bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Distributed Autonomous Mission Planning Method for the Low-Orbit Imaging Constellation
Authors: Yang Qing , Song Bingyu , Chen Yingguo , He Lei , Wang Pei
Published: October 2023

With the improvement of satellite autonomy, multi-satellite cooperative mission planning has become an important application. This requires multiple satellites to interact with each other via inter-satellite links to reach a consistent mission planning scheme. Considering issues such as inter-satellite link failure, external interference, and communication delay, algorithms should minimize communication costs as much as possible. The CBBA algorithm belongs to a fully distributed multi-agent task allocation algorithm, which has been introduced into multi-satellite autonomous task planning scenarios and achieved good planning results. This paper mainly focuses on the communication problem, and proposes an improved algorithm based on it, which is called c-CBBA. The algorithm is designed with task preemption strategy and single-chain strategy to reduce the communication volume. The task preemption strategy is an accelerated convergence mechanism designed for the convergence characteristics of CBBA, while the single-chain strategy is a communication link pruning strategy designed for the information exchange characteristics of satellites. Experiments in various scenarios show that the algorithm can effectively reduce communication volume while ensuring the effectiveness of task planning.
Incorporation of Biotechnologies into Gene Banking Strategies to Facilitate Rapid Reconstitution of Populations
Authors: Blackburn Harvey D. , Azevedo Hymerson Costa , Purdy Phillip H.
Published: October 2023

National animal gene banks that are responsible for conserving livestock, poultry, and aquatic genetic resources need to be capable of utilizing a broad array of cryotechnologies coupled with assisted reproductive technologies to reconstitute either specific animals or populations/breeds as needed. This capability is predicated upon having sufficient genetic diversity (usually encapsulated by number of animals in the collection), units of germplasm or tissues, and the ability to reconstitute animals. While the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO 2012, 2023) developed a set of guidelines for gene banks on these matters, those guidelines do not consider applications and utilization of newer technologies (e.g., primordial germ cells, cloning from somatic cells, embryo transfer, IVF, sex-sorted semen), which can radically change how gene banks collect, store, and utilize genetic resources. This paper reviews the current status of using newer technologies, explores how gene banks might make such technologies part of their routine operations, and illustrates how combining newer assisted reproductive technologies with older approaches enables populations to be reconstituted more efficiently.
Potato Leaf Disease Segmentation Method Based on Improved UNet
Authors: Fu Jun , Zhao Yichen , Wu Gang
Published: October 2023

The precise control of potato diseases is an urgent demand in smart agriculture, with one of the key aspects being the accurate identification and segmentation of potato leaf diseases. Some disease spots on potato leaves are relatively small, and to address issues such as information loss and low segmentation accuracy in the process of potato leaf disease image segmentation, a novel approach based on an improved UNet network model is proposed. Firstly, the incorporation of ResNet50 as the backbone network is introduced to deepen the network structure, effectively addressing problems like gradient vanishing and degradation. Secondly, the unique characteristics of the UNet network are fully utilized, using UNet as the decoder to ingeniously integrate the characteristics of potatoes with the network. Finally, to better enable the network to learn disease spot features, the SE (squeeze and excitation) attention mechanism is introduced on top of ResNet50, further optimizing the network structure. This design allows the network to selectively emphasize useful information features and suppress irrelevant ones during the learning process, significantly enhancing the accuracy of potato disease segmentation and identification. The experimental results demonstrate that compared with the traditional UNet algorithm, the improved RS-UNet network model achieves values of 79.8% and 88.86% for the MIoU and Dice metrics, respectively, which represent improvements of 8.96% and 6.33% over UNet. These results provide strong evidence for the outstanding performance and generalization ability of the RS-UNet model in potato leaf disease spot segmentation, as well as its practical application value in the task of potato leaf disease segmentation.
Improving OCT Image Segmentation of Retinal Layers by Utilizing a Machine Learning Based Multistage System of Stacked Multiscale Encoders and Decoders
Authors: Sampath Kumar Arunodhayan , Schlosser Tobias , Langner Holger , Ritter Marc , Kowerko Danny
Published: October 2023

Optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based retinal imagery is often utilized to determine influential factors in patient progression and treatment, for which the retinal layers of the human eye are investigated to assess a patient’s health status and eyesight. In this contribution, we propose a machine learning (ML)-based multistage system of stacked multiscale encoders and decoders for the image segmentation of OCT imagery of the retinal layers to enable the following evaluation regarding the physiological and pathological states. Our proposed system’s results highlight its benefits compared to currently investigated approaches by combining commonly deployed methods from deep learning (DL) while utilizing deep neural networks (DNN). We conclude that by stacking multiple multiscale encoders and decoders, improved scores for the image segmentation task can be achieved. Our retinal-layer-based segmentation results in a final segmentation performance of up to 82.25±0.74% for the Sørensen–Dice coefficient, outperforming the current best single-stage model by 1.55% with a score of 80.70±0.20%, given the evaluated peripapillary OCT data set. Additionally, we provide results on the data sets Duke SD-OCT, Heidelberg, and UMN to illustrate our model’s performance on especially noisy data sets.
The Complicated Relationship of Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Oral Microbiome: A Narrative Review
Authors: Leonov Georgy E. , Varaeva Yurgita R. , Livantsova Elena N. , Starodubova Antonina V.
Published: October 2023

