bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in brain connectivity between older adults practicing Tai Chi and Water Aerobics: a case–control study
Authors: Port Ana Paula , Paulo Artur José Marques , de Azevedo Neto Raymundo Machado , Lacerda Shirley Silva , Radvany João , Santaella Danilo Forghieri , Kozasa Elisa Harumi
Published: September 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the neural mechanisms that differentiate mind–body practices from aerobic physical activities and elucidate their effects on cognition and healthy aging. We examined functional brain connectivity in older adults (age > 60) without pre-existing uncontrolled chronic diseases, comparing Tai Chi with Water Aerobics practitioners.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, case–control fMRI study involving two strictly matched groups (n = 32) based on gender, age, education, and years of practice. Seed-to-voxel analysis was performed using the Salience, and Frontoparietal Networks as seed regions in Stroop Word-Color and N-Back tasks and Resting State.

Results

During Resting State condition and using Salience network as a seed, Tai Chi group exhibited a stronger correlation between Anterior Cingulate Cortex and Insular Cortex areas (regions related to interoceptive awareness, cognitive control and motor organization of subjective aspects of experience). In N-Back task and using Salience network as seed, Tai Chi group showed increased correlation between Left Supramarginal Gyrus and various cerebellar regions (related to memory, attention, cognitive processing, sensorimotor control and cognitive flexibility). In Stroop task, using Salience network as seed, Tai Chi group showed enhanced correlation between Left Rostral Prefrontal Cortex and Right Occipital Pole, and Right Lateral Occipital Cortex (areas associated with sustained attention, prospective memory, mediate attention between external stimuli and internal intention). Additionally, in Stroop task, using Frontoparietal network as seed, Water Aerobics group exhibited a stronger correlation between Left Posterior Parietal Lobe (specialized in word meaning, representing motor actions, motor planning directed to objects, and general perception) and different cerebellar regions (linked to object mirroring).

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence of differences in functional connectivity between older adults who have received training in a mind–body practice (Tai Chi) or in an aerobic physical activity (Water Aerobics) when performing attentional and working memory tasks, as well as during resting state.
Identify BCAT1 plays an oncogenic role and promotes EMT in KIRC via single cell RNA-seq and experiment
Authors: Li Shiqing , Guo Yinsheng , Zhu Guanhua , Sun Lu , Zhou Feng
Published: September 2024

Background

Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is a major subtype of renal cell carcinoma with poor prognosis due to its invasive and metastatic nature. Despite advances in understanding the molecular underpinnings of various cancers, the role of branched-chain amino acid transferase 1 (BCAT1) in KIRC remains underexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the oncogenic role of BCAT1 in KIRC using single-cell RNA-seq data and experimental validation.

Methods

Single-cell transcriptomic data GSE159115 was utilized to investigate potential biomarkers in KIRC. After screening, we used BCAT1 as a target gene and investigated its function and mechanism in KIRC through databases such as TCGA-GTEx, using genome enrichment analysis (GSEA), genome variation analysis (GSVA), gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of the Genome (KEGG). BCAT1 expression was detected in clinical tissue samples using Western Blotting (WB) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining techniques. We established cell lines stably overexpressing and knocking down BCAT1 and performed WB, qRT-PCR, cell scratch assay and transwell assay.

Results

BCAT1 was highly expressed in KIRC and was associated with disease prognosis and TME. Patients with mutations in the BCAT1 gene had shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). patients with high BCAT1 expression had shorter OS, progression-free interval (PFI), and disease-specific survival (DSS). GSEA showed that BCAT1 was significantly enriched in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Bioinformatics analysis and WB and IHC staining showed that BCAT1 expression was higher in KIRC than in paracancerous tissues. In vitro experiments confirmed that BCAT1 in KIRC cells may promote EMT affecting its invasion, migration. We constructed a protein interaction network (PPI) to hypothesize proteins that may interact with BCAT1. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) revealed the immune infiltration environment of BCAT1. Furthermore, hypomethylation of the BCAT1 promoter region in KIRC may contribute to disease progression by promoting BCAT1 expression.

Conclusion

BCAT1 promotes KIRC invasion and metastasis through EMT and has prognostic predictive value and potential as a biomarker. It may become a novel biomarker.
The energy metabolism-promoting effect of aconite is associated with gut microbiota and bile acid receptor TGR5-UCP1 signaling
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Cheng Hao , Wu Jing , Zhou Yaochuan , Tang Fei , Liu Juan , Feng Wuwen , Peng Cheng
Published: September 2024

Introduction

As a widely used traditional Chinese medicine with hot property, aconite can significantly promote energy metabolism. However, it is unclear whether the gut microbiota and bile acids contribute to the energy metabolism-promoting properties of aconite. The aim of this experiment was to verify whether the energy metabolism-promoting effect of aconite aqueous extract (AA) is related to gut microbiota and bile acid (BA) metabolism.

