bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urine-Derived Stem Cells Express 571 Neuromuscular Disorders Causing Genes, Making Them a Potential in vitro Model for Rare Genetic Diseases
Authors: Falzarano Maria Sofia , Rossi Rachele , Grilli Andrea , Fang Mingyan , Osman Hana , Sabatelli Patrizia , Antoniel Manuela , Lu Zhiyuan , Li Wenyan , Selvatici Rita , Al-Khalili Cristina , Gualandi Francesca , Bicciato Silvio , Torelli Silvia , Ferlini Alessandra
Published: May 2023

Background: Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) are a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases, caused by mutations in genes involved in spinal cord, peripheral nerve, neuromuscular junction, and muscle functions. To advance the knowledge of the pathological mechanisms underlying NMDs and to eventually identify new potential drugs paving the way for personalized medicine, limitations regarding the availability of neuromuscular disease-related biological samples, rarely accessible from patients, are a major challenge.

Aim: We characterized urinary stem cells (USCs) by in-depth transcriptome and protein profiling to evaluate whether this easily accessible source of patient-derived cells is suitable to study neuromuscular genetic diseases, focusing especially on those currently involved in clinical trials.

Methods: The global transcriptomics of either native or MyoD transformed USCs obtained from control individuals was performed by RNA-seq. The expression of 610 genes belonging to 16 groups of disorders (http://www.musclegenetable.fr/) whose mutations cause neuromuscular diseases, was investigated on the RNA-seq output. In addition, protein expression of 11 genes related to NMDs including COL6A, EMD, LMNA, SMN, UBA1, DYNC1H1, SOD1, C9orf72, DYSF, DAG1, and HTT was analyzed in native USCs by immunofluorescence and/or Western blot (WB).

Results: RNA-seq profile of control USCs shows that 571 out of 610 genes known to be involved in NMDs, are expressed in USCs. Interestingly, the expression levels of the majority of NMD genes remain unmodified following USCs MyoD transformation. Most genes involved in the pathogenesis of all 16 groups of NMDs are well represented except for channelopathies and malignant hyperthermia related genes. All tested proteins showed high expression values, suggesting consistency between transcription and protein representation in USCs.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that USCs are human cells, obtainable by non-invasive means, which might be used as a patient-specific cell model to study neuromuscular disease-causing genes and that they can be likely adopted for a variety of in vitro functional studies such as mutation characterization, pathway identification, and drug screening.
Information Based Diagnostic for Genetic Variance Parameter Estimation in Multi-Environment Trials
Authors: Lisle Chris , Smith Alison , Birrell Carole L. , Cullis Brian
Published: May 2023

Plant breeding programs evaluate varieties in series of field trials across years and locations, referred to as multi-environment trials (METs). These are an essential part of variety evaluation with the key aim of the statistical analysis of these datasets to accurately estimate the variety by environment (VE) effects. It has previously been thought that the number of varieties in common between environments, referred to as “variety connectivity,” was a key driver of the reliability of genetic variance parameter estimation and that this in turn affected the reliability of predictions of VE effects. In this paper we have provided the link between the objectives of this work and those in model-based experimental design. We propose the use of theD-optimality criterion as a diagnostic to capture the information available for the residual maximum likelihood (REML) estimation of the genetic variance parameters. We demonstrate the methods for a dataset with pedigree information as well as evaluating the performance of the diagnostic using two simulation studies. This measure is shown to provide a superior diagnostic to the traditional connectivity type measure in the sense of better forecasting the uncertainty of genetic variance parameter estimates.
Sub-optimal nutrient regime coupled with Bacillus and Pseudomonas sp. inoculation influences trichome density and cannabinoid profiles in drug-type Cannabis sativa
Authors: Tanney Cailun A. S. , Lyu Dongmei , Schwinghamer Timothy , Geitmann Anja , Ruan Eric D. , Smith Donald L.
Published: May 2023

Cannabis sativa remains under heavy legal restriction around the globe that prevents extensive investigations into agricultural applications for improving its development. This work investigates the potential of specific plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to improve Cannabis cannabinoid yield through increased trichome densities on floral organs, and to determine if sub-optimal environmental conditions would affect the outcomes of PGPR presence by altering plant development and cannabinoid profiles. Here, Pseudomonas sp. or Bacillus sp. were applied to the root system either separately or in a consortium to determine the effect of this bacterial treatment on the density of stalked glandular trichomes. Further, a low nutrient regime was applied for the first half of plant development to determine if an environmental stressor interacts with the effects of the microbial treatments on stalked trichome densities. Following 8 weeks of flower development, trichome density on calyces and bracts of inflorescences were determined using microscopy. Our findings unexpectedly indicate that recommended nutrient levels were linked to a decreasing trend in trichome densities with PGPR inoculations, but a low nutrient regime coupled with PGPR treatment increased them. Cannabinoid content is partially consistent with these results, in that a low nutrient regime increased the abundance of key cannabinoids compared to recommended regimes, with Bacillus sp. inoculation linked to the greatest number of significant changes between the two nutrient regimes. Overall, this work provides insight into how PGPR presence affects Cannabis stalked trichome development and cannabinoid profiles, and how environmental stressors can affect, and even enhance, trichome densities and influence major cannabinoid production, thereby pointing towards avenues for reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers during plant production without compromising yield.
Psychometric properties of the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire 10 item version (ACE-10) among Hungarian adolescents
Authors: Kovács-Tóth Beáta , Oláh Barnabás , Kuritárné Szabó Ildikó , Fekete Zita
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Although a number of studies have been conducted since the 1995 initiation of the ACE study to map the effects of adverse childhood experiences, few studies have examined the psychometric properties of the individual versions of the ACE questionnaire.