The human oral microbiome has emerged as a focal point of research due to its profound implications for human health. The involvement of short-chain fatty acids in oral microbiome composition, oral health, and chronic inflammation is gaining increasing attention. In this narrative review, the results of early in vitro, in vivo, and pilot clinical studies and research projects are presented in order to define the boundaries of this new complicated issue. According to the results, the current research data are disputable and ambiguous. When investigating the role of SCFAs in human health and disease, it is crucial to distinguish between their local GI effects and the systemic influences. Locally, SCFAs are a part of normal oral microbiota metabolism, but the increased formation of SCFAs usually attribute to dysbiosis; excess SCFAs participate in the development of local oral diseases and in oral biota gut colonization and dysbiosis. On the other hand, a number of studies have established the positive impact of SCFAs on human health as a whole, including the reduction of chronic systemic inflammation, improvement of metabolic processes, and decrease of some types of cancer incidence. Thus, a complex and sophisticated approach with consideration of origin and localization for SCFA function assessment is demanded. Therefore, more research, especially clinical research, is needed to investigate the complicated relationship of SCFAs with health and disease and their potential role in prevention and treatment.
Carotid Dolichoarteriopathy (Elongation) of the Carotid Arteries in Patients with Ischemic Stroke Anamnesis
Authors: Golovin Denis A. , Rostovtseva Tatyana M. , Kudryavtsev Yuri S. , Berdalin Alexander B. , Lelyuk Svetlana E. , Lelyuk Vladimir G.
Published: October 2023

Carotid artery elongation (ECA) is widespread in the asymptomatic population and among people with a history of ischemic stroke (IS). There are different points of view on the ways these changes contribute to brain ischemic damage pathogenesis. Materials and Methods: From 2019 to 2021, we included 1171 people who had suffered from IS less than one year before the investigation in the study, 404 (34.5%) women aged 27 to 95 years (64 ± 13 years) and 767 men (21–90; 60 ± 11 years). All patients involved in the study underwent multimodal radiological investigation in addition to assessments of their clinical and neurological data. Results: In this study, we were unable to detect a relationship between ECA localization and acute ischemic lesions. The frequency of ECA detection in patients with IS was the same as that in carotid and vertebral–basilar arterial systems. The prevalence of ECA was the same in patients with different IS subtypes (TOAST). There was no association between the localization of ECA and ischemic lesions; moreover, there were no differences in the IS frequency between anterior and posterior circulation. There were statistically significant decreases in linear peak systolic and end diastolic velocities in the internal carotid and vertebral arteries, as well as in the intracranial arteries in patients with ECA.
Comprehensive Systematic Review of Biomarkers in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Predictors, Prognostics, and Therapeutic Monitoring
Authors: Dani Komal A. , Rich Joseph M. , Kumar Sean S. , Cen Harmony , Duddalwar Vinay A. , D’Souza Anishka
Published: October 2023

Background: Challenges remain in determining the most effective treatment strategies and identifying patients who would benefit from adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy in renal cell carcinoma. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of biomarkers in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) and their utility in prediction of treatment response, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring in patients receiving systemic therapy for metastatic disease. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed database for relevant studies published between January 2017 and December 2022. The search focused on biomarkers associated with mRCC and their relationship to immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapy, and VEGF inhibitors in the adjuvant, neoadjuvant, and metastatic settings. Results: The review identified various biomarkers with predictive, prognostic, and therapeutic monitoring potential in mRCC. The review also discussed the challenges associated with anti-angiogenic and immune-checkpoint monotherapy trials and highlighted the need for personalized therapy based on molecular signatures. Conclusion: This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the landscape of biomarkers in mRCC and their potential applications in prediction of treatment response, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating biomarker assessment into clinical practice to guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes in mRCC.
Biodistribution of Fluorescent Albumin Nanoparticles among Organs of Laboratory Animals after Intranasal and Peroral Administration
Authors: Morozova Olga , Isaeva Elena , Klinov Dmitry
Published: October 2023

