bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mechanism Underlying the Hypoglycemic Effect of Epimedin C on Mice with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Based on Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Zhou Xuexue , Liu Ziqi , Yang Xiaohua , Feng Jing , Gins Murat Sabirovich , Yan Tingyu , Han Lei , Zhang Huafeng
Published: December 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a worldwide public health problem. Epimedin C is considered one of the most important flavonoids in Epimedium, a famous edible herb in China and Southeast Asia that is traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat diabetes. In the present study, the therapeutic potential of epimedin C against T2DM was ascertained using a mouse model, and the mechanism underlying the hypoglycemic activity of epimedin C was explored using a label-free proteomic technique for the first time. Levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and oral glucose tolerance, as well as contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the 30 mg·kg−1 epimedin C group (EC30 group), were significantly lower than those in the model control group (MC group) (p < 0.05), while the contents of hepatic glycogen, insulin, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the EC30 group were notably higher than those in the MC group (p < 0.05). The structures of liver cells and tissues were greatly destroyed in the MC group, whereas the structures of cells and tissues were basically complete in the EC30 group, which were similar to those in the normal control group (NC group). A total of 92 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were enriched in the gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. In the EC30 vs. MC groups, the expression level of cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (Pck1) was down-regulated, while the expression levels of group XIIB secretory phospholipase A2-like protein (Pla2g12b), apolipoprotein B-100 (Apob), and cytochrome P450 4A14 (Cyp4a14) were up-regulated. According to the KEGG pathway assay, Pck1 participated in the gluconeogenesis and insulin signaling pathways, and Pla2g12b, Apob, and Cyp4a14 were the key proteins in the fat digestion and fatty acid degradation pathways. Pck1, Pla2g12b, Apob, and Cyp4a14 seemed to play important roles in the prevention and treatment of T2DM. In summary, epimedin C inhibited Pck1 expression to maintain FBG at a relatively stable level, promoted Pla2g12b, Apob, and Cyp4a14 expressions to alleviate liver lipotoxicity, and protected liver tissues and cells from oxidant stress possibly by its phenolic hydroxyl groups.
The Importance of Nutrition in Menopause and Perimenopause—A Review
Authors: Erdélyi Aliz , Pálfi Erzsébet , Tűű László , Nas Katalin , Szűcs Zsuzsanna , Török Marianna , Jakab Attila , Várbíró Szabolcs
Published: December 2023

Menopause is associated with an increased prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoporosis. These diseases and unfavorable laboratory values, which are characteristic of this period in women, can be significantly improved by eliminating and reducing dietary risk factors. Changing dietary habits during perimenopause is most effectively achieved through nutrition counseling and intervention. To reduce the risk factors of all these diseases, and in the case of an already existing disease, dietary therapy led by a dietitian should be an integral part of the treatment. The following review summarizes the recommendations for a balanced diet and fluid intake, the dietary prevention of cardiovascular diseases, the role of sleep, and the key preventive nutrients in menopause, such as vitamin D, calcium, vitamin C, B vitamins, and protein intake. In summary, during the period of perimenopause and menopause, many lifestyle factors can reduce the risk of developing all the diseases (cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, and tumors) and symptoms characteristic of this period.
Previous High-Intensity Breastfeeding Lowers the Risk of an Abnormal Fasting Glucose in a Subsequent Pregnancy Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
Authors: Melov Sarah J. , Elhindi James , White Lisa , McNab Justin , Lee Vincent W. , Donnolley Kelly , Alahakoon Thushari I. , Padmanabhan Suja , Cheung N. Wah , Pasupathy Dharmintra
Published: December 2023

