bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved hydrolysis of sewage sludge by air-assisted non-thermal plasma for enhanced biomethane recovery
Authors: Vanegas Gerardo Oswaldo Ortiz , Kim Hyun-Woo
Published: January 2024

Conventional pretreatment technologies have been assessed to resolve the slow hydrolysis of sewage sludge, but high operating costs have prevented their wide use. This study investigated non-thermal plasma (NTP) technologies as an alternative to promote anaerobic digestion (AD). Various contact time (CT) and temperature (T) conditions were used to assess how NTP pretreatment improves the methane conversion of organics in sewage sludge. A multi-response surface model (RSM) using a central composite design (CCD), identified the optimal CT (4.6 h) and T (45°C). This statistical optimization of NTP pretreatment led to an enhanced biochemical methane potential of 297 ± 46 mL CH4 g–1 COD by reducing operating cost as power consumption as low as 0.08 USD L–1. The result was comparable to those of other advanced oxidation processes (0.14 ~ 0.60 USD L–1) demonstrating that accelerated hydrolysis of sewage sludge using NTP pretreatment show potential for improving renewable energy recovery from sewage sludge.
Hemispheric Asymmetric Response of Tropical Cyclones to CO2 Emission Reduction
Authors: An Soon-Il , Liu Chao , Zhao Jiuwei , Son Seok-Woo , Jin Fei-Fei
Published: January 2024

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are among the most devastating natural hazards for coastal regions, and their response to human activities has broad socio-economic relevance. So far, how TC responds to climate change mitigation remains unknown, complicating the design of adaptation policies. Using net-zero and negative carbon emission experiments, we reveal a robust hemisphere-asymmetric hysteretic TC response to CO2 reduction. During the decarbonization phase, the Northern Hemisphere TC frequency continues to decrease for several more decades, while the Southern Hemisphere abruptly shifts to a stormier state, with the timescales depending on mitigation details. Such systematic changes are largely attributed to the planetary-scale reorganization of vertical wind shear and midlevel upward motion associated with the hysteretic southward migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, underpinned by the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and El Niño-like mean state changes. The hemispheric contrast in TC response will potentially exacerbate regional socio-economic disparities under climate change mitigation.
Information Ecosystems in Early Academic Career Building:how Do Researchers in the Social Sciences and Humanities Learn the Tricks of the Trade?
Authors: Vanholsbeeck Marc , Šinkūnienė Jolanta , -Kabók Karolina Lendák , Gekić Haris
Published: January 2024

Early career investigators (ECIs) in the Social Sciences and Humanities need to receive adequate information so that they will be empowered to progress in their academic career and deal with the various evaluation processes that constitute an essential part of their professional development. This article relies on an informational-ecosystemic approach originally developed in the context of resilience studies and crisis communication to propose the notion of “early academic career building information ecosystem” (EACBIE), a theoretical modelling of the production and circulation of information about early careers within academia. The characteristics thereof are refined through the analysis of interviews conducted with ECIs from all around Europe in the framework of the European Network for Research Evaluation in Social Sciences and Humanities (ENRESSH), European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action. The analysis reveals the remarkable heterogeneity of the information ecosystems into which early career researchers have to build their career in Europe, articulating a diversity of formal, non-formal and informal learning environments, and several related information channels, as well as showing a geographical spread that covers institutional, national and international levels. Furthermore, although the diverse information channels at hand and geographical levels at which they operate appear in some cases to be complementary, and even mutually reinforcing, they can also, in other cases, be dysfunctional, fragmented and unfair to some extent.
Influences of pretreatment methods on the mechanical and environmental behaviors of PG-GGBS-LM ternary stabilizer
Authors: Essama Joseph Roland Atenga , Tan Yunzhi , Deng Yongfeng , Wu Jun , Cai Dongming , Li Wenqi
Published: January 2024

Phosphogypsum is a kind of acidic industrial byproducts with high content of soluble phosphorus and fluorine pollutants, which requires to be pretreated when used as cementitious material to (partial) replace traditional Portland cement. In this study, five different pretreatment methods were proposed for comparative analysis to examine the pretreatment effect on the mechanical and environmental behaviors of ternary phosphogypsum (PG), ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), and lime (LM) mixed stabilizer. Series laboratory tests, including unconfined compressive strength (UCS), pH, phosphorus (P)/fluorine (F) leaching, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests, were conducted to comprehend the macro- and microscopic mechanism. The results show that it is essential to grind raw PG to finer powdered state, so that it reacts more easily and quickly with LM and water. In addition, it was noticed that the UCS and P/F leaching concentration are not only affected by the mixing proportion of the PG-GGBS-LM ternary stabilizer, but also by the curing duration. The UCS increase rapidly from initial curing period and then grow slowly after 28 days of curing. From the perspective of strength evolution, mixing proportion of PG: GGBS: LM = 15:80:5 is optimal, but considering the economy and environmental related issues, PG: GGBS: LM = 30:65:5 was regarded as a more attractive choice. The findings can provide a reference for the selection of pretreatment methods and design of PG-based cementitious materials suited for stabilized soils.
Study on harmless treatment of electrolytic manganese residue by low temperature thermochemical method
Authors: Xie Zhihan , Liu Rongjin , Lu Fuhua , Jing Daiyan , Zhao Yanrong , Liang Jianbo , Huang Wanyu , Liu Yuhang
Published: January 2024

