bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Need for Multidimensional and Multidisciplinary Management of Depressed Preadolescents and Adolescents: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Oral Supplementations (Omega-3, Fish Oil, Vitamin D3)
Authors: Pruneti Carlo , Guidotti Sara
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: Depression is a serious health problem with a high cost for public administration. Epidemiological studies report that one in five children have a mental disorder and about 50% of mental health problems exacerbate in childhood and adolescence. Moreover, the antidepressant efficacy in children and adolescents is poorly demonstrated and can cause severe behavioral adverse events such as suicidal ideation. (2) Methods: This systematic literature review examined oral supplementations (Omega-3, fish oil, Vitamin D3) to treat depressed children, preadolescents, and adolescents. MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and PsycInfo were searched for articles published in the last five years. Six studies met the eligibility criteria. The inclusion criteria encompassed children, preadolescents, and adolescents, a diagnosis of depression, and an intervention of oral supplementations such as Omega-3, fish oil, and Vitamin D3. (3) Results: Most of the studies demonstrated that dietary intervention provides positive outcomes in terms of depression symptoms. (4) Conclusions: Overall, the results demonstrate a positive effect for oral supplementation suggesting an increase intake of Omega-3, fish oil, and Vitamin D3. However, only a few studies assess the effectiveness of diet recommendations, as a monotherapy or combined treatment, for the management of depression at developmental ages. Thus, there is still a need to further investigate these aspects and to look more specifically at adolescents and preadolescents.
Respiratory Muscle Strength in Brazilian Adolescents: Impact of Body Composition
Authors: de Lima Viviane Campos , Marquezi Marcelo Luis , Alcantara Paulo Roberto , Lopes Nayara Barbosa , Frientes Caroline Santana , da Silva Santos Thais Miriã , Miedes Leonardo Ribeiro , Fornel Matheus Silva , Oliveira Danielle Castro , Rogeri Patrícia Soares , Lancha Junior Antônio Herbert , Bernardes Nathalia , Lino Aparecido Juliana Monique
Published: May 2023

(1) Introduction: Studies on respiratory muscle strength (RMS) in adolescents are controversial. Few studies so far have investigated respiratory muscle strength in Brazilian adolescents and the impact of body composition on it. (2) Objective: to evaluate the respiratory muscle strength of Brazilian adolescents and compare this with nationally and internationally predicted normality values. (3) Method: A cross-sectional study (CAEE: 34634414.5.0000.5479) was carried out with 98 adolescents, where both sexes were divided into four groups: eutrophic (n = 44); overweight (n = 15), obese (n = 25), and severely obese (n = 14). All were submitted to an anthropometric assessment, body composition analysis and manovacuometry. To interpret the results, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with Turkey’s post hoc test was used. The Kruskal–Wallis test and Friedman’s post hoc test were used to compare the observed vs. proposed results. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. (4) Results: There were no differences among the groups for maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressures. However, when considering the total sample, we could say that RMS was higher among boys, and there were no significant differences in RMS in relation to the maturational stage. The values obtained for MIP were lower than those suggested for the national equation and higher than those proposed for the international equation. Similarly, the values obtained for MEP were lower than those suggested for the national and international equation. (5) Conclusions: RMS was similar in adolescents with different body compositions and different maturation stages. Adiposity did not interfere with RMS in adolescents. Boys had higher MIP and MEP values compared to girls. Therefore, the reference values proposed by the equations do not consistently match RMS in the adolescents studied. This context reinforces the need for new studies that are related to RMS to establish normality values and propose equations that represent the youth population.
Does Experimental Reduction of Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes scapularis) Abundance Reduce Lyme Disease Incidence?
Authors: Ostfeld Richard S. , Keesing Felicia
Published: May 2023

Controlling the abundance of blacklegged ticks is considered the foundation for the prevention of human exposure to pathogens transmitted by these vectors in eastern North America. The use of broadcast or host-targeted acaricides is generally found to be effective at reducing the local abundance of ticks. However, studies that incorporate randomization, placebo controls, and masking, i.e., “blinding”, generally find lower efficacy. The few studies that include measurements of human–tick encounters and cases of tickborne disease have not shown impacts of acaricidal treatments. We compile literature on relevant studies from northeastern North America to address possible causes for discrepancies in study outcomes and suggest possible mechanisms that could underlie the diminished efficacy of tick control in reducing cases of tickborne disease in people.
The Effect of Oleanolic Acid and Its Four New Semisynthetic Derivatives on Human MeWo and A375 Melanoma Cell Lines
Authors: Bednarczyk-Cwynar Barbara , Leśków Anna , Szczuka Izabela , Zaprutko Lucjusz , Diakowska Dorota
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to synthesize four new semisynthetic derivatives of natural oleanolic acid (OA) and, based on an analysis of their cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects against human MeWo and A375 melanoma cell lines, select those with anti-cancer potential. We also screened the treatment time with the concentration of all four derivatives. We synthesized oxime 2 and performed its acylation with carboxylic acids into new derivatives 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d according to the methods previously described. Colorimetric MTT and SRB assays were used to measure the anti-proliferative and cytotoxic activity of OA and its derivatives 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d against melanoma cells. Selected concentrations of OA, the derivatives, and different time periods of incubation were used in the study. The data were analyzed statistically. The present results revealed the possible anti-proliferative and cytotoxic potential of two selected OA derivatives 3a and 3b, on A375 and MeWo melanoma cells, especially at concentrations of 50 μM and 100 μM at 48 h of incubation (p < 0.05). Further studies will be necessary to analyze the proapoptotic and anti-cancer activities of 3a and 3b against skin and other cancer cells. The bromoacetoxyimine derivative (3b) of OA morpholide turned out to be the most effective against the tested cancer cells.
Dry Powder Inhalation for Lung Delivery in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Han Xiaoxuan , Li Danni , Reyes-Ortega Felisa , Schneider-Futschik Elena K.
Published: May 2023