Methods

The effect of AA on energy metabolism in rats was detected based on body weight, body temperature, and adipose tissue by HE staining and immunohistochemistry. In addition, 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and targeted metabolomics were used to detect changes in gut microbiota and BA concentrations, respectively. Antibiotic treatment and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) were also performed to demonstrate the importance of gut microbiota.

Results

Rats given AA experienced an increase in body temperature, a decrease in body weight, and an increase in BAT (brown adipose tissue) activity and browning of WAT (white adipose tissue). Sequencing analysis and targeted metabolomics indicated that AA modulated gut microbiota and BA metabolism. The energy metabolism promotion of AA was found to be mediated by gut microbiota, as demonstrated through antibiotic treatment and FMT. Moreover, the energy metabolism-promoting effect of aconite is associated with the bile acid receptor TGR5 (Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5)-UCP1 (uncoupling protein 1) signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The energy metabolism-promoting effect of aconite is associated with gut microbiota and bile acid receptor TGR5-UCP1 signaling.
How forage grain ratoon rice improves the grain yield during the ratoon season
Authors: Gai Panpan , Chen Yuanwei , Sun Xin , Chen Hongjing , Yang Desheng , Ren Miaofei , Liu Lei , Wang Weiqin , Zheng Hua-bin , Tang Qiyuan
Published: September 2024

Introduction

In recent years, with the rapid expansion of ratoon rice production in Hunan, a unique ratoon rice-based production system, forage-grain ratoon rice (FG-RR), has been newly developed. Ratooning rice is a season of rice harvested by utilizing the dormant buds on the rice stubble left after harvesting the first season of rice to sprout and grow. Therefore, the characteristics of stalks themselves are crucial for the production of ratoon rice. The cutting period and higher stubble height directly affect the characteristics of ratoon rice stubbles. Based on this, we conducted the following research.

Methods

In 2021 and 2022, field experiments were conducted in central China to study the effects of different cutting periods and stubble height on the regeneration rate and nutrient content of ratoon crops. The treatments included two cutting periods (10 days after heading in the first season and 30 days after heading in the first season, respectively referred to as T10 and T30) and two stubble heights (10 cm and 30 cm, respectively referred to as H10 and H30).

Results

Compared with the T30H30 treatment, T10H10 and T10H30 increased grain yield by 48.1%, 41.7%, 73.1%, and 65.2% in the two-year ratoon seasons, while T30H10 reduced grain yield by 30.9% and 19.5% in the two years, respectively. Early cutting increased the panicles, spikelets per panicle, and filled grain rate to varying increase, while higher stubble height increased panicles but decreased spikelet panicle. On the one hand, early cutting and higher stubble height increased the dry and fresh weight, nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs), organic carbon (C), and nitrogen content of rice stalks, thereby improving the regeneration rate of ratoon rice. On the other hand, early cutting and higher stubble height retention increased the accumulation of nitrogen in rice stubble throughout the entire growth period and facilitated the transport of nitrogen to the mature panicles.

Discussion

Therefore, appropriate early cutting and higher stubble height retention are the keys to improving the grain yield and stability of ratoon rice.
Micro plastic driving changes in the soil microbes and lettuce growth under the influence of heavy metals contaminated soil
Authors: Shirin Jazbia , Chen Yongjing , Hussain Shah Azhar , Da Yanmei , Zhou Guowei , Sun Qingye
Published: September 2024

Microplastics (MPs) have garnered global attention as emerging contaminants due to their adaptability, durability, and robustness in various ecosystems. Still, studies concerning their combination with heavy metals (HMs), their interactions with soil biota, and how they affect soil physiochemical properties and terrestrial plant systems are limited. Our study was set to investigate the combined effect of HMs (cadmium, arsenic, copper, zinc and lead) contaminated soil of Tongling and different sizes (T1 = 106 µm, T2 = 50 µm, and T3 = 13 µm) of polystyrene microplastics on the soil physiochemical attributes, both bacterial and fungal diversity, compositions, AMF (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi), plant pathogens in the soil, and their effect on Lactuca sativa by conducting a greenhouse experiment. According to our results, the combination of HMs and polystyrene microplastic (PS-MPs), especially the smaller PS-MPs (T3), was more lethal for the lettuce growth, microbes and soil. The toxicity of combined contaminants directly reduced the physio-biochemical attributes of lettuce, altered the lettuce’s antioxidant activity and soil health. T3 at the final point led to a significant increase in bacterial and fungal diversity. In contrast, overall bacterial diversity was higher in the rhizosphere, and fungal diversity was higher in the bulk soil. Moreover, the decrease in MPs size played an important role in decreasing AMF and increasing both bacterial and fungal pathogens, especially in the rhizosphere soil. Functional prediction was found to be significantly different in the control treatment, with larger MPs compared to smaller PS-MPs. Environmental factors also played an important role in the alteration of the microbial community. This study also demonstrated that the varied distribution of microbial populations could be an ecological indicator for tracking the environmental health of soil. Overall, our work showed that the combination of HMs and smaller sizes of MPs was more lethal for the soil biota and lettuce and also raised many questions for further studying the ecological risk of PS-MPs and HMs.
Exploring the impact of tonal inventory on speech perception across languages: a study of MMN responses in tonal language speakers
Authors: Hsu Chun-Hsien , Cheong Tong-Hou , Huang Wen-Jun
Published: September 2024

