bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conservation Voltage Reduction in Modern Power Systems: Applications, Implementation, Quantification, and AI-Assisted Techniques
Authors: Gorjian Alireza , Eskandari Mohsen , Moradi Mohammad H.
Published: March 2023

Conservation voltage reduction (CVR) is a potentially effective and efficient technique for inertia synthesis and frequency support in modern grids comprising power electronics (PE)-based components, aiming to improve dynamic stability. However, due to the complexities of PE-based grids, implementing the CVR methods cannot be performed using traditional techniques as in conventional power systems. Further, quantifying the CVR impacts in modern grids, while focusing on dynamic time scales, is critical, consequently making the traditional methods deficient. This is an important issue as CVR utilization/quantification depends on grid conditions and CVR applications. Considering these concerns, this work offers a thorough analysis of CVR applications, implementation, and quantification strategies, including data-driven AI-based methods in PE-based modern grids. To assess the CVR applications from a new perspective, aiming to choose the proper implementation and quantification techniques, they are divided into categories depending on various time scales. CVR implementation methods are categorized into techniques applied to PE-based grids and islanded microgrids (MGs) where different control systems are adopted. Additionally, to address the evaluation issues in modern grids, CVR quantification techniques, including machine learning- and deep learning-based techniques and online perturbation-based methods are evaluated and divided based on the CVR application. Concerns with the further utilizing and measuring of CVR impacts in modern power systems are discussed in the future trends section, where new research areas are suggested.
Thermal Environment and Animal Comfort of Aviary Prototypes with Photovoltaic Solar Panel on the Roof
Authors: Oliveira Charles Paranhos , Sousa Fernanda Campos de , Dallago Gabriel Machado , Silva Jocássia Reis , Campos Paulo Henrique Reis Furtado , Guimarães Maria Clara de Carvalho , Baêta Fernando da Costa
Published: March 2023

The areas on the roofs of animal production facilities present great potential for generating solar energy. However, the impact that the addition of new material on the roof can generate on the installation’s thermal environment is still poorly studied. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effect of the application of photovoltaic panels in the roofs of prototypes, in reduced-scale aviaries, on the thermal environment, and on the animal comfort condition inside the prototypes. For this, six prototypes of aviaries on a reduced 1:5 scale are used. They are equipped with three types of tiles (ceramic, fiber-cement, and metal), with and without a photovoltaic panel. The effect of applying the photovoltaic panel is verified by evaluating the air temperature, the surface temperature of the roofs, the temperature and humidity index (THI), the black globe humidity index (BGHI), and the radiation heat load (RHL). The results show that applying the photovoltaic panel on the roof, regardless of the type of tile, is efficient in reducing the air temperature by about 0.4 °C, the BGHI by about 0.7, and the RHL about 4 W/m2. As for THI, there is only a 4.8 reduction in fiber-cement roofs.
A Numerical Model for Pressure Analysis of a Well in Unconventional Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: He Jiwei , Li Qin , Jin Guodong , Li Sihai , Shi Kunpeng , Xing Huilin
Published: March 2023

Fractured reservoirs are highly heterogeneous in both matrix and fracture properties, which results in significant variations in well production. Assessing and quantifying the influence of fractures on fluid flow is essential for developing unconventional reservoirs. The complicated effects of fractures in unconventional fractured reservoirs on fluid flow highly depend on fracture geometry, fracture distribution, and fracture properties, which can be reflected in pressure transient testing. The biggest challenge lies in delineating the pre-existing natural fracture distribution pattern, density, azimuth, and connectivity. Using the advanced finite element method, this paper builds a finely characterized near-wellbore model to numerically simulate the pressure transient testing process in naturally fractured reservoirs and further evaluates fracture-related effects to obtain a more accurate solution. First, the numerical program is benchmarked by the analytical solutions and numerical results of Eclipse. Next, different fracture models with single fractures or fracture networks are set up to investigate the effects of fracture parameters numerically (e.g., fracture location, fracture dip angle, fracture spacing, the ratio of fracture permeability to matrix permeability, fracture network orientation, horizontal fracture distribution, etc.) on pressure transient behaviors in naturally fractured reservoirs. Velocity and pressure profiles are presented to visualize and analyze their effects, and new features in the flow regimes of the derivative plots of the bottom-hole pressure are identified and discussed. Finally, based on geological and geophysical data, including image logs, core descriptions, wireline logs, and seismic and well test data, a practical fractured model of the Dalwogan 2 well in the Surat basin is built, analyzed, and compared with homogenous and measured data. The results show significance in characterizing the complex fracture networks in near-wellbore models of unconventional fractured reservoirs.
Experimental Investigation on Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet under Locally Divergent Magnet Field
Authors: Shi Bo , Wang Manyu , Li Pengfei , Han Ruoyu , Ouyang Jiting
Published: March 2023

