bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diet Pemakanan Menurut Perspektif Halal Dan Sunnah Terhadap Penyakit Gerd
Authors: Yahaya Amiratul Munirah , Ismail Mohd Nasaie
Published: January 2023

Kajian ini menerangkan diet pemakanan menurut perspektif halal dan sunnah terhadap penyakit gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Objektif kajian bertujuan mengenalpasti diet pemakanan yang tidak sihat yang menjadi punca berlakunya obesiti dan simptom GERD. Kemudian menganalisis diet pemakanan yang sihat menurut perspektif halal dan sunnah Rasulullah SAW. Seterusnya mengemukakan cadangan rawatan perubatan melalui pembedahan, pengamalan diet pemakanan seimbang dan menjalankan aktiviti fizikal untuk mengekalkan kesihatan fizikal dan minda. Rekabentuk kajian adalah kualitatif. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui kajian kepustakaan dan temubual semi struktur yang merujuk pakar dalam bidang perubatan (Specialist Gastroenterology). Analisis data pula dilakukan melalui kaedah pemerhatian dan analisis dokumen berdasarkan laporan kesihatan. Hasil dapatan mendapati amalan sunnah Rasulullah SAW berkaitan diet pemakanan serta penekanan elemen halal dalam pemilihan makanan berkhasiat boleh dijadikan panduan terbaik untuk merawat pesakit GERD dan bertepatan dengan kajian perubatan secara saintifik.
Normative Aspects of Regulating the Digital Economy Development
Authors:   Higher Education Institution ", Kotelevets Dmytro ,   Academician Yuriy Bugay International Scientific and Technical University",   , Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: January 2023

Digitalization of the economy is an objective reality. A typical situation for many countries is that regulatory and legal regulation is inferior to the pace of development of the digital economy. The dynamics of the digital economy is largely determined by the intensity of enterprises' use of information and communication technologies in their activities. In this context, the value of the experience of the world's leading countries in matters of normative regulation of digital economy development is increasing. The article aims to reveal the peculiarities of the normative regulation of the digital economy development in Ukraine and the world's leading countries. The author analyzed international and European normative acts aimed at state regulation of various aspects of digitalization of the national economy and society in general. The conducted analysis made it possible: a) to identify common features in the normative provision of regulation of the digital economy development; b) testified that many countries of the world have national strategies for the digital economy development; c) identified the priority directions of digitization of various sectors of the economy; d) determine the features of electronic interaction “state – enterprise”; e) systematize the principles of using modern information and communication technologies. The vision of the digital economy laid down in the project of the Digital Agenda of Ukraine – 2020 was separately analyzed. It was determined that Ukraine mainly adheres to the approaches of the European Union to the state regulation of digital economy development. The positive dynamics of the digital economy requires applying a comprehensive approach to forming the population's digital skills. It is advisable to study the digital economy in educational institutions, as well as in the field of non-formal education. This approach will contribute to the formation of the population's digital culture and the digital economy development in general.
The Effectiveness of Tax Collection with Warning Letters and Forced Letters to Increase Value-Added Tax Receipts
Authors:   University of Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya, Indonesia, Amanda Mita , Sayidah Nur ,   University of Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya, Indonesia, Assagaf Aminullah ,   University of Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya, Indonesia, Sugiyanto Hadi ,   University of Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya, Indonesia
Published: January 2023

The most cost-effective way to collect taxes is through voluntary public compliance with tax laws. However, not all taxpayers pay taxes on time, so the tax service is forced to use different tax collection methods and stimulate taxpayers' responsibility. These methods include warning letters and forced letters. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of tax collection with a warning letter and a forced letter to increase value-added tax (VAT) receipts at the Tax Office in Surabaya, Indonesia. The research method used in this study is a comparative descriptive method. The data analysis technique used in this research is the descriptive comparative analysis of ratios: the ratio of the effectiveness of issuing warnings and forced letters and the ratio of the contribution of VAT arrears. The key informants in this study were the data and information management section staff regarding supervision and tax collection which served at the Pratama Pabean Cantikan Surabaya Tax Office. The results showed that VAT collection with a warning letter was ineffective. Tax collection significantly doesn't increase VAT revenue at the Surabaya Tax Office Surabaya. Most taxpayers who are negligent or unable to pay off their tax debts apply an objection letter on tax arrears. They used it for instalments to pay off the entire tax debt. The results of this study imply that tax officers must examine in detail all tax objection letters and give approval carefully. This study recommends that the tax authorities carry out more active informational work with taxpayers because the costs of other methods of forced tax collection are comparatively higher. On the other hand, the number of bailiffs should be increased because it aligns with the increased tax revenue target every year.
Demography of a painted turtle intergrade (Chrysemys picta picta X C. p. marginata) population from an altered wetland
Authors: Meshaka Walter E. , Wingert Eugene , Riedle Daren , Boback Scott , Hughes Daniel F.
Published: January 2023