Pulmonary drug delivery has long been used for local and systemic administration of different medications used in acute and chronic respiratory diseases. Certain lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, rely heavily on chronic treatments, including targeted lung delivery. Pulmonary drug delivery possesses various physiological advantages compared to other delivery methods and is also convenient for the patient to use. However, the formulation of dry powder for pulmonary delivery proves challenging due to aerodynamic restrictions and the lower tolerance of the lung. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the respiratory tract structure in patients with cystic fibrosis, including during acute and chronic lung infections and exacerbations. Furthermore, this review discusses the advantages of targeted lung delivery, including the physicochemical properties of dry powder and factors affecting clinical efficacy. Current inhalable drug treatments and drugs currently under development will also be discussed.
Immunomodulatory Properties of Natural Extracts and Compounds Derived from Bidens pilosa L.: Literature Review
Authors: Rodríguez-Mesa Xandy Melissa , Contreras Bolaños Leonardo Andres , Mejía Antonio , Pombo Luis Miguel , Modesti Costa Geison , Santander González Sandra Paola
Published: May 2023

Bidens pilosa L. has been used in different parts of the world mainly to treat diseases associated with immune response disorders, such as autoimmunity, cancer, allergies, and infectious diseases. The medicinal properties of this plant are attributed to its chemical components. Nevertheless, there is little conclusive evidence that describes the immunomodulatory activity of this plant. In this review, a systematic search was carried out in the PubMed-NLM, EBSCO Host and BVS databases focused on the pre-clinical scientific evidence of the immunomodulatory properties of B. pilosa. A total of 314 articles were found and only 23 were selected. The results show that the compounds or extracts of Bidens modulate the immune cells. This activity was associated with the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids that control proliferation, oxidative stress, phagocytosis, and the production of cytokines of different cells. Most of the scientific information analyzed in this paper supports the potential use of B. pilosa mainly as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumoral, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial immune response modulator. It is necessary that this biological activity be corroborated through the design of specialized clinical trials that demonstrate the effectiveness in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, and infectious diseases. Until now there has only been one clinical trial in phase I and II associated with the anti-inflammatory activity of Bidens in mucositis.
A Pharmacy Drug Knowledge Assessment Pilot: Who Will Fly Farthest and What Downs the Plane?
Authors: Sjoquist Laura K. , Surowiec Suzanne M. , Guy Jason W.
Published: May 2023

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a sequenced drug knowledge pilot in third professional year students in a capstone course. Methods: A three-phase drug knowledge pilot was conducted in spring 2022. Students completed a total of thirteen assessments, including nine low-stakes quizzes, three formative tests, and a final summative comprehensive exam. Results from the previous year’s cohort (historical control) who only completed a summative comprehensive exam were compared to the pilot (test group) results to assess effectiveness. The faculty spent over 300 h developing content for the test group. Results: The pilot group had a mean score of 80.9% on the final competency exam, which was one percent lower than the control group who had a less rigorous intervention. A sub-analysis was conducted that removed the students who failed (<73%) the final competency exam, and no significant difference in the exam score was found. One practice drug exam was found to be moderately correlated and significant (r = 0.62) with the final knowledge exam performance in the control. The number of attempts on the low-stakes assessments had a low correlation with the final exam score in the test group compared to the control (r = 0.24). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest a need to further investigate the best practices for knowledge-based drug characteristic assessments.
Recent Progress in III–V Photodetectors Grown on Silicon
Authors: Zeng Cong , Fu Donghui , Jin Yunjiang , Han Yu
Published: May 2023

An efficient photodetector (PD) is a key component in silicon-based photonic integrated circuits (PICs). III–V PDs with low dark current density, large bandwidth, and wide operation wavelength range have become increasingly important for Si photonics in various applications. Monolithic integration of III–V PDs on Si by direct heteroepitaxy exhibits the lowest cost, the largest integration density, and the highest throughput. As the research of integrating III–V lasers on Si flourishes in the last decade, various types of III–V PDs on Si with different device structures and absorption materials have also been developed. While the integration of III–V lasers on Si using various technologies has been systematically reviewed, there are few reviews of integrating III–V PDs on Si. In this article, we review the most recent advances in III–V PDs directly grown on Si using two different epitaxial techniques: blanket heteroepitaxy and selective heteroepitaxy.
SORS Performance of Sublayer Materials with Different Optical Properties under Diffuse Scattering Media
Authors: Yu Nian , Zhang Lili , Zhang Xianbiao , Hu Chunrui , Chen Chang
Published: May 2023