Natural, environmental and engineered nanoparticles (NP) penetrate into cells by endocytosis and induce innate immunity. The behaviour of the nanomaterials both in vitro and in vivo should be assessed. Our goal was to study protein NP stability in biological fluids and distribution in organs of animals after intranasal and oral administration. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was labelled with the fluorescent dye RhoB and NP were fabricated by nanoprecipitation. The fluorescent protein NPwere administered intranasally and orally in laboratory-outbred mice ICR and rabbits. RhoB-BSA NP distribution in organs was detected using spectrofluorometry and fluorescent microscopy. Innate immunity was evaluated using reverse transcription with random hexanucleotide primer and subsequent real-time PCR with specific fluorescent hydrolysis probes. The labelled BSA NP were shown to remain stable in blood sera and nasopharyngeal swabs for 5 days at +37 °C. In vivo the maximal accumulation was found in the brain in 2 days posttreatment without prevalent accumulation in olfactory bulbs. For the intestine, heart and liver, the BSA NP accumulation was similar in 1 and 2 days, whereas for kidney samples even decreased after 1 day. Both intranasal and peroral administration of RhoB-BSA NP did not induce innate immunity. Thus, after intranasal or oral instillation RhoB-BSA NP were found mainly in the brain and intestine without interferon gene expression.
Melatonin Reduces Aggravation of Renal Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury in Obese Rats by Maintaining Mitochondrial Homeostasis and Integrity through AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3/SOD2 Activation
Authors: Kobroob Anongporn , Kongkaew Aphisek , Wongmekiat Orawan
Published: October 2023

This study examined the potential benefits of melatonin against renal ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury in obesity and explored the underlying mechanisms. Obesity was induced in Wistar rats by feeding a high-fat diet for 16 weeks. Three obese groups that underwent renal IR induction (30-min renal ischemia followed by 24-h reperfusion) were randomly assigned to receive melatonin at ischemic onset, reperfusion onset, or pretreatment for 4 weeks before IR induction. Groups of vehicle-treated obese and normal-diet-fed rats that underwent sham or IR induction were also included in the study. The results showed that renal functional and structural impairments after IR incidence were aggravated in obese rats compared to normal-diet-fed rats. The obese-IR rats also exhibited oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy imbalances, which were all considerably improved upon melatonin treatment, irrespective of the treatment time. This study suggests the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of melatonin in IR-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in obese individuals, which may improve the prognosis of AKI in these populations. The benefits of melatonin are likely mediated by the modification of various signaling molecules within the mitochondria that maintain mitochondrial redox balance and lead to the protection of mitochondrial homeostasis and integrity.
Assessing the Reliability of Global Carbon Flux Dataset Compared to Existing Datasets and Their Spatiotemporal Characteristics
Authors: Xiong Zili , Shangguan Wei , Nourani Vahid , Li Qingliang , Lu Xingjie , Li Lu , Huang Feini , Zhang Ye , Sun Wenye , Yuan Hua , Li Xueyan
Published: October 2023

Land carbon fluxes play a critical role in ecosystems, and acquiring a comprehensive global database of carbon fluxes is essential for understanding the Earth’s carbon cycle. The primary methods of obtaining the spatial distribution of land carbon fluxes include utilizing machine learning models based on in situ measurements, estimating through satellite remote sensing, and simulating ecosystem models. Recently, an innovative machine learning product known as the Global Carbon Flux Dataset (GCFD) has been released. In this study, we assessed the reliability of the GCFD by comparing it with existing data products, including two machine learning products (FLUXCOM and NIES (National Institute for Environmental Studies)), two ecosystem model products (TRENDY and EC-LUE (eddy covariance–light use efficiency model)), and one remote sensing product (Global Land Surface Satellite), on both site and global scales. Our findings indicate that, in terms of average absolute difference, the spatial distribution of the GCFD is most similar to the NIES product, albeit with slightly larger discrepancies compared to the other two types of products. When using site observations as the benchmark, gross primary production (GPP), respiration of ecosystem (RECO), and net ecosystem exchange of machine learning products exhibit higher R2 (ranging from 0.57 to 0.85, 0.53–0.79, and 0.31–0.70, respectively) compared to model products and remote sensing products. Furthermore, we analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of carbon fluxes in various regions. The results demonstrate an upward trend in both GPP and RECO over the past two decades, while NEE exhibits an opposite trend. This trend is particularly pronounced in tropical regions, where higher GPP is observed in tropical, subtropical, and oceanic climate zones. Additionally, two remote sensing variables that influence changes in carbon fluxes, i.e., fraction absorbed photosynthetically active radiation and leaf area index, exhibit relatively consistent spatial and temporal characteristics. Overall, our study can provide valuable insights into different types of carbon flux products and contribute to understanding the general features of global carbon fluxes.
Evaluation of Solar Conversion Efficiency in Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Using Natural Dyes Extracted from Alpinia purpurata and Alstroemeria Flower Petals as Novel Photosensitizers
Authors: da Conceição Leonardo Ricardo Bernardes , da Cunha Higor Oliveira , Leite Arcano Matheus Bragança , Suresh Babu Rajendran , Raja Sebastian , Ribeiro Caue , de Barros Ana Lucia Ferreira
Published: October 2023

