bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Household storage and disposal of unused and expired medicines in Dessie, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yimer Alebachew , Moges Getachew , Kahissay Mesfin Haile
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Households frequently store unwanted, unused, or expired medicines in their homes indefinitely or discard them through general municipal waste bins, sinks, or flush them into their toilets. Disposing unused or expired medicines through these unauthorized channels can affect the environment and lives of individuals. This study assessed the household storage and disposal practices of unused and expired medicines in the Dessie City Administration in northeast Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a semi-structured interview. The data were collected during November 1–30, 2019. A Multistage sampling technique was employed to recruit participants. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.

Results

The study found that 62.4% of households stored unused or expired medicines, with analgesics, antibiotics, and cold and flu drugs being the most commonly used. The primary reasons for storing these medicines included future use, discontinuation of medication, and sharing with others, if needed. Most people preferred to dispose of these medicines by trashing them in household garbage, while some disposed of them in their original form and a few diluted them with water before disposal. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified key factors associated with medicine storage: housewives and government employees were less likely to store unused medicines compared to students and daily workers, and obtaining medicines from private dispensaries was linked to reduced storage. Additionally, households that received advice from physicians were less inclined to store unused medicines.

Conclusion

This revealed the widespread storage of unused medicines, primarily analgesics and antibiotics. Improper disposal practices are common and emphasize the need for public education. Employment status, source of medicines, and healthcare advice influenced storage behaviors. Healthcare providers play a vital role in improving medication management and reducing waste.
Food insecurity and oral health in older adults
Authors: Merchant Anwar T. , Fallahi Afsaneh , Huda Arissa , Lohman Matthew
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Household food insecurity, defined as inconsistent access to sufficient food in a household, affects 1 in 15 individuals over the age of 60 years in the US. In these individuals it is associated with numerous chronic conditions, medication underuse leading to poorly controlled conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and poor oral health. However, the relationship between food insecurity and oral health is understudied. We therefore evaluated the associations between food insecurity and aspects of oral health in older US adults.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated a subset of participants of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) who responded to questions evaluating food insecurity in 2013 and a supplemental questionnaire regarding dental health and dental health services in 2018 (N = 472).

Results

Approximately 1 in 5 people in our study reported being food insecure in the last year. Food insecurity was correlated with poor oral health-related quality of life scores and more tooth loss. Individuals who were food insecure reported worse self-rated oral health (OR = 2.67), greater odds of losing 8 or more teeth (OR = 2.35), and lower odds of receiving oral care (OR = 0.60) compared to their food secure peers.

Conclusions

Though individuals experiencing food insecurity were likely to have more unmet oral health needs than their peers, they were less likely to seek dental care. To improve the oral health status of this group, in addition to making oral health care more accessible, it may also be necessary to address the social and environmental factors preventing these people from seeking oral health care.
The effects of endurance training on muscle oxygen desaturation during incremental exercise tests: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yogev Assaf , Arnold Jem I. , Nelson Hannah , Rosenblat Michael A. , Clarke David C. , Guenette Jordan A. , Sporer Ben C. , Koehle Michael S.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Minimum muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2min) measured via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a common measure during incremental exercise testing (IET). Our objective was to determine the effects of pre-to-post endurance training on SmO2min (ΔSmO2min) during an IET, using a meta-analysis.

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SPORTDiscus.

Study selection

Studies including healthy individuals had to meet the following criteria: (1) endurance training intervention; (2) peripheral muscle NIRS; (3) incremental exercise test pre/post training; (4) SmO2 or analogous saturation parameter measured.

Analysis

A PEDro scale was used for risk of bias analysis. A random effect meta-analysis model was used to synthesize the effect of training on ΔSmO2min in individual studies. Statistical heterogeneity was quantified using I2 statistic. A meta-regression was used to estimate the effect of training on the relationship between peak cycling power output (Wpeak), peak pulmonary oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak), and ΔSmO2min. A mixed-effect model was used to estimate categorical variables.

Results

Five studies met the inclusion criteria. No difference in SmO2min was detected following training pre- and post-intervention IETs. A trend for an effect of training on the relationship between Wpeak and ΔSmO2min was observed (p = 0.06).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis showed no effects of endurance training on SmO2min during an IET. Our results showed a trend for an effect of training on the relationship between Wpeak and ΔSmO2min, with no effect for V˙O2peak and ΔSmO2min. It is possible that SmO2min is not affected by endurance training, and may be used as a physiological marker for improvements in submaximal performance rather than at peak.
The acute effect of verbal instructions on performance and landing when dropping from different heights: the ground reaction force-time profile of drop vertical jumps in female volleyball athletes
Authors: La Greca Stefano , Antonacci Gaetano , Marinelli Stefano , Cifelli Pierangelo , Di Giminiani Riccardo
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The drop vertical jump (DVJ) is extensively utilized for conditioning and evaluating physical performance, as well as reducing the likelihood of injury by enhancing joint stability through the coactivation of muscles acting on the joint. The execution of DVJ can be controlled by verbal instructions and evaluated by the vertical ground reaction force (vGRF)-time profile.

