bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of cognitive impairment after hypothetical interventions on depression, nighttime sleep duration, and leisure activity engagement among older Chinese adults: An application of the parametric g-formula
Authors: Zhang Nan , Chen Fenghui , Wang Cui , Yan Ping
Published: February 2023

Background

Cognitive impairment is an age-relevant intermediate stage where cognition declines to a state between the normal aging process and dementia. Earlier studies reported that depression, inappropriate nighttime sleep duration (NSD), and limited leisure activity engagement are cognitive impairment risk factors among older adults. Thus, we postulated that interventions on depression, sleep duration, and leisure activity engagement can reduce cognitive impairment risk. However, no earlier research ever explored this.

Methods

The data of 4,819 respondents aged 60 years and above, without cognitive impairment at baseline and with no prior history of memory-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and encephalatrophy, were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) between 2011 and 2018. The parametric g-formula, an analytic tool for estimating standardized outcome distributions using covariate (exposure and confounders)-specific estimates of the outcome distribution, was used to estimate 7-year cumulative cognitive impairment risks among older Chinese adults, under independent hypothetical interventions on depression, NSD, and leisure activity engagement, which was subdivided into social activity (SA) and intellectual activity (IA) for the different intervention combinations.

Results

The observed cognitive impairment risk was 37.52%. Independent intervention on IA was the most effective factor in reducing incident cognitive impairment, with a risk ratio (RR) of 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.67–0.82), followed by depression (RR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.85–0.93) and NSD (RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80–0.95). The joint intervention combining depression, NSD, and IA interventions could reduce the risk by 17.11%, with an RR of 0.56 (95% CI: 0.48–0.65). In subgroup analyses, independent interventions on depression and IA had analogously significant effects on men and women. However, interventions on depression and IA had stronger effects on literate than illiterate individuals.

Conclusions

Hypothetical interventions on depression, NSD, and IA reduced cognitive impairment risks among older Chinese adults, both independently and jointly. The findings of the present study suggest that the intervention measures on depression, inappropriate NSD, limited intellectual activities, and their combination may prove to be effective strategies for preventing cognitive impairment among older adults.
Study characteristical and regional influences on postpartum depression before vs. during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqian , Wang Chun , Zuo Xiaoli , Aertgeerts Bert , Buntinx Frank , Li Tang , Vermandere Mieke
Published: February 2023

Background

While the public is under serious pressure from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the final impact and possible contributing factors to postpartum depression symptoms (PPDS) remain unknown. Therefore, a meta-analysis to investigate the association between PPDS and the COVID-19 pandemic was carried out by comparing the data between pre-pandemic and post-pandemic timeframes and exploring the influencing factors.

Methods

This systematic review was prospectively registered and recorded in a study protocol (Prospero CRD42022336820, http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO). A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINALH, Cochrane and Scopus was cmpleted on June 6, 2022. Studies that compared the prevalence of PPD before and during the COVID-19 pandemic period were included.

Results

Of 1766 citations identified, 22 studies were included with 15,098 participates before the COVID-19 pandemic and 11,836 participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the analysis showed that the epidemic crisis was associated with an increased prevalence of PPDS (OR: 0.81 [0.68, 0.95], P = 0.009, I2 = 59%). Subgroup analysis was conducted according to the study characteristics and regions. Within the study characteristics classification, results showed an obvious increase in the prevalence of PPDS during the COVID-19 pandemic if PPDS cutoff was defined as Edinburgh postpartum depression score (EPDS) ≥13 points (OR: 0.72 [0.52, 0.98], P = 0.03, I2 = 67%) and an increased prevalence in follow-ups that happened after 2 weeks (≥ 2 weeks postpartum) (OR: 0.81 [0.68, 0.97], P = 0.02, I2 = 43%). Selected studies that were high-quality (OR: 0.79 [0.64, 0.97], P = 0.02, I2 = 56%) demonstrated an increased prevalence of PPDS during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Sorting by regional factors, studies conducted in Asia (OR: 0.81 [0.70, 0.93], P = 0.003, I2 = 0%) showed an increase of PPDS prevalence rates during the COVID-19 period, while studies conducted in Europe (OR: 0.82 [0.59, 1.13], P = 0.23, I2 = 71%) and North America (OR: 0.66 [0.42, 1.02], P = 0.06, I2 = 65%) showed no significant difference. All studies conducted in the developed (OR: 0.79 [0.64, 0.98], P = 0.03, I2 = 65%) and developing countries (OR: 0.81 [0.69, 0.94], P = 0.007, I2 = 0%) showed an increase of PPDS during the COVID-19 period.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with an increased prevalence of PPDS, especially after long-term follow-up and among the group with a high possibility of depression. The negative influence from the pandemic, causing more PPDS was significant in studies from Asia.
The use of medications approved for alcohol use disorders in Italy
Authors: Fortinguerra Filomena , Pierantozzi Andrea , Trotta Francesco
Published: February 2023

Background

Italy has the highest per capita alcohol consumption among European countries. Several pharmacological treatments for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are currently available in Italy, but no consumption data are available. A first analysis of national drug consumption, comprising the whole Italian population over a long-term period covering the COVID-19 pandemic, was performed.