Herein, we evaluate the conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) photosensitized using two different natural dyes extracted from Alpinia purpurata and Alstroemeria flower petals. The appreciable absorption capacity of the extracts in the visible light region was examined through absorption spectroscopy. The functional groups of the corresponding pigments were identified through Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR) technique thus indicating the presence of cyanidin 3-glycosides and piperine in the flowers of Alstroemeria and Alpinia purpurata. The extracted dyes were immobilized on TiO2 on transparent conducting FTO glass, which were used as photoanode. The dye-coated TiO2 photoanode, pt photocathode and iodide/triiodide redox electrolyte assembled into a cell module was illuminated by a light source intensity 100 mW/cm2 to measure the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of DSSCs. The TiO2 anode and Pt counter electrode surface roughness and morphological studies were evaluated using atomic force microscope (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), respectively. Through the photoelectric characterizations, it was promising to verify that the solar conversion efficiency was calculated with the photovoltaic cell sensitized by Alstroemeria and Alpinia purpurata. This was achieved with a yield (η) of 1.74% and 0.65%, with an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.39 and 0.53 V, short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 2.04 and 0.49 mA/cm2, fill factor (FF) of 0.35 and 0.40, and Pmax of 0.280 and 0.100 mW/cm2, respectively. The results are promising and demonstrate the importance of the search for new natural dyes to be used in organic solar cells for the development of devices that generate electricity in a sustainable way.
Building an Agroecology Knowledge Network for Agrobiodiversity Conservation
Authors: Nimmo Evelyn Roberta , Nelson Erin , Gómez-Tovar Laura , García Mariol Morejón , Spring Andrew , Lacerda André E. B. , de Carvalho Alessandra Izabel , Blay-Palmer Alison
Published: October 2023

This paper describes the development of a transdisciplinary knowledge network dedicated to supporting agroecology knowledge exchange and capacity building that is particularly focused on the sustainable use and conservation of agrobiodiversity. The network—Fostering Effective Agroecology for Sustainable Transformation, or FEAST—includes nodes in Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, and Canada’s Northwest Territories and has been engaged in Participatory Action Research activities since 2015. This paper examines the development of the network over time, including a workshop held in 2019 in and around Curitiba, Brazil, and reflects on the outcomes of knowledge exchange activities. We discuss how the development of the FEAST network has informed participants’ local practice and their sense of belonging to a larger-scale, international movement for agroecology, agrobiodiversity conservation, and food system sustainability.
Patient Derived Xenografts (PDX) Models as an Avatar to Assess Personalized Therapy Options in Uveal Melanoma: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Nemati Fariba , de Koning Leanne , Gentien David , Assayag Franck , Henry Emilie , Ait Rais Khadija , Pierron Gaelle , Mariani Odette , Nijnikoff Michèle , Champenois Gabriel , Nicolas André , Meseure Didier , Gardrat Sophie , Servant Nicolas , Hupé Philippe , Kamal Maud , Le Tourneau Christophe , Piperno-Neumann Sophie , Rodrigues Manuel , Roman-Roman Sergio , Decaudin Didier , Mariani Pascale , Cassoux Nathalie
Published: October 2023

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. Up to 50% of UM patients develop metastatic disease, usually in the liver. When metastatic, the prognosis is poor, and few treatment options exist. Here, we investigated the feasibility of establishing patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) from a patient’s tumor in order to screen for therapies that the patient could benefit from. Samples obtained from 29 primary tumors and liver metastases of uveal melanoma were grafted into SCID mice. PDX models were successfully established for 35% of primary patient tumors and 67% of liver metastases. The tumor take rate was proportional to the risk of metastases. PDXs showed the same morphology, the same GNAQ/11, BAP1, and SF3B1 mutations, and the same chromosome 3 and 8q status as the corresponding patient samples. Six PDX models were challenged with two compounds for 4 weeks. We show that, for 31% of patients with high or intermediate risk of metastasis, the timing to obtain efficacy results on PDX models derived from their primary tumors was compatible with the selection of the therapy to treat the patient after relapse. PDXs could thus be a valid tool (“avatar”) to select the best personalized therapy for one third of patients that are most at risk of relapse.
Dynamic Analysis of an Epidemic Model Considering Personal Alert on a Complex Network
Authors: Jia Fengling , Gu Ziyu , Yang Lixin
Published: October 2023

This paper proposes a SIQRS epidemic model with birth and death on a complex network, considering individual alertness. In particular, we investigate the influence of the individual behavior in the transmission of epidemics and derive the basic reproduction number depending on birth rate, death rate, alertness rate, quarantine rate. In addition, the stabilities of the disease-free equilibrium point and endemic equilibrium point are analyzed via stability theory. It is found that the emergence of individual behavior can influence the process of transmission of epidemics. Our results show that individual alertness rate is negatively correlated with basic reproduction number, while the impact of individual alertness on infectious factor is positively correlated with basic reproduction number. When the basic reproduction number is less than one, the system is stable and the disease is eventually eradicated. Nevertheless, there is an endemic equilibrium point under the condition that the basic reproduction number is more than one. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate theoretical results.
Novel Radio Resource Allocation Scheme in 5G and Future Sharing Network via Multi-Dimensional Collaboration
Authors: Liu Guiqing , Ding Xue , Li Peng , Zhang Liwen , Hu Chunlei , Xie Weiliang
Published: October 2023

