bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plastome Phylogenomics Provide Insight into the Evolution of Taxus
Authors: Jia Xiaoming , Feng Shijing , Zhang Huanling , Liu Xiping
Published: September 2022

The taxonomy of an ancient gymnosperm genus Taxus, with high value in horticulture and medicine, is perplexing because of few reliable morphological characters for diagnosing species. Here, we performed a comprehensive investigation of the evolutionary dynamics of Taxus chloroplast genomes and estimated phylogenetic relationships, divergence times, and ancestral distributions of Taxus species by comparing 18 complete chloroplast genomes. The variations across the chloroplast genome of different Taxus species indicated that remarkably varied genome variations across lineages have reshaped the genome architecture. Our well-resolved phylogeny supported that T. brevifolia Nutt. was basal lineages followed by the other North America lineages. Divergence time estimation and ancestral range reconstruction suggested that the Taxus species originated in North America in the Late Cretaceous and revealed that extant Taxus species shared a common ancestor whose ancestral distribution area was probably in North America and afterwards the earliest members expanded to Southeast Asia from where Chinese Taxus species originated. The predominant European species have more closer relationship with the Eastern Asian species and the speciation of Eurasia species arose from several dispersal and vicariance events in the Miocene. Genome-wide scanning revealed 18 positively selected genes that were involved in translation and photosynthesis system in Taxus, which might be related to the adaptive evolution of Taxus species. The availability of these complete chloroplast genomes not only enhances our understanding of the elusive phylogenetic relationships and chloroplast genome evolution such as conservation, diversity, and gene selection within Taxus genus but also provides excellent templates and genetic bases for further exploration of evolution of related lineages as well as for plant breeding and improvement.
Evaluation of Positioning Accuracy of Smartphones under Different Canopy Openness
Authors: Huang Jiefan , Guo Yingyu , Li Xuan , Zhang Ning , Jiang Jiang , Wang Guangyu
Published: September 2022

This study focuses on evaluating the positioning accuracy of smartphones in a deciduous forest environment compared to various levels of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) devices. In a mixed coniferous forest with 90% broad-leaved forest (deciduous season), the accuracy of 57 test points was evaluated according to different openness levels under the forest. Taking the coordinates obtained by survey-grade GNSS devices in RTK (Real-time Kinematic) mode as standard, the accuracy of the single-point positioning (SPP) mode and precise-point positioning (PPP) mode obtained by three smartphones (one single frequency and two dual frequency), one survey-grade receiver and one recreational-grade receiver are compared. It can be found that there was a significant positive correlation between canopy openness and carrier-to-noise density(C/N0) (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the C/N0 of survey-grade devices is significantly higher than that of smartphones. The results show that the positioning accuracy of dual-frequency smartphones under forests is better than that of single-frequency smartphones. Furthermore, the positioning accuracy of the smartphone corrected by PPP mode is better than that of the recreational-grade GNSS receiver and can achieve an accuracy of about 2.5 m in the horizontal direction, which can be used for forestry stakeout, reset and determination of forest area boundaries in environments with high openness (R > 0.7). However, in an environment with low openness (R < 0.7) and relatively complex forest area positioning, survey-grade GNSS devices are still required to cooperate with the PPP or real-time differential positioning method to obtain accurate sub-meter-level positioning data.
Modeling the Dominant Height of Larix principis-rupprechtii in Northern China—A Study for Guandi Mountain, Shanxi Province
Authors: Zhang Yunxiang , Zhou Xiao , Guo Jinping , Sharma Ram P. , Zhang Lei , Zhou Huoyan
Published: September 2022

An accurate estimate of the site index is essential for informing decision-making in forestry. In this study, we developed site index (SI) models using stem analysis data to estimate the site index and the dominant height growth for Larix gmelinii var. principis-rupprechtii in northern China. The data included 5122 height–age pairs from 75 dominant trees in 29 temporary sample plots (TSPs). Nine commonly used growth functions were parameterized using the modeling method, which accounts for heterogeneous variance and autocorrelation in the time-series data and introduces sample plot-level random effects in the model. The results show that the Duplat and Tran-Ha I model with random effects described the largest proportion of the dominant height variation. This model accurately evaluated the site quality and predicted the dominant tree height growth in natural Larix forests in the Guandi Mountain region. As an important supplement in improving methods for site quality evaluation, the model may serve as a fundamental tool in the scientific management of larch forests. The research results can inform an accurate evaluation of the site quality and predict the growth of the dominant height in a larch forest in the Guandi Mountain forest area as well as provide a theoretical basis for forest site quality evaluation at similar sites.
Impact of Tourists’ Perceived Value and Sense of Social Responsibility on the Low-Carbon Consumption Behavior Intention: A Case Study of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Authors: Li Hongjing , Qu Peiyu , Luo Fen
Published: September 2022

