bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Glutamine Supplementation in Gastric Cancer—Thrombocyte Phagocytic Activity and Early Postoperative Outcomes
Authors: Kamocki Zbigniew , Matowicka-Karna Joanna , Jurczuk Anna , Milewska Anna , Niewinski Amanda , Zareba Konrad , Kedra Boguslaw
Published: June 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the phagocytic activity of thrombocytes in patients with gastric cancer and to assess the effect of oral and parenteral preoperative glutamine-based immunonutrition on nutritional status, thrombocyte phagocytic activity, and early postoperative outcomes. Methods: Patients suffering from invasive gastric cancer had been treated with preoperative immunonutrition with glutamine, and they were compared to patients without nutritional treatment. Nutritional status, percentage of weight loss, and BMI were assessed. Levels of total protein, albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, platelets, and their phagocytic ability were measured twice. Postsurgical complications were assessed via the Clavien–Dindo classification. Results: Group I consisted of 20 patients with an oral glutamine—10 g daily. Group II had 38 patients who received intravenous glutamine, 1.5 mL per kg body weight of Dipeptiven. Group III consisted of 25 patients who did not receive preoperative immunonutrition. In total, 47% of patients in Group I, 54% of patients in Group II, and 33% of patients in Group III were malnourished. In Group I, the percentage of phagocytizing platelet (%PhP) was 1.1 preoperatively and 1.2 postoperatively. The phagocytic index (PhI) was 1.0 and 1.1. In Group II, %PhP was 1.1 and 1.2 and PhI was 1.0 and 1.1. In Group III, the %PhP was 1.0 and 1.2 and PhI was 1.0 and 1.1. An increase in triglyceride level was observed in both immunonutrition groups. There was a decline in total protein and albumin level in Group II. In Group III, there was a decline in total protein, albumin, and cholesterol level. The total platelet count and PhI were increased in both immunonutrition groups. There was also a rise in %PhP in Group II. In Group III, there was a rise in blood platelet level, %PhP, and PhI. The complication rates were 53% in Group I, 29% in Group II, and 40% in Group III. Conclusions: In invasive gastric cancer, laboratory nutritional parameters are significantly reduced, causing malnutrition in 44.7% of patients. Oral glutamine supplementation inhibited the postoperative decline in protein metabolism parameters; however, this did not affect the reduction in the percentage of postoperative complications. Glutamine used preoperatively significantly reduced the percentage of serious surgical complications, regardless of the way it was supplemented. Patients with invasive gastric cancer have a significant decrease in platelet phagocytic activity. The administered preoperative parenteral nutrition and the surgical procedure itself influenced the improvement of the phagocytic activity of blood platelets. Glutamine did not have this effect, regardless of the route of administration.
Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil the Critical Ingredient Driving the Health Benefits of a Mediterranean Diet? A Narrative Review
Authors: Flynn Mary M. , Tierney Audrey , Itsiopoulos Catherine
Published: June 2023

Most chronic diseases are preventable with a healthy diet, although there is debate about the optimal dietary approach. Increasingly more countries are focusing on food-based guidelines rather than the traditional nutrient-based approach. Although there is good agreement on plant foods, controversy remains about the types and amounts of fats and oils. This narrative review aims to systematically summarize and evaluate the latest evidence on the protective effects of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on disease risk factors. A systematic search of the relevant literature using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases was conducted for the years 2000 through December 2022. A narrative synthesis was then undertaken. Of 281 retrieved articles, 34 articles fulfilled our inclusion criteria and were included. Compared with other dietary fats and low-fat diets, EVOO is superior in the management of clinical biomarkers including lowering blood pressure and LDL-c, increasing protective HDL-c, improving glycemic control, and weight management. The protective effects of EVOO are likely due to its polyphenol content rather than the monounsaturated fat content. It is therefore important to promote the regular use of EVOO in the context of healthy dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet for maximal health benefit.
The Role of Food Addiction and Lifetime Substance Use on Eating Disorder Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Miranda-Olivos Romina , Agüera Zaida , Granero Roser , Jiménez-Murcia Susana , Puig-Llobet Montserrat , Lluch-Canut Maria Teresa , Gearhardt Ashley N. , Fernández-Aranda Fernando
Published: June 2023

Food addiction (FA) and substance use (SU) in eating disorders (ED) have been associated with a more dysfunctional clinical and psychopathological profile. However, their impact on treatment outcomes has been poorly explored. Therefore, this transdiagnostic study is aimed at examining whether the presence of FA and/or SU is associated with treatment outcomes in patients with different ED types. The results were not able to reveal significant differences in treatment outcomes between patients with and without FA and/or SU; however, the effect sizes suggest higher dropout rates in the group with both FA and SU. The predictive models of treatment outcomes showed different features associated with each group. High persistence (i.e., tendency to perseverance and inflexibility) was the personality trait most associated with poor treatment outcomes in patients without addictions. High harm avoidance and younger age at ED onset were the variables most related to poor outcomes in patients with FA or SU. Finally, in the group with both addictive behaviors (FA and SU), the younger patients presented the poorest outcomes. In conclusion, our results suggest that, regardless of presenting addictive behaviors, patients with ED may similarly benefit from treatment. However, it may be important to consider the differential predictors of each group that might guide certain treatment targets.
Cutaneous Adverse Events of Systemic Melanoma Treatments: A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis
Authors: Kraehenbuehl Lukas , Schneider Stephanie , Pawlik Laura , Mangana Joanna , Cheng Phil , Dummer Reinhard , Meier-Schiesser Barbara
Published: June 2023

