bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Microstructural Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Fabricated by Wire-Fed Laser Versus Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Zhang Dayue , Fang Qian , Li Binzhou , Wang Yijia , Si Shanshan , Jiang Yuanbo , Hu Zhiping
Published: May 2024

This study evaluates the feasibility of producing high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel using advanced wire-fed laser additive manufacturing (LAM-W) and wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technologies. Optimized parameters were independently developed for each heat source, utilizing a self-designed HSLA steel wire as the feedstock. Microstructural features and mechanical properties of the fabricated steels were characterized and compared, taking into account differences in heat input and cooling rates. LAM-W samples exhibited a finer columnar grain microstructure, while both LAM-W- and WAAM-produced steels predominantly showed lower bainite and granular bainite microstructures. LAM-W demonstrated higher strength and hardness, lower ductility, and comparable low-temperature toughness compared to WAAM. Both processes demonstrated an excellent balance between strength and ductility, with absorbed energy exceeding 100 J at −40 °C. The study confirms the feasibility of producing high-strength and tough HSLA steel parts using LAM-W and WAAM technologies, and compares the advantages and disadvantages of each method. These findings assist in selecting the most suitable wire-fed AM process for HSLA steel fabrication at high deposition rates.
Soil Studies for Fungal Diversity to Enable the Conservation Translocation of Green-Winged Orchid
Authors: Newmarch Millie Brigitte , Velde Mélusine , Menon Manoj , Sarasan Viswambharan
Published: May 2024

Conservation Translocation (CT), which includes reintroduction, reinforcement and introduction, is gaining momentum, responding to serious population decline in many orchids. Orchid conservation underpinned by a greater emphasis on understanding biotic and abiotic factors of habitats is critical for successful recovery and restoration programmes. Anacamptis morio, commonly known as green-winged orchid (GWO), is a terrestrial orchid found throughout Europe, but populations in England rapidly declined in its native range in the last several decades. The current study explored the relationship between soil abiotic characteristics and the community composition of key fungal groups. Wild sites in Essex and Cumbria in England, where successful colonies are currently present, were compared to potential sites for CT in Cumbria. The Cumbrian sites managed by cattle grazing include the wild site and three potential CT sites, with two of them hosting no GWO plants. The Essex site, fOxley Meadow, where no cattle is used for grassland management, hosts the largest population of GWO in England. The aim of this study was to understand whether the community composition of fungi and soil characteristics of the potential CT sites in Cumbria are nearly compatible with that of Oxley Meadow. Oxley Meadow, with around 65,000 plants, stands out as a unique habitat compared to all Cumbria sites, as it showed low organic content. Nitrate and phosphate content were smaller for Oxley Meadow compared to other Cumbrian sites. The proportion of Basidiomycota fungi was greater in Oxley Meadow compared to all Cumbrian sites where Ascomycota dominated. The abundant fungal group found in Oxley Meadow was Agaricales. From Agariclaes, Hygrophoraceae or waxcaps fungi are considered an indicator group of fungi and were the most abundant group in Oxley Meadow. They have a negative correlation with targeted key fungal groups and abiotic parameters. More in-depth assessments using additional primers are essential to better understand the fungal diversity and how this diversity translates to the resilience of orchid habitats. This preliminary study points to future studies to assess whether sites are near-compatible to the wild site where large colonies are present using additional primers collected over different time scales.
Atlas of Dental Near-Infrared Transillumination Images
Authors: Angelakopoulos Nikolaos , Anton Y Otero Clara Isabel , Franco Ademir , Vazquez Lydia , Leprince Julian , Abdelaziz Marwa
Published: May 2024

Technological improvements have introduced significant innovations in dentistry and broadened the array of tools and techniques in dental care. One technological development that has been widely researched over the past 20 years is the use of Near-Infrared Transillumination (NIRT) imaging for the diagnosis of dental caries. This paper aims to introduce a comprehensive collection of NIRT images, intended as a reference tool for routine dental examinations, dental research, pedagogical activities, and forensic odontology. The collection presents pairwise clinical and NIRT images categorized as follows: (a) healthy teeth, (b) carious teeth, (c) restored teeth, (d) enamel defects, and (e) diverse findings. This atlas could be a valuable tool for the dental community as it is designed as an identification guide of NIRT illustrated dental features.
Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound in Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Rogers Hayley K. , Shah Shawn L.
Published: May 2024

The emergence of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has significantly impacted the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer and its associated sequelae. While the definitive role of EUS for pancreatic cancer remains incompletely characterized by currently available guidelines, EUS undoubtedly offers high diagnostic accuracy, the precise staging of pancreatic neoplasms, and the ability to perform therapeutic and palliative interventions. However, current challenges to EUS include limited specialized expertise and variability in operator proficiency. As the technology and techniques continue to evolve and become more refined, EUS is poised to play an increasingly integral role in shaping pancreatic cancer care.
Exponential Time Trends in a Fractional Integration Model
Authors: Caporale Guglielmo Maria , Gil-Alana Luis Alberiko
Published: May 2024

