bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrients and soil structure influence furovirus infection of wheat
Authors: Gauthier Kevin , Pankovic Dejana , Nikolic Miroslav , Hobert Mirko , Germeier Christoph U. , Ordon Frank , Perovic Dragan , Niehl Annette
Published: August 2023

Soil-borne wheat mosaic virus (SBWMV) and Soil-borne cereal mosaic virus (SBCMV), genus Furovirus, family Virgaviridae, cause significant crop losses in cereals. The viruses are transmitted by the soil-borne plasmodiophorid Polymyxa graminis. Inside P. graminis resting spores, the viruses persist in the soil for long time, which makes the disease difficult to combat. To open up novel possibilities for virus control, we explored the influence of physical and chemical soil properties on infection of wheat with SBWMV and SBCMV. Moreover, we investigated, whether infection rates are influenced by the nutritional state of the plants. Infection rates of susceptible wheat lines were correlated to soil structure parameters and nutrient contents in soil and plants. Our results show that SBWMV and SBCMV infection rates decrease the more water-impermeable the soil is and that virus transmission depends on pH. Moreover, we found that contents of several nutrients in the soil (e.g. phosphorous, magnesium, zinc) and in planta (e.g. nitrogen, carbon, boron, sulfur, calcium) affect SBWMV and SBCMV infection rates. The knowledge generated may help paving the way towards development of a microenvironment-adapted agriculture.
QTL and PACE analyses identify candidate genes for anthracnose resistance in tomato
Authors: Lopez-Ortiz Carlos , Reddy Umesh K. , Zhang Chong , Natarajan Purushothaman , Nimmakayala Padma , Benedito Vagner Augusto , Fabian Matthew , Stommel John
Published: August 2023

Anthracnose, caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum spp., is one of the most significant tomato diseases in the United States and worldwide. No commercial cultivars with anthracnose resistance are available, limiting resistant breeding. Cultivars with genetic resistance would significantly reduce crop losses, reduce the use of fungicides, and lessen the risks associated with chemical application. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping population (N=243) has been made from a cross between the susceptible US28 cultivar and the resistant but semiwild and small-fruited 95L368 to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with anthracnose resistance. The RIL population was phenotyped for resistance by inoculating ripe field-harvested tomato fruits with Colletotrichum coccodes for two seasons. In this study, we identified twenty QTLs underlying resistance, with a range of phenotypic variance of 4.5 to 17.2% using a skeletal linkage map and a GWAS. In addition, a QTLseq analysis was performed using deep sequencing of extreme bulks that validated QTL positions identified using traditional mapping and resolved candidate genes underlying various QTLs. We further validated AP2-like ethylene-responsive transcription factor, N-alpha-acetyltransferase (NatA), cytochrome P450, amidase family protein, tetratricopeptide repeat, bHLH transcription factor, and disease resistance protein RGA2-like using PCR allelic competitive extension (PACE) genotyping. PACE assays developed in this study will enable high-throughput screening for use in anthracnose resistance breeding in tomato.
Impaired decision-making in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Bajzát Bettina , Soltész Péter , Soltész-Várhelyi Klára , Lévay Evelyn Erika , Unoka Zsolt Szabolcs
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental disorder with core symptoms like interpersonal instability, emotion dysregulation, self-harm, and impulsive decision-making. Previous neuropsychological studies have found impairment in the decision-making of patients with BPD related to impulsivity. In our study, we focus on a better, more nuanced understanding of impulsive decision-making in BPD with the help of Rogers’ decision-making test that simulates a gambling situation.

Methods

A novelty of our study is that we excluded from further analysis non-compliant participants based on their performance. Outlier participants on the measures proportion of good choices and average of wager choice number were filtered out to represent the population that understood the basic premise of the task and showed minimal motivation to gain rewards. Thus participants often choosing the less likely color or frequently choosing the first bet amount available (to probably speed up the test) were omitted from further analysis. Another novelty is that we assessed and reported six variables that examine Deliberation Time, Quality of Decision, Risk-taking, Overall proportion bet, Delay aversion, and Risk adjustment. Forty-three women with BPD participated in the study, and 16 non-compliant were excluded. As for the healthy control group, 42 women participated in the study, and four non-compliant were excluded. Thus, we compared the data of 27 patients with BPD with 38 healthy controls.

Results

Our results show that there are significant differences amongst the groups regarding the Quality of Decision Making (F (1,63) = 5.801, p = 0.019) and Risk Adjustment (F (1,63) = 6.522, p = 0.013). We also found significant interactions between group and winning probability regarding Risk Taking (F (4,252) = 4.765 p = 0.001) and Overall proportion of bets, i.e., the average proportion of bets relative to the total score of the subject (F (4,252) = 4.505, p = 0.002).

Discussion

Our results show that the two groups use different decision-making strategies that can have various associations with everyday life situations.
Public’s preferences for health science popularization short videos in China: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Xiao Li , Min Hewei , Wu Yibo , Zhang Jieyu , Ning Yan , Long Long , Jia Kaixiang , Jing Weilong , Sun Xinying
Published: August 2023

Background

Health science popularization short video disseminates health information to the public in an understandable way about health information.

