bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fractional-Order PID Controller (FOPID)-Based Iterative Learning Control for a Nonlinear Boiler System
Authors: Jan Ahmed Zubair , Kedzia Krzysztof , Abbass Muhammad Jamshed
Published: January 2023

For the boiler-turbine unit in power systems, a coordinated control structure plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance in supply and demand of energy, reducing pollutant emissions and optimizing energy efficiency. The matching requirements of the turbine and boiler, the wide range of load changes, and the cooperative operation of many devices in the power system pose many challenges to designing a coordinated control system for the boiler turbine system, thus making the control design a difficult task. In this paper, iterative learning control (ILC) is used to maintain the throttle pressure and megawatt output power of a boiler turbine at the desired set points by controlling the hybrid pattern design structure. Simulation results show that the proposed approach can maintain the desired set points, and the desired response can also be obtained faster by using the proposed approach compared to the ones available in the literature.
A Modular Circuit Synthesis Oriented Modelling Approach for Non-Isolated DC-DC Converters in CCM
Authors: Masike Lebogang , Gitau Michael Njoroge
Published: January 2023

The continued commissioning of DC microgrids in an effort to achieve net-zero carbon levels in the atmosphere demands the large-scale deployment of converters to make the power from renewable energy sources, such as solar PV, usable. To control these inherently non-linear converters using classical linear control methods, averaged modelling techniques are employed. These methods are laborious and easily become intractable when applied to converters with increased energy storage elements. A modular modelling approach is proposed. This approach is based on the synthesis of converters using refined basic building blocks. The refined basic building blocks are independently modelled as two-port networks and used in a circuit synthesis-oriented manner to derive power stage models of commonly used DC-DC converters. It is found that most of the converters considered in the study can be described as a cascade combination of these basic building blocks. As such, transmission parameters are mainly used to model the two-port networks. Moreover, it is also found that using this modelling technique enables the computation of generalized expressions for all power stage models of interest. The use of two-port networks curtails the size of the matrices describing the basic building blocks to 2 × 2, and thus simplifies the entire modelling procedure. Additionally, two-port network analysis makes this modelling technique modular, thus making it more suited to be employed in DC microgrids. The independence of the two-port models on the circuit topology and functionality makes it possible to even model new converters containing the described basic building blocks solely based on circuit connection.
Thermodynamic Behavior and Energy Transformation Mechanism of the Multi-Period Evolution of Cavitation Bubbles Collapsing near a Rigid Wall: A Numerical Study
Authors: Wang Tianhao , Chen Linya
Published: January 2023

The dynamic behavior and energy transformation mechanism of the multi-period evolution of bubbles collapsing near a wall have been essential considerations in bubble dynamics research. In this study, a compressible two-phase solver considering thermodynamics and phase transitions is developed on OpenFOAM (version v2112). This model is validated via comparison with analytical solutions and experimental results. The dynamics of the multi-period evolution of bubbles collapse process at different dimensionless stand-off distances (γ) were accurately reproduced. The results indicate that the shock wave emitted by the collapse of cavitation bubbles impacts the wall, causing the fluid temperature along the wall to increase. Moreover, the liquid jet has a dual effect on the wall temperature increase, depending on the initial stand-off distance between the bubble and the wall. When γ is small, the jet carries the low-temperature fluid to occupy the high-temperature region, and when γ is large, the jet carries the high-temperature fluid to occupy the low-temperature region. Compared with the mechanisms above of wall temperature increase, the collapse process of cavitation, when directly attached to the wall, increases the fluid temperature along the wall more significantly. Additionally, an energy transformation mechanism is proposed considering the internal bubble energy based on the analysis of the internal bubble energy and acoustic radiation energy with different γ values. Both the internal and acoustic radiation energy initially decreased and subsequently increased with increasing γ values. These findings provide deeper insights into the near-wall collapsing cavitation process mechanism.
A Generalized Diffusion Equation: Solutions and Anomalous Diffusion
Authors: Lenzi Ervin K. , Somer Aloisi , Zola Rafael S. , da Silva Luciano R. , Lenzi Marcelo K.
Published: January 2023

We investigate the solutions of a generalized diffusion-like equation by considering a spatial and time fractional derivative and the presence of non-local terms, which can be related to reaction or adsorption–desorption processes. We use the Green function approach to obtain solutions and evaluate the spreading of the system to show a rich class of behaviors. We also connect the results obtained with the anomalous diffusion processes.
Bifidobacterium animalis A12 and Lactobacillus salivarius M18-6 Alleviate Alcohol Injury by keap1-Nrf2 Pathway and Thioredoxin System
Authors: Zhang Yan , Ma Jingsheng , Jing Nanqing , Zhang Hongxing , Xie Yuanhong , Liu Hui , Shan Xiangfen , Ren Jianhua , Jin Junhua
Published: January 2023

