bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, antibacterial and antifungal activity of myricetin derivatives containing piperidine and amide fragments
Authors: Zhang Miaohe , Feng Shuang , Chen Shuai , Zhou Yuanxiang , Gong Chenyu , Xue Wei
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Continuous use of synthetic bactericides and fungicides is causing pathogens to develop resistance, resulting in increased use of pesticides and affecting food security. The green pesticides derived from natural products could reduce or avoid ‘pesticide hazards’ caused by synthetic pesticides as a result of their unique mechanism of action. Therefore, it is of great significance to create green pesticides with novel structures.

RESULTS

Herein, 30 novel myricetin derivatives containing piperidine and amide fragments were designed and synthesized using active group splicing. Among them, compound Z30 had excellent inhibitory effect against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae (Xoo) with the half effective concentration (EC50) of 2.7 μg mL−1. Compound Z26 not only exhibited better antibacterial activity against Xaxonopodis pv. Citri (Xac) with EC50 of 3.9 μg mL−1, but also displayed higher antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani (Rs) with EC50 of 8.3 μg mL−1. In vivo experiments proved that Z30 against bacterial blight of rice and Z26 against rice blast exhibits significant protective and curative effect. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that Z26 and Z30 could change the integrity of cell wall and membrane of pathogen Xoo, Xac and Rs, resulting in cytoplasmic leakage and eventually death. Enzymatic assay, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MDs) indicated that Z26 could be used as a potential succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI).

CONCLUSION

Z26 and Z30 significantly reduced the pathogenicity of the pathogens, which provided a new idea and direction for the development of green pesticides. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Transdisciplinary approach for planning the expansion of irrigation infrastructure at a regional scale
Authors: Issac Annie Maria , Mullassery Harshitha Sahira , Lakshmi Thatiparthi Vijay , Hagare Dharmappa , Maheshwari Basant , Dollin Jen , Packham Roger , Spencer Ricky
Published: July 2023

The focus on irrigation infrastructure development in countries like India, including a significant allocation of the government's budget, highlights the importance of achieving a high benefit–cost ratio for these projects. However, past reviews have revealed instances where irrigation projects yielded low benefits. To address this issue and ensure a more effective evaluation of future projects, it is crucial to develop multi‐criteria and transdisciplinary approaches. In the context of Telangana, India, a study was conducted to determine cultivable land using a multi‐criteria and transdisciplinary approach. This approach aimed to provide assistance to managers involved in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of irrigation schemes. The study was undertaken as part of the Indian Young Water Professionals (IYWP) training program in 2022. The project followed a journey outlined within this paper as part of the training program. It utilized the Situation Understanding and Improvement Project (SUIP) as an inquiry‐based learning design program. This initiative facilitated the understanding and implementation of transdisciplinary learning approaches learned during the training program. The SUIP project demonstrated the benefits of incorporating a multi‐criteria framework, known as the [I]NSPECT model, into the decision‐making process. The [I]NSPECT model considers various perspectives, including individual, natural, social, political, economic, cultural, and technical factors. By incorporating these perspectives, the decision‐making process becomes more comprehensive and holistic. Overall, this study highlights the importance of adopting multi‐criteria and transdisciplinary approaches for evaluating irrigation projects. By incorporating diverse perspectives and considering various factors, it becomes possible to enhance the effectiveness of decision‐making processes in the realm of irrigation infrastructure development. The study concluded that the absence of transdisciplinary approaches, the inefficient techno‐managerial performance of governmental workplaces, and the non‐use of technological advancements to the fullest are primary reasons for gaps in the irrigation potential created and utilized in the State.
On the Impact of GNSS Receiver Settings on the Estimation of Codephase Center Corrections
Authors: Breva Yannick , Kröger Johannes , Kersten Tobias , Schön Steffen
Published: July 2023

The role of codephase center corrections (CPC), also known as group delay variations (GDV), becomes more important nowadays, e.g. in navigation applications or ambiguity resolution. CPC are antenna dependent delays of the received codephase. They are varying with the angle of arrival of the signal at the GNSS antenna, i.e. with azimuth and elevation. CPC can be determined with a robot in the field with a similar approach as used for phase center corrections (PCC) for carrierphase measurements. The big challenge in the estimation of reliable CPC pattern is to deal with relatively noisy codephase observations compared to the correction magnitude. A better repeatability can be reached by reducing the overall codephase noise. One possibility to do this is to understand and improve the tracking loops of the receiver, especially the loop filters, within the calibration process. Due to highly dynamic stress caused by the fast robot motion, a perfect tracking of the GNSS signals is challenging. In this paper, a detailed look on the impact of different loop filter settings, like the noise bandwidth, the filter order or the use of an aided or unaided delay lock loop, on the time differenced single differences is done. To this end, an antenna calibration experiment was carried out, where, in addition to the hardware receivers, the IFEN Sx3 software receiver was used. The software receiver allows to change the settings in post-processing. The experiment shows, that the noise of the observations can be reduced by decreasing the noise bandwidth, but pattern information can be lost by using a bandwidth, which is too small. The trade-off between a small bandwidth and consequently less overall noise and the signal dynamics, caused by the fast robot motion, must be chosen carefully. At the end, an improvement in the pattern repeatability from 99.2 mm, using a hardware receiver, to 65.6 mm, using a software receiver with carefully chosen parameters, can be achieved.
Correlations between sleep problems, core symptoms, and behavioral problems in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Heeyeon , Kim Jae Han , Yi Ju Hyeon , Kim Jong Yeob , Solmi Marco , Cortese Samuele , Smith Lee , Koyanagi Ai , Shin Jae Il , Cheon Keun-Ah , Fusar-Poli Paolo
Published: July 2023

Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience various sleep problems. Sleep problems co-occur in a bidirectional relationship with ASD core symptoms and behavioral problems. However, studies on how these three factors are intricately linked to each other are limited. This meta-analysis examined the differential relationship between specific sleep problems, core symptoms, and behavioral problems in this population. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022339695). We systematically searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from inception to April 27, 2022. Observational studies that reported correlations between measures of sleep problems, ASD core symptoms, or ASD behavioral problems were included, and participants aged 18 years or below were enrolled. The correlation coefficient (r) was assessed as the primary effect metric. Total 22 cross-sectional studies were included, which comprised 2655 participants (mean age = 6.60 years old; mean percentage of boys = 80.64%). We found correlations between total sleep problems and total core symptoms (r 0.293 [95% confidence interval − 0.095 to 0.604]), total sleep problems and total behavioral problems (r 0.429 [0.299–0.544]), and total core symptoms and total behavioral problems (r − 0.050 [− 0.177 to 0.079]) and identified statistically significant correlations between specific components of sleep problems, ASD core symptoms, and ASD behavioral problems. Each specific sleep problem showed a unique association with core symptoms and behavioral problems. Sleep problems in ASD should be explored in detail, and the closely linked core symptoms and behavioral problems should be common therapeutic targets.
360-degree video-based body-ownership illusion for inducing embodiment: development and feasibility results
Authors: Serino Silvia , Sansoni Maria , Di Lernia Daniele , Parisi Alessandra , Tuena Cosimo , Riva Giuseppe
Published: July 2023

Illusions that create a sense of ownership over a virtual body have been widely used to investigate the characteristics of our bodily experience. Despite the great potential of 360-degree videos to implement full-body ownership illusion, research is in its early stages, and no validated tools—neither commercial nor free—are available for the scientific and clinical community. In the current study, we present and discuss the development and feasibility results of a free 360-degree video-based body ownership illusion that researchers and scholars can experience using a cardboard headset with their smartphones. Forty-six participants underwent the 360-degree video-based full-body ownership illusion, visualizing in a first-person perspective (1PP) or in a mirror view the pre-recorded body of a young female performer. All participants were exposed to a congruent visuo-tactile condition (embodiment condition) and to an incongruent visuo-tactile condition (control condition). Participants completed the Embodiment Questionnaire and the Objectified Body Consciousness (OBC) scale. Results revealed that in the congruent visuo-tactile condition (compared to the control one), participants experienced a strong illusion in terms of body ownership, self-location, and agency. In terms of visual perspective, there was no difference in embodiment feelings between participants who experienced the illusion in 1PP and those who underwent a mirror perspective. Lastly, the control beliefs subscale (i.e., OBC scale) displayed a positive correlation with the self-location illusion susceptibility. Overall, these results point to the feasibility of this novel tool as immersive 360-degree video-based scenarios to deliver bodily illusions, and they open new avenues for future clinical interventions.
Legibility: knowing disability in medical education inclusion
Authors: Jain Neera R.
Published: July 2023

How medical students, their teachers, and school administrators understand disability appears connected to ongoing, unequal access to medical education for disabled people. The stigmatization of disability within medical education affects students’ disability disclosures, yet few studies have explored how understandings of disability influence inclusion practices beyond individual student actions. This paper develops the concept of legibility, derived from a constructivist grounded theory study that examined disability inclusion at four U.S. medical schools through interviews with 19 disabled students and 27 school officials (faculty and administrators). With two dimensions (recognition and assessment of possibility), legibility demonstrates that knowing disability is relational, contextual, and equivocal. Drawing from the field of disability studies, the paper argues that the current paradigm of disability inclusion demands that students’ disability experiences be highly legible to themselves and others, yet increased legibility comes with potential risk due to prevalent ableism. While individual interactions can shift understandings of disability towards greater inclusivity, systemic action that embeds liberating discourses of disability into medical education is needed.
Green innovation, firm performance, and risk mitigation: evidence from the USA
Authors: Liu Lewis
Published: July 2023