Recent progress in the treatment of advanced melanoma has led to the improved survival of affected patients. However, novel treatments also lead to considerable and distinct skin toxicity. To further characterize cutaneous adverse events (AE) of systemic treatments, we conducted a single-center retrospective study of biopsy-proven cutaneous adverse events of melanoma treatment over a period of 10 years at the University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland. In 102 identified patients, 135 individual skin AEs developed. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) was causal for 81 skin AEs, and 54 were related to targeted therapies (TT). Recorded types of skin AEs included lichenoid, maculopapular, acneiform, urticarial, panniculitis, folliculitis, psoriasiform, granulomatous, eczematous, and others. The incidence of skin AEs was higher with TT (18.54%) than with ICB (9.64%, p = 0.0029). Most AEs were low-grade, although 19.21% of AEs were common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) Grades 3 or 4. A large spectrum of skin AEs was documented during treatment of advanced melanoma, and distinct phenotypes were observed, depending on treatment classes. AEs occurred earlier during treatment with TT than with ICB, and distinct types of skin AEs were associated with respective treatment classes. This study comprehensively describes skin AEs occurring during systemic treatment for melanoma at a single center.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Anti-TNFα Inhibitors: A Matter of Cut-Off Ranges
Authors: Cheli Stefania , Savino Diego , Penagini Francesca , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Zuin Giovanna , Clementi Emilio , Cattaneo Dario
Published: June 2023

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a useful tool for optimising the use of anti-TNFα inhibitors in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Recently, point-of-care methods for the quantification of drug levels and anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) have been developed to overcome the limitations of conventional enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assays (ELISAs). Here, we evaluated the performance, interchangeability, and agreement between an automated ELISA-based immunoassay (CHORUS Promonitor) and the lateral flow assay (RIDA®QUICK) for the quantification of infliximab (IFX, n = 65) and adalimumab (ADM, n = 58) plasma levels in IBD patients. Thirty-two samples for IFX and twenty-three samples for ADM that tested positively for the presence of ADAs were also used. Overall, data analysis showed a good agreement of ADM trough concentrations (R2 = 0.75) between the two assays as well as for ADA measurement (K > 0.8). However, IFX levels highlighted a weak correlation (R2 = 0.58) between the two kits, with the RIDA®QUICK assay overestimating IFX plasma values by 30% when compared to the CHORUS Promonitor kit. Results from this study show that the two assays are not quantitatively and qualitatively interchangeable due to substantial discrepancies in some results. Accordingly, the same assay should be used for the longitudinal follow-up of IBD patients.
Preclinical Evaluation of Long-Acting Emtricitabine Semi-Solid Prodrug Nanoparticle Formulations
Authors: Curley Paul , Hobson James J. , Liptrott Neill J. , Makarov Edward , Al-khouja Amer , Tatham Lee , David Christopher A. W. , Box Helen , Neary Megan , Sharp Joanne , Pertinez Henry , Meyers David , Flexner Charles , Freel Meyers Caren L. , Poluektova Larisa , Rannard Steve , Owen Andrew
Published: June 2023

Long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations promise to deliver patient benefits by overcoming issues associated with non-adherence. A preclinical assessment of semi-solid prodrug nanoparticle (SSPN) LAI formulations of emtricitabine (FTC) is reported here. Pharmacokinetics over 28 days were assessed in Wistar rats, New Zealand white rabbits, and Balb/C mice following intramuscular injection. Two lead formulations were assessed for the prevention of an HIV infection in NSG-cmah−/− humanised mice to ensure antiviral activities were as anticipated according to the pharmacokinetics. Cmax was reached by 12, 48, and 24 h in rats, rabbits, and mice, respectively. Plasma concentrations were below the limit of detection (2 ng/mL) by 21 days in rats and rabbits, and 28 days in mice. Mice treated with SSPN formulations demonstrated undetectable viral loads (700 copies/mL detection limit), and HIV RNA remained undetectable 28 days post-infection in plasma, spleen, lung, and liver. The in vivo data presented here demonstrate that the combined prodrug/SSPN approach can provide a dramatically extended pharmacokinetic half-life across multiple preclinical species. Species differences in renal clearance of FTC mean that longer exposures are likely to be achievable in humans than in preclinical models.
pH-Responsive Biomaterials for the Treatment of Dental Caries—A Focussed and Critical Review
Authors: He Yanping , Vasilev Krasimir , Zilm Peter
Published: June 2023