Over the past few years, the utilization of spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) has significantly evolved in its ability to analyze layered turbid materials non-invasively. It is well known that SORS can effectively detect the deeper layer in a high scattering media, and the performance characteristics of SORS have been extensively studied. However, to date, there is a lack of detailed studies of SORS to detect materials with different optical properties. This study aims to fill this gap by constructing a simple bilayer model, in which a target material with different optical properties was covered with a diffuse scattering barrier. By analyzing the Raman intensity from both superficial barriers and underlying target materials, we investigated the SORS performance to probe three typical optical materials with distinct optical properties: strong absorption, high transparency, and strong scattering. It was found that SORS technology can readily detect the samples of different properties under turbid surface coverings, and the typical optical property of the sublayer materials provided a specific SORS feature. Our study demonstrates the great potential of SORS technology for the non-invasive detection of subcutaneous component applications and provides a comprehensive understanding of the SORS characteristic of various materials.
High-Precision Laser Self-Mixing Displacement Sensor Based on Orthogonal Signal Phase Multiplication Technique
Authors: Wang Xiulin , Zhong Zhengjian , Chen Hanqiao , Zhu Desheng , Zheng Tongchang , Huang Wencai
Published: May 2023

A new signal processing method named orthogonal signal phase multiplication (OSPM) is proposed, which is used to improve the precision of vibration measurement in a phase-modulating self-mixing interferometer (SMI). The modulated signal is acquired by an electro-optic modulator, which is placed in the external cavity. Higher measurement precision is realized by performing the phase multiplication algorithm on the orthogonal signals extracted from the harmonic components of the signal spectrum. Theoretically, the displacement reconstruction precision of OSPM is higher than that of conventional modulation methods, and it can be continuously improved by increasing the multiplication times. The feasibility and performance of the proposed method are verified by simulated signals and confirmed by experiments; the absolute error is less than 11 nm, and relative error is less than 0.75%, within the amplitude range from 661 nm to 2013 nm. This method does not involve additional optical elements, and its effectiveness meet the requirements for real-time high-precision measurements.
Aphids on Aphid-Susceptible Cultivars Have Easy Access to Turnip Mosaic Virus, and Effective Inoculation on Aphid-Resistant Cultivars of Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus)
Authors: Hao Zhong-Ping , Feng Zeng-Bei , Sheng Lei , Fei Wei-Xin , Hou Shu-Min
Published: May 2023

Plant viruses improve transmission efficiency by directly and indirectly influencing vector behavior, but the impact of plant cultivars on these modifications is rarely studied. Using electropenetrography (EPG) technology, a comparative study of the effects of turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) infection on quantitative probing behaviors of the cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) was conducted on two oilseed rape cultivars (‘Deleyou6’ and ‘Zhongshuang11’). Compared to mock-inoculated plants, cabbage aphids on infected plants increased the frequency of brief probing, cell penetration, and salivation. Additionally, aphids on infected ‘Deleyou6’ prolonged cell penetration time and decreased ingestion, but not on infected ‘Zhongshuang11’, suggesting that aphids were more likely to acquire and vector TuMV on the aphid-susceptible cultivar ‘Deleyou6’ than on resistant cultivars. TuMV also affected aphid probing behavior directly. Viruliferous aphids reduced the pathway duration, secreted more saliva, and ingested less sap than non-viruliferous aphids. In comparison with non-viruliferous aphids, viruliferous aphids started the first probe earlier and increased brief probing and cell penetration frequencies on the aphid-resistant cultivar ‘Zhongshuang11’. Based on these observations, viruliferous aphids can be inoculated with TuMV more efficiently on ‘Zhongshuang11’ than on ‘Deleyou6’. Although aphid resistance and TuMV infection may influence aphid probing behavior, oilseed rape resistance to aphids does not impede TuMV transmission effectively.
Amaranthus Biochar-Based Microbial Cell Composites for Alleviation of Drought and Cadmium Stress: A Novel Bioremediation Approach
Authors: Tripti  , Kumar Adarsh , Maleva Maria , Borisova Galina , Rajkumar Mani
Published: May 2023

