bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cold-air assisted fluidized bed tea production cycle as a novel method
Authors: Kilic Aydin
Published: August 2023

Recent research reveals that basic low temperature processes have significantly preserve to the biomaterial quality. In the production process of the tea plant, which is known for its bioactive characteristics, many basic processes that are thought to affect the bioactivity are applied. In this study, the applicability of some chemical properties and sensory qualities of freeze withering (LTwh), rotary curling, cold air assisted fluidized bed drying applications in white and black tea production were investigated. For this purpose, 300 g of buds harvested in the first shoot period were used in the production of white tea (Wt), while fresh tea samples collected as three leaves of the same weight were used for the production of Black tea (Bt). In this context, the samples collected for both trials were frozen at (-18 ºC) degrees after harvesting and thawed again at refrigerator temperature as a withering process. The rolling process was carried out using a rolling unit with a rotating cabinet (40 rpm/min, 32ºC, 8 s, 90 rh) specially designed for the Bt samples after the withering. During drying, the same drying parameters of both products (Wt, Bt) were applied in a fluidized bed system (60, 40, 25, 10ºC) with a high air velocity (± 5 m/s). In this regard the withering, rolling (only for Bt), fluidisation value, cold air assisted fluidised bed drying, brewing, physical, chemical and sensory characteristics of Wt and Bt were investigated.
Valorization of lignocellulosic waste using Halothermophilic Bacillus sp.: A sustainable approach for the production of glycoside hydrolase
Authors: Qayyum Azkah , Siddiqui Ayesha , Zohra Rashida Rahmat , Ahmad Mahnaz , Zohra Raheela Rahmat
Published: August 2023

The primary sector of Pakistan’s economy is agriculture. A huge number of agriculture industries are currently operating in all provinces of Pakistan. However, the various procedures in agriculture industries release abundant amount of waste that accumulate in environment therefore causing pollution. The approaches of industrial biotechnology give solution of environmental pollution by effective consumption of these waste residues in to industrially important metabolites especially enzymes through microbial fermentation in ecofriendly manner. In microbial domain, bacterial cells are largely used for the production of different enzymes specifically starch degrading enzymes. Among them, glycoside hydrolase is well known to be secreted extracellularly in adequate quantities. An important category of glycoside hydrolase is amylase. Amylases possess huge number of industrial applications as they are utilized in various processes of food, textile, paper, detergent, leather, starch, pharmaceutical and fuel industries. The current study was based on the utilization of several lignocellulosic substrates for the production of amylase by indigenously isolated halothermophilic Bacillus subtilis C5W. Parametric optimization resulted in the production of maximum amylase in a modified starch production medium. Enhanced enzyme yield was attained at 50 °C after 24 hours of incubation period in modified culture medium (pH 7.0). For nutritional requirement of isolate for enhanced production of amylase, various agro-industrial wastes were used as a carbon source along with soluble starch as a control. Rice husk greatly induced amylase production (57.5%) among all agro substrates. Although starch (1.5%) provoked maximum production of amylase as it is in purified form but consumption of agro-industrial biomass significantly enhanced amylase production. Other chemical components like peptone (0.05%) as an organic nitrogen source and NaCl (1%) was also associated with improved production of enzyme. The ability of isolated Bacillus specie to sustain in wide pH ranges with least fermentation time makes it as a potential candidate for mass production of amylase. Moreover, the potential usage of agro industrial substrates for cultivation of amylase reduces cost of fermentation media and production setups.
Economic growth and environmental pollution in small-scale E-DSGE model. The case of Azerbaijan
Authors: Valiyev Vilayat , Abbasov Ceyhun , Gulaliyev Elchin
Published: August 2023

In this article, stochastic simulations were carried out by building a small-scale E-DSGE model. The relationship between some macroeconomic variables and the level of environmental pollution was studied by including the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) in the structure of the model. In the research work, the analytical form of EKC is presented in a special form. In order to further strengthen our particular approach in the analytical form of EKC, we have taken the environment pollution elasticity of output as a stochastic exogenous variable. In the study, stochastic simulations were performed using the first and second order Taylor approximation around the steady state. It was found that the variance decomposition of the volatility of an environmental pollution level was completely different for these two simulations. However, in both simulations, the TFP and government spending shocks reduced the environmental pollution level.
Is there a gap between sexes regarding factors related to the unmet dental care needs of disabled adults? An analysis from a national survey on disabled persons
Authors: Kim Na-Hyeon , Ryu Jae-In
Published: August 2023