Breastfeeding is associated with reduced lifetime cardiometabolic risk, but little is known regarding the metabolic benefit in a subsequent pregnancy. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between breastfeeding duration and intensity and next pregnancy oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results. A retrospective cohort study was conducted from March 2020 to October 2022. All multiparous women who met inclusion criteria and gave birth during the study period were eligible for inclusion. Analysis was stratified by risk for gestational diabetes (GDM). High GDM risk criteria included previous GDM and BMI > 35 kg/m2. The association between breastfeeding duration and high-intensity breastfeeding (HIBF) and subsequent pregnancy OGTT were assessed with multivariate logistic models adjusted for statistically and clinically relevant covariables. There were 5374 multiparous participants who met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Of these, 61.7% had previously breastfed for >6 months, and 43.4% were at high risk for GDM. HIBF was associated with 47% reduced odds of an abnormal fasting glucose in a subsequent pregnancy OGTT (aOR 0.53; 95%CI 0.38–0.75; p < 0.01). There was no association between HIBF and other glucose results on the OGTT. Women who smoked were least likely to breastfeed at high intensity (aOR 0.31; 95%CI 0.21–0.47; p < 0.01). South Asian women had 65% higher odds of HIBF than women who identified as White/European (aOR 1.65; 1.36–2.00; p < 0.01). This study highlights the importance of exclusive breastfeeding to potentially reduce the prevalence of GDM and may also translate into long-term reduction of cardiometabolic risk.
All That Glitters Is Not Gold: Assessment of Bee Pollen Supplementation Effects on Gastric Mucosa
Authors: Oszczędłowski Paweł , Górecki Kamil , Greluk Aleksandra , Krawczyk Milena , Pacyna Katarzyna , Kędzierawski Jan Andrzej , Ziółko Artur Kacper , Chromiak Karol , Sławiński Mirosław A. , Raczkiewicz Przemysław , Chylińska-Wrzos Patrycja , Jodłowska-Jędrych Barbara , Pedrycz-Wieczorska Agnieszka
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of bee pollen supplementation on the levels of enzymes important for gastric mucosal homeostasis, namely cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and a biomarker—asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA)—in the gastric mucosa of Wistar rats. The experimental phase divided the rats into four groups: two control groups, sedentary and active, both not supplemented, and two experimental groups, sedentary and active, supplemented with bee pollen. The results indicated that bee pollen supplementation reduced the levels of COX-1 and elevated iNOS levels, while showing no significant impact on COX-2 levels. These findings do not conclusively support the gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of bee pollen on gastric mucosa. However, the supplementation could have resulted in reduced ADMA levels in the physically active supplemented group. Our study does not unequivocally demonstrate the positive effects of bee pollen supplementation on the gastric mucosa, which may be attributed to the specific metabolism and bioavailability of substances within unprocessed, dried bee pollen. Further research should explore the topic of potential therapeutic applications of bee pollen in gastrointestinal health and its interactions with ADMA signaling pathways.
The Potential Immunomodulatory Effect of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BB536 on Healthy Adults through Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Activation in the Peripheral Blood
Authors: Li Yiran , Arai Satoshi , Kato Kumiko , Iwabuchi Sadahiro , Iwabuchi Noriyuki , Muto Natsumi , Motobayashi Hideki , Ebihara Shukuko , Tanaka Miyuki , Hashimoto Shinichi
Published: December 2023

The interaction between the gut microbiota and the host can influence the host’s immune system. Bifidobacterium, a commensal genus of gut bacteria, seems to have positive effects on host health. Our previous clinical research showed that B. longum subsp. longum BB536 enhanced innate and adaptive immune responses in elderly individuals with a lower grade of immunity, but the immunomodulatory mechanism is still unclear. In this study, dendritic cell (DC) surface markers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from healthy individuals were evaluated through coculture with heat-killed BB536. DC markers, innate immune activity and cytokine levels in plasma were also evaluated by a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study (UMIN000045564) with 4 weeks of continuous live BB536 intake. BB536 significantly increased the expression of CD86 and HLA-DR on plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) in vitro. Compared to placebo (n = 48), a significant increase in the expression of CD86 on peripheral pDCs was detected at week 4 of live BB536 intake (n = 49; 1 × 1010 CFU/day). Furthermore, coculture with hk-BB536 significantly increased the IFNγ expression level and demonstrated trends of increased IFNα1 and IFNβ expression. These findings suggest that consumption of BB536 has potential immunomodulatory effects on healthy individuals through the activation of peripheral pDCs.
Soil-Transmitted Parasites and Non-Pathogenic Nematodes in Different Regions of Porto Alegre City, Brazil: A Comparison between Winter and Summer
Authors: Ziliotto Marina , Ellwanger Joel Henrique , Chies José Artur Bogo
Published: December 2023

We assessed the prevalence of soil-associated parasites and non-pathogenic nematodes in eight public areas of Porto Alegre (Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil), the most populous city in Rio Grande do Sul. Soil samplings were carried out during the winter of 2022 and summer of 2023: A total of 80 samples were collected in winter and 80 in summer (ten samples from each sampling site per season), totaling 160 soil samples. The frequency of microscopic non-pathogenic nematode larvae was significantly higher (p = 0.048) in winter (93.75%) than in summer (82.50%). Considering the pooled data from winter and summer (n = 160) for human pathogenic parasites, the following frequencies were observed (using microscopy analysis): hookworm (filariform) larvae (1.25%), hookworm (rhabditiform) larvae (11.25%), Strongyloides spp. (filariform) larvae (0.63%), Strongyloides spp. (rhabditiform) larvae (2.5%), hookworm eggs (10.63%), Ascaris spp. eggs (10.00%), and Trichuris spp. eggs (1.25%). Hookworm (rhabditiform) larvae were the most frequent parasitic structures (15.00%) in winter, and A. lumbricoides eggs were the most frequent parasitic structures (8.75%) in summer. No statistically significant difference was observed in the frequency of pathogenic parasites between the seasons (p > 0.05). Toxoplasma gondii DNA was assessed, but all soil samples tested negative in molecular analysis. Our results indicate that soil from many regions of Porto Alegre shows a high prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths, indicating the need for improvements in social conditions and environmental sanitation in the city. Our study also suggests that climate change may affect soil biodiversity, potentially harming non-pathogenic nematodes and favoring human pathogenic parasites.
Repurposing Therapeutic Drugs Complexed to Vanadium in Cancer
Authors: De Sousa-Coelho Ana Luísa , Fraqueza Gil , Aureliano Manuel
Published: December 2023

