bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Increasing the Energy Efficiency of Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks for Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Orumwense Efe Francis , Abo-Al-Ez Khaled
Published: February 2022

In recent times, wireless energy transfer has become an effective solution to charge devices due to its efficiency and reliability. In a typical Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks (WRSN), wireless energy transfer technique can solve the energy depletion problem with the aid of a Wireless Charging Vehicle (WCV), thereby enabling the network to extend its lifetime. However, sensor nodes in a WRSN still have their energies depleted before it gets replenished by the WCV. In this paper, we proposed a scheme that prioritizes sensor nodes for charging and also developed efficient algorithms to improve on existing charging schemes so as to extend the lifetime of the WRSN. Firstly, an inspection algorithm was developed to visit and inspect sensor nodes in the network so as to determine the sensor nodes to charge. Secondly, a greedy charge algorithm was introduced to ascertain the shortest distance the WCV needs to travel and, lastly, an energy for nodes’ algorithm was proposed to determine the stopping point and when the WCV needs to return to the base station. Simulation experiments were also conducted to determine the performance of our scheme. The simulation experiments revealed that our proposed scheme made significant improvements when compared to other schemes in literature using several metrics.
Analysis of Entropy Generation on Magnetohydrodynamic Flow with Mixed Convection through Porous Media
Authors: Abbas Munawwar Ali , Ahmed Bashir , Chen Li , Rehman Shamas ur , Saleem Muzher , Khudair Wissam Sadiq
Published: February 2022

Various industrial operations involve frequent heating and cooling of electrical systems. In such circumstances, the development of relevant thermal devices is of extreme importance. During the development of thermal devices, the second law of thermodynamics plays an important role by means of entropy generation. Entropy generation should be reduced significantly for the efficient performance of the devices. The current paper reports an analytical study on micropolar fluid with entropy generation over a stretching surface. The influence of various physical parameters on velocity profile, microrotation profile, and temperature profile is investigated graphically. The impact of thermal radiation, porous medium, magnetic field, and viscous dissipation are also analyzed. Moreover, entropy generation and Bejan number are also illustrated graphically. Furthermore, the governing equations are solved by using HAM and code in MATHEMATICA software. It is concluded from this study that velocity and micro-rotation profile are reduced for higher values of magnetic and vortex viscosity parameter, respectively. For larger values of Eckert number and thermal radiation parameters, Bejan number and entropy generation are increased, respectively. These findings are useful in petroleum industries and engineering designs.
Evaluating the Effect of New Gas Solubility and Bubble Point Pressure Models on PVT Parameters and Optimizing Injected Gas Rate in Gas-Lift Dual Gradient Drilling
Authors: Golsanami Naser , Gong Bin , Negahban Sajjad
Published: February 2022

Gas-lift dual gradient drilling (DGD) is a solution for the complex problems caused by narrow drilling windows in deepwater drilling. Investigations are lacking on using oil-based drilling fluid in DGD, which is the principal novel idea of the present study. This research compares the results obtained from two new models with those of Standing’s correlations for solubility and bubble point pressure. Nitrogen was selected as the injection gas, then the PVT behavior of drilling fluid (oil/water/Nitrogen) in gas-lift DGD was evaluated and compared by coding in MATLAB. Then, these results were used to calculate the bottom hole pressure and finally investigate the optimization of injected gas flow rate. According to the achieved results, the Standing model has some errors in evaluating the PVT behavior of “Nitrogen and oil-based drilling fluids” and is not recommended for the mixtures in the gas-lift DGD. Regarding optimizing gas flow rate, a discrepancy was observed between pressure values obtained from the new models and the Standing model for the case of high liquid flow rates at low gas flow rates because of the difference in PVT parameters. The developed codes are deposited on an online data repository for future users. This study lays the foundation for better planning of drilling in deepwater drilling projects.
Substance Release from Polyelectrolyte Microcapsules
Authors: Musin Egor V. , Kim Aleksandr L. , Tikhonenko Sergey A.
Published: February 2022

Controlled release of substance from polyelectrolyte microcapsules is a triggered degradation of the microcapsule membrane that is extensive enough to release the contained substances out into the environment. Membrane degradation can be a result of enzymatic digestion, ultrasound or light exposure, heating, application of a magnetic field, pH or ionic strength changes in the solution or bacteria-mediated processes. This technology can be used for the targeted release of drugs, and for the development of self-healing materials and new generation pesticides.
Domestic Violence against Women and COVID-19
Authors: Zamba Constantina , Mousoulidou Marilena , Christodoulou Andri
Published: February 2022

Domestic violence against women is defined as harmful behavior that occurs within a home and it involves aggressive and violent conduct towards women. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and following the restrictions imposed to combat the pandemic (lockdowns, staying at home, isolation), domestic violence against women has increased worldwide. The current entry presents existing knowledge and discusses issues important for public awareness.
Hydrological Response of Burned Soils in Croplands, and Pine and Oak Forests in Zagros Forest Ecosystem (Western Iran) under Rainfall Simulations at Micro-Plot Scale
Authors: Rostami Noredin , Heydari Mehdi , Uddin S. M. Mijan , Esteban Lucas-Borja Manuel , Zema Demetrio Antonio
Published: February 2022

