bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a cognitive-based intervention program using social robot PIO on cognitive function, depression, loneliness, and quality of life of older adults living alone
Authors: Lim JunSeo
Published: February 2023

Objective

Social robot interventions are being implemented to reduce cognitive decline, depression, and loneliness among older adults. However, the types, functions, and programs of effective social robots have not yet been confirmed. This study investigated whether a social robot intervention is effective in improving cognitive function, depression, loneliness, and quality of life in older adults living alone.

Methods

This study used a non-equivalent control group pre-test–post-test design. It was conducted twice a week, with each session lasting 50 mi; twelve sessions were conducted over 6 weeks. This study was conducted at three senior welfare centers in Korea. In each group, 10 or fewer participants used the PIO social robot. The total participants included 64 people in the experimental (n = 31) and control groups (n = 33), and consisted of older people over 65 years of age living alone.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in the pre-post values for cognitive function (z = 5.21, p < 0.001), depression (z = −2.99, p = 0.003), and loneliness (t = −4.27, p < 0.001) in the experimental and control groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference for quality of life (z = 1.84, p = 0.066).

Conclusions

It was confirmed that a cognitive intervention program using the social robot PIO can improve cognitive function and reduce depression and loneliness in older adults living alone.
What are the sources of contraceptives for married and unmarried adolescents: Health services or friends? Analysis of 59 low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Hellwig Franciele , Barros Aluísio J. D.
Published: February 2023

Background

Despite the efforts to promote universal coverage for family planning, inequalities are still high in several countries. Our aim was to identify which sources of contraceptives women mostly rely on in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We also explored the different sources according to age and marital status.

Methods

We used data from national health surveys carried out in 59 LMICs since 2010. Among all sexually active women at reproductive age, we explored inequalities in demand for family planning satisfied by modern methods (mDFPS) and in the source of modern contraceptives according to women's age, classified as: 15–19, 20–34, or 35–49 years of age. Among adolescents, mDFPS and source of method were explored by marital status, classified as married or in union and not married nor in a union.

Results

mDFPS was lower among adolescents than among adult women in 28 of the 59 countries. The lowest levels of mDFPS among adolescents were identified in Albania (6.1%) and Chad (8.2%). According to adolescents' marital status, the pattern of inequalities in mDFPS varied widely between regions, with married and unmarried adolescents showing similar levels of coverage in Latin America and the Caribbean, higher coverage among unmarried adolescents in Africa, and lower coverage among unmarried adolescents in Asia. Public and private health services were the main sources, with a lower share of the public sector among adolescents in almost all countries. The proportion of adolescents who obtained their contraceptives in the public sector was lower among unmarried girls than married ones in 31 of the 38 countries with data. Friends or relatives were a more significant source of contraceptives among unmarried compared to married adolescents in all regions.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate lower levels of mDFPS and lower use of the public sector by adolescents, especially unmarried girls. More attention is needed to provide high-quality and affordable family planning services for adolescents, especially for those who are not married.
Prevalence, antimicrobial resistance pattern, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella among under five diarrheic children attending public health facilities in Debre Markos town, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Dessale Mesfin , Mengistu Getachew , Mengist Hylemariam Mihiretie
Published: February 2023

Background

Under five children are at risk of diarrhea-associated morbidity and mortality. Salmonella and Shigella are major causes of diarrhea in under-five children, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance pattern, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella among under-five diarrheic children in Debre Markos town public health facilities.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at public health facilities in Debre Markos town using a consecutive convenient sampling technique. Data on socio-demographic and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Salmonella serovars and Shigella species were identified using MacConkey, Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate, Salmonella Shigella agar, and biochemical tests. The antimicrobial resistance pattern was determined by using the modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique.

Results

The overall prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella was 11.7% (26/222; 95% CI = 7.2–17.5%). Isolated Salmonella serovars showed a higher rate of resistance (85.7%, 6/7) for both Ampicillin and Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid while Shigella isolates showed a higher resistance rate to Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (78.9%, 15/19) and Ampicillin (73.7%, 14/19). The overall multidrug resistance (MDR) rate of Salmonella and Shigella isolates was 88.5% (23/26). Parent/guardian educational status ≤ elementary school (AOR = 3.783; 95% CI = 1.28–11.19; P = 0.016), presence of two or more under-five children in the family (AOR = 8.999; 95% CI = 2.93–27.69; P < 0.001), unimproved source of drinking water (AOR = 5.010; 95% CI = 1.56–16.10; P = 0.007), the habit of storing cooked foods for later use (AOR = 3.199; 95% CI = 1.07–9.54; P = 0.037), attendance of the child at social gatherings (AOR = 5.387; 95% CI = 1.78–16.35; P = 0.003), and infrequent child fingernail trimming (every ≥ 2 weeks; AOR = 4.693; 95% CI = 1.47–14.94; P = 0.009) showed statistically significant association with the prevalence of culture-confirmed Salmonella and Shigella isolates.