Excessive drinking can significantly damage people’s health and well-being. Although some lactic acid bacterial strains have been previously shown to alleviate the symptoms of alcohol injury, the mechanism underlying these effects remains unclear. The aim of this study was to establish an alcohol injury model and examine the protective effect and mechanism of B. animalis A12 and L. salivarius M18-6. The results showed that A12 freeze-dried powder could maintain the survival rate of mice with alcohol injury at 100%. Compared with Alco group, L. salivarius M18-6 dead cell improved the survival rate of mice, attenuated liver steatosis, and significantly down-regulated serum Alanine transaminase (ALT) level; at the same time, it activated keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and up-regulated Superoxide dismutase (SOD), it protects mouse liver cells from oxidative stress induced by alcohol injury. In addition, B. animalis A12 can reduce the stress response to short-term alcohol intake and improve the ability of anti-oxidative stress by upregulating the level of isobutyric acid, reducing the level of keap1 protein in the liver of mice and upregulating the expression of thioredoxin genes (Txnrd1, Txnrd3, Txn1). Taken together, the results showed that B. animalis A12 and L. salivarius M18-6 alleviate alcohol injury in mice through keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and thioredoxin system.
Effect of Red and Blue Light on Cucumber Seedlings Grown in a Plant Factory
Authors: Jin Dezhi , Su Xiaofeng , Li Yuefeng , Shi Mingming , Yang Bobo , Wan Wenchang , Wen Xing , Yang Shaojun , Ding Xiaotao , Zou Jun
Published: January 2023

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been regarded as the best artificial source of light for a plant factory. However, the effect of light quality on seedling production in such environments requires further study. On the basis of the practical application of light on cucumber seedlings (Ansha Company) in plant factories, the present investigation tracked and recorded the specific effects of red and blue light on the growth of the seedlings by analyzing the photo-biological mechanism involved. The growth parameters, as well as the photosynthetic characteristics of cucumber seedlings, were measured at different variations of light quality. The results showed that when the proportion of red light in the light source was higher than blue light, the height of the seedlings, leaf size, stem diameter, Dixon Quality Index (DQI), relative chlorophyll content, and the net photosynthetic rate were higher than those of the experimental group with a relatively high proportion of blue light. In the case of R7B3 (70% red light and 30% blue light), the stem diameter, DQI, and net photosynthetic rate of seedlings were 14%, 57%, and 22% higher than the minimum value, respectively. The present study analyzed the influence of red and blue light on plant growth characteristics during actual production and provides standardization for it.
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) Root Distribution Varies with Cultivar during Early Establishment Years
Authors: Drost Daniel
Published: January 2023

Soil type, crop management practices, annual plant growth patterns, and seasonal changes have all been shown to influence asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) roots. This study describes the changes in root growth that occur over the three establishment seasons of three asparagus cultivars. Starting one year after planting, asparagus root length density and biomass were estimated from soil cores (55 mm diam. × 0.2 m long) collected to 0.9 m at three locations adjacent to the row (0.15, 0.3, and 0.6 m from row center). Samples were collected each spring during the spear harvest period (late April to early May). Soil cores were divided into 0.15 m lengths and fleshy roots were collected for the soil, root length density determined, and dry weights measured. The year of sampling had a significant effect on root development and, as time progressed, fleshy asparagus roots grew deeper into the soil. There was no difference in fleshy root length or fresh weight between the three cultivars evaluated. However, root distribution patterns varied between the cultivars. Fleshy roots for the cultivars Atlas and Jersey Giant extended further from the crown and deeper in the soil when compared to Guelph Millennium. Results can be used to improve crop management practices and increase our understanding of the dynamic changes of root development that occur over time in asparagus.
Micro-Household Human Capital Investment Decisions and a Simulation Study from the Intergenerational Conflict Perspective
Authors: Lu Qiling , Hua Jing
Published: January 2023

Education is highly valued in Asian families. However, as family members age, competition for intra-family resources affects children’s actualization in the family, which impacts the family’s future capital. However, most existing studies have interpreted the family’s intergenerational conflicts in terms of care services for older adults, and few have analyzed and simulated intra-family competition based on the intergenerational conflict. This study introduces a multi-agent simulation approach to observe micro-households’ educational investment choices under the dual pressures of retirement and childcare. This measure captures households’ investment choices and provides a decision basis for given households. Using data from the China Family Panel Study for 2014, 2016, and 2018, we explore the impact of these dual pressures on household educational expenditures and their differences across urban and rural areas, household aging, and income samples. We also simulated the micro-households’ investment choices under these dual pressures to observe that these pressures reduce investments in educational human capital in these “sandwich-like” households. The simulation results suggest that households with high childcare stress invest more in education than those with a high retirement burden. Moreover, income growth can mitigate the dual stress “crowding-out” effect on education, which is most pronounced in low-income, high childcare-stress households.
How Can We Improve Running Events? The IPA4RE Questionnaire and Its Potential Impact on the Experience of Runners
Authors: León-Quismondo Jairo , Bonal José , Burillo Pablo , Fernández-Luna Álvaro
Published: January 2023

