bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Grain Yield and Biscuit Quality Capacities of Soft Bread Wheat (T. aestivum L.) Advanced Lines
Authors: Erenler Sultan , Bilgin Oğuz , Balkan Alpay , Balaban Göçmen Damla , Başer İsmet
Published: May 2024

The study was carried out with a total of 24 bread wheat genotypes including 20 advanced lines and 4 check varieties (Gerek79, Carisma, Bayraktar2000, and Artico) with soft grain structure and four replications according to the randomized complete block design in Hamidiye and Karabayır locations of Eskişehir during the 2014-2015 growing season. In the study, grain yield, thousand grain weight, test weight, kernel hardness, Zeleny sedimentation value, ash content and protein content were investigated in the genotypes. According to the results of the analysis of variance performed for the traits examined in the study, the differences between location, bread wheat genotypes and interaction averages were found to be statistically significant, except for Zeleny sedimentation value and protein content, respectively. It is understood that there is a wide variation between genotypes and locations for other traits, except for the protein ratio trait. While location effects are higher than genotype effects for thousand grain weight, test weight, ash content and protein content, genotype effects are higher than location for single kernel characterization system and Zeleny sedimentation value. The mean grain yield of biscuit wheat genotypes ranged from 4425 kg ha-1 to 2000 kg ha-1. Considering the trial quality results; it was observed that there was a high rate of variation between genotypes for thousand grain weight (32.67-48.61 g), test weight (82.40-75.25 kg hl-1), kernel hardness (17.08-39.68), Zeleny sedimentation value (20.63-33.00 ml) and ash content (0.478% - 0.610%), respectively. While BİS-3, BİS-6, BİS-9, BİS-18, BİS-21 and BİS-22 were best-performed lines for grain yield, BİS-3, BİS-9, BİS-11, BİS-12, BİS-13 and BİS-19 were the prominent lines for biscuit-making quality trait. It was concluded that it would be appropriate to include these lines in yield trials before registration as a variety of candidates.
Beyond Folklore: Gothic Intersections in Éilís Ní Dhuibhne’s Fiction
Authors: Tallone Giovanna
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this essay is to investigate the way in which gothic topoi intertwine with the background of folk and fairy tales in Ní Dhuibhne’s fiction, in terms of characters, setting, motifs, situations and atmosphere. Recognising the presence of gothic tropes can highlight the dynamic intersections of genres, and sharpen the reading of Ní Dhuibhne’s short stories. In her very personal and unique approach to fiction, Éilís Ní Dhuibhne intertextually reworks traditional stories and juxtaposes them to their modern counterparts, thus expanding a sort of ‘palimpsestic memory’ that Maria Tatar identifies in the continuous rewriting of fairy tales. And the fairy tale’s instability as a genre has its counterpart in the gothic, a restless form and an unstable genre, whose influence can be seen in many of Ní Dhuibhne’s narrative and stylistic strategies.
Lost in the Familiar
Authors: McKervey Henrietta
Published: May 2024

This essay opens with a creative response to Éilís Ní Dhuibhne’s short story ‘The Shortcut through IKEA’ and continues with a reader’s appreciation of her 2012 short story collection The Shelter of Neighbours. Consisting of fourteen stories, the collection is set in the fictional south county Dublin estate of Dunroon Crescent. Each story draws, in one way or another, on the Irish proverb ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine (‘people live in one another's shelter’). Dunroon Crescent is a community in proximity, where connections have either been forged or exist solely because of geography. The estate’s inhabitants are detached from themselves and each other but their lives also overlap and intersect, illuminated by the light of their pasts, by remembered loss and the legacies of earlier choices.
Detención de migrantes indocumentados en Estados Unidos: ¿quién es quién en aprehensiones?
Authors: Zamora Salazar César , Casillas Rodolfo
Published: May 2024

En elpresenteartículo se indaga sobre la relación entre la migración y la política en Estados Unidosdurante el período de 2000-2020. En específico, se examina el volumen de detenciones en función del partido gobernante a nivel estatal, a la vista de distintos eventos coyunturales y procesos socioeconómicos, con los datos del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de Estados Unidos, por agencia participante. En cada apartado, distintas interrogantesguían la investigación: en primer lugar, ¿quiénes arrestan a inmigrantes en Estados Unidos?;en segundo, ¿qué agencia realiza más arrestos de indocumentados? y ¿dónde ocurrenmás arrestos, en la frontera o en el interior?;en tercer lugar, ¿qué papel juegan los gobiernos estatales según su afiliación política demócrata o republicana? Las tendencias principales y las diferencias se presentan en las conclusiones.
Vietnam Yeni Dinî Hareketi: Kaodaizm
Authors: Kaya Murat
Published: May 2024

