bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunization during pregnancy: do healthcare workers recommend vaccination against influenza?
Authors: Licata Francesca , Pelullo Concetta Paola , Della Polla Giorgia , Citrino Emma Antonia , Bianco Aida
Published: June 2023

Background

A variety of circumstances can influence how widely vaccination during pregnancy is accepted. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are often seen as the main resource for recommending vaccination. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether Italian HCWs advise and recommend pregnant people to receive the influenza vaccinations, as well as what knowledge and attitudes affect their practices. A secondary aim of the study was to evaluate HCWs’ knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods

This cross-sectional study, took place between August 2021 and June 2022 in a randomly selected sample of HCWs in three Italian regions. The target population comprised obstetricians-gynecologists, midwives and primary care physicians, who provide medical care to pregnant people. The questionnaire consisted of 19 items divided into 5 parts gathered information about the participants’ sociodemographic and professional characteristics, general knowledge about vaccinations during pregnancy, and vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), attitudes and practices towards immunization, and strategies to potentially increase vaccination uptake during pregnancy.

Results

Among the participants, 78.3% knew that pregnant people are at increased risk of severe complications from influenza, 57.8% that the influenza vaccine is not provided only in the 2nd/3rd trimester of pregnancy and 60% that pregnancy is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 infection. Of the enrolled HCWs, 10.8% believed that the potential risks of vaccines administered during pregnancy are greater than the benefits. An even higher proportion of the participants was unsure (24.3%) or did not deem (15.9%) that vaccinating against influenza during pregnancy reduces the risk of preterm birth and abortion. Moreover, 11.8% of the sample did not believe or was uncertain that COVID-19 vaccine must be offered to all pregnant people. Among HCWs, 71.8% advised women about influenza vaccination during pregnancy, and 68.8% recommended getting vaccinated against influenza during pregnancy. Results showed that good knowledge and positive attitudes were the strongest factors positively associated with advising women about influenza vaccination during pregnancy.

Conclusion

The gathered data showed that a sizable portion of the HCWs lacks up-to-date knowledge, underestimates the risks of contracting a VPD, and overestimates the risks of vaccine side effects during pregnancy. The findings shed light on such attributes useful to promote adherence to evidence-based recommendations among HCWs.
Universal health coverage in India and health technology assessment: current status and the way forward
Authors: Lahariya Chandrakant , Sahoo Krushna Chandra , Sundararaman T. , Prinja Shankar , Rajsekhar Kavitha , Pati Sanghamitra
Published: June 2023

In India, there is a renewed emphasis on Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Alongside this, Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is an important tool for advancing UHC. The development and application of HTA in India, including capacity building and establishing institutional mechanisms. We emphasized using the HTA approach within two components of the Ayushman Bharat programme, and the section concludes with lessons learned and the next steps. The UHC has increased the importance of selecting and implementing effective technologies and interventions within national health systems, particularly in the context of limited resources. To maximize the use of limited resources and produce reliable scientific assessments, developing and enhancing national capacity must be based on established best practices, information exchange between different sectors, and collaborative approaches. A more potent mechanism and capacity for HTA in India would accelerate the country’s progress toward UHC.
Posterior hybrid surgery for atlantoaxial dislocation coexisting with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Sun Yan , Ma Haoning , Zhang Zhihai , Tan Mingsheng
Published: June 2023

Background

To introduce a hybrid surgery of posterior craniovertebral fusion plus subaxial laminoplasty for atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) coexisting with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Methods

A retrospective study was performed by reviewing data from 23 patients with the coexistence of AAD and CSM who underwent the hybrid technique (n = 23). Clinical outcomes, including visual analogue scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), and neck disability index (NDI) score, and radiological cervical alignment parameters including C0–2 and C2–7 Cobb angle and range of motion (ROM) were analyzed. The operation time, blood loss, surgical levels, and complications were recorded.

Results

The included patients were followed up with an average of 20.91 months (range, 12–36 months). Clinical outcomes including JOA, NDI, and VAS scores were significantly improved at different postoperative follow-up points. C0–2 Cobb angle, C2–7 Cobb angle, and ROM showed a stable tendency after 1-year follow-up. No major perioperative complications occurred.

Conclusion

This study underlined the importance of pathologic condition of AAD coexisting with CSM and presented a novel hybrid approach of posterior craniovertebral fusion plus subaxial laminoplasty. This hybrid surgery was effective in achieving the desired clinical outcomes and better maintaining cervical alignment, proving its value and safety as an alternative technique.
Comparison of two software programs used to determine the relative supersaturation of urine ions
Authors: Anthony Reshma M. , Davidson Stephen , MacLeay Jennifer M. , Brejda John , Werness Peter , Jewell Dennis E.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Relative supersaturation (RSS) values for urine crystals are a measure of the risk of urinary stone formation and have been shown to be lowered in foods shown to aid in the management of urolithiasis. In order to calculate RSS in pets, computer programs have been developed to calculate RSS and aid in the understanding of stone formation in veterinary medicine. However, some older programs have not been updated for use in animals, and the specific coefficients used are not publically available. One of the first RSS programs was developed in BASIC computer language and published in 1985 which was called EQUIL2. The EQUIL2 program was updated to a compiled version compatible with a PC platform. However, the formulas could not be read or altered.