Repurposing drugs by uncovering new indications for approved drugs accelerates the process of establishing new treatments and reduces the high costs of drug discovery and development. Metal complexes with clinically approved drugs allow further opportunities in cancer therapy—many vanadium compounds have previously shown antitumor effects, which makes vanadium a suitable metal to complex with therapeutic drugs, potentially improving their efficacy in cancer treatment. In this review, covering the last 25 years of research in the field, we identified non-oncology-approved drugs suitable as ligands to obtain different vanadium complexes. Metformin-decavanadate, vanadium-bisphosphonates, vanadyl(IV) complexes with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and cetirizine and imidazole-based oxidovanadium(IV) complexes, each has a parent drug known to have different medicinal properties and therapeutic indications, and all showed potential as novel anticancer treatments. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of action for these vanadium compounds against cancer are still not fully understood.
Exploring Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Urine Samples for Investigation of Drugs Associated with Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault
Authors: Skov Kathrine , Johansen Sys Stybe , Linnet Kristian , Rasmussen Brian Schou , Nielsen Marie Katrine Klose
Published: December 2023

Analyzing urine is common in drug-facilitated sexual assault cases if the analysis of blood is not optimal. The efficient enzymatic pretreatment of urine is important for cleaving glucuronides and improving the detection of the parent drug. The aim was to investigate the efficiency of three β-glucuronidases on eleven glucuronides relevant to DFSA at different incubation periods and temperatures. Human drug-free urine was fortified with 11 glucuronides, hydrolyzed with either β-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase (Helix Pomatia), recombinant β-glucuronidase B-One™ or recombinant β-glucuronidase BGTurbo™ and incubated for 5, 10, 60 min, 18 h and 24 h at 20 °C/40 °C/55 °C before UHPLC–MS/MS analysis. The stability of 141 drugs and metabolites relevant to DFSA was investigated by incubating fortified urine under the same hydrolysis conditions. B-One™ showed efficient hydrolysis (>90%) of most glucuronides in 5 min at all temperatures, while BGTurbo™ showed a similar efficiency (>90%), but the optimal temperature (20–55 °C) and incubation time (5–60 min) varied among analytes. The β-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase had the lowest efficiency and required the longest incubation (24 h) at 40–55 °C. The stability of 99% of 141 drugs and metabolites was not affected by incubation at 20–55 °C for 24 h. Recombinant enzymes show promising results for the simple and efficient hydrolysis of a broad panel of glucuronides relevant for DFSA.
Lactobacillus johnsonii LJO02 (DSM 33828) Cell-Free Supernatant and Vitamin D Improve Wound Healing and Reduce Interleukin-6 Production in Staphylococcus aureus-Infected Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Zanetta Paola , Ballacchino Chiara , Squarzanti Diletta Francesca , Amoruso Angela , Pane Marco , Azzimonti Barbara
Published: December 2023

Methicillin-resistant biofilm-forming Staphylococcus spp. are found in about 25% of the overall cases of chronic wounds, which can undergo malignant degeneration and be associated with skin cancer. Although antimicrobial agents are clinically used to counteract pathogens and promote wound healing, they are increasingly ineffective against multi-drug resistant bacteria. Moreover, they can induce dysbiosis, which favors opportunistic pathogen infections and alters immune responses. Consequently, research on pathogen containment strategies is crucial. We aimed to evaluate the potential beneficial effect of Lactobacillus johnsonii LJO02 cell-free supernatant (CFS) and vitamin D, as single treatments or in combination, on cell viability, wound healing, and the pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6) production of a Staphylococcus aureus-infected human immortalized keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) in vitro model. The analysis showed that LJO02 CFS 20% v/v ratio and 100 nM vitamin D promoted infected cell viability and wound healing and significantly reduced IL-6 production. However, their effect was not synergic, since no significant difference between the single and combined treatments was observed. LJO02 CFS topic application and vitamin D supplementation could provide a valuable strategy for attenuating S. aureus-induced pathogenesis, promoting wound healing and opening new therapeutic strategies supporting the conventional approaches.
Coarse Integral Volumetric Imaging Display with Time and Polarization Multiplexing
Authors: Borjigin Garimagai , Ding Yuqiang , Semmen John , Safa Hosna Tajvidi , Kakeya Hideki , Wu Shin-Tson
Published: December 2023

This paper introduces an innovative approach to integral volumetric imaging employing time and polarization multiplexing techniques to present volumetric three-dimensional images. Traditional integral volumetric imaging systems with a coarse lens array often face moiré pattern issues stemming from layered panel structures. In response, our proposed system utilizes a combination of time and polarization multiplexing to achieve two focal planes using a single display panel.
Quality Analysis of Micro-Holes Made by Polymer Jetting Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Udroiu Razvan
Published: December 2023