Aims

The Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire 10 item version (ACE-10) has only been tested in a single study in an adult population, while its applicability in a particularly vulnerable population, the adolescents, has not been investigated yet. Our present study aims to address this gap in an adolescent sample of 792 subjects from a non-representative general population.

Methods

Besides demographic data, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire 10 item version (ACE-10), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and the HBSC Symptom Checklist (HBSC-SCL) were employed.

Results

Our results showed acceptable internal consistency (ɵ = 0.86, α = 0.64) and adequate internal validity (r = 0.28–0.70, p < 0.001). In addition, proper concurrent criterion validity of the questionnaire was found when tested along the SDQ and HBSC-SCL items.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that the ACE-10 is suitable for assessing intrafamilial adverse childhood experiences in adolescents.
Delayed sleep–wake phase disorder and its related sleep behaviors in the young generation
Authors: Futenma Kunihiro , Takaesu Yoshikazu , Komada Yoko , Shimura Akiyoshi , Okajima Isa , Matsui Kentaro , Tanioka Kosuke , Inoue Yuichi
Published: May 2023

Delayed sleep–wake phase disorder (DSWPD) is a sleep disorder in which the habitual sleep–wake timing is delayed, resulting in difficulty in falling asleep and waking up at the desired time. Patients with DSWPD frequently experience fatigue, impaired concentration, sleep deprivation during weekdays, and problems of absenteeism, which may be further complicated by depressive symptoms. DSWPD is typically prevalent during adolescence and young adulthood. Although there are no studies comparing internationally, the prevalence of DSWPD is estimated to be approximately 3% with little racial differences between Caucasians and Asians. The presence of this disorder is associated with various physiological, genetic and psychological as well as behavioral factors. Furthermore, social factors are also involved in the mechanism of DSWPD. Recently, delayed sleep phase and prolonged sleep duration in the young generation have been reported during the period of COVID-19 pandemic-related behavioral restrictions. This phenomenon raises a concern about the risk of a mismatch between their sleep–wake phase and social life that may lead to the development of DSWPD after the removal of these restrictions. Although the typical feature of DSWPD is a delay in circadian rhythms, individuals with DSWPD without having misalignment of objectively measured circadian rhythm markers account for approximately 40% of the cases, wherein the psychological and behavioral characteristics of young people, such as truancy and academic or social troubles, are largely involved in the mechanism of this disorder. Recent studies have shown that DSWPD is frequently comorbid with psychiatric disorders, particularly mood and neurodevelopmental disorders, both of which have a bidirectional association with the pathophysiology of DSWPD. Additionally, patients with DSWPD have a strong tendency toward neuroticism and anxiety, which may result in the aggravation of insomnia symptoms. Therefore, future studies should address the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral approaches in addition to chronobiological approaches in the treatment of DSWPD.
Effects of time-restricted feeding and walking exercise on the physical health of female college students with hidden obesity: a randomized trial
Authors: Liu Haitao , Chen Shiying , Ji Haoyuan , Dai Zuanqin
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is an emerging dietary pattern with many potential effects. This study focused on the effects of TRF and walking on the physical health of female college students with hidden obesity.

Methods

A total of 77 female college students with hidden obesity, aged 18–22 years, were randomly assigned to a control group (CON, N = 19), time-restricted feeding group (TRF, N = 19), exercise group (EXE, N = 20), and TRF combined with exercise group (TRF + EXE, N = 19). The interventions lasted for 8 weeks. Tests assessing body shape, body composition, bone mineral density, blood lipid levels, and blood pressure were performed before and after the intervention.

