bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allometric Models to Estimate the Biomass of Tree Seedlings from Dry Evergreen Forest in Thailand
Authors: Thippawan Sangsuree , Chowtiwuttakorn Kanisorn , Pongpattananurak Nanthachai , Kraichak Ekaphan
Published: April 2023

Seedlings are an important stage for plant populations, as the abundance and rigor of seedlings can indicate a changing forest structure in the future. Studying the different traits of the seedling can represent how the plant grows. Biomass is one of the traits that can represent the plant’s performance and many other growth processes of the seedling. Several allometric equations have been developed to estimate tree biomass. However, allometric equations for the biomass of seedlings remains poorly studied, especially those from the tropics. The objective of this research is to create and develop a model that can be used to predict the biomass of seedlings, including total biomass, aboveground biomass, and belowground biomass, from root collar diameter, shoot height, main stem length, and wood density from 205 two-year-old seedlings from twenty tree species found in dry evergreen forest in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Uthai Thani, Thailand. The results showed that the root collar diameter, shoot height, and wood density could be used to create a model to best predict the seedling biomass. This model should be tested with other seedlings in the wild and other datasets to evaluate the performance of the model. To our knowledge, this study is among the first to provide the first allometry for seedlings in tropical dry evergreen forest. The results from this study will allow ecologists to monitor and examine the growth of the seedlings at all stages of life in dynamic tropical environments in the future.
Correction: Kaakkurivaara et al. Risk Factors and Occupational Safety Failures in Forest Work in the Southeast Asian Region. Forests 2022, 13, 2034
Authors: Kaakkurivaara Tomi , Borz Stelian Alexandru , Kaakkurivaara Nopparat
Published: April 2023

The authors wish to make the following corrections to their paper [...]
A Non-Destructive Method for Identification of Tea Plant Cultivars Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Ding Yi , Huang Haitao , Cui Hongchun , Wang Xinchao , Zhao Yun
Published: April 2023

Tea plant cultivar identification is normally achieved manually or by spectroscopic, chromatographic, and other methods that are time-consuming and often inaccurate. In this paper, a method for the identification of three tea cultivars with similar leaf morphology is proposed using transfer learning by five pre-trained models: EfficientNet-B0, MobileNetV2, MobileNetV3, MobileViT-S, and ShuffleNetV2. The results showed that the best test accuracy percentages for EfficientNet-B0, MobileNetV2, MobileNetV3, MobileViT-S, and ShuffleNetV2 were 98.33, 99.67, 99.33, 98.67, and 99.00%, respectively. The most lightweight model was ShuffleNetV2, and the fastest combination was ShuffleNetV2 with 112 × 112 image resolution. Considering accuracy, the number of parameters, and floating point operations (FLOPs), MobileNetV2 was not only the most accurate model, but also both lightweight and fast. The present research could benefit both farmers and consumers via identifying tea cultivars without destructive techniques, a factor that would reduce the adulteration of commodity tea.
Optimization of the Operational Conditions to Produce Extracellular and Cell-Bound Biosurfactants by Aneurinibacillus aneurinilyticus Using Corn Steep Liquor as a Unique Source of Nutrients
Authors: Lvova Ksenia , Martínez-Arcos Andrea , López-Prieto Alejandro , Vecino Xanel , Moldes Ana Belén , Cruz José Manuel
Published: April 2023

The relevance of this work lies in the fact that it is the first time that corn steep liquor (CSL) has been proposed as a unique source of nutrients for producing biosurfactants in a controlled fermentation and Aneurinibacillus aneurinilyticus, isolated from CSL, has been evaluated for producing extracellular and cell-bound biosurfactants in a controlled fermentation, using secondary raw materials as a source of nutrients. In the present study, A. aneurinilyticus was inoculated into the culture medium containing sterilized CSL solutions (100–400 g L−1) and incubated using different temperatures (20–60 °C) and fermentation times (8–30 days). The dependent variables under study were the concentration of extracellular biosurfactants and cell-bound biosurfactant production in terms of critical micellar concentration (CMC), as well as the C/N ratio for cell-bound biosurfactant extracts. It was observed that CSL could increase the concentration of extracellular biosurfactants produced by A. aneurinilyticus if these were fermented during 19 days at 40 °C, using 250 g L−1 of CSL; a mean value of 6 g L−1 for extracellular biosurfactants and favorable CMC concentrations enabled the detection of cell-bound biosurfactant extracts under these conditions. Hence, these conditions could be considered optimal for producing both extracellular and cell-bound biosurfactants from CSL.
Performance Evaluation of a Lane Correction Module Stress Test: A Field Test of Tesla Model 3
Authors: Lancelot Jonathan , Rimal Bhaskar , Dennis Edward
Published: April 2023

This paper is designed to explicate and analyze data acquired from experimental field tests of a Tesla Model 3 lane correction module within the vehicle’s Autopilot Suite, a component of Tesla OS. The initial problem was discovered during a nominal drive of the Tesla Model 3, where after a random number of lane correction events, the lane correction module shuts down, issues a visual disable warning on the touchscreen, and control of the vehicle is given to the driver until the next drive. That development was considered problematic, as the driver can be caught off guard or may be medically disabled and unable to respond. During a controlled stress test, a more severe issue was discovered. After a random number of lane correction events, the lane correction module shuts down without warning, then stays activated after the test driver corrects the vehicle’s trajectory. This is considered a fatal error in the system and adds a dangerous element to an otherwise standard feature in a modern automotive vehicle. The results established that the number of events needed to trigger a fatal error without warning is unpredictable. Our results also demonstrate that the system is inconsistent.
Preface: Special Issue on Fire-Induced Smoke Movement and Control
Authors: Fan Chuangang , Qi Dahai
Published: April 2023