Material jetting technology is gaining popularity, especially in polymer science, because of their high accuracy for additive manufacturing (AM) products. This paper aims to investigate the quality of micro-holes that are oriented in three basic directions, and manufactured by the material jetting AM process. This paper proposes a novel methodology to evaluate the accuracy of micro-holes features by using a transparent artifact. A test artifact with horizontal and vertical micro-holes in it, with industrial applications, was designed. Micro-holes were placed on planar and curve surfaces. Samples were manufactured by PolyJet technology from a translucent photopolymer resin which allows a facile investigation (by microscopy) of the inner structure of the micro-holes. The features of ten micro-holes printed in matte and glossy finish type, with diameters in coarse and medium options, according to ISO/ASTM 52902, were analyzed. Quality analysis of the micro-holes features was performed by microscopy investigations. The effects of main factors on the deviation of the micro-hole diameter were investigated by using the statistical design of experiments, and four control factors were considered. The best results were obtained for sample printed in matte finishing with the micro-holes oriented along the x-axis and z-axis. The smallest diameter of the micro-holes obtained by PolyJet technology on an EDEN 350 machine was 0.5 mm, but in industrial applications for a facile post-processing, a higher diameter is recommended to be used. A confirmatory experiment on a wing sample, with a number of micro-holes of the same diameter and a large length to diameter ratio of the micro-holes, was performed, and the repeatability of the results was confirmed.
Spinodal Decomposition of Filled Polymer Blends: The Role of the Osmotic Effect of Fillers
Authors: Chervanyov A. I.
Published: December 2023

The reported work addresses the effect of fillers on the thermodynamic stability and miscibility of compressible polymer blends. We calculate the spinodal transition temperature of a filled polymer blend as a function of the interaction energies between the blend species, as well as the blend composition, filler size, and filler volume fraction. The calculation method relies on the developed thermodynamic theory of filled compressible polymer blends. This theory makes it possible to obtain the excess pressure and chemical potential caused by the presence of fillers. As a main result of the reported work, we demonstrate that the presence of neutral (non-adsorbing) fillers can be used to enhance the stability of a polymer blend that shows low critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior. The obtained results highlight the importance of the osmotic effect of fillers on the miscibility of polymer blends. The demonstrated good agreement with the experiment proves that this effect alone can explain the observed filler-induced change in the LCST.
Different Polymers for the Base of Removable Dentures? Part II: A Narrative Review of the Dynamics of Microbial Plaque Formation on Dentures
Authors: Le Bars Pierre , Kouadio Alain Ayepa , Amouriq Yves , Bodic François , Blery Pauline , Bandiaky Octave Nadile
Published: December 2023

This review focuses on the current disparities and gaps in research on the characteristics of the oral ecosystem of denture wearers, making a unique contribution to the literature on this topic. We aimed to synthesize the literature on the state of current knowledge concerning the biological behavior of the different polymers used in prosthetics. Whichever polymer is used in the composition of the prosthetic base (poly methyl methacrylate acrylic (PMMA), polyamide (PA), or polyether ether ketone (PEEK)), the simple presence of a removable prosthesis in the oral cavity can disturb the balance of the oral microbiota. This phenomenon is aggravated by poor oral hygiene, resulting in an increased microbial load coupled with the reduced salivation that is associated with older patients. In 15–70% of patients, this imbalance leads to the appearance of inflammation under the prosthesis (denture stomatitis, DS). DS is dependent on the equilibrium—as well as on the reciprocal, fragile, and constantly dynamic conditions—between the host and the microbiome in the oral cavity. Several local and general parameters contribute to this balance. Locally, the formation of microbial plaque on dentures (DMP) depends on the phenomena of adhesion, aggregation, and accumulation of microorganisms. To limit DMP, apart from oral and lifestyle hygiene, the prosthesis must be polished and regularly immersed in a disinfectant bath. It can also be covered with an insulating coating. In the long term, relining and maintenance of the prosthesis must also be established to control microbial proliferation. On the other hand, several general conditions specific to the host (aging; heredity; allergies; diseases such as diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular, respiratory, or digestive diseases; and immunodeficiencies) can make the management of DS difficult. Thus, the second part of this review addresses the complexity of the management of DMP depending on the polymer used. The methodology followed in this review comprised the formulation of a search strategy, definition of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and selection of studies for analysis. The PubMed database was searched independently for pertinent studies. A total of 213 titles were retrieved from the electronic databases, and after applying the exclusion criteria, we selected 84 articles on the possible microbial interactions between the prosthesis and the oral environment, with a particular emphasis on Candida albicans.
Study on the Properties of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs)/Polypropylene Fiber (PP Fiber) Cement-Based Materials
Authors: Niu Xiangjie , Chen Yuanzhao , Li Zhenxia , Guo Tengteng , Ren Meng , Chen Yanyan
Published: December 2023