The demography of a painted turtle Chrysemys picta picta X C. p. marginata population from a eutrophic habitat was examined at a wetland site in south-central Pennsylvania (USA) during 2011–2019. Males reached sexual maturity at 90 mm carapace length (CL) in half the time taken, but at the same size, as painted turtles studied elsewhere in the north-eastern portion of the United States. Females matured at 130 mm CL at our site, which was larger and began at an earlier age than conspecifics. Our data corroborate findings of faster growth in C. picta juveniles resulting in earlier maturity at body sizes equal to or larger than slower growing juveniles. Our results also conform to previous findings linking wetlands altered by added nutrient input to increased growth patterns of their resident painted turtle population. Rapid growth rates for aquatic turtles are likely to become more common globally as urbanisation continues to expand and alter wetland habitats.
Clinical trial units and clinical research coordinators: a system facing crisis?
Authors: Stabile Stefano , Cenna Rosita , Sinna Valentina , Veronica Franchina , Mannozzi Francesca , Federici Irene , Testoni Sara , Cagnazzo Celeste
Published: January 2023

We are currently witnessing an increase in procedural and managerial complexities within the field of clinical research, which require greater human and infrastructural resources as well as imply the need for a greater skill set and expertise on the part of professionals. Within this frame of reference clinical trial units and clinical research coordinators play a vital role in the design and conduct of clinical trials in Italy. There is a current recruitment and retention crisis for this specialist role due to a complex set of factors, most likely to have come to a head due to the lack of recognition at the Italian institutional level, that lead to precarious work contracts, lack of identity, and excessive turnover at experimental sites. This article, led by the Italian Group of Clinical Research Coordinator (GIDMcrc), presents some of the issues and ways in which national stakeholders may be able to address this.
A Critical Analysis of Intracranial Hemorrhage as a Fatal Complication of Dengue Fever
Authors: Siahaan Andre Marolop Pangihutan , Tandean Steven , Nainggolan Bahagia Willibrordus Maria , Tarigan Junita , Sitanggang Johan Samuel
Published: January 2023

Dengue fever is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne virus in the world, infecting about 100 million individuals. A rare but possibly dangerous consequence of dengue illness is intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Currently, the pathogenesis of ICH is unknown. A number of studies have found a variety of risk factors for ICH in dengue. In addition, studies have reported the use of emergency surgery while monitoring thrombocytopenia in the therapy of dengue ICH. This review enumerates the potential predictors of ICH in dengue, discusses the use of brain imaging, and mentions the possibility of emergency surgery.
BOLSTERING DEEP LEARNING WITH METHODS AND PLATFORMS FOR TEACHING PROGRAMMING
Authors: CSÓKA MÁRK , PAKSI DÁVID , CZAKÓOVÁ KRISZTINA
Published: January 2023

After decades of effort informatics and programming are part of the high school curriculum in Slovakia. The demand and popularity of IT impacts the education and continuously conquers space. Nowadays informatics is present from primary schools in the examined region. Although the students are more exposed to IT compared to previous generations learning programming offers numerous challenges for the beginners. Our goal is to streamline and deepen the learning process by evaluating the learning habits and observe the usage of a newly implemented platform. To improve the understanding of the currently prioritised learning styles we combined the advantages of survey with more direct interview methods. Based on the multilateral data collected from students’ and teachers’ perspective we provide methodological recommendations on improving the programming education to facilitate deep learning.
STUDY OF DISORDERS OF BLOOD CIRCULATION AND MICROCIRCULATION IN PARTICULAR OF THE EXTREMITIES IN PATIENTS WITH ONYCHOMYCOSIS BY THE METHOD OF REMOTE INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY
Authors:   SE «Institute of Dermatology and Venerеology of NAMS of Ukraine», Oliinyk I. O. , Shustakova G. V. ,   B. Verkin Institute for Low Temperature Physics and Engineering of the NAS of Ukraine, Suprun K. G. ,   SE «Institute of Dermatology and Venerеology of NAMS of Ukraine», Oliinyk G. A. ,   Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education
Published: January 2023

The article provides data on the study of blood circulation disorders and microcirculation of the limbs in patients with onychomycosis by the method of thermal imaging, which is non-invasive and allows non-contact monitoring and treatment at all stages of the disease’s sanogenesis. The method of infrared thermography made it possible to confirm the presence of concomitant pathology and reveal the degree of blood circulation and microcirculation disorders in patients with onychomycosis, which was the basis for prescribing vascular and anti-inflammatory therapy to these patients.
DEVELOPMENT OF UNIFORM CONDITIONS FOR CONDUCTING MODERN REGULATED LABORATORY TESTS ON SYPHILIS
Authors:   SE «Institute of Dermatology and Venerеology of NAMS of Ukraine», Kutova V. V. , Belokon O. M. ,   SE «Institute of Dermatology and Venerеology of NAMS of Ukraine», Dehtiar T. V. ,   SE «Institute of Dermatology and Venerеology of NAMS of Ukraine», Bondarenko G. M. ,   SE «Institute of Dermatology and Venerеology of NAMS of Ukraine», Nikitenko I. M. ,   SE «Institute of Dermatology and Venerеology of NAMS of Ukraine»
Published: January 2023

