bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of the potato VQ31 enhances salt tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhai Mingming , Ao Zhengxiong , Qu Haoran , Guo Dongwei
Published: April 2024

Plant-specific VQ proteins have crucial functions in the regulation of plant growth and development, as well as in plant abiotic stress responses. Their roles have been well established in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana; however, the functions of the potato VQ proteins have not been adequately investigated. The VQ protein core region contains a short FxxhVQxhTG amino acid motif sequence. In this study, the VQ31 protein from potato was cloned and functionally characterized. The complete open reading frame (ORF) size of StVQ31 is 672 bp, encoding 223 amino acids. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that StVQ31 is located in the nucleus. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing StVQ31 exhibited enhanced salt tolerance compared to wild-type (WT) plants, as evidenced by increased root length, germination rate, and chlorophyll content under salinity stress. The increased tolerance of transgenic plants was associated with increased osmotic potential (proline and soluble sugars), decreased MDA accumulation, decreased total protein content, and improved membrane integrity. These results implied that StVQ31 overexpression enhanced the osmotic potential of the plants to maintain normal cell growth. Compared to the WT, the transgenic plants exhibited a notable increase in antioxidant enzyme activities, reducing cell membrane damage. Furthermore, the real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated that StVQ31 regulated the expression of genes associated with the response to salt stress, including ERD, LEA4-5, At2g38905, and AtNCED3. These findings suggest that StVQ31 significantly impacts osmotic and antioxidant cellular homeostasis, thereby enhancing salt tolerance.
The physical activity and social support scale: a translation and psychometric validation study in a Chinese college student sample
Authors: Cao Yunxia , Yuan Junfeng , Luo Lin
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Physical Activity Social Support Scale (PASSS-C) and its measurement invariance across different gender groups in a Chinese college student sample.

Methods

A total of 1,689 Chinese college students participated in the study. We assessed the internal consistency of PASSS-C using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to test its five-factor model. Multi-group CFA was used to examine measurement equivalence between male and female groups. Convergent and criterion-related validity were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results

The overall internal consistency of PASSS-C was good with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.952, and the subscales showed acceptable consistency. The CFA results supported the five-factor structure of PASSS-C in the college student sample, with values of CFI = 0.932, TLI = 0.917, RMSEA = 0.048, 90% CI [0.043 0.053], SRMR = 0.047. Scalar invariance was also supported across different gender groups, with ΔCFI = −0.003, ΔTLI = 0, ΔRMSEA = 0. PASSS-C demonstrated good convergent and criterion-related validity.

Conclusion

PASSS-C exhibits satisfactory psychometric properties and is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the perceived level of social support for physical activity among college students.
Word meaning types acquired before vs. after age 5: implications for education
Authors: Biemiller Andrew
Published: April 2024

This article concerns two types of word meanings: nonverbal meanings which appear to be associated with neurological representations and verbally-based meanings which appear to depend in part on other words to construct meanings. Using word use data from Hart and Risley’s study of children aged 19 to 36 months, and word meaning knowledge data from Biemiller and Slonim’s studies of children between aged 5 to 11, meanings were classified as nonverbal or verbally-based. Biemiller and Slonim used sampled word meanings reported known from grade levels 2 to 12 reported by Dale and O’Rourke in their Living Word Vocabulary. Virtually all meanings used at age 3 or known at age 5 (preschool) were classified nonverbal. By grade two, and even more by grade five, children had added many verbally-defined meanings, although by grade five the majority of the word meanings known were still nonverbal. Evidence for neurological meaning associates are cited. Implications for vocabulary support and instruction at various ages suggest that for children under 6, supporting larger nonverbal vocabularies while after age 6 should prioritize verbally-defined meanings.
Establishing circularity: development and validation of the circular work value scale (CWVS)
Authors: Schneider Jannick , Striebing Clemens , Hochfeld Katharina , Lorenz Timo
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Addressing the lack of German-language instruments, this study aims to develop a questionnaire that enables the measurement of work values. According to the theory of basic human values (Schwartz, 1992), a culturally fitting questionnaire is validated by covering constructs in the four broader dimensions of Social, Prestige, Intrinsic, and Extrinsic work values. Convergent, discriminant and incremental congruent validity are assessed.

Method

Data were collected in a cross-sectional online-based panel survey. Individuals working more than 20 h per week were included (N = 1,049). Using a genetic algorithm, an economical and valid questionnaire was designed to assess work values.

Results

The 11 work values are measurable with three items each. They provide a good fit to the data with support for strict measurement invariance. The empirical associations to estimate construct validity overall reflect expected relations to social and individualistic work motives, neuroticism, environmental awareness, and basic values. Furthermore, congruent incremental validity is supported with relations to value congruence of the person–organization fit, and multidimensional scaling supports the assumed theoretical circularity of the work values.

