bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Preference for Discrete over Continuous Reinforcement Learning in Energy Storage Arbitrage
Authors: Jeong Jaeik , Ku Tai-Yeon , Park Wan-Ki
Published: November 2024

In recent research addressing energy arbitrage with energy storage systems (ESSs), discrete reinforcement learning (RL) has often been employed, while the underlying reasons for this preference have not been explicitly clarified. This paper aims to elucidate why discrete RL tends to be more suitable than continuous RL for energy arbitrage problems. When using continuous RL, the charging and discharging actions determined by the agent often exceed the physical limits of the ESS, necessitating clipping to the boundary values. This introduces a critical issue where the learned actions become stuck at the state of charge (SoC) boundaries, hindering effective learning. Although recent advancements in constrained RL offer potential solutions, their application often results in overly conservative policies, preventing the full utilization of ESS capabilities. In contrast, discrete RL, while lacking in granular control, successfully avoids these two key challenges, as demonstrated by simulation results showing superior performance. Additionally, it was found that, due to its characteristics, discrete RL more easily drives the ESS towards fully charged or fully discharged states, thereby increasing the utilization of the storage system. Our findings provide a solid justification for the prevalent use of discrete RL in recent studies involving energy arbitrage with ESSs, offering new insights into the strategic selection of RL methods in this domain. Looking ahead, improving performance will require further advancements in continuous RL methods. This study provides valuable direction for future research in continuous RL, highlighting the challenges and potential strategies to overcome them to fully exploit ESS capabilities.
From Cradle to Grave: Microplastics—A Dangerous Legacy for Future Generations
Authors: Lang Tamara , Jelić Filip , Wechselberger Christian
Published: November 2024

Microplastics have become a ubiquitous pollutant that permeates every aspect of our environment—from the oceans to the soil to the elementary foundations of human life. New findings demonstrate that microplastic particles not only pose a latent threat to adult populations, but also play a serious role even before birth during the fetal stages of human development. Exposure to microplastics during the early childhood stages is another source of risk that is almost impossible to prevent. This comprehensive review examines the multiple aspects associated with microplastics during early human development, detailing the mechanisms by which these particles enter the adult body, their bioaccumulation in tissues throughout life and the inevitable re-entry of these particles into different ecosystems after death.
Can Phthalates Be Considered as Microplastic Tracers in the Mediterranean Marine Environment?
Authors: Di Bella Giuseppa , Albergamo Ambrogina , Litrenta Federica , Lo Turco Vincenzo , Potortì Angela Giorgia
Published: November 2024

Plastics are a major environmental concern, not only because of their uncontrolled dispersion in the environment, but also because of their release of chemical additives, such as phthalates (PAEs), particularly in water bodies. Key land–water interfaces, such as coastal zones, has always represented a complex and dynamic nexus for plastic pollution, as they are sites often densely populated, with major pollution sources. The Mediterranean basin, for example, is known to be a global hotspot of plastic waste, with a microplastic concentration approximately four times greater than the North Pacific Ocean. However, differently from the overviewed issue of plastic litter and microplastics, the occurrence, distribution, and impact of PAEs on the abiotic and biotic compartment of marine ecosystems of the Mediterranean area have still not been reviewed. Hence, this review provides an introductory section on the plastic pollution issue and its close relationship, not only with microplastics, but also with the leaching of toxic PAEs. To follow, the most relevant analytical approaches for reliably assessing PAEs in abiotic and biotic marine matrices are discussed. The analysis of the main anthropogenic sources of PAEs, their occurrence and spatiotemporal trends in the Mediterranean Sea is conducted. Finally, the potential correlation between PAE pollution and the abundance of microplastics are critically examined to evaluate their effectiveness as tracers of microplastic pollution.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Camellia drupifera (Theaceae) and Its Related Species Evaluated by SSR Markers
Authors: Xu Yufen , Liu Yanju , Yu Zhaoyan , Wu Kunlin , Cao Qiulin , Gong Han , Yang Yaodong , Ye Jianqiu , Jia Xiaocheng
Published: November 2024