The development of uniform conditions for the standard operating procedure (SOP), namely enzyme immunoassay, aimed at ensuring quality conditions for the performance of syphilis research in all clinical and diagnostic institutions of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, as the most informative, which corresponds to the modern conditions of the standardized description of this method.
Global warming and testis function: A challenging crosstalk in an equally challenging environmental scenario
Authors: De Toni Luca , Finocchi Federica , Jawich Kenda , Ferlin Alberto
Published: January 2023

Environmental pollution, accounting for both chemical and physical factors, is a major matter of concern due to its health consequences in both humans and animals. The release of greenhouse gases with the consequent increase in environmental temperature is acknowledged to have a major impact on the health of both animals and humans, in current and future generations. A large amount of evidence reports detrimental effects of acute heat stress on testis function, particularly on the spermatogenetic and steroidogenetic process, in both animal and human models, wich is largely related to the testis placement within the scrotal sac and outside the abdomen, warranting an overall scrotal temperature of 2°C–4°C lower than the core body temperature. This review will provide a thorough evaluation of environmental temperature’s effect on testicular function. In particular, basic concepts of body thermoregulation will be discussed together with available data about the association between testis damage and heat stress exposure. In addition, the possible association between global warming and the secular decline of testis function will be critically evaluated in light of the available epidemiological studies.
Shift in the submucosal microbiome of diseased peri-implant sites after non-surgical mechanical debridement treatment
Authors: Sun Fei , Wei Yiping , Li Siqi , Nie Yong , Wang Cui , Hu Wenjie
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The object of this prospective study was to assess the submucosal microbiome shifts in diseased peri-implant sites after non-surgical mechanical debridement therapy.

Materials and methods

Submucosal plaques were collected from 14 healthy implants and 42 diseased implants before and eight weeks after treatment in this prospective study. Mechanical debridement was performed using titanium curettes, followed by irrigation with 0.2% (w/v) chlorhexidine. Subsequently, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the changes in the submucosal microbiome before and after the non-surgical treatment.

Results

Clinical parameters and the submucosal microbiome were statistically comparable before and after mechanical debridement. The Alpha diversity decreased significantly after mechanical debridement. However, the microbial richness varied between the post-treatment and healthy groups. In network analysis, the post-treatment increased the complexity of the network compared to pre-treatment. The relative abundances of some pathogenic species, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Peptostreptococcaceae XIG-6 nodatum, Filifactor alocis, Porphyromonas endodontalis, TM7 sp., and Desulfobulbus sp. HMT 041, decreased significantly following the non-surgical treatment.

Conclusions

Non-surgical treatment for peri-implant diseases using mechanical debridement could provide clinical and microbiological benefits. The microbial community profile tended to shift towards a healthy profile, and submucosal dysbiosis was relieved following mechanical debridement.
Application of TAMSAT-ALERT soil moisture forecasts for planting date decision support in Africa
Authors: Black Emily , Asfaw Dagmawi Teklu , Sananka Alex , Aston Stephen , Boult Victoria L. , Maidment Ross I.
Published: January 2023

Deciding when to plant is critical for smallholders in Africa. If they plant too early, farmers risk seedling death if the rains are not established; if they plant too late, there will not be enough rain to sustain the crop through critical development periods. In this study, we present a new decision support tool (DST) that accounts for the trade-off in the risks of early and late planting through advisories based on both short- and long-range forecasts of crop water availability. Unlike most existing operational systems, which are based solely on rainfall, the DST presented here uses ensemble forecasts of soil moisture to estimate the optimal planting date at a local scale. Evaluations using >30,000 observations of planting date and yield in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia and Malawi demonstrate that that planting at the optimal time would increase yield by 7–10% overall, and up to 20% for late planting farmers. The DST has been piloted by One Acre Fund for the 2019–2020, 2020–2021, and 2021–2022 seasons and there is strong demand for the service to be extended further. We conclude from the evaluations and pilots that the planting date DST has the potential to strengthen farmer decision making and hence their resilience to climate variability and change.
Oxidized low-density lipoprotein associates with cardiovascular disease by a vicious cycle of atherosclerosis and inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hong Christin G. , Florida Elizabeth , Li Haiou , Parel Philip M. , Mehta Nehal N. , Sorokin Alexander V.
Published: January 2023

Background

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is an established marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a therapeutic target. Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) is known to be associated with excessive inflammation and abnormal lipoprotein metabolism. Chronic inflammatory diseases confer an elevated risk of premature atherosclerosis and adverse cardiovascular events. Whether oxLDL may serve as a potential biomarker for CVD stratification in populations with chronic inflammatory conditions remains understudied.

