bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Role of Sublingual Atropine for the Treatment of Sialorrhea in Patients with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Petkus Kayla Durkin , Noritz Garey , Glader Laurie
Published: August 2023

Sialorrhea is common in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) and is reported in >40% of children with cerebral palsy (CP). It causes a range of complications, including significant respiratory morbidity. This single-center retrospective chart review aims to document sublingual atropine (SLA) utilization to guide further study in establishing its role in secretion management for children with NDD. A chart review was completed for patients with NDD ≤ 22 years of age treated with SLA at a free-standing children’s hospital between 1 January 2016 and 1 June 2021. Descriptive statistics were generated to summarize findings. In total, 190 patients were identified, of which 178 met inclusion criteria. The average starting dose for SLA was 1.5 mg/day, or 0.09 mg/kg/day when adjusted for patient weight. Eighty-nine (50%) patients were prescribed SLA first line for secretion management while 85 (48%) patients tried glycopyrrolate prior to SLA. SLA was used after salivary Botox, ablation, and/or surgery in 16 (9%) patients. This study investigates SLA as a potential pharmacologic agent to treat sialorrhea in children with NDD. We identify a range of prescribing patterns regarding dosing, schedule, and place in therapy, highlighting the need for further evidence to support and guide its safe and efficacious use.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Postoperative Opioid Requirement in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Pectus Excavatum Repair with Multimodal Analgesic Management
Authors: Koo Jung Min , Park Hyung Joo , Rim Gong Min , Hyun Kwanyong , Huh Jaewon , Choi Hoon , Kim Yunji , Hwang Wonjung
Published: August 2023

Children with pectus excavatum are treated with surgical repair in a procedure known as minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). MIRPE causes considerable postoperative pain, resulting in the administration of a substantial dose of opioids. This study aimed to identify perioperative factors that influence the requirement for opioids in children undergoing MIRPE. Retrospective data from children who underwent MIRPE were analyzed. A multimodal analgesic protocol was implemented with a continuous wound infiltration system and administration of non-opioid analgesics. Intravenous opioid analgesics were administered if the pain score was greater than 4. The cumulative opioid use was assessed by calculating the morphine equivalent dose at 6, 24, and 48 h after surgery. Perioperative factors affecting the postoperative opioid use were identified with multiple linear regression analyses. This study included 527 children aged 3–6 years, with a mean age of 3.9 years. Symmetrically depressed chest walls, a lower Haller index, and a lower revised depression index were found to be associated with decreased postoperative opioids. Boys required higher opioid doses than girls. Longer pectus bars (10 inches versus 9 inches) were associated with increased opioid use. Severity indices, gender, and the length of pectus bars influence postoperative opioid requirement in children undergoing MIRPE surgery with multimodal analgesia.
Second Covered and Uncovered Self-Expandable Metal Stents for Recurrent Gastric Outlet Obstruction: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Takahara Naminatsu , Nakai Yousuke , Ishida Kota , Endo Go , Kurihara Kohei , Tange Shuichi , Takaoka Shinya , Tokito Yurie , Suzuki Yukari , Oyama Hiroki , Kanai Sachiko , Suzuki Tatsunori , Sato Tatsuya , Hakuta Ryunosuke , Ishigaki Kazunaga , Saito Tomotaka , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: August 2023