Generally, fires in confined spaces have more intense burning behaviors than open-space fires due to the accumulation of heat and smoke released by fires [...]
Multivariate Statistical Approach for the Discrimination of Honey Samples from Galicia (NW Spain) Using Physicochemical and Pollen Parameters
Authors: Escuredo Olga , Rodríguez-Flores María Shantal , Míguez Montserrat , Seijo María Carmen
Published: April 2023

Raw honey is a food with a close relation to the territory in which it is produced because of factors such as soil conditions, weather patterns, and plant communities living in the area together. Furthermore, beekeeping management affects the properties of honey. Protected Geographical Indication Miel de Galicia protects the honey produced in Galicia (Northwest Spain). Various types of honeys (362 samples) from this geographical area were analyzed using chemometric techniques. Principal component analysis was favorable to analyzing the physicochemical and pollen variables with the greatest weight in the differentiation of honey. The linear discriminant analysis correctly classified 89.8% of the samples according to the botanical origin using main pollen spectra and physicochemical attributes (moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, diastase content, phenols, flavonoids, and color). Regarding unifloral honey, blackberry, eucalyptus, and heather honeys were correctly grouped, while five chestnut honeys and fourteen samples of honeydew honeys were misclassified. The chestnut and honeydew honeys have similar physicochemical properties and frequently similar pollen spectra profiles complicating the differentiation. Experimental evidence suggests the potential of multivariate statistics in the characterization of honey of the same geographical origin. Therefore, the classification results were good, with electrical conductivity, total phenol content, total flavonoid content and dominant pollens Eucalyptus, Erica, Rubus and Castanea sativa as the variables of higher importance in the differentiation of botanical origin of honeys.
Effects of Four Strains of Actinomycetes on the Content of Terpenoids in Baijiu
Authors: Feng Minxue , Huo Qiaojuan , Gan Linyao , Chen Yefu , Xiao Dongguang , Guo Xuewu
Published: April 2023

Terpenoids not only are an important health factor in baijiu but also contribute to the elegance and finesse of baijiu, and actinomycetes act as an important source of terpenoids in baijiu. Four strains of actinomycetes—Streptomyces violascens (SPQ1), S. sampsonii (SPS1), S. thermophilus (SPG1), and S. griseus (SPH1)—obtained from the Daqu, pit mud, fermented grains and air, respectively, in the production of baijiu were used in solid-state and liquid fermentation with five brewing raw materials as the substrates. The terpenoids in the metabolites were analyzed and compared using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We found that the four strains of actinomycetes produced 31 terpenoids from the hydrolysates of five fermentation substrates during liquid fermentation, and the total terpenoid content was 989.94 μg/kg in the fermentation products. After 28 days of solid-state fermentation, the four actinomycete strains produced 64 terpenoids using the five fermentation substrates, and the total terpenoid content was 23,651.52 μg/kg in the fermentation products. The different fermentation substrates and fermentation methods have a great influence on the terpenoids produced by actinomycetes.
Enhanced Sorption for the Oil Spills by SDS-Modified Rice Straw
Authors: Li Yongfei , Liu Jiangbo , Li Wenjuan , Dou Miao , Ma Liwa , Wang Qian , Zhao Bin , Chen Gang
Published: April 2023

Frequent oil spills have caused serious consequences to the ecosystem and environment. Therefore, in order to reduce and eliminate the impact of oil spills on biology and the environment, oil spill remediation materials must be considered. As a kind of cheap and biodegradable natural organic cellulose oil-absorbing material, straw has an important practical significance in the treatment of oil spills. In order to improve the ability of rice straw to absorb crude oil, rice straw was first treated with acid and was then modified with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) through a simple charge effect. Finally, the performance of oil absorption was tested and evaluated. The results illustrate that the oil absorption performance was greatly improved under the conditions of 10% H2SO4, for a 90 min reaction at 90 °C, under 2% SDS, and reacted for 120 min at 20 °C, and the rate of adsorption for rice straw to crude oil was raised by 3.33 g/g (0.83 to 4.16). Then, the rice stalks before and after the modification were characterized. Contact angle analysis shows that the modified rice stalks display better hydrophobic–lipophilic properties than unmodified rice stalks. The rice straw was characterized by XRD and TGA, and the surface structure of the rice straw was characterized by FTIR and SEM, which explain the mechanism of surface-modified rice straws with SDS to improve their oil absorption capacity.
Gels: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications in High Performance Chemistry
Authors: Paun Viorel-Puiu
Published: April 2023

Organogels, hydrogels, and ionic gels are investigated both theoretically and experimentally [...]
Physical Gels of Atactic Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) in Water: Rheological Properties and As-Derived Spinodal Temperature
Authors: Chuang Ya-Chen , Wang Yu , Wang Chi
Published: April 2023