Metal contamination coupled with aridity is a major challenge for remediation of abiotic stressed soils throughout the world. Both biochar and beneficial bacteria showed a significant effect in bioremediation; however, their conjugate study needs more exploration. Two rhizobacteria strains Serratia sp. FV34b and Pseudomonas sp. ASe42b isolated from multi-metal and drought stressed sites showed multiple plant-growth-promoting attributes (phosphate solubilization, indole-3-acetic acid, siderophore, and ammonia production). Both strains were able to tolerate a high concentration of Cd along with being resistant to drought (−0.05 to −0.73 MPa). The seldom studied biomass of Amaranthus caudatus L. was used for biochar preparation by pyrolyzing it at 470 °C for 160 min under limited oxygen and then using it for the preparation of biochar-based microbial cell composites (BMC)s. To check the efficiency of BMC under Cd stress (21 mg kg−1 soil) and drought, a pot-scale study was conducted using Brassica napus L. for 47 days. Both the BMC5 (Biochar + Serratia sp. FV43b) and BMC9 (Biochar + Pseudomonas sp. ASe42b) improved the seed germination, plant biometrical (shoot and root biomass, length of organs) and physiological (photosynthetic pigments, proline, malondialdehyde, and relative water content) parameters under drought (exerted until it reaches up to 50% of field capacity) and Cd-spiked soil. However, for most of them, no or few significant differences were observed for BMC9 before and after drought. Moreover, BMC9 maximized the Cd accumulation in root and meager transfer to shoot, making it a best bioformulation for sustainable bioremediation of Cd and drought stressed soils using rapeseed plant.
Disruption of a DUF247 Containing Protein Alters Cell Wall Polysaccharides and Reduces Growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wannitikul Pitchaporn , Wattana-Amorn Pakorn , Sathitnaitham Sukhita , Sakulkoo Jenjira , Suttangkakul Anongpat , Wonnapinij Passorn , Bassel George W. , Simister Rachael , Gomez Leonardo D. , Vuttipongchaikij Supachai
Published: May 2023

Plant cell wall biosynthesis is a complex process that requires proteins and enzymes from glycan synthesis to wall assembly. We show that disruption of At3g50120 (DUF247-1), a member of the DUF247 multigene family containing 28 genes in Arabidopsis, results in alterations to the structure and composition of cell wall polysaccharides and reduced growth and plant size. An ELISA using cell wall antibodies shows that the mutants also exhibit ~50% reductions in xyloglucan (XyG), glucuronoxylan (GX) and heteromannan (HM) epitopes in the NaOH fraction and ~50% increases in homogalacturonan (HG) epitopes in the CDTA fraction. Furthermore, the polymer sizes of XyGs and GXs are reduced with concomitant increases in short-chain polymers, while those of HGs and mHGs are slightly increased. Complementation using 35S:DUF247-1 partially recovers the XyG and HG content, but not those of GX and HM, suggesting that DUF247-1 is more closely associated with XyGs and HGs. DUF247-1 is expressed throughout Arabidopsis, particularly in vascular and developing tissues, and its disruption affects the expression of other gene members, indicating a regulatory control role within the gene family. Our results demonstrate that DUF247-1 is required for normal cell wall composition and structure and Arabidopsis growth.
Free Vibration Analysis of a Tunable Micro-Fabrication Device Comprising Asymmetric L-Shaped Membranes
Authors: Xiong Cheng-Hua , He Lian-Gui , Chang Kao-Hao , Huang Chang-Wei
Published: May 2023

Membrane sensors have been widely used in various fields owing to their multifunctionality and cost-effectiveness. However, few studies have investigated frequency-tunable membrane sensors, which could enable versatility in the face of different device requirements while retaining high sensitivity, fast response times, and high accuracy. In this study, we propose a device comprising an asymmetric L-shaped membrane with tunable operating frequencies for microfabrication and mass sensing applications. The resonant frequency could be controlled by adjusting the membrane geometry. To fully understand the vibration characteristics of the asymmetric L-shaped membrane, the free vibrations of the membrane are first solved by a semi-analytical treatment combining domain decomposition and variable separation methods. The finite-element solutions confirmed the validity of the derived semi-analytical solutions. Parametric analysis results revealed that the fundamental natural frequency decreases monotonically with the increase in length or width of the membrane segment. Numerical examples revealed that the proposed model can be employed to identify suitable materials for membrane sensors with specific frequency requirements under a given set of L-shaped membrane geometries. The model can also achieve frequency matching by changing the length or width of membrane segments given a specified membrane material. Finally, performance sensitivity analyses for mass sensing were carried out, and the results showed that the performance sensitivity was up to 0.7 kHz/pg for polymer materials under certain conditions.
Wet-Process-Modified Blue-Green Algae Biochar by K2FeO4 for the Efficient Adsorption of Cr(VI) from Water
Authors: Cheng Aihua , Wang Xingwen , Liu Xiaohe , He Chi
Published: May 2023

Iron-modified biochar adsorbent shows its promise for removing Cr(VI) from water. However, the traditional dry-grinding modification methods to prepare iron-modified biochar (DFeBC) usually result in the aggregation of iron oxide particles, thus impeding the adsorption capacity. Herein, blue-green algae waste derived biochar modified in a wet process by K2FeO4 (WFeBC) was developed, and it showed well-distributed iron oxide on the surface of the biochar. As a result, WFeBC displayed a larger theoretical adsorption capacity of 66.22 mg/g than that of DFeBC (48.54 mg/g). It was found that the uniform-distributed iron oxide and abundant oxygen functional groups of WFeBC played an important role in the removal process of Cr(VI). In the adsorption process, the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by Fe(II) promoted the removal of hexavalent chromium. The Cr(VI) will be attracted by protonated oxygen functional groups through electrostatic interaction and complexation in an acid environment. All the results show that the wet modification of biochar by K2FeO4 can effectively improve the removal ability of WFeBC to Cr(VI).
Sustainable Bioactive Composite of Glehnia littoralis Extracts for Osteoblast Differentiation and Bone Formation
Authors: Kim Chul Joong , Ghimire Bimal Kumar , Choi Seon Kang , Yu Chang Yeon , Lee Jae Geun
Published: May 2023

