organic and conventional food were quoted in 45 retail outlets offering organic and conventional food located in the Poznań agglomeration between October 2022 and June 2023. This research demonstrated a low acceptance of the high prices of organic food among consumers (only 14% of the investigated consumers were willing to pay more than 40% for organic food). On the other hand, the price premiums ranged between 35% and over 270%. To reduce the divergence, the measures supporting organic market development should be intensified with the simultaneous further involvement of supermarket chains. Along with these activities, the promotion of organic food ought to be carried out, considering that, as this research shows, men have fewer positive perceptions of organic food and, therefore, they should be targeted in the promotion measures.
Monitoring the Degradation of Semi-Natural Grassland Associations under Different Land-Use Patterns
Authors: Varga Krisztina , Csízi István , Halász András , Mezőszentgyörgyi Dávid , Nagy Dominik
Published: December 2023

The topicality of our research topic is justified by the significant change in traditional grassland management in the grassland areas of the Pannonian Basin. Due to several factors, the proportion of fallow grassland, and in parallel of over-exploited pastures, is continuously increasing. In the medium term (11 years), the effects of fallowing (Z), annual mowing (M), mowing and grazing (meadow treatment M + G), and permanent overgrazing (OG) as treatments on the population structure of grassland plants were investigated in a semi-natural grassland community in the Solonyec soil. It was found that the lowest degradation rates in the studied grassland biotope were obtained for the treatment presenting the utilisation pattern of mowing the main grassland phytomass followed by sheep grazing of the coltgrass. The highest degradation levels, which threatened the condition of the grassland community, were measured for the treatment presenting overgrazing with sheep at the end of the experimental period.
Detection of Broken Hongshan Buckwheat Seeds Based on Improved YOLOv5s Model
Authors: Li Xin , Niu Wendong , Yan Yinxing , Ma Shixing , Huang Jianxun , Wang Yingmei , Chang Renjie , Song Haiyan
Published: December 2023

Breeding technology is one of the necessary means for agricultural development, and the automatic identification of poor seeds has become a trend in modern breeding. China is one of the main producers of buckwheat, and the cultivation of Hongshan buckwheat plays an important role in agricultural production. The quality of seeds affects the final yield, and improving buckwheat breeding technology is particularly important. In order to quickly and accurately identify broken Hongshan buckwheat seeds, an identification algorithm based on an improved YOLOv5s model is proposed. Firstly, this study added the Ghost module to the YOLOv5s model, which improved the model’s inference speed. Secondly, we introduced the bidirectional feature pyramid network (BiFPN) to the neck of the YOLOv5s model, which facilitates multi-scale fusion of Hongshan buckwheat seeds. Finally, we fused the Ghost module and BiFPN to form the YOLOV5s+Ghost+BiFPN model for identifying broken Hongshan buckwheat seeds. The results show that the precision of the YOLOV5s+Ghost+BiFPN model is 99.7%, which is 11.7% higher than the YOLOv5s model, 1.3% higher than the YOLOv5+Ghost model, and 0.7% higher than the YOLOv5+BiFPN model. Then, we compared the FLOPs value, model size, and confidence. Compared to the YOLOv5s model, the FLOPs value decreased by 6.8 G, and the model size decreased by 5.2 MB. Compared to the YOLOv5+BiFPN model, the FLOPs value decreased by 8.1 G, and the model size decreased by 7.3MB. Compared to the YOLOv5+Ghost model, the FLOPs value increased by only 0.9 G, and the model size increased by 1.4 MB, with minimal numerical fluctuations. The YOLOv5s+Ghost+BiFPN model has more concentrated confidence. The YOLOv5s+Ghost+BiFPN model is capable of fast and accurate recognition of broken Hongshan buckwheat seeds, meeting the requirements of lightweight applications. Finally, based on the improved YOLOv5s model, a system for recognizing broken Hongshan buckwheat seeds was designed. The results demonstrate that the system can effectively recognize seed features and provide technical support for the intelligent selection of Hongshan buckwheat seeds.
Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Immunohistochemical Expression in Equine Melanocytic Tumors
Authors: Pimenta José , Prada Justina , Pires Isabel , Cotovio Mário
Published: December 2023