This paper introduces a new modelling approach that incorporates nonlinear, exponential deterministic terms into a fractional integration framework. The proposed model is based on a specific test on fractional integration that is more general than the standard methods, which allow for only linear trends.. Its limiting distribution is standard normal, and Monte Carlo simulations show that it performs well in finite samples. Three empirical examples confirm that the suggested specification captures the properties of the data adequately.
Exploring the Nexus between Employment and Economic Contribution: A Study of the Travel and Tourism Industry in the Context of COVID-19
Authors: Vašaničová Petra , Bartók Katarína
Published: May 2024

The travel and tourism industry plays a crucial role in economies around the world. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry has been very pronounced. This paper aims to study the relationship between the country’s T&T industry Share of Employment (TTEMPL) and the country’s T&T industry Share of Gross Domestic Product (TTGDP). This study is specific because we do not focus on the development of indicators over time; instead, we propose the models for 117 countries using the quantile regression (QR) while comparing models in the context of COVID-19 (between 2019 and 2021). The results of the QR determined that individual percentiles of the TTGDP are more affected by the TTEMPL than other percentiles of the TTGDP, which is then reflected in the changes in regression coefficients. In addition, we compare analyzed indicators among countries according to region and income group. The study reveals that the tourism downturn caused by COVID-19 has adverse effects on the TTEMPL and the TTGDP. In addition, the results show that the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry appears to be varied among countries, regions, and income groups.
Vehicle–Pedestrian Detection Method Based on Improved YOLOv8
Authors: Wang Bo , Li Yuan-Yuan , Xu Weijie , Wang Huawei , Hu Li
Published: May 2024

The YOLO series of target detection networks are widely used in transportation targets due to the advantages of high detection accuracy and good real-time performance. However, it also has some limitations, such as poor detection in scenes with large-scale variations, a large number of computational resources being consumed, and occupation of more storage space. To address these issues, this study uses the YOLOv8n model as the benchmark and makes the following four improvements: (1) embedding the BiFormer attention mechanism in the Neck layer to capture the associations and dependencies between the features more efficiently; (2) adding a 160 × 160 small-scale target detection header in the Head layer of the network to enhance the pedestrian and motorcycle detection capability; (3) adopting a weighted bidirectional feature pyramid structure to enhance the feature fusion capability of the network; and (4) making WIoUv3 as a loss function to enhance the focus on common quality anchor frames. Based on the improvement strategies, the evaluation metrics of the model have improved significantly. Compared to the original YOLOv8n, the mAP reaches 95.9%, representing an increase of 4.7 percentage points, and the mAP50:95 reaches 74.5%, reflecting an improvement of 6.2 percentage points.
Collaborative Design of Pulsed-Power Generator Based on SiC Drift Step Recovery Diode
Authors: Guo Jingkai , Chen Yahui , Zhang Yu , Sun Lejia , Zhou Yu , Song Qingwen , Tang Xiaoyan , Zhang Yuming
Published: May 2024

Despite the extensively researched physical principles, numerous published simulations on SiC drift step recovery diodes (SiC DSRD) and the practical implementation of SiC DSRD-based pulses, there are few kinds of research focusing on collaborative design between a SiC DSRD and its driving circuit. In this paper, a collaborative design method of a SiC DSRD and its driving circuit are presented. In addition, a detailed simulation is conducted to verify design considerations and to analyze the impact of driving parameter changes on the output pulse waveform. A pulse generator prototype with a self-developed SiC DSRD is implemented. The experimental results show that the circuit can output a peak voltage of 790 V on a matching load of 50 Ω, with a rise time of 520 ps (20%~80%), and can work at a 1 MHz repetition frequency rate with good stability.
Prophet–CEEMDAN–ARBiLSTM-Based Model for Short-Term Load Forecasting
Authors: Yang Jindong , Zhang Xiran , Chen Wenhao , Rong Fei
Published: May 2024

Accurate short-term load forecasting (STLF) plays an essential role in sustainable energy development. Specifically, energy companies can efficiently plan and manage their generation capacity, lessening resource wastage and promoting the overall efficiency of power resource utilization. However, existing models cannot accurately capture the nonlinear features of electricity data, leading to a decline in the forecasting performance. To relieve this issue, this paper designs an innovative load forecasting method, named Prophet–CEEMDAN–ARBiLSTM, which consists of Prophet, Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN), and the residual Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) network. Specifically, this paper firstly employs the Prophet method to learn cyclic and trend features from input data, aiming to discern the influence of these features on the short-term electricity load. Then, the paper adopts CEEMDAN to decompose the residual series and yield components with distinct modalities. In the end, this paper designs the advanced residual BiLSTM (ARBiLSTM) block as the input of the above extracted features to obtain the forecasting results. By conducting multiple experiments on the New England public dataset, it demonstrates that the Prophet–CEEMDAN–ARBiLSTM method can achieve better performance compared with the existing Prophet-based ones.
Research on Multi-Modal Pedestrian Detection and Tracking Algorithm Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Zhao Rui , Hao Jutao , Huo Huan
Published: May 2024