The benefits that a positive running experience provides to individuals have been broadly studied by the scientific community, with the finding that running sport events are a facilitating tool to attract more individuals into physical activity. This study focuses on a sport management approach to improve the quality and organizational efficiency of running sports events so that a better experience for runners can be provided. The methods of this research consist of the validation of a new questionnaire called ‘The IPA4RE questionnaire’. Furthermore, an IPA analysis for a specific event was carried out. As our main findings, the most valued aspects perceived by consumers are the event atmosphere, security, event route, and convenience of bib collection and event day information. In conclusion, the IPA4RE can be used as a management tool by running event organizers to make more efficient use of their resources and provide a better experience to participants.
Maternal Differentiation of Self and Toddlers’ Sleep: The Mediating Role of Nighttime Involvement
Authors: Simon Tamar , Scher Anat
Published: January 2023

Good sleep is essential for optimal development and adaptive functioning. Hence, identifying the factors that shape sleep quality is important. Based on the transactional model of sleep development and drawing on Bowen’s concept of differentiation of self (DoS), the present study examined the interrelations between sleep-related parental behavior, child’s sleep quality, and mothers’ DoS. A community sample of 130 mothers of 24- to 36-month-old children completed the DoS instrument and sleep questionnaires. Lower maternal DoS levels were associated with higher parental sleep-related involvement, both at bedtime and through the course of the night. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), a path analysis model indicates that maternal sleep-related involvement functions as a mediator through which the differentiation of self is related to the sleep characteristics of toddlers. As the links between parenting practices and child sleep reflect bi-directional associations, the conclusion that can be drawn from the present data is that relational aspects, such as those defined and measured by the construct of DoS, contribute to sleep–wake regulation beyond infancy. The data suggest that this construct should be considered in intervention research.
Physical Activity, Seasonal Sensitivity and Psychological Well-Being of People of Different Age Groups Living in Extreme Environments
Authors: Alvarado Caren , Castillo-Aguilar Matías , Villegas Valeska , Estrada Goic Claudia , Harris Katherine , Barria Patricio , Moraes Michele M. , Mendes Thiago T. , Arantes Rosa M. E. , Valdés-Badilla Pablo , Núñez-Espinosa Cristian
Published: January 2023

Physical activity can prevent many organic and mental pathologies. For people living in extreme southern high-latitude environments, weather conditions can affect these activities, altering their psychological well-being and favoring the prevalence of seasonal sensitivity (SS). This study aims to determine the relationships between the practice of physical activity, seasonal sensitivity and well-being in people living in high southern latitudes. A cross-sectional study was conducted, using the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ), applying a psychological well-being scale, and determining sports practice according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the 370 male (n = 209; 55%) and female (n = 173; 45%) participants. The main results indicated that 194 people (52 ± 7.7 years) reported physical activity. High-intensity physical activity practitioners recorded a significantly lower proportion of SS. In terms of psychological well-being, an adverse effect was found between the Seasonal Score Index (SSI) and five subcategories of the Ryff well-being scale. In conclusion, those who perform high-intensity physical activity have a lower SS, and those who have a higher SS have a lower psychological well-being.
Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in ASEAN+3 Countries: The Role of Environmental Degradation
Authors: Shaari Mohd Shahidan , Asbullah Muhamad Huzaifah , Zainol Abidin Noorazeela , Karim Zulkefly Abdul , Nangle Benjamin
Published: January 2023

Foreign direct investment (FDI) can boost economic growth and provide job opportunities. FDI inflows in ASEAN+3 countries have dropped markedly, which may affect economic development in the region. Many previous studies have investigated a multitude of factors that can influence FDI, such as market size, inflation, trade openness, corruption, and inflation. Previous studies did not, however, consider environmental degradation as a potential factor. Besides corruption and inflation, imposing stringent environmental regulations, such as carbon pricing and taxes to reduce environmental degradation, might deter foreign investors from the country. This is due to heightened costs for foreign investors, which may cause FDI inflows to drop. To shed some light on the reality of this situation, this study examines whether environmental degradation can significantly affect foreign direct investment in the region. This study includes environmental degradation as a potential factor and employs the panel ARDL approach to analyse data from 1995 to 2019. Results show that environmental degradation, infrastructure, and corruption can affect the inflow of FDI in the long run. In the short run, inflation can affect FDI. The findings of this study can be utilized by policymakers in formulating the right policies to attract more investors. An increase in infrastructure facilities should be considered to attract more foreign investment. It is also vital for governments to reduce corruption and inflation to attract more FDI inflows. Environmental incentives should also be introduced to ensure that attempts to reduce environmental degradation do not affect FDI inflows.
Can Dissociation Mediate the Relationship between Emotional Dysregulation and Intelligence? An Empirical Study Involving Adolescents with and without Complex Trauma Histories
Authors: Cristofanelli Stefania , Baccini Giorgia , Centonze Eleonora , Colombesi Alessandra , Cariello Marina , Ferro Laura
Published: January 2023