Methods

This study evaluates a new program with known coefficients to the original EQUIL2 program. The RSS values of the two programs were compared through a t-test, calculating the r2 from correlation analysis, Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient, and by a Bland–Altman analysis of outputs from the two programs using urine samples from healthy dogs and cats.

Results and Discussion

Our results show that for both magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) and calcium oxalate, the RSS values of the original program could be calculated from the new programs RSS values. Although the actual RSS values were different (as might be expected through the use of the updated coefficients and different thermodynamic stability constants in the calculations) the results were highly correlated, finding elevations and reductions in RSS proportionally in the same urine samples. The current work creates a foundation for using the modernized program to calculate RSS and provides a shared method for understanding the risk of struvite and calcium oxalate stone formation.
Osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived canine mesenchymal stem cells seeded in porous calcium-phosphate scaffolds
Authors: Herrera David , Lodoso-Torrecilla Irene , Ginebra Maria-Pau , Rappe Katrin , Franch Jordi
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Engineered bone graft substitutes are a promising alternative and supplement to autologous bone grafts as treatments for bone healing impairment. Advances in human medicine extend an invitation to pursue these biomimetic strategies in animal patients, substantiated by the theory that specialized scaffolds, multipotent cells, and biological cues may be combined into a bioactive implant intended for the enhancement of tissue regeneration.

Methods

This proof-of-concept study was designed to evaluate and validate the feasibility of beta-tricalcium phosphate foam scaffolds seeded with canine mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue. Cell-inoculated samples and sham controls were cultured statically for 72 hours in complete growth medium to evaluate seeding capacity, while a subset of loaded scaffolds was further induced with osteogenic culture medium for 21 days. Produced implants were characterized and validated with a combination of immunofluorescence and reflection confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction to confirm osteogenic differentiation in tridimensional-induced samples.

Results

After 72 hours of culture, all inoculated scaffolds presented widespread yet heterogeneous surface seeding, distinctively congregating stem cells around pore openings. Furthermore, at 21 days of osteogenic culture conditions, robust osteoblastic differentiation of the seeded cells was confirmed by the change of cell morphology and evident deposition of extra-cellular matrix, accompanied by mineralization and scaffold remodeling; furthermore, all induced cell-loaded implants lost specific stemness immunophenotype expression and simultaneously upregulated genomic expression of osteogenic genes Osterix and Ostecalcin.

Conclusions

β-TCP bio-ceramic foam scaffolds proved to be suitable carriers and hosts of canine adipose-derived MSCs, promoting not only surface attachment and proliferation, but also demonstrating strong in-vitro osteogenic potential. Although this research provides satisfactory in-vitro validation for the conceptualization and feasibility of a canine bio-active bone implant, further testing such as patient safety, large-scale reproducibility, and quality assessment are needed for regulatory compliance in future commercial clinical applications.
Exploring fluorescent light energy as management option for canine superficial bacterial folliculitis
Authors: Marchegiani Andrea , Spaterna Andrea , Fruganti Alessandro , Cerquetella Matteo
Published: June 2023

Superficial bacterial folliculitis (SBF) represents a common dermatological diagnosis in dogs that can be successfully managed with either topical and/or systemic treatments. In the present study we evaluated the efficacy of a fluorescent light energy (FLE) device as sole management for SBF. The same FLE device has been shown, as adjunct therapy to systemic antibiotic or alone, to effectively control clinical manifestation of interdigital furunculosis. Twenty dogs were randomized to receive FLE once (six dogs) or twice (six dogs) weekly in comparison with oral anti-biotic (eight dogs) until complete healing. FLE regimen was able to significantly reduce the time needed to clinical resolution for oral antibiotic, supporting owners’ compliance and welfare of dogs.
Investigating Health Inequality Using Trend, Decomposition and Spatial Analyses: A Study of Maternal Health Service Use in Nepal
Authors: Ali Shehzad , Thind Amardeep , Stranges Saverio , Campbell M. Karen , Sharma Ishor
Published: June 2023

Objectives: (a) To quantify the level and changes in socioeconomic inequality in the utilization of antenatal care (ANC), institutional delivery (ID) and postnatal care (PNC) in Nepal over a 20-year period; (b) identify key drivers of inequality using decomposition analysis; and (c) identify geographical clusters with low service utilization to inform policy.

Methods: Data from the most recent five waves of the Demographic Health Survey were used. All outcomes were defined as binary variables: ANC (=1 if ≥4 visits), ID (=1 if place of delivery was a public or private healthcare facility), and PNC (=1 if ≥1 visits). Indices of inequality were computed at national and provincial-level. Inequality was decomposed into explanatory components using Fairile decomposition. Spatial maps identified clusters of low service utilization.