Background
Health status and health care utilization in people with disabilities are more likely to be poorer than those without disabilities. This study aims to analyze the relationship between sociodemographic information and the unmet dental care needs of people with disabilities and explore the effect of sex within this relationship.
Methods
The 2014 national survey of the disabled population was used, which separated unmet healthcare needs into medical and dental services. Unweighted samples included 6,824 people with disabilities in total and 6,555 (96.1% of the total, weighted as 6,583) people aged 20 years or older were selected as the study population. Frequency and chi-square tests were conducted to determine differences in the prevalence of unmet dental needs based on socioeconomic information, chronic diseases, and behavioral factors after applying weights. Logistic regressions were performed using an adjusted model with sociodemographic information, chronic diseases, and behavioral variables. All analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA).
Results
Analysis of the factors related to unmet dental care requirements revealed that they were higher in women and the elderly. In the logistic model, only disabled adults who were in the middle SES or diagnosed with hypertension did not show statistically significant differences by related factors after fully adjusting. Considering the interaction effect of age on unmet dental needs depending on sex differences, the odds ratio decreased for females with every annual increase in both models. Compared with the younger group, the older group showed a lower risk of having unmet dental needs, especially in females.
Conclusions
The factor most closely related to the unmet dental care needs of disabled people was socioeconomic problems. Its influence also differed by sex. Therefore, economic support measures and long-term policy consideration are needed to reduce the unmet dental care needs of disabled people and promote oral health.
Challenges associated with follow-up care after implementation of an HPV screen-and-treat program with ablative therapy for cervical cancer prevention in Iquitos, Peru: a mixed methods study
Authors: Morse Rachel , Brown Joanna , López E. Jennifer Ríos , Prieto Bryn A. , Kohler-Smith Anna , Díaz Karina Gonzales , Escudero Magaly Figueredo , Cuadro Daniel Lenin del , Aguila Giannina Vásquez del , Grandez Henrry Daza , Meza Graciela , Tracy J. Kathleen , Gravitt Patti E. , Paz‑Soldan Valerie A. , Group The Proyecto Precancer Study
Published: August 2023

Background
Cervical cancer is a preventable cancer; however, decreasing its prevalence requires early detection and treatment strategies that reduce rates of loss to follow-up. This study explores factors associated with loss to follow-up among HPV-positive women after implementation of a screen-and-treat approach with visual triage and ablative therapy for cervical cancer prevention in Iquitos, Peru.
Methods
We conducted semi-structured interviews with nurse-midwives (n = 15) working in cervical cancer prevention and women (n = 24) who were recorded as lost to follow-up after positive HPV results. We used the Health Care Access Barriers Model to guide analysis. We utilize manifest content analysis to describe barriers to follow-up according to the nurse-midwives and thematic analysis to report themes from the women’s perspectives. We also report the steps and time taken to contact women and report discrepancies and concordances between nurse-midwives and women regarding reasons for loss to follow-up.
Results
Women in this study expressed a desire to receive treatment. Barriers, including fragmented and incomplete registry systems, made receiving follow-up care more challenging. Nurse-midwives faced structural barriers in attempting to deliver positive results to women who were challenging to contact, and women did not have clear knowledge of how to receive their HPV results. Women faced cognitive barriers including a lack of understanding about HPV results and treatment procedures, fear or anxiety about HPV or treatment, and confusion about the follow-up process. Women also reported having important work matters as a barrier. Reported financial barriers were minimal. There was agreement between women’s and nurse-midwives’ reported barriers to follow-up in slightly over half of the cases.
Conclusion
This study highlights the barriers to follow-up after implementation of a primary-level HPV-based screen-and-treat approach. While some barriers that have previously been associated with loss to follow-up were not observed in this study (e.g., financial), we emphasize the need for screen-and-treat programs to focus on strategies that can address incomplete registry systems, structural challenges in results delivery, cognitive barriers in understanding results and treatment, and work-related barriers.
Growth-stimulating and anti-stress activity of lipids of the seed of Zygophyllum oxianum Boriss.under salt stress
Authors: Svetlana Gusakova , Rano Zakirova , Shahrukh Ibotov , Elvira Kurbanova , Nigora Yuldasheva
Published: August 2023

It is known that the lipid components of plant cells play an important role in protecting plants from the influence of stress factors. Changes in membrane lipids in response to salinity are observed in many plant species, including halophytes and glycophytes. Lipid messenger molecules are involved in many important processes of the adaptive mechanism that allow plants to cope with salt stress. The aim of the work was the studying of the lipids of the seeds of the plant Zygophyllum oxianum Boriss. (family of Zygophyllaceae) and their effect on the growth of wheat shoots grown under saline conditions, as well as the effect of plant lipids on the lipid composition of wheat seedlings. As a result of the study, we found that pre-sowing treatment of wheat and cucumber seeds with neutral components of Zygophyllum moxianum seed lipids in low doses stimulates the growth and development of seedlings of these crops under normal conditions and under the influence of salt stress, promotes the formation of total lipids and the biosynthesis of eicosatrienoic and arachidonic acids in wheat seedlings grown under saline conditions.
Porcine milk exosomes modulate the immune functions of CD14+ monocytes in vitro
Authors: Morales Gabriela Ávila , De Leonardis Daria , Filipe Joel , Ferreira Rafaela Furioso , Agazzi Alessandro , Sauerwein Helga , Comi Marcello , Mrljak Vladimir , Lecchi Cristina , Ceciliani Fabrizio
Published: August 2023