The main aim of the study was to map the psychological functioning of individuals with adverse childhood experiences, with the objective to characterize developmental trajectories. Specifically, we investigated the relations among three of the seven domains of impairment in children and adolescents who had been exposed to complex trauma. To this end, we tested a mediation model with emotional dysregulation as the independent variable, intelligence as the dependent variable, and dissociation as the mediator. The research sample was composed of 64 participants (10–19 years old); 31 adolescents formed the clinical group and 33 the non-clinical group; for the clinical group, we recruited adolescents who were residents of therapeutic communities and had a history of complex trauma. Both groups completed the Difficulties in emotion regulation scale (DERS), Adolescent dissociative experience scale (A-DES), Trauma symptom checklist for children (TSCC), and Wechsler scales. The data analysis yielded significant results for the control group only. We suggest that healthy adolescents adopt a non-pathological dissociative cognitive style in response to increased emotional dysregulation, thus explaining their enhanced cognitive performance.
Effects of Footwear Selection on Plantar Pressure and Neuromuscular Characteristics during Jump Rope Training
Authors: Yu Hai-Bin , Tai Wei-Hsun , He Ben-Xiang , Li Jing , Zhang Rui , Hao Wei-Ya
Published: January 2023

This study examined what footwear type influenced plantar pressure and lower extremity muscle activations in jump rope training. Ten healthy physical-education graduate students participated in this study. The biomechanical parameters during the jump rope training were collected by an AMTI force platform, a Novel Pedar-X insole and a wireless electromyography (EMG) system. The results of the force platform indicate that vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and contact time were much higher in the one-leg landing (both p = 0.001). The GRF, GRF (BW) and Lat MF pressure were significantly greater in the one-leg landing (p = 0.018, 0.013 and 0.027); the pressure of the Lat MF and H area were significantly greater in the volleyball shoe (p = 0.025, 0.031); the pressure of the Mid FF and Lat FF area were significantly greater in the jumping shoe (p = 0.005, 0.042). No significant difference in EMG was found between footwear and landing conditions. In summary, the running shoe and jumping shoe might be a better choice for people who exercise. However, the running shoe is recommended for people when both jumping and running are required.
Associations of Preterm Birth with Dental and Gastrointestinal Diseases: Machine Learning Analysis Using National Health Insurance Data
Authors: Song In-Seok , Choi Eun-Saem , Kim Eun , Hwang Yujin , Lee Kwang-Sig , Ahn Ki
Published: January 2023

Background: This study uses machine learning with large-scale population data to assess the associations of preterm birth (PTB) with dental and gastrointestinal diseases. Methods: Population-based retrospective cohort data came from Korea National Health Insurance claims for 124,606 primiparous women aged 25–40 and delivered in 2017. The 186 independent variables included demographic/socioeconomic determinants, disease information, and medication history. Machine learning analysis was used to establish the prediction model of PTB. Random forest variable importance was used for identifying major determinants of PTB and testing its associations with dental and gastrointestinal diseases, medication history, and socioeconomic status. Results: The random forest with oversampling data registered an accuracy of 84.03, and the areas under the receiver-operating-characteristic curves with the range of 84.03–84.04. Based on random forest variable importance with oversampling data, PTB has strong associations with socioeconomic status (0.284), age (0.214), year 2014 gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (0.026), year 2015 GERD (0.026), year 2013 GERD (0.024), progesterone (0.024), year 2012 GERD (0.023), year 2011 GERD (0.021), tricyclic antidepressant (0.020) and year 2016 infertility (0.019). For example, the accuracy of the model will decrease by 28.4%, 2.6%, or 1.9% if the values of socioeconomic status, year 2014 GERD, or year 2016 infertility are randomly permutated (or shuffled). Conclusion: By using machine learning, we established a valid prediction model for PTB. PTB has strong associations with GERD and infertility. Pregnant women need close surveillance for gastrointestinal and obstetric risks at the same time.
Pathways of TB Transmission in Children—A Systematic Review of Molecular Epidemiological Studies
Authors: Diel Roland , Nienhaus Albert
Published: January 2023