Implications

This study developed a questionnaire that enables a theory-based valid measurement of work values. The questionnaire allows practitioners to economically collect information about the value structure of employees or applicants. Future research should consider the development of work values over time and investigate whether more distinctive constructs provide a better fit in the nomological network.
Impact of background music on reading comprehension: influence of lyrics language and study habits
Authors: Sun Yanping , Sun Chuanning , Li Chang , Shao Xinrui , Liu Qingming , Liu Hongen
Published: April 2024

Numerous studies have explored the effects of background music on reading comprehension, however, little is known about how native language (L1) lyrics and second language (L2) lyrics in background music influence reading comprehension performance for college students. The present study used a mixed experimental design to examine the effects of listening habits (between-participants variable: non-listeners or listeners), music type (between-participants variable: L1 (Mandarin) pop music, L2 (English) pop music or no music) and text language (within-participants variable: L1 or L2) on reading comprehension of college students in East China. A total of 90 participants (50 females) were screened into non- listeners (n = 45) and listeners (n = 45), and then were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Mandarin pop music group (n = 30), English pop music group (n = 30) and no music group (n = 30). The results showed that reading comprehension performance was negatively affected by music with lyrics compared to the no music condition. Furthermore, Chinese/English reading comprehension was reduced more by pop music in the same language as the written texts. As expected, non-listeners were more negatively affected by music with lyrics than listeners. For both listeners and non-listeners, average reading comprehension accuracy rates were the lowest in the condition of music with native language lyrics. Overall, our research findings indicate that listening to pop music with lyrics reduces reading comprehension performance. However, listening to background music cause much less distraction if the students commonly listen to music while reading. The current study supports the duplex-mechanism account of auditory distraction.
Dissociation and recovery in psychosis – an overview of the literature
Authors: Calciu Claudia , Macpherson Rob , Chen Sui Yung , Zlate Madalina , King Rosemary C. , Rees Kerry J. , Soponaru Camelia , Webb Jackie
Published: April 2024

Background

The relationship between dissociation and recovery from psychosis is a new topic, which could attract the interest of the researchers in the field of dissociation due to its relevance to their daily clinical practice. This review brings together a diversity of international research and theoretical views on the phenomenology of dissociation, psychosis and recovery and provides a synthesis by narrative and tabulation of the existing knowledge related to these concepts.

Aims

The objective was to make a synthesis by narrative and tabulation about what is known on the topic.

Methods

The systematic search was conducted according to the PRISMA-statement in the databases Medline, PsycInfo, PubMed and Google Scholar. 2110 articles were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria detailed in the methods, and 19 records were included in the review.

Outcomes

None of the included publications put together, in the same conceptualisation or hypothesis, dissociation and the recovery from an episode of psychosis, therefore this matter remains unstudied at this time.

Conclusion

The process of reviewing the existing scientific literature in the field of dissociation and recovery from psychosis has been very useful for charting the direction that future research will take.
A novel questionnaire for evaluating digital tool use (DTUQ-D) among individuals with type 2 diabetes: exploring the digital landscape
Authors: Peleg Ora , Hadar Efrat , Boniel-Nissim Meyran
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Effective healthcare currently incorporates a patient-centric system and accessible technology for patient self-management. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel questionnaire titled the Digital Tool Use Questionnaire for Diabetes (DTUQ-D) - a screening tool identifying the type, number, and frequency of digital tools used by Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients with within HMOs, online, and via applications.

Methods

The questionnaire was administered to two ethnic groups and both genders. A mixed-methods approach was used. In the qualitative phase, the questionnaire was developed through phone surveys of 29 T2DM patients, two endocrinologists and two technology experts. In the quantitative phase, involving 367 participants, convergent validity, construct validity, and reliability were examined.

Results

Findings indicated that the DTUQ-D is valid and reliable, successfully identifying digital tools utilized by T2DM patients, notwithstanding variations in factor structures between ethnic groups. This questionnaire provides a foundation for future research, offering a standardized approach to evaluating digital tool usage.

Discussion

The study enhances understanding of the role of digital tools in healthcare, especially for T2DM self-management. It also can be easily adapted to assess digital tool use for other illnesses by adjusting instructions and the wording of certain items
Artificial neural network-assisted prediction of radiobiological indices in head and neck cancer
Authors: Ahmed Saad Bin Saeed , Naeem Shahzaib , Khan Agha Muhammad Hammad , Qureshi Bilal Mazhar , Hussain Amjad , Aydogan Bulent , Muhammad Wazir
Published: April 2024

Background and purpose

We proposed an artificial neural network model to predict radiobiological parameters for the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with radiation therapy. The model uses the tumor specification, demographics, and radiation dose distribution to predict the tumor control probability and the normal tissue complications probability. These indices are crucial for the assessment and clinical management of cancer patients during treatment planning.