Exosomes mediate near and long-distance intercellular communication by transferring their molecular cargo to recipient cells, altering their biological response. Milk exosomes (MEx) are internalized by immune cells and exert immunomodulatory functions in vitro. Porcine MEx can accumulate in the small intestine, rich in macrophages. No information is available on the immunomodulatory ability of porcine MEx on porcine monocytes, which are known precursors of gut macrophages. Therefore, this study aims at (1) assessing the in vitro uptake of porcine MEx by porcine monocytes (CD14+), and (2) evaluating the in vitro impact of porcine MEx on porcine monocytes immune functions. MEx were purified by ultracentrifugation and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The monocytes’ internalization of PKH26-labeled MEx was examined using fluorescence microscopy. Monocytes were incubated with increasing exosome concentrations and their apoptosis and viability were measured. Lastly, the ability of MEx to modulate the cells’ immune activities was evaluated by measuring monocytes’ phagocytosis, the capacity of killing bacteria, chemotaxis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. MEx were internalized by porcine monocytes in vitro. They also decreased their chemotaxis and phagocytosis, and increased ROS production. Altogether, this study provides insights into the role that MEx might play in pigs’ immunity by demonstrating that MEx are internalized by porcine monocytes in vitro and exert immunomodulatory effects on inflammatory functions.
New Insights on Solar Wind-Cosmic Ray Role-play in Rainfall
Authors: Syiemlieh Rissnalin , Saikia Eeshankur
Published: August 2023

Though the Solar-Galactic interaction in the terrestrial environment is a well-known phenomenon for the formation of rain-yielding clouds, the study of this event in a predominantly monsoon-dependent region such as India, is ignored due to its relatively lesser influence on the total rainfall. However, since ocean currents and hence monsoon is consistently getting transformed from a periodic and predictable system to a stochastic and unpredictable one due to anomalies, the need to understand the impact of global parameters on local rainfalls is enormous today. From our study, it is not only confirmed that Solar Wind and Cosmic Rays play major roles in the formation of rain-yielding clouds even at geographical locations where more than 70% of the total rainfall is caused by monsoons, but also found that there is a dominant and consistent period of around 4.66 years, which is very significant as it happens to be the period of Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO). Besides helping in strategic planning for rain-dependent events at the global level, the results obtained are expected to detect and predict local anomalies in the terrestrial environment due to variations in the Earth-Moon and Solar-Galactic system.
Effect of angular distortion and axial misalignment on the fatigue strength of welded and grinded mild steel cruciform joints.
Authors: Laher Benjamin , Buzzi Christian , Leitner Martin , Brunnhofer Peter
Published: August 2023

The focus of this work is to investigate the fatigue strength of a cruciform joint one-sided through-welded by a VH seam with a backing layer made of a 10 mm thick S355 mild steel. The aim is, firstly to analyse the effect of the deformation state incorporating angular distortion and axial misalignment on the fatigue strength of the tested specimens. Secondly, the analysis of the benefit by grinding as post-treatment method on the resulting fatigue performance. The deformation impact is numerically investigated utilizing geometry measurements of the specimens as well as strain gauge measurements for validation. Thereby, the near notch stress under clamping condition without any load and under an additional static nominal load is analysed. Based on these investigations, the applied stress range for each tested specimen is converted to a “deformation-free” condition by means of the IIW-recommended km-factor. The statistical analyses of the data points with and without this modification reveals a significant impact by the deformation state on both, the evaluated fatigue strength and the scatter band. Moreover, this affects the evaluated benefit by grinding as post-treatment, whereas an increase of more than 40% in the fatigue strength at two million cycles is observed using the modified data points.
Global Warming Determines Future Increase in Compound Dry and Hot Days within Wheat Growing Seasons Worldwide
Authors: He Yan , Zhao Yanxia , Sun Shao , Fang Jiayi , Zhang Yi , Sun Qing , Liu Li , Duan Yihong , Hu Xiaokang , Shi Peijun
Published: August 2023

Compound drought and hot extremes are proved to be the most damaging climatic stressor to wheat production thereby with grave implications for global food security, thus it is critical to systematically reveal their future changes under unabated global warming. In this study, we comprehensively investigate the global changes of compound dry and hot days (CDHD) during dynamic wheat growing seasons of 2015–2100 under 4 socio-economic scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5) based on the latest downscaled Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models. The results demonstrate a notable increase in CDHD’s frequency (CDHDf) and severity (CDHDs) in the future, by the end of 21st century, global average (CDHDf) and (CDHDs) are expected to increase by 6.5 ~ 27.5 days and 0.43 ~ 1.43 with reference to 1995–2014. Adopting a low forcing pathway will reduce CDHD in up to 95.1% of wheat planting grids. As the top 10 wheat producer, Ukraine, Turkey and America will suffer much more and stronger CDHD in future wheat growing seasons under all SSPs. Global warming will dominate the future increase of CDHD worldwide directly by promoting hot days to increase and indirectly by enhancing potential evapotranspiration (PET) thereby promoting drought events. This study helps to optimize adaptation strategies for mitigating risks from CDHD on wheat production, and provides new insights and analysis paradigm for investigating future variations in compound extremes occurring within dynamic crops growing seasons worldwide.
Multifunctional Fucoidan-loaded Zn-MOF-Encapsulated Microneedles for MRSA-Infected Wound Healing
Authors: Jiang Zichao , Li Jingyi , Wang Jiahao , Pan Yixiao , Liang Shuailong , Hu Yihe , Wang Long
Published: August 2023