Conclusion

The prevalence of culture-confirmed Salmonella and Shigella isolates was significantly high in the study area. Salmonella and Shigella isolates exhibited a high rate of MDR pattern. Parent/guardian education level below the elementary school, the presence of two or more under-five children in the family, using unimproved water source, a habit of storing cooked food, and infrequent fingernail trimming were independent predictors of culture-confirmed Salmonella and Shigella. Therefore, besides public health measures, regular surveillance of the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance pattern of Salmonella and Shigella should be routinely practiced in the study setting.
Sensitivity analysis of indicator weights for the construction of flood vulnerability indexes: A participatory approach
Authors: Moreira Luana Lavagnoli , Vanelli Franciele Maria , Schwamback Dimaghi , Kobiyama Masato , de Brito Mariana Madruga
Published: February 2023

The assessment of flood vulnerability is a complex task that involves numerous uncertainties. Within this context, sensitivity analyses are crucial to better understand the variability of vulnerability index outcomes according to different input parameters. The present study sheds light on the importance of assessing the sensitivity of different criteria weights to construct flood vulnerability indexes using the Maquiné basin (Brazil) as a case study. Specifically, we compared vulnerability scores based on weights derived from a participatory survey with 44 stakeholders to those based on an equal weighting scheme. Results helped us identify areas with low and high uncertainty and the variables contributing to this. Overall, the preference for indicator weights did not vary significantly among stakeholders with distinct socioeconomic characteristics. Furthermore, the choice of weights only had an impact on the spatial distribution of flood vulnerability in certain regions. Compared to equal weights, the flood vulnerability outcomes obtained by averaging the stakeholder scenarios were similar, indicating that the results were robust and not highly sensitive to the choice of weights. By adopting a participatory approach, we were able to consider multiple stakeholders' views, which helped to provide a more comprehensive perspective of flood vulnerability and potentially increased the acceptance of the results. Based on our findings, end-users can better understand the relative importance of each indicator and how they contribute to vulnerability. Furthermore, our results can help identify points where stakeholders disagree, which can be used to facilitate dialogue and consensus building. The methodology applied is straightforward and could be easily adapted to other multi-criteria decision-making problems.
Habitat Destruction Is Affecting The Facial Features Of Orangutans
Authors: Kralick Alexandra E. , McGrath Kate
Published: February 2023

Orangutans are endangered primates that live in Asian forests. Each year, these forests are becoming more stressful to live in because of habitat destruction and deforestation. The stress of habitat change may affect some orangutans more than others. As male orangutans age, some of them grow big cheek pads on their faces, called flanges (flanged males), while others keep their kid faces (unflanged males). Scientists still do not understand why orangutans grow up to become one type or the other, but stress might help explain it. To test this, we examined orangutan teeth for signs of stress that formed when they were kids. We found that unflanged males have less severe stress lines, meaning lower levels of childhood stress, compared to flanged males. Nowadays, most orangutans have high levels of stress due to habitat destruction and climate change. As a result, adult unflanged males may be disappearing from the wild altogether.
Utilization of novel bacteriocin synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for their application in antimicrobial packaging for preservation of tomato fruit
Authors: Sharma Shakshi , Sharma Nivedita , Kaushal Neha
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The current need of the food industry is to develop a safe packaging system that maintains the quality of food and prevents its spoilage. Food safety techniques improvised using functional nanoparticles minimize the chances of spoilage by maintaining moisture stability, mechanical strength, and durability and ensuring product safety. In the present study, we synthesized silver nanoparticles using purified bacteriocins obtained from probiotics. Bacteriocin-synthesized AgNPs are eco-friendly and secure packaging solutions that can be utilized in the packaging industry for the storage of food products.

Methods

Crude, partially purified and purified bacteriocin was obtained from three potential probiotic isolates, i.e., Lactobacillus pentosus S6 (KU92122), Lactobacillus crustorum F11 (KT865221) and Lactobacillus spicheri G2 (JX481912). The antimicrobial efficacy of bacteriocin was tested against two food-borne spoilage-causing pathogens, i.e., Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus. The purified bacteriocin obtained was used for the synthesis of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, TEM, and SEM techniques. The AgNPs were used for coating cellulose paper. The coated paper was characterized using SEM and was used for the storage of tomato fruit.

Results and discussion

The purified bacteriocin obtained was used for the synthesis of AgNPs. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by using UV-vis spectroscopy, which showed maximum absorption at 450 nm. Furthermore, we confirm shape and morphology by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis showed the mean size of synthesized AgNPs in the range of 5–20 nm. Bacteriocin-synthesized AgNPs were then used for the coating of cellulose paper with the main motive to avoid spoilage and enhance the shelf stability of tomato fruit during storage. SEM analysis confirmed the coating of AgNPs in the cellulose paper. The enhanced antimicrobial efficacy of different treatments coated paper was observed against B. cereus and S. aureus. Out of all, F11 AgNPs coated paper showed maximum inhibition of 24 mm for S. aureus and 22 mm for B. cereus. The coated paper from three different bacteriocin-synthesized AgNPs, along with silver nitrate (AgNO3) coated and uncoated paper, was used for the storage of tomato fruit for a period of 10 days at room temperature. Changes during storage were determined by analyzing morphological and color changes. Compared to AgNO3 coated and uncoated paper, tomato fruit preserved in F11 AgNPs coated paper maintained and held its appearance and firmness, thereby confirming their effectiveness in the preservation of tomatoes.
Sustainable production and distribution practices in Atlantic Canadian short food supply chains: Explorative study
Authors: Balcom Rebecca , Abebe Gumataw Kifle , Yiridoe Emmanuel K. , Hartt Christopher M.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