Background: Endoscopic self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement is a current mainstay for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), but symptomatic recurrence due to initial SEMS dysfunction commonly occurs. We aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of second SEMS for recurrent GOO (RGOO). Methods: Between April 2006 and December 2022, a total of 95 cases with malignant RGOO undergoing second endoscopic SEMS placement were enrolled. Technical and clinical success rates, RGOO, time to RGOO (TRGOO), stent patency rate, adverse events (AE), and overall survival (OS) were retrospectively compared between covered and uncovered SEMS (cSEMS/uSEMS) groups. Risk factors for TRGOO were also explored. Results: Baseline characteristics were well balanced between cSEMS (n = 48) and uSEMS (n = 47) groups, except for the causes of the initial SEMS dysfunction. High technical and clinical success rates with a similar incidence of AE (15% vs. 17%, p = 0.78) and OS (median of 101 vs. 102 days, p = 0.68) were achieved in both groups. There were no statistical differences in cumulative incidence of RGOO (19% vs. 13%, p = 0.58), TRGOO (median, not reached in both groups, p = 0.57), and stent patency rates at 1, 2, and 3 months between the groups (60%, 47% and 26%, respectively vs. 70%, 55% and 38%, respectively). However, TRGOO tended to be longer in cSEMS in cases with RGOO due to tumor ingrowth (median, not reached vs. 111 days, p = 0.19). A Cox regression analysis demonstrated that chemotherapy after second SEMS placement was significantly associated with an improved TRGOO (the hazard ratio of 0.27 [95% confidence interval, 0.08–0.93], p = 0.03). Conclusions: Regardless of the type of SEMS, second SEMS placement was similarly safe and effective for RGOO. The type of second SEMS might be considered based on the cause of initial SEMS dysfunction.
The Effects of Primary Tumor Location on Survival after Liver Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastasis in the Mediterranean Population
Authors: Mahamid Ahmad , Abu-Zaydeh Omar , Kazlow Esther , Froylich Dvir , Sawaied Muneer , Goldberg Natalia , Berger Yael , Khoury Wissam , Sadot Eran , Haddad Riad
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: There is an abundance of literature available on predictors of survival for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) but minimal information available on the relationship between the primary tumor location and CRLM survival. The studies that focus on the primary tumor location and CRLM survival exhibit a great deal of controversy and inconsistency with regard to their results (some studies show statistically significant connections between the primary tumor location and prognosis versus other studies that find no significant relationship between these two factors). Furthermore, the majority of these studies have been conducted in the West and have studied more diverse and heterogenous populations, which may be a contributing factor to the conflicting results. (2) Methods: We included patients who underwent liver resection for CRLM between December 2004 and January 2019 at two university-affiliated medical centers in Israel: Carmel Medical Center (Haifa) and Rabin Medical Center (Petach Tikvah). Primary tumors located from the cecum up to and including the splenic flexure were labeled as right-sided primary tumors, whereas tumors located from the splenic flexure down to the anal verge were labeled as left-sided primary tumors. (3) Results: We identified a total of 501 patients. Of these patients, 225 had right-sided primary tumors and 276 had left-sided primary tumors. Patients with right-sided tumors were significantly older at the time of liver surgery compared to those with left-sided tumors (66.1 + 12.7 vs. 62 + 13.1, p = 0.002). Patients with left-sided tumors had slightly better overall survival rates than those with right-sided tumors. However, the differences were not statistically significant (57 vs. 50 months, p = 0.37 after liver surgery). (4) Conclusions: The primary tumor location does not significantly affect patient survival after liver resection for colorectal liver metastasis in the Mediterranean population.
Non-Invasive Respiratory Support: How to Get It Right in Clinical Medicine
Authors: Nava Stefano
Published: August 2023

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I introduce this Special Issue of the Journal of Clinical Medicine, entitled “Non-invasive Respiratory Support: How to Get It Right in Clinical Medicine” [...]
Effects of Plant-Based Extract Mixture on Alcohol Metabolism and Hangover Improvement in Humans: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Paralleled, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Jung Seung Hee , Lee Yun Ha , Lee Eun Kyu , Park Soo-Dong , Shim Jae-Jung , Lee Jung-Lyoul , Yoo Hye Hyun
Published: August 2023

Hangovers are uncomfortable physiological symptoms after alcohol consumption caused by acetaldehyde, a toxic substance in which alcohol is metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Rapid alcohol and acetaldehyde decomposition are essential to alleviate alcohol handling symptoms. This study investigated the effects of HY_IPA combined with Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, Pueraria lobata flower, and Artemisia indica on alleviating hangovers. A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted on 80 individuals with hangover symptoms. Alcohol intake was 0.9 g/bw with 40% whiskey, adjusted proportionately to body weight. The Acute Hangover Scale total score was 5.24 ± 5.78 and 18.54 ± 18.50 in the HY_ IPA and placebo groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). All nine indicators of the hangover symptom questionnaire were significantly improved in the HY_IPA group (p < 0.01). Blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations rapidly decreased from 30 min in the HY_IPA group (p < 0.05). ADH and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activities in the blood of the HY_IPA group were significantly higher than those in the placebo group at 0, 1, and 2 h after alcohol consumption (p < 0.01). The rapid hangover relief was due to increased ADH and ALDH. Therefore, HY_IPA effectively relieves hangover symptoms by decomposing alcohol and acetaldehyde when consumed before alcohol consumption.
Potentials of Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase Alterations in On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in Postoperative Delirium: An Observational Trial
Authors: Zajonz Thomas S. , Kunzemann Christian , Schreiner Anna Lena , Beckert Frauke , Schneck Emmanuel , Boening Andreas , Markmann Melanie , Sander Michael , Koch Christian
Published: August 2023

Cardiac surgery is regularly associated with postoperative delirium (POD), affected by neuro-inflammation and changes in cholinergic activity. Therefore, this prospective observational study aimed to evaluate whether pre- and perioperative changes in blood acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity were associated with POD development in patients undergoing isolated elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. It included 93 patients. Pre- and postoperative blood AChE and BChE activities were measured with photometric rapid-point-of-care-testing. The Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist and the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit were used to screen patients for POD. POD developed in 20 patients (21.5%), who were older (p = 0.003), had higher EuroSCOREs (p ≤ 0.001), and had longer intensive care unit stays (p < 0.001). On postoperative day one, BChE activity decreased from preoperative values more in patients with (31.9%) than without (23.7%) POD (group difference p = 0.002). Applying a cutoff of ≥32.0% for BChE activity changes, receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated a moderate prediction capability for POD (area under the curve = 0.72, p = 0.002). The risk of developing POD was 4.31 times higher with a BChE activity change of ≥32.0% (p = 0.010). Monitoring the pre- to postoperative reduction in BChE activity might be a clinically practicable biomarker for detecting patients at risk of developing POD after CABG surgery.
Health Conditions in Older Adults Suspected of Being Maltreated: A 20-Year Real-World Study
Authors: Graça Hugo , Frazão Sofia Lalanda , Magalhães Teresa , Vieira-Pinto Paulo , Gomes Joana Costa , Taveira-Gomes Tiago
Published: August 2023