Objective

To investigate the preferences of Chinese residents for health science popularization short videos and provide suggestions for optimizing the production of short videos.

Methods

An online survey of Chinese people was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire, and a discrete choice experiment (DCE) was used to explore the public’s preferences for health science popularization short videos.

Results

A total of 618 respondents were included, of which 306 (45.51%) were male and 312 (50.49%) were female, 271 (43.85%) were aged 18–25, 239 (38.67%) were aged 26–60, and 108 (17.48%) were aged 60 and above. Whether the video is charged or not (46.891%) and the account subject (28.806%) were both considered important. The results of the DCE revealed that the participants considered video free of charge as the most significant attribute of health science popularization short videos (OR 3.433, 95% CI 3.243–3.633). Overall, participants preferred and were more willing to pay for health science popularization short videos with a hospital account subject (OR 1.192, 95% CI 1.116–1.274), with the form of graphic narration (OR 1.062, 95% CI 1.003–1.126), free of charge (OR 3.433, 95% CI 3.243–3.633), with the content that satisfies their needs (very much needed: OR 1.253, 95% CI 95% CI 1.197–1.311; generally needed: OR 1.078, 95% CI 1.029–1.129), with platform certification (OR 1.041, 95% CI 1.011–1.073), without commercial advertisements (OR 1.048, 95% CI 1.018–1.080), with simple-to-understand content (OR 1.071, 95% CI 1.040–1.104), and with video content that evokes fear or dread of illness in the viewer (OR 1.046, 95% CI 1.015–1.078).

Conclusion

Participants favor free health popularization short videos, which are hospital accounts, with content that is illustrated, understandable, meets their needs, and can serve as a warning. In the future, the production of health popularization short videos should focus on improving the diversity and relevance of video content, making it as easy to understand to achieve good science popularization effects.
Depression and academic engagement among college students: the role of sense of security and psychological impact of COVID-19
Authors: Tang Yuxi , He Weiguang
Published: August 2023

Background

The negative consequences of depression in college students have garnered global attention, especially in relation to academic achievement during the COVID-19 pandemic, which need critical assessment.

Aim

This study investigated whether a sense of security mediated the relationship between depression and academic engagement among college students during the pandemic and whether the moderating psychological impact of COVID-19 has a moderating effect on this relationship.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 466 college students from 30 provincial-level administrative regions in China via the Internet and used established scales to measure depression, academic engagement, a sense of security, and the psychological impact of COVID-19. The mediating and moderating effects were tested using the bootstrap method.

Results

Depression was found to negatively influence academic engagement, with a sense of security partially mediating this relationship. Moreover, the psychological impact of COVID-19 was shown to have a moderating effect on this mediating process.

Conclusion

This study could aid in crafting pertinent strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of depression on learning amid unexpected public health crises and foster better mental health among college students.
The positive impact on translational research of Fondazione italiana di ricerca per la Sclerosi Laterale Amiotrofica (AriSLA), a non-profit foundation focused on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Convergence of ex-ante evaluation and ex-post outcomes when goals are set upfront
Authors: Guareschi Stefania , Ravasi Maddalena , Baldessari Danila , Pozzi Silvia , Zaffino Tiziana , Melazzini Mario , Ambrosini Anna
Published: August 2023

Charities investing on rare disease research greatly contribute to generate ground-breaking knowledge with the clear goal of finding a cure for their condition of interest. Although the amount of their investments may be relatively small compared to major funders, the advocacy groups' clear mission promotes innovative research and aggregates highly motivated and mission-oriented scientists. Here, we illustrate the case of Fondazione italiana di ricerca per la Sclerosi Laterale Amiotrofica (AriSLA), the main Italian funding agency entirely dedicated to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research. An international benchmark analysis of publications derived from AriSLA-funded projects indicated that their mean relative citation ratio values (iCite dashboard, National Institutes of Health, U.S.) were very high, suggesting a strong influence on the referring international scientific community. An interesting trend of research toward translation based on the “triangle of biomedicine” and paper citations (iCite) was also observed. Qualitative analysis on researchers' accomplishments was convergent with the bibliometric data, indicating a high level of performance of several working groups, lines of research that speak of progression toward clinical translation, and one study that has progressed from the investigation of cellular mechanisms to a Phase 2 international clinical trial. The key elements of the success of the AriSLA investment lie in: (i) the clear definition of the objectives (research with potential impact on patients, no matter how far), (ii) a rigorous peer-review process entrusted to an international panel of experts, (iii) diversification of the portfolio with ad hoc selection criteria, which also contributed to bringing new experts and younger scientists to the field, and (iv) a close interaction of AriSLA stakeholders with scientists, who developed a strong sense of belonging. Periodic review of the portfolio of investments is a vital practice for funding agencies. Sharing information between funding agencies about their own policies and research assessment methods and outcomes help guide the international debate on funding strategies and research directions to be undertaken, particularly in the field of rare diseases, where synergy is a relevant enabling factor.
Portuguese research on physical education and sport didactics—a critical discussion
Authors: Onofre Marcos , Costa João , Martins João , Quitério Ana , Farias Cláudio , Mesquita Isabel
Published: August 2023