In the realm of intelligent transportation, pedestrian detection has witnessed significant advancements. However, it continues to grapple with challenging issues, notably the detection of pedestrians in complex lighting scenarios. Conventional visible light mode imaging is profoundly affected by varying lighting conditions. Under optimal daytime lighting, visibility is enhanced, leading to superior pedestrian detection outcomes. Conversely, under low-light conditions, visible light mode imaging falters due to the inadequate provision of pedestrian target information, resulting in a marked decline in detection efficacy. In this context, infrared light mode imaging emerges as a valuable supplement, bolstering pedestrian information provision. This paper delves into pedestrian detection and tracking algorithms within a multi-modal image framework grounded in deep learning methodologies. Leveraging the YOLOv4 algorithm as a foundation, augmented by a channel stack fusion module, a novel multi-modal pedestrian detection algorithm tailored for intelligent transportation is proposed. This algorithm capitalizes on the fusion of visible and infrared light mode image features to enhance pedestrian detection performance amidst complex road environments. Experimental findings demonstrate that compared to the Visible-YOLOv4 algorithm, renowned for its high performance, the proposed Double-YOLOv4-CSE algorithm exhibits a notable improvement, boasting a 5.0% accuracy rate enhancement and a 6.9% reduction in logarithmic average missing rate. This research’s goal is to ensure that the algorithm can run smoothly even on a low configuration 1080 Ti GPU and to improve the algorithm’s coverage at the application layer, making it affordable and practical for both urban and rural areas. This addresses the broader research problem within the scope of smart cities and remote ends with limited computational power.
Feed Additives Based on N. gaditana and A. platensis Blend Improve Quality Parameters of Aquacultured Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Fresh Fillets
Authors: Sáez María Isabel , Galafat Alba , Tapia Paniagua Silvana Teresa , Martos-Sitcha Juan Antonio , Alarcón-López Francisco Javier , Martínez Moya Tomás Francisco
Published: May 2024

The aim of this research is to explore the potential effects of two microalgae-based additives included in finishing feeds on the quality and shelf-life of seabream fillets. In a 41-day feeding trial, seabream specimens were fed with experimental aquafeeds containing 10% of the bioactive supplements. These additives consisted of a blend of Nannochloropsis gaditana and Arthrospira platensis biomass, which was utilized as either raw (LB-CB) or enzymatically hydrolyzed (LB-CBplus). A control group received a microalgae-free diet. The results showed that the functional aquafeeds improved the nutritional profile of seabream fillets, increasing protein and PUFA-n3 contents while reducing the atherogenic index, especially for the LB-CBplus treatment. LB-CBplus also enhanced the texture parameters (hardness and chewiness) of fillets during the initial 5 days under cold storage. Regarding skin pigmentation, fillets showed increased greenish and yellowish coloration compared to control fish, mostly attributed to the inclusion of crude algal biomass (LB-CB). Moreover, diets enriched with microalgae additives effectively delayed muscle lipid oxidation processes under refrigeration for up to 12 days, with LB-CBplus exhibiting higher antioxidant effects. These findings highlight the potential of microalgae-based additives to enhance both the nutritional and organoleptic quality of seabream fillets.
Assessment of Peanut Protein Powder Quality by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Generalized Regression Neural Network-Based Approach
Authors: Cui Haofan , Gu Fengying , Qin Jingjing , Li Zhenyuan , Zhang Yu , Guo Qin , Wang Qiang
Published: May 2024

The global demand for protein is on an upward trajectory, and peanut protein powder has emerged as a significant player, owing to its affordability and high quality, with great future market potential. However, the industry currently lacks efficient methods for rapid quality testing. This research paper addressed this gap by introducing a portable device with employed near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) to quickly assess the quality of peanut protein powder. The principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares (PLS), and generalized regression neural network (GRNN) methods were used to construct the model to further enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the device. The results demonstrated that the newly established NIR method with PLS and GRNN analysis simultaneously predicted the fat, protein, and moisture of peanut protein powder. The GRNN model showed better predictive performance than the PLS model, the correlation coefficient in calibration (Rcal) of the fat, the protein, and the moisture of peanut protein powder were 0.995, 0.990, and 0.990, respectively, and the residual prediction deviation (RPD) were 10.82, 10.03, and 8.41, respectively. The findings unveiled that the portable NIR spectroscopic equipment combined with the GRNN method achieved rapid quantitative analysis of peanut protein powder. This advancement holds a significant application of this device for the industry, potentially revolutionizing quality testing procedures and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality products to fulfil consumer desires.
Influence of Heating Temperature and pH on Acid Gelation of Micellar Calcium Phosphate-Adjusted Skim Milk
Authors: Ahmadi Elaheh , Vasiljevic Todor , Huppertz Thom
Published: May 2024

