bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Diagnostic Performance of Various Clinical Specimens for the Detection of COVID-19: A Meta-Analysis of RT-PCR Studies
Authors: Al-Shaibari Khaled Sadeq Ali , Mousa Haider Abdul-Lateef , Alqumber Mohammed Abdullah A. , Alqfail Khaled A. , Mohammed AbdulHakim , Bzeizi Khalid
Published: September 2023

Background: The diagnostic performance of numerous clinical specimens to diagnose COVID-19 through RT-PCR techniques is very important, and the test result outcome is still unclear. This review aimed to analyze the diagnostic performance of clinical samples for COVID-19 detection by RT-PCR through a systematic literature review process. Methodology: A compressive literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to November 2022. A snowball search on Google, Google Scholar, Research Gate, and MedRxiv, as well as bibliographic research, was performed to identify any other relevant articles. Observational studies that assessed the clinical usefulness of the RT-PCR technique in different human samples for the detection or screening of COVID-19 among patients or patient samples were considered for this review. The primary outcomes considered were sensitivity and specificity, while parameters such as positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and kappa coefficient were considered secondary outcomes. Results: A total of 85 studies out of 10,213 non-duplicate records were included for the systematic review, of which 69 articles were considered for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated better pooled sensitivity with the nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) than saliva (91.06% vs. 76.70%) and was comparable with the combined NPS/oropharyngeal swab (OPS; 92%). Nevertheless, specificity was observed to be better with saliva (98.27%) than the combined NPS/OPS (98.08%) and NPS (95.57%). The other parameters were comparable among different samples. The respiratory samples and throat samples showed a promising result relative to other specimens. The sensitivity and specificity of samples such as nasopharyngeal swabs, saliva, combined nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal, respiratory, sputum, broncho aspirate, throat swab, gargle, serum, and the mixed sample were found to be 91.06%, 76.70%, 92.00%, 99.44%, 86%, 96%, 94.4%, 95.3%, 73.63%, and above 98; and 95.57%, 98.27%, 98.08%, 100%, 37%, 100%, 100%, 97.6%, and above 97, respectively. Conclusions: NPS was observed to have relatively better sensitivity, but not specificity when compared with other clinical specimens. Head-to-head comparisons between the different samples and the time of sample collection are warranted to strengthen this evidence.
Evaluating AI Courses: A Valid and Reliable Instrument for Assessing Artificial-Intelligence Learning through Comparative Self-Assessment
Authors: Laupichler Matthias Carl , Aster Alexandra , Perschewski Jan-Ole , Schleiss Johannes
Published: September 2023

A growing number of courses seek to increase the basic artificial-intelligence skills (“AI literacy”) of their participants. At this time, there is no valid and reliable measurement tool that can be used to assess AI-learning gains. However, the existence of such a tool would be important to enable quality assurance and comparability. In this study, a validated AI-literacy-assessment instrument, the “scale for the assessment of non-experts’ AI literacy” (SNAIL) was adapted and used to evaluate an undergraduate AI course. We investigated whether the scale can be used to reliably evaluate AI courses and whether mediator variables, such as attitudes toward AI or participation in other AI courses, had an influence on learning gains. In addition to the traditional mean comparisons (i.e., t-tests), the comparative self-assessment (CSA) gain was calculated, which allowed for a more meaningful assessment of the increase in AI literacy. We found preliminary evidence that the adapted SNAIL questionnaire enables a valid evaluation of AI-learning gains. In particular, distinctions among different subconstructs and the differentiation constructs, such as attitudes toward AI, seem to be possible with the help of the SNAIL questionnaire.
Exploring the Acceptability of an Environmental Education Program for Youth in Rural Areas: ECOCIDADANIA Project
Authors: Silva Isabel S. , Cunha-Saraiva Filipa , Ribeiro Ana Sofia , Bártolo Ana
Published: September 2023

Background: There has been a growing interest in environmental education programs to improve environmental awareness and behavior change among school-aged youth. Yet, assessment of the approaches aligned with citizen science principles emphasizing community participation and empowerment is scarce. The present study aimed to explore the acceptability of the “ECOCIDADANIA” environmental education program targeted at youth in rural areas. Methods: The program was applied for two years in the municipality of Gouveia, and it involved nature walks methodologies combined with citizen science. A total of 107 students participated in the program. Eighteen participants (13 youth and 5 teachers) were selected as key informants, and semistructured interviews were conducted to assess the appropriateness of the intervention and the perceived benefits. Results: The program was demonstrated to be acceptable to youth and teachers, and its benefits included increasing students’ knowledge, skills and self-efficacy, discovering the territory, promoting environmental awareness, strengthening social relationships between peers and educators, and contributing to the promotion of individual and collective well-being. All the participants were satisfied with the program’s activities and recommend its continuation in the school context. Conclusions: Programs of this nature could foster environmental activism and enhance environmental sustainability at the local level, which reinforces the entrepreneurship profile of the youth.
Multi-Type Reserve Collaborative Optimization for Gas-Power System Constrained Unit Commitment to Enhance Operational Flexibility
Authors: Wang Jinhao , Ge Huaichang , Pan Zhaoguang , Zhao Haotian , Wang Bin , Xia Tian
Published: September 2023