Regulating the parameters of the atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) is meaningful for industrial applications. Since plasma is a typical functional fluid in the magnetic field, it is possible to control the discharge characteristics via the Lorentz force. In this study, the effects of a locally divergent magnetic field on the generation and propagation of APPJ were examined experimentally. The experiments used a coplanar dielectric barrier discharge (CDBD) device driven by a 30 kHz AC high-voltage source to generate a helium APPJ. A locally divergent magnetic field of 250 mT (maximum) was applied coupled with the electric field, and noticeable enhancement was observed. The results showed that the magnetic field changed the motion state of electrons and promoted collision ionization, leading to a 40% improvement in the APPJ length (0.6 cm) and a 23% increase in the intensity of line O (777.2 nm). In addition, the spatiotemporal evolution and flow field of APPJ were diagnosed by ICCD and schlieren technique. The combination of electric and magnetic fields may effectively optimize the APPJ in practical applications.
A High Frequency Multiphase Modular Hybrid Transformerless DC/DC Converter for High-Voltage-Gain High-Current Applications
Authors: Xiong Hu , Li Jiayuan , Xiang Bin , Jiang Xiaoguang , Mao Yuan
Published: March 2023

In order to meet the demands of desirable efficiency, transformerless DC/DC equipment with great voltage step-down are inevitable needed. This research offers a unique type of high-frequency, high-voltage-gain DC/DC converter, which comprises a switched capacitor (SC) converter and a buck converter. Thanks to the transformation of a two-stage converter to a single-stage converter, it has a considerable ratio of step-down voltage transformation and a reasonable duty cycle. In addition, it can permit low voltage stress on the switches. The simple control method and easy driving circuit implementation makes it scalable for high-power-level devices. Low cost can be realized as fewer components are needed. Under all operational circumstances, total soft-charging and low equipment voltage stresses are accomplished. Compared to those classic high-voltage-gain converters, the proposed converter exhibits merits of higher efficiency, higher flexibility, lower ripples, and lower costs. A comprehensive analysis is carried out for the converter’s steady-state operations. With a 1 MHz switching frequency, a 900 W prototype of a 20-time converter is constructed, with a peak efficiency of 92.5%. Simulations and experiments verify the effectiveness of the theoretical investigation of the converter’s operation.
IoT-Portrait: Automatically Identifying IoT Devices via Transformer with Incremental Learning
Authors: Wang Juan , Zhong Jing , Li Jiangqi
Published: March 2023

With the development of IoT, IoT devices have proliferated. With the increasing demands of network management and security evaluation, automatic identification of IoT devices becomes necessary. However, existing works require a lot of manual effort and face the challenge of catastrophic forgetting. In this paper, we propose IoT-Portrait, an automatic IoT device identification framework based on a transformer network. IoT-Portrait automatically acquires information about IoT devices as labels and learns the traffic behavior characteristics of devices through a transformer neural network. Furthermore, for privacy protection and overhead reasons, it is not easy to save all past samples to retrain the classification model when new devices join the network. Therefore, we use a class incremental learning method to train the new model to preserve old classes’ features while learning new devices’ features. We implement a prototype of IoT-Portrait based on our lab environment and open-source database. Experimental results show that IoT-Portrait achieves a high identification rate of up to 99% and is well resistant to catastrophic forgetting with a negligible added cost both in memory and time. It indicates that IoT-Portrait can classify IoT devices effectively and continuously.
Detection and Recognition of the Underwater Object with Designated Features Using the Technical Stereo Vision System
Authors: Kramar Vadim , Kabanov Aleksey , Kramar Oleg , Fateev Sergey , Karapetian Valerii
Published: March 2023

The article discusses approaches to solving the problems of detecting, recognizing, and localizing an object with given distinctive features in an aquatic environment using a technical stereo vision system, taking into account restrictions. The stereo vision system is being developed as part of the task in which the AUV, for the purpose of conducting a monitoring mission, follows from the starting point of its route along a given trajectory in order to detect and classify an object with known characteristics and determine its coordinates using a technical stereo vision system at a distance up to 5 m from it with appropriate water clarity. The developed program for the system of the technical stereo vision should provide the AUV with the following information: video sequence; a frame with an image of the detected object; previously unknown characteristics of the object if it is possible to detect them (color, size or shape); distance to the object from the technical stereo vision system; and linear coordinates relative to the technical stereo vision system. Testing of the developed software was carried out on the operating module of the stereo vision installed on the AUV in the underbody compartment. The study was carried out in the pool and in open water. The experiments performed have shown the effectiveness of the developed system when used in conjunction with an underwater robot.
Phyto-Assisted Synthesis of Nanoselenium–Surface Modification and Stabilization by Polyphenols and Pectins Derived from Agricultural Wastes
Authors: Golub Nikolina , Galić Emerik , Radić Kristina , Jagodić Ana-Maria , Predović Nela , Katelan Kristina , Tesla Lucija , Pedisić Sandra , Vinković Tomislav , Vitali Čepo Dubravka
Published: March 2023