Previous research on the perception of segmental features of languages has established a correlation between the phoneme inventory of a language and its speakers’ perceptual abilities, as indexed by discrimination tasks and Mismatch Negativity (MMN). Building on this background, the current study elucidated the relationship between perceptual ability and tonal inventory by utilizing two tonal languages. Two groups of participants were included in the present experiment: Mandarin speakers and Hakka-Mandarin speakers. Onset latency analysis revealed a significant difference in the Mandarin syllable condition, with Hakka-Mandarin speakers demonstrating earlier MMN latency than Mandarin speakers. This suggests a more efficient auditory processing mechanism in Hakka-Mandarin speakers. Both groups, however, showed similar MMN latency in the Hakka syllable condition. The interaction between language background and syllable type indicates that other factors, such as syllable sonority, also influence MMN responses. These findings highlight the importance of considering multiple phonemic inventories and syllable characteristics in studies of tonal perception.
Perceived health outcomes of recreation and happiness: exploring the mediating role of resilience
Authors: Sarol Halil , Polat Sezen Çimen , Ekinci Erdoğan
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Previous research has shown that leisure activities can positively influence perceived health outcomes by increasing individuals’ levels of physical activity. Yet, little has been discovered about the mechanisms that are driving this association. This study was conducted with the aim of examining the relationship between perceived health outcomes of recreation and happiness as well as the mediating effect of resilience.

Methods

The study comprised a total of 451 adult individuals residing in seven different geographical regions of Turkey, who were included using a convenience sampling method, and the data were collected between March and June 2023. Respondents completed assessments utilizing the Perceived Health Outcomes of Recreation, Brief Resilience Scale, and The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire-Short Form. Data analysis was executed employing the PROCESS macro for SPSS.

Results

The study’s findings revealed that perceived health outcomes of recreation had a positive effect on both happiness (β = 0.146, [95% CI: 0.106, 0.186]) and resilience (β = 0.156, [95% CI: 0.107, 0.205]). Resilience had a positive effect on happiness (β = 0.435, [95% CI: 0.362, 0.507]). Furthermore, the relationship between perceived health outcomes of recreation and happiness was partially mediated by resilience (β = 0.068, [95% CI: 0.042, 0.096]).

Conclusion

As a result, participating in leisure activities has been found to have a positive impact on perceived health outcomes, which in turn positively affects both happiness and resilience. Additionally, psychological resilience can be said to partially mediate the relationship between perceived health outcomes of recreation and happiness.
Formalized peer referral to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis supported with self-testing: a mixed-methods pilot study among young Kenyan women
Authors: McGowan Maureen , Wairimu Njeri , Reedy Adriana M. , Mogere Peter , Culquichicon Carlos , Njeru Irene , Malen Rachel C. , Jahn Albrecht , Bärnighausen Till , Roche Stephanie D. , Ngure Kenneth , Ortblad Katrina F.
Published: September 2024

Background

The uptake of daily oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)—a highly effective intervention—remains low among African adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) who could benefit. AGYW who initiate PrEP often do so through informal peer referral, which may be enhanced with formalized peer referral and peer-delivered HIV self-testing (HIVST). To understand the feasibility of this PrEP referral model among AGYW, we conducted a pilot study in Kenya.

Method

From March to May 2022, we recruited AGYW (≥16–24 years) using PrEP (i.e., “peer providers”) from public healthcare clinics in Kiambu County and trained them on HIV prevention, HIVST use, and peer-supported linkage to clinic-based HIV services. Following training, peer providers received eight HIVST kits and were encouraged to refer four peers (i.e., “peer clients”) to PrEP. We completed surveys with peer providers and clients one month following intervention delivery to assess PrEP initiation among peer clients. Later, we conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with peer providers and clients to identify factors that facilitated or challenged intervention outcomes.

Results

We trained 16 peer providers (median age: 23 years, IQR 21–24) who reported delivering the intervention to 56 peer clients; 30 peer clients (median age: 21 years, IQR 19–22) contacted the study team and were enrolled. Most of the enrolled peer clients reported behaviors associated with HIV risk (e.g., condomless sex; 80%, 24/30) and were PrEP-naïve (87%, 26/30). At one-month, PrEP initiation among eligible PrEP-naïve peer clients was high, as reported by providers (78%, 43/55) and clients (85%, 22/26); recent HIVST use was also high among peer clients (provider report: 95%, 53/56; client report: 97%, 29/30). In the FGDs, participants reported that intervention outcomes were facilitated by close preexisting relationships, HIVST assistance, and being escorted to clinic-based HIV services by peer providers; intervention barriers included conflicting priorities and limited HIVST experience.

