bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart Parking System Based on Edge-Cloud-Dew Computing Architecture
Authors: Yu Yuan-Chih
Published: June 2023

In a smart parking system, the license plate recognition service controls the car’s entry and exit and plays the core role in the parking lot system. When the Internet is interrupted, the parking lot’s business will also be interrupted. Hence, we proposed an Edge-Cloud-Dew architecture for the mobile industry in order to tackle this critical problem. The architecture has an innovative design, including LAN-level deployment, Platform-as-a-Dew Service (PaaDS), the dew version of license plate recognition, and the dew type of machine learning model training. Based on these designs, the architecture presents many benefits, such as: (1) reduced maintenance and deployment issues and increased dew service reliability and sustainability; (2) effective release of the network constraint on cloud computing and increase in the horizontal and vertical scalability of the system; (3) enhancement of dew computing to resolve the heavy computing process problem; and (4) proposal of a dew type of machine learning training mechanism without requiring periodic retraining, but with acceptable accuracy. Finally, business owners can reduce their burdens when introducing machine learning technology. Our research goal is to make parking systems smarter in edge computing through the integration of cloud and dew architecture technology.
Impacts of Floating Poly on Electrostatic Discharge Protection of Power-Managed High-Voltage Laterally Diffused Metal Oxide Semiconductor Components
Authors: Mai Xing-Chen , Chen Shen-Li , Chen Hung-Wei , Lee Yi-Mu
Published: June 2023

This study used a TSMC 0.18 µm 50 V process to build a high-voltage n-LDMOS structure. In the reference device, the number of floating poly (poly-2) turns was 7, and the width and spacing of each turn was 1 µm. The experiment was realized in three steps, i.e., fixing the number of laps by occupying the width of the structure, adjusting the width of each turn, and adjusting the distance between turns. The first step was fixed to occupy the width of the structure chart to adjust the number of turns. The number of turns increased from 7 to 9 and then decreased to 5 and 3 turns. The reduction in the number of turns resulted in a greater reduction in maximum electric field and an increase in breakdown voltage. A comparison of the 3-turn set with the reference set showed a 42% reduction in maximum electric field, from 4.17 × 103 to 2.46 × 103 (V/cm), and an increase in breakdown voltage (VBK) from 30.2 V to 35.84 V. The second step was to adjust the width of each turn from 1 to 1.4, 1.2, 0.8, and 0.6 µm. This increase in width reduced the maximum electric field, resulting in a greater increase in VBK. When the width was increased to 1.4 µm, the maximum field decreased from 1.95 × 103 V/cm to 1.4 × 103 V/cm and the VBK increased from 30.2 V to 85.6 V, an increase of 183%. The third step was to adjust the per-turn spacing of the reference group from 1 to 1.4, 1.2, 0.8, and 0.6 µm. When the spacing was reduced to 0.6 µm, the maximum electric field decreased by 33% from 1.95 × 103 to 1.32 × 103 V/cm and the VBK increased by 345% from 30.2 to 134.4 V.
Research Progress of Human–Computer Interaction Technology Based on Gesture Recognition
Authors: Zhou Hongyu , Wang Dongying , Yu Yang , Zhang Zhenrong
Published: June 2023

Gesture recognition, as a core technology of human–computer interaction, has broad application prospects and brings new technical possibilities for smart homes, medical care, sports training, and other fields. Compared with the traditional human–computer interaction models based on PC use with keyboards and mice, gesture recognition-based human–computer interaction modes can transmit information more naturally, flexibly, and intuitively, which has become a research hotspot in the field of human–computer interaction in recent years. This paper described the current status of gesture recognition technology, summarized the principles and development history of electromagnetic wave sensor recognition, stress sensor recognition, electromyographic sensor recognition, and visual sensor recognition, and summarized the improvement of this technology by researchers in recent years through the direction of sensor structure, selection of characteristic signals, the algorithm of signal processing, etc. By sorting out and comparing the typical cases of the four implementations, the advantages and disadvantages of each implementation and the application scenarios were discussed from the two aspects of dataset size and accuracy. Based on the abovementioned discussion, the problems and challenges of current gesture recognition technology were discussed in terms of the biocompatibility of sensor structures, wearability and adaptability, stability, robustness, and crossover of signal acquisition and analysis algorithms, and the future development directions in this field were proposed.
A Compact Hybrid G-band Heterodyne Receiver Integrated with Millimeter Microwave Integrated Circuits and Schottky Diode-Based Circuits
Authors: Huang Kun , Zhang Liang , Li Ruoxue , Tian Yaoling , He Yue , Jiang Jun , Deng Xianjin , Su Wei
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a compact hybrid G-band (170–260 GHz) heterodyne receiver module incorporating both Millimeter Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs) and a Schottky diode-based circuit. An on-chip sextupler and a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA), along with a diode-based Sub-Harmonic Mixer (SHM), are integrated into the demonstrated singular module, which is carefully designed and arranged with the co-simulations in electromagnetic and thermal domain. Through this methodology, a terahertz receiver module is fabricated with a volume of only 27 × 20 × 20 mm3. The measured results indicate that the double-sideband conversion gain of the receiver is 10.5–17.5 dB from 195 GHz to 230 GHz, while the noise temperature is 1009–1158 K. As a result, this terahertz receiver provides recorded miniaturized hardware applicable for terahertz Integration of Sensing and Communication (ISAC) systems.
A Review of Cuckoo Filters for Privacy Protection and Their Applications
Authors: Zhao Yekang , Dai Wangchen , Wang Shiren , Xi Liang , Wang Shenqing , Zhang Feng
Published: June 2023

