bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of water hyacinth biochar on maize growth and soil properties: The influence of pyrolysis temperature
Authors: Gezahegn Ashenafei , Selassie Yihenew G. , Agegnehu Getachew , Addisu Solomon , Mihretie Fekremariam Asargew , Kohira Yudai , Lewoyehu Mekuanint , Sato Shinjiro
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Options for managing water hyacinths (WHs) include converting the biomass into biochar for soil amendment. However, less has been known about the impact of WH‐based biochar developed in varying pyrolysis temperatures on plant growth and soil qualities.

Materials and Methods

A pot experiment was undertaken in a factorial combination of WH biochars (WHBs) developed at three temperatures (350°C, 550°C and 750°C) and two application rates (5 and 20 t ha−1), plus a control without biochar. Maize was grown as a test crop for 2 months under natural conditions.

Results

Our study showed that applying WHB developed between 350°C and 750°C at 20 t ha−1 increased maize shoot and root dry biomass by 47.7% to 17.6% and 78.4% to 54.1%, respectively. Nevertheless, raising the biochar pyrolysis temperature decreased maize growth, whereas increasing the application rate displayed a positive effect. The application of WHB generated at 350°C and 550°C at 20 t ha−1 resulted in significant improvements in soil total nitrogen (17.9% to 25%), cation exchange capacity (27.3% to 20.2%), and ammonium‐nitrogen (60.7% to 59.6%), respectively, over the control. Additionally, applying WHB produced from 350°C to 750°C at 20 t ha−1 enhanced soil carbon by 38.5%–56.3%, compared to the control. Conversely, applying biochar produced at 750°C resulted in higher soil pH (6.3 ± 0.103), electrical conductivity (0.23 ± 0.01 dS m−1) and available phosphorus (21.8 ± 2.53 mg kg−1).

Conclusion

WHBs developed at temperatures of 350°C and 550°C with an application rate of 20 t ha−1 were found to be optimal for growing maize and improving soil characteristics. Our study concludes that pyrolysis temperature significantly governs the effectiveness of biochar produced from a specific biomass source.
Evaluation of banana peel extract (Musa sapientum L.) as a natural antimicrobial for livestock farming
Authors: Semangoen Tistaya , Chotigawin Rotruedee , Sangnim Tanikan , Chailerd Nattida , Pahasup‐anan Taddao , Huanbutta Kampanart
Published: July 2024

Introduction

One of the primary objectives of managing microbial content in livestock farming is to control diseases in the respective animals. Nevertheless, the pervasive development of drug‐resistant bacteria is a consequence of the high levels of antibiotic use that are necessary to achieve this objective. This situation exacerbates animal disease and poses a threat to human health. The purpose of this study was to investigate alternative microbial control methods in livestock farming using banana peel extract.

Materials & Methods

The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of peel extracts from unripe and ripe cultivated bananas were examined and compared.

Results

The results are notable because they show that the unripe banana peel extracts exhibited significantly better antioxidant activity than the ripe banana peel extracts in 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests. Furthermore, the unripe banana peels showed significant antimicrobial activity in vitro against four bacteria that are commonly found in swine and poultry houses, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, Exiguobacterium indicum, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus siamensis, Bacillus altitudinis, Pantoea ananatis, and Bacillus megaterium. This activity was probably due to their high levels of total phenolic content and total flavonoid content. Then, the spray formulation loaded with the concentrated unripe banana peel extract that was five times higher than the minimum bactericidal concentration was developed and tested. Ethanol, sodium benzoate, tween 80, and glycerine were applied as additives in the spray formulation to increase the extract's solubility and stability. It was found that the developed spray formulation effectively inhibited the growth of S. epidermidis.

Conclusion

These research outcomes show that the possible application of banana peel extract is an excellent approach because it is an eco‐friendly alternative to control microorganisms undesired microbial growth in farm animals.
“On Mars, we will speak Arabic”: Negotiating identity in upper secondary physics in Denmark
Authors: Doerr Katherine , Bruun Jesper
Published: July 2024

Seeking to make upper secondary school physics more relevant and engaging, an online collaborative learning curriculum was designed. Each of the curriculum's lessons was structured as a goal‐based scenario about human scientists on Mars. Video and audio data from the curriculum's implementation in Denmark was collected. This study utilized the theoretical lenses intersectionality, repertoires of practice, and epistemic agency. The use of comics as an analytical tool provided a novel and accessible way to depict the complex dynamics within the physics classroom. It allowed for a multimodal representation of the data and enabled a nuanced examination of the students' interactions. Findings suggest that interactions were shaped by the students' identities and these dynamics shaped their repertoires of practice. Moreover, the interactions had a profound impact on students' epistemic agency in physics. Collaborative learning with a goal‐based scenario can include and empower diverse gender, racial, and language identities. It can also, however, work to disempower and exclude when the hegemonically white and masculine culture of physics is left unproblematized. This leads to the conclusion that if reform‐based science education is untethered from a critical stance on socioscientific issues, students and teachers may reproduce social problems as much as they also may challenge them.
LGBTQ+ students and the epidemiology of violence in education
Authors: Tillewein Heather , Shokeen Namrata , Powers Presley , Sandles‐Palmer Sasha , Rijo Sánchez Amaury J. , Desjarlais Kristen
Published: July 2024