In order to improve the mechanical properties and durability of cement-based materials, a certain amount of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and polypropylene fiber (PP fiber) were incorporated into cement-based materials. The mechanical properties of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polypropylene fiber cement-based materials were evaluated using flexural strength tests, compressive strength tests, and splitting tensile tests. The effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and polypropylene fiber on the durability of cement-based materials were studied using drying shrinkage tests and freeze–thaw cycle tests. The effects of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes and polypropylene fibers on the microstructure and pore structure of the cement-based materials were compared and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion tests. The results showed that the mechanical properties and durability of cement-based materials can be significantly improved when the content of multi-walled carbon nanotubes is 0.1–0.15%. The compressive strength can be increased by 9.5% and the mass loss rate is reduced by 27.9%. Polypropylene fiber has little effect on the compressive strength of the cement-based materials, but it significantly enhances the toughness of the cement-based materials. When its content is 0.2–0.3%, it has the best effect on improving the mechanical properties and durability of the cement-based materials. The flexural strength is increased by 19.1%, and the dry shrinkage rate and water loss rate are reduced by 14.3% and 16.1%, respectively. The three-dimensional network structure formed by the polypropylene fiber in the composite material plays a role in toughening and cracking resistance, but it has a certain negative impact on the pore structure of the composite material. The incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes can improve the bonding performance of the polypropylene fiber and cement matrix, make up for the internal defects caused by the polypropylene fiber, and reduce the number of harmful holes and multiple harmful holes so that the cement-based composite material not only has a significant increase in toughness but also has a denser internal structure.
Industrial Data-Driven Processing Framework Combining Process Knowledge for Improved Decision-Making—Part 2: Framework Application Considering Activity-Based Costing Concepts
Authors: Thibault Émilie , Ledoux Christian , Stuart Paul
Published: December 2023

Operating time series data collected and stored in historian must be managed to extract their full potential. Part 1 of this paper proposed a structured way (a sophisticated approach) to process industrial data; this first part explains in detail the data processing framework used as the basis for the costing analysis present in the second part of this series. The framework considers the analysis scope definition, data management steps, and operating regimes detection and identification. The added value of this proposed framework is demonstrated in Part 2 via the use of cost accounting for operational problem-solving (debottlenecking), i.e., its practicality is validated via its application alongside a cost analysis on the brownstock washing department of a kraft pulp mill. The traditional debottlenecking approach assumes a single operating condition considering that operating regimes allow for a much more sophisticated debottlenecking study of the washing department. With the use of operations-driven cost modeling (contingent on activity-based costing concepts) and processed time series data corresponding to steady-state operation, incremental profit can be assigned to each operating regime in order to identify the most cost-efficient one. The overall objective of this two-part series is to convert processed industrial steady-state data and cost information into knowledge that can be used to optimize the washing department of a chemical pulp mill. More specifically, different operating regimes are assessed, and the most suitable operating strategy is defined. The application of activity-based costing on a large amount of historically processed industrial data led to the improvement in the operation. The identified optimal way to operate (pulp throughput, pulp conductivity, defoamer and bleaching chemical quantity, etc.) led to a profit of CAD 49 M per year. Lastly, a contribution analysis of the regimes based on PCA highlighted how the process was operated when the preferred performances happened.
Water Quality and Flooding Impact of the Record-Breaking Storm Gloria in the Ebro Delta (Western Mediterranean)
Authors: Caballero Isabel , Roca Mar , Dunbar Martha B. , Navarro Gabriel
Published: December 2023

Extreme events are increasing in frequency and severity due to climate change, making the littoral zone even more vulnerable and requiring continuous monitoring for its optimized management. The low-lying Ebro Delta ecosystem, located in the NW Mediterranean, was subject to Storm Gloria in the winter of 2020, the most severe coastal storm registered in the area in decades and one of the most intense ever recorded in the Mediterranean. This event caused intense rainfall, severe flooding, the erosion of beaches, and the destruction of coastal infrastructures. In this study, the Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 satellites were used to monitor the flooding impact and water quality status, including chlorophyll-a, suspended particulate matter, and turbidity, to evaluate the pre-, syn-, and post-storm scenarios. Image processing was carried out using the ACOLITE software and the on-the-cloud Google Earth Engine platform for the water quality and flood mapping, respectively, showing a consistent performance for both satellites. This cost-effective methodology allowed us to characterize the main water quality variation in the coastal environment during the storm and detect a higher flooding impact compared to the one registered three days later by the Copernicus Emergency Service for the same area. Moreover, the time series revealed how the detrimental impact on the water quality and turbidity conditions was restored two weeks after the extreme weather event. While transitional plumes of sediment discharge were formed, no phytoplankton blooms appeared during the study period in the delta. These results demonstrate that the workflow implemented is suitable for monitoring extreme coastal events using open satellite imagery at 10–30 m spatial resolution, thus providing valuable information for early warning to facilitate timely assistance and hazard impact evaluation. The integration of these tools into ecological disaster management can significantly improve current monitoring strategies, supporting decision-makers from the local to the national level in prevention, adaptation measures, and damage compensation.
Response of Vegetation Phenology to Climate Change on the Tibetan Plateau Considering Time-Lag and Cumulative Effects
Authors: He Xiaohui , Liu Anqi , Tian Zhihui , Wu Lili , Zhou Guangsheng
Published: December 2023