Aqueous solutions of atactic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (a-PNIPAM) undergo complex phase transitions at 20–33 °C. In this temperature range, the a-PNIPAM solution exhibits a phase behavior of lower critical solution temperature at the binodal temperature (Tb) and physical gel formation at the gel temperature (Tgel). On slow heating of the one-phase solution containing linear a-PNIPAM chains, branched chains are gradually developed to proceed with the physical gelation before phase separation considering that Tgel < Tb. Thus, the phase separation temperature determined from the conventional approaches, either by turbidity to derive the Tb or by scattering to derive the spindal temperature (Ts) from the Ornstein–Zernike analysis, is strictly the transition temperature associated with the a-PNIPAM hydrogel (or highly branched chains newly developed at elevated temperatures), rather than the initial a-PNIPAM solution prepared. Herein, the spinodal temperatures of a-PNIPAM hydrogels (Ts,gel) of various concentrations were determined from rheological measurements at a heating rate of 0.2 °C/min. Analyses of the temperature dependence of loss modulus G″ and storage modulus G′ give rise to the Ts,gel, based on the Fredrickson–Larson–Ajji–Choplin mean field theory. In addition, the specific temperature (T1) above which the one-phase solution starts to dramatically form the aggregated structure (e.g., branched chains) was also derived from the onset temperature of G′ increase; this is because as solution temperature approaches the spinodal point, the concentration fluctuations become significant, which is manifested with the elastic response to enhance G′ at T > T1. Depending on the solution concentration, the measured Ts,gel is approximately 5–10 °C higher than the derived T1. On the other hand, Ts,gel is independent of solution concentration to be constant at 32.8 °C. A phase diagram of the a-PNIPAM/H2O mixture is thoroughly constructed together with the previous data of Tgel and Tb.
A Non-Hydrolytic Sol–Gel Route to Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Polymers: Linearly Expanded Silica and Silsesquioxanes
Authors: Krupinski Katrin , Wagler Jörg , Brendler Erica , Kroke Edwin
Published: April 2023

Condensation reactions of chlorosilanes (SiCl4 and CH3SiCl3) and bis(trimethylsilyl)ethers of rigid, quasi-linear diols (CH3)3SiO–AR–OSi(CH3)3 (AR = 4,4′-biphenylene (1) and 2,6-naphthylene (2)), with release of (CH3)3SiCl as a volatile byproduct, afforded novel hybrid materials that feature Si–O–C bridges. The precursors 1 and 2 were characterized using FTIR and multinuclear (1H, 13C, 29Si) NMR spectroscopy as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis in case of 2. Pyridine-catalyzed and non-catalyzed transformations were performed in THF at room temperature and at 60 °C. In most cases, soluble oligomers were obtained. The progress of these transsilylations was monitored in solution with 29Si NMR spectroscopy. Pyridine-catalyzed reactions with CH3SiCl3 proceeded until complete substitution of all chlorine atoms; however, no gelation or precipitation was found. In case of pyridine-catalyzed reactions of 1 and 2 with SiCl4, a Sol–Gel transition was observed. Ageing and syneresis yielded xerogels 1A and 2A, which exhibited large linear shrinkage of 57–59% and consequently low BET surface area of 10 m2⋅g−1. The xerogels were analyzed using powder-XRD, solid state 29Si NMR and FTIR spectroscopy, SEM/EDX, elemental analysis, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The SiCl4-derived amorphous xerogels consist of hydrolytically sensitive three-dimensional networks of SiO4-units linked by the arylene groups. The non-hydrolytic approach to hybrid materials may be applied to other silylated precursors, if the reactivity of the corresponding chlorine compound is sufficient.
Evaluation of Low-Toxic Hybrid Sol-Gel Coatings with Organic pH-Sensitive Inhibitors for Corrosion Protection of AA2024 Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Jaldo Serrano Eva , López-Sánchez Jesús , García-Galván Federico , Serrano Aida , Rodríguez de la Fuente Óscar , Barranco Violeta , Galván Juan Carlos , Carmona Noemí
Published: April 2023

Today’s environmental needs require the reduction of the weight of vehicles, thus reducing fuel consumption and associated emissions. For this reason, the use of light alloys is being studied, which, due to their reactivity, must be protected before use. In this work, the effectiveness of a hybrid sol-gel coating doped with various organic environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors applied to an AA2024 lightweight aluminium alloy is evaluated. Some of the inhibitors tested are pH indicators, acting as both corrosion inhibitors and optical sensors for the surface of the alloy. Samples are subjected to a corrosion test in a simulated saline environment and characterised before and after the test. The experimental results regarding their best inhibitor performance for their potential application in the transport industry are evaluated.
Human Adult Astrocyte Extracellular Vesicle Transcriptomics Study Identifies Specific RNAs Which Are Preferentially Secreted as EV Luminal Cargo
Authors: Shanthi Keerthanaa , Fischer Daniel , Sharma Abhishek , Kiviniemi Antti , Kaakinen Mika , Vainio Seppo , Bart Geneviève
Published: April 2023

