bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accounting for preferences and beliefs in social framing effects
Authors: Bernold Elizabeth , Gsottbauer Elisabeth , Ackermann Kurt A. , Murphy Ryan O.
Published: June 2023

Past experiments show systematic differences in contributions to public goods under various framing conditions. Several explanations of these differences have been presented. Some suggest that social frames affect subjects' preferences, while others suggest that framing changes subjects' beliefs about others, and thus in turn affects behavior. In this paper, we test the effect of framing on the level of contributions in a series of public goods games designed to separate the impact of preferences from beliefs in shaping cooperative decisions. This is achieved by implementing a social value orientation measure to elicit social preferences from decision makers, which are then analyzed in concert with reported beliefs about others' cooperation and own contribution decisions from the linear public goods games. While we find mixed results on framing effects, our study demonstrates that preferences and beliefs are significant predictors of cooperation. Furthermore, the degree to which they influence cooperation is either strengthened or weakened by framing.
Leveraging technology in public-private partnerships: a model to address public health inequities
Authors: Arnaout Angel , Oseguera-Arasmou Melina , Mishra Nikesh , Liu Bennett M. , Bhattacharya Ahanjit , Rhew David C.
Published: June 2023

Long-standing inequities in healthcare access and outcomes exist for underserved populations. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are where the government and a private entity jointly invest in the provision of public services. Using examples from the Health Equity Consortium (HEC), we describe how technology was used to facilitate collaborations between public and private entities to address health misinformation, reduce vaccine hesitancy, and increase access to primary care services across various underserved communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We call out four enablers of effective collaboration within the HEC-led PPP model, including: 1. Establishing trust in the population to be served 2. Enabling bidirectional flow of data and information 3. Mutual value creation and 4. Applying analytics and AI to help solve complex problems. Continued evaluation and improvements to the HEC-led PPP model are needed to address post-COVID-19 sustainability.
Material culture and the circular economy
Authors: Rinkinen Jenny , Shove Elizabeth
Published: June 2023

Accounts of the circular economy deal with lives of objects mainly through notions of repair, sharing and re-use. This has led to problems associated with contemporary discourses of circularity including the tendency to focus on goods in isolation, and to overlook longer term trends in demand. Drawing from studies of material culture and practice, in this Perspective article we make the case for a more subtle analysis of practices and “object relations”. This allows us to engage with basic questions about production, consumption, and the constitution of need–questions that should be integral to contemporary debates about the circular economy, but that are sidelined in what remains classically economistic discussions of substitution, manufacturing, and waste.
Fostering pupils’ critical health literacy: examining the potential of physical education in lower secondary school
Authors: Haugen Anders L. Hage , Riiser Kirsti , Esser-Noethlichs Marc , Hatlevik Ove Edvard
Published: June 2023

Background

In Norway, the introduction of an interdisciplinary subject named Public Health and Life skills has brought about renewed attention to how health is conceptualized and taught within and across school subjects. Physical education (PE) is one subject that has traditionally been linked to health outcomes. However, a narrow focus on increased physical activity as the main outcome of PE could be counterproductive in the pursuit of health. Critical health literacy (CHL) is put forward as a resource for health that can be nurtured in the PE context; this study hypothesizes that academic achievement in PE is positively associated with some aspects of CHL.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 521 pupils aged 13–15 years old from five lower secondary schools in Norway. Structural equation models were used as the primary statistical analysis to test the hypothesis. The study controlled for parents’ education, leisure physical activity, and participation in sports club activities.

Results

The results confirm the hypothesis, showing a positive and significant association between PE and CHL. The association remains when controlling for parents’ education, leisure physical activity, and participation in sports club activities (β^PE→CHL−C1 = 0.264, p = 0.001; β^PE→CHL−C2 = 0.351, p < 0.000).

Conclusion

In our sample, academic achievement in PE was associated with higher levels of CHL. This study contributes to the ongoing discussion on the health benefits of PE. We argue that a resource-based health perspective can produce the appropriate aims for health in PE contexts and that the CHL concept contributes to illuminating key areas, promoting suitable teaching strategies, and bringing balance between an individual and collective focus for future health education, both within PE and across different subjects in school contexts.
Severe major vessel injury during peadicle screw removal: a case report
Authors: Fu ShengYu , Ju Gang , Dai Xiang , Li Haijun , Huang Aibing
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Pedicle screw fixation (PSF) has been the standard therapy for the treatment of various spinal diseases. Although complications are identified regularly, iatrogenic vascular injury is one of the rare but life-threatening complications. In this literature, we describe the first case of inferior vena cava (IVC) injury during pedicle screw removal.

Case description

A 31-year-old man was treated by percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for an L1 compression fracture. After a year, the fracture healed well and hardware removal surgery was performed. During the procedure, the hardware on the right was removed unremarkably except for the L2 pedicle screw which slipped into the retroperitoneum because of the improper technique. The CT angiogram revealed the screw had breached the anterior cortex of the L2 vertebral body and penetrated the IVC. After multidisciplinary cooperation, the defect of IVC was reconstructed and the L2 screw was removed from the posterior approach in the end.