People’s increasing attention towards environmental issues and carbon emission level per capita of consumption has made the influencing factors of low-carbon consumption behavior a research hotspot. In this study, a random sample of tourists in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China were surveyed by questionnaire to examine the impact of tourists’ perceived value and sense of social responsibility on the low-carbon consumption behavior intention. Results suggest that tourists’ perceived value has a direct and significant positive effect on the sense of social responsibility and low-carbon consumption behavior intention. Tourists’ sense of social responsibility demonstrates a significant positive impact on consumption attitude, with the latter having a positive impact on tourists’ low-carbon consumption behavior intention. A sense of social responsibility and the consumption attitude are found to play an important intermediary role between perceived value and tourists’ low-carbon consumption behavior intention. Some suggestions for managing and promoting tourists’ low-carbon consumption behavior intention are also put forward in this paper.
Positive Effects of Reforestation on the Diversity and Abundance of Soil Fauna in a Landscape Degraded Red Soil Area in Subtropical China
Authors: Xue Huajian , Wang Qiong , Mao Kuncai , Liu Yuanqiu , Jiang Xueru , Murray Philip J. , Zhang Lvshui , Liu Wei
Published: September 2022

Serious soil degradation due to human intervention in subtropical China has resulted in a series of ecological problems. Soil fauna is an important part of forest soil ecosystems and plays a vital role in the maintenance of soil quality and can sensitively reflect the soil disturbances caused by human activities. This study assessed the long-term effects of reforestation on the soil fauna community and underground food web. Soil fauna was sampled from plots in a 30-year reforestation positioning test site. Six reforestation models (the pure Schima superba (Ss) forest, pure Liquidambar formosana (Lf) forest, pure Pinus massoniana (Pm) forest, mixed forest of Lf & Ss, mixed forest of Pm & Ss, and the mixed forest of Lf & Pm) were chosen in Taihe County, southern China. The results found that the mixed vegetation restoration of Lf & Pm significantly improved the soil fauna abundance and biomass when compared with other reforestation models in the degraded red soil region. Acari and Collembola accounted for 65.8% and 23.3%, respectively, of the total soil fauna abundance in the region. The mixed forest of Lf & Pm had a positive effect on the abundance of secondary decomposers and micro predators in Acari. Moreover, a significant increase in the abundance of Collembola was found in the Lf & Pm stand type. The stand type with the highest soil faunal population also had a higher soil fauna biomass. Therefore, reforestation in a degraded red soil area had positive effects on the soil fauna community.
Remote Sensing Estimation of Forest Aboveground Biomass Based on Lasso-SVR
Authors: Wang Ping , Tan Sanqing , Zhang Gui , Wang Shuang , Wu Xin
Published: September 2022

With the Lutou Forest Farm as the research area, the Lasso algorithm was used for characteristic selection, and the optimal combination of variables was input into the support vector regression (SVR) model. The most suitable SVR model was selected to estimate the aboveground biomass of the forest through the comparison of the kernel function and optimal parameters, and the spatial distribution map of the aboveground biomass in the study area was drawn. The significance analysis of special variables showed good correlations between forest aboveground biomass and each vegetation index. There was a more significant correlation with some remote sensing bands, a less significant correlation with some texture features, and a strong correlation with DEM in the terrain features. When the parameters C is 2 and g is 0.01, the SVR model has the highest precision, which can illustrate 73% of the forest aboveground biomass, with the validation set R2 being 0.62. The statistical analysis of the results shows that the total aboveground biomass of the Lutou Forest Farm is 4.82×105 t. The combination of Lasso with the SVR model can improve the estimation accuracy of forest aboveground biomass, and the model has a strong generalization ability.
Heterologous Expression of Thermotolerant α-Glucosidase in Bacillus subtilis 168 and Improving Its Thermal Stability by Constructing Cyclized Proteins
Authors: Wang Zhi , Hu Mengkai , Fang Ming , Wang Qiang , Lu Ruiqi , Zhang Hengwei , Xu Meijuan , Zhang Xian , Rao Zhiming
Published: September 2022

α-glucosidase is an essential enzyme for the production of isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs). Allowing α-glucosidase to operate at higher temperatures (above 60 °C) has many advantages, including reducing the viscosity of the reaction solution, enhancing the catalytic reaction rate, and achieving continuous production of IMOs. In the present study, the thermal stability of α-glucosidase was significantly improved by constructing cyclized proteins. We screened a thermotolerant α-glucosidase (AGL) with high transglycosylation activity from Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus JW200 and heterologously expressed it in Bacillus subtilis 168. After forming the cyclized α-glucosidase by different isopeptide bonds (SpyTag/SpyCatcher, SnoopTag/SnoopCatcher, SdyTag/SdyCatcher, RIAD/RIDD), we determined the enzymatic properties of cyclized AGL. The optimal temperature of all cyclized AGL was increased by 5 °C, and their thermal stability was generally improved, with SpyTag-AGL-SpyCatcher having a 1.74-fold increase compared to the wild-type. The results of molecular dynamics simulations showed that the RMSF values of cyclized AGL decreased, indicating that the rigidity of the cyclized protein increased. This study provides an efficient method for improving the thermal stability of α-glucosidase.
Information Technologies for Real-Time Mapping of Human Well-Being Indicators in an Urban Historical Garden
Authors: Pirotti Francesco , Piragnolo Marco , D’Agostini Marika , Cavalli Raffaele
Published: September 2022