The Electrolytic Manganese Residue (EMR) is a by-product of the electrolytic manganese metal (EMM) industry, containing high concentrations of potential pollutants such as NH4+-N and soluble Mn2+. These components pose a serious threat to the ecological environment. To explore accurate, efficient, and harmless treatment methods for EMR, this study proposes a low-temperature thermochemical approach. The orthogonal experiment design investigates the effects of reaction temperature, reaction time, CaO, Na2CO3, Na3PO4, and water consumption on manganese solidified and ammonia removal from EMR. The results indicate that optimal conditions are a reaction temperature of 60℃ and a reaction time of 10 minutes. CaO precipitates Mn2+ as Mn(OH)2, achieving effective manganese solidified and ammonia removal. The addition of Na2CO3 causes Mn2+ to form MnCO3 precipitate, while Na3PO4 makes Mn2+ form Mn3(PO4)2·3H2O. Increased water consumption enhances the interaction adequacy between ions. Under optimal conditions (CaO 10%, Na2CO3 1%, Na3PO4 0.5%, and 80% water consumption), the removal rate of ammonium ions reaches 98.5%, and the solidification rate of soluble Mn2+ is 99.9%. The order of influence on ammonium ion removal is CaO > water consumption > Na3PO4 > Na2CO3. This study provides a novel approach for the efficient and environmentally friendly harmless treatment of EMR.
Hazzard assessment and cytogenotoxic effects of different concentrations of mercury chloride sterilant using an onion (Allium cepa) assay
Authors: ANIMASAUN DAVID ADEDAYO , ADEDIBU PETER ADEOLU , AFOLABI SAHEED OLAREWAJU , ABDULKAREEM KHADIJAH ABDULHAMID , IBRAHIM SARAFADEEN , KRISHNAMURTY RAMAR
Published: January 2024

The Allium cepa assay represents a crucial in vivo model for evaluating the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of substances. This study investigated the cytogenotoxicity potential of mercury chloride (HgCl2), a laboratory disinfectant and catalyst, using an Allium cepa assay. Mitotic slides were prepared from onion root tip cells grown on media supplemented with different concentrations of HgCl2 (0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1.0%). The slides were observed to evaluate cytogenotoxicity based on measurements of the mitotic index, mitotic inhibition percentage, clastogenic alterations, and root length over 10 days. The results suggest that the concentrations used may harm the cell, leading to adverse impacts on the mitotic index, mitotic inhibition, root growth and chromosome structure. Different chromosomal aberrations, such as bridge formation, fragmentation, wandering chromosomes, stickiness, binucleus formation and micronucleus formation, were detected depending on the concentration. Although lower concentrations (0.2–0.4%) had fewer effects on the cells, they still had a significant cytogenotoxic effect (p < 0.05) compared to that of the control (0.0%). The higher the concentration was, the greater the effects on clastogenic changes. The observed abnormalities in both mitotic spread and root growth indicate that mercury chloride is cytotoxic even at low concentrations and can cause mitotic-depressive effects at higher concentrations. The results of this investigation can be used as a guide to guarantee sufficient safety precautions for people and organs during the regular use of HgCl2.
Maternal chronic unpredictable mild stress alters affective behaviors in offspring rats through persistent activation of Notch signaling pathway in the hippocampus
Authors: Liu Zhihong , Fu Youjuan , Liu Ting , Liu Can , Wang Rui , Li Ye , Zhu Jiashu , Guan Suanzhen
Published: January 2024

Maternal chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring, including anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorders. There is mounting evidence that these behavioral phenotypes have origins in utero, which provided that corticosterone, as a stress hormone, penetrates the placental barrier and enters the fetal body and reprograms the early neural development. Notch signaling pathway is involved in the entire life cycle from embryonic development to birth to death, and mainly regulates neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation, synaptic plasticity and neuronal damage repair, and it has been intensively involved in emotional functioning. However, the role of Notch signaling pathway in affective behaviors of offspring has not been determined. In the present study, the function of Notch signaling pathway in affective behaviors was investigated in open field test (OFT) and sucrose preference test (SPT) in offspring. The results showed that maternal chronic unpredictable mild stress alters affective behaviors in offspring. We examined HPA axis related hormones, hippocampal neuronal cell apoptosis and Notch signaling pathway in offspring. Maternal CUMS damage hippocampal pathology structure and synaptic plasticity in childhood and adolescence offspring, suggesting Notch signaling pathway in the hippocampus was activated. Furthermore, we explored the role and mechanism of Notch signaling pathway in HT22 cell damage after high corticosterone exposure in vitro. Taken together, these results indicate that maternal chronic unpredictable mild stress alters affective behaviors in offspring rats through persistent activation of Notch signaling pathway in the hippocampus.
Identification and Characterization of Highly Potential Post-Disaster Isolated Areas through Sorting Social Vulnerability
Authors: Sheu Jiuh-Biing , Chen Yenming , Chang Kuo-Hao , Li KUAN TING , Liu Chih-Hao , Chang Tzu-Yin
Published: January 2024