Result

The patient recovered well and was discharged after 3 weeks without further events. The removal of the contralateral implants was unremarkable at 7 months postoperatively. At the 3-year follow-up, the patient returned to his normal daily activity without any complaints.

Conclusion

Although pedicle screw removal is a rather simple procedure, severe complications may have occurred from this procedure. Surgeons should keep vigilant to avoid the complication noted in this case.
Case report: Androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumors in eight cats
Authors: Erger Caylen G. , Gerras Allison L. , Conley Alan J. , Gilor Chen , Burns DeMarle Karah , Refsal Kent R. , Fleming Jamie M. , Sledge Dodd G. , Langlois Daniel K.
Published: June 2023

Urine marking, aggression, and other behavioral concerns are common reasons for cat owners to seek veterinary care. Empiric treatment for lower urinary tract disease or primary behavior disorders are commonly pursued, especially in those cases with normal routine laboratory evaluations. Herein, we report the clinicopathologic findings in eight sexually altered cats that were diagnosed with androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumors. Nearly all cats (n= 7) initially were evaluated for inappropriate urination and pungent urine, with additional behavioral concerns including aggression (n= 3) and excess vocalization (n= 4) commonly reported. Penile barbs (n= 5) were identified in all five male cats, and an enlarged clitoris was observed in one female cat. Testing of serum androgen concentrations revealed abnormally high androstenedione (n= 1) or testosterone (n= 7) concentrations. In the five cases with available adrenal tissue, histopathologic evaluation identified either an adrenocortical adenoma (n= 3) or adrenocortical carcinoma (n= 2). Hormonal abnormalities resolved and clinical signs improved in the four cats that underwent surgical adrenalectomy, with each of these cats surviving >1 year. However, clinical signs were minimally impacted with medical treatments, including one cat in which trilostane treatment failed to improve clinical signs or testosterone concentrations. This collection of cases underscores the importance of a detailed physical examination as well as the consideration of endocrine disturbances in cats undergoing evaluation for inappropriate urination or aggression. Furthermore, this report adds to the growing body of evidence that sex-hormone secreting adrenal tumors in cats may be an under-recognized syndrome.
Impact of Hydrogen Peroxide Concentration on Manganese Oxide and Platinum Catalyst Bed Performance
Authors: Parzybut Adrian , Surmacz Pawel , Gut Zbigniew
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the use of MnxOy/Al2O3 and Pt/Al2O3 catalysts for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in thrusters. It describes the purpose, procedures, performance, and conclusions coming from the test campaign of the catalyst lifetimes. In particular, eight different propellant samples with two different catalysts were tested twice (in order to exclude uncertainty). Similar operating and starting conditions were applied. All hot tests were performed in a thruster-like catalyst bed configuration with a propellant injector and outlet nozzle. Each bed was filled with the same mass of catalyst (for the same type of catalyst). The results show that platinum is a more effective catalyst than manganese oxides for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. The findings have important implications for the development of catalysts for “green” propellants.
Analytical Thermal Analysis of Radially Functionally Graded Circular Plates with Coating or Undercoating under Transverse and Radial Temperature Distributions
Authors: Chung Yen-Ling , Lin Zong-Han
Published: June 2023

This study aims to provide analytical solutions for circular plates coated or undercoated with functionally graded materials (FGMs) having Young’s modulus functionality through the radius. The circular plates are subjected to thermal loads in radial and thickness directions. Because of the uncoupled stretching–bending problem of the radially FGM circular plate, the bending equilibrium equations in terms of displacements of the FGM-coated or -undercoated circular plates with Young’s modulus based on the power–law function were established individually. General solutions for the homogeneous portion or FGM ring of the radially FGM-coated or -undercoated circular plate were developed separately. Subsequently, analytical thermal solutions for the radially FGM-coated or -undercoated circular plate were evaluated by solving the simultaneous boundary and continuity conditions equations. The analytical results were validated by comparing them with finite element solutions. When degenerated, they coincided with those of the homogeneous circular plate in the literature, enhancing the obtained solutions’ reliability. These analytical solutions provide valuable insights into the plates’ responses and expand the understanding of their mechanical behaviors under thermal loads. Furthermore, the effects of the FGM thickness, the material index, and the thermal loading conditions on the mechanical behaviors were under investigation. This parameter study offers valuable perspectives into the influence of these factors on the plate’s structural response and aids in the optimization and design of FGM-coated or -undercoated circular plates.
A Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity and RUL Prediction Fusion Method Based on Decomposition Strategy and GRU
Authors: Liu Huihan , Li Yanmei , Luo Laijin , Zhang Chaolong
Published: June 2023

