bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Annexation, normalization and the two-state solution in Israel-Palestine
Authors: Shemer-Kunz Yoav
Published: April 2023

How Israelis and Palestinians see the conflict between both groups and its eventual solution? Based on 38 in-depth interviews with Israeli and Palestinian political leaders, the article analyzes the Palestinian choice of the two-state solution as the best way to bring an end to the Israeli occupation of 1967. The article then explores the Israeli policy of annexation of the West Bank and the entrenchment of apartheid—a one-state reality of unequal rights from the river to the sea. While the Israeli interviewed attempt to normalize this one-state reality, the Palestinians oppose these attempts of normalization and perceive the emerging debate on the need to reconsider the two-state solution as part of Israel's efforts to normalize the facts on the ground. Finally, the article explores the particular position of the Palestinians in Israel, who were not part of the national project of Palestinian statehood and hence developed their own future vision, based on equal citizenship. The article concludes that more research is needed on this particular group.
The interrelatedness of error prevention and error management
Authors: Van der Byl Connie A. , Vredenburg Harrie
Published: April 2023

We study errors in organizations to understand and ideally prevent them from reoccurring. In this study we examine mistakes made as an oil company adopted new technology to access untapped reserves. We find that a pre-existing error management culture (EMC) dominated in the organization while error prevention measures were deficient. This is surprising given the complexity of the business and the importance of safety. We show that a balance between error prevention and error management is difficult to achieve owing to the contradictory nature of these approaches. While the extant organizational error literature identifies the complementary aspect of error prevention and error management it does not consider their interrelatedness–how one affects the other. We find that the dominating error management culture at Suncor Energy contributed to error prevention processes that were misapplied, informal or absent. This highlights the need for deliberate examination of error approaches especially as the business context shifts.
Case Report: “I got my brain back” A patient’s experience with music-induced analgesia for chronic pain
Authors: Mercadillo Roberto E. , Garza-Villarreal Eduardo A.
Published: April 2023

Listening to music has progressively been proposed as a complementary alternative for chronic pain; understanding its properties and its neurobiological bases is urgent. We show a phenomenological investigation of a woman who has lived 20  years with chronic pain. The inquiry involved her experience of the context in which she listens to music, the intensity and quality of pain, body mapping, memories, emotions, and cognition. The participant listens to music for different reasons, such as pain and anxiety relief, motivation to exercise, and quality of sleep, but all seem to revolve around different strategies for pain management. Experiences in physiological and cognitive aspects included perceived restorative sleep that may have improved the participant’s general wellbeing and improved cognitive and motor performance as well as communication skills. The music enabled the participant not only to relieve pain but also withdrawal effects after discontinuing her opioid-based treatment. These effects may encompass endogenous opioid and dopamine mechanisms involving natural analgesia associated with pleasurable experiences. Future studies could consider phenomenological case studies and therapeutic accompaniment to reorient subjective properties of pain and expand quantitative and qualitative knowledge for more comprehensive reports on music and analgesia.
Intercultural sensitivity as a mediator in the relationship between implicit intercultural identification and emotional disturbance—An exploratory study of international high school students
Authors: He Jiayin , Song Xiaoqi , Wang Chanyu , Zhang Ruibin
Published: April 2023

Background

Intercultural adaptation is always associated with emotional disturbances. Intercultural communication competence, as an important competence of intercultural adaptation, involves implicit intercultural identification and intercultural sensitivity. Competence in these areas promotes the process of intercultural adaptation. Little is known about the relationship between intercultural communication competence and emotional disturbances in new students attending international high schools. The intercultural adaptation process of this population requires attention because of the increasing number of high school students attending international schools, and the fact that most of these teenagers are immersed in intercultural contexts for the first time.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of emotional disturbance in new students in an international high school and confirm the relationship among implicit intercultural identification, intercultural sensitivity, and emotional disturbances.

Methods

Study 1 was an investigation of the prevalence of emotional disturbance in 105 students in their 1st year at an international high school using the Self-rating Depression Scale and Self-rating Anxiety Scale. Of these students, 34 were invited to participate in Study 2 to further explore the relationship between intercultural sensitivity, implicit intercultural identification, and emotional disturbances using the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale and Single Category Implicit Association procedure.

Results

Study 1 indicated that 15.24% of students were affected by apparent depression and 10.48% had anxiety symptoms. Study 2 revealed that emotional disturbances significantly correlated with intercultural sensitivity (p < 0.01) and implicit intercultural identification (p < 0.01). The openness factor from intercultural sensitivity mediated the relationship between implicit intercultural identification and depression (ratio of indirect effect = 41.04%, p < 0.05) and anxiety symptoms (ratio of indirect effect = 34.65%, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The study revealed that a significant proportion of students in the 1st year of international high school are affected by emotional difficulties. However, intercultural communication competence is a protective factor. Enhancing the international communication competence of senior students in international high schools is important to mitigate mental health challenges.
Influencing factors of participation in and satisfaction with elderly health checkups: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Ying-Jen , Lin Chiou-Fen , Feng Jie , Chiu Huei-Ling
Published: April 2023

