bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formal Safety Assessment and Improvement of DDS Protocol for Industrial Data Distribution Service
Authors: Du Jinze , Gao Chengtai , Feng Tao
Published: January 2023

The Data Distribution Service (DDS) for real-time systems is an industrial Internet communication protocol. Due to its distributed high reliability and the ability to transmit device data communication in real-time, it has been widely used in industry, medical care, transportation, and national defense. With the wide application of various protocols, protocol security has become a top priority. There are many studies on protocol security, but these studies lack a formal security assessment of protocols. Based on the above status, this paper evaluates and improves the security of the DDS protocol using a model detection method combining the Dolev–Yao attack model and the Coloring Petri Net (CPN) theory. Because of the security loopholes in the original protocol, a timestamp was introduced into the original protocol, and the shared key establishment process in the original protocol lacked fairness and consistency. We adopted a new establishment method to establish the shared secret and re-verified its security. The results show that the overall security of the protocol has been improved by 16.7% while effectively preventing current replay attack.
Experimental and Statistical Study of the Effect of Steel Fibers and Design Strength on the Variability in Repeated Impact Test Results
Authors: Abbass Ahmmad A. , Abid Sallal R. , Abed Ali I. , Ali Sajjad H.
Published: January 2023

The ACI 544-2R repeated impact test is known as a low-cost and simple qualitative test to evaluate the impact strength of concrete. However, the test’s main deficiency is the high variability in its results. The effect of steel fibers and the compressive strength of concrete on the variability in repeated impact test results was investigated experimentally and statically in this study. Two batches from four mixtures were prepared and tested for this purpose. Hooked-end steel fibers were utilized in the fibrous mixtures. The mixtures NC, NC-SF0.5 and NC-SF1.0 were normal strength mixtures with 0, 0.5 and 1.0% of steel fibers, respectively, while HC was a plain high-strength mixture. The impact tests were conducted using an automatic testing machine following the setup of the ACI 544-2R repeated impact test. The impact numbers at cracking (N1) and at failure (N2) were recorded for both batches of the four mixtures. The results were also analyzed using the normal probability and Weibull distribution tests. The test results showed that the fibers increased the impact results at the cracking stage and significantly increased the failure impact resistance. Adding 0.5 and 1.0% of steel fibers increased the N1 by up to 66 and 111%, respectively, and increased the N2 by 114 and 374%, respectively. The test results also showed that duplicating the design compressive strength from 40 to 80 MPa increased the impact resistance by up to approximately 190%. The test results revealed no clear trend of an effect of steel fibers and compressive strength on the variability in the test results.
Software-Based Simulations of Wildfire Spread and Wind-Fire Interaction
Authors: Ghodrat Maryam , Shakeriaski Farshad , Fanaee Sayyed Aboozar , Simeoni Albert
Published: January 2023

Wildfires are complex phenomena, both in time and space, in ecosystems. The ability to understand wildfire dynamics and to predict the behaviour of the propagating fire is essential and at the same time a challenging practice. A common approach to investigate and predict such phenomena is making the most of power of numerical models and simulators. Improved and more accurate methods for simulating fire dynamics are indispensable to managing suppression plans and controlled burns, decreasing the fuel load and having a better assessment of wildfire risk mitigation methodologies. This paper is focused on the investigation of existing simulator models applicable in predicting wildfire spread and wind fire interaction. The available software packages are outlined with their broad range of applications in fire dynamic modeling. Significance of each work and associated shortcomings are critically reviewed. Finally, advanced simulations and designs, accurate assumptions, and considerations for improving the numerical simulations, existing knowledge gaps in scientific research and suggestions to achieve more efficient developments in this area are revisited.
Valorization of Beetroot By-Products for Producing Value-Added Third Generation Snacks
Authors: Igual Marta , Moreau Faustine , García-Segovia Purificación , Martínez-Monzó Javier
Published: January 2023

Food waste is becoming a growing and important concern at both local and global levels. One-third of all food production is lost or wasted globally. It is necessary to look for alternatives that allow the use of agri-food waste or byproducts and that can provide value to other foodstuffs. The utilization of beetroot byproducts for producing value-added third generation (3G) snacks was the main aim of this work. These snacks are obtained by indirect expansion by extrusion and later heat expansion. In order to achieve this aim, a corn grits base was used and the influence of water content and beetroot byproduct content effect was studied on expansion kinetics by microwave energy and on texture, colour, extrusion parameters and bioactive compounds of expanded 3G snacks. The microwave expansion kinetics study determined the appropriate time to expand the formulations studied. Samples with higher water content in the mixtures needed more expansion time. In terms of expansion, all samples presented acceptable values; however, samples with 25% water in the mixtures showed better results. Furthermore, these snacks showed more crunchiness and less hardness. Beetroot byproduct incorporation provided additional functional value to the snacks. The betalains and phenols contained in the beetroot byproduct were presented in the expanded snacks and increased the antioxidant capacity of the snacks. With this study, it can be recommended to use 25% water content and 10% beetroot byproduct in corn mixture to obtain a third-generation snack with added value.
Discriminant Analysis of Brazilian Stingless Bee Honey Reveals an Iron-Based Biogeographical Origin
Authors: Lavinas Flavia C. , Gomes Brendo A. , Silva Marcos V. T. , Nunes Renata M. , Leitão Suzana G. , Moura Mirian R. L. , Simas Rosineide C. , Carneiro Carla S. , Rodrigues Igor A.
Published: January 2023