Infected wound healing remains a serious challenge in clinical practice due to I) infection by diverse pathogens with drug resistance; II) long-term inflammation of lesions, which inhibits tissue regeneration; and III) infection by pathogens that can survive intracellularly to evade antibiotic treatment. Microneedle patches as wound dressings with antibacterial activity and regeneration capacity are desirable for wound healing. Herein, we used a Zn-MOF (ZIF) loaded with low molecular weight fucoidan (Fu) and further coated with hyaluronic acid (HA) as a biomedical agent to fabricate a microneedle patch (HAZ@Fu MN) that can realize transdermal drug delivery, intracellular and extracellular antibacterial activity and combination therapy for MRSA-infected wounds. Multifunctional HAZ@Fu NPs are mixed with photocrosslinked gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and then loaded into the tips of the MN patch. Enabling the HAZ@Fu NPs to reach the deep layer of the dermis, further targeting surviving MRSA at the subcellular level, which is facilitated by the HA coating. The released Zn2+ and Fu can damage the bacterial capsule, and also conducive to tissue regeneration. It has been demonstrated that HAZ@Fu MN, benefiting from these features, can dramatically inhibit MRSA and accelerate epithelial regeneration, inflammation resolution and neovascularization. The therapeutic effects of HAZ@Fu MN were demonstrated with MRSA-infected full-thickness cutaneous wounds in a mouse model. These results indicate that the combination of HAZ@Fu and degradable MN is of great value for promoting infected wound healing.
A study on psychological traits of long-term fieldworkers
Authors: Kojima Yasuo , Takahashi Kohske , Matsuura Naoki , Shimada Masaki
Published: August 2023

Background
Fieldwork researchers may be extremely deprived of routine and familiarity, over a period of weeks, months, or even years, and this leads to a major challenge for them in terms of appropriately coping with stress. However, the literature that describe fieldworkers maintain their physical and mental wellbeing under these conditions and their experiences is lacking. This study aims to elucidate the adaptation of fieldworkers to life in the field, their experiences, and learning from their experience.
Methods
Based on interviews with 10 researchers (male: 7; female: 3) in various disciplines, such as zoology, anthropology, and ecology, we examined the psychological characteristics that make such fieldwork possible. The interviews were recorded with the consent of the participants. A qualitative analysis of their narratives was conducted.
Results
The results led to six major categories encompassing 35 and 19 small and medium categories, respectively. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that experiences unique to fieldwork were extracted such as the assumption that unplanned events may occur, the ability to enjoy local lifestyles and relationships with people while receiving support, and the feeling that can only be experienced by crossing a boundary into a world that is overwhelmingly different from one's everyday life. Moreover, the results indicated that years of fieldwork experience may influence values and attitudes as well as the manner of engagement in interpersonal relationships.
Conclusions
The findings revealed that fieldworkers, regardless of their discipline, have a unique research style and attitude deeply related to the fact that they have to conduct their research activities based on the assumption that things do not go on as planned, a curiosity for sensations, and new stimuli that can only be experienced by crossing over into a world that is overwhelmingly different from everyday life. A flexible mindset enables them to acknowledge and enjoy that the world is comprised of a diverse range of landscapes. The results also indicated that years of fieldwork experience may influence the values and attitudes of an individual, as well as the nature of one’s interpersonal relationships.
Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Hypothermic Cardiac Arrest: A Secondary Analysis of Multicenter Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Registry Data in Japan
Authors: Tanizawa Shu , Kojima Mitsuaki , Shoko Tomohisa , Inoue Akihiko , Hifumi Toru , Sakamoto Tetsuya , Kuroda Yasuhiro
Published: August 2023

Background
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is used to resuscitate patients with cardiac arrest; however, its effectiveness in treating hypothermic cardiac arrest has not been well studied. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the characteristics and outcomes of patients with hypothermic cardiac arrest who underwent ECPR using a multicenter out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) registry in Japan.
Methods
Patients with hypothermic OHCA with body temperature below 32°C were identified, and their baseline characteristics were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality and neurological outcomes in patients with hypothermic OHCA. A comparison of outcomes between hypothermic and cardiogenic OHCA cases was also conducted using propensity score matching to investigate differences among subgroups.
Results
We included 2,157 patients, with 102 and 1,644 in the hypothermia and cardiogenic groups, respectively. In the multivariate logistic analysis, age (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; p < 0.01) and estimated low-flow time (OR, 1.02; p = 0.04) were independent risk factors for mortality, and age (OR, 1.06; p < 0.01) was an independent risk factor for unfavorable neurological outcomes in hypothermic OHCA. In the propensity score matching analysis, 62 matched pairs were selected, and the mortality rate was lower in the hypothermic group than in the cardiogenic group (46.8% vs. 83.9%, p < 0.01). Additionally, the rate of unfavorable neurological outcomes was lower in the hypothermic group than in the cardiogenic group (64.5% vs. 95.2%, p < 0.01).
Conclusions
Increased age and prolonged duration of low-flow time were identified as negative prognostic factors in patients with hypothermic OHCA who underwent ECPR. Moreover, patients with hypothermic OHCA showed lower mortality and unfavorable neurological outcome rates than patients with cardiogenic OHCA, suggesting that ECPR is a promising strategy for treating patients with hypothermic OHCA.
Exploring the differences in precipitation moisture sources and their mechanisms during the rainy season in northwest China
Authors: Wang zhilan , Zhang Mingjun , Sun Meiping , Che Cunwei , Lu Rui , Liu Lingling
Published: August 2023