Background

Attending health checkups as a primary prevention strategy benefits older adults in facilitating the identification of health issues and risk factors for disease. Little is known about factors influencing participation in and satisfaction with a free annual elderly health checkup program (EHCP) in Taiwan. This study aimed to extend current knowledge related to the uptake of this service and individuals' views of the service.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study using a telephone interview survey method to compare influencing factors and satisfaction between participants and non-participants of an EHCP. The individuals involved were older adults in Taipei, Taiwan. The random sampling method included 1,100 people, 550 older adults who had participated in the EHCP within the last 3 years, and 550 older adults who had not. A questionnaire containing personal characteristics and satisfaction with the EHCP was used. Independent t-test and Pearson's Chi-squared test were used to evaluate differences between the two groups. Associations between individual characteristics and health checkup attendance were estimated using log-binomial models.

Results

Results showed that 51.64% of participants reported being satisfied with the checkups; however, only 41.09% of non-participants were satisfied. In the association analysis, age, educational level, chronic diseases, and subjective satisfaction were related to older persons' participation. Furthermore, having a stroke was associated with a higher attendance rate [prevalence ratio: 1.49; 95% confidence interval: (1.13, 1.96)].

Conclusions

The EHCP had a high proportion of satisfaction among participants, but the proportion was low among non-participants. Several factors were associated with participation and might lead to unequal healthcare service uptake. Health checkups need to increase among people at a young age, those with low educational backgrounds, and those without chronic diseases.
What You Need to Know About Dental Caries and How to Prevent This Disease
Authors: Ferreira Luanna Gonçalves , Amaro da Silva Caroline , Ribeiro Yuri Jivago Silva , Paula-Silva Francisco Wanderley Garcia
Published: April 2023

The human mouth is home to many microorganisms, both heroes and villains. The most famous villains feed on the sugar we eat. Sugars make the villains strong, and the villains can hurt our teeth and cause dental caries (cavities). Cavities often happen when we eat too many candies and do not brush our teeth which make our teeth extremely weak. To prevent cavities, we can change our eating behaviors and improve our oral hygiene habits, which include brushing our teeth with toothpaste and using dental floss. It is important to ensure that our teeth are strong and healthy. After all, who does not want to have healthy teeth?
Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography perfusion parameters of canine suspected brain tumors at baseline and during radiotherapy might be different depending on tumor location but not associated with survival
Authors: Mortier Jeremy R. , Maddox Thomas W. , Blackwood Laura , La Fontaine Matthew D. , Busoni Valeria
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Treatment of brain tumors in dogs can be associated with significant morbidity and reliable prognostic factors are lacking. Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (DCECT) can be used to assess tumor perfusion. The objectives of this study were to assess perfusion parameters and change in size of suspected brain tumors before and during radiotherapy (RT) depending on their location and find a potential correlation with survival.

Methods

Seventeen client-owned dogs with suspected brain tumors were prospectively recruited. All dogs had a baseline DCECT to assess mass size, blood volume (BV), blood flow (BF), and transit time (TT). Twelve dogs had a repeat DCECT after 12 Gy of megavoltage RT. Survival times were calculated.

Results

Intra-axial masses had lower BF (p = 0.005) and BV (p < 0.001) than extra-axial masses but not than pituitary masses. Pituitary masses had lower BF (p = 0.001) and BV (p = 0.004) than extra-axial masses. The volume of the mass was positively associated with TT (p = 0.001) but not with BF and BV. Intra-axial masses showed a more marked decrease in size than extra-axial and pituitary masses during RT (p = 0.022 for length, p = 0.05 for height). Extra-axial masses showed a greater decrease in BF (p = 0.011) and BV (p = 0.012) during RT than pituitary masses and intra-axial masses. Heavier dogs had a shorter survival time (p = 0.011). Perfusion parameters were not correlated with survival.

Conclusion

DCECT perfusion parameters and change in size of brain masses during RT might be different based on the location of the mass.
Optimal Siting and Sizing of FACTS in Distribution Networks Using the Black Widow Algorithm
Authors: Santamaria-Henao Nicolas , Montoya Oscar Danilo , Trujillo-Rodríguez César Leonardo
Published: April 2023

The problem regarding the optimal placement and sizing of different FACTS (flexible alternating current transmission systems) in electrical distribution networks is addressed in this research by applying a master–slave optimization approach. The FACTS analyzed correspond to the unified power flow controller (UPFC), the thyristor-controlled shunt compensator (TCSC, also known as the thyristor switched capacitor, or TSC), and the static var compensator (SVC). The master stage is entrusted with defining the location and size of each FACTS device using hybrid discrete-continuous codification through the application of the black widow optimization (BWO) approach. The slave stage corresponds to the successive approximations power flow method based on the admittance grid formulation, which allows determining the expected costs of the energy losses for a one-year operation period. The numerical results in the IEEE 33-, 69-, and 85-bus grids demonstrate that the best FACTS device for locating in distribution networks is the SVC, given that, when compared to the UPFC and the TCSC, it allows for the best possible reduction in the equivalent annual investment and operating cost. A comparative analysis with the General Algebraic Modeling System software, with the aim to solve the exact mixed-integer nonlinear programming model, demonstrated the proposed BWO approach’s effectiveness in determining the best location and size for the FACTS in radial distribution networks. Reductions of about 12.63% and 13.97% concerning the benchmark cases confirmed that the SVC is the best option for reactive power compensation in distribution grids.
Implication of Altered Acoustic Active Space for Cetacean Species That Result from Soundscape Changes and Noise Additions
Authors: Burnham Rianna , Duffus David
Published: April 2023