With the wide application of the gas-power system, gas-power coupling equipment such as gas turbines are gradually becoming widely used, and the problem of insufficient system reserve capacity needs to be solved. In order to improve the operational flexibility of the gas-power system, this paper combines the source side, the load side, and the energy storage side to propose a multi-type backup system, and constructs the source-load-storage multiple reserve capacity system of the gas-power system. Through the participation of gas turbine, steam turbine, interruptible load, and energy storage battery to provide reserve capacity, it can fully cope with the output fluctuation of the load side and source side and realize the coordinated operation of multiple resources to provide reserve capacity. In addition, the coordination of gas turbines and steam turbines can further improve the operation flexibility of the gas-power system. Through the example analysis, it was found that the proposed method reduced the total operating cost of the system by 10.6%.
BSFuzz: Branch-State Guided Hybrid Fuzzing
Authors: Hu Qi , Chen Weijia , Wang Zhi , Lu Shuaibing , Nie Yuanping , Li Xiang , Kuang Xiaohui
Published: September 2023

Hybrid fuzzing is an automated software testing approach that synchronizes test cases between the fuzzer and the concolic executor to improve performance. The concolic executor solves path constraints to direct the fuzzer to explore the uncovered path. Despite many performance optimizations for hybrid fuzzing, we observe that the concolic executor often repeatedly performs constraint solving on branches with unsolvable constraints and branches covered by multiple test cases. This can cause significant computational redundancies. To be efficient, we propose BSFuzz, which keeps tracking the coverage state and solving state in a lightweight branch state map. BSFuzz synchronizes the current coverage state of all test cases from the fuzzer’s queue with the concolic executor in a timely manner to reduce constraint solving for high-frequency branches. It also records the branch-solving state during the concolic execution to reduce repeated solving of unsolvable branches. Guided by the coverage state and historical solving state, BSFuzz can efficiently discover and solve more branches. The experimental results with real-world programs demonstrate that BSFuzz can effectively increase the speed of the concolic executor and improve branch coverage.
DdERT: Research on Named Entity Recognition for Mine Hoist Using a Chinese BERT Model
Authors: Dang Xiaochao , Wang Li , Dong Xiaohui , Li Fenfang , Deng Han
Published: September 2023

This study aims to solve the problem of named entity recognition of complex mechanical equipment faults, especially the problems of many professional terms, long sentences, fuzzy entity boundaries, entity nesting, and abbreviation ambiguity, in mine hoist fault text. Therefore, this study proposes a named entity recognition method based on domain dictionary embedding. The method first uses the fault domain knowledge of the mine hoist to construct a domain-specialized dictionary and generate a word vector of characteristic words. Secondly, the BERT pre-trained language model is used to obtain dynamic word vectors, and a dictionary adapter is loaded to obtain contextual domain lexical features to improve recognition accuracy. Finally, the conditional random field (CRF) is the model classifier to output the annotation sequence with the highest score. The experimental results show that this model achieves better than several baseline models and effectively improves the accuracy of fault named entity identification for mine hoists. The innovation of this study is the combination of domain dictionary embedding and a BERT pre-trained language model, which improves the accuracy and robustness of named entity recognition. Therefore, the results of this study have essential research significance for improving the accuracy of fault named entity identification of mine hoists and the construction of fault knowledge maps.
Design and Implementation of an Internet-of-Things-Enabled Smart Meter and Smart Plug for Home-Energy-Management System
Authors: Dhaou Imed Ben
Published: September 2023

The demand response program is an important feature of the smart grid. It attempts to reduce peak demand, improve the smart grid efficiency, and ensure system reliability. Implementing demand-response programs in residential and commercial buildings requires the use of smart meters and smart plugs. In this paper, we propose an architecture for a home-energy-management system based on the fog-computing paradigm, an Internet-of-Things-enabled smart plug, and a smart meter. The smart plug measures in real-time the root mean square (RMS) value of the current, frequency, power factor, active power, and reactive power. These readings are subsequently transmitted to the smart meter through the Zigbee network. Tiny machine learning algorithms are used at the smart meter to identify appliances automatically. The smart meter and smart plug were prototyped by using Raspberry Pi and Arduino, respectively. The smart plug’s accuracy was quantified by comparing it to laboratory measurements. To assess the speed and precision of the small machine learning algorithm, a publicly accessible dataset was utilized. The obtained results indicate that the accuracy of both the smart meter and the smart plug exceeds 97% and 99%, respectively. The execution of the trained decision tree and support vector machine algorithms was verified on the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B Rev 1.2, operating at a clock speed of 600 MHz. The measured latency for the decision tree classifier’s inference was 1.59 microseconds. In a practical situation, the time-of-use-based demand-response program can reduce the power cost by about 30%.
Transform-Based Feature Map Compression Method for Video Coding for Machines (VCM)
Authors: Lee Minhun , Park Seungjin , Oh Seoung-Jun , Kim Younhee , Jeong Se Yoon , Lee Jooyoung , Sim Donggyu
Published: September 2023