Results: During 1996–2016, socioeconomic inequality in ANC and ID reduced by 10 and 23 percentage points, respectively. For PND, the gap remained unchanged at 40 percentage points. Parity, maternal education, and travel time to health facility were the key drivers of inequality. Clusters of low utilization were displayed on spatial maps, alongside deprivation and travel time to health facility.

Conclusion: Inequalities in the utilization of ANC, ID and PNC are significant and persistent. Interventions targeting maternal education and distance to health facilities can significantly reduce the gap.
The Impacts of Family Educational Investment on Mental Health of Chinese Parents: Mediating and Moderating Effects
Authors: Zhang Ping , Xu Zhewei
Published: June 2023

Objectives: This review aims to explore the impact of family educational investment on parents’ mental health in China. Through this study, we reveal the current public health challenges and propose some solutions.

Methods: Family educational investment takes three forms: economic investment, emotional investment, and time investment. This study examined the mediating effect of social integration and the moderating effect of social participation and workload on the relationship between family educational investment and parental mental health.

Results: Economic investment, emotional investment and time investment were all negatively correlated with parental mental health. Social integration could better explain the detrimental effects of family educational investment on parental mental health, and that social participation and workload could play a significant negative and positive moderating role, respectively.

Conclusion: Family educational investment, particularly emotional investment, plays an important and negative role in influencing parental mental health. To cope with the increased pressure brought about by educational competition, the state, society, and individuals all need to take measures.
Time-Trends in Air Pollution Impact on Health in Italy, 1990–2019: An Analysis From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Conti Sara , Fornari Carla , Ferrara Pietro , Antonazzo Ippazio C. , Madotto Fabiana , Traini Eugenio , Levi Miriam , Cernigliaro Achille , Armocida Benedetta , Bragazzi Nicola L. , Cadum Ennio , Carugno Michele , Crotti Giacomo , Deandrea Silvia , Cortesi Paolo A. , Guido Davide , Iavicoli Ivo , Iavicoli Sergio , La Vecchia Carlo , Lauriola Paolo , Michelozzi Paola , Scondotto Salvatore , Stafoggia Massimo , Violante Francesco S. , Abbafati Cristiana , Albano Luciana , Barone-Adesi Francesco , Biondi Antonio , Bosetti Cristina , Buonsenso Danilo , Carreras Giulia , Castelpietra Giulio , Catapano Alberico , Cattaruzza Maria S. , Corso Barbara , Damiani Giovanni , Esposito Francesco , Gallus Silvano , Golinelli Davide , Hay Simon I. , Isola Gaetano , Ledda Caterina , Mondello Stefania , Pedersini Paolo , Pensato Umberto , Perico Norberto , Remuzzi Giuseppe , Sanmarchi Francesco , Santoro Rocco , Simonetti Biagio , Unim Brigid , Vacante Marco , Veroux Massimiliano , Villafañe Jorge H. , Monasta Lorenzo , Mantovani Lorenzo G.
Published: June 2023

Objectives: We explored temporal variations in disease burden of ambient particulate matter 2.5 μm or less in diameter (PM2.5) and ozone in Italy using estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

Methods: We compared temporal changes and percent variations (95% Uncertainty Intervals [95% UI]) in rates of disability adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost, years lived with disability and mortality from 1990 to 2019, and variations in pollutant-attributable burden with those in the overall burden of each PM2.5- and ozone-related disease.

Results: In 2019, 467,000 DALYs (95% UI: 371,000, 570,000) were attributable to PM2.5 and 39,600 (95% UI: 18,300, 61,500) to ozone. The crude DALY rate attributable to PM2.5 decreased by 47.9% (95% UI: 10.3, 65.4) from 1990 to 2019. For ozone, it declined by 37.0% (95% UI: 28.9, 44.5) during 1990–2010, but it increased by 44.8% (95% UI: 35.5, 56.3) during 2010–2019. Age-standardized rates declined more than crude ones.

Conclusion: In Italy, the burden of ambient PM2.5 (but not of ozone) significantly decreased, even in concurrence with population ageing. Results suggest a positive impact of air quality regulations, fostering further regulatory efforts.
Evolving Dispatching Rules for Dynamic Vehicle Routing with Genetic Programming
Authors: Jakobović Domagoj , Đurasević Marko , Brkić Karla , Fosin Juraj , Carić Tonči , Davidović Davor
Published: June 2023