Dental caries is a common and costly multifactorial biofilm disease caused by cariogenic bacteria that ferment carbohydrates to lactic acid, demineralizing the inorganic component of teeth. Therefore, low pH (pH 4.5) is a characteristic signal of the localised carious environment, compared to a healthy oral pH range (6.8 to 7.4). The development of pH-responsive delivery systems that release antibacterial agents in response to low pH has gained attention as a targeted therapy for dental caries. Release is triggered by high levels of acidogenic species and their reduction may select for the establishment of health-associated biofilm communities. Moreover, drug efficacy can be amplified by the modification of the delivery system to target adhesion to the plaque biofilm to extend the retention time of antimicrobial agents in the oral cavity. In this review, recent developments of different pH-responsive nanocarriers and their biofilm targeting mechanisms are discussed. This review critically discusses the current state of the art and innovations in the development and use of smart delivery materials for dental caries treatment. The authors’ views for the future of the field are also presented.
BRCT Domains: Structure, Functions, and Implications in Disease—New Therapeutic Targets for Innovative Drug Discovery against Infections
Authors: Peña-Guerrero José , Fernández-Rubio Celia , García-Sosa Alfonso T. , Nguewa Paul A.
Published: June 2023

The search for new therapeutic targets and their implications in drug development remains an emerging scientific topic. BRCT-bearing proteins are found in Archaea, Bacteria, Eukarya, and viruses. They are traditionally involved in DNA repair, recombination, and cell cycle control. To carry out these functions, BRCT domains are able to interact with DNA and proteins. Moreover, such domains are also implicated in several pathogenic processes and malignancies including breast, ovarian, and lung cancer. Although these domains exhibit moderately conserved folding, their sequences show very low conservation. Interestingly, sequence variations among species are considered positive traits in the search for suitable therapeutic targets, since non-specific drug interactions might be reduced. These main characteristics of BRCT, as well as its critical implications in key biological processes in the cell, have prompted the study of these domains as therapeutic targets. This review explores the possible roles of BRCT domains as therapeutic targets for drug discovery. We describe their common structural features and relevant interactions and pathways, as well as their implications in pathologic processes. Drugs commonly used to target these domains are also presented. Finally, based on their structures, we describe new drug design possibilities using modern and innovative techniques.
Intrusion Monitoring Based on High Dimensional Random Matrix by Using Ultra-Weak Fiber Bragg Grating Array
Authors: Gu Hongcan , Huang Junbing , Wu Su , Zhou Ciming , Zhang Zhiqiang , Liu Cong , Pang Yandong
Published: June 2023

In order to ensure that a perimeter security system can work effectively, a convenient and effective event detection algorithm has an important engineering significance. Given the above background, in this paper, we propose a high reliability intrusion event recognition method and vibration sensing system, based on ultra-weak fiber Bragg grating array, by using high dimensional random matrix. We obtain a high sensitivity optical interference signal by constructing a patch-matched optical interference system, then compose the demodulated interference signal into a high-dimensional random matrix. The statistical characteristics of the matrix for the Marcenko-Pastur (M-P) law and ring law are used to confirm the presence of intrusion events efficiently, which can reflect the limit spectrum distribution of the high-dimensional random matrix; meanwhile, the abnormal state quantity and moment are obtained. Further, the average spectral radius value is used to judge the fault cause. Field experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively obtain the correct monitoring data for the sensor array. By comparing the monitoring results of normal operation and crusher operation, we can detect the intrusion event in 4.5 s, and the accuracy rate can reach more than 90%, which verifies that the proposed high-dimensional random matrix analysis method can work properly, proving a practical engineering application prospect.
Phytoremediation of Pollutants: Applicability and Future Perspective
Authors: Bartucca Maria Luce , Cerri Martina , Forni Cinzia
Published: June 2023

Environmental pollution is a global issue since it is spreading worldwide, affecting entire ecosystems [...]
Two Congeneric Shrubs from the Atacama Desert Show Different Physiological Strategies That Improve Water Use Efficiency under a Simulated Heat Wave
Authors: Ostria-Gallardo Enrique , Zúñiga-Contreras Estrella , Carvajal Danny E. , de La Peña Teodoro Coba , Gianoli Ernesto , Bascuñán-Godoy Luisa
Published: June 2023