The burgeoning field of machine vision has led to the development by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) of a new type of compression technology called video coding for machines (VCM), to enhance machine recognition through video information compression. This research proposes a principal component analysis (PCA)-based compression methodology for multi-level feature maps extracted from the feature pyramid network (FPN) structure. Unlike current PCA-based studies that independently carry out PCA for each feature map, our approach employs a generalized basis matrix and mean vector derived from channel correlations by a generalized PCA process to eliminate the need for a PCA process. Further compression is achieved by amalgamating high-dimensional feature maps, capitalizing on the spatial redundancy within these multi-level feature maps. As a result, the proposed VCM encoder forgoes the PCA process, and the generalized data do not incur any compression loss. It only requires compressing the coefficients for each feature map using versatile video coding (VVC). Experimental results demonstrate superior performance by our method over all feature anchors for each machine vision task, as specified by the MPEG-VCM common test conditions, outperforming previous PCA-based feature map compression methods. Notably, it achieved an 89.3% BD-rate reduction for instance segmentation tasks.
Preparation and Characterization of Poliglecaprone-Incorporated Polycaprolactone Composite Fibrous Scaffolds
Authors: Tettey Felix , Siler-Dearring Jaclynn , Moody Alexis , Bhattarai Narayan
Published: September 2023

Electrospun fibrous scaffolds made from polymers such as polycaprolactone (PCL) have been used in drug delivery and tissue engineering for their viscoelasticity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and tunability. Hydrophobicity and the prolonged degradation of PCL causes inhibition of the natural tissue-remodeling processes. Poliglecaprone (PGC), which consists of PCL and Poly (glycolic acid) (PGA), has better mechanical properties and a shorter degradation time compared to PCL. A blend between PCL and PGC called PPG can give enhanced shared properties for biomedical applications. In this study, we fabricated a blend of PCL and PGC nanofibrous scaffold (PPG) at different ratios of PGC utilizing electrospinning. We studied the physicochemical and biological properties, such as morphology, crystallinity, surface wettability, degradation, surface functionalization, and cellular compatibility. All PPG scaffolds exhibited good uniformity in fiber morphology and improved mechanical properties. The surface wettability and degradation studies confirmed that increasing PGC in the PPG composites increased hydrophilicity and scaffold degradation respectively. Cell viability and cytotoxicity results showed that the scaffold with PGC was more viable and less toxic than the PCL-only scaffolds. PPG fibers were successfully coated with polydopamine (PDA) and collagen to improve degradation, biocompatibility, and bioactivity. The nanofibrous scaffolds synthesized in this study can be utilized for tissue engineering applications such as for regeneration of human articular cartilage regeneration and soft bones.
Impact of Salts Mixtures on the Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of Spanish-Style Manzanilla Green Table Olives during Packaging
Authors: López-López Antonio , Moreno-Baquero José María , Garrido-Fernández Antonio
Published: September 2023

Using response surface methodology (RSM), this study investigates the effect of NaCl substitution (50%) with KCl, CaCl2, and MgCl2 in the packaging brines (controlled variables) on the characteristics (responses) of plain green Spanish-style Manzanilla olives, maintaining the salt-mixture level of 5%. The RSM showed that the increment of CaCl2 caused a linear significant (p-value ≤ 0.05) decrease in pH and a linear increase in firmness (instrumental), hardness (panel scores), and crunchiness. The models for bitterness and fibrousness also included quadratic (CaCl2·MgCl2) and cubic (the three salt) interactions, which led to areas of minimum and maximum scores around the central points of the CaCl2-MgCl2 and KCl-MgCl2 axes, respectively. In contrast, the increase in the KCl level linearly decreased bitterness scores. Optimisation resulted in a relatively low desirability (0.57) and the selection of a combination that may necessitate further refinement, such as increasing KCl or reducing CaCl2 levels, especially for markets sensitive to bitterness. Interestingly, the overall score and buying predisposition positively correlate with salty, smell, acid, and appearance and negatively with bitterness. Furthermore, PLS-R analysis found that the pivotal attributes influencing overall appreciation were smell and crunchiness while buying predisposition was promoted by crunchiness. Conversely, bitterness had a detrimental impact on these appreciations. Cluster analysis grouped the experimental runs into four categories, with sensory profiles predominantly diverging in bitterness, salty, and kinesthetic characteristics. Ultimately, this study elucidates four distinct sensory profiles that consumers experience.
Combining High-Pressure Processing and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide for Inactivation of Listeria innocua
Authors: Rotabakk Bjørn Tore , Rode Tone Mari
Published: September 2023

The effect of high-pressure treatment with supercritical CO2 on the inactivation of Listeria innocua in a fish soup was investigated. The soup was inoculated with L. innocua, packaged in modified atmosphere with 50:50 or 95:5 CO2:N2, high-pressure processed (300, 350, 400 and 600 MPa, 2 min) under subcritical (T < 304 K) or supercritical conditions (T > 304 K) and stored at 4 °C for up to 53 days. Treatment at 400 and 600 MPa had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on L. innocua under both supercritical and subcritical conditions. In contrast, pressurization at 350 MPa and supercritical conditions were needed to significantly (p < 0.05) inactive L. innocua. Increased levels of CO2 in the headspace significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the bacterial load during processing, and supercritical conditions had a significant (p < 0.01) interaction with both CO2 levels and pressure. Increased storage time gave significantly increased levels of L. innocua at 400 and 600 MPa. In addition, high levels of CO2 significantly decreased (p < 0.001) growth. However, 350 MPa under supercritical conditions seemed to set the L. innocua in a permanent lag phase, with slow and steadily decreasing numbers of bacteria during storage. All the design variables resulted in significant inactivation of L. innocua, and supercritical conditions combined with high levels of CO2 inhibited the recovery of L. innocua to a large degree.
Development of an Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Procedure for the Simultaneous Determination of Anthocyanins and Phenolic Acids in Black Beans
Authors: Melini Valentina , Melini Francesca , Luziatelli Francesca , Ruzzi Maurizio
Published: September 2023