Radio resource allocation schemes are critical to enhance user experience and spectrum efficiency. In the context of fifth-generation (5G) and future networks, co-construction and sharing among multiple telecom operators, which effectively mitigate challenges stemming from resource scarcity, energy consumption, and network construction costs, also attract wide attention. Therefore, optimal resource allocation techniques in sharing networks should be explored. Current resource allocation schemes primarily optimize for load balancing, single-user throughput, and fairness of multi-user whole network throughput, with minimal consideration for network-level user experience. Moreover, existing approaches predominantly concentrate on specific resource domains, seldom considering holistic collaboration across all domains, which limits the user experience of the whole network. This paper introduces an innovative resource allocation method grounded in the Shannon theorem, incorporating time-frequency-spatial domain multi-dimensional collaboration. More importantly, by constructing an optimization model, we strive to attain optimal network-level user experience. Furthermore, we provide a smart grid technology based on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) method to predict inter-frequency information, including Received Signal Reference Power (RSRP), beam ID, and spectral efficiency, which are modeled as air interface utilization, channel bandwidth, and signal-to-noise ratio, respectively, providing input for the optimization algorithm, which seeks to achieve the optimal time-frequency-space resource allocation scheme. Extensive experimentation validates the effectiveness and superiority of our proposed methodology.
Self- and Mutual-Inductance Cross-Validation of Multi-Turn, Multi-Layer Square Coils for Dynamic Wireless Charging of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Liang Mincui , El Khamlichi Drissi Khalil , Pasquier Christopher
Published: October 2023

Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT) has high potential to overcome electric vehicles’ battery issues of size and range and to achieve fully autonomous driving. Accurately extracting the self- and mutual-inductance of the coils is essential for controlling and optimizing the overall performance of the DWPT system under real driving conditions. Due to the limited space for coil installation at the bottom of the vehicles, multi-turn, multi-layer square coils are proposed to maximize the space utilization of the DWPT system. For the first time, this paper presents a theoretical model for calculating the self- and mutual-inductance and the coupling coefficients of multi-turn, multi-layer square coils. Taking a four-turn, four-layer square coil as an example, the model is cross-validated by 3D coil modelling and simulation, as well as practical measurements. A theoretical–experimental verification is further conducted to indirectly corroborate the cross-validated coupling coefficients of the two coils. On average, the normalized root mean square errors of the resultant self-inductance and coupling coefficients of two identical coils are 1.04% and 4.29%, respectively. Specifically, for the selected case, normalized root mean square errors of the zero-phase angle frequencies of the system under different misalignment situations average out at 1.32%.
Experimental Study on a Novel Form-Stable Phase Change Material Based on Solid Waste Iron Tailings as Supporting Material for Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Liu Peng , Wang Yajing , Liang Zhao , Zhang Zhikai , Rao Jun , Jiang Shuai
Published: October 2023

To prevent liquid leakage during the phase transition of a phase change material (PCM), a novel form-stable PCM (FSPCM) based on LA/CIT/CNT was fabricated using a simple and facile direct impregnation method. The iron tailings (ITs) was calcinated at first. And then lauric acid (LA) was impregnated into the calcinated iron tailings (CITs) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a thermal conductivity additive. Subsequently, the leakage tests and the properties of the prepared samples were investigated by diffusion-oozing testing (DOT), SEM, XRD, FTIR, DSC, TGA, and intelligent paperless recorder (IPR). DOT results showed that the impregnation ratio of LA into the CIT and CNT was up to 27.5% without leakage. SEM indicated that LA can be adsorbed into microscale pores and covered the surface of CITs and CNTs. FTIR spectra indicated that there was no chemical reaction during the preparation process. The melting and freezing temperatures of the prepared LA/CIT/CNT FSPCMs were measured as 45.24 °C and 39.61 °C, respectively. Correspondingly, the latent heat values were determined as 39.95 J/g and 35.63 J/g, respectively. The LA/CIT/CNT FSPCMs exhibited good thermal stability in the working temperature range, and its heat transfer efficiency was improved significantly by 69.23% for LA and 84.62% for LA/CIT FSPCM. In short, LA/CIT/CNT FSPCMs are a very promising material for thermal energy storage in practical low-temperature applications.
The Impact of Renewable Energy Consumption on Environmental Quality in Central European Countries: The Mediating Role of Digitalization and Financial Development
Authors: Jóźwik Bartosz , Doğan Mesut , Gürsoy Samet
Published: October 2023