Results

(1) Intragroup comparison before and after the intervention revealed that the TRF, EXE, and TRF + EXE groups had significantly reduced body weight (p < 0.01), body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05), and lean tissue mass (LTM) (p < 0.01) but increased total cholesterol (TC) levels (p < 0.05) after the intervention. Body fat percentage (BF%) increased considerably in the EXE and TRF + EXE groups (p < 0.01). (2) Post-intervention comparisons of body weight, BMI, LTM, adipose tissue mass (ATM), total bone mineral density (TBMD), blood lipid levels, and blood pressure between the intervention groups (TRF, EXE, and TRF + EXE) and the CON group showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). (3) A comparison of the changes between the groups before and after the intervention showed significant decreases in body weight in the TRF and TRF + EXE groups (p < 0.05) and in both BMI and LTM in the TRF, EXE, and TRF + EXE groups (p < 0.05) compared to those in the CON group. The BF% change in the EXE and TRF + EXE groups were significantly greater than that in the TRF group (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

TRF effectively decreased body weight and BMI in female college students with hidden obesity. However, increased blood lipid levels and decreased LTM levels were also observed. The effects of TRF combined with exercise were not superior to those of TRF or walking alone in terms of body weight, body mass index, body composition, TBMD, or blood lipid levels. Therefore, TRF cannot be considered the best option for fat reduction in female college students with hidden obesity.
Prevalence and predictors of smoking cessation among smokers receiving smoking cessation intervention in primary care in Qatar: a 6-month follow-up study
Authors: Al-Dahshan Ayman , Al Muraikhi Hissa , Musa Sarah , Joudeh Anwar , Al Baker Wadha , Selim Nagah , Bougmiza Iheb
Published: May 2023

Objective

To estimate the rate and predictors of smoking cessation in smokers attending smoking cessation clinics in primary care settings in Qatar.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 759 smokers who had attended any of the 10 smoking cessation clinics in primary health care centers from January 2019 to June 2020. The sociodemographic, clinical, and smoking-related variables were assessed. Tailored behavioral and pharmacotherapy were delivered, and patients were interviewed at 6 months to estimate the 30-day point prevalence abstinence. To identify independent factors associated with smoking cessation, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

The mean age of participants was 40.6 (±11.3), majority being married, Arab and employed, and having a tertiary education. Almost half of the smokers (48.7%) received varenicline alone, 42.6% received NRT, and 31.8% received a combination of both. The selection of drug therapy was based on preferences, experiences, and history of previously encountered adverse effects. The overall 30-day quit rate at 6 months follow-up was 32.4%. About three-quarters (72.5%) of participants had at least one quit attempt and 12.5% had 3 or more attempts. Later age at smoking initiation, lower cigarette consumption at baseline, lower CO concentration at baseline, use of smoking cessation pharmacotherapy, having made fewer quit attempts and non-exposure to secondhand smoke among friends were identified as significant predictors of successful quitting at 6 months.

Conclusion

The 30-day quit rate at 6 months follow-up (32.4%) is comparable to the worldwide figure. However, further efforts should be made to plan cost-effective tobacco dependence treatment taking into account predictors and at-risk groups.
Sustainable technologies, mega-events, and environmental awareness—Lessons from Expo 2020 Dubai
Authors: Al-Shihabi Sameh , Aydin Ridvan , Hadj-Alouane Atidel , Alshanasi Arwa
Published: May 2023

Different sustainable technologies were used in Expo 2020 Dubai to construct the different participating pavilions. Moreover, participating countries in the Expo have presented their state-of-the-art sustainable urban planning, transportation, and energy technologies. The purpose of using and presenting these technologies was to raise the visitors' environmental awareness. Thus, this study first presents a sample of sustainable technologies that were used or presented at the Expo. It then seeks to determine if using and presenting these technologies has fulfilled the Expo goal of raising its visitors' environmental awareness. It also tries to find out which environmental dimension was raised the most. For this purpose, a questionnaire was used to measure environmental awareness before and after visiting Expo 2020 Dubai. Statistically analyzing the responses of 1,108 frequent visitors shows that Expo 2020 Dubai achieved its goal of increasing visitors' environmental awareness, particularly the environmental attitude dimension. The findings also reveal that it is essential to have a point of interest devoted to environmental issues in similar events. This positive impact on the visitors should convince upcoming mega-event planners to follow Expo 2020 Dubai's steps. However, researchers need to develop strategies to raise the willingness to act dimension of environmental awareness.
From survival goals to economic rationality: the determinants of farmer households' dual decision regarding land rental area
Authors: Li Hanning , Feng Jingwen , Peng Wenhuan
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Large-scale land rentals are a fundamental way of realizing the moderate-scale operation and transformation of modern agriculture. As the suppliers and main demanders in the land rental market, the decision-making logic of farmer households determines the scale of land rentals. However, land rentals have been plagued by the prominent issues of farmer households' insufficient participation and fragmented rental transactions. It is importance and urgent to promote farmer households' participation in large-scale land rental market.

Methods

Based on a sample of 4,815 farmer households from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) database, this study applied Bivariate Tobit (Bi-Tobit) model to investigate the correlation between farmer households' decisions of rented-in and rented-out area, and analyzed the determinants and inherent logics of the decision making. Heterogeneity analysis was made to examine the difference in surplus and indebted farmer households.

Results

The results showed that there was a significantly negative correlation between the household rented-in area and the rented-out area. The land value had significantly positive effect on the rented-in area and the rented-out area. Household social security had a significantly positive effect on the rented-out area, but had no significant effect on the rented-in area. For indebted households, only social security significantly affected their decisions of rented-out area, while for surplus households, land value rather than social security became the significant determinant of rented-in and rented-out area.