As the global digitalization process continues, information is transformed into data and widely used, while the data are also at risk of serious privacy breaches. The Cuckoo filter is a data structure based on the Cuckoo hash. It encrypts data when it is used and can achieve privacy protection to a certain extent. The Cuckoo filter is an alternative to the Bloom filter, with advantages such as support for deleting elements and efficient space utilization. Cuckoo filters are widely used and developed in the fields of network engineering, storage systems, databases, file systems, distributed systems, etc., because they are often used to solve collection element query problems. In recent years, many variants of the Cuckoo filter have emerged based on ideas such as improving the structure and introducing new technologies in order to accommodate a variety of different scenarios, as well as a huge collection. With the development of the times, the improvement of the structure and operation logic of the Cuckoo filter itself has become an important direction for the research of aggregate element query.
Development of an FPGA-Based Robotic Anti-Electromagnetic Interference Unsorted Bin-Picking System
Authors: Zhang Tianyuan , Sun Baojiang , You Xiaoxiao , Liu Haiying , Chu Chunlin
Published: June 2023

In response to the problem of robots needing to perform bin-picking in many industries, a small robot system was developed with a workpiece-position-detection system based on Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology. The system integrated object detection and feature matching techniques, bolstered by optimization methods, to enhance its functionality on the FPGA platform. Furthermore, a two-wire control bus was designed specifically for reliable operation in environments characterized by strong interference, drawing inspiration from the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. The experimental results demonstrated that the system’s performance was comparable to that of the point-cloud-algorithm-based bin-picking system, while also exhibiting greater stability. Notably, the cost of the controller was significantly reduced, and the embedded hardware and software design ensured stability and adaptability for deployment in demanding settings, such as small-scale heavy industry factories.
PEM Fuel Cell Emulators: A Review
Authors: Hernández-Gómez Ángel , Langarica-Cordoba Diego , Martinez-Rodriguez Panfilo R. , Guilbert Damien , Ramirez Victor , Saldivar Belem
Published: June 2023

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) emulators are feasible solutions for conducting low-cost and safe developments. These types of systems have attracted the attention of global PEMFC manufacturers and research groups over the last few years. Owing to these emulators, it has been possible to develop and optimize PEMFC systems including power electronics and control without the need to use or damage a real PEMFC. However, despite the importance of PEMFC emulators in research, reported studies on this topic remain scarce. For this reason, this review describes the main characteristics and different types of PEMFC emulators (i.e., pseudo and electronic emulators), providing a basis for new emulator prototypes. Additionally, in this paper, the mathematical models that complement PEMFC emulators are presented (i.e., these models and emulators generate reliable measurements compared with real PEMFC systems). Examples of electronic circuit designs based on mathematical models (electrical and heat) are also presented to give some insight into the construction of new PEMFC emulators. Therefore, this paper proposes tools for the construction of new PEMFC emulators to boost the development of this technology.
Carbon Dioxide Utilization Using Chlorella Microalgae
Authors: Politaeva Natalia , Ilin Igor , Velmozhina Ksenia , Shinkevich Polina
Published: June 2023

The problem of the excessive CO2 emitted into the atmosphere is one of the significant problems for the modern world and ecology. This article examines the dynamics of carbon dioxide absorption from thermal power plants, TPP, and waste gases by three types of microalgae, the most typical for the Russian Federation: Chlorella kessleri, Chlorella vulgaris, and Chlorella sorokiniana. The exhaust gases of the TPP contain up to 39% carbon dioxide. In this work, the rate of absorption of carbon dioxide from model exhaust gases with a CO2 content of up to 39% was studied. As a result of the study, a species of microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) was identified, characterized by the maximum rate of absorption of CO2 = 0.412 g/L·day and the maximum volume of CO2 utilized in 1 day = 8.125 L. The conducted research proved the possibility of utilizing a large content (up to 39%) of carbon dioxide from the exhaust gases of the TPP with the help of microalgae of the genus Chlorella. A scheme for the utilization of CO2 with the help of microalgae is also proposed, which meets the principles of a circular economy (closed cycle).
Soil Springtail Communities Are Resilient to Forest Tent Caterpillar Defoliation in Quebec Mixed Hardwood Forests
Authors: Gagnon Koudji Essivi , Despland Emma , Caron Anne-Sophie , Handa I. Tanya
Published: June 2023