This research examines the correlation between corporate green innovation and its positive impacts by analyzing firm-level data from the S&P 500 spanning the years 2001 to 2022. Drawing on previous studies, this research employs rigorous methodologies and measures to assess the influence of green innovation. The study investigates the drivers of green innovation and assesses its potential effects on firm performance and risk reduction. Firstly, it explores the factors that contribute to the adoption of green innovation. Secondly, it examines how green innovation affects firm performance and mitigates risks. The findings of the study demonstrate that implementing green innovation leads to a reduction in firm volatility and credit risk, while also enhancing firm value and emission performance. The robustness tests conducted further reinforce these conclusions, thereby contributing to the existing body of literature that highlights the crucial role of corporate characteristics in promoting sustainable business practices through green innovation. These insights hold significant value for investors, policymakers, and regulators, providing them with valuable information for making informed decisions regarding green investments and the formulation of policies that foster sustainability through green innovation.
Untangling Biocultural and Socioeconomical Drivers of African Plum Tree (Dacryodes edulis) Local Nomenclature Along a Rural-Urban Gradient in Central Cameroon
Authors: Lemoine Taïna , Rimlinger Aurore , Duminil Jérôme , Leclerc Christian , Labeyrie Vanesse , Tsogo Mélanie , Carrière Stéphanie M.
Published: July 2023

In Cameroon, the African plum tree (Dacryodes edulis [G. Don] H. J. Lam) is widely cultivated for its fruits, which contribute significantly to household food security and economy. In order to analyze the links between the social and ecological systems that result in the remarkable fruit diversity, we focused on how the important varietal diversity of African plums was perceived and named by tree owners. We conducted semi‑structured interviews in Center-Cameroon with 142 people belonging to the Beti ethnic group, in urban (Yaoundé), peri-urban and rural areas, and analyzed the data qualitatively and quantitatively. Along this urbanization gradient linking production to consumption regions, 158 different translated names were recorded. Most names (80%) were cited once, but some names based on fruit size and taste were common across the gradient. Although the highest total number of names was recorded in the rural site, many different names were also found along the urban–rural gradient. We did not detect difference in the number of named African plums between respondents with different characteristics. The local classification of African plums among the Beti was structured predominantly according to morphological and organoleptic criteria, but also to symbolic and practical criteria. African plums’ names were based on people’s fruit preferences, that favor large, oily, and blue to black fruits, and disregard pink-colored watery plums. This study is an entry point to explore the rising trade and thus ongoing domestication of the African plum tree from an often neglected perspective, that of local nomenclature.
Immunologic and Genetic Contributors to CD46-Dependent Immune Dysregulation
Authors: Meyer Benedikt J , Kunz Natalia , Seki Sayuri , Higgins Rebecca , Ghosh Adhideb , Hupfer Robin , Baldrich Adrian , Hirsiger Julia R , Jauch Annaïse J , Burgener Anne-Valérie , Lötscher Jonas , Aschwanden Markus , Dickenmann Michael , Stegert Mihaela , Berger Christoph T , Daikeler Thomas , Heijnen Ingmar , Navarini Alexander A , Rudin Christoph , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Kemper Claudia , Hess Christoph , Recher Mike
Published: July 2023

Mutations in CD46 predispose to atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) with low penetrance. Factors driving immune-dysregulatory disease in individual mutation carriers have remained ill-understood. In addition to its role as a negative regulator of the complement system, CD46 modifies T cell-intrinsic metabolic adaptation and cytokine production. Comparative immunologic analysis of diseased vs. healthy CD46 mutation carriers has not been performed in detail yet. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed clinical, molecular, immune-phenotypic, cytokine secretion, immune-metabolic, and genetic profiles in healthy vs. diseased individuals carrying a rare, heterozygous CD46 mutation identified within a large single family. Five out of six studied individuals carried a CD46 gene splice-site mutation causing an in-frame deletion of 21 base pairs. One child suffered from aHUS and his paternal uncle manifested with adult-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Three mutation carriers had no clinical evidence of CD46-related disease to date. CD4+ T cell-intrinsic CD46 expression was uniformly 50%-reduced but was comparable in diseased vs. healthy mutation carriers. Reconstitution experiments defined the 21-base pair-deleted CD46 variant as intracellularly—but not surface-expressed and haploinsufficient. Both healthy and diseased mutation carriers displayed reduced CD46-dependent T cell mitochondrial adaptation. Diseased mutation carriers had lower peripheral regulatory T cell (Treg) frequencies and carried potentially epistatic, private rare variants in other inborn errors of immunity (IEI)-associated proinflammatory genes, not found in healthy mutation carriers. In conclusion, low Treg and rare non-CD46 immune-gene variants may contribute to clinically manifest CD46 haploinsufficiency-associated immune-dysregulation.
Strengthening the System Supporting Perinatal People with Substance Use Disorder in the Midwest Using Group Model Building
Authors: Simon Jessica , Guynn Isabella , Thompson Meagan , Hambright Sarah , Jones Cresta , Lich Kristen Hassmiller
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Providing comprehensive, evidence-based care to perinatal people with substance use disorders (SUD) requires multi-stakeholder collaboration and alignment. The National Maternal and Child Health Workforce Development Center facilitated a system-strengthening process with the Midwest substance use in pregnancy (SUPper) club, a regional collaborative of health care providers, state public health agencies, and community-rooted organizations.