Different bone-related diseases are mostly caused by the disruption of bone formation and bone resorption, including osteoporosis. Traditional medicinal literature has reported the possible anti-osteoporotic properties of Glehnia littoralis. However, the chemical compounds in extracts that are responsible for bone metabolism are poorly understood. The present study aimed to explore and compare the coumarin-based compounds present in G. littoralis extracts, the antioxidant activities, and the anti-osteoporotic properties of different extracts of G. littoralis (leaf and stem, fruit, whole plant, and root extracts) on bone metabolism. This study analyzed G. littoralis extract effects on the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. Among the different tested samples, stem extracts had the highest scopoletin (53.0 mg/g), and umbelliferone (1.60 mg/g). The significantly (p < 0.05) highest amounts of imperatorin (31.9 mg/g) and phellopterin (2.3 mg/g), were observed in fruit and whole plant extracts, respectively. Furthermore, the results confirmed alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen synthesis, mineralization, osteocalcin content, and osterix and RUNX2 expression. G. littoralis extracts at concentrations greater than 20 µg/mL had particularly adverse effects on MC3T3-E1 cell viability and proliferation. Notably, cell proliferation was significantly elevated at lower G. littoralis concentrations. Comparatively, 0.5 µg/mL stem had a higher osteocalcin content. Of the four extract types, stem showed a higher collagen synthesis effect at concentrations of 0.5–5 µg/mL. Except for fruit extracts, G. littoralis extract treatment significantly elevated osterix gene expression. All G. littoralis extracts increased RUNX2 gene expression. The results described here indicate that G. littoralis ethanolic extracts can effectively prevent osteoporosis.
Mapping Aquifer Recharge Potential Zones (ARPZ) Using Integrated Geospatial and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in an Arid Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khan Mohd Yawar Ali , ElKashouty Mohamed , Zaidi Faisal K. , Egbueri Johnbosco C.
Published: May 2023

There is an urgent need to explore and analyze new aquifer recharge potential zones (ARPZ) in arid regions exposed mainlyto hard rock local aquifers, whether fractured or non-fractured, for investment and fulfillment of the Saudi Vision 2030. Over-pumping, seawater intrusion, climatological changes, population growth, lack of traditional water supplies, expensive desalinized water, and excessive evaporation have characterized the Duba region of Tabuk province of Saudi Arabia (SA). Aquifer productivity and potentiality are affected by surface geology, rainfall, lineament density, drainage density, slope, elevation, soil, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). This study aims to demarcate the ARPZ using integrated remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) and (RS) approaches. The relative importance of each parameter was determined based on its impact on the aquifer’s potential through the analytical hierarchical process (AHP). The ARPZ zones are categorized into five classes starting from very low to very high potentiality. Southern, western, and northern areas have high to very high aquifer potentiality and recharge. They made up roughly 43% of the area that was examined. About 41.8% of the research area is comprised of low to very low groundwater potentiality, and this potentiality is dispersed over the western and central regions of the region. The medium aquifer potentiality level reflects about 15.2%. The high to very high aquifer potentiality areas coincide with low concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and nitrate (NO3). The outcomes emphasized the decisiveness of the entire study and its applicability to any place with similar groundwater aspirations and management.
Remote Sensing of Watershed: Towards a New Research Paradigm
Authors: Wang Jingzhe , Wu Yangyi , Hu Zhongwen , Zhang Jie
Published: May 2023

Watersheds are critical natural systems that serve as the foundation for sustaining life on Earth [...]
Estimation of Anthocyanins in Whole-Fertility Maize Leaves Based on Ground-Based Hyperspectral Measurements
Authors: Jiang Shiyu , Chang Qingrui , Wang Xiaoping , Zheng Zhikang , Zhang Yu , Wang Qi
Published: May 2023