The post-fire hydrological processes depend on both land use and soil condition (burned or not). This study aims at understanding the variability of the water infiltration, surface runoff and erosion in burned soils under different land uses (forestland and cropland) in comparison to unburned sitesTo this aim, infiltration, runoff and soil losses after a wildfire in two pine and oak forests, and a cropland are evaluated in Zagros forests (Western Iran) using a portable rainfall simulator. This area represents one of the lands with the highest biodiversity and naturalistic value of the entire Middle East, but no similar hydrological evaluations have been conducted so far. The difference in infiltration between the burned and unburned sites under the three land uses was not significant (on the average less than 10%). The runoff and erosion due to the wildfire noticeably increased in the forestland (+95% and 60%, respectively) and slightly decreased in the cropland (−16% and −20%) in comparison to the unburned sites. In the burned croplands erosion requires much attention, because the soil loss is on an average 30-fold compared to the values measured in the forestland. This increase may be even higher, since the rainsplash erosion could be underestimated and the rill or gully erosion was not considered due to the use of a portable rainfall simulator. Therefore, the study suggests the adoption of suitable strategies in croplands of the Zagros forests, in order to limit the negative impacts of high-intensity fires and hydrogeological events. Overall, the study has provided an insight to improve the knowledge on soil hydrology under different land uses and soil conditions. This evaluation helps landscape planners to select the most suitable anti-erosive actions against erosion in fire-affected areas without any needs of long monitoring field campaigns or model implementation.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Habitat Disturbances on Caribou Terrestrial Forage Lichens in Montane Forests of British Columbia
Authors: Cichowski Deborah , Sutherland Glenn D. , McNay R. Scott , Sulyma Randy
Published: February 2022

Cumulative effects of increased forest harvesting, mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae; MPB) outbreaks, and wildfire in low-elevation lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) forests could limit long-term winter habitat supply for the northern group of southern mountain caribou (Rangifer tarandus). In a 17 year longitudinal study of vegetation remeasurements at eight sites in north-central and west-central British Columbia (BC), we assessed responses of terrestrial caribou forage lichen abundances to nine forest harvesting treatments and one prescribed burn 8–14 years following treatment, as well as to MPB attack. Overall, after initially declining following forest harvesting, mean forage lichen abundance increased between 1 and 2 years post-harvest and 13 and 14 years post-harvest at 10 of 11 site/treatment combinations. Mean forage lichen abundance decreased following MPB attack at all sites. Biophysical factors influencing rates of lichen recovery post-disturbance include site type (transitional vs. edaphic), a reduction in favourable conditions for moss recovery, level of MPB attack, and both seasonal timing and method of forest harvesting. When considering effects of forest harvesting on forage lichens, objectives of silvicultural management strategies should focus on protecting and retaining terrestrial lichens at edaphic sites and on re-establishing terrestrial lichens at transitional sites.
Microbial Diversity and Metabolites Dynamic of Light-Flavor Baijiu with Stacking Process
Authors: Li Zhaojie , Fan Yi , Huang Xiaoning , Han Beizhong
Published: February 2022

Stacking is a widely used method of microbial enrichment in the field of fermentation and is traditionally used to promote flavor in Chinese sauce-flavor Baijiu; however, its precise mechanism is unknown. This study assessed the fermentation process of light-flavor Baijiu with the simplest microbial source. After comparing differences in the microbial composition of different kinds of Daqu, a high-temperature Daqu with a microbial composition that significantly differs from light-flavor Daqu was selected for stacking. The physical and chemical indicators, microbial community composition, and metabolite profiles during the fermentation process were tracked, and the total ester content in Baiju was significantly higher with stacking than Baijiu without stacking. The dominant bacteria during stacking fermentation were Bacillus and Enterococcus, while Lactobacillus was the dominant bacteria during middle and late fermentation periods. Low levels of Lactobacillus and Pichia in Daqu were screened and enriched during the stacking process, while the glucose and acetate content significantly increased. Flavor compounds such as esters and acids were positively correlated with dominant genera such as Lactobacillus, Bacillus, and Pichia. Stacking provides microorganisms for environmental screening, which regulates the microbial community structure and produces various metabolites and precursors of flavor substances to fully saccharify and promote the production of flavor substances. Stacking during the production of light-flavor Baijiu can help regulate the fermentation process and improve Baijiu quality.
Application of Pulsed Electric Fields and High-Pressure Homogenization in Biorefinery Cascade of C. vulgaris Microalgae
Authors: Carullo Daniele , Abera Biresaw Demelash , Scognamiglio Mariarosa , Donsì Francesco , Ferrari Giovanna , Pataro Gianpiero
Published: February 2022