Conclusion

A formalized model of peer referral with HIVST delivery supported PrEP initiation among Kenyan AGYW. These findings demonstrate the potential for peer-delivered interventions to engage AGYW in HIV prevention services; however, more research is needed on the effectiveness and sustainability of this approach at scale.
Interplay between epigenetics and metabolism controls cancer stem cell plasticity
Authors: Choi Jee-Eun , Baek Inwha
Published: September 2024

Tumors consist of cancer cells with different genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic properties. Cancer stem cells are an important subpopulation of heterogeneous cancer cells and are capable of initiating and propagating tumors. The term cancer stem cells has become broader in efforts to understand their phenotypic plasticity to switch fates between self-renewal and differentiation. Cancer stem cell plasticity is significantly associated with the initiation of metastasis, resistance to therapy, and tumor recurrence. With our broadened knowledge of epigenetic regulation and metabolic reprogramming as key elements enabling such capabilities, an expansive body of literature has demonstrated the functional importance of each element in contributing to cancer stem cell characteristics. Recently, the direct interplay between epigenetic regulation and metabolic reprogramming has begun to be appreciated in the context of cancer stem cells with growing interest. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which cancer stem cells orchestrate the reciprocal regulation of cellular metabolism and epigenetic alterations. In the discussion, compelling, unanswered questions on this topic have been elaborated for the interest of the research community and how recent technological developments help tackle such research ideas. A comprehensive understanding of cancer stem cell attributes that are largely governed by epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming would enable the advancement of precise therapeutic options and the prediction of better responses to drugs, holding great promise in cancer treatment and cure.
Real-life experience with first-line treatment with daratumumab, bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma ineligible for autologous stem-cell transplantation
Authors: Domingo-González Amalia , Alonso Fernández Rafael , Jiménez Ana , De Soto Álvarez Teresa , Lerma-Verdejo Ana , Pradillo Virginia , Benzo Callejo Gonzalo , Sánchez-Pina Jose , Landete Elena , Velasco-Valdazo Alberto , Menéndez-Cuevas Marina , López Riñón Mónica María , Ramírez-López Andrés , Blanchard María-Jesús , Askari Elham
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The regimen with daratumumab, bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone (D-VMP) is one of the recommended treatments for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) non-transplant eligible due to the results described in the ALCYONE trial. However, real-life outcomes with this regimen are limited. This study assesses the real-life effectiveness and safety of this regimen.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data on efficacy, safety, and survival parameters of D-VMP regimen in 112 patients with NDMM not eligible for autologous stem-cell transplantation with attention to the effect of age, R2-ISS, high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (CA), and depth of response.

Results

Patients aged ≥75 years constituted 70% of our cohort. Fifty-two percent had R2-ISS 3-4, and 60% had high-risk CA. Twenty-three percent of patients would have been excluded from the ALCYONE trial. After a median follow-up of 31.4 months, all patients had completed induction, with a median number of cycles of 9 (IQR 6-9). The overall response rate was 95%, and 72% achieved very good partial response (VGPR) or better. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 41.5 (95% CI, 34.3 to NE), and the median overall survival (OS) was not reached. The most frequent adverse event (AE) was neuropathy (27%), followed by gastrointestinal symptoms (13%) and hematological AE (10%). Age did not negatively impact survival outcomes. Patients with ≥2 high-risk CA or those who achieved <VGPR had a worse OS (p= 0.026 and p= 0.030). After performing multivariate analysis, we didn’t find statistically significant prognostic factors for PFS or OS.

Discussion

In real-life practice, the D-VMP combination showed a similar efficacy and safety profile to those reported in the ALCYONE and OCTANS trials.
Recent advancements in liquid marbles: fabrication, materials, control mechanisms, and applications
Authors: Ghavami Hamed , Liu Yuxiang
Published: September 2024

Liquid marbles (LMs) are versatile soft matter systems comprising a liquid core encapsulated by a shell of hydrophobic particles. LMs exhibit non-wetting properties and hence have enhanced mobility compared with droplets on a solid substrate. Recent advances have expanded their fabrication methods, material choices, and applications, particularly in microfluidics. This mini-review highlights the progress in LM research over the past 2 years, focusing on novel fabrication techniques, unique materials, multi-physical control schemes, and emerging applications including solar energy harvesting, cell culture, controlled substance delivery, gas sensing, and pollutant decontamination. We provide opinions on the unaddressed needs in LM research and on the trend of LM developments, specifically for the applications of LMs in lab-on-a-chip applications.
‘I am an architect’, gender and professional identity in architecture
Authors: MacManus Dervla , O’Donnell Katherine
Published: September 2024