The post-pandemic era has raised awareness on the importance of physical and psychological well-being for decreasing the vulnerability of both individuals and populations. Citizens in urban areas are subject to numerous stress factors which can be mitigated by green spaces such as parks and gardens. Sensor and internet technologies support nature-based solutions in various ways. In this paper, we show the results of ongoing research on the use of spatially distributed IoT sensors that collect climate data in an ~8 ha urban garden. The novelty resides in the method for merging the IoT data with a detailed 3D model created by a laser scan survey from a drone flight. The end products are 1 m resolution thermal comfort maps of user-defined scenarios, e.g., at specific times or aggregated in daily/monthly/yearly statistics that represent a thermal comfort distribution. For full replicability, the code is open source and available as an R package on Github.
Improving Quality Indicators of the Cloud-Based IoT Networks Using an Improved Form of Seagull Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Al-Khafaji Hamza Mohammed Ridha
Published: September 2022

The Internet of things (IoT) points to billions of devices located worldwide which are connected and share their data based on the Internet. Due to the new technologies that provide cheap computer chips and universal wireless networks, it is feasible that everything from a small tablet to a very large airplane will be connected to the Internet and will be a part of the IoT. In most applications, IoT network nodes face limitations in terms of energy source and cost. Therefore, the need for innovative methods to improve quality indicators that increase the lifespan of networks is evident. Here, a novel technique is presented to increase the quality of service (QoS) in IoT using an improved meta-heuristic algorithm, called the improved seagull optimization algorithm (ISOA), along with traffic management in these networks. Based on this subject, the traffic-aware algorithm can manage the sending of packets and increase the QoS provision in terms of time to a great extent. The performance evaluation of the proposed method and comparison with the previous methods demonstrated the accuracy and efficiency of this method and its superiority over the previous works.
Modeling and Validating a News Recommender Algorithm in a Mainstream Medium-Sized News Organization: An Experimental Approach
Authors: Spyridou Paschalia (Lia) , Djouvas Constantinos , Milioni Dimitra
Published: September 2022

News recommending systems (NRSs) are algorithmic tools that filter incoming streams of information according to the users’ preferences or point them to additional items of interest. In today’s high-choice media environment, attention shifts easily between platforms and news sites and is greatly affected by algorithmic technologies; news personalization is increasingly used by news media to woo and retain users’ attention and loyalty. The present study examines the implementation of a news recommender algorithm in a leading news media organization on the basis of observation of the recommender system’s outputs. Drawing on an experimental design employing the ‘algorithmic audit’ method, and more specifically the ‘collaborative audit’ which entails utilizing users as testers of algorithmic systems, we analyze the composition of the personalized MyNews area in terms of accuracy and user engagement. Premised on the idea of algorithms being black boxes, the study has a two-fold aim: first, to identify the implicated design parameters enlightening the underlying functionality of the algorithm, and second, to evaluate in practice the NRS through the deployed experimentation. Results suggest that although the recommender algorithm manages to discriminate between different users on the basis of their past behavior, overall, it underperforms. We find that this is related to flawed design decisions rather than technical deficiencies. The study offers insights to guide the improvement of NRSs’ design that both considers the production capabilities of the news organization and supports business goals, user demands and journalism’s civic values.
An Efficient Location-Based Forwarding Strategy for Named Data Networking and LEO Satellite Communications
Authors: Iglesias-Sanuy Pablo , López-Ardao José Carlos , Rodríguez-Pérez Miguel , Herrería-Alonso Sergio , Suárez-González Andrés , Rodríguez-Rubio Raúl F.
Published: September 2022

Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations are increasingly gaining attention as future global Internet providers. At the same time, named data networking (NDN) is a new data-centric architecture that has been recently proposed to replace the classic TCP/IP architecture since it is particularly well suited to the most common usage of the Internet nowadays as a content delivery network. Certainly, the use of NDN is especially convenient in highly dynamic network environments, such as those of next LEO constellations incorporating inter-satellite links (ISL). Among other native facilities, such as inbuilt security, NDN readily supports the mobility of clients, thus helping to overcome one of the main problems raised in LEO satellite networks. Moreover, thanks to a stateful forwarding plane with support for multicast transmission and inbuilt data caches, NDN is also able to provide a more efficient usage of the installed transmission capacity. In this paper, we propose a new location-based forwarding strategy for LEO satellite networks that takes advantage of the knowledge of the relative position of the satellites and the grid structure formed by the ISLs to perform the forwarding of NDN packets. So, forwarding at each node is done using only local information (node and destination locations), without the need of interchanging information between nodes, as is the case with conventional routing protocols. Using simulation, we show that the proposed forwarding strategy is a good candidate to promote the efficient and effective future use of the NDN architecture in LEO satellite networks.
A Protocol for Collecting Burned Area Time Series Cross-Check Data
Authors: Podschwit Harry R. , Potter Brian , Larkin Narasimhan K.
Published: September 2022

