bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Depression and Anxiety with Cardiac Structural and Functional Characteristics in Heart Failure with Reduced and Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Szabo Timea Magdolna , Nagy Előd Ernő , Kirchmaier Ádám , Heidenhoffer Erhard , Gábor-Kelemen Hunor-László , Frăsineanu Marius , Frigy Attila
Published: March 2023

Heart failure and mental health conditions frequently coexist and have a negative impact on health-related quality of life and prognosis. We aimed to evaluate depression and anxiety symptoms and to determine the association between psychological distress and cardiac parameters in heart failure with reduced and mildly reduced ejection fraction. A total of 43 patients (33 male, mean age 64 ± 10 years) with heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (29 with HFrEF, 14 with HFmrEF) underwent comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation. All study participants completed questionnaires for the assessment of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and health-related quality of life (MLHFQ). Ten (34%) patients with HFrEF and two (14%) participants with HFmrEF had moderate-to-severe depression symptoms. Significant anxiety symptoms were more frequent in HFrEF (10 vs. 2 patients; 34% vs. 14%). Poor quality of life was also more common among patients with HFrEF (17 vs. 5 patients; 59% vs. 36%), showing higher MLHFQ scores (p = 0.009). Moreover, PHQ-9, GAD-7, and MLHFQ scores showed significant correlations between NYHA class severity and the presence of peripheral edema. The symptoms of dyspnea correlated with both PHQ-9 and MLHFQ scores. Significant correlations were observed between MLHFQ scores and a large number of clinical features, such as exercise capacity, 6MWT distance, the need for furosemide, echocardiographic parameters (LVEDVI, LVESVI, LVEF, LVGLS, SVI), and laboratory variables (albumin, GFR, NT-proBNP). In the multiple linear regression analysis, dyspnea proved to be a significant predictor of higher PHQ-9 and MLHFQ scores, even after adjusting for potential confounders. High symptom burden due to psychological distress is common among patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF. More efficient control of congestion may improve depression, anxiety symptoms, and health-related quality of life.
Population Dynamics, Plasma Cytokines and Platelet Centrifugation: Technical and Sociodemographic Aspects of ‘Ovarian Rejuvenation’
Authors: Sills E. Scott , Tan Seang Lin
Published: March 2023

While advanced reproductive technologies have attained remarkable increases in sophistication, success, and availability since the 1980s, clinicians always meet a therapeutic impasse when the ovarian reserve reaches exhaustion. Irrespective of fertility aspirations, the decline in and eventual collapse of ovarian estrogen output means that menopause arrives with tremendous physiologic changes and reduced overall productivity. Because more women are gaining in longevity or delaying the age at pregnancy, the number of affected patients has never been larger. As concerns regarding standard hormone replacement therapy and the limitations of IVF are confronted, a workable path to enable primordial germ cell recruitment and de novo oocyte development would be welcome. Proof-of-concept case reports and clinical studies on autologous activated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or its condensed cytokine derivatives suggest a way to facilitate these goals. However, ovarian PRP faces vexing challenges that place ‘ovarian rejuvenation’ under caution as it enters this therapeutic space. Here, we review key features of experimental human ovarian stem cell isolation/handling and reaffirm the need to harmonize laboratory protocols. Recognizing the regenerative science borrowed from other disciplines, specimen centrifugation, platelet processing, and condensed plasma cytokine enrichment are highlighted here. As the refinement of this rejuvenation approach would promise to reprogram adult ovarian physiology, the disruption of established treatment paradigms for infertility, menopause, and perhaps overall women’s health seems likely. Emerging roles in reproductive biology and clinical practice are thus placed in a broader social and demographic context.
Effect of Deposition Temperature on the Structure, Mechanical, Electrochemical Evaluation, Degradation Rate and Peptides Adhesion of Mg and Si-Doped Hydroxyapatite Deposited on AZ31B Alloy
Authors: Parau Anca Constantina , Dinu Mihaela , Cotrut Cosmin Mihai , Pana Iulian , Vranceanu Diana Maria , Constantin Lidia Ruxandra , Serratore Giuseppe , Marinescu Ioana Maria , Vitelaru Catalin , Ambrogio Giuseppina , Böhner Dennis Alexander , Beck-Sickinger Annette G. , Vladescu (Dragomir) Alina
Published: March 2023

Degradable and non-degradable biomaterials are two categories that can be used to classify the existing biomaterials, being a solution for eliminating a second surgical intervention of the implant when the tissue has properly recovered. In the present paper, the effect of deposition temperature on the structure, morphology, hardness, electrochemical evaluation, degradation properties and functional peptides adhesion of Mg and Si-doped hydroxyapatite was investigated. The coatings were obtained by RF magnetron sputtering technique at room temperature (RT) and 200 °C on AZ31B alloy substrate. Results showed that an increase in deposition temperature led to an improvement in hardness and reduced modulus of about 47%. From an electrochemical point of view, a comparative assessment of corrosion resistance was made as a function of the immersion medium used, highlighting the superior behaviour revealed by the coating deposited at elevated temperature when immersed in DMEM medium (icorr~12 µA/cm2, Rcoat = 705 Ω cm2, Rct = 7624 Ω cm2). By increasing the deposition temperature up to 200 °C, the degradation rate of the coatings was slowed, more visible in the case of DMEM, which had a less aggressive effect after 14 days of immersion. Both deposition temperatures are equally suitable for further bio-inspired coating with a mussel-derived peptide, to facilitate biointegration.
Research on Scientific Directions for Flying Cars at the Preliminary Design Stage
Authors: Humennyi Andrii , Buival Liliia , Zheng Zeyan
Published: March 2023