Identifying and characterizing post-disaster isolated areas are critical to the success of large-scale disaster management. A post-disaster isolated area (PDIA) refers to an area that can hardly be reached because of the destruction of traffic networks amid a disaster. Lacking relief and medical resources also inflicts psychological impacts on vulnerable dwellers in a PDIA. We believe humanitarian relief can be planned prior to disaster devastation. If a connected area has installed a relief facility, such as a hospital, the road damage may not severely affect the residents in PDIAs. This study enables the exploration of PDIAs characterized by the possibility of disaster occurrence and social vulnerability; and moreover, identifying the size of connected areas, also called responsible areas, to facilitate emergency relief supply and distribution in PDIAs amid a disaster. This research represents a joint venture with a national-level government agent, targeting a highly vulnerable territory that permits, efficiently and effectively, identifying and characterizing PDIAs from the perspective of social vulnerability. We adopt multi-data sources that incorporate socioeconomic, geographic, and disaster impact data gained and inputted from a national earthquake impact information platform. By conceptualizing and incorporating a syncretic disaster-risk index into the clustering metric, managerial endeavor becomes possible. We find that the chosen sizes of responsible areas of PDIAs are decisive, and by managing to maintain at least one relief facility in each PDIA, the impact on the dwellers can be mitigated.
Impacts of fusel oil-diesel blends fuel on exhaust emissions of single-cylinder CI engine
Authors: Awad Omar I. , Suwaed Mahmood Sh. , Abed Adnan Ajam , Al-Rubaye Ameer H. , Mohammed M. N. , Hasan Mohammed M. , Chen Zhenbin , Kamil Mohammed
Published: January 2024

Alcohol-based fuels, namely fusel oil, have garnered considerable interest as viable alternatives owing to their manufacturing, accessibility, and environmental advantages. This study's main objective is to ascertain how effectively a compression ignition (CI) engine operates and how much pollution it emits when running at various loads and speeds on a mixture of fusel oil and diesel (known as "F20"). To ensure the engine's fuel system remained unaltered, a set blending ratio of 20% v/v was used. The experimental findings demonstrated a reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions while using F20 in comparison to diesel, but it was observed that fuel consumption rose. The decreased energy content of fusel oil resulted in a reduction in fuel usage. Nevertheless, the use of F20 resulted in elevated emissions of CO and HC in comparison to diesel. The highest observed decrease in NOx emissions, up to 20%, was seen at an engine speed of 1500 revolutions per minute (rpm) and an engine load of 75%. This reduction may be due to the elevated water content present in fusel oil.
Genetic analysis of mate sorting in females and its association with host fruit specialization in interbreeding species of Drosophila
Authors: Erezyilmaz Deniz , Lu Kenneth
Published: January 2024

Physical linkage between alleles that confer mate choice and alleles that confer adaptive traits can drive speciation and maintain species despite gene flow. Theoretical models predict that tight linkage is not necessary for ecological speciation to occur but there are few empirical examples to illustrate this idea. Drosophila simulans and D. sechellia are two nascent species of vinegar fly that are still able to interbreed. D. sechellia is an island endemic that has adapted to the fruit of Morinda citrifolia, which is toxic to D. simulans. The two species prefer to mate with their own species, and crosses between D. simulans males and D. sechellia females are rarely successful. Here, we have applied HT-seq based QTL mapping to identify loci that contribute to mate sorting in females and ask if those alleles are linked to genomic regions that confer adaptation to M. citrifola fruit. We find that mate choice in females is determined by two major effect loci, one on each arm of the third chromosome that interact through epistasis and are found roughly in the same location in both backcrosses. Some female mate sorting loci are found tightly linked to major effect loci that confer male mate sorting and M. citrifolia toxin resistance, but others are more loosely clustered in a ~12 Mbp segment. We suggest that this entangled genetic architecture could have been a factor in the initial divergence between species as well as maintenance of species boundaries during ongoing hybridization between wild D. simulans and D. sechellia.
Integrated robotic machining error compensation for intersecting hole of large spherical shells
Authors: ma shoudong , Lu Yong , Deng Kenan , Wu Zhihang , Xu Xu
Published: January 2024