Beans are an essential source of nutritional components such as plant proteins, minerals and dietary fiber, as well as of antioxidants such as phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds are praised for their biological activities and possible benefits on human health. Since no official methods are available for phenolic compound extraction, the optimization of extraction parameters via Response Surface Methodology (RSM) has become a commonly used methodological approach for reliable determinations. This study aimed to apply RSM to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction procedure of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins, from black beans. A Generally Recognized As Safe solvent (ethanol) was used. Solvent concentration, extraction time, and solvent/sample ratio were optimized to maximize two responses: Total Anthocyanin Content (TAC) and Total Phenolic Content (TPC). An ethanol concentration of 64%, 30 min extraction time, and a 50 mL/g solvent/sample ratio were identified as the optimal extraction conditions. The TAC was 71.45 ± 1.96 mg cyanidin-3-O-glucoside equivalents 100 g−1 dm, and the TPC was 60.14 ± 0.89 mg gallic acid equivalents 100 g−1 dm. Among the pigmented phenolic compounds, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and peonidin-3-O-glucoside were identified in the extracts. Regarding phenolic acids, caffeic, sinapic, and t-ferulic acids were detected.
Analysis of Volatile Profile and Aromatic Characteristics of Raw Pu-erh Tea during Storage Based on GC-MS and Odor Activity Value
Authors: Guo Jie , Yu Zhihao , Liu Meiyan , Guan Mengdi , Shi Aiyun , Hu Yongdan , Li Siyu , Yi Lunzhao , Ren Dabing
Published: September 2023

Volatile constituents are critical to the flavor of tea, but their changes in raw Pu-erh tea (RAPT) during storage have not been clearly understood. This work aimed to investigate the volatile composition and their changes at various storage durations. The volatile profile of RAPT was determined using headspace solid-phase microextraction in combination gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. A total of 130 volatile compounds were identified in RAPT samples, and 64 of them were shared by all samples. The aroma attributes of RAPT over a storage period ranging from 0 to 10 years were assessed through the combination of odor activity value (OAV), aroma characteristic influence(ACI) value, and multivariate statistical analysis. The results revealed that RAPT exhibited a distinct floral and fruity aroma profile after storage for approximately 3–4 years. A notable shift in aroma was observed after 3–4 years of storage, indicating a significant turning point. Furthermore, the likely notable shift after 10 years of storage may signify the second turning point. According to the odor activity value (OAV ≥ 100), eight key volatile compounds were identified: linalool, α-terpineol, geraniol, trans-β-ionone, α-ionone, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, 1-octanol, and octanal. Combining OAV (≥100) and ACI (≥1), five compounds, namely linalool, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, 2,6,10,10-tetramethyl-1-oxaspiro [4.5]dec-6-ene, and octanal, were identified as significant contributors to the aroma. The results offer a scientific foundation and valuable insights for understanding the volatile composition of RAPT and their changes during storage.
Application of Konjac Glucomannan with Chitosan Coating in Yellow Alkaline Noodles
Authors: Wang Shishuai , He Jiaxin , Huang Shanshan , Li Bin
Published: September 2023

To improve the quality of the characteristics of yellow alkaline noodles and enrich their nutritional value, konjac glucomannan (KGM) with or without chitosan coating were added to noodles, and their application effects were investigated in terms of color, texture, water absorption, starch digestion, total plate count (TPC) and microstructure. Chitosan–konjac glucomannan (CK) complex was firstly prepared by embedding konjac powder with chitosan sol. After embedding, the hydrophilicity of KGM decreased significantly. Then, either CK or native KGM were mixed evenly with flour before saline water, and soda was subsequently added to produce noodles. Compared with native KGM, CK provided the noodles with a higher brightness and a lighter yellow color. In terms of texture properties, although the firmness of CK noodles was weaker than that of KGM noodles, the tensile properties were enhanced. After embedding, the water absorption of CK noodles decreased and the content of resistant starch (RS) in the noodles increased. During storage, the TPC in CK noodles was significantly lower than that in KGM noodles. At a CK content of 5%, the noodles presented a lightness of 87.41, a b value of 17.75, a shear work of 39.9 g·cm, a tensile distance of 84.28 cm, a water absorption of 69.48%, a RS content of 17.97% and a TPC of 2.74 lg CFU/g at 10 days. In general, KGM with chitosan coating could improve the physicochemical qualities of noodles and extend their shelf life to a certain extent.
Analyzing Active Compounds in Elateriospermum tapos Yogurt for Maternal Obesity: A Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Naomi Ruth , Teoh Soo Huat , Embong Hashim , Balan Santhra Segaran , Othman Fezah , Mamat-Hamidi Kamalludin , Bahari Hasnah , Yazid Muhammad Dain
Published: September 2023