Micellar calcium phosphate (MCP) plays an important role in maintaining the structure and stability of the casein micelle and its properties during processing. The objective of this study was to investigate how heating (10 min at 80 or 90 °C) at different pH levels (6.3, 6.6, 6.9, or 7.2) impacted the acid-induced gelation of MCP-adjusted milk, containing 67 (MCP67), 100 (MCP100), or 113 (MCP113) % of the original MCP content. The unheated sample MCP100 at pH 6.6 was considered the control. pH acidification to pH 4.5 at 30 °C was achieved with glucono delta-lactone while monitoring viscoelastic behaviour by small-amplitude oscillatory rheology. The partitioning of calcium and proteins between colloidal and soluble phases was also examined. In MCP-depleted skim milk samples, the concentrations of non-sedimentable caseins and whey proteins were higher compared to the control and MCP-enriched skim milk samples. The influence of MCP adjustment on gelation was dependent on pH. Acid gels from sample MCP67 exhibited the highest storage modulus (G′). At other pH levels, MCP100 resulted in the greatest G′. The pH of MCP-adjusted skim milk also impacted the gel properties after heating. Overall, this study highlights the substantial impact of MCP content on the acid gelation of milk, with a pronounced dependency of the MCP adjustment effect on pH variations.
Enzyme-Treated Zizania latifolia Ethanol Extract Improves Liver-Related Outcomes and Fatigability
Authors: Ahn Yu-Jin , Kim Boyun , Kim Yoon Hee , Kim Tae Young , Seo Hyeyeong , Park Yooheon , Park Sung-Soo , Ahn Yejin
Published: May 2024

Long-term hepatic damage is associated with human morbidity and mortality owing to numerous pathogenic factors. A variety of studies have focused on improving liver health using natural products and herbal medicines. We aimed to investigate the effect of enzyme-treated Zizania latifolia ethanol extract (ETZL), which increases the content of tricin via enzymatic hydrolysis, for 8 weeks on liver-related outcomes, lipid metabolism, antioxidant activity, and fatigue compared to a placebo. Healthy Korean adult males aged 19–60 years were randomized into ETZL treatment and placebo groups, and alcohol consumption was 24.96 and 28.64 units/week, respectively. Alanine transaminase, a blood marker associated with liver cell injury, significantly decreased after 8 weeks compared to the baseline in the ETZL treatment group (p = 0.004). After 8 weeks, the treatment group showed significant changes in the levels of high-density lipoprotein and hepatic steatosis index compared to the baseline (p = 0.028 and p = 0.004, respectively). ETZL treatment tended to reduce antioxidant-activity-related factors, total antioxidant status, and malondialdehyde, but there was no significant difference. In the multidimensional fatigue scale, ETZL treatment showed a significant reduction in general fatigue and total-fatigue-related values after 8 weeks compared to the baseline (p = 0.012 and p = 0.032, respectively). Taken together, the 8-week treatment of enzyme-treated Zizania latifolia ethanol extract demonstrated positive effects on liver-related outcomes, lipid metabolism, and mental fatigue without adverse effects on safety-related parameters.
Exploring the Nutritional Impact of Sourdough Fermentation: Its Mechanisms and Functional Potential
Authors: Alkay Zuhal , Falah Fereshteh , Cankurt Hasan , Dertli Enes
Published: May 2024

Sourdough fermentation is one of the oldest traditional methods in food technology and occurs as a result of fermentation of flour prepared from grains. The nutritional role of sourdough is related to the final composition of fermented foods prepared through sourdough fermentation, and recently, sourdough has become an important application to improve nutrition characteristics of bread. Thanks to lactic acid bacteria (LAB) presented in sourdough microflora and metabolites partially produced by yeasts, technological and important nutritional features of the bread improve and an increase in shelf life is achieved. In addition, sourdough bread has a low glycemic index value, high protein digestibility, high mineral and antioxidant content, and improved dietary fiber composition, making it more attractive for human nutrition compared to regular bread. When the sourdough process is applied, the chemical and physical properties of fibers vary according to the degree of fermentation, revealing the physiological importance of dietary fiber and its importance to humans’ large intestine microbiota. Therefore, taking these approach frameworks into consideration, this review highlights the benefits of sourdough fermentation in increasing nutrient availability and contributing positively to support human health.
Chatting: Family Carers’ Perspectives on Receiving Support from Dementia Crisis Teams
Authors: Redley Marcus , Poland Fiona , Hoe Juanita , Dening Tom , Stanyon Miriam , Yates Jen , Streater Amy , Coleston-Shields Dons , Orrell Martin
Published: May 2024