Methods

Our hypothesis was that varying verbal instructions could have an impact on the DVJ's parameter, thereby optimizing vertical performance and minimizing the impact during landing in young female volleyball players. Sixteen female volleyball players volunteered to participate in this study (age: 21.3 ± 2.6 years; stature: 1.66 ± 0.1 m; body mass: 62.0 ± 8.1 kg and BMI: 22.2 ± 1.8). They executed DVJs following verbal instructions ranging from “jump as high as possible” (1A), “jump as quickly as possible” (2A), “jump as high as possible and during the landing attempt to dampen the impact at ground contact” (1B), and “jump as high as quickly as possible and during the landing attempt to damp the impact at ground contact” (2B). The reactive strength index (RSI), vGRF (1st and 2nd peaks), and flight time (FT) were evaluated.

Results

The verbal instructions 1A improved the FT and the first peak of the vGRF (P < 0.05), whereas 2A the RSI (P < 0.05). On the contrary, “the damping” required in the 1B, and 2B verbal instruction reduced the 2nd peak of vGRF (P < 0.05), without altering the task required during the jump (P < 0.05).

Discussion

The instructions provided for the final landing (the second peak of vGRF) have the potential to enhance safety by reducing the peak of vGRF without affecting the performance required during the jump. When designing DVJ training, coaches or kinesiologists must consider the use of verbal instructions to induce specific adaptation over time.

Clinical relevance

The present study supports the use of specific verbal instructions to reduce impact forces in landing and injury risk.
Land size and efficiency in agriculture: the case of Ethiopian smallholder farmers. A meta-analysis
Authors: Girma Asefa Yohannes , Ayalew Muluken Abera
Published: October 2024

Even if smallholder farmers have a large share in the Ethiopian economy, they operate below their potential. Land use is fundamental in determining the efficiency of farmers. However, the effect of land size on efficiency is still a controversial issue in the country. This review was designed to determine the effect of land size on farmers’ efficiency. The random-effects model showed that the farmers with smaller land sizes (≤0.5 ha) were more efficient by 21% than the farmers with larger land sizes. Moreover, the results of meta-regression analysis showed that resource endowment, labor quality, information contact, and total income were the important moderators of the presence of heterogeneity in the effect size among the studies. It was deduced that farmers are efficient with smaller land sizes since they have resources to manage their farms appropriately. Therefore, improving farmers’ production skills, providing input subsidies, and upgrading development agents’ skills are crucial to boost farmers’ efficiency in the country.
Coverage of large soft tissue defects of the lower limb and foot with superficial inferior epigastric artery flap
Authors: Liu Dong , Xie Xingwen , Chu Ping An , Zhou Xin , Luo Lin , Li Ning
Published: October 2024

Background

Large soft tissue defects of the lower limb and foot are common occurrence in clinical practice and a considerable number of flaps have been used to treat them. However, there have been few reports using the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap. This review aims to present the experience of using the SIEA flaps for the repair of large soft tissue defects of the lower limb and foot.

Methods

A retrospective review of data from 11 patients who underwent coverage of lower limb and foot defects exceeding 120 cm2 (15 × 9 cm) using SIEA flaps from March 2018 to July 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The average size of the defects was 18 × 11 cm2 (range 15 × 9 cm2–32 × 16 cm2). Flap survival rates, surgical complications and overall long-term outcomes were recorded.

Results

All 11 flaps survived. One flap was partially necrotic at the edge and healed after several changes of dressing. Additionally, one flap presented with mild venous congestion. The mean follow-up period was 18 months (ranging from 12 to 30 months). The mean size of the flaps was 20 × 12 cm2 (range 17 × 9 cm2–34 × 18 cm2). The flaps were observed to be aesthetically pleasing and exhibited a well-defined texture. The donor wounds were successfully closed primarily, with only linear scarring remaining.

Conclusions

The SIEA flap is characterised by concealed donor area, superficial vascular location, easy access and primary closure, which results in favourable aesthetic outcomes. It is an appropriate choice for the repair of large soft tissue defects of the lower limb and foot.
Assessment of pulmonary fibrosis using weighted gene co-expression network analysis
Authors: Drake Christina , Zobl Walter , Escher Sylvia E.
Published: October 2024

For many industrial chemicals toxicological data is sparse regarding several regulatory endpoints, so there is a high and often unmet demand for NAMs that allow for screening and prioritization of these chemicals. In this proof of concept case study we propose multi-gene biomarkers of compounds’ ability to induce lung fibrosis and demonstrate their application in vitro. For deriving these biomarkers we used weighted gene co-expression network analysis to reanalyze a study where the time-dependent pulmonary gene-expression in mice treated with bleomycin had been documented. We identified eight modules of 58 to 273 genes each which were particularly activated during the different phases (inflammatory; acute and late fibrotic) of the developing fibrosis. The modules’ relation to lung fibrosis was substantiated by comparison to known markers of lung fibrosis from DisGenet. Finally, we show the modules’ application as biomarkers of chemical inducers of lung fibrosis based on an in vitro study of four diketones. Clear differences could be found between the lung fibrosis inducing diketones and other compounds with regard to their tendency to induce dose-dependent increases of module activation as determined using a previously proposed differential activation score and the fraction of differentially expressed genes in the modules. Accordingly, this study highlights the potential use of composite biomarkers mechanistic screening for compound-induced lung fibrosis.
Dynamics of the Thermal Environment in Climate-Controlled Poultry Houses for Broiler Chickens
Authors: Ferreira Jacqueline Cardoso , Campos Alessandro Torres , Ferraz Patrícia Ferreira Ponciano , Bahuti Marcelo , Junior Tadayuki Yanagi , Silva Joaquim Paulo da , Ferreira Sílvia Costa
Published: October 2024