Stingless bee honey (SBH) is gaining attention due to its nutritional, sensorial, and medicinal characteristics. This study focuses on the combination of physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, mineral profile, and mass spectrometry-based fingerprints, using a chemometric approach to differentiate SBH (n = 18) from three different Brazilian biogeographical zones (Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest). The physicochemical properties of SBH varied, resulting in a wide range of water activity, moisture, total soluble solids, pH, and total and free acidity. The Caatinga honey showed the highest and the lowest contents of phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. The antioxidant free-radical scavenging assays demonstrated that the Brazilian SBH has a high antioxidant potential. The mineral profile of honey samples from the Atlantic Forest revealed higher contents of Ca and Fe while the Cerrado and Caatinga honey showed the highest P contents. Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) analysis separated the samples into three groups based on the biogeographical zones of harvest. The main separation factors between groups were the m/z 326 ion and the Fe content. Univariate analysis confirmed that Fe content is important for SBH discrimination. The present results indicate that the origin of SBH can be determined on the basis of mineral profile, especially Fe content.
Purification, Characterization and Bioactivity of Different Molecular-Weight Fractions of Polysaccharide Extracted from Litchi Pulp
Authors: Zou Xiaoqin , Cai Jiaxin , Xiao Jiaxi , Zhang Mingwei , Jia Xuchao , Dong Lihong , Hu Kun , Yi Yang , Zhang Ruifen , Huang Fei
Published: January 2023

Litchi polysaccharides are a kind of macromolecular polymers with various biological activities and a wide range of molecular weights. In this study, two separate fractions, with average molecular weights of 378.67 kDa (67.33%) and 16.96 kDa (6.95%), which were referred to as LP1 and LP2, respectively, were separated using an ultrafiltration membrane. Their physicochemical properties, and immunomodulatory and prebiotic activity were compared. The results revealed that LP2 contained more neutral sugar, arabinose, galactose and rhamnose, but less uronic acid, protein, mannose and glucose than LP1. Compared with LP1, LP2 possessed higher solubility and lower apparent viscosity. LP2 exhibited stronger stimulation on macrophage secretion of NO, TNF-α and IL-6, as well as better proliferation of Lactobacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium adolescentis. These results suggest that an ultrafiltration membrane might be used to prepare a highly-active polysaccharide fraction from litchi pulp that may be used for food or drug development.
Comparison of Chemiluminescence Enzyme Immunoassay (Cl-ELISA) with Colorimetric Enzyme Immunoassay (Co-ELISA) for Imidacloprid Detection in Vegetables
Authors: Zhai Rongqi , Chen Ge , Liu Guangyang , Huang Xiaodong , Xu Xiaomin , Li Lingyun , Zhang Yanguo , Xu Donghui , Abd El-Aty A. M.
Published: January 2023

Imidacloprid is one of the most commonly used insecticides for managing pests, thus, improving the quality and yield of vegetables. The abuse/misuse of imidacloprid contaminates the environment and threatens human health. To reduce the risk, a colorimetric enzyme-linked immunoassay assay (Co-ELISA) and chemiluminescence enzyme-linked immunoassay assay (Cl-ELISA) were established to detect imidacloprid residues in vegetables. The linear range of Co-ELISA ranged between 1.56 μg/L and 200 μg/L with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.56 μg/L. The values for Cl-ELISA were 0.19 μg/L to 25 μg/L with an LOD of 0.19 μg/L, which are lower than those of Co-ELISA. Fortifying Chinese cabbage, cucumber, and zucchini with imidacloprid at 10, 50, and 100 μg/L yielded recoveries between 81.7 and 117.6% for Co-ELISA and at 5, 10, and 20 µg/L yielded recoveries range from 69.7 to 120.6% for Cl-ELISA. These results indicate that Cl-ELISA has a high sensitivity and a rapid detection time, saving cost (antigen and antibody concentrations) and serving as a more efficient model for the rapid detection of imidacloprid residue.
Diatomic Line Strengths for Fitting Selected Molecular Transitions of AlO, C2, CN, OH, N2+, NO, and TiO, Spectra
Authors: Parigger Christian G.
Published: January 2023