How food is produced, processed, distributed, and consumed significantly impacts the sustainability of food supply chains. Short food supply chains (SFSCs) have been promoted as an alternative approach to offer sustainable solutions. However, empirical studies provide mixed evidence, and the findings greatly vary based on context. This study explores the social, economic, and environmental sustainability practices in Atlantic Canada's SFSCs from the perspective of farm businesses (producers).

Methods

A semi-structured survey was conducted among 64 farmers/producers who participated in Atlantic Canadian SFSCs. Participants were asked what channel they used to sell their products and how far this location is in comparison to the production location if sold to an intermediary, how they believe they could better to improve the sustainability of their production methods, what barriers stood in their way of implementation, and how supply chain supporters could help achieve their sustainability goals.

Results

The findings show that most farm businesses linked to SFCSs have applied ecologically sound production methods such as organic farming, IPM, or other sustainable practices, including regenerative agriculture and no-till farming. Over two-thirds of farm businesses applied sustainable practices such as pasture rotations, green fertilizers, low-carbon couriers, locally sourced inputs, and compostable or recyclable packaging materials. Farm businesses in the Atlantic Provinces highly value the social sustainability of SFSCs, followed by economic and environmental sustainability. Most farm businesses linked to SFSCs were robust to supply- and demand-side shocks, registered a low number of layoffs and fast recovery of operations, and increased their profits during COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID-19 levels. Yet, several barriers remain, the most important ones being high capital costs and longer payback periods. Other barriers include inconsistent inter-provincial trading restrictions, lack of qualified workers and shrinking agricultural land base.

Discussion

SFSCs in Atlantic Canadian SFSCs have implemented several sustainable practices in their production and distribution systems. Most of the farm businesses linked to SFSCs are small, are focused on specific product groups, target small towns or rural areas, and rely on direct-on farm sales to individual customers, and thus can play a crucial role by complementing longer food supply chains. By taking SFSCs in Atlantic Provinces as a case, this study expands our understanding of recent efforts and challenges local producers face to adopt sustainable practices in their production and distribution systems.
An algorithmic approach to soft-tissue reconstruction around the knee using anterolateral thigh perforator flap in patients with post-traumatic knee osteomyelitis
Authors: Jeong Seong-Ho , Baik Seung-Hee , Namgoong Sik , Dhong Eun-Sang , Han Seung-Kyu
Published: February 2023

Background

Free tissue transfer to the knee region in patients with chronic post-traumatic knee osteomyelitis (CTKOM) poses a great challenge to surgeons because the remaining soft tissues adjacent to defects, including vascular structures, are usually damaged by chronic inflammation and multiple debridements. Thus, we developed an algorithm to help select the optimal recipient vessels and appropriate anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flap type. In addition, we performed surgery using this algorithm and achieved successful reconstructions. This study aims to review our experiences in algorithmic reconstruction and assess its efficacy.

Methods

According to the defect size and location, our algorithm suggested the use of various-shaped ALTP flaps with centrally located perforators (Cen-ALTP flap) or eccentrically located perforators (Ecc-ALTP flap). Besides, through the algorithm, one recipient vessel was selected among three candidates, including descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (DB-LCFA), anterior tibial artery (ATA), and posterior tibial artery (PTA). Based on this algorithmic decision, we performed individualized soft tissue reconstructions of the knee in 21 patients with CTKOM, between March 2013 and June 2021. The medical records of the patients were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The Cen-ALTP flap (n = 15) and ATA (n = 9) were the most commonly used for reconstruction. The Cen-ALTP flap anastomosed to the ATA was most commonly selected (n = 7) using the algorithm, followed by the Cen-ALTP flap anastomosed to the DB-LCFA (n = 5), and the Cen-ALTP flap anastomosed to the PTA (n = 3). All transferred ALTP flaps survived the follow-up period. Postoperative venous congestion in two patients and hematoma in one patient were resolved by immediate treatment. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Conclusion

During free ALTP flap transfer to CTKOM-related knee defects, we could select the optimal recipient vessel and appropriate flap type using our algorithm and obtain excellent reconstructive outcomes. Therefore, we believe that our algorithm could provide helpful guidance to reconstructive surgeons on free ALTP flap transfer to reconstruct CTKOM-related soft tissue defects.
Drivers of Consumer Preference Derived from Active Volatiles for Cooked Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: Lu Qi , Ding Wei , Guo Xueqian , Xiao Tong , Wang Xichang
Published: February 2023