The study of the response of vegetation phenology in the Qinghai Tibet Plateau to various climatic variables is paramount to unveiling the reaction of alpine ecosystems to worldwide climate alterations. Nonetheless, the lagged and cumulative effects of various climatic variables on vegetation phenology in the Qinghai Tibet Plateau remain unclear. Therefore, based on MODIS NDVI data, we extracted vegetation phenological parameters from 2001 to 2020, including the start of the vegetation growing season (SOS) and the end of the vegetation growing season (EOS), and then analyzed the response mechanisms of vegetation phenology to pre-seasonal air temperature (T), precipitation (P), and daytime and nighttime land surface temperatures (DLST, NLST) in the Qinghai Tibet Plateau on the basis of an investigation of the lag and cumulative effects. The results showed that: (1) the multiyear mean values of the SOS mainly occurred from 120 to 160 days, accounting for 86.17% of the study area, while the multiyear mean values of the EOS were mainly concentrated between 260 and 280 days, accounting for 77.05% of the study area; (2) air temperature (T), precipitation (P), and daytime and nighttime land surface temperatures (DLST, NLST) had different degrees of lagging effects on the SOS and the EOS. Among them, the time lag effect of precipitation on vegetation phenology was more pronounced; (3) different climatic variables had distinct cumulative effects on vegetation phenology. In contrast to the insignificant cumulative effects of temperature and nighttime surface temperature on the SOS and the EOS, the cumulative effects of precipitation and daytime land surface temperature on the SOS were more pronounced than those on the EOS; (4) the SOS and air temperature, precipitation, and NLST were mainly negatively correlated, in which the proportion of the negative correlation between SOS and NLST was up to 68.80%, and SOS and DLST were mainly positively correlated with a positive correlation proportion of 73.27%, EOS and air temperature, precipitation, and NLST were positively correlated with a positive correlation proportion of EOS and precipitation of up to 71.52%, and EOS and DLST were mainly negatively correlated with a negative correlation ratio of 55.87%.
DMSC-GAN: A c-GAN-Based Framework for Super-Resolution Reconstruction of SAR Images
Authors: Kong Yingying , Liu Si
Published: December 2023

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery is significant in remote sensing, but the limited spatial resolution results in restricted detail and clarity. Current super-resolution methods confront challenges such as complex network structure, insufficient sensing capability, and difficulty extracting features with local and global dependencies. To address these challenges, DMSC-GAN, a SAR image super-resolution technique based on the c-GAN framework, is introduced in this study. The design objective of DMSC-GAN is to enhance the flexibility and controllability of the model by utilizing conditional inputs to modulate the generated image features. The method uses an encoder–decoder structure to construct a generator and introduces a feature extraction module that combines convolutional operations with Deformable Multi-Head Self-Attention (DMSA). This module can efficiently capture the features of objects of various shapes and extract important background information needed to recover complex image textures. In addition, a multi-scale feature extraction pyramid layer helps to capture image details at different scales. DMSC-GAN combines perceptual loss and feature matching loss and, with the enhanced dual-scale discriminator, successfully extracts features from SAR images for high-quality super-resolution reconstruction. Extensive experiments confirm the excellent performance of DMSC-GAN, which significantly improves the spatial resolution and visual quality of SAR images. This framework demonstrates strong capabilities and potential in advancing super-resolution techniques for SAR images.
Temporal Electroencephalography Traits Dissociating Tactile Information and Cross-Modal Congruence Effects
Authors: Ozawa Yusuke , Yoshimura Natsue
Published: December 2023

To explore whether temporal electroencephalography (EEG) traits can dissociate the physical properties of touching objects and the congruence effects of cross-modal stimuli, we applied a machine learning approach to two major temporal domain EEG traits, event-related potential (ERP) and somatosensory evoked potential (SEP), for each anatomical brain region. During a task in which participants had to identify one of two material surfaces as a tactile stimulus, a photo image that matched (‘congruent’) or mismatched (‘incongruent’) the material they were touching was given as a visual stimulus. Electrical stimulation was applied to the median nerve of the right wrist to evoke SEP while the participants touched the material. The classification accuracies using ERP extracted in reference to the tactile/visual stimulus onsets were significantly higher than chance levels in several regions in both congruent and incongruent conditions, whereas SEP extracted in reference to the electrical stimulus onsets resulted in no significant classification accuracies. Further analysis based on current source signals estimated using EEG revealed brain regions showing significant accuracy across conditions, suggesting that tactile-based object recognition information is encoded in the temporal domain EEG trait and broader brain regions, including the premotor, parietal, and somatosensory areas.
Few-Shot Classification with Meta-Learning for Urban Infrastructure Monitoring Using Distributed Acoustic Sensing
Authors: Luong Huynh Van , Deligiannis Nikos , Wilhelm Roman , Drapp Bernd
Published: December 2023