Methods

To analyze the consumption of medications indicated for therapy of alcohol dependence, different national data sources were used. Consumption was measured as a defined daily dose (DDD) per 1,000,000 inhabitants per day.

Results

In 2020, the total consumption of medicines used in the treatment of AUDs amounted to 310.3 DDD per 1 million inhabitants per day (0.018% of the overall drug consumption in Italy) with a decreasing gradient from the north (373.9 DDD) to the south (250.7 DDD). 53.2% of the overall doses were dispensed by public healthcare facilities and 23.5% by community pharmacies, while the remaining 23.3% were purchased privately. The temporal trend of consumption seemed to be stable across the last few years, although an impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was observed. Disulfiram was the most consumed medicine over years.

Conclusion

All Italian regions offer pharmacological treatments to patients with AUDs, but differences in the number of dispensed doses suggest a different local organization of patient care, which can be partly explained by the different severity of the clinical condition of residing patients. Pharmacotherapy of alcoholism should be deeply investigated to describe the clinical characteristics of treated patients (i.e., comorbidities) and evaluate the appropriateness of prescribed medications.
Management of cesarean scar pregnancy: Importance of gestational age at diagnosis and disease type—A single center’s 5 years of experience involving 223 cases
Authors: Yang Xinrui , Zheng Weiran , Wei Xiaoyu , Ma Jingmei , Yan Jie , Poon Liona C. , Yang Huixia
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the importance of the gestational age at diagnosis and the types of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) for treatment outcomes and to identify the optimal treatment based on both the gestational age at diagnosis and the CSP type.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study included 223 pregnant women diagnosed with CSP at Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China, between 2014 and 2018. All CSP cases underwent ultrasound-guided vacuum aspiration followed by supplementary curettage. Adjuvant treatment modalities included intramuscular injection of systemic methotrexate, uterine artery embolization, and hysteroscopy before ultrasound-guided vacuum aspiration. Linear regression was used to determine the relationship between intraoperative blood loss and gestational age at diagnosis, CSP type, highest β-human chorionic gonadotropin level, and management procedures.

Results

None of the patients required blood transfusions or hysterectomies. Patients presenting at <8, 8–10, and >10 weeks had median estimated blood loss of 5, 10, and 35 ml, respectively. Patients with type I CSP, type II CSP, and type III CSP had median blood loss of 5, 5 and 10 ml, respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that the gestational age at diagnosis (p < 0.001) and type of CSP (p = 0.023) were independent predictors of intraoperative estimated blood loss. For type I CSP patients, ultrasound-guided vacuum aspiration followed by supplementary curettage alone was performed in 15 of 34 (44.1%) patients, including 12/27 (44.4%) diagnosed at <8 weeks, 2/6 (33.3%) at 8–10 weeks, and 1/1 for >10 weeks. In type II CSP patients, fewer cases were managed by ultrasound-guided vacuum aspiration followed by supplementary curettage alone as the gestational age at diagnosis increased [18/96 (18.8%) for <8 weeks, 7/41 (17.1%) for 8–10 weeks, none for >10 weeks]. Most type III CSP patients (41/45, 91.1%) needed treatments in addition to the ultrasound-guided vacuum aspiration regardless of the gestational age at diagnosis. All CSP patients were treated successfully and did not require readmission or further medical interventions.

Conclusion

Gestational age at diagnosis of CSP and its type show a strong correlation with estimated blood loss during ultrasound-guided vacuum aspiration. With careful management, CSPs may be treated at any gestational week, regardless of their type, with minimal intraoperative bleeding.
Engage and enjoy–investigating predictors of employee engagement and work satisfaction in equine veterinary professionals
Authors: Elte Yteke , Acton Kate , Martin Jessica , Nielen Mirjam , van Weeren René , Wolframm Inga
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Individuals working in the field of veterinary care are regularly affected by their profession. High levels of responsibility to often provide life-saving health care to animals combined with having to manage owners' expectations and irregular working hours can cause considerable levels of work-related stress among professionals in equine veterinary practice. On the positive side, research also shows that working in the veterinary profession can have a positive impact on personal wellbeing and feelings of fulfillment. A limited number of studies has investigated work satisfaction and engagement among veterinarians across the globe, and none specifically in the equine veterinary work field. The aim of the current study was to identify relevant predictors of employee engagement and work satisfaction in relation to demographic and work environment related factors in the equine veterinary profession.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was used to investigate work satisfaction and employee engagement among equine veterinary professionals from the UK, the US and the Netherlands using an online survey.