Organisms use multi-modal, scale-dependent, sensory information to decipher their surroundings. This can include, for example, recognizing the presence of con- or heterospecifics, including a predatory threat, the presence and abundance of prey, or navigational cues to travel between breeding or feeding areas. Here we advocate for the use of the concept of active space to understand the extent to which an individual might be sending and receiving habitat information, describing this as the active component of their niche space. We present the use of active space as a means to understand ecological interactions, giving focus to those species whose active space is acoustically defined, in particular, cetacean species. We show how the application of estimates of active space, and changes in extent, can help better understand the potential disturbance effects of changes in the soundscape, and be a useful metric to estimate possible adverse effects even when stress responses, or behavioral or calling modifications are not obvious.
How Much Food Loss and Waste Do Countries with Problems with Food Security Generate?
Authors: Durán-Sandoval Daniel , Durán-Romero Gemma , Uleri Francesca
Published: April 2023

Worldwide, the number of people suffering from hunger is around 702 and 828 million, and 2.3 billion people have moderate or severe food insecurity. This situation is striking, considering that the vast amount of food discarded globally equals 1.3 billion tons annually. For this reason, in 2015, world leaders agreed to a global agenda for 2030, adopting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among its objectives, are to fight against poverty, hunger, and gender inequality worldwide and achieve environmental sustainability. With this framework, this article uses a top-down mass balance approach to calculate food loss and waste (FLW) by country’s food security level. In addition, it explores the causes of FLW and its impacts on natural resources, climate change, food security, and the SDGs in countries with a weak and moderate level of food security. The estimated global FLW was 1498 million tons of food in 2017. The most food discarded was concentrated in countries with good food security, 894.3 million tons. In contrast, the lowest food discard occurred in countries with a weak level of food security, 11.4 million tons. The primary outcome of this paper is to establish a link between the levels of food security and food loss in different countries, which may serve as a guide for the design of specific public policies.
Effect of Microbial Preparation and Biomass Incorporation on Soil Biological and Chemical Properties
Authors: Breza-Boruta Barbara , Bauza-Kaszewska Justyna
Published: April 2023

In order to meet the global nutritional needs of a growing population, attempts are being made to develop strategies that can effectively offset the negative effects of intensive farming. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Effective Microorganisms (EM) preparation and organic matter incorporation on the soil microbiological and chemical features. The analyses included the number of heterotrophic bacteria, fungi, actinobacteria, cellulolytic, amylolytic and proteolytic microorganisms, and bacteria of the genus Azotobacter. The content of organic carbon, the total and mineral nitrogen forms of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and the pH were also determined. The application of an EM of higher dose combined with the manure and straw resulted in the highest abundance of heterotrophic bacteria (165.1 × 106 cfu g−1), actinobacteria (43.2 × 105 cfu g−1), cellulolytic (17.2 × 106 cfu g−1), and proteolytic bacteria (82.0 × 106 cfu g−1). The highest content of chemical parameters was always observed in the experimental variant, including biomass incorporation, accompanied by EM use. The novelty of our research is the analysis of the synergistic effect of the experimental factors studied on the microbiological and chemical parameters of arable soils.
Random Forest Modeling of Soil Properties in Saline Semi-Arid Areas
Authors: Suleymanov Azamat , Gabbasova Ilyusya , Komissarov Mikhail , Suleymanov Ruslan , Garipov Timur , Tuktarova Iren , Belan Larisa
Published: April 2023