This article was written to investigate the research on the scientific directions for flying cars at the preliminary design stage to provide a rationale for the choice of scientific research in the area of flying cars. At present, the population of the Earth is gradually increasing, and traffic congestion will become a common phenomenon in cities in the future. This work used the methods of theoretical and statistical analysis to form an overall picture of this area of research. We researched the statistical data analysis conducted by scientists who dealt with flying cars and the associated issues. We gave a rationale for the choice of the object of scientific research, which is flying cars. People can read this information to have a starting point in their understanding of flying car design. This analysis of famous scientific works provides possible scientific directions that the research can take with respect to designing a flying car that combines the advantages of an airplane and a car and can take off and land on a normal highway for a short distance, as well as help people reach their destination quickly and easily.
Production of Sodium Bicarbonate with Saline Brine and CO2 Co-Utilization: Comparing Modified Solvay Approaches
Authors: Ali Asif , Mendes Catarina E. , de Melo Leonardo G. T. C. , Wang Jinsheng , Santos Rafael M.
Published: March 2023

The present work investigates the production of sodium bicarbonate in combination with the co-utilization of saline brine and carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS). The use of ammonia in the traditional Solvay process could be eliminated by using a modified Solvay process. This study compared the modification with the addition of three buffering additives: Ca(OH)2, KOH, and NH4HCO3. The effectiveness of these processes, using two qualities of saline brine (desalination and aquifer), is compared based on the purity of the produced NaHCO3. It was found that the use of Ca(OH)2 did not produce high-purity NaHCO3, while NH4HCO3 and KOH performed better. Desalination brine utilization with NH4HCO3 resulted in the production of high-purity NaHCO3, while the second most suitable method involved the use of KOH, and the main co-product formed was Na2CO3. Geochemical modeling is performed in order to have insights into the carbonation (in the reactor) and precipitation (in the oven) behavior of the reactions. It predicted the precipitation of mineral phases well, though kinetics might hinder some saturated solids to dissolve first. The present study shows that accurate characterization is critical to accurately assess the success of modified Solvay processes. The use of QXRD and SEM analyses, complemented with geochemical modeling, helped to better understand the processes and the formation of NaHCO3. Further investigations on diverse brines could provide for their better utilization by the geological carbon sequestration and water desalination industries that produce them.
Nanostructured Iron Oxides: Structural, Optical, Magnetic, and Adsorption Characteristics for Cleaning Industrial Effluents
Authors: Rajendran Suriyaprabha , Wanale Shivraj Gangadhar , Gacem Amel , Yadav Virendra Kumar , Ahmed Inas A. , Algethami Jari S. , Kakodiya Shakti Devi , Modi Timsi , Alsuhaibani Amnah Mohammed , Yadav Krishna Kumar , Cavalu Simona
Published: March 2023

Globally, efforts are being made to upgrade and improvise the current wastewater treatment technologies. Industrial wastewater is being generated exponentially, owing to the expansion in chemical industries and civilizations necessitating remediation to prevent further environmental damage and lower associated human risks. In this work, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been developed and employed as an efficient nanocatalyst for heavy metal adsorption via the chemical route. The shape, absorbance optical, crystal phase, and magnetization of as-prepared magnetic nanostructures were characterized using XRD (X-ray diffraction), UV-Vis (ultraviolet-visible), HRTEM (High-resolution transmission electron microscopy), FTIR (Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy), and VSM. Further, the adsorption ability of iron oxide to remove the bulk metallic elements considering cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni), present in industrial effluents, were studied. The Maghemite Fe2O3 crystal phase having an R-3c group is observed in the XRD results. An identical shape of spherical nanostructures is determined using TEM including ≈21 nm for pure Fe2O3. A removal % was studied by using ICP-OES, and showed a Cr (61.2%), Cd (98%), Cu (66%), Ni (64%), Zn (97%), and Pb (98%) removal ability. The application of such monitored nanomaterials to effluent cleaning and sewage discharge emitted via labs and petrochemical industries could be expanded.
Facile Functionalization of Charcoal by a Green Approach
Authors: Kiani Aida , Valvano Giuseppe , Acocella Maria Rosaria
Published: March 2023

The ability of charcoal, a low-cost material derived from biomass pyrolysis, to be functionalized via cation exchange in an aqueous solution, providing new interesting fillers with possible antimicrobial and flame-retardant properties, is discussed here. The adducts obtained through this sustainable procedure, show a significant uptake of close to 30% by weight of well-known quaternary phosphonium salts, tetraphenyl phosphonium bromide, and dodecyl triphenyl phosphonium bromide. The new functionalized materials were characterized by elemental analysis, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry. Additionally, a study of changing the ratio between the reagents for both adducts was performed to improve salt uptake and optimize the cationic exchange. Dispersibility tests showed the ability of functionalization to deeply change the polarities of the carbon materials to modify the compatibility and improve the possible interactions with different media, such as different polymer matrices.
Design of a Liquid Jamming Gripper
Authors: Pushpakath Madan , Ang Jr Marcelo
Published: March 2023