The implementation of poultry houses with enhanced control over environmental variables represents a solution to the growing demands for production and animal welfare. This study assessed the internal environment of dark-house poultry houses for broilers on a weekly basis throughout a production cycle. Data were collected over six weeks, from March to April 2016 involving 40,000 Cobb500TM broilers. A Hobo® datalogger continuously monitored the temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), dew point temperature (°C), and black globe temperature (°C) at 15 min intervals. The indices analyzed included the temperature and humidity index (THI), the black globe and humidity index (BGHI), and enthalpy (H). In the first week, both the THI and BGHI indicated favorable conditions for the birds, with the THI ranging from 72.4 to 80 and the BGHI from 77 to 81.6. Between the second and fifth weeks, the THI conditions varied between thermal comfort and discomfort, from 56.6 to 72. In the sixth week, all indices indicated discomfort, reflecting increased metabolism and population density. The dark-house system demonstrated a feed efficiency of 51%, an accumulated mortality rate of 1.97%, and a total production of 99,873 kg of meat. The study highlights the importance of continuously monitoring and adjusting environmental conditions to optimize production and enhance bird welfare.
Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Molecular Mechanisms of Soil Amendment (Volcanic Ash) Alleviating Salt–Alkali Stress in Melons (Cucumis melo L.)
Authors: Fu Lina , Tian Xiaoxin , Wang Wei , Wu Chunyan
Published: October 2024

Salt–alkali stress can lead to a decrease in crop quality and yield, therefore, the ability to alleviate crop salt–alkali stress and elucidate its mechanism of action will be of great significance. This study investigated the effects of applying five different proportions (0%, 5%, 15%, 25%, and 35%) of volcanic ash on thin-skinned melons (Cucumis melo L.) under salt–alkali stress. Physiological test results indicated that the application of volcanic ash had a certain alleviating effect on salt–alkali stress on melons, and the effect of 35% volcanic ash was the best. Metabolome and transcriptome analysis was performed on melons grown in three different soils (rural soil, salt–alkali soil, and 35% volcanic ash treated salt–alkali soil). Notably, a total of 71 differentially expressed genes were predominantly enriched in the amino acid biosynthesis pathway. The metabolites involved in differential metabolism exhibited significant enrichment in phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, amino acids, and arginine. Intriguingly, correlation analysis between metabolomics and transcriptomics revealed significant associations among pathways such as cysteine and methionine metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, arginine biosynthesis, alanine-aspartate-glutamate metabolism, as well as fructose–mannose metabolism. Our research elucidated the molecular mechanism of salt–alkali tolerance in thin-skinned melons, providing new references for improving salt–alkali tolerance and improving salt–alkali soil in the future.
Improving Early Detection of Bud Rot in Oil Palm Through Digital Field Monitoring
Authors: López-Vásquez Juan Manuel , Cárdenas Diego Alejandro García , Bojacá-Aldana Carlos , Sarria Greicy Andrea , Morales-Rodríguez Anuar
Published: October 2024

Bud Rot (BR) is the most significant phytosanitary threat to oil palm cultivation in Colombia. Early detection is essential for effective curative management, but current methods for detecting BR in adult palms are subjective and unreliable. This research aimed to develop an integrated system for digital field monitoring and image analysis, testing two detection methods: computer-assisted detection and automatic detection using artificial intelligence (AI). Monthly monitoring was conducted over a 12-month period (January–December 2022) on 672 African oil palms (Elaeis guineensis), 15 years old and susceptible to BR. Disease monitoring focused on the incidence, cumulative incidence, and labor performance based on the number and spatial distribution of palms detected with BR, with or without the use of the device proposed. Results showed that automatic detection using AI had low effectiveness (17.1%), identifying only a small portion of actual cases. In contrast, computer-assisted detection significantly improved accuracy, reaching 78.6% during peak months and reducing detection time by up to two months compared to traditional methods, although, its maximum performance point only reached 4.7 ha/wage. The implementation of digital monitoring provides crucial technological support by considerably improving the effectiveness of early detection in BR curative management. Future advancements in AI-based detection are expected to further improve the efficiency and functionality of this approach.
Animal Stress and Welfare During Transport and Slaughtering: An Outline for Future Policies
Authors: Lambooij Elbert
Published: October 2024