This article presents a discussion of research in Physical Education and Sport Didactics in Portugal. It starts by situating it from an historical perspective, placing the 1980s as the beginning era, mainly based on the studies provided by the two first Physical Education higher education institutes of the country. The initial research, first based on master and doctoral dissertations, progressed to ongoing projects that have been disseminated in international and national journals and books. This development is also reported from the theoretical, conceptual, and methodological perspectives, showing how it has informed the quality of Physical Education and teacher education as the two main research strands to be described, however, acknowledging that a strand on sports coaching and coach education exists. On teaching Physical Education, the article discusses the elements relative to the teacher and to the student, focusing from the immediate and short-term to the distant and long-term events that lead into young adulthood's active lifestyles. In this analysis, research on curriculum and assessment are also reported. On physical education teacher education, the article shows the prevalence of the post-primary Physical Education to argue for the need for more research on primary-level education, and discusses the diverse foci from initial teacher education to in-service education practises. In line with current trends in research, we suggest a set of four features for the future research agenda: (1) addressing short to long-term outcomes of Physical Education; (2) adopting multifactorial and multi-layered perspectives of analysis; (3) embracing inter- and multidisciplinary designs; and (4) taking comparative perspectives within and between European countries, and between Europe and other continents. We conclude that these features need to focus on four levels of integration and cooperation: (a) integration between the research initiatives and the needs of the professional field; (b) integration between research on teaching and learning, teacher education and the curriculum; (c) cooperation between the different national higher education and professional institutions; and (d) integration in the international research agenda by leading and participating in project partnerships which are needed to fully and effectively implement such agenda.
A novel tannase from Klebsiella pneumoniae KP715242 reduces haze and improves the quality of fruit juice and beverages through detannification
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Mehra Ravinder , Yogi Rajesh , Singh Nitesh , Salar Raj Kumar , Saxena Gauri , Rustagi Sarvesh
Published: August 2023

The presence of high tannin content in fruit juices and other beverages generates bitterness and haze formation with a concomitant deterioration of their quality. This problem could be circumvented by treating these food products with the enzyme tannase (tannin acyl hydrolase EC 3.1.1.20), which contains the ability to hydrolyze the ester and depside linkages present in hydrolyzable tannins. In the present study, a low molecular weight (38.20 kDa) tannase purified from Klebsiella pneumoniae KP715242 was used for clarification and detannification of orange juice, beer, and tea cream solubilization. The initial tannin content of orange juice was reduced to 42.45% upon treatment with 4.5 U/mL of purified tannase at 35°C for 3.5 h. Beer haze was clarified by incubating the colloidal suspension with the purified enzyme. Under the optimum condition of temperature (30°C), incubation time (3.5 h), and enzyme concentration (4.5 U/mL), the initial tannin content of beer was reduced to 46.47%. Tea cream solubilization was achieved by treating the tea extract with varying enzyme concentrations at different time intervals and temperatures. The maximum reduction in the tea tannin content (55%) was observed at 35°C when the enzyme was incubated for 3 h at a concentration of 6.0 U/mL. The results of this investigation could be further exploited at an industrial scale in the detannification of fruit juice, beer, and tea.
Alpha-Fetoprotein Response after First Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) and Complete Pathologic Response in Patients with Hepatocellular Cancer
Authors: Masior Łukasz , Krasnodębski Maciej , Kuncewicz Mikołaj , Karaban Kacper , Jaszczyszyn Igor , Kruk Emilia , Małecka-Giełdowska Milena , Korzeniowski Krzysztof , Figiel Wojciech , Krawczyk Marek , Wróblewski Tadeusz , Grąt Michał
Published: August 2023

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is used as a bridging treatment in liver transplant candidates with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the main tumor marker used for HCC surveillance. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of using the AFP change after the first TACE in the prediction of complete tumor necrosis. The study comprised 101 patients with HCC who underwent liver transplantation (LT) after TACE in the period between January 2011 and December 2020. The ΔAFP was defined as the difference between the AFP value before the first TACE and AFP either before the second TACE or the LT. The receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves were used to identify an optimal cut-off value. Complete tumor necrosis was found in 26.1% (18 of 69) and 6.3% (2 of 32) of patients with an initial AFP level under and over 100 ng/mL, respectively (p = 0.020). The optimal cut-off value of ΔAFP for the prediction of complete necrosis was a decline of ≥10.2 ng/mL and ≥340.5 ng/mL in the corresponding subgroups. Complete tumor necrosis rates were: 62.5% (5 of 8) in patients with an initial AFP < 100 ng/mL and decline of ≥10.2 ng/mL; 21.3% (13 of 61) in patients with an initial AFP < 100 ng/mL and decline of <10.2 ng/mL; 16.7% (2 of 12) in patients with an initial AFP > 100 ng/mL and decline of ≥340.5 ng/mL; and null in 20 patients with an initial AFP > 100 ng/mL and decline of <340.5 ng/mL, respectively (p = 0.003). The simple scoring system, based on the initial AFP and AFP decline after the first treatment, distinguished between a high, intermediate and low probability of complete necrosis, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.699 (95% confidence intervals 0.577 to 0.821, p = 0.001). Combining the initial AFP with its change after the first treatment enables early identification of the efficacy of TACE.
Effects of Various Types of Vacuum Cold Plasma Treatment on the Chemical and Functional Properties of Whey Protein Isolate with a Focus on Interfacial Properties
Authors: Ommat Mohammadi Elham , Yeganehzad Samira , Hesarinejad Mohammad Ali , Dabestani Mohsen , Schneck Emanuel , Miller Reinhard
Published: August 2023