Many real-world applications of the vehicle routing problem (VRP) are arising today, which range from physical resource planning to virtual resource management in the cloud computing domain. A common trait of these applications is usually the large scale size of problem instances, which require fast algorithms to generate solutions of acceptable quality. The basis for many VRP approaches is a heuristic which builds a candidate solution that may subsequently be improved by a local search procedure. Since there are many variants of the basic VRP model, specialised algorithms must be devised that take into account specific constraints and user-defined objective measures. Another factor is that the scheduling process may be carried out in dynamic conditions, where future information may be uncertain or unavailable or may be subject to change. When all of this is considered, there is a need for customised heuristics, devised for a specific problem variant, that could be used in highly dynamic environments. In this paper, we use genetic programming (GP) to evolve a suitable dispatching rule to build solutions for different objectives and classes of VRP problems, applicable in both dynamic and stochastic conditions. The results show great potential, since this method may be used for different problem classes and user-defined performance objectives.
Time-Optimal Trajectory Planning for the Manipulator Based on Improved Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II
Authors: Hou Jie , Du Juan , Chen Zhi
Published: June 2023

To address the issues of low efficiency and lengthy running time associated with trajectory planning for 6-degree-of-freedom manipulators, this paper introduces a novel solution that generates a time-optimal path for a manipulator while adhering to its kinematic limitations. The proposed method comprises several stages. Firstly, the kinematics of the manipulator are analyzed. Secondly, the manipulator’s joint-space path points are interpolated via the quintic B-spline curve. Subsequently, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) is improved by applying reinforcement learning to optimize its crossover and mutation probabilities, and the variable neighborhood search (VNS) algorithm is integrated to enhance its local search capability. Finally, the joint increments and running time of the manipulator are optimized using the improved NSGA-II, and the time-optimal trajectory is then determined by simulation on MATLAB. Furthermore, compared with other conventional optimization methods, the proposed approach has reduced the total running time by 19.26%, effectively improving the working efficiency of the manipulator.
Durable Nanofiber-Based Membrane with Efficient and Consistent Performance for Oil/Saltwater Separation
Authors: ElShorafa Rand , Liu Zhaoyang , Ahzi Said
Published: June 2023

There is a large amount of oil-contaminated wastewater caused by oil/gas production and marine oil spills. It is still a major challenge for the development of oil/water separating membranes that have excellent separation efficiency, can withstand saline environments, and have long-term durability. We present a new membrane made of ultralong titanate nanofibers (TNF) (with diameter of 200 nm and length of 60 µm) and carbon nanofibers (CNF) (with a diameter of 150 nm and length of 50 µm) for efficient and consistent oil/saltwater separation. The intertwined structure of titanate and carbon nanofibers is critical to ensuring a high mechanical strength and durability for the new membrane. The carbon nanofiber works as a scaffold in this membrane to maintain mechanical integrity during multiple cycles of reuses, which is an important merit for its practical applications. The ultralong titanate nanofibers work as functional component to provide high hydrophilicity of the membrane. The new membrane has an oil/water separation efficiency of more than 99%, an oil content in treated effluent that is lower than US environmental discharge standards (42 ppm), and a high water flux of 1520 LMH/bar, due to its excellent superhydrophilicity and inter-connected pore structure. The new membrane also exhibits outstanding durability in a variety of salinity environments, as well as good resistance to oil fouling. This new type of membrane has a high potential for industrial application in treating oily wastewater due to its excellent environmental durability, oil-fouling resistance, high separation efficiency, and easy scalability.
Precision Medicine to Treat Urothelial Carcinoma—The Way Forward
Authors: Luceno Carvy Floyd , Jeon Won Jin , Samaeekia Ravand , Shin John , Sonpavde Guru P.
Published: June 2023

The treatment of urothelial carcinoma (UC) is challenging given its molecular heterogeneity and variable response to current therapies. To address this, many tools, including tumor biomarker assessment and liquid biopsies, have been developed to predict prognosis and treatment response. Approved therapeutic modalities for UC currently include chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and antibody drug conjugates. Ongoing investigations to improve the treatment of UC include the search for actionable alterations and the testing of novel therapies. An important objective in recent studies has been to increase efficacy while decreasing toxicity by taking into account unique patient and tumor-related factors—an endeavor called precision medicine. The aim of this review is to highlight advancements in the treatment of UC, describe ongoing clinical trials, and identify areas for future study in the context of precision medicine.
Crosstalk between Circulating Tumor Cells and Plasma Proteins—Impact on Coagulation and Anticoagulation
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Schneider Stefan W. , Gorzelanny Christian
Published: June 2023

Cancer metastasis is a complex process. After their intravasation into the circulation, the cancer cells are exposed to a harsh environment of physical and biochemical hazards. Whether circulating tumor cells (CTCs) survive and escape from blood flow defines their ability to metastasize. CTCs sense their environment with surface-exposed receptors. The recognition of corresponding ligands, e.g., fibrinogen, by integrins can induce intracellular signaling processes driving CTCs’ survival. Other receptors, such as tissue factor (TF), enable CTCs to induce coagulation. Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is adversely connected to patients’ outcome. However, cancer cells have also the ability to inhibit coagulation, e.g., through expressing thrombomodulin (TM) or heparan sulfate (HS), an activator of antithrombin (AT). To that extent, individual CTCs can interact with plasma proteins, and whether these interactions are connected to metastasis or clinical symptoms such as CAT is largely unknown. In the present review, we discuss the biological and clinical relevance of cancer-cell-expressed surface molecules and their interaction with plasma proteins. We aim to encourage future research to expand our knowledge of the CTC interactome, as this may not only yield new molecular markers improving liquid-biopsy-based diagnostics but also additional targets for better cancer therapies.
Preclinical Patient-Derived Culture Models for Personalized Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer: A Dream of the Future or Useful Practice?
Authors: Braun Rüdiger , Ungefroren Hendrik
Published: June 2023