Maternal obesity, characterized by an elevated body mass index (BMI) during pregnancy, is known to have adverse effects on the offspring. However, a recent study suggests that Elateriospermum tapos (E. tapos) yogurt may hold potential in mitigating excessive weight retention post-pregnancy. Thus, this study aims to employ network pharmacology to explore the pharmacological effects of the bioactive compounds present in E. tapos yogurt against maternal obesity. Initially, a screening process is conducted to identify the bioactive compounds in E. tapos yogurt, followed by the prediction of potential gene targets for these compounds using Swiss Target Prediction and the SuperPred databases. Maternal obesity-associated genes are sourced from the OMIM, DisGeNet, and GeneCards databases. The interaction between the identified compounds and maternal obesity genes is established via protein–protein interaction analysis, gene ontology examination, and KEGG pathway analysis. To validate the results, molecular docking studies are conducted using AutoDock Tools software. The findings reveal that out of the 64 compounds analyzed, three meet the screening criteria, resulting in a total of 380 potential gene targets. Among these targets, 240 are shared with maternal obesity-related genes. Further analysis demonstrates the favorable affinity of these active compounds with key targets, linking them to biological processes involving protein phosphorylation, inflammation, as well as the pathways related to lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis, and the other signaling pathways. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the potential pharmacological effects of the bioactive compounds found in E. tapos yogurt against maternal obesity. These findings open avenues for further exploration and potential therapeutic interventions targeting maternal obesity.
RETRACTED: Employing of Curcumin–Silver Nanoparticle-Incorporated Sodium Alginate-Co-Acacia Gum Film Hydrogels for Wound Dressing
Authors: Aldakheel Fahad , Mohsen Dalia , El Sayed Marwa , Fagir Mohammed , El Dein Dalia
Published: September 2023

Skin wound healing is time-consuming and frequently accompanied by bacterial infections and the development of scars. The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains has sparked a growing interest in naturally occurring bioactive substances, like curcumin, that possess wound-healing capabilities. Silver is a natural antimicrobial agent, and finds extensive use in specialized wound dressings. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using an eco-friendly approach, employing curcumin. The prepared nanoparticles have been characterized using TEM, DLS, and zeta potential. The prepared AgNPs were loaded on sodium alginate-co-gum arabic hydrogel. Two hydrogel samples (with and without AgNPs) have been applied for wound healing. The developed silver nanoparticles that were created exhibited effective action against both types of bacteria, namely Gram-negative and Gram-positive. Alg-co-AG-AgNPs demonstrated faster wound healing rates compared to using the control hydrogel sample. The novel dressings of curcumin–silver nanoparticle-incorporated sodium alginate-co-gum arabic hydrogels (Alg-co-AG-AgNPs) exhibited exceptional biocompatibility and have the potential to serve as a wound dressing that possesses antibacterial properties and reduces scarring.
Novel Genetic and Phenotypic Expansion in GOSR2-Related Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy
Authors: Hentrich Lea , Parnes Mered , Lotze Timothy Edward , Coorg Rohini , de Koning Tom J. , Nguyen Kha M. , Yip Calvin K. , Jungbluth Heinz , Koy Anne , Dafsari Hormos Salimi
Published: September 2023

Biallelic variants in the Golgi SNAP receptor complex member 2 gene (GOSR2) have been reported in progressive myoclonus epilepsy with neurodegeneration. Typical clinical features include ataxia and areflexia during early childhood, followed by seizures, scoliosis, dysarthria, and myoclonus. Here, we report two novel patients from unrelated families with a GOSR2-related disorder and novel genetic and clinical findings. The first patient, a male compound heterozygous for the GOSR2 splice site variant c.336+1G>A and the novel c.364G>A,p.Glu122Lys missense variant showed global developmental delay and seizures at the age of 2 years, followed by myoclonus at the age of 8 years with partial response to clonazepam. The second patient, a female homozygous for the GOSR2 founder variant p.Gly144Trp, showed only mild fine motor developmental delay and generalized tonic–clonic seizures triggered by infections during adolescence, with seizure remission on levetiracetam. The associated movement disorder progressed atypically slowly during adolescence compared to its usual speed, from initial intention tremor and myoclonus to ataxia, hyporeflexia, dysmetria, and dystonia. These findings expand the genotype–phenotype spectrum of GOSR2-related disorders and suggest that GOSR2 should be included in the consideration of monogenetic causes of dystonia, global developmental delay, and seizures.
A CRISPR Screen Identifies the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Rfwd2 as a Negative Regulator of Glucose Uptake in Brown Adipocytes
Authors: Lynes Matthew D. , Huang Qian , Cora Carolina , Su Sheng-Chiang , Yi Peng , Tseng Yu-Hua
Published: September 2023