Oil–tea camellia has a long history of cultivation and utilization, with a history of more than 2000 years. In China, it is the main woody oil crop with high economic value and a national resource with unique characteristics. Concurrently, it is also known as one of the four major woody oil crops in the world. However, the genetic background of Camellia drupifera Lour. on Hainan Island in China is still unclear, and there is a great lack of systematic genetic characterization, which seriously hinders the development and utilization of oil–tea camellia germplasm resources and genetic improvement on Hainan Island. To analyze the genetic diversity and kinship between C. drupifera and its related species, this study utilized SSR molecular marker technology to genotype 160 individuals from 23 populations. A total of 137 alleles were amplified from the 14 polymorphic primers, with an average of 9.786. The average number of effective alleles and that of Shannon’s information index for each locus were 1.865 and 0.633, respectively, suggesting that the screened SSR markers presented a moderately high level of polymorphism. Additionally, the mean observed heterozygosity (0.915) was greater than the mean expected heterozygosity (0.450), indicating an excess of heterozygotes in the tested population. The results of the principal component analysis (PCA), molecular variation analysis of variance (AMOVA) and population structure analysis were generally consistent; specifically, there was a high degree of individual heterozygosity within the population, and genetic variation occurred primarily among individuals within the population (90%) but rarely among groups (10%). Additionally, the UPGMA clustering divided the 160 germplasm resources into four major clades, and C. drupifera was principally grouped in two distinct branches; meanwhile, Camellia gauchowensis was also mainly clustered in these two clades. Camellia oleifera individuals were chiefly concentrated in other independent branches. It can be speculated that C. drupifera is genetically close to C. gauchowensis, but genetically distant from C. oleifera. This study can provide the scientific basis for the identification, collection, preservation, evaluation, and innovative utilization of oil–tea camellia.
An Ensemble Deep CNN Approach for Power Quality Disturbance Classification: A Technological Route Towards Smart Cities Using Image-Based Transfer
Authors: Baig Mirza Ateeq Ahmed , Ratyal Naeem Iqbal , Amin Adil , Jamil Umar , Liaquat Sheroze , Khalid Haris M. , Zia Muhammad Fahad
Published: November 2024

The abundance of powered semiconductor devices has increased with the introduction of renewable energy sources into the grid, causing power quality disturbances (PQDs). This represents a huge challenge for grid reliability and smart city infrastructures. Accurate detection and classification are important for grid reliability and consumers’ appliances in a smart city environment. Conventionally, power quality monitoring relies on trivial machine learning classifiers or signal processing methods. However, recent advancements have introduced Deep Convolution Neural Networks (DCNNs) as promising methods for the detection and classification of PQDs. These techniques have the potential to demonstrate high classification accuracy, making them a more appropriate choice for real-time operations in a smart city framework. This paper presents a voting ensemble approach to classify sixteen PQDs, using the DCNN architecture through transfer learning. In this process, continuous wavelet transform (CWT) is employed to convert one-dimensional (1-D) PQD signals into time–frequency images. Four pre-trained DCNN architectures, i.e., Residual Network-50 (ResNet-50), Visual Geometry Group-16 (VGG-16), AlexNet and SqeezeNet are trained and implemented in MATLAB, using images of four datasets, i.e., without noise, 20 dB noise, 30 dB noise and random noise. Additionally, we also tested the performance of ResNet-50 with a squeeze-and-excitation (SE) mechanism. It was observed that ResNet-50 with the SE mechanism has a better classification accuracy; however, it causes computational overheads. The classification performance is enhanced by using the voting ensemble model. The results indicate that the proposed scheme improved the accuracy (99.98%), precision (99.97%), recall (99.80%) and F1-score (99.85%). As an outcome of this work, it is demonstrated that ResNet-50 with the SE mechanism is a viable choice as a single classification model, while an ensemble approach further increases the generalized performance for PQD classification.
Towards a Comprehensive Metaverse Forensic Framework Based on Technology Task Fit Model
Authors: AlMutawa Amna , Ikuesan Richard Adeyemi , Said Huwida
Published: November 2024

This article introduces a robust metaverse forensic framework designed to facilitate the investigation of cybercrime within the dynamic and complex digital metaverse. In response to the growing potential for nefarious activities in this technological landscape, the framework is meticulously developed and aligned with international standardization, ensuring a comprehensive, reliable, and flexible approach to forensic investigations. Comprising seven distinct phases, including a crucial incident pre-response phase, the framework offers a detailed step-by-step guide that can be readily applied to any virtualized platform. Unlike previous studies that have primarily adapted the existing digital forensic methodologies, this proposed framework fills a critical research gap by providing a proactive and granular investigative process. The approach goes beyond mere adaptation, ensuring a comprehensive strategy that addresses the unique challenges posed by the metaverse environment. The seven phases cover a spectrum of forensic investigation, offering a thorough interpretation with careful consideration of real-life metaverse forensic scenarios. To validate its effectiveness, the proposed framework undergoes a rigorous evaluation against the appropriate ISO/IEC standards. Additionally, metaverse expert reviews, based on the task–technology fit theory, contribute valuable insights. The overall assessment confirms the framework’s adherence to forensic standards, making it a reliable guide for investigators navigating the complexities of cybercrime in the metaverse. This comprehensive metaverse forensic framework provides investigators with a detailed and adaptable tool to address a wide range of cybercrime incidents within the evolving virtualized landscape. Furthermore, its stepwise guidance ensures a thorough and reliable investigation process, offering significant contributions to proactive security measures in the face of emerging challenges in the metaverse.
Understanding the Application of Emulsion Systems for Bacterial Encapsulation and Temperature-Modulated Release
Authors: Mohd Isa Nur Suaidah , El Kadri Hani , Vigolo Daniele , Mohamed Zakhari Nur Farra Adlina , Gkatzionis Konstantinos
Published: November 2024