To safeguard the security and dependability of battery management systems (BMS), it is essential to provide reliable forecasts of battery capacity and remaining useful life (RUL). However, most of the current prediction methods use the measurement data directly to carry out prediction work, which ignores the objective measurement noise and capacity increase during the aging process of batteries. In this study, an integrated prediction method is introduced to highlight the prediction of lithium-ion battery capacity and RUL. This approach incorporates several techniques, including variational modal decomposition (VMD) with entropy detection, a double Gaussian model, and a gated recurrent unit neural network (GRU NN). Specifically, the PE−VMD algorithm is first utilized to perform a noise reduction process on the capacity data obtained from the measurements, and this results in a global degradation trend sequence and local fluctuation sequences. Afterward, the global degradation prediction model is established by employing the double Gaussian aging model proposed in this paper, and the local prediction models are built for each local fluctuation sequence by GRU NN. Lastly, the proposed hybrid prediction methodology is validated through battery capacity and RUL prediction studies on experimental data from three sources, and its accuracy is also compared with prediction algorithms from the recent related literature. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid prediction method exhibits high precision in the predicting future capacity and RUL of lithium-ion batteries, along with strong robustness and predictive stability.
Recent Trends in Fermented Beverages Processing: The Use of Emerging Technologies
Authors: Morales-de la Peña Mariana , Miranda-Mejía Graciela A. , Martín-Belloso Olga
Published: June 2023

Since ancient times, fermentation has been one of the most utilized techniques for food preservation and for the development of natural products with functional properties at low cost. Nowadays, fermented foods and beverages are highly attractive to consumers since they are perceived as natural and potential sources of functional compounds. Research efforts conducted in this area over the years have allowed for an understanding of the main reactions occurring during fermentation related to microbial growth, enzyme activity, metabolite production, and physicochemical changes. As a result, scientists and technologists have been able to improve the fermentation process in terms of efficiency, safety, costs, and high-quality production of products. The aim of this review was to gather the most recent and relevant information about fermentation evolution during the last decades, focused on the application of emerging technologies for the development of fermented beverages as interesting products in the functional food market.
Long-Tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) Contraception Methods: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mikail Muhammed , Azizan Tengku Rinalfi Putra Tengku , Noor Mohd Hezmee Mohd , Hassim Hasliza Abu , Che’Amat Azlan , Latip Mohd Qayyum Ab
Published: June 2023

The contraception-based approach to wildlife management is a humane and effective alternative to population control methods. Wildlife management only has a few conventional ways to control overpopulation, such as culling, translocation, poisoning, and allowing natural death. Nevertheless, these methods usually have short-term, lethal, and unethical effects. The present systematic review aims to review the knowledge on contraception reported in long-tailed macaques as an alternative to population control. We obtained 719 records from searching CABI, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus electronic databases. After the screening and selection process, according to PRISMA guidelines, 19 articles that met the eligibility criteria were chosen. Of the 19 articles, 15 were studies on female long-tailed macaque contraception methods (six (6) hormonal and nine (9) non-hormonal). We analyzed four (4) selected articles on male Cynomolgus monkey contraception methods (two (2) hormonal and two (2) non-hormonal). One of the nine (9) articles on female long-tailed macaque contraception reports negative results. Furthermore, only two (2) studies used free-ranging long-tailed macaques as test subjects, while seventeen (17) tested on captive ones. The challenges of long-tailed macaque contraception identified in this review were the effectiveness of the contraceptive, the administration route, the economic feasibility, the distinction between captive and free-ranging Cynomolgus macaques, the choice of permanent or reversible contraception, the capability of contraceptive use for population control, and the lack of studies on the free-ranging long-tailed macaque. Notwithstanding the literature gap on long-tailed macaque contraception for population control, long-tailed macaque contraception exhibits potential as an alternative method to culling long-tailed macaque. Future research should address these obstacles to support the long-tailed macaque contraception as an alternative population control method.
Juvenile Dermatomyositis and Infantile Cerebral Palsy: Aicardi-Gouteres Syndrome, Type 5, with a Novel Mutation in SAMHD1—A Case Report
Authors: Sorokina Lubov S. , Raupov Rinat K. , Kostik Mikhail M.
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Aicardi-Gouteres syndrome (AGS) is a monogenic interferonopathy characterized by early onset, dysregulation of skin (chilblain lesions), brain, and immune systems (fever, hepatomegaly, glaucoma, arthritis, myositis, and autoimmune activity). The disease looks like TORCH (Toxoplasmosis, Others, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes) infection with early-onset encephalopathy resulting in severe neuropsychological disability. Case description: A six-year-old girl has been suffering from generalized seizures, fever episodes, severe psychomotor development delay, and spastic tetraparesis since the first year of her life. Her two elder brothers died at a young age from suspected infantile cerebral palsy (ICP). Other siblings (younger brother and two elder sisters) are as healthy as their parents. The girl was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis at 5.5 years. Basal ganglia, periventricular, and cerebellum calcifications; hypoplasia of the corpus callosum; and leukodystrophy were detected on CT. The IFN-I score was 12 times higher than normal. The previously not described nucleotide variant c.434G > C (chr 20:36935104C > G; NM_015474) was detected in exon 4 of the SAMHD1 gene in the homozygous state, leading to amino acid substitution p.R145P. Aicardi-Goutières syndrome 5 was diagnosed. Her treatment included corticosteroids, methotrexate, and tofacitinib 5 mg twice a day and it contributed to health improvements. The following brain CT depicted the previously discovered changes without the sign of calcification spreading. Conclusions: Early diagnosis of AGS is highly important as it allows starting treatment in a timely manner. Timely treatment, in return, can help avoid the development/progression of end-organ damage, including severe neurological complications and early death. It is necessary to spread information about AGS among neurologists, neonatologists, infectious disease specialists, and pediatricians. A multidisciplinary team approach is required.
Transcriptomic Context of RUNX3 Expression in Monocytes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Dybska Emilia , Nowak Jan Krzysztof , Walkowiak Jarosław
Published: June 2023

The runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) regulates the differentiation of monocytes and their response to inflammation. However, the transcriptomic context of RUNX3 expression in blood monocytes remains poorly understood. We aim to learn about RUNX3 from its relationships within transcriptomes of bulk CD14+ cells in adults. This study used immunomagnetically sorted CD14+ cell gene expression microarray data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA, n = 1202, GSE56047) and the Correlated Expression and Disease Association Research (CEDAR, n = 281, E-MTAB-6667) cohorts. The data were preprocessed, subjected to RUNX3-focused correlation analyses and random forest modeling, followed by the gene ontology analysis. Immunity-focused differential ratio analysis with intermediary inference (DRAIMI) was used to integrate the data with protein–protein interaction network. Correlation analysis of RUNX3 expression revealed the strongest positive association for EVL (rmean = 0.75, pFDR-MESA = 5.37 × 10−140, pFDR-CEDAR = 5.52 × 10−80), ARHGAP17 (rmean = 0.74, pFDR-MESA = 1.13 × 10−169, pFDR-CEDAR = 9.20 × 10−59), DNMT1 (rmean = 0.74, pFDR-MESA = 1.10 × 10−169, pFDR-CEDAR = 1.67 × 10−58), and CLEC16A (rmean = 0.72, pFDR-MESA = 3.51 × 10−154, pFDR-CEDAR = 2.27 × 10−55), while the top negative correlates were C2ORF76 (rmean = −0.57, pFDR-MESA = 8.70 × 10−94, pFDR-CEDAR = 1.31 × 10−25) and TBC1D7 (rmean = −0.55, pFDR-MESA = 1.36 × 10−69, pFDR-CEDAR = 7.81 × 10−30). The RUNX3-associated transcriptome signature was involved in mRNA metabolism, signal transduction, and the organization of cytoskeleton, chromosomes, and chromatin, which may all accompany mitosis. Transcriptomic context of RUNX3 expression in monocytes hints at its relationship with cell growth, shape maintenance, and aspects of the immune response, including tyrosine kinases.
Leukocyte Imbalances in Mucopolysaccharidoses Patients
Authors: Lopes Nuno , Maia Maria L. , Pereira Cátia S. , Mondragão-Rodrigues Inês , Martins Esmeralda , Ribeiro Rosa , Gaspar Ana , Aguiar Patrício , Garcia Paula , Cardoso Maria Teresa , Rodrigues Esmeralda , Leão-Teles Elisa , Giugliani Roberto , Coutinho Maria F. , Alves Sandra , Macedo M. Fátima
Published: June 2023

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are rare inherited lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) caused by deficient activity in one of the enzymes responsible for glycosaminoglycans lysosomal degradation. MPS II is caused by pathogenic mutations in the IDS gene, leading to deficient activity of the enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase, which causes dermatan and heparan sulfate storage in the lysosomes. In MPS VI, there is dermatan sulfate lysosomal accumulation due to pathogenic mutations in the ARSB gene, leading to arylsulfatase B deficiency. Alterations in the immune system of MPS mouse models have already been described, but data concerning MPSs patients is still scarce. Herein, we study different leukocyte populations in MPS II and VI disease patients. MPS VI, but not MPS II patients, have a decrease percentage of natural killer (NK) cells and monocytes when compared with controls. No alterations were identified in the percentage of T, invariant NKT, and B cells in both groups of MPS disease patients. However, we discovered alterations in the naïve versus memory status of both helper and cytotoxic T cells in MPS VI disease patients compared to control group. Indeed, MPS VI disease patients have a higher frequency of naïve T cells and, consequently, lower memory T cell frequency than control subjects. Altogether, these results reveal MPS VI disease-specific alterations in some leukocyte populations, suggesting that the type of substrate accumulated and/or enzyme deficiency in the lysosome may have a particular effect on the normal cellular composition of the immune system.
Fibromyalgia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Interaction: A Possible Role for Gut Microbiota and Gut-Brain Axis
Authors: Garofalo Cinzia , Cristiani Costanza Maria , Ilari Sara , Passacatini Lucia Carmela , Malafoglia Valentina , Viglietto Giuseppe , Maiuolo Jessica , Oppedisano Francesca , Palma Ernesto , Tomino Carlo , Raffaeli William , Mollace Vincenzo , Muscoli Carolina
Published: June 2023