This paper studies an advanced machine learning method, specifically few-shot classification with meta-learning, applied to distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) data. The study contributes two key aspects: (i) an investigation of different pre-processing methods for DAS data and (ii) the implementation of a neural network model based on meta-learning to learn a representation of the processed data. In the context of urban infrastructure monitoring, we develop a few-shot classification framework that classifies query samples with only a limited number of support samples. The model consists of an embedding network trained on a meta dataset for feature extraction and is followed by a classifier for performing few-shot classification. This research thoroughly explores three types of data pre-processing, that is, decomposed phase, power spectral density, and frequency energy band, as inputs to the neural network. Experimental results show the efficient learning capabilities of the embedding model when working with various pre-processed data, offering a range of pre-processing options. Furthermore, the results demonstrate outstanding few-shot classification performance across a large number of event classes, highlighting the framework’s potential for urban infrastructure monitoring applications.
APM-YOLOv7 for Small-Target Water-Floating Garbage Detection Based on Multi-Scale Feature Adaptive Weighted Fusion
Authors: Jiang Zhanjun , Wu Baijing , Ma Long , Zhang Huawei , Lian Jing
Published: December 2023

As affected by limited information and the complex background, the accuracy of small-target water-floating garbage detection is low. To increase the detection accuracy, in this research, a small-target detection method based on APM-YOLOv7 (the improved YOLOv7 with ACanny PConv-ELAN and MGA attention) is proposed. Firstly, the adaptive algorithm ACanny (adaptive Canny) for river channel outline extraction is proposed to extract the river channel information from the complex background, mitigating interference of the complex background and more accurately extracting the features of small-target water-floating garbage. Secondly, the lightweight partial convolution (PConv) is introduced, and the partial convolution-efficient layer aggregation network module (PConv-ELAN) is designed in the YOLOv7 network to improve the feature extraction capability of the model from morphologically variable water-floating garbage. Finally, after analyzing the limitations of the YOLOv7 network in small-target detection, a multi-scale gated attention for adaptive weight allocation (MGA) is put forward, which highlights features of small-target garbage and decreases missed detection probability. The experimental results showed that compared with the benchmark YOLOv7, the detection accuracy in the form of the mean Average Precision (mAP) of APM-YOLOv7 was improved by 7.02%, that of mmAP (mAP0.5:0.95) was improved by 3.91%, and Recall was improved by 11.82%, all of which meet the requirements of high-precision and real-time water-floating garbage detection and provide reliable reference for the intelligent management of water-floating garbage.
Investigation of the Effect of Debris Position on the Detection Stability of a Magnetic Plug Sensor Based on Alternating Current Bridge
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Xie Yucai , Zhang Lianfeng , Zhang Yuwei , Zhang Shuyao , Bai Chenzhao , Li Wei
Published: December 2023

Magnetic plug-type abrasive particle sensors have a wide range of applications in oil detection, but there is little literature on the effect of abrasive particle position on detection accuracy. In this paper, an alternating current (AC) bridge-type abrasive particle detection sensor is designed, in which the sensing module utilizes permanent magnets to attract iron particles, and the induction coil is specially designed to detect the magnetic field fluctuation caused by iron particles. A corresponding model was also designed to evaluate the sensor’s sensitivity at different locations. In this paper, the magnetic field distribution of the sensor was first analyzed using finite element analysis software to obtain the magnetic field strength at different positions. Then, the response sensitivity of the sensor to particles and the effect of different positions on the detection results are explored through experiments. The simulation and the experimental results show substantial signal difference signal at different sensor positions. The method outlined in this article can determine the optimal sensing range for subsequent magnetic plug-type abrasive particle detection sensors and subsequently improve their reliability.
Disintegration Characteristics of Remolded Granite Residual Soil with Different Moisture Contents
Authors: Chen Yicheng , Zhou Xiaowen , Ai Xiaotao , Zhou Mi , Zhao Yu , Lan Zexin
Published: December 2023