Results

Results suggest that levels of work engagement and satisfaction in the veterinary profession may be gauged using four factors. These factors encompass Pride and purpose (the extent to which personal core values align with the mission of the employer, i.e., the veterinary practice), Company culture and relationship with management (the manner in which staff members interact with each other and the management), Working conditions and compensation (formal employment conditions relating to responsibilities and rewards and levels of collegiality) and Team culture and learning possibilities (encouragement to pursue personal and professional growth).

Discussion

Findings underline the importance of being particularly mindful of inexperienced colleagues, those with demanding family commitments and, where feasible, of providing employees with a modicum of autonomy in order to ensure a satisfied equine veterinary workforce.
Meta-analysis of flavonoids use into beef and dairy cattle diet: Performance, antioxidant status, ruminal fermentation, meat quality, and milk composition
Authors: Orzuna-Orzuna José Felipe , Dorantes-Iturbide Griselda , Lara-Bueno Alejandro , Chay-Canul Alfonso Juventino , Miranda-Romero Luis Alberto , Mendoza-Martínez Germán David
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with flavonoids (FLAs) on animal performance, diet digestibility, antioxidant status in blood serum, rumen parameters, meat quality, and milk composition in beef and dairy cattle through a meta-analysis. Thirty-six peer-reviewed publications were included in the data set. The weighted mean differences (WMD) between the FLAs treatments and the control treatment were used to assess the effect size. Dietary supplementation with FLAs decreased feed conversion ratio (WMD = −0.340 kg/kg; p = 0.050) and increased (p < 0.05) dry matter intake (WMD = 0.191 kg/d), dry matter digestibility (WMD = 15.283 g/kg of DM), and daily weight gain (WMD = 0.061 kg/d). In blood serum, FLAs supplementation decreased the serum concentration of malondialdehyde (WMD = −0.779 nmol/mL; p < 0.001) and increased (p < 0.01) the serum concentration of superoxide dismutase (WMD = 8.516 U/mL), glutathione peroxidase (WMD = 12.400 U/mL) and total antioxidant capacity (WMD = 0.771 U/mL). A higher ruminal propionate concentration (WMD = 0.926 mol/100 mol; p = 008) was observed in response to FLAs supplementation. In meat, the dietary inclusion of FLAs decreased (p < 0.05) shear force (WMD = −1.018 kgf/cm2), malondialdehyde content (WMD = −0.080 mg/kg of meat), and yellowness (WMD = −0.460). Supplementation with FLAs decreased milk somatic cell count (WMD = −0.251 × 103 cells/mL; p < 0.001) and increased (p < 0.01) milk production (WMD = 1.348 kg/d), milk protein content (WMD = 0.080/100 g) and milk fat content (WMD = 0.142/100 g). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with FLAs improves animal performance and nutrient digestibility in cattle. In addition, FLAs improve the antioxidant status in blood serum and the quality of meat and milk.
Impact of Multiple Sclerosis on Foot Health and Quality of Life: A Prospective Case-Control Investigation
Authors: Ruiz-Sánchez Francisco Javier , Martins Maria do Rosário , Losa-Iglesias Marta Elena , Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo Ricardo , Gómez-Salgado Juan , Romero-Morales Carlos , Jiménez-Cebrián Ana María , López-López Daniel
Published: February 2023

Objectives: To assess quality of life or factors related to the foot and general health and to determine the impact taking into account foot health status in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: 50 subjects with MS and 50 healthy subjects were studied using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire, that is a validated and is reliable tool was used to assess foot health and quality of life. This instrument comprise four domains for evaluate the foot health (foot function, foot pain, footwear and general foot health) in the first section and for measure the general health comprise four domains (general health, physical activity, social capacity and vigor) for second section and was use for all participants.

Results: In both groups of the sample, 50% (n = 15) were men and 50% (n = 35) women, and the mean age in the case group was 48.04 ± 10.49 and the control group was 48.04 ± 10.45 were recruited. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was shown for foot function, general foot health, general health, physical activity and vigor domains, stating that people with MS have a lower related to foot health (lower FHSQ scores) compared to healthy subjects who have higher FHSQ scores. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) for the scores of the other domains of the FHSQ (foot pain, footwear and social capacity).

Conclusion: Patients with MS suffer a negative impact on the quality of life related to foot health, which appears to be associated with the chronic disease.
The mechanism of Leonuri Herba in improving polycystic ovary syndrome was analyzed based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Wu Mali , Liu Hua , Zhang Jie , Dai Fangfang , Gong Yiping , Cheng Yanxiang
Published: February 2023

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women. Chinese herbs have been considered as an alternative treatment for PCOS, and Yi-mu-cao (Leonuri Herba) is one of the most commonly used herbs to treat PCOS, which can relieve symptoms of PCOS patients. But the mechanism of its treatment remains unclear.

Method: The main active ingredients and potential targets of Leonuri Herba were obtained by TCMSP and Swiss Target Forecast, and the related targets of PCOS were obtained by searching DrugBank, GeneCard and DisGeNet databases. The Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING database. GO and KEGG were used to detect the enrichment pathways of key targets. Cytoscape software was used to construct the component-target-pathway network, analyze the PPI network core, and verify the reliability of target binding by molecular docking technology.