Currently available treatments for equine melanocytic tumors have limitations, mainly due to mass localization and dimension, or the presence of metastases. Therefore, a search for new therapies is necessary. Programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is expressed by several tumors, blocking T cell-mediated elimination of the tumor cells by binding to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). A novel therapeutic approach using PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in human melanoma resulted in tumor regression and prolonged tumor-free survival. This study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1 in equine melanocytic tumors. A total of 77 melanocytic tumors were classified as benign or malignant and evaluated by extension of labeling. A total of 59.7% of the tumors showed >50% of immunolabeled cells. Regarding malignant tumors, 24/38 tumors presented >50% of labeled cells, 13 tumors presented between 25–50% and one tumor presented <10%. Regarding benign tumors, 22/39 tumors presented >50% of labeled cells, nine tumors presented 25–50%, three tumors presented 10–25%, two tumors presented <10% and three tumors did not present expression. Our results suggest that PD-L1 blockade may be a potential target for immunotherapy in equine melanocytic tumors and that future clinical research trials into the clinical efficacy of the anti-PD-L1 antibody are necessary.
A Zero-Valent Sulfur Transporter Helps Podophyllotoxin Uptake into Bacterial Cells in the Presence of CTAB
Authors: Liu Honglei , Yu Huiyuan , Gao Rui , Ge Fulin , Zhao Rui , Lu Xia , Wang Tianqi , Liu Huaiwei , Yang Chunyu , Xia Yongzhen , Xun Luying
Published: December 2023

Podophyllotoxin (PTOX) is naturally produced by the plant Podophyllum species. Some of its derivatives are anticancer drugs, which are produced mainly by using chemical semi-synthesis methods. Recombinant bacteria have great potential in large-scale production of the derivatives of PTOX. In addition to introducing the correct enzymes, the transportation of PTOX into the cells is an important factor, which limits its modification in the bacteria. Here, we improved the cellular uptake of PTOX into Escherichia coli with the help of the zero-valent sulfur transporter YedE1E2 in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). CTAB promoted the uptake of PTOX, but induced the production of reactive oxygen species. A protein complex (YedE1E2) of YedE1 and YedE2 enabled E. coli cells to resist CTAB by reducing reactive oxygen species, and YedE1E2 was a hypothetical transporter. Further investigation showed that YedE1E2 facilitated the uptake of extracellular zero-valent sulfur across the cytoplasmic membrane and the formation of glutathione persulfide (GSSH) inside the cells. The increased GSSH minimized oxidative stress. Our results indicate that YedE1E2 is a zero-valent sulfur transporter and it also facilitates CTAB-assisted uptake of PTOX by recombinant bacteria.
Theoretical Study on the Multiple Free Radical Scavenging Reactions of Pyranoanthocyanins
Authors: Du Yapeng , Chai Yu , Zheng Xiaoping , Zheng Yanzhen
Published: December 2023

The free radical trapping capacities of multiple pyranoanthocyanins in wine storage and ageing were theoretically explored by density functional theory (DFT) methods. Intramolecular hydrogen bonds were detected in all pyranoanthocyanins, and the planarity of the compounds worsened with an increasing dielectric constant in the environment. Solvents significantly influenced the reaction enthalpies; thus, the preferred thermodynamic mechanisms of the free radical scavenging reactions were modified in different phases. This study incorporates hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), proton loss (PL), electron transfer (ET) reactions, and demethylation (De) of methoxy group mechanisms. The three pyranoanthocyanins have the capacity to capture n1+1 free radicals, where n1 represents the number of methoxy groups. In the gas phase, they prefer employing the n1-De-HAT mechanism on the guaiacyl moiety of the B ring, resulting in the formation of a stable quinone or a quinone radical to scavenge free radicals. In the benzene phase, pyranoanthocyanins trap free radicals via a PL−n1−De−HAT mechanism. In the water phase, the targeted pyranoanthocyanins may dissociate in the form of carboxylate and tend to utilize the n2−PL−n1−De−ET mechanism, where n2 and n1 represent the number of phenolic groups and methoxy groups, respectively, facilitating multiple H+/e− reactions.
A Study on the Influence of Dewatering in the Excavation of Adjacent Tunnels under Lateral Soil Effects
Authors: Liang Xinhuan , Guan Lingxiao , Tang Yuzhe , Chen Ming , Peng Junren , Xu Changjie
Published: December 2023