Family caregivers are vital to enabling people with dementia to live longer in their own homes. For these caregivers, chatting with clinicians—being listened to empathetically and receiving reassurance—can be seen as not incidental but important to supporting them. This paper considers and identifies the significance of this relational work for family carers by re-examining data originally collected to document caregivers’ perspectives on quality in crisis response teams. This reveals that chatting, for family caregivers, comprises three related features: (i) that family caregivers by responding to a person’s changing and sometimes challenging needs and behaviors inhabit a precarious equilibrium; (ii) that caregivers greatly appreciate ‘chatting’ with visiting clinicians; and (iii) that while caregivers appreciate these chats, they can be highly critical of the institutionalized character of a crisis response team’s involvement with them.
The Climate Change Worry Scale (CCWS) and Its Links with Demographics and Mental Health Outcomes in a Polish Sample
Authors: Larionow Paweł , Gawrych Magdalena , Mackiewicz Julia , Michalak Maciej , Mudło-Głagolska Karolina , Preece David A. , Stewart Alan E.
Published: May 2024

Developing valid and reliable measures of psychological responses to climate change is of high importance, as this facilitates our understanding of people’s psychological responses, including their pro-environmental behavior. Recently, the Climate Change Worry Scale (CCWS) was introduced. This study aimed to develop the first Polish version of the CCWS and explore its psychometric properties. Our sample comprised 420 Polish adults aged 18–70, with a mean age of 26.20 (standard deviation = 10.61) years. The CCWS’s factor structure was assessed with confirmatory factor analysis. McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were computed to assess internal consistency reliability. Pearson correlations between climate change worry (CCW) and experience of climate change (i.e., an individual’s level of perception of being affected by climate change), pro-environmental behavior, ill-being (i.e., anxiety and depression symptoms), and well-being were calculated. Our results support the strong factorial validity of the CCWS, conforming to its intended one-factor solution, with excellent internal consistency reliability for the total scale score (i.e., McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.93). We noted large positive correlations between CCW and experiences of climate change, as well as pro-environmental behavior, and medium positive correlations with psychopathology symptoms. CCW scores were not associated with well-being. As the CCWS represents a measure of a specific manifestation of worry, we also examined its discriminant validity against more general psychological distress markers, and it evidenced strong validity in this regard. Overall, the Polish version of the CCWS appears to have strong psychometric properties, and will therefore be a useful tool to use in research on psychological responses to climate change.
Utilizing Telemedicine Applications in Celiac Disease and Other Gluten-Free-Diet-Dependent Conditions: Insights from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Haimi Motti , Lerner Aaron
Published: May 2024

Background: Globally, approximately 1.4% of people have celiac disease (CD), induced by gluten sensitivity. If left untreated, it causes small intestinal inflammation and villous atrophy, which can result in failure to thrive, anemia, osteoporosis, malabsorption, and even malignancy. The only treatment option available is a gluten-free diet (GFD). Few studies have looked at the role and perception of telehealth in relation to CD and selective nutrition both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim: Our goal was to screen and investigate the research conducted both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic concerning the utilization of telehealth applications and solutions in CD and other GFD-dependent circumstances. Methods: We employed a narrative review approach to explore articles that were published in scholarly journals or organizations between the years 2000 and 2024. Only English-language publications were included. PubMed and Google Scholar searches were mainly conducted using the following keywords: telemedicine, telehealth, telecare, eHealth, m-health, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, celiac disease, and gluten-free diet (GFD). Manual searches of the references in the acquired literature were also carried out, along with the authors’ own personal contributions of their knowledge and proficiency in this field. Results: Only a few studies conducted prior to the COVID-19 outbreak examined the viewpoints and experiences of adult patients with CD with relation to in-person clinic visits, as well as other options such as telehealth. The majority of patients believed that phone consultations were appropriate and beneficial. Video conferencing and telemedicine became more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the effectiveness of using these technologies for CD on a global basis. In recent years, urine assays for gluten identification have become accessible for use at home. These tests could be helpful for CD monitoring with telemedicine assistance. Conclusions: The extended knowledge gathered from the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to complement pre-COVID-19 data supporting the usefulness of telemedicine even after the emergent pandemic, encouraging its wider adoption in standard clinical practice. The monitoring and follow-up of CD patients and other GFD-dependent conditions can greatly benefit from telemedicine.
Attributions of Loneliness—Life Story Interviews with Older Mental Health Service Users
Authors: Burns Annette , Leavey Gerard , Lawlor Brian , Golden Jeannette , Reilly Dermot , O’Sullivan Roger
Published: May 2024

There is growing evidence on the prevalence and impact of loneliness, particularly among older people. However, much less is known about the personal origins of loneliness and how it persists, or not, over an individual’s life course. This study aimed to increase understanding of the personal experiences of loneliness among older adults across the life course. Central to this study was giving voice to the participants and allowing them to define loneliness, what it meant to them, and how it affected them throughout their lives. This qualitative study employed 18 life story interviews with older adults attending a mental health service. We explored their personal experiences of loneliness and the situations and factors associated with loneliness across the life course. We identified three distinct typologies of loneliness: those who experienced (1) chronic loneliness since childhood, (2) chronic loneliness after a life-changing event in midlife, and (3) loneliness which remained situational/transitional, never becoming chronic. This study found the seeds of chronic life course loneliness are often determined in childhood. Early detection and intervention may prevent situational loneliness from becoming chronic. More research is needed from a life course approach to help understand and address the causes and consequences of loneliness.
Elucidation of Shoot and Root Growth, Physiological Responses, and Quality Traits of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) Exposed to Elevated Calcium Carbonate Concentrations
Authors: Sediqui Naveedullah , Amin Mohammad Wasif , Dawlatzai Niamatullah , Gulab Gulbuddin , Poyesh Dawlat Shah , Terada Naoki , Sanada Atsushi , Kamata Atsushi , Koshio Kaihei
Published: May 2024