Older adult maltreatment (OAM) is a global problem that has attracted increasing attention due to the ageing population and its severe impact on victim health. Thus, this study aims to analyse the prevalence of certain health conditions in people ≥ 60 years old whom physicians from a local healthcare unit suspected to be victims of maltreatment. The specific objectives are to determine the prevalence rates of health-related risk factors, traumatic injuries and intoxications, mental disorders, and physical disorders. We conducted a real-world, retrospective, observational, and cross-sectional study based on secondary data analyses of electronic health records and healthcare registers of patients at the Local Healthcare Unit of Matosinhos (2001–2021). Information was obtained based on codes from the International Classification of Diseases, codes from the International Classification of Primary Care, and clinical notes (according to previously defined keywords). We identified 3092 suspected victims of OAM, representing 4.5% of the total population analysed. This prevalence is lower than the known rates. We also found that some health risk factors, traumatic injuries and intoxications, mental health disorders, and physical disorders presented higher rates in the suspected victims than among the total population. In this age group, we cannot assume that these health problems are only related to a possible current victimisation process; they could also be associated with adverse childhood experiences or intimate partner violence, among other forms of violence, all of which can lead to cumulative effects on the victim’s health. This evidence increases healthcare providers’ responsibility in detecting and reporting all cases of suspected maltreatment.
Endocrinological Involvement in Children and Adolescents Affected by COVID-19: A Narrative Review
Authors: Calcaterra Valeria , Tagi Veronica Maria , De Santis Raffaella , Biuso Andrea , Taranto Silvia , D’Auria Enza , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo
Published: August 2023

Since the advent of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, an increased incidence of several endocrinological anomalies in acute-phase and/or long-term complications has been described. The aim of this review is to provide a broad overview of the available literature regarding changes in the worldwide epidemiology of endocrinological involvement in children since December 2019 and to report the evidence supporting its association with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although little is known regarding the involvement of endocrine organs during COVID-19 in children, the current evidence in adults and epidemiological studies on the pediatric population suggest the presence of a causal association between the virus and endocrinopathies. Untreated transient thyroid dysfunction, sick euthyroid syndrome, nonthyroidal illness syndrome, and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and central precocious puberty have been observed in children in acute infection and/or during multisystem inflammatory syndrome development. Furthermore, a higher frequency of ketoacidosis at onset in children with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is reported in the literature. Although the direct association between COVID-19 and endocrinological involvement has not been confirmed yet, data on the development of different endocrinopathies in children, both during acute infection and as a result of its long-term complications, have been reported. This information is of primary importance to guide the management of patients with previous or current COVID-19.
Transoral Flexible Laser Surgery of the Larynx with Blue Laser
Authors: González-Herranz Ramón , Martínez-Ruiz-Coello Mar , Hernández-García Estefanía , Miranda Estefanía , García-García Cristina , Arenas Oscar , Plaza Guillermo
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Laser surgery of the larynx is currently the standard of clinical practice in a multitude of procedures. Lasers with photoangiolytic properties have a wide application in endolaryngeal lesions. One of their most prominent features is the ability to coagulate blood vessels, reducing unwanted tissue damage. Our objective is to expose the uses of the blue laser (445 nm) in the larynx. Material and methods: A retrospective study was carried out including 47 patients treated with blue photoangiolytic laser from October 2021 to January 2023 at a university hospital. Demographic data, type of lesion presented, date of intervention and scope of the procedure, as well as the parameters of the laser used, were recorded. The number of sessions received per patient, the result and complications were also collected. Results: A total of 47 patients with laryngeal lesions were treated, including vascular angiomas, laryngeal sulcus vocali, vocal cord polyps, Reinke’s edemas, laryngeal papillomatoses, subglottic stenosis, laryngeal synechiae, subglottic granulomas, glottic scars, vocal fold leukoplakias, laryngeal dysplasias and tracheostomal granulomas. The mean age was 52.5 years, and 64.3% of the patients were women. The range of power used in the resective surgeries was 2–10 Watts with a 20-millisecond window. The average number of sessions received was 2.1 (range 1–4). A satisfactory situation was obtained in 45 of the 47 patients treated (95.75%), and an evident decrease in lesions was seen in the remaining two. There was no evidence of any complications directly derived from the use of the blue laser. Twenty-seven cases (54%) were treated exclusively in-office. Conclusions: The blue laser is safe and effective in the treatment of a wide range of laryngeal pathologies. Its advantages include its portability, its photoangiolytic qualities as well as its ability to vaporize tissue in contact mode, which can treat subepithelial vessels or resect lesions.
Unveiling the Challenges in Tandem Ureteral Stent Management for Malignant Ureteral Obstruction: Failure Rate, Risk Factors, and Durability of Their Replacement
Authors: Carmona Orel , Shvero Asaf , Zilberman Dorit E. , Dotan Zohar A. , Kleinmann Nir
Published: August 2023