Astrocytes are central nervous system (CNS)-restricted glial cells involved in synaptic function and CNS blood flow regulation. Astrocyte extracellular vesicles (EVs) participate in neuronal regulation. EVs carry RNAs, either surface-bound or luminal, which can be transferred to recipient cells. We characterized the secreted EVs and RNA cargo of human astrocytes derived from an adult brain. EVs were isolated by serial centrifugation and characterized with nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), Exoview, and immuno-transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RNA from cells, EVs, and proteinase K/RNase-treated EVs was analyzed by miRNA-seq. Human adult astrocyte EVs ranged in sizes from 50 to 200 nm, with CD81 as the main tetraspanin marker and larger EVs positive for integrin β1. Comparison of the RNA between the cells and EVs identified RNA preferentially secreted in the EVs. In the case of miRNAs, enrichment analysis of their mRNA targets indicates that they are good candidates for mediating EV effects on recipient cells. The most abundant cellular miRNAs were also abundant in EVs, and the majority of their mRNA targets were found to be downregulated in mRNA-seq data, but the enrichment analysis lacked neuronal specificity. Proteinase K/RNase treatment of EV-enriched preparations identified RNAs secreted independently of EVs. Comparing the distribution of cellular and secreted RNA identifies the RNAs involved in intercellular communication via EVs.
Population Structure and Genetic Diversity in the Natural Distribution of Neolamarckia cadamba in China
Authors: Lv Yan-Wen , He Zi-Han , Xiao Yu , Ouyang Kun-Xi , Wang Xi , Hu Xin-Sheng
Published: April 2023

Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser is a fast-growing deciduous tree species and belongs to the Neolamarckia genus of the Rubiaceae family. This species has great economic and medical values in addition to being an important timber species for multiple industrial purposes. However, few studies have examined the genetic diversity and population structure in the natural distribution of this species in China. Here, we applied both the haploid nrDNA ITS (619 bp for aligned sequences) and mtDNA (2 polymorphic loci) markers to investigate 10 natural populations (239 individuals in total) that covered most of the distribution of the species in China. The results showed that the nucleotide diversity was π = 0.1185 ± 0.0242 for the nrDNA ITS markers and π = 0.00038 ± 0.00052 for the mtDNA markers. The haplotype diversity for the mtDNA markers was h = 0.1952 ± 0.2532. The population genetic differentiation was small (Fstn = 0.0294) for the nrDNA ITS markers but large (Fstm = 0.6765) for the mtDNA markers. There were no significant effects of isolation by distance (IBD), by elevation, and by two climatic factors (annual average precipitation and tem perature). A geographic structure among populations (Nst<Gst) was absent. Phylogenetic analysis showed a highly genetic mixture among individuals of the ten populations. Pollen flow was substantially greater than seed flow (mp/ms ≫ 1.0) and played a dominant role in shaping population genetic structure. The nrDNA ITS sequences were neutral and all local populations did not undergo demographic expansion. The overall results provide fundamental information for the genetic conservation and breeding of this miraculous tree.
Genomic Regions Associated with Milk Composition and Fertility Traits in Spring-Calved Dairy Cows in New Zealand
Authors: Jayawardana J. M. D. R. , Lopez-Villalobos Nicolas , McNaughton Lorna R. , Hickson Rebecca E.
Published: April 2023

The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions and genes that are associated with the milk composition and fertility traits of spring-calved dairy cows in New Zealand. Phenotypic data from the 2014–2015 and 2021–2022 calving seasons in two Massey University dairy herds were used. We identified 73 SNPs that were significantly associated with 58 potential candidate genes for milk composition and fertility traits. Four SNPs on chromosome 14 were highly significant for both fat and protein percentages, and the associated genes were DGAT1, SLC52A2, CPSF1, and MROH1. For fertility traits, significant associations were detected for intervals from the start of mating to first service, the start of mating to conception, first service to conception, calving to first service, and 6-wk submission, 6-wk in-calf, conception to first service in the first 3 weeks of the breeding season, and not in calf and 6-wk calving rates. Gene Ontology revealed 10 candidate genes (KCNH5, HS6ST3, GLS, ENSBTAG00000051479, STAT1, STAT4, GPD2, SH3PXD2A, EVA1C, and ARMH3) that were significantly associated with fertility traits. The biological functions of these genes are related to reducing the metabolic stress of cows and increasing insulin secretion during the mating period, early embryonic development, foetal growth, and maternal lipid metabolism during the pregnancy period.
Genome-Wide Association Study on Reproductive Traits Using Imputation-Based Whole-Genome Sequence Data in Yorkshire Pigs
Authors: Sun Jingchun , Xiao Jinhong , Jiang Yifan , Wang Yaxin , Cao Minghao , Wei Jialin , Yu Taiyong , Ding Xiangdong , Yang Gongshe
Published: April 2023