Objective

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the relationship between oxLDL and CVD (defined by incident CVD events, carotid intima-media thickness, presence of coronary plaque) in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed using studies published between 2000 and 2022 from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase (Elsevier), CINHAL (EBSCOhost), Scopus (Elsevier), and Web of Science: Core Collection (Clarivate Analytics) databases on the relationship between oxLDL and cardiovascular risk on inflamed population. The pooled effect size was combined using the random effect model and publication bias was assessed if P < 0.05 for the Egger or Begg test along with the funnel plot test.

Results

A total of three observational studies with 1,060 participants were ultimately included in the final meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that oxLDL is significantly increased in participants with CVD in the setting of chronic inflammatory conditions. This meta-analysis suggests that oxLDL may be a useful biomarker in risk stratifying cardiovascular disease in chronically inflamed patients.
Outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair with fenestrated surgeon-modified stent-graft for type B aortic dissections involving the aortic arch
Authors: Li Xiaoye , Zhang Lei , Song Chao , Zhang Hao , Xia Shibo , Yang Yang , Zhu Longtu , Guo Wenying , Lu Qingsheng
Published: January 2023

Objectives

This retrospective analysis aimed to evaluate the early and midterm outcomes of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with fenestrated surgeon-modified stent-graft (f-SMSG) for type B aortic dissections (TBAD) involving the aortic arch.

Methods

From March 2016 to April 2021, 47 consecutive patients were treated using TEVAR with f-SMSG. All patients were diagnosed with TBAD involving the aortic arch.

Results

In total, 47 patients with TBAD involving the aortic arch were treated with f-SMSGs. There were 21 zone 1 and 26 zone 2 TEVAR, and 65 arteries were revascularized successfully with fenestrations. Technical success was achieved in 46 patients (97.88%). The 30-day estimated survival (± SE) and reintervention was 93.6 ± 1.0% (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 92.6–94.6%) and 91.5 ± 1.2% (95% CI, 90.3–92.7%), respectively. During a median follow-up of 51 months (range, 16–71 months), 1 patient died of rupture of aortic dissection (AD) and 3 patients died of non-aortic-related reasons. Reintervention was performed for four patients, including two patients of type IA entry flow and two patients of type IB entry flow. No occlusion of the supra-aortic trunk was observed. The estimated survival and reintervention (± SE) at 4 years was 88.7 ± 1.4% (95% CI, 87.3–90.1%) and 84.8 ± 1.5% (95% CI, 83.3–86.3%), respectively.

Conclusion

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair with f-SMSG is an alternative treatment option for TBAD involving the aortic arch in high-volume centers.
Mechanism of homocysteine-mediated endothelial injury and its consequences for atherosclerosis
Authors: Yuan Deqiang , Chu Jiapeng , Lin Hao , Zhu Guoqi , Qian Jun , Yu Yunan , Yao Tongqing , Ping Fan , Chen Fei , Liu Xuebo
Published: January 2023

Homocysteine (Hcy) is an intermediate amino acid formed during the conversion from methionine to cysteine. When the fasting plasma Hcy level is higher than 15 μmol/L, it is considered as hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). The vascular endothelium is an important barrier to vascular homeostasis, and its impairment is the initiation of atherosclerosis (AS). HHcy is an important risk factor for AS, which can promote the development of AS and the occurrence of cardiovascular events, and Hcy damage to the endothelium is considered to play a very important role. However, the mechanism by which Hcy damages the endothelium is still not fully understood. This review summarizes the mechanism of Hcy-induced endothelial injury and the treatment methods to alleviate the Hcy induced endothelial dysfunction, in order to provide new thoughts for the diagnosis and treatment of Hcy-induced endothelial injury and subsequent AS-related diseases.
Sharing social media data: The role of past experiences, attitudes, norms, and perceived behavioral control
Authors: Akdeniz Esra , Borschewski Kerrin Emilia , Breuer Johannes , Voronin Yevhen
Published: January 2023