The excess presence of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in soil poses challenges for production of horticultural crops, including tomatoes. This condition is prevalent in arid and semi-arid regions of Afghanistan. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of elevated concentrations of CaCO3 on growth, physiology, and quality attributes of tomato. Seedlings were exposed to different concentrations of CaCO3 (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 20% w/w) in soil. The results showed that elevated concentrations of CaCO3 (10% and 20%) significantly increased soil electrical conductivity (EC) and pH, and subsequently affected growth, physiology, and quality of tomato. CaCO3 effects resulted in an increase in leaf electrolyte leakage, leaf calcium content, root respiration rate, root ethylene production, fruit firmness, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, and organic acids, as well as a decrease in plant height, leaf length, leaf magnesium content, leaf SPAD value, number of leaves per plant, root weight and length, and root activity. At higher concentrations, CaCO3 decreased number of flowers and fruit per plant, as well as fruit weight and diameter, consequently affecting yield production. Although elevated concentrations of CaCO3 is characteristic of soils in Afghanistan, limited information is available about this topic. These findings enhance our understanding of soil conditions in the country and provide valuable insights for farmers.
The Application of Micro- and Nano-Sized Zinc Oxide Particles Differently Triggers Seed Germination in Ocimum basilicum L., Lactuca sativa L., and Lepidium sativum L. under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Caser Matteo , Percivalle Nicolò Maria , Cauda Valentina
Published: May 2024

Zinc oxide (ZnO) particles have recently received attention in different agriculture sectors as new technologies and practices are entering into force with limited adverse effects on the environment. However, various works have reported both positive or negative effects on plants. The present study focused on an evaluation of the effects of four different new micro- and nano-sized ZnO particles (namely, Desert Roses (DRs), MultiPods (MPs), NanoFlakes (NFs), and NanoParticles (NPs)) on the seed germination traits of Ocimum basilicum L., Lactuca sativa L., and Lepidium sativum L. ZnO particles were applied at concentrations of 12.5 ppm, 25 ppm, and 50 ppm. Seeds moistened with deionized water were used as a control. All the particles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, and their production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) under seed germination conditions was evaluated through electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Seeds of each species were put on filter paper under controlled conditions in both dark and light photoperiods. In this bioassay, the final germination percentage (FGP), early root length, and index of germination were evaluated. The results showed a wide variability of response to the type and concentration of ZnO particles and to the applied photoperiod of the three studied species. O. basilicum FGP increased when treated with NPs and DRs already at the lowest concentration and especially in light conditions with values significantly superior to those of the control (71.1%, 69.4%, and 52.2%, respectively). At higher concentrations, phytotoxicity on root length was observed, with a reduction of circa 30% in comparison to untreated seeds. On the contrary, in L. sativum, a phytotoxic effect was seen in radicle length with all the used ZnO particles and concentrations. L. sativa seeds did not show significant effects due to the type of particles, with a reduction in FGP only at higher concentrations and particularly in light conditions. Upon light irradiation, different levels of ROS were counted by the application of ZnO particles. DRs produced the highest amount of DMPO-OH adduct (up to 2.7 × 10−5 M) followed by the NP type (2.0 × 10−5 M). Taking together all these findings, the seeds’ coat morphology, their ability to absorb ZnO particles, and the ROS production in light conditions are indeed crucial players in the application of these formulations in seed germination.
Research on Facial Expression Recognition Algorithm Based on Lightweight Transformer
Authors: Jiang Bin , Li Nanxing , Cui Xiaomei , Liu Weihua , Yu Zeqi , Xie Yongheng
Published: May 2024

To avoid the overfitting problem of the network model and improve the facial expression recognition effect of partially occluded facial images, an improved facial expression recognition algorithm based on MobileViT has been proposed. Firstly, in order to obtain features that are useful and richer for experiments, deep convolution operations are added to the inverted residual blocks of this network, thus improving the facial expression recognition rate. Then, in the process of dimension reduction, the activation function can significantly improve the convergence speed of the model, and then quickly reduce the loss error in the training process, as well as to preserve the effective facial expression features as much as possible and reduce the overfitting problem. Experimental results on RaFD, FER2013, and FER2013Plus show that this method has significant advantages over mainstream networks and the network achieves the highest recognition rate.
Ni and Co Catalysts on Interactive Oxide Support for Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolysis Cell (AEMEC)
Authors: Maksimova-Dimitrova Katerina , Mladenova Borislava , Borisov Galin , Slavcheva Evelina
Published: May 2024