Brown adipose tissue activation increases energy expenditure and has been shown to improve glucose tolerance, making it a promising target for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Brown adipocytes differentiate into cells with multilocular lipid droplets, which can efficiently absorb and oxidize glucose; however, the mechanisms regulating these processes are not completely understood. We conducted a genome-wide loss-of-function screen using a CRISPR-based approach to identify genes that promote or inhibit adipogenesis and glucose uptake in brown adipocytes. We validated genes that negatively or positively regulated these pathways and verified that the E3-ubiquitin ligase Rfwd2 suppressed brown adipocyte glucose uptake. Brown adipocytes with CRISPR-targeted Rfwd2 deletion showed an altered proteomic landscape and increased basal, as well as insulin-stimulated, glucose uptake. These data reveal the complexity of genetic regulation of brown adipogenesis and glucose metabolism.
Association between DNA Methylation in the Core Promoter Region of the CUT-like Homeobox 1 (CUX1) Gene and Lambskin Pattern in Hu Sheep
Authors: Lv Xiaoyang , Li Yue , Chen Weihao , Wang Shanhe , Cao Xiukai , Yuan Zehu , Getachew Tesfaye , Mwacharo Joram , Haile Aynalem , Li Yutao , Sun Wei
Published: September 2023

CUT-like homeobox 1 (CUX1) has been proven to be a key regulator in sheep hair follicle development. In our previous study, CUX1 was identified as a differential expressed gene between Hu sheep lambskin with small wave patterns (SM) and straight wool patterns (ST); however, the exact molecular mechanism of CUX1 expression has been obscure. As DNA methylation can regulate the gene expression, the potential association between CUX1 core promotor region methylation and lambskin pattern in Hu sheep was explored in the present study. The results show that the core promoter region of CUX1 was present at (−1601–(−1) bp) upstream of the transcription start site. A repressive region (−1151–(−751) bp) was also detected, which had a strong inhibitory effect on CUX1 promoter activity. Bisulfite amplicon sequencing revealed that no significant difference was detected between the methylation levels of CUX1 core promoter region in SM tissues and ST tissues. Although the data demonstrated the differential expression of CUX1 between SM and ST probably has no association with DNA methylation, the identification of the core region and a potential repressive region of CUX1 promoter can enrich the role of CUX1 in Hu sheep hair follicle development.
Flooding and Waste Disposal Practices of Urban Residents in Nigeria
Authors: Echendu Adaku Jane
Published: September 2023

The rising incidence of flooding is a cause for global concern. Flooding is caused by both natural and human factors. In Nigeria, flooding has been attributed chiefly to human factors, such as poor waste disposal practices and management. Despite this known link, no empirical study is known to have engaged with urban residents to understand their actual waste disposal practices and ascertain their knowledge of the connection of their waste disposal practices to the flooding they are increasingly experiencing. This work fills this gap via an in-depth engagement with residents and experts on their waste disposal practices in the flood-prone city of Port Harcourt via a mixed-methods case study. Questionnaire surveys and qualitative interviews served as the primary data collection tools. The study confirms the poor waste practices of residents and provides empirical data on the prevalence of various forms of waste disposal practices. This provides key information that can guide the needed change in waste practices to eliminate this known flood driver in the pursuit of sustainable flood risk management. This is pertinent as waste management is one of the areas where citizens have agency to act. A behavioural shift is needed in this regard and must be encouraged via targeted public sensitization. Having local vanguards champion waste management behavioural turn is also recommended. The relevant authorities are encouraged to adopt a more sustainable approach to waste management by ensuring there are waste services and putting in place adequate disincentives to deter offenders.
Antilogies in Ancient Athens: An Inventory and Appraisal
Authors: Rossetti Livio
Published: September 2023

Antilogies, or pairs of symmetrically opposed speeches or arguments, were generally ignored by Plato, Isocrates, Aristotle, Cicero, and Diogenes Laertius, and, later, by Eduard Norden, Hermann Diels, and most modern scholars of antiquity. As a consequence, until the end of the twentieth century CE, antilogies have been ignored or, at best, treated as a minor literary device to be mentioned only with reference to individual writings. Nevertheless, during the second half of the fifth century, antilogies were a crucially important form of argument and persuasion in ‘sophistic’ thought, philosophy, historiography, comedy and tragedy, and other fields. In order to redress the historical neglect of the art of antilogy, this essay provides an inventory (doubtless incomplete) of some 30 antilogies composed by playwrights such as Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes, historians such as Herodotus and Thucydides, and, most importantly, ‘sophists’ such as Protagoras, Gorgias, Prodicus and Antiphon (in addition to a few other writers of the same period). Building on this inventory, the second part of the essay seeks to establish identifying features of antilogy and assess its cultural significance in the Athenian context (in the second half of the fifth century BCE).
Physical Activity Participation of Black and White Women during the First Year Postpartum: Results and Study Recruitment Strategies
Authors: Kishman Erin E. , Castleberry Lauren A. , Wang Xuewen
Published: September 2023