Moisture sources, as the material basis, will directly influence the regional precipitation variability. However, there are limited understanding of the characteristics and mechanisms of climate variability and the combined influence of multiple atmospheric circulation systems over the Northwest China (NW). Thus, this studying uses ERA5 reanalysis data, atmospheric circulation index and 128 observation stations in rainy season from 1960-2017. Based on the moisture budget equation, the characteristics of precipitation change and its influence mechanism were analyzed in wet and drought years. The results show that the precipitation showed a significant upward trend during 1960-2017,with a climate tendency rate was 2.8 mm/10a and a huge difference in changes between western and eastern regions. The NW was dominated by westerly water vapor transport. During the wet year, the western region was controlled by the Mongol-Baikal high pressure and the eastern region was controlled by the Western North Pacific high pressure, both of which form abnormal anticyclones. The western Pacific subtropical high pressure extends westward. During the drought year, the western region was controlled by the Mongolia-Baikal low pressure,while the eastern region was controlled by the western North Pacific high pressure, which resulted in the formation of an anomalous cyclone and an anomalous anticyclone, respectively. Over the last 58 years, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) has shifted from positive to negative phase, however Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) is the opposite. These shifts caused anomalies in the monsoon and westerly circulation, which induced anomalies in the dynamical processes of the vertical moisture advection term.
Antiviral activity of Astragalus Polysacharin against PRRSV infection in vitro
Authors: Zhang Pengxuan , Deng Jiayu , Wang Taifa , He Chunhua , Tang Xiaoming , Zhao Song , Zhang Chao , Ge Shenghu , Lin Yuan , Zhai Wang
Published: August 2023

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is the major respiratory difficulties and reproductive disorders-related virus that greatly threats global swine industry, while the commercial vaccines can not provide complete protection against PRRSV infection, and the promising anti-PRRSV drugs are not available. In this study, a PRRSV strain (namely HeN-ZZ) was successfully isolated from the lung sample in a PRRSV-positive farm, and its genetic and biological characteristics were analyzed. Moreover, the effects of Astragalus Polysacharin (APS) on PRRSV infection in marc-145 cells were investigated. The results showed that the viral titer of HeN-ZZ strain proliferated in marc-145 cells reached to 106.56 TCID50/mL, further molecular analysis based on the complete genome showed that HeN-ZZ strain belonged to the sublineage 8.7 (HP-PRRSV) and which was a recombinant between the sublineage 8.7 (JXA1-like) and lineage 5 (VR2232-like) strains. Using HeN-ZZ strain as a model, the results demonstrated that APS displayed efficient antiviral activities against PRRSV infection in a dose manner, with a 50% effective concentration of 2.5 µg/mL. ASP treatment inhibited the expression of viral N gene and reduced progeny virus production, mainly via suppressing viral entry and replication stages. Furthermore, ASP treatment significantly alleviated the inflammatory responses induced by PRRSV infection, suggested that ASP inhibited PRRSV infection in vitro via reducing virus -induced inflammation. These findings indicate that ASP has the potential to be used as a compound for PRRS treatment, while further animal experiments are needed to confirm its anti-PRRSV activity.
Modeling the spatial and temporal evolution of ecosystem service values under predicted land-use change: An example from the Dianchi watershed
Authors: Wang Qisheng , Xie Zhiqiang , Liang Yixin , Deng Zhanting , Jiang Fengshan , Fu Xingfeng , Wen Guang , Zhao Lei , Wang Zhanhui
Published: August 2023