Industrial robots are emerging for applications in machining critical components such as flange holes for spherical, cylindrical, and other types of vacuum vessel components. However, the main factor limiting their machining applications is the relatively low stiffness of industrial robots, leading to tool path errors during machining. Hence, this paper proposed an integrated error compensation method considering intersecting hole position and axial tolerance constraints. Firstly, a robot machining trajectory is generated, and the cutting allowance and sampling strategy are determined by running the machining trajectory empty run before machining. Then, integrated constraints are introduced, and a new target hole surface is constructed as a mirror surface under the integrated constraints of error compensation. The tool path is adjusted according to the mirror compensation principle to ensure consistency between the machined and nominal holes. The integrated constraints enable a quick and effective assessment of the suitability of the workpiece for precision machining before actual machining, thereby eliminating unnecessary machining of unqualified workpieces and improving productivity. The reconstructed target hole surface satisfies the integrated constraint criterion and achieves a balanced combination of positional and axial tolerances, making full use of both types of tolerances. Finally, the effectiveness of the method is verified on a large workpiece. The experimental results show that the positional error is reduced from uncompensated (1.03, -0.51) mm to compensated (0.25, -0.005) mm, and the axial error of the intersecting hole surface is reduced from uncompensated 22.32 mm to compensated 1.39 mm.
Heated Tobacco Products- Well Known or Well Understood? A National Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitudes and Usage in Pakistan
Authors: Irshad Hammad Atif , Jehanzeb Hamzah , Raja Sajjan , Saleem Umair , Shaikh Wamiq Ali , Shahzad Akmal , Amirali Atiqa , Iqbal Nousheen , Khan Javaid Ahmed
Published: January 2024

Background: Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are reshaping the tobacco industry and just recently, a plan was sought to regularize HTPs in Pakistan. Pakistan provides an intriguing case study in this context, as tobacco use is deeply ingrained in public use. To ensure that future evidence-based policy recommendations are grounded in the public's knowledge, attitudes, and usage of HTPs, a nationwide survey on the topic must be conducted.
Methods: We conducted a nationwide web-based cross-sectional study in Pakistan to assess knowledge, attitudes, and usage of HTPs among adults (age ≥ 18). A questionnaire was created combining previous tobacco-based public questionnaires and was content validated through pulmonologists at AKU. Additionally, it was pilottested for face validity and internal consistency, consequentlyverified using Cronbach Alpha. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 17.
Results:In our sample of 1195 respondents with a mean age of 33.17±3.70 comprising of 41.8% males and 58.2% females from Pakistan, 54.7% had heard about HTPs before the survey and 16.9% reported using HTPs at least once. Additionally, 38.24% were unsure of the legality of HTP use. Those with monthly household incomes of PKR 100,000 to 500,000, were more likely to have higher knowledge scores (OR:1.80[1.07-3.04]). On the other hand, males (OR:0.70 [0.55-0.89]) and respondents from Balochistan (OR:0.40 [0.22-0.71]) had lesser odds of high knowledge scores. The strongest motivators were the enjoyability of HTPs (55.73%) and usage as a cigarette alternative (54.64%), while the strongest deterrents were the negative health effects (82.68%) and potential for addiction (81.01%).
Conclusion: Our study underscores the need for awareness campaigns and interventions concerning HTPs, given prevalent preconceived notions and mixed attitudes among respondents. These insights form the basis for informed policy making for non-cigarette tobacco products.
The factors of quality of life among patients after myocardial infarction in Poland: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kolarczyk Ewelina , Kohanová Dominika , Witkowska Agnieszka , Szymiczek Marek , Młynarska Agnieszka
Published: January 2024

Background
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL)is a multidimensional concept that considers the physical, emotional and social impact of disease on a patient’s life.Cardiovascular diseases, due to their prevalence as well as social and economic effects, are a special group in which the assessment of quality of life should be performed. This study aimed to examine the level of quality of life (QoL) in patients after myocardial infarction (MI) in relation to sociodemographic factors and the degree of functioning in chronic disease.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional, single-centre study carried out between June 2021 and June 2022. The study was conducted among 231 patients who were hospitalized for myocardial infarction (MI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in Racibórz Medical Center. The WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL BREF) andthe Chronic Disease Functioning Scale(FCIS) were used. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results
The quality of life level was intermediate (range 5.44–5.53).The analysis showed statistically significant differences in the average QoL level depending on higher education levels and the prevalence of diabetes and other chronic diseases(p < 0.05). The analysis using Spearman's correlation coefficient showed a statistically significant correlation (coefficient value 0.5 < |r/rho| ≤ 0.7) between general functioning in chronic disease and the average QoL (rho = 0.56;p < 0.001)and somatic QoL levels(rho = 0.52;p < 0.001), as well as a moderately strong positive correlation with the QoL level on the psychological domain (rho = 0.50;p < 0.001), social domain (rho = 0.48;p < 0.001) and environmental domain (rho = 0.43;p < 0.001).
Conclusion
The identification of indicators of lower physical and mental HRQoL in patients with MI allows for targeted counselling and secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease (IHD), which translates into a reduction in the risk of further cardiovascular events and related rehospitalization. Therefore, the assessment of HRQoL should be considered a central indicator of the need for medical services, the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and the effects of cardiac rehabilitation on patients after MI.
A novel non-destructive detection approach for seed cotton lint percentage by using deep learning
Authors: Geng Lijie , Yan Pengji , Ji Zhikun , Song Chunyu , Song Shuaifei , Zhang Ruiliang , Zhang Zhifeng , Zhai Yusheng , Jiang liying , Yang Kun
Published: January 2024