This work communicates line-strength data and associated scripts for the computation and spectroscopic fitting of selected transitions of diatomic molecules. The scripts for data analysis are designed for inclusion in various software packages or program languages. Selected results demonstrate the applicability of the program for data analysis in laser-induced optical breakdown spectroscopy primarily at the University of Tennessee Space Institute, Center for Laser Applications. Representative spectra are calculated and referenced to measured data records. Comparisons of experiment data with predictions from other tabulated diatomic molecular databases confirm the accuracy of the communicated line-strength data.
Mechanical Behaviors and Acoustic Emission Fractal Characteristics of Bump-Prone Coal under Different Loading Rates
Authors: Liu Bin , Sun Xiang , Ling Chunwei , Huang Zujun , Zhang Hongwei
Published: January 2023

Coal and rock dynamic disasters occur frequently in deep coal mining. The loading rate affects the mechanical properties and behaviors. Uniaxial compression acoustic emission (AE) tests of bump-prone coal under various loading rates were carried out, and the mechanical properties, AE spatiotemporal evolution, and spatial fractal characteristics were analyzed. The experimental results indicate that the uniaxial compressive strength is positively related to the loading rate, and the elastic modulus increases before decreasing with the loading rate. The failure strain is positively related to the loading rate, and the percentage of the compaction phase relative to the pre-peak phase decreases with the loading rate. The hit rate, absolute energy, AE events, and amplitude evolution of coal samples under various loading rates are the same, and the maximum of AE absolute energy and hit rate is positively related to the loading rate. The spatial evolution of AE events of coal samples under various loading rates is the same, showing a “slow increase → slow increase → fast increase → rapid increase → slow increase” trend. The spatial fractal dimension ranges from 2.1 to 2.9, and the evolution of coal samples under various loading rates is the same, exhibiting a downward trend.
On the Stability Domain of a Class of Linear Systems of Fractional Order
Authors: Danca Marius-F.
Published: January 2023

In this paper, the shape of the stability domain Sq for a class of difference systems defined by the Caputo forward difference operator Δq of order q∈(0,1) is numerically analyzed. It is shown numerically that due to of power of the negative base in the expression of the stability domain, in addition to the known cardioid-like shapes, Sq could present supplementary regions where the stability is not verified. The Mandelbrot map of fractional order is considered as an illustrative example. In addition, it is conjectured that for q<0.5, the shape of Sq does not cover the main body of the underlying Mandelbrot set of fractional order as in the case of integer order.
Fractional-Order PID Controller Based on Immune Feedback Mechanism for Time-Delay Systems
Authors: Makhbouche Adel , Boudjehem Badreddine , Birs Isabela , Muresan Cristina I.
Published: January 2023

The control of processes with time delays is crucial in process industries such as petrochemical, hydraulic, and manufacturing. It is a challenging task for automation engineers, as it may affect both phase and gain margins. In this case, a robust control system is preferred. This article presents a novel controller structure combining computational intelligence (CI) and fractional-order control. A fractional-order PID (FOPID) controller based on a bio-inspired immune feedback mechanism (IFM) is developed for controlling processes described as first-order plus time-delay systems (FOPTD). A genetic algorithm (GA) is used to optimize the controller parameters. Fractional-order control has been used to give extra flexibilities and an immune feedback mechanism for its self-adaptability. Numerical simulations are presented to validate the proposed control strategy in terms of reference tracking and disturbance rejection. Comparative simulation results with an immune integer-order PID controller are also included to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed fractional-order method.
Relationships between Reference Evapotranspiration and Meteorological Variables in the Middle Zone of the Guadalquivir River Valley Explained by Multifractal Detrended Cross-Correlation Analysis
Authors: Gómez-Gómez Javier , Ariza-Villaverde Ana B. , Gutiérrez de Ravé Eduardo , Jiménez-Hornero Francisco J.
Published: January 2023

The multifractal relationship between reference evapotranspiration (ET0), computed by the Penmann-Monteith equation (PM), relative humidity (RH) and mean surface temperature (Tmean) was studied in the middle zone of the Guadalquivir River Valley (south Spain) in a previous study. This work extends that study to the average wind speed (U2) and solar radiation (SR), focusing on more recent years. All agro-meteorological variables were analyzed by multifractal detrended cross-correlation analysis (MFCCA) and multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MFDFA). The outcomes revealed persistent long-term autocorrelations, with Tmean and RH having the highest persistence (H>0.75). More precise results of multifractal properties than in the previous study were obtained for ET0, Tmean, and RH due to the elimination of trends in the signals. Only medium and large fluctuations in ET0 showed multifractal cross-correlations with its controlling factors, except for U2. Moreover, joint scaling exponents differed from individual exponents. These phenomena contrast with what has been observed in previous cross-correlation studies, revealing that some differences exist in the dynamics of multifractality among the analyzed variables. On the other hand, the Tmean–ET0 relation showed that extreme events in ET0 are mainly ruled by high temperature fluctuations, which match conclusions drawn in the previous study.
Satellitome Analysis on Talpa aquitania Genome and Inferences about the satDNAs Evolution on Some Talpidae
Authors: Gutiérrez Juana , Aleix-Mata Gaël , Montiel Eugenia E. , Cabral-de-Mello Diogo C. , Marchal Juan Alberto , Sánchez Antonio
Published: January 2023