Desert shrubs are keystone species for plant diversity and ecosystem function. Atriplex clivicola and Atriplex deserticola (Amaranthaceae) are native shrubs from the Atacama Desert that show contrasting altitudinal distribution (A. clivicola: 0–700 m.a.s.l.; A. deserticola: 1500–3000 m.a.s.l.). Both species possess a C4 photosynthetic pathway and Kranz anatomy, traits adaptive to high temperatures. Historical records and projections for the near future show trends in increasing air temperature and frequency of heat wave events in these species’ habitats. Besides sharing a C4 pathway, it is not clear how their leaf-level physiological traits associated with photosynthesis and water relations respond to heat stress. We studied their physiological traits (gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, water status) before and after a simulated heat wave (HW). Both species enhanced their intrinsic water use efficiency after HW but via different mechanisms. A. clivicola, which has a higher LMA than A. deserticola, enhances water saving by closing stomata and maintaining RWC (%) and leaf Ψmd potential at similar values to those measured before HW. After HW, A. deserticola showed an increase of Amax without concurrent changes in gs and a significant reduction of RWC and Ψmd. A. deserticola showed higher values of Chla fluorescence after HW. Thus, under heat stress, A. clivicola maximizes water saving, whilst A. deserticola enhances its photosynthetic performance. These contrasting (eco)physiological strategies are consistent with the adaptation of each species to their local environmental conditions at different altitudes.
Metal-Chelated Polymeric Nanomaterials for the Removal of Penicillin G Contamination
Authors: Kuru Cansu İlke , Ulucan-Karnak Fulden , Akgol Sinan
Published: June 2023

We developed selective and relatively low-cost metal-chelated nanoparticle systems for the removal of the penicillin G (Pen G) antibiotic, presented for the first time in the literature. In the nanosystem, poly(glycidyl methacrylate) nanoparticles were synthesized by a surfactant-free emulsion polymerization method and covalently bound with a tridentate-chelating ligand, iminodiacetic acid, based on the immobilized metal chelate affinity technique. It was modified with Cu2+, a chelating metal, to make Pen G specific. Metal-chelated nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, zeta dimensional analysis, and scanning electron microscopy technology. Optimization studies of the Pen G removal were conducted. As a result of this study, Pen G removal with the p(GMA)-IDA-Cu2+ nanoparticle reached its maximum adsorption capacity of 633.92 mg/g in the short time of 15 min. The Pen G adsorption of p(GMA)-IDA-Cu2+ was three times more than that of the p(GMA) nanoparticles and two times more than that of the ampicillin adsorption. In addition, there was no significant decrease in the adsorption capacity of Pen G resulting from the repeated adsorption–desorption process of metal-chelated nanoparticles over five cycles. The metal-chelated nanoparticle had an 84.5% ability to regain its ability to regenerate the product with its regeneration capability, making the widespread use of the system very convenient in terms of reducing cost, an important factor in removal processes.
Effect of Flaxseed Gum on the Textural, Rheological, and Tribological Properties of Acid-Induced Soy Protein Isolate Gels
Authors: Chen Cunshe , Ma Peipei , Jiang Siyuan , Bourouis Imane , Pang Zhihua , Liu Xinqi , Wang Pengjie
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effects of incorporating different concentrations of flaxseed gum (FG) into acid-induced soy protein isolate (SPI) gels. The investigation focused on assessing the effects of FG on the textural, rheological, and tribological properties of the resultant SPI gels. The results showed that adding a small amount of FG (0.05%) to the SPI gel system increased the storage modulus (G′) and enhanced gelation while improving textural properties including hardness, viscosity, elasticity, and adhesion. Moreover, these gels exhibited strong water-holding capacity, a desirable property in various food products. However, when the concentration was increased to 0.3%, the WHC of the gel decreased, as did the hardness and cohesiveness. The particle size of the gel also increased with increasing concentration. Tribological investigations revealed that at 0.05–0.2% FG addition, the coefficient of friction (μ) of the composite gel was decreased compared to the pure SPI gel. In the sliding speed range of 1–100 mm/s, the coefficient of friction gradually increased with increasing concentration. When the FG concentration was 0.05%, the μ of the gel system was the lowest. In summary, low concentration of FG (0.05%) was found to play an important role in improving the properties of SPI gel, including enhancing textural, rheological, and lubricating properties.
Computer Simulation Insight into the Adsorption and Diffusion of Polyelectrolytes on Oppositely Charged Surface
Authors: Glagoleva Anna A. , Yaroslavov Alexander A. , Vasilevskaya Valentina V.
Published: June 2023

In the present work, by means of computer simulation, we studied the adsorption and diffusion of polyelectrolyte macromolecules on oppositely charged surfaces. We considered the surface coverage and the charge of the adsorbed layer depending on the ionization degree of the macromolecules and the charge of the surface and carried out a computer experiment on the polymer diffusion within the adsorbed layers, taking into account its strong dependency on the surface coverage and the macromolecular ionization degree. The different regimes were distinguished that provided maximal mobility of the polymer chains along with a high number of charged groups in the layer, which could be beneficial for the development of the functional coatings. The results were compared with those of previous experiments on the adsorption of polyelectrolyte layers that may be applied as biocidal renewable coatings that can reversibly desorb from the surface.
Physical Simulation Experiments of Hydraulic Fracture Initiation and Propagation under the Influence of Deep Shale Natural Fractures
Authors: Hu Zhou , Chen Pengfei , Jiang Wei , Yang Yadong , Li Yizhen , Zou Longqing , Wang Huaming , Sun Yuping , Peng Yu
Published: June 2023