Background
The lint percentage of seed cotton is one the most important parameters in evaluation the seed cotton quality, which affects the price of the seed cotton during the purchase and sale. The traditional method of measuring lint percentage is labor-intensive and time-consuming, and thus there is a need for an efficient and accurate method. In recent years, classification-based machine learning and computer vision have shown promise in solving various classification tasks.
Results
In this study, we propose a new approach for detecting lint percentage using MobileNetV2 and transfer learning. The model is deployed on the Lint Percentage detection instrument, which can rapidly and accurately determine the lint percentage of seed cotton. We evaluated the performance of the proposed approach using a dataset of 66924 seed cotton images from different regions of China. The results from the experiments showed that the model achieved an average accuracy of 98.43% in classification with an average precision of 94.97%, an average recall of 95.26%, and an average F1-score of 95.20%. Furthermore, the proposed classification model also achieved an average ac-curacy of 97.22% in calculating the lint percentage, showing no significant difference from the performance of experts (independent-samples t test, t = 0.019, p = 0.860).
Conclusions
This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the MobileNetV2 model and transfer learning in calculating the lint percentage of seed cotton. The proposed approach is a promising alternative to the traditional method, offering a rapid and accurate solution for the industry.
Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence Techniques to Expect Drilling Fluid Density , Rate Infiltration and Loss Circulation Anticipation
Authors: Mahamadou Abdoulaye Seyni , Jun Gu
Published: January 2024

The success of drilling operations depends on several factors, including the drilling properties, and environmental and financial constraints. However, relying solely on lab testing is often insufficient due to limited resources and time. Drilling operations can result in significant costs due to loss of circulation. To address this issue, we propose using AI and machine learning techniques to predict drilling fluid density and prevent circulation loss using an intelligent approach. We conducted scientific evaluations of the rheological properties and mud components of polyacrylamide/polyethyleneimine (PAM) mud. Four distinct ML algorithms (the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, particle swarm optimization-based adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system, least squares support vector machine with a genetic algorithm, and radial basis function) were used to investigate the rheological qualities of various mud components at different concentrations and test conditions. In the LSSVM-GA model, we found that the linear equation for predicting fluid density was "y = 1.0041x + 0.0019", with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9966. The RBF model was used to predict fluid density due to its superior performance over other conventional models. The linear equation for predicting fluid density was "y = 1.0009x + 0.0034", with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9999. Based on our experience, we have found that by using an appropriate combination of materials, we can achieve satisfactory rheological properties, thereby avoiding circulation loss incidents
Monoclonal Antibodies Against Mature Interleukin-18 Ameliorate Colitis and Repair Goblet Cell Function
Authors: Mu Jingxi , Maeda Keiko , Ohashi Ayako , Urano Takeshi , Nariai Yuko , Kamino Hiroki , Nakamura Masanao , Yamamura Takeshi , Sawada Tsunaki , Ishikawa Eri , Murate Kentaro , Yamamoto Kenta , Oishi Akina , Hirose Takashi , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Iida Tadashi , Mizutani Yasuyuki , Ishikawa Takuya , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Kawashima Hiroki
Published: January 2024