Background: Little is known about how physical activity participation changes throughout the first year postpartum. This may be due to the difficulty in recruiting this population. The aims of this study were first to describe the recruitment methods and second to examine physical activity in the first year postpartum. Methods: Black and White women who gave birth to a singleton infant at ≥37 weeks gestation were recruited by a variety of strategies. At 6–8 weeks (baseline) and 4, 6, 9, and 12 months postpartum, women were instructed to wear an accelerometer for 7 days. Results: Active recruitment with interactions between staff and potential participants was more successful than non-active strategies for enrolling women. Throughout the first year postpartum, physical activity counts and light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity increased from baseline (165.2 and 21.5 min, respectively) to 12 months (185.0 and 27.6 min, respectively). Sedentary time decreased from 775.3 min at baseline to 749.4 min per day at 12 months. In this sample, Black participants had lower physical activity (counts per minute per day) and greater sedentary time than White participants. Conclusions: Active strategies were more successful in recruiting women into the study. Of those who enrolled, physical activity levels increased over time. Identifying barriers to physical activity that may change over the postpartum period will help develop more targeted interventions to increase physical activity.
Differential Coloration, Pigment Biosynthesis-Related Gene Expression, and Accumulation According to Developmental Stage in the ‘Enbu’ Apple
Authors: Do Van Giap , Kim Seonae , Lee Youngsuk , Yang Sangjin , Kim Jeong-Hee , Win Nay Myo , Kwon Young-Soon , Park Juhyeon , Park Jong-Taek
Published: September 2023

Coloration, a major factor contributing to apple quality, attracts consumer attraction, thereby increasing the sale of fruits in the market. Among the fruit pigments, anthocyanins and carotenoids are the most important pigments that impart coloration to apples. Pigment accumulation, which is regulated by transcriptional factors in the anthocyanin and carotenoid biosynthesis pathways, varies according to genetics, transcription, and developmental stage. To understand the regulation of color development in apples, we evaluated the expression of the genes in the anthocyanin and carotenoid biosynthetic pathways and analyzed the accumulation of pigment, including anthocyanin and carotenoid in the skin and flesh of the red-fleshed apple ‘Enbu’ cultivar at different fruit development stages (30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 days after full bloom, and ripe). Color development increased according to the developmental stage, with considerable variation in both the transcript levels and pigment concentrations observed in tissues, skin, and flesh. Moreover, we identified key transcription factors among the anthocyanin and carotenoid biosynthesis genes that regulated pigment accumulation. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between the coloration patterns and the expression levels of anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes (MdPAL, MdCHI, and MdF3H) and carotenoid biosynthesis-related genes (MdGGPPS, MdPSY, MdZDS, MdCRTISO, MdCRHβ, and MdZEP). This study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying pigment biosynthesis for breeding high-quality red-fleshed apple varieties to cater to consumer attention and preference.
Citrus Extract Found Potent in the Control of Seed-Borne Fungal Pathogens of Pearl Millet—A Recommendation for Farmers’ Seed Saving Systems
Authors: Anafo Matthew Akalagtota , Sugri Issah , Asungre Peter Anabire , Ankamah-Yeboah Theresa , Eleblu John Saviour Yaw , Danquah Eric Yirenkyi
Published: September 2023

Seed saving is crucial to ensure seed and food security, especially in developing countries. In Ghana, about 90% of pearl millet farmers utilise farmer-saved seed for production. Such seeds usually have a low germination rate, and may carry important seed-borne pathogens. In this study, the quality of farmer-saved seeds and the potential of botanicals to control seed-borne fungi were examined. A structured questionnaire was administered to 120 farmers from Garu, Bongo and Kassana-Nankana districts in Ghana. During the survey, 60 samples of farmer-saved seed were obtained for seed quality evaluation. Aqueous extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica) and citrus (Citrus sinensis) were prepared as seed treatments compared with a control. Fourteen (14) fungal species were associated with the seed samples, but the four dominant ones were Curvularia spp. (62%), Talaromyces spp. (53%), Aspergillus spp. (52%) and Exserohilum spp. (42%). The application of citrus extract inhibited fungal incidence (15–31.7%) compared to neem extract (33.3–93.3%) and the control (96.7–98.3%). The application of citrus extract resulted in a higher (74.7–82.8%) field germination rate compared to neem extract (62.3–73.2%) and the control (65.5–69.2%). The citrus extract was the most efficient treatment in reducing the incidence of fungi and enhancing the seed germination and vigour of pearl millet.
An Analysis of the Evolution of Public Sentiment and Spatio-Temporal Dynamics Regarding Building Collapse Accidents Based on Sina Weibo Data
Authors: Ma Dongling , Zhang Chunhong , Zhao Liang , Huang Qingji , Liu Baoze
Published: September 2023

Monitoring, analyzing, and managing public sentiment surrounding urban emergencies hold significant importance for city governments in executing effective response strategies and maintaining social stability. In this study, we present a study which was conducted regarding the self-built house collapse incident in Changsha, China, that occurred on 29 April 2022, with a focus on leveraging Sina Weibo (a Twitter-like microblogging system in China) comment data. By employing the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic model, we identified key discussion themes within the comments and explored the emotional and spatio-temporal characteristics of the discourse. Furthermore, utilizing geographic detectors, we investigated the factors influencing the spatial variations in comment data. Our research findings indicate that the comments can be categorized into three main themes: “Rest in Peace for the Deceased”, “Wishing for Safety”, and “Thorough Investigation of Self-Built Houses”. Regarding emotional features, the overall sentiment expressed in the public discourse displayed positivity, albeit with significant fluctuations during different stages of the incident, including the initial occurrence, rescue efforts, and the establishment of accountability and investigative committees. These fluctuations were closely associated with the emotional polarity of the specific topics. In terms of temporal distribution, the peak in the number of comments occurred approximately one hour after the topic was published. Concerning spatial distribution, a positive sentiment prevailed across various provinces. The comment distribution exhibited a stair-like pattern, which correlated with interregional population migration and per capita GDP. Our study provides valuable insights for city governments and relevant departments in conducting sentiment analysis and guiding public opinion trends.
Phenotypic Test of Benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c]pyrimidinone-Based Nucleoside and Non-Nucleoside Derivatives against DNA and RNA Viruses, Including Coronaviruses
Authors: Kamzeeva Polina , Petushkov Ivan , Knizhnik Ekaterina , Snoeck Robert , Khodarovich Yuri , Ryabukhina Ekaterina , Alferova Vera , Eshtukov-Shcheglov Artur , Belyaev Evgeny , Svetlova Julia , Vedekhina Tatiana , Kulbachinskiy Andrey , Varizhuk Anna , Andrei Graciela , Aralov Andrey
Published: September 2023