Social media data (SMD) have become an important data source in the social sciences. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the experiences and practices of researchers working with SMD in their research and gain insights into researchers' sharing behavior and influencing factors for their decisions. To achieve these aims, we conducted a survey study among researchers working with SMD. The questionnaire covered different topics related to accessing, (re)using, and sharing SMD. To examine attitudes toward data sharing, perceived subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, we used questions based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). We employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative analyses. The results of the qualitative analysis show that the main reasons for not sharing SMD were that sharing was not considered or needed, as well as legal and ethical challenges. The quantitative analyses reveal that there are differences in the relative importance of past sharing and reuse experiences, experienced challenges, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control as predictors of future SMD sharing intentions, depending on the way the data should be shared (publicly, with restricted access, or upon personal request). Importantly, the TPB variables have predictive power for all types of SMD sharing.
Case Report: Applicability of sedation with nitrous oxide in the management of molar incisor hypomineralization in pediatric patients
Authors: Molena Kelly Fernanda , Lima Ricardo Barbosa , Furtado Taíssa Cássia de Souza , Queiroz Alexandra Mussolino de , Carvalho Fabrício Kitazono de , Arnez Maya Fernanda Manfrin , Paula-Silva Francisco Wanderley Garcia
Published: January 2023

Patients with molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) may manifest tooth hypersensitivity and difficulties in undergoing dental treatment, including fear, anxiety, and behavior problems in the dental office. Then, the objective of this study was to report a clinical case series using inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide and oxygen as a clinical strategy in the management of MIH pediatric patients during dental treatment. Pediatric patients and their legal guardians were properly informed and data were extracted from clinical charts. Six clinical cases were included in which the patients were between 8 and 12 years old. Of these, 4 were female. The indication of moderate sedation took into account the clinical difficulties related to patients with MIH, such as obtaining anesthesia and cooperation, in addition to odontophobia and dental anxiety. All patients were carefully examined to undergo the sedation technique, including medical history and previous experiences with nitrous oxide inhalation sedation, as well as the vital signs were properly evaluated before, during and after the procedures. The nitrous oxide concentration ranged between 30% and 60%. The procedures were restorative, endodontic or surgical (extractions). In general, the use of sedation contributed to the performance of dental procedures. The use of inhaled sedation helped in behavioral management and during the treatment, increasing the effectiveness of local anesthesia. Patients were cooperative for treatment, while no adverse effects or complications related to sedation were observed. Thus, for the patients in this case series, the use of inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide and oxygen contributed to the clinical management of patients with MIH.
Evaluation of urban resilience level and analysis of obstacle factors: A case study of Hunan Province, China
Authors: Chen Na , Guo Hongxia , Xiang Hui
Published: January 2023

Resilient city is an ideal goal and model of urban development proposed in response to today’s complex and dynamic environmental changes. In this study, a resilient city evaluation framework of “social resilience-economic resilience-urban infrastructure and service-urban governance” was built upon the multi-dimensionality of the urban system; the entropy weight method was used to measure the level of urban resilience in Hunan Province while an obstacle degree model was used to identify any obstacle factor restricting to the development of resilience. The results show that the level of urban resilience in Hunan Province has grown slowly over the past 10 years, and there is an obvious regional difference in it. There are more and more highly resilient cities, but medium/low-resilience cities still dominate the province, forming a spatial process of evolution from “medium/high-level dispersion” to “medium/high-level aggregation” in the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan Urban Agglomeration. The level of urban resilience is predominantly hindered by the social and economic systems; at the index layer, most obstacle factors are moving from the economic system to the social-economic-urban infrastructure and service system.
Numerical simulation of mechanical compaction and pore evolution of sandstone considering particle breakage
Authors: Jia Tong , Zhang Liqiang , Chen Cai , Wang Zuotao , Yan Yiming , Li Junjian
Published: January 2023

Mechanical compaction is an important diagenetic process in sandstone reservoirs. Particle breakage, which commonly occurs during mechanical compaction, plays a significant role in controlling the physical properties of the reservoir. However, existing numerical simulation methods have limitations in simulating mechanical compaction when considering particle breakage. In this study, a discrete element simulation method of mechanical compaction was proposed based on particle cutting, and the experimental results reported in the literature were used to calibrate the simulation parameters. Finally, this method was applied to the simulation of the mechanical compaction of sandstone to analyze the pore evolution process. The results show that the new simulation method has high computational efficiency and can reflect the process of particle breakage. The simulation results coincide well with the experimental results. In the simulated mechanical compacted process of coarse sandstone, particle breakage is strong in the high-stress stage with a vertical stress of 30 MPa–50 MPa. The porosity and mean radii of pores and throats decreased rapidly, and the number of pores and throats increased rapidly in the high-stress stage. When the vertical stress reached 50 MPa, compared to the simulation results without considering particle breakage, the porosity difference rate caused by particle breakage was 4.63%; the radius difference rates of pores and throats were 2.78% and 6.8%, and the number difference rates of pores and throats were 4.95% and 8.74%, respectively. In the process of mechanical compaction, the pore evolution of the reservoir is controlled by the filling of the pre-existing pore space by the fragments generated through particle breakage and the generation of microfractures. Additionally, the simulation method presented in this study can be applied to complex geological conditions and can be combined with other reservoir simulation methods. The simulation results can provide rich training samples for artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
Study on erosion and stability of the ecological slope
Authors: Tao Hu , Lei Shao-Wei , Gong Li , Shi Xi , Zhang Meng-Meng , Yang Guo-Qiang
Published: January 2023