We present the design of a universal gripper based on the principle of liquid jamming. The phase change behavior of a mineral oil subjected to cooling is used for adaptive gripping and release of objects. The mineral oil is enclosed in a soft, compliant membrane molded into a spherical shape. The membrane with the liquid easily adapts to the shape of the object to be picked up. A thermoelectric cooling system is designed with a conductive spreader immersed in the oil to quickly cool the liquid held in a membrane. Once the membrane gripper conforms to the shape of the object partially enclosing it, the liquid is cooled below the phase change temperature, thus freezing the liquid and hardening the gripper around the object and effectively gripping it. We describe the design methodology of the gripper, part selection, and mechanical design. A proprietary controller developed by Venture Corporation is used for controlling the TEC module and the controller is based on a simple PID optimized using Ziegler–Nichols tuning for the P, I, and D values. The hardware is evaluated and the basic gripping functions on different odd-shaped objects are demonstrated. An invention disclosure has been submitted to the NUS IP office (ILO).
Non-Functional Jaw Muscular Activity in Patients with Disorders of Consciousness Revealed by A Long-Lasting Polygraphy
Authors: Cacciatore Martina , Magnani Francesca Giulia , Ippoliti Camilla , Barbadoro Filippo , Anversa Paola , Portincaso Lara , Visani Elisa , Navarro Jorge , Devalle Guya , Lanfranchi Maurizio , Pingue Valeria , Marelli Sara , Ferini Strambi Luigi , Lunardini Francesca , Ferrante Simona , Tremolati Marco , Leonardi Matilde , Rossi Sebastiano Davide , Sattin Davide
Published: March 2023

The presence of involuntary, non-functional jaw muscle activity (NFJMA) has not yet been assessed in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC), although the presence of bruxism and other forms of movement disorders involving facial muscles is probably more frequent than believed. In this work, we evaluated twenty-two prolonged or chronic DOC patients with a long-lasting polygraphic recording to verify NFJMA occurrence and assess its neurophysiological patterns in this group of patients. A total of 5 out of 22 patients showed the presence of significant NFJMA with electromyographic patterns similar to what can be observed in non-DOC patients with bruxism, thus suggesting a disinhibition of masticatory motor nuclei from the cortical control. On the other hand, in two DOC patients, electromyographic patterns advised for the presence of myorhythmia, thus suggesting a brainstem/diencephalic involvement. Functional, non-invasive tools such as long-lasting polygraphic recordings should be extended to a larger sample of patients, since they are increasingly important in revealing disorders potentially severe and impacting the quality of life of DOC patients.
Human Anthrax: Update of the Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Doganay Mehmet , Dinc Gokcen , Kutmanova Ainura , Baillie Les
Published: March 2023

Anthrax is one of the most important zoonotic diseases which primarily infects herbivores and occasionally humans. The etiological agent is Bacillus anthracis which is a Gram-positive, aerobic, spore-forming, nonmotile, rod-shaped bacillus. The spores are resistant to environmental conditions and remain viable for a long time in contaminated soil, which is the main reservoir for wild and domestic mammals. Infections still occur in low-income countries where they cause suffering and economic hardship. Humans are infected by contact with ill or dead animals, contaminated animal products, directly exposed to the spores in the environment or spores released as a consequence of a bioterrorist event. Three classical clinical forms of the disease, cutaneous, gastrointestinal and inhalation, are seen, all of which can potentially lead to sepsis or meningitis. A new clinical form in drug users has been described recently and named “injectional anthrax” with high mortality (>33%). The symptoms of anthrax in the early stage mimics many diseases and as a consequence it is important to confirm the diagnosis using a bacterial culture or a molecular test. With regards to treatment, human isolates are generally susceptible to most antibiotics with penicillin G and amoxicillin as the first choice, and ciprofloxacin and doxycycline serving as alternatives. A combination of one or more antibiotics is suggested in systemic anthrax. Controlling anthrax in humans depends primarily on effective control of the disease in animals. Spore vaccines are used in veterinary service, and an acellular vaccine is available for humans but its use is limited.
Is Satisfaction with Online Learning Related to Depression, Anxiety, and Insomnia Symptoms? A Cross-Sectional Study on Medical Undergraduates in Romania
Authors: Ionescu Claudiu Gabriel , Chendea Anca , Licu Monica
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate online learning satisfaction in a sample of university students and its relationship with depression, anxiety, insomnia, and the average number of hours spent online. A total of 463 medical students were recruited for an online survey conducted from February to March 2022 with the main objective of estimating online learning satisfaction, while secondary outcomes involved assessing the relationship between online learning and depression, anxiety, insomnia, and the average number of hours spent online. A total of 285 participants were female (71.4%) and the mean age was 20.2 years. The results revealed that depression, anxiety, and insomnia are negatively correlated with overall satisfaction with e-learning. The more time students spent online, the greater the overall satisfaction. There are significant differences regarding student perceptions of interactivity in online learning satisfaction outcomes (p < 0.05, η2 partial Eta Squared-0.284). The opportunity to learn via chat-box presented differences in overall satisfaction while pleasant aspects of online learning, such as “no travel” and “economy”, were related to satisfaction. The students revealed that the higher the psychopathology scores, the less satisfied they were with online learning, while a higher number of hours spent online contributed positively to satisfaction.
A Novel Epidemic-Based Video Diffusion Strategy Using Awareness of Sociality and Mobility in Wireless Networks
Authors: Jia Shijie , Zhang Ruiling , Su Xiaoyan , Liang Liuke
Published: March 2023