In the genus Talpa a new species, named Talpa aquitania, has been recently described. Only cytogenetic data are available for the nuclear genome of this species. In this work, we characterize the satellitome of the T. aquitania genome that presents 16 different families, including telomeric sequences, and they represent 1.24% of the genome. The first satellite DNA family (TaquSat1-183) represents 0.558%, and six more abundant families, including TaquSat1-183, comprise 1.13%, while the remaining 11 sat-DNAs represent only 0.11%. The average A + T content of the SatDNA families was 50.43% and the median monomer length was 289.24 bp. The analysis of these SatDNAs indicated that they have different grades of clusterization, homogenization, and degeneration. Most of the satDNA families are present in the genomes of the other Talpa species analyzed, while in the genomes of other more distant species of Talpidae, only some of them are present, in accordance with the library hypothesis. Moreover, chromosomal localization by FISH revealed that some satDNAs are localized preferentially on centromeric and non-centromeric heterochromatin in T. aquitania and also in the sister species T. occidentalis karyotype. The differences observed between T. aquitania and the close relative T. occidentalis and T. europaea suggested that the satellitome is a very dynamic component of the genomes and that the satDNAs could be responsible for chromosomal differences between the species. Finally, in a broad context, these data contribute to the understanding of the evolution of satellitomes on mammals.
AccuCalc: A Python Package for Accuracy Calculation in GWAS
Authors: Biová Jana , Dietz Nicholas , Chan Yen On , Joshi Trupti , Bilyeu Kristin , Škrabišová Mária
Published: January 2023

The genome-wide association study (GWAS) is a popular genomic approach that identifies genomic regions associated with a phenotype and, thus, aims to discover causative mutations (CM) in the genes underlying the phenotype. However, GWAS discoveries are limited by many factors and typically identify associated genomic regions without the further ability to compare the viability of candidate genes and actual CMs. Therefore, the current methodology is limited to CM identification. In our recent work, we presented a novel approach to an empowered “GWAS to Genes” strategy that we named Synthetic phenotype to causative mutation (SP2CM). We established this strategy to identify CMs in soybean genes and developed a web-based tool for accuracy calculation (AccuTool) for a reference panel of soybean accessions. Here, we describe our further development of the tool that extends its utilization for other species and named it AccuCalc. We enhanced the tool for the analysis of datasets with a low-frequency distribution of a rare phenotype by automated formatting of a synthetic phenotype and added another accuracy-based GWAS evaluation criterion to the accuracy calculation. We designed AccuCalc as a Python package for GWAS data analysis for any user-defined species-independent variant calling format (vcf) or HapMap format (hmp) as input data. AccuCalc saves analysis outputs in user-friendly tab-delimited formats and also offers visualization of the GWAS results as Manhattan plots accentuated by accuracy. Under the hood of Python, AccuCalc is publicly available and, thus, can be used conveniently for the SP2CM strategy utilization for every species.
Twins’ Macular Pigment Optical Density Assessment and Relation with SCARB1 Gene Polymorphism
Authors: Kunceviciene Edita , Mockute Ruta , Petrauskaite Aiste , Budiene Brigita , Smalinskiene Alina , Zvykaite Ieva , Liutkeviciene Rasa
Published: January 2023

The aim of the study: to assess the influence of genetic and environmental factors using twin studies and evaluate the associations of SCARB1 gene variants (rs11057841) with AMD and MPOD. Material and methods: a total of 108 healthy twins (56 MZ and 52 DZ twins) were tested in this study. The MPOD was measured using the one-wavelength reflectometry method. Fundus reflectance (Visucam 500, reflectance of a single 460 nm wavelength) was used to measure the MPOD levels, MPOD parameters including max and mean optical density (OD), and area and volume. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms. Results: we detected a positive correlation of MPOD in the right and left eyes in MZ twin pairs (r = 0.830 and r = 0.860, respectively) (p < 0.0001) and a negative correlation of MPOD in the right and left eyes in DZ twin pairs (r = 0.314 and r = 0.408, respectively) (p < 0.05). The study was able to identify statistically significant differences in mean MPOD values in the right and left eyes between subjects with a wild-type CC genotype and a CT genotype with a risk allele. A decrease in the mean MPOD value was observed in group II with a CT genotype (0.110 d.u.) compared with the CC genotype (0.117 d.u.) in the right eye (p = 0.037) and in the left eye with a CT genotype (0.109 d.u.) compared with a CC genotype in the subjects (0.114 d.u.) (p = 0.038). In the right eye, in group II (0.101–0.128 d.u.), those with a CT genotype (n = 6) with one risk allele had a statistically significantly lower (0.110 d.u.) mean average MPOD value compared with those with a wild-type CC genotype (n = 25) (0.117 d.u.) (p = 0.037). Conclusion: this twin study showed a strong heritability of the retina pigment, which was 86% prevalent in Lithuania. Individuals with a CT genotype of the SCARB1 rs11057841 with a risk allele had statistically significantly lower mean MPOD values in both eyes compared to subjects with a wild-type CC genotype.
Establishing Provenance from Highly Impoverished Heavy Mineral Suites: Detrital Apatite and Zircon Geochronology of Central North Sea Triassic Sandstones
Authors: Greig Iain P. , Morton Andrew , Frei Dirk , Hartley Adrian
Published: January 2023