Horizontal wells’ multi-section and multi-cluster hydraulic fracturing plays an important role in the efficient development of shale gas. However, the influence of the perforating hole and natural fracture dip angle on the process of hydraulic fracture initiation and propagation has been ignored in the current researches. This paper presents the results related to a tri-axial large-scale hydraulic fracturing experiment under different natural fracture parameters. We discuss the experimental results relating to the near-wellbore tortuosity propagation of hydraulic fractures. Experimental results showed that the triaxial principal stress of the experimental sample was deflected by the natural fracture, which caused significant near-wellbore tortuosity propagation of the hydraulic fractures. The fractures in most rock samples were not perpendicular to the minimum horizontal principal stress after the experiment. As well, the deflection degree of triaxial principal stress direction and the probability of hydraulic fractures near-wellbore tortuosity propagation decreased with the increase of the natural fracture dip angle. After hydraulic fractures’ tortuous propagation, the hydraulic fractures will propagate in the direction controlled by the triaxial stress in the far-wellbore area. For reservoirs with natural fractures, proppant in hydraulic fracturing should be added after the fractures are fully expanded to prevent sand plugging in tortuous fractures. When the permeability of natural fractures is low, the volume of fracturing fluid entering natural fractures is small, and hydraulic fractures are easy to pass through the natural fractures.
Research on the Energy Savings of Ships’ Water Cooling Pump Motors Based on Direct Torque Control
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhao Fujian , Sun Lun , Hou Yu , Chen Ning
Published: June 2023

This study presents a Simulink model and the simulation of a central water cooling system and the main seawater pump motor of a 59,990 DWT bulk carrier, based on a direct torque control strategy to control the frequency of the ship’s water cooling pump motors. Simulation curves of the water cooling system under different sailing conditions were simulated based on 100% of rated power, 80% of common power, and the seawater temperature of the ship’s main engine. The simulation of the current, speed, and torque of the pump motor under direct torque control verified that the ship’s water cooling pump motor could save approximately 22.70%, 36.76%, and 52.70% of electrical energy, respectively, throughout the year with this inverted control solution.
Design and Analysis of Comprehensive Solar Utilization System Based on Photovoltaic Concentration and Spectral Splitting
Authors: He Zhipeng , Tian Yizhi
Published: June 2023

In order to address the issue of a solar utilization system with low efficiency, this paper designs a new solar conversion system based on photovoltaic concentration and spectral splitting. The system concentrates sunlight through a Fresnel lens and uses a hollow concave cavity to evenly distribute the incident energy flow. The spectral splitting medium separates the useful irradiance for the PV cell from those wavelengths that are more suited to heat generation. By considering the available wavelength of photovoltaic cells, the GaAs cell and a ZnO nanofluid were selected for this paper. It was found that installing the hollow concave cavity improved the spot uniformity of the PV cell surface by 17%. The output efficiency of the system under various circumstances was analyzed. The results show that at a concentration ratio of 50 and a light intensity of 1000 W/m2, photoelectric conversion efficiency increased by 0.81%. When compared to direct concentration, the photoelectric conversion efficiency increased by at least 7%. Meanwhile, the comprehensive electrical efficiency was 36.7%, which is higher than that of the normal concentration PV and comprehensive thermal system.
Nonlinear Analysis of Cross Rolls of Electrically Conducting Fluid under an Applied Magnetic Field with Rotation
Authors: Rameshwar Y. , Srinivas G. , Rao A. Krishna , Mahabaleshwar U. S. , Laroze D.
Published: June 2023

The proposed planer layer dynamo physical model has real-world applications, especially in the Earth’s liquid core. Thus, in this paper, an attempt is made to understand the finite amplitude convection when there exists a coupling between the Lorentz force and the Coriolis force. In particular, the effect of a horizontally applied magnetic field is studied on the Rayleigh–Bénard convection (RBC) that contains the electrically conducting fluid and rotates about its vertical axis. Free–free boundary conditions are assumed on the geometry. Attention is focused on the nonlinear convective flow behavior during the occurrence of cross rolls which are perpendicular to the applied magnetic field and parallel to the rotation axis. The visualization of cross rolls is achieved using the Fourier analysis of perturbations up to the O(ε8). The relationship of the Nusselt number (Nu) with respect to the Rayleigh number (R), the Ekman number (E), and the Elsasser number (Λ) is investigated. It is observed that E generates a strong damping effect on the flow velocity and on the heat transfer at high rotation rates. Using the heatline concept, it is observed that the temperature within the central regime is enhanced as the Λ increases. The results show that either E decreases or Λ increases, then the heat transfer rate increases.
Classical and Heuristic Approaches for Mobile Robot Path Planning: A Survey
Authors: Abdulsaheb Jaafar Ahmed , Kadhim Dheyaa Jasim
Published: June 2023