Methods

Two publicly available datasets of 31 and 215 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with conformal radiation therapy were selected. The demographics, tumor specifications, and radiation therapy treatment parameters were extracted from the datasets used as inputs for the training of perceptron. Radiobiological indices are calculated by open-source software using dosevolume histograms from radiation therapy treatment plans. Those indices were used as output in the training of a single-layer neural network. The distribution of data used for training, validation, and testing purposes was 70, 15, and 15%, respectively.

Results

The best performance of the neural network was noted at epoch number 32 with the mean squared error of 0.0465. The accuracy of the prediction of radiobiological indices by the artificial neural network in training, validation, and test phases were determined to be 0.89, 0.87, and 0.82, respectively. We also found that the percentage volume of parotid inside the planning target volume is the significant parameter for the prediction of normal tissue complications probability.

Conclusion

We believe that the model has significant potential to predict radiobiological indices and help clinicians in treatment plan evaluation and treatment management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients.
A global survey of national oral health policies and its coverage for young children
Authors: Gaffar Balgis , Schroth Robert J. , Foláyan Moréniké Oluwátóyìn , Ramos-Gomez Francisco , Virtanen Jorma I.
Published: April 2024

Background

There is no accessible information on countries with oral health policies. The purpose of this study was to identify World Dental Federation (FDI) member countries with oral health policies and their scope and extent of coverage of oral health care for young children.

Methods

This international survey recruited chief dental officers, oral health advisors to national ministries of health, and other key informants of the 158 FDI member countries between December 2020 and December 2021. The survey tool was administered online to the study participants. Key questions explored the following outcome measures: countries with oral health policies; the thrusts of the oral health policies; policy thrusts targeting young children; and dental care plans as a component of a universal health care plan. Descriptive statistics were conducted to determine the number of countries with any of the study outcome measures and coverage per country.

Results

Sixty (38%) of the 158 FDI member-countries responded to the survey. Forty-eight (55.2%) of the 60 countries had a national oral health policy document or position statement on oral health; 54 (62.1%) countries had plans on universal health care, and 42 (48.3%) included dental care within their universal health care plan. The most common policy thrusts addressing the oral health needs of children were the promotion of oral hygiene (71.7%), provision of fluoride products for children (53.3%), collaboration with primary care providers (35%), and prenatal oral health education (50%). There were differences in the scope of oral health care coverage and the coverage for young children between continents as well as between countries. Europe had many countries with children-friendly oral health policy coverage.

Conclusions

About half of the surveyed countries had a national oral health policy. There were variations in the scope of oral health care coverage, particularly for young children, both between continents and among individual countries. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the landscape of oral health policies globally. Such insights can help inform targeted interventions to enhance oral health policies, thereby contributing to improved oral health outcomes on a global level.
A comparative analysis of movement and physical activity in early childhood teacher education policy in five Nordic countries
Authors: Christiansen Lars Breum , Ekberg Jan-Eric , Soini Anne , Larsen Robert , Kristjánsdóttir Gudrún , Froberg Karsten , Sollerhed Ann-Christin , Sääkslahti Arja , Fjørtoft Ingunn , Vilhjálmsson Rúnar , Olesen Line Grønholt
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study is to investigate the integration of movement and physical activity (MoPA) within Early Childhood Teacher Education (ECTE) policies across Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. This knowledge can inform the development of ECTE policies and practices that promote MoPA in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in Nordic countries and other countries worldwide.

Methods

In this study, a Nordic cross-national network of researchers collaborated in investigating policy documents at the national and university levels, which govern the education of ECEC teachers. This study was inspired by the Non-affirmative Theory of Education, which provides a framework for understanding the various influences on curricular development in higher education. Based on this, a four-step comparative analytical process of national and university documents across the Nordic countries was conducted. It included keyword search for MoPA related courses and a qualitative description of MoPA in ECTE. Thus, a combination of investigations of policy documents at the national and university level and expert knowledge set a solid foundation for international comparison.

Results

The comparative analysis of MoPA in ECTE reveals diverse approaches influenced by national and university policies. A central theme is the variability in MoPA integration across these nations. Finland and Norway prioritize MoPA with independent mandatory courses. In Iceland, compulsory MoPA courses exist at one of two universities, and in Sweden at three out of 19. All university colleges in Denmark offer an elective course. Furthermore, learning objectives related to MoPA are, to varying degrees, part of the internships in the countries, with Sweden being an exception. In the participating countries, the teachers decide the content of the MoPA courses with little guidance, support, and agreement on essential MoPA content within and across the ECTE's. Norway has established guidelines, and in Finland, there is a network of ECTE Physical Education (PE) educators, which, to some degree, increases the consistency and quality of MoPA in education.