Yeni dinî hareketler, geleneksel dinlerin zayıfladığı, siyasî ve sosyal problemlerin yaşandığı durumlarda, bir alternatif olarak ortaya çıkmaktadır. Kültürel geçişlerin ve dinî çeşitliliğin yoğun olduğu bölgeler, bu hareketlerin ortaya çıkmasına müsait ortamlar sunmuştur. Birçok farklı kültüre, büyük ve küçük dine ev sahipliği yapan Uzakdoğu da yeni dinî hareketler için uygun bir ortam sunmuştur. Bir Uzakdoğu ülkesi olan Vietnam, sahip olduğu kültürel ve dinsel çeşitlilikle yeni dinî hareketler açısından önemli örnekler barındırmıştır. Uzun bir zaman Çin istilasına maruz kalan Vietnam, bu istilanın sonucunda, Taoizm, Konfüçyanizm ve Budizm’in etkisi altında kalmıştır. 17. yüzyılda Fransızların gelişiyle, Taoizm’e, Konfüçyanizm’e ve Budizm’e, Hıristiyanlık da eklenmiştir. Bu çok yönlü dinsel etki, Vietnam’da yeni dinî hareketleri ortaya çıkarmıştır. Bu yeni dinî hareketlerin en önemlilerinden olan Kaodaizm, bu dinler ve kültürler çeşitliliğini anlamlandırma ve açıklama problemine bir cevap olarak ortaya çıkmıştır. İçinde bulunduğu sınırları aşarak Yahudilik, Hıristiyanlık ve İslâm gibi Batı dinlerini de senkretik bir yorumla kapsamaya çalışan Kaodaizm, bir dünya dini olmayı, dinsel çatışmaları sonlandırmayı ve evrensel barışı sağlamayı amaçlamıştır. Kaodaizm’in senkretik yapısını inceleyen bu çalışmada, kronolojik ve tasvirci yöntemden faydalanılarak Kaodaizm’in ortaya çıkışı, kurumsal yapısı, yayılışı ve öğretileri hakkında bilgiler verilmiştir.
A deep dive into the history of Hebrew Economics
Authors: Tanvir Mahtab Faysal Mirza Md. , Hasan R. H. M Mahdi , Naoar Ishmum
Published: May 2024

The Hebrew economy is a simple and the most ancient economy which was introduced during 2500 B.C. Its unique characteristics had a core emphasis on safeguarding the economic stability and the status-quo of the society. Hebrew economic thought included the concepts such as just price, Jubilee year of Sabbatical cycles, distributive market, tithe, and agricultural rites and dignity of labor which shows its sublimity. The economy had a profound conception of redistributing wealth and sanctification of the private properties thus exploring the legacy we find that it still echoes through thousands of years. This research explores these things in a deeper way.
Improved multi-layer wavelet transform and blind source separation based ECG artifacts removal algorithm from the sEMG signal: in the case of upper limbs
Authors: Lu Wei , Gong Dongliang , Xue Xue , Gao Lifu
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Surface electromyogram (sEMG) signals have been widely used in human upper limb force estimation and motion intention recognition. However, the electrocardiogram(ECG) artifact generated by the beating of the heart is a major factor that reduces the quality of the EMG signal when recording the sEMG signal from the muscle close to the heart. sEMG signals contaminated by ECG artifacts are difficult to be understood correctly. The objective of this paper is to effectively remove ECG artifacts from sEMG signals by a novel method.

Methods: In this paper, sEMG and ECG signals of the biceps brachii, brachialis, and triceps muscle of the human upper limb will be collected respectively. Firstly, an improved multi-layer wavelet transform algorithm is used to preprocess the raw sEMG signal to remove the background noise and power frequency interference in the raw signal. Then, based on the theory of blind source separation analysis, an improved Fast-ICA algorithm was constructed to separate the denoising signals. Finally, an ECG discrimination algorithm was used to find and eliminate ECG signals in sEMG signals. This method consists of the following steps: 1) Acquisition of raw sEMG and ECG signals; 2) Decoupling the raw sEMG signal; 3) Fast-ICA-based signal component separation; 4) ECG artifact recognition and elimination.

Results and discussion: The experimental results show that our method has a good effect on removing ECG artifacts from contaminated EMG signals. It can further improve the quality of EMG signals, which is of great significance for improving the accuracy of force estimation and motion intention recognition tasks. Compared with other state-of-the-art methods, our method can also provide the guiding significance for other biological signals.
Carbon based sensors for air quality monitoring networks; middle east perspective
Authors: Shahid Imran , Shahzad M. Imran , Tutsak Ersin , Mahfouz Mohamed M. K. , Al Adba Maryam S. , Abbasi Saddam A. , Rathore Hassaan Anwer , Asif Zunaira , Chen Zhi
Published: May 2024