The problem of salinization/spreading of saline soils is becoming more urgent in many regions of the world, especially in context of climate change. The monitoring of salt-affected soils’ properties is a necessary procedure in land management and irrigation planning and is aimed to obtain high crop harvest and reduce degradation processes. In this work, a machine learning method was applied for modeling of the spatial distribution of topsoil (0–20 cm) properties—in particular: soil organic carbon (SOC), pH, and salt content (dry residue). A random forest (RF) machine learning approach was used in combination with environmental variables to predict soil properties in a semi-arid area (Trans-Ural steppe zone). Soil, salinity, and texture maps; topography attributes; and remote sensing data (RSD) were used as predictors. The coefficient of determination (R2) and the root mean square error (RMSE) were used to estimate the performance of the RF model. The cross-validation result showed that the RF model achieved an R2 of 0.59 and an RMSE of 0.68 for SOM; 0.36 and 0.65, respectively, for soil pH; and 0.78 and 1.21, respectively for dry residue prediction. The SOC content ranged from 0.8 to 2.8%, with an average value of 1.9%; soil pH ranged from 5.9 to 8.4, with an average of 7.2; dry residue varied greatly from 0.04 to 16.8%, with an average value of 1.3%. A variable importance analysis indicated that remote sensing variables (salinity indices and NDVI) were dominant in the spatial prediction of soil parameters. The importance of RSD for evaluating saline soils and their properties is explained by their absorption characteristics/reflectivity in the visible and near-infrared spectra. Solonchak soils are distinguished by a salt crust on the land surface and, as a result, reduced SOC contents and vegetation biomass. However, the change in saline and non-saline soils over a short distance with mosaic structure of soil cover requires high-resolution RSD or aerial images obtained from unmanned aerial vehicle/drones for successful digital mapping of soil parameters. The presented results provide an effective method to estimate soil properties in saline landscapes for further land management/reclamation planning of degraded soils in arid and semi-arid regions.
Natural Antimicrobials Promote the Anti-Oxidative Inhibition of COX-2 Mediated Inflammatory Response in Primary Oral Cells Infected with Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Butucel Eugenia , Balta Igori , Bundurus Iulia Adelina , Popescu Cosmin Alin , Iancu Tiberiu , Venig Adelina , Pet Ioan , Stef Ducu , McCleery David , Stef Lavinia , Corcionivoschi Nicolae
Published: April 2023

Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Enterococcus faecalis can colonize the tooth root canals, adhere to dentin walls, and frequently cause periodontitis in dogs. Bacterial periodontal diseases are common in domesticated pets, causing severe oral cavity inflammation and a strong immune response. This study investigates the antioxidant effect of a natural antimicrobial mixture (Auraguard—Ag) on the ability of S. aureus, S. pyogenes and E. faecalis to infect primary canine oral epithelial cells as well as its impact on their virulence factors. Our data show that a concentration of 0.25% Ag is sufficient to inhibit the growth of all three pathogens, whereas a concentration of 0.5% will become bactericidal. The sub-inhibitory concentration of 0.125% Ag reveals that the antimicrobial mixture can significantly reduce biofilm formation and exopolysaccharide production. The impact on these virulence factors was further translated into a significantly reduced ability to infect primary canine oral epithelial cells and restore epithelial tight junctions, with no impact on the epithelial cell viability. The post-infection inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-8) and the COX-2 mediator were also reduced both in mRNA and protein expression levels. The oxidative burst, detected upon infection, was also decreased in the presence of Ag, as our results show a significant decrease in H2O2 released by the infected cells. We show that inhibition of either NADPH or ERK activity will result in a downregulation of COX-2 expression and lower levels of H2O2 in infected cells. Conclusively, our study shows that natural antimicrobials reduce pro-inflammatory events, post infection, through an antioxidative mechanism that involves the downregulation of the COX-2 mediator via the inactivation of ERK in the absence of H2O2. As a result, they significantly reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infections and host oxidative stress caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Enterococcus faecalis accumulation in biofilms in an in vitro canine oral infection model.
Global Oxidative Status Is Linked to Calcific Aortic Stenosis: The Differences Due to Diabetes Mellitus and the Effects of Metformin
Authors: Corbacho-Alonso Nerea , Rodríguez-Sánchez Elena , Sastre-Oliva Tamara , Mercado-García Elisa , Perales-Sánchez Ines , Juarez-Alia Cristina , López-Almodovar Luis F. , Padial Luis R. , Tejerina Teresa , Mourino-Alvarez Laura , Ruiz-Hurtado Gema , Barderas María G.
Published: April 2023

Calcific aortic stenosis (CAS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are related and often concomitant pathologies, accompanied by common comorbidities such as hypertension or dyslipidemia. Oxidative stress is one of the mechanisms that trigger CAS, and it can drive the vascular complications in T2DM. Metformin can inhibit oxidative stress, yet its effects have not been studied in the context of CAS. Here, we assessed the global oxidative status in plasma from patients with CAS, both alone and with T2DM (and under treatment with metformin), using multimarker scores of systemic oxidative damage (OxyScore) and antioxidant defense (AntioxyScore). The OxyScore was determined by measuring carbonyls, oxidized LDL (oxLDL), 8-hydroxy-20-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity. In contrast, the AntioxyScore was determined through the catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, as well as the total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Patients with CAS displayed enhanced oxidative stress compared to control subjects, probably exceeding their antioxidant capacity. Interestingly, patients with CAS and T2DM displayed less oxidative stress, possibly due to the benefits of their pharmacological therapy (metformin). Thus, reducing oxidative stress or enhancing antioxidant capacity through specific therapies could be a good strategy to manage CAS, focusing on personalized medicine.
Greenhouse Residues’ Potential for Biogas Production
Authors: Gioulounta Kleio , Matska Maria , Piskilopoulos Arsenios , Stamatelatou Katerina
Published: April 2023