Raw and purified mandarin peel-derived pectins were characterized and combined with olive pomace extract (OPE) in the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). SeNPs were characterized in terms of size distribution and zeta potential, and their stability was monitored during 30 days of storage. HepG2 and Caco-2 cell models were used for the assessment of biocompatibility, while antioxidant activity was investigated by the combination of chemical and cellular-based assays. SeNP average diameters ranged from 171.3 nm up to 216.9 nm; smaller SeNPs were obtained by the utilization of purified pectins, and functionalization with OPE slightly increased the average. At concentrations of 15 mg/L SeNPs were found to be biocompatible, and their toxicity was significantly lower in comparison to inorganic selenium forms. Functionalization of SeNPs with OPE increased their antioxidant activity in chemical models. The effect was not clear in cell-based models, even though all investigated SeNPs improved cell viability and protected intracellular reduced GSH under induced oxidative stress conditions in both investigated cell lines. Exposure of cell lines to SeNPs did not prevent ROS formation after exposure to prooxidant, probably due to low transepithelial permeability. Future studies should focus on further improving the bioavailability/permeability of SeNPs and enhancing the utilization of easily available secondary raw materials in the process of phyto-mediated SeNP synthesis.
Mathematical Modeling of COVID-19 with Vaccination Using Fractional Derivative: A Case Study
Authors: Sun Tian-Chuan , DarAssi Mahmoud H. , Alfwzan Wafa F. , Khan Muhammad Altaf , Alqahtani Abdulaziz Saad , Alshahrani Saeed S. , Muhammad Taseer
Published: March 2023

Vaccination against any infectious disease is considered to be an effective way of controlling it. This paper studies a fractional order model with vaccine efficacy and waning immunity. We present the model’s dynamics under vaccine efficacy, the impact of immunization, and the waning of the vaccine on coronavirus infection disease. We analyze the model under their equilibrium points. The model under the equilibrium points is discussed and proven that it is locally asymptotically stable if Rv is lesser than unity. We present the backward bifurcation hypothesis of the model and show that there is a parameter β2 that causes the backward bifurcation in the imperfect vaccine model. We show certain assumptions when ψ=1 for the imperfect vaccine case; the model is both stable globally asymptotically at the disease-free (R0≤1) and endemic cases (R0>1). By using infected cases from the recent wave throughout Pakistan, we shall estimate the model parameters and calculate the numerical value of the basic reproductive number R0≈1.2591. We present the comprehensive graphical results for the realistic parameter values and show many useful suggestions regarding the elimination of the infection from society. The vaccination efficacy that provides an important role in disease elimination is discussed in detail.
Exome-Wide Association Study of Competitive Performance in Elite Athletes
Authors: Bulgay Celal , Kasakolu Anıl , Kazan Hasan Hüseyin , Mijaica Raluca , Zorba Erdal , Akman Onur , Bayraktar Isık , Ekmekci Rıdvan , Koncagul Seyrani , Ulucan Korkut , Semenova Ekaterina A. , Larin Andrey K. , Kulemin Nikolay A. , Generozov Edward V. , Balint Lorand , Badicu Georgian , Ahmetov Ildus I. , Ergun Mehmet Ali
Published: March 2023

The aim of the study was to identify genetic variants associated with personal best scores in Turkish track and field athletes and to compare allelic frequencies between sprint/power and endurance athletes and controls using a whole-exome sequencing (WES) approach, followed by replication studies in independent cohorts. The discovery phase involved 60 elite Turkish athletes (31 sprint/power and 29 endurance) and 20 ethnically matched controls. The replication phase involved 1132 individuals (115 elite Russian sprinters, 373 elite Russian endurance athletes (of which 75 athletes were with VO2max measurements), 209 controls, 148 Russian and 287 Finnish individuals with muscle fiber composition and cross-sectional area (CSA) data). None of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reached an exome-wide significance level (p < 2.3 × 10−7) in genotype–phenotype and case–control studies of Turkish athletes. However, of the 53 nominally (p < 0.05) associated SNPs, four functional variants were replicated. The SIRT1 rs41299232 G allele was significantly over-represented in Turkish (p = 0.047) and Russian (p = 0.018) endurance athletes compared to sprint/power athletes and was associated with increased VO2max (p = 0.037) and a greater proportion of slow-twitch muscle fibers (p = 0.035). The NUP210 rs2280084 A allele was significantly over-represented in Turkish (p = 0.044) and Russian (p = 0.012) endurance athletes compared to sprint/power athletes. The TRPM2 rs1785440 G allele was significantly over-represented in Turkish endurance athletes compared to sprint/power athletes (p = 0.034) and was associated with increased VO2max (p = 0.008). The AGRN rs4074992 C allele was significantly over-represented in Turkish sprint/power athletes compared to endurance athletes (p = 0.037) and was associated with a greater CSA of fast-twitch muscle fibers (p = 0.024). In conclusion, we present the first WES study of athletes showing that this approach can be used to identify novel genetic markers associated with exercise- and sport-related phenotypes.
Biostimulation Effects of Seaweed Extract (Ascophyllum nodosum) on Phytomorpho-Physiological, Yield, and Quality Traits of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Subramaniyan Lakshmi , Veerasamy Ravichandran , Prabhakaran Jeyakumar , Selvaraj Anandakumar , Algarswamy Senthil , Karuppasami Kalarani M. , Thangavel Kalaiselvi , Nalliappan Sakthivel
Published: March 2023