Discussion

The Nordic countries present diverse MoPA integration approaches rooted in national policies and educational traditions. The findings emphasize the necessity of independent and mandatory MoPA courses, integration of MoPA into internships and promoting networks across the educational and academic sectors to equip future early childhood educators with competencies for fostering physical activity, motor development and children's well-being.
Hard shell, soft core? Multi-disciplinary and multi-national insights into mental toughness among surgeons
Authors: Knoedler Leonard , Dean Jillian , Knoedler Samuel , Kauke-Navarro Martin , Hollmann Katharina , Alfertshofer Michael , Helm Sabrina , Prantl Lukas , Schliermann Rainer
Published: April 2024

Background

With the prevalence of burnout among surgeons posing a significant threat to healthcare outcomes, the mental toughness of medical professionals has come to the fore. Mental toughness is pivotal for surgical performance and patient safety, yet research into its dynamics within a global and multi-specialty context remains scarce. This study aims to elucidate the factors contributing to mental toughness among surgeons and to understand how it correlates with surgical outcomes and personal well-being.

Methods

Utilizing a cross-sectional design, this study surveyed 104 surgeons from English and German-speaking countries using the Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-18) along with additional queries about their surgical practice and general life satisfaction. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were applied to investigate the variations in mental toughness across different surgical domains and its correlation with professional and personal factors.

Results

The study found a statistically significant higher level of mental toughness in micro-surgeons compared to macro-surgeons and a positive correlation between mental toughness and surgeons' intent to continue their careers. A strong association was also observed between general life satisfaction and mental toughness. No significant correlations were found between the application of psychological skills and mental toughness.

Conclusion

Mental toughness varies significantly among surgeons from different specialties and is influenced by professional dedication and personal life satisfaction. These findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to foster mental toughness in the surgical community, potentially enhancing surgical performance and reducing burnout. Future research should continue to explore these correlations, with an emphasis on longitudinal data and the development of resilience-building programs.
Standalone Valuation Method for Software-as-a-Service Operational Knowledge Derived from Human Intellectual Capital Qualitative Changes
Authors: Sakuma Suguru , Furutani Tomoyuki
Published: April 2024

This study focuses on digital operational knowledge belonging to natural persons and proposes a greenfield approach to differentiate the value of intangibles from that of human intellectual capital. Our research approach involves two assessments. Assessment 1 evaluates intangible assets using the internally generated goodwill (IGG) measure. We analyze time-series IGG data for six digital sectors, using the top 90 software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies as a benchmark. The results indicate that the IGG of the SaaS benchmark is higher than the total IGG of the six sectors. Assessment 2 focuses on the correlation between digital labor investment and digital investment returns before and after 2013 for the six sectors to identify positive and negative correlations from 2013 onward. The results indicate that, since 2013, a qualitative change has occurred in digital labor capital that has not been reflected in financial statements because of accounting distortions and that the returns on investment for digital labor have been underestimated. The standalone valuation of digital know-how that belongs to natural persons, previously based on operating expense, will be based on capital expenditure. In addition, amortization will have the same contribution as depreciation of tangible assets to value creation.
Advances in Genetic Enhancement of Nutritional Quality of Tropical Maize in West and Central Africa
Authors: Gedil Melaku , Mengesha Wende , Ilesanmi Oluyinka , Menkir Abebe
Published: April 2024

Micronutrient deficiencies are pervasive in the diets of millions of people in developing countries, calling for effective mitigation measures. The development of biofortified cultivars through breeding holds promise for sustainable and affordable solutions to combat micronutrient deficiencies. Breeding efforts in the past decade have resulted in dozens of biofortified open-pollinated varieties and hybrids adapted to diverse agroecological zones. Advances in genomics and molecular tools enabled rapid identification of maize cultivars enriched with essential micronutrients such as pro vitamin A (PVA), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn). Leveraging Multi-omics-driven discovery of the genetic factors underlying the vast array of nutritional traits is paramount to mainstreaming breeding for quality traits in the product profile. Molecular breeding schemes, and integrating emerging Omics tools at every stage of the breeding pipeline, are vital to enhancing genetic gain. The recent momentum in elucidating the metabolism of micronutrients should be expanded to novel breeding targets as well as to the simultaneous enhancement of nutritional qualities while curtailing anti-nutritional factors in staple food crops. Harnessing new technologies to establish comprehensive and integrated breeding approaches involving nutrigenomics, genome editing, and agronomic biofortification is crucial in tackling nutritional insecurity. This review highlights the prospect of integrating modern tools in hastening the genetic improvement of nutritionally enriched maize.
Movements after Captive Bolt Stunning in Cattle and Possible Animal- and Process-Related Impact Factors—A Field Study
Authors: Lücking Anika , Louton Helen , von Wenzlawowicz Martin , Erhard Michael , von Holleben Karen
Published: April 2024