Pancreatic cancer is currently the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths and is predicted to be the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality by the year 2030 [...]
Comparison of Oncologic Outcomes between Radical Hysterectomy and Primary Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Women with Bulky IB and IIA Cervical Cancer under Risk Stratification
Authors: Chen Chung-Shih , Huang Eng-Yen
Published: June 2023

Purpose: To stratify patients according to tumor marker and histology and compare the survival outcome between radical hysterectomy (RH) and primary concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in bulky IB and IIA cervical cancer. Methods: A total of 442 patients with cervical cancer were enrolled in the Chang Gung Research Database from January 2002 to December 2017. Patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) ≥10 ng/mL, adenocarcinoma (AC), or adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) were stratified into the high-risk (HR) group. The others were classified into the low-risk (LR) group. We compared oncology outcomes between RH and CCRT in each group. Results: In the LR group, 5-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were 85.9% vs. 85.4% (p = 0.315) and 83.6% vs. 82.5% (p = 0.558) in women treated with RH (n = 99) vs. CCRT (n = 179), respectively. In the HR group, the 5-year OS and RFS were 83.2% vs. 73.3% (p = 0.164) and 75.2% vs. 59.6% (p < 0.036) in patients treated with RH (n = 128) vs. CCRT (n = 36), respectively. Regarding recurrence, locoregional recurrence (LRR) (8.1% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.812) and distant metastases (DM) (17.8% vs. 21%, p = 0.609) were similar between RH and CCRT in the LR group. However, lower LRR (11.6% vs. 26.3%, p = 0.023) but equivalent DM (17.8% vs. 21%, p = 0.609) were found for women undergoing RH compared with CCRT in the HR group. Conclusions: There were similar survival and recurrence rates between both treatment modalities in low-risk patients. Meanwhile, primary surgery with or without adjuvant radiation provides better RFS and local control in women with high-risk features. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Neonatal Care Unit Interventions on Preterm Development
Authors: Séassau Alexia , Munos Pascale , Gire Catherine , Tosello Barthélémy , Carchon Isabelle
Published: June 2023

Prematurity is becoming a real public health issue as more and more children are being born prematurely, alongside a higher prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders. Early intervention programs in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) correspond to these uni- or multi-sensorial solicitations aiming to prevent and detect complications in order to support the development of preterm infants. This article aims to distinguish sensory intervention programs according to the gradient of the type of solicitations, uni- or multi-modal, and according to the function of the person who performs these interventions. Uni-sensorial interventions are essentially based on proprioceptive, gustatory, or odorant solicitations. They allow, in particular, a reduction of apneas that support the vegetative states of the preterm infant. On the other hand, the benefits of multi-sensory interventions seem to have a longer-term impact. Most of them allow the support of the transition from passive to active feeding, an increase in weight, and the improvement of sleep-wake cycles. These solicitations are often practiced by caregivers, but the intervention of parents appears optimal since they are the main co-regulators of their preterm child’s needs. Thus, it is necessary to co-construct and train the parents in this neonatal care.
Girdle Band Structure in the Diatom Genus Proschkinia (Bacillariophyta)—Another Potential Adaptation to Stabilise a Deep Cingulum?
Authors: Cox Eileen J.
Published: June 2023

The girdle structure of Proschkinia (Bacillariophyta) is described in detail, showing the form of the unusual, channelled bands and how they link together. The significance and potential function of the more complex band structure is discussed in relation to its occurrence in other diatom genera and to other potential stabilising elements. Although some similarities in girdle structure are seen with the diatom genus Undatella, there is currently no evidence of a close phylogenetic relationship between these genera. Based on the current molecular data, Proschkinia is most closely related to the genus Fistulifera, with which it shares a distinctive valve feature, a fistula. Because of the traditional focus on valve morphology, far less is known of the girdle structure within the diatoms, despite its importance for maintaining cell integrity and allowing cell growth. The importance of studying the girdle structure as well as the valve morphology in diatoms in relation to their phylogeny and ecology is stressed.
Genetic Conservation and Use of Genetic Resources of 18 Mexican Pine Species
Authors: Flores Andrés , Buendía Rodríguez Enrique , Pineda Ojeda Tomás , Flores Ayala Eulogio , Méndez-González Jorge
Published: June 2023