In recent years, China's Yunnan Province has witnessed rapid urbanization, together with a steady advancement of economic construction in the central and western parts of the country. The Dianchi watershed is a region with the highest level of urbanization in Yunnan Province; therefore, the area is characterized by a high number of people migrating into the watershed, a huge shift in the land-use structure of the watershed, and a huge pressure on the ecosystem. This paper analyzed the land-use change patterns in the Dianchi watershed in 2000, 2010, and 2020. Second, this paper identified the driving factors and used the GeoSOS–FLUS model to simulate and forecast the land use data of the Dianchi watershed in 2030. The land use evaluation results were obtained by modifying the Xie Ecosystem Service Value Equivalent Scale (ESVES). The ecosystem service value (ESV) of the Dianchi watershed in 2030 was assessed.The results of this study show that:(1) The GeoSOS–FLUS model, which had an overall accuracy (OA) of 0.83. Moreover, a Kappa coefficient of 0.79 (greater than 0.75) indicated that the model can predict the land use situation in the study area in 2030 more accurately. (2)The prediction results indicated that in the Dianchi watershed, the construction land increased the most, and the cultivated land decreased the most. (3)The ESV assessment results revealed that the value of various ecosystem services in the Dianchi watershed increased from 2000 to 2030. However, the value of arable land and wetlands decreased from 2020 to 2030.2000,2010,2020and2030,the contribution of ecological services of watersheds was the highest, followed by the contribution of forest land, grassland, and arable land.（4）Because of the rapid increase in the living and economic standards of the public, the ESV increased the most between 2000 and 2010. This paper analyzed and predicted the land use structure of the Dianchi watershed, as well as assessed the ESVs of the watershed in the context of its socioeconomic development. The results can be used for ecological protection and rational land development in the Dianchi watershed.
Treatments and prognostic factors for bone and soft tissue sarcoma in non-urban areas in Japan.
Authors: Nakamura Nobuko , Hasebe Shinji , Yamanaka Shintaro , Fujii Tomomi , Fujibuchi Taketsugu , Kitani Teruki , Takeuchi Kazuto , Sato Yasushi , Shindo Yoshitaro , Ozaki Toshifumi , Nishisho Toshihiro , Tabata Masahiro , Yakushijin Yoshihiro
Published: August 2023

(Background) Although bone and soft tissue sarcoma is recognized as a rare cancer that originates throughout the body, few comprehensive reports regarding it have been published in Japan. (Patients and Methods) Bone and soft tissue sarcomas were tabulated from the Cancer Registries at eight university hospitals in the Chugoku-Shikoku region. Prognostic factors in cases were extracted in a single facility and have been analyzed. (Results) From 2016 to 2019, 3.4 patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas per a general population of 100,000 were treated at eight university hospitals. The number of patients who underwent multidisciplinary treatment involving collaboration among multiple clinical departments has been increasing recently. In the analysis carried out at a single institute (Ehime University Hospital), a total of 127 patients (male/female: 54/73) with an average age of 67.0 y (median 69.5) were treated for four years, with a 5-year survival rate of 55.0%. In the analysis of prognostic factors by multivariate, disease stage, renal function (creatinine), and a patient’s mobility and physical capability were strongly associated with patient prognosis regarding bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Interestingly, age did not affect the patient’s prognosis (> 70 vs ≦ 70). (Conclusion) Physical and social factors may affect the prognosis of patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas, especially those living in non-urban areas.
A Route Planning for Oil Sample Transportation Based on Improved A* Algorithm
Authors: sang yingjun , Chen Xianyan , Chen Quanyu , Tao Jinglei , Fan Yuanyuan
Published: August 2023

The traditional A* algorithm suffers from issues such as sharp turning points in the path, weak directional guidance during the search, and a large number of computed nodes. To address these problems, a modified approach called the Directional Search A* algorithm along with a path smoothing technique has been proposed. Firstly, the Directional Search A* algorithm introduces an angle constraint condition through the evaluation function. By converting sharp turns into obtuse angles, the path turning points become smoother. This approach reduces the occurrence of sharp turns in the path, resulting in improved path smoothness.Secondly, the algorithm enhances the distance function to strengthen the directional guidance during the path search. By optimizing the distance function, the algorithm tends to prefer directions that lead towards the target, which helps reduce the search space and shorten the overall path planning time. Additionally, the algorithm removes redundant nodes along the path, resulting in a more concise path representation. Lastly, the algorithm proposes an improved step size adjustment method to optimize the number of path nodes obtained. By appropriately adjusting the step size, the algorithm further reduces the number of nodes, leading to improved path planning efficiency. By applying these methods together, the Directional Search A* algorithm effectively addresses the limitations of the traditional A* algorithm and produces smoother and more efficient path planning results. Simulation experiments comparing the modified A* algorithm with the traditional A* algorithm were conducted using MATLAB. The experimental results demonstrate that the improved A* algorithm can generate shorter paths, with reduced planning time and smoother trajectories. This indicates that the Directional Search A* algorithm, incorporating the angle constraint condition in the evaluation function and the direction-guided strategy, outperforms the traditional A* algorithm in path planning and provides better solutions to the existing issues.
Screening for Severe Coronary Stenosis in Patientswith Apparently Normal Electrocardiograms Based Ondeep Learning
Authors: Xue Zhengkai , Geng Shijia , Guo Shaohua , Mu Guanyu , Yu Bo , Wang Peng , Hu Sutao , Xu Weilun , Liu Yanhong , Yang Lei , Tao Huayue , Hong Shenda , Chen Kangyin
Published: August 2023