Social networks open up a new channel of video sharing and promote the scale and efficiency of video diffusion. Adjustable and scalable video diffusion is significant for the quality and performance of the service of video systems. In this paper, we propose a novel epidemic-based video diffusion strategy using awareness of sociality and mobility in wireless networks (EVDSM). EVDSM constructs a video diffusion model with the consideration of interest preference, social influence, and user mobility according to the roles and the propagation process of the Epidemic model. EVDSM designs an estimation method of interest preference according to content similarity and preference discrimination between videos; EVDSM designs an estimation method of user roles by investigation of interest preference and social influence to identify the video sharing behaviors of users and define the roles of users; EVDSM designs an estimation method of user mobility in terms of data transmission time and path structure stability. EVDSM proposes a control strategy of video diffusion, which formulates priority-based pairing between infectors and candidate infectors to achieve joint optimization of pairing success rate and delivery performance. The simulation results show how EVDSM achieves much better performance results in comparison with other state-of-the-art solutions.
An Intelligent Human-like Motion Planner for Anthropomorphic Arms Based on Diversified Arm Motion Models
Authors: Wei Yuan
Published: March 2023

In this paper, the human-like motion issue for anthropomorphic arms is further discussed. An Intelligent Human-like Motion Planner (IHMP) consisting of Movement Primitive (MP), Bayesian Network (BN) and Coupling Neural Network (CPNN) is proposed to help the robot generate human-like arm movements. Firstly, the arm motion model is decoupled in the aspects of arm structure and motion process, respectively. In the former aspect, the arm model is decoupled into different simple models through the Movement Primitive. A Hierarchical Planning Strategy (HPS) is proposed to decouple a complete motion process into different sub-processes. Based on diversified arm motion models, the Bayesian Network is used to help the robot choose the suitable motion model among these arm motion models. Then, according to the features of diversified arm motion models, the Coupling Neural Network is proposed to obtain the inverse kinematic (IK) solutions. This network can integrate different models into a single network and reflect the features of these models by changing the network structure. Being a major contribution to this paper, specific focus is on the improvement of human-like motion accuracy and independent consciousness of robots. Finally, the availability of the IHMP is verified by experiments on a humanoid robot Pepper.
Stochastic Security-Constrained Economic Dispatch of Load-Following and Contingency Reserves Ancillary Service Using a Grid-Connected Microgrid during Uncertainty
Authors: Kurundkar Kalyani Makarand , Vaidya Geetanjali Abhijit
Published: March 2023

In the context of the growing penetration of renewable power sources in power systems causing probabilistic contingency conditions, a suitable economic dispatch model is decisively needed. There is a lack of research in the field of probabilistic mathematical formulation considering the uncertainties due to the stochastic nature of renewables and contingency occurrence, as it is a very complex problem to be solved. The most appropriate model is the stochastic security-constrained economic dispatch (SSCED) model for optimized economic dispatch decisions during uncertainty. However, because of its complexity, it is rarely employed. This paper attempts to solve the complex SSCED problem in the presence of the uncertainty of resources and probabilistic contingency conditions, which is a novel effort in this regard. The SSCED is carried out over multiple periods to provide the load-following or contingency reserves. In the proposed SSCED, the uncertainty problem is addressed by modeling the stochastic wind energy power source by using “probability transition scenarios”. The uncertainty caused by probabilistic contingency conditions in the dispatch schedule is approximated using a “state-specific transition matrix”. The frequency control reserves in contingency conditions are co-optimized with energy, and stochastic security-constrained economic dispatch is achieved. The efforts are put forward to suggest a new market model in the presence of the uncertainty of renewable energy availability. Case studies are examined to show the potential technical and financial advantages of the proposed SSCED through co-optimization. Grid-connected microgrid owners offer frequency control ancillary services by providing load-following ramping reserves in the normal state and contingency reserves in the state of contingency. The probabilistic contingencies considered are generator failure and an underloading condition. A modified “IEEE 30 bus system” is considered a grid-connected microgrid for testing the proposed SSCED. The results show that the greater the flexibility of the resources, the greater the technical and economic benefits. The increase in ramping flexibility of a wind source results in almost an 8.1% reduction in operational costs compared to the base case. The contingency condition analysis shows that the presence of ramping reserves in the system enhances the power system performance, avoiding the cascading effects that ultimately cause a power system failure.
Genome-Wide Analysis, Characterization, Expression and Function of SERK Gene Family in Phyllostachys edulis
Authors: Zhang Pengwei , Huang Zhinuo , Zhang Huicong , Lu Haiwen , Li Qimin , Zhuo Juan , Wei Hantian , Hou Dan , Lin Xinchun
Published: March 2023