Outbreaks of defoliator insects are important natural disturbances in boreal forests, but their increasing frequency under warming climate conditions is of concern. Outbreak events can shape ecosystem dynamics with cascading effects through trophic networks. Caterpillar defoliation can alter tree physiology, increase sunlight to the understory, and result in the deposition of large amounts of leaf litter and caterpillar frass to the forest floor. These modifications can thus affect soil organisms through direct (e.g., changes in soil temperature or moisture) or indirect (e.g., changes in detrital and root food webs) mechanisms. We assessed whether a recent (2015 to 2017) outbreak of the forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria) at the Lake Duparquet Teaching and Research Forest (Abitibi, QC, Canada) affected soil springtail communities, abundant microarthropods in forest soils. In 2018 and 2019, we sampled litter and soil (0–10 cm depth) at eight sites each in aspen-dominated (Populus tremuloides Michx) stands that were undefoliated or had a recent defoliation history. We found no significant difference in springtail abundance (specimens cm−2) or alpha diversity indices between undefoliated sites and those with defoliation history. However, we observed a transient change in springtail community composition 1 year after the outbreak (2018) with the absence of Folsomia nivalis, Anurophorus sp1, and Xenylla christianseni in sites with defoliation history, but no compositional differences were observed in 2019. Certain soil nutrients (P, C, Mg, Mn) were significant predictors of springtail community composition, but soil microbial biomass was not, despite its significant decrease in sites with defoliation history. Our results show that soil springtail communities respond in the short-term to the forest tent caterpillar outbreak with compositional shifts, but seem ultimately resilient to these events.
Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Effects of Host Shift on Dendrolimus houi Lajonquière Larvae
Authors: Fang Xinyuan , Chen Zhenghao , Chen Zhenhong , Chen Jian , Zhao Zhenhui , Wu Peilin , Wu Hongmin , Zhang Feiping , Liang Guanghong
Published: June 2023

Dendrolimus houi Lajonquière is one of the most prevalent pine caterpillars in southern China, causing overwhelming forest infestation. It can overcome the negative impact of host shift from the original host, Cryptomeria fortune, to other tree species to complete its life cycle. In this work, D. houi larvae (1st to 3rd instar), originally feeding on C. fortunei needles, were used to determine the changes in the growth and development after they moved to needles of Cupressus funebris and Pinus yunnanensis during their 4th to 5th instar. Metabonomics and transcriptomics were conducted to evaluate the effects of the host shift on metabolite accumulation and gene expression of D. houi larvae. The results showed that the host shift significantly inhibited the pest growth and development by extending developmental duration and minifying the body length, body weight and head shell width. Besides, we found that the host shift influenced steroid hormone biosynthesis in D. houi larvae, which might lead to their abnormal development. The results may help to understand the response of D. houi larvae to host shift, and their adaptation mechanism to different hosts during multiple life cycles, providing a new plantation mode for mixed forests to suppress D. houi as well.
Biotechnological Production of Fumaric Acid by Rhizopus arrhizus—Reaching Industrially Relevant Final Titers
Authors: Kuenz Anja , Eidt Laslo , Prüße Ulf
Published: June 2023

Fumaric acid is used in various areas of the chemical industry due to its functional groups. For example, it is used in the polymer industry to produce unsaturated polyester resins, which are nowadays mostly produced from fossil raw materials. With regard to sustainable biotechnological fumaric acid production, the main challenge is to develop a cost-effective and robust fermentation process with industrially relevant final titers, productivities and yields. For biotechnological fumaric acid production, mainly fungi of the genus Rhizopus are used, which require very complex and challenging morphology control. The aim of this work is the development of an effective biotechnological fumaric acid production process with R. arrhizus NRRL 1526. Significant insights into the morphology control of the fungus and optimization of production characteristics were obtained, and a final titer of 86.3 g/L fumaric acid was achieved in a batch cultivation, with a yield of 0.67 g/g and a productivity of 0.60 g/(L∙h). In addition, a fed-batch process was developed, in which the production phase was extended, and a maximum final titer of 195.4 g/L fumaric acid was achieved. According to current knowledge, this value is the highest final concentration of fumaric acid produced using biotechnology.
Development of a Fuel Model for Cistus spp. and Testing Its Fire Behavior Prediction Performance
Authors: Athanasiou Miltiadis , Martinis Aristotelis , Korakaki Evangelia , Avramidou Evangelia V.
Published: June 2023

This paper presents the development of a fuel model that can describe fuel situations in areas dominated by Cistus spp. (rockrose) in Greece. In order to obtain the necessary fuel data, thirty (30) 1 m2 plots were destructively sampled in phryganic areas dominated by Cistus creticus, Cistus parviflorus, and Cistus salvifolius in western Greece. To develop the fuel model for Cistus spp., field measurements were supplemented with published parameter values for Cistus salvifolius. The resulting fuel model (with a height of 9.44 cm) is suitable for describing Cistus spp.-dominated phryganic areas of relatively low vegetation height in southeastern Europe. Once developed, the fuel model was inputted into the BehavePlus system to produce surface fire rate of spread predictions (ROSpred, m·min−1), which were then compared to 21 surface fire ROS field observations (ROSobs) obtained from wildfires or prescribed burns in areas covered by Cistus spp. It was found that the ROS for the Cistus spp. fuel model significantly underpredicted the actual ROS. A statistically significant linear regression equation was developed to mathematically describe the relationship between the predicted and observed ROS. This equation can be used to adjust BehavePlus predictions to more accurately reflect the real-world fire behavior for this fuel type.
Effects of Sequential Combination of Moderate Pressure and Ultrasound on Subsequent Thermal Pasteurization of Liquid Whole Egg
Authors: Ribeiro Ana C. , Casal Susana , Lopes da Silva José A. , Saraiva Jorge A.
Published: June 2023