Vacuum cold plasma (VCP), a novel non-thermal processing technology used to modify the physicochemical properties and functionalities of food materials, was applied to whey protein isolate (WPI). The treatment affects the protein chemistry and, as a result, leads to differences in the behavior in solution and at interfaces. To minimize the undesirable effects of high oxidation and to increase the effectiveness of reactive species, the VCP treatment was applied at low pressure using different types of gases (air, combination of argon and air, and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)). The treatment led to a decrease in the sulfur content and an increase in the carbonyl content, evidenced by oxidation reactions and enhanced disulfide bond formation, as well as cross-linking of protein molecules. Fluorescence-based indicators suggest that the hydrophobicity of the proteins as well as their aggregation increase after VCP treatment with an argon–air gas mixture; however, it decreases after VCP treatments with air and SF6. The chemical modifications further lead to changes in the pH of aqueous WPI solutions, as well as the average size and ζ-potential of WPI aggregates. Moreover, the dynamic surface tension, surface dilational elasticity, and the thickness of the WPI adsorption layers at the air/water interface depend on the VCP type. SF6 plasma treatment leads to a significant decrease in pH and an increase in the ζ-potential, and consequently to a significant increase in the aggregate size. The dynamic surface tension as well as the adsorption rates increase after SF6VCP treatment, but decrease after air–VCP and argon–air–VCP treatments. The adsorbed WPI aggregates form strong viscoelastic interfacial layers, the thickness of which depends on the type of VCP treatment.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Infection Control Measures in Dental Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wahdan Yasmeen , Habash Ghassan , Kateeb Elham , Junaidy Raed , Jayash Soher Nagi
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on every aspect of life, especially for healthcare professionals. Dentists are the most at risk of infection due to close contact with patients. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness, perception, and attitude of Palestinian dentists towards COVID-19 and infection control. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from 17–30 July 2020, and 349 dentists from the West Bank participated. The survey assessed demographic variables, participation in infection control training, prevention methods used in dental clinics, patient preparation for dental work, cross-infection control and sterilization before and after the pandemic, and sources for guideline protocols for dental workers. The results of the study showed that 54 (14.4%) dentists had received training in infection control in dentistry and 121 (34.3%) had attended training specifically regarding COVID-19. During a partial lockdown, 60% of dentists treated only urgent cases. Overall, the dentists in the West Bank demonstrated good knowledge and a positive attitude towards COVID-19 and infection control measures in dental clinics, as there were significant differences between replacing a medical apron or mask and wearing a face shield, cover shoes, head cap, and goggles before and after COVID (p < 0.05). Moreover, there were significant differences between wrapping the chair and using purification devices to disinfect the clinic before and after COVID (p < 0.05). However, dentists’ knowledge could be improved by increasing their accessibility to materials and provided training. Dental associations should provide guidelines regularly to dentists during a crisis to inform them of best practices and disease management. In conclusion, dentists need to update their knowledge, continuing education and training to guarantee the proper handling of COVID-19. The study’s findings show the importance of updating infection control protocols and training programs that address the specific needs and challenges faced by dentists in the West Bank.
Drinking Water Quality Assessment Using a Fuzzy Inference System Method: A Case Study of Rome (Italy)
Authors: Barzegar Yas , Gorelova Irina , Bellini Francesco , D’Ascenzo Fabrizio
Published: August 2023

Drinking water quality assessment is a major issue today, as it is crucial to supply safe drinking water to ensure the well-being of society. Predicting drinking water quality helps strengthen water management and fight water pollution; technologies and practices for drinking water quality assessment are continuously improving; artificial intelligence methods prove their efficiency in this domain. This research effort seeks a hierarchical fuzzy model for predicting drinking water quality in Rome (Italy). The Mamdani fuzzy inference system is applied with different defuzzification methods. The proposed model includes three fuzzy intermediate models and one fuzzy final model. Each model consists of three input parameters and 27 fuzzy rules. A water quality assessment model is developed with a dataset that considers nine parameters (alkalinity, hardness, pH, Ca, Mg, fluoride, sulphate, nitrates, and iron). These nine parameters of drinking water are anticipated to be within the acceptable limits set to protect human health. Fuzzy-logic-based methods have been demonstrated to be appropriate to address uncertainty and subjectivity in drinking water quality assessment; they are an effective method for managing complicated, uncertain water systems and predicting drinking water quality. The proposed method can provide an effective solution for complex systems; this method can be modified easily to improve performance.
Environmental Stress and Plants 2.0
Authors: Parrotta Luigi , Mareri Lavinia , Cai Giampiero
Published: August 2023

Following the success of our previous edition [...]
The Effect of Surface Electroplating on Fragment Deformation Behavior When Subjected to Contact Blasts
Authors: Meng Yuanpei , He Yuan , Wang Chuanting , Ma Yue , Guo Lei , Jiao Junjie , He Yong
Published: August 2023