Data on wildfire growth are useful for multiple research purposes but are frequently unavailable and often have data quality problems. For these reasons, we developed a protocol for collecting daily burned area time series from the InciWeb website, Incident Management Situation Reports (IMSRs), and other sources. We apply this protocol to create the Warehouse of Multiple Burned Area Time Series (WoMBATS) data, which are a collection of burned area time series with cross-check data for 514 wildfires in the United States for the years 2018–2020. We compare WoMBATS-derived distributions of wildfire occurrence and size to those derived from MTBS data to identify potential biases. We also use WoMBATS data to cross tabulate the frequency of missing data in InciWeb and IMSRs and calculate differences in size estimates. We identify multiple instances where WoMBATS data fails to reproduce wildfire occurrence and size statistics derived from MTBS data. We show that WoMBATS data are typically much more complete than either of the two constituent data sources, and that the data collection protocol allows for the identification of otherwise undetectable errors. We find that although disagreements between InciWeb and IMSRs are common, the magnitude of these differences are usually small. We illustrate how WoMBATS data can be used in practice by validating two simple wildfire growth forecasting models.
Characterization of Physicochemical Properties of Oil-in-Water Emulsions Stabilized by Tremella fuciformis Polysaccharides
Authors: Hou Furong , Yang Shuhui , Ma Xiaobin , Gong Zhiqing , Wang Yansheng , Wang Wenliang
Published: September 2022

In this paper, emulsions stabilized by Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides (TFP) were prepared and the physiochemical properties were assessed. Results showed that the TFP emulsions illustrated the highest emulsifying activity (EAI) and emulsifying stability (ESI) when the concentration of TFP and oil were 0.8% and 10% (wt%). The higher pH value was in favor of the emulsifying properties, while the addition of NaCl impaired the stability, and the greater the concentration, the lower the EAI and ESI. Besides, the emulsifying and rheological properties and stability analysis were evaluated in comparison with gum arabic, pectin, and carboxymethyl cellulose emulsions. It was discovered that TFP illustrated better storage and freeze-thaw stability, which was proved by the result of zeta-potential and particle size. The rheological measurement revealed that all the emulsions behaved as pseudoplastic fluids, while TFP displayed a higher viscosity. Meanwhile, TFP emulsions tended to form a more stable network structure according to the analysis of the parameters obtained from the Herschel–Bulkley model. FTIR spectra suggested that the O-H bond could be destructed without the formation of new covalent bonds during the emulsion preparation. Therefore, this study would be of great importance for the research of emulsions stabilized by TFP as a natural food emulsifier.
Ropiness in Bread—A Re-Emerging Spoilage Phenomenon
Authors: Pacher Nicola , Burtscher Johanna , Johler Sophia , Etter Danai , Bender Denisse , Fieseler Lars , Domig Konrad J.
Published: September 2022

As bread is a very important staple food, its spoilage threatens global food security. Ropy bread spoilage manifests in sticky and stringy degradation of the crumb, slime formation, discoloration, and an odor reminiscent of rotting fruit. Increasing consumer demand for preservative-free products and global warming may increase the occurrence of ropy spoilage. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, B. subtilis, B. licheniformis, the B. cereus group, B. pumilus, B. sonorensis, Cytobacillus firmus, Niallia circulans, Paenibacillus polymyxa, and Priestia megaterium were reported to cause ropiness in bread. Process hygiene does not prevent ropy spoilage, as contamination of flour with these Bacillus species is unavoidable due to their occurrence as a part of the endophytic commensal microbiota of wheat and the formation of heat-stable endospores that are not inactivated during processing, baking, or storage. To date, the underlying mechanisms behind ropy bread spoilage remain unclear, high-throughput screening tools to identify rope-forming bacteria are missing, and only a limited number of strategies to reduce rope spoilage were described. This review provides a current overview on (i) routes of entry of Bacillus endospores into bread, (ii) bacterial species implicated in rope spoilage, (iii) factors influencing rope development, and (iv) methods used to assess bacterial rope-forming potential. Finally, we pinpoint key gaps in knowledge and related challenges, as well as future research questions.
Effects of Consumers’ Sensory Attributes Perception on Their Willingness to Pay for Apple Cultivars Grown at Different Altitudes: Are They Different?
Authors: Gracia Azucena , Cantín Celia M.
Published: September 2022

Per capita apple consumption is decreasing in many European countries due to the perception that apples have inferior sensory traits and to the dissatisfaction of some consumers with mainstream apple cultivars. Previous studies on the consumers’ acceptance of apples state that sensory attributes have a large influence on consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP). Following this previous evidence and with the aim of reversing this decreasing consumption trend, our objective was to study the effect of apple sensory attributes on consumers’ WTP for a mainstream (‘Golden Delicious’) and a local traditional apple cultivar (‘Reineta’), grown at two different altitudes (high and low). A total number of 195 apple consumers participated in one experiment with two tasks. In the first task, participants were asked to rate five external and internal sensory attributes, and in the second, to indicate their maximum WTP in an experimental auction for the four apple samples. Results indicated that the WTP and the effect of sensory attributes on the WTP were different among the four apple samples. Our findings indicate that sweeter and juicer apples might be marketed at higher prices and that firmness is only appreciated in the case of the local cultivar grown at low altitudes.
Effects of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose on Physicochemical Properties and Microstructure of κ-Carrageenan Film
Authors: Guo Jintao , Dong Shuting , Ye Mengyu , Wu Xuan , Lv Xin , Xu Huaide , Li Mei
Published: September 2022