Background: Malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) is a sequela of advanced malignant disease that requires renal drainage, with tandem ureteral stents (TUSs) being a viable option. This study aimed to evaluate the TUS failure rate, associated risk factors, and the feasibility of replacing failed TUSs with a new pair of stents. Methods: A retrospective analysis of MUO patients treated with TUS insertion from 2014 to 2022 was conducted. TUS failure was defined as urosepsis, recurrent urinary tract infections, acute kidney failure, or new hydronephrosis on imaging. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis identified the independent predictors of TUS failure. Results: A total of 240 procedures were performed on 186 patients, with TUS drainage failing in 67 patients (36%). The median time to failure was 7 months. Multivariate analysis revealed female gender (OR = 3.46, p = 0.002), pelvic mass (OR = 1.75, p = 0.001), and distal ureteral obstruction (OR = 2.27, p = 0.04) as significant risk factors for TUS failure. Of the failure group, 42 patients (22.6%) underwent TUS replacement for a new pair. Yet, 24 (57.2%) experienced a second failure, with a median time of 4.5 months. The risk factors for TUS second failure included a stricture longer than 30 mm (OR = 11.8, p = 0.04), replacement with TUSs of the same diameter (OR = 43, p = 0.003), and initial TUS failure within 6 months (OR = 19.2, p = 0.006). Conclusions: TUS insertion for the treatment of MUO is feasible and has good outcomes with a relatively low failure rate. Primary pelvic mass and distal ureteral obstruction pose higher risks for TUS failure. Replacing failed TUSs with a new pair has a success rate of 42.8%. Consideration should be given to placing larger diameter stents when replacing failed TUS.
Method for Concrete Structure Analysis by Microscopy of Hardened Cement Paste and Crack Segmentation Using a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Beskopylny Alexey N. , Shcherban’ Evgenii M. , Stel’makh Sergey A. , Mailyan Levon R. , Meskhi Besarion , Razveeva Irina , Kozhakin Alexey , Beskopylny Nikita , El’shaeva Diana , Artamonov Sergey
Published: August 2023

In recent years, the trend of applying intelligent technologies at all stages of construction has become increasingly popular. Particular attention is paid to computer vision methods for detecting various aspects in monitoring the structural state of materials, products and structures. This paper considers the solution of a scientific problem in the area of construction flaw detection using the computer vision method. The convolutional neural network (CNN) U-Net to segment violations of the microstructure of the hardened cement paste that occurred after the application of the load is shown. The developed algorithm makes it possible to segment cracks and calculate their areas, which is necessary for the subsequent evaluation of the state of concrete by a process engineer. The proposed intelligent models, which are based on the U-Net CNN, allow segmentation of areas containing a defect with an accuracy level required for the researcher of 60%. It has been established that model 1 is able to detect both significant damage and small cracks. At the same time, model 2 demonstrates slightly better indicators of segmentation quality. The relationship between the formulation, the proportion of defects in the form of cracks in the microstructure of hardened cement paste samples and their compressive strength has been established. The use of crack segmentation in the microstructure of a hardened cement paste using a convolutional neural network makes it possible to automate the process of crack detection and calculation of their proportion in the studied samples of cement composites and can be used to assess the state of concrete.
Remineralizing Ability of Resin Modified Glass Ionomers (RMGICs): A Systematic Review
Authors: Ghilotti James , Mayorga Paula , Sanz José Luis , Forner Leopoldo , Llena Carmen
Published: August 2023

The selective caries removal approach leads to the need to use materials with the ability to remineralize remaining partially demineralized dentin. Among the materials proposed are resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs). The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate, based on in vitro experimental studies, whether RMGICs are suitable for remineralizing affected dentin. A systematic literature search was performed in four databases, followed by article selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Studies assessing the remineralizing potential of RMGICs on dentin were included in our review. Studies which compared such properties between different RMGICs or with other materials were also eligible. The studies report the remineralizing ability of RMGICs, albeit with differences between different commercial products. RMGICs show a similar ability to conventional GICs to remineralize affected dentin, fulfilling the function for which they are designed. Moreover, the incorporation of additives, such as bioactive glass (BAG) or CCP-ACP, improves their remineralizing potential. The results of this review support the use of RMGICs as restorative materials after selective caries removal.
Composite Hydrogels of Ultrasound-Assisted-Digested Formic Acid-Decellularized Extracellular Matrix and Sacchachitin Nanofibers Incorporated with Platelet-Rich Plasma for Diabetic Wound Treatment
Authors: Lin Chien-Ju , Lin Hong-Liang , You Wen-Chen , Ho Hsiu-O , Sheu Ming-Thau , Chen Ling-Chun , Cheng Wei-Jie
Published: August 2023