Numerous biological interventions and small molecules are used to treat Crohn’s disease; however, the effectiveness of these treatments varies largely. Non-responsiveness to biological therapies is associated with interleukin (IL)-18 gene polymorphisms and high IL-18 expression has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease. This study aimed to elucidate the expressions of precursor and mature IL-18 in patients with Crohn’s disease who exhibited varied responses to cytokine-targeted treatments, and determine whether selective inhibition of mature IL-18 offers a novel therapeutic avenue. We generated a monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes the neoepitope of caspase-cleaved mature IL-18. Expressions of precursor and mature IL-18 and goblet cell function were analyzed in patients. Anti-mature IL-18 monoclonal antibodies were intraperitoneally administered in acute colitis mouse model, and the disease activity index, body weight loss, tissue pathology, proinflammatory cytokine expression, goblet cell function, and microbiota composition were assessed. Precursor and mature IL-18 expressions were upregulated and goblet cell function was impaired in patients with Crohn’s disease who were unresponsive to biological therapies. Administration of anti-mature IL-18 antibodies ameliorated induced colitis by repairing goblet cell function and restoring the mucus layer. Therefore, the newly developed monoclonal antibody holds promise as a therapeutic alternative for Crohn’s disease.
Results of a Multimodal Rehabilitation programme in bariatric surgery versus the classic care protocol
Authors: Ortega-Lucea Sonia María , Herrero-Martín Laura , Pascual-Bellosta Ana María , Casamayor-Franco M. Carmen , Palomares-Cano Ana , Aragón-Benedí Cristian , Guallar-García David , Ramirez-Rodriguez Jose Manuel , Satústegui-Dordá Pedro José , Martinez-Ubieto Javier
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Obesity is a very frequent pathology in our society. Weight gain and its associated comorbidities constitute a major cause of preventable deaths. Bariatric surgery is considered the most effective treatment for reducing weight and comorbidities in obese patients. ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) programmes are a set of perioperative practices aimed at reducing the metabolic and immune response triggered by surgical stress, to improve the results of the intervention and achieve a speedy recovery of the patient. Their implementation in bariatric surgery has been slow, since obese patients constitute a high-risk surgical group.
Objective: To determine whether the application of an ERAS protocol in bariatric surgery leads to a reduction in hospital stay, as well as in the complications associated with the procedure.
Material and methods: A prospective case-control study was performed including 52 patients undergoing bariatric surgery: 25 following the classic protocol and 27 following the ERAS protocol. Results were analysed using the bilateral hypothesis. Statistical significance of the difference was considered from p-values less than 0.05. Confidence intervals included were 95%.
Results: There was a reduction in hospital stay (- 0.76 days, p=0.002579), minor complications (48% less), postoperative nausea and vomiting rate (p=0.00029) and postoperative pain (p=1.36e-05) in those patients who followed the ERAS protocol.
Conclusions: The implementation of the ERAS protocol reduces hospital stay, without compromising patient safety by not increasing morbidity.
The Effect of PAP Produced by Back Squats with Different Squat Methods on the Ability of Squat Jump
Authors: Hengyuan Liu , Sinclair Jonathan K. , Te Bu , Zhi Ming , Chenchen Sun , Grecic David , Changfa Tang
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PAP induced by different squat amplitudes on squat jump and the interaction between squat amplitude, stimulus load (%1RM) and PAP duration, and to establish an exercise intervention programme.
Method: Fifteen track and field athletes aged 20-22 years were selected to perform barbell back squats at knee angles of 60°, 90° and 120° and loads of 75% 1RM, 85% 1RM and 95% 1RM, and their flat squat heights were tested at the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th minute after each combination of barbell back squats.
Results: (1) The 120° knee angle-95%1RM combination produced the best squat jump performance after stimulation (42.47±5.26cm), combinations close to this result include the 120° knee angle-85%1RM (42.27±4.70cm) and the 90° knee angle-95%1RM (42.40±5. 50cm); (2) when load and interval were the same, the effect of different knee angles on squat performance was 120 knee angle > 90 knee angle > 60 knee angle, and when knee angle and interval were the same, the effect of different loads of 1RM on squat performance was 95%1RM>85%1RM>75%1RM, with a high probability of peak occurring at the 9th minute after stimulation.
Conclusion: Athletes participating in lower limb explosive power events such as the high jump and long jump should perform a PAP induction with a back squat at a knee angle of 90°-120° and 85-95% of 1RM weight 6-12 minutes prior to competition.
Nursing faculty experiences with emergent remote teaching transitions during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Joo Jee Young , Kim Kyoung-A
Published: January 2024

Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) pandemic led to lockdowns and other social distancing measure. Nursing education programs were also disrupted and moved online. However, information and understanding of nursing faculty members’ experiences of the emergent transition from didactic to remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic is limited. Therefore, this qualitative systematic review aimed to synthesize qualitative studies on nursing faculty members’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.
Methods
Eight qualitative studies published between January 2020 and the end of December 2023 in the United States were selected from five electronic databases and synthesized based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement and Thomas and Harden thematic synthesis methods. This study was reviewed and registered in PROSPERO.
Results
Eight primary and empirical qualitative studies published between 2021 and 2023 were included. The included studies were conducted in various regions of the United States and involved nursing faculty members working in nursing programs. Based on the experiences of 230 nursing faculty members, five common themes were identified: (1) concerns about changes in traditional nursing pedagogy, (2) overwhelmingly heavy workloads, (3) acceptance of and coping with the pandemic, (4) the need for continuous and various forms of support, and (5) opportunities for the improvement of nursing programs.
Conclusions
These themes can be utilized by educational administrators to reidentify the challenges that nursing faculty face and to reform nursing education programs as well as nursing educational associations and institutes to improve current teaching and direct new learning methods to prepare for future pandemics.
WITHDRAWN: Effects of enzyme preparation and straw expansion treatment on sorghum micro-storage performance and microbial community
Authors: Sun Yuxin , Liu Mingjian , Bai Baochao , Sheng Panjie , An Jiangbo , Bao Ruiying , Yuan Zitong , Liu Tingyu , Shi Kai
Published: January 2024