Preformed fragments can deform or even fracture when subjected to contact blasts, which might lead to a reduction of the terminal effect. Therefore, to solve this problem, the effect of surface electroplating on the fragment deformation behavior under contact blasts was analyzed. Firstly, blast recovery tests were carried out on uncoated and coated fragments. After the contact blast, the two samples produced different deformation behaviors: the uncoated fragments were fractured, while the coated fragments maintained integrity. The tests were simulated by finite element simulation, and the deformation behavior of the different samples matched well with the test results, which can explain the protective effect of the coating after quantification. In order to further reveal the dynamic behavior involved, detonation wave theory and shock wave transmission theory in solids were used to calculate the pressure amplitude variation at the far-exploding surface of the fragments. The theoretical results showed that the pressure amplitude of the uncoated samples instantly dropped to zero after the shock wave passed through the far-exploding surface, which resulted in the formation of a tensile zone. But the pressure amplitude of the coated samples increased, transforming the tensile zone into the compression zone, thereby preventing the fracture of the fragment near the far-exploding surface, which was consistent with the test and simulated results. The test results, finite element simulations, and theories show that the coating can change the deformation behavior of the fragment and prevent the fracture phenomenon of the fragment. It also prevents the material from missing and a molten state of the fragment in the radial direction by microscopic observation and weight statistics.
Assessing the Adjuvant Effect of Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH) on BALB/c Mice
Authors: Govea-Alonso Dania O. , García-Soto Mariano J. , Mendoza-Pérez Emilio Sebastián , Farfán-Castro Susan , Fuente Diana , González-Ortega Omar , Rosales-Mendoza Sergio
Published: August 2023

The discovery and validation of new adjuvants are critical areas for vaccinology. Mineral materials (e.g., alum microparticles) have been used for a long time as adjuvants in human vaccine formulations. Nonetheless, the use of nanosized materials is a promising approach to diversify the properties of adjuvants. Nanoclays are potential adjuvants proposed by some research groups. However, their adjuvant mechanisms and safety have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we aimed at expanding the knowledge on the potential adjuvanticity of layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles by reporting a detailed method for the synthesis and characterization of LDHs and the adsorption of a model antigen (bovine serum albumin, BSA). LDHs varying in diameter (from 56 to 88 nm) were obtained, and an in vitro evaluation revealed that the LDHs are not inherently toxic. BSA was passively adsorbed onto the LDHs, and the immunogenicity in mice of the conjugates obtained was compared to that of free BSA and BSA co-administered with alum (Alum–BSA). The LDH–BSA conjugates induced a higher humoral response that lasted for a longer period compared with that of free BSA and Alum–BSA, confirming that LDH exerts adjuvant effects. The 56 nm LDH particles were deemed as the more efficient carrier since they induced a higher and more balanced Th1/Th2 response than the 88 nm particles. This study is a contribution toward expanding the characterization and use of nanoclays in vaccinology and justifies further studies with pathogen-specific antigens.
Modeling the Salinity Effect on the Water Retention Curve of Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) on the Drying Path
Authors: Zeng Zhenming , Lu Yi , Wan Tong , Lin Shan , Nong Xingzhong , Sun Jiajun
Published: August 2023

The water retention curve (WRC) of a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) is influenced by the presence of exchangeable cations in the leachate during changes in water content in a landfill construction. This research aims to investigate the impact of salinity on the WRC of GCL. To measure the WRC of GCL under different sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations on the drying path, a chilled-mirror dew-point device capable of controlling the GCL’s volume was employed. Additionally, the dry state microstructure of the GCL was examined using electron microscopy. The test outcomes indicate that GCL hydrated with higher salinity has greater suction at the same water content during drying. This influence can be attributed to changes in salinity and the precipitation of NaCl crystals within the bentonite when water evaporates, which in turn affects the bentonite’s microstructure and leads to increased matric suction. By introducing the Fredlund and Xing model and parameter relationship, it is possible to predict the WRC of GCL under salinity effects after measuring the WRC under different salinity conditions on the drying path.
Aluminium Matrix Composite Materials Reinforced by 3D-Printed Ceramic Preforms
Authors: Kremzer Marek , Tomiczek Błażej , Matula Grzegorz , Gocki Michał , Krzemiński Łukasz
Published: August 2023

This article employed the fused deposition modelling (FDM) method and gas-pressure infiltration to manufacture alumina/AlSi12 composites. Porous ceramic skeletons were prepared by FDM 3D printing of two different alumina powder-filed filaments. The organic component was removed using a combination of solvent and heat debinding, and the materials were then sintered at 1500 °C to complete the process. Thermogravimetric tests and DTA analysis were performed to develop an appropriate degradation and sintering program. Manufactured skeletons were subjected to microstructure analysis, porosity analysis, and bending test. The sintering process produced porous alumina ceramic samples with no residual carbon content. Open porosity could occur due to the binder’s degradation. Liquid metal was infiltrated into the ceramic, efficiently filling any open pores and forming a three-dimensional network of the aluminium phase. The microstructure and characteristics of the fabricated materials were investigated using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, computer tomography, hardness testing, and bending strength testing. The developed composite materials are characterized by the required structure—low porosity and homogenous distribution of the reinforcing phase, better mechanical properties than their matrix and more than twice as high hardness. Hence, the developed innovative technology of their manufacturing can be used in practice.
The Effects of Zirconium and Yttrium Addition on the Microstructure and Hardness of AlCuMgMn Alloy when Applying In Situ Heating during the Laser Melting Process
Authors: Khalil Asmaa M. , Pozdniakov Andrey V. , Solonin Alexey N. , Mahmoud Tamer S. , Alshah Mohammad , Mosleh Ahmed O.
Published: August 2023