In this study, an ultrasound-assisted digestion method of a formic acid-decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) of porcine skin was developed and optimized to form UdECM hydrogels for diabetic wound healing. Results demonstrated that ultrasonication improved the extraction rate of collagen from dECM samples, preserved the collagen content of dECM, reduced residual cells, and extracted greater DNA contents. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were performed, which demonstrated the optimal porosity on the surface and density of the cross-section in the hydrogel structure, which could control the release of growth factors embedded in UdECM hydrogels at desirable rates to boost wound healing. A wound-healing study was conducted with six different composite hydrogels, both empty materials and materials enriched with rat platelet-rich plasma (R-PRP), sacchachitin nanofibers (SCNFs), and TEMPO-oxidized sacchachitin in diabetic rats. The assessment based on scars stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson’s trichrome (MT), and a cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) staining showed that the UdECM/SC/R-PRP treatment group had the most significant efficacy of promoting healing and even recovery of diabetic wounds to normal tissues. UdECM/R-PRP and UdECM/SCNFs demonstrated better healing rates than UdECM hydrogel scaffolds, which had only recovered 50% resemblance to normal skin. Treatment with both UdECM/TEMPO 050 and UdECM/TEMPO 050/R-PRP hydrogel scaffolds was ranked last, with even poorer efficacy than UdECM hydrogels. In summary, formulated UdECM and SCNF hydrogels loaded with PRP showed synergistic effects of accelerating wound healing and ultimately stimulating the wound to recover as functional tissues. This newly UdECM/SCNF composite hydrogel has promising potential for healing and regenerating diabetic wounds.
A Novel Time–Frequency Feature Fusion Approach for Robust Fault Detection in a Marine Main Engine
Authors: Je-Gal Hong , Lee Seung-Jin , Yoon Jeong-Hyun , Lee Hyun-Suk , Yang Jung-Hee , Kim Sewon
Published: August 2023

Ensuring operational reliability in machinery requires accurate fault detection. While time-domain vibration pulsation signals are intuitive for pattern recognition and feature extraction, downsampling can reduce analytical complexity, but may result in low-precision data, affecting fault detection performance. To address this, we propose time–frequency feature fusion, combining information from both the time and frequency domains for fault detection. Our approach transforms vibrational pulse data into instantaneous revolutions per minute (RPM) and employs statistical analysis for the time-domain features. For the frequency-domain features, we use the combined method of empirical mode decomposition and independent component analysis (EMD-ICA), along with the Wigner bispectrum method to capture the nonlinear characteristics and phase conjugation. Using a deep neural network (DNN), we classify the anomaly states, demonstrating the effectiveness and versatility of our approach in detecting anomalies and improving diagnostic precision. Compared to using time or frequency features alone, our time–frequency feature fusion model achieves higher accuracy, with 100% accuracy at lower downsampling rates and 96.3% accuracy at a downsampling rate of 100×.
Marine Controlled-Source Electromagnetic Data Denoising Method Using Symplectic Geometry Mode Decomposition
Authors: Chen Yijie , Guo Zhenwei , Gao Dawei
Published: August 2023

The marine controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) method is an efficient tool for hydrocarbon exploration. The amplitudes of signals decay rapidly with the increasing offset, so signals are easily contaminated by various kinds of noise. A denoising method is critical to improve the data quality, but the diversity of noise makes denoising difficult. Specific frequency signals are transmitted for exploration requirements, and thus traditional filtering methods are not suitable. Symplectic geometry mode decomposition (SGMD), a new method to decompose signals, has an outstanding decomposition performance and noise robustness. Furthermore, it can reduce multiple types of noise by reconstructing the single components. In this study, we introduced SGMD to reduce the noise of marine CSEM data and improved the data quality significantly. The experiments show that SGMD is better than variational mode decomposition and the sym4 wavelet method.
Wind Wave Growth and Dissipation in a Narrow, Fetch-Limited Estuary: Long Island Sound
Authors: Ilia Amin , Cifuentes-Lorenzen Alejandro , McCardell Grant , O’Donnell James
Published: August 2023

The geometry of the Long Island Sound (LIS) renders the wave field fetch-limited and leads to marked differences between western and eastern areas. The mechanisms that contribute to the formation and dissipation of waves in the LIS are not well understood. We evaluated the ability of the wave module of a wave-coupled hydrodynamic model to simulate different wind–wave scenarios. We were unable to capture wave statistics correctly using existing meteorological model results for wind forcing due to the low resolution of the models and their inability to resolve the LIS coastline sufficiently. To solve this problem, we modified the wind fields using in situ wind observations from buoys. We optimized both the Komen and Jansen parameterizations for the LIS to better present the peak winds during storms. Waves in the LIS develop more quickly than simple theory predicts due to quadruplet nonlinear wave–wave interaction effects. Removing quadruplet nonlinear wave–wave interaction increases the time to full saturation by 50%. The spatial distribution of wave energy density input reveals the complex interaction between wind and waves in the LIS, with the area of greatest exposure receiving higher wave energy density. The interaction of nonlinear wave–wave interaction and whitecapping dissipation defines the shape of the directional spectrum along the LIS. Dissipation due to whitecapping and shoaling are the main parameters modulating a fully developed wave field.
Quantification of Gaseous and Particulate Emission Factors from a Cargo Ship on the Huangpu River
Authors: Wang Hanyu , Hu Qingyao , Huang Cheng , Lu Kaifa , He Hongdi , Peng Zhonren
Published: August 2023