There is an increasing prevalence of students identifying as a sexual or gender minority. This study investigates the prevalence of assaults within different types of higher education institutions over time. This study used the point research surveys, conducted from 2016 to 2020, using the variables of bullying, teasing, discrimination, assault, and sexual violence. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were used to demonstrate the prevalence of violence among LGBTQ+ students in regard to the type of institution at various points of time. The majority of institutions saw an increase in bullying, teasing, being discriminated against, and assaults. This study suggests that higher education institutions provide comprehensive training to staff and students on LGBTQ+ issues to foster a safer environment for LGBTQ+ students.
How estimating nuisance parameters can reduce the variance (with consistent variance estimation)
Authors: Lok Judith J.
Published: July 2024

We often estimate a parameter of interest when the identifying conditions involve a finite‐dimensional nuisance parameter . Examples from causal inference are inverse probability weighting, marginal structural models and structural nested models, which all lead to unbiased estimating equations. This article presents a consistent sandwich estimator for the variance of estimators that solve unbiased estimating equations including which is also estimated by solving unbiased estimating equations. This article presents four additional results for settings where solves (partial) score equations and does not depend on . This includes many causal inference settings where describes the treatment probabilities, missing data settings where describes the missingness probabilities, and measurement error settings where describes the error distribution. These four additional results are: (1) Counter‐intuitively, the asymptotic variance of is typically smaller when is estimated. (2) If estimating is ignored, the sandwich estimator for the variance of is conservative. (3) A consistent sandwich estimator for the variance of . (4) If with the true plugged in is efficient, the asymptotic variance of does not depend on whether is estimated. To illustrate we use observational data to calculate confidence intervals for (1) the effect of cazavi versus colistin on bacterial infections and (2) how the effect of antiretroviral treatment depends on its initiation time in HIV‐infected patients.
Delivery of Synthetic Interleukin‐22 mRNA to Hepatocytes via Lipid Nanoparticles Alleviates Liver Injury
Authors: Ouyang Hanxiang , Wei Shenyu , Gao Bingqiang , Qian Xiaohui , Chen Yining , Lu Jingxiong , Ding Yuan , Mao Zhengwei , Du Yang , Wang Weilin
Published: July 2024

Hepatocellular injury, a pivotal contributor to liver diseases, particularly hepatitis, lacks effective pharmacological treatments. Interleukin‐22 (IL‐22), crucial for liver cell survival, shows potential in treating liver diseases by regulating repair and regeneration through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation. However, the short half‐life and off‐target effects limit its clinical applications. To address these issues, lipid nanoparticles are employed to deliver synthetic IL‐22 mRNA (IL‐22/NP) for in situ IL‐22 expression in hepatocytes. The study reveals that IL‐22/NP exhibits liver‐targeted IL‐22 expression, with increased IL‐22 levels detected in the liver as early as 3 h postintravenous injection, lasting up to 96 h. Furthermore, IL‐22/NP activates STAT3 signaling in an autocrine or paracrine manner to upregulate downstream factors Bcl‐xL and CyclinD1, inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis and promoting cell proliferation. The therapeutic efficacy of IL‐22/NP is demonstrated in both chronic and acute liver injury models, suggesting IL‐22 mRNA delivery as a promising treatment strategy for hepatitis and liver diseases involving hepatocellular injury.
Incorporating Zinc Metal Sites in Aluminum‐Coordinated Porphyrin Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Photocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Liu Rui , Wu Hao , Chung Hoi Ying , Utomo Wahyu Prasetyo , Tian Yuanmeng , Shang Jin , Sit Patrick H.‐L. , Ng Yun Hau
Published: July 2024

Rationally designing photocatalysts is crucial for the solar‐driven nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) due to the stable N≡N triple bond. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered promising candidates but suffer from insufficient active sites and inferior charge transport. Herein, it is demonstrated that incorporating 3d metal ions, such as zinc (Zn) or iron (Fe) ions, into Al‐coordinated porphyrin MOFs (Al‐PMOFs) enables the enhanced ammonia yield of 88.7 and 65.0 µg gcat−1 h−1, 2.5‐ and 1.8‐fold increase compared to the pristine Al‐PMOF (35.4 µg gcat−1 h−1), respectively. The origin of ammonia (NH3) is verified via isotopic labeling experiments. Incorporating Zn or Fe into Al‐PMOF generates active sites in Al‐PMOF, that is, Zn‐N4 or Fe‐N4 sites, which not only facilitates the adsorption and activation of N2 molecules but suppresses the charge recombination. Photophysical and theoretical studies further reveal the upshift of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level to a more energetic position upon inserting 3d metal ions (with a more significant shift in Zn than Fe). The promoted nitrogen activation, suppressed charge recombination, and more negative LUMO levels in Al‐PMOF(3d metal) contribute to a higher photocatalytic activity than pristine Al‐PMOF. This work provides a promising strategy for designing photocatalysts for efficient solar‐to‐chemical conversion.
Advances and Prospects in Liquid Biopsy Techniques for Malignant Tumor Diagnosis and Surveillance
Authors: Zhang Chengzhi , Li Tenghui , Zhao Qian , Ma Rui , Hong Zhengchao , Huang Xuanzhang , Gao Peng , Liu Jingjing , Zhao Junhua , Wang Zhenning
Published: July 2024