Result: 8 components and 116 targets of Leonuri Herba on PCOS were screened. Common targets mainly involve the Lipid and atherosclerosis, Endocrine resistance, AGE-RAGE signaling in diabetic complications and other signaling pathways. It is suggested that it can form multi-target and multi-pathway regulatory network through quercetin, kaempferol and other active substances to regulate endocrine disorders and reduce inflammatory response, so as to systematically improve PCOS. Molecular docking experiments showed that the active constituents of Leonurus had good binding activity with potential targets of PCOS.

Conclusion: In summary, this study elucidates the potential effect of Leonuri Herba on PCOS, which is helpful to provide reference for clinical practice. This is also conducive to the secondary development of motherwort and its monomer components, and precision medicine for PCOS.
Gastrointestinal perforation associated with novel antineoplastic agents: A real-world study based on the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Yu Zicheng , Zhu Haibin , Chen Hongjun , Zhu Lifei , Liao Xiaolan
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Gastrointestinal perforation (GIP) is a fatal adverse event (AE). The AE of GIP induced by novel antineoplastic agents has attracted attention recently. We aimed to explore the AE signals of GIP related to novel antineoplastic agents comprehensively based on the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Methods: The FAERS database containing 71 quarters of records was used for analysis. Reporting odds ratio (ROR), information component (IC), and empirical Bayesian geometric mean (EBGM) were utilized to evaluate the signals of GIP associated with novel antineoplastic drugs. Standardization of drug names was by employing MedEx-UIMA software and Python. Data analysis and visualization were performed using MySQL Workbench and R software.

Results: After cleaning and handling the data, 5226 GIP cases were identified that were associated with new antineoplastic medications, where these agents were the main suspected contributors. A total of 37 novel antineoplastic drugs were detected with signals of GIP for ROR and IC. Only 22 drugs showed statistically significant signals for EBGM. We found the GIP signals of 22 novel antineoplastic drugs overlapped for the 3 indicators, including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, anti-endothelial growth factor receptor, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and so on.

Conclusion: The potential risk of GIP associated with several novel antineoplastic agents was identified through data mining, which provided valuable information on the safety risks associated with GIP among these drugs. The potential threat of GIP should be recognized and managed properly when using these novel antineoplastic agents.
Examination of Lemon Bruising Using Different CNN-Based Classifiers and Local Spectral-Spatial Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Pourdarbani Razieh , Sabzi Sajad , Dehghankar Mohsen , Rohban Mohammad H. , Arribas Juan I.
Published: February 2023

The presence of bruises on fruits often indicates cell damage, which can lead to a decrease in the ability of the peel to keep oxygen away from the fruits, and as a result, oxygen breaks down cell walls and membranes damaging fruit content. When chemicals in the fruit are oxidized by enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase, the chemical reaction produces an undesirable and apparent brown color effect, among others. Early detection of bruising prevents low-quality fruit from entering the consumer market. Hereupon, the present paper aims at early identification of bruised lemon fruits using 3D-convolutional neural networks (3D-CNN) via a local spectral-spatial hyperspectral imaging technique, which takes into account adjacent image pixel information in both the frequency (wavelength) and spatial domains of a 3D-tensor hyperspectral image of input lemon fruits. A total of 70 sound lemons were picked up from orchards. First, all fruits were labeled and the hyperspectral images (wavelength range 400–1100 nm) were captured as belonging to the healthy (unbruised) class (class label 0). Next, bruising was applied to each lemon by freefall. Then, the hyperspectral images of all bruised samples were captured in a time gap of 8 (class label 1) and 16 h (class label 2) after bruising was induced, thus resulting in a 3-class ternary classification problem. Four well-known 3D-CNN model namely ResNet, ShuffleNet, DenseNet, and MobileNet were used to classify bruised lemons in Python. Results revealed that the highest classification accuracy (90.47%) was obtained by the ResNet model, followed by DenseNet (85.71%), ShuffleNet (80.95%) and MobileNet (73.80%); all over the test set. ResNet model had larger parameter sizes, but it was proven to be trained faster than other models with fewer number of free parameters. ShuffleNet and MobileNet were easier to train and they needed less storage, but they could not achieve a classification error as low as the other two counterparts.
On-Board Decentralized Observation Planning for LEO Satellite Constellations
Authors: Song Bingyu , Chen Yingwu , Yang Qing , Zuo Yahui , Xu Shilong , Chen Yuning
Published: February 2023