Exhaust emissions from ships have garnered significant attention because of their impact on global climate change, deterioration of air quality, and potential risks to human health. Consequently, it is necessary and urgent to quantify the gaseous and particulate emission factors (EFs) of ships in a local area. In order to supplement native EF profile data, an inland cargo ship in China was selected for measuring gaseous and particle pollutants under real-world operation modes. The fuel-based EFs of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons (THC) were 2965–3144 g/kg, 8.04–83.53 g/kg, 64.51–126.20 g/kg, and 3.90–23.35 g/kg, respectively. The maximum values of CO EF and THC EF were achieved under idling mode, which were 10.4 and 5.3 times those observed under cruising (500 rpm) mode, as extremely poor engine loads under idling mode can result in low temperature, low pressure, and uneven mixture of air and fuel. Organic carbon and element carbon were identified as the most abundant compositions of particulate matter (PM). Ions and elements were primarily dominated by SO42− and S, which can be attributed to the utilization of fuels with high sulfur content. Additionally, hopanes (dominated by 17α(H),21β(H)-Hopane and 17α(H),21β(H)-29-Norhopane) and fatty acids (dominated by n-Hexadecanoic acid and n-Octadecanoic acid) have the potential to serve as tracers for ship exhaust emissions. Pyrene and fluoranthene, two EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), were identified as the major constituents of PAHs and accounted for 50% of total PAHs. This finding also provides an explanation for the significant contribution of four-ring PAHs to the total PAHs mass.
Air–Sea Enthalpy and Momentum Exchange Coefficients from GPS Dropsonde Measurements in Hurricane Conditions
Authors: Ermakova Olga , Rusakov Nikita , Poplavsky Evgeny , Sergeev Daniil , Troitskaya Yuliya
Published: August 2023

The intensity of tropical cyclones is highly dependent on air–sea enthalpy and momentum exchange. At extreme wind speeds, the values of the enthalpy, CK, and momentum, CD, exchange coefficients are characterized by high uncertainty. The present study aims to expand the previously used algorithm for CD retrieval to obtain the values of CK from wind speed measurements and the enthalpy profiles obtained from NOAA GPS dropsondes in hurricane conditions. This algorithm uses concepts from technical hydrodynamics, describing turbulent boundary layers on flat plates and pipes. According to this approach, the velocity (and enthalpy) defect profiles are self-similar in the entire boundary layer, including the layer of constant fluxes and the “wake” part, where the airflow adapts to the undisturbed flow region. By using the self-similarity property, the parameters of the constant flow layer (the roughness parameter, friction velocity, and the enthalpy and exchange coefficients CD and CK) could be obtained from measurements in the “wake” part for wind speeds from 20 m/s to 72 m/s. The estimates of the CK/CD ratio revealed values of 0.7 and 0.96 (depending on the self-similar approximation limits), and the results suggest that there are slight variations with the wind speed.
The Potential of Wild Yeasts as Promising Biocontrol Agents against Pine Canker Diseases
Authors: Iturritxa Eugenia , Mesanza Nebai , Torija María-Jesús
Published: August 2023

Native wild yeasts from forest ecosystems represent an interesting potential source of biocontrol organisms in synergy with disease-tolerant forest materials. Yeasts have a combination of competitive mechanisms and low requirements for their biotechnological application as biocontrol agents. The current study aimed to increase the number of biocontrol candidates against Fusarium circinatum and Diplodia sapinea. The enzymatic and antagonistic activities of the biocontrol candidates were evaluated using different screening methods, in which the direct impact on the growth of the pathogen was measured as well as some properties such as cellulose and lignin degradation, tolerance to biocides, volatile compound production, or iron effect, which may be of interest in biotechnological processes related to the management of forest diseases. A total of 58 yeast strains belonging to 21 different species were obtained from oak forest and vineyard ecosystems and evaluated. The application of yeast treatment behaved differently depending on the pathogen and the plant clone. The 2g isolate (Torulaspora delbrueckii) showed the highest inhibitory activity for D. sapinea and 25q and 90q (Saccharomyces paradoxus) for F. circinatum. Clones IN416 and IN216 were the most susceptible and the most tolerant to D. sapinea, respectively, while the opposite was observed for F. circinatum.
Redefining the Genus Corollospora Based on Morphological and Phylogenetic Approaches
Authors: Correia Pedro , Azevedo Egídia , Caeiro Maria F.
Published: August 2023