Consumers’ perception of volatiles determines their preferences and choices of food. Furthermore, various factors, such as varieties, origin, gender, and edible parts, may influence volatiles. The perception of edible parts of E. sinensis in two origins (Chongming and Taixing) regarding overall hedonic score (9-points), just-about-right scale (5-points), and intensity of attributes (7-points) were analyzed. The results showed that consumers preferred the hepatopancreas odor of female crabs in Chongming, with an overall preference of 6.84 and RMAT (calculate the R-index by matrix) values >52.93%. The crabs’ origin (different feeding and rearing condition) was the primary reason for the odor profiles. The appropriate meaty and toasted odor in the hepatopancreas increased the overall preference by approximately 14.65–20.60%. Furthermore, 2-acetylthiazole, a volatile compound with a fatty odor, may significantly affect preferences and consumption behavior.
Decomposition-Based Multi-Step Forecasting Model for the Environmental Variables of Rabbit Houses
Authors: Ji Ronghua , Shi Shanyi , Liu Zhongying , Wu Zhonghong
Published: February 2023

To improve prediction accuracy and provide sufficient time to control decision-making, a decomposition-based multi-step forecasting model for rabbit house environmental variables is proposed. Traditional forecasting methods for rabbit house environmental parameters perform poorly because the coupling relationship between sequences is ignored. Using the STL algorithm, the proposed model first decomposes the non-stationary time series into trend, seasonal, and residual components and then predicts separately based on the characteristics of each component. LSTM and Informer are used to predict the trend and residual components, respectively. The aforementioned two predicted values are added together with the seasonal component to obtain the final predicted value. The most important environmental variables in a rabbit house are temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration. The experimental results show that the encoder and decoder input sequence lengths in the Informer model have a significant impact on the model’s performance. The rabbit house environment’s multivariate correlation time series can be effectively predicted in a multi-input and single-output mode. The temperature and humidity prediction improved significantly, but the carbon dioxide concentration did not. Because of the effective extraction of the coupling relationship among the correlated time series, the proposed model can perfectly perform multivariate multi-step prediction of non-stationary time series.
Long-Lasting Chews Elicit Positive Emotional States in Dogs during Short Periods of Social Isolation
Authors: Flint Hannah E. , Atkinson Megan , Lush James , Hunt Alysia B. G. , King Tammie
Published: February 2023

Dogs may experience negative emotional states when isolated from human caregivers and conspecifics. This study aimed to evaluate how dogs interact with different enrichments during a short period of social isolation, as a first step towards identifying methods for improving their emotional wellbeing. Using a cross-over design, dogs (n = 20) at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute were exposed to four different food-based enrichments while left alone in a familiar room for 20 min: long-lasting chew (Chew), kibble in a treat-dispensing toy (Toy), and kibble dispensed through a smart treat-dispensing device with (Device + Voice) and without (Device) a person talking to the dog. Time spent engaging with each enrichment item and emotional valence and arousal (7-point scale collected every 5-min) were scored from videos. The results of linear mixed models indicated Chew was the most successful enrichment, with dogs having lower arousal scores (p < 0.05 vs. Device and Toy) during the first five minutes of isolation, higher positive valence scores (p < 0.05 vs. all) during the second five minutes of isolation, and spending the most total time engaged (p < 0.01 vs. all). Based on these findings, long-lasting chews should be further explored to assess their impact on dog emotional wellbeing.
Immunity in Sea Turtles: Review of a Host-Pathogen Arms Race Millions of Years in the Running
Authors: Nash Alana , Ryan Elizabeth J.
Published: February 2023

The immune system of sea turtles is not completely understood. Sea turtles (as reptiles) bridge a unique evolutionary gap, being ectothermic vertebrates like fish and amphibians and amniotes like birds and mammals. Turtles are ectotherms; thus, their immune system is influenced by environmental conditions like temperature and season. We aim to review the turtle immune system and note what studies have investigated sea turtles and the effect of the environment on the immune response. Turtles rely heavily on the nonspecific innate response rather than the specific adaptive response. Turtles’ innate immune effectors include antimicrobial peptides, complement, and nonspecific leukocytes. The antiviral defense is understudied in terms of the diversity of pathogen receptors and interferon function. Turtles also mount adaptive responses to pathogens. Lymphoid structures responsible for lymphocyte activation and maturation are either missing in reptiles or function is affected by season. Turtles are a marker of health for their marine environment, and their immune system is commonly dysregulated because of disease or contaminants. Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a tumorous disease that afflicts sea turtles and is thought to be caused by a virus and an environmental factor. We aim, by exploring the current understanding of the immune system in turtles, to aid the investigation of environmental factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease and provide options for immunotherapy.
Horizontal Gene Transfer of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Biofilms
Authors: Michaelis Claudia , Grohmann Elisabeth
Published: February 2023