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a serious chronic pain syndrome, characterised by muscle and joint stiffness, insomnia, fatigue, mood disorders, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, depression and intestinal irritability. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) shares many of these symptoms, and FM and IBS frequently co-exist, which suggests a common aetiology for the two diseases. The exact physiopathological mechanisms underlying both FM and IBS onset are unknown. Researchers have investigated many possible causes, including alterations in gut microbiota, which contain billions of microorganisms in the human digestive tract. The gut-brain axis has been proven to be the link between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system, which can then control the gut microbiota composition. In this review, we will discuss the similarities between FM and IBS. Particularly, we will focus our attention on symptomatology overlap between FM and IBS as well as the similarities in microbiota composition between FM and IBS patients. We will also briefly discuss the potential therapeutic approaches based on microbiota manipulations that are successfully used in IBS and could be employed also in FM patients to relieve pain, ameliorate the rehabilitation outcome, psychological distress and intestinal symptoms.
Phosphorus/Sulfur-Enriched Reduced Graphene Oxide Papers Obtained from Recycled Graphite: Solid-State NMR Characterization and Electrochemical Performance for Energy Storage
Authors: Vieira Mariana A. , Costa Tainara L. G. , Gonçalves Gustavo R. , Cipriano Daniel F. , Schettino Miguel A. , da Silva Elen L. , Cuña Andrés , Freitas Jair C. C.
Published: June 2023

The reduction of graphene oxide (GO) by means of thermal and/or chemical treatments leads to the production of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)—a material with improved electrical conductivity and considered a viable and low-cost alternative to pure graphene in several applications, including the production of supercapacitor electrodes. In the present work, GO was prepared by the oxidation of graphite recycled from spent Li-ion batteries using mixtures of sulfuric and phosphoric acids (with different H2SO4/H3PO4 ratios), leading to the production of materials with significant S and P contents. These materials were then thermally reduced, resulting in rGO papers that were investigated by solid-state 13C and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance, along with other methods. The electrochemical properties of the produced rGO papers were evaluated, including the recording of cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge curves, besides electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses. The samples obtained by thermal reduction at 150 °C exhibited good rate capability at high current density and high capacitance retention after a large number of charge–discharge cycles. The results evidenced a strong relationship between the electrochemical properties of the produced materials and their chemical and structural features, especially for the samples containing both S and P elements. The methods described in this work represent, then, a facile and low-cost alternative for the production of rGO papers using graphite recycled from spent batteries, with promising applications as supercapacitor electrodes.
Parents of Children Diagnosed with Congenital Anomalies or Cerebral Palsy: Identifying Needs in Interaction with Healthcare Services
Authors: Santos Ana João , Braz Paula , Folha Teresa , Machado Ausenda , Matias-Dias Carlos
Published: June 2023

The changes deriving from the birth of a child with a congenital anomaly (CA) or cerebral palsy (CP) imply, in many cases, an increased interaction with health services. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a convenience sample of parents of children diagnosed with four groups of CA (severe heart anomalies, spina bifida, orofacial clefts, and Down syndrome) and/or CP. A semistructured online questionnaire to be answered by parents was sent by web link to focal points of five parent associations and professional institutions. Data were analyzed through thematic content analysis (open-ended questions) and descriptive analysis (closed-ended questions). The results indicate consistency of responses of parents of children diagnosed with different conditions, namely with respect to the perception of health services and professionals. Closed and open-ended responses indicated three main topics in the interaction between health services and parenthood: information, coordinated and integrated responses, and support. The less positive outcomes suggest unmet information needs, while positive aspects include confidence in the care provided and the “training” received from health professionals.
Evolution of Expending Extra Effort in Making a Dung Mass before Making a Brood Ball in the Nesting Behavior of the Female Dung Beetle Copris acutidens (Coleoptera; Scarabaeoidea)
Authors: Akamine Mayumi , Mishima Tatsuya
Published: June 2023

Nutrient limitations have often caused the evolution of mechanisms for efficient nutrient acquisition. The mouthparts of adult dung beetles efficiently acquire nutrients from a fiber-rich diet. Conversely, primitive mouthparts force larvae to survive on a low-quality diet despite experiencing the most demanding growth stages. In this study, we investigated the nutritional conditions and microbial community of the larval diet through the nesting behavior of the dung beetle Copris acutidens. We revealed that diet quality (C/N ratio) increased during the process of making the brood ball, irrespective of dung type. The sequencing of the bacterial community based on a partial 16S rRNA gene and the fungal community that targeted ITS2 region revealed that the fungal community in the female gut was the closest to the larval diet, whereas the bacterial community was not. The proportion of fungal Trichosporonaceae tended to increase with a decreasing C/N ratio irrespective of dung type and was alive in the larval gut. We suggest that Trichosporonaceae is a gut symbiont of both the adult female and larvae of C. acutidens, which is transmitted to the dung mass and then to larval gut through the brood ball, and that females have evolved the extra effort processes in their nesting behavior to compensate for larval diet quality, which is likely associated with symbiont fungi within the family Trichosporonaceae.
Apparatus Design of One-Step Double-Side Friction Stir Welding for Aluminum Plates
Authors: Muhayat Nurul , Putri Ericha Dwi Wahyu Syah , Hendrato  , Depari Yohanes Pringeten Dilianto Sembiring , Puspitasari Poppy , Jamasri  , Prabowo Aditya Rio , Triyono
Published: June 2023