A study of Triassic sandstones in the central North Sea, UK, has shown that combined detrital zircon and apatite geochronology and apatite trace element analysis is a powerful tool for reconstructing provenance for sandstones with diagenetically impoverished heavy mineral suites. Sandstones in the earlier part of the succession (Bunter Sandstone Member and Judy Sandstone Member) have characteristics that indicate derivation from Moinian–Dalradian metasediments affected by Caledonian tectonothermal events, in conjunction with a Palaeoproterozoic-Archaean source unaffected by Caledonian metamorphism. Palaeogeographic reconstructions indicate that the sediment cannot have been input directly from either of these cratonic areas. This, in conjunction with the presence of common rounded apatite, indicates that recycling is the most likely possibility. The zircon-apatite association in the younger Joanne Sandstone Member sandstones indicates derivation from lithologies with mid-Proterozoic zircons (either crystalline basement or metasediments in the Caledonian Nappes), subjected to Caledonian metamorphism to generate early Palaeozoic apatites. This combination is compatible with a source region in southern and western Norway. The low degree of textural maturity associated with the detrital apatite, together with the unimodal Caledonian age grouping, indicates the Joanne sandstones have a strong first-cycle component.
Cultural Identity: A Case Study in The Celebration of the San Antonio De Padua (Lajas, Perú)
Authors: Ruiz Palacios Miguel Angel , Villalobos Lourdes Guevara , Oliveira Cristiana Pereira Teixeira de , Pérez González Elena María
Published: January 2023

This study presented the first analytical experience of cultural changes in the Lajas population by analyzing their social perceptions and cultural manifestations. Moreover, an increase in the number of visitors and tourism generated new interactions that often have unknown impacts on a particular community and its people. A qualitative methodology consisting of observations and semi-structured interviews was employed to evaluate the evolution of customs during the celebration of Lajas population religious functions between 2003 and 2018. The study results revealed that in the town of Lajas, while the population recognized ways in which their customs have changed in recent decades, they were unable to determine whether or not such changes affected their cultural identity and the preservation of their cultural heritage. Further, on analyzing the obtained data and comparing it with the proposed theoretical framework, we observed a gap between social participation and public administration management, the transformation of the existing model to a centralized management control model, and the creation of an official identity. Hence, such observations are necessary to lay the foundation for future studies to avoid negative impacts and generate sustainable management strategies that would justify the effort in conserving cultural identity.
Better Understanding of Geoheritage Challenges within the Scope of Economic Geology: Toward a New Research Agenda
Authors: Ruban Dmitry A. , Ermolaev Vladimir A. , van Loon Antonius J. (Tom)
Published: January 2023

Recognizing geoheritage, i.e., the entity of unique geological features with heritage value, as a geological resource for society is a relatively novel idea. It is argued that non-industrial exploitation of this resource brings benefits through tourism, eco-/geosystem services, and research and education. Experience-related peculiarities of the contemporary economy can be brought in correspondence with the geoheritage value. This new resource deserves extensive investigation and exploration, just like mineral and energy resources. The scope of economic geology should, consequently, embrace also geoheritage as an economically important geological resource. This requires joint efforts of both economic geologists and experts in geoheritage and nature conservation.
CRISPR-Cas Genome Editing for Horticultural Crops Improvement: Advantages and Prospects
Authors: Rukavtsova Elena B. , Zakharchenko Natalia S. , Lebedev Vadim G. , Shestibratov Konstantin A.
Published: January 2023

Horticultural plants, in particular fruit trees, berry crops, and ornamentals, are valuable objects for studying their genetic and biochemical properties. Along with traditional methods of studying these plants, modern molecular genetic technologies are emerging, in particular genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 nucleases. In this review, we have analyzed modern advances in genome editing of horticultural plants. To date, it has become possible to improve many plant characteristics using this technology, e.g., making plants resistant to biotic and abiotic stress factors, changing the time of flowering and fruit ripening, changing the growth characteristics of plants, as well as the taste properties of their fruits. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has been successfully carried out for many horticultural plants. Dozens of genes from these plants have been modified by means of genome editing technology. We have considered the main ways of delivering genetic constructs to plants as well as limitations that complicate the editing of target genes. The article reviews the prospects of using genome editing to improve the valuable properties of plants important to humans.
Mechanically-Incorporated Controlled-Release Fertilizer Results in Greater Nitrogen and Salt Leaching Losses from Soilless Substrate in Containers
Authors: Pitton Bruno John Lewis , Wikramanayake Ariesha Mayanka , Johnson Grant Edward
Published: January 2023