Reproductive traits have a key impact on production efficiency in the pig industry. It is necessary to identify the genetic structure of potential genes that influence reproductive traits. In this study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on chip and imputed data of five reproductive traits, namely, total number born (TNB), number born alive (NBA), litter birth weight (LBW), gestation length (GL), and number of weaned (NW), was performed in Yorkshire pigs. In total, 272 of 2844 pigs with reproductive records were genotyped using KPS Porcine Breeding SNP Chips, and then chip data were imputed to sequencing data using two online software programs: the Pig Haplotype Reference Panel (PHARP v2) and Swine Imputation Server (SWIM 1.0). After quality control, we performed GWAS based on chip data and the two different imputation databases by using fixed and random model circulating probability unification (FarmCPU) models. We discovered 71 genome-wide significant SNPs and 25 potential candidate genes (e.g., SMAD4, RPS6KA2, CAMK2A, NDST1, and ADCY5). Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these genes are mainly enriched in the calcium signaling pathway, ovarian steroidogenesis, and GnRH signaling pathways. In conclusion, our results help to clarify the genetic basis of porcine reproductive traits and provide molecular markers for genomic selection in pig breeding.
Collateral Victims of Defensive Medical Practice
Authors: Cernega Ana , Meleșcanu Imre Marina , Ripszky Totan Alexandra , Arsene Andreea Letiția , Dimitriu Bogdan , Radoi Delia , Ilie Marina-Ionela , Pițuru Silviu-Mirel
Published: April 2023

This paper analyzes the phenomenon of defensive medical practice, starting from the doctor–patient relationship, and the behavioral and professional factors that can influence the proper functioning of this relationship and the healthcare system. We analyze medical malpractice, given the increase in the number of accusations, as an essential factor in triggering the defensive behavior of doctors, together with other complementary factors that emphasize the need for protection and safety of doctors. The possible consequences for the doctor–patient relationship that defensive practice can generate are presented and identified by analyzing the determining role of the type of health system (fault and no-fault). At the same time, we investigate the context in which overspecialization of medical personnel can generate a form of defensive practice as a result of the limiting effect on the performance of a certain category of operations and procedures. The increase in the number of malpractice accusations impacts the medical community—“the stress syndrome induced by medical malpractice”—turning doctors into collateral victims who, under the pressure of diminishing their reputational safety, practice defensively to protect themselves from future accusations. This type of defensive behavior puts pressure on the entire healthcare system by continuously increasing costs and unresolved cases, which impact patients by limiting access to medical services in the public and private sectors.
Vial Sharing of High-Cost Drugs to Decrease Leftovers and Costs: A Retrospective Observational Study on Patisiran Administration in Bologna, Italy
Authors: Cozzio Margherita , Melis Alessandro , La Fauci Giusy , Guaraldi Pietro , Caputo Rosaria , Lioi Flavia , Cellini Giulia Sangiorgi , Santilli Giuseppina , Scarlattei Donatella , Siravo Pasquale , Zuccheri Paola , Ziglio Andrea , Montalti Marco
Published: April 2023

Waste of high-cost medicines, such as orphan drugs, is a major problem in healthcare, which leads to excessive costs for treatments. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a vial-sharing strategy for patisiran, an orphan drug used for the treatment of hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis, in terms of a reduction in the discarded drug amount and cost savings. The retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary referral center (Emilia-Romagna, Italy), between February 2021 and November 2022. Data on drug waste were calculated as “(mg used–mg prescribed)/mg prescribed” for each session. We found a statistically significant (−9.14%, p < 0.001, 95% CI 5.87–12.41) absolute difference in mean discarded drug rates per session based on the study phase (before and after vial-sharing introduction) at the two-sample t-test. The absolute difference corresponded to a percentage decrease in the average reduction in the discarded drug rate with vial sharing of 82.96% per session. On an annual scale, the estimated cost savings was EUR 26,203.80/year for a patient with a standard body weight of 70 kg. In conclusion, we demonstrated that a patisiran vial-sharing program undoubtedly offsets some of the high costs associated with this treatment. We suggest that this easy-to-introduce and cost-effective approach can be applied to the administration of other high-cost drugs.
Effects of Background Music on Mental Fatigue in Steady-State Visually Evoked Potential-Based BCIs
Authors: Gao Shouwei , Zhou Kang , Zhang Jun , Cheng Yi , Mao Shujun
Published: April 2023

As a widely used brain–computer interface (BCI) paradigm, steady-state visually evoked potential (SSVEP)-based BCIs have the advantages of high information transfer rates, high tolerance for artifacts, and robust performance across diverse users. However, the incidence of mental fatigue from prolonged, repetitive stimulation is a critical issue for SSVEP-based BCIs. Music is often used as a convenient, non-invasive means of relieving mental fatigue. This study investigates the compensatory effect of music on mental fatigue through the introduction of different modes of background music in long-duration, SSVEP-BCI tasks. Changes in electroencephalography power index, SSVEP amplitude, and signal-to-noise ratio were used to assess participants’ mental fatigue. The study’s results show that the introduction of exciting background music to the SSVEP-BCI task was effective in relieving participants’ mental fatigue. In addition, for continuous SSVEP-BCI tasks, a combination of musical modes that used soothing background music during the rest interval phase proved more effective in reducing users’ mental fatigue. This suggests that background music can provide a practical solution for long-duration SSVEP-based BCI implementation.
Where Do Neurodevelopmental Disorders Go? Casting the Eye Away from Childhood towards Adulthood
Authors: Antolini Giulia , Colizzi Marco
Published: April 2023