IoT-based Sensors networks play a pivotal role in improving air quality monitoring in the Middle East. They provide real-time data, enabling precise tracking of pollution trends, informed decision-making, and increased public awareness. Air quality and dust pollution in the Middle East region may leads to various health issues, particularly among vulnerable populations. IoT-based Sensors networks help mitigate health risks by offering timely and accurate air quality data. Air pollution affects not only human health but also the region’s ecosystems and contributes to climate change. The economic implications of deteriorated air quality include healthcare costs and decreased productivity, underscore the need for effective monitoring and mitigation. IoT-based data can guide policymakers to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, clean water, and climate action. The conventional monitor based standard air quality instruments provide limited spatial coverage so there is strong need to continue research integrated with low-cost sensor technologies to make air quality monitoring more accessible, even in resource-constrained regions. IoT-based Sensors networks monitoring helps in understanding these environmental impacts. Among these IoT-based Sensors networks, sensors are of vital importance. With the evolution of sensors technologies, different types of sensors materials are available. Among this carbon based sensors are widely used for air quality monitoring. Carbon nanomaterial-based sensors (CNS) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as adsorbents exhibit unique capabilities in the measurement of air pollutants. These sensors are used to detect gaseous pollutants that includes oxides of nitrogen and Sulphur, and ozone, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study provides comprehensive review of integration of carbon nanomaterials based sensors in IoT based network for better air quality monitoring and exploring the potential of machine learning and artificial intelligence for advanced data analysis, pollution source identification, integration of satellite and ground-based networks and future forecasting to design effective mitigation strategies. By prioritizing these recommendations, the Middle East and other regions, can further leverage IoT-based systems to improve air quality monitoring, safeguard public health, protect the environment, and contribute to sustainable development in the region.
Challenging the safety and efficacy of topically applied chlorogenic acid, apigenin, kaempferol, and naringenin by HET-CAM, HPLC-TBARS-EVSC, and laser Doppler flowmetry
Authors: Ruscinc Nadia , Massarico Serafim Ricardo Augusto , Almeida Cíntia , Rosado Catarina , Baby André Rolim
Published: May 2024

The integumentary system, a vital organ, constitutes a multifaceted barrier against pathogens and environmental factors, crucial for maintaining homeostasis. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors can accelerate skin aging and compromise its homeostatic functions and solar rays, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pose a significant risk for skin cancer. Polyphenols are molecules that donate hydrogen or electrons, preventing the oxidation of substances, such as lipids, or the formation of inflammatory mediators by cyclooxygenase enzymes. This study explored the in vitro safety, by HET-CAM (hen’s egg test on chorioallantoic membrane), and protective effects of polyphenols (chlorogenic acid, apigenin, kaempferol, and naringenin) against stratum corneum UV-induced lipid peroxidation using an innovative method, the HPLC-TBARS-EVSC (high-performance liquid chromatography–thiobarbituric acid reactive substances–ex vivo stratum corneum), and a stress test using methyl nicotinate and laser Doppler flowmetry to establish in vivo the samples’ topical anti-inflammatory ability. An aqueous gel containing 0.1% w/w of each polyphenol was formulated using ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer. Through the utilization of the HET-CAM assay for in vitro safety assessment, chlorogenic acid, apigenin, kaempferol, and naringenin were classified as non-irritating active ingredients. This classification was based on their lack of adverse reactions within the vascularization of the chorioallantoic membrane. To assess the protective capabilities of four polyphenols against lipid peroxidation in the stratum corneum, the HPLC-TBARS-EVSC protocol was conducted. It was observed that only naringenin exhibited a significant reduction in epidermal lipoperoxidation, indicating superior anti-radical potential. Conversely, chlorogenic acid, apigenin, and kaempferol displayed a pro-oxidant profile under the specified test conditions. The laser Doppler flowmetry suggested the anti-inflammatory potential of naringenin, kaempferol, and chlorogenic acid, with naringenin showing superior efficacy involving all parameters quantified. Naringenin emerged as the only polyphenol capable of reducing the intensity of the inflammatory response induced by methyl nicotinate solution in the participants, compared to the blank gel and the untreated area. This comprehensive investigation underscores the diverse protective roles of polyphenols in skin health, emphasizing naringenin’s notable anti-radical and anti-inflammatory properties.
Editorial: Immersive media in connected health—volume II
Authors: Antoniou P. E. , Economou D. , Athanasiou A. , Tsoulfas G.
Published: May 2024

Immersive media, particularly Extended Reality (XR), is at the forefront of revolutionizing the healthcare industry. Healthcare provides XR with “silver bullet” use cases that add value and societal effect to the technology. Healthcare interventions frequently require imaging or visualization to be applied correctly, and the sensation of presence that XR can provide is crucial as a training aid for healthcare learners. From anatomy to surgical training, multimodal immersion in the reality of a medical situation increases the impact of an XR resource compared to the usual approach. Thus, healthcare has become a specialized focus for the immersive media sector, with a multitude of development and research underway. This research subject, which followed on from the previous one, yielded an eclectic group of works spanning the gamut of immersive media applications in healthcare. The underlying theme in these works remains a consistent focus on calibrating, validating, verifying, and standardizing procedures, instruments, and technologies in order to constantly rigorously streamline the means and materials that will integrate immersive technologies in healthcare. In that spirit, we share the findings from this research topic as a motivator for rigorous and evidence-based use of immersive media in digital and connected health.
Optimal operation of flexible interconnected distribution grids based on improved virtual synchronous control techniques
Authors: Wang Zeyi , Liu Guangzhi , Pang Dan , Wang Yao , Yu Bin , Wang Zhenhao
Published: May 2024