Green initiatives and digital transitions in Central European countries are catalyzing significant transformations within the region’s socio-economic landscape, embedding contemporary technologies into daily life and commercial activities. Consequently, this fosters improved environmental quality through sustainable practices. This research unravels the complex interplay between renewable energy consumption, digitalization, and financial development in various national contexts, providing key insights into their respective and collective impacts on environmental quality. This study investigates the relationship among environmental quality, digitalization, renewable energy consumption, financial development, and economic growth in Central European countries, analyzing data from 1995 to 2019. An analysis of the panel data reveals a statistically significant positive relationship between economic growth and carbon emissions, and a negative relationship among digitalization, renewable energy consumption, and carbon emissions. In Central European nations, including the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, and Slovakia, digitalization serves a mediating role in the relationship between renewable energy consumption and environmental quality. However, the role of financial development as a mediator between renewable energy consumption and environmental quality manifests varied impacts across different countries. These findings hold the potential to guide policy recommendations for the countries under consideration.
A Basic Study for Predicting Dysphagia in Panoramic X-ray Images Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) Part 2: Analysis of the Position of the Hyoid Bone on Panoramic Radiographs
Authors: Matsuda Yukiko , Ito Emi , Kuroda Migiwa , Araki Kazuyuki , Nakada Wataru , Hayakawa Yoshihiko
Published: October 2023

Background: Oral frailty is associated with systemic frailty. The vertical position of the hyoid bone is important when considering the risk of dysphagia. However, dentists usually do not focus on this position. Purpose: To create an AI model for detection of the position of the vertical hyoid bone. Methods: In this study, 1830 hyoid bone images from 915 panoramic radiographs were used for AI learning. The position of the hyoid bone was classified into six types (Types 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) based on the same criteria as in our previous study. Plan 1 learned all types. In Plan 2, the five types other than Type 0 were learned. To reduce the number of groupings, three classes were formed using combinations of two types in each class. Plan 3 was used for learning all three classes, and Plan 4 was used for learning the two classes other than Class A (Types 0 and 1). Precision, recall, f-values, accuracy, and areas under the precision–recall curves (PR-AUCs) were calculated and comparatively evaluated. Results: Plan 4 showed the highest accuracy and PR-AUC values, of 0.93 and 0.97, respectively. Conclusions: By reducing the number of classes and not learning cases in which the anatomical structure was partially invisible, the vertical hyoid bone was correctly detected.
The Effects of Globose Scale (Sphaerolecanium prunastri) Infestation on the Growth of Wild Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) Trees
Authors: Linghu Wei , Lu Zhaozhi , Wang Yuli , Gao Guizhen
Published: October 2023

The globose scale (GS) (Sphaerolecanium prunastri Boyer de Fonscolombe) is a sucking insect that feeds on saps of wild apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca L.) in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of northwestern China. It feeds on branches of wild apricot leading to poor growth, leaf yellowing and leaf drop, and sometimes mortality. Since the initial infestation in 2018, all the main valleys of wild apricot trees have been affected, but there is little research on the host’s physiological response to GS infestation. We measured the differences in growth between infested and non-infested wild apricots. The results showed that the diameter of shoot branches, the fresh weight, dry weight, length, width, area, and chlorophyll content of leaves, and the longitudinal diameter of fruit, were all significantly less for infested wild apricot trees than for un-infested wild apricot. The branch length of shoots, cross diameter, and weight of fruit also decreased, although the differences were not significant. Overall, GS infestation significantly reduced the growth of wild apricot trees.
Pathogenic E. coli in the Food Chain across the Arab Countries: A Descriptive Review
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed-Yousif Ibrahim , Habib Ihab
Published: October 2023

Foodborne bacterial infections caused by pathogens are a widespread problem in the Middle East, leading to significant economic losses and negative impacts on public health. This review aims to offer insights into the recent literature regarding the occurrence of harmful E. coli bacteria in the food supply of Arab countries. Additionally, it aims to summarize existing information on health issues and the state of resistance to antibiotics. The reviewed evidence highlights a lack of a comprehensive understanding of the extent to which harmful E. coli genes are present in the food supply of Arab countries. Efforts to identify the source of harmful E. coli in the Arab world through molecular characterization are limited. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have conducted few surveys specifically targeting harmful E. coli in the food supply. Despite having qualitative data that indicate the presence or absence of harmful E. coli, there is a noticeable absence of quantitative data regarding the actual numbers of harmful E. coli in chicken meat supplies across all Arab countries. While reports about harmful E. coli in animal-derived foods are common, especially in North African Arab countries, the literature emphasized in this review underscores the ongoing challenge that harmful E. coli pose to food safety and public health in Arab countries.
Grain Quality Characterization before and after Processing
Authors: Li Yanhui , Kong Yue , Wu Zenan , Xie Fengying
Published: October 2023

Grains are an important part of a healthy diet, and provide most of the daily calories and nutrients [...]
Green Tea Extract Solid Dispersion Pellets with Enhanced Permeability for Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Patole Vinita , Gaikwad Pranita , Kharat Shashikant , Jadhav Pranali , Deshkar Sanjeevani , Giram Prabhanjan
Published: October 2023