Agricultural residues are intensively evaluated as potential feedstocks for biogas plants. Vegetable crops generate massive residues during and at the end of their growing seasons. A greenhouse facility in Greece, Thrace Greenhouses S.A., generates 7000–8000 t per year of residual green biomass, resulting from the hydroponic cultivation of tomatoes and cucumbers on 170,000 m2 of land from February to November. The crop residues included leaves, suckers, and stalks. The biochemical methane potential (BMP) estimation was realized on samples taken in March, May, and August, as well as at the end of cultivation (November). Suckers, leaves, and stalks of both plants yielded a range of 221–357, 210–296, and 225–250 NL kg−1 VS, respectively. t-test statistical analysis showed that the BMP of the leaves and suckers were statistically different for tomato and cucumber plants. The BMP of stalks was lower than the other residue types except for the tomato leaves. The diauxic behavior of the specifi‘1c methane production curves indicated that the two-phase Gompertz model (TGM) was the most suitable. The model fitting showed that leaves and suckers, in spite of having a higher BMP than the stalks, exhibited a lower maximum specific methane production rate constant than the stalks during the first phase, which may indicate the presence of inhibitory or slowly biodegradable compounds in leaves and suckers in comparison to the stalks.
Arsenic Contamination in Groundwater, Soil and the Food-Chain: Risk Management in a Densely Populated Area (Versilia Plain, Italy)
Authors: Ghezzi Lisa , Arrighi Simone , Petrini Riccardo , Bini Monica , Vittori Antisari Livia , Franceschini Fabrizio , Franchi Maria Letizia , Giannecchini Roberto
Published: April 2023

This study deals with arsenic distribution in groundwater, soil and edible vegetables in the densely populated area of the Versilia Plain (Tuscany region, Italy), addressing potential impacts on people’s health. The data revealed high As concentrations in some domestic irrigation wells, exceeding 1200 µg/L. The average As concentration in topsoil and subsoil was 39 and 46 mg/kg, respectively, with the highest concentration reaching about 200 mg/kg. Arsenic concentrates in plant roots compared with the edible parts; in tomato fruits, black cabbage leaves and edible leek parts As reached about 0.2 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg, respectively. Geochemical and hydrostratigraphic data suggest that As in soils and alluvial sediments originated from mineralized and historical upstream mining areas. The exposure routes for both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessment here considered include soil ingestion, dermal absorption, soil dust inhalation and vegetable consumption. For non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects, the hazard was higher than the acceptance threshold. The calculated soil screening levels resulted even lower than the guideline soil-concentration imposed by Italian regulations, and this poses an issue on the actual meaning of arsenic regulatory thresholds.
Inversion Analysis Method for Tunnel and Underground Space Engineering: A Short Review
Authors: Song Zhanping , Yang Zifan , Huo Runke , Zhang Yuwei
Published: April 2023

With the rise of the fourth industrial revolution, traditional methods of analyzing investment have been transformed into intelligent methods under big data and the Internet of Things. This has created a new approach to solving practical engineering problems. This paper examines the formation and evolution of the application of inversion theory in tunnel and underground engineering, summarizing research progress using traditional and intelligent inversion analysis methods to identify three types of target unknown quantities in tunnels and underground projects: initial ground stress, support structure load, and tunnel characteristic parameters. It also offers an outlook on how to optimize inversion analysis methods to solve more challenging and complex tunneling problems in the context of informatization, digitalization, and intelligence. In the current research process of tunnel and underground space engineering problems, the inversion theory system has been improved, but inversion analysis methods still face many challenges. These include the low reliability of initial ground stress inversion under complex geological conditions, the lack of indicators to objectively evaluate the accuracy of inversion analysis, and the high costs of intelligent inversion analysis means. Moving forward in the context of big data and the information era, the future development direction for inversion theory and inversion methods in tunnel and underground space engineering is to combine new monitoring technology, computer vision technology, and simulation analysis technology to establish multifaceted intelligent inversion analysis models.
Characterization and Productivity of Alluvial Aquifers in Sustainability Oasis Areas: A Case Study of the Tata Watershed (Southeast Morocco)
Authors: Echogdali Fatima Zahra , Boutaleb Said , El Ayady Hasna , Aadraoui Mohamed , Abdelrahman Kamal , Bendarma Amine , Ikirri Mustapha , Abu-Alam Tamer , Id-Belqas Mouna , Abioui Mohamed
Published: April 2023