The widespread paradigm that younger children usually do not transmit M. tuberculosis complex (Mtbc) to their contacts has not yet been proven by genotypically confirmed transmissions. Therefore, we undertook a systematic review of molecular-epidemiological studies to investigate documented source and secondary TB (tuberculosis) cases among children. We searched the literature published before August 2022 using PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases. PRISMA statement was used for systematic review. Of 312 records retrieved, 39 studies including children aged below 15 years offered epidemiological links between cluster members. In the 39 studies from 16 countries, 225 children were reported as cluster members of whom the overwhelming majority were infected by adults. Only 3 children—of those were 2 children aged below 10—were reported to be the definite source cases of 11 other children and 1 adult with genotypically matched Mtbc isolates. To date, molecular-epidemiological studies involving children with verified transmission links are scarce. As far as the heterogeneity of the studies we identified allows, we could conclude that the results confirm the paradigm that children aged below 10 hardly ever transmit Mtbc to others. The true extent of TB transmission through children may, however, be underestimated by those selected studies.
Association between Physical Activity, Body Composition, and Metabolic Disorders in Middle-Aged Women of Ksar el Kebir (Morocco)
Authors: Harraqui Khouloud , Oudghiri Dia Eddine , Mrabti Hanae Naceiri , Hannoun Zineb , Lee Learn-Han , Assaggaf Hamza , Qasem Ahmed , Goh Khang Wen , Ming Long Chiau , Tan Ching Siang , Bouyahya Abdelhakim , Bour Abdellatif
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to examine the association between physical activity (PA), body composition, and metabolic disorders in a population of Moroccan women classified by menopausal status. This cross-sectional study comprised 373 peri- and postmenopausal women aged 45–64 years old. PA levels were assessed using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). Body composition and metabolic disorders were assessed by measurements of anthropometric and biological parameters: weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), WC/HC ratio, percent body fat, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and serum lipids (total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL-C, and LDL-C). Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria. Pearson correlations were used to test for associations. The mean total PA score of perimenopausal women was 1683.51 ± 805.36 MET-min/week, and of postmenopausal women was 1450.81 ± 780.67 MET-min/week. In all participants, peri- and postmenopausal women, PA was significantly and inversely associated with BMI, weight, percent body fat, HC, WC, and number of MetS components (p < 0.01), and with fasting blood glucose, TC, TG, and LDL-C (p < 0.05). The frequencies of metabolic disorders, obesity, abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and MetS were significantly lower at moderate and intense levels of PA (p < 0.05), in also all participants. In middle-aged women, particularly those who are peri-menopausal, PA at moderate and intense levels is associated with more favorable body composition and less frequent metabolic disorders. However, in this particular study, PA does not appear to be associated with blood pressure and HDL-C concentrations. Future studies may be needed to further clarify these findings.
Cation Composition Influences the Toxicity of Salinity to Freshwater Biota
Authors: Venâncio Cátia , Caon Karen , Lopes Isabel
Published: January 2023

The effects of salinization on freshwater ecosystems have been estimated by testing sodium chloride (NaCl) since it is the most widely used salt as a deicing agent and Na+ and Cl− ions are the most representative in seawater composition. However, calcium, magnesium, and/or potassium are starting to be proposed as potential surrogates for NaCl, but for which ecotoxicological effects are less explored. This study aimed to identify (i) the less toxic salt to freshwater biota to be suggested as a safer alternative deicer and (ii) to contribute to the lower tiers of salinity risk assessment frameworks by identifying a more suitable surrogate salt than NaCl. The battery of ecotoxicity assays with five key trophic level species showed that among the tested salts (MgCl2, CaCl2, and KCl), KCl and CaCl2 seemed to induce the highest and lowest toxicity, respectively, compared with NaCl. CaCl2 is suggested as a safer alternative for use as a deicer and KCl as a surrogate for the risk assessment of seawater intrusion in coastal regions. These results enrich the salt toxicity database aiming to identify and propose more suitable surrogate salts to predict the effects of salinization to a broader extent.
The Role of Heat Shock Proteins in the Pathogenesis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Niinuma Sara Anjum , Lubbad Laila , Lubbad Walaa , Moin Abu Saleh Md , Butler Alexandra E.
Published: January 2023

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and post-menopausal women. PCOS is a multifactorial heterogeneous disorder associated with a variety of etiologies, outcomes, and clinical manifestations. However, the pathophysiology of PCOS is still unclear. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) have recently been investigated for their role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. HSPs are a class of proteins that act as molecular chaperones and maintain cellular proteostasis. More recently, their actions beyond that of molecular chaperones have highlighted their pathogenic role in several diseases. In PCOS, different HSP family members show abnormal expression that affects the proliferation and apoptotic rates of ovarian cells as well as immunological processes. HSP dysregulation in the ovaries of PCOS subjects leads to a proliferation/apoptosis imbalance that mechanistically impacts follicle stage development, resulting in polycystic ovaries. Moreover, HSPs may play a role in the pathogenesis of PCOS-associated conditions. Recent studies on HSP activity during therapeutic interventions for PCOS suggest that modulating HSP activity may lead to novel treatment strategies. In this review, we summarize what is currently known regarding the role of HSPs in the pathogenesis of PCOS and their potential role in the treatment of PCOS, and we outline areas for future research.
Effects of Different Guests on Pyrolysis Mechanism of α-CL−20/Guest at High Temperatures by Reactive Molecular Dynamics Simulations at High Temperatures
Authors: Zhou Mingming , Luo Jing , Xiang Dong
Published: January 2023