Liquid biopsy technology provides invaluable support for the early diagnosis of tumors and surveillance of disease course by detecting tumor‐related biomarkers in bodily fluids. Currently, liquid biopsy techniques are mainly divided into two categories: biomarker and label‐free. Biomarker liquid biopsy techniques utilize specific antibodies or probes to identify and isolate target cells, exosomes, or molecules, and these techniques are widely used in clinical practice. However, they have certain limitations including dependence on tumor markers, alterations in cell biological properties, and high cost. In contrast, label‐free liquid biopsy techniques directly utilize physical or chemical properties of cells, exosomes, or molecules for detection and isolation. These techniques have the advantage of not needing labeling, not impacting downstream analysis, and low detection cost. However, most are still in the research stage and not yet mature. This review first discusses recent advances in liquid biopsy techniques for early tumor diagnosis and disease surveillance. Several current techniques are described in detail. These techniques exploit differences in biomarkers, size, density, deformability, electrical properties, and chemical composition in tumor components to achieve highly sensitive tumor component identification and separation. Finally, the current research progress is summarized and the future research directions of the field are discussed.
Selection of agile project management approaches based on project complexity
Authors: Pinciroli Fernando
Published: July 2024

Managing software development projects is a complex endeavor due to the constant emergence of unforeseen events that deviate from initial expectations. A competent project leader is not just someone who follows the planned course but also adept at handling and minimizing inconveniences, ultimately striving to achieve results that align as closely as possible with the desired outcome. However, individuals involved in technological development often cling to familiar tools that have previously yielded positive outcomes, even when those tools may not be the best fit for the current project context. The Agile Manifesto has significantly transformed project management, infusing the discipline with a fresh perspective. Nevertheless, there remain several challenges to overcome. In this article, we aim to provide a guide that addresses these difficulties and minimizes their impact. We explore the selection of key factors that adequately describe a project's complexity, which can subsequently be used in conjunction with the Cynefin framework to categorize management strategies, techniques, and tools based on their applicability to specific complexities. Additionally, we offer insights on adapting project management approaches throughout the project life cycle in response to changes in reality, utilizing the dynamics outlined by the Cynefin framework. Finally, we present suitable strategies, techniques, and tools for agile project management based on the complexity context assigned by the Cynefin framework.
Promoted Hydrogen Peroxide Production from Pure Water on g‐C3N4 with Nitrogen Defects Constructed through Solvent‐Precursor Interactions: Exploring a Complex Story in Piezo‐Photocatalysis
Authors: Minh Phan Pham Duc , Nguyen Duc‐Viet , Nguyen Minh Chien , Anh Nguyen Hoai , Toan Huynh Phuoc , Ly Pho Phuong , Nguyen Ngoc Linh , Van Nguyen Tiep , Pham Minh‐Thuan , Ung Thuy Dieu Thi , Bich Do Danh , Hue Pham Thu , Hue Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Dang Van‐Han , Yu Woo Jong , Hur Seung Hyun , Nguyen Quang Hung , Tuyen Luu Anh , Vuong Hoai‐Thanh
Published: July 2024

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production via oxygen (O2) reduction reaction (ORR) in pure water (H2O) through graphitic carbon nitrides (g‐C3N4)‐based piezo‐photocatalysts is an exciting approach in many current studies. However, the low Lewis‐acid properties of g‐C3N4 limited the catalytic performance because of the low O2 adsorption efficacy. To overcome this challenge, the interaction of g‐C3N4 precursors with various solvents are utilized to synthesize g‐C3N4, possessing multiple nitrogen‐vacant species via thermal shocking polymerization. These results suggest that the lack of nitrogen in g‐C3N4 and the incident introduction of oxygen‐functional groups enhance the Lewis acid‐base interactions and polarize the g‐C3N4 lattices, leading to the enormous enhancement. Furthermore, the catalytic mechanisms are thoroughly studied, with the formation of H2O2 proceeding via radical and water oxidation pathways, in which the roles of light and ultrasound are carefully investigated. Thus, these findings not only reinforce the potential view of metal‐free photocatalysts, accelerating the understanding of g‐C3N4 working principles to generate H2O2 based on the oxygen reduction and water oxidation reactions, but also propose a facile one‐step way for fabricating highly efficient and scalable photocatalysts to produce H2O2 without using sacrificial agents, pushing the practical application of in situ solar H2O2 toward real‐world scenarios.
Impact of Permanent Magnet Stirring on Inclusion Evolution, Solidification Structure and Mechanical Properties of AH32 Shipbuilding Steel
Authors: Liao Xiangwei , Yang Ji , Wu Duo , Peng Chunlin , Zhu Xiaolei , Peng Jianfei , Zeng Jie
Published: July 2024