This paper studies the effect of the laser melting process (LMP) on the microstructure and hardness of a new modified AlCuMgMn alloy with zirconium (Zr) and Yttrium (Y) elements. Homogenized (480 °C/8 h) alloys were laser-surface-treated at room temperature and a heating platform with in situ heating conditions was used in order to control the formed microstructure by decreasing the solidification rate in the laser-melted zone (LMZ). Modifying the AlCuMgMn alloy with 0.4 wt% Zr and 0.6 wt% Y led to a decrease in grain size by 25% with a uniform grain size distribution in the as-cast state due to the formation of Al3(Y, Zr). The homogenization dissolved the nonequilibrium intermetallic phases into the (Al) matrix and spheroidized and fragmentized the equilibrium phase’s particles, which led to the solidification of the crack-free LM zone with a nonuniform grain structure. The microstructure in the LMZ was improved by using the in situ heating approach, which decreased the temperature gradient between the BM and the melt pool. Two different microstructures were observed: ultrafine grains at the boundaries of the melted pool due to the extremely high concentration of optimally sized Al3(Y, Zr) and fine equiaxed grains at the center of the LMZ. The combination of the presence of ZrY and applying a heating platform during the LMP increased the hardness of the LMZ by 1.14 times more than the hardness of the LMZ of the cast AlCuMgMn alloy.
Acute Coronary Syndrome Presenting during On- and Off-Hours: Is There a Difference in a Tertiary Cardiovascular Center?
Authors: Ilic Ivan , Radunovic Anja , Matic Milica , Zugic Vasko , Ostojic Miljana , Stanojlovic Milica , Kojic Dejan , Boskovic Srdjan , Borzanovic Dusan , Timcic Stefan , Radoicic Dragana , Dobric Milan , Tomovic Milosav
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives: ACS presents an acute manifestation of coronary artery disease and its treatment is based on timely interventional diagnostics and PCI. It has been known that the treatment and the outcomes are not the same for all the patients with ACS during the working day, depending on the availability of the procedures and staff. The aim of the study was to explore the differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients admitted for ACS during on- and off-hours. Materials and Methods: The retrospective study included 1873 consecutive ACS patients admitted to a tertiary, university hospital that underwent coronary angiography and intervention. On-hours were defined from Monday to Friday from 07:30 h to 14:30 h, while the rest was considered off-hours. Results: There were more males in the off-hours group (on-hours 475 (56%) vs. off-hours 635 (62%); p = 0.011), while previous MI was more frequent in the on-hours group (on 250 (30%) vs. off 148 (14%); p < 0.001). NSTEMI was more frequent during on-hours (on 164 (19%) vs. off 55 (5%); p < 0.001), while STEMI was more frequent during off-hours (on 585 (69%) vs. off 952 (93%); p < 0.001). Patients admitted during on-hours had more multivessel disease (MVD) (on 485 (57%) vs. off 489 (48%); p = 0.006), as well as multivessel PCI (on 187 (22%) vs. off 171 (16%); p = 0.002), while radial access was preferred in off-hours patients (on 692 (82%) vs. off 883 (86%); p = 0.004). Left main PCI was performed with similar frequency in both groups (on 37 (4%) vs. off 35 (3%); p = 0.203). Death occurred with similar frequency in both groups (on 17 (2.0%) vs. off 26 (2.54%); p = 0.404), while major adverse cardio-cerebral events (MACCEs) were more frequent in the on-hours group (on 105 (12.4%) vs. off 70 (6.8%); p = 0.039) probably due to the more frequent repeated PCI (on 49 (5.8%) vs. off 27 (2.6%); p = 0.035). Conclusions: Patients admitted for ACS during working hours in a tertiary hospital present with more complex CAD, have more demanding interventions, and experience more MACCEs during follow-up mostly due to myocardial infarctions and repeated procedures.
Adequacy of Nutrient Intake and Malnutrition Risk in Older Adults: Findings from the Diet and Healthy Aging Cohort Study
Authors: Ye Kaisy Xinhong , Sun Lina , Lim Su Lin , Li Jialiang , Kennedy Brian K. , Maier Andrea Britta , Feng Lei
Published: August 2023