The present study, initially to resolve the cryptic species within Corollospora maritima, is to determine how to attain taxonomic discrimination at species and generic levels. Multiple sequence alignments (MSAs) of the ITS, 28S, and 18S regions of the nuclear ribosomal cistron were separately subjected to pairwise distance assessments, Bayesian, and Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses. Morphological descriptions of 15 type strains of Corollospora species, along with MSAs involving representatives of the whole genus Corollospora (268 isolates, many from C. maritima sensu lato) totaling 355 published sequences, allowed phylogenetic assessments conducted to the following p-distance thresholds in the ITS/28S regions: ≥3%/1% for species segregation and ≥8%/2% for generic segregation. This resulted in the introduction of 10 new genera encompassing 13 new combinations of current Corollospora species: Ajigaurospora pseudopulchella, Corollosporella anglusa, Corollosporella ramulosa, Corollosporopsis portsaidica, Garethelia parvula, Honshuriella fusca, Keraliethelia pulcehlla, Nakagariella filiformis, Paracorollospora angusta, Paracorollospora luteola, Paracorollospora marina, Shirahamella gracilis, and Tokuratelia colossa. Furthermore, seven undefined genera considered putative new genera (pNGenus A to G), and 16 undefined putative new species (seven spp. come from the resolution of the C. maritima complex), await re-assessment of their morphology and additional molecular data, which may result in the recognition of new taxa.
Shortage of General Practitioners as a Topic in the Media—A Systematic Content-Related Analytical Study on Depiction Patterns (Frames) in News Media Coverage in the Federal Republic of Germany
Authors: Wangler Julian , Jansky Michael
Published: August 2023

The shortage of general practitioners (GPs) and the fact that country doctors’ practices are vanishing—a situation that is currently taking a turn for the worse in some regions of Germany—are issues that have been dealt with in the media as a topic of specific discussion for some time now. In the process, news coverage is dominated by certain depiction patterns, referred to as frames, which are shaped in terms of textual and visual impact. The present explorative study addresses the questions of which media depiction and interpretation patterns (frames) are encountered on the shortage of general practitioners in news coverage in the Federal Republic of Germany and how general practitioners, the circumstances, and the benefits of their care are presented in this context. In the course of a search via the Lexis Nexis database, a total of 655 news items were found or selected that mainly deal with the shortage of general practitioners (period from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2022). Furthermore, the media libraries of the two public television broadcasters ARD and ZDF were specifically searched for documentaries on the shortage of general practitioners for the said period. A qualitative content analysis was subsequently performed, in which characteristic reporting patterns on the topic under consideration were identified based on frame-defining categories. Five frames could be identified that outline the shortage of general practitioners in different ways. The first three frames present the dominant image of GPs as highly stressed, aged, or frustrated primary care providers who attempt to keep their practice going for as long as possible despite their increasing stress levels. The other frames portray the phenomenon of the shortage of GPs, in particular, as a side effect of demographic and structural changes, discuss the (diminishing) appeal of the profession of a general practitioner, or discuss the issue of remote areas that no longer have access to a GP practice and now receive ‘alternative solutions’. The frames identified reflect societal views and anxieties regarding the consequences of a progressive shortage of GPs, which have been spurred on by the media. They reflect the significance of the GP as a trustworthy and competent primary care provider who is not readily replaceable, neither in his/her role as a guide in the healthcare system nor with regard to his social function.
Selected Problems of the Automotive Industry—Material and Economic Risk
Authors: Richert Maria , Dudek Marek
Published: August 2023

This article is a synthetic, brief review of the literature, reports and references on the transformation of the automotive industry into zero-emission cars, in particular electric cars. It analyzes the technological and economic aspects of changes in the automotive industry regarding the transformation to zero-emission cars. Despite great de-emission parameters, the production of electric cars does not have a zero carbon footprint. The acquisition of critical elements, their production and the production of other components and materials needed for their construction have an environmental impact. The supply chains of materials for the construction of batteries for electric cars are characterized by significant risks related to, among others, a lack of diversification and limited flexibility. The dominant supplier of rare elements for batteries is China. The article analyzes the impact of prices on the demand for electric cars and compares them to internal combustion cars. Research shows that most electric cars are sold in China, the USA and Europe (about 95% of the supply). The costs of cars are of great importance, which, given the current reduction in the purchasing power of consumers, make the forecasts of the dynamic growth of electromobility very cautious, and even stagnation in the purchase of electric cars is expected in the second half of 2023.
Extraction of Hidden Authentication Factors from Possessive Information
Authors: Nanglae Nilobon , Yakubu Bello Musa , Bhattarakosol Pattarasinee
Published: August 2023