An experimental investigation has been conducted with respect to the effect of permanent magnet stirring (PMS) under different rotation speeds (0, 60, 180 rpm) on the solidification of AH32 shipbuilding steel by analyzing the inclusion evolution, solidification structure, and mechanical properties. As the rotation speed increased from 0 to 180 rpm, the mean size of inclusions (Al2O3, MnS, and Al2O3–MnS) reduced significantly from 6.23 to 2.92 μm, their number increased from 49 to 82 n mm−2 and the ratio of complex inclusions increased from 30.6% to 75.6% in the AH32 steel ingot. Besides, the increasing number of small complex inclusion promotes the formation of acicular ferrite in steel, resulting in an elevation of the area ratio from 10.5% to 27.8%. Furthermore, under a rotation speed of 180 rpm, the mean grain size decreased to 99.4 μm and the frequency of high‐angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) increased to 86.1%. In addition, the as‐cast AH32 steel exhibited an optimized ultimate tensile strength of 532.0 MPa and an improved elongation of 24.2% after an enhanced PMS, which was attributed to more acicular ferrite, higher HAGBs ratio, and refined grain size.
Reliability evaluation of reinforced concrete arch bridges during construction based on LGSSA‐SVR hybrid algorithm
Authors: Binlin Xu , Zhongchu Tian , Xiaoping Shen , Wenguang Bai
Published: July 2024

During the cantilever casting process of reinforced concrete arch bridges with cantilever cast‐in‐situ method, it is difficult to select representative training samples for reliability analysis due to its complex structural system. Many random variables and large computational sample size, this paper proposes to solve the reliability indexes based on the combination of the improved sparrow search algorithm (LGSSA) and the support vector regression (SVR) method. Firstly, random variables are selected according to the actual situation of the bridge structure. Then representative training samples are designed to be substituted into the finite element model through the homogeneous method. The resultant data samples are used to fit the functional function by the support vector regression. Then combined with the penalized function method to transform the nonlinear optimization into the problem of solving the extreme value of the function. Based on the improved SSA to solve the extreme value of the final function. Finally the reliability index of the structure is obtained. With the background of reinforced concrete arch bridge of 200 m, the method is used to analyze the reliability of its buckling cable stress, arch stress, buckling tower deviation and structural system reliability during the cantilever casting process. The results show that the overall structural reliability of the arch ring during cantilever casting is 3.502–3.608. The indexes of buckling cable stress reliability are 3.806–6.784. The indexes of arch ring stress reliability are 4.379–7.562, and the indexes of buckling tower deflection reliability are 3.608–8.123.
Different species or altitudinal morphotypes? Testing the taxonomic value of Dianthus brachycalyx (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Franzoni Jacopo , Astuti Giovanni , Bartolucci Fabrizio , Bernardo Liliana , Fior Simone , Casazza Gabriele , Conti Fabio , Iamonico Duilio , Iberite Mauro , Minuto Luigi , Turini Alessia , Peruzzi Lorenzo
Published: July 2024

Defining species boundaries within plant groups distributed along wide elevational and geographic gradients may lead to unstable taxonomic delimitations using morphological data only. Within the taxonomically challenging genus Dianthus, through an integrative approach we tested the taxonomic value of D. brachycalyx, a putative species endemic to mountain peaks of the central‐southern Apennines, with respect to the widespread central‐Mediterranean D. virgineus. We measured 30 morphological characters in 452 individuals from 25 populations and obtained 3202 single nucleotide polymorphisms using ddRAD‐seq techniques in 394 individuals from 36 populations. For climatic niche comparison, we built a dataset of 348 occurrence points. By comparing morphometric, genetic, and climatic niche data, we showed that D. brachycalyx cannot be considered a distinct species. Morphometric separation between the two species is detectable, but high‐elevation populations of D. virgineus are similar to D. brachycalyx. Genetic analyses revealed that the genetic structure of populations of D. brachycalyx and D. virgineus is mainly shaped by isolation‐by‐distance, irrespective of their taxonomic attribution. The climatic niches of the two species are overlapping, and the niche differences are just due to different availability of climatic conditions in their ranges. Accordingly, multiple lines of evidence do not support a separation of D. brachycalyx from D. virgineus, and the former should be considered a heterotypic synonym of the latter.
The Relationship Between Climate Change and Indonesia's Malaria Burden
Authors: Rahmani Ardhi Arsala , Susanna Dewi , Eryando Tris
Published: July 2024