The encapsulation of bacteria in emulsion droplets offers various advantages over other conventional methods of encapsulation, such as improvements in bacterial viability, and may serve as microenvironments for bacterial growth. Nevertheless, changes in temperature may affect bacterial viability and droplet stability. In this study, the encapsulation of bacteria in single water-in-oil (W/O) and double water-in-oil-in-water (W1/O/W2) emulsions under cold storage and temperature-modulated release were investigated. The microencapsulation of bacteria in emulsion droplets was achieved by using a flow-focusing microfluidic device. Droplet stability was determined by measuring changes in droplet size and creaming behaviour at different temperatures. The thermal properties of the samples were determined by using differential scanning calorimetry, while the release of bacteria with changes in temperature was determined by measuring the colony form unit (CFU) of the released bacteria and conducting fluorescence microscopy. Higher bacterial viability was observed for encapsulated samples compared to free cells, indicating the ability of the emulsion system to improve bacterial viability during cold-temperature storage. The crystallisation temperature was lowered in the presence of bacteria, but the melting temperature was similar with or without bacteria. Storage in freezing temperatures of −20 °C and −80 °C led to extensive droplet destabilisation, with the immediate release of encapsulated bacteria upon thawing, where the temperature-modulated release of encapsulated bacteria was achieved. This study provides an overview of the potential application of emulsion droplets for bacterial encapsulation under cold-temperature storage and the controlled release of encapsulated bacteria mediated by changes in temperature, which is beneficial for various applications in industries such as food and pharmaceuticals.
Production of Pectic Oligosaccharides from Citrus Peel via Steam Explosion
Authors: Martorano Toni-Ann , Ferguson Kyle L. , Cameron Randall G. , Zhao Wei , Hotchkiss Arland T. , Chau Hoa K. , Dorado Christina
Published: November 2024

Steam explosion (STEX) of peel from commercially juice-extracted oranges was used to convert peel pectin into pectic oligosaccharides (POSs). Surprisingly uniform populations, based on the polydispersity index (PDI; weight-average molecular weight (Mw)/number-average molecular weight (Mn)) of POSs, were obtained from the Hamlin and Valencia varieties of Citrus sinensis. The POSs from Hamlin and Valencia peel had PDI values of (1.23 ± 0.01, 1.24 ± 0.1), respectively. The Mw values for these samples were 14.9 ± 0.2 kDa for Hamlin, and 14.5 ± 0.1 kDa for Valencia, respectively. The degree of methyl-esterification (DM) was 69.64 ± 3.18 for Hamlin and 65.51 ± 1.61 for Valencia. The composition of the recovered POSs was dominated by galacturonic acid, ranging from 89.1% to 99.6% of the major pectic sugars. Only the Hamlin sample had a meaningful amount of rhamnose present, indicating the presence of an RG I domain. Even so, the Hamlin sample’s degree of branching (DBr) was very low (2.95).
Retrograded Resistant Starch Improves Emulsion Stability and Emulsion Gel Properties Stabilized by Myofibrillar Proteins Without Degrading In Vitro Protein Digestibility
Authors: Chen Jinyu , Hu Fangyang , Guo Jiaqi , Zhang Wen , Wu Zijian
Published: November 2024