Discussion

Farmer households' land rented-in area and rented-out area have comprised a dual decision with a significant negative correlation. Facing the dual functions of creating economic value and providing social security of rural land, farmer households' decision-making logic of rented-in area is dominated by economic rationality, whereas that of rented-out area involves the coexistence of economic rationality and survival rationality. With the improvement of household income level, the dominant logic of the decisions of land rental area transformed from survival rationality to economic rationality. Policies should enhance the rural social security system to increase land rental area, especially by providing adequate social security for farmer households with a lower income level.
The therapeutic mechanism of Chebulae Fructus in the treatment of immunosuppression in Chinese yellow quail on the basis of network pharmacology
Authors: Wu Qiang , He Min , Wang Jing , Tong TieJin , Yang Dan , Tang Huaqiao
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Chebulae Fructus (Terminalia chebula Retz.) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), one of the family Combretaceae, whose immature fruit is called Fructus Chebulae Immaturus or Zangqingguo. This present study aimed at detecting the target and therapeutic mechanism of Chebulae Fructus against immunosuppression through network analysis and experimental validation.

Methods

Effective components and potential targets of Chebulae Fructus were Search and filtered through the Chinese herbal medicine pharmacology data and analysis platform. A variety of known disease target databases were employed to screen the therapeutic target proteins against immunosuppression and thus constructing a protein-protein interaction network. Hub genes and key pathways in this study were identified by continuous project enrichment analysis. Further, the core targets and therapeutic mechanism of Chebulae Fructus against immunosuppression in Chinese yellow quail through animal experiment.

Results

Seventy-five identifiable major candidate targets of Chebulae Fructus were found and thus constructing a drug-compound-target-disease network. Targets derived from gene enrichment analysis play pivotal roles in lipid and atherosclerosis, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, and the hepatitis B pathway. Height of plicate and areas of lymphoid follicle were both increased and the expression of GATA-3 and T-bet was upregulated in Chinese yellow quail fed with Chebulae Fructus in animal experiment.

Conclusion

Chebulae Fructus may be a helpful Chinese medicine with immunosuppressive effect and prospective applications in future. Further research is also needed to understand the mechanisms of immunosuppression and the mechanism of action of immunomodulators.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Healthcare Utilization in Switzerland Was Strongest Among Young Females—Retrospective Study in 2018–2020
Authors: Rachamin Yael , Jäger Levy , Schweighoffer Reka , Signorell Andri , Bähler Caroline , Huber Carola A. , Blozik Eva , Seifritz Erich , Grischott Thomas , Senn Oliver
Published: May 2023

Objectives: To provide a thorough assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the utilization of inpatient and outpatient mental healthcare in Switzerland.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study using nationwide hospital data (n > 8 million) and claims data from a large Swiss health insurer (n > 1 million) in 2018–2020. Incidence proportions of different types of psychiatric inpatient admissions, psychiatric consultations, and psychotropic medication claims were analyzed using interrupted time series models for the general population and for the vulnerable subgroup of young people.

Results: Inpatient psychiatric admissions in the general population decreased by 16.2% (95% confidence interval: −19.2% to −13.2%) during the first and by 3.9% (−6.7% to −0.2%) during the second pandemic shutdown, whereas outpatient mental healthcare utilization was not substantially affected. We observed distinct patterns for young people, most strikingly, an increase in mental healthcare utilization among females aged <20 years.

Conclusion: Mental healthcare provision for the majority of the population was largely maintained, but special attention should be paid to young people. Our findings highlight the importance of monitoring mental healthcare utilization among different populations.
Microactuation of Magnetic Nanofluid Enabled by a Pulsatory Rotating Magnetic Field
Authors: Pîslaru-Dănescu Lucian , Zărnescu George-Claudiu , Pătroi Eros-Alexandru , Chihaia Rareș-Andrei , Telipan Gabriela
Published: May 2023

A microactuation process was developed with the help of four coils that generate a pulsatory rotating magnetic field. A small actuator stator, which contains a 46 mm acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) opened box and four coils with E-type ferrite cores, was constructed. Simulations were made for different Duty Cycles, 0.2, 0.5, 0.72 and 0.9, and distances above the E cores, between 0.01 and 6 mm. These simulations determined the magnetic bubble inflating distance, the saturation regions and the average forces that are responsible for nanofluid flow inside the ABS box. An electrical driving scheme was designed, and a drive was constructed to activate four inductive loads that generate a pulsatory rotating magnetic field. The electronic drive can change the actuation frequency (rotation speed) between 1 Hz and 25 Hz and can adjust the Duty Cycle between 5% and 95% (driving force). From simulations and experiments, it was observed that the Duty Cycle must be limited to 0.7 to avoid the magnetic nanofluid saturation at 45 mT. It was found that three applications use a pulsatory rotating magnetic field: a small motor, a small flat pump and a manipulating sheet matrix for displays or chemical droplets mixing.
Advances in Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Grazing on Grassland Ecosystems in China
Authors: Gong Xuemin , Wang Yijia , Zhan Tianyu , Wang Chenxu , Li Changjia , Liu Yanxu
Published: May 2023