We investigated the effects of different proportions of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) on the properties of κ-carrageenan film. Biodegradable κ-carrageenan/HPMC films (κCHM film) were prepared by the solution casting method and their physicochemical properties were evaluated. The results show that the addition of HPMC enhanced oxygen barrier capacity, mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation at break) and thermal stability. Notably, when the addition of HPMC increased to 6% of κ-carrageenan (w:w), the κCHM-6 film not only effectively improved water resistance, including lower water solubility, water vapor permeability and higher water contact angle, but also made the structure of the κCHM-6 film more compact. Moreover, rheological measurement and atomic force microscopy characterization showed that κ-carrageenan had suitable compatibility with HPMC. Attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis further confirmed the enhancement of hydrogen bond interactions. This finding could contribute to promoting the potential application of κCHM film in food packaging.
Screening for α-Glucosidase-Inhibiting Saponins from Pressurized Hot Water Extracts of Quinoa Husks
Authors: Su Rong , Li Jing , Hu Na , Wang Honglun , Cao Jingya , Chi Xiaofeng , Dong Qi
Published: September 2022

The present study extracted total saponins from quinoa husks with pressurized hot water extraction and optimized the extraction conditions. The response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box–Behnken design (BBD) was employed to investigate the effects of extraction flow rate, extraction temperature and extraction time on the extraction yield of total saponins. A maximal yield of 23.06 mg/g was obtained at conditions of 2 mL/min, 210 °C and 50 min. The constituents of the extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). A total of twenty-three compounds were identified, including five flavonoids, seventeen triterpenoid saponins and a phenolic acid. Moreover, we performed an in vitro assay for the α-glucosidase activity and found a stronger inhibitory effect of the quinoa husk extracts than acarbose, suggesting its potential to be developed into functional products with hypoglycemic effect. Finally, our molecular docking analyses indicated triterpenoid saponins as the main bioactive components.
Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) Ameliorates Lipid Metabolism Disorders and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice
Authors: Li Ang , Wang Jin , Wang Yuanyifei , Zhang Bowei , Chen Zhenjia , Zhu Junling , Wang Xiaowen , Wang Shuo
Published: September 2022

Jinqiao II, a newly cultivated variety of tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum), has been reported to exhibit a higher yield and elevated levels of functional compounds compared to traditional native breeds. We aimed to investigate the potential of Jinqiao II tartary buckwheat to alleviate lipid metabolism disorders by detecting serum biochemistry, pathological symptoms, gene expression profiling, and gut microbial diversity. C57BL/6J mice were provided with either a normal diet; a high-fat diet (HFD); or HFD containing 5%, 10%, and 20% buckwheat for 8 weeks. Our results indicate that Jinqiao II tartary buckwheat attenuated HFD-induced hyperlipidemia, fat accumulation, hepatic damage, endotoxemia, inflammation, abnormal hormonal profiles, and differential lipid-metabolism-related gene expression at mRNA and protein levels in response to the dosages, and high-dose tartary buckwheat exerted optimal outcomes. Gut microbiota sequencing also revealed that the Jinqiao II tartary buckwheat elevated the level of microbial diversity and the abundance of advantageous microbes (Alistipes and Alloprevotella), lowered the abundance of opportunistic pathogens (Ruminococcaceae, Blautia, Ruminiclostridium, Bilophila, and Oscillibacter), and altered the intestinal microbiota structure in mice fed with HFD. These findings suggest that Jinqiao II tartary buckwheat might serve as a competitive candidate in the development of functional food to prevent lipid metabolic abnormalities.
Evaluating the Comparative Accuracy of COVID-19 Mortality Forecasts: An Analysis of the First-Wave Mortality Forecasts in the United States
Authors: Pathak Rahul , Williams Daniel
Published: September 2022

The sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for forecasting professionals worldwide. This article examines the early forecasts of COVID-19 transmission, using the context of the United States, one of the early epicenters of the crisis. The article compares the relative accuracy of selected models from two forecasters who informed government policy in the first three months of the pandemic, the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) and Columbia University. Furthermore, we examine whether the forecasts improved as more data became available in the subsequent months of the pandemic, using the forecasts from Los Alamos National Laboratory and the University of Texas, Austin. The analysis focuses on mortality estimates and compares forecasts using epidemiological and curve-fitting models during the first wave of the pandemic from March 2020 to October 2020. As health agencies worldwide struggled with uncertainty in models and projections of COVID-19 caseload and mortality, this article provides important insights that can be useful for crafting policy responses to the ongoing pandemic and future outbreaks.
A Stochastic Bayesian Regularization Approach for the Fractional Food Chain Supply System with Allee Effects
Authors: Souayeh Basma , Sabir Zulqurnain , Hdhiri Najib , Al-Kouz Wael , Alam Mir Waqas , Alsheddi Tarfa
Published: September 2022