The multi-satellite on-board observation planning (MSOOP) is a variant of the multi-agent task allocation problem (MATAP). MSOOP is used to complete the observation task allocation in a fully cooperative mode to maximize the profits of the whole system. In this paper, MSOOP for LEO satellite constellations is investigated, and the decentralized algorithm is exploited for solving it. The problem description of MSOOP for LEO satellite constellations is detailed. The coupled constraints make MSOOP more complex than other task allocation problems. The improved Consensus-Based Bundle Algorithm (ICBBA), which includes a bundle construction phase and consensus check phase, is proposed. A constraint check and a mask recovery are introduced into bundle construction and consensus check to handle the coupled constraints. The fitness function is adjusted to adapt to the characteristics of different scenes. Experimental results on series instances demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
An Energy-Aware Load Balancing Method for IoT-Based Smart Recycling Machines Using an Artificial Chemical Reaction Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Tabaghchi Milan Sara , Darbandi Mehdi , Jafari Navimipour Nima , Yalcın Senay
Published: February 2023

Recycling is very important for a sustainable and clean environment. Developed and developing countries are both facing the problem of waste management and recycling issues. On the other hand, the Internet of Things (IoT) is a famous and applicable infrastructure used to provide connection between physical devices. It is an important technology that has been researched and implemented in recent years that promises to positively influence several industries, including recycling and trash management. The impact of the IoT on recycling and waste management is examined using standard operating practices in recycling. Recycling facilities, for instance, can use IoT to manage and keep an eye on the recycling situation in various places while allocating the logistics for transportation and distribution processes to minimize recycling costs and lead times. So, companies can use historical patterns to track usage trends in their service regions, assess their accessibility to gather resources, and arrange their activities accordingly. Additionally, energy is a significant aspect of the IoT since several devices will be linked to the internet, and the devices, sensors, nodes, and objects are all energy-restricted. Because the devices are constrained by their nature, the load-balancing protocol is crucial in an IoT ecosystem. Due to the importance of this issue, this study presents an energy-aware load-balancing method for IoT-based smart recycling machines using an artificial chemical reaction optimization algorithm. The experimental results indicated that the proposed solution could achieve excellent performance. According to the obtained results, the imbalance degree (5.44%), energy consumption (11.38%), and delay time (9.05%) were reduced using the proposed method.
Extrinsic Bayesian Optimization on Manifolds
Authors: Fang Yihao , Niu Mu , Cheung Pokman , Lin Lizhen
Published: February 2023

We propose an extrinsic Bayesian optimization (eBO) framework for general optimization problems on manifolds. Bayesian optimization algorithms build a surrogate of the objective function by employing Gaussian processes and utilizing the uncertainty in that surrogate by deriving an acquisition function. This acquisition function represents the probability of improvement based on the kernel of the Gaussian process, which guides the search in the optimization process. The critical challenge for designing Bayesian optimization algorithms on manifolds lies in the difficulty of constructing valid covariance kernels for Gaussian processes on general manifolds. Our approach is to employ extrinsic Gaussian processes by first embedding the manifold onto some higher dimensional Euclidean space via equivariant embeddings and then constructing a valid covariance kernel on the image manifold after the embedding. This leads to efficient and scalable algorithms for optimization over complex manifolds. Simulation study and real data analyses are carried out to demonstrate the utilities of our eBO framework by applying the eBO to various optimization problems over manifolds such as the sphere, the Grassmannian, and the manifold of positive definite matrices.
Power Optimization of TiNiHf/Si Shape Memory Microactuators
Authors: Arivanandhan Gowtham , Li Zixiong , Curtis Sabrina M. , Hanke Lisa , Quandt Eckhard , Kohl Manfred
Published: February 2023

We present a novel design approach for the power optimization of cantilever-based shape memory alloy (SMA)/Si bimorph microactuators as well as their microfabrication and in situ characterization. A major concern upon the miniaturization of SMA/Si bimorph microactuators in conventional double-beam cantilever designs is that direct Joule heating generates a large size-dependent temperature gradient along the length of the cantilevers, which significantly enhances the critical electrical power required to complete phase transformation. We demonstrate that this disadvantage can be mitigated by the finite element simulation-assisted design of additional folded beams in the perpendicular direction to the active cantilever beams, resulting in temperature homogenization. This approach is investigated for TiNiHf/Si microactuators with a film thickness ratio of 440 nm/2 µm, cantilever beam length of 75–100 µm and widths of 3–5 µm. Temperature-homogenized SMA/Si microactuators show a reduction in power consumption of up to 48% compared to the conventional double-beam cantilever design.
The Determinants of TCFD Reporting: A Focus on the Italian Context
Authors: Principale Salvatore , Pizzi Simone
Published: February 2023

The recommendations of the Task Force on Climate Change Disclosure (TCFD) represent fundamental guidelines for managing climate-change-related risks. Indeed, the TCFD outlines good practices for integrated risk management as well as aims to protect investors and stakeholders through a more transparent and complete disclosure on the subject. However, the adoption of the recommendations was slow and differentiated between countries. The study aims to analyze the determinants that have influenced the voluntary choice of companies to adopt the TCFD recommendations. Using a logistic regression on a sample of Italian public interest entities, the results show that the size of the board, the integration of ESG risks, and the size of the company are variables that influenced the managers’ decision to adopt the guidelines.
A Large Neighborhood Search Algorithm with Simulated Annealing and Time Decomposition Strategy for the Aircraft Runway Scheduling Problem
Authors: Su Jiaming , Hu Minghua , Liu Yingli , Yin Jianan
Published: February 2023