The host–guest inclusion strategy has the potential to surpass the limitations of energy density and suboptimal performances of single explosives. The guest molecules can not only enhance the detonation performance of host explosives but also can enhance their stability. Therefore, a deep analysis of the role of guest influence on the pyrolysis decomposition of the host–guest explosive is necessary. The whole decomposition reaction stage of CL-20/H2O, CL-20/CO2, CL-20/N2O, CL-20/NH2OH was calculated by ReaxFF-MD. The incorporation of CO2, N2O and NH2OH significantly increase the energy levels of CL-20. However, different guests have little influence on the initial decomposition paths of CL-20. The Ea1 and Ea2 values of CL-20/CO2, CL-20/N2O, CL-20/NH2OH systems are higher than the CL-20/H2O system. Clearly, incorporation of CO2, N2O, NH2OH can inhibit the initial decomposition and intermediate decomposition stage of CL-20/H2O. Guest molecules become heavily involved in the reaction and influence on the reaction rates. k1 of CL-20/N2O and CL-20/NH2OH systems are significantly larger than that of CL-20/H2O at high temperatures. k1 of CL-20/CO2 system is very complex, which can be affected deeply by temperatures. k2 of the CL-20/CO2, CL-20/N2O systems is significantly smaller than that of CL-20/H2O at high temperatures. k2 of CL-20/NH2OH system shows little difference at high temperatures. For the CL-20/CO2 system, the k3 value of CO2 is slightly higher than that for CL-20/H2O, CL-20/N2O, CL-20/NH2OH systems, while the k3 values of N2 and H2O are slightly smaller than that for the CL-20/H2O, CL-20/N2O, CL-20/NH2OH systems. For the CL-20/N2O system, the k3 value of CO2 is slightly smaller than that for CL-20/H2O, CL-20/CO2, CL-20/NH2OH systems. For the CL-20/NH2OH system, the k3 value of H2O is slightly larger than that for CL-20/H2O, CL-20/CO2, CL-20/N2O systems. These mechanisms revealed that CO2, N2O and NH2OH molecules inhibit the early stages of the initial decomposition of CL-20 and play an important role for the decomposition subsequently.
Understanding the Molecular Progression of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Traumatic Brain Injury, Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Ruchika FNU , Shah Siddharth , Neupane Durga , Vijay Ruddra , Mehkri Yusuf , Lucke-Wold Brandon
Published: January 2023

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability among children and adults in America. In addition, the acute morbidity caused by TBI is implicated in the development of devastating neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative sequela. TBI is associated with the development of a neurodegenerative condition termed ‘Punch Drunk syndrome’ or ‘dementia pugilistica’, and the more recently renamed ‘chronic traumatic encephalopathy’. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative condition caused by a single or repetitive blow to the head. CTE was first described in boxers and was later found to be associated with other contact sports and military combat. It is defined by a constellation of symptoms consisting of mood disorders, cognitive impairment, and memory loss with or without sensorimotor changes. It is also a Tauopathy characterized by the deposition of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein in the form of neurofibrillary tangles, astrocytoma tangles, and abnormal neurites found in clusters around small vessels, typically at the sulcal depths. Oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutaminergic toxicity caused due to the insult play a role in developing this pathology. Additionally, the changes in the brain due to aging also plays an important role in the development of this condition. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms behind the development of CTE, as well as genetic and environmental influences on its pathophysiology.
Epigenetic Factors Related to Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Ruffilli Alberto , Neri Simona , Manzetti Marco , Barile Francesca , Viroli Giovanni , Traversari Matteo , Assirelli Elisa , Vita Fabio , Geraci Giuseppe , Faldini Cesare
Published: January 2023

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common causes of pain and disability. At present, treatment and interventions for acute and chronic low back pain often fail to provide sufficient levels of pain relief, and full functional restoration can be challenging. Considering the significant socio-economic burden and risk-to-benefit ratio of medical and surgical intervention in low back pain patients, the identification of reliable biomarkers such as epigenetic factors associated with low back pain could be useful in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to review the available literature regarding the epigenetic factors associated with low back pain. This review was carried out in accordance with Preferential Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was carried out in October 2022. Only peer-reviewed articles were considered for inclusion. Fourteen studies were included and showed promising results in terms of reliable markers. Epigenetic markers for LBP have the potential to significantly modify disease management. Most recent evidence suggests that epigenetics is a more promising field for the identification of factors associated with LBP, offering a rationale for further investigation in this field with the long-term goal of finding epigenetic biomarkers that could constitute biological targets for disease management and treatment.
The Voice from Users of Running Applications: An Analysis of Online Reviews Using Leximancer
Authors: Byun Hyun , Chiu Weisheng , Won Doyeon
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to examine users’ experiences of using running applications. A total of 20,243 online reviews posted by running-application users were collected from the Google Play Store. The data were analyzed using Leximancer to conduct the qualitative content analysis. The software identified six themes of running-app users’ experiences: “app”, “use”, “track”, “free”, “ads”, and “support”. Moreover, the results showed that users were generally positive toward the usefulness of running applications’ functions. The findings of this study help designers better understand running-application users’ experience and improve running applications’ features in order to optimize users’ exercise experience.
Effectiveness of a Therapeutic Exercise Program to Improve the Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy during Chemotherapy: Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Dixit Snehil , Tapia Valentina , Sepúlveda Carolina , Olate Daniela , Berríos-Contreras Lily , Lorca Luz Alejandra , Alqahtani Abdulfattah S. , Ribeiro Ivana Leão
Published: January 2023