As an alternative to commercial whole egg thermal pasteurization (TP), the sequential combination of moderate pressure (MP) and/or ultrasound (US) pre-treatments prior to a shorter TP was evaluated. The use of US alone or in combination with MP or TP resulted in an inactivation that was far from that of commercial TP. Nevertheless, when these three technologies were combined (MP–US–TP, 160 MPa/5 min–50% amplitude/1 min–60 °C/1.75 min), a safety level comparable to that of commercial TP was established. This was likely due to a decrease in the thermal resistance of Salmonella Senftenberg 775/W caused by MP and US pre-treatments. Regarding liquid whole egg (LWE) properties, using raw LWE as a reference, TP and MP treatments each decreased protein solubility (7–12%), which was accompanied by a viscosity increment (41–59%), whereas the US-only and MP–US–TP treatments improved protein solubility (about 4%) and reduced viscosity (about 34%). On average, all treatments lowered the emulsifying properties of LWE by 35–63%, with the MP–US–TP treatment having a more dramatic impact than commercial TP. In addition, the US-only, MP-only, and MP–US–TP treatments had the greatest impact on the volatile profile of LWE, lowering the concentration of the total volatile components. In comparison to commercial TP, LWE treated with MP–US–TP exhibited greater protein solubility (19%), lower viscosity (56%), and comparable emulsifying stability, but with a decreased emulsifying capacity (39%) and a lower total volatile compounds content (77%). Considering that a combined treatment (MP–US–TP) is lethally equivalent to commercial TP, but the latter better retained the quality properties of raw LWE, including volatiles, the application of MP followed by US pre-treatments before a shorter TP did not demonstrate significant advantages on quality parameters in comparison to commercial TP.
Food Allergies and Parasites in Children
Authors: Packi Kacper , Rudek Alicja , Matysiak Joanna , Klimczak Sylwia , Matuszewska Eliza , Rzetecka Natalia , Matysiak Jan
Published: June 2023

The dynamically growing incidence of food allergies forces the scientific community to develop new methods for their diagnosis, differentiation, and effective treatment. Parasitoses appear much less frequently in the scientific literature, as well as among the presumed causes of numerous conditions. The similarity of inflammatory mechanisms in allergies and parasitosis necessitates a revision of current diagnostic standards. A lack of specificity and the coincidence of symptoms at an early stage of disease can lead to misdiagnosis. In this paper, we attempted to perform a comparative analysis of the similarities and differences in symptoms for these two types of diseases. We described the molecular mechanisms and metabolic pathways of food allergy and parasitosis. We presented the available research methods and directions of ongoing studies aimed at implementing precise medical techniques for differential diagnosis. We discussed the allergenic properties of certain parasite proteins, using the example of myofibrillar tropomyosins from the nematode Anisakis simplex. The literature in the fields of allergology and parasitology leads to the conclusion that it is reasonable to run parallel allergological and parasitological diagnostics in patients with non-specific symptoms. This approach will facilitate accurate and early diagnosis and implementation of effective therapy.
Mangiferin for the Management of Liver Diseases: A Review
Authors: Li Lisi , Dong Yujia , Liu Xifu , Wang Meng
Published: June 2023

The liver is a digestive and metabolic organ, and several factors can induce liver damage, which is a severe threat to human health. As a natural polyphenolic compound, mangiferin belongs to xanthone glucoside and mainly exists in many plants, such as mango. It is notorious that mangiferin has remarkable pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidative stress, antiviral and so on. Emerging evidence indicates the therapeutic benefits of mangiferin against liver disease, including liver injury, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review aims to summarize the possible underlying signaling mediated by mangiferin in liver disease treatment and the available findings of mangiferin, which can be used to treat different liver diseases and may contribute to mangiferin as a therapeutic agent for liver disease in humans.
Characterization and Mechanism of Gel Deterioration of Egg Yolk Powder during Storage
Authors: Tian Yang , Lin Songyi , Bao Zhijie
Published: June 2023

Egg yolk forms have several health and industrial applications, but their storage characteristics and gel mechanisms have not been thoroughly studied. In order to investigate the relationship between the changes in structure and properties of egg yolk gel and egg yolk powder during storage, in this paper, egg yolk powder was stored at 37 °C for 0, 1, 3, and 6 months in an accelerated storage experiment, and the influence of storage time on the gel properties of egg yolk powder was analyzed. The results showed that the contents of protein carbonylation and sulfhydryl in the yolk decreased gradually with the extension of storage time. Circular dichroism and fluorescence spectra showed that the ordered structure and structural stability of egg yolk proteins decreased gradually. Oxidation led to the formation of intermolecular crosslinking in the egg yolk proteins and oxidized aggregates, resulting in a decrease in surface hydrophobicity, which affected the gel properties of the egg yolk powder after rehydration, resulting in the phenomenon of lipid migration and gel degradation. The results provide a theoretical basis for improving egg yolk powder’s overall quality and storage stability.
A Keystone Gut Bacterium Christensenella minuta—A Potential Biotherapeutic Agent for Obesity and Associated Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Ang Wei-Shan , Law Jodi Woan-Fei , Letchumanan Vengadesh , Hong Kar Wai , Wong Sunny Hei , Ab Mutalib Nurul Syakima , Chan Kok-Gan , Lee Learn-Han , Tan Loh Teng-Hern
Published: June 2023