This motive of current research is to provide a stochastic platform based on the artificial neural networks (ANNs) along with the Bayesian regularization approach for the fractional food chain supply system (FFSCS) with Allee effects. The investigations based on the fractional derivatives are applied to achieve the accurate and precise results of FFSCS. The dynamical FFSCS is divided into special predator category P(η), top-predator class Q(η), and prey population dynamics R(η). The computing numerical performances for three different variations of the dynamical FFSCS are provided by using the ANNs along with the Bayesian regularization approach. The data selection for the dynamical FFSCS is selected for train as 78% and 11% for both test and endorsement. The accuracy of the proposed ANNs along with the Bayesian regularization method is approved using the comparison performances. For the rationality, ability, reliability, and exactness are authenticated by using the ANNs procedure enhanced by the Bayesian regularization method through the regression measures, correlation values, error histograms, and transition of state performances.
Injection of Gelling Systems to a Layered Reservoir for Conformance Improvement
Authors: Fedorov Konstantin , Shevelev Alexander , Gilmanov Alexander , Arzhylovskiy Andrey , Anuriev Denis , Vydysh Ivan , Morozovskiy Nikita
Published: September 2022

The paper describes the introduction and estimation of performance criteria for the gelling agent injection technology based on a general approach to modeling physical and chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods. The current mathematical models do not include performance criteria for the process of gelling agent injection and do not allow for assessing the level of success of a treatment job in production wells. The paper introduces such criteria for the first time. To simulate the effect on injection wells, the mass conservation laws and the generalized flow law are used, and closing relations for the gelling rate are taken into account. A conformance control coefficient is introduced which characterizes the positive effect of well treatments and injectivity drop which characterizes the negative effect. The performance criteria allow for identifying the wells where the treatment jobs were the most successful. The model verification, based on the comparison of post-treatment injectivity estimated in the developed model, with Rosneft’s field data showed a satisfactory match. The developed correlations can be used as the basis for a surrogate model that allows for avoiding building sector geological and flow simulation models of the treated zone.
Quercetin-Embedded Gelastin Injectable Hydrogel as Provisional Biotemplate for Future Cutaneous Application: Optimization and In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Zawani Mazlan , Maarof Manira , Tabata Yasuhiko , Motta Antonella , Fauzi Mh Busra
Published: September 2022

Chronic wounds have become an epidemic in millions of patients and result in amputations. In order to overcome this, immediate treatment is a realistic strategy to minimize the risk of complications and aid in the healing rate of the cutaneous wound. Functionalized engineered biomaterials are proven to be a potential approach to embarking on skin wound management. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a quercetin-embedded gelatin–elastin (Gelastin) injectable hydrogel to act as a provisional biotemplate with excellent physicochemical properties, to be utilized for future cutaneous application. Briefly, the hydrogel was homogenously pre-mixed with genipin (GNP), followed by the incorporation of quercetin (QC). The physicochemical properties comprised the contact angle, swelling ratio, crosslinking degree, enzymatic biodegradation, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), as well as chemical characterization. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), XRD, and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) analyses were conducted. Briefly, the findings demonstrated that the crosslinked hybrid biomatrix demonstrated better resilience at >100%, a contact angle of >20°, a swelling ratio average of 500 ± 10%, a degradation rate of <0.05 mg/hour, and a successful crosslinking degree (<70%free amine group), compared to the non-crosslinked hybrid biomatrix. In addition, the WVTR was >1500 g/m2 h, an optimal moisture content designed to attain regular cell function and proliferation. The outcomes convey that Gelastin-QC hydrogels deliver the optimum features to be used as a provisional biotemplate for skin tissue engineering purposes.
From Genotype to Phenotype—A Review of Kabuki Syndrome
Authors: Barry Kelly K. , Tsaparlis Michaelangelo , Hoffman Deborah , Hartman Deborah , Adam Margaret P. , Hung Christina , Bodamer Olaf A.
Published: September 2022

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare neuro-developmental disorder caused by variants in genes of histone modification, including KMT2D and KDM6A. This review assesses our current understanding of KS, which was originally named Niikawa–Kuroki syndrome, and aims to guide surveillance and medical care of affected individuals as well as identify gaps in knowledge and unmet patient needs. Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched from 1981 to 2021 to identify reports related to genotype and systems-based phenotype characterization of KS. A total of 2418 articles were retrieved, and 152 were included in this review, representing a total of 1369 individuals with KS. Genotype, phenotype, and the developmental and behavioral profile of KS are reviewed. There is a continuous clinical phenotype spectrum associated with KS with notable variability between affected individuals and an emerging genotype–phenotype correlation. The observed clinical variability may be attributable to differences in genotypes and/or unknown genetic and epigenetic factors. Clinical management is symptom oriented, fragmented, and lacks established clinical care standards. Additional research should focus on enhancing understanding of the burden of illness, the impact on quality of life, the adult phenotype, life expectancy and development of standard-of-care guidelines.
Geoelectrical Measurements to Monitor a Hydrocarbon Leakage in the Aquifer: Simulation Experiment in the Lab
Authors: Capozzoli Luigi , Giampaolo Valeria , Martino Gregory De , Gomaa Mohamed M. , Rizzo Enzo
Published: September 2022