Methods

Facilitators led a 2 day group model building (GMB) workshop with 20 participants and two semi-structured interviews. Workshop participants were invited to complete an evaluation.

Results

Two primary trends were identified as priorities for change: (1) Birthing people’s perception/experience of stigma and (2) The Midwest SUPper Club’s reach and influence. Three causal loop diagrams (CLDs) were created to capture the interconnected dynamics of the Midwest perinatal SUD system: (1) the influence of stigma on maternal and infant health outcomes, (2) the role of clinic, organizational, and state policies, and (3) the impact of workforce education and evidence-based practices on care. From the CLDs, four priorities for action emerged: (1) align and promote shared mental models across stakeholders, (2) expand education and training opportunities for the perinatal SUD workforce, (3) strengthen systems infrastructure to support care navigation for patients and providers, and (4) collaboratively identify evidence-based practices that meet regional needs. All evaluation respondents reported that the workshop supported the development of a shared mental model.

Discussion

The GMB process strengthened collaboration and advanced strategic planning for the SUPper Club. GMB can be further utilized among diverse stakeholders across MCH systems to create shared mental models and accelerate collaborative planning efforts.
Outcome assessment of intraoperative radiotherapy for brain metastases: results of a prospective observational study with comparative matched-pair analysis
Authors: Layer Julian P. , Hamed Motaz , Potthoff Anna-Laura , Dejonckheere Cas S. , Layer Katharina , Sarria Gustavo R. , Scafa Davide , Koch David , Köksal Mümtaz , Kugel Fabian , Grimmer Molina , Holz Jasmin A. , Zeyen Thomas , Friker Lea L. , Borger Valeri , Schmeel F. Carsten , Weller Johannes , Hölzel Michael , Schäfer Niklas , Garbe Stephan , Forstbauer Helmut , Giordano Frank A. , Herrlinger Ulrich , Vatter Hartmut , Schneider Matthias , Schmeel L. Christopher
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is an emerging alternative to adjuvant stereotactic external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) following resection of brain metastases (BM). Advantages of IORT include an instant prevention of tumor regrowth, optimized dose-sparing of adjacent healthy brain tissue and immediate completion of BM treatment, allowing an earlier admission to subsequent systemic treatments. However, prospective outcome data are limited. We sought to assess long-term outcome of IORT in comparison to EBRT.

Methods

A total of 35 consecutive patients, prospectively recruited within a study registry, who received IORT following BM resection at a single neuro-oncological center were evaluated for radiation necrosis (RN) incidence rates, local control rates (LCR), distant brain progression (DBP) and overall survival (OS) as long-term outcome parameters. The 1 year-estimated OS and survival rates were compared in a balanced comparative matched-pair analysis to those of our institutional database, encompassing 388 consecutive patients who underwent adjuvant EBRT after BM resection.

Results

The median IORT dose was 30 Gy prescribed to the applicator surface. A 2.9% RN rate was observed. The estimated 1 year-LCR was 97.1% and the 1 year-DBP-free survival 73.5%. Median time to DBP was 6.4 (range 1.7–24) months in the subgroup of patients experiencing intracerebral progression. The median OS was 17.5 (0.5-not reached) months with a 1 year-survival rate of 61.3%, which did not not significantly differ from the comparative cohort (p = 0.55 and p = 0.82, respectively).

Conclusion

IORT is a safe and effective fast-track approach following BM resection, with comparable long-term outcomes as adjuvant EBRT.
Earthworm and soil microbial communities in flower strip mixtures
Authors: Bednar Zita , Vaupel Anna , Blümel Simon , Herwig Nadine , Hommel Bernd , Haberlah-Korr Verena , Beule Lukas
Published: July 2023

Aims

Incorporation of flower strips is an agricultural measure to increase aboveground biodiversity and ecosystem services. Although soil communities are key components of terrestrial biodiversity and drive important ecosystem services, their abundance, diversity, and composition in flower strips remain largely unexplored. Here, we shed light on earthworms and soil microorganisms in flower strips.

Methods

We sowed a grassy field margin vegetation as well as two annual and two perennial flower strip mixtures in fully randomized plots of 9 × 28 m in three different types of soil in Germany. Two years following sowing, we determined earthworm communities using chemical extraction and investigated the soil microbiome using real-time PCR (archaea, bacteria, fungi, and soil-N-cycling genes) and amplicon sequencing (bacteria and fungi).

Results

Different plant mixtures (i.e. field margin, annual and perennial flower strips) harbored distinct earthworm and soil microbial communities. Earthworm density and biomass declined or remained unaffected in annual flower strips but increased in perennial flower strips as compared to the field margins. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi showed greater diversity and relative abundance in non-tilled (i.e. field margin and perennial flower strips) than in tilled plant mixtures (i.e. annual flower strips).