Genetic conservation is key to maintaining forests for the future; however, these face several threats. Mexico is an example of the degradation of forest genetic resources during the past three decades due to its deforestation rates. This country is considered a center of pine diversity but its genetic conservation efforts are not enough. To define genetic conservation units (GCUs) and propose measures for the conservation and sustainable use of 18 Mexican pine species, we analyzed the distribution of the species at the national level and in germplasm transfer zones, and evaluated the species with a set of minimum requirements for conservation and indicators from the EUFORGEN program. We determined that 13 to 15 genetic zones harbored the target species, in which Pinus teocote, Pinus cembroides, Pinus devoniana, Pinus maximinoi, Pinus douglasiana, and Pinus leiophylla were the most widely distributed. We defined 173 areas for establishing GCUs for the total of the species studied; 50% of them were selected from areas with genetic information, 5% were selected from seed stands, and 45% from natural forests. We detected that most of the forest reproductive material used is collected from seed stands, and the use of seeds from breeding trials is scarce.
A Goodwin Model Modification and Its Interactions in Complex Networks
Authors: Rodríguez Francisco , Muñuzuri Alberto P.
Published: June 2023

The global economy cannot be understood without the interaction of smaller-scale economies. We addressed this issue by considering a simplified economic model that still preserves the basic features, and analyzed the interaction of a set of such economies and the collective emerging dynamic. The topological structure of the economies’ network appears to correlate with the collective properties observed. In particular, the strength of the coupling between the different networks as well as the specific connectivity of each node happen to play a crucial role in the determination of the final state.
On the Uncertainty Properties of the Conditional Distribution of the Past Life Time
Authors: Kayid Mohamed , Shrahili Mansour
Published: June 2023

For a given system observed at time t, the past entropy serves as an uncertainty measure about the past life-time of the distribution. We consider a coherent system in which there are n components that have all failed at time t. To assess the predictability of the life-time of such a system, we use the signature vector to determine the entropy of its past life-time. We explore various analytical results, including expressions, bounds, and order properties, for this measure. Our results provide valuable insight into the predictability of the coherent system’s life-time, which may be useful in a number of practical applications.
Influence of Grinding Methodology and Particle Size on Coal and Wood Co-Combustion via Injection Flame Opening Angle
Authors: Yankovsky Stanislav , Misyukova Albina , Berikbolov Alisher , Vagner Marina , Yankovskaya Natalya
Published: June 2023

Today, more than 61% of the world’s electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels. The search for reducing the negative impact of such thermal power plants on the environment does not stop for a minute, one of the solutions to this problem is the partial replacement of coal with biomass. This method has proven itself most effective over the past five years. Co-pulverized combustion of coal and biomass has not found wide practical application, since the processes of grinding, mixing and subsequent spraying of such mixed fuels have not been fully studied. This study compares the influence of the method of grinding, mixing coal and biomass on the processes of spraying mixtures with a change in the pressure of the atomizing air. The results of the research showed that the joint grinding of coal and biomass contributes to the achievement of the minimum size of coal and wood and, as a result, leads to an increase in the opening angle of the torch, which will significantly improve the efficiency of flame combustion in the furnace space at the station. The most effective spray pressure of the mixed fuels was established, which was 3 bar. An analysis of the results obtained during the course of the research allows us to conclude that the mixing of coal and sawmill waste, followed by joint grinding in a ball mill, contributes to the effective grinding of biomass and coal particles to a finely dispersed state, which subsequently leads to a significant increase in the opening angle of the torch at any concentration of the mixture composition fuels.
The Effect of Explosions on the Protective Wall of a Containerized Hydrogen Fuel Cell System
Authors: Liu Min , Zhang Leiqi , Wu Qiliang , Zhang Yunpeng , Zhang Jiaxin , Li Xuefang , Ba Qingxin
Published: June 2023

With the development of hydrogen energy, containerized hydrogen fuel cell systems are being used in distributed energy-supply systems. Hydrogen pipelines and electronic equipment of fuel cell containers can trigger hydrogen-explosion accidents. In the present study, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software was used to calculate the affected areas of hydrogen fuel cell container-explosion accidents with and without protective walls. The protective effects were studied for protective walls at various distances and heights. The results show that strategically placing protective walls can effectively block the propagation of shock waves and flames. However, the protective wall has a limited effect on the reduction of overpressure and temperature behind the wall when the protective wall is insufficiently high. Reflected explosion shock waves and flames will cause damage to the area inside the wall when the protective wall is too close to the container. In this study, a protective wall that is 5 m away from the container and 3 m high can effectively protect the area behind the wall and prevent damage to the container due to the reflection of shock waves and flame. This paper presents a suitable protective wall setting scheme for hydrogen fuel cell containers.
Strategies Used by Rural Indigenous Populations to Cope with Energy Poverty, in San Luis Potosí, Mexico
Authors: Guzmán-Rosas Susana Carolina
Published: June 2023