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of retrograded resistant starch (RS3) (0, 2%, 4% and 6%; w/v) on the emulsion gel properties stabilized by myofibrillar proteins (MPs) and in vitro protein digestibility of the gels. The RS3 was prepared from corn or potato starch using the gelatinization–ultrasound–retrogradation method. The results showed that the addition of RS3 decreased the surface hydrophobicity (p < 0.05) and increased the fluorescence intensity of MPs, indicating enhanced protein–protein interactions. More stable emulsions stabilized by MP/RS3 mixtures were formed, along with higher electronegativity, a smaller droplet size and reduced creaming index. These changes promoted the formation of better gel networks with the oil droplets evenly dispersed, thus improving gel strength, water holding capacity (WHC) and texture, especially at the concentration of 6% RS3 added. The gel force results indicated that the addition of RS3 enhanced the hydrophobic interaction and disulfide bonds between MPs. LF-NMR and MRI data further confirmed that RS3 addition facilitated the migration of free water to immobilized water. Furthermore, the incorporation of RS3 caused a relatively lower pepsin digestibility but did not change the overall in vitro protein digestibility of the gels. This paper provides a method to produce high-quality low-GI meat products without degrading protein digestibility.
Screening of a Fraction with Higher Amyloid β Aggregation Inhibitory Activity from a Library Containing 210 Mushroom Extracts Using a Microliter-Scale High-Throughput Screening System with Quantum Dot Imaging
Authors: Huanood Gegentuya , Swamy Mahadeva M. M. , Sasaki Rina , Shimamori Keiya , Kuragano Masahiro , Enkhbat Enkhmaa , Suga Yoshiko , Anetai Masaki , Monde Kenji , Tokuraku Kiyotaka
Published: November 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a highly prevalent neurodegenerative disease hallmarked by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Amyloid plaques are formed by the amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation, so substances that inhibit this aggregation are useful for preventing and treating AD. Mushrooms are widely used medicinal fungi with high edible and nutritional value. Mushrooms have a variety of biologically active ingredients, and studies have shown that they have certain effects in anti-bacterial, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immune regulation. Previously, we developed a microliter-scale high-throughput screening (MSHTS) system using quantum dot (QD) nanoprobes to screen Aβ aggregation inhibitors. In this study, we appraised the Aβ aggregation inhibitory activity of 210 natural mushrooms from Hokkaido (Japan) and found 11 samples with high activity. We then selected Elfvingia applanata and Fuscoporia obliqua for extraction and purification as these samples were able to suppress Aβ-induced neurocytotoxicity and were readily available in large quantities. We found that the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of E. applanata has high Aβ aggregation inhibitory activity, so we performed silica gel column chromatography fractionation and found that fraction 5 (f5) of the EtOAc extract displayed the highest Aβ aggregation inhibitory activity among all mushroom samples. The half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) value was 2.30 µg/mL, higher than the EC50 of 10.7 µg/mL for rosmarinic acid, a well-known Aβ aggregation inhibitor. This inhibitory activity decreased with further purification, suggesting that some compounds act synergistically. The f5 fraction also inhibited the deposition of Aβ aggregates on the cell surface of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Our expectation is that f5, with additional tests, may eventually prove to be an inhibitor for the prevention of AD.
Encapsulation of Chasteberry (Vitex agnus castus L.) Extract by Spray-Drying Followed by Spray-Chilling for Its Application in Dark Chocolate
Authors: Barrientos Mariana Alejandra Echalar , Peralta Juliana , Tulini Fabrício Luiz , de Sá Samuel Henrique Gomes , Chalella Mazzocato Marcella , Trindade Marco Antonio , Luccas Valdecir , Favaro-Trindade Carmen Silvia
Published: November 2024

Chasteberry extract offers considerable phytotherapeutic benefits, particularly in alleviating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. However, its hydroalcoholic nature leads to a bitter taste and a burning sensation, presenting challenges for direct consumption or incorporation into new food products. This study aimed to address these issues by encapsulating concentrated chasteberry extract using spray-drying with Arabic gum, followed by spray-chilling with vegetable fat as carriers. The encapsulated particles were characterized by their morphology, size, and stability, with a specific focus on phenolics and casticin stabilization. The microparticles were incorporated into dark chocolate formulations, and sensory trials conducted with dark chocolate revealed that encapsulation effectively masked undesirable flavors while safeguarding the bioactive compounds. This strategy resulted in a product that demonstrated enhanced stability and sensory appeal. This innovative formulation holds promise for delivering chasteberry phytochemicals that help alleviate PMS symptoms.
Comparative Analysis of Phytochemical and Functional Profiles of Arabica Coffee Leaves and Green Beans Across Different Cultivars
Authors: Jeon Yoon A , Natraj Premkumar , Kim Seong Cheol , Moon Joon-Kwan , Lee Young Jae
Published: November 2024

This study analyzed the phytochemical composition and functional properties of leaves and green beans from seven Arabica coffee cultivars. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured using spectrophotometric methods, while caffeine, chlorogenic acid (CGA), and mangiferin levels were quantified via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Volatile compounds were identified using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Antioxidant activity was assessed using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays, and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) levels, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. The results revealed that coffee leaves had significantly higher levels of total phenols, flavonoids, and CGAs, and exhibited stronger antioxidant activities compared to green beans. Notably, Geisha leaves exhibited the highest concentrations of phenolics and flavonoids, along with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Among green beans, the Marsellesa cultivar exhibited a significant flavonoid content and strong ABTS scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects. GC-MS analysis highlighted distinct volatile compound profiles between leaves and green beans, underscoring the phytochemical diversity among cultivars. Multivariate 3D principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated clear chemical differentiation between coffee leaves and beans across cultivars, driven by key compounds such as caffeine, CGAs, and pentadecanoic acid. Hierarchical clustering further supported these findings, with dendrograms revealing distinct grouping patterns for leaves and beans, indicating cultivar-specific chemical profiles. These results underscore the significant chemical and functional diversity across Arabica cultivars, positioning coffee leaves as a promising functional alternative to green beans due to their rich phytochemical content and bioactive properties.
Differences in the Physical Properties of Plant-Based Meat Alternatives Containing Root Vegetables
Authors: Kim Si-Yun , Lee Dong-Han , Lee Jeong-Jae , Park Seo-Young , Choi Seong-Gyu , Choi You-Jin , Lee Jung-Hyun
Published: November 2024