Somatic mmbryogenesis receptor-like kinase (SERK) is a kind of protein kinase widely distributed in plants. It plays a vital role in regulating plant immunity and responses to abiotic stress. The SERK gene family has not been systematically studied in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis). In this study, we identified six PeSERK genes and classified them into four groups in moso bamboo. PeSERKs of each group shared a highly similar distribution of conserved domains. Cis-element analysis indicated that many stress and hormone response elements are distributed on the promoters of PeSERKs. Moreover, we analyzed the chromosomal locations and synteny of PeSERKs. A collinear gene pair, PeSERK1 and PeSERK3, shared a high similarity, 93%, and the expression analysis showed similar expression patterns. Compared to PeSERK3, PeSERK1 had a higher expression in all tissues examined and all stages of shoot development. PeSERK3 was expressed mainly in leaf sheaths but with a low expression in other tissues. The expressions of PeSERKs were analyzed in seedlings under abiotic and hormone treatments using qRT-PCR. Except for PeSERK1 and PeSERK3, the expressions of most genes were downregulated or had no big difference at 0 h of drought treatment. Under drought treatment, PeSERK1 and PeSERK3 had a similar expression trend of increasing first and then decreasing. However, the expression level of PeSERK3 was higher than PeSERK1 after 3 h of drought treatment. PeSERK3 might play a more vital role in the drought stress response than PeSERK1. This study provides a theoretical basis for the further study of the SERK response to stress conditions in moso bamboo.
Scenic Beauty Evaluation of Forests with Autumn-Colored Leaves from Aerial and Ground Perspectives: A Case Study in Qixia Mountain in Nanjing, China
Authors: Yang Ce , Li Ming-Yang , Li Tao , Ren Fang , Li Deng-Pan , Chen Liu-An
Published: March 2023

In recent years, on-site visitation has been strictly restricted in many scenic areas due to the global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Cloud tourism”, also called online travel, uses high-resolution photographs taken by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as the dominant data source and has attracted much attention. Due to the differences between ground and aerial observation perspectives, the landscape elements that affect the beauty of colored-leaved forests are quite different. In this paper, Qixia National Forest Park in Nanjing, China, was chosen as the case study area, and the best viewpoints were selected by combining tourists’ preferred viewing routes with a field survey, followed by a scenic beauty evaluation (SBE) of the forests with autumn-colored leaves in 2021 from the aerial and ground perspectives. The results show that (1) the best viewpoints can be obtained through the spatial overlay of five landscape factors: elevation, surface runoff, slope, aspect, and distance from the road; (2) the dominant factors influencing the beauty of colored-leaved forests from the aerial perspective are terrain changes, forest coverage, landscape composition, landscape contrast, the condition of the human landscape, and recreation frequency; and (3) the beauty of the ground perspective of the colored-leaved forests is strongly influenced by the average diameter at breast height (DBH), the dominant color of the leaves, the ratio of the colored-leaved tree species, the canopy width, and the fallen leaf coverage. The research results can provide scientific reference for the creation of management measures for forests with autumn-colored leaves.
Effects of Topography on Radial Growth of Tree Species with Different Mycorrhizal Types
Authors: Diao Yunfei , Zhang Su , Liu Yulong , Jin Guangze , Tian Songyan , Liu Yankun
Published: March 2023

In the dynamic monitoring fixed sample plot of 25 ha of coniferous broad-leaved mixed forest in the temperate zone of Northeast China, we used the data from two surveys (2013 and 2018) and microtopography data of the sample plot, and the mycorrhizal type data of tree species to explore whether the different microtopography types and single terrain factors will affect the radial growth of tree species with different mycorrhizal types on a regional scale. We studied the adaptability of tree species with different mycorrhizal types in the north end of Changbai Mountain and the south slope of Laoyeling mountain, and which provided basis for further revealing the response mechanism of tree species with different mycorrhizal types to the microtopography in this area. We found that: the tree species with different mycorrhizal types have higher radial growth rates on gentle slopes than on steep slopes. Tree species on sunny slopes have higher growth rates and survival rates than tree species of the same mycorrhizal type on shady slopes. The quantity and radial growth of AM (Arbuscular mycorrhiza) type, EcM (Ectomycorrhiza) type, and ErM (Ericoid mycorrhiza) type tree species were significantly positively correlated with different microtopography types. The quantity and radial growth of AM type tree species and EcM type tree species were significantly positively correlated with slope. The quantity of AM type tree species, EcM type tree species and the radial growth of EcM type tree species were significantly negatively correlated with slope aspect. The quantity and radial growth of ErM type tree species and radial growth of EcM type tree species the were significantly positively correlated with slope position. We believe that the reasons for these conclusions may be caused by the differences in soil temperature, humidity, and water distribution caused by different slopes.
Forest Resources Projection Tools: Comparison of Available Tools and Their Adaptation to Polish Conditions
Authors: Wysocka-Fijorek Emilia , Dobrowolska Ewelina , Budniak Piotr , Korzeniewski Krzysztof , Czubak Damian
Published: March 2023