Grassland ecosystems are among the largest terrestrial ecosystems in China, and grazing, as an important grassland management method, has direct and indirect impacts on grassland ecosystems. Meta-analyses can be used to systematically evaluate and summarize multiple findings from existing studies, but there have been few comparisons of meta-analysis methods. In this review, we summarize the effects of grazing on grassland plants and soil in the existing meta-analysis studies in China from 38 meta-analysis papers. The results show that they have consistent conclusions, such as grazing reduces the aboveground biomass by approximately half, increases the soil pH, decreases the C:N:P ratio, and reduces the number of topsoil microorganisms, but the conclusions of light and moderate grazing index changes vary greatly from study to study. The belowground biomass was generally found to increase, but it slightly decreased in some cases, and the total biomass generally decreased, but it slightly increased in other cases. Vegetation coverage increased during moderate grazing; the soil moisture content was highest for light grazing, and microbial diversity increased at light to moderate levels of grazing. There are also very inconsistent conclusions due to the different datasets and quantities of samples used in meta-analysis studies, as well as variations in the types and scales of grassland areas. The ranges of changes in other indicators were large, especially for the root-shoot ratio and soil carbon. However, changes in the aboveground biomass were generally stable. We suggest subsequent meta-analyses of grazing should further clarify the classification of grassland types and compare conclusions at different scales. Additionally, standardized network analyses are recommended for field manipulation experiments to further improve the accuracy of meta-analysis and reduce the temporal and spatial limitations of existing data.
The Recent Use of Plant-Growth-Promoting Bacteria to Promote the Growth of Agricultural Food Crops
Authors: Reed Lucy , Glick Bernard R.
Published: May 2023

In the past 15–20 years, the employment of Plant-Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) to facilitate the growth of agricultural food crops has increased dramatically. These beneficial soil bacteria, whose use and demonstrations of efficacy have previously been largely limited to the laboratory, have now been shown to be effective under field conditions. In addition, the mechanisms that these bacteria utilize to facilitate plant growth are now mostly well characterized. Moreover, several companies across the globe have commercialized a number of PGPB and there is every indication that this trend will continue to grow. As a consequence of these developments, in this review article, a large number of recent reports on the successful testing of many different types of PGPB and their effects on various food crops is discussed.
Rare Earth Elements Transfer from Soil to Vegetables and Health Risks Associated with Vegetable Consumption in a Former Mining Area
Authors: Miclean Mirela , Levei Erika Andrea , Tanaselia Claudiu , Cadar Oana
Published: May 2023

Rare earth elements (REEs) and 18 other elements in the vegetables (carrot, parsley, cabbage, potato, onion) and soils from two villages near tailings management facilities in the Baia Mare area, NW Romania, were measured. The soil-to-plant transfer and the health risks posed by the consumption of these vegetables were also assessed. The pseudo-total concentrations of elements varied widely in the soil and vegetables, with the lowest concentrations being found for Ta (2.1 µg/kg) and the highest for Fe (9219 mg/kg). The concentration of total light REEs (LREEs) was considerably higher than that of heavy REEs (HREEs). The percentages of available elements were <20% of the pseudo-total concentration, except for Zn, Cd, and Pb, where the available fractions were much higher. Generally, the soil-to-plant transfer factors decreased in the following order: parsley > onion > cabbage > carrot > potato, and varied from element to element. The LREEs were less absorbed than the HREEs in all investigated vegetable species. Pearson correlations revealed strong positive correlations between the lanthanides, except for Eu, in the soil and vegetables. No important health risks following the consumption of vegetables were found for REEs, the estimated daily intake of REEs through vegetable consumption being much lower than the acceptable daily intake.
Changes in Soil Sulfate Sulfur Content as an Effect of Fertilizer Granules Containing Elemental Sulfur, Halloysite and Phosphate Rock
Authors: Lisowska Aneta , Filipek-Mazur Barbara , Kalisz Andrzej , Gorczyca Olga , Kowalczyk Agnieszka
Published: May 2023

With a shortage of sulfur in the soil and an increasing world population and, thus, food consumption volume, the demand for this important nutrient is likely to increase, both globally and regionally. The purpose of this model incubation study was to evaluate the effect of fertilizer granule applications containing elemental sulfur, halloysite and phosphate rock on the content of the bioavailable form of sulfur and phosphorus, as well as dehydrogenase activity and pH value of two soils differing in granulometric composition and chemical parameters. In addition to the standard procedure of analysis of variance, the authors propose various methods of advanced statistical analysis: regression modeling, including simple regression and multiple regression, or multivariate methods of grouping objects and traits resulting in the creation of heatmaps. With respect to the control, the application of fertilizer granules generally had no significant effect on the content of available phosphorus and the activity of dehydrogenase, and had little effect on the degree of acidity of the soils tested. There was a greater effect of introducing fertilizer granules on the content of sulfate sulfur in heavy soil than in medium soil. Using advanced statistical techniques revealed relationships between the studied soil parameters and changes in their values as affected by the experimental factors.
An Empirical Comparison of Interpretable Models to Post-Hoc Explanations
Authors: Mahya Parisa , Fürnkranz Johannes
Published: May 2023