Malaria has been with humans for thousands of years. It is caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium that are transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes. The variation of global malaria distribution has recently been associated with changing climatic conditions, such as temperature, precipitation, windspeed, and humidity. One country where malaria transmission remains high in select subnational areas is Indonesia. Founded upon previous findings on the relationship between climate change and malaria, this research delves into the same equation for the case of Indonesia through a structural model which overcomes the variable co‐interaction between temperature, precipitation, windspeed, and humidity. This study follows an ecological study design with yearly longitudinal data (t = 20, n = 432). The method of analysis employed is a structural equation modelling approach for panel datasets with an output of factor loading values to determine association levels. The independent variable is a climate change construct of maximum, minimum, and average values from temperature, windspeed, relative humidity and precipitation as observables taken from the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) POWER Project. Meanwhile, the dependent variable is yearly malaria incidence rates at the city and regency level extracted from the Malaria Atlas Project dataset. All variables are standardized to account for unit differences. The SEM results indicate a standardized relationship between a latent climate variable with malaria incidence in a statistically significant manner. However, differences in coefficient directions between the three models indicate that the relationship remains elusive. In the maximum value model, a standard deviation increase in the climate change construct from its mean is associated with a 0.04 standard deviation increase in malaria incidence from its own mean (p < 0.001). On the other hand, in the minimum and average value models, a standard deviation increase in limate change construct from its mean is associated with a 0.12 and 0.09 standard deviation decrease of malaria incidence from its own mean respectively (p < 0.001). Although statistical significance was established across all models which indicated relatively good fit across select indices, the standardized coefficient values presented in this study suggest that any associations between long term climatic variations (measured by yearly data) and malarial incidences are modest at best. The results of the structural equation models also indicate that other factors are at play when it comes to malaria case variations—as explained by the residual terms across all models.
Meaningful benefit of disease‐modifying treatment: Evaluating changes in health‐related resource use
Authors: Zhu Carolyn W. , Sano Mary
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION

Are reductions in the rate of decline from the new disease‐modifying treatments (DMTs) in early Alzheimer's disease (AD) meaningful? We examined whether such reductions may be reflected in changes in health‐related resource use.

METHODS

Patients with Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) = 0.5 or 1 with a clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or AD, reflecting clinical trial populations. Health‐related resource use was reported using the Resource Use Inventory (RUI) including direct medical care, non‐medical care, unpaid informal care, and time use.

RESULTS

Faster decline in CDR–Sum of Boxes (CDR‐SB) from baseline was independently associated with higher likelihood and hours of informal care received, and lower likelihood of employment/volunteer work, but not with direct medical care.

DISCUSSION

Reductions in the rate of decline in CDR‐SB seen from DMTs significantly affect patients’ work capacity and need for informal care, indicators of economic impact meaningful to patients, families, and health systems. These measures are not readily captured in administrative data sets.

Highlights

Following a cohort of participants with MCI or mild dementia due to AD that mimics participants targeted for AD trials, this study showed slower decline in CDR‐SB have significant effects on patients’ work capacity and need for informal care, but not on their direct medical care utilization such as hospitalizations, ED use, and doctors’ visits.

Capturing potential benefits in health‐related resource use may require direct measures of informal care and work/volunteer effort which are meaningful outcomes to patients, families and health systems.

Caution is needed in our effort to assess benefits of recently developed disease modifying treatment in AD using electronic health records and administrative data from which utilization of direct medical care are routinely collected as these data sources may not capture the most apparent changes in resource utilization during early disease stages.
ddX: Polarizable continuum solvation from small molecules to proteins
Authors: Nottoli Michele , Herbst Michael F. , Mikhalev Aleksandr , Jha Abhinav , Lipparini Filippo , Stamm Benjamin
Published: July 2024

Polarizable continuum solvation models are popular in both, quantum chemistry and in biophysics, though typically with different requirements for the numerical methods. However, the recent trend of multiscale modeling can be expected to blur field‐specific differences. In this regard, numerical methods based on domain decomposition (dd) have been demonstrated to be sufficiently flexible to be applied all across these levels of theory while remaining systematically accurate and efficient. In this contribution, we present ddX, an open‐source implementation of dd‐methods for various solvation models, which features a uniform interface with classical as well as quantum descriptions of the solute, or any hybrid versions thereof. We explain the key concepts of the library design and its application program interface, and demonstrate the use of ddX for integrating into standard chemistry packages. Numerical tests illustrate the performance of ddX and its interfaces.

This article is categorized under:

Software > Quantum Chemistry

Software > Simulation Methods
Evaluating elements of artificial cover object design for terrestrial salamander monitoring
Authors: Ochs Alison E. , Swihart Robert K. , Saunders Mike R.
Published: July 2024