Conclusions

We attribute changes in earthworm and microbial communities mainly to the effect of tillage and plant diversity. Overall, we suggest that perennial flower strips serve as refugia. Future studies should compare soil biota in perennial flower strips to those in adjacent fields and investigate whether the promotion of soil communities extends into adjacent fields (‘spillover’).
Adaptations of an Effective Evidence-Based Pediatric Weight Management Intervention
Authors: Bartee R. T. , Heelan K. A. , Golden C. A. , Hill J. L. , Porter G. C. , Abbey B. A. , George K. , Foster N. , Estabrooks P. A.
Published: July 2023

Current childhood obesity treatment programs do not address medically underserved populations or settings where all members of an interdisciplinary team may not exist—either within one organization or within the community. In this paper, we describe the use of a community-academic partnership to iteratively adapt Epstein’s Traffic Light Diet (TLD), into Building Healthy Families (BHF), a community-placed evidence-based pediatric weight management intervention (PWMI) and evaluate its effectiveness in reducing BMIzscores. Nine cohorts of families completed BHF. Participants included children aged 6–12 years with obesity (M = 9.46, SD = 1.74). The Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Expanded guided our classification of modifications across BHF cohorts. Using the FRAME reporting structure, the changes that were documented were (1) planned and occurred pre-implementation, (2) based on decisions from local stakeholders (e.g., school administrator, members of the implementation team), and (3) specific to changes in content and context—with a focus on implementation and potential for local scale-up. The nature of the adaptations included adding elements (whole of family approach), removing elements (calorie counting), and substituting elements (steps for minutes of physical activity). Across 9 cohorts, 84 families initiated the BHF program, 69 families successfully completed the 12-week program, and 45 families returned for 6-month follow-up assessments. Results indicated that the BMIzscore in children was reduced by 0.31 ± 0.17 at 6 months across all cohorts. Reduction in BMIzscore ranged from 0.41 in cohort 4 to 0.13 in cohort 5. Iterative adaptations to BHF were completed to improve the fit of BHF to the setting and participants and have contributed to a sustained community PWMI that adheres to the underlying principles and core elements of other evidence-based PWMIs. Monitoring adaptations and related changes to outcomes can play a role in long-term sustainability and effectiveness.
Loss of function of Hog1 improves glycerol assimilation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sone Masato , Navanopparatsakul Kantawat , Takahashi Shunsuke , Furusawa Chikara , Hirasawa Takashi
Published: July 2023

We previously isolated a mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain 85_9 whose glycerol assimilation was improved through adaptive laboratory evolution. To investigate the mechanism for this improved glycerol assimilation, genome resequencing of the 85_9 strain was performed, and the mutations in the open reading frame of HOG1, SIR3, SSB2, and KGD2 genes were found. Among these, a frameshift mutation in the HOG1 open reading frame was responsible for the improved glycerol assimilation ability of the 85_9 strain. Moreover, the HOG1 gene disruption improved glycerol assimilation. As HOG1 encodes a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which is responsible for the signal transduction cascade in response to osmotic stress, namely the high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway, we investigated the effect of the disruption of PBS2 gene encoding MAPK kinase for Hog1 MAPK on glycerol assimilation, revealing that PBS2 disruption can increase glycerol assimilation. These results indicate that loss of function of Hog1 improves glycerol assimilation in S. cerevisiae. However, single disruption of the SSK2, SSK22 and STE11 genes encoding protein kinases responsible for Pbs2 phosphorylation in the HOG pathway did not increase glycerol assimilation, while their triple disruption partially improved glycerol assimilation in S. cerevisiae. In addition, the HOG1 frameshift mutation did not improve glycerol assimilation in the STL1-overexpressing RIM15 disruptant strain, which was previously constructed with high glycerol assimilation ability. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the HOG1 disruptant as a bioproduction host was validated, indicating that the HOG1 CYB2 double disruptant can produce L-lactic acid from glycerol.
Effect of green fuel and green lubricant with metallic nanoparticles on emissions of HC, CO, NOx, and smoke for a compression ignition engine
Authors: Barboza Augustine B. V. , Dinesha Pijakala , Rosen Marc A.
Published: July 2023