The dewatering of foundation pits leads to changes in the water level and effective stress within the surrounding strata. When existing tunnels are present within the dewatering influence zone, the impact of dewatering on these tunnels cannot be ignored. The Vlasov foundation beam model was used to simulate the interaction between the tunnel and the soil, and the key parameters of the model were precisely investigated. In addition, the constraining effect of the lateral soil on the tunnel was also considered. By integrating the principles of effective stress and Dupuit’s assumption, in this work we calculated the additional load on the tunnel caused by foundation pit dewatering, which was then applied to determine the tunnel stress and deformation induced by dewatering. The accuracy of this approach is validated through comparative analysis with finite element results. Furthermore, the relationships between the permeability coefficient (kt), the spacing (d) between the tunnel and the dewatering well, the water level drop (sw), and tunnel stress and deformation were further studied. The key findings are summarized as follows. Firstly, accounting for lateral soil effects enhances computational accuracy. Secondly, an increase in soil kt leads to a greater tunnel settlement with relatively minor changes in bending moments. Thirdly, as d increases, both tunnel settlements and bending moments decrease. Additionally, as the water level dropped from 10 m to 30 m, the maximum additional stress on the tunnel increased by 94.50%, and the settlement increased by 127.43%. Consequently, it is essential to pay close attention to the tunnel segment nearest to the water level.
Concrete with Organic Waste Materials as Aggregate Replacement
Authors: Bertoldo Nicolas , Qureshi Tanvir , Simpkins Dylan , Arrigoni Alessandro , Dotelli Giovanni
Published: December 2023

The disposal of high volumes of organic waste is a global issue. Using organic waste instead of sand as an aggregate material for concrete could reduce the strain on waste treatment processes and on the extraction of finite resources. At the same time, it could be a climate change mitigation strategy, by storing the biogenic carbon contained in the organic waste. This project investigated the viability of replacing 10% of fine aggregate in concrete with various organic waste materials, namely rice husk ash, wood ash, corncob granules, and wheat straw. The fresh concrete’s properties were studied using the slump test, and the hardened concrete’s mechanical properties were measured using the compressive strength and flexural strength tests. In this study, 14 days of curing were considered for the mechanical tests, although the 28-day mechanical strength is more generally accepted. The mechanical performances along with a life cycle assessment (LCA) comparison between the concrete with organic waste and traditional concrete were conducted. The results suggested that rice husk ash and wood ash are the most-suitable organic waste products for use as aggregate replacers considering the mechanical properties. The concrete samples incorporating wheat straw and corncob granules exhibited relatively low strength; unless advanced treatment methods are applied to enhance the concrete’s performance, the utilization of these organic wastes in concrete may be limited. The environmental impact assessment of traditional concrete shows that the main contributor to almost every impact category is the production of Portland cement. Sand production contributes only marginally to the overall impact of the concrete. In terms of life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, traditional concrete exhibits the lowest GWP impact per cubic meter when mechanical properties are included in the functional unit used for the comparison. Nevertheless, concrete samples with wood ash and rice husk ash partially offset their lower compressive strength with higher carbon sequestration, showing a similar GWP impact to traditional concrete. This makes them promising alternatives, especially for cases where limited compressive strengths are needed. Further investigations to improve their mechanical properties and optimize their performance are warranted.
Use of Bayesian Methods in the Process of Uranium Bioleaching by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
Authors: Cardoso Altair Costa , Dias Camila Santana , Moura Carlos Henrique Rodrigues de , Ferreira Josiel Lobato , Rodrigues Emerson Cardoso , Macêdo Emanuel Negrão , Estumano Diego Cardoso , Viegas Bruno Marques
Published: December 2023

This research is focused on investigating the utilization of Bayesian methodologies, specifically the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method, as well as filter sampling by importance and sequential resampling. The objective is to estimate kinetic parameters and state variables associated with the uranium bioleaching process by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Experimental data of cell concentration, uranium concentration, and concentrations of ferrous and ferric ions, obtained from literature, were employed. These measurements were evaluated using a mathematical model expressed by a system of ordinary differential equations. Three different mathematical models were evaluated, considering different uncertainties in experimental measurements and mathematical models (1% and 5%). The estimation results presented a good fit to the experimental data, with coefficients of determination in the range of 0.95 to 0.99. The validation of the mathematical models was obtained by reproducing the experimental measurements and the Bayesian techniques proved to be suitable for application in the bioleaching process.
The Influence of Late Gadolinium Enhancement Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Image Analysis Imprecision on Myocardial Damage Quantification in Patients with Myocarditis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kralj Lana , Cerne Cercek Andreja , Gomišček Novak Alja , Kirn Borut
Published: December 2023