There is a lot of discussion about the transport of farm animals [...]
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Cannabigerol in Modulating the Phospholipid Metabolism of Keratinocytes
Authors: Jarocka-Karpowicz Iwona , Dobrzyńska Izabela , Stasiewicz Anna , Skrzydlewska Elżbieta
Published: October 2024

Phospholipids and their metabolites play an important role in maintaining the membrane integrity and the metabolic functions of keratinocytes under physiological conditions and in the regeneration process after exposure to high-energy UVB radiation. Therefore, in the search for compounds with a protective and regenerative effect on keratinocyte phospholipids, the effectiveness of two antioxidant compounds has been tested: a stable derivative of ascorbic acid, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid (EAA) and cannabigerol (CBG), both of which are primarily located in the membrane structures of keratinocytes. In addition, this study has demonstrated that EAA and CBG, especially in a two-component combination, enhance the antioxidant properties of keratinocytes and reduce lipid peroxidation assessed at the level of MDA (malondialdehyde)/neuroprostanes. Moreover, by reducing the activity of enzymes that metabolise phospholipids, free PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and endocannabinoids (PLA2; phospholipase A2, COX1/2; cyclooxygenases 1/2, LOX-5; lipoxygenase 5, FAAH; fatty acid amide hydrolase, MAGL; monoacylglycerol lipase), antioxidants have been found to regulate the levels of endocannabinoids (AEA; anandamide, 2-AG; 2-arachidonoylglycerol, PEA; palmitoylethanolamide) and eicosanoids (PGD2; prostaglandin D2, PGE2; prostaglandin E2, 15-d-PGJ2; 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2, 15-HETE; 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid), that are enhanced by UVB radiation. The metabolic effect of both groups of PUFA metabolites is mainly related to the activation of G protein-related receptors (CB1/2; cannabinoid receptor 1 and 2, PPARγ; peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, TRPV1; transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1), the expression of which is reduced under the influence of EAA, CBG, and especially the two-component combination. It promotes the regeneration of keratinocyte metabolism disrupted by UVB, particularly in relation to redox balance and inflammation.
Production of Carotenoids and Astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis Cultivated Under Mixotrophy Using Brewery Wastewater: Effect of Light Intensity and Cultivation Time
Authors: Lutzu Giovanni Antonio , Concas Alessandro , Damergi Eya , Chen Lin , Zhang Wei , Liu Tianzhong
Published: October 2024

The cultivation of Haematococcus pluvialis is pivotal in the biotechnological production of astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant with extensive applications in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and aquaculture industries. Astaxanthin accumulation is known to be enhanced under stress conditions. Recent advancements have highlighted the efficacy of mixotrophic cultivation in enhancing both biomass production and carotenoid accumulation. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of mixotrophic conditions induced by BWW on biomass growth and carotenoid accumulation. To this aim, experiments carried out with different light intensities and cultivation time were specifically designed. This study displays the effective production of carotenoids by H. pluvialis using brewery wastewater (BWW) as an organic source able to sustain mixotrophic conditions. Various ratios of BWW were combined with the BG11 medium. When H. pluvialis was cultivated solely in BWW or in the control medium BG11, both the biomass and astaxanthin contents were reduced compared to the higher values obtained in their blended mixtures. In particular, the BWW-BG11 1:1 system exhibited the highest values of biomass (5.46 g L−1) and astaxanthin content (2.32%) compared to both undiluted BWW (3.34 g L−1 and 1.95%) and the control BG11 (3.65 g L−1 and 0.65%), respectively. BWW significantly boosted the growth rate and metabolic activity of H. pluvialis. This dual approach not only accelerates biomass accumulation but also enhances the synthesis of carotenoids, particularly astaxanthin. The integration of mixotrophic strategies into H. pluvialis cultivation systems presents a promising avenue for optimizing the commercial production of astaxanthin, ensuring higher yields and cost-effectiveness.
A Deep Learning Method for the Prediction of Pollutant Emissions from Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Ricci Federico , Avana Massimiliano , Mariani Francesco
Published: October 2024

The increasing demand for vehicles is leading to a rise in pollutant emissions across the world. This decline in air quality is significantly impacting public health, with internal combustion engines being a major contributor to this concerning trend. Ever-stringent regulations demand high engine efficiency and reduced pollutant emissions. Therefore, every automobile company requires rigorous methods for accurately estimating engine emissions. The implementation of advanced technologies, including machine learning methods, has proven to be a promising solution. The present work aims to develop an artificial intelligence-based model to estimate the pollutant emissions produced by an internal combustion engine under varying operating conditions. Experimental activities have been conducted on a single-cylinder spark ignition research engine with gasoline port fuel injection under both stationary and dynamic operating conditions. This work explores different artificial intelligence architectures and compares their performance in order to determine the best approach for the presented task. These structures have been trained and tested based on data obtained from the engine control unit and fast emission analyzer. The main target is to evaluate the possibility of applying the presented artificial intelligence predictive model as an on-board virtual tool in the estimation of emissions in real driving conditions.
Balanced Domain Randomization for Safe Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Kang Cheongwoong , Chang Wonjoon , Choi Jaesik
Published: October 2024