The most important research area in robotics is navigation algorithms. Robot path planning (RPP) is the process of choosing the best route for a mobile robot to take before it moves. Finding an ideal or nearly ideal path is referred to as “path planning optimization.” Finding the best solution values that satisfy a single or a number of objectives, such as the shortest, smoothest, and safest path, is the goal. The objective of this study is to present an overview of navigation strategies for mobile robots that utilize three classical approaches, namely: the roadmap approach (RM), cell decomposition (CD), and artificial potential fields (APF), in addition to eleven heuristic approaches, including the genetic algorithm (GA), ant colony optimization (ACO), artificial bee colony (ABC), gray wolf optimization (GWO), shuffled frog-leaping algorithm (SFLA), whale optimization algorithm (WOA), bacterial foraging optimization (BFO), firefly (FF) algorithm, cuckoo search (CS), and bat algorithm (BA), which may be used in various environmental situations. Multiple issues, including dynamic goals, static and dynamic environments, multiple robots, real-time simulation, kinematic analysis, and hybrid algorithms, are addressed in a different set of articles presented in this study. A discussion, as well as thorough tables and charts, will be presented at the end of this work to help readers understand what types of strategies for path planning are developed for use in a wide range of ecological contexts. Therefore, this work’s main contribution is that it provides a broad view of robot path planning, which will make it easier for scientists to study the topic in the near future.
Multi-Source SAR-Based Surface Deformation Monitoring and Groundwater Relationship Analysis in the Yellow River Delta, China
Authors: Liu Yilin , Zhang Yi , Zhao Faqiang , Ding Renwei , Zhao Lihong , Niu Yufen , Qu Feifei , Ling Zilong
Published: June 2023

Land motions are significantly widespread in the Yellow River delta (YRD). There is, however, a lack of understanding of the delta-wide comprehensive deformation mode and its dynamic mechanism, especially triggered by groundwater extraction. This paper adopts an integrated analysis of multidisciplinary data of image geodesy, geophysics, geology and hydrogeology to provide insights into Earth surface displacement patterns and dynamics in the YRD. Delta-scale land motions were measured for the first time using L-band ALOS images processed using multi-temporal InSAR, illustrating multiple obvious surface sinking regions and a maximum annual subsidence velocity of up to 130 mm. Then, the InSAR-constrained distributed point source model with optimal kernel parameters, a smoothness factor of 10 and a model grid size of 300 m was established and confirmed to be rational, reliable and accurate for modeling analysis over the YRD. Remarkable horizontal surface displacements, moving towards and converging on a sinking center, were recovered by means of modeling and measured using InSAR, with a maximum rate of up to 60 mm per year, which can trigger significant disasters, such as ground fissures and building damage. In addition, the annual total water storage variation at the delta scale, the most meaningful outcome, can be calculated and reaches a total of approximately 12,010 × 103 m3 in Guangrao city, efficiently filling the gap of GRACE and in situ investigations for delta-wide aquifer monitoring. Finally, a comparative analysis of time series InSAR measurements, modeling outcomes, and fault and groundwater data was conducted, and the strong agreement demonstrates that faults control aquifer distribution and hence the spatial distribution of groundwater-withdrawal-related regional land subsidence. Moreover, the obvious asymmetric displacements, demonstrating a northeasterly displacement trend, further reveal that faults control aquifer distribution and Earth surface deformation. These findings are useful for understanding the land motion patterns and dynamics, helping to sustainably manage groundwater and control disasters in the YRD and elsewhere worldwide.
Energetic Electron Precipitation via Satellite and Balloon Observations: Their Role in Atmospheric Ionization
Authors: Mironova Irina , Bazilevskaya Galina , Makhmutov Vladimir , Mironov Andrey , Bobrov Nikita
Published: June 2023

Information about the energetic electron precipitation (EEP) from the radiation belt into the atmosphere is important for assessing the ozone variability and dynamics of the middle atmosphere during magnetospheric and geomagnetic disturbances. The accurate values of energetic electron fluxes depending on their energy range are one of the most important problems for calculating atmospheric ionization rates, which, in turn, are taken into account for estimating ozone depletion in chemistry–climate models. Despite the importance of these processes for the high latitudes of middle atmosphere, precipitation of energetic electrons is still insufficiently studied. In order to better understand EEP and related processes in the atmosphere, it is important to have many realistic observations of EEP in order to correctly characterize their spectra. Invading the atmosphere, precipitating energetic electrons, in the range from tens of keV to relativistic energies of more than 1 MeV, generate bremsstrahlung, which penetrates into the stratosphere and is recorded by detectors on balloons. However, these observations can be made only when the balloon is at stratospheric heights. Near-Earth satellites, such as the polar-orbiting operational environmental satellites (POES), are constantly registering precipitating electrons in the loss cone, but are moving too fast in space. Based on a comparison of the results of EEP measurements on balloons and onboard POES satellites in 2003, we propose a criterion that makes it possible to constantly monitor EEP ionization at stratospheric heights using observations on POES satellites.
Disturbing Variability in Microwave Emission from a Non-Gaussian Distributed and Correlated Multiscale Rough Surface
Authors: Yang Ying , Chen Kun-Shan
Published: June 2023