Hydrocarbons represent one of the most dangerous sources of contamination for environmental resources. Petroleum contaminants released from leaking fuel storage tanks or accidental spillages represent serious worldwide problems. Knowledge of the contaminant distribution in the subsoil is very complex, and direct measurements, such as boreholes or drillings, are strongly required. Even if the direct measurements define accurate information, on the contrary, they have low spatial coverage. Geophysics can effectively support conventional methods of subsoil sampling by expanding the information obtainable, providing to analyze, with higher resolution, larger areas of investigation. Consequently, different geophysical techniques have been used to detect the presence and distribution of hydrocarbons in the subsurface. Electrical resistivity tomography is an efficient geophysical methodology for studying hydrocarbon contamination. Indeed, this methodology allows for the reduction of the number of drillings or soil samples, and several papers described its success. One of the advantages is the possibility to successfully perform analyses in time-lapse to identify the degradation of the contaminants. Indeed, natural attenuation of hydrocarbon contaminants is observed under aerobic conditions due to biodegradation, which should be the principal phenomenon of physical variations of the subsoil. Therefore, a laboratory experiment was conducted in a sandbox to simulate a spillage of common diesel occurring in the vadose zone. The sandbox was monitored for a long period (1 year, approximately) using time-lapse cross borehole electrical resistivity tomographies. Results highlight the usefulness of in-hole electrical tomography for characterizing underground hydrocarbon leakage and the variability of the subsurface physical behavior due to contaminant degradation. Therefore, the experiment demonstrates how the electrical method can monitor the biodegradation processes occurring in the subsoil, defining the possibility of using the methodology during remediation activities.
A Detailed Liquefaction Susceptibility Map of Nestos River Delta, Thrace, Greece Based on Surficial Geology and Geomorphology
Authors: Taftsoglou Maria , Valkaniotis Sotirios , Papathanassiou George , Klimis Nikos , Dokas Ioannis
Published: September 2022

The existence of high potential onshore and offshore active faults capable to trigger large earthquakes in the broader area of Thrace, Greece in correlation with the critical infrastructures constructed on the recent and Holocene sediments of Nestos river delta plain, was the motivation for this research. The goal of this study is twofold; compilation of a new geomorphological map of the study area and the assessment of the liquefaction susceptibility of the surficial geological units. Liquefaction susceptibility at regional scale is assessed by taking into account information dealing with the depositional environment and age of the surficial geological units. In our case, available geological mapping shows a deficient depiction of Pleistocene and Holocene deposits. Taking into consideration the heterogeneously behavior of active floodplains and deltas in terms of liquefaction, a detailed classification of geological units was mandatory. Using data provided by satellite and aerial imagery, and topographic maps, dated before the 1970’s when extensive modifications and land reclamation occurred in the area, we were able to trace fluvial and coastal geomorphological features like abandoned stream/meanders, estuaries, dunes, lagoons and ox-bow lakes. This geomorphological-oriented approach clearly classified the geological units according to their depositional environment and resulted in a more reliable liquefaction susceptibility map of 4 classes of susceptibility; Low, Moderate, High and Very High. The sediments classified as very high liquefaction susceptibility are related to fluvial landforms, the high to moderate liquefaction susceptibility ones in coastal and floodplain landforms, and low susceptibility in zones of marshes. The sediments classified in the highest group of liquefaction susceptibility cover 85.56 km2 of the study area (16.6%). Particular attention was drawn to critical infrastructure (Kavala International Airport “Alexander the Great”) constructed on the most prone to liquefaction areas.
A Selection Method for Restoration Mortars Using Sustainability and Compatibility Criteria
Authors: Diaz-Basteris José , Menéndez Beatriz , Reyes Javier , Sacramento Rivero Julio C.
Published: September 2022