Background: Myocardial damage in myocarditis is assessed through late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Variability in quantifying myocarditis extent results from imprecise image segmentation and inconclusive data on quantification method selection. To improve analysis precision, segmentation steps are systematically ranked based on their inherent risks of error. Additionally, data on two distinct quantification methods are presented. Methods: Using newly developed software, four experts analyzed five LGE-CMR left ventricular (LV) short-axis (SAx) images of myocarditis patients in three sessions. Regions of interest (ROIs) (myocardial (ROImyoc), reference (ROIref), and exclusion region (ROIexcl)) were identified and used to calculate LGE extent with 3σ (intensity above three standard deviations (σ) in reference) and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) method (intensity above 50% of maximum signal in reference). The reference LGE extent was calculated and the influence of the ROIs on LGE extent variability was determined. Interobserver and intraobserver variability were evaluated as 1-intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: LGE extent variability was 6.2 ± 0.6% for 3σ and 4.0 ± 0.6% for FWHM. The contributions of ROImyoc, ROIref, and ROIexcl were 1.5 ± 0.2%, 2.7 ± 0.4%, and 2 ± 0.3%, respectively, for 3σ, and 1.1 ± 0.1%, 1.6 ± 0.4%, and 1.3 ± 0.3%, respectively, for FWHM. LGE extent was lower in FWHM. Interobserver variability was 0.56 for 3σ and 0.43 for FWHM. The intraobserver variability was higher for the 3σ method in all four observers. Conclusion: ROIref selection contributed most to LGE extent variability. FWHM yielded lower LGE extent and lower inter- and intraobserver variability. Due to low statistical significance, the findings are only partially confirmed.
Potential Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Al-Asmar Ayah A. , Abuarqoub Duaa , Ababneh Nidaa , Jafar Hanan , Zalloum Suzan , Ismail Mohammad , Arany Praveen , Awidi Abdalla
Published: December 2023

Background: A significant clinical technology enabling the use of stem cells in dentistry is Photobiomodulation (PBM). The current study aimed to investigate various PBM treatment variables on human dental pulp stem cell proliferation, survival, and changes in cell cycle progression. Methods: Human third molar samples were collected, and human Dental Pulp Stem Cells (hDPSCs) were isolated, expanded, seeded, and cultured in media containing 0, 1, 5, or 10% FBS. PBM treatments using an 810 nm diode laser at various doses were performed 24, 48, and 72 h after seeding. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed. A two-way ANOVA test was performed among all treatment groups, followed by multiple comparison tests (Tukey’s test) performed between each treated group and its control untreated group. Results: After 24 h, only cells cultured in 10% FBS showed a significant (p < 0.005) increase in the proliferation rate of cells treated with T7 (0.4 W × 10 s). After 48 h, hDPSCs cultured in both 5% and 10% FBS showed a significant (p < 0.005) increase in the proliferation rate of cells treated with T7 (0.4 W × 10 s) as compared to the untreated control. After 72 h, only cells cultured in 10% FBS showed a significant increase in the proliferation rate of the cells treated with T9 (1 W × 3 s) (p < 0.005) and T7 (0.4 W × 10 s) (p < 0.00005). Conclusions: Low-power laser therapy at a wavelength of 810 nm induced hDPSC proliferation at the following parameters: power output 0.4 W, irradiance 0.5 W/cm2, fluence 0.416 J/cm2, exposure time 10 s.
The Downside of Upkeep: Analysing Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Impact on Train Operations in Sweden
Authors: Ivina Daria , Palmqvist Carl-William
Published: December 2023

Efficient and seamless railway operations depend on the systematic and well-coordinated maintenance of both rolling stock and infrastructure. However, track maintenance, or ‘trackwork’, can cause substantial delays if not properly aligned with train schedules. This study comprehensively investigates how trackwork influences train operations in Sweden. It involves an in-depth analysis of an extensive dataset comprising over 225,000 recorded instances of planned trackwork and approximately 32.5 million train passages throughout the year 2017. Multiple logistic and negative binomial regression models showed that train running time delay occurrence is higher in the sections with scheduled trackwork. Trains passing through trackwork are 1.43 times more likely to experience delays compared to trains that do not pass through scheduled trackwork. The likelihood of an opportunity for the train delay recovery passing the section with scheduled trackwork is reduced by 11%. Additionally, the frequency of train delay increase is 16% higher, and delayed recovery is 4% lower in relation to trackwork. With the number of trackwork set to increase over the coming years, these results bring attention to train scheduling and the performance of trackwork.
Modulation of Growth and Antioxidative Defense Mechanism in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Mediated by Plant-Beneficial Strain Pseudomonas veronii MR-15 under Drought Conditions
Authors: Rehman Maryam , Shahid Muhammad , Mahmood Saqib , Ali Qasim , Azeem Muhammad
Published: December 2023