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are imperative from the point of view of protecting the environment by employing sustainable options. Considerable research has been carried out in the transportation sector to meet this objective. Here, the influence is assessed of epoxidised gingelly oil methyl ester biolubricant with alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles on the performance and emissions of a single cylinder 0.66-L capacity direct injection compression ignition engine driven by gingelly B20 biodiesel. Engine tests are carried out with gingelly B20 biodiesel as a fuel, and gingelly methyl ester (B100), epoxidised gingelly methyl ester (B100E), and epoxidised gingelly methyl ester (B100E) mixed with 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% w/w alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles as the lubricant combinations. The results are compared with baseline B20 biodiesel fuel-mineral lubricant operation. The findings indicate that brake thermal efficiency increases by 8.64% for epoxidised gingelly methyl ester (B100E) with 1.0% w/w alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticle biolubricant in comparison to baseline operation. Considerable reductions in emissions are detected; specifically, reductions of 52.4%, 22.0%, 20.0%, and 34.9%, respectively, are observed for CO, NOx, and HC concentrations and smoke opacity for the abovementioned combination as compared to baseline operation. The present work suggests that further research is merited on green fuel-green lubricant combinations. The findings of this study address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13.
Biofouling mechanism and cleaning procedures for Spirulina platensis as an organic fertilizer draw solution
Authors: Al Bazedi Ghada , Soliman Noha , Sewilam Hani
Published: July 2023

The forward osmosis (FO) desalination process has recently acknowledged a lot of attention as a promising solution for reducing the disadvantages of existing desalination systems. This work aimed to investigate the effect of a selected liquid organic fertilizer a novel draw solution produced from “microalgae Spirulina platensis” on the biofouling mechanism of FO membrane. Different draw solution (DS) concentrations ranging 240–480 g/L were examined, obtained water flux ranging from 6.5 to 3.4 Lm2h-1. A high flux decline was observed when using higher DS concentrations due to fouling layer accumulated throughout the membrane area which lowers the effective osmotic pressure difference. Different cleaning strategies were examined. The biofouled membrane was cleaned on-line with deionized water (DI) and externally using ultrasound (US) and HCl. Baseline experiments were done to investigate the efficiency of the cleaning strategies. After cleaning using the deionized water (DI) water, it was found that the water flux progressed from 3.4 to 7 Lm2h-1, while when using acid cleaning the flux recovered to 15 Lm-2h-1. The efficacy and amount of foulant removed by each cleaning stage were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).
Impact of cardiac and respiratory motion on the 3D accuracy of image-guided interventions on monoplane systems
Authors: Bertsche Dagmar , Metze Patrick , Schneider Leonhard-Moritz , Vernikouskaya Ina , Rasche Volker
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Image-guided intervention (IGI) systems have the potential to increase the efficiency in interventional cardiology but face limitations from motion. Even though motion compensation approaches have been proposed, the resulting accuracy has rarely been quantified using in vivo data. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential benefit of motion-compensation in IGS systems.

Methods

Patients scheduled for left atrial appendage closure (LAAc) underwent pre- and postprocedural non-contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). According to the clinical standard, the final position of the occluder device was routinely documented using x-ray fluoroscopy (XR). The accuracy of the IGI system was assessed retrospectively based on the distance of the 3D device marker location derived from the periprocedural XR data and the respective location as identified in the postprocedural CMR data.

Results

The assessment of the motion-compensation depending accuracy was possible based on the patient data. With motion synchronization, the measured accuracy of the IGI system resulted similar to the estimated accuracy, with almost negligible distances of the device marker positions identified in CMR and XR. Neglection of the cardiac and/or respiratory phase significantly increased the mean distances, with respiratory motion mainly reducing the accuracy with rather low impact on the precision, whereas cardiac motion decreased the accuracy and the precision of the image guidance.

Conclusions

In the presented work, the accuracy of the IGI system could be assessed based on in vivo data. Motion consideration clearly showed the potential to increase the accuracy in IGI systems. Where the general decrease in accuracy in non-motion-synchronized data did not come unexpected, a clear difference between cardiac and respiratory motion-induced errors was observed for LAAc data. Since sedation and intervention location close to the large vessels likely impacts the respiratory motion contribution, an intervention-specific accuracy analysis may be useful for other interventions.
Cognitive Control and Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery: the BARICO Study
Authors: Custers Emma , Vreeken Debby , Kaufmann Lisa-Katrin , Pujol-Gualdo Natalia , Asbreuk Marije , Wiesmann Maximilian , Aarts Esther , Hazebroek Eric J. , Kiliaan Amanda J.
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives

Bariatric surgery (BS) is an effective treatment for obesity. However, some individuals experience insufficient weight loss after surgery. Therefore, we investigated whether cognitive control affects weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Methods

Within this exploratory observational study, part of the BARICO study (BAriatric surgery Rijnstate and Radboudumc neuroImaging and Cognition in Obesity), participants aged between 35 and 55 years eligible for RYGB were included. Before and after BS, body weight, (delta) BMI and percentage total body weight loss (%TBWL) were determined. Additionally, at baseline, Stroop task-performance, -activation and -connectivity were assessed by a color-word paradigm task during functional neuroimaging to determine the ability of participants to inhibit cognitive interference.

Results

Seventy-six participants were included, of whom 14 were excluded from fMRI analysis, leaving 62 participants. Participants were aged 45.0 ± 5.9 years with a mean pre-surgery BMI of 40.2 ± 3.3 kg/m2, and 86% were women. Mean decrease in BMI was 13.8 ± 2.5 kg/m2, and mean %TBWL was 34.9 ± 6.3% 1 year after BS. Stroop task performance did not correlate with (delta) BMI and %TBWL. The inferior parietal/middle occipital gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, and supplementary motor cortex were involved in cognitive interference, although activity in these regions did not predict weight loss after surgery. Lastly, generalized psychophysiological interaction did not provide evidence for (delta) BMI- and %TBWL-dependent connectivity modulation.