We investigated the textural characteristics of plant-based meat alternatives based on root vegetables, including Platycodon grandiflorum, Codonopsis lanceolata root, Gastrodia elata blume, and Panax ginseng. The samples with root vegetables had significantly higher moisture contents than those without because of the water retention capacity of dietary fiber contained in root vegetables. Heating affects the structures and interactions of the plant-based proteins and other ingredients. Therefore, from before to after heating, the L* values generally decreased, and the a* and b* values increased. During cooking, the hardness, gumminess, and chewiness of the sample containing Platycodon grandiflorum increased the most, and cohesiveness tended to increase The cooking loss was the lowest in the samples without root vegetable additives because the addition of root vegetables caused a decrease in Pleurotus eryngii content. The addition of root vegetables in samples had a positive effect on texture and overall acceptability in the sensory evaluation. Overall, the sample containing Platycodon grandiflorum was the most changed in terms of its physical properties. This study is expected to provide physical properties and foundational data for the future growth of the alternative food industry.
Harnessing Virtual Reality to Influence Attitudes Toward Beef Consumption: The Role of Empathy in Dietary Interventions
Authors: Hou Chia-I , Wang Jiun-Hao , Shiao Kun-Sun , Cheng Che
Published: November 2024

The excessive consumption of red meat, such as beef, is a growing global health concern linked to increased risks of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The health consequences associated with red meat consumption were estimated to cost USD 285 billion globally in 2020, accounting for approximately 0.3% of total health expenditures that year. Understanding the psychological mechanisms behind food choices is crucial for changing consumption habits, fostering healthy behaviors, and achieving sustainable dietary patterns. To address these challenges, this study utilizes virtual reality (VR) as a persuasive tool to examine how empathy, as a psychological mechanism, influences the intention to reduce beef consumption and its impact on dietary attitudes. Using an experimental design with 142 participants, the study found that in the VR context, individuals with higher empathy scores experienced a stronger sense of presence, significantly influencing their attitudes toward beef consumption, mediated by the change in anti-beef-eating attitude (p = 0.029). This suggests that VR can serve as an effective medium to reduce individuals’ willingness to consume beef and consequently prevent health risks associated with excessive meat intake. This study also highlights the importance of considering individual empathy levels when designing VR interventions to maximize their effectiveness and promote healthier dietary habits, ultimately improving public health. However, one limitation of this study is that it only assessed short-term changes in attitudes following the VR intervention, without incorporating long-term follow-ups to determine if these changes are sustained over time.
Targeted Genetic Education in Dentistry in the Era of Genomics
Authors: Asa’ad Farah , Nørremølle Anne , Khan Qalbi , Larsson Lena , Tommerup Niels , Hermann Nuno , Silahtaroglu Asli
Published: November 2024

Background: The growing body of knowledge on the human genome and its variants points towards the significance of genetic factors in oral health and disease. Since the dental curricula have historically prioritized clinically oriented subjects, this focus has resulted in insufficient coverage of genetics. To leverage this knowledge in patient care, dental education must equip students with an understanding of the principles of genetics. Method: We have established “Genetic Educators Network in Dentistry” (GEN-Dent) to identify common concerns regarding genetics in dental education and work for a greater emphasis on genetics in future dental programs to make sure that professionals in dentistry are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the evolving “human genome era”. Results: Here, GEN-Dent proposes specific learning goals for medical genetics in dentistry and provides supporting teaching material addressing each learning goal. The five life-like case studies exemplify different dental conditions and introduce important concepts of genetics, inspiring other educators. Conclusions: Opportunities in Scandinavian countries can be an advantage in increasing global awareness of the importance of genetics in dentistry. The integration of genetics into dental education not only aims to improve patient care but also seeks to inspire a new generation of basic scientists with clinical backgrounds in dentistry. We expect that using life-like patient cases will significantly motivate dental students when learning medical genetics.
Review of the Fossil Heritage Potential of Shenzhen (Guangdong, China): A Promising Area for Palaeontological Research
Authors: Kroeck David Marius , Gong Yanxin , Chen He , Li Lan , Bao Tong
Published: November 2024

The area of the city of Shenzhen at the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong Province, China, comprises rocks that preserve, with few interruptions, around 1.8 billion years of geological history. However, to date, only few scientific studies within a palaeontological context have been conducted on the sediment rocks in Shenzhen. Herein, the fossil record and heritage potential of Shenzhen is reviewed. The few existing previous investigations revealed a rich terrestrial and marine fossil record and show the great potential of this area for future palaeontological research, particularly on the upper Palaeozoic and Mesozoic strata: Carboniferous successions show plant remains and a diverse benthic marine fauna; fossils from Upper Triassic–Middle Jurassic sediment rocks provide important data for terrestrial and marine palaeoecosystems of this time; and the discovery of dinosaur nests in the Upper Cretaceous strata complements the previously known distribution of dinosaurs in South China. Additionally, micropalaeontological and palynological data from the upper Palaeozoic as well as Cenozoic successions in Shenzhen reveal diverse assemblages of foraminifera, ostracods, diatoms, and sporomorphs. Moreover, fossil finds in equivalent rocks in adjacent areas indicate great potential for the units in the Shenzhen area, in which, so far, no fossils have been found.
Finding Justice in Memory: Exploring Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Cosmopolitan Ideals in His Novels
Authors: Zhang Yingxue
Published: November 2024