Over the years, various methods for estimating and projecting forest resources have been developed and are used by countries where the forest sector is important. Therefore, the obligation to report and account for forest resources, including changes in carbon stocks in a forest area, has gained attention. The latest regulations (Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry—LULUCF) requires European Union (EU) members to annually report and publish national accounting plans estimating emissions and removals from managed forest areas (Regulation EU 2018/841). The major challenge is to choose and adapt a unique tool for this accounting. At the same time, they need to provide reliable estimates that are recognized by regulators and control authorities. This study focuses on comparing the adaptation of two accounting frameworks: the Operational-Scale Carbon Budget Model of the Canadian Forest Sector (CBM-CFS3) and the European Forest Dynamics Model (EFDM). Both tools are based on National Forest Inventory (NFI) data. It is assumed that the EFDM can provide similar results to the CBM-CFS3, which is already used in Poland. Implementing the EFDM and adapting it to Polish conditions could facilitate forest management decision-making and the preparation of forest policies. The main objective of this study was to compare and validate the accuracy of the results obtained with the EFDM framework. Metrics compared using both tools included growing stock volume, biomass of growing stock expressed in carbon units and age–class distribution over area. The comparison was based on the agreement of EFDM with CBM-CFS3 results. The volume of logging was taken from the EFDM and compared with the values obtained by Statistics Poland. This study also provides a guide for framework parameterization directly from the Polish National Forest Inventory data from the 2010–2015 cycle. Our main findings are that the results of the two models are reasonably comparable (the extent of deviation is acceptable). Moreover, the first implementation of the EFDM showed that it is an easy-to-use open-source program that allows forest managers to implement their own settings according to their needs. This document elucidates the concept of using both frameworks under Polish conditions and provides an impression of their performance for future modelers, students and researchers.
Complex Queries for Querying Linked Data
Authors: Boumechaal Hasna , Boufaida Zizette
Published: March 2023

Querying Linked Data is one of the most important issues for the semantic web community today because it requires the user to understand the structure and vocabularies used in various data sources. Furthermore, users must be familiar with the syntax of query languages, such as SPARQL. However, because users are accustomed to natural language-based search, novice users may find it challenging to use these features. As a result, new approaches for querying Linked Data sources on the web with NL queries must be defined. In this paper, we propose a novel system for converting natural language queries into SPARQL queries to query linked and heterogeneous semantic data on the web. While most existing methods have focused on simple queries and have ignored complex queries, the method described in this work aims to handle various types of NL queries, particularly complex queries containing negation, numbers, superlatives, and comparative adjectives. Three complementary strategies are used in this context: (1) identifying the semantic relations between query terms in order to understand the user’s needs; (2) mapping the NL terms to semantic entities; and (3) constructing the query’s valid triples based on the different links used to describe the identified entities in order to generate correct SPARQL queries. The empirical evaluations show that the proposed system is effective.
Impacts of Land Cover Changes on Catches of Nile Perch and Nile Tilapia on Lake Kyoga, Uganda
Authors: Nambi Rebecca Walugembe , Getahun Abebe , Muyodi Fredrick Jones , Rukuunya Edward
Published: March 2023

In East Africa, Nile perch and Nile tilapia are major commercial fish species, providing reliable protein and income sources. However, their stocks are dwindling on Lake Kyoga due to land use and land cover (LULC) changes within the surrounding catchment. Thus, this paper aims at assessing the land use land cover on Lake Kyoga and its immediate catchment and how those changes affect the water quality and the local fish catches. The Iso-Cluster tool in ArcGIS was used to analyze Landsat images from the years 1989 to 2021 to obtain LULC information. The LULC classes were classified into water, wetland, agricultural land, rangeland, and settlements. Correction using a 2-tailed test of the water quality parameters with the LULC classes indicated a strong positive correlation of TN with water (0.71), a strong negative correlation of TP with rangelands (−0.83), and a strong positive correlation of Chl-a with settlement (0.98) at a 0.05 confidence level. The correlation of the recorded fish catch data with fishing gear showed a strong negative correlation with cast and monofilament nets. Continued use of illegal fishing gear was ranked number 1 of the causes of LULC by the stakeholders. Thus, the fisheries managers should collaborate with local stakeholders to boost declining fish catches for improved livelihoods and sustainable management.
Enhancing the Hydrolysis and Acyl Transfer Activity of Carboxylesterase DLFae4 by a Combinational Mutagenesis and In-Silico Method
Authors: Li Longxiang , Ding Liping , Shao Yuting , Sun Shengwei , Wang Mengxi , Xiang Jiahui , Zhou Jingjie , Wu Guojun , Song Zhe , Xin Zhihong
Published: March 2023