For women architects, the confluence of gender and professional identity has remained unresolved since their admittance to the profession of architecture. The past decade has seen a resurgence in the use of the term ‘women in architecture’ coupled with renewed debate around its use as well as challenges from feminist historians and theorists to recognise other forms of architectural practices and identities. The research presented here examines the interplay between gender and the professional identity of those working within, and outside of, architectural professional practice in Ireland by combining questions on gender and professional identity from a large survey (n = 684) and 23 semi-structured interviews. Launched in March 2023, the Irish Architecture Career Tracker Survey received over 680 completed online questionnaires. The respondents, ranging in age from 20 to 72, were asked, ‘How important is being a woman/man to the way you think about your career?’ Perhaps unsurprisingly, the results for men and women are almost the inverse of one another. Male respondents tended towards ‘being a man is not at all important to the way I think about my career,’ at 45%, whilst female respondents tended towards the opposite, ‘being a woman is extremely important to the way I think about my career,’ at 41%. Another key question asked was whether or not ‘The term ‘woman in architecture’ is an important reflection of who I am professionally?’ Just 40% of female participants agreed with this statement. In the 23 semi-structured interviews which followed the survey, these two topics were explored, providing rich qualitative. Interviewees were both male and female and ranged in age from 32 to 62. When analysed using a reflexive thematic approach, we identified six themes which, when taken together, show a difficult and at times contradictory and paradoxical confluence of gender and professional identity, especially, but not only, for female architects. We suggest that these apparent contradictions and paradoxes are a way to cope with the quintessential sexist dilemma that identifying as a ‘woman in architecture’ continues to present.
Sustainable performance evaluation of the banking industry based on CPT-TOPSIS: a case study of commercial banks in China
Authors: Chao Lu
Published: September 2024

The issue of sustainable development in financial institutions has become a primary concern for both the industry and investors. This study proposes a comprehensive decision-making method by integrating Cumulative Prospect Theory (CPT) with the traditional TOPSIS model for the sustainability assessment of commercial banks. Building on previous research, this study establishes a multi-criteria framework under the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) that includes five major dimensions: economic, social, environmental, governance, and financial, along with 15 indicators. The study employs this model to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of five Chinese commercial banks. The results indicate that the Bank of China (BOC) ranked first in sustainability performance, particularly excelling in the environmental dimension compared to the second-ranked Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), highlighting the importance of environmental indicators in the sustainability assessment of commercial banks. Empirical analysis shows that this model considers cognitive biases at the psychological level while accounting for uncertainties and risk preferences, offering significant advantages over the entropy-weighted TOPSIS model. The contribution of this paper lies in the pioneering introduction of Cumulative Prospect Theory into the study of sustainable development in Chinese commercial banks, combined with 15 related indicators under the GRI framework, providing new theoretical and practical insights for banking performance and sustainability research. This model effectively narrows the gap between the sustainability assessment practices of large Chinese commercial banks and international standards and holds promise as a useful tool for analyzing and improving sustainable development strategies in the banking sector.
Climate impacts on rural sanitation: evidence from Burkina Faso, Bangladesh and Lao PDR
Authors: Iyer Ruhil , Kohlitz Jeremy
Published: September 2024

Climate change is a real, emerging issue in the rural sanitation sector. In an already stressed context, they threaten sustained sanitation progress and outcomes. Yet, evidence gaps continue to exist on how climate impacts affect rural sanitation and hygiene practices and the narratives of people and households at the forefront, experiencing climate impacts on sanitation in rural areas are largely absent. The sector also needs more thinking on how programming can adapt to consider climate hazards. This paper builds evidence on climate impacts on rural sanitation practices through case studies in Burkina Faso, Bangladesh and Lao PDR. Studies were undertaken through various participatory methodologies to understand and respond to lived experience, differentially experienced impacts and tacit knowledge of climate impacts on rural sanitation. Climate hazards affect sanitation via numerous, dynamic interlinking pathways. The social context and local anthropogenic activities shape how these hazards impact physical access to sanitation infrastructure, access to local resources and markets, and livelihoods needed to support safe sanitation. These impacts include behaviours and practices, infrastructure, and people’s capacity to invest in sanitation. Strong implications have emerged for how sanitation practice, research and policy must evolve to account for climate hazards to ensure sustained sanitation outcomes, systemic resilience and programme delivery. The rural sanitation sector must recognize the various interlinkages and distinct experiences of climate across people’s daily lives as they have cascading impacts on sanitation practice. Climate considerations must be integrated at every stage of sanitation project delivery, and more holistic pathways must be explored, to ensure root causes of systemic issues such as poverty and vulnerability are considered for sustained and transformative outcomes.
Study of a new biocoagulant/bioflocculant mixture based on Boscia senegalensis seeds powder and Aloe vera leaves extract for the treatment of raw water intended for human consumption in rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Konkobo Frédéric Anderson , Diao Mamounata , Ouédraogo Elisabeth Rakisewendé , Barry Poussian Raymond , Santara Balamoussa , Zongo Sandrine , Roamba Noëlle Edwige , Dakuyo Roger , Sanou Abdoudramane , Kaboré Kabakdé , Bazié David , Savadogo Paul Windinpsidi , Dicko Mamoudou Hama
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The research of natural and sustainable solutions to improve rural water quality in developing countries of Sub-Saharan Africa represents a major challenge. It is in this context that the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a biocoagulant/bioflocculant mixture based on Boscia senegalensis seeds powder and Aloe vera leaves extract for treating water intended for human consumption in rural areas.