Rainfall is the main influencing factor causing slope erosion, landslide, and instability in loess; thus, it is vital to comprehend the process of rainfall erosion on various slope surfaces and water penetration inside the slope. In this paper, the loess sample is from Heifangtai in Gansu Province, and triaxial shear tests were conducted on loess with roots under varying water contents to evaluate the slope-reinforcing impact of roots. The slope surface erosion process was analyzed using a soil moisture sensor and matric suction meter to monitor the variation of matric suction in the middle slope and slope foot in response to varying precipitation levels. The numerical simulation approach is utilized to analyze the fluctuation of slope stability under the effect of varying rainfall intensities and humid heat, and the analytical solution of the safety factor is compared to the model solution. The results indicate that the shortest generation time for bare slope runoff is 6 min, whereas the greatest generation time for the Bermuda grass slope is 12 min; the shorter the period, the less water penetration and the simpler it is to reach the slope erosion stage. The slope’s rise increases runoff velocity, strengthening water resistance on the slope surface. When the test slope is 30°, the maximum mass of scouring sediment on the bare slope is 15.2 g from 24 to 36 min, compared to 14.7 g from 24 to 36 min when the test slope is 60°. The amount of scouring reduces as the slope increases. The slope safety factor declined from 3.51 to 2.84 after 24 h of heavy rain, and the loss rate accelerated as the rainfall intensity increased.
Preservation of molecular fossils in carbonate concretions in cretaceous shales in the songliao basin, northeast China
Authors: Lin Lamei , Cheng Fuqi , Xu Jinjun
Published: January 2023

Paleoenvironmental information is better preserved in carbonate concretions. In this study, carbonate concretions in the Cretaceous Nenjiang shale, Songliao Basin, were examined to determine whether molecular fossils reflective of the paleoenvironment were better preserved at these sites. Organic and inorganic geochemical characteristics of the concretions and surrounding rocks were analyzed using a series of techniques, including SEM, LA-ICP-MS, GC-MS-MS, and GC-IRMS. The concretions are composed of high content microcrystalline dolomite. The δ13Ccarb and δ18Ocarb values of the concretionary dolomite were significantly higher than those of the surrounding rocks. The dolomite show enrichment in the LREEs and have a negative Eu anomaly. The concretion biomarkers showed distribution characteristics similar to those of surrounding rocks. This suggested that the molecular fossils preserved in concretions were mainly inherited from surrounding rocks. However, the concretions contained more C27 sterane and hopanes, with the hopane/sterane ratio being significantly higher than that of surrounding rocks (1.49 v. 0.86). Moreover, the relative content of 2-methylhopane was 2.4–6.6 times that of the surrounding rocks. This indicated changes in the biological equilibrium of source organisms within and outside the concretions. It was possible that the unstable organic matter at the core increased the bacterial concentration and activity inside the concretions. Both the hydrogen index and biomarker-derived indicators implied that the transformation of organic matter in concretions was minimized when compared with their host rock. The isotope δ13C16-30 was 1‰–3‰ more prevalent in individual N-alkane hydrocarbons in the concretions than in surrounding rocks, likely owing to differences in lithology, bacterial action, and degree of weathering. The study concluded that carbonate concretions could preserve molecular fossils better than the surrounding rocks, and the in-depth organic geochemical analysis of concretions could provide a valuable reference for research into early life forms.
Strong aftershocks traffic light system: A case study of the 8 January 2022 MS6.9 Menyuan earthquake, Qinghai Province, China
Authors: Bi Jinmeng , Yin Fengling , Jiang Changsheng , Yin Xinxin , Ma Yong , Song Cheng
Published: January 2023

Strong aftershocks, especially the disaster-causing M≥5.0 kind, are a key concern for mitigation of seismic risks because they often lead to superimposed earthquake damage. However, the real-time forecasting results of the traditional probability prediction models based on statistics are usually far from accurate and therefore unsatisfactory. Borrowing an idea from the foreshock traffic light system (FTLS), which is based on observations of decreasing b-values or increasing differential stress just before a strong aftershock, we constructed a strong aftershock traffic light system (SATLS) that uses data-driven technology to improve the reliability of time sequence b-value calculations, and analyzed the b-value variations of strong aftershocks in the China continent. We applied this system to the MS6.9 Menyuan earthquake occurred on 8 January 2022. The earthquake occurrence rates before the largest aftershock (MS5.2) forecast by the Omi-R-J model were too low, although the model could accurately forecast aftershock rates for each magnitude interval in most time-periods. However, reliable b-values can be calculated using the time-sequence b-value data-driven (TbDD) method, and the results showed that the b-values continued declining from 1.3 days before the MS5.2 aftershock and gradually recovered afterward. This would suggest that the stress evolution in the focal area can provide data for deciding when to post risk alerts of strong aftershocks. In the process of building the SATLS, we studied thirty-four M≥6.0 intraplate earthquake sequences in the China continent and concluded that the differences between the b-values of the aftershock sequences and of the background events, △b = bafter - bbg = ±0.1, could be used as thresholds to determine whether M≥5.0 aftershocks would occur. The △b value obtained using the events before the MS5.2 aftershock of the MS6.9 Menyuan sequence was about -0.04, which would have caused the SATLS to declare a yellow alert, but there would have been some gap expected before a red alert was triggered by the b-value difference derived from the events associated with this strong aftershock. To accurately forecast a strong aftershock of M≥5.0, a deeper understanding of the true b-value and a detailed description of the stress evolution state in the source area is necessary.
Genetic architecture of self-limited delayed puberty and congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Authors: Vezzoli Valeria , Hrvat Faris , Goggi Giovanni , Federici Silvia , Cangiano Biagio , Quinton Richard , Persani Luca , Bonomi Marco
Published: January 2023