Biostimulants are innovative organic tools, which promote the growth, plant development, production, and quality of various crops without harming the environment; however, the effects of biostimulants on the production of tomato needed to be explored further under open field conditions. Based on this view, this study’s objective was to assess the impact of Kendal Root, a biostimulant-containing seaweed, Ascophyllum nodosum, and plant extracts on the phytomorpho-physiological, yield, and quality of tomato. Three doses of Kendal Root (2.5, 5.0, and 10 L ha−1) were given as soil drenching, and the results were compared with control. Generally, the Kendal Root treatments positively improved the growth, physiological, yield, and quality attributes of tomato. However, among the three different concentrations, Kendal Root 5.0 L ha−1 significantly improved the plant growth and physiological aspects of tomato, such as plant height, leaf area, shoot and root dry weight, SPAD value, and gas exchange parameters. Considering the yield traits, the Kendal Root 5.0 L ha−1 application significantly improved the tomato fruit number, yield per plant, and yield per hectare. Conversely, flower number per plant and average fruit weight was not remarkably improved by Kendal Root 5.0 L ha−1. Moreover, Kendal Root 5.0 L ha−1 positively improved the quality traits of tomato, including total soluble solids, ascorbic acid content, lycopene, and total sugars than the titratable acidity content of tomato fruits. Hence, the integration of Kendal Root biostimulant in tomato production could be an effective way to boost plant growth, production, and quality of tomato.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Everyday Financial Knowledge and Judgment Skills of Adults with ADHD
Authors: Koerts Janneke , Bangma Dorien F. , Mette Christian , Tucha Lara , Tucha Oliver
Published: March 2023

Adequate financial capability is crucial in everyday life. This capability might, however, not be given to adults with ADHD. The present study aims to determine strengths and weaknesses regarding everyday financial knowledge and judgment skills in adults with ADHD. In addition, the impact of income is explored. Forty-five adults with ADHD (Mage = 36.6, SDage = 10.2) and 47 adults without ADHD (Mage = 38.5, SDage = 13.0) were included and were assessed with the Financial Competence Assessment Inventory. Adults with ADHD showed decreased scores regarding awareness of the arrival of bills, knowledge of own income, having a reserve fund for unexpected expenses, the ability to state long-term financial goals, own preferences for estate management, understanding of assets, legal action for debt, access to financial advice/counseling, and the ability to compare medical insurance plans as compared with adults without ADHD (all p < 0.001). However, no effect of income was found. In conclusion, adults with ADHD have difficulties with many aspects of everyday financial knowledge and skills, which might result in a plethora of personal and legal consequences. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance that professionals who support adults with ADHD proactively ask about everyday financial functioning so that assessment, financial support, and coaching can be provided.
Experiences of Inter-Hospital Transfers (IHT) by Patients and Relatives during the COVID-19 Pandemic in France: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Chauliac Nicolas , Salome Germain , Cheucle Juliette , Cochennec De Biase Lou , Galia Perrine , Thomas Audrey , Grimaud Olivier , Philippe Jean-Marc , Vignaud Philippe , Prieto Nathalie
Published: March 2023

Background: The first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic led to a rapid and unexpected saturation of the French ICU, forcing the health care system to adapt. Among other emergency measures, inter-hospital transfers were carried out. Objective: To assess the psychological experience of patients and their relatives regarding inter-hospital transfers. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with transferred patients and their relatives. A phenomenological study design was used to examine subjective experiences and their meanings for the participants. Results: The analysis found nine axes pertaining to the experiences of IHT (inter-hospital transfers), grouped in three super-ordinate themes: Information about inter-hospital transfers, differences in patients’ and relatives’ experiences, and host hospital experience. It appears that patients felt little impacted by the transfers, unlike relatives who experienced intense anxiety when the transfer was announced. Good communications between patients and their relatives resulted in a good level of satisfaction regarding their host hospitals. COVID-19 and its somatic consequences seem to have had more psychological impact on the participants than the transfers by themselves. Conclusion: Our results suggest that there are limited current psychological consequences of the IHT implemented during the first wave of COVID-19, although the involvement of patients and their relatives in the organization of the IHT at the time of transfer could further limit them.
Playground Design: Contribution to Duration of Stay and Implications for Physical Activity
Authors: Cohen Deborah A. , Talarowski Meghan , Han Bing , Williamson Stephanie , Galfond Emily , Young Deborah R. , Eng Sarah , McKenzie Thomas L.
Published: March 2023