The estimation of anthocyanin (Anth) content is very important for observing the physiological state of plants under environmental stress. The objective of this study was to estimate the Anth of maize leaves at different growth stages based on remote sensing methods. In this study, the hyperspectral reflectance and the corresponding Anth of maize leaves were measured at the critical growth stages of nodulation, tasseling, lactation, and finishing of maize. First-order differential spectra (FD) were derived from the original spectra (OS). First, the spectral parameters highly correlated with Anth were selected. A total of two sensitive bands (Rλ), five classical vegetation indices (VIS), and six optimized vegetation indices (VIC) were selected from the original and first-order spectra. Then, univariate regression models for Anth estimation (Anth-UR models) and multivariate regression models for estimating anthocyanins (Anth-MR models) were constructed based on these parameters at different growth stages of maize. It was shown that the first-order spectral conversion could effectively improve the correlation between Rλ, VIC, and Anth, and VIC are usually more sensitive to Anth than VIS. In addition, the overall performance of Anth-MR models was better than that of Anth-UR models. Among them, Anth-MR models with the combination of three types of spectral parameters (FD(Rλ) + OS_VIC + FD_VIC/VIS) as inputs had the best overall performance. Moreover, different growth stages had an impact on the Anth estimation models, with tasseling and lactation stages showing better results. The best-performing Anth-MR models for these two growth stages were as follows. For the tasseling stage, the best model was the FD(Rλ) + OS_VIC + VIS-based SVM model, with an R2 of 0.868, RMSE of 0.007, and RPD of 2.19. For the lactation stage, the best-performing model was the FD(Rλ) + OS_VIC + FD_VIC-based RF model, with an R2 of 0.797, RMSE of 0.007, and RPD of 2.24. These results will provide a scientific basis for better monitoring of Anth using remote sensing hyperspectral techniques.
HPLC-DAD Development and Validation Method for Short-Chain Fatty Acids Quantification from Chicken Feces by Solid-Phase Extraction
Authors: Díaz-Corona Lenin Rodolfo , Parra-Saavedra Karina Jeanette , Mora-Alonzo Renata Sofia , Macías-Rodríguez María Esther , Martínez-Preciado Alma H. , Guevara-Martínez Santiago José , Zamudio-Ojeda Adalberto , Macias-Lamas Adriana Macaria
Published: May 2023

A solid-phase extraction (SPE) process, followed by an HPLC-DAD method, was developed and validated to quantify short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and applied to analyze chicken feces samples. This study aimed to report the use of the STRATATM-X-A 96 Well Plate SPE cartridge method as the first step in quantifying SCFAs. A stationary reverse-phase Luna Omega C18 column kept at 40 °C was used, with a gradient elution mobile phase (H2SO4 and Acetonitrile, 98:2), a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min, and detection at 210 nm. A mixture of acetic, propionic, and butyric acid was used as thestandard. The method showed a linear relationship, with a coefficient of determination of R2 = 0.9987, R2 = 0.9985, and R2 = 0.9966 for acetic, propionic, and butyric acid, respectively. Concerning sensitivity, an LOD and LOQ of 0.14, 0.14, 0.14 mg/mL and 0.44, 0.45, 0.43 mg/mL were obtained for acetic, propionic, and butyric acid, respectively. According to the sample analysis, the accuracy was 76.05, 95.60, and 81.56% for acetic, propionic, and butyric acid, respectively. The developed method is simple, fast, linear, sensitive, accurate, precise, and robust for the quantification of SCFAs. This could serve as an alternative to conventional methodologies for the determination of these critical components in the intestinal health of chicken feces.
The Concept of Learning Cities: Supporting Lifelong Learning through the Use of Smart Tools
Authors: Hirju Ionelia , Georgescu Radu-Ionut
Published: May 2023

This paper presents an initiative in which QR codes on public transport are used to provide citizens with books that they can read and that will improve their general knowledge. It builds on the concept of the learning city and combines it with smart city tools. This paper aims to use a descriptive–empirical approach, including an experiment in Bucharest. This research aims to contribute to the academic world, urban sociology, public administration, and lifelong learning education.
Towards Automated Situational Awareness Reporting for Disaster Management—A Case Study
Authors: Schwarz Klaus , Aranda Daniel Arias , Hartmann Michael
Published: May 2023

Disasters do not follow a predictable timetable. Rapid situational awareness is essential for disaster management. People witnessing a disaster in the same area and beyond often use social media to report, inform, summarize, update, or warn each other. These warnings and recommendations are faster than traditional news and mainstream media. However, due to the massive amount of raw and unfiltered information, the data cannot be managed by humans in time. Automated situational awareness reporting could significantly and sustainably improve disaster management and save lives by quickly filtering, detecting, and summarizing important information. In this work, we aim to provide a novel approach towards automated situational awareness reporting using microblogging data through event detection and summarization. Therefore, we combine an event detection algorithm with different summarization libraries. We test the proposed approach against data from the Russo-Ukrainian war to evaluate its real-time capabilities and determine how many of the events that occurred could be highlighted. The results reveal that the proposed approach can outline significant events. Further research can be carried out to improve short-text summarization and filtering.
A Systematic Design Framework for Zero Carbon Campuses: Investigating the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Fahua Campus Case
Authors: Wang Lingyu , Yan Xingyun , Fang Mingzhu , Song Hua , Hu Jie
Published: May 2023

Since the global zero carbon goal was proposed, most higher education institutions around the world are still in the process of transitioning towards carbon neutrality. However, there is still a research gap in the systematic design strategy for a zero carbon campus. This study adopts a qualitative literature analysis approach to establish a theoretical framework for a zero carbon campus design. The framework hierarchically outlines the One Top-Down vision of carbon neutrality, two complementary paths of carbon emission reduction and carbon sink, specific implementation strategies based on the coupling of the social, technological, and ecological dimensions, as well as the establishment of a carbon-neutral smart services platform. Subsequently, a case study was conducted at the Fahua campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, guided by this theoretical framework. This study not only completed the modeling and visualization of the carbon-neutral systematic design of the campus but also attempted to conceive of people-centered services under the zero carbon commitment and emphasized the critical role of university campus culture and historical connotations in the carbon-upgrading process. The results showed that the establishment of this theoretical framework can inspire innovative localized carbon-neutral solutions for campus, empower the replicability of advanced zero carbon campuses, and more effectively promote the carbon neutrality development of communities and cities.
Spatial Layout Assessment of Urban Mining Pilot Bases in China Based on Multi-Source Data Collaboration
Authors: Liu Huimin , Xu Mengqian , Yang Xuexi , Shi Yan , Deng Min
Published: May 2023