Movements in cattle after captive bolt stunning cause problems in the slaughter process and lead to uncertainties in assessing stunning effectiveness. The objective of this study was to categorize and quantify these movements and determine animal- and process-related impact factors, as well as connections to stunning effectiveness and shooting position. In total 2911 cows, heifers, and bulls (dairy, beef, and crossbreeds) were examined (mean age 3.02 years). Movements from landing until at least four minutes after sticking were recorded by action cams (Apeman® A100). Nine movement categories were defined (“kicking hind limb”, “twitching”, “bending and stretching hind limb”, “lifting and bending forelimb”, “body arching laterally”, “body arching ventrally”, and “arching backwards”). According to the movement severity, a score was assigned to each category. The scores were summed, either for certain process intervals, e.g., LANDING (ejection from the stunning box), HOISTING, or STICKING, or for the total time between LANDING and end of the FOURTH MINUTE OF BLEEDING (sum score). Statistical analysis (ANOVA) was performed on the scores. Only 6.6% of cattle showed no movement. Most movements occurred during STICKING and FIRST MINUTE OF BLEEDING, occurring rarely up to 8 min after sticking. While cows moved most at LANDING, bulls and heifers moved more if all process intervals were considered. The sum score was highest in German Angus, Charolais, and Limousin and lowest in Brown Swiss and Simmental. The score at LANDING was highest in German Angus and Black Holstein. The use of pneumatic stunners and an increase in bolt-exit length significantly reduced movements. No impact of stunning effectiveness on movements was found, but only 19 cattle showed reduced effectiveness.
Assessment of Welfare Problems in Broilers: Focus on Musculoskeletal Problems Associated with Their Rapid Growth
Authors: Kwon Byung-Yeon , Park Jina , Kim Da-Hye , Lee Kyung-Woo
Published: April 2024

The growth of the broiler industry has been accompanied with concerns over the environmental and social impacts on intensive production systems, as well as the welfare of the animals themselves. As a result, since the 2000s, there has been growing interest in alternative production systems that improve animal welfare and sustainability. In this context, it is important to prioritize the welfare of broilers in commercial production systems and to use reliable welfare indicators to provide consumers with information about the welfare of the animals they consume. Resource-based measures (RBM) are based on assessing the resources available to the birds in terms of their housing, environment, and management practices, such as stocking density, litter quality, lighting and air quality, etc. Outcome-based measures (OBM), also known as animal-based measures, focus on assessing the actual welfare outcomes for the birds, such as footpad dermatitis, hock burn, contamination or damage to feathers, gait score, mortality, etc. These OBM-based measures are one of the more direct indicators of welfare and can help identify any welfare issues. The present review highlighted the factors that affect animal welfare indicators focused on OBMs which can be used in the commercial broiler farms.
Evolution of Resistance against Ciprofloxacin, Tobramycin, and Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole in the Environmental Opportunistic Pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Ochoa-Sánchez Luz Edith , Martínez José Luis , Gil-Gil Teresa
Published: April 2024

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen that produces respiratory infections in immunosuppressed and cystic fibrosis patients. The therapeutic options to treat S. maltophilia infections are limited since it exhibits resistance to a wide variety of antibiotics such as β-lactams, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, cephalosporins, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, or carbapenems. The antibiotic combination trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (SXT) is the treatment of choice to combat infections caused by S. maltophilia, while ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, or tobramycin are used in most SXT-resistant infections. In the current study, experimental evolution and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) were used to examine the evolutionary trajectories of S. maltophilia towards resistance against tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, and SXT. The genetic changes underlying antibiotic resistance, as well as the evolutionary trajectories toward that resistance, were determined. Our results determine that genomic changes in the efflux pump regulatory genes smeT and soxR are essential to confer resistance to ciprofloxacin, and the mutation in the rplA gene is significant in the resistance to tobramycin. We identified mutations in folP and the efflux pump regulator smeRV as the basis of SXT resistance. Detailed and reliable knowledge of ciprofloxacin, tobramycin, and SXT resistance is essential for safe and effective use in clinical settings. Herein, we were able to prove once again the extraordinary ability that S. maltophilia has to acquire resistance and the importance of looking for alternatives to combat this resistance.
Reintroduction of Legacy Antibiotics in Neonatal Sepsis: The Special Role of Fosfomycin and Colistin
Authors: Baltogianni Maria , Dermitzaki Niki , Kosmeri Chrysoula , Serbis Anastasios , Balomenou Foteini , Giapros Vasileios
Published: April 2024

Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a rapidly growing global problem. A significant proportion of the pathogens that commonly cause neonatal sepsis are resistant to multiple antibiotics. Therefore, for the empirical treatment of neonatal sepsis, the repurposing of older antibiotics that are effective against multidrug-resistant pathogens is being investigated. This review aims to provide an overview of current research and experience using the repurposed antibiotics colistin and fosfomycin for the empirical treatment of neonatal sepsis. Based on current knowledge, colistin and fosfomycin may be potentially helpful for the empirical treatment of sepsis in neonates due to their efficacy against a wide range of pathogens and acceptable safety profile.
Application of a Neural Network on Steam Drum Pressure Control in a Fixed-Bed Reactor for Exothermic Reactions
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhang Zhu , Zhang Juan , Chen Jiangang
Published: April 2024

The control of steam drums, used to remove heat from Fischer–Tropsch synthesis or diethyl oxalate hydrogenation, is confronted with a challenge on controlling quality. The traditional proportional–integral–differential (PID) controllers with fixed parameters are dissatisfying upon deployment. The backward-propagation neural network (BPNN) self-tuning PID control algorithm was thus developed and implemented via a Python and KINGVIEW software combination. Application experiments showed that, in both setpoint control and step change control of the steam drum pressure, static deviation and the maximum error were less with the BPNN self-tuning PID controller, in comparison to the conventional PID controller. Moreover, it seemed that certain adaptations occurred to the nonlinear change in the reaction system, revealing that it was superior to the traditional PID controller. It is shown that the backward-propagation neural network will improve the control quality in boiling water drum systems for exothermic reactions. It can be predicted that the backward-propagation neural network is qualified for process condition control in the chemical industry.
Exploring the Feasibility of Autonomous Lighting Systems for Pedestrian Crossings in Off-Grid Areas
Authors: Tomczuk Krzysztof , Tomczuk Piotr , Chrzanowicz Marcin
Published: April 2024

A properly designed and manufactured autonomous lighting system has an impact on reducing the amount of conflicts between pedestrians and drivers. For pedestrian crossings located outside of urban areas, one of the utilized solutions is PV installations with an electrochemical energy storage bank. So, the question should be asked: is it possible to maintain proper energy and lighting parameters throughout the year? This depends on the technical parameters of the installation, insolation, operating time, and the number and power of lighting luminaires directly prescribed by formal regulations. The purpose of this article is to present a method for evaluating the performance of a lighting installation at isolated pedestrian crossings based on annual power generation data obtained from a photovoltaic installation. This article presents lighting requirements for pedestrian crossing lighting. Based on the developed five lighting scenarios and energy calculations, year-round operation was simulated. Problems and risks that may affect the availability and performance of the lighting system were introduced. Directions for further research on the application of photovoltaic installations in road infrastructure were identified.
An Investigation into the Lateral Bearing Performance of a Single Pile Embedded at a Three-Dimensional Asymmetric Local Scour Site Using the Modified Strain Wedge Model
Authors: Wang Songyang , Ma Jianjun , Wang Chaosheng , Liu Fengjun , Li Da
Published: April 2024

The scouring effect is widely acknowledged as a primary contributor to the weakening in the bearing performance of offshore piles; it often results in asymmetric scour patterns around the pile. To meticulously examine the impact of three-dimensional asymmetric local scour on the lateral bearing performance of a single pile, the Boussinesq solution is employed to determine the effective stress within the soil encompassing the pile, considering the presence of a three-dimensional asymmetric local scour hole. Utilizing the strain wedge model, the calculation method for the lateral bearing performance of a single pile under the condition of three-dimensional asymmetric local scour is established. The validity of this approach is established, and parameter analysis unveils the effect of varying sizes of three-dimensional asymmetric scour holes on the mechanical properties and displacement performance of a single pile. The analysis reveals that, as scouring dimensions around the pile escalate, the impact of scouring on single-pile lateral displacement and internal forces intensifies, leading to a decrease in the lateral bearing performance of a single pile. At a constant scour depth, the bottom area of the upstream scour hole significantly influences the displacement performance of a single pile. When the bottom length Swb1 of the upstream scour hole grows by 1 time, 4 times, and 8 times, the lateral displacement of a single pile at a buried depth of 6 m is augmented by approximately 0.41%, 1.65%, and 2.06%, respectively. The simplified model obtained via the modified strain wedge model and Boussinesq solution can provide a theoretical basis for the preliminary design of a single pile under asymmetric scour hole conditions.
Research Progress Regarding the Precision of Dosing and Distribution Devices for Fertilizers
Authors: Xu Wenzhi , Yuan Quanchun , Zeng Jin , Lyu Xiaolan
Published: April 2024