Drought stress severely influences plants in various ways and is considered an alarming threat to sustainable crop production worldwide. However, plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) have the natural ability to tolerate drought and enable plants to induce stress resistance by altering critical metabolic pathways. In this study, we isolated and characterized a drought-tolerant rhizobacterium from the ground nut (Arachis hypogaea). Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene traced its lineage to Pseudomonas veronii, named MR-15. The strain exhibited natural capabilities to solubilize phosphate, produce indole acetic acid, and grow a drought medium containing PEG (polyethylene glycol). The seeds of two wheat varieties (Triticum aestivum) inoculated with MR-15 were grown under drought and fully hydrated conditions and showed a significant increase in plant biomass, enhanced cellular antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduced reactive oxygen species. The MR-15 strain also significantly increased pigmentation and protein contents compared to plants raised from seeds grown without inoculation. These beneficial effects were consistent under drought stress conditions, indicating that MR-15 effectively alleviated wheat plants from drought-induced cellular oxidative damage. The findings suggest that MR-15 has the potential to serve as a biofertilizer, and further experiments should be conducted to explore its role in promoting plant growth and yield under drought conditions, particularly in semi-arid and arid zones. This is the first study reporting Pseudomonas veronii as a potential PGPR strain.
A Stratified Characterization of Surface Quality of Beech Processed by Profile Milling
Authors: Brenci Luminița-Maria , Gurău Lidia
Published: December 2023

The evaluation of surface quality after milling still represents a challenge due to the stratified structure of wood. In this paper, the surface quality of beech wood obtained by profile milling was analyzed differentiating between tool marks, fuzzy grain, and accidental surface gaps overlapped onto the deep anatomical cavities. The samples were milled at two rotation speeds, 3308 rpm (n1) and 6594 rpm (n2), and two feed speeds of 6.53 m/min (vf1) and 23.74 m/min (vf2). After the samples were cut, approximately 600 m of beech wood were further processed before measuring the surface quality again. The surface waviness measured by Wa increased more than double when the feed speed increased from vf1 to vf2. Rk increased with the feed speed (with the feed per tooth, fz, for a constant n, respectively) for n2 by a significant 57%. An increase in the rotation speed from n1 to n2 has reduced Rk, but the effect was not significant. The processing quality, Rk, measured at different depths did not differ statistically, in spite of the local differences in the cutting speed. The moment of measuring the surface roughness, such as immediately after sharpening or after a working period, influenced the surface quality. After the tool processed 600 m of beech material, the surface quality improved by 30%. The statistical analysis showed that the most important factor affecting the surface quality was the feed speed (implicitly fz, for constant n and number of cutters).
Integrated Design of Hydraulic Coupling Bolts for Large Shaft Systems
Authors: Park Sung-Cheol , Lee In-Kyu , Lee Sang-Kon , Lee Kyung-Hun
Published: December 2023

Hydraulic coupling bolts are used in a wide range of industrial sectors, where ensuring the structural integrity and reliability of shaft systems is of paramount importance. However, research on systematic design methods for these specialized bolts is still lacking. In this study, an integrated design was used on hydraulic coupling bolts with M72 specification, considering both the tightening and untightening processes. First, the second tightening load was determined based on material strength, stress concentration and safety factors. Subsequently, the upper and lower limits of the first tightening loads were calculated using the thick-walled cylinder theory. An appropriate first tightening load maintaining the tightening force in both the axial and radial directions was obtained using finite element analysis. Design variables for the adapter configuration and oil passage shape were selected, and their impact on structural integrity was assessed using finite element analysis. The optimal combination of these design variables was derived. Finally, operational experiments for hydraulic coupling bolts were conducted according to the design results. The test results demonstrated a successful tightening and untightening process, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed design method.
Infrared Thermography Investigation of Crystallization in Acoustically Levitated Supersaturated Aqueous Solution
Authors: Lee Joohyun , Kwon Ji-Hwan , Lee Sooheyong
Published: December 2023