In the realm of literary criticism, cosmopolitanism research provides a fresh perspective for evaluating literary works, highlighting the importance of respecting individual specific identities while linking personal destinies to broader global narratives. Against the backdrop of the current rise in cosmopolitan thought, this article explores the cosmopolitan themes in The Sympathizer and The Committed by Vietnamese American writer Viet Thanh Nguyen, drawing on Martha Nussbaum’s cosmopolitan ideals. As the first writer of Vietnamese descent to win the Pulitzer Prize for Literature, Nguyen reflects on the Vietnam War through his works by constructing dual identities, critiquing power structures, and reshaping the Vietnamese national character. These themes are explored within the context of globalization, offering profound reflections on colonial history and the recognition of personal identity. Nguyen’s contributions provide an important literary and cultural perspective for understanding the complex issues in today’s world.
Profiling the Occupational Injuries Sustained by Custody Officers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Reilly Louis , Chan Jessica , Thevanesan Thevanthi , Orr Robin , Dawes Jay , Lockie Robert , Canetti Elisa , Schram Ben
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Custody officers (CO) are often exposed to workplace hazards when monitoring prisoners, managing prisoners’ recreational time, or searching for contraband, yet research into their injuries is limited. This review aimed to identify, appraise, and synthesise research investigating injuries in CO. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol and registration with the Open Science Framework, a systematic search of five databases (PubMed, ProQuest, Embase, CINAHL and SportDiscus) using key search terms was conducted. The identified studies were considered against eligibility criteria, with the remaining studies critically appraised using the appropriate Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Results: From the 975 identified studies, eight studies (mean critical appraisal score = 69 ± 25%) remained to inform the review. The incidence of fatal injuries ranged from 0.027 to 0.03 per 1000 full-time employees (FTE), whereas that of non-fatal injuries ranged from 15.9 to 44.0 per 1000 FTE. CO aged 31+ years were the most likely to experience injuries (22–44%). Male CO were more commonly injured than female CO in both fatal injuries (male = 89%, female = 11%) and non-fatal injuries (male = 73–74%, female = 26–27%). Assaults (11.5–38%) and slips/trips/falls (23.2–25%) were found to be the most common causes of injuries. The upper extremity was the most commonly injured body part (26–30%), with musculoskeletal sprains and strains (30–60.2%) the most common types of injury. Conclusions: CO injury profiles are similar to those reported in general-duty police officers. As such, musculoskeletal conditioning, reconditioning, and fall prevention practices employed in law enforcement may serve as an initial approach to risk mitigation in this population.
Determinants of Government Expenditures with Health Insurance Beneficiaries in the Brazilian Health System
Authors: Moreira Leonardo , de Lima João Vitor Marques Teodoro , Silvestrini Murilo Mazzotti , Sarti Flavia Mori
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: The Brazilian health system provides healthcare financed by the public and private sector, being the first designed to encompass universal healthcare coverage delivered to the population without charge to patients (Sistema Único de Saúde, SUS), whilst the second refers to healthcare coverage delivered for individuals with the capacity to pay for assistance through health insurance or out-of-pocket disbursements. Health insurance companies with beneficiaries receiving publicly financed healthcare from the SUS are required to provide the reimbursement of healthcare expenditures to the government, considering that the health insurance beneficiaries obtain deductions of income taxes designed to fund the SUS. Therefore, the study investigated patterns of healthcare utilization and public expenditure due to the use of public healthcare by beneficiaries of health insurance between 2003 and 2019. Methods: Datasets including annual information on healthcare utilization by beneficiaries of health insurance from the National Agency of Supplementary Health (Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar, ANS) were organized into a single database to allow for the identification of patterns of interest to inform public policies of health. The empirical strategy adopted included the estimation of regression models and agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis to identify factors associated with public sector expenditure. Results: The regression results indicated lower expenditure with female patients, particularly children and adolescents under 20 years old, receiving treatment in public sector facilities linked to the federal government. The cluster analysis showed five types of health insurance beneficiaries with a higher level of healthcare utilization, being three clusters referring to medium complexity procedures with lower public expenditures, and two clusters with higher public expenditures, one cluster that refers to high complexity procedures, and one cluster referring to health insurance schemes without hospitalization. Conclusions: The findings of the study highlight the existence of patterns of healthcare utilization by health insurance beneficiaries that may compromise the sustainability of public funding within the Brazilian health system.
Understanding the Landscape of Cancer Care in Europe: Evaluating Clinical and Comprehensive Cancer Centers
Authors: Horgan Denis , Van den Bulcke Marc , Malats Núria , de Maria Ruggero , Dube France , Singh Jaya , Hofman Paul , Omar Muhammad Imran , Malapelle Umberto , Hills Tanya , Pepe Francesco , Subbiah Vivek
Published: November 2024