As a key component of fertilization equipment, the fertilizer discharger has an important impact on the accuracy of the amount of fertilizer applied during the fertilization process. Countries around the world have been advocating for reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and improving fertilizer utilization, and researchers have also conducted in-depth research on precision fertilizer devices. In order to further improve the precision of dosing and distribution devices for fertilizers, in this study, four types of fertilizer dischargers (spiral fertilizer dischargers, groove wheel fertilizer dischargers, disc fertilizer dischargers, and air-feed fertilizer dischargers) which are currently commonly used are thoroughly analyzed. The operating principle and performance characteristics of the fertilizer dischargers are elaborated upon, and the current research status of their structure and working parameter optimization are discussed and summarized. Overall, the research of Chinese researchers is mainly described. The problems existing in research on the precise fertilizer discharge of fertilizer dischargers are pointed out, and the future development trend is predicted, aiming to provide a beneficial reference for improving the technical level of precise fertilizer discharge.
Low-Carbon Logistics Distribution Vehicle Routing Optimization Based on INNC-GA
Authors: Cheng Feng , Jia Shuchun , Gao Wei
Published: April 2024

In order to tackle the issue of carbon emissions in logistics and distribution, a vehicle routing model was proposed with the aim of minimizing the overall cost, which includes the vehicle’s fixed cost, transportation costs, and carbon emission costs. An enhanced genetic algorithm, based on a modified Nearest Neighbor Construction (NNC) method, was developed to solve this model. A comparative analysis was conducted using the Solomon dataset to study the impact of carbon emissions on vehicle routing optimization, comparing scenarios with and without considering carbon emission costs. The research findings revealed that the Improved NNC (INNC) method exhibited faster convergence compared with the random generation and random insertion methods. Despite a slight increase of 0.5127% in transportation cost when factoring in carbon emission costs, there was a decrease of 4.6914% in carbon emission costs and 0.3578% in total cost. These results offer theoretical insights and empirical evidence to inform the development of models for the logistics industry in the context of a low-carbon economy.
Morphological Changes Induced by TKS4 Deficiency Can Be Reversed by EZH2 Inhibition in Colorectal Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Jacksi Mevan , Schad Eva , Tantos Agnes
Published: April 2024

Background: The scaffold protein tyrosine kinase substrate 4 (TKS4) undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway via Src kinase. The TKS4 deficiency in humans is responsible for the manifestation of a genetic disorder known as Frank–Ter Haar syndrome (FTHS). Based on our earlier investigation, the absence of TKS4 triggers migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like phenomena while concurrently suppressing cell proliferation in HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells. This indicates that TKS4 may play a unique role in the progression of cancer. In this study, we demonstrated that the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and the histone methyltransferase of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) are involved in the migration, invasion, and EMT-like changes in TKS4-deficient cells (KO). EZH2 is responsible for the maintenance of the trimethylated lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3). Methods: We performed transcriptome sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation, protein and RNA quantitative studies, cell mobility, invasion, and proliferation studies combined with/without the EZH2 activity inhibitor 3-deazanoplanocine (DZNep). Results: We detected an elevation of global H3K27me3 levels in the TKS4 KO cells, which could be reduced with treatment with DZNep, an EZH2 inhibitor. Inhibition of EZH2 activity reversed the phenotypic effects of the knockout of TKS4, reducing the migration speed and wound healing capacity of the cells as well as decreasing the invasion capacity, while the decrease in cell proliferation became stronger. In addition, inhibition of EZH2 activity also reversed most epithelial and mesenchymal markers. We investigated the wider impact of TKS4 deletion on the gene expression profile of colorectal cancer cells using transcriptome sequencing of wild-type and TKS4 knockout cells, particularly before and after treatment with DZNep. Additionally, we observed changes in the expression of several protein-coding genes and long non-coding RNAs that showed a recovery in expression levels following EZH2 inhibition. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the removal of TKS4 causes a notable disruption in the gene expression pattern, leading to the disruption of several signal transduction pathways. Inhibiting the activity of EZH2 can restore most of these transcriptomics and phenotypic effects in colorectal carcinoma cells.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in the Treatment of Long COVID Olfactory Disorders: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Maniaci Antonino , Lavalle Salvatore , Masiello Edoardo , Lechien Jerome R. , Vaira Luigi , Boscolo-Rizzo Paolo , Musa Mutali , Gagliano Caterina , Zeppieri Marco
Published: April 2024