There is a lack of data on the adequacy of nutrient intake and prevalence of malnutrition risk in Asian populations. The aim was to report on the nutrient intake and prevalence of malnutrition risk in a community sample of older adults in Singapore. Analysis was performed on 738 (n = 206 male, n = 532 male, aged 67.6 ± 6.0 years) adults 60 years and above. Intakes of macro- and micronutrients were evaluated against the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs). Malnutrition risk was assessed using the Nutrition Screening Initiative Determine Your Nutritional Health checklist. It was found that 90.5% older adults exceeded the sugar intake, 68.5% males and 57.1% females exceeded the intake limit for saturated fat, and 33% males had inadequate dietary fiber intake when compared to the RDAs. Inadequate dietary calcium intake was found in 49.5% males and 55.3% females. There were 22.3% of older adults at moderate to high malnutrition risk. Singaporean older adults need to reduce their dietary intakes of sugar and saturated fat and increase their intakes in dietary fiber and calcium. Current findings provide public health awareness on the importance of healthy eating and will facilitate decision making by health promotors to deliver targeted nutrition care programs.
Does Pizza Consumption Favor an Improved Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Authors: De Vito Roberta , Parpinel Maria , Speciani Michela Carola , Fiori Federica , Bianco Rachele , Caporali Roberto , Ingegnoli Francesca , Scotti Isabella , Schioppo Tommaso , Ubiali Tania , Cutolo Maurizio , Grosso Giuseppe , Ferraroni Monica , Edefonti Valeria
Published: August 2023

To our knowledge, no studies so far have investigated the role of pizza and its ingredients in modulating disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We assessed this question via a recent cross-sectional study including 365 participants from Italy, the birthplace of pizza. Multiple robust linear and logistic regression models were fitted with the tertile consumption categories of each available pizza-related food item/group (i.e., pizza, refined grains, mozzarella cheese, and olive oil) as independent variables, and each available RA activity measure (i.e., the Disease Activity Score on 28 joints with C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP), and the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI)) as the dependent variable. Stratified analyses were carried out according to the disease severity or duration. Participants eating half a pizza >1 time/week (vs. ≤2 times/month) reported beneficial effects on disease activity, with the significant reductions of ~70% (overall analysis), and 80% (the more severe stratum), and the significant beta coefficients of −0.70 for the DAS28-CRP, and −3.6 for the SDAI (overall analysis) and of −1.10 and −5.30 (in long-standing and more severe RA, respectively). Among the pizza-related food items/groups, mozzarella cheese and olive oil showed beneficial effects, especially in the more severe stratum. Future cohort studies are needed to confirm this beneficial effect of pizza and related food items/groups on RA disease activity.
Photobiomodulation for Correction of Systemic Disorders of Experimental Pain Syndromes
Authors: Polyakova Alla G. , Soloveva Anna G. , Peretyagin Petr V. , Belova Anna N. , Belyaeva Kseniya L.
Published: August 2023

The development of anti-pain technologies in the complex treatment of pain syndromes is one of the most urgent tasks of modern medicine. We undertook a placebo-controlled experimental study of the therapeutic potential of low-intensity laser radiation when applied to acupuncture points that are directly related to the autonomic nervous system. The adaptation effect of puncture photobiomodulation on the induction of stress-mediated autonomic reactions, oxidative metabolism and microcirculation in animals during the acute phase of pain stress was revealed. The data obtained are of interest for use in the complex rehabilitation of patients with pain syndromes.
“Tri-in-One” Accumulation Model of Lithologic Reservoirs in Continental Downfaulted Basins: A Case Study of the Lithologic Reservoir of Nantun Formation in Tanan Sag, Mongolia
Authors: Liu Shaojun , Zhao Shengxian , Yang Xuefeng , Zhang Jian , Yin Meixuan , Meng Qi’an , Li Bo , Xia Ziqiang
Published: August 2023

This article analyzes the key controlling factors and hydrocarbon distribution rules of lithologic reservoirs in a continental downfaulted basin according to the structural features, sedimentary evolution, types of sedimentary facies, source rock features, diagenesis evolution, reservoir features, hydrocarbon formation mechanisms, exploration status, and hydrocarbon resource potential. The results show that three major controlling factors (sandbody types, effective source rocks, and effective reservoirs) and one coupled factor (fractures that act as a tie) influence hydrocarbon accumulation in the lithologic traps in the Nantun Formation in Tanan Sag. With the increase in depth, sufficient hydrocarbon is generated in the source rock with thermal evolution. When the depth threshold is reached and critical conditions of hydrocarbon supply are met, hydrocarbon generation and expulsion are more intensive. Traps that are surrounded or contacted by source rock or connected by faults are able to form reservoirs. As the buried depth increases, the intensity of hydrocarbon generation–expulsion grows, and the trap is more petroliferous. Hydrocarbon accumulation and reservoir formation are also controlled by sandbody accumulation conditions. When the critical conditions for hydrocarbon generation are met and concrete oil and gas are charged in, the better physical properties of the sandbody will always indicate more hydrocarbon accumulation in the trap. The allocation of sand type, effective source rock, and an effective reservoir is optimized under the effect of fractures and the coupled hydrocarbon reservoir with these three elements.
Crown Information Extraction and Annual Growth Estimation of a Chinese Fir Plantation Based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle–Light Detection and Ranging
Authors: Xiong Jingfeng , Zeng Hongda , Cai Guo , Li Yunfei , Chen Jing M. , Miao Guofang
Published: August 2023