Background: A comparison of the operations of Clinical Cancer Centers and Comprehensive Cancer Centers across Europe provides novel data on the interrelation between different factors in care delivery. Method: The analysis is based on a survey of key dimensions in care delivery, comparing routine treatment, advanced technology integration, research participation, and innovation adoption across the two types of centers. Results: Clinical Cancer Centers excel in providing routine cancer treatment through multidisciplinary teams but struggle with advanced technology integration and research participation. In contrast, Comprehensive Cancer Centers offer robust infrastructure and focus on research, advanced diagnostics, and innovative therapies, yet they face challenges in fully integrating these technologies into patient care. Conclusion: Collaboration between the two types of centers could enhance overall cancer care effectiveness, leveraging the routine efficiency of Clinical Centers and the innovative capabilities of Comprehensive Centers. By addressing gaps in technology adoption, supportive care integration, and research involvement, a more holistic cancer care network can be established, ensuring that patients across Europe access both foundational care and the latest therapeutic options.
Impact of Salinity and Biostimulants on Cherry Tomato Yield and Quality
Authors: Di Mola Ida , Ottaiano Lucia , Cozzolino Eugenio , El-Nakhel Christophe , Fiorentino Nunzio , Pelosi Maria Eleonora , Rouphael Youssef , Mori Mauro
Published: November 2024

Salt stress causes several detrimental effects on the growth and production of cultivated plants; therefore, scientists have investigated several strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of salt stress, including the application of biostimulants. In our research, we tested four salinity levels of irrigation water (tap water and water at 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0 dS m−1, EC0, EC3, EC6, and EC9, respectively) and two biostimulant applications (untreated plants—Control and plants treated with an extract from seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum—Bio) on a cherry-type tomato. The marketable tomato yield linearly decreased with increasing salinity stress in both treated and untreated plants. However, biostimulant application boosted the production, on average, by 53.2%, significantly impacting only the Control and EC3 treatments. Regarding qualitative traits, no interaction between the factors was detected, except for color parameters. Nonetheless, salinity, particularly in the two less stressed treatments, led to an increase in total soluble solids, firmness, lipophilic antioxidant activity, and ascorbic acid, while the biostimulant improved plant biomass, total soluble solids, firmness, and hydrophilic antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the seaweed extract of Ascophyllum nodosum elicited a beneficial response in tomato plants subjected to low levels of salt stress, as well as in optimal irrigation condition.
Evaluation of the Genome Size and Ploidy Level of Pears (Pyrus spp.) in Relation to Their Morphological Traits
Authors: Fiala Jonáš , Zezulová Eliška , Nečas Tomáš
Published: November 2024

In this study, 53 pear genotypes were evaluated, including 19 Asian varieties, 7 botanical species and 13 new interspecific hybrids. The ploidy level and nuclear DNA content were determined by flow cytometry. In addition, the morphological traits and their possible correlations with the genome size were analyzed. One triploid genotype was found. The Asian varieties had a lower average genome size (553.4 Mbp) than the European varieties (564.1 Mbp). The average nuclear DNA content was 1.14 pg/2C for the diploid genotypes and 1.77 pg/2C DNA for the triploids. The Asian varieties had significantly larger leaves than the European ones. Pyrus calleryana had the smallest flowers and P. Caucasica the largest, but the varieties showed no significant differences in flower size. The pollen grain size ranged from 37.7 to 59.0 μm. However, there were no significant correlations between the genotype groups or genome sizes. The Asian cultivars had, on average, smaller stomata (28.4 μm) than the European cultivars (31.6 μm). The largest stomata size was measured for the triploid genotypes (37.9 μm). There was a positive correlation between the genome size and stomatal length and a negative correlation between the genome size and leaf length, leaf width and flower diameter.
Contributions of Medical Greenhouse Gases to Climate Change and Their Possible Alternatives
Authors: Wang Joyce , DasSarma Shiladitya
Published: November 2024

Considerable attention has recently been given to the contribution of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the healthcare sector to climate change. GHGs used in medical practice are regularly released into the atmosphere and contribute to elevations in global temperatures that produce detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Consequently, a comprehensive assessment of their global warming potential over 100 years (GWP) characteristics, and clinical uses, many of which have evaded scrutiny from policy makers due to their medical necessity, is needed. Of major interest are volatile anesthetics, analgesics, and inhalers, as well as fluorinated gases used as tamponades in retinal detachment surgery. In this review, we conducted a literature search from July to September 2024 on medical greenhouse gases and calculated estimates of these gases’ GHG emissions in metric tons CO2 equivalent (MTCO2e) and their relative GWP. Notably, the anesthetics desflurane and nitrous oxide contribute the most emissions out of the major medical GHGs, equivalent to driving 12 million gasoline-powered cars annually in the US. Retinal tamponade gases have markedly high GWP up to 23,500 times compared to CO2 and long atmospheric lifetimes up to 10,000 years, thus bearing the potential to contribute to climate change in the long term. This review provides the basis for discussions on examining the environmental impacts of medical gases with high GWP, determining whether alternatives may be available, and reducing emissions while maintaining or even improving patient care.
Encouraging Continuous Usage of Wearable Activity Trackers: The Interplay of Perceived Severity, Susceptibility and Social Media Influencers
Authors: Lennox Anita , Müller Re-an , Coffie Isaac Sewornu
Published: November 2024