The work presents novel composite catalytic materials—Ni and Co deposited on Magneli phase titania—and describes their complex characterization and integration into membrane electrode assemblies to produce hydrogen by electrochemical water splitting in cells with anion exchange membranes (AEMEC). Chemical composition, surface structure, and morphology were characterized by XRD and SEM analysis. The activity in the evolution of the partial electrode reactions of hydrogen (HER) and oxygen (OER) was assessed in an aqueous alkaline electrolyte (25 wt.% KOH) using linear sweep voltammetry. The interactive role of the support was investigated and discussed. Among the tested samples, the sample with 30 wt.% Co (Co30/MPT) demonstrated superior performance in the OER. The reaction started at 1.65 V, and at 1.8 V, the current density reached 75 mA cm−2. The HER is most efficient on the sample containing 40 wt.% Ni (Ni40/MPT), where the current density reaches 95 mA at a potential of −0.5 V. The change in catalytic efficiency compared to that of the unsupported Ni and Co is due to synergism resulting from electronic interactions between the transition metal having a hyper-d-electron character and hypo-d-electron support. The pre-selected catalysts were integrated in membrane electrode assembly (MEA) using commercial and laboratory-prepared anion-conductive membranes and tested in a custom-made AEMEC. The performance was compared to that of MEA with a commercial carbon-supported Pt catalyst. It was found that the MEA with newly prepared catalysts demonstrated better performance in long-term operation (50 mA cm−2 at 1.8 V in a 60 h durability test), which, combined with the higher cost efficiency, gave credence to considering this combination of materials as promising for AEMEC applications.
N-S-co-Doped Carbon Dot Blue Fluorescence Preparation and Baicalein Detection
Authors: Cheng Yujia , Huang Yan , Yu Guang
Published: May 2024

Carbon dots (CDs) have emerged as significant fluorescent nanomaterials due to their bright, stable fluorescence, good biocompatibility, facile synthesis, etc. They are widely used in various scientific and practical applications, particularly in combination with mesoporous, florescent, or magnetic nanomaterials to enhance their properties. Recent research has focused on employing CDs and their composites in drug analysis, drug loading, biological imaging, disease diagnosis, and temperature sensing, with a growing interest in their biological and medical applications. In this study, we synthesized blue-fluorescent S, N-co-doped CDs (cys-CDs) using hydrothermal synthesis with L-cysteine and sodium citrate. These resulting cys-CD particles were approximately 3.8 nm in size and exhibited stable fluorescence with a quantum yield of 0.66. By leveraging the fluorescence quenching of the cys-CDs, we developed a rapid and sensitive method for baicalein detection, achieving high sensitivity in the low micromolar range with a detection limit for baicalein of 33 nM. Our investigation revealed that the fluorescence-quenching mechanism involved static quenching and inner-filter effect components. Overall, cys-CDs proved to be effective for accurate quantitative baicalein detection in real-world samples.
Enhancing Structural Capacity Assessment with a Novel Failure Decision Function for Rectangular Reinforced Concrete Columns
Authors: Christou Petros , Charalambides Marios , Nicolaides Demetris , Xekalakis Georgios
Published: May 2024

This study introduces the Failure Decision Function, a novel approach for evaluating the structural capacity of rectangular reinforced concrete columns under axial forces and moments, both uniaxial and biaxial. The method simplifies existing practices, enhancing accuracy and integration into design software. The methodology hinges on deriving exact biaxial bending failure surfaces, utilizing integral expressions based on material properties and cross-sectional geometry. This direct integration process uncovers failure surface characteristics previously undocumented. Results confirm the utility of the Failure Decision Function through comparative analysis with established literature, showcasing its potential for simplifying and improving structural capacity assessments. The analytic procedure developed enables efficient computation of failure surfaces, streamlining the inclusion of these functions in structural engineering software in two key ways: (1) compiling a library of pre-calculated functions for quick capacity checks and (2) creating a dynamic application that generates these functions based on specific design parameters, allowing users to explore various load and moment scenarios. In conclusion, the Failure Decision Function represents a significant advancement in structural engineering design, offering an accurate and user-friendly method for assessing column performance under critical loading conditions.
The Evolving Role of Genetic Evaluation in the Prenatal Diagnosis and Management of Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Bucholz Emily M. , Morton Sarah U. , Madriago Erin , Roberts Amy E. , Ronai Christina
Published: May 2024