Declines in amphibian populations have led to greater research and monitoring of species of interest, including terrestrial salamanders. Several methods have been used to study salamanders, including artificial cover objects (ACOs). Artificial cover objects are easy to install and use, limit destruction to habitats, are easily reproducible both across and within studies, and can reduce variability between observers and sites by not relying on observer search time or effort, or on natural cover. However, different ACO designs and spacing may yield different capture rates, and thus different estimates of population densities. We examined the influence of ACO wood type, size, shape, and spacing arrays on the number of individually marked red‐backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) captured under ACOs. White pine (Pinus strobus) ACOs yielded the most (average of 14 across 3 replicates) individuals, while white ash (Fraxinus americana) ACOs had the least (average of 7 across 3 replicates). Larger ACOs had similar capture rates compared to equal sampled areas of smaller ACOs, but a single smaller ACO tended to have fewer individual salamander captures than a single large ACO. Our results suggested that high‐density ACO spacing arrays may increase capture probability but reduce the area uniquely sampled by each ACO. In contrast, low‐density ACO arrays may produce population estimates more comparable to other arrays. Future studies should consider monitoring goals and available sampling effort when choosing a spacing array. As ACO study design impacts salamander capture rates, a clear understanding of the effects of each element of ACO design is important when drawing inferences or making comparisons among studies.
Supportive or Destructive? Intergovernmental Relations During Refugee Crisis in Poland from Local Governments’ Perspective
Authors: Wojtowicz Dominika
Published: July 2024

This chapter examines intergovernmental relations (IGR) in Poland during the first three months of the 2022 refugee crisis, precipitated by the Russian aggression against Ukraine. It explores how the existing IGR processes either facilitated or hindered the effective involvement of lower administrative levels in the crisis management, areas of tension and conflict within IGR, and the extent to which other organizations contributed as service providers or decision-makers within the IGR framework. The study highlights the challenges of coordinating a multilevel response to an unprecedented influx of over 2.5 million refugees, reflecting on the adaptability and effectiveness of IGR processes under crisis conditions.
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification in chronic myeloid leukemia: unveiling a novel therapeutic target
Authors: Fernandez Rodriguez Guillermo , Tarullo Marco , Fatica Alessandro
Published: July 2024

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent internal mRNA modification, plays a critical role in physiological processes by regulating gene expression through modulation of mRNA metabolism at multiple stages. In recent years, m6A has garnered significant attention for a deeper understanding of the initiation, progression, and drug resistance of various cancers, including hematological malignancies. Dysregulation of m6A has been implicated in both cancer promotion and suppression. m6A methylation is a complex regulatory process involving methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and proteins that recognize specific m6A modifications (readers). This intricate interplay presents challenges for precisely modulating m6A levels, either globally or at specific sites. This review specifically focuses on the role of m6A in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a blood cancer characterized by the BCR-ABL1 fusion. We emphasize its impact on leukemia cell survival and drug resistance mechanisms. Notably, inhibitors targeting m6A regulators show promise in preclinical models, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue for CML. Integrating our understanding of m6A biology with current treatment strategies may lead to more effective therapies, especially for patients with advanced-stage or resistant CML.
Discovery of Vibrio cholerae in Urban Sewage in Copenhagen, Denmark
Authors: Brinch Christian , Otani Saria , Munk Patrick , van den Beld Maaike , Franz Eelco , Aarestrup Frank M.
Published: July 2024

We report the discovery of a persistent presence of Vibrio cholerae at very low abundance in the inlet of a single wastewater treatment plant in Copenhagen, Denmark at least since 2015. Remarkably, no environmental or locally transmitted clinical case of V. cholerae has been reported in Denmark for more than 100 years. We, however, have recovered a near-complete genome out of 115 metagenomic sewage samples taken over the past 8 years, despite the extremely low relative abundance of one V. cholerae read out of 500,000 sequenced reads. Due to the very low relative abundance, routine screening of the individual samples did not reveal V. cholerae. The recovered genome lacks the gene responsible for cholerae toxin production, but although this strain may not pose an immediate public health risk, our finding illustrates the importance, challenges, and effectiveness of wastewater-based pathogen surveillance.
IgG4-related disease with subcutaneous involvement and the associated diagnostic challenges with MRI
Authors: Kawasaki Tomonori , Ichikawa Jiro , Onohara Kojiro , Kanno Satoshi , Wako Masanori , Taniguchi Naofumi , Ochiai Satoshi , Torigoe Tomoaki , Yazawa Yasuo
Published: July 2024

IgG4-related disease is a rare fibroinflammatory disorder characterized by the infiltration of IgG4-rich plasma cells. Herein, we report a case of IgG4-related disease of the subcutaneous tissue with atypical MRI findings and difficulties in the histopathological examination using needle biopsy. Based on the clinical presentation and MRI findings, the patient was diagnosed with a benign myxoid or cystic tumor. Additionally, histopathological findings from a needle biopsy suggested a myxoma. Therefore, the correct diagnosis of IgG4-related disease was not made preoperatively. The resected specimens confirmed IgG4-related disease with an IgG4/IgG ratio > 80%. Previous reports have shown that the MRI findings of IgG4-related disease mimic both malignancy and inflammation; surprisingly, the features of subcutaneous IgG-related disease, including tail sign, unclear border, and heterogeneous enhancement, were similar to those found in sarcoma. Therefore, histopathological findings are needed for a correct diagnosis. Furthermore, careful examination is essential because the neoplasm and inflammation may overlap with IgG4-related disease, and needle biopsy is not fully reflective of the tumor. As is highlighted in the present case, IgG4-related disease is often misdiagnosed; therefore, clinicians should adequately recognize that even if the histopathological findings in biopsy were consistent with those observed in the MRI, misdiagnosis may occur.
Innovative approaches in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: comparison of pulsed radiofrequency ablation and surgical intervention
Authors: Armağan Celal , Karaduman Zekeriya Okan , Arıcan Mehmet , Turhan Yalcın , Kaban İlyas , Uludağ Veysel
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Pulsed Radiofrequency Ablation (PRFA) and surgery for treating chronic plantar fasciitis, focusing on pain relief and functional outcomes.