Uniform incorporation of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) is a recommended best management practice to reduce nitrogen leaching losses from container-plant production. The potential for damage to CRF prill coating when mechanically incorporated into a soilless substrate was tested. Osmocote Plus 15-9-12 was uniformly incorporated mechanically or manually at the same rate into a soilless substrate and leachate was collected over 76 days. Two experiments were conducted, with or without lavender plants planted into the soilless substrate. Leachate volume, electrical conductivity (EC), and pH were recorded and aliquots were later analyzed for inorganic nitrogen content. Electrical conductivity and leachate volume were used to calculate total salt content. Greater total salts, ammonium, and nitrate were leached from planted or unplanted mechanically incorporated soilless substrate compared to manually incorporated. Plants grown in soilless substrate with mechanically incorporated CRF did not have decreased plant shoot biomass even though leachate EC was consistently greater throughout the experiment. Mechanically incorporating CRF in soilless substrate results in greater leaching losses and is likely a result of CRF prill coating damage during incorporation. Researchers should report incorporation method when publishing results on CRF in container-plant production. Container-plant producers should ensure that their mechanical-incorporation equipment does not cause unintended damage to their CRF of choice.
Contraceptive-Pill-Sourced Synthetic Estrogen and Progestogen in Water Causes Decrease in GSI and HSI and Alters Blood Glucose Levels in Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus)
Authors: Weerasinghe Chathuri , Akhtar Noreen , Uddin Md Helal , Rachamalla Mahesh , Sumon Kizar Ahmed , Islam Md. Jakiul , Bhandari Ramji Kumar , Rashid Harunur
Published: January 2023

The present study was conducted to understand the changes in gonads and hematological parameters in climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) exposed to synthetic estrogen and progestogen [mixture of ethinylestradiol (EE2) and desogestrel (DES)]. Climbing perch were exposed to four different concentrations of EE2/DES mixtures, viz. 0 ng of EE2 and DES/L (T0), 3 ng EE2 and 15 ng DES/L (T3), 30 ng EE2 and 150 ng DES/L (T30), and 300 ng EE2 and 1500 ng DES/L (T300) for 60 days. On days 45 and 60, samples were taken to assess changes in somatic indexes, gonad histology, and hematological parameters. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) increased in both females and males with increasing concentrations of estrogen mixtures except for T30 females, which was the lowest among all\four treatments. The hepatosomatic index (HSI) was observed to be increased in males as estrogen content increased. However, compared to fish at T0, HSI in female individuals did not vary in T30 fish, where the value was the highest among all the treatments. On day 45, histological observations showed no feminization or intersexuality but several germ-cell deformities in the ovary (adhesion, degenerated oocyte wall, degenerated granulose layer, increased interfollicular space, atretic follicle, and cytoplasmic clumping) and testes (increased interstitial area, focal loss of spermatocyte, dilation of the lumen, breakage of tubular epithelium, and elongated seminiferous tubule) were observed in fish exposed to EE2 and DES. Fish reared at T30 had lower RBC count, hemoglobin (Hb), glucose, and hematocrit levels. On day 60, fish reared at T30 had the highest Hb content compared to fish raised in other treatment conditions. WBC was progressively higher with increasing EE2/DES concentrations. Significant erythrocyte cytoplasmic abnormalities and erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities were observed in fish exposed to higher EE2/DES concentrations. The present study provides insights into the adverse impacts of synthetic estrogens sourced from human contraceptive pills on fish physiology.
Glochidia Infection of Endemic Fishes from Lake Prespa, N. Macedonia
Authors: Blazhekovikj-Dimovska Dijana , Stojanovski Stojmir , Taskinen Jouni , Smiljkov Stoe , Rimcheska Biljana
Published: January 2023

Large freshwater mussels (Unionida) are long-lived, have large bodies, and produce thousands to millions of larvae (glochidia) that usually must attach to host fish tissue to complete their life cycle. This is an obligate parasitic stage of mussel larvae. However, less than one in onemillion find a suitable host and survive. The degree of host specificity varies among unionid species, from specialists that can successfully parasitize only one or a few closely related fish species to generalists that can complete development on a taxonomically broad range of fish species. In addition, freshwater mussels are among the most threatened groups of animals. This is due to habitat destruction, the introduction of non-native species, and the loss of host fish on which their larvae (glochidia) are obligate parasites. Glochidiosis harms fish by affecting their growth; on the other hand, freshwater mussels play an important role in freshwaters by improving water quality and ridding the water of bacteria, algae, and pollutants, they are an indicator species of water quality. During our parasitological survey of fish from the Macedonian part of Lake Prespa in April 2022, many glochidia were found on the gills, skin, and fins of two endemic fishes, Prespa roach (Rutilus prespensis) and Prespa nase (Chondrostoma prespense), in the range of tens to thousands on one host. We thus recorded these two endemic species as new hosts of A. cygnea.
Foot Structure of Girls and Boys in the Final Stage of Early Childhood Taking into Account the Half-Yearly Age Ranges
Authors: Puszczalowska-Lizis Ewa , Lizis Sabina
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of foot structure in girls and boys in the final stage of early childhood, taking into account the half-yearly age ranges. The study was carried out among 800 children aged 3. The research tool was the podoscope CQ-ST. The collected research results were analyzed with the use of Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Statistically significant sex differences in the length of the right and left foot, the width of the right and left foot and Clarke’s angle of the right and left foot in each of the identified age groups were found. There were statistically significant differences in the length of the right and left foot, the width of the right and left foot, and the Clarke’s angle of the right and left foot were noted separately in girls and boys. Sexual dimorphism in foot length, foot width, and Clarke’s angle occurs in 3-year-old children. In each of the age groups, boys are characterized by longer and wider, and lower arched right and left foot. Characteristic features differentiating children in the 1st and 2nd age group are foot length, foot width and Clarke’s angle. Girls and boys in the 2nd age group have longer and wider, and higher arched right and left feet. This indicates a high dynamic of increases in the value of these features.
Cognitive and Interpersonal Factors Affecting Social Adjustment of University Students in Pakistan
Authors: Kayani Saima , Aajiz Niaz Muhammad , Raza Khisro Kaleem , Kayani Sumaira , Biasutti Michele
Published: January 2023