In this study, a cascaded cell disintegration process, based on pulsed electric fields (PEF - 20 kV/cm, 100 kJ/kgSUSP.) and high-pressure homogenization (HPH - 150 MPa, 5 passes) was designed for the efficient and selective release of intracellular compounds (water-soluble proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) from C. vulgaris suspensions during extraction in water (25 °C, 1 h) and ethyl acetate (25 °C, 3 h). Recovery yields of target compounds from cascaded treatments (PEF + HPH) were compared with those observed when applying PEF and HPH treatments individually. Particle size distribution and scanning electron microscopy analyses showed that PEF treatment alone did not induce any measurable effect on cell shape/structure, whereas HPH caused complete cell fragmentation and debris formation, with an undifferentiated release of intracellular matter. Spectra measurements demonstrated that, in comparison with HPH alone, cascaded treatments increased the selectivity of extraction and improved the yields of carbohydrates and lipids, while higher yields of water-soluble proteins were measured for HPH alone. This work, therefore, demonstrates the feasibility of sequentially applying PEF and HPH treatments in the biorefinery of microalgae, projecting a beneficial impact in terms of process economics due to the potential reduction of the energy requirements for separation/purification stages.
3D Printing of Textured Soft Hybrid Meat Analogues
Authors: Wang Tianxiao , Kaur Lovedeep , Furuhata Yasufumi , Aoyama Hiroaki , Singh Jaspreet
Published: February 2022

Meat analogue is a food product mainly made of plant proteins. It is considered to be a sustainable food and has gained a lot of interest in recent years. Hybrid meat is a next generation meat analogue prepared by the co-processing of both plant and animal protein ingredients at different ratios and is considered to be nutritionally superior to the currently available plant-only meat analogues. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is becoming increasingly popular in food processing. Three-dimensional food printing involves the modification of food structures, which leads to the creation of soft food. Currently, there is no available research on 3D printing of meat analogues. This study was carried out to create plant and animal protein-based formulations for 3D printing of hybrid meat analogues with soft textures. Pea protein isolate (PPI) and chicken mince were selected as the main plant protein and meat sources, respectively, for 3D printing tests. Then, rheology and forward extrusion tests were carried out on these selected samples to obtain a basic understanding of their potential printability. Afterwards, extrusion-based 3D printing was conducted to print a 3D chicken nugget shape. The addition of 20% chicken mince paste to PPI based paste achieved better printability and fibre structure.
Side-Length-Independent Motif (SLIM): Motif Discovery and Volatility Analysis in Time Series—SAX, MDL and the Matrix Profile
Authors: Cartwright Eoin , Crane Martin , Ruskin Heather J.
Published: February 2022

As the availability of big data-sets becomes more widespread so the importance of motif (or repeated pattern) identification and analysis increases. To date, the majority of motif identification algorithms that permit flexibility of sub-sequence length do so over a given range, with the restriction that both sides of an identified sub-sequence pair are of equal length. In this article, motivated by a better localised representation of variations in time series, a novel approach to the identification of motifs is discussed, which allows for some flexibility in side-length. The advantages of this flexibility include improved recognition of localised similar behaviour (manifested as motif shape) over varying timescales. As well as facilitating improved interpretation of localised volatility patterns and a visual comparison of relative volatility levels of series at a globalised level. The process described extends and modifies established techniques, namely SAX, MDL and the Matrix Profile, allowing advantageous properties of leading algorithms for data analysis and dimensionality reduction to be incorporated and future-proofed. Although this technique is potentially applicable to any time series analysis, the focus here is financial and energy sector applications where real-world examples examining S&P500 and Open Power System Data are also provided for illustration.
Profiling of Successional Microbial Community Structure and Composition to Identify Exhumed Gravesoil—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Olakanye Ayodeji O , Ralebitso-Senior T. Komang
Published: February 2022

Advancements in molecular microbial ecology techniques have enabled researchers to study the complex interactions of epinecrobiome, necrobiome, and thanatomicrobiome communities during cadaver decomposition within novel forensic disciplines. This preliminary study tracks shifts in subsurface soil necrobiome as indicators of time-since-exhumation where whole juvenile Sus scrofa domesticus was used as the human cadaver proxy. Principal component analysis of DGGE-based diversity index (Shannon-Weiner, HꞋ; Simpson (D)) measurements showed more consistent delineation of pre- and post-exhumation periods of the fungal 18S gene with further clustering for days 270 and 300. More importantly, high-resolution metabarcoding of the 16S rRNA gene recorded temporal bacterial clock indicators at order and family levels. Specifically, Xanthomonadales (11.29%) and Xanthomonadaceae (4.27%), and Verrucomicrobiaceae (4.00%) were abundance-based season (spring–summer) and microbial clock indicators for post-burial interval (PBI) ≥ 150 days. Hydrogenophilales (7.13%) and Hydrogenophilaceae (7.56%), Clostridiales (4.57%) and Clostridiaceae_1 (3.13%), and Bacteroidales (3.33%) defined the impacts of 120 days since exhumation of Sus scrofa domesticus. They could, therefore, be tracked to identify grave emptying for the current soil type.
Tuning of the Dielectric Relaxation and Complex Susceptibility in a System of Polar Molecules: A Generalised Model Based on Rotational Diffusion with Resetting
Authors: Petreska Irina , Pejov Ljupco , Sandev Trifce , Kocarev Ljupco , Metzler Ralf
Published: February 2022