Distinguishing between self limited delayed puberty (SLDP) and congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) may be tricky as they share clinical and biochemical characteristics. and appear to lie within the same clinical spectrum. However, one is classically transient (SDLP) while the second is typically a lifetime condition (CHH). The natural history and long-term outcomes of these two conditions differ significantly and thus command distinctive approaches and management. Because the first presentation of SDLP and CHH is very similar (delayed puberty with low LH and FSH and low sex hormones), the scientific community is scrambling to identify diagnostic tests that can allow a correct differential diagnosis among these two conditions, without having to rely on the presence or absence of phenotypic red flags for CHH that clinicians anyway seem to find hard to process. Despite the heterogeneity of genetic defects so far reported in DP, genetic analysis through next-generation sequencing technology (NGS) had the potential to contribute to the differential diagnostic process between SLDP and CHH. In this review we will provide an up-to-date overview of the genetic architecture of these two conditions and debate the benefits and the bias of performing genetic analysis seeking to effectively differentiate between these two conditions.
Elevated visceral adiposity index is associated with increased stroke prevalence and earlier age at first stroke onset: Based on a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Qingjie , Zhang Ziwen , Luo Ning , Qi Yilong
Published: January 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between the VAI (visceral adiposity index) and stroke prevalence and age at stroke in US adults.

Methods

We examined the association between VAI and stroke prevalence and age at stroke using logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and dose-response curves using participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2007-2018.

Results

This study ultimately included 29,337 participants aged >20 years, of whom 1022 self-reported a history of stroke, and after adjusting for all confounders, each unit increase in corrected VAI was associated with a 12% increase in the prevalence of stroke (OR= 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.24) along with an earlier age at stroke 1.64 years (β= -1.64, 95% CI: -2.84, -0.45), stratified analysis showed that the prevalence of stroke was 20% higher in the female group (OR= 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.39), black group (OR= 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.48), age ≤60 years group (OR= 1.25, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.48), hypertensive group (OR=1.15, 95% CI:1.01, 1.31), and diabetic group (OR=1.23, 95% CI:1.02, 1.48) VAI increase was positively correlated with stroke prevalence increase. The dose-response curves showed a positive linear correlation between increased VAI and stroke prevalence, while a negative linear correlation was observed between increased VAI and age at stroke.

Conclusion

Although a causal relationship cannot be proven, higher VAI was positively associated with stroke prevalence and can lead to earlier stroke onset.
Ultra-short-term load prediction of integrated energy system based on load similar fluctuation set classification
Authors: Yang Mao , Liu Dongxu , Su Xin , Wang Jinxin , Cui Yu
Published: January 2023

Due to the strong coupling characteristics and daily correlation characteristics of multiple load sequences, the prediction method based on time series extrapolation and combined with multiple load meteorological data has limited accuracy improvement, which is tested by the fluctuation of load sequences and the accuracy of Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP). This paper proposes a multiple load prediction method considering the coupling characteristics of multiple loads and the division of load similar fluctuation sets. Firstly, the coupling characteristics of multivariate loads are studied to explore the interaction relationship between multivariate loads and find out the priority of multivariate load prediction. Secondly, the similar fluctuating sets of loads are divided considering the similarity and fluctuation of load sequences. Thirdly, the load scenarios are divided by k-means clustering for the inter-set sequences of similar fluctuating sets, and the Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (BI-LSTM) models are trained separately for the sub-set of scenarios and prioritized by prediction. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method was verified by combining the multivariate load data provided by the Campus Metabolism system of Arizona State University.
How does a good environment affect firms’ productivity? evidence from urban public green spaces in China
Authors: Yang Yalin , Ji Xing , Deng Liqian , Ma Rufei
Published: January 2023