Rapid urbanization in China has led to an exponential increase in the stocks of metals used in cities. Exploring their amount and growth patterns is an important way to forecast future metal demand and identify the potential for urban mining. Here, we use a combination of bottom-up and GIS tools to estimate the amount of in-use stocks and scrap metal of steel, copper, and aluminum in 366 regions of mainland China from 2010 to 2020. We then downscaled the 2020 metal scrap volume based on a multi-source dataset of socioeconomic factors. Finally, the accessibility of the urban mining pilot base (UMPB) was calculated using the two-step floating catchment area method (2SFCA), and the spatial layout assessment analysis of the UMPB was conducted under the supply–demand balance perspective. The results showed that the total in-use stocks of steel, copper, and aluminum increased from an initial 3186 million tons to 5216 million tons, with a corresponding trend of continued growth in the amount of metal scrap. The high value of scrap metal in 2020 is concentrated in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration, the Yangtze River Delta region, and the Chengdu–Chongqing metropolitan area. The accessibility results show that the road network distance-based accessibility covered a smaller area than the Euclidean distance-based accessibility, but when the UMPB service radius was set to 300 km, the road network distance-based accessibility could also cover most of the eastern part of China. The spatial evaluation results of UMPB show that for service radii of 200 km and 300 km, low-supply and high-demand areas account for 6.32 percent and 5.89 percent, respectively.
Developing a Controlling Model for Analyzing the Subjectivity of Enterprise Sustainability and Expert Group Judgments Using Fuzzy Triangular Membership Functions
Authors: Gáspár Sándor , Musinszki Zoltán , Hágen István Zsombor , Barta Ákos , Bárczi Judit , Thalmeiner Gergő
Published: May 2023

The evaluation of sustainability is complex, involving several factors and expert opinions. In our research, we analyzed and evaluated the activities of a premium packaging material manufacturer with the participation of three relevant and professional groups. Various expectations have been defined in the form of plan values. From these plan values, we measured and evaluated the sustainability level of the company with the help of plan-fact ratios, fuzzy logic and triangular functions, enabling the subjective evaluation and integration of different opinions into the model. The purpose of our model is to support enterprise decision-making by taking into account sustainability aspects and the different expectations of interested parties. Our model helps identify intervention points and manages subjectivity in the field so that the decisions of enterprise managers better reflect the expectations and perspectives of those involved. The model we built is significantly different from previously used and developed indexes, as it functions as an enterprise-controlling model and index during sustainability evaluation. The developed model can also integrate company-specific and global sustainability indicators. Our research contributes to the development of sustainability evaluation methodology and the scientific examination of enterprise decision-making models. The controlling model we developed offers an integrated approach to managing the subjectivity of sustainability evaluation and the different expectations of stakeholder groups.
Research on the Mechanism of Regional Innovation Network in Western China Based on ERGM: A Case Study of Chengdu-Chongqing Shuangcheng Economic Circle
Authors: Hou Langong , Liu Ye , He Xiaoqin
Published: May 2023

Innovation is the engine for the sustainable development of cities and regions, and an innovation perspective is used to study the collaborative innovation relationship between regional cities and the evolution mechanism of regional innovation network formation. Based on the social network analysis method and spatial analysis method, we explore the characteristics of the regional research cooperation network and its spatial pattern, as well as analyze the formation mechanism of the network using the exponential random graph model. The study finds that the scale of the regional innovation network is expanding, the overall network density is gradually increasing, but the nodes are loosely linked, and the regional innovation network is in the stage of deepening development. There is spatial heterogeneity in the regional innovation network, with a dumbbell-shaped distribution of “double-core dominance and central collapse”. During the formation of the regional innovation network, the endogenous structure of the innovation network is multi-connected under the path dependence, and the network development tends to be complicated; the economic strength and scientific research capability of cities and multi-dimensional proximity have a positive influence on the formation of the innovation network, and geographical proximity, social proximity and cognitive proximity can promote intra-regional innovation cooperation.
Evaluation of Kitchen Waste Recycling as Organic N-Fertiliser for Sustainable Agriculture under Cool and Warm Seasons
Authors: Kuligowski Ksawery , Konkol Izabela , Świerczek Lesław , Chojnacka Katarzyna , Cenian Adam , Szufa Szymon
Published: May 2023