The application of the fractional calculus in the mathematical modelling of relaxation processes in complex heterogeneous media has attracted a considerable amount of interest lately. The reason for this is the successful implementation of fractional stochastic and kinetic equations in the studies of non-Debye relaxation. In this work, we consider the rotational diffusion equation with a generalised memory kernel in the context of dielectric relaxation processes in a medium composed of polar molecules. We give an overview of existing models on non-exponential relaxation and introduce an exponential resetting dynamic in the corresponding process. The autocorrelation function and complex susceptibility are analysed in detail. We show that stochastic resetting leads to a saturation of the autocorrelation function to a constant value, in contrast to the case without resetting, for which it decays to zero. The behaviour of the autocorrelation function, as well as the complex susceptibility in the presence of resetting, confirms that the dielectric relaxation dynamics can be tuned by an appropriate choice of the resetting rate. The presented results are general and flexible, and they will be of interest for the theoretical description of non-trivial relaxation dynamics in heterogeneous systems composed of polar molecules.
Fractals: An Eclectic Survey, Part-I
Authors: Husain Akhlaq , Nanda Manikyala Navaneeth , Chowdary Movva Sitaram , Sajid Mohammad
Published: February 2022

Fractals are geometric shapes and patterns that may repeat their geometry at smaller or larger scales. It is well established that fractals can describe shapes and surfaces that cannot be represented by the classical Euclidean geometry. An eclectic survey of fractals is presented in two parts encompassing applications of fractals in a variety of diverse and innovative fields. The goal of the first part is to focus on the glossary of fractals, their mathematical description, aesthetic, artistic, and architectural applications, while the second part is focused on engineering, industry, commercial, and futuristic applications of fractals.
A New Iterative Predictor-Corrector Algorithm for Solving a System of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Flow Equations of Fractional Order
Authors: Sultana Mariam , Arshad Uroosa , Khalid Muhammad , Akgül Ali , Albalawi Wedad , Zahran Heba Y.
Published: February 2022

Nuclear magnetic resonance flow equations, also known as the Bloch system, are said to be at the heart of both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The main aim of this research was to solve fractional nuclear magnetic resonance flow equations (FNMRFEs) through a numerical approach that is very easy to handle. We present a New Iterative Predictor-Corrector Algorithm (NIPCA) based on the New Iterative Algorithm and Predictor-Corrector Algorithm to solve nonlinear nuclear magnetic resonance flow equations of fractional order involving Caputo derivatives. Graphical representation of the solutions with detailed error analysis shows the higher accuracy of the new technique. This New Iterative Predictor-Corrector Algorithm requires less computational time than previously published numerical methods. The results achieved in this article indicate that the algorithm is fit to use for other chaotic systems of fractional differential equations.
A New Stochastic Model for Bus Rapid Transit Scheduling with Uncertainty
Authors: Filabadi Milad Dehghani , Asadi Afshin , Giahi Ramin , Ardakani Ali Tahanpour , Azadeh Ali
Published: February 2022

Nowadays, authorities of large cities in the world implement bus rapid transit (BRT) services to alleviate traffic problems caused by the significant development of urban areas. Therefore, a controller is required to control and dispatche buses in such BRT systems.. However, controllers are facing new challenges due to the inherent uncertainties of passenger parameters such as arrival times, demands, alighting fraction as well as running time of vehicles between stops. Such uncertainties may significantly increase the operational cost and the inefficiencies of BRT services. In this paper, we focus on the controller’s perspective and propose a stochastic mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model for BRT scheduling to find the optimal departure time of buses under uncertainty. The objective function of the model consists of passenger waiting and traveling time and aims to minimize total time related to passengers at any stop. From the modeling perspective, we propose a new method to generate scenarios for the proposed stochastic MINLP model. Furthermore, from the computational point of view, we implement an outer approximation algorithm to solve the proposed stochastic MINLP model and demonstrate the merits of the proposed solution method in the numerical results. This paper accurately reflect the complexity of BRT scheduling problem and is the first study, to the best of our knowledge, that presents and solves a mixed-integer nonlinear programming model for BRT scheduling.
Exits from the European Union and Their Effect on Power Distribution in the Council
Authors: Petróczy Dóra Gréta , Rogers Mark Francis , Kóczy László Á.
Published: February 2022

Debates on an EU-leaving referendum arose in several member states after Brexit. We want to highlight how the exit of an additional country affects the power distribution in the Council of the European Union. We inspect the power indices of the member states both with and without the country which might leave the union. Our results show a pattern connected to a change in the number of states required to meet the 55% threshold. An exit that modifies this number benefits the countries with high population, while an exit that does not cause such a change benefits the small member states. According to our calculations, only the exit of Poland would be supported by the qualified majority of the Council.
From Copper Tolerance to Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa towards Patho-Adaptation and Hospital Success
Authors: Virieux-Petit Maxine , Hammer-Dedet Florence , Aujoulat Fabien , Jumas-Bilak Estelle , Romano-Bertrand Sara
Published: February 2022