Discussion

Cognitive control did not predict weight loss after surgery. Future studies should focus on longer follow-up periods to understand the relation between cognitive control and weight loss.

Trial Registration

NL7090 (https://www.clinicaltrialregister.nl/nl/trial/28949)

Graphical Abstract
Spatial Patterns and Health-Based Characterization of the Retail Food Environment in Mexico City
Authors: Ortega-Avila Ana G.
Published: July 2023

The public health burden of obesity and non-communicable diseases in Mexico is one of the highest in the world, and one of its main causes is the change in diet of the population. The urban food environment has been suggested as a key contributor towards the increasing deterioration in diets. Our objective was to present the first spatial and health characterization of the food environment of Mexico City. The data source was the National Statistics Directory of Economic Units 2020, which provides data on the urban supply of food and beverages. Food outlets were classified into 14 types according to the food items that are mainly sold. Local spatial autocorrelation methods were used to assess the existence of spatial patterns. The results suggest all types of food outlet showed high- density clusters and low -density clusters, with the geographic location of these clusters varying based on the type of establishment and by socioeconomic status of the census tracts. This paper puts forward a health-based classification of food retail outlets, to identify the spatial distribution of food outlets in relation to nutrition and health. This could guide researchers and policymakers towards improvements, particularly to direct interventions towards specific areas of the city.
How two leading partners learn to tango: The case of IoT-based business model co-innovation between a retailer and an electronics supplier
Authors: Sturm Michael , Weking Jörg , Böhm Markus , Schreieck Maximilian , Krcmar Helmut
Published: July 2023

Due to eroding business models, companies are seeking new growth opportunities. Business model innovation (BMI) can enable sustainable competitive advantage and future growth. Yet many companies are struggling to innovate their business models. Recent research reveals that collaboration concerning stakeholder integration and open business model innovation can foster BMI, but research has addressed both topics in isolation. By combining these topics, we establish business model co-innovation (BMCI) as a new perspective. Based on a longitudinal case study of an incumbent retailer and an incumbent electronics supplier, we investigate how both parties contribute to innovating the supplier’s business model. We document a BMCI process model highlighting the direct and indirect business model changes of the retailer and the supplier and we identify BMCI characteristics. We contribute to research with a new perspective on how partners co-innovate a business model.
Kinematic tests on a docking mechanism for microsatellites
Authors: Lion Luca , Caon Alex , Olivieri Lorenzo , Branz Francesco , Francesconi Alessandro
Published: July 2023

DOCKS is a smart docking system developed within the framework of the Space Rider Observer Cube mission (SROC) but suitable for use in more general scenarios. This paper presents the mechanical design of the system and the kinematic tests performed on it. The system merges a classical probe drogue configuration with a gripper-like design, to manage the connection between the parts, and it is equipped with a suite of sensors to estimate the relative pose of the target. The system is also equipped with a dedicated computer, making it a smart standalone system. A series of kinematic tests have been conducted to validate the capability of the system to passively manage misalignment during the docking manoeuvre. The final tests are presented to assess the maximum load that the system could handle, even when inactive.
Spatial characteristics of food insecurity and food access in Los Angeles County during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Livings Michelle Sarah , Wilson John , Miller Sydney , Bruine de Bruin Wändi , Weber Kate , Babboni Marianna , Xu Mengya , Li Kenan , de la Haye Kayla
Published: July 2023

Food insecurity spiked in some U.S. regions during the COVID-19 pandemic, as did food access challenges. Concerns were raised that these food issues were more prominent in food deserts, or neighborhoods lacking access to a grocery store or supermarket. Using data collected from a representative sample of Los Angeles County adults between April and October 2020, this study examined relationships between self-reported food insecurity, perceived food access barriers, and residing in a food desert, and examined differences across key geographic regions of the county. There was little relationship between residing in a food desert and experiencing food insecurity. However, perceived grocery store closures/limited hours and not having access to a vehicle were commonly reported barriers to food access, which were associated with more food insecurity. These findings suggest that geographic disparities in food access impact food insecurity. Efforts to address food insecurity should center on achieving food justice and addressing disparities across geographic regions.
Numerical Study of the Robustness of Steel Frames with Bolted End-Plate Joints Subjected to Sudden and Gradual Internal Column Loss
Authors: Kukla Damian , Kozlowski Aleksander
Published: July 2023