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) encompass a group of complex conditions with onset during the early developmental period. Such disorders are frequently associated with a number of neuropsychiatric features, the most prevalent ones being autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, communication and specific learning disorders, and motor disorders. These conditions are characterized by wide genetic and clinical variability, and although they were previously conceptualized as childhood-limited disorders, NDDs are progressively being recognized as persistent conditions with a potentially relevant impact on the quality of life and overall functioning during adult life. In addition, emerging evidence seems to point towards the hypothesis of a neurodevelopmental continuum, according to which NNDs could portray different time-dependent outcomes, depending on the severity of the altered brain development. Despite representing lifelong phenotypes, they are often not promptly identified and/or managed in adulthood. In this regard, specific guidelines on clinical and therapeutic approaches for these conditions have not yet been delineated. In this view, future research investigations should be encouraged to broaden available knowledge, characterize the clinical course of NDDs across an individual’s lifespan, and better understand the patterns of aging-related concerns in adults with an NDD diagnosis. Additionally, considering the difficulties many young adults encounter while transitioning from childhood to adult mental health services, new, specific programs should be developed and existing programs should be implemented to improve the transition process and for the management of NDDs in adulthood.
Physical Inactivity, Sedentary Behavior and Quality of Life in the Chilean Population: ENCAVI Results, 2015–2016
Authors: Gonzalez-Torres Carlos , Yuing Tuillang , Berral-de la Rosa Francisco , Lizana Pablo A.
Published: April 2023

Regular physical activity (PA) is indicated to be one of the main healthy habits that allow populations to achieve a good quality of life (QoL); however, levels of physical inactivity (PI) and sedentary behavior (SB) have risen worldwide, with negative health effects. The aim of this study is to analyze PI and SB levels, as well as their association with QoL in the Chilean population. A secondary analysis was performed based on the database from the 2015–2016 National Quality of Life Survey (ENCAVI) in Chile, using the modules for sociodemographic characteristics, health, and PA. Contingency tables and logistic regressions were conducted to determine the association between PI (low-intensity PA, LIPA; low–moderate PA, LMPA), SB (P75), and QoL adjusted for sociodemographic variables. Approximately 84%, 83%, and 47% of the participants presented LIPA, LMPA, and moderate–high SB, respectively. Participants that presented high PI and SB had lower QoL scores than those who were more active (p < 0.05). We observe that, in people with PI (LIPA), there is a higher risk of a low QoL regarding mental and physical components (OR 1.941; OR 1.189, p < 0.001) among females (OR 1.473; OR 1.513, p < 0.001) and those of a low educational level (OR 2.170; OR 1.410 p < 0.001). People with PI (LMPA) increased their risk for a low QoL in regard to mental and physical components (OR 1.750; OR 1.458, p < 0.001) among females (OR 1.528; OR 1.507, p < 0.001) and those of a low educational level (OR 2.195; OR 1.402 p < 0.001). We observe that people with SB (P75) increased their risk of a low QoL concerning physical and mental components (OR 1.475; OR 1.257, p < 0.001) for those of the female gender (OR 1.615; OR 1.563, p < 0.001) and a low educational level (OR 2.248; OR 1.423 p < 0.001). High levels of PI in both intensities and SB impact QoL in the Chilean population. It is crucial to generate public policies for more PA, especially for females and those of lower educational levels.
Biotransformation of Wastes of Essential Oil Industry by Strains Agaricus bisporus (J.E. Lange) Imbach, Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler, and Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm
Authors: Semenova Elena , Kurakov Alexander V. , Nazarov Vladimir , Presnyakova Victoria , Markelova Natalia , Karaseva Elena , Kurdyukov Evgeny E. , Tsokalo Inna , Minkina Tatiana , Rajput Vishnu D.
Published: April 2023

The aim of the present work was to explore insights into the possibility of cultivating the mycelium of the edible basidiomycetes, i.e., Agaricus bisporus (J.E. Lange) Imbach, Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler, and Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm. on wastes produced from lavender, sage, mint, and rose. To achieve this goal, we assessed the growth and development of strains on various substrates, a component analysis of the biomass of strains, initial essential oil raw materials after processing, and raw materials after exposure to the mycelium of basidial fungi strains. The wastes of essential oil production can be transformed with the help of edible basidiomycetes (A. bisporus, L. edodes, P. ostreatus) into a valuable fodder product enriched with proteins and vitamins and with good organoleptic properties. The best of the tested substrates was the green mass of mint after successive distillation and extraction. The conversion of solid waste from lavender, rose, sage, and mint processing depends on the types of strains. The high accumulation of octen-3-ol (up to 1.38 g/kg of the substrate) by P. ostreatus was confirmed by its organoleptic evaluation. The results suggested the cultivation of edible mushroom mycelium on the solid waste of mint, lavender, and sage processing could produce high-grade (enriched in proteins and vitamins) biomass for the purpose of fodder. These by-products could serve as a basis for the creation of cultivation technology for champignon, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms as food products using secondary resources of essential oil production.
Managing Lethal Browning and Microbial Contamination in Musa spp. Tissue Culture: Synthesis and Perspectives
Authors: Permadi Nandang , Nurzaman Mohamad , Alhasnawi Arshad Naji , Doni Febri , Julaeha Euis
Published: April 2023