The hospital environment constitutes a reservoir of opportunistic pathogens responsible for healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa). Pa persistence within technological niches, the increasing emergence of epidemic high-risk clones in HCAI, the epidemiological link between plumbing strains and clinical strains, make it a major nosocomial pathogen. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of Pa adaptation to hospital water systems would be useful in preventing HCAI. This review deciphers how copper resistance contributes to Pa adaptation and persistence in a hospital environment, especially within copper water systems, and ultimately to its success as a causative agent of HCAI. Numerous factors are involved in copper homeostasis in Pa, among which active efflux conferring copper tolerance, and copper-binding proteins regulating the copper compartmentalization between periplasm and cytoplasm. The functional harmony of copper homeostasis is regulated by several transcriptional regulators. The genomic island GI-7 appeared as especially responsible for the copper resistance in Pa. Mechanisms of copper and antibiotic cross-resistance and co-resistance are also identified, with potential co-regulation processes between them. Finally, copper resistance of Pa confers selective advantages in colonizing and persisting in hospital environments but also appears as an asset at the host/pathogen interface that helps in HCAI occurrence.
A Genome-Scale Metabolic Model for the Human Pathogen Candida Parapsilosis and Early Identification of Putative Novel Antifungal Drug Targets
Authors: Viana Romeu , Couceiro Diogo , Carreiro Tiago , Dias Oscar , Rocha Isabel , Teixeira Miguel Cacho
Published: February 2022

Candida parapsilosis is an emerging human pathogen whose incidence is rising worldwide, while an increasing number of clinical isolates display resistance to first-line antifungals, demanding alternative therapeutics. Genome-Scale Metabolic Models (GSMMs) have emerged as a powerful in silico tool for understanding pathogenesis due to their systems view of metabolism, but also to their drug target predictive capacity. This study presents the construction of the first validated GSMM for C. parapsilosis—iDC1003—comprising 1003 genes, 1804 reactions, and 1278 metabolites across four compartments and an intercompartment. In silico growth parameters, as well as predicted utilisation of several metabolites as sole carbon or nitrogen sources, were experimentally validated. Finally, iDC1003 was exploited as a platform for predicting 147 essential enzymes in mimicked host conditions, in which 56 are also predicted to be essential in C. albicans and C. glabrata. These promising drug targets include, besides those already used as targets for clinical antifungals, several others that seem to be entirely new and worthy of further scrutiny. The obtained results strengthen the notion that GSMMs are promising platforms for drug target discovery and guide the design of novel antifungal therapies.
Identification of Candidate Genes for Meat Color of Chicken by Combing Selection Signature Analyses and Differentially Expressed Genes
Authors: Sun Jiahong , Tan Xiaodong , Yang Xinting , Bai Lu , Kong Fuli , Zhao Guiping , Wen Jie , Liu Ranran
Published: February 2022

Meat color, an important index of chicken quality, is highly related to heme pigment, glycolysis, and intramuscular fat metabolisms. The objective of this study is to obtain candidate genes associated with meat color in chickens based on the comparison of fast-growing, white-feathered chickens (Line B) and slow-growing, yellow-feathered chickens (Jingxing Yellow), which have significant differences in meat color. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between Line B and Jingxing Yellow were identified in beast muscle. The fixation index (FST) method was used to detect signatures of positive selection between the two breeds. Screening of 1109 genes by the FST and 1317 candidate DEGs identified by RNA-seq. After gene ontology analysis along with the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, 16 genes associated with glycolysis, fatty acid metabolism, protein metabolism, and heme content were identified as candidate genes that regulate the color of chicken breast meat, especially TBXAS1 (redness), GDPD5 (yellowness), SLC2A6 (lightness), and MMP27 (lightness). These findings should be helpful for further elucidating the molecular mechanisms and developing molecular markers to facilitate the selection of chicken meat color.
Chloroplast Protein Tic55 Involved in Dark-Induced Senescence through AtbHLH/AtWRKY-ANAC003 Controlling Pathway of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hsu Chou-Yu , Chou Ming-Lun , Wei Wan-Chen , Chung Yo-Chia , Loo Xin-Yue , Lin Lee-Fong
Published: February 2022