With distributed energy sources connected to the distribution grid on a large scale for distributed photovoltaic power randomness, this paper proposes a flexible interconnection system optimization operation strategy. First, the virtual synchronous control technology is improved to improve the DC bus voltage stability; second, it analyzes the system operation mode to judge the output logic of PV and storage units, takes DC bus power balance as the underlying logic, and puts forward the power coordination optimization strategy and fault power supply restoration strategy with full consideration of factors such as the load balance degree of the distribution station area, the economic operation of the main transformer, and the amount of power lost in the faulty station area. It also establishes a multi-objective optimization model to obtain the power commands of each port and achieves the power flexibility mutualization of the flexible interconnected system through the accurate regulation of the soft normally open point (SNOP). Finally, a simulation model of the flexible interconnection system is built using MATLAB/Simulink to verify the effectiveness of the proposed optimization strategy.
Enhancing citizen science impact in environmental monitoring: Targeted engagement strategies with stakeholder groups
Authors: Koedel Uta , Dietrich Peter , Herrmann Thora , Liang Christine , Ritter Oscar , Roettenbacher Johannes , Schuetze Fabian M. , Schuetze Sophia V. , Thoboell Jakob C. , Schuetze Claudia
Published: May 2024

Understanding the motivations and benefits of citizen science (CS) participants is critical to the success of environmental science projects that rely on data collection from engaged citizens. Tailored communication with citizen scientists is essential, leading to the need to target specific societal groups for extensive and high-quality data sets. The purpose of the study was to apply marketing concepts such as stakeholder analysis, value proposition canvas (VPC), and key performance indicators (KPIs) to CS projects. The study examined the extent to which these strategies can be applied to CS projects and add value, resulting in improved recruitment and retention of participants, as well as improved project management. The dynamic landscape of CS projects requires adapted business-oriented approaches supporting ongoing participation with high motivation, acknowledging community needs, and recognizing institutional scientists, akin to targeting potential customers. The case study focuses on the CityCLIM initiative, an EU-funded project collecting urban climate data, especially air temperature, using mobile weather stations. The CityCLIM VPC, analyzing stakeholder groups, facilitated tailored communication strategies by analyzing stakeholder groups and highlighting the effectiveness of the CS cycling initiative within the “Stadtradeln” program. Impact KPIs served as a roadmap for strategic refinement, while data quality KPIs identified deficiencies, guiding adjustments to the campaign. Applied marketing tools improved project planning, engagement, and evaluation, demonstrating the potential of this concept. Adapting marketing tools to recruitment and communication strategies benefits CS projects by targeting specific groups. The holistic integration of stakeholder analysis, VPC, and KPIs streamlines project management and creates a framework for sustainable success. This adaptation forms a robust toolkit for CS project coordinators, contributing to effective communication, engagement, and impact assessment. Applying marketing tools significantly increases CS projects’ reach and impact, ensuring long-term success and meaningful scientific contributions.
Mechanism controlling groundwater chemistry in the hyper-arid basin with intermittent river flow: insights from long-term observations (2001–2023) in the lower Heihe River, Northwest China
Authors: Zhang Jialing , Wang Ping , Liu Shiqi , Yu Jingjie
Published: May 2024

The geochemical processes of groundwater in arid regions are generally influenced by both natural hydrological processes and human activities. However, impacts of water-rock interactions on groundwater recharge via hydrological processes, controlled by both intermittent river water flow and groundwater withdrawals, is still poorly understood. In this study, 327 groundwater chemistry datasets collected from the upper, middle (including Gobi and riparian zones), and lower regions of the Ejina Delta in Northwest China from 2001 to 2023 were analyzed. Our results revealed that the total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration of groundwater in Ejina Delta ranged from approximately 881.5 ± 331.6 mg/L in the upper regions to 1,953.6 ± 1,208.5 mg/L in the lower regions, with an increasing trend observed. Ecological water conveyance (EWC), recharging aquifer through intermittent river water flow, resulted in a decrease in TDS concentrations from 2001 to 2023 mainly in the upper region. While irrigation notably affected groundwater chemistry in the lower region, resulting in a substantial increase in groundwater salinity. Groundwater chemistry in the Middle Gobi region remained relatively stable over the study period. Generally, the hydrochemical composition shifted from the Na-Mg-SO4-HCO3 and Na-Mg-Ca-SO4-HCO3 types in the upper region to Na-Mg-SO4-HCO3 and Na-Mg-SO4-Cl types in the lower region, with Na-SO4-Cl predominant in the Middle Gobi. These shifts were likely be attributed to the interplay of water-rock interactions, coupled with evaporation-crystallization processes. Inverse modeling using PHREEQC revealed that in the upper-middle region, primary water-rock interactions involved calcite dissolution and the precipitation of dolomite, gypsum, halite, and sylvite salts, as well as cation exchange reactions (2NaX+Ca2+→CaX2+2Na+). In contrast, the hydrogeological system in the middle-lower region exhibited an opposite pattern of water-rock interactions. Overall, ecological water conveyance partially facilitated water-rock interactions during lateral groundwater flow, while irrigation disrupted the natural hydrogeochemical equilibrium, involving halite dissolution and opposite cation exchange reactions compared to other regions.
Capacity building and community of practice for women community health workers in low-resource settings: long-term evaluation of the Mobile University For Health (MUH)
Authors: Naal Hady , Alaeddine Reem , Brome Dayana , Daou Tracy , Hudroj Laura , el Sayed Israa , Soubra Racha , Hokayem Joanne , Ghalayini Mohamad , Slim Waed , Saleh Shadi
Published: May 2024