Methods

To do this, 100 g of Boscia senegalensis seeds powder and 50 g of Aloe vera leaves extract were prepared separately as aqueous solutions in 1 L of distilled water, then applied, respectively, as biocoagulant for Boscia and bioflocculant for Aloe to raw water samples in jar tests. The quality of the treated water was evaluated, and compared with WHO standards of acceptability.

Results and discussion

Experimental results showed that the Boscia senegalensis biocoagulant (at 7 mL/L) initially reduced turbidity by 85% after 2 h of decantation. When combined with Aloe bioflocculant (at 0.4 mL/L), a 99% reduction was obtained after just 15 min of decantation. Quality control of the water treated with this biocoagulant/bioflocculant mixture showed perfect compliance of physicochemical parameters with WHO standards, and almost total elimination of pathogenic microorganisms. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of this new Boscia/Aloe mixture in the rapid potabilization of raw water intended for human consumption. However, prolonged storage of water treated with the Boscia/Aloe mixture at room temperature may lead to further bacterial proliferation due to the remaining organic matter. To avoid this problem, additional disinfection methods such as boiling, SODIS (Solar Disinfection) method or sand filtration are recommended for prolonged storage of treated water. Ultimately, the adoption of this environmentally-friendly biotechnology could not only improve public health, but also empower local communities in Sub-Saharan Africa by providing them with a local and effective methodology for tackling the growing challenges associated with access to drinking water.
Advanced Detection of Abnormal ECG Patterns Using an Optimized LADTree Model with Enhanced Predictive Feature: Potential Application in CKD
Authors: Binsawad Muhammad , Khan Bilal
Published: September 2024

Detecting abnormal ECG patterns is a crucial area of study aimed at enhancing diagnostic accuracy and enabling early identification of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)-related abnormalities. This study compares a unique strategy for abnormal ECG patterns using the LADTree model to standard machine learning (ML) models. The study design includes data collection from the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia dataset, preprocessing to address missing values, and feature selection using the CfsSubsetEval method using Best First Search, Harmony Search, and Particle Swarm Optimization Search approaches. The performance assessment consists of two scenarios: percentage splitting and K-fold cross-validation, with several evaluation measures such as Kappa statistic (KS), Best First Search, recall, precision-recall curve (PRC) area, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area, and accuracy. In scenario 1, LADTree outperforms other ML models in terms of mean absolute error (MAE), KS, recall, ROC area, and PRC. Notably, the Naïve Bayes (NB) model has the lowest MAE, but the Support Vector Machine (SVM) performs badly. In scenario 2, NB has the lowest MAE but the highest KS, recall, ROC area, and PRC area, closely followed by LADTree. Overall, the findings indicate that the LADTree model, when optimized for ECG signal data, delivers promising results in detecting abnormal ECG patterns potentially related with CKD. This study advances predictive modeling tools for identifying abnormal ECG patterns, which could enhance early detection and management of CKD, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and healthcare practices.
Directed Topic Extraction with Side Information for Sustainability Analysis
Authors: Osipenko Maria
Published: September 2024

Topic analysis represents each document in a text corpus in a low-dimensional latent topic space. In some cases, the desired topic representation is subject to specific requirements or guidelines constituting side information. For instance, sustainability-aware investors might be interested in automatically assessing aspects of firm sustainability based on the textual content of its corporate reports, focusing on the established 17 UN sustainability goals. The main corpus consists of the corporate report texts, while the texts containing the definitions of the 17 UN sustainability goals represent the side information. Under the assumption that both text corpora share a common low-dimensional subspace, we propose representing them in such a space via directed topic extraction using matrix co-factorization. Both the main and the side text corpora are first represented as term–context matrices, which are then jointly decomposed into word–topic and topic–context matrices. The word–topic matrix is common to both text corpora, whereas the topic–context matrices contain specific representations in the shared topic space. A nuisance parameter, which allows us to shift the focus between the error minimization of individual factorization terms, controls the extent to which the side information is taken into account. With our approach, documents from the main and the side corpora can be related to each other in the resulting latent topic space. That is, the corporate reports are represented in the same latent topic space as the descriptions of the 17 UN sustainability goals, enabling a structured automatic sustainability assessment of the textual report’s content. We provide an algorithm for such directed topic extraction and propose techniques for visualizing and interpreting the results.
Managing Fear and Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Dental Hygiene Visits with Guided Biofilm Therapy: A Conceptual Model
Authors: Leśna Marta , Górna Krystyna , Kwiatek Jakub
Published: September 2024