Groundwater from alluvial aquifers is a critical source of water supply for rural agriculture, particularly in semi-arid and arid regions. Effective management of these aquifers requires an understanding of the factors that influence their water resources. In this study, we present a case study of the Tata watershed in southeastern Morocco, where the economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and relies exclusively on groundwater. We demonstrate the importance of integrating geological, hydrogeological, and geophysical methods to characterize the aquifer and evaluate groundwater productivity. Analysis of 64 data wells tapping into the aquifer revealed significant disparities in flow yields, ranging from 0.05 to 15.50 L per second. The highest yields were found between depths of 12 and 43 m, which correspond to the alluvium and the altered and fractured part of its substrate. The maximum alluvial thickness of 57 m was determined using geo-electrical prospecting. A piezometric map was created to define the recharge zones, which correspond to the lateral contributions of the bordering Georgian limestones, and infiltration of both rain and surface water along the Tata wadi. Since 1987, there has been a continuous drop in groundwater level, which can be attributed to the increase in irrigated areas following financial incentives provided by the Moroccan government to the agricultural sector. A proposal has been made for the construction of a recharge dam to enable the recharge of the alluvial aquifer. This development is expected to serve a dual purpose by mitigating the deleterious impacts of flooding and facilitating the gradual water infiltration of the alluvial aquifer. This case study provides insights into the hydrodynamics of the aquifer and establishes a simplified model of its functioning. These findings have important implications for the management of alluvial aquifers in similar regions.
Experimental Verification and Analysis of Vibration Damping Structure of Piezoelectric Ceramic Grain Loss Sensor
Authors: Wang Jizhong , Wang Fengzhu , Zhang Weipeng , Liu Yangchun , Zhao Bo , Fang Xianfa
Published: April 2023

In this study, in order to achieve accurate detection of grain loss during the process of combine harvester harvesting, a piezoelectric-based grain loss sensor has been developed. The sensor utilizes a double-layer circular piezoelectric ceramic sheet as its sensitive element. When different grains come into contact with the sensitive element, the piezoelectric effect of the ceramic sheet generates corresponding charges. These charges are then converted into knock charge signals through a charge amplification signal processing circuit that has been specially designed for this purpose. The harsh operating conditions of the sensor, including the presence of significant vibration and noise interference, necessitate the incorporation of a double-layer vibration-damping structure in both the top and bottom layers of the sensor. This paper seeks to analyze the vibration-damping effect of various shock-absorbing materials and structures incorporated into the sensor. This is accomplished by creating a dynamic analysis model that accounts for vibration interference. Furthermore, an experimental bench is established for the purpose of verifying the vibration-damping test results. These tests demonstrate that the utilization of a properly selected vibration-damping structure and materials can effectively eliminate mechanical vibration and noise interference. This, in turn, leads to improved detection accuracy of charge signals after knocking and enhances the overall anti-interference ability of the sensor.
A Multidimensional Spectral Transformer with Channel-Wise Correlation for Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Zhang Kai , Tan Zheng , Sun Jianying , Zhu Baoyu , Yang Yuanbo , Lv Qunbo
Published: April 2023

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been developed as an effective strategy for hyperspectral image (HSI) classification. However, the lack of feature extraction by CNN networks is due to the network failing to effectively extract global features and poor capability in distinguishing between different feature categories that are similar. In order to solve these problems, this paper proposes a novel approach to hyperspectral image classification using a multidimensional spectral transformer with channel-wise correlation. The proposed method consists of two key components: an input mask and a channel correlation block. The input mask is used to extract relevant spectral information from hyperspectral images and discard irrelevant information, reducing the dimensionality of the input data and improving classification accuracy. The channel correlation block captures the correlations between different spectral channels and is integrated into the transformer network to improve the model’s discrimination power. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves great performance with several benchmark hyperspectral image datasets. The input mask and channel correlation block effectively improve classification accuracy and reduce computational complexity.
Study on the Influence of Different Factors on Pneumatic Conveying in Horizontal Pipe
Authors: Wang Chengming , Li Wenqi , Li Baojun , Jia Zezhong , Jiao Shihui , Ma Hao
Published: April 2023

Aiming at the problems of high energy consumption and particle breakage in the pneumatic conveying process of large-scale breeding enterprises, in this paper, based on the theoretical calculated value of particle suspension velocity, a computational fluid model and a discrete element model are established based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM). Then, through the numerical simulation of gas-solid two-phase flow, the influence of four factors of conveying wind speed, particle mass flow rate, pipe diameter, and particle size on the velocity distribution of particles in a horizontal pipe, dynamic pressure change in the pipe, pressure drop in the pipe, and solid mass concentration are studied. The results show that the k-ε turbulence model can better simulate the movement of gas-solid two-phase flow, and through the analysis of the simulation, the influence of four different factors on the conveying characteristics is obtained, which provides a scientific basis for the construction of the conveying line.
The Regularization Technique in Modeling of the Plane E-Polarized EM Wave Scattering by Coplanar System of Electrically Conducting Flat Strips
Authors: Koshovy George I. , Koshovy Andrii G.
Published: April 2023

The integral equations technique has been successfully modified for studying the plane E-polarized electromagnetic wave scattering by multilevel coplanar systems of zero-thickness impedance strips. Reformulation of the scattering problem in the form of the second-kind regular integral equations has been realized on the base of the Carleman regularization technique. Two novel and original classes of specific Cantor functions have been presented and analyzed. Using new Cantor functions, it is easy to create a lot of non-classical orderings for specific multilevel coplanar strips systems. That sort of system can be useful for modeling irregular natural processes and zones in the future. Considerable attention was focused on the plane E-polarized electromagnetic wave scattering by sparsely filled coplanar systems of electrically narrow impedance strips. An explicit solution of the scattering problem has been obtained for such case of strips system.
Guided Access through Ceramic Crowns with Fiberglass Post Removal in Lower Molars: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Fachin Gustavo Freitas , Dinato Thiago Revillion , Prates Frederico Ballvé , Connert Thomas , Pelegrine Rina Andrea , Bueno Carlos Eduardo da Silveira
Published: April 2023