Background
Patients with severe coronary artery stenosis may have apparently normal electrocardiograms (ECGs), making it difficult to detect the adverse health conditions during screening or physical examinations, resulting in them missing the optimal window of treatment.
Methods
The goal of this study was to develop an effective model which can distinguish severe coronary stenosis from no or mild coronary stenosis in patients with apparently normal ECGs. Deep learning (DL) models trained from scratch and with pre-trained parameters (transfer learning) were tested on ECG alone as well as on ECG along with clinical information (age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and smoking status).
Results
We found that DL models trained from scratch with ECG alone can achieve a specificity of 0.746; however, they have low sensitivity, which is comparable to the performance of logistic regression with clinical data. Although adding clinical information to the ECG DL model trained from scratch can improve the sensitivity, it reduces the specificity. Combining clinical information with the ECG transfer learning model provides the best performance, with a 0.847 AUC, 0.848 sensitivity, and 0.704 specificity.
Conclusion
The findings not only demonstrate the effectiveness of using DL models to identify severe coronary stenosis with apparently normal ECGs, but also validate an efficient approach using existing ECG models. With transfer learning techniques, we can extract “deep features” that summarize the ECG’s inherent information with inexpensive calculations.
Edge Assignment in Edge Federated Learning
Authors: Do Thuy , Tran Duc A. , Vo Anh
Published: August 2023

Federated Learning (FL) is a recent Machine Learning method for training with private data locally stored in distributed machines without gathering them into one place for central learning. Because FL depends on a central server for repeated aggregation of local training models, this server is prone to become a performance bottleneck. Therefore, one can combine FL with Edge Computing: introduce a layer of edge servers to each serve as a regional aggregator to offload the main server. The scalability is thus improved, however at the cost of learning accuracy. We show that this cost can be alleviated with a proper choice of edge server assignment: which edge servers should aggregate the training models from which local machines. Specifically, we propose an assignment solution which is especially useful for the case of non-IID training data (well-known to hinder today's FL performance). Our findings are substantiated with an evaluation study using real-world datasets.
Do different weight initialization strategies have an impact on transfer learning for plant disease detection?
Authors: TERZI DUYGU SINANC
Published: August 2023

The concept of weight initialization technique for transfer learning refers to the practice of using pre-trained models that can be modified to solve new problems, instead of starting the training process from scratch. By using pre-trained models as a starting point, the network can learn from patterns and features present in the original data, improving overall accuracy and allowing for faster convergence during training. In this study, four different transfer learning weight initialization strategies are proposed for plant disease detection: random initialization, pre-trained model on different domain (ImageNet), model trained on related domain (ISIC 2019), and model trained on same domain (PlantVillage). Weights from each strategy are transferred to a target dataset, Plant Pathology 2021. These strategies were implemented using four state-of-the-art CNN-based architectures: AlexNet, DenseNet, MobileNetV2, and VGG. The best result was obtained when both the target and source datasets included images of plant diseases. In this case, VGG was used and resulted in an 85.9% weighted f-score, which is a 9% improvement from random initialization. The transfer of knowledge from small-sized, related domain data (skin cancer data) was almost as successful as the transfer from ImageNet. Transferring from ImageNet yielded an f-score of 85.7%, while transferring from skin cancer data resulted in an f-score of 85.2%. This indicates that ImageNet, which is widely favored in the literature, may not necessarily represent the most optimal transfer source for the given context. Finally, the classifications made by the proposed models were visualized using Grad-CAM to better understand the decision-making process.
Characterization and potential mechanism of resistance to double-stranded RNA in willow leaf beetle, Plagiodera versicolora
Authors: Liao Chongyu , Zhang Miao , Zhang Jiang
Published: August 2023

RNAi-based pesticides have emerged rapidly in recent decades and are believed to be the third generation of pesticides. Although two case studies of the resistance to RNA pesticides have been reported in western corn rootworm and Colorado potato beetle, whether RNAi-resistance is general phenomena in other coleopteran insects and the underlying mechanism of resistance to RNA pesticides are largely unknown. Here we report the development of a highly (> 4110-fold) dsRNA-resistant population (Pv-30R) of Plagiodera versicolora by feeding a laboratory-rearing susceptible population (Pv-S) with the leaves of willow plants after seven episodes of selection using foliar coating dsRNA targeting a signal recognition particle protein 54k gene. We showed that Pv-30R was cross-resistant to another dsRNAs (dsActin and dsSnap) but susceptible to the Cry3Bb protein from Bacillus thuringiensis, and the resistance was an autosomal and recessive trait. Although no significant differences of the dsRNA stability in the midgut of larvae between Pv-S and Pv-30R were observed, uptake of dsRNA in the midgut tissue of larvae from Pv-30R was impaired. Overall, these results demonstrate that high-levels of resistance to RNA pesticides can developed quickly in P. versicolora in laboratory condition. These findings highlight the requirements to counter the potential rapid evolution of insect resistance to dsRNA in the field.
Healthcare Waste Management Practices in Public Health Facilities in Nairobi City County, Kenya
Authors: Mogaka Brenda , Maru Shital , Karimi Peter , Nimpagaritse Manassé
Published: August 2023