In passive microwave remote sensing of the Earth’s surface, it is essential to relate the emission to geophysical parameters. The emissivity ranges between 0 and 1. Hence, a slight emissivity variation leads to a significant change in brightness temperature. Many sources of error contribute to such tiny variations in emission. This paper quantifies microwave emission variability from a rough surface through model simulation due to the non-Gaussianity in height probability density (HPD) and power spectrum density (PSD). We considered Gaussian and exponential distributions for surface height and correlation functions, representing two extremes of asperity and skewness. Additionally, the surface under consideration contains multiscale roughness. The impact of the HPD and multiscale roughness on the polarization index of the emissivity is evaluated as a function of frequency and roughness. In general, assuming that Gaussian-distributed height leads to an underestimation of the emissivity, with V polarization being less sensitive to the non-Gaussian HPD and PSD effects than H polarization, the emissions are enhanced at high roughness with small look angles but are reduced for smooth surfaces at large look angles under non-Gaussian PSD. In a specific scenario, the dynamic range of the difference between exponential and Gaussian HPD is 0~10%, and the difference in emissivity caused by non-Gaussian PSD ranges from −2% to 16%. These results should be helpful in interpreting the radiometric measurements that exhibit fluctuations and differences with model predictions.
Energy-Efficient and QoS-Aware Computation Offloading in GEO/LEO Hybrid Satellite Networks
Authors: Lv Wenkai , Yang Pengfei , Ding Yunqing , Wang Zhenyi , Lin Chengmin , Wang Quan
Published: June 2023

Benefiting from advanced satellite payload technologies, edge computing servers can be deployed on satellites to achieve orbital computing and reduce the mission processing delay. However, geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites are hindered by long-distance communication, whereas low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites are restricted by time windows. Relying solely on GEO or LEO satellites cannot meet the strict quality of service (QoS) requirements of on-board missions while conserving energy consumption. In this paper, we propose a computation offloading strategy for GEO/LEO hybrid satellite networks that minimizes total energy consumption while guaranteeing the QoS requirements of multiple missions. We first innovatively transform the on-board partial computation offloading problem, which is a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem, into a minimum cost maximum flow (MCMF) problem. Then, the successive shortest path-based computation offloading (SSPCO) method is introduced to obtain the offloading decision in polynomial time. To evaluate the effectiveness and performance of SSPCO, we conduct a series of numerical experiments and compare SSPCO with other offloading methods. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed SSPCO outperforms the reference methods in terms of total energy consumption, QoS violation degree, and algorithm running time.
Assessing Portuguese Elementary School Students’ Scientific Literacy: Application of the ALCE Instrument
Authors: Coppi Marcelo , Fialho Isabel , Cid Marília
Published: June 2023

The study aimed to identify the scientific literacy level of students at the end of the third cycle of Portuguese basic education and verify how the variables sex, failure, a liking for the subject, socio-economic level of the schools and course option in secondary education were related to the students’ scientific literacy levels. Data from the ALCE instrument, answered by 516 ninth-grade students from 20 public schools in mainland Portugal, revealed that 64.14% were classified as being scientifically literate and that most students were had a moderate level of scientific literacy. On average, significant differences were observed only between the students’ scientific literacy levels and the variables related to a liking for natural science and physical chemistry subjects, course option in secondary education and socio-economic level of the schools. Among the investigated variables, only the option of vocational courses, the option of science and technology and a liking for physical chemistry were able to predict, partially, the students’ scientific literacy levels. In summary, the results of the scientific literacy level of the students and the number of scientifically literate students were positive and similar to those verified in external evaluations and in other studies assessing the scientific literacy of this education cycle or similar.
Health Literacy and Preventive Behaviors towards COVID-19 among Village Health Volunteers and Residents in Urban and Rural Areas of Upper Southern Thailand
Authors: Saisanan Na Ayudhaya Wanvisa , Thanapop Chamnong , Wongrith Paleeratana , Loonlawong Sriprapa , Laor Pussadee , Fajriyah Rohmatul
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to assess health literacy (HL), preventive behaviors (PBs), and the factors associated with PBs toward COVID-19 among village health volunteers (VHVs) and residents in urban and rural areas in the upper south of Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted using valid questionnaires administered using an online platform. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and binary logistic regression analysis. A total of 846 people participated in this study, and 62.8% of participants had an adequate level of HL. Furthermore, 55.0% of participants had an adequate level of PBs. Among VHVs, PB levels were adequate, whereas among residents, they were inadequate. Moreover, among VHVs, underlying diseases (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.77, 95% CI: 1.13–2.76), access to HL (adjusted OR: 4.28, 95% CI: 1.42–12.88), appraisal of HL (adjusted OR: 3.09, 95% CI: 1.90–5.02), and application of HL (adjusted OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.52–4.12) were associated with COVID-19 PB. Additionally, among residents, only marital status (adjusted OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.04–2.44), appraisal of HL (adjusted OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.18–2.84), and application of HL (adjusted OR: 3.85, 95% CI: 2.39–6.20) were associated with PBs towards COVID-19. Furthermore, individuals with inadequate HL demonstrated noteworthy significance in all dimensions of PBs. To prioritize and optimize preventive programs aimed at enhancing PBs, the government must take proactive initiatives in implementing robust health communication strategies across diverse media platforms, both in the present and future.
Study on Spatial and Temporal Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Carbon Emissions in the Urban Agglomeration of the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River
Authors: Zhang Huang , Lei Yidong
Published: June 2023