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is increasingly diagnosed prenatally and the ability to screen and diagnose the genetic factors involved in CHD have greatly improved. The presence of a genetic abnormality in the setting of prenatally diagnosed CHD impacts prenatal counseling and ensures that families and providers have as much information as possible surrounding perinatal management and what to expect in the future. This review will discuss the genetic evaluation that can occur prior to birth, what different genetic testing methods are available, and what to think about in the setting of various CHD diagnoses.
Is It Possible for Patients with Early Distal Junctional Kyphosis following Adult Cervical Deformity Corrective Surgery to Achieve Similar Outcomes to Their Unaffected Counterparts? An Analysis of Recovery Kinetics
Authors: Onafowokan Oluwatobi O. , Imbo Bailey , Williamson Tyler , Das Ankita , Mir Jamshaid M. , Galetta Matthew , Lorentz Nathan , Passias Peter G.
Published: May 2024

Background: Distal junctional kyphosis (DJK) is a concerning complication for surgeons performing cervical deformity (CD) surgery. Patients sustaining such complications may demonstrate worse recovery profiles compared to their unaffected peers. Methods: DJK was defined as a >10° change in kyphosis between LIV and LIV-2, and a >10° index angle. CD patients were grouped according to the development of DJK by 3M vs. no DJK development. Means comparison tests and regression analyses used to analyze differences between groups and arelevant associations. Results: A total of 113 patients were included (17 DJK, 96 non-DJK). DJK patients were more sagittally malaligned preop, and underwent more osteotomies and combined approaches. Postop, DJK patients experienced more dysphagia (17.7% vs. 4.2%; p = 0.034). DJK patients remained more malaligned in cSVA through the 2-year follow-up. DJK patients exhibited worse patient-reported outcomes from 3M to 1Y, but these differences subsided when following patients through to 2Y; they also exhibited worse NDI (65.3 vs. 35.3) and EQ5D (0.68 vs. 0.79) scores at 1Y (both p < 0.05), but these differences had subsided by 2Y. Conclusions: Despite patients exhibiting similar preoperative health-related quality of life metrics, patients who developed early DJK exhibited worse postoperative neck disability following the development of their DJK. These differences subsided by the 2-year follow-up, highlighting the prolonged but eventually successful course of many DJK patients after CD surgery.
Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Sleep Disorders: Culprit in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Pala Barbara , Pennazzi Laura , Nardoianni Giulia , Fogacci Federica , Cicero Arrigo F. G. , Di Renzo Laura , Barbato Emanuele , Tocci Giuliano
Published: May 2024

Background: Over the past decade, the gut microbiome (GM) has progressively demonstrated to have a central role in human metabolism, immunity, and cardiometabolic risk. Likewise, sleep disorders showed an impact on individual health and cardiometabolic risk. Recent studies seem to suggest multi-directional relations among GM, diet, sleep, and cardiometabolic risk, though specific interactions are not fully elucidated. We conducted a systematic review to synthesize the currently available evidence on the potential interactions between sleep and GM and their possible implications on cardiometabolic risk. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses, including articles from January 2016 until November 2022. Narrative syntheses were employed to describe the results. Results: A total of 8 studies were selected according to these criteria. Our findings indicated that the sleep disorder and/or the acute circadian rhythm disturbance caused by sleep–wake shifts affected the human GM, mainly throughout microbial functionality. Conclusions: Sleep disorders should be viewed as cardiovascular risk factors and targeted for preventive intervention. More research and well-designed studies are needed to completely assess the role of sleep deprivation in the multi-directional relationship between GM and cardiometabolic risk.
Hydrotherapy in Pain Management in Pregnant Women: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Mellado-García Elena , Díaz-Rodríguez Lourdes , Cortés-Martín Jonathan , Sánchez-García Juan Carlos , Piqueras-Sola Beatriz , Prieto Franganillo María Montserrat , Rodríguez-Blanque Raquel
Published: May 2024

Background: the benefits of water are significant during the birth process. Improved maternal experience of labor, less use of epidurals, better pain management, shorter labor, and a greater sense of control are observed during the birth process. Objective: This report aims to determine the benefits of hydrotherapy in clinical childbirth approaches and its applicability in pain control. Methods: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials selected from various databases with no publication date limits was conducted, comparing groups that did not use hydrotherapy with groups that did during labor. Results: Seven articles met the inclusion criteria, with five articles using hot water immersion and two using hot water shower as hydrotherapy treatments. This study identified 840 participants, with the intervention groups including 417 term pregnant women and the control groups including 423 pregnant women. The effect size of hydrotherapy on pain was calculated using the visual analog scale in five articles and analgesic use in the other two articles. Hydrotherapy significantly reduced pain during labor with a mean difference of −0.97 (95% CI: −1.91 to −0.03; I2 = 97.32%, p < 0.001). The duration of the first stage of labor was not significantly affected, with a mean difference of −0.17 h (95% CI: −0.55 to 0.21; I2 = 56.75%, p = 0.059). Additionally, hydrotherapy did not significantly impact the newborns’ Apgar scores at 5 min, with a mean difference of 0.18 (95% CI: −0.48 to 0.85; I2 = 2.15%, p = 0.939). Conclusions: Hydrotherapy is beneficial for pain control in the first stage of labor and does not increase its duration or negatively affect the Apgar score of newborns.