Green tea extract, rich in polyphenols like catechins, has been reported to have pharmacological benefits in patients with hyperlipidemia. The minimal membrane permeability of green tea limits its use in terms of bioavailability. To improve the permeability of green tea catechins in order to enhance theiranti-hyperlipidemia activity, a surfactant-based polymer was used to formulate a solid dispersion of green tea and convert it into commercially acceptable pellets. Green tea extract solid dispersions (GTE-SDs) were prepared withsolvent evaporation method using Soluplus® as a carrier. The GTE-SDs were evaluated for ex vivo permeation studies and characterized using FTIR, DSC, and XRD for confirming the formation of SD. The GTE-SDs exhibiting enhanced ex vivo permeation of EGCG were converted into a pellet formulation using the extrusion spheronization technique while being optimized using a 32 full factorial design. Soluplus® exhibited a four-fold improvement in the ex vivo permeation of EGCG from GTE-SD pellets (33.27%) as compared to GTE (10.43%) (p-value < 0.0001). In male Wistar rats, optimized GTE-SD pellets reduced the lipid blood profiles as compared to GTE (p-value < 0.0001). Thus, GTE-SD pellets can serve as an effective drug delivery platform for hyperlipidemia.
Changes in Hematological and Hemorheological Parameters Following Mild COVID-19: A 4-Month Follow-Up Study
Authors: Bros Janina , Ibershoff Lars , Zollmann Emily , Zacher Jonas , Tomschi Fabian , Predel Hans-Georg , Bloch Wilhelm , Grau Marijke
Published: October 2023

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was described to affect red blood cells (RBC) in both severe and mild disease courses. The aim of this study was to investigate whether hematological and hemorheological changes that were previously described for COVID-19 patients after the acute infection state are still prominent after another 4 months to assess potential long-term effects. Methods: Hematological and RBC rheological parameters, including deformability and aggregation, were measured 41 days after infection in COVID-19 patients and non-COVID control (T0) and 4 months later in COVID-19 patients (T1). Results: The data confirm alterations in hematological parameters, mainly related to cell volume and hemoglobin concentration, but also reduced deformability and increased aggregation at T0 compared to control. While RBC deformability seems to have recovered, hemoglobin-related parameters and RBC aggregation were still impaired at T1. The changes were thus more pronounced in male COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: COVID-19-related changes of the RBC partly consist of several months and might be related to persistent symptoms reported by many COVID-19 patients.
Nutrient Loadings to Utah Lake from Precipitation-Related Atmospheric Deposition
Authors: Brown Mitchell M. , Telfer Justin T. , Williams Gustavious P. , Miller A. Woodruff , Sowby Robert B. , Hales Riley C. , Tanner Kaylee B.
Published: October 2023

Atmospheric deposition (AD) is a less understood and quantified source of nutrient loading to waterbodies. AD occurs via settling (large particulates), contact (smaller particulates and gaseous matter), and precipitation (rain, snow) transport pathways. Utah Lake is a shallow eutrophic freshwater lake located in central Utah, USA, with geophysical characteristics that make it particularly susceptible to AD-related nutrient loading. Studies have shown AD to be a significant contributor to the lake’s nutrient budget. This study analyzes nutrient samples from nine locations around the lake and four precipitation gauges over a 6-year study period using three different methods to estimate AD from the precipitation transport pathway. The methods used are simple averaging, Thiessen polygons, and inverse distance weighting, which we use to spatially interpolate point sample data to estimate nutrient lake loads. We hold that the inverse distance weighting method produces the most accurate results. We quantify, present, and compare nutrient loads and nutrient loading rates for total phosphorus (TP), total inorganic nitrogen (TIN), and ortho phosphate (OP) from precipitation events. We compute loading rates for the calendar year (Mg/yr) from each of the three analysis methods along with monthly loading rates where Mg is 106 g. Our estimated annual precipitation AD loads for TP, OP, and TIN are 120.96 Mg/yr (132.97 tons/yr), 60.87 Mg/yr (67.1 tons/yr), and 435 Mg/yr (479.5 tons/yr), respectively. We compare these results with published data on total AD nutrient loads and show that AD from precipitation is a significant nutrient source for Utah Lake, contributing between 25% and 40% of the total AD nutrient load to the lake.
Press Play to Feel: The Role of Attachment Styles and Alexithymic Features in Problematic Gaming
Authors: Scalone Andrea , Santoro Gianluca , Cavallo Josephin , Melita Alessandra , Gori Alessio , Schimmenti Adriano
Published: October 2023