Reinforcement Learning (RL) has enabled autonomous agents to achieve superhuman performance in diverse domains, including games, navigation, and robotic control. Despite these successes, RL agents often struggle with overfitting to specific training environments, which can hinder their adaptability to new or rare scenarios. Domain randomization is a widely used technique designed to enhance policy robustness by training models in a variety of randomized contexts. In traditional domain randomization, however, models tend to prioritize learning from more common domains, often neglecting rare ones. To address this imbalance, we propose Balanced Domain Randomization (BDR) that balances the learning focus based on the rarity of contexts. We assess context rarity in the embedding space using statistical analysis of context vectors and adjust the loss weights for each transition based on this rarity. This ensures that the agent dedicates adequate attention to rare domains. Our experimental results show that BDR efficiently enhances worst-case performance, significantly improving the robustness of RL-based robotic controllers across diverse conditions. This study provides a robust framework for RL agents, reducing risks in uncommon scenarios and ensuring reliable performance in varied environments.
Improving the Energy Efficiency of the Modular Buildings Drying Room: A Case Study of Construction Site Cabins
Authors: Zhour Fadoua , Lee Denise , Abdellatif Mawada , Waseem Ahmad Muhammad , Blackburn Catherine
Published: October 2024

Due to the nature of construction work projects that must be executed outside regardless of the weather, and because it rains most of the time in the UK, the workforce will need dry clothing to work in the best conditions for their health and productivity. This study aims to identify the energy currently used in a drying room at the Everton site in Liverpool, based on which improvements will be made to optimise the drying system and garment hanging arrangement to reduce the energy bill and carbon (CO2) emissions to the environment. A thermal model using IESVE 2023 (Integrated Environmental Solutions Virtual Environment) software was developed to predict the energy consumption in the current intensive energy drying room to know the baseline energy use before implementing energy savings by constructing a test drying room composed of a heater to raise the temperature, an air circulation fan to circulate air in the room, and a dehumidifier to reduce humidity. Moisture content in the garments to dry was monitored hourly from the 25th of April to the 2nd of May for seven hours, and the results show that the best drying system in terms of energy consumption to adopt is the combination of a dehumidifier and an air mover, saving about 60%. However, adding a low-energy heater to that will still realise the same savings—58%—and the drying process will be faster in this case. Based on this fact, it can be concluded that the impact of low humidity, good air velocity, and high temperature have a great impact on reducing energy consumption, drying time, and carbon emissions.
Effects of Air Gaps on the Output Force Density in COMSOL Simulations of Biomimetic Artificial Muscles
Authors: Coltelli Michelangelo A. , Kartalov Emil P.
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a novel approach to enhancing the performance of artificial muscle fibers by incorporating air gaps within the bulk dielectric material. Building on previous models, the COMSOL simulation was developed to investigate the effects of varying the inner ligament width (‘w3’) and air gap width (‘w2’) on force production. Results indicated that an air gap width of 50 µm is optimal, balancing improved force output with manufacturability constraints. A longitudinal array sweep was conducted to determine force density saturation in long fiber arrays, comparing the gap model with a traditional non-gap model. The gap model demonstrated superior performance, achieving higher force densities and better energy efficiency. The inclusion of air gaps reduced overall weight, enhanced flexibility, and improved the force-to-weight ratio, making the design particularly suitable for applications in prosthetics, exoskeletons, and soft robotics. These findings suggest that the air gap design represents a significant advancement in artificial muscle technology, offering a practical and efficient solution for various biomedical and robotic applications.
ReZNS: Energy and Performance-Optimal Mapping Mechanism for ZNS SSD
Authors: Lee Chanyong , Lee Sangheon , Moon Gyupin , Kim Hyunwoo , An Donghyeok , Kang Donghyun
Published: October 2024

Today, energy and performance efficiency have become a crucial factor in modern computing environments, such as high-end mobile devices, desktops, and enterprise servers, because data volumes in cloud datacenters increase exponentially. Unfortunately, many researchers and engineers neglect the power consumption and internal performance incurred by storage devices. In this paper, we present a renewable-zoned namespace (ReZNS), an energy and performance-optimal mechanism based on emerging ZNS SSDs. Specifically, ReZNS recycles the remaining capacity of zones that are no longer used by adding a renewable concept into the mapping mechanism. We implemented a prototype of ReZNS based on NVMeVirt and performed comprehensive experiments with diverse workloads from synthetic to real-world workloads to quantitatively confirm power and performance benefits. Our evaluation results present that ReZNS improves overall performance by up to 60% and the total power consumption by up to 3% relative to the baseline on ZNS SSD. We believe ReZNS creates new opportunities to prolong the lifespan of various consumer electronics, such as TV, AV, and mobile devices, because storage devices play a crucial role in their replacement cycle.
Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Colorimetric Assessment of Self-Cleaning Road Marking Paints
Authors: Lima Orlando , Segundo Iran Rocha , Mazzoni Laura , Costa Manuel F. M. , Freitas Elisabete , Carneiro Joaquim
Published: October 2024