Recently, some effort went into explaining intransparent and black-box models, such as deep neural networks or random forests. So-called model-agnostic methods typically approximate the prediction of the intransparent black-box model with an interpretable model, without considering any specifics of the black-box model itself. It is a valid question whether direct learning of interpretable white-box models should not be preferred over post-hoc approximations of intransparent and black-box models. In this paper, we report the results of an empirical study, which compares post-hoc explanations and interpretable models on several datasets for rule-based and feature-based interpretable models. The results seem to underline that often directly learned interpretable models approximate the black-box models at least as well as their post-hoc surrogates, even though the former do not have direct access to the black-box model.
Improving Fatty Acid Profile in Native Breed Pigs Using Dietary Strategies: A Review
Authors: Sarmiento-García Ainhoa , Vieira-Aller Ceferina
Published: May 2023

Meat from native-bred animals is growing in popularity worldwide due to consumers’ perception of its higher quality than meat from industrial farms. The improvement in indigenous pork has been related to increased intramuscular and unsaturated fat and a reduced saturated fat content resulting in a healthy product with enhanced sensorial attributes. This manuscript aims to provide an overview offering useful information about the fat content and the fatty acid profile of different autochthonous pork. Fat content and fatty acid profile are greater in native than in industrial pig breeds, even though certain factors, such as genetics, nutrition, farming system, age, or slaughter weight, may influence these variations. Among that, studies on dietary strategies to improve these parameters have been evaluated. According to the results obtained, many natural ingredients could have a positive effect on the lipid profile when added to indigenous pigs’ diets. This fact may promote autochthonous pork intake. Nevertheless, there is a wide range of potential natural ingredients to be added to the indigenous pig diet that needs to be evaluated.
Pingwei San Ameliorates Spleen Deficiency-Induced Diarrhea through Intestinal Barrier Protection and Gut Microbiota Modulation
Authors: Fan Yimeng , Zhao Qingyu , Wei Yuanyuan , Wang Huiru , Ga Yu , Zhang Yannan , Hao Zhihui
Published: May 2023

Pingwei San (PWS) has been used for more than a thousand years as a traditional Chinese medicine prescription for treating spleen-deficiency diarrhea (SDD). Nevertheless, the exact mechanism by which it exerts its antidiarrheal effects remains unclear. The objective of this investigation was to explore the antidiarrheal efficacy of PWS and its mechanism of action in SDD induced by Rhubarb. To this end, UHPLC-MS/MS was used to identify the chemical composition of PWS, while the body weight, fecal moisture content, and colon pathological alterations were used to evaluate the effects of PWS on the Rhubarb-induced rat model of SDD. Additionally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry were employed to assess the expression of inflammatory factors, aquaporins (AQPs), and tight junction markers in the colon tissues. Furthermore, 16S rRNA was utilized to determine the impact of PWS on the intestinal flora of SDD rats. The findings revealed that PWS increased body weight, reduced fecal water content, and decreased inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon. It also promoted the expression of AQPs and tight junction markers and prevented the loss of colonic cup cells in SDD rats. In addition, PWS significantly increased the abundance of Prevotellaceae, Eubacterium_ruminantium_group, and Tuzzerella, while decreasing the abundance of Ruminococcus and Frisingicoccus in the feces of SDD rats. The LEfSe analysis revealed that Prevotella, Eubacterium_ruminantium_group, and Pantoea were relatively enriched in the PWS group. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that PWS exerted a therapeutic effect on Rhubarb-induced SDD in rats by both protecting the intestinal barrier and modulating the imbalanced intestinal microbiota.
The Synergy between Glutathione and Phenols—Phenolic Antioxidants Repair Glutathione: Closing the Virtuous Circle—A Theoretical Insight
Authors: Carreon-Gonzalez Mirzam , Alvarez-Idaboy Juan Raúl
Published: May 2023

Glutathione (GSH) and phenols are well-known antioxidants, and previous research has suggested that their combination can enhance antioxidant activity. In this study, we used Quantum Chemistry and computational kinetics to investigate how this synergy occurs and elucidate the underlying reaction mechanisms. Our results showed that phenolic antioxidants could repair GSH through sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET) in aqueous media, with rate constants ranging from 3.21 × 106 M−1 s−1 for catechol to 6.65 × 108 M−1 s−1 for piceatannol, and through proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) in lipid media with rate constants ranging from 8.64 × 106 M−1 s−1 for catechol to 5.53 × 107 M−1 s−1 for piceatannol. Previously it was found that superoxide radical anion (O2•−) can repair phenols, thereby completing the synergistic circle. These findings shed light on the mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of combining GSH and phenols as antioxidants.
A Comprehensive Survey on Privacy-Preserving Techniques in Federated Recommendation Systems
Authors: Asad Muhammad , Shaukat Saima , Javanmardi Ehsan , Nakazato Jin , Tsukada Manabu
Published: May 2023