Background

Lebanon has been facing a series of crises, significantly increasing health challenges, and straining its healthcare infrastructure. This caused deficiencies in the system's ability to attend to population health needs, and it profoundly impacted vulnerable and refugee communities who face additional challenges accessing healthcare services. In response, the Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut designed and implemented the Mobile University for Health (MUH), which promotes task-shifting through capacity building complemented by communities of practice (CoP). The program aimed to prepare vulnerable women to assume the role of community health workers (CHW) within their communities, and to promote positive health knowledge and behaviours.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate MUHs' three certificates (women's health, mental health and psychosocial support, and non-communicable diseases). Implementation took place between 2019 and 2022, with 83 CHWs graduating from the program. Short-term data including knowledge assessments, course evaluations, and community member feedback surveys were collected. 93 semi-structured interviews with CHWs and 14 focus group discussions with community members were conducted to evaluate the long-term impact of the capacity building and CoP components.

Results

Data revealed multiple strengths of the initiative, including increased access to education for the community, effectiveness of blended learning modality, successful planning and delivery of CoP sessions, and improved knowledge, skills, and health behaviours over time. The supplementary CoP sessions fostered trust in CHWs, increased community empowerment, and increased leadership skills among CHWs. However, some challenges persisted, including limited access to healthcare services, implementation logistical issues, difficulties with some aspects of the learning modality, and some resistance within the communities.

Conclusion

MUH promoted and improved positive health knowledge and behaviours within targeted vulnerable populations in Lebanon. The supplementary CoP component proved instrumental in empowering CHWs and enhancing their impact within their communities. The study highlights the need for ongoing training and support for CHWs and underscores the importance of continued investment and adaptation of such initiatives through a gendered lens. This evaluation provides evidence on the successes of a capacity building model that has strong potential for scale and replication across health topics in conflict-affected contexts.
Prevalence of STEC virulence markers and Salmonella as a function of abiotic factors in agricultural water in the southeastern United States
Authors: Chevez Zoila R. , Dunn Laurel L. , da Silva Andre L. B. R. , Rodrigues Camila
Published: May 2024

Fresh produce can be contaminated by enteric pathogens throughout crop production, including through contact with contaminated agricultural water. The most common outbreaks and recalls in fresh produce are due to contamination by Salmonella enterica and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Thus, the objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of markers for STEC (wzy, hly, fliC, eaeA, rfbE, stx-I, stx-II) and Salmonella (invA) in surface water sources (n = 8) from produce farms in Southwest Georgia and to determine correlations among the prevalence of virulence markers for STEC, water nutrient profile, and environmental factors. Water samples (500 mL) from eight irrigation ponds were collected from February to December 2021 (n = 88). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to screen for Salmonella and STEC genes, and Salmonella samples were confirmed by culture-based methods. Positive samples for Salmonella were further serotyped. Particularly, Salmonella was detected in 6/88 (6.81%) water samples from all ponds, and the following 4 serotypes were detected: Saintpaul 3/6 (50%), Montevideo 1/6 (16.66%), Mississippi 1/6 (16.66%), and Bareilly 1/6 (16.66%). Salmonella isolates were only found in the summer months (May-Aug.). The most prevalent STEC genes were hly 77/88 (87.50%) and stx-I 75/88 (85.22%), followed by fliC 54/88 (61.63%), stx-II 41/88 (46.59%), rfbE 31/88 (35.22%), and eaeA 28/88 (31.81%). The wzy gene was not detected in any of the samples. Based on a logistic regression analysis, the odds of codetection for STEC virulence markers (stx-I, stx-II, and eaeA) were negatively correlated with calcium and relative humidity (p < 0.05). A conditional forest analysis was performed to assess predictive performance (AUC = 0.921), and the top predictors included humidity, nitrate, calcium, and solar radiation. Overall, information from this research adds to a growing body of knowledge regarding the risk that surface water sources pose to produce grown in subtropical environmental conditions and emphasizes the importance of understanding the use of abiotic factors as a holistic approach to understanding the microbial quality of water.
The impacts of biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastic on the performance and microbial community characterization of aerobic granular sludge
Authors: Guo Xiaoying , Ma Xiaohang , Niu Xiangyu , Li Zhe , Wang Qiong , Ma Yi , Cai Shangying , Li Penghao , Li Honglu
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Microplastics (MPs), identified as emerging contaminants, have been detected across diverse environmental media. Their enduring presence and small size facilitate the adsorption of organic pollutants and heavy metals, leading to combined pollution effects. MPs also accumulate in the food chain thus pose risks to animals, plants, and human health, garnering significant scholarly attention in recent years. Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) technology emerges as an innovative approach to wastewater treatment. However, the impacts of MPs on the operational efficiency and microbial characteristics of AGS systems has been insufficiently explored.

Methods

This study investigated the effects of varying concentration (10, 50, and 100 mg/L) of biodegradable MPs (Polylactic Acid, PLA) and non-biodegradable MPs (Polyethylene Terephthalate, PET) on the properties of AGS and explored the underlying mechanisms.