The chloroplast comprises the outer and inner membranes that are composed of the translocon protein complexes Toc and Tic (translocon at the outer/inner envelope membrane of chloroplasts), respectively. Tic55, a chloroplast Tic protein member, was shown to be not vital for functional protein import in Arabidopsis from previous studies. Instead, Tic55 was revealed to be a dark-induced senescence-related protein in our earlier study. To explore whether Tic55 elicits other biological functions, a tic55-II knockout mutant (SALK_086048) was characterized under different stress treatments. Abiotic stress conditions, such as cold, heat, and high osmotic pressure, did not cause visible effects on tic55-II mutant plant, when compared to the wild type (WT). In contrast, senescence was induced in the individually darkened leaves (IDLs), resulting in the differential expression of the senescence-related genes PEROXISOME DEFECTIVE 1 (PED1), BLUE COPPER-BINDING PROTEIN (BCB), SENESCENCE 1 (SEN1), and RUBISCO SMALL SUBUNIT GENE 2B (RBCS2B). The absence of Tic55 in tic55-II knockout mutant inhibited expression of the senescence-related genes PED1, BCB, and SEN1 at different stages of dark adaptation, while causing stimulation of RBCS2B gene expression at an early stage of dark response. Finally, yeast one-hybrid assays located the ANAC003 promoter region with cis-acting elements are responsible for binding to the different AtbHLH proteins, thereby causing the transactivation of an HIS3 reporter gene. ANAC003 was shown previously as a senescence-related protein and its activation would lead to expression of senescence-associated genes (SAGs), resulting in plant senescence. Thus, we propose a hypothetical model in which three signaling pathways may be involved in controlling the expression of ANAC003, followed by expression of SAGs that in turn leads to leaf senescence in Arabidopsis by this study and previous data.
Geospatial Synthesis of Biogeochemical Attributions of Porphyrins to Oil Pollution in Marine Sediments of the Gulf of México
Authors: Muñoz-Arriola Francisco , Macías-Zamora José Vinicio
Published: February 2022

Porphyrins are highly persistent in the environment and represent a helpful biogeochemical attribute to assess the spatial distribution of the effects of oil spills on ecosystems and their resilience. In areas prone to natural and human-originated oil spills, the measurement of VO– and nickel–porphyrins in marine–sediment samples can identify the effects of oil pollution across spatiotemporal scales. The goal is to explore whether or not these compounds can be useful indicators of the geospatial attributions of oil contamination in the surficial sediments. We hypothesize that the geospatial gradients of porphyrins in marine sediments from petroleum spills and seepage activities—related to traditional indices of oil pollution, such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons—can be identified in small sediment samples and concentrations. The objectives are two-fold: (1) extract and measure VO– and nickel–porphyrins from small marine sediment samples using high-pressure liquid chromatography, and (2) use cluster analysis and the canonical correlation analysis to identify the biogeochemical and geospatial attributions between VO–porphyrins and another index of oil pollution extracted and analyzed from sediments of the Campeche Shelf, in the Gulf of Mexico. High-pressure liquid chromatography with diode array detectors, two inverse phase columns and an isocratic separation method, was used to analyze the marine sediments. We identified 5.1 ng/g to 240.3 ng/g to VO–porphyrins concentrations with gradients toward areas identified as potential sources of oil pollution. Similar patterns were present for nickel–porphyrins, with values two orders of magnitude below those for the VO–porphyrins. The results represent a valuable opportunity to measure the biomarkers associated with oil pollution in small sediment samples. Furthermore, the results can find the potential drawbacks of benthic ecosystem resilience.
Stress, Depression, and Unhealthy Behavior Changes among Patients with Diabetes during COVID-19 in Korea
Authors: Kim Hae Ran , Kim Jeong-Soon
Published: February 2022

The government ordered various restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), thus, affecting the mental health status and lifestyle of people with diabetes. This study identifies COVID-19 effects on mental health problems and unhealthy behavioral changes among patients with diabetes. The subjects of this cross-sectional study were adults aged 19 years or older who participated in the 2020 Korean Community Health Survey. Stress, depression, and changes in unhealthy behavior in diabetic patients (N = 26,839) because of COVID-19 were compared with controls (N = 26,834). The association between stress and depression and unhealthy behaviors among patients with diabetes was investigated. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 20.3% and 4.2% of diabetic patients reported higher levels of stress and depression, respectively, than controls. Diabetic patients showed decreased physical activity and sleep time, and increased smoking. Among diabetic patients, stress and depression are associated with unhealthy behavior changes during COVID-19. Measures to promote healthy lifestyles along with stress and depression management strategies must be implemented for the health care of diabetic patients during the pandemic.
Experiences of Dutch Midwives Regarding the Quality of Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hijdra Roos , Rutten Wim , Gubbels Jessica
Published: February 2022

This study assessed how the quality of care during the COVID-19 pandemic has been experienced by Dutch midwives. At the beginning of May 2020, 15 Dutch midwives were interviewed during the first wave of the pandemic. The interviews included questions based on the value-based healthcare framework by Porter. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed according to recurrent themes using the directed content analysis approach. Key themes identified included high quality midwifery care, information provision, costs, under/over treatment, interprofessional collaboration, and shared decision making. The quality of midwifery care during the COVID-19 pandemic was experienced to be sufficient, given the challenging circumstances. The midwives experienced the lack of face-to-face check-ups to be problematic. Unclear information and lack of personal protective equipment caused stress and confusion, and they worked an additional 2–4 h per working day. Some pregnant women were hesitant to call or visit them when they thought something was wrong. The midwives perceived some advantages in using video or telephone calls. Considerations for future pandemics include an additional face-to-face check-up between 16 and 27 weeks of pregnancy and one postpartum visit. For post-pandemic care, providing a check-up through telephone or video call could be offered in certain cases.
Ten-Year Evaluation of Thermal Comfort in Operating Rooms
Authors: Deiana Giovanna , Arghittu Antonella , Dettori Marco , Deriu Maria Grazia , Palmieri Alessandra , Azara Antonio , Castiglia Paolo , Masia Maria Dolores
Published: February 2022