Problematic gaming has been consistently associated with insecure attachment styles and alexithymia. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the impact of specific alexithymic features and insecure attachment styles on problematic gaming. The study included a sample of 358 online game players (242 males, 67.6%) between the ages of 18 and 59 (M = 28.46; SD = 8.76) who were recruited from online gaming communities. The participants completed a sociodemographic schedule and measures on attachment styles, alexithymia, and problematic gaming. The results provide evidence for a positive prediction of problematic gaming by dismissing attachment style and the alexithymic factors concerning the difficulty identifying feelings and externally oriented thinking, even when controlling for potentially confounding factors, such as age, sex, education, marital status, and self-reported time devoted to online games. Additionally, the analysis revealed a significant interaction effect between externally oriented thinking and dismissing attachment style in the prediction of problematic gaming. The interaction implies that the alexithymia factors pertaining to externally oriented thinking hold significant relevance in predicting problematic gaming behaviors, especially in cases where dismissive attachment levels are moderately to highly present. These findings emphasize the significance of considering specific insecure attachment styles and alexithymic features when studying problematic gaming behaviors.
The Magic Triangle in Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: Vitamin D, Vitamin D Receptor, and Malignancy
Authors: Khamis Aya , Salzer Lara , Schiegnitz Eik , Stauber Roland H. , Gül Désirée
Published: October 2023

OPMDs (oral potentially malignant disorders) are a group of disorders affecting the oral mucosa that are characterized by aberrant cell proliferation and a higher risk of malignant transformation. Vitamin D (VitD) and its receptor (VDR) have been extensively studied for their potential contributions to the prevention and therapeutic management of various diseases and neoplastic conditions, including oral cancer. Observational studies suggest correlations between VitD deficiency and higher cancer risk, worse prognosis, and increased mortality rates. Interestingly, emerging data also suggest a link between VitD insufficiency and the onset or progression of OPMDs. Understanding the role of the VitD–VDR axis not only in established oral tumors but also in OPMDs might thus enable early detection and prevention of malignant transformation. With this article, we want to provide an overview of current knowledge about OPMDs and VitD and investigate their potential association and ramifications for clinical management of OPMDs.
Genome-Wide Identification of the CDPK Gene Family and Their Involvement in Taproot Cracking in Radish
Authors: Yang Qian , Huang Yan , Cui Lei , Gan Caixia , Qiu Zhengming , Yan Chenghuan , Deng Xiaohui
Published: October 2023

Taproot cracking, a severe and common physiological disorder, markedly reduces radish yield and commercial value. Calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) plays a pivotal role in various plant developmental processes; however, its function in radish taproot cracking remains largely unknown. Here, 37 RsCDPK gene members were identified from the long-read radish genome “QZ-16”. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the CDPK members in radish, tomato, and Arabidopsis were clustered into four groups. Additionally, synteny analysis identified 13 segmental duplication events in the RsCDPK genes. Analysis of paraffin-embedded sections showed that the density and arrangement of fleshy taproot cortex cells are important factors that affect radish cracking. Transcriptome sequencing of the fleshy taproot cortex revealed 5755 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (3252 upregulated and 2503 downregulated) between non-cracking radish “HongYun” and cracking radish “505”. These DEGs were significantly enriched in plant hormone signal transduction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and plant–pathogen interaction KEGG pathways. Furthermore, when comparing the 37 RsCDPK gene family members and RNA-seq DEGs, we identified six RsCDPK genes related to taproot cracking in radish. Soybean hairy root transformation experiments showed that RsCDPK21 significantly and positively regulates root length development. These findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between radish taproot cracking and RsCDPK gene function.
The Photoprotective Protein PsbS from Green Microalga Lobosphaera incisa: The Amino Acid Sequence, 3D Structure and Probable pH-Sensitive Residues
Authors: Ptushenko Vasily V. , Knorre Dmitry D. , Glagoleva Elena S.
Published: October 2023

PsbS is one of the key photoprotective proteins, ensuring the tolerance of the photosynthetic apparatus (PSA) of a plant to abrupt changes in irradiance. Being a component of photosystem II, it provides the formation of quenching centers for excited states of chlorophyll in the photosynthetic antenna with an excess of light energy. The signal for “turning on” the photoprotective function of the protein is an excessive decrease in pH in the thylakoid lumen occurring when all the absorbed light energy (stored in the form of transmembrane proton potential) cannot be used for carbon assimilation. Hence, lumen-exposed protonatable amino acid residues that could serve as pH sensors are the essential components of PsbS-dependent photoprotection, and their pKa values are necessary to describe it. Previously, calculations of the lumen-exposed protonatable residue pKa values in PsbS from spinach were described in the literature. However, it has recently become clear that PsbS, although typical of higher plants and charophytes, can also provide photoprotection in green algae. Namely, the stress-induced expression of PsbS was recently shown for two green microalgae species: Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Lobosphaera incisa. Therefore, we determined the amino acid sequence and modeled the three-dimensional structure of the PsbS from L. incisa, as well as calculated the pKa values of its lumen-exposed protonatable residues. Despite significant differences in amino acid sequence, proteins from L. incisa and Spinacia oleracea have similar three-dimensional structures. Along with the other differences, one of the two pH-sensing glutamates in PsbS from S. oleracea (namely, Glu-173) has no analogue in L. incisa protein. Moreover, there are only four glutamate residues in the lumenal region of the L. incisa protein, while there are eight glutamates in S. oleracea. However, our calculations show that, despite the relative deficiency in protonatable residues, at least two residues of L. incisa PsbS can be considered probable pH sensors: Glu-87 and Lys-196.