Results and discussions

It was discovered that low and medium concentration of MPs (10 and 50 mg/L) showed no significant effects on COD removal by AGS, but high concentration (100 mg/L) of MPs markedly diminished the ability to remove COD of AGS, by blocking most of the nutrient transport channels of AGS. However, both PLA and PE promoted the nitrogen and phosphorus removal ability of AGS, and significantly increased the removal efficiency of total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) and total phosphorus (TP) at stages II and III (P < 0.05). High concentration of MPs inhibited the growth of sludge. PET noticeably deteriorate the sedimentation performance of AGS, while 50 mg/L PLA proved to be beneficial to sludge sedimentation at stage II. The addition of MPs promoted the abundance of Candidatus_Competibacter and Acinetobacter in AGS, thereby promoting the phosphorus removal capacity of AGS. Both 50 mg/L PET and 100 mg/L PLA caused large amount of white Thiothrix filamentous bacteria forming on the surface of AGS, leading to deterioration of the sludge settling performance and affecting the normal operation of the reactor. Comparing with PET, AGS proved to be more resistant to PLA, so more attention should be paid to the effect of non-biodegradable MPs on AGS in the future.
Nutritional risk factors in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Pengpeng , Huang Xueling , Xue Li , Liao Jinlian , Liu Jieying , Yu Jiaxiang , Li Ting
Published: May 2024

Background

Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma are notably susceptible to high nutritional risks. If not addressed, this susceptibility can lead to malnutrition, resulting in numerous adverse clinical outcomes. Despite the significance of this issue, there is limited comprehensive research on the topic.

Objective

The objective of our study was to identify nutritional risk factors in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Methods

For this cross-sectional study, we recruited a total of 377 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 tool was used to assess their nutritional risk. These patients were divided into a well-nourished group (n = 222) and a nutritional risk group (n = 155). Potential risk factors were screened out using univariate analysis (p < 0.1). These factors were subsequently analyzed with multivariate logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05) to identify the nutritional risk factors for these patients.

Results

Our findings indicated that increasing age (OR = 1.085, 95%CI: 1.053–1.117, p < 0.001), high number of radiation treatments (OR = 1.103, 95%CI: 1.074–1.132, p < 0.001), low BMI (OR = 0.700, 95%CI: 0.618–0.793, p < 0.001), and low albumin levels (OR = 0.852, 95%CI: 0.789–0.921, p < 0.001) are significant nutritional risk factors in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Conclusion

Increasing age, high number of radiation treatments, low BMI, and low albumin levels are significant nutritional risk factors in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
A systematic literature review of the stereotype content model in the fields of psychology and marketing: main themes examined in the literature and an agenda for future research in marketing
Authors: Luna Cortes Gonzalo
Published: May 2024

The stereotypes content model indicates that two traits (i.e., warmth and competence) govern individuals’ impression formation. The great variety of research that has used this theory since the early 2000s leads to a need for a structured overview of prior findings. The goal of this study is to provide a concise map of research streams and present a research agenda. We conducted a systematic literature review of 955 articles. A bibliographic coupling analysis showed four clusters, i.e., (1) the general theoretical foundations of the SCM, (2) the societal impact of key stereotypes (with emphasis on gender), (3) research in clinical psychology and child development, and (4) marketing. Taking a closer look at research in marketing (using co-occurrence analysis), six research streams were identified, including research on branding, country-of-origin, front-line service providers, prosocial consumer behavior, perception of endorsers, and, more recently, on artificial intelligence (AI). The review presents key findings and research gaps across these topics. Finally, we reviewed the few articles that, although not falling into these streams, opened important research veins. This process provided the essential information to present a promising and complete research agenda, to continue building knowledge with impactful implications in different contexts.
Inter-relationships of risk factors and pathways associated with all-cause mortality in patients with chronic schizophrenia
Authors: Yu Teng-Hung , Lee Thung-Lip , Hsuan Chin-Feng , Wu Cheng-Ching , Wang Chao-Ping , Lu Yung-Chuan , Wei Ching-Ting , Chung Fu-Mei , Lee Yau-Jiunn , Tsai I-Ting , Tang Wei-Hua
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Of all psychiatric disorders, schizophrenia is associated with the highest risk of all-cause mortality. This study aimed to investigate independent risk factors for all-cause mortality in patients with chronic schizophrenia. In addition, the possible causal inter-relationships among these independent risk factors and all-cause mortality were also explored.

Methods

We conducted an analysis of 1,126 patients with chronic schizophrenia from our psychiatric department from April 2003 to August 2022, and retrospectively reviewed their medical records. The study endpoint was all-cause mortality. Baseline clinical characteristics including sociodemographic data, biochemical data, lifestyle factors, comorbidities and antipsychotic treatment were examined with Cox proportional hazards analysis.

Results

The all-cause mortality rate was 3.9% (44 patients). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that several factors were independently associated with all-cause mortality, including diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, heart failure, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, ileus, underweight, fasting glucose, triglycerides, albumin, and hemoglobin. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis revealed that several factors had statistically significant direct effects on all-cause mortality. Heart failure, hypertension, underweight, age at onset, and ileus showed positive direct effects, while albumin and hemoglobin demonstrated negative direct effects. In addition, several factors had indirect effects on all-cause mortality. GERD indirectly affected all-cause mortality through ileus, and peptic ulcer disease had indirect effects through albumin and ileus. Ileus, underweight, DM, and hypertension also exhibited indirect effects through various pathways involving albumin, hemoglobin, and heart failure. Overall, the final model, which included these factors, explained 13% of the variability in all-cause mortality.