Fear and anxiety during dental visits are common issues that can lead to avoidance of appointments and deterioration of oral health. Effectively managing patients’ emotions during dental treatments is crucial to improving their experiences, increasing adherence to regular visits, and achieving better treatment outcomes. This study aimed to assess the levels of fear and anxiety in patients undergoing hygiene treatments utilizing Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) and identify factors that could reduce these negative emotions. A total of 247 patients were evaluated using standardized questionnaires (MDAS, STAI X1, STAI X2, and Gatchel), custom questions, and heart rate monitoring as a physiological stress indicator. Clinical factors, including dental status confirmed by AI-based radiographic analysis (Diagnocat system), as well as sociodemographic influences, were analyzed. Results indicated significant reductions in fear and anxiety after the procedure, as shown by both heart rate and questionnaire scores. Factors such as pain, the presence of caries, and implants were linked to higher anxiety, while strategies like avoiding visible needles and postprocedure interaction with staff were associated with lower stress levels. The findings underscore the importance of personalized care and emotional support to enhance patient experiences.
Modulus of Elasticity in Plywood Boards: Comparison between a Destructive and a Nondestructive Method
Authors: de la Cruz-Carrera Ricardo , Carrillo-Parra Artemio , Prieto-Ruíz José Ángel , Fuentes-Talavera Francisco Javier , Ruiz-Aquino Faustino , Goche-Télles José Rodolfo
Published: September 2024

Nondestructive methods are a fast and accurate way to obtain information about the mechanical properties of plywood panels. The objective was to determine the modulus of rupture and compare the modulus of elasticity (MOE) in plywood boards made with Pinus spp. and Eucalyptus urograndis using the destructive method of three-point static bending and the nondestructive method of ultrasound in parallel and perpendicular directions, as well as in complete board and test specimens, both with the ultrasound method and the correlation between the variables studied. The plywood boards evaluated were 18, 25 and 30 mm nominal thickness. Five structures were evaluated using pine and pine–eucalyptus veneers. Three boards were collected per structure, and 28 specimens were made from each board (14 in a parallel direction and 14 in a perpendicular direction). The elastic modulus was determined by the ultrasound method in complete plywood boards and in specimens obtained from them using the IML Micro Hammer® equipment and through the conventional bending test, carried out in an Instron® universal mechanical testing machine. The Tukey test of means (p < 0.05) shows that in the nominal thickness of 18 mm, the modulus of elasticity by ultrasound was lower compared to the result obtained by static bending in four of the five structures in the perpendicular direction and lower in all the structures evaluated in the parallel direction; while in the nominal thickness of 25 and 30 mm, it was greater in all structures and in both directions. The results of static bending by ultrasound, in complete boards and specimens, show that the only significant difference (p < 0.05) occurs in the nominal thickness of 30 mm in the treatment made with pine–eucalyptus with urea formaldehyde resin being lower in the parallel direction and in complete boards The correlation between the modulus of elasticity determined on specimens using the nondestructive method and the destructive method was r = 0.75 and Pr < 0.05; while comparing the nondestructive method on test specimens and complete plywood panels, r = 0.73 and Pr < 0.05 were obtained. It is concluded that the mechanical bending property of plywood boards can be characterized by the ultrasound method.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics Effects of Green Space and Socioeconomic Factors on Urban Agglomeration in Central Yunnan
Authors: Liu Min , Li Jingxi , Song Ding , Dong Junmei , Ren Dijing , Wei Xiaoyan
Published: September 2024

In the current context of urbanization, urban agglomerations face complex challenges in maintaining an ecological balance. This study uses remote sensing images of the Central Yunnan urban agglomeration from 2000 to 2020, along with socioeconomic data, to analyze the spatiotemporal characteristics of the green space evolution. Utilizing dynamic geographically weighted regression analysis based on principal components (PCA-GWR), we identify the key socioeconomic factors influencing these changes and quantitatively analyze the driving forces in each stage. Our findings reveal a continuing trend of decreasing total green space alongside increasing individual forest types and pronounced regional disparities in green space dynamics. The results indicate that socioeconomic factors exert both positive facilitative effects and negative pressures, with evident spatial and temporal variability. Urbanization and economic development promote forest expansion in certain areas, while contributing to the reduction in farmland and shrub–grass lands. Significant variations are influenced by factors such as the urbanization rate, the agricultural population, the industrial composition, and fiscal revenue. This study enhances the in-depth understanding of the relationship between the spatiotemporal dynamics of green spaces and socially driven mechanisms, offering significant insights for sustainable urban planning and landscape management and harmonizing urban agglomeration development.
Migraine and Stroke: A Scoping Review
Authors: Nathan Neal , Ngo Angeline , Khoromi Suzan
Published: September 2024

An increased risk of ischemic stroke in migraine with aura (MA) has been consistently demonstrated. The pathophysiology of risk factors is not yet well understood. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the association between MA and ischemic stroke including decreased focal cerebral blood flow and other phenomena linked with cortical spreading depression (CSD) as well as neurovascular pathology, which appear to play a key role in MA. In addition to genetic predisposition, other classic stroke risk factors such as atrial fibrillation, emboli, migraine-associated vasculopathy, endothelial dysfunction, platelet dysfunction, coagulation pathway abnormalities, and inflammatory factors have been examined and investigated. For further clarification, distinctions have been made between features of migrainous infarctions and non-migrainous infarctions among migraineurs. Furthermore, the association is less clear when considering the mixed results studying the risk of ischemic stroke in migraines without aura (MO) and the risk of hemorrhagic stroke in people with all types of migraine. Translational research is investigating the role of biomarkers which can help identify vascular links between stroke and migraine and lead to further treatment developments. We performed a scoping review of the PubMed database to further characterize and update the clinical connections between migraine and stroke.
Four-Party Evolutionary Game Analysis of Value Co-Creation Behavior of Bulk Logistics Enterprises in Digital Transformation
Authors: Yao Yang , Shen Mengru , Yang Kai , Gao Yiwen
Published: September 2024