A new next-generation probiotic, Christensenella minuta was first discovered in 2012 from healthy human stool and described under the phylum Firmicutes. C. minuta is a subdominant commensal bacterium with highly heritable properties that exhibits mutual interactions with other heritable microbiomes, and its relative abundance is positively correlated with the lean host phenotype associated with a low BMI index. It has been the subject of numerous studies, owing to its potential health benefits. This article reviews the evidence from various studies of C. minuta interventions using animal models for managing metabolic diseases, such as obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, and type 2 diabetes, characterized by gut microbiota dysbiosis and disruption of host metabolism. Notably, more studies have presented the complex interaction between C. minuta and host metabolism when it comes to metabolic health. Therefore, C. minuta could be a potential candidate for innovative microbiome-based biotherapy via fecal microbiota transplantation or oral administration. However, the detailed underlying mechanism of action requires further investigation.
Learning and Developing Together for Improving the Quality of Care in a Nursing Home, Is Appreciative Inquiry the Key?
Authors: Van Graas Regula , Gobbens Robbert J.
Published: June 2023

To investigate the impact of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) on learning and developing together for improving the quality of care in a nursing home, and to explore experiences following the four phases of the AI cycle, an AI was performed as part of participative action research. Interviews, group discussions, creative methods of storytelling, and reflections were used in the AI sessions. Staff members were interviewed to evaluate the AI process. All of the interviews were recorded and transcribed. Data were analyzed thematically using Maxqda and were discussed by the interviewers until consensus was reached. The sessions resulted in ten action proposals to improve healthcare. One proposal was worked out in agreements on cooperation. The evaluation revealed that the sessions have given a boost to the team spirit, and involvement at the location leading to more cooperation and communication during the shifts. The evaluation indicated that it is important to convert the action plans of the sessions into actions, which are then evaluated. AI was advised as a way of learning where everyone is involved, and mutual agreements are made. This study has shown that AI can be a valuable way to support learning and development to promote the quality of care in a nursing home.
A COVID-19 Diagnosis Like an Avalanche Triggers a Series of Adverse Events but Saves a Life in the End
Authors: Iwański Mateusz , Sokołowska Aldona , Wańczura Piotr , Filipowska Justyna , Styczkiewicz Katarzyna
Published: June 2023

Patients diagnosed with cancer are less frequently covered by preventive measures for cardiovascular diseases. The frequent co-occurrence of these diseases makes it necessary to apply parallel diagnostics and cardiological treatment with anti-cancer therapy. Frequently. multidisciplinary team discussions are needed. Case report: We present a case of a 73-year-old former smoker with hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and arterial hypertension, after a partial right nephrectomy in 2005 due to kidney cancer, diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection in April 2022. Subsequent chest imaging showed a 20 mm focal lesion in the left lung further classified as a small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Unexpectedly, the patient was hospitalized due to ST-segment elevation inferior left ventricular (LV) myocardial infarction. It was treated successfully with percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PCI) of the circumflex and first marginal artery with drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. One day later, PCI of the left anterior artery was performed with two DES implantation; however, heart failure (HF) with a reduced left ventricle ejection fraction of 30% was diagnosed. One month later, the patient required hospitalization again due to HF decompensation, and cardiological treatment was optimized with flozin in addition to standard HF therapy. Subsequently, after cardiological approval the patient qualified for chemotherapy with the cisplatin–etoposide regimen. Therapy was continued for 6 months without HF decompensation and significant deterioration in renal function. After that, the patient underwent radical radiotherapy. Follow-up chest computed tomography scans showed regression of the neoplastic lesion. Conclusions: The coincidence of newly recognized cancer and inflammatory disease might contribute to and provoke serious cardiological events. To reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications, periodic cardiological surveillance and optimal pharmacotherapy are required.
Research Hotspots in Psoriasis: A Bibliometric Study of the Top 100 Most Cited Articles
Authors: Tiucă Oana Mirela , Morariu Silviu Horia , Mariean Claudia Raluca , Tiucă Robert Aurelian , Nicolescu Alin Codruț , Cotoi Ovidiu Simion
Published: June 2023

(1) Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease that negatively impacts patients’ quality of life and predisposes them to cardiovascular or metabolic diseases. This paper aims to summarize the knowledge structure and future directions in psoriasis research by means of bibliometrics. (2) Material and methods: The Thomson Reuters Web of Science database was interrogated using preestablished keywords. A list of the top 100 most cited articles focusing solely on psoriasis was compiled and analyzed. VOSviewer software was used to assess and visualize collaboration networks, citation, co-citation and co-wording analysis, and bibliographic coupling. (3) Results: The articles were written by 902 authors from 20 countries and were published in 31 journals. The United States was at the forefront of this field. Griffiths, CEM had the most citations, while the most prolific institution was Rockefeller University, New York City. Pathogenesis, especially key-pathogenic factors, immune pathways, and epidemiology were the most discussed topics. Work published in the last decade focused on the use of biologics. Keywords such as “quality of life”, “efficacy”, and “necrosis-factor alpha” have been widely used. (4) Conclusion: Research interest regarding psoriasis is high, leading to the rapid development of this field. Treatment modalities, especially novel-targeted therapies, immune pathways, and an integrative approach to such cases are receiving great interest and represent research hotspots in the future.
The Nursing Practice Environment and Patients’ Satisfaction with Nursing Care in a Hospital Context
Authors: Agostinho Paula , Potra Teresa , Lucas Pedro , Gaspar Filomena
Published: June 2023