Most bacteria attach to biotic or abiotic surfaces and are embedded in a complex matrix which is known as biofilm. Biofilm formation is especially worrisome in clinical settings as it hinders the treatment of infections with antibiotics due to the facilitated acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Environmental settings are now considered as pivotal for driving biofilm formation, biofilm-mediated antibiotic resistance development and dissemination. Several studies have demonstrated that environmental biofilms can be hotspots for the dissemination of ARGs. These genes can be encoded on mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such as conjugative and mobilizable plasmids or integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs). ARGs can be rapidly transferred through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) which has been shown to occur more frequently in biofilms than in planktonic cultures. Biofilm models are promising tools to mimic natural biofilms to study the dissemination of ARGs via HGT. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art of biofilm studies and the techniques that visualize the three main HGT mechanisms in biofilms: transformation, transduction, and conjugation.
A Review on the Potential Food Application of Lima Beans (Phaseolus lunatus L.), an Underutilized Crop
Authors: Adebo Janet Adeyinka
Published: February 2023

The world is facing the global challenges of insecurity, poverty and climate change, which can impede food availability, production and nutritional security. Due to these factors, the production and availability of crop species such as legumes, pulses and cereals are declining, while some are gradually becoming extinct, which affects consumption. To meet global food demands, efforts should be geared towards promoting the cultivation and utilization of underexploited and neglected crops, which have the potential to improve food and nutrition security. However, the exploitation and utilization of crops mostly depend on existing knowledge. Therefore, this review gives an overview of the current knowledge regarding lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus L.), an underutilized legume that can serve as a promising potential food crop. While there are some studies on lima beans, they cannot compare to the abundance of studies on other legumes. It is essential to exploit the nutritional and health properties of this crop, as well as to explore processing techniques such as cooking, soaking, fermentation and germination for transforming them into other food forms. Despite the dearth of information on this crop compared to other legumes, there is a case for the promotion of lima beans, especially where there are incessant food shortages, as they will allow for dietary diversity. This is vital considering the vulnerability of world food systems, coupled with an ever-growing population, necessitating a focus on other neglected crops to improve food security.
Health Effects of Urban Atmospheric Aerosols
Authors: Duarte Regina M. B. O. , Duarte Armando C.
Published: February 2023

The impact of atmospheric particulate matter (PM), including PM2 [...]
Estimation of Carbonaceous Aerosol Sources under Extremely Cold Weather Conditions in an Urban Environment
Authors: Byčenkienė Steigvilė , Gill Touqeer , Khan Abdullah , Kalinauskaitė Audrė , Ulevicius Vidmantas , Plauškaitė Kristina
Published: February 2023

The present study investigated the characteristics of carbonaceous species in an urban background site. Real-time measurements of inorganic (sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, chloride, and black carbon [BC]) and organic submicron aerosols (OA) were carried out at the urban background site of Vilnius, Lithuania, during January–February 2014. An aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM, Aerodyne Research Inc., Billerica, MA, USA) and co-located 7-λ aethalometer (AE-31, Magee Scientific, Berkeley, CA, USA) were used to analyze the chemical compositions, sources, and extinction characteristics of the PM1. Extremely contrasting meteorological conditions were observed during the studied period due to the transition from moderately cold (~2 °C) conditions to extremely cold conditions with a lowest temperature of −25 °C; therefore, three investigation episodes were considered. The identified periods corresponded to the transition time from the moderately cold to the extremely cold winter period, which was traced by the change in the average temperature for the study days of 1–13 January, with T = −5 °C and RH = 92%, in contrast to the period of 14–31 January, with T = −14 °C and RH = 74%, and the very short third period of 1–3 February, with T = −8 °C and RH = 35%. On average, organics accounted for the major part (53%) of the non-refractory submicron aerosols (NR-PM1), followed by nitrate (18%) and sulfate (9%). The source apportionment results showed the five most common OA components, such as traffic and heating, to be related to hydrocarbon-like organic aerosols (HOAtraffic and HOAheating, respectively), biomass-burning organic aerosols (BBOA), local organic aerosol (LOA), and secondary organic aerosol (SOA). Traffic emissions contributed 53% and biomass burning 47% to the BC concentration level. The highest BC and OA concentrations were, on average, associated with air masses originating from the southwest and east–southeast. Furthermore, the results of the PSCF and CWT methods indicated the main source regions that contributed the most to the BC concentration in Vilnius to be the following: central–southwestern and northeastern Poland, northwestern–southwestern and eastern Belarus, northwestern Ukraine, and western Russia. However, the potential sources of OA were widely distributed.
Performance of Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) for Short-Term Prediction of PM10 Concentration in the Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Ramli Norazrin , Abdul Hamid Hazrul , Yahaya Ahmad Shukri , Ul-Saufie Ahmad Zia , Mohamed Noor Norazian , Abu Seman Nor Amirah , Kamarudzaman Ain Nihla , Deák György
Published: February 2023

In preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) in Malaysia, the government envisions a path to environmental sustainability and an improvement in air quality. Air quality measurements were initiated in different backgrounds including urban, suburban, industrial and rural to detect any significant changes in air quality parameters. Due to the dynamic nature of the weather, geographical location and anthropogenic sources, many uncertainties must be considered when dealing with air pollution data. In recent years, the Bayesian approach to fitting statistical models has gained more popularity due to its alternative modelling strategy that accounted for uncertainties for all air quality parameters. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the performance of Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) in predicting the next-day PM10 concentration in Peninsular Malaysia. A case study utilized seventeen years’ worth of air quality monitoring data from nine (9) monitoring stations located in Peninsular Malaysia, using eight air quality parameters, i.e., PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, temperature, relative humidity and wind speed. The performances of the next-day PM10 prediction were calculated using five models’ performance evaluators, namely Coefficient of Determination (R2), Index of Agreement (IA), Kling-Gupta efficiency (KGE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). The BMA models indicate that relative humidity, wind speed and PM10 contributed the most to the prediction model for the majority of stations with (R2 = 0.752 at Pasir Gudang monitoring station), (R2 = 0.749 at Larkin monitoring station), (R2 = 0.703 at Kota Bharu monitoring station), (R2 = 0.696 at Kangar monitoring station) and (R2 = 0.692 at Jerantut monitoring station), respectively. Furthermore, the BMA models demonstrated a good prediction model performance, with IA ranging from 0.84 to 0.91, R2 ranging from 0.64 to 0.75 and KGE ranging from 0.61 to 0.74 for all monitoring stations. According to the results of the investigation, BMA should be utilised in research and forecasting operations pertaining to environmental issues such as air pollution. From this study, BMA is recommended as one of the prediction tools for forecasting air pollution concentration, especially particulate matter level.
Variability in the Occurrence of Tropical and Extratropical Cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean and Its Climatic and Hydrological Determinants
Authors: Szczapiński Adam , Bednorz Ewa , Czernecki Bartosz
Published: February 2023

The main objective of this study was to investigate the variability in annual counts and the northern extent of cyclones in the North Atlantic in the years 1970–2019. Cyclones were divided into tropical cyclones (TCs), called hurricanes in the Atlantic, and extratropical cyclones (ETCs), transformed from TCs. Linear regression methods and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were applied. The trend in numbers is upward for both types of cyclones. The maximum annual northern extent of TCs shows a decreasing trend, while that of ETCs is clearly increasing. Hurricane numbers show a moderate positive correlation (correlation coefficient 0.31) with the annual Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and a negative correlation (−0.34) with the annual North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index. For the SOI in the months of the second half of the year, there is a strong correlation (up to 0.51) with the number of TCs in September–October. The highest correlation (0.65) is observed between the number of TCs and the annual Atlantic Multi-decadal Index (AMO). The number of TCs have been shown to correlate positively with the water temperature of the North Atlantic and western Pacific, and negatively with the eastern Pacific Ocean. A significant relationship has also been recorded between SST and the maximum annual extent of extratropical cyclones to the north and east (correlation coefficient of 0.4 to 0.6).
Analysis of Extreme Rainstorms Associated with Tropical Cyclone Rammasun (2014) over Guangxi Province of China
Authors: Lan Yufeng , Xiao Zhixiang , Yao Cai , Sun Lei , Hou Junxing , Lu Weiping
Published: February 2023

The tropical cyclone (TC) Rammasun (1409) successively caused three extreme rainstorms centered in Hepu, Fangcheng, and Lingshan in Guangxi. In this study, a set of datasets, including the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) TC best-track data, rain gauge stations, radar products, and the latest ERA5 reanalysis, were used to investigate the spatial–temporal characteristics and causes of the three rainstorms. Overall, there are apparent discrepancies among them regarding the triggering and maintenance mechanisms. Prior to its landfall in Guangxi, the rainstorm surge (hourly precipitation 136.9 mm) around Hepu was triggered by the approaching low-level jet and northward intrusion of convective instability in the context of abundant vapor supply and vigorous convection. At the weakening stage, Rammasun gradually crossed over the Shiwan Mountains, with a strong convection zone in the western eyewall moving to Fangcheng, which enhanced the precipitation there under the help of topographic uplift. The friction effect slowed down the TC, and contributed to accumulation of the precipitation, which, however, was somewhat suppressed (hourly precipitation less than 50 mm) by the low-level stratification. In the decaying stage, the Lingshan rainstorm was triggered under the combined efforts of the high-level divergence due to the expansion of the South Asian high and the surface convergence between the southeasterly and southerly winds, accompanied by the westward expansion of the high-energy zone. Finally, the corresponding conceptual models for the three rainstorms are summarized and should provide important implications to both research and forecasting for TC-related heavy precipitation.
Evaluation of the Regions of Attraction of Higher-Dimensional Hyperbolic Systems Using Extended Dynamic Mode Decomposition
Authors: Garcia-Tenorio Camilo , Tellez-Castro Duvan , Mojica-Nava Eduardo , Vande Wouwer Alain
Published: February 2023