Browning and contamination are regarded as the main constraints in the plant tissue culture of Musa spp. that can hinder the success of plant propagation in vitro. Browning is caused by enzymatic reactions due to explant injury, while microbial contamination is caused by phyllospheric, rhizospheric, and endophytic microorganisms that reside on, in, and inside the plants. When not properly addressed, they can cause decreased regenerative ability, decreased callus growth, inhibited adventitious shoot growth, and even tissue death. To overcome the browning problem, various attempts have been made in vitro, e.g., immersing the explants in an anti-browning solution, incorporating anti-browning compounds into the medium, and manipulating cultural practices. Correspondingly, to control the problem of contamination, efforts have been made, for example, using various methods, such as thermotherapy, chemotherapy, and cryotherapy, and chemical agents, such as disinfectants, antiseptics, and nanoparticles. This review aims to investigate and provide a comprehensive understanding of the causes of browning and contamination as well as the many approaches used to control browning and contamination problems in Musa spp. tissue cultures.
The Role of Water and Weathering Processes in Landslides in Hungarian Loess Sediments
Authors: Király Csilla , Cseresznyés Dóra , Magyar Norbert , Hatvani István Gábor , Egedy Tamás , Szabó-Krausz Zsuzsanna , Udvardi Beatrix , Jakab Gergely , Varga György , Szalai Zoltán
Published: April 2023

Loess-paleosol bluffs can be unstable, but in the course of urbanization, houses may be built in such locations to take advantage of the view. One factor affecting the stability of such bluffs is water, the role of which in mass movements is well established. In this study, the connection of mass movements to meteorological conditions, such as rainfall and subsequent water level changes, was researched using new statistical methods. The periodicity of the water level of the Danube was analyzed using wavelet spectrum analyses, while changepoint analysis was used to determine variations in the quantity of precipitation. These results were compared to the chronology of six mass movements in Kulcs, Hungary. This study also focused on the changes in geochemical properties of loess in different weather conditions (dry periods, wet periods, and flooding). The results showed that only two mass movements were connected to hydrological conditions, and in the other case human activity and geochemical changes may have been factors. The results of geochemical models created using PHREEQC showed calcite and kaolinite precipitation, and albite and dolomite dissolution as the main mineral changes over the course of a year. Albite was found to dissolve only in wet periods, and kaolinite precipitation was significant during flood periods.
Influence of New Technology in Dental Care: A Public Health Perspective
Authors: Gracco Antonio , De Stefani Alberto , Bruno Giovanni
Published: April 2023

The advent of new technology has caused significant changes in the field of dentistry, enabling dentists and orthodontists to provide more efficient and effective treatments to their patients [...]
Digital Assistant for Arrival Scheduling with Conflict Prevention Capabilities
Authors: Nebula Francesco , Palumbo Roberto , Gigante Gabriella , Vozella Angela
Published: April 2023

Nowadays, in view of the growing traffic volume, an appropriate aircraft sequencing in the arrival sector is needed to maintain safety levels and improve the performance of the runway system and flight times. This paper presents a digital assistant supporting the air traffic controller in aircraft sequencing by providing suggestions for next waypoints, speed adjustments and altitude holdings. On the one hand, the suggested paths are such to preserve safety by ensuring the prescribed minimum separation, while also promoting environmental benefits through continuous descent operations (CDO). On the other hand, the suggestions aim to reduce landing times, improving the runway throughput. The proposed tool exploits multipath planning, for which a global optimization technique is used in conjunction with the dynamic time warping distance metric and a reinforcement learning approach to resolve conflicts through speed modulation and/or altitude holding. The performances of the assistant are assessed by means of a multi-agent simulator tailoring its reasoning on the procedures of Olbia airport (Italy). The analysis of a stream of many random aircraft has revealed its effectiveness in terms of arrival time reduction against a standard first-come-first-served strategy, usually adopted by controllers, and strong conflict reduction while considering a CDO-like adherence. Additionally, the man/machine interaction is investigated through an analysis of the overall latency from the suggestions provided by the digital assistant up to the actual aircraft maneuvers.
Morphology of the Antennal Sensilla of the Nymphal Instars and Adults in Notobitus meleagris (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae)
Authors: Zhu Wenli , Yang Lin , Long Jiankun , Chang Zhimin , Mu Yinlin , Zhou Zhicheng , Chen Xiangsheng
Published: April 2023

The bamboo bug Notobitus meleagris (Fabricius, 1787) is a serious pest of bamboo shoots in China, India, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Singapore. The antennae of the nymphal instars and adults of N.meleagris are involved in communication among individuals and finding the host plants. In order to understand the morphology of antennal sensilla, their types, and the distribution of sensilla on the antennae of nymphal instars and adults in N. meleagris, we studied the morphology of antennal sensilla with a scanning electron microscope. The antennae of the nymphs and adults comprised the scape, pedicel, and two flagellomeres. Four types and eight subtypes of sensilla were identified in the nymphal instars (sensilla trichodea [St].1, St.2, St.3, sensilla basiconica [Sb].1, Sb.2, sensilla chaetica [Sc].1, Sc.2, sensilla coeloconica [Sco].1), whereas those of the adults had five types and eleven subtypes of sensilla (St.1, St.2, St.3, Sb.1, Sb.2, Sb.3, Sc.1, Sc.2, Sco.1, Sco.2, and sensilla campaniformia [Sca]). There are significant differences in the number, type, and size of the sensilla in different nymphal instars, which increases with the increase in nymphal instars. There was no sexual dimorphism observed in the adult sensilla; however, the length and diameter of St.3, Sb.2, and Sb.3 were sexually dimorphic. The potential functions of each sensillum were discussed based on the morphology and distribution of the antennal sensilla and were compared with similar published studies. Our results provide primary data for further research on the behavioral mechanism, green prevention, and control of N. meleagris.
DNA Barcoding of the Palaearctic Elfin Butterflies (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae) with a Description of Four New Species from Vietnam
Authors: Krupitsky Anatoly , Shapoval Nazar , Shapoval Galina
Published: April 2023