In the present study, a feruloyl esterase DLFae4 identified in our previous research was modified by error-prone PCR and site-directed saturation mutation to enhance the catalytic efficiency and acyltransferase activity further. Five mutants with 6.9–118.9% enhanced catalytic activity toward methyl ferulate (MFA) were characterized under the optimum conditions. Double variant DLFae4-m5 exhibited the highest hydrolytic activity (270.97 U/mg), the Km value decreased by 83.91%, and the Kcat/Km value increased by 6.08-fold toward MFA. Molecular docking indicated that a complex hydrogen bond network in DLFae4-m5 was formed, with four of five bond lengths being shortened compared with DLFae4, which might account for the increase in catalytic activity. Acyl transfer activity assay revealed that the activity of DLFae4 was as high as 1550.796 U/mg and enhanced by 375.49% (5823.172 U/mg) toward 4-nitrophenyl acetate when residue Ala-341 was mutated to glycine (A341G), and the corresponding acyl transfer efficiency was increased by 7.7 times, representing the highest acyltransferase activity to date, and demonstrating that the WGG motif was pivotal for the acyltransferase activity in family VIII carboxylesterases. Further experiments indicated that DLFae4 and variant DLFae4 (A341G) could acylate cyanidin-3-O-glucoside effectively in aqueous solution. Taken together, our study suggested the effectiveness of error-prone PCR and site-directed saturation mutation to increase the specific activity of enzymes and may facilitate the practical application of this critical feruloyl esterase.
Pomegranate Peel Powder: In Vitro Efficacy and Application to Contaminated Liquid Foods
Authors: Lacivita Valentina , Lordi Adriana , Posati Tamara , Zamboni Roberto , Del Nobile Matteo Alessandro , Conte Amalia
Published: March 2023

In this study the recycling of pomegranate peel powder (PPP) was proposed. In particular, the use of powder loaded in a silk fibroin polymeric matrix to create an active pad was tested. For the sake of comparison, the powder alone was also analysed. Both powder and active pad efficacy was assessed in two different food systems, soymilk (rich in proteins), preliminarily contaminated with Pseudomonas spp. and yeasts, and apple juice (rich in carbohydrates), preliminarily contaminated with Alyciclobacillus acidoterrestris. Three different concentrations of powder alone and powder in the pad were tested (5%, 7.5% and 10% w/v) in both types of beverages. To assess a possible dependence of the efficacy on the powder granulometry, different powder sizes were preliminarily analysed on Pseudomonas spp. and yeasts using an in vitro test. PPP was effective on both Pseudomonas spp. and yeasts. No significant differences appeared among the tested granulometries and therefore in the subsequent tests powder with an average diameter of 250 µm was used. Results recorded with soymilk and apple juice were different. When applied to the soymilk, the activity of PPP in the pad was less effective than that recorded when the powder was directly added to the beverage. With the two highest powder concentrations directly added to food, more than four log cycle reductions in Pseudomonas spp. and yeast cells were recorded, compared to soymilk without any powder. Compared to the control sample, all the soymilk samples either with PPP or with the active pad showed a delayed microbial and fungal growth. When applied to apple juice, both powder and pad were effective at completely inhibiting the proliferation of A. acidoterrestris (<102 CFU/g).
Robust Trajectory Tracking Control for Serial Robotic Manipulators Using Fractional Order-Based PTID Controller
Authors: Ataşlar-Ayyıldız Banu
Published: March 2023

The design of advanced robust control is crucial for serial robotic manipulators under various uncertainties and disturbances in case of the forceful performance needs of industrial robotic applications. Therefore, this work has proposed the design and implementation of a fractional order proportional tilt integral derivative (FOPTID) controller in joint space for a 3-DOF serial robotic manipulator. The proposed controller has been designed based on the fractional calculus concept to fulfill trajectory tracking with high accuracy and also reduce effects from disturbances and uncertainties. The parameters of the controller have been optimized with a GWO–PSO algorithm, which is a hybrid tuning method, by considering the time integral performance criterion. The superior and contribution of the GWO–PSO-based FOPTID controller has been demonstrated by comparing the results with those offered by PID, FOPID and PTID control strategies tuned by the GWO–PSO. The examination of the results showed that the proposed controller, which is based on the GWO–PSO algorithm, demonstrates better trajectory tracking performance and increased robustness against various trajectories, external disturbances, and joint frictions as compared to other controllers under the same operating conditions. In terms of the trajectory tracking performance for robustness, the superiority of the proposed controllers tuned by GWO–PSO has been confirmed by 20.2% to 44.5% reductions in the joint tracking errors. Moreover, for assessing the energy consumption of the tuned controllers, the total energy consumption of the proposed controller for all joints has been remarkably reduced by 2.45% as compared to others. Consequently, the results illustrated that the proposed controller is robust and stable and sustains against the continuous disturbance.
Solitary Wave Solutions to a Fractional Model Using the Improved Modified Extended Tanh-Function Method
Authors: Almatrafi Mohammed Bakheet
Published: March 2023