Aluminum alloys emerged as one of the materials used in manufacturing automotive car bodies due to their advantageous properties such as high strength-to-weight ratio, relatively low cost, high ductility, and high corrosion resistance. However, joining aluminum alloys using fusion welding poses serious problems due to the high solubility of hydrogen gas, which causes porosity in welding metal. Subsequently, solid-state welding, such as friction stir welding (FSW), has been considered a porosity-free aluminum joining method. However, the method has limitations, such as low flexibility and the need for a complex clamping system. It is particularly problematic when welding plates. It causes the welding process to be carried out twice on opposite sides, resulting in longer production times. This study designed and assembled a one-step double-side FSW apparatus to address this challenge and conducted welding trials with various welding parameters. During the welding trial, the upper and lower tool rotation varied at 900/900 rpm and 1500/1500 rpm. As a result, one-step double-side FSW was successfully used for welding 6 mm aluminum without any porosity defects. Faster tool rotation results in a wider heat-affected area and higher tensile strength. In addition, the hard test showed that the one-step double-side FSW process had a lower hardness compared to the hardness of the base metal.
Diabetes Mellitus Management: An Extensive Review of 37 Medicinal Plants
Authors: Zanzabil Khwaja Zohura , Hossain Md. Sabbir , Hasan Md. Kamrul
Published: June 2023

Plants have been used as sources of medicine since ancient times. Natural products have been used extensively in Chinese, ayurvedic and folk medicine. In addition, a significant portion of the world’s population still utilizes herbal medicine. Diabetes is a common ailment affecting almost 463 million people in the world. However, current medications exert harmful after-effects on patients, while herbal medicines have fewer adverse effects. Plants possess secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, etc., which exert numerous beneficial effects on health. Extensive research has been conducted over the years investigating and proving the hypoglycemic potential of various plants. The present paper reviews 37 such plants that are rich in phytoconstituents that possess a variety of pharmacological activities and have been experimentally proven to possess potentially hypoglycemic properties in animal models: Ficus racemosa, Agremone mexicana, Bombax ceiba, Cajanus cajan, Coccinia cordifolia, Momordica charantia, Syzygium cumini, Neolamarckia cadamba, Mangifera indica, Cocos nucifera, Tamarindus indica, Punica granatum, Azadirachta indica, Costus speciosus, Moringa oleifera, Andrographis paniculata, Ficus benghalensis, Anacardium occidentale, Annona squamosa, Boerhaavia diffusa, Catharanthus roseus, Cocculus hirsutus, Ficus hispida, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia catappa, Amaranthus tricolor, Blumea lacera, Piper betle leaves, Achyranthes aspera, Kalanchoe pinnata, Nelumbo nucifera, Mikania cordata, Wedelia chinensis, Murraya koenigii, Aloe barbadensis, Bryophyllum pinnatum and Asparagus racemosus. These 37 plant extracts exhibit antidiabetic activities through different mechanisms, including α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, increases in glucose uptake and the stimulation of insulin secretion.
A Systematic Database Approach to Identify Companion Diagnostic Testing in Clinical Trials under the New In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation
Authors: Wollenhaupt Clara , Sudhop Thomas , Knoess Werner
Published: June 2023

The European Union In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (EU) 2017/746 (IVDR) introduces companion diagnostics (CDx) as a new legal term. CDx are applied in combination with a medicinal product to identify patient subgroups most likely to benefit from a treatment or who are at increased risk. This new regulation came into full effect on 26 May 2022 and represents the current development in personalized medicine. The implementation of IVDR and CDx is a regulatory challenge in the EU, requiring re-assessment of in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVD) in terms of their CDx designation. To retrospectively identify IVD biomarker testing applied in clinical trials, a systematic search in the German PharmNet Clinical Trials database was developed. In total 3643 clinical trials conducted between 2004 and 2022 were identified. The results were analyzed in terms of medicinal products, biomarkers, and IVDs. Patient stratification based on biomarker testing mainly takes place in oncology-related trials, and the biomarkers most frequently tested are PD-L1 and HER2. Furthermore, there is a significant overlap between the collected data and non-European national authorities that have already implemented the CDx concept. This analysis could be indicatory of the medicinal products and corresponding IVD tests that could be CDx candidates under the IVDR.
Automatic Modulation Classification Using Deep Residual Neural Network with Masked Modeling for Wireless Communications
Authors: Peng Yang , Guo Lantu , Yan Jun , Tao Mengyuan , Fu Xue , Lin Yun , Gui Guan
Published: June 2023