Background: The study goal was to identify playground features associated with visitor length of stay and physical activity. Methods: We observed playground visitors over 4 days during summer 2021 in 60 playgrounds in 10 US cities, selected based on design, population density, and poverty levels. We observed 4278 visitors and documented their length of stay. We observed an additional 3713 visitors for 8 min, recording their playground location, activity level, and use of electronic media. Results: People stayed an average of 32 min (range 5 min–4 h). Stay time varied by group size, with larger groups staying longer. The presence of restrooms increased the likelihood of staying longer by 48%. Playground size, mature trees, swings, climbers, and spinners were associated with longer stays. When a teen was a part of the group observed, the group was 64% less likely to stay longer. The use of electronic media was associated with lower amounts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity compared to non-media users. Conclusions: To increase population-level physical activity and time spent outdoors, playground features associated with a longer stay should be considered when renovating or building new playgrounds.
Effect of Self-Chosen Music in Alleviating the Burden on Family Caregivers of Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Valero-Cantero Inmaculada , Casals Cristina , Espinar-Toledo Milagrosa , Barón-López Francisco Javier , Martínez-Valero Francisco Javier , García-Agua Soler Nuria , Vázquez-Sánchez María Ángeles
Published: March 2023

The experience of caregiver burden among family members of patients with advanced cancer is a common problem. The aim of this study was to determine whether the burden may be alleviated by means of a therapeutic approach based on self-chosen music. This randomised controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04052074. Registered 9 August 2019) included 82 family caregivers of patients receiving home palliative care for advanced cancer. The intervention group (n = 41) listened to pre-recorded, self-chosen music for 30 min/day for seven consecutive days, while the control group (n = 41) listened to a recording of basic therapeutic education at the same frequency. The degree of burden was assessed by the Caregiver Strain Index (CSI), calculated before and after the seven-day intervention. According to this measure, caregiver burden fell significantly in the intervention group (CSI change: −0.56, SD 2.16) but increased in the control group (CSI change: +0.68, SD 1.47), with a significant group x moment interaction F(1, 80) = 9.30, p = 0.003, η2p = 0.11. These results suggest that, in the short term at least, the use of therapy based on self-chosen music alleviates the burden on family caregivers of palliative cancer patients. Moreover, this therapy is easy to administer at home and does not present any problems in practice.
Decreased Functional Connectivity of Brain Networks in the Alpha Band after Sleep Deprivation Is Associated with Decreased Inhibitory Control in Young Male Adults
Authors: Lian Jie , Xu Lin , Song Tao , Peng Ziyi , Gong Xinxin , Chen Jie , Zhong Xiao , An Xin , Chen Shufang , Shao Yongcong
Published: March 2023

Sleep deprivation leads to reduced inhibitory control in individuals. However, the underlying neural mechanisms are poorly understood. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the effects of total sleep deprivation (TSD) on inhibitory control and their neuroelectrophysiological mechanisms from the perspective of the time course of cognitive processing and brain network connectivity, using event-related potential (ERP) and resting-state functional connectivity techniques. Twenty-five healthy male participants underwent 36 h of TSD (36-h TSD), completing Go/NoGo tasks and resting-state data acquisition before and after TSD; their behavioral and electroencephalogram data were recorded. Compared to baseline, participants’ false alarms for NoGo stimuli increased significantly (t = −4.187, p < 0.001) after 36-h TSD. ERP results indicated that NoGo-N2 negative amplitude increased and latency was prolonged (t = 4.850, p < 0.001; t = −3.178, p < 0.01), and NoGo-P3 amplitude significantly decreased and latency was prolonged (t = 5.104, p < 0.001; t = −2.382, p < 0.05) after 36-h TSD. Functional connectivity analysis showed that the connectivity of the default mode and visual networks in the high alpha band was significantly reduced after TSD (t = 2.500, p = 0.030). Overall, the results suggest that the negative amplitude increase in N2 after 36-h TSD may reveal that more attention and cognitive resources are invested after TSD; the significant decrease in P3 amplitude may indicate the impairment of advanced cognitive processing. Further functional connectivity analysis indicated impairment of the brain’s default mode network and visual information processing after TSD.
Critical Success Factors for Successful Implementation of Healthcare 4.0: A Literature Review and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Sony Michael , Antony Jiju , Tortorella Guilherme L.
Published: March 2023

The digitization of healthcare services is a major shift in the manner in which healthcare services are offered and managed in the modern era. The COVID-19 pandemic has speeded up the use of digital technologies in the healthcare sector. Healthcare 4.0 (H4.0) is much more than the adoption of digital tools, however; going beyond that, it is the digital transformation of healthcare. The successful implementation of H 4.0 presents a challenge as social and technical factors must be considered. This study, through a systematic literature review, expounds ten critical success factors for the successful implementation of H 4.0. Bibliometric analysis of existing articles is also carried out to understand the development of knowledge in this domain. H 4.0 is rapidly gaining prominence, and a comprehensive review of critical success factors in this area has yet to be conducted. Conducting such a review makes a valuable contribution to the body of knowledge in healthcare operations management. Furthermore, this study will also help healthcare practitioners and policymakers to develop strategies to manage the ten critical success factors while implementing H 4.0.
The Effect of Service Learning on the Development of Trait Emotional Intelligence and Adversity Quotient in Youths: An Experimental Study
Authors: Pong Hok-Ko , Lam Paul
Published: March 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of service learning (SL) on the trait emotional intelligence and adversity quotient of Chinese undergraduate students in Hong Kong. The SL programme lasted six months (at least 80 service hours). In a pre-test–post-test experimental design, students who participated in the SL during that time period were classified as the experimental group (n = 139; 69 male, 70 female), whereas students who never participated in SL were classified as the comparison group (n = 133; 66 male, 67 female). Both groups of participants were asked to finish the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS) and the Adversity Response Profile® (ARP) before and after the SL programme. The results showed that there were no significant differences in WLEIS and ARP scores (at the pre-test) between the experimental and comparison groups. The results further revealed that students in the experimental group had better improvements in WLEIS and ARP than those in the comparison group after they completed SL. These findings provide valuable insights and implications for incorporating components of SL into interventions for youths to improve their ability to process emotions and overcome adversity.
Functional Outcomes of Patients with Primary Brain Tumors Undergoing Inpatient Rehabilitation at a Tertiary Care Rehabilitation Facility in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ullah Sami , Qureshi Ahmad Zaheer , Rathore Farooq Azam , Sami Waqas , Moukais Imad Saeed , Alibrahim Fatimah Saif , Asiri Ibrahim Ali , Alsuhaibani Ayman
Published: March 2023