The research project was carried out to estimate the robustness of flat steel-framed structures in a selected accidental situation. For this purpose, a multistage approach based on experimental tests and numerical analysis was performed. As the main objective of the work, a numerical dynamic analysis of the steel frames was performed under a sudden and gradual internal column loss scenario. FEA models were created in Abaqus software using solid and shell elements. Computer analyzes were carried out in a number of different cases, taking into account the size of the structure, the type of joints, and the method of removing the column from the structure. Detailed results on the axial forces and rotation of the joints under analysis are presented, and the robustness of the structures is estimated. In all cases of frames with flush end-plate joints, an insufficient level of robustness was observed and failures of the structures were obtained. In the cases of application of extended end-plate joints in frame analysis, the required level of robustness was reached in all cases and the stop of collapse was obtained. Finally, practical recommendations for designing robust joints and the whole frame structure are presented.
Norovirus-associated neurological manifestations: summarizing the evidence
Authors: Deb Shramana , Mondal Ritwick , Lahiri Durjoy , Shome Gourav , Roy Aakash Guha , Sarkar Vramanti , Sarkar Shramana , Benito-León Julián
Published: July 2023

Norovirus, a positive-stranded RNA virus, is one of the leading causes of acute gastroenteritis among all age groups worldwide. The neurological manifestations of norovirus are underrecognized, but several wide-spectrum neurological manifestations have been reported among infected individuals in the last few years. Our objective was to summarize the features of norovirus-associated neurological disorders based on the available literature. We used the existing PRISMA consensus statement. Data were collected from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases up to Jan 30, 2023, using pre‐specified searching strategies. Twenty-one articles were selected for the qualitative synthesis. Among these, seven hundred and seventy-four patients with norovirus-associated neurological manifestations were reported. Most cases were seizure episodes, infection-induced encephalopathy, and immune-driven disorders. However, only a few studies have addressed the pathogenesis of norovirus-related neurological complications. The pathogenesis of these manifestations may be mediated by either neurotropism or aberrant immune-mediated injury, or both, depending on the affected system. Our review could help clinicians to recognize these neurological manifestations better and earlier while deepening the understanding of the pathogenesis of this viral infection.
Computerized adaptive test strategies for the matrix reasoning subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, 4th Edition (WAIS-IV)
Authors: Reise Steven P. , Wong Emily , Block Jared , Widaman Keith F. , Gullett Joseph M. , Bauer Russell M. , Drane Daniel L. , Loring David W. , Umfleet Laura Glass , Wahlstrom Dustin , Enriquez Kristen , Whelan Fiona , Shih Stone , Bilder Robert M.
Published: July 2023

Objective:

Most neuropsychological tests were developed without the benefit of modern psychometric theory. We used item response theory (IRT) methods to determine whether a widely used test – the 26-item Matrix Reasoning subtest of the WAIS-IV – might be used more efficiently if it were administered using computerized adaptive testing (CAT).

Method:

Data on the Matrix Reasoning subtest from 2197 participants enrolled in the National Neuropsychology Network (NNN) were analyzed using a two-parameter logistic (2PL) IRT model. Simulated CAT results were generated to examine optimal short forms using fixed-length CATs of 3, 6, and 12 items and scores were compared to the original full subtest score. CAT models further explored how many items were needed to achieve a selected precision of measurement (standard error ≤ .40).

Results:

The fixed-length CATs of 3, 6, and 12 items correlated well with full-length test results (with r = .90, .97 and .99, respectively). To achieve a standard error of .40 (approximate reliability = .84) only 3–7 items had to be administered for a large percentage of individuals.

Conclusions:

This proof-of-concept investigation suggests that the widely used Matrix Reasoning subtest of the WAIS-IV might be shortened by more than 70% in most examinees while maintaining acceptable measurement precision. If similar savings could be realized in other tests, the accessibility of neuropsychological assessment might be markedly enhanced, and more efficient time use could lead to broader subdomain assessment.
Metabolism of plant-derived toxins from its insect host increases the success of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Sun Ruo , Hong Benke , Reichelt Michael , Luck Katrin , Mai Duc Tam , Jiang Xingcong , Gershenzon Jonathan , Vassão Daniel Giddings
Published: July 2023

Beauveria bassiana is a soil fungus that parasitizes a large number of arthropod species, including numerous crop pests, causing white muscardine disease and is therefore used as a biological insecticide. However, some insects, such as the cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae), defend themselves chemically by sequestering dietary pro-toxins (glucosinolates) from their Brassicales host plants. Glucosinolates are accumulated by cabbage aphids and activated to form toxic isothiocyanates when under attack. While isothiocyanate formation protects aphids against most attackers, B. bassiana is still able to infect the cabbage aphid under natural conditions. We therefore investigated how this fungus is able to circumvent the chemical defense system of the cabbage aphid. Here, we describe how B. bassiana infection activates the cabbage aphid defense system, but the resulting toxins are metabolized by B. bassiana via the mercapturic acid pathway, of which the first step is catalyzed by glutathione-S-transferases of low substrate specificity. This detoxification pathway enhances B. bassiana growth when isothiocyanates are present in natural concentrations, and so appears to be an important factor in fungal parasitization of these chemically defended aphids.