This work proposes sustainability criteria for the selection or design of restoration mortars based on their physical and mechanical properties, durability, price in the French market, and the environmental impact estimated by the global warming potential. A score is assigned to the mortars based on normalized values of their physical and mechanical properties. A total of 24 formulations of restoration mortars were characterized, and their scores were compared. A case study showing the application of the proposed selection method is presented, focused on the restoration of historical monuments in Paris, France, built with Lutetian and Euville stones. In this case, hydraulic lime mortars were the most sustainable options. The application of the method is also projected for global application, as showcased for the restoration of Mayan stones in Southern Mexico.
Safety and Efficacy of a First-Line Chemotherapy Tailored by G8 Score in Elderly Metastatic or Locally Advanced Gastric and Gastro-Esophageal Cancer Patients: A Real-World Analysis
Authors: Zurlo Ina Valeria , Pozzo Carmelo , Strippoli Antonia , Mignogna Samantha , Basso Michele , Vivolo Raffaella , Trovato Giovanni , Ciaburri Michele , Morelli Franco , Bria Emilio , Leo Silvana , Tortora Giampaolo
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Gastric (GC) and gastro-esophageal cancer (GEC) are common neoplasms in the elderly. However, in clinical practice, the correct strategy for elderly patients who might benefit from chemotherapy (CT) is unknown. Prospective data are still poor. In this context, we performed a retrospective analysis of GC patients aged ≥75 years and treated at our institutions. Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 90 patients with confirmed metastatic GC or GEC, treated with an upfront CT. Inclusion criteria were patients aged ≥75 years, PS 0–2, normal bone marrow/liver/renal function and no major comorbidities. All patients received a G8 score, and some patients with G8 ≤14 received a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). The primary goal was to perform a safety evaluation based on the incidence of adverse events (AE), and the secondary goal was to determine the efficacy (PFS and OS). The chi-square test and the Kaplan–Meier method were used to estimate the outcomes. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: Toxicity rates were quite low: G1/G2 (51.1%) and G3/G4 (25.5%). No toxic deaths were reported. The median PFS was 6.21 months and the median OS 11 months. The G8 score and PS ECOG significantly influenced both PFS and OS. A statistically significant correlation among G8, weight loss, hypoalbuminemia and risk of G3/G4 adverse events was also found. Conclusion: Our research on selected elderly patients did not detect broad differences of efficacy and tolerability compared to a young population. Our study, although retrospective and small-sized, showed that G8 score might be an accurate tool to identify elderly GC/GEC patients who could be safely treated with CT, further recognizing patients who could receive a doublet CT and who may require a single agent chemotherapy or a baseline dose reduction.
Associations between Stigma, Cognitive Appraisals, Coping Strategies and Stress Responses among Japanese Women Undergoing Infertility Treatment
Authors: Yokota Rie , Okuhara Tsuyoshi , Okada Hiroko , Goto Eiko , Sakakibara Keiko , Kiuchi Takahiro
Published: September 2022

The number of infertility treatment cycles in Japan is the highest worldwide. Studies have shown that stigma is a predictor of stress-related symptoms including anxiety and depression in women undergoing infertility treatment. Stress management to prevent stress-related symptoms may be crucial; however, few studies have examined the model of stigma and stress responses. Based on the stress-coping model, we hypothesized that stigma threatens the identity of such women and that coping failure increases stress responses. We aimed to explore the role of cognitive appraisals and coping strategies as mediators of the association between the stigma of infertility and stress responses. In December 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional study in Japan, in which 254 women undergoing infertility treatment completed a web-based survey. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to analyze the associations between stigma, cognitive appraisals, coping strategies, and stress responses. The results showed that explanatory power increased with each additional variable in the following order: stigma, cognitive appraisals, and coping. Participants with a high level of stigma evaluated it as threatening, and used self-blame and venting coping strategies, and showed higher stress responses. Conversely, participants who used positive reframing coping strategies exhibited lower stress responses. Based on this, effective strategies to address stigma and stress responses are necessitated.
Management of Emerging Health Conditions to Improve Resilience and Mental Health
Authors: Lee Yi-Chih , Wu Wei-Li
Published: September 2022

Good health is when a person is in a complete, optimal physical, mental, and social condition [...]
Impact of Clinical and Socio-Demographic Factors on the Quality of Life in Romanian People with Epilepsy
Authors: Cioriceanu Ionut-Horia , Constantin Dan-Alexandru , Marceanu Luigi Geo , Anastasiu Costin-Vlad , Serbanica Andreea Nicoleta , Rogozea Liliana
Published: September 2022

This study investigates the impact of different clinical and demographic factors on the quality of life in people with epilepsy hospitalized at a health institution of Brasov County, Romania, using a QOLIE-31-P questionnaire and to reflect on the opportunities and limitations of incorporating such an instrument into the clinical practice. Methods: Ninety-one patients with a diagnosis of epilepsy evaluated by video-electroencephalography in the Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry and Neurology in Brasov, Romania, were recruited. After the confirmation of the diagnosis based on clinical, electrophysiological and imagistic examination, and of their compliance with the hospitalization criteria, the patients filled in the QOLIE-31-P questionnaire. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected. Results: The seizure frequency was negatively correlated with almost all QOLIE-31-P domains (p < 0.05). Age, employment status, level of education and uncontrolled disease were significant factors associated with a low quality of life. The mean (SD) QOLIE-31-P scores were 64.89 (14.72), the mean age was 43.04 (14.92) years, with the average age of the first seizure onset 30.66 (17.45) years. Conclusion: The use of measuring instruments to assess the quality of life of patients with epilepsy despite the challenges should become a routine practice, the information collected in this way can improve the outcomes in the care of these patients. In addition to the goal of reducing the frequency of seizures, physicians must also take into account other parts of the experiences of people with epilepsy.