Kitchen waste could be processed and recycled into safe fertilizers/soil improvers for sustainable agriculture through different methods: (1) Dried pellets from model kitchen waste treated with anaerobic effective microorganisms; and (2) Anaerobically digested kitchen waste. For comparison, a commercial mineral fertilizer was used. These methods were applied in two separate glasshouse experiments: one under cool (mainly winter) conditions (X–IV) and one under warm (mainly summer) conditions (VI–X) consisting of 3–4 subsequent harvests in northern Poland. Comparing the food waste agronomic performance after anaerobic digestion and effective microorganism treatments, especially under different climatic conditions, is a novel approach. Kitchen waste served as a much better fertilizer than mineral fertilizer, but only during the cool season. In addition, it provided 20–40% more plant yields for dosages >120 kg N/ha and a similar N uptake. In the warm season, in comparison to effective microorganism-incubated kitchen waste, its anaerobic digestion improved the relative agronomic effectiveness twice after 30 days of growth (82% versus 43%). However, the total effectiveness for anaerobically digested kitchen waste versus pelleted and effective microorganism-incubated kitchen waste was 32% versus 27% (N utilization-wise) and 36% versus 21% (plant biomass yield-wise). The Monod kinetic model was applied for the internal efficiency of N utilization; for the best fitting procedure, R2 > 0.96 for the cool season and R2 > 0.92 for the warm season. Kitchen waste introduced to the soil provided better soil properties than mineral fertilizer. The study contributes to the biological systems for waste recycling in agriculture, bioproduction processes, and the global food chain.
Reduced Device Count for Self Balancing Switched-Capacitor Multilevel Inverter Integration with Renewable Energy Source
Authors: Gopal Yatindra , Kumar Yarrem Narasimhulu Vijaya , Kumari Akanksha , Prakash Om , Chowdhury Subrata , Almehizia Abdullah A.
Published: May 2023

In this study, a new switched-capacitor-based seven-level inverter topology with a photovoltaic system is presented. The proposed topology requires a smaller number of devices and has the ability to self-balance the voltage across the capacitor. The proposed topology configuration is simple and has the ability to extend to higher levels of voltage. This multilevel inverter topology is suitable for low- and medium-voltage applications with photovoltaic (PV) system integration. To improve the PV system efficiency as an input of a DC–DC boost converter, a Fuzzy logic-based maximum power point controller technique is used. A PV system with a DC–DC boost converter integrates with the proposed seven-level inverter topology. The anti-predatory particle swarm optimization (APSO) technique is used to solve the non-linear transduction equations of the seven-level PV switched-capacitor-based multilevel inverter (7L−PV−SCMLI) topology. The proposed APSO is described to minimize the harmonics in the multilevel inverter (MLIs), which is a complex optimization problem involving a non-linear transcendental equation. Furthermore, APSO can be applied in order to solve non-linear transcendental equations for all symmetrical and asymmetrical MLIs that have equal and non-equal DC sources. The APSO-based selected harmonic elimination (SHE) technique obtained the best switching angle value, and the optimized obtained switching angles reduced the total harmonic distortion (THD) of 7L−PV−SCMLI.
The Spatiotemporal Elasticity of Age Structure in China’s Interprovincial Migration System
Authors: Lin Yufei , Pu Yingxia , Zhao Xinyi , Chi Guangqing , Ye Cui
Published: May 2023

The supply and demand of labour in the market can often experience profound transformations as a result of an ageing population. This can substantially impact the sustainable development of human society. Since the 1970s, China’s internal migration has continued to increase, but there has been a shift toward an ageing trend since the year 2000. How does the change of age structure interact with socioeconomic development to produce changes in the supply and demand of labour over space and time? This study constructs a spatial dynamic panel data model of interprovincial migration flows in China from 1985 to 2015 in order to quantify the spatiotemporal impacts of age structure on migration. The preliminary results indicate that age structure plays the most important role among regional socioeconomic characteristics of migration, dominated by the large supply, demand, and cross elasticities of labour population. Labour demand and the cross elasticities of total dependency ratio rank second. Comparatively, the total elasticities of regional GDP and wage levels on migration flows are not as significant as expected. This study lays the groundwork for identifying the interaction mechanisms of migration systems and provides important insights on regional sustainable development from the perspective of ageing.
Sustainability Assessment of Regional Water Resources in China Based on DPSIR Model
Authors: Zhang Yansong , Wei Yujie , Mao Yu
Published: May 2023

Water resources are an important aspect of China’s ecological governance. Due to the uneven spatial distribution of water resources in China, it is necessary to analyze the differences in the sustainable development level of water resources in different regions. This article combines the national policies of “promoting the coordinated development of the three waters” and “integration of people, city, industry, and economy” to construct an evaluation index system for the sustainable development of water resources in China using the water resources carrying capacity (WRCC). The spatial and temporal differentiation characteristics of water resources sustainable development in 31 provinces of China are analyzed. The results show that (1) the level of sustainable development of China’s water resources has significantly increased, with the index increasing from 6.229 in 2005 to 9.792 in 2021. (2) The spatial pattern of China’s WRCC shows an increasing trend from west to east and from north to south, and the aggregation status is obvious and fluctuates during the entire study period. (3) Currently, the strength of the expenditure of research and development funds for industrial enterprises and the sewage treatment capacity continue to increase, and the interaction between different factors shows a two-factor enhancement or nonlinear enhancement. To further improve the level of sustainable development of water resources, each province needs to formulate development plans based on local conditions and promote the coordinated development of industrial restructuring, environmental governance, and water resources development.