This paper provides the theoretical foundation for the approximation of the regions of attraction in hyperbolic and polynomial systems based on the eigenfunctions deduced from the data-driven approximation of the Koopman operator. In addition, it shows that the same method is suitable for analyzing higher-dimensional systems in which the state space dimension is greater than three. The approximation of the Koopman operator is based on extended dynamic mode decomposition, and the method relies solely on this approximation to find and analyze the system’s fixed points. In other words, knowledge of the model differential equations or their linearization is not necessary for this analysis. The reliability of this approach is demonstrated through two examples of dynamical systems, e.g., a population model in which the theoretical boundary is known, and a higher-dimensional chemical reaction system constituting an original result.
Preparation and Properties of PP/PAN/Cotton Fibers Composite Membrane as Lithium-Ion Battery Separator with Thermal Shut-Off Function
Authors: Liu Peiyu , Zhang Xiongfei , Ma Chuang , Huang Dan , Li Pengyun , Shi Yana , Qu Chunxiao , Shi Xiang
Published: February 2023

The lithium-ion battery separator plays roles of separating the positive and negative electrodes and providing ion channels, and at the same time, it can play a more important role in the safety of the lithium-ion battery. In this work, a modified PP (polypropylene)/PAN (polyacrylonitrile)/cotton fibers composite membrane with a thermal shut-off function was prepared by a wet-laid process. The results are as follows: When the fibers’ mass fraction was 50%, the composite membrane had the best combination properties, with a tensile strength of 1.644 KN·m−1, the porosity was 63%, and it had good wettability with an aspiration height of 39 mm and a liquid absorption rate of 269%. The thermal shrinkage of the composite membrane was less than 4% after thermal treatment under 160 °C. More importantly, the DSC curve showed that the modified PP/PAN/cotton fibers composite membrane had a thermal shut-off function with the temperature between 110 °C and 160 °C. After thermal treatment under 160 °C for 1 h, the ionic conductivity of the fiber membrane decreased to 0.32 mS·cm−1 from 1.99 mS·cm−1. Electrochemical performance tests showed that the button battery using the fiber composite membrane had a slightly better initial discharge, capacity retention and cycle performance at different rates than the button battery equipped with the PP membrane. The results show that the modified PP/PAN/cotton fibers composite membrane improves the safety and electrochemical performance of lithium-ion battery.
Investigating White Matter Abnormalities Associated with Schizophrenia Using Deep Learning Model and Voxel-Based Morphometry
Authors: Goel Tripti , Varaprasad Sirigineedi A. , Tanveer M. , Pilli Raveendra
Published: February 2023

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a devastating mental condition with significant negative consequences for patients, making correct and prompt diagnosis crucial. The purpose of this study is to use structural magnetic resonance image (MRI) to better classify individuals with SCZ from control normals (CN) and to locate a region of the brain that represents abnormalities associated with SCZ. Deep learning (DL), which is based on the nervous system, could be a very useful tool for doctors to accurately predict, diagnose, and treat SCZ. Gray Matter (GM), Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), and White Matter (WM) brain regions are extracted from 99 MRI images obtained from the open-source OpenNeuro database to demonstrate SCZ’s regional relationship. In this paper, we use a pretrained ResNet-50 deep network to extract features from MRI images and an ensemble deep random vector functional link (edRVFL) network to classify those features. By examining the results obtained, the edRVFL deep model provides the highest classification accuracy of 96.5% with WM and is identified as the best-performing algorithm compared to the traditional algorithms. Furthermore, we examined the GM, WM, and CSF tissue volumes in CN subjects and SCZ patients using voxel-based morphometry (VBM), and the results show 1363 significant voxels, 6.90 T-value, and 6.21 Z-value in the WM region of SCZ patients. In SCZ patients, WM is most closely linked to structural alterations, as evidenced by VBM analysis and the DL model.
Convolutional Neural Network with a Topographic Representation Module for EEG-Based Brain—Computer Interfaces
Authors: Liang Xinbin , Liu Yaru , Yu Yang , Liu Kaixuan , Liu Yadong , Zhou Zongtan
Published: February 2023