Forest biomass dynamics are important indicators of forest productivity and carbon sinks, which are useful for evaluating forest ecological benefits and management options. Rapid and accurate methods for monitoring forest biomass would serve this purpose well. This study aimed at measuring aboveground biomass (AGB) and stand growth from tree crown parameters derived using unmanned aerial vehicle–light detection and ranging (UAV–LiDAR). We focused on 17-year-old Chinese fir plantations in a subtropical area in China and monitored them using UAV–LiDAR from February 2019 to February 2020. Two effective crown height (ECH) detection methods based on drone discrete point clouds were evaluated using ground survey data. Based on the evaluation results, the voxel method based on point cloud segmentation (root-mean-squared error (RMSE) = 0.62 m, relative RMSE (rRMSE) = 4.26%) was better than the tree crown boundary pixel sum method based on canopy height segmentation (RMSE = 1.26 m, rRMSE = 8.63%). The effective crown area (ECA) of an individual tree extracted using ECH was strongly correlated with the annual biomass growth (coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.47). The estimation of annual growth of individual tree crowns based on annual tree height increase (ΔH) derived from LiDAR was statistically significant (R2 = 0.33, p < 0.01). After adding the crown projection area or ECA, the model accuracy R2 increased to 0.57 or 0.63, respectively. As the scale increased to the plot level, the direct model with ECA (RMSE = 1.59 Mg∙ha−1∙a−1, rRMSE = 15.02%) had a better performance than the indirect model using tree height and crown diameter (RMSE = 1.81 Mg∙ha−1∙a−1, rRMSE = 17.10%). The mean annual growth rate of AGB per middle-aged Chinese fir tree was determined to be 8.45 kg∙a−1 using ECA and ΔH, and the plot-level growth rate was 11.47 Mg∙ha−1∙a−1. We conclude that the rapid and accurate monitoring of the annual growth of Chinese fir can be achieved based on multitemporal UAV–LiDAR and effective crown information.
Landslide Susceptibility Analysis on the Vicinity of Bogotá-Villavicencio Road (Eastern Cordillera of the Colombian Andes)
Authors: Herrera-Coy María Camila , Calderón Laura Paola , Herrera-Pérez Iván Leonardo , Bravo-López Paul Esteban , Conoscenti Christian , Delgado Jorge , Sánchez-Gómez Mario , Fernández Tomás
Published: August 2023

Landslide occurrence in Colombia is very frequent due to its geographical location in the Andean mountain range, with a very pronounced orography, a significant geological complexity and an outstanding climatic variability. More specifically, the study area around the Bogotá-Villavicencio road in the central sector of the Eastern Cordillera is one of the regions with the highest concentration of phenomena, which makes its study a priority. An inventory and detailed analysis of 2506 landslides has been carried out, in which five basic typologies have been differentiated: avalanches, debris flows, slides, earth flows and creeping areas. Debris avalanches and debris flows occur mainly in metamorphic materials (phyllites, schists and quartz-sandstones), areas with sparse vegetation, steep slopes and lower sections of hillslopes; meanwhile, slides, earth flows and creep occur in Cretaceous lutites, crop/grass lands, medium and low slopes and lower-middle sections of the hillslopes. Based on this analysis, landslide susceptibility models have been made for the different typologies and with different methods (matrix, discriminant analysis, random forest and neural networks) and input factors. The results are generally quite good, with average AUC-ROC values above 0.7–0.8, and the machine learning methods are the most appropriate, especially random forest, with a selected number of factors (between 6 and 8). The degree of fit (DF) usually shows relative errors lower than 5% and success higher than 90%. Finally, an integrated landslide susceptibility map (LSM) has been made for shallower and deeper types of movements. All the LSM show a clear zonation as a consequence of the geological control of the susceptibility.
Groundwater Potential Assessment in Gannan Region, China, Using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool Model and GIS-Based Analytical Hierarchical Process
Authors: Zhang Zeyi , Zhang Shuangxi , Li Mengkui , Zhang Yu , Chen Meng , Zhang Qing , Dai Zhouqing , Liu Jing
Published: August 2023

The Gannan region is situated in Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, China, and has a complicated geological background. Seasonal droughts significantly jeopardize the water security of the local population. Groundwater is essential to alleviate the region’s water needs. In this research, the groundwater potential (GWP) of the Gannan region was assessed using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP). The groundwater recharge and rainfall estimated by the SWAT model exhibited notable inconsistencies regarding their spatial distribution. Eight groundwater potential assessment factors (lithology, fault density, land use, slope, convergence index, drainage density, rainfall, and groundwater recharge) were constructed by integrating remote sensing, geological, and SWAT output data. Two GWP maps were constructed by an overlay analysis based on the obtained weights using the AHP, with the rainfall and groundwater recharge assigned the same weight to calculate the GWP with the other six factors separately. Each map was split into five classes: excellent, good, moderate, poor, and very poor. Data from 23 wells and 42 springs were collected to validate the two maps by correlation analysis between the GWP and flow rates of wells and springs. The correlation analysis result indicates that the GWP calculated by the recharge (R2 = 0.8 and 0.74, respectively) is more accurate than the GWP calculated by the rainfall (R2 = 0.21 and 0.48, respectively) and can provide a theoretical basis for groundwater management and exploration in the area.