Background
Proper healthcare waste management (HCWM) involves the accurate categorization and segregation of waste by healthcare waste (HCW) producers in correct color-coded bins.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hazardous waste affects 10-25% of HCWs and can have many health risks for healthcare providers, patients, and the general public. Many health facilities have poor waste-segregation techniques, causing up to 50% of garbage to be infectious.
Methodology
This study utilizeda descriptive cross-sectional research design. The study utilized self-administered questionnaires to obtain quantitative data from health care workers in four main departments, namely, pharmacy, laboratory, clinical and support staff, in the public health facilities in Nairobi County.
Results
The study conducted in Nairobi County found that the majority of staff in public health facilities were female (61.6%), primarily from the nursing cadre (28.1%), and most had worked for 1-10 years (58.3%). The quantity of general waste generated was high (46.0%), and the majority of facilities (93.8%) had all the necessary bins for waste segregation, including red, yellow, black bins, and sharp boxes (89.3%). The overall rating of healthcare waste management practices, including waste segregation, collection, transportation, storage, and treatment, was considered satisfactory (33%). The respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge of waste management practices (80.0%), but a significant number were unaware of the guidelines and policies governing healthcare waste management (74.6%). There was limited access to the guidelines (36.6%), and the guideline most accessed was the Kenya National Infectious Prevention Control (IPC) Policy and Guidelines 2021 (28.6%). HCWM was included in the annual work plan for the majority of facilities (56.3%), although awareness of budgetary allocation (41.2%) and waste disposal costs (40.6%) was relatively low. While there was a person responsible for waste handling (64.3%), most of them (80%) were not qualified waste handlers.
Conclusion
Health centers (Level 3) generate the highest quantities of general waste. The healthcare workers demonstrated adequate knowledge of waste management practices, and the practices were satisfactory.
Rumor spreading model with a focus on educational impact and optimal control
Authors: Li Deliang , Zhao Yi , Deng Yang
Published: August 2023

Rumor spreading brings great misconception and harm to society. To control the spread of rumors, it is essential to model rumor propagation and provide appropriate interference in inhibiting the propagation. In this paper, we establish an extended rumor-spreading model with focus on the influence of knowledge education and intervention strategies in reducing rumor propagation. The mathematical rationality of the proposed model is examined, which demonstrates the existence of equilibrium and local asymptotic stability. To simulate the dynamics of rumor spreading in the proposed model and calibrate its unknown variables to a real case, we employ a novel rumor-informed neural network (RINN), which is constructed based on the physics-informed neural network (PINN) and real rumor spreading. The numerical simulation experiments indicate that the reinforcement of education on rumor identification and timely refutation of false information is effective in controlling the propagation of rumors. Moreover, the optimal control strategies are further proposed to determine the efficient means of mitigating the risk associated with the rapid spread of rumors. Our findings present that proactive dissemination of publicity and educational content can effectively enhance individuals’ awareness of rumor information. Specifically, prompt dispelling of false information can result in a higher success rate of dispelling rumors, a shorter duration of rumor dissemination, and a lower peak in the number of rumor disseminators, thereby facilitating effective control of the spread of rumors.
Stress-strain characteristics of FRP-PVC confined spontaneous combustion gangue concrete
Authors: Zhang Jinyang , Liu Haiqing , Wang Jinli , Lei Ming , Chen Zimu
Published: August 2023

A total of 40 fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) confined spontaneous combustion gangue coarse-aggregate concrete (SAC) specimens were subjected to axial compression tests and theoretical studies. The effects of the substitution proportion of spontaneous combustion gangue (SCG) were analyzed regarding the CFRP confinement form and the number of CFRP layers on the axial compression performance of CFRP-PVC confined SAC (CFRP-PVC-SAC). The results showed that the CFRP-PVC confinement form effectively improved the axial compressive load carrying capacity and axial deformation of the members. With increased SCG content, the load-bearing capacity of specimens decreased and the crack morphology and dilation properties of the confined SAC significantly different compared with those of ordinary concrete. In addition, based on the framework of the existing FRP-confined plain concrete model, a modified model was established to facilitate prediction of stress-strain relationships for short columns of CFRP-PVC-SAC, with the calculated results in good agreement with experimental values.
Care for the Cardiovascular Accident Survivor: Experiences of Family Caregivers
Authors: Atsu Fortune Selasi , Botha Nkosi Nkosi , Ansah Edward Wilson , Segbedzi Cynthia Esinam , Ogum Mary Aku , Apaak Daniel , Tsedze Ivy Selorm , Akoto Lucy Adjanor
Published: August 2023

Background
The role of family caregivers in the management of cardiovascular accident (CVA) survivors is invaluable. So far, there is strong evidence affirming the efficacy of effective family support for CVA survivors. Meanwhile, caring for CVA survivors can be labour and time intensive and pretty stressful for caregivers. The purpose was to examine the experiences of family caregivers providing support for CVA survivors.
Methods
Using a 15-item interview guide and descriptive phenomenology, we gathered and analysed data from 37 family caregivers in the Ho Municipality, Ghana.
Results
We found that caregivers had limited knowledge about cardiovascular disease-risk factors and were ill-prepared for their roles. Additionally, we found limited knowledge about coping strategies among the caregivers, and further report that some caregivers use fasting and prayer as coping strategies.
Conclusions
Caregivers suffered broken relationship, loss of jobs and incomes due to their caregiving role. Moreover, some engaged in fasting and prayers and alcohol use to cope with the stress of caregiving. We discuss the implications of our findings to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.4, which seeks to reduce by 75% mortality due to non-communicable diseases.