Cognitive and interpersonal factors play an important role in the social adjustment of students. Factors affecting the social adjustment of university students have been verified in different cultures. However, no study has tested a concurrent model with the study variables in the Pakistani context. This study aimed to investigate the effect of personal and interpersonal factors on the social adjustment of university students in Pakistan. Three hundred participants from the Azad Jammu and Kashmir regions of Pakistan responded on a questionnaire package containing self-reported measures on social self-efficacy, social anxiety, teachers’ social support, and peers’ social support. The results indicate that self-efficacy, teachers’ support, and peer support have a significant positive effect on the social adjustment of university students, suggesting that an enhanced self-efficacy, and increased teachers’ and peers’ support would increase social adjustment. However, academic anxiety is inversely associated with social adjustment, suggesting that a higher anxiety level would result in a reduction in social adjustment. Students should be given more opportunities to enhance self-efficacy, obtain social support, and reduce social anxiety.
Does Advanced Maternal Age Comprise an Independent Risk Factor for Caesarean Section? A Population-Wide Study
Authors: Šťastná Anna , Fait Tomáš , Kocourková Jiřina , Waldaufová Eva
Published: January 2023

Objective: To investigate the association between a mother’s age and the risk of caesarean section (CS) when controlling for health factors and selected sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: Binary logistic regression models for all women who gave birth in Czechia in 2018 (N = 111,749 mothers who gave birth to 113,234 children). Results: An increase in the age of a mother significantly increases the odds of a CS birth according to all of the models; depending on the model, OR: 1.62 (95% CI 1.54–1.71) to 1.84 (95% CI 1.70–1.99) for age group 35–39 and OR: 2.83 (95% CI 2.60–3.08) to 3.71 (95% CI 3.23–4.27) for age group 40+ compared to age group 25–29. This strong association between the age of a mother and the risk of CS is further reinforced for primiparas (probability of a CS: 11% for age category ≤ 19, 23% for age category 35–39, and 38% for age category 40+). However, the increasing educational attainment of young women appears to have weakened the influence of increasing maternal age on the overall share of CS births; depending on the model, OR: 0.86 (95% CI 0.80–0.91) to 0.87 (95% CI 0.83–0.91) for tertiary-educated compared to secondary-educated women. Conclusions: The age of a mother comprises an independent risk factor for a CS birth when the influence of health, socioeconomic, and demographic characteristics is considered.
Doctors in Medical Data Sciences: A New Curriculum
Authors: Cussat-Blanc Sylvain , Castets-Renard Céline , Monsarrat Paul
Published: January 2023

Machine Learning (ML), a branch of Artificial Intelligence, which is competing with human experts in many specialized biomedical fields and will play an increasing role in precision medicine. As with any other technological advances in medicine, the keys to understanding must be integrated into practitioner training. To respond to this challenge, this viewpoint discusses some necessary changes in the health studies curriculum that could help practitioners to interpret decisions the made by a machine and question them in relation to the patient’s medical context. The complexity of technology and the inherent criticality of its use in medicine also necessitate a new medical profession. To achieve this objective, this viewpoint will propose new medical practitioners with skills in both medicine and data science: the Doctor in Medical Data Sciences.
Comprehensive Dental Treatment under General Anesthesia Improves Mastication Capability in Children with Early Childhood Caries—A One-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Linas Natacha , Peyron Marie-Agnès , Cousson Pierre-Yves , Decerle Nicolas , Hennequin Martine , Eschevins Caroline , Nicolas Emmanuel , Collado Valérie
Published: January 2023