At the global level, the strategies used by rural Indigenous populations to face energy poverty have not been studied. Pioneering in the field, this work contributes to filling the gaps in the literature on the subject, mobilize the debate on a problem that affects rural Indigenous populations unequally, and outline key areas for policy. With a quantitative approach and taking as a research scenario the five rural Indigenous municipalities with the highest multidimensional poverty in the State of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, this paper analyzes the strategies used by rural Indigenous households to cope with energy poverty. It finds that a considerable proportion has had difficulty paying for their energy consumption (electricity, LP gas, and firewood), using strategies to cope with energy poverty (67.7%, 73.2%, and 96.1%, respectively): reducing expenses or stopping buying other things, borrowing money, and/or failing to pay for electricity or buy fuels for lack of economic resources. Food is significantly sacrificed in the reduction of expenses or stopping buying things, followed by health and housing. The situation has normalized over time, potentially impacting development, physical health, and mental well-being, and acting as an accelerator of the cycle of risk of energy poverty, given the confirmation of additional stressors.
Design Features and Numerical Investigation of Counter-Rotating VAWT with Co-Axial Rotors Displaced from Each Other along the Axis of Rotation
Authors: Shchur Ihor , Klymko Volodymyr , Xie Shengbai , Schmidt David
Published: June 2023

In this paper, dual-rotor counter-rotating (CR) configurations of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are briefly inspected and divided into three types. This investigation was focused on one of these types—the CR-VAWT with co-axial rotors, in which two equal rotors are placed on the same shaft, displaced from each other along it and rotated in opposite directions. For this CR-VAWT with three-blade H-Darrieus rotors, the properties of the design in terms of aerodynamics, mechanical transmission and electric generator, as well as control system, are analyzed. A new direct-driven dual-rotor permanent magnet synchronous generator was proposed, in which two built-in low-power PM electric machines have been added. They perform two functions—starting-up and overclocking of the rotors to the angular velocity at which the lifting force of the blades is generated, and stabilizing the CR-VAWT work as wind gusts act on the two rotors. Detailed in this paper is the evaluation of the aerodynamic performance of the CR-VAWT via 3D computational fluid dynamics simulations. The evaluation was conducted using the CONVERGE CFD software with the inclusion of the actuator line model for the rotor aerodynamics, which significantly reduces the computational effort. Obtained results show that both rotors, while they rotate in opposite directions, had a positive impact on each other. At the optimal distance between the rotors of 0.3 from a rotor height, the power coefficients of the upper and lower rotors in the CR-VAWT increased, respectively, by 5.5% and 13.3% simultaneously with some increase in their optimal tip-speed ratio compared to the single-rotor VAWT.
Rethinking Abandoned Buildings as Positive Energy Buildings in a Former Industrial Site in Italy
Authors: Sibilla Maurizio , Touibi Dhouha , Abanda Fonbeyin Henry
Published: June 2023

The transition from nearly zero-emission building (NZEB) to positive energy building (PEB) models is a new trend, justified by the need to increase the efforts to address the climate change targets and the ambition for a clean energy transition in the construction sector. In line with this scenario, this study assumes that PEB may be applied to meet climate change targets and promote new approaches to urban regeneration plans. It focuses on the functional and energy regeneration of abandoned buildings, considering that many abandoned European buildings are often located in a strategic part of the city. Therefore, the research question is as follows: to what extent can abandoned buildings be converted into a PEB? What would be the meaning of this new association? In order to answer this question, this study developed a procedure to transform an abandoned building into a PEB, implemented through a case study of a former Italian industrial site. Findings pointed out the variables impacting PEB configuration and were used to support a discussion, stressing how rethinking abandoned buildings as PEB may drive new trends to synchronise the socio-technical evolution of energy infrastructure and urban regeneration plans.
Power Distribution System Faults and Wildfires: Mechanisms and Prevention
Authors: Bandara Sahan , Rajeev Pathmanthan , Gad Emad
Published: June 2023

Wildfires are one of the most hazardous natural disasters in Australia in terms of fatalities, property damage and financial losses. Events of catastrophic wildfires are recorded across the world including in the United States and Canada. Failures along power distribution infrastructure and network faults have been identified as some of the causes for the initiation of wildfires. Thus, it is critical to better understand the mechanisms and the potential prevention strategies for wildfires caused by power distribution system faults. In this light, this paper presents how the power distribution network faults cause wildfires highlighting the main mechanisms. Further, this paper reviewed studies on recent advancements for the prediction, detection and prevention of wildfires. Condition assessment of power distribution infrastructure including poles, crossarms, overhead cables and other attachments are paramount to detect potential defects and to carry out timely replacements which can subsequently mitigate the possibility of wildfire initiation. Therefore, this paper summarized the studies on condition monitoring and surveillance techniques for power distribution infrastructure. Altogether, this paper aimed to enhance the awareness about the prevention strategies for wildfires caused by power distribution system faults.
Study on the Effects of Selected Factors on the Diagonal Tensile Strength of Oblique Corner Furniture Joints Constructed by Wood Dowel
Authors: Hu Wen-Gang , Luo Mengyao , Hao Miaomiao , Tang Bin , Wan Chuan
Published: June 2023