Methods

A prospective study involved 30 patients with chronic plantar fasciitis unresponsive to 12 months of conservative treatment. Patients were divided into PRFA (n = 17) and surgical (n = 13) groups. Clinical evaluations were conducted preoperatively and at three, six and 12 months postoperatively using VAS, AOFAS, FFI, and RMS scores. Radiological measurements assessed foot structure impact.

Results

Both PRFA and surgery significantly reduced pain and improved function. PRFA had a shorter operative time and quicker return to activities (p < 0.001). At 3 months, PRFA showed superior VAS, FFI, and RMS scores (p < 0.05). Long-term outcomes were similar. No major complications occurred, but minor complications were higher in the surgical group (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

PRFA is a minimally invasive, effective treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis with quicker recovery and lower complication rates compared to surgery. Both treatments offer comparable long-term benefits. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
NP-Completeness and Physical Zero-Knowledge Proofs for Sumplete, a Puzzle Generated by ChatGPT
Authors: Hatsugai Kyosuke , Ruangwises Suthee , Asano Kyoichi , Abe Yoshiki
Published: July 2024

Sumplete is a logic puzzle generated by ChatGPT in March 2023. The puzzle consists of a rectangular grid, with each cell containing an integer. Each row and column also has an integer called target value assigned to it. The objective of this puzzle is to cross out some numbers in the grid such that the sum of uncrossed numbers in each row and column is equal to the corresponding target value. In this paper, we prove that Sumplete is NP-complete. We also propose a physical zero-knowledge proof protocol for the puzzle using physical cards.
Mean flow and eddy summer moisture transport over East Asia in reanalysis data and a regional climate simulation
Authors: Kukulies Julia , Li Wenhong , Chen Deliang
Published: July 2024

Understanding the impact of atmospheric variability on climatological mean moisture transport is crucial because moisture transport determines continental water availability as well as convective organization and resulting precipitation. Here, we analyze the mean flow and eddy components of summer moisture transport in the downwind of the Tibetan Plateau (TP), a region that is characterized by interactions between monsoon systems, extratropical circulation, and mountainous weather systems. Using 40 years of ERA5 reanalysis data and a regional WRF simulation, we determine the absolute and relative contributions of mean flow and eddy moisture transport from multi-daily to sub-daily scales. We also link these components to large-scale circulation indices, precipitation, evaporation, and mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). The results show that the largest contributions of eddies to the climatological mean moisture transport are found in the immediate downwind region of the TP. Half of the total eddy transport downwind of the TP is due to multi-daily eddy transport and the other half is due to daily to sub-daily eddy transport. Regional precipitation anomalies are dominated by the mean flow component of southerly moisture influxes which in turn are positively correlated with different South Asian summer monsoon indices and negatively correlated with the West Northern Pacific monsoon index. The eddy transport from the south is positively correlated with a lower jet latitude but does not show any significant correlations with precipitation or MCS activity, likely due to the dominant role of the mean flow moisture transport. While the relative contributions of eddies to the climatological mean moisture transport are similar in ERA5 and WRF, the correlations between moisture transport components and large-scale circulation indices are generally weaker in WRF. This suggests that the dynamical downscaling does not significantly change the role of eddy moisture transport averaged for the region, but it resolves processes that decouple the moisture transport from its large-scale forcing.
The effect of pregnancy pilates-assisted childbirth preparation training on urinary incontinence and birth outcomes: a randomized-controlled study
Authors: Buran Gonca , Erim Avcı Serap
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To examine the effect of pregnancy pilates-assisted birth preparation training on urinary incontinence (UI) including stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urge urinary incontinence (UUI) during pregnancy, and the postpartum period and birth outcomes.

Method

In this single-center, single-blind, randomized, controlled study, 126 participants who have 28–30 weeks of gestation and nulliparous were randomly assigned to receive either the (n = 63) or control group (n = 63). The study was carried out between March and August 2022. Pregnancy pilates intervention was applied twice in a week, a total of 8 weeks to pilates group. The control group was given routine obstetric and pregnancy care. A personal data form and the Michigan Incontinence Severity Index Form (M-ISI) were used as data collection tools.