Background: Therapeutic exercise has an important role to manage chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms. However, there is little evidence of its effectiveness. Objective: To synthesize the evidence regarding therapeutic exercise during chemotherapy to improve peripheral neuropathy symptoms. Databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PEDro, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science and BIREME. Methodology: Randomized clinical trials were included. GRADE was used to synthesize evidence and an inverse variance model for meta-analysis. Results: Up to May 2022, 2172 references were analyzed and 14 studies that evaluated 1094 participants were included. The exercises were highly effective in improving pain threshold and moderately effective in improving peripheral neuropathy symptoms at the 8-week follow-up and the 4–24 weeks. Furthermore, the evidence was low in improving thermal threshold, tactile and vibratory sensitivity. Conclusion: Therapeutic exercise generates a significant reduction in peripheral neuropathy symptoms in patients in short- and long-term follow-up with a moderate level of evidence quality.
Synthesis of 3-Bromo-4-phenylisothiazole-5-carboxylic Acid and 3-Bromoisothiazole-5-carboxylic Acid
Authors: Kalogirou Andreas S. , Koutentis Panayiotis A.
Published: January 2023

Reactions of 3-bromo-4-phenylisothiazole-5-carboxamide and 3-bromoisothiazole-5-carboxamide with NaNO2 (4 equiv.), in TFA, at ca. 0 °C gave the carboxylic acid products in 99% and 95% yields, respectively. The two compounds were fully characterized.
In Situ Modification of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Polythiophene-Based Conjugated Polymer for Information Storage
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Xiaoyang , Zhang Bin , Chen Yu
Published: January 2023

One-dimensional multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have unique electrical properties, but they are not solution-processable, which severely limits their applications in microelectronic devices. Therefore, it is of great significance to improve the solubility of MWNTs and endow them with new functions by chemical modification. In this work, MWNTs were in situ functionalized with poly[(1,4-diethynyl-benzene)-alt-(3-hexylthiophene)] (PDHT) via Sonogashira–Hagihara polymerization. The obtained material PDHT-g-MWNTs was soluble in conventional organic solvents. By sandwiching a PDHT-g-MWNTs film between Al and ITO electrodes, the fabricated Al/PDHT-g-MWNTs/ITO electronic device exhibited nonvolatile rewritable memory behavior, with highly symmetrical turn-on/off voltages, a retention time of over 104 s, and durability for 200 switching cycles. These findings provide important insights into the development of carbon nanotube-based materials for information storage.
Hemp Seed Oil in Association with β-Caryophyllene, Myrcene and Ginger Extract as a Nutraceutical Integration in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind Prospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Farì Giacomo , Megna Marisa , Scacco Salvatore , Ranieri Maurizio , Raele Maria Vittoria , Chiaia Noya Enrica , Macchiarola Dario , Bianchi Francesco Paolo , Carati Davide , Panico Simona , Di Campi Eleonora , Gnoni Antonio , Scacco Venera , Inchingolo Alessio Danilo , Qorri Erda , Scarano Antonio , Rapone Biagio
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: Nutraceuticals are gaining more and more importance as a knee osteoarthritis (KOA) complementary treatment. Among nutraceuticals, hemp seed oil and terpenes are proving to be very useful as therapeutic support for many chronic diseases, but there are still few studies regarding their effectiveness for treating KOA, both in combination and separately. The aim of this study is thus to compare the effect of two dietary supplements, both containing hemp seed oil, but of which only one also contains terpenes, in relieving pain and improving joint function in patients suffering from KOA. Materials and Methods: Thirty-eight patients were recruited and divided into two groups. The control group underwent a 45 day treatment with a hemp seed oil-based dietary supplement, while the treatment group assumed a hemp seed oil and terpenes dietary supplement for the same period. Patients were evaluated at the enrollment (T0) and at the end of treatment (T1). Outcome measures were: Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short-Form-12 (SF-12), Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Oxford Knee Score (OKS). Results: All outcome measures improved at T1 in both groups, but NRS, KOOS and OKS had a greater significant improvement in the treatment group only. Conclusions: Hemp seed oil and terpenes resulted a more effective integrative treatment option in KOA, improving joint pain and function and representing a good complementary option for patients suffering from osteoarthritis.
Supports and Barriers to Lifestyle Interventions in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Australia: A National Online Survey
Authors: Sabag Angelo , Houston Lauren , Neale Elizabeth P. , Christie Hannah E. , Roach Lauren A. , Russell Joanna , Cortie Colin H. , Batterham Marijka , Meyer Barbara J. , Francois Monique E.
Published: January 2023