Automatic modulation classification (AMC) is a signal processing technology used to identify the modulation type of unknown signals without prior information such as modulation parameters for drone communications. In recent years, deep learning (DL) has been widely used in AMC methods due to its powerful feature extraction ability. The significant performance of DL-based AMC methods is highly dependent on large amount of data. However, with the increasingly complex signal environment and the emergence of new signals, several recognition tasks have difficulty obtaining sufficient high-quality signals. To address this problem, we propose an AMC method based on a deep residual neural network with masked modeling (DRMM). Specifically, masked modeling is adopted to improve the performance of a deep neural network with limited signal samples. Both complex-valued and real-valued residual neural networks (ResNet) play an important role in extracting signal features for identification. Several typical experiments are conducted to evaluate our proposed DRMM-based AMC method on the RadioML 2016.10A dataset and a simulated dataset, and comparison experiments with existing AMC methods are also conducted. The simulation results illustrate that our proposed DRMM-based AMC method achieves better performance in the case of limited signal samples with low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) than other existing methods.
Threshold Cascade Dynamics in Coevolving Networks
Authors: Min Byungjoon , San Miguel Maxi
Published: June 2023

We study the coevolutionary dynamics of network topology and social complex contagion using a threshold cascade model. Our coevolving threshold model incorporates two mechanisms: the threshold mechanism for the spreading of a minority state such as a new opinion, idea, or innovation and the network plasticity, implemented as the rewiring of links to cut the connections between nodes in different states. Using numerical simulations and a mean-field theoretical analysis, we demonstrate that the coevolutionary dynamics can significantly affect the cascade dynamics. The domain of parameters, i.e., the threshold and mean degree, for which global cascades occur shrinks with an increasing network plasticity, indicating that the rewiring process suppresses the onset of global cascades. We also found that during evolution, non-adopting nodes form denser connections, resulting in a wider degree distribution and a non-monotonous dependence of cascades sizes on plasticity.
Named Entity Identification in the Power Dispatch Domain Based on RoBERTa-Attention-FL Model
Authors: Chen Yan , Lin Dezhao , Meng Qi , Liang Zengfu , Tan Zhixiang
Published: June 2023

Named entity identification is an important step in building a knowledge graph of the grid domain, which contains a certain number of nested entities. To address the issue of nested entities in the Chinese power dispatching domain’s named entity recognition, we propose a RoBERTa-Attention-FL model. This model effectively recognizes nested entities using the span representation annotation method. We extract the output values from RoBERTa’s middle 4–10 layers, obtain syntactic information from the Transformer Encoder layers via the multi-head self-attention mechanism, and integrate it with deep semantic information output from RoBERTa’s last layer. During training, we use Focal Loss to mitigate the sample imbalance problem. To evaluate the model’s performance, we construct named entity recognition datasets for flat and nested entities in the power dispatching domain annotated with actual power operation data, and conduct experiments. The results indicate that compared to the baseline model, the RoBERTa-Attention-FL model significantly improves recognition performance, increasing the F1-score by 4.28% to 90.35%, with an accuracy rate of 92.53% and a recall rate of 88.12%.
Electrification in Remote Regions: An Analysis of the More Light for Amazon Program
Authors: da Silva Pereira Jackeline , Santos Marco Aurélio Oliveira , de Lima Bandeira Felipe , Soares Francisco Igo Leite , Vieira Thiago Almeida
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the More Light for Amazon (MLA) program by examining the roles played by each stakeholder involved in the concession process and identifying the limitations faced for program success. The research employed a content analysis methodology, analyzing a variety of documents, including the Program Operational Manual, Commitment Terms, news articles and concessionaires’ notes. The findings reveal the crucial role of the government as an inducer of actions, establishing objectives and guiding norms for the private sector. Conversely, concessionaires assume the role of program implementers but encounter specific limitations in remote locations that challenge the provision and maintenance of the electrical system in beneficiary communities. The implementation of microgrid systems through concessions enhances coordination and integration between generation and distribution services, allowing for increased government control and ensuring transparency, efficiency and program effectiveness. These identified elements represent significant challenges for the implementation of public policies in remote regions of the Amazon. Overcoming these challenges will require coordinated and strategic actions involving both the government and concessionaires to ensure the complete fulfillment of energy needs in MLA program beneficiary communities.
Enhancing MPPT Performance in Partially Shaded PV Systems under Sensor Malfunctioning with Fuzzy Control
Authors: Rabbani Moazzam Ali , Qureshi Muhammad Bilal , Al Qahtani Salman A. , Khan Muhammad Mohsin , Pathak Pranavkumar
Published: June 2023