Nursing, being a profession in health, aims to improve the quality of the response to patients’ demands, which have repercussions on the attitudes, behaviors and performance of nurses. Background. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationships among the nursing practice environment, nurse–patient interactions and patients’ satisfaction with nursing care in a hospital context. Methods. The study applied a descriptive analysis. Based on the initial exploration of the data, we decided to perform a simple linear regression of the dimensions of the scales. Results. The latent variables and interactions between the different dimensions of the three constructs (the nursing practice environment (PES-NWI), nurse–patient interactions (NPIS-22-PT) and patients’ satisfaction in the hospital context (SAPSNC-18)) were submitted to confirmatory analysis. The model was statistically significant, with a good fit with the data (χ2/gl = 128.6/41 (0.000); GFI = 0.900; AGFI = 0.831; TLI = 0.910; CFI = 0.907; RMSEA = 0.102). Conclusions. The study showed favorable rates of overall satisfaction on the part of patients, such as the nurses’ skills in dealing with their illness/health situation, ability to solve problems in a timely manner, responsiveness to patients’ needs and technical competence.
A Combinatorial TIR1-Aux/IAA Co-Receptor System for Peach Fruit Softening
Authors: Zhao Yutong , Wang Qing , Guan Dan , Yang Haiqing , Wu Jianwei , Liu Yueping
Published: June 2023

Fruit softening is an important characteristic of peach fruit ripening. The auxin receptor TIR1 (Transport Inhibitor Response 1) plays an important role in plant growth and fruit maturation. Still, little research has been conducted on the relation of TIR1 to the softening of peach fruits. In this study, the hardness of isolated peach fruits was reduced under exogenous NAA treatment at low concentrations. At the same time, the low concentration of NAA treatment reduced the transcription level of PpPG and Ppβ-GAL genes related to cell wall softening and PpACS1 genes related to ethylene synthesis. The transient overexpression of the PpTIR1 gene in peach fruit blocks caused significant down-regulation of the expression of early auxin-responsive genes, ethylene synthesis, and cell wall metabolic genes related to fruit firmness. Through yeast two-hybrid technology, bimolecular fluorescence complementary technology, and a firefly luciferase complementation imaging assay, we were able to unveil an interaction between PpTIR1 and PpIAA1/3/5/9/27 proteins. Furthermore, it was determined that the interaction depended on auxin and its type and concentration. These results show that the PpTIR1-Aux/IAA module has a possible regulatory effect on fruit ripening and softening.
Establishment of an Efficient Somatic Embryogenesis Protocol for Giant Reed (Arundo donax L.) and Multiplication of Obtained Shoots via Semi-Solid or Liquid Culture
Authors: Ozudogru Elif Aylin , Karlik Elif , Elazab Doaa , Lambardi Maurizio
Published: June 2023

This study developed an efficient protocol for the in vitro propagation of giant reed (Arundo donax L.) biomass, defining a complete cycle of the induction of somatic embryogenesis from immature inflorescences, followed by the maturation of somatic embryos and the subsequent multiplication of the derived shoots in liquid culture in a temporary immersion system (TIS). The best explants were found to be 30 cm long immature inflorescences, preferably collected in spring. Such an explant type was easy to decontaminate, and the spikelets isolated from it provided over 100 embryogenic callus lines. Among the callus induction media tested, gelled MS medium supplemented with 1.1 mg/L 2,4-D provided the highest percentage of responsive spikelets and the highest density of embryogenic callus. Maturation of the embryogenic callus was easily triggered on gelled MS medium devoid of plant growth regulators. The obtained shoots could be further multiplied on previously optimized gelled DKW medium supplemented with 30 g/L sucrose, 5 mg/L BA, 0.1 mg/L IBA, and 6.8 g/L plant agar. Subsequent high multiplication of the developed shoots was achieved in liquid culture in TIS using a Plantform™ bioreactor, with an immersion cycle of 12 min every 8 h.
Variability of Strawberry Fruit Quality and Shelf Life with Different Edible Coatings
Authors: Farida Farida , Hamdani Jajang Sauman , Mubarok Syariful , Akutsu Masako , Noviyanti Kelly , Nur Rahmat Bayu Pradana
Published: June 2023