The runway system is more likely to be a bottleneck area for airport operations because it serves as a link between the air routes and airport ground traffic. As a key problem of air traffic flow management, the aircraft runway scheduling problem (ARSP) is of great significance to improve the utilization of runways and reduce aircraft delays. This paper proposes a large neighborhood search algorithm combined with simulated annealing and the receding horizon control strategy (RHC-SALNS) which is used to solve the ARSP. In the framework of simulated annealing, the large neighborhood search process is embedded, including the breaking, reorganization and local search processes. The large neighborhood search process could expand the range of the neighborhood building in the solution space. A receding horizon control strategy is used to divide the original problem into several subproblems to further improve the solving efficiency. The proposed RHC-SALNS algorithm solves the ARSP instances taken from the actual operation data of Wuhan Tianhe Airport. The key parameters of the algorithm were determined by parametric sensitivity analysis. Moreover, the proposed RHC-SALNS is compared with existing algorithms with excellent performance in solving large-scale ARSP, showing that the proposed model and algorithm are correct and efficient. The algorithm achieves better optimization results in solving large-scale problems.
Wrinkle Detection in Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymers Using Linear Phase FIR-Filtered Ultrasonic Array Data
Authors: Ma Tengfei , Li Yang , Zhou Zhenggan , Meng Jia
Published: February 2023

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) are extensively used in aerospace applications. Out-of-plane wrinkles frequently occur in aerospace CFRP parts that are commonly large and complex. Wrinkles acting as failure initiators severely damage the mechanical performance of CFRP parts. Wrinkles have no significant acoustic impedance mismatch, reflecting weak echoes. The total focusing method (TFM) using weak reflection signals is vulnerable to noise, so our primary work is to design discrete-time filters to relieve the noise interference. Wrinkles in CFRP composites are geometric defects, and their direct detection requires high spatial precision. The TFM method is a time-domain delay-and-sum algorithm, and it requires that the time information of filtered signals has no change or can be corrected. A linear phase filter can avoid phase distortion, and its filtered signal can be corrected by shifting a constant time. We first propose a wrinkle detection method using linear phase FIR-filtered ultrasonic array data. Linear phase filters almost do not affect the wrinkle geometry of detection results and can relieve noise-induced dislocation. Four filters with different bandwidths have been designed and applied for wrinkle detection. The 2 MHz bandwidth filter is recommended as an optimum choice.
Tactical Conflict Solver Assisting Air Traffic Controllers Using Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Sui Dong , Ma Chenyu , Wei Chunjie
Published: February 2023

To assist air traffic controllers (ATCOs) in resolving tactical conflicts, this paper proposes a conflict detection and resolution mechanism for handling continuous traffic flow by adopting finite discrete actions to resolve conflicts. The tactical conflict solver (TCS) was developed based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to train a TCS agent with the actor–critic using a Kronecker-factored trust region. The agent’s actions are determined by the ATCOs’ instructions, such as altitude, speed, and heading adjustments. The reward function is designed in accordance with air traffic control regulations. Considering the uncertainty in a real-life situation, this study characterised the deviation of the aircraft’s estimated position to improve the feasibility of conflict resolution schemes. A DRL environment was developed with the actual airspace structure and traffic density of the air traffic operation simulation system. Results show that for 1000 test samples, the trained TCS could resolve 87.1% of the samples. The conflict resolution rate decreased slightly to 81.2% when the airspace density was increased by a factor of 1.4. This research can be applied to intelligent decision-making systems for air traffic control.
Optimization Design of the NUAA-PTRE: A New Pre-Cooled Turbine Engine Adapting to 0~5 Mach Number
Authors: Yao Zhaohui , Guo Yuanzhao , Niu Jun , Jin Zhiguang , Yu Tianhao , Guo Baojun , Pu Wenhao , Wei Xin , Jin Feng , Li Bo , Liu Mengying
Published: February 2023

A model of a NUAA-PTRE pre-cooled air turbine engine was established. The design point parameters of the engine were optimized, including the pressure ratio, air flow rate of the compressor, efficiency, throat area, and efficiency of the turbine. The air flow rate at the engine operating point was 142.73 kg/s. High performance of the key components under a wide range of working conditions was realized after optimization. To achieve the indicators of the overall scheme, adaptability studies of key components were conducted. A three-stage variable geometry design was applied to the inlet. The pre-cooler was optimized with a power-to-weight ratio of over 100 kW/kg and a compactness of 278 m2/m3. The built-in rocket gas generator and dual-component injector were developed, and the combustion and heat transfer processes were simulated. The overall optimization design of the NUAA-PTRE and the adaptive design of the components were completed, and high performance of the engine in a wide range of flight conditions at Ma 0~5 and altitude 0~25 km was achieved.
Effects of 6-Benzylaminopurine Combined with Prohexadione-Ca on Yield and Quality of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat cv. Hangbaiju
Authors: Zhang Yuqin , Guo Cun , Hu Jing , Liu Fangyu , Fu Sha , Guo Xiaomeng , Chen Qian , Zhang Li , Zhu Lixiang , Hou Xin
Published: February 2023