Smartphones have emerged as a ubiquitous personal gadget that serve as a repository for individuals’ significant personal data. Consequently, both physiological and behavioral traits, which are classified as biometric technologies, are used in authentication systems in order to safeguard data saved on smartphones from unauthorized access. Numerous authentication techniques have been developed; however, several authentication variables exhibit instability in the face of external influences or physical impairments. The potential failure of the authentication system might be attributed to several unpredictable circumstances. This research suggests that the use of distinctive and consistent elements over an individual’s lifespan may be employed to develop an authentication classification model. This model would be based on prevalent personal behavioral biometrics and could be readily implemented in security authentication systems. The biological biometrics acquired from an individual’s typing abilities during data entry include their name, surname, email, and phone number. Therefore, it is possible to establish and use a biometrics-based security system that can be sustained and employed during an individual’s lifetime without the explicit dependance on the functionality of the smartphone devices. The experimental findings demonstrate that the use of a mobile touchscreen as the foundation for the proposed verification mechanism has promise as a high-precision authentication solution.
Performance Environment, Contract Binding, and the Contract Structure of the Farmland Transfer Market
Authors: Guo Yang , Cui Meiling , Xu Zhigang
Published: August 2023

This study discusses the mechanism of social trust and legal institutions and their impact on farmers’ contract selection in the farmland transfer market from the perspective of contract governance. Using data from a survey of 128 villages in Heilongjiang, Henan, Zhejiang, and Sichuan provinces, this study empirically tests the impact of social trust and legal institutions on the binding force of contracts, and the proportions of paper and long-term contracts in the farmland transfer market. The results showcase, first, that improvement in social trust and legal institutions can strengthen the binding force of farmland contracts. The strength of legal institutions, as embodied in regulation files and execution, and of social trust, as embodied in village neighborhood relations and loan relations, have significant positive impacts on the binding force of contracts in the farmland transfer market. Second, the binding force of contracts positively impacts both paper and long-term contracts in the farmland transfer market. Whether contract execution or dispute resolution rates are selected as the proxy variables for the binding force of contracts, the stronger the contract binding force, the higher the proportion of both paper and long-term contracts in the farmland transfer market. Therefore, improving formal and informal social systems to enhance contractual binding force is of great importance in standardizing contracts and improving the efficiency of market resource allocation.
Exploring the Coupling Coordination and Key Factors between Urban–Rural Integrated Development and Land-Use Efficiency in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Shen Caiting , Shi Linna , Wu Xinyan , Ding Jinmei , Wen Qi
Published: August 2023

Exploring the complex dynamic relationship between urban–rural integrated development and land-use efficiency can contribute to most efficient urban–rural land-use and the rational promotion of urban–rural integrated development. This study established an evaluation model of urban–rural integrated development, adopted the super-efficiency SBM model to measure land-use efficiency, and studied the evolution of the spatial–temporal patterns of urban–rural integrated development and land-use efficiency coupling in the Yellow River Basin. We also examined the factors affecting them with the help of the coupling coordination degree model, non-parametric kernel density estimation, and geographic probes. The results indicate the following: (1) Within the study period, the coupled coordination of urban–rural integrated development and land-use efficiency was similar to the spatial distribution characteristics of land-use efficiency, both showing a “high at both ends and low in the middle” trend. (2) The coupled coordination increased over time; however, a lagging land-use efficiency was a crucial impediment to improving the coupling coordination degree. (3) Carbon emissions, urbanization rate, and per capita GDP were key drivers. The results of this study can provide a reference for local governments in the Yellow River Basin and other similar areas to propose paths to optimize the allocation of urban and rural land-use.
The Relationship between Rural Spatial Form and Carbon Emission—A Case Study of Suburban Integrated Villages in Hunan Province, China
Authors: Song Limei , Xu Feng , Sheng Ming , Wen Baohua
Published: August 2023

With the implementation of China’s rural revitalization strategy, the societies and economies of villages have been comprehensively developed, but the carbon emissions in rural areas have also been increasing year by year. Therefore, low-carbon control of the rural spatial form has become an important element of rural revitalization. This paper takes 18 suburban integrated villages in the plain terrain within Hunan Province, China, as the research object, quantifies the spatial morphology indicators of the overall rural community and the neighborhood building groups, and investigates the relationship between rural spatial form and carbon emissions in plain terrain, aiming to clarify the content of low-carbon control in rural spatial planning. The main conclusions are as follows. (1) The correlation between spatial form and carbon emissions at different levels of suburban integrated villages is “total volume form > neighborhood building groups combination form > overall layout form > neighborhood connection form”. When the scale of the villages is fixed, the spatial layout of the neighborhood building groups has a more direct influence on the carbon emissions of the residents. (2) The building density in the overall spatial form of the village has the greatest influence on the carbon emissions of the suburban integrated villages, and it is positively correlated. (3) There is a negative correlation between the form of neighborhood building groups and carbon emissions within a certain range. When the distance between the front and back of a building is 8–12 m, the carbon emissions of the building decrease with the increase in the degree of aggregation on the building, but when the distance between the front and back of a building reaches 12 m or more, the influence of the group layout form on the carbon emissions of the building is weakened. (4) Finally, based on the principle of “macro-control quantity and meso-control shape”, this paper proposes new control content and indicators for Hunan’s rural territorial space planning, which can provide a reference for low-carbon control in rural space form planning with suburban integration.