While past studies have provided enough evidence to show consumer attitude as a key predictor of the adoption and continuous usage intention of wearable activity trackers (WATs), limited studies have examined the antecedents of consumers’ attitudes towards the adoption and continuous usage intention of WATs. Drawing on the health belief model and cue utilization theory, the study seeks to examine the influence of perceived severity and vulnerability as antecedents of consumers’ attitudes towards the adoption and continuous usage intention of WATs as well as the role of social media influencers (SMIs) in influencing continuous usage of WATs. Online survey data from 966 participants (Mage = 40.79, STD = 13.49) was analyzed using SPSS 29and AMOS version 29. The result shows that though perceived severity and susceptibility are key significant predictors of consumers’ attitudes towards WATs, the relationship is stronger when SMIs’ personas are used as extrinsic cues. Additionally, while perceived barriers negatively affect consumers’ attitudes towards WATs, the negative effect is neutralized through SMIs’ message framing as an extrinsic cue. Theoretically, the study provides a new insight into the interplay of perceived severity, susceptibility, SMIs’ personas, and message framing on consumers’ attitudes towards the adoption and continuous usage intention of WATs.
Aminomethylmorpholino Nucleosides as Novel Inhibitors of PARP1 and PARP2: Experimental and Molecular Modeling Analyses of Their Selectivity and Mechanism of Action
Authors: Chernyshova Irina , Vasil’eva Inna , Moor Nina , Ivanisenko Nikita , Kutuzov Mikhail , Abramova Tatyana , Zakharenko Alexandra , Lavrik Olga
Published: November 2024

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases 1 and 2 (PARP1 and PARP2) play a key role in DNA repair. As major sensors of DNA damage, they are activated to produce poly(ADP-ribose). PARP1/PARP2 inhibitors have emerged as effective drugs for the treatment of cancers with BRCA deficiencies. Here, we explored aminomethylmorpholino and aminomethylmorpholino glycine nucleosides as inhibitors of PARP1 and PARP2, using different enzymatic assays. The compounds bearing thymine or 5-Br(I)-uracil bases displayed the highest inhibition potency, with all of them being more selective toward PARP1. Interaction of the inhibitors with the NAD+ binding cavity of PARP1 (PARP2) suggested by the mixed-type inhibition was demonstrated by molecular docking and the RoseTTAFold All-Atom AI-model. The best PARP1 inhibitors characterized by the inhibition constants in the range of 12–15 µM potentiate the cytotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide by displaying strong synergism. The inhibitors revealed no impact on PARP1/PARP2 affinity for DNA, while they reduced the dissociation rate of the enzyme–DNA complex upon the autopoly(ADP-ribosyl)ation reaction, thus providing evidence that their mechanism of action for PARP trapping is due primarily to catalytic inhibition. The most active compounds were shown to retain selectivity toward PARP1, despite the reduced inhibition potency in the presence of histone PARylation factor 1 (HPF1) capable of regulating PARP1/PARP2 catalytic activity and ADP-ribosylation reaction specificity. The inhibitors obtained seem to be promising for further research as potential drugs.
Integration of ATAC-Seq and RNA-Seq Reveals VDR–SELENBP1 Axis Promotes Adipogenesis of Porcine Intramuscular Preadipocytes
Authors: Zhou Jiawei , Wu Junjing , Yang Tao , Zhang Xinyu , Qiao Mu , Xu Zhong , Zhang Yu , Feng Yue , Chen Tong , Li Zipeng , Peng Xianwen , Mei Shuqi
Published: November 2024

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content plays a crucial role in determining pork quality. Recent studies have highlighted transcriptional mechanisms controlling adipogenesis in porcine IMF. However, the changes in chromatin accessibility during adipogenic differentiation are still not well understood. In this study, we performed the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) analyses on porcine intramuscular preadipocytes to explore their adipogenic differentiation into mature adipocytes. We identified a total of 56,374 differentially accessible chromatin peaks and 4226 differentially expressed genes at day 0 and day 4 during adipogenic differentiation. A combined analysis of the ATAC-seq and RNA-seq data revealed that 1750 genes exhibited both differential chromatin accessibility and differential RNA expression during this process, including selenium-binding protein 1 (SELENBP1), PLIN1, ADIPOQ, and FASN. Furthermore, we found that vitamin D receptor (VDR) could bind to the promoter region of the SELENBP1 gene, activate SELENBP1 transcription, and ultimately promote lipid accumulation during adipogenic differentiation. This study provides a detailed overview of chromatin accessibility and gene expression changes during the adipogenic differentiation of porcine intramuscular preadipocytes. Moreover, we propose a novel regulatory mechanism involving the VDR–SELENBP1 signaling axis in adipogenic differentiation.