Rehabilitation services play a crucial role in improving the functionality and quality of life of individuals with a brain tumor; however, outcomes of inpatient rehabilitation based on tumor characteristics are not well known in the literature. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of tumor characteristics on functional outcomes. A retrospective chart review was conducted for all adults with a diagnosis of primary brain tumor admitted for IPR between January 2014 and December 2019. Information was collected regarding demographics, characteristics of primary brain tumors, length of stay (LOS) and Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) scores. There were 46 patients, with the majority being male. The most common brain tumors were glioblastoma multiforme and meningioma. The mean LOS was 47.93 ± 26.40 days and the mean FIM gain was 78 ± 14. The type, grade and location of primary brain tumors did not show a significant correlation with the length of stay and functional gains during inpatient rehabilitation. There was a positive correlation between the FIM at admission and discharge, and a significant inverse correlation between the FIM score at admission and LOS. In-patient rehabilitation improved the functional outcomes in adult patients with primary brain tumors. Strategies to incorporate IPR in the care continuum of patients with brain tumors need to be adapted to improve regional services.
An Examination of Multidimensional Time Perspective and Mental Health Outcomes
Authors: Moon Julia , Lieber Rebecca , Bayazitli Ilke , Mello Zena
Published: March 2023

We examined the associations between time perspective and mental health outcomes (N = 337; Mage = 22.74, SDage = 5.59; 76% female). Time perspective included multiple dimensions (feelings, frequency, orientation, and relation) and time periods (past, present, and future). Mental health outcomes included depressive symptoms, anxiety, and rumination. To demonstrate the reliability of the time perspective scales, test–retest analyses were completed. Multivariate analyses showed that (a) positive feelings about time were associated with lower anxiety; (b) negative feelings about time were associated with greater anxiety; and (c) more frequent thoughts about the past were associated with greater depressive symptoms and anxiety. Associations remained when controlling for anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively. Moreover, (a) positive feelings about time were associated with lower rumination; (b) negative feelings about time were associated with greater rumination; and (c) more frequent thoughts about the past were associated with greater rumination. Time perspective scales yielded scores that were moderate to high in test–retest reliability. Findings demonstrate the value of examining separate time perspective dimensions and time periods. Results highlight the role of time perspective in mental health interventions for adults.
Associations between Short-Term Air Pollution Exposure and the Peripheral Leukocyte Distribution in the Adult Male Population in Beijing, China
Authors: Xue Yuting , Cong Ji , Bai Yi , Zheng Pai , Hu Guiping , Kang Yulin , Wu Yonghua , Cui Liyan , Jia Guang , Wang Tiancheng
Published: March 2023

The inflammatory effects of air pollution exposure may account for increased public health risk. However, evidence regarding the effects of air pollution on peripheral blood leukocytes in the population is inconsistent. We investigated the association between the short-term effects of ambient air pollution and the peripheral blood leukocyte distribution in adult men in Beijing, China. From January 2015 to December 2019, a total of 11,035 men aged 22–45 years in Beijing were included in the study. Their peripheral blood routine parameters were measured. The ambient pollution monitoring parameters (particulate matter ≤ 10 µm (PM10), PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3)) were collected daily. The potential association between ambient air pollution exposure and peripheral blood leukocyte count and classification was analyzed with generalized additive models (GAMs). After adjusting for confounding factors, PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, O3, and CO were significantly correlated with changes to at least one peripheral leukocyte subtype. Short-term and cumulative air pollutant exposure dramatically increased the participants’ peripheral blood neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte numbers and decreased eosinophils and basophils. Our results demonstrated that air pollution induced inflammation in the participants. The peripheral leukocyte count and classification can be utilized to evaluate the inflammation induced by air pollution in the exposed male population.
Effect of Chitosan-Diosgenin Combination on Wound Healing
Authors: Petrov Lubomir , Stoilova Olya , Pramatarov Georgi , Kanzova Hristiyana , Tsvetanova Elina , Andreeva Madlena , Georgieva Almira , Atanasova Dimitrinka , Philipov Stanislav , Alexandrova Albena
Published: March 2023