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have shown great potential in the field of brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) due to their ability to directly process raw electroencephalogram (EEG) signals without artificial feature extraction. Some CNNs have achieved better classification accuracy than that of traditional methods. Raw EEG signals are usually represented as a two-dimensional (2-D) matrix composed of channels and time points, ignoring the spatial topological information of electrodes. Our goal is to make a CNN that takes raw EEG signals as inputs have the ability to learn spatial topological features and improve its classification performance while basically maintaining its original structure. We propose an EEG topographic representation module (TRM). This module consists of (1) a mapping block from raw EEG signals to a 3-D topographic map and (2) a convolution block from the topographic map to an output with the same size as the input. According to the size of the convolutional kernel used in the convolution block, we design two types of TRMs, namely TRM-(5,5) and TRM-(3,3). We embed the two TRM types into three widely used CNNs (ShallowConvNet, DeepConvNet and EEGNet) and test them on two publicly available datasets (the Emergency Braking During Simulated Driving Dataset (EBDSDD) and the High Gamma Dataset (HGD)). Results show that the classification accuracies of all three CNNs are improved on both datasets after using the TRMs. With TRM-(5,5), the average classification accuracies of DeepConvNet, EEGNet and ShallowConvNet are improved by 6.54%, 1.72% and 2.07% on the EBDSDD and by 6.05%, 3.02% and 5.14% on the HGD, respectively; with TRM-(3,3), they are improved by 7.76%, 1.71% and 2.17% on the EBDSDD and by 7.61%, 5.06% and 6.28% on the HGD, respectively. We improve the classification performance of three CNNs on both datasets through the use of TRMs, indicating that they have the capability to mine spatial topological EEG information. More importantly, since the output of a TRM has the same size as the input, CNNs with raw EEG signals as inputs can use this module without changing their original structures.
Do Sleep-Related Metacognitive Strategies Shape My Sleep? The Relationships between Strategies for Controlling Sleep-Related Intrusive Thoughts and Subjective and Objective Sleep Quality in Young Adulthood and Older Age
Authors: Sella Enrico , Carbone Elena , Borella Erika
Published: February 2023

This study examined the associations between thought control strategies and subjective and objective sleep quality, across the adult lifespan. One hundred forty-nine individuals without insomnia (age range 18–86 years; M = 45.35, SD = 20.53) completed the Thought Control Questionnaire Insomnia–Revised for assessing sleep-related thought control strategies. Self-reported sleep quality was measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Then, subjective and objective sleep parameters (i.e., total sleep time, sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency) were recorded through a sleep diary and an actigraph across 7 days. Results from linear mixed-effects models showed that a worry strategy was associated with longer subjective sleep latency and shorter subjective total sleeping time. An aggressive suppression strategy was associated with longer subjective total sleeping time. No such involvement of thought control strategies was detected for subjective sleep efficiency and all of the objective sleep parameters. Other individual differences (i.e., age, sex, circadian preference, self-reported sleep quality) also explained both subjective and objective sleep parameters, though to a different extent depending on the sleep parameter considered. The assessment of sleep-related thought control strategies, along with other individual characteristics, should be considered to account for individual differences in sleep quality and implement practices/interventions to support it in adulthood and older age.
Glucose Metabolism Reprogramming in Bladder Cancer: Hexokinase 2 (HK2) as Prognostic Biomarker and Target for Bladder Cancer Therapy
Authors: Afonso Julieta , Gonçalves Céline , Costa Marta , Ferreira Débora , Santos Lúcio , Longatto-Filho Adhemar , Baltazar Fátima
Published: February 2023

Proliferating cancer cells are able to reprogram their energy metabolism, favouring glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen and fully functioning mitochondria. Research is needed to validate the glycolysis-related proteins as prognostic/predictive biomarkers in urothelial bladder carcinoma (UBC), a malignancy tagged by high recurrence rates and poor response to chemotherapy. Here, we assessed GLUT1, HK2, PFKL, PKM2, phospho-PDH, and LDHA immunoexpression in 76 UBC samples, differentiating among urothelial, fibroblast, and endothelial cells and among normoxic versus hypoxic areas. We additionally studied the functional effects of the HK2 inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) in “in vitro” and “in vivo” preclinical UBC models. We showed that the expression of the glycolysis-related proteins is associated with UBC aggressiveness and poor prognosis. HK2 remained as an independent prognostic factor for disease-free and overall survival. 2DG decreased the UBC cell’s viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion; the inhibition of cell cycle progression and apoptosis occurrence was also verified. A significant reduction in tumour growth and blood vessel formation upon 2DG treatment was observed in the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. 2DG potentiated the cisplatin-induced inhibition of cell viability in a cisplatin-resistant subline. This study highlights HK2 as a prognostic biomarker for UBC patients and demonstrates the potential benefits of using 2DG as a glycolysis inhibitor. Future studies should focus on integrating 2DG into chemotherapy design, as an attempt to overcome cisplatin resistance.
Heat-Shock Proteins in Leukemia and Lymphoma: Multitargets for Innovative Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Cabaud-Gibouin Vincent , Durand Manon , Quéré Ronan , Girodon François , Garrido Carmen , Jego Gaëtan
Published: February 2023

Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) are powerful chaperones that provide support for cellular functions under stress conditions but also for the homeostasis of basic cellular machinery. All cancer cells strongly rely on HSPs, as they must continuously adapt to internal but also microenvironmental stresses to survive. In solid tumors, HSPs have been described as helping to correct the folding of misfolded proteins, sustain oncogenic pathways, and prevent apoptosis. Leukemias and lymphomas also overexpress HSPs, which are frequently associated with resistance to therapy. HSPs have therefore been proposed as new therapeutic targets. Given the specific biology of hematological malignancies, it is essential to revise their role in this field, providing a more adaptable and comprehensive picture that would help design future clinical trials. To that end, this review will describe the different pathways and functions regulated by HSP27, HSP70, HSP90, and, not least, HSP110 in leukemias and lymphomas.