Increasing shoot branch numbers of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat cv. Hangbaiju (Hangbaiju) is crucial for producing high flower yields. Pot experiments were designed to evaluate the effects of foliar application of 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) combined with prohexadione-Ca (Pro-Ca) on the yield and quality of Hangbaiju flowers. Foliar application of 6-BA combined with Pro-Ca typically increased leaf chlorophyll content and decreased leaf soluble sugar and soluble protein contents throughout the floral organ growth phase. At the bud formation phenophase stage (August), the contents of gibberellin (GA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and zeatin (ZA) decreased (except for GA content in the 10 mg L−1 6-BA combined with 100 mg L−1 Pro-Ca treatment), but abscisic acid (ABA) content increased. The yield of Hangbaiju flowers was found higher in plants treated with foliar application of 6-BA combined with Pro-Ca. Higher yields were found in the 6-BA5 + Ca100 and 6-BA10 + Ca100 treatments than in the 6-BA5 + Ca50 and 6-BA10 + Ca50 treatments, and the highest yield was observed in the 6-Ba5 + Ca100 treatment both in 2019 and 2020. Nutritional indices such as soluble sugar, soluble protein, total amino acid, and water extract increased, and medicinal indices such as flavonoid, total phenolics, chlorogenic acid, cynaroside, and 3,5-dicaffeoyl quinic acid slightly decreased after foliar application of 6-BA combined with Pro-Ca; however, they were all higher than the standards recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopeia. Overall, foliar application of 6-BA combined with Pro-Ca could increase the yield and nutritional quality of Hangbaiju flowers, enhancing its tea quality.
A Colorimetric LAMP Detection of Xylella fastidiosa in Crude Alkaline Sap of Olive Trees in Apulia as a Field-Based Tool for Disease Containment
Authors: Amoia Serafina Serena , Loconsole Giuliana , Ligorio Angela , Pantazis Alexandros K. , Papadakis George , Gizeli Electra , Minafra Angelantonio
Published: February 2023

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca (Xfp) infects olive trees and other hosts in Southern Apulia (Italy), devastating agriculture and landscape. A containment strategy of the disease requires quick and sensitive detection tools. Therefore, a colorimetric LAMP protocol was developed using as a template a crude alkaline sap obtained from incubation of 50–60 mg of thin slices of olive twigs in a NaOH-containing buffer. This rapid molecular assay can be performed directly in the field, as it needs only a portable isothermal block. Tissues of the same olive trees analysed by this technique were also compared to qPCR (using purified total plant DNA as template) as well as digital droplet PCR (on the same crude alkaline extracts used in cLAMP). A titration of the cLAMP reaction with healthy olive sap, spiked with dilutions of in vitro cultivated Xfp cells and plasmid DNA containing the target sequence, gave positive detection results as low as 102 CFU/mL and up to 169.2 target copies/µL, equivalent to about 0.9 pg of the genomic DNA. A portable, sensitive and target-specific Xfp field test was developed, which has a 40 min sample-to-answer time and does not require any DNA isolation procedure or laboratory equipment. The application of this detection assay could help the monitoring and containment of the disease spread.
Hemp Seed Oil Effects on Female Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet and Modulating Adiponectin, Leptin, and Lipid Profile
Authors: Abu Ghazal Tasneem S. , Subih Hadil S. , Obeidat Belal S. , Awawdeh Mofleh S.
Published: February 2023

Background: The prevalence of obesity is increasing dramatically worldwide. Obesity injuries have been linked to the alteration of many health biomarkers in humans. Consuming a 2.5:1 ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 helps to restore standard health biomarkers. Hemp, the non-psychoactive variety of Cannabis Sativa L., has a long history of being used as a source of food, fiber, and medicine. One of its attractive features is the favorable omega-6:omega-3 ratio found in its seed oil (HSO), making it a promising functional food for mitigating obesity-related injuries. Methods: A total of 84 female Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups. Two control groups (n = 21 each) were fed with a standard diet supplemented with 10% HSO. Two other equivalent groups consumed a high-fat diet, and one was supplemented with 10% HSO. Rats were euthanized from each group at 5, 10, or 15 weeks to measure body weight change, food intake, and several health biomarkers. Results: The results demonstrated that body weight gain and triglycerides were lower (p ≤ 0.05) for the control group supplemented with HSO compared with the other groups. Adiponectin concentration was lower (p ≤ 0.05) in both the control and high-fat treated groups. Other biomarkers were comparable among treatment diets. Conclusion: Our results suggest the usefulness of HSO supplementation for the overall health status.
Farmer and Adviser Perspectives on Business Planning and Control in Mediterranean Agriculture: Evidence from Argolida, Greece
Authors: Iakovidis Dimitrios , Gadanakis Yiorgos , Park Julian
Published: February 2023