The difficult-to-heal wounds continue to be a problem for modern medicine. Chitosan and diosgenin possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects making them relevant substances for wound treatment. That is why this work aimed to study the effect of the combined application of chitosan and diosgenin on a mouse skin wound model. For the purpose, wounds (6 mm diameter) were made on mice’s backs and were treated for 9 days with one of the following: 50% ethanol (control), polyethylene glycol (PEG) in 50% ethanol, chitosan and PEG in 50% ethanol (Chs), diosgenin and PEG in 50% ethanol (Dg) and chitosan, diosgenin and PEG in 50% ethanol (ChsDg). Before the first treatment and on the 3rd, 6th and 9th days, the wounds were photographed and their area was determined. On the 9th day, animals were euthanized and wounds’ tissues were excised for histological analysis. In addition, the lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein oxidation (POx) and total glutathione (tGSH) levels were measured. The results showed that ChsDg had the most pronounced overall effect on wound area reduction, followed by Chs and PEG. Moreover, the application of ChsDg maintained high levels of tGSH in wound tissues, compared to other substances. It was shown that all tested substances, except ethanol, reduced POx comparable to intact skin levels. Therefore, the combined application of chitosan and diosgenin is a very promising and effective medication for wound healing.
Female Reproductive Aging and Oxidative Stress: Mesenchymal Stem Cell Conditioned Medium as a Promising Antioxidant
Authors: Ra Kihae , Park Se Chang , Lee Byeong Chun
Published: March 2023

The recent tendency to delay pregnancy has increased the incidence of age-related infertility, as female reproductive competence decreases with aging. Along with aging, a lowered capacity of antioxidant defense causes a loss of normal function in the ovaries and uterus due to oxidative damage. Therefore, advancements have been made in assisted reproduction to resolve infertility caused by reproductive aging and oxidative stress, following an emphasis on their use. The application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with intensive antioxidative properties has been extensively validated as a regenerative therapy, and proceeding from original cell therapy, the therapeutic effects of stem cell conditioned medium (CM) containing paracrine factors secreted during cell culture have been reported to be as effective as that of direct treatment of source cells. In this review, we summarized the current understanding of female reproductive aging and oxidative stress and present MSC-CM, which could be developed as a promising antioxidant intervention for assisted reproductive technology.
Properties of a Single Amino Acid Residue in the Third Transmembrane Domain Determine the Kinetics of Ambient Light-Sensitive Channelrhodopsin
Authors: Hatakeyama Akito , Sugano Eriko , Sayama Tatsuki , Watanabe Yoshito , Suzuki Tomoya , Tabata Kitako , Endo Yuka , Sakajiri Tetsuya , Fukuda Tomokazu , Ozaki Taku , Tomita Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

Channelrhodopsins have been utilized in gene therapy to restore vision in patients with retinitis pigmentosa and their channel kinetics are an important factor to consider in such applications. We investigated the channel kinetics of ComV1 variants with different amino acid residues at the 172nd position. Patch clamp methods were used to record the photocurrents induced by stimuli from diodes in HEK293 cells transfected with plasmid vectors. The channel kinetics (τon and τoff) were considerably altered by the replacement of the 172nd amino acid and was dependent on the amino acid characteristics. The size of amino acids at this position correlated with τon and decay, whereas the solubility correlated with τon and τoff. Molecular dynamic simulation indicated that the ion tunnel constructed by H172, E121, and R306 widened due to H172A variant, whereas the interaction between A172 and the surrounding amino acids weakened compared with H172. The bottleneck radius of the ion gate constructed with the 172nd amino acid affected the photocurrent and channel kinetics. The 172nd amino acid in ComV1 is a key residue for determining channel kinetics as its properties alter the radius of the ion gate. Our findings can be used to improve the channel kinetics of channelrhodopsins.
Ceria Nanoparticles Alleviated Osteoarthritis through Attenuating Senescence and Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype in Synoviocytes
Authors: Ren Xunshan , Zhuang Huangming , Jiang Fuze , Zhang Yuelong , Zhou Panghu
Published: March 2023

Accumulation of senescent cells is the prominent risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA), accelerating the progression of OA through a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Recent studies emphasized the existence of senescent synoviocytes in OA and the therapeutic effect of removing senescent synoviocytes. Ceria nanoparticles (CeNP) have exhibited therapeutic effects in multiple age-related diseases due to their unique capability of ROS scavenging. However, the role of CeNP in OA remains unknown. Our results revealed that CeNP could inhibit the expression of senescence and SASP biomarkers in multiple passaged and hydrogen-peroxide-treated synoviocytes by removing ROS. In vivo, the concentration of ROS in the synovial tissue was remarkably suppressed after the intra-articular injection of CeNP. Likewise, CeNP reduced the expression of senescence and SASP biomarkers as determined by immunohistochemistry analysis. The mechanistic study showed that CeNP inactivated the NFκB pathway in senescent synoviocytes. Finally, safranin O–fast green staining showed milder destruction of articular cartilage in the CeNP-treated group compared with the OA group. Overall, our study suggested that CeNP attenuated senescence and protected cartilage from degeneration via scavenging ROS and inactivating the NFκB signaling pathway. This study has potentially significant implications in the field of OA as it provides a novel strategy for OA treatment.
Genetic Structure Analysis of 155 Transboundary and Local Populations of Cattle (Bos taurus, Bos indicus and Bos grunniens) Based on STR Markers
Authors: Solodneva Evgenia , Svishcheva Gulnara , Smolnikov Rodion , Bazhenov Sergey , Konorov Evgenii , Mukhina Vera , Stolpovsky Yurii
Published: March 2023