The industrial transfer of heavy industries such as non-metallic mineral manufacturing, metal smelting and manufacturing from the eastern coast of China to the central region is beneficial to the economic development of the central region on the one hand, but increases carbon emissions in the central region on the other hand. In February 2022, the National Development and Reform Commission approved the “14th Five-Year Plan for the Development of the Urban Agglomeration in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River”. This indicates that the urban agglomeration of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River is an important region for implementing green development in the central area. The spatial and temporal evolution of carbon emissions and influencing factors in this region are the foundation for achieving carbon peaking and the carbon neutrality goal. This paper calculates the total carbon emissions of the cities in the urban agglomeration of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and uses models such as spatial autocorrelation, geographically weighted regression, and Geodetector to explore the spatial–temporal pattern of carbon emissions. The results show the following: (1) The total carbon emissions of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River urban agglomeration showed fluctuations during 2010–2020, and the carbon emission reduction effect is unstable. Additionally, the carbon emissions of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River city cluster show obvious spatial variability, but the high carbon emission area is always concentrated in Wuhan, and this remains unchanged. (2) In 2010, 2014 and 2017, population size was the most important factor affecting carbon emission divergence, and in terms of interaction, the interaction between energy intensity and GDP and urbanization is the reason for the increasing carbon emissions. (3) The influence of population size on carbon emissions decreases from north to south, the influence of energy intensity on carbon emissions shows a spread from the most influential region in the northwest to the centre and then to the northeast, and the GDP per capita has little influence on the difference of carbon emissions spatial distribution.
Do Green Bonds Play a Role in Achieving Sustainability?
Authors: Alamgir Muhammad , Cheng Ming-Chang
Published: June 2023

Green bonds play a pivotal role in promoting sustainability by channeling financial resources towards environmentally friendly projects, fostering a greener and more resilient future. This research investigates the role of “Green Bonds” in the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on two specific goals: climate action, represented by per capita carbon emissions (CO2), and clean energy, represented by per capita renewable energy production. Using data from 2007, when the first green bond was issued, up to 2021, we employed a one-step generalized method of moments (GMM) model to explore how green bonds impact global emission reduction and the increase in renewable energy production. The findings demonstrate that green bonds have a significant influence on both emissions and renewable energy production. Specifically, green bonds and renewable energy production have a positive and significant association, while emissions exhibit a negative relationship with green bonds. Our results reported a reduction in carbon emissions up to 0.8 tons, while an increase in renewable energy up to 66 kWh. Upon analyzing the data before and after 2015, we observe that prior to 2015, there was no significant effect of green bonds on emissions and renewable energy production. However, after 2015, green bonds substantially impacted both indicators. Furthermore, our results indicate that countries with higher green bond issuance are more likely to achieve their sustainability goals, particularly in terms of renewable energy production and carbon emission reductions. Conversely, countries with lower green bond issuance are struggling to attain their sustainability objectives in these areas.
Antecedents of Waze Mobile Application Usage as a Solution for Sustainable Traffic Management among Gen Z
Authors: Gumasing Ma. Janice J. , Bermejo Frances Jeann Charlize S. , Elpedes Keisha Taranee C. , Gonzales Lady Fatima E. , Villajin Aaron Chastine V.
Published: June 2023

The study aimed to investigate Gen Z’s intentions to utilize the Waze mobile application as a solution for sustainable traffic management in Metro Manila. The extended technology acceptance model (TAM) was used to define user behavior and technology usage to determine the factors influencing Filipino drivers’ acceptance of the Waze application. The study utilized a survey given to 300 Filipino drivers travelling within the National Capital Region to accurately measure various factors and their connections to usage intention and actual use. The analytical approach used for this investigation was partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The study’s data results revealed that system quality, perceived location accuracy, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use affect Gen Z’s intentions to use traffic navigation applications, particularly Waze. The study’s results can be applied as a theoretical framework for future researchers of Waze mobile applications, Waze route accuracy, and Waze overall application performance, as well as the features of the Waze application, to evaluate how the use of the Waze mobile application could help in the effective management of traffic situations in Metro Manila. The study assessed the effectiveness of the Waze navigation app as a platform for efficiently managing traffic situations in Metro Manila and highlighted the application performance of Waze and its acceptance by Gen Z users in Metro Manila. The study also highlighted the need a critical review of Waze’s application performance. The study recommends that similar future studies must consider samples from a more diverse geographic backgrounds to obtain a more accurate representation of Filipino users. Future researchers are also advised to adopt a qualitative research design to gain more detailed insights into Filipinos regarding their experience with the Waze application.