Background: Long COVID has brought numerous challenges to healthcare, with olfactory dysfunction (OD) being a particularly distressing outcome for many patients. The persistent loss of smell significantly diminishes the affected individual’s quality of life. Recent attention has been drawn to the potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy as a treatment for OD. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PRP therapy in ameliorating OD, especially when associated with long-term COVID-19. Methods: We executed a comprehensive search of the literature, encompassing clinical trials and observational studies that utilized PRP in treating OD limited to COVID-19. We retrieved and comprehensively discussed data such as design, participant demographics, and reported outcomes, focusing on the efficacy and safety of PRP therapy for OD in COVID-19 patients. Results: Our comprehensive analysis interestingly found promising perspectives for PRP in OD following COVID-19 infection. The collective data indicate that PRP therapy contributed to a significant improvement in olfactory function after COVID-19 infection. Conclusions: The evidence amassed suggests that PRP is a promising and safe therapeutic option for OD, including cases attributable to Long COVID-19. The observed uniform enhancement of olfactory function in patients receiving PRP highlights the necessity for well-designed, controlled trials. Such studies would help to refine treatment protocols and more definitively ascertain the efficacy of PRP in a broader, more varied patient cohort.
BacteSign: Building a Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) Database for Universal Bacterial Identification
Authors: Childs Andre , Chand David , Pereira Jorge , Santra Swadeshmukul , Rajaraman Swaminathan
Published: April 2024

With the increasing incidence of diverse global bacterial outbreaks, it is important to build an immutable decentralized database that can capture regional changes in bacterial resistance with time. Herein, we investigate the use of a rapid 3D printed µbiochamber with a laser-ablated interdigitated electrode developed for biofilm analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Bacillus subtilis using electrochemical biological impedance spectroscopy (EBIS) across a 48 h spectrum, along with novel ladder-based minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) stencil tests against oxytetracycline, kanamycin, penicillin G and streptomycin. Furthermore, in this investigation, a search query database has been built demonstrating the deterministic nature of the bacterial strains with real and imaginary impedance, phase, and capacitance, showing increased bacterial specification selectivity in the 9772.37 Hz range.
Strategies for Sustainable Rooting in Landscape: Arrangements between Architecture and the Ground
Authors: Casino Rubio David , Rodriguez Ramirez Fernando , Fernández-Elorza Héctor
Published: April 2024

Contemporary environmental awareness requires new architectural practices to reformulate the relationship between buildings and the ground. Among these, the way in which buildings land on the site emerges as a key architectural condition that must be reviewed, focusing on generating new systems of articulation, more sensitive and attentive to the specific conditions of the grounds. Drawing on the ecological perspectives put forth by authors like Bruno Latour in recent years, this article presents a critical analysis of the rooting systems developed by some of the most significant architectural practices today. This case study provides a catalogue of various sustainable topographical strategies that prioritize the conservation and nurturing of soil properties. The discussion of these strategies enables the synthesis of a series of design guidelines to foster new relationships of affinity with the land, positioning architecture not as an imposition on the territory but as a facilitator of its natural development.
The Contextuality of Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Park, an Iconic Building in Seoul—A Study Based on Fuzzy Statistical Analysis
Authors: Cao Zeheng , Yoon Jae-Eun
Published: April 2024

For many cities around the world, the construction of iconic buildings is a major strategy to improve their urban space and enhance recognition. Yet, newly built iconic buildings usually spark controversy owing to their relationship with the urban context of the city. In this study, revolving around Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Park, we analyze and evaluate the functional influences of its reconstruction on the urban context of Seoul. We found that though the DPP has a positive effect on the city image and cultural exchange of Seoul, it is barely satisfactory for maintaining and extending the urban context. Through the combination of a random sampling questionnaire and triangular fuzzy number analysis, we transfer previous subjective comments about the DPP into an objective evaluation, analyze its influence on the dimension of culture, and call for consideration of the continuity of the urban context in future urban planning. The results of this study provide a new perspective on quantifying the urban contextual influence of iconic buildings, reminding city planners of the balance between the development of business and the sustainability of the urban context.
Atomic-Level Insights into Defect-Driven Nitrogen Doping of Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Kang Gyeongwon , Kim Hyungjun , Lim Hyung-Kyu
Published: April 2024

Nitrogen-doped graphene has been increasingly utilized in a variety of energy-related applications, serving as a catalyst or support material for fuel cells, and as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, among others. The thermal reduction of graphene oxide (GO) in nitrogenous sources to incorporate nitrogen, producing nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (NRGO), is the most favored method. Controlling atomic configurations of nitrogen-doped sites is the key factor for tailoring the physico-chemical properties of NRGO, but major challenges remain in identifying detailed atomic arrangements at nitrogen binding sites on highly defective and chemically functionalized GO surfaces. In this paper, we present atomistic-scale modeling of the nitrogen doping process of GO with different types of vacancy defects. Molecular dynamics simulations using a reactive force field indicate that the edge carbon atoms on defect sites are the dominant initiation location for nitrogen doping. Further, first-principles calculations using density functional theory present energetically favorable chemical transition pathways for nitrogen doping. The significance of this work lies in providing important chemical insights for the effective control of the desired properties of NRGO by suggesting a detailed mechanism of the nitrogen doping process of GO.