The environment is one of the most fundamental factors that affects human economic activities. This article investigates whether good environment affects firms’ productivity. Using the urban public green spaces as the proxy of good environment, we find that firms located in cities with more public green spaces have relatively higher productivity, and the result remains robustness after considering the endogeneity problem. We also find that the productivity of those firms with more high-skilled employees are more likely to be affected by urban public green spaces, and they also have more innovation output which is believed as one of the important factors that affect firms’ productivity.
Accommodation capacity evaluation of renewable energy in power systems considering peak and frequency regulation
Authors: Yu Yi , Zhao Hongsheng , Zeng Yang , Chen Feng , Yang Dongjun , Wang Bo , Xu Qiushi , Li Binxian
Published: January 2023

With the fast growth of renewable energy, the modern power systems are transitioning to the renewable energy dominated energy systems. However, the intrinsic intermittence and volatility of renewable energy also impose considerable challenges on the power system operation. Hence, it is of great significance to accurately evaluate the renewable energy accommodation capacity (REAC) in power system so as to effectively instruct the sustainable development of renewable energy and to alleviate the ongoing operational burdens. This paper proposes a novel evaluation method of REAC in power system comprehensively considering peak and frequency regulation. First, the mechanism and cost of deep peak regulation of thermal power units are deeply analyzed, and then the frequency dynamics response is modeled explicitly and simplified effectively. Next, a synthetic interaction model of “source-network-storage” is developed with diversified generation units, network and energy storage constraints. Furthermore, a multi-objective optimization model is established considering both economic and technical issues, and a REAC evaluation method is developed by integrating an incremental capacity augment approach with the proposed multi-objective model. Finally, the proposed REAC evaluation method is tested on the modified IEEE 39-bus system, and the numerical results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A review of renewable off-grid mini-grids in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Babayomi Oluleke O. , Olubayo Babatunde , Denwigwe Iheanacho H. , Somefun Tobiloba E. , Adedoja Oluwaseye Samson , Somefun Comfort T. , Olukayode Kevwe , Attah Amarachi
Published: January 2023

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is home to 75% of the world’s unelectrified population, and approximately 500 million of these live in rural areas. Off-grid mini-grids are being deployed on a large scale to address the region’s electrification inequalities. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the research on the off-grid renewable mini-grids in SSA. The study covers the current status of the level of deployment of off-grid mini-grids. It also reviews multi-criteria decision-making models for optimizing engineering, economics, and management interests in mini-grid siting and design in SSA. The statuses of financing, policy, and tariffs for mini-grids in SSA are also studied. Finally, the current status of energy justice research in respect of mini-grids in SSA is reviewed. The study shows the important role of decentralized renewable technologies in the electrification of SSA’s rural population. Within a decade since 2010, the rural electrification rate of SSA has increased from 17% to 28%, and 11 million mini-grid connections are currently operational. Despite these gains, the literature points to several injustices related to the present model by which SSA’s renewable mini-grids are funded, deployed, and operated. Hence, several recommendations are provided for the effective application of the energy justice framework (EJF) for just and equitable mini-grids in SSA.
Field verification of low-level biochar applications as effective ameliorants to mitigate cadmium accumulation into Brassica campestris L from polluted soils
Authors: Zhang Youchi , Liu Shuang , Lin Shanna , Reid Brian J. , Coulon Frederic , Cai Chao
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Cadmium (Cd) has been recognized as a significant contributor to the pollution of farmland soils in China, and biochars have been reported to be effective in mitigating soil Cd pollution. However, most studies have been conducted in laboratory or greenhouse settings, not at a field scale, and the biochars used have been applied at unrealistically high amounts (>10 t/ha).

Methods: In this research, three biochars: rice straw biochar (RSB), pig manure biochar (PMB) and rice husk biochar (RHB) were produced from readily available farm residues. Then the effects at low-level application (1.8 and 3.6 t/ha) on Cd were investigated in a field experiment cropped with rape (Brassica campestris L.).

Results: Batch adsorption experiments indicated Cd adsorption capacity of three biochars followed the order of RSB (43.5 mg/g) > PMB (33.3 mg/g) > RHB (24.4 mg/g). Field experiment indicated biochar amendments could slightly change soil pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC); yet led to considerable and significant decreases in extractable Cd concentrations [reductions of: 43%–51% (PMB), 29%–35% (RSB) and 17%–19% (RHB)]. Reduced extractable Cd correlated with lower Cd concentrations in rape plants. PMB and RSB were more effective in decreasing Cd phytoaccumulation into edible parts of rape (>68% reduction) than RHB.

Discussion: Low-level application of PMB or RSB could efficiently decrease the phytoaccumulation of Cd from soils into crops. These results demonstrate the reality of biochar-based remediation solutions to contribute to the mitigation of diffuse Cd contamination in farmland. The results also highlight the need to trail biochars in the presence of the soil to be targeted for remediation.