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects approximately one in six pregnancies, causing a significant burden on maternal and infant health. Lifestyle interventions are first-line therapies to manage blood glucose levels (BGLs) and prevent future cardiometabolic complications. However, women with GDM experience considerable barriers to lifestyle interventions; thus, the aim of this study was to determine how women with GDM manage their condition and to identify the primary supports and barriers to lifestyle intervention participation. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey of women in Australia with a history of GDM was conducted. Questions included participant demographics, strategies used to manage BGLs, physical activity and dietary habits, and barriers and supports to lifestyle interventions. Results: A total of 665 individuals consented and responded to the advertisement, of which 564 were eligible and provided partial or complete responses to the survey questions. Most respondents were between 35 and 39 years of age (35.5%), not pregnant (75.4%), working part-time (26.7%), university-educated (58.0%), and had only one child (40.1%). Most respondents managed their BGLs through diet (88.3%), with “low-carbohydrate” diets being the most popular (72.3%), and 46.2% of respondents were undertaking insulin therapy. Only 42.2% and 19.8% of respondents reported meeting the aerobic and strengthening exercise recommendations, respectively. Women with one child or currently pregnant expecting their first child were 1.51 times more likely (95% CI, 1.02, 2.25) to meet the aerobic exercise recommendations than those with two or more children. The most common reported barriers to lifestyle intervention participation were “lack of time” (71.4%) and “childcare” commitments (57.7%). Lifestyle interventions delivered between 6 and 12 months postpartum (59.0%), involving an exercise program (82.6%), and delivered one-on-one were the most popular (64.9%). Conclusion: Most women report managing their GDM with lifestyle strategies. The most common strategies reported involve approaches not currently included in the clinical practice guidelines such as reducing carbohydrate consumption. Furthermore, despite being willing to participate in lifestyle interventions, respondents report significant barriers, including lack of time and childcare commitments, whereas mentioned supports included having an online format. Lifestyle interventions for women with a history of GDM should be designed in a manner that is both tailored to the individual and considerate of existing barriers and supports to participation.
Savory Signaling: T1R Umami Receptor Modulates Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Store Content and Release Dynamics in Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: McMahon Derek B. , Jolivert Jennifer F. , Kuek Li Eon , Adappa Nithin D. , Palmer James N. , Lee Robert J.
Published: January 2023

T1Rs are expressed in solitary chemosensory cells of the upper airway where they detect apical glucose levels and repress bitter taste receptor Ca2+ signaling pathways. Microbial growth leads to a decrease in apical glucose levels. T1Rs detect this change and liberate bitter taste receptor signaling, initiating an innate immune response to both kill and expel pathogens through releasing antimicrobial peptides and increasing nitric oxide production and ciliary beat frequency. However, chronic inflammation due to disease, smoking, or viral infections causes a remodeling of the epithelial airway. The resulting squamous metaplasia causes a loss of multi-ciliated cells and solitary chemosensory cells, replaced by basal epithelial cells. To understand how T1R function is altered during disease, we used basal epithelial cells as a model to study the function of T1R3 on Ca2+ signaling dynamics. We found that both T1R1 and T1R3 detect amino acids and signal via cAMP, increasing the responsiveness of the cells to Ca2+ signaling stimuli. Either knocking down T1R1/3 or treating wild-type cells with MEM amino acids caused a reduction in ER Ca2+ content through a non-cAMP signaled pathway. Treatment with amino acids led to a reduction in downstream denatonium-induced Ca2+-signaled caspase activity. Thus, amino acids may be used to reduce unwanted apoptosis signaling in treatments containing bitter compounds.
Gold Nanoparticles as Contrast Agents in Ophthalmic Imaging
Authors: Kavalaraki Alexandra , Spyratou Ellas , Kouri Maria Anthi , Efstathopoulos Efstathios P.
Published: January 2023

Over the past few years, tremendous research concerning the possibilities of gold nanoparticles in medicine has been conducted. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are considered to be unique nanostructures due to their extraordinary chemical and physical properties. This review article aims to bring into light the potential applications of gold nanoparticles for diagnostic purposes in ophthalmology. More specifically, attention will be drawn to the utilization of AuNPs as contrast agents (CAs) in optical coherence tomography (OCT) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI), which are two novel imaging modalities for the visualization of the eye. None of these techniques requires the use of an imaging adjuvant to function; however, the addition of a contrast agent has been proposed for image improvement, and AuNPs are attractive candidates for this purpose. The in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies investigating and supporting this concept will be presented thoroughly to elucidate whether AuNPs are eligible for imaging enhancement owing to their optical characteristics.
Cichorium intybus L. Hairy Roots as a Platform for Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Häkkinen Suvi T. , Cankar Katarina , Nohynek Liisa , van Arkel Jeroen , Laurel Markus , Oksman-Caldentey Kirsi-Marja , Van Droogenbroeck Bart
Published: January 2023

Industrial chicory is an important crop for its high dietary fibre content. Besides inulin, chicory taproots contain interesting secondary metabolite compounds, which possess bioactive properties. Hairy roots are differentiated plant cell cultures that have shown to be feasible biotechnological hosts for the production of several plant-derived molecules. In this study, hairy roots of industrial chicory cultivars were established, and their potential as a source of antimicrobial ingredients was assessed. It was shown that hot water extracts of hairy roots possessed antimicrobial activity against relevant human microbes, whereas corresponding chicory taproots did not show activity. Remarkably, a significant antimicrobial activity of hot water extracts of chicory hairy roots towards methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was observed, indicating a high potential of hairy roots as a host for production of antimicrobial agents.