Emerging and re-emerging viruses periodically cause outbreaks and epidemics around the world, which ultimately lead to global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the urgent need for new antiviral drugs is obvious. Over more than a century of antiviral development, nucleoside analogs have proven to be promising agents against diversified DNA and RNA viruses. Here, we present the synthesis and evaluation of the antiviral activity of nucleoside analogs and their deglycosylated derivatives based on a hydroxybenzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c]pyrimidin-1(2H)-one scaffold. The antiviral activity was evaluated against a panel of structurally and phylogenetically diverse RNA and DNA viruses. The leader compound showed micromolar activity against representatives of the family Coronaviridae, including SARS-CoV-2, as well as against respiratory syncytial virus in a submicromolar range without noticeable toxicity for the host cells. Surprisingly, methylation of the aromatic hydroxyl group of the leader compound resulted in micromolar activity against the varicella-zoster virus without any significant impact on cell viability. The leader compound was shown to be a weak inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. It also inhibited biocondensate formation important for SARS-CoV-2 replication. The active compounds may be considered as a good starting point for further structure optimization and mechanistic and preclinical studies.
Photosynthetic Efficiency in Green Bean Plants through the Application of Omeprazole and Melatonin at Low Doses
Authors: Ramírez-Estrada Carlos Abel , Sánchez Esteban , Flores-Córdova María Antonia , Pérez-Álvarez Sandra , Noperi-Mosqueda Linda Citlalli , Chávez-Mendoza Celia
Published: September 2023

Climate change has prompted agri-food systems to explore new strategies for improving the production of crops in a sustainable manner. This includes green bean, the most important legume in the world for its nutritional value. The use of omeprazole (OMP) and melatonin (MEL) has been proposed as innovative strategy for crop improvement when they are applied as biostimulants. However, although their role in the growth of several species has been studied, the results in photosynthetic efficiency parameters are still scarce. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of OMP and MEL on biomass, yield, SPAD values, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), photochemical quenching (qP), non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), quantum yield of photosystem II (PhiPSII), and electron transport rate (ETR) in bean plants. Treatments were applied separately at doses of 1, 10, and 100 µM, plus a control without application. The results obtained indicate that OMP and MEL were able to increase biomass; yield; SPAD values; and qP, Fv/Fm, and PhiPSII coefficients. Finally, it is concluded that foliar application of OMP and MEL at a dose of 1 and 10 µM can increase photosynthetic efficiency and decrease photoinhibition, which is reflected in higher biomass accumulation and yield in green bean plants cv. Strike.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure Analyses, and Antibacterial Evaluation of the Cobalt(II) Complex with Sulfadiazine-Pyrazole Prodrug
Authors: Altowyan Mezna Saleh , Haukka Matti , Ayoup Mohammed Salah , Ismail Magda M. F. , El Menofy Nagwan G. , Soliman Saied M. , Barakat Assem , Sharaf Mona M. , Abu-Youssef Morsy A. M. , Yousri Amal
Published: September 2023

The complex [Co(L)(H2O)4](NO3)2 of (E)-4-(2-(3-methyl-5-oxo-1-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4(5H)-ylidene)hydrazinyl)-N-(pyrimidin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide (L) was synthesized via the self-assembly technique. Its molecular and supramolecular structures were analyzed using FTIR, elemental analyses, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, as well as Hirshfeld calculations. This complex crystallized in the triclinic space group P1¯ with Z = 2. The crystallographic asymmetric unit comprised one complex cation and two nitrate counter anions. This complex had distorted octahedral geometry around the Co(II) ion. Numerous intermolecular interactions affecting the molecular packing of this complex were conformed using Hirshfeld investigations. The most significant contacts for the cationic inner sphere [Co(L)(H2O)4]2+ were O···H (38.8%), H···H (27.8%), and N···H (9.9%). On the other hand, the main interactions for the counter NO3¯ ions were the O···H (79.6 and 77.8%), O···N (8.0%), and O···C (9.1%). A high propensity for making interactions for each atom pair in the contacts O…H, N…C, N…H, and C…C was revealed by enrichment ratio values greater than 1. The antibacterial efficacy of the complex and the free ligand were assessed. The free ligand had higher antibacterial activity (MIC = 62.5–125 µg/mL) than the [Co(L)(H2O)4](NO3)2 complex (MIC ≥ 250 µg/mL) versus all the studied bacteria.