In this study, crystallization in highly supersaturated aqueous urea solutions was investigated using in situ infrared thermography facilitated by an acoustic levitation apparatus. A notable contribution of this thermographic approach is the identification of a transient heat release signature, particularly pronounced beyond the solubility limit, indicating the enhanced formation of bonds between urea molecules in the supersaturated states. Surprisingly, the temporal evolution of the heat release measurements on an acoustically levitated droplet strongly suggests a two-stage process for urea crystallization. A comprehensive statistical analysis based on classical nucleation theory is used to further investigate the exceptionally high degree of supersaturation and the emergence of prominent heat signatures observed toward the onset of crystallization.
Analysis of Lightweight Structure Mesh Topology of Geodesic Domes
Authors: Bysiec Dominika , Jaszczyński Szymon , Maleska Tomasz
Published: December 2023

This paper presents two methods of shaping the mesh topology of lightweight structures as spherical domes. The two given methods of dividing the initial face of the polyhedra determine the obtained structures, which differ in the way of connecting the nodal points. These points were obtained by applying the algorithm for calculating spherical coordinates presented in the paper, which were then converted to the Cartesian system using transformation formulas. Two models of dome structures are presented, based on a 4608-hedron according to the first division method, and on a 4704-hedron, using the second proposed method with numerical analysis. Thus, the novelty of this paper is an implementation of the formulas and algorithms from geodesic domes based on the regular dodecahedron to the regular octahedron, which has not been presented so far. The choice of the shape of the structure has impacts on sustainable development, dictated by structural and visual considerations, leading to the design of a light structure with low consumption of construction material (steel), which can undoubtedly be helpful when making the final structure shape. In addition, according to this research, it can be concluded that using the first method to create a geodesic dome mesh is more straightforward, safer, and requires less design experience.
Magnetic Field Intervention Enhances Cellular Migration Rates in Biological Scaffolds
Authors: Vecheck Amy M. , McNamee Cameron M. , Reijo Pera Renee , Usselman Robert J.
Published: December 2023

The impact of magnetic fields on cellular function is diverse but can be described at least in part by the radical pair mechanism (RPM), where magnetic field intervention alters reactive oxygen species (ROS) populations and downstream cellular signaling. Here, cellular migration within three-dimensional scaffolds was monitored in an applied oscillating 1.4 MHz radiofrequency (RF) magnetic field with an amplitude of 10 µT and a static 50 µT magnetic field. Given that cellular bioenergetics can be altered based on applied RF magnetic fields, this study focused on a magnetic field configuration that increased cellular respiration. Results suggest that RF accelerated cell clustering and elongation after 1 day, with increased levels of clustering and cellular linkage after 7 days. Cell distribution analysis within the scaffolds revealed that the clustering rate during the first day was increased nearly five times in the RF environment. Electron microscopy provided additional topological information and verified the development of fibrous networks, with a cell-derived matrix (CDM) visualized after 7 days in samples maintained in RF. This work demonstrates time-dependent cellular migration that may be influenced by quantum biology (QB) processes and downstream oxidative signaling, enhancing cellular migration behavior.
Habitats and Biotopes in the German Baltic Sea
Authors: Marx Denise , Feldens Agata , Papenmeier Svenja , Feldens Peter , Darr Alexander , Zettler Michael L. , Heinicke Kathrin
Published: December 2023

To maintain or enhance biodiversity and sea floor integrity, mapping benthic habitats is a mandatory requirement in compliance with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The EU Commission Decision distinguishes between Broad Habitat Types (BHTs) and Other Habitat Types (OHTs). At the regional level, biotopes in the Baltic Sea region are classified according to the HELCOM underwater biotope and habitat classification (HUB). In this study, the habitats and their benthic communities were mapped for the entire German Baltic Sea at a high spatial resolution of 1 km. In two nature conservation areas of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as well as selected focus areas in the coastal waters, the resolution we provide is even more detailed at 50 × 50 m. Hydroacoustic data recording and benthological surveys (using bottom grabs, underwater towing camera technology, and diver sampling) helped identify biotopes in high resolution. Based on these data, together with additional data acquired since 2010 (a total of over 7000 stations and transect sections), we were able to spatially delineate benthic biotopes and their communities via predictive habitat modelling. The results are provided as full-coverage maps each for BHT, OHT, and HUB (9 classes of BHTs, 5 classes of OHTs, and 84 classes of HUB) with a level of spatial detail that does not yet exist for the Baltic Sea, and they form an essential basis for future monitoring, status assessments, and protection and management measures.