Every week, 1–2 breeds of farm animals, including local cattle, disappear in the world. As the keepers of rare allelic variants, native breeds potentially expand the range of genetic solutions to possible problems of the future, which means that the study of the genetic structure of these breeds is an urgent task. Providing nomadic herders with valuable resources necessary for life, domestic yaks have also become an important object of study. In order to determine the population genetic characteristics, and clarify the phylogenetic relationships of modern representatives of 155 cattle populations from different regions of the world, we collected a large set of STR data (10,250 individuals), including unique native cattle, 12 yak populations from Russia, Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan, as well as zebu breeds. Estimation of main population genetic parameters, phylogenetic analysis, principal component analysis and Bayesian cluster analysis allowed us to refine genetic structure and provided insights in relationships of native populations, transboundary breeds and populations of domestic yak. Our results can find practical application in conservation programs of endangered breeds, as well as become the basis for future fundamental research.
Distinct Plasma Immune Profile in ALS Implicates sTNFR-II in pAMPK/Leptin Homeostasis
Authors: Picher-Martel Vincent , Boutej Hejer , Vézina Alexandre , Cordeau Pierre , Kaneb Hannah , Julien Jean-Pierre , Genge Angela , Dupré Nicolas , Kriz Jasna
Published: March 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a clinically highly heterogeneous disease with a survival rate ranging from months to decades. Evidence suggests that a systemic deregulation of immune response may play a role and affect disease progression. Here, we measured 62 different immune/metabolic mediators in plasma of sporadic ALS (sALS) patients. We show that, at the protein level, the majority of immune mediators including a metabolic sensor, leptin, were significantly decreased in the plasma of sALS patients and in two animal models of the disease. Next, we found that a subset of patients with rapidly progressing ALS develop a distinct plasma assess immune–metabolic molecular signature characterized by a differential increase in soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor II (sTNF-RII) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 16 (CCL16) and further decrease in the levels of leptin, mostly dysregulated in male patients. Consistent with in vivo findings, exposure of human adipocytes to sALS plasma and/or sTNF-RII alone, induced a significant deregulation in leptin production/homeostasis and was associated with a robust increase in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. Conversely, treatment with an AMPK inhibitor restored leptin production in human adipocytes. Together, this study provides evidence of a distinct plasma immune profile in sALS which affects adipocyte function and leptin signaling. Furthermore, our results suggest that targeting the sTNF-RII/AMPK/leptin pathway in adipocytes may help restore assess immune–metabolic homeostasis in ALS.
Cytoplasmic Tail of MT1-MMP: A Hub of MT1-MMP Regulation and Function
Authors: Strouhalova Katerina , Tolde Ondřej , Rosel Daniel , Brábek Jan
Published: March 2023

MT1-MMP (MMP-14) is a multifunctional protease that regulates ECM degradation, activation of other proteases, and a variety of cellular processes, including migration and viability in physiological and pathological contexts. Both the localization and signal transduction capabilities of MT1-MMP are dependent on its cytoplasmic domain that constitutes the final 20 C-terminal amino acids, while the rest of the protease is extracellular. In this review, we summarize the ways in which the cytoplasmic tail is involved in regulating and enacting the functions of MT1-MMP. We also provide an overview of known interactors of the MT1-MMP cytoplasmic tail and the functional significance of these interactions, as well as further insight into the mechanisms of cellular adhesion and invasion that are regulated by the cytoplasmic tail.
Coelenterazine-Type Bioluminescence-Induced Optical Probes for Sensing and Controlling Biological Processes
Authors: Jiang Tianyu , Song Jingwen , Zhang Youming
Published: March 2023

Bioluminescence-based probes have long been used to quantify and visualize biological processes in vitro and in vivo. Over the past years, we have witnessed the trend of bioluminescence-driven optogenetic systems. Typically, bioluminescence emitted from coelenterazine-type luciferin–luciferase reactions activate light-sensitive proteins, which induce downstream events. The development of coelenterazine-type bioluminescence-induced photosensory domain-based probes has been applied in the imaging, sensing, and control of cellular activities, signaling pathways, and synthetic genetic circuits in vitro and in vivo. This strategy can not only shed light on the mechanisms of diseases, but also promote interrelated therapy development. Here, this review provides an overview of these optical probes for sensing and controlling biological processes, highlights their applications and optimizations, and discusses the possible future directions.