Bulk logistics is an important part of the modern logistics system. The degree of digital transformation of bulk logistics has a significant gap compared with other logistics forms. Combined with the successful experience of digital transformation, value co-creation may become one of the key strategies to solve the problem of digital transformation of bulk logistics. This study formulates a four-party evolutionary game model to analyze the strategic choices and the stability of strategy combinations in value co-creation activities among bulk logistics enterprises and related entities and conducts numerical simulation analysis to explore the factors affecting the outcomes of the proposed game. The numerical results demonstrate that the bulk logistics enterprises and government departments are the key players in the game form that drive the success of value co-creation activities, and the additional costs required by various enterprises and the policies and financial support from government departments are key factors affecting strategic choices. Our findings can serve as a reference for bulk logistics enterprises.
Assessment of Changes in Selected Features of Pine and Birch Wood after Impregnation with Graphene Oxide
Authors: Betlej Izabela , Borysiak Sławomir , Rybak Katarzyna , Nasiłowska Barbara , Bombalska Aneta , Mierczyk Zygmunt , Lipska Karolina , Borysiuk Piotr , Andres Bogusław , Nowacka Małgorzata , Boruszewski Piotr
Published: September 2024

In this work, pine and birch wood were modified by graphene oxide using a single vacuum impregnation method. The research results indicate that the impregnation of wood with graphene oxide increases the crystallinity of cellulose in both pine and birch wood, and the increase in crystallinity observed in the case of birch was more significant than in the case of pine. FT-IR analyses of pine samples impregnated with graphene oxide showed changes in intensity in the absorption bands of 400–600, 700–1500 cm−1, and 3200–3500 cm−1 and a peak separation of 1102 cm−1, which may indicate new C-O-C connections. In the case of birch, only some differences were noticed related to the vibrations of the OH group. The proposed modification also affects changes in the color of the wood surface, with earlywood containing more graphene oxide than latewood. Analysis of scanning electron microscope images revealed that graphene oxide adheres flat to the cell wall. Considering the differences in the anatomical structure of both wood species, the research showed a statistically significant difference in water absorption and retention of graphene oxide in wood cells. Graphene oxide does not block the flow of water in the wood, as evidenced by the absorbability of the working liquid at the level of 580–602 kg/m3, which corresponds to the value of pure water absorption by wood in the impregnation method using a single negative pressure. In this case, higher graphene oxide retention values were obtained for pine wood.
Continuous High-Precision Positioning in Smartphones by FGO-Based Fusion of GNSS–PPK and PDR
Authors: Magsi Amjad Hussain , Díez Luis Enrique , Knauth Stefan
Published: September 2024

The availability of raw Global Navigation Satellites System (GNSS) measurements in Android smartphones fosters advancements in high-precision positioning for mass-market devices. However, challenges like inconsistent pseudo-range and carrier phase observations, limited dual-frequency data integrity, and unidentified hardware biases on the receiver side prevent the ambiguity resolution of smartphone GNSS. Consequently, relying solely on GNSS for high-precision positioning may result in frequent cycle slips in complex conditions such as deep urban canyons, underpasses, forests, and indoor areas due to non-line-of-sight (NLOS) and multipath conditions. Inertial/GNSS fusion is the traditional common solution to tackle these challenges because of their complementary capabilities. For pedestrians and smartphones with low-cost inertial sensors, the usual architecture is Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR)+ GNSS. In addition to this, different GNSS processing techniques like Precise Point Positioning (PPP) and Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) have also been integrated with INS. However, integration with PDR has been limited and only with Kalman Filter (KF) and its variants being the main fusion techniques. Recently, Factor Graph Optimization (FGO) has started to be used as a fusion technique due to its superior accuracy. To the best of our knowledge, on the one hand, no work has tested the fusion of GNSS Post-Processed Kinematics (PPK) and PDR on smartphones. And, on the other hand, the works that have evaluated the fusion of GNSS and PDR employing FGO have always performed it using the GNSS Single-Point Positioning (SPP) technique. Therefore, this work aims to combine the use of the GNSS PPK technique and the FGO fusion technique to evaluate the improvement in accuracy that can be obtained on a smartphone compared with the usual GNSS SPP and KF fusion strategies. We improved the Google Pixel 4 smartphone GNSS using Post-Processed Kinematics (PPK) with the open-source RTKLIB 2.4.3 software, then fused it with PDR via KF and FGO for comparison in offline mode. Our findings indicate that FGO-based PDR+GNSS–PPK improves accuracy by 22.5% compared with FGO-based PDR+GNSS–SPP, which shows smartphones obtain high-precision positioning with the implementation of GNSS–PPK via FGO.