Big data is a rapidly growing field, and new developments are constantly emerging to address various challenges. One such development is the use of federated learning for recommendation systems (FRSs). An FRS provides a way to protect user privacy by training recommendation models using intermediate parameters instead of real user data. This approach allows for cooperation between data platforms while still complying with privacy regulations. In this paper, we explored the current state of research on FRSs, highlighting existing research issues and possible solutions. Specifically, we looked at how FRSs can be used to protect user privacy while still allowing organizations to benefit from the data they share. Additionally, we examined potential applications of FRSs in the context of big data, exploring how these systems can be used to facilitate secure data sharing and collaboration. Finally, we discuss the challenges associated with developing and deploying FRSs in the real world and how these challenges can be addressed.
Ammonia Emission Estimation of Biogas Production Facilities in South Korea: Consideration of the Emission Factor Development
Authors: Kang Seongmin , Kim Goeun , Jeon Eui-Chan
Published: May 2023

This study identified the need to develop ammonia (NH3) emission factors for biogas production facilities in Korea and examined the base unit that should be considered when developing emission factors. The analysis showed that the ammonia concentration of three biogas production facilities ranged from approximately 0.04 to 8 ppm. The NH3 emission factors were found to be 0.005 kg NH3 ton-waste and 0.150 kg NH3/10−3 Nm3-biogas. The estimated emission factors were also used to calculate the total emissions, which were found to be small. The uncertainty of the emission factors ranged from approximately −5% to +8% for the waste-based emission factors and approximately −5% to +7% for the biogas-based emission factors. Although the uncertainty of the emission factor differences is not large, it is low compared to the international emission factor uncertainty (maximum 191%, minimum −40.7%). Considering the development of waste-based and biogas-based emission factors, there is not much difference in terms of uncertainty of emission factors, so it is judged that it will be easier to develop emission factors based on biogas production in terms of securing and managing overall data.
Ergonomics Applied to the Development and Evaluation of Insoles for Protective Footwear
Authors: Lima Ana Lúcia Gadelha de Moura , Costa Susana , Costa Nélson , Leão Celina P. , Moraes Anna S. P. , Carvalho Miguel , Atalaia Tiago , Martins Rodrigo B. , Martiniano João , Arezes Pedro , Duarte Fernando
Published: May 2023

Knowledge of ergonomics/human factors plays an important role in the creation and design of safety shoes and insoles, contributing to worker protection, comfort, and stability. The purpose of this study is to compare previous insole designs and analyze the plantar pressure and gait pattern kinematics using the Oxford foot model protocol. The tests were performed comparing the environments on the three rockers of the gait, represented by the heel, midfoot, and forefoot, according to the classification of foot type. The analysis of plantar pressure, regarding its total and maximum distribution, showed that the innovative insole presents a better load distribution in terms of the maximum plantar pressure exerted in the hindfoot and forefoot regions. In the biomechanical analysis of gait, the five variables studied did not show variation in the normal mechanics of the foot in any of the three environments considered. The hallux joint was the one that presented the greatest divergences with the barefoot in terms of amplitude and variability, as expected.
A Novel Adaptive Image Data Hiding and Encryption Scheme Using Constructive Image Abstraction
Authors: Lan Chi-Feng , Wang Chung-Ming , Lin Woei
Published: May 2023

Image abstraction simplifies complex images, highlights specific features, and preserves different levels of structures to achieve a desired style. This paper presents a constructive and adjustable data hiding algorithm to convey various secret messages and resist modern steganalytic attacks. Our scheme produces an abstracted stego image, while synthesizing an original image during the image abstraction process. Our algorithm is flexible, applicable to two types of images: high-dynamic-range images and ordinary color images, aka low-dynamic-range images. Additionally, we introduce a novel image encryption scheme suitable for the above two types of images, which incorporates a two-dimensional logistic tent modular map and a bit-level random permutation technique, thereby further protecting the content of the stego image and the carried secret messages. Compared with the current state-of-the-art methods, our algorithm provides a 14% to 33% larger embedding rate, while lowering the distortion of the abstracted stego image. A comprehensive security analysis confirmed that our algorithm provides high security to resist statistical, differential, brute force, chosen-plaintext, and chosen key attacks.
A Natural Language Processing Algorithm to Improve Completeness of ECOG Performance Status in Real-World Data
Authors: Cohen Aaron B. , Rosic Andrej , Harrison Katherine , Richey Madeline , Nemeth Sheila , Ambwani Geetu , Miksad Rebecca , Haaland Benjamin , Jiang Chengsheng
Published: May 2023