The microclimate is a particularly important environmental aspect in operating rooms (ORs), where more than in other hospital environments, it is extremely important, and at the same time extremely difficult, to reconcile the needs of different types of occupants (patients and operators). Moreover, unsuitable microclimatic conditions may affect the onset of infection. The present study aimed to analyze the periodic monitoring of the microclimatic conditions carried out in ORs over 10 years, to verify the adequacy of the thermal comfort conditions for all occupants. The evaluation of thermal comfort was carried out using the Fanger indices and the standards required by current legislation and specific guidelines. Non-compliant values for at least one parameter were found in 98.8% of the examinations performed in the ORs. A condition of thermal discomfort was calculated for 3.6% of healthcare professionals and 98.3% of patients. The monitoring of microclimatic conditions is particularly important in the OR as an indicator of inadequate functioning of the air conditioning system, which might affect the thermal comfort of all occupants and lead to microbial contamination of the room.
Evaluation of Monitored Anesthesia Care Involving Sedation and Axillary Nerve Block for Day-Case Hand Surgery
Authors: Sanchez Antoine , Chrusciel Jan , Cimino Yann , Nguyen Maxime , Guinot Pierre-Grégoire , Sanchez Stéphane , Bouhemad Belaid
Published: February 2022

Background: Ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block (ABPB) is a technique of choice for regional anesthesia during hand and forearm surgery. Intravenous sedation may facilitate this procedure, particularly for those suffering from anxiety; however, it can also be associated with respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological side effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravenous sedation on perioperative respiratory depression for patients undergoing day-case hand surgery under ABPB. Methods: A prospective, observational, single-center study was conducted between 1 May and 1 November 2016. Results: A total of 2318 patients were included, with 501 patients in the group with IV sedation and 1817 in the group without. A multivariable propensity-score matched analysis showed that the variables associated with the number of desaturation were: (i) sedation (aRR 1.534 [95% CI: 1.283 to 1.836]), (ii) age and sex, (iii) type of surgery, and iv) Body Mass Index (BMI). Conclusions: Supplementing ABPB with IV sedation was associated with an increased rate of respiratory depression (episodes of desaturation) compared to fully awakened patients. The rate of oxygen administration was also higher in sedated patients even though they had fewer cases of chronic respiratory diseases and fewer were active smokers than non-sedated patients. Future research should consider precisely evaluating patient satisfaction, as well as the differences between sedation and drug-free approaches.
The Association between Mental Health Symptoms and Quality and Safety of Patient Care before and during COVID-19 among Canadian Nurses
Authors: Havaei Farinaz , Tang Xuyan , Smith Peter , Boamah Sheila A. , Frankfurter Caroline
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: While the association between nurse mental health and quality and safety of patient care delivery was well documented pre-pandemic, fewer research studies have examined this relationship in the context of COVID-19. This study examines the impact of various mental health symptoms experienced by nurses on quality and safety before and during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) Methods: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data from 4729 and 3585 nurses in one Canadian province between December 2019 and June-July 2020 was conducted. Data were analyzed using between group difference tests and logistic regression; (3) Results: Compared to pre-COVID-19, during COVID-19 nurses reported a higher safety grade, a greater likelihood of recommending their units for care and lower quality of nursing care. Most mental health symptoms were higher during COVID-19 and higher levels of mental health symptoms were correlated with lower ratings of quality and safety both pre- and during COVID-19; (4) Conclusion: Mental health symptoms have implications for nurses’ quality and safety of patient care delivery, with the association between mental health symptoms and quality and safety following a dose–response relationship before and during COVID-19. These findings suggest that it is worthwhile for nurse mental health symptoms to be included as hospital level performance metrics.
Identification and Comparative Analysis of Genes and MicroRNAs Involved in the Floral Transition of the Xinjiang Early-Flowering Walnut (Juglans regia L.)
Authors: Jin Qiang , Mo Rongli , Chen Wenxing , Zhang Qinglin , Sheng Fang , Wu Cuiyun , Zhang Rui , Luo Zhengrong
Published: February 2022