Road markings (RMs) typically consist of a paint layer and a retroreflective layer. They play a crucial role in road safety by offering visibility and guidance to drivers. Over their lifetime, dirt particles, oils, and greases are adsorbed on the RM surface, reducing their visibility and service life. A self-cleaning ability has been widely studied in several substrates. However, for RMs, this represents a breakthrough and a sustainable advance, while having the potential to increase their service life and enhance road safety. In this context, nanotechnology can be a strong ally through the application of semiconductor materials, such as TiO2, to develop the self-cleaning ability. In addition to this novelty in RMs, quantifying this ability in terms of pollutant removal efficiency is also a challenge. In this sense, artificial intelligence (AI) and colorimetry can be combined to achieve improved results. The aims of the work herein reported were to assess the self-cleaning capability in an RM paint through the mass incorporation of semiconductors, evaluate their photocatalytic efficiency using traditional (spectrophotometric) and modern (AI-enhanced) colorimetry techniques, and compare the results obtained using both techniques. To this end, a water-based acrylic RM paint was modified through the mass incorporation of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3% of nano-TiO2, and a pollutant model widely used, Rhodamine B, was applied onto their surface. The samples were irradiated with a light source that simulates sunlight for 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h. Visual analysis and spectrophotometric and artificial intelligence-enhanced colorimetry techniques were used and compared to evaluate the pollutant removal. The results confirm that RM paints with 2% and 3% nano-TiO2 incorporated have a significantly higher pollutant removal ability and that both colorimetric techniques used are suitable for this assessment.
Organic Amendments Improve the Quality of Coal Gob Spoils: A Sustainable Mining Waste Reclamation Method
Authors: Zhang Zhiming , Satpathy Anshuman , Morris Kirby , RoyChowdhury Abhishek , Datta Rupali , Sarkar Dibyendu
Published: October 2024

Coal mine tailings can lead to a range of environmental problems, including toxic metal contamination, soil erosion, acid mine drainage, and increased salinity. Mine spoils from coal mining activities accumulated as gob piles are difficult to reclaim due to constraints such as a steep slope, unsuitable pH, insufficient nutrient supply, metal toxicity, low water-holding capacity, and poor soil structure. We investigated the efficiency of low-cost amendments on coal gob spoils from Carthage Coal Field (CCF) in New Mexico in improving the quality of coal gob spoils. Gob spoil was incubated for 90 days with various rates of organic amendments such as biochar, compost, and a biochar–compost mix. Gob spoil quality parameters such as the pH, water-holding capacity, and total and plant-available nitrogen and phosphorus content of the gob spoil were measured over a period of 90 days. Both biochar and compost amendment led to a significant increase (40–60% for biochar and 70% for compost, p < 0.05) in water-holding capacity of the coal gob spoil. Plant-available nitrogen content increased from <200 mg N/kg to between 400 and 800 mg N/kg in the amended gob spoil. The period of incubation was a significant factor in the improvement of plant-available nitrogen content. Plant-available phosphorus content also increased; compost amendment was more effective than biochar in increasing plant-available P. This study provides crucial information about the optimum organic amendments that would help in optimizing a sustainable reclamation method for CCF.
Acoustic Emission and Digital Image Correlation-Based Study for Early Damage Identification in Sandwich Structures
Authors: García de la Yedra Aitor , Erro Igor , Vivas Javier , Zubiri Oier , Zurutuza Xabier , Sommerhuber Ryan , Kettner Matthias
Published: October 2024

Understanding the deterioration and predominant damage mechanisms of structures is highly relevant, especially for safety-critical components. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) plays a crucial role in assessing and monitoring their integrity by evaluating damage evolution. However, when it comes to complex structures, the existing NDT methods face challenges in their application, as is the case with sandwich structures. This study employs two NDT methods to analyze the initiation of damage in such structures during a fatigue test. The Acoustic Emission (AE) technique utilizes membrane-free microphones with a broad bandwidth to capture acoustic events from difficult-to-access areas. A machine learning algorithm is used to classify these events to determine their source and associated damage mechanisms. Additionally, Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is employed to measure strain evolution without contact during the test. This method is particularly relevant due to the complex and thin geometry of sandwich structures, where other methods are not applicable. Strain redistributions are considered relevant damage indicators. The results indicate that Acoustic Emission serves as an early indicator of damage, with the cumulative number of events and peak frequency correlating well with the severity of the damage. In contrast, DIC revealed clear indications of damage or deterioration, albeit at a later stage compared to AE.
The Recent Progress China Has Made in Mining Method Transformation: Part II Sublevel Caving Method Transformed into Backfilling Method
Authors: Li Shuai , Xiang Zhenzhong , Dan Zhenyu , Yin Tubing , Chen Junyu
Published: October 2024