Discussion

These results collectively suggest that the presence of DM, hypertension, heart failure, GERD, peptic ulcer disease, ileus, and underweight, along with lower levels of albumin or hemoglobin, were independently associated with all-cause mortality. The SEM analysis further revealed potential causal pathways and inter-relationships among these risk factors contributing to all-cause mortality in patients with chronic schizophrenia.
Successes and challenges of best practice alerts to identify and engage individuals living with hepatitis C virus
Authors: Tandon Saniya , Castaneda Roselyn , Tarasco Nadia , Percival Janie , Nieto Linares Roberto , Geiger Glen , Cooper Curtis L.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Many individuals living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are unaware of their diagnosis and/or have not been linked to programs providing HCV care. The use of electronic medical record (EMR) systems may assist with HCV infection identification and linkage to care.

Methods

In October 2021, we implemented HCV serology-focused best practice alerts (BPAs) at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) via our EMR (EPIC). Our BPAs were programmed to identify previously tested HCV seropositive individuals. Physicians were prompted to conduct HCV RNA testing and submit consultation requests to the TOH Viral Hepatitis Program. We evaluated data post-BPA implementation to assess the design and related outcomes.

Results

From 1 September 2022 to 15 December 2022, a total of 2,029 BPAs were triggered for 139 individuals. As a consequence of the BPA prompts, nine HCV seropositive and nine HCV RNA-positive individuals were linked to care. The proportion of total consultations coming from TOH physicians increased post-BPA implementation. The BPA alerts were frequently declined, and physician engagement with our BPAs varied across specialty groups. Programming issues led to unnecessary BPA prompts (e.g., no hard stop to the prompts even though the individual was treated and cured and individuals linked to care without first undergoing HCV RNA testing). A fixed 6-month lookback period for test results limited our ability to identify many individuals.

Conclusion

An EMR-based BPA can assist with the identification and engagement of HCV-infected individuals in care. However, challenges including issues with programming, time commitment toward BPA configuration, productive communication between healthcare providers and the programming team, and physician responsiveness to the BPAs require attention to optimize the impact of BPAs.
Unraveling tuberculosis patient cluster transmission chains: integrating WGS-based network with clinical and epidemiological insights
Authors: Sadovska Darja , Ozere Iveta , Pole Ilva , Ķimsis Jānis , Vaivode Annija , Vīksna Anda , Norvaiša Inga , Bogdanova Ineta , Ulanova Viktorija , Čapligina Valentīna , Bandere Dace , Ranka Renāte
Published: May 2024

Background

Tuberculosis remains a global health threat, and the World Health Organization reports a limited reduction in disease incidence rates, including both new and relapse cases. Therefore, studies targeting tuberculosis transmission chains and recurrent episodes are crucial for developing the most effective control measures. Herein, multiple tuberculosis clusters were retrospectively investigated by integrating patients’ epidemiological and clinical information with median-joining networks recreated based on whole genome sequencing (WGS) data of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates.

Methods

Epidemiologically linked tuberculosis patient clusters were identified during the source case investigation for pediatric tuberculosis patients. Only M. tuberculosis isolate DNA samples with previously determined spoligotypes identical within clusters were subjected to WGS and further median-joining network recreation. Relevant clinical and epidemiological data were obtained from patient medical records.

Results

We investigated 18 clusters comprising 100 active tuberculosis patients 29 of whom were children at the time of diagnosis; nine patients experienced recurrent episodes. M. tuberculosis isolates of studied clusters belonged to Lineages 2 (sub-lineage 2.2.1) and 4 (sub-lineages 4.3.3, 4.1.2.1, 4.8, and 4.2.1), while sub-lineage 4.3.3 (LAM) was the most abundant. Isolates of six clusters were drug-resistant. Within clusters, the maximum genetic distance between closely related isolates was only 5–11 single nucleotide variants (SNVs). Recreated median-joining networks, integrated with patients’ diagnoses, specimen collection dates, sputum smear microscopy, and epidemiological investigation results indicated transmission directions within clusters and long periods of latent infection. It also facilitated the identification of potential infection sources for pediatric patients and recurrent active tuberculosis episodes refuting the reactivation possibility despite the small genetic distance of ≤5 SNVs between isolates. However, unidentified active tuberculosis cases within the cluster, the variable mycobacterial mutation rate in dormant and active states, and low M. tuberculosis genetic variability inferred precise transmission chain delineation. In some cases, heterozygous SNVs with an allelic frequency of 10–73% proved valuable in identifying direct transmission events.