Background: Using the granulometry of ready-to-swallow food boluses, this study investigated the evolution of masticatory capability of children with Early Childhood Caries (ECC) after comprehensive dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA). Methods: Sixteen children with ECC were assessed before and over one year after dental treatment under GA, in comparison with 12 children with a Healthy Oral State (HOS). Oral health criteria, quality of life, body mass index, and frequency of orofacial dysfunctions were recorded. Masticatory kinematic parameters and median food bolus particle size (D50) at swallowing were assessed while masticating raw carrot (CAR), cheese (CHS), and breakfast cereals (CER). The impact of posterior teeth extractions was analyzed. Results: Quality of life and orofacial functions improved after dental treatment. Chewing frequency for all three foods increased without reaching the values of children with HOS, while D50 values for CAR and CHS decreased. After one year, children with posterior teeth extractions exhibited higher D50 values for CAR and CHS than children with only conservative treatment. One third of children with ECC were overweight or obese. Conclusions: Comprehensive dental treatment improved children’s mastication, and their BMI subsequently increased. Links between mastication and nutrition should be investigated further in children.
Neighborhood Beauty and the Brain in Older Japanese Adults
Authors: Tani Yukako , Fujiwara Takeo , Sugihara Genichi , Hanazato Masamichi , Suzuki Norimichi , Machida Masaki , Amagasa Shiho , Murayama Hiroshi , Inoue Shigeru , Shobugawa Yugo
Published: January 2023

People have a preference for, and feel better in, beautiful natural environments. However, there are no epidemiological studies on the association between neighborhood beauty and neuroimaging measures. We aimed to determine association between neighborhood beauty and regional brain volume. Participants were 476 community-dwelling older adults from the Neuron to Environmental Impact across Generations (NEIGE) study. Subjective neighborhood beauty was assessed through participants’ perception of beautiful scenery within 1 km of their home. Objective measures of neighborhood indicators (green spaces, blue spaces, and plant diversity) within 1 km of participants’ homes were obtained using a geographic information system. Volumes of brain regions associated with experience of beauty were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. We estimated associations between neighborhood beauty and regional brain volume using linear regression. Of the participants, 42% rated their neighborhoods as very beautiful, and 17% rated them as not at all beautiful. Higher subjective neighborhood beauty was associated with larger bilateral medial orbitofrontal cortex and insula volumes (all p for trend < 0.01). Brain volume was not associated with objective neighborhood measures. Subjective neighborhood beauty was associated with brain regions related to rewards and decision making, suggesting that these brain regions underpin the perception of neighborhood beauty.
Burning Mouth Syndrome: An Overview and Future Perspectives
Authors: Adamo Daniela , Spagnuolo Gianrico
Published: January 2023

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a complex chronic neuropathic orofacial pain disorder characterized by a generalized or localized intraoral burning, dysesthetic sensation or pain of the oral mucosa, recurring daily for more than 2 h per day for more than 3 months, without any evidence of specific mucosal lesions and/or laboratory findings [...]
Autistic Traits, Arousal, and Gender Features in a Nonclinical Sample of Italian Adolescents
Authors: Iannuzzo Fiammetta , Genovese Giovanni , Lombardo Clara , Infortuna Carmenrita , De Stefano Rosa , Mento Carmela , Muscatello Maria Rosaria Anna , Bruno Antonio
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: Subthreshold autism is a sub-clinical pattern of autism spectrum disorder-like (ASD-like) traits, including poor social skills, cognitive rigidity, anxiety, and aloofness. These ASD-like traits are significantly more prevalent among parents and relatives of participants with autism; however, evidence suggests that subclinical autistic traits are not restricted to the family members of individuals with autism but rather are continuously distributed in the general population. Though the autistic subclinical form is perhaps prevalent among adults, little attention has been paid to the association between autistic traits and global functioning in adolescence. The aim of the present study is to investigate the subthreshold autism phenotype in adolescence and its relationship with arousal correlates, exploring gender differences emerging in the sample. (2) Methods: A sample of 725 students (293 males and 432 females; mean age 17.19) were recruited from three high schools in Southern Italy. They were assessed by the following instruments: Autism Spectrum Quotient, Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum, Ritvo Autism and Asperger Diagnostic Scale 14, and Hyperarousal Scale. (3) Results: In males, significant direct correlations between all dimensions of arousal and all variables related to autistic traits emerged except for the correlations between the H-Scale “Introspection score”, the AQ questionnaire “Total score” (p = 0.094), and the AdAS-Spectrum questionnaire “Empathy factor” (p = 0.210); in females, significant positive correlations between all dimensions of arousal and all variables related to autistic traits emerged. (4) Conclusions: In the sample of adolescents with subclinical profiles of autistic traits, the Empathy factor of the AdAS Spectrum questionnaire was significantly higher in the male group than in the female group, underscoring lower empathic abilities in the former group. In the male group, the empathy factor did not have a statistically significant correlation with the H-scale introspection factor or with the autistic traits measured by AQ. We suppose that in male adolescents, another hypothetical factor seems to intervene in the relationship between autistic traits and arousal. Otherwise, empathy is a preponderant factor closely related to hyper-arousal responses in female adolescents with autistic traits.