The shift towards sustainable energy sources is gaining momentum due to their environmental cleanliness, abundant availability, and eco-friendly characteristics. Solar energy, specifically harnessed through photovoltaic (PV) systems, emerges as a clean, abundant, and environmentally friendly alternative. However, the efficacy of PV systems is subjective depending on two critical factors: irradiance and temperature. To optimize power output, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) strategies are essential, allowing operation at the system’s optimal point. In the presence of partial shading, the power–voltage curve exhibits multiple peaks, yet only one global maximum power point (GMPP) can be identified. Existing algorithms for GMPP tracking often encounter challenges, including overshooting during transient periods and chattering during steady states. This study proposes the utilization of fuzzy sliding mode controllers (FSMC) and fuzzy proportional-integral (FPI) control to enhance global MPPT reference tracking under partial shading conditions. Additionally, the system’s performance is evaluated considering potential sensor malfunctions. The proposed techniques ensure precise tracking of the reference voltage and maximum power in partial shading scenarios, facilitating rapid convergence, improved system stability during transitions, and reduced chattering during steady states. The usefulness of the proposed scheme is confirmed through the use of performance indices. FSMC has the lowest integral absolute error (IAE) of 946.94, followed closely by FPI (947.21), in comparison to the sliding mode controller (SMC) (1241.6) and perturb and observe (P&O) (2433.1). Similarly, in integral time absolute error (ITAE), FSMC (56.84) and FPI (57.06) excel over SMC (91.03) and P&O (635.50).
Optimization of Nanofluid Flow and Temperature Uniformity in the Spectral Beam Splitting Module of PV/T System
Authors: Lu Liwei , Tian Rui , Han Xiaofei
Published: June 2023

The mass fraction of 0.01 wt% ZnO nanofluid was prepared via the two-step method. The measurement verifies that ZnO nanofluids have better transmission characteristics in the frequency division window range of 400–1200 nm. At the same time, it has good absorption characteristics in ultraviolet and near-infrared bands, which meets the application conditions of the spectral beam-splitting module of the PV/T system. A spectral beam-splitting module of the PV/T system was designed. The simplified physical model was established in ANSYS 14.0. The flow field and convective heat transfer were simulated for different arrangements of the interlayer inlet to obtain a more ideal and uniform temperature distribution to improve the system’s comprehensive efficiency. The results show that the fluid flow in the interlayer under case II is more uniform, and the temperature field distribution is better than other arrangements. Hence, this work could provide a reference for optimising nanofluid flow within a spectral beam-splitting module.
Review on Salt Hydrate Thermochemical Heat Transformer
Authors: Hayatina Isye , Auckaili Amar , Farid Mohammed
Published: June 2023

The industrial sector utilizes approximately 40% of global energy consumption. A sizeable amount of waste energy is rejected at low temperatures due to difficulty recovering with existing technologies. Thermochemical heat transformers (THT) can play a role in recovering low-temperature industrial waste heat by storing it during high supply and discharging it on demand at a higher temperature. Thus, THT will enable waste heat reintegration into industrial processes, improving overall energy efficiency and lowering greenhouse gas emissions from the industrial sector. Salt hydrate is a promising thermochemical material (TCM) because it requires a low charging temperature which can be supplied by waste heat. Furthermore, its non-toxic nature allows the implementation of a simpler and less costly open system. Despite extensive research into salt hydrate materials for thermochemical energy storage (TCES) applications, a research gap is identified in their use in THT applications. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive literature review of the advancement of THT applications, particularly for systems employing salt hydrates material. A discussion on existing salt hydrate materials used in the THT prototype will be covered in this paper, including the challenges, opportunities, and suggested future research works related to salt hydrate THT application.
Comparison of the Energy Consumption and Exhaust Emissions between Hybrid and Conventional Vehicles, as Well as Electric Vehicles Fitted with a Range Extender
Authors: Ziółkowski Andrzej , Fuć Paweł , Jagielski Aleks , Bednarek Maciej , Konieczka Szymon
Published: June 2023

The introduction of new Euro exhaust emission standards and CO2 limits has forced carmakers to implement alternative hybrid and electric powertrains. We are observing a dynamic advancement of this sector. The authors’ primary motivation was to perform a series of measurements of the exhaust emissions and fuel mileages from vehicles fitted with hybrid, conventional and electric (range extender) powertrains. Three vehicles were used in the research project. The first one was a passenger car with a full hybrid powertrain. The vehicle was fitted with a 1.6 dm3 spark ignition engine. The second one was fitted with a 2.2 dm3 diesel engine. The third one was fitted with a 125 kW electric motor and a 28 kW combustion engine used as a range extender. The investigations were carried out according to the RDE (Real Driving Emission) methodology on a test route composed of urban, rural and highway portions. The test route was set in the Poznan agglomeration, and its distance was approx. 80 km. For the measurements, the authors used SEMTECH-DS from the PEMS (Portable Emissions Measurement System) equipment group. Based on the obtained results, the authors validated the test route in terms of the RDE compliance and determined the exhaust emissions and fuel mileages. The authors also analyzed the influence of the conditions of the measurements on the powertrain characteristics of each of the tested vehicles.