Our goal was to develop and characterize a Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithm to extract Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) from unstructured electronic health record (EHR) sources to enhance observational datasets. By scanning unstructured EHR-derived documents from a real-world database, the NLP algorithm assigned ECOG PS scores to patients diagnosed with one of 21 cancer types who lacked structured ECOG PS numerical scores, anchored to the initiation of treatment lines. Manually abstracted ECOG PS scores were used as a source of truth to both develop the algorithm and evaluate accuracy, sensitivity, and positive predictive value (PPV). Algorithm performance was further characterized by investigating the prognostic value of composite ECOG PS scores in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer receiving first line treatment. Of N = 480,825 patient-lines, structured ECOG PS scores were available for 290,343 (60.4%). After applying NLP-extraction, the availability increased to 73.2%. The algorithm’s overall accuracy, sensitivity, and PPV were 93% (95% CI: 92–94%), 88% (95% CI: 87–89%), and 88% (95% CI: 87–89%), respectively across all cancer types. In a cohort of N = 51,948 aNSCLC patients receiving 1L therapy, the algorithm improved ECOG PS completeness from 61.5% to 75.6%. Stratification by ECOG PS showed worse real-world overall survival (rwOS) for patients with worse ECOG PS scores. We developed an NLP algorithm to extract ECOG PS scores from unstructured EHR documents with high accuracy, improving data completeness for EHR-derived oncology cohorts.
Reconstruction and Visualization of the Mosaic Floor of the Temple of Pitiunt Hillfort
Authors: Glazov Konstantin , Trebeleva Galina , Abornev Ivan , Kizilov Andrey , Yurkov Vladlen , Yurkov Gleb
Published: May 2023

The 3D reconstruction of the Great Pitiunt Fortress has been our long-term goal. The results of archaeological excavations have revealed traces of a mosaic floor in one of the temples. It was impossible to carry out a full reconstruction of the temple without first restoring the mosaic floor. The area of the preserved mosaic found during the excavations was only 33 square meters. This is 10.5% of the total interior area of the temple of 317 square meters. However, based on a number of reasons, i.e., the direction of the dividing borders between the elements of the mosaic, the requirement of symmetry of individual sections, the adjustment of motifs and the analysis of similar contemporaneous sites, it was possible to make a version of the general view of the reconstructed mosaic floor for further processing in the 3D reconstruction of the temples of the complex. This article provides the methods described, an analysis and justification of the reconstructed design of the mosaic in fragments and a holistic final model. The stylistic features of the mosaic have been identified, and the reasons for the dating of the mosaic have been given.
Constructed Wetlands for the Wastewater Treatment: A Review of Italian Case Studies
Authors: Retta Berhan , Coppola Elio , Ciniglia Claudia , Grilli Eleonora
Published: May 2023

Wastewater is one of the major sources of pollution in aquatic environments and its treatment is crucial to reduce risk and increase clean water availability. Constructed wetlands (CWs) are one of the most efficient, environmentally friendly, and less costly techniques for this purpose. This review aims to assess the state of the art on the use of CWs in removing environmental pollutants from wastewater in Italy in order to improve the current situation and provide background for future research and development work. To evaluate the CWs performances, 76 research works (2001–2023) were examined, and the parameters considered were the type of wastewater treated, pollutants removed, macrophytes, and the kinds of CWs utilized. The pollutant removal efficiencies of all CWs reviewed showed remarkable potential, even though there are biotic and abiotic factor-driven performance variations among them. The number of articles published showed an increasing trend over time, indicating the research progress of the application of CWs in wastewater treatment. This review highlighted that most of the investigated case studies referred to pilot CWs. This finding suggests that much more large-scale experiments should be conducted in the future to confirm the potential of CWs in eliminating pollutants from wastewater.
Numerical Comparison in Aerodynamic Drag and Noise of High-Speed Pantographs with or without Platform Sinking
Authors: Dong Tingting , Li Tian
Published: May 2023

Flat roofs and platform sinking are two common installation configurations for high-speed pantographs. The cavity formed by the platform sinking is a potential source of aerodynamic drag and noise. In this paper, the shape of the rectangular cavity is optimized, and the aerodynamic performance of the high-speed pantograph with or without platform sinking is compared and discussed based on the optimized cavity results. The flow field and sound propagation are predicted by the improved delayed detached eddy simulation (IDDES) method and the FW-H equation. The results show that the rectangular cavity produces the largest aerodynamic drag and radiation noise. The upstream, downstream, and bottom surfaces of the cavity can be optimized by rounded and sloped edges to reduce aerodynamic drag and noise. The unstable shear flow and recirculation zone formed by flow separation and reattachment can be reduced by modifying the upstream and downstream surfaces of the cavity. In addition, the vortex in front of the downstream surface of the cavity can be reduced or even eliminated by modifying the bottom surface. When the upstream and downstream surfaces of the cavity are rounded and the bottom surface is sloped (R/H = 0.8), the aerodynamic performance of the cavity is better. Compared with the pantograph installed on the flat roof, the aerodynamic drag and noise of the pantograph with platform sinking are significantly reduced due to the shielding of the lower structure by the cavity, and the total drag and noise are reduced by 5.22% and 1.45 dBA, respectively.