Background Sorghum is commonly used as feed in livestock farming. However, due to its high lignin and cellulose content, sorghum straw is not highly digestible for animals. To improve the feeding value of sorghum straw, researchers have explored micro-storage techniques. Enzyme preparation and straw expansion treatment are two commonly used methods, but their effects on sorghum micro-storage performance require further investigation.Results Sorghum exhibits relatively low nutritional value, but the addition of enzyme preparation and puffing treatment can enhance its value. These methods facilitate the breakdown of plant cell walls, releasing more nutrients and fermentable sugars, thus improving the digestibility and nutritional value of ensiled feed. Cellulase and xylanase can degrade cellulose and hemicellulose, respectively, which serve as important carbon sources for alkaligenic bacteria growth. Straw expansion treatment alters the proportions of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose in sorghum straw, leading to partial lignin degradation and an increase in organic matter content. The presence of lactic acid bacteria and alkaligenic bacteria enhances carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid, coenzyme, and vitamin metabolism, as well as signal transduction pathways, thereby improving microbial community structure, metabolism, and fermentation quality of ensiled sorghum feed. This study found that combined xylanase addition after expansion treatment significantly improves the micro-storage performance of sorghum straw. These findings provide a theoretical basis for optimizing sorghum straw micro-storage techniques to enhance its feeding value and animal production performance.Conclusions This study demonstrated that the addition of enzyme preparation significantly improved the quality of ensiled sorghum straw, with the best results achieved through the addition of xylanase. The sequential application of expansion treatment and enzyme addition yielded the best micro-storage performance for sorghum straw. These findings provide a theoretical basis for optimizing sorghum straw micro-storage techniques, contributing to increased feeding value and animal production performance. This study revealed, for the first time, the underlying principles of the synergistic effect between enzyme preparation and straw expansion treatment in the sorghum ensiling system, which provided valuable insights for the development and utilization of sorghum feed resources, and promotion of sustainable livestock production.
Tool wear monitoring for robotic milling based on multi-dimensional stacked sparse autoencoders and bidirectional LSTM networks with singularity features
Authors: Zhou Chang'an , Zhang Kaixing , Guo Kai , Liu Xin , Hu Bingyin , Wang Gang
Published: January 2024

This study addresses the challenges posed by the vibration-induced wear and breakage of milling cutters during the machining large parts using industrial robots with six degrees of freedom. The proposed tool wear monitoring method (TWM) relies on a sophisticated framework that integrates a multi-dimensional stacked sparse autoencoders (MD-SSAEs) network and bidirectional long short-term memory networks (BiLSTM) incorporating singularity features. The method begins with a singularity analysis (SA) approach, which is employed to extract local features and eliminate the impact of irregular fluctuations. Following this, MD-SSAEs are strategically designed to conduct dimension reduction of SA features and facilitate the deep fusion of multiple features. Subsequently, BiLSTM is employed to map the deep-fused features and model the relationship between continuous tool wear progression. Finally, two milling experiments with full wear cycle were carried out on a self-made robot milling platform to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The experimental results affirm that the established method demonstrates exceptional prediction accuracy and robust adaptability to variations in cutting parameters. Leveraging this approach, a TWM system is developed, providing an effective tool replacement guide for real-world manufacturing scenarios.
Transcriptome of plasma exosome identifies a hsa-miR-483-5p/mRNAs network that regulates chemotherapy resistance in locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Li Ganbin , Shi Weikun , Li Lifeng , Zhang Xiao , Qiu Xiaoyuan , Chen Weijie , Zhou Jiaolin , Lin Guole
Published: January 2024

Chemoresistance is a primary contributor to distant metastasis in the context of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in rectal cancer, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, the profiles of plasma exosome miRNAs were compared in two dimensions according to treatment responses (poor/well-responders) and treatment courses (pre/post-nCRT) by RNA-sequencing. The exosome hsa-miR-483-5p was up-regulated in well-responders post-nCRT. The bioinformatic analysis revealed that the target genes of hsa-miR-483-5p were mainly enriched in tumor-specific pathways, like MAPK signaling pathway, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, and mTOR signaling pathway. A further analysis indicated that the genes MAPK3, RAX2, RNF165 were associated with inferior recurrence-free survival in rectal cancer patients, and the profiles of MAPK3, TSPYL5, ZNF417 were correlated with tumor stages. In addition, the expression profiles of MAPK3, RNF165, ZNF417 were negatively correlated with inhibitory concentration 50 values. Accordingly, a network of hsa-miR-483-5p/MAPK3/RNF 165/ZNF417 were constructed. The study provides insights into the mechanism of chemoresistance in terms of exosome miRNAs, but further research is needed within the framework of our established miRNA-mRNA network.
Lower bounds for the Randiæ energy of graphs
Authors: Jahanbani Akbar
Published: January 2024

The Randiæ energy of a graph G, denoted by RE(G), is defined as the sum of the absolutevalues of all eigenvalues of Randiæ matrix. In this paper, we will obtain some new lowerbounds for the Randiæ energy and improve some previous well-known bounds.
AMS subject classification: 05C50
Biomimetic Polydopamine Loaded with Janus Kinase Inhibitor for Synergistic Vitiligo Therapy via Hydrogel Microneedles
Authors: Li Chunying , Wang Wenwen , Zhou Sen , Shao Junyi , Ji Xiaolin , Xi Youxia , Xu Qiuyang , Huang Yuhan , Wan Yilin , Li Zhiming , Wang Jingle
Published: January 2024