This in vitro study evaluated the accuracy of guided endodontics for the removal of intraradicular fiberglass posts from posterior mandibular teeth and the influence of the operator’s experience in this procedure. Forty root-filled mandibular first molars with an intraradicular fiberglass post were mounted onto 20 mandibular models. Guides for access were made following surface scanning and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) using CoDiagnostix software. The models were randomly divided between two operators (n = 20). One was an inexperienced dental surgeon (IN), and the other was a dentist experienced in the guided technique (EX). A postoperative CBCT scan was superimposed on the initial planning, and the means were calculated for the angle and for 3D deviation. The 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated, and differences between groups were assessed by a t-test. The mean deviation angle was 2.54° (0–5.85°) for IN and 1.55° (0–2.85°) for EX. The mean 3D deviation was 0.44 mm (0.14–0.73 mm) for IN and 0.33 mm (0.11–0.76 mm) for EX. The means of the angle and 3D deviation were significantly different (p = 0.008 and p = 0.049). Guided endodontics was influenced by the operator and allowed access for removing intraradicular fiberglass posts with minimal deviation and greater accuracy for an experienced operator compared with an inexperienced one.
A High Performance 0.3 V Standard-Cell-Based OTA Suitable for Automatic Layout Flow
Authors: Della Sala Riccardo , Centurelli Francesco , Scotti Giuseppe
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we propose a novel standard-cell-based OTA architecture based on an improved version of the differential to single-ended converter, previously proposed by the authors, on a novel standard-cell-based basic voltage amplifier block. Due to a replica-bias approach, the basic voltage amplifier exhibits a well-defined output static voltage to allow easy cascadability. Another feature of the basic voltage amplifier is to provide a low output impedance to allow dominant pole compensation at the output of the cascade of several stages. An ultra-low voltage (ULV) standard-cell-based OTA based on the proposed architecture and building blocks has been designed referring to the standard-cell library of a 130-nm CMOS process with a supply voltage of 0.3 V. The layout of the OTA has been implemented by following an automatic layout flow within a commercial tool for the place-and-route of digital circuits. Simulation results have shown a differential gain of 50 dB with a gain–bandwidth product of 10 MHz when driving a 150 pF load capacitance. Good robustness is achieved under PVT variations, in particular for voltage gain, offset voltage, and phase margin. State-of-the-art small signal figures of merit and limited area footprint are key characteristics of the proposed amplifier.
The Markov Bernoulli Lomax with Applications Censored and COVID-19 Drought Mortality Rate Data
Authors: Mohammed Bahady I. , Tashkandy Yusra A. , El-Raouf Mohmoud M. Abd , Hossain Md. Moyazzem , Bakr Mahmoud E.
Published: April 2023

In this article, we present a Markov Bernoulli Lomax (MB-L) model, which is obtained by a countable mixture of Markov Bernoulli and Lomax distributions, with decreasing and unimodal hazard rate function (HRF). The new model contains Marshall- Olkin Lomax and Lomax distributions as a special case. The mathematical properties, as behavior of probability density function (PDF), HRF, rth moments, moment generating function (MGF) and minimum (maximum) Markov-Bernoulli Geometric (MBG) stable are studied. Moreover, the estimates of the model parameters by maximum likelihood are obtained. The maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), bias and mean squared error (MSE) of MB-L parameters are inspected by simulation study. Finally, a MB-L distribution was fitted to the randomly censored and COVID-19 (complete) data.
Extracellular Vesicles as Potential Therapeutic Messengers in Cancer Management
Authors: Almeida Cristina , Teixeira Ana Luísa , Dias Francisca , Morais Mariana , Medeiros Rui
Published: April 2023

A deeper understanding of the communication mechanisms of tumor cells in a tumor microenvironment can improve the development of new therapeutic solutions, leading to a more personalized approach. Recently, the field of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has drawn attention due to their key role in intercellular communication. EVs are nano-sized lipid bilayer vesicles that are secreted by all types of cells and can function as intermediators of intercellular communication with the ability to transfer different cargo (proteins, nucleic acids, sugar…) types among cells. This role of EVs is essential in a cancer context as it can affect tumor promotion and progression and contribute to the pre-metastatic niche establishment. Therefore, scientists from basic, translational, and clinical research areas are currently researching EVs with great expectations due to their potential to be used as clinical biomarkers, which are useful for disease diagnosis, prognosis, patient follow-up, or even as vehicles for drug delivery due to their natural carrier nature. The application of EVs presents numerous advantages as drug delivery vehicles, namely their capacity to overcome natural barriers, their inherent cell-targeting properties, and their stability in the circulation. In this review, we highlight the distinctive features of EVs, their application as efficient drug delivery systems, and their clinical applications.
The Role of Peroxiredoxins in Cancer Development
Authors: Thapa Pratik , Jiang Hong , Ding Na , Hao Yanning , Alshahrani Aziza , Wei Qiou
Published: April 2023