Nonlinear fractional partial differential equations (NLFPDEs) are widely used in simulating a variety of phenomena arisen in several disciplines such as applied mathematics, engineering, physics, and a wide range of other applications. Solitary wave solutions of NLFPDEs have become a significant tool in understanding the long-term dynamics of these events. This article primarily focuses on using the improved modified extended tanh-function algorithm to determine certain traveling wave solutions to the space-time fractional symmetric regularized long wave (SRLW) equation, which is used to discuss space-charge waves, shallow water waves, etc. The Jumarie’s modified Riemann-Liouville derivative is successfully used to deal with the fractional derivatives, which appear in the SRLW problem. We find many traveling wave solutions on the form of trigonometric, hyperbolic, complex, and rational functions. Furthermore, the performance of the employed technique is investigated in comparison to other techniques such as the Oncoming exp(−Θ(q))-expansion method and the extended Jacobi elliptic function expansion strategy. Some obtained results are graphically displayed to show their physical features. The findings of this article demonstrate that the used approach enables us to handle more NLFPDEs that emerge in mathematical physics.
Geothermal Explosion at the 2014 Landslide-Covered Area of the Geyser Valley, Kamchatka, Russian Far East
Authors: Allahbakhshi Masoud , Shevchenko Alina V. , Belousov Alexander B. , Belousova Marina G. , Kämpf Horst , Walter Thomas R.
Published: March 2023

Geyser geothermal fields are scenic volcanic landforms that often contain tens to hundreds of thermal spot vents that erupt boiling water or contain bubbling mud pools. The fields are potentially hazardous sites due to boiling water temperatures and changes in vent locations and eruption dynamics, which are poorly understood. Here we report on the rapid and profound changes that can affect such a geyser field and ultimately lead to a dangerous, unanticipated eruption. We studied the Geyser Valley, Kamchatka Peninsula, which is a field of geysers and other thermal features and boiling pools. Using high-resolution tri-stereo satellite data and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with optical and thermal infrared cameras in 2018 and 2019, we were able to identify a newly emerging explosion site. Structure-from-motion analysis of data acquired before and after the explosion reveals morphological and thermal details of the new vent. The explosion site produced an aureole zone of more than 150 m3 of explosively redeposited gravel and clay, a slightly elliptical crater with a diameter of 7.5 m and a crater rim 0.30 m high. However, comparison with archives of photogrammetric data suggests that this site was thermally active years earlier and contained a crater that was obscured and covered by landslides and river sediments. The results allow us to develop a conceptual model and highlight the hazard potential of thermal features buried by landslides and clastic deposits. Sudden explosions may occur at similar sites elsewhere, highlighting the need for careful assessment and monitoring of geomorphological and hydrological changes at geyser sites in other regions.
“What to Do with the Dangerous Few?”: Abolition-Feminism, Monstrosity and the Reimagination of Sexual Harm in Miguel Piñero’s “Short Eyes”
Authors: Ciolkowski Laura E.
Published: March 2023

The problem of child sexual abuse (CSA) is a crucial point of entry into abolition-feminist conversations about justice and punishment, healing and repair. The popular belief that the “child sex offender” is uniquely irredeemable, eternally depraved and dangerous can trouble abolition-feminist efforts to address the devastating harm of CSA without reproducing the violence of prison and punishment. It also forces us to return to the question of “what to do with the dangerous few?” A familiar “tough on crime” refrain, this question mystifies the social, economic, and political conditions that nurture interpersonal violence. It also illustrates how centering our attention on “the monster in our midst” feeds an attachment to the mistaken belief that sexual harm is locatable in individual, bad people; that it is fixable by criminal law, and, in short, that justice and repair can be measured by the number of years one is sentenced to live behind bars. Miguel Piñero’s 1972 play “Short Eyes” exposes the failure of our attempts to incarcerate our way out of child sexual abuse and opens a literary-artistic space in which to explore the roots of violence and the abuse of power. The play dramatizes the particular ways in which the incarceration of those deemed the worst of the worst does not alleviate suffering or promote safety; rather, it prevents us from getting to the root of even the most horrific forms of abuse and from fully engaging, confronting and, finally, interrupting the daily, quotidian acts of sexual violence that are hiding in plain sight.
Laparogastroscopy—A Transgastric Laparoscopic Approach for Malignant Esophageal Stenosis
Authors: Lupu-Petria Alexandra Delia , Sabau Alexandru Dan , Serban Dragos , Trotea Tiberiu , Maniu Ionela , Sabau Dan
Published: March 2023

This paper presents the laparogastroscopy procedure, a mini-invasive, palliative method as an alternative to gastrostomy to be recommended by gastroenterologists. Laparogastroscopic stenting with endoluminal transtumoral drilling solves the problem of oral nutrition in patients with unresectable esophageal cancer, avoiding percutaneous feeding. The results of this technique are presented in a retrospective analysis of a study group of 63 patients with advanced esophageal carcinoma admitted between January 2015 and December 2020 at Department of General Surgery of Emergency County Hospital Sibiu, Romania, in terms of post-operative morbidity and mortality. The type of stents used were Pezzer prostheses (48.6%), silicone prostheses (31.9%), and self-expanding metal stents (6.9%). Eight patients (12.7%) had fistulas (at admission to the clinic), which were successfully sealed. Post-operative dysphagia was absent in most patients and minimal in 16.6% of patients, so all patients could initiate oral feeding, improving their nutritional status. The average length of hospitalization for all patients was 9.22 ± 5.05 days. The most frequent local complications were restenosis (9.5%), stent displacement (7.9%), and bleeding (4.8%). The mean survival time was 10.75 ± 15.72 months. Laparogastroscopic stenting could be a valuable alternative in palliative esophageal cancer surgery, improving the quality of life and nutritional status in patients unsuitable for endoscopic stenting.