Strawberry (Fragraria x ananassa Duch) cv. Tochiotome is nutrient rich. However, it has a short shelf life, especially at room temperature. Coating is one of the methods used to prolong fruit shelf life. Coating materials, such as nano chitosan (NC) and Aloe vera (AV) gel, are edible and safe to consume. The objective was to analyze the interaction between AV gel and NC concentrations and determine the optimal concentration to improve the quality of strawberries at room temperature. This experiment used a factorial randomized block design with treatments of NC (0, 0.5, and 1%) and AV gel (0, 25, and 50%). The results showed an interaction between AV gel and NC concentrations for all variables. The optimum concentrations to improve the fruit quality of strawberries cv. Tochiotome were 25% AV gel with 1% NC, which increased the value by more than twofold compared with the control (no AV gel and NC) until four days after storage. The fruit quality characteristics were fruit hardness (6.57 N), weight loss (1.23%), titratable acidity (0.74 mL), total phenolic (1.79 µg GAE/FW), total flavonoid (29.85 mg QE/g), vitamin C concentration (43.83 mg/100 g), and shelf life (4.66 days). More than 1% NC may enhance quality. In conclusion, AV and NC are a potential treatment for improving the postharvest quality of strawberry.
Electrolytes in Multiple-Phase Hydrogen Storage Reactions
Authors: Vajo John J. , Uddin Jasim , Hwang Son-Jong , Graetz Jason
Published: June 2023

Multiple-phase hydrogen storage materials such as metal alanates and borohydrides, and destabilized systems offer the possibility of high hydrogen storage capacity with favorable thermodynamics. However, the multiphase nature of these materials intrinsically limits the kinetics due to the required transport of species between phases, which are typically in dry powder form. To address this limitation, the influence of added electrolytes is explored. This approach is motivated by analogy with similar multiphase battery reactions that show reduced kinetic limitations while necessarily containing electrolytes. Previous experimental results showing improved kinetics for MgH2/Sn (using a LiBH4/KBH4 eutectic electrolyte) and NaAlH4 (using a diglyme electrolyte) are further analyzed in terms of this analogy. The results show that the analogy is useful and rate constants are increased. Importantly, the inclusion of an electrolyte also appears to alleviate the continuously decreasing rates with the extent of reaction, which is characteristic of many multiphase hydrides. Instead, reaction rates are approximately constant until near completion. Together, these effects can lead to >10× shorter overall reaction times. In addition, new results are presented for the hydrogenation of MgB2 using Li/K/CsI and Li/K/CsCl eutectic electrolytes, where >60% conversion to Mg(BH4)2 was demonstrated at 350 bar.
Promoting Beneficial Arthropods in Urban Agroecosystems: Focus on Flowers, Maybe Not Native Plants
Authors: Philpott Stacy M. , Lucatero Azucena , Andrade Sofie , Hernandez Cameron , Bichier Peter
Published: June 2023

(1) Urbanization threatens biodiversity, yet urban native plants support native biodiversity, contributing to conservation and ecosystem services. Within urban agroecosystems, where non-native plants are abundant, native plants may boost the abundance and richness of beneficial arthropods. Nevertheless, current information focuses on pollinators, with little attention being paid to other beneficials, like natural enemies. (2) We examined how the species richness of native plants, garden management, and landscape composition influence the abundance and species richness of all, native, and non-native bees, ladybeetles, ants, and ground-foraging spiders in urban agroecosystems (i.e., urban community gardens) in California. (3) We found that native plants (~10% of species, but only ~2.5% of plant cover) had little influence on arthropods, with negative effects only on non-native spider richness, likely due to the low plant cover provided by native plants. Garden size boosted native and non-native bee abundance and richness and non-native spider richness; floral abundance boosted non-native spider abundance and native and non-native spider richness; and mulch cover and tree and shrub abundance boosted non-native spider richness. Natural habitat cover promoted non-native bee and native ant abundance, but fewer native ladybeetle species were observed. (4) While native plant richness may not strongly influence the abundance and richness of beneficial arthropods, other garden management features could be manipulated to promote the conservation of native organisms or ecosystem services provided by native and non-native organisms within urban agroecosystems.
Characterization of Glutamate-Gated Chloride Channel in Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Qian Kun , Jiang Chengyun , Guan Daojie , Zhuang Anxiang , Meng Xiangkun , Wang Jianjun
Published: June 2023

The glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls) play essential roles in signal transduction by regulating fast inhibitory synaptic transmission in the nervous system of invertebrates. While there is only one GluCl subunit in the insect, the diversity of insect GluCls is broadened by alternative splicing. In the present study, three TcGluCl variant genes were cloned from the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. Analysis of the characteristics of TcGluCls including sequence features, genomic structures, and alternative splicing revealed that TcGluCls had the typical structural features of GluCls and showed high homologies with the GluCls from other insect orders. The TcGluCl-encoding gene consists of nine exons and three variants (TcGluCl-3a, TcGluCl-3b, and TcGluCl-3c) were generated by the alternative splicing of exon 3, which was a highly conserved alternative splicing site in insect GluCls. Homology modeling of TcGluCl-3a showed that the exon 3 coding protein located at the N-terminal extracellular domain, and there were no steric clashes encountered between the exon 3 coding region and ivermectin/glutamate binding pocket, which indicated that the alternative splicing of exon 3 might have no impact on the binding of GluCls to glutamate and insecticide. In addition to the head tissue, TcGluCl-3a and TcGluCl-3c also had high expressions in the ovary and testis of T. castaneum, whereas TcGluCl-3b showed high expression in the midgut, suggesting the diverse physiological functions of TcGluCl variants in T. castaneum. The total TcGluCl and three variants showed the highest expression levels in the early stage larvae. The expressions of TcGluCl, TcGluCl-3b, and TcGluCl-3c were significantly increased from the late-stage larvae to the early stage pupae and indicated that the TcGluCl might be involved in the growth and development of T. castaneum. These results are helpful to further understand the molecular characteristics of insect GluCls and provide foundations for studying the specific function of the GluCl variant.
Prone Positioning in Mechanically Ventilated COVID-19 Patients: Timing of Initiation and Outcomes
Authors: Jackson Alexander , Neyroud Florence , Barnsley Josephine , Hunter Elsie , Beecham Ryan , Radharetnas Meiarasu , Grocott Michael P. W. , Dushianthan Ahilanandan
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a broad implementation of proning to enhance oxygenation in both self-ventilating and mechanically ventilated critically ill patients with acute severe hypoxic respiratory failure. However, there is little data on the impact of the timing of the initiation of prone positioning in COVID-19 patients receiving mechanical ventilation. In this study, we analyzed our proning practices in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients. There were 931 total proning episodes in 144 patients, with a median duration of 16 h (IQR 15–17 h) per proning cycle. 563 proning cycles were initiated within 7 days of intubation (early), 235 within 7–14 days (intermediate), and 133 after 14 days (late). The mean change in oxygenation defined as the delta PaO2/FiO2 ratio (ΔPF) after the prone episode was 16.6 ± 34.4 mmHg (p < 0.001). For early, intermediate, and late cycles, mean ΔPF ratios were 18.5 ± 36.7 mmHg, 13.2 ± 30.4 mmHg, and 14.8 ± 30.5 mmHg, with no significant difference in response between early, intermediate, and late proning (p = 0.2), respectively. Our findings indicate a favorable oxygenation response to proning episodes at all time points, even after >14 days of intubation. However, the findings cannot be translated directly into a survival advantage, and more research is needed in this area.
Effective and Secure Closure after Duodenal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: Combination of Endoscopic Ligation with O-Ring Closure and Over-the-Scope Clip
Authors: Nakatani Kaho , Kobara Hideki , Nishiyama Noriko , Fujihara Shintaro , Tada Naoya , Koduka Kazuhiro , Matsui Takanori , Chiyo Taiga , Kobayashi Nobuya , Yachida Tatsuo , Tani Joji , Morishita Asahiro , Isomoto Hajime , Masaki Tsutomu
Published: June 2023

Duodenal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is associated with high incidences of intraoperative complications and delayed adverse events (AEs). Delayed AEs can be reduced by closing the post-ESD defects. We developed a new method of closure after duodenal ESD, combining endoscopic ligation with O-ring closure (E-LOC) with an over-the-scope clip (OTSC) (Band OTSC; B-OTSC). Here, we conducted a single-center, retrospective, observational study to investigate the efficacy and safety of the B-OTSC method for preventing delayed AEs in patients undergoing duodenal ESD. The study included nine patients with superficial nonpapillary duodenal epithelial tumors who underwent ESD and were closed with B-OTSC from February 2021 to February 2023. There were no delayed AEs (0%), the mean (± standard deviation) closure time was 53 ± 21.6 min, the complete closure rate was 100%, and the mean hospital stay was 7.8 ± 1.8 days. The sustained closure rates at postoperative days 3 and 7 were 88.9% and 88.9%, respectively. The historical analysis indicated a significant difference in cost between B-OTSC and conventional OTSC (p < 0.01). In conclusion, B-OTSC was a safe, secure, and cost-effective method of closure after duodenal ESD, even in patients with post-ESD defects of more than half the circumference.
Comparison of 7-Year, Real-World Clinical Outcomes between Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty versus Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation in Patients with Drug-Eluting Stent In-Stent Restenosis
Authors: Kim Minsu , Jang Albert Youngwoo , Lee Joonpyo , Seo Jeongduk , Shin Yong Hoon , Oh Pyung Chun , Suh Soon Yong , Lee Kyounghoon , Kang Woong Chol , Han Seung-Hwan
Published: June 2023

There are no data available comparing the real-world, long-term clinical outcomes of drug-eluting balloon (DEB) angioplasty and drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation in DES in-stent restenosis (ISR) lesions. We aimed to compare the real-world, long-term data available between DEBs and DESs in DES-ISR lesions. We analyzed consecutive DES-ISR lesions (225 lesions from 205 patients; male: 66.3%; mean age: 62.4 years) treated with either DEB or DES. The primary endpoint was target lesion revascularization (TLR), and the primary safety endpoint was the lesion-oriented composite outcome (LOCO). The LOCO is composed of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion thrombosis during follow-up. During the 7-year follow-up period, TLR did not differ significantly between the DEB (n = 108) and the DES groups (n = 117) (HR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.59–1.93, p = 0.83). The LOCO was significantly lower in the DEB group compared to the DES group (HR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.16–0.98, p = 0.04), which was mainly driven by the lower levels of myocardial infarction (HR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.06–0.94, p = 0.04) and the absence of target lesion thrombosis in the DEB group (vs. DES group 6%, p = 0.02). Additionally, cardiac death was found to be similar between the DEB and DES groups (HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.18–1.75, p = 0.32). DEB angioplasty showed favorable safety with a similar efficacy to that of DES implantation in DES-ISR lesions during the long-term follow-up period.