Results

The mean weight gains of the experimental group during pregnancy were significantly lower than the control group. The experimental group had almost twice the rate of vaginal birth than those of the control group. The duration of labor mean score of experimental group was 5 h and 43 min less than the duration of labor of the control group (p < 0.001). After intervention, and postpartum period, the SUI and UUI severity of the experimental group was significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Pilates-assisted childbirth preparation training reduced the severity of UI including SUI and UUI symptoms during pregnancy and the early postpartum. In addition, pilates-assisted childbirth preparation training contributes to decrease in weight gain during pregnancy, the increase in the vaginal birth rate, and the shortening of the duration of labor.

Trial registration

NCT06185439
Hearing Aid apps: are they safe, practical and beneficial for children and teens in challenging situations?
Authors: Gazibegovic Dzemal , Bohnert Andrea , Laessig Anne Katrin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

An adult version of an app giving users the control over the level of the volume, microphone directionality and noise reduction was adapted for children. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of changes made to microphone directionality and noise reduction in the myPhonak Junior (the app) on Speech intelligibility in challenging listening environments in children and teens.

Methods

The randomized, non-blinded interventional study with a single group of subjects involved two study visits with a home trial in-between. In the final study session speech assessment in noise was conducted in three different, randomly assigned conditions: default mode (Autosense Sky OS), preffered (self-adjusted) and the extreme condition. Questionnaire based assessment was conducted to assess the subjective benefit of using the app in different daily situations.

Results

The best scores (speech results in noise) were achieved with the preferred setting and the default Autosense Sky OS setting was significantly better than the extreme setting. The self-reported benefit through the questionnaire indicates significantly better result when adjusting the hearing aids through the app.

Conclusion

The app is an easy-to-use way of controlling the level of noise reduction and the beam forming for children 11 years and older. It has the potential to help customizing the hearing aids beyond the default setting and helping to improve speech understanding in noise.
The effect of high-dose Levothyroxine on hearing in patients operated for thyroid cancer
Authors: Mutlu Vahit , Kaya Zülküf , Bilen Arzu , Dayanan Ramazan
Published: July 2024

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the use of high doses of levothyroxine (L-T4) and hearing loss in patients who have undergone surgery for thyroid cancer.

Material method

After total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer, patients were divided into two groups according to L-T4 dose below 150 µg and above 150 µg. Demographic characteristics, postoperative duration, radioactive iodine treatment, bone densitometry scans with LDxa and FDxa, and right and left ear hearing levels were statistically compared in both groups.

Results

The study included 62 patients, 85.5% (n = 53) of whom were female, with a mean age of 48.8 ± 11.7 years. While 56.45% (n = 35) of the patients were taking L-T4 below 150 µg 43.55% (n = 27) were taking L-T4 above 150 µg. The mean postoperative duration of the participants was 4.1 ± 2.7 years, osteopenic 30.7% and osteoporotic 16.13% according to LDxa, osteopenic 29.0% and osteoporotic 1.6% according to FDxa. Hearing loss in both right and left ears was 41.9% and sensorineural hearing loss in both ears was 22.6%. Age, LDxa, FDxa, hearing loss in the right and left ear were found to be significantly different in the two groups above and below 150 µg according to the dose of L-T4 used (p < 0.05). However, no differences were found according to sex, height, weight, body mass index, postoperative period, or radioactive iodine treatment (p > 0.05). Both osteopenia and osteoporosis, as well as hearing loss in both the right and left ear, were significantly higher in the group taking L-T4 150 µg or more (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In our study, we found that patients taking 150 µg or more of L-T4 daily were more osteopenic and osteoporotic and had more hearing loss in both ears.
Automatic segmentation of the maxillary sinus on cone beam computed tomographic images with U-Net deep learning model
Authors: Ozturk Busra , Taspinar Yavuz Selim , Koklu Murat , Tassoker Melek
Published: July 2024

Background

Medical imaging segmentation is the use of image processing techniques to expand specific structures or areas in medical images. This technique is used to separate and display different textures or shapes in an image. The aim of this study is to develop a deep learning-based method to perform maxillary sinus segmentation using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. The proposed segmentation method aims to provide better image guidance to surgeons and specialists by determining the boundaries of the maxillary sinus cavities. In this way, more accurate diagnoses can be made and surgical interventions can be performed more successfully.

Methods

In the study, axial CBCT images of 100 patients (200 maxillary sinuses) were used. These images were marked to identify the maxillary sinus walls. The marked regions are masked for use in the maxillary sinus segmentation model. U-Net, one of the deep learning methods, was used for segmentation. The training process was carried out for 10 epochs and 100 iterations per epoch. The epoch and iteration numbers in which the model showed maximum success were determined using the early stopping method.

Results

After the segmentation operations performed with the U-Net model trained using CBCT images, both visual and numerical results were obtained. In order to measure the performance of the U-Net model, IoU (Intersection over Union) and F1 Score metrics were used. As a result of the tests of the model, the IoU value was found to be 0.9275 and the F1 Score value was 0.9784.

Conclusion

The U-Net model has shown high success in maxillary sinus segmentation. In this way, fast and highly accurate evaluations are possible, saving time by reducing the workload of clinicians and eliminating subjective errors.