For tree crops, shortening the juvenile phase is a vital strategy to advance fruit bearing and enhance the breeding efficiency. Walnut (Juglans regia L.) seedlings usually take at least eight to 10 years to flower, but early-flowering (EF) types can flower one or two years after planting. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and microRNA sequencing (miRNA-Seq) were used for a transcriptome-wide analysis of gene and miRNA expression in hybrids of the Xinjiang EF walnut variety ‘Xinwen 81’ and later-flowering (LF) walnut. Based on a high-quality chromosome-scale reference genome, a total of 3009 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, of which 933 were upregulated (accounting for 31%) and 2076 were downregulated (accounting for 69%). DEGs were functionally annotated, and the flowering-related genes FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CO 1 (SOC1), and LEAFY (LFY) showed remarkable upregulation in EF compared with in the LF walnut. In addition, miRNAs associated with floral transition were screened as candidates for flowering time regulation in the walnut. This work provides new insights into walnut floral transition, which may ultimately contribute to genetic improvement of the walnut.
Marker-Assisted Pyramiding of Genes for Multilocular Ovaries, Self-Compatibility, and Clubroot Resistance in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis)
Authors: Zheng Jingyi , Zhao Huicai , Ma Yingmei , Jiang Mingliang , Zhan Zongxiang , Li Xiaonan , Piao Zhongyun
Published: February 2022

Molecular marker-assisted gene pyramiding combined with backcrossing has been widely applied for crop variety improvement. Molecular marker identification could be used in the early stage of breeding to achieve the rapid and effective pyramiding of multiple genes. To create high-quality germplasm for Chinese cabbage breeding, multi-gene pyramiding for self-compatibility, multilocular, and clubroot resistance was performed through molecular marker-assisted selection. The results showed that self-compatibility and multilocular traits were controlled by a pair of recessive genes. Two flanking markers, sau_um190 and cun_246a, and marker Teo-1, based on the gene sequence related to multilocular ovaries, were used for multilocular ovary trait selection. Two flanking markers, SCF-6 and SC-12, and marker Sal-SLGI /PK1+PK4, based on the gene sequence, were used for self-compatibility selection. Two flanking markers, TCR74 and TCR79, closely linked to clubroot resistance gene CRb, were used as foreground selection markers. Based on Chinese cabbage genomic information, 111 SSR markers covering 10 chromosomes were applied for background selection. After multiple generations of selection, a multi-gene pyramided line from a BC4F2 population with self-compatibility, multilocular ovaries, and clubroot resistance was obtained with a high genomic background recovery rate. The improved pyramided line is expected to be utilized as a potential material in further breeding programs.
Genome Wide Identification and Characterization of Apple WD40 Proteins and Expression Analysis in Response to ABA, Drought, and Low Temperature
Authors: Zhang Bo , Qu Dong , Yang Huijuan , Long Xiaogang , Zhu Zhenzhen , Yang Yazhou , Zhao Zhengyang
Published: February 2022

Basic WD40 proteins, which are characterized by a conserved WD40 domain, comprise a superfamily of regulatory proteins in plants and play important roles in plant growth and development. However, WD40 genes have been rarely studied in apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.). In this study, 346 WD40 genes classified in 12 subfamilies, were identified in the apple genome. Evolutionary analysis of WD40 proteins in apple and Arabidopsis revealed that the genes were classifiable into 14 groups, and the exon/intron structure of each group showed a similar structure. Analysis of collinearity showed that the large-scale amplification of WD40 genes in apple was largely attributable to recent whole-genome replication events. Nineteen candidate stress-related genes, selected by GO annotation and comparison with Arabidopsis homologs, showed different expression profiles in six organs at different developmental stages in response to exogenous abscisic acid (ABA), drought, and low temperature. Eight genes (MdWD40-17, 24, 70, 74, 219, 256, 283, and 307) showed a distinct response to one or more treatments (ABA, drought, and low temperature) as indicated by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Taken together, these data provide rich resources for further study of MdWD40 genes and their potential roles in stress responses in apple.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Hydrogen in 2021
Authors:   Hydrogen Editorial Office
Published: February 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Do Sleep Disturbances Improve Following Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy for Adolescent Depression?
Authors: Schønning Thea , Dahl Hanne-Sofie Johnsen , Hummelen Benjamin , Ulberg Randi
Published: February 2022

Sleep disturbance is often a prominent symptom in adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). Recent evidence indicates that short-term psychoanalytic psychotherapy (STPP) for depression may have an effect in reducing co-occurring sleep disturbance in youth. It is unknown if transference work (exploration of the patient–therapist relationship) has an additional effect in reducing sleep disturbance. Adolescents aged 16–18 years (n = 69, 84% female) who met diagnostic criteria for MDD based on the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I) were randomized to either STPP with transference work or without. Sleep problems were assessed at baseline, therapy session 20 (20 weeks), post-treatment (28 weeks), and one-year follow-up (80 weeks) with the Symptom Checklist-90-R. At baseline, 69% of the adolescents exhibited moderately to extreme sleep difficulties. Sleep disturbance was significantly correlated to depression depth at session 20 and at follow-up. Symptoms of insomnia significantly decreased from baseline to the end of treatment. Treatment gains were maintained until follow-up. No differences in recovery of sleep disturbance were found between the two treatment groups. The findings suggest that sleep disturbance improves following STPP for depression, with or without transference work. Future research should assess those with residual symptoms by different sleep measures.