As the world’s largest resource production and consumption country, China is rich in mineral resources, but its per capita occupancy is lower than the world average. In this context, mining enterprises need to choose efficient, green, and safe mining methods. The backfilling method has been paid more and more attention in domestic mines because of its remarkable advantages in controlling ground pressure, reducing ore loss and dilution rate, and protecting the surface. Due to the high cost of land acquisition and the difficulty of tailing reservoir construction in Luohe Iron Mine, after careful consideration, the sublevel caving method is abandoned and the suitable filling mining method is explored. By using the finite element analysis software MIDAS GTS NX 2019 to simulate the stress and deformation of the stope roof and backfill under different stope structural parameters, the stope structural parameters that meet the mining technical conditions of Luohe Iron Mine can be determined, and combined with the actual mine conditions, the sublevel open stope subsequent filling method is finally adopted. The practical results show that after the transformation of the mining method, the economic and environmental benefits of the mine exceed expectations. This paper aims to show readers the latest progress in the transformation of mining methods in China and provide a useful reference for similar mining method transformation at home and abroad.
Synthesis and Electrochemical Characterization of Ru-Modified Iridium Oxide Catalysts for PEM Electrolysis
Authors: Chidziva Stanford , Zide Dorcas , Bambo Joshua John , Sinto Anele , Pasupathi Sivakumar , Bladergroen Bernard J.
Published: October 2024

In the search of sustainable energy solutions, proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) have emerged as a promising alternative for sustainable clean hydrogen production. This study focuses on synthesis and characterization of Ruthenium (Ru)-modified iridium oxide (IrO2) catalysts. The anode is the principal reason for the high overpotential of PEMWEs and it also greatly increases the cost of the electrolyzers. IrO2 is highly stable and corrosion-resistant, particularly in acidic environments, making it a durable catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in PEMWEs, though it suffers from a relatively high overpotential. Ruthenium oxide (RuO2), on the other hand, is more catalytically active with a lower overpotential, but is less stable under the same conditions. In this study, the goal was to improve the catalytic activity and stability of the anode catalyst, IrO2, through the controlled incorporation of Ru and to reduce overall catalyst cost due to the reduced iridium content. This synergistic combination allows for better performance in terms of conductivity, efficiency, and durability, making Ru-modified IrO2 an ideal catalyst for OER in PEMWE applications. The Adams fusion method was adapted and used to synthesize the catalysts. The modified catalysts were characterized using analytical instruments. These analyses provided insights into the structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties of the Ru-modified IrO2 catalysts.
Influence of the 3D Printing Fabrication Parameters on the Tensile Properties of Carbon-Based Composite Filament
Authors: Minaoglou Prodromos , Tzotzis Anastasios , Efkolidis Nikolaos , Kyratsis Panagiotis
Published: October 2024

In this study, the effect of certain 3D printing conditions on the tensile strength of 3D-printed specimens was investigated. The printing material was CARBON: PLUS (NEEMA3D™, Athens, Greece), which consists of Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PET-G) reinforced with 20% carbon fiber. All samples were printed with a closed-type, large-format Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printer. Before printing the samples, three parameters related to the 3D printing settings were selected in order to vary their values (flow = the flow of the material, wall = the total thickness of the wall, and layer = the thickness of the print layer). Each parameter was given three different values for experimentation. In this study, all 27 possible combinations of variable parameters were fabricated. Each experiment was repeated twice, and from the test results, the maximum tensile strength was obtained for each specimen separately. From the results of the measurements, the most critical parameter appeared to be the height of the layer. The other two variable parameters, the flow and wall, locally affected the strength of the specimens. Later, an empirical model was developed according to the full factorial design for each combination of values. Finally, the R-sq (pred) value achieved was equal to 97.02%, and together with the residual analysis performed, the accuracy of the proposed maximum tensile strength mathematical model was proven.
The Effect of Environmental Enrichment on Selected Physiological and Immunological Stress-Related Markers in Dairy Goats
Authors: Wein Yossi , Vaidenfeld Ofri , Sabastian Chris , Bar Shira Enav , Mabjeesh Sameer J. , Tagari Haim , Friedman Aharon
Published: October 2024