The oblique corner joints (OCJ) of wood-frame furniture doors crack easily during common usage due to external loads or changes in temperature and humidity. Aiming to solve this technology issue, the effects of the selected factors, i.e., material type (MT), diameter of dowel hole (DDH), moisture content of dowel (MCD), and distance between two dowels (DTD), on the diagonal tensile strength of the oblique corner joint (OCJ), were investigated experimentally and optimized based on the response surface method. The results showed that there were two typical mechanical behaviors of OCJs when subjected to diagonal tensile loads, according to load and displacement curves and failure modes. The critical crack strength, Fc, and ultimate strength, Fu, of samples made of heat-treated alder were smaller than those of samples made of control alder. DDH had a significant effect on Fc but not on Fu, while the effect of DTD on both Fc and Fu was significant. The Fc defined in this study was a better indicator for evaluating the crack load resistance of OCJs than Fu. The OCJs constructed by double dowels were significantly greater than those of single dowels. The optimal parameters for constructing the OCJs were obtained: MT was the control wood material, DDH was 7.8 mm, double dowels with a DTD of 27 mm, and the MCD should be higher than that of the base material.
Development and Application of Real-Time PCR-Based Screening for Identification of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Variant Sublineages
Authors: Esman Anna , Dubodelov Dmitry , Khafizov Kamil , Kotov Ivan , Roev German , Golubeva Anna , Gasanov Gasan , Korabelnikova Marina , Turashev Askar , Cherkashin Evgeniy , Mironov Konstantin , Cherkashina Anna , Akimkin Vasily
Published: June 2023

The Omicron strain is currently the main dominant variant of SARS-CoV-2, with a large number of sublineages. In this article, we present our experience in tracing it in Russia using molecular diagnostic methods. For this purpose, different approaches were used; for example, we developed multiprimer panels for RT-PCR and Sanger and NGS sequencing methods. For the centralized collection and analysis of samples, the VGARus database was developed, which currently includes more than 300,000 viral sequences.
Evaluation of the Analytical Performance of Oncomine Lung cfDNA Assay for Detection of Plasma EGFR Mutations
Authors: Cho Yong Gon , Park Joonhong , Han Ji Yoon , Kim Tae Yun
Published: June 2023

Background: The clinical utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the early detection of tumor mutations for targeted therapy and the monitoring of tumor recurrence has been reported. However, the analytical validation of ctDNA assays is required for clinical application. Methods: This study evaluated the analytical performance of the Oncomine Lung cfDNA Assay compared with the cobas® EGFR Mutation Test v2. The analytical specificity and sensitivity were estimated using commercially pre-certified reference materials. The comparative evaluation of the two assays was carried out using reference materials and plasma derived from patients diagnosed with lung cancer. Results: Using 20 ng of input cell-free DNA (cfDNA), the analytical sensitivities for EGFR mutations with variant allele frequencies (VAFs) of 1% and 0.1% were 100% and 100%, respectively. With VAFs of 1.2% and 0.1% using 20 ng of input cfDNA, seven out of nine different mutations in six driver genes were identified in the Oncomine Lung cfDNA Assay. The two assays showed 100% concordance in 16 plasma samples clinically. Furthermore, various PIK3CA and/or TP53 mutations were identified only in the Oncomine Lung cfDNA Assay. Conclusions: The Oncomine Lung cfDNA Assay can be used to identify plasma EGFR mutations in patients with lung cancer, although further large-scale studies are required to evaluate the analytical validity for other types of aberrations and genes using clinical samples.
The Effectiveness of Health-Oriented Interventions and Health Promotion for Unemployed People—A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Paul Karsten , Hollederer Alfons
Published: June 2023

Background: Unemployment is known to have negative effects on mental and physical health. Yet, the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving the health of unemployed people is unclear. Methods: We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis of extant intervention studies with at least two measurement points and a control group. A literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO in December 2021 identified 34 eligible primary studies with 36 independent samples. Results: For mental health, the average meta-analytic effect sizes for the comparison of the intervention group and the control group were significant and of small size after the intervention, d = 0.22; 95% CI [0.08, 0.36], as well as at follow-up, d = 0.11; 95% CI [0.07, 0.16]. Effects on self-assessed physical health status were small and marginally significant (p = 0.10) after the intervention: d = 0.09; 95% CI [−0.02, 0.20], and insignificant at follow-up. However, when job search training was not part of the intervention program (i.e., all available resources were used solely for health promotion), the average effect size for physical health was significant after the intervention, d = 0.17; 95% CI [0.07, 0.27]. Furthermore, the effects of physical activity promotion were significant and of small-to-medium size after the intervention, leading to increased levels of activity, d = 0.30; 95% CI [0.13, 0.47]. Conclusions: Population-based health promotion programs are recommended because even measures with small effect sizes can actually improve the health of a large group of unemployed people.