Background
Both oxidative stress and autoimmune responses play crucial roles in the development of vitiligo. Under oxidative stress, the apoptotic melanocytes exposure self-antigens and release high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), triggering autoimmune activation and recruiting CD8+ T cells. This process further leads to the destruction of melanocytes, resulting in a lack of melanin granules. Additionally, oxidative stress induces keratinocytes to express and release T cell chemotactic factors, exacerbating vitiligo. The reduction of CD8+ T cells by safeguarding melanocytes and keratinocytes from oxidative stress may be contemplated as a promising approach for vitiligo therapy.
Results
In this study, we introduce a novel therapeutic agent called PDA-JAKi, which is capable of both eliminating oxidative stress and inhibiting T cell activation. Specifically, we have incorporated the janus kinase inhibitor (JAKi) tofacitinib into antioxidant polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles, resulting in the formation of uniform PDA-JAKi nanodrug. PDA effectively mitigates apoptosis in melanocytes, reducing the antigen presentation and release of HMGB1. Simultaneously, PDA alleviates oxidative stress in keratinocytes, leading to a reduction in the expression of chemotactic factors. JAKi, binding to JAK, significantly diminishes the activation of T cells. We precisely deliver this therapeutic agent to the dermis using microneedle (MN) patches, aiming to enhance therapeutic efficacy compared to traditional drug administration methods. After PDA-JAKi MN treatment, the symptoms of vitiligo in mice are alleviated, and the affected areas regain pigmentation. Enhancements have been noted in the dermal thickness within the treated skin area. Concurrently, a decrease in the abundance of immune cells, particularly the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, have been observed. Moreover, there is a notable reduction in interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels, along with a substantial decrease in the chemotactic factors C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16).
Conclusions
In summary, PDA-JAKi MN nanoplatform emerges as a promising therapeutic agent in vitiligo treatment.
H2-Quartz and Cushion Gas-Quartz Intermolecular Interactions: Implications for Hydrogen Geo-Storage in Sandstone Reservoirs
Authors: Sikiru Surajudeen , Al-Yaseri Ahmed , Yekeen Nurudeen , Soleimani Hassan , N Bonnia N. , Hamza Mohammed Falalu , Ghotbi Mohammad Yeganeh
Published: January 2024

Emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from fossil fuel usage continue to be an incredibly challenging problem to the attainment of CO2 free global economy; carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and the substitution of fossil fuel with clean hydrogen have been identified as significant primary techniques of achieving net zero carbon emissions. However, predicting the number of gas trapped in the geological storage media effectively and safely is essential in attaining decarbonisation objectives and the hydrogen economy. Successful underground storage of carbon dioxide and hydrogen depends on the wettability of the storage/cap rocks as well as the interfacial interaction between subsurface rocks, the injected gas, and the formation of brine. A key challenge in determining these factors through experimental studies is the presence of conflicting contact angle data and the difficulty of accurately replicating subsurface conditions in the laboratory. To address this issue, molecular dynamics simulations offer a microscopic approach to recreating subsurface conditions and resolving experimentally inconsistent results. Herein, we report the molecular dynamics simulation results for hydrogen (H2) and cushion gas ( e.g., CO2 and N2) on quartz surfaces to understand the capillary and trapping of these gases in sandstone formations. The results of these three gasses were compared to one another. The simulation predictions showed that the intermolecular interactions at the CO2-quartz surface area are more substantial than at the N2 and H2-quartz interface, suggesting that the quartz surface is more CO2-wet than N2 and H2-wet under the same circumstances. In addition, it was found that CO2 has a substantially higher adsorption rate (~ 65 Kcal/mol) than N2 (~ 5 Kcal/mol) and H2 (~ 0.5 Kcal/mol). This phenomenon can be explained by the fact that CO2 density is substantially larger than N2/H2 density at the same geo-storage conditions. As a result, CO2 could be the most favorable cushion gas during underground hydrogen storage (UHS) because a higher CO2 residual is expected compared to H2. However, due to the Van der Waal Interaction force with quartz, only a small amount of H2 can be withdrawn.
Generalized Additive Models versus Geographically Weighted Regression: a comparative analysis
Authors: Alvarez Francisco de Asis Lopez , Ordoñez Celestino , Pardiñas Javier Roca
Published: January 2024

Regression models for spatial data have attracted the attention of researchers from different fields given their widespread application. In this work we analyze the utility of generalized additive models (GAMs) as a regression method with spatially-dependent coefficients and compare them with geographically weighted regression (GWR), a popular method that performs a local linear regression in the vicinity of each point. The comparison was carried out using both simulated and real data. The comparison results on the simulated data showed better fit and lower uncertainty in the GAM approximation. The comparison using real data showed quite similar results for both methods, although the error in GAM was slightly lower for the GAM approach. Two other important aspects of spatial regression were also tackled in this study: 1) testing the spatial heterogeneity of the data, 2) selecting the significant covariates. The first aspect was addressed using both bootstrapping and the Bayesian information criterion (BIC), while only BIC was used for the second aspect.