Adoption and implementation of business planning and control methods is essential to efficiently and effectively allocate resources for producing food within sustainable agricultural systems in the Mediterranean Basin. To investigate this issue, an analysis of twenty-eight representative farming businesses from the National Farm Accountancy Data (FADN) for the region of Argolida (Greece) was undertaken, together with a survey of twenty agricultural advisers (ten agronomists and ten accountants) from the representative associations of agronomists and accountants for the area under study. Results demonstrate farmers’ needs for enhancing managerial competencies, particularly the systematic use of planning and control methods, for effective decision making and strategic design. The research illustrates how these methods can serve as a tool to enhance efforts towards a more sustainable approach to farming. Advisers are encouraged to diversify their role from a purely market driven approach to a role which includes guidance and scientific advice for supporting the sector’s needs for sustainable development. This will support farmers’ decision-making based on the latest scientific knowledge and use of available data to enhance the sustainability of these important agricultural systems.
Microbial Community in the Composting Process and Its Positive Impact on the Soil Biota in Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Aguilar-Paredes Ana , Valdés Gabriela , Araneda Nicole , Valdebenito Emky , Hansen Felipe , Nuti Marco
Published: February 2023

Conventional agriculture has important challenges to guarantee soil fertility and sustainable food production. Many agricultural soils in the world are degraded and multiple strategies are currently being developed to restore them. The study of beneficial soil microorganisms has attracted increasing interest due to their relevant role in sustainable agricultural development. The balance and maintenance of ecosystem services, such as biomass transformation, nutrient cycling, plant growth, and health, are directly dependent on soil microbial activity. Therefore, it is important to promote its establishment and propagation. An ancient technique that favors soil biodiversity is the production and application of compost. While numerous studies have focused on the benefits of plant cultivation, fewer studies have focused on the benefits for soil microbiota. The objective of this review was to elucidate the role of the microbiota in the composting process and its impact on soil microorganisms in agriculture. The review presents the advances in the knowledge and importance of microorganisms involved in the composting process and how compost promotes the maintenance and multiplication of beneficial microbial consortia and their ecosystem functions in agricultural soils, shifting towards a more sustainable and resilient agriculture.
Crop-Specific Effects on Pan-Trap Sampling of Potential Pollinators as Influenced by Trap Color and Location
Authors: Jaques Solange A. , Jofré-Pérez Christian , Murúa Maureen M. , Vieli Lorena , Fontúrbel Francisco E.
Published: February 2023

Characterizing insect communities in pollinator-dependent crops helps determine the potential pollinator effectiveness and their effects on crop yield. Few studies have examined pollinator communities and their services to crops in South America. Furthermore, optimal sampling methods for these communities in the crop habitat have received little attention. Pan traps are one of the simplest and most widely used sampling methods to assess insect diversity. We compared different pan trap arrangements to describe potential pollinator communities in two commercial crops (blueberry and canola) in Southern Chile. We compared communities in the crops and assessed how sampling position (border or center) and pan trap color (blue, white, or yellow) affected sample composition. Species composition was significantly different between crops. Furthermore, trap color affected sample composition in blueberry, but trap position did not, whereas color had no significant effect on canola, but trap position did. In all cases, yellow pans captured the largest number of species. Hymenoptera explained most of the differences in sampling efficiency because of the differential responses across species. We suggest that pan trap assessments of the diversity in potential pollinator insects depend on crop characteristics, including planting configuration and floral morphology. Therefore, comparative studies should include pans of different colors positioned at various locations within the crop.
Optimization of a Microwave-Assisted Extraction Method for the Recovery of the Anthocyanins from Jabuticaba By-Products
Authors: Barroso Tiago L. C. T. , Castro Luiz E. N. , F. Barbero Gerardo , Palma Miguel , Carrera Ceferino , Rostagno Mauricio A. , Forster-Carneiro Tânia
Published: February 2023

In this study, a Box-Behnken Design (BBD) has been used to optimize the recovery of bioactive compounds from jabuticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) by-products through microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Thus, the Box-Behnken (BBD) experimental design was followed by a response surface methodology (RSM) that would allow investigating the influence of the four independent variables (temperature, solvent composition, pH, and sample-solvent ratio) that have been considered. The results revealed that temperature and solvent composition (%MeOH) were the most significant factors regarding the yields of anthocyanins obtained from the studied plant matrix. The established optimized conditions and 10-min-extraction time resulted in yields of 9.70 ± 0.28 mg g−1 of total anthocyanins. The method exhibited good repeatability and intermediate precision, with RSD variations lower than 5% for both parameters. The developed process was also able to extract and identify anthocyanins in commercial samples (jabuticaba pulp and jam). The results obtained from the optimized MAE method suggest that this technique is not only efficient for the recovery of anthocyanins from jabuticaba by-products, but it is also beneficial for a circular economy approach.