Homeostasis preservation is essential for animal survival, and any event that causes a disturbance in homeostasis is defined as a stressor. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of scratch brushes and stages as an environmental enrichment to alleviate stress in dairy goats. Twenty-four mixed-breed goats were divided into two groups according to common physiological conditions in breeding farms: milking and dry (milk-producing and non-milk-producing, respectively). Ten days after exposure to environmental enrichment treatment or not (control), blood was sampled. Following the enrichment, we observed a reduction in reactive oxidative stress metabolites, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and their binding protein (transferrin) in the dry goats, as determined by an ELISA. In contrast, no change in AGEs, along with an increase in transferrin levels, was observed in the milking goats. Moreover, oxytocin levels decreased in the dry and increased in the milking goats, while serotonin levels increased in the dry and remained unchanged in the milking goats. Additionally, gene expression of the cytokines, IL-6 and IL-1ß, and anti-oxidative proteins, lysozyme and transferrin (in peripheral blood leukocytes), as determined by qPCR, presented the same pattern: down-regulation in the dry or up-regulation in the milking goats. In conclusion, a reliable methodology was developed for measuring husbandry stress in goats and to improve dairy goats’ husbandry practice. Current environmental enrichment produced different responsiveness in goats correlated to their physiological status: beneficial effect in dry goats, detrimental effect in milking goats.
Prognostic Role of Functional SYNTAX Score Based on Quantitative Flow Ratio
Authors: Terentes-Printzios Dimitrios , Gkini Konstantia-Paraskevi , Oikonomou Dimitrios , Gardikioti Vasiliki , Aznaouridis Konstantinos , Dima Ioanna , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Vlachopoulos Charalambos
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: The quantitative flow ratio (QFR)-based functional Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score (FSSQFR) combines coronary arteries’ anatomy and physiology. Methods: We performed an offline FSSQFR calculation in all-comers undergoing coronary angiography in a single center. Based on the tertiles of SYNTAX Score (SS), patients were divided into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups with the following cut-offs: SS/FSSQFR < 13, SS/FSSQFR: 13–21, and SS/FSSQFR: >21. The primary endpoint was the predictive value of the FSSQFR of the composite endpoint of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, ischemia-driven revascularization, hospitalization for heart failure, and life-threatening arrhythmias after the follow-up period. Results: This study included 410 patients. SS and FSSQFR were measured for all patients. After calculating FSSQFR, the risk stratification changed in 11% of the study population; more specifically, 26.8, 32.7, and 40.5% of patients were classified as high-, intermediate-, and low-risk, respectively. After a median 30.2 (25.7–33.7) months follow-up period, we recorded 85 events of the primary outcome. The high-risk FSSQFR group compared to the low-risk group had a significantly higher rate of the primary composite outcome (HR: 1.95, 95% CI 1.33–3.34, p = 0.016). Conclusions: In our study, patients classified as the high-risk FSSQFR group had a significantly higher rate of cardiovascular adverse events.
Interactions of Oxytocin and Dopamine—Effects on Behavior in Health and Disease
Authors: Petersson Maria , Uvnäs-Moberg Kerstin
Published: October 2024

The hypothalamic neuropeptide and hormone oxytocin are of fundamental importance for maternal, social, and sexual behavior. Deviations in oxytocin levels have also been associated with anxiety, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), depression, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and schizophrenia. Both oxytocin and dopamine are often considered reward- and feel-good hormones, and dopamine is associated with the above-mentioned behaviors and, and dopamine is also associated with the above-mentioned behaviors and disorders. Although being structurally totally different, oxytocin, a peptide, and dopamine, a monoamine, they have a number of similar effects. They are synthesized both in the brain and in the periphery, and they affect each other’s release and receptors. In addition, oxytocin and dopamine are released in response to, for example, social interaction, sex, feeding, and massage. This review discusses interactions between oxytocin and dopamine with a specific focus on behavioral effects and possible roles of oxytocin and dopamine in various mental disorders and functional diversities.
In Vitro Culture of Human Norovirus in the Last 20 Years
Authors: Cheng Chao , Cai Xia , Li Jingjing , Zhang Xiaomeng , Xie Youhua , Zhang Junqi
Published: October 2024

Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are the main pathogens that cause acute gastroenteritis and lead to huge economic losses annually. Due to the lack of suitable culture systems, the pathogenesis of HuNoVs and the development of vaccines and drugs have progressed slowly. Although researchers have employed various methods to culture HuNoVs in vitro in the last century, problems relating to the irreducibility, low viral titer, and non-infectiousness of the progeny virus should not be ignored. In 2016, researchers achieved the cultivation and successive passaging of some HuNoV genotypes using human intestinal enteroids, initially demonstrating the potential use of organoids in overcoming this challenge. This paper reviews the efforts made in the last 20 years to culture HuNoVs in vitro and discusses the superiority and limitations of employing human intestinal enteroids/organoids as an in vitro culture model for HuNoVs.
Desialylation and Apoptosis in Immune Thrombocytopenia: Implications for Pathogenesis and Treatment
Authors: Zheng Shiying Silvia , Perdomo José Sail
Published: October 2024

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease in which platelet autoantibodies play a significant role in its pathogenesis. Regulatory T cell dysfunction and T cell-mediated cytotoxicity also contribute to thrombocytopenia. Current therapies are directed towards immune suppression and modulation as well as stimulation of platelet production with thrombopoietin receptor agonists. Additional mechanisms of the pathogenesis of ITP have been suggested by recent experimental data. One of these processes, known as desialylation, involves antibody-induced removal of terminal sialic acid residues on platelet surface glycoproteins, leading to hepatic platelet uptake and thrombocytopenia. Apoptosis, or programmed platelet death, may also contribute to the pathogenesis of ITP. The extent of the impact of desialylation and apoptosis on ITP, the relative proportion of patients affected, and the role of antibody specificity are still the subject of investigation. This review will discuss both historical and new evidence of the influence of desialylation and apoptosis in the pathogenesis of ITP, with an emphasis on the clinical implications of these developments. Further understanding of both platelet desialylation and apoptosis might change current clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.