Granite residual soil (GRS) has prominent disintegration characteristics which have induced various geological disasters and engineering problems. The initial moisture content is believed to affect the disintegration of GRS significantly. To explore the effects of the initial moisture content on the soil disintegration characteristics and disintegration mechanism, disintegration tests were performed on remolded GRS with different initial moisture contents via the balance method, and the quantitative disintegration indices were corrected, considering the effects of water-absorption weight gain, in combination with a parallel water-absorption test. The disintegration characteristics and mechanism were thoroughly investigated, starting with the disintegration process curves and disintegration morphology, and combined with strength theory, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), the matric suction test, and the triaxial shear test. The results are as follows. (1) The corrected method improves the accuracy of the quantitative disintegration evaluation. (2) During the two disintegration stages, the forms of disintegration are dispersive fragmentation and progressive or block separation, and the soil matric suction and weakening of intergranular joining forces, respectively, are the drivers of disintegration. The first stage is usually completed within 1.5–2 min, and the disintegration ratio is usually within 20%. (3) The trends of change within the disintegration during the two stages show opposite water-content-dependent modes, and the soil samples with lower moisture contents have better water stability and slower disintegration in the second stage. The average disintegration rate of the soil with a moisture content of 24.4% in the first and second stages was approximately 1/5 and 13 times, respectively, that of the soil with a moisture content of 6.1%; these values can be rendered as 0.049%/s and 0.82%/s, respectively. The results provide some theoretical references for soil and water conservation and engineering applications in the GRS field.
Exploring Video Game Engagement, Social–Emotional Development, and Adolescent Well-Being for Sustainable Health and Quality Education
Authors: García-Gil María Ángeles , Revuelta-Domínguez Francisco-Ignacio , Pedrera-Rodríguez María-Inmaculada , Guerra-Antequera Jorge
Published: December 2023

This study addresses the relationship between the use of video games and social–emotional learning in adolescents, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, highlighting SDG 3 (Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). The Video Game Experiences Questionnaire (VGEQ) was administered to 1146 high school students in Extremadura, Spain, aged 12 to 18 (M = 14.51; SD = 1.57). The VGEQ assessed dependence, negative consequences, and emotional experiences. The results highlighted significant gender differences, with men showing greater dependence and negative consequences related to video games than women. Furthermore, differences were observed by age, with more notable effects in late adolescents. A valuation was found between emotions such as unhappiness, fear, and anger and dependence and negative consequences. This study highlights the complex relationship between video game use, dependence, negative consequences, and emotions in adolescents, with important implications for the well-being and education of young people. Recognizing gender and age disparities underscores the need for a nuanced approach to addressing the social–emotional effects of video games in line with the United Nations SDGs 3 and 4.
Cross-Border Shopping on the European Union Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Market: Determinants of Lithuanian Shoppers’ Behavior in Poland
Authors: Pilelienė Lina , Batyk Iwona M. , Žukovskis Jan
Published: December 2023

The sustainable economic development of a country or region can be encouraged by cross-border trade as it enables transnational cooperation and encourages entrepreneurs to search for more innovative and socially responsible practices. The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector was chosen for the research, as consumers purchase and use or consume these products frequently as they satisfy continuous consumer needs. The research supplements the scientific discussion on cross-border shopping and trade by presenting the research results from the Lithuania–Poland border region. The aim of the article is to identify the factors encouraging and suppressing Lithuanian customers shopping for FMCG in Poland. A questionnaire survey was provided in Poland and Lithuania by interviewing Lithuanians shopping for FMCG, and logistic regression was used. Key determinants of Lithuanian shopping behavior in the Polish FMCG market were established, i.e., economic and regional factors, income level, and professional activity. Finally, based on the research results, a model of Lithuanian consumer behavior in the cross-border FMCG market in Poland was composed and might be used and practically applied by local authorities and businesses to manage customer flows.
Biochar Derived from Urban Green Waste Can Enhance the Removal of Cd from Water and Reduce Soil Cd Bioavailability
Authors: Li Xiang , Jeyakumar Paramsothy , Bolan Nanthi , Huang Lianxi , Rashid Muhammad Saqib , Liu Zhongzhen , Wei Lan , Wang Hailong
Published: December 2023

The beneficial utilization of potentially increasing urban green waste (UGW) is critical for sustainable urban development in China. In this study, UGW was pyrolyzed at different temperatures, and the resulting biochar was used to amend Cd-contaminated soils to grow cabbage. Our results showed that the Cd adsorption capacity of UGW-biochar was positively correlated with the surface area, O/C, and (O+N)/C value of biochar. Furthermore, UGW-biochar was incorporated into three Cd-contaminated soils, including one acidic soil and two neutral soils, to assess its impact on the availability of Cd. The most substantial reduction in the concentration of available Cd was observed in the acidic soil, of the three tested soils. In the neutral soils, a more substantial reduction was found in the heavily Cd-contaminated soil compared to the lightly Cd-contaminated soil. UGW-biochar amendments to the three Cd-contaminated soils resulted in an increase in the cabbage biomass in acidic soil, whereas in neutral soils, it increased in lightly contaminated soils but decreased in heavily contaminated soils. Additionally, the Cd bioaccumulation factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF), and removal efficiency (RE), as impacted by the biochar application, were calculated in the lightly Cd-contaminated soil–cabbage system. The BCF decreased from 5.84 to 3.80 as the dosage of the UGW-biochar increased from 0% to 3%, indicating that the UGW-biochar immobilized Cd and reduced its bioaccumulation in cabbage roots. Based on our investigations, UGW-biochar effectively immobilizes Cd by reducing its mobility and bioavailability in a lightly contaminated environment matrix.