Phylogenetic analysis is provided for the first time for 12 species of Palaearctic elfin butterflies, members of the previously recognized genera Ahlbergia Bryk, 1947, Cissatsuma Johnson, 1992, and Novosatsuma Johnson, 1992, based on the barcoding region of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene (COI). Comparison of the COI barcodes revealed very low levels of genetic divergence between the species of the Palaearctic elfin butterflies and Callophrys Billberg, 1820 sensu stricto. COI-based phylogeny revealed that Palaearctic Callophrys and the Palaearctic elfin butterflies, except Cissatsuma, are polyphyletic. Four new sympatric species, namely, Callophrys (Ahlbergia) hmong sp. n., C. (A.) tay sp. n., Callophrys (Cissatsuma) devyatkini sp. n. and C. (A.) dao sp. n. are described from Ha Giang Province, North Vietnam, based on wing colouration, the morphologies of the male and female genitalia, and differences in COI sequences. Discovery of the new species expands the distribution range of the group towards the southeast, beyond the Palaearctic region.
Guided Growth for the Treatment of Cubitus Varus in Children: Medium- to Long-Term Results
Authors: Martínez-Álvarez Sergio , Galán-Olleros María , Alonso-Hernández Javier , Vara-Patudo Isabel , Miranda-Gorozarri Carlos , Palazón-Quevedo Ángel
Published: April 2023

Correction of cubitus varus is commonly attempted through supracondylar humeral osteotomy. We hypothesized that lateral distal humeral hemiepiphysiodesis (LDHH) could be used to gradually correct this deformity in children. We conducted a retrospective study including all patients who underwent LDHH with the eight-Plate system between 2008 and 2018, with a minimum 4-year follow-up. We collected demographic, fracture-related, pre- and postoperative clinical (carrying angle (CA), ROM), and radiological data (humeral-ulnar angle (HUA), Baumann angle (BA), shaft-condylar angle (SCA), lateral capitellohumeral angle (LCHA)), as well as data on complications and satisfaction at last follow-up. Fifteen patients were included, with a median follow-up of 81 (64–103) months. All the variables had improved significantly as follows: CA −16 (−18 to −9)°, HUA −16 (−19 to −12)°, BA −11 (−17 to −7)°, SCA 7.5 (3.3 to 13.8)°, LCHA −4.8 (−6.8 to 0.6), flexion 10 (0 to 24)°, and extension 10 (0 to 10)°. The annual correction rate in terms of HUA was 2.41° (1.9 to 3.2). There were 5 cases of aseptic screw loosening, 4 of them requiring replacement, without relation to age at surgery (p = 0.324). Most patients (86.67%) were satisfied, and a relationship was found with younger age at surgery (p = 0.037). In conclusion, preliminary results show that LDHH with the eight-Plate system is an effective technique for mild to moderate cubitus varus deformity correction in children. Patients should be advised of the relatively long duration of implant retention and the possibility of reoperation for screw replacement or implant removal.
Correlation of Myocardial Native T1 and Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling after Valvular Surgery
Authors: von Stumm Maria , Petersen Johannes , Sinn Martin , Holst Theresa , Sequeira-Gross Tatiana , Müller Lisa , Pausch Jonas , Bannas Peter , Adam Gerhard , Reichenspurner Hermann , Girdauskas Evaldas
Published: April 2023

Myocardial native T1 is a known cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging biomarker to quantify diffuse myocardial fibrosis in valvular cardiomyopathy. We hypothesized that diffuse myocardial fibrosis assessed by preoperative T1 mapping might correlate with LV reverse remodeling after valvular surgery. A prospective monocentric cohort study was conducted including 79 consecutive patients with valvular cardiomyopathy referred for surgical treatment of severe aortic or severe functional mitral regurgitation. Native T1 values were assessed by CMR before surgery. LV geometry parameters (i.e., LVEDV, LVESV) were obtained by 2D transthoracic echocardiography before and six months after surgery. Postoperative change of LV geometry parameters was calculated as delta (∆) variable (i.e., six months value minus baseline value). Mean native T1 was 1047 ± 39 ms, mean ∆LVEDV was −33 ± 42 mL, and mean ∆LVESV was −15 ± 27 mL. Native T1 values correlated with ∆LVEDV (Pearson r = 0.29; p = 0.009) and ∆LVESV (Pearson r = 0.29; p = 0.015). Native T1 values < 1073 ms were identified as independent predictor of postoperative reduction of LVEDV (HR 3.0; 95%-CI: 1.1–8.0; p = 0.03) and LVESV (HR 2.9; 95%-CI: 1.1–7.4; p = 0.03). Diffuse myocardial fibrosis assessed by myocardial native T1 correlates with LV reverse remodeling at six months after valvular surgery. T1 mapping may be a valuable tool to predict LV reverse remodeling in valvular heart disease.