Conclusion

The complex approach of integrating tuberculosis cluster WGS-data-based median-joining networks with relevant epidemiological and clinical data proved valuable in delineating epidemiologically linked patient transmission chains and deciphering causes of recurrent tuberculosis episodes within clusters.
The temporal variability of Io’s hotspots
Authors: Mura A. , Zambon F. , Tosi F. , Lopes R. M. C. , Rathbun J. , Pettine M. , Adriani A. , Altieri F. , Ciarniello M. , Cicchetti A. , Filacchione G. , Grassi D. , Noschese R. , Migliorini A. , Piccioni G. , Plainaki C. , Sordini R. , Sindoni G. , Turrini D.
Published: May 2024

We investigate the variability of the power emission of Io’s hotspots by using recent Juno/JIRAM infrared observations. The Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (JIRAM) is an imaging spectrometer which began observing Jupiter in August 2016. Although observing Jupiter’s moons is not its primary objective, JIRAM can use the frequent opportunities to observe Io (up to once per orbit) to gather infrared images and spectra of its surface. The present study uses the data acquired by JIRAM during the last 2 years, including the location and morphology of Io’s hotspots, and the temporal variability of the total output. A new photometric model for the hotspots and the dayside surface has been developed, which permits us to disentangle the temporal variability from the changes in the observation geometry. While the latitudinal dependence of the power output is not well constrained, low-latitude hotspots show a significantly more intense temporal variability and greater temperature.
Implementing exercise recommendations into clinical practice—new findings from mental health professionals' and patients' perspectives in a university psychiatric setting
Authors: Hirschbeck Anna , Kossmann David , Schwegler Hannah , Greiner Sophie-Kathrin , Hasan Alkomiet , Roeh Astrid
Published: May 2024

Introduction

To date, concrete recommendations for physical activity in psychiatric treatments are limited. Thus, we evaluated knowledge, barriers and beliefs associated with exercise prescription of mental health professionals (MHP) to people with mental illnesses. We aimed to identify patients' barriers to exercise participation and to work out options addressing these barriers.

Methods

In our cross-sectional and questionnaire-based investigation, we recruited medical, nursing and therapeutic staff and patients of a psychiatric clinic by email and personal contact. Questionnaires contained the German versions of The Exercise in Mental Illness Questionnaire (EMIQ-G) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ).

Results

We included 100 MHP and 100 patients. MHP had significantly more knowledge regarding positive effects of exercise on general health than patients. Exercise was prescribed mostly (48.4%) or always (37.9%) by MHP. The data showed missing education in exercise prescriptions and different recommendation behavior. Male patients seemed to experience exercise more often as a positive distraction and had lower physical health barriers than females.

Discussion

Physical activity needs to be more integrated in psychiatric treatments. Some strategies as educating MHP and patients regarding potential benefits of exercise via psychoeducative brochures and adapting recommendations to individual symptoms could improve exercise behavior in psychiatric patients.
Forage yield, competition, and economic indices of oat and common vetch intercrops in a semi-arid region
Authors: Jiao Yu , Zhang Qingping , Miao Fuhong
Published: May 2024

Intercropping of annual favorable legumes with grains to produce forage is utilized extensively worldwide to improve resource use efficiency. To identify the best intercropping system for a semi-arid region of China, intercrops of oat (Avena sativa L.) and common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) at five planting proportions and oat and common vetch monocrops were produced over the 2011 and 2012 growing seasons in Xifeng, northwest China. Several indices were used to evaluate yields, competitive interrelationships between the two crops, and economic returns. The oat mono-crop had the highest dry matter yield (6.51 t ha−1), while the oat–common vetch intercrop, with an 80: 20 planting ratio, produced the highest crude protein production (696 kg ha−1). The land equivalent ratio (1.167), relative crowding coefficient (2.445), and actual yield loss (0.750) were more favorable for the oat–common vetch intercrop at a seeding ratio of 20: 80. The oat–common vetch intercrop at a seeding ratio of 20: 80 showed the highest values for monetary advantage index (35.51). Overall, the autumn-sown 20: 80 oat–common vetch intercrop was more productive from resource utilization and economic perspectives.
A Framework for Rapidly Predicting the Dynamics of Flexible Solar Arrays in the China Space Station with a Verification Based on On-Orbit Measurement Data
Authors: Wu Song , Yan Han , Zhao Yuzhen , Chen Yanhao , Tang Guoan
Published: May 2024

The Chinese space station is a complex structure with large flexible appendages. Obtaining the on-orbit response characteristics of such a structure under different working conditions is a traditional and classic challenge in the field of dynamics. To address the on-orbit dynamics of the China Space Station, the basic equations for dynamic reduction, assembly and data recovery of linear and nonlinear substructures are derived based on the reduction and recovery theory, and a fast coupling analysis framework for flexible systems with nonlinear attachments is formed. This coupling analysis framework is adopted to quickly acquire the dynamic response of the China Space Station during in-orbit operation, thereby guiding the design. Taking SZ-15 radial docking to the Chinese Space Station as the object, the substructure of six nonlinear flexible arrays is reduced, the full flexible dynamic equation of the space station is assembled, and the response of each part of the flexible wing during the docking process is analyzed and recovered. By designing a reasonable and reliable flexible wing test scheme in-orbit, the acceleration at the root and top of the flexible wing during the docking of SZ-15 is obtained. The measured data in-orbit show that the acceleration analysis results of the typical parts of the flexible wing have a good agreement, which verifies the correctness of the fast coupling analysis framework of the flexible system. Hence, the dynamic coupling characteristics analysis of the main structure of the space station and the flexible wing based on this method can better guide the rationality of the design of the dynamic characteristics of the Chinese Space Station.