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are antioxidant enzymes with ubiquitous expression in human tissues. Prxs are expressed in archaea, bacteria, and eukaryota, often in multiple isoforms. Because of their abundant expression in different cellular organelles and extraordinary sensitivity to H2O2, Prxs are among the first defenses against oxidative stress. Prxs undergo reversible oxidation to disulfides, and some family members perform chaperone or phospholipase functions upon further oxidation. Prxs are upregulated in cancer cells. Research has suggested that Prxs can function as tumor promoters in various cancers. The major objective of this review is to summarize novel findings regarding the roles of Prxs in common cancer types. Prxs have been shown to influence differentiation of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts, remodeling of extracellular matrix, and regulation of stemness. Since aggressive cancer cells have higher intracellular levels of ROS that they can utilize to proliferate and metastasize compared to normal cells, it is critical that we understand the regulation and functions of primary antioxidants such as Prxs. These small but mighty proteins could prove to be key for improving cancer therapeutics and patient survival.
Homogeneous, Synthetic, Non-Saccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics as Potent Inhibitors of Human Cathepsin G
Authors: Afosah Daniel K. , Fayyad Rawan M. , Puliafico Valerie R. , Merrell Spencer , Langmia Eltice K. , Diagne Sophie R. , Al-Horani Rami A. , Desai Umesh R.
Published: April 2023

Cathepsin G (CatG) is a pro-inflammatory neutrophil serine protease that is important for host defense, and has been implicated in several inflammatory disorders. Hence, inhibition of CatG holds much therapeutic potential; however, only a few inhibitors have been identified to date, and none have reached clinical trials. Of these, heparin is a well-known inhibitor of CatG, but its heterogeneity and bleeding risk reduce its clinical potential. We reasoned that synthetic small mimetics of heparin, labeled as non-saccharide glycosaminoglycan mimetics (NSGMs), would exhibit potent CatG inhibition while being devoid of bleeding risks associated with heparin. Hence, we screened a focused library of 30 NSGMs for CatG inhibition using a chromogenic substrate hydrolysis assay and identified nano- to micro-molar inhibitors with varying levels of efficacy. Of these, a structurally-defined, octasulfated di-quercetin NSGM 25 inhibited CatG with a potency of ~50 nM. NSGM 25 binds to CatG in an allosteric site through an approximately equal contribution of ionic and nonionic forces. Octasulfated 25 exhibits no impact on human plasma clotting, suggesting minimal bleeding risk. Considering that octasulfated 25 also potently inhibits two other pro-inflammatory proteases, human neutrophil elastase and human plasmin, the current results imply the possibility of a multi-pronged anti-inflammatory approach in which these proteases are likely to simultaneously likely combat important conditions, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, emphysema, or cystic fibrosis, with minimal bleeding risk.
Physical Exercise Induces Significant Changes in Immunoglobulin G N-Glycan Composition in a Previously Inactive, Overweight Population
Authors: Šimunić-Briški Nina , Zekić Robert , Dukarić Vedran , Očić Mateja , Frkatović-Hodžić Azra , Deriš Helena , Lauc Gordan , Knjaz Damir
Published: April 2023

Regular exercise improves health, modulating the immune system and impacting inflammatory status. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycosylation reflects changes in inflammatory status; thus, we investigated the impact of regular exercise on overall inflammatory status by monitoring IgG N-glycosylation in a previously inactive, middle-aged, overweight and obese population (50.30 ± 9.23 years, BMI 30.57 ± 4.81). Study participants (N = 397) underwent one of three different exercise programs lasting three months with blood samples collected at baseline and at the end of intervention. After chromatographically profiling IgG N-glycans, linear mixed models with age and sex adjustment were used to investigate exercise effects on IgG glycosylation. Exercise intervention induced significant changes in IgG N-glycome composition. We observed an increase in agalactosylated, monogalctosylated, asialylated and core-fucosylated N-glycans (padj = 1.00 × 10−4, 2.41 × 10−25, 1.51 × 10−21 and 3.38 × 10−30, respectively) and a decrease in digalactosylated, mono- and di-sialylated N-glycans (padj = 4.93 × 10−12, 7.61 × 10−9 and 1.09 × 10−28, respectively). We also observed a significant increase in GP9 (glycan structure FA2[3]G1, β = 0.126, padj = 2.05 × 10−16), previously reported to have a protective cardiovascular role in women, highlighting the importance of regular exercise for cardiovascular health. Other alterations in IgG N-glycosylation reflect an increased pro-inflammatory IgG potential, expected in a previously inactive and overweight population, where metabolic remodeling is in the early stages due to exercise introduction.