bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional effects on growth and development of sepsid flies
Authors: Gourgoulianni Natalia , Kümmerli Rolf , Blanckenhorn Wolf U.
Published: November 2024

The plastic nutritional foundations of growth and reproduction are crucial in mediating animal (insect) life histories but remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigate how the nutritional quality of dung during larval feeding affects subsequent (adult) life history traits of a coexisting guild of four closely related European sepsid dung fly species: Sepsis cynipsea (L.), Sepsis fulgens (Meigen), Sepsis punctum (Fabricius), and Sepsis thoracica (Robineau‐Desvoidy) (all Diptera: Sepsidae). Larvae were raised in standard cow dung, protein‐rich (yeast‐supplemented) dung, microbe‐depleted (autoclaved) dung, and in a combined treatment of autoclaved dung with yeast enrichment. Responses of egg‐to‐adult survival, total development time, final adult body size, and female reproductive potential in terms of age at first reproduction and offspring number were assessed. Overall survival was lower in autoclaved dung, but also tended to be reduced rather than enhanced by potentially artificial microbial additives such as supplemental yeast, which apparently cannot be metabolized effortlessly by the fly larvae. The only trait positively affected was adult body size, for which we observed an increase in three of four species when larvae were raised in yeast‐supplemented dung. Flies emerged smaller when reared in autoclaved dung, and the addition of yeast to autoclaved dung partly compensated the negative effect of autoclaving to result in a body size similar to control dung. Our results thus indicate that larval growth is likely reduced by autoclaving‐induced killing of nutritional microorganisms in the dung, which however may recolonize. Whereas for some model insects nutrition is well‐understood, more research is necessary to unravel the diverse effects of natural and artificial stressors on the nutrition of non‐model insects, such as these dung‐decomposing flies providing important ecosystem services in human‐mediated grasslands.
Admission Testing in Higher Education: Changing Landscape and Outcomes from Test‐Optional Policies
Authors: Camara Wayne
Published: November 2024

Access to admission tests was greatly restricted during the COVID‐19 pandemic resulting in widespread adoption of test‐optional policies by colleges and universities. Many institutions adopted such policies on an interim or trial basis, as many others signaled the change would be long term. Several Ivy League institutions and selective public flagship universities have returned to requiring test scores from all applicants citing their own research indicating diversity and ensuring academic success of applicants can be best served by inclusion of test scores in the admissions process. This paper reviews recent research on the impact of test‐optional policies on score‐sending behaviors of applicants and differential outcomes in college and score sending. Ultimately, test‐optional policies are neither the panacea for diversity that proponents suggested nor do they result in a decay of academic outcomes that opponents forecast, but they do have consequences, which colleges will need to weigh going forward.
Nationwide Trends in Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapies in Korea: Impact of Guideline Updates on Treatment Practices
Authors: Jung Byung Wook , Kim Yun Jin , Park Chan Hyuk
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Helicobacter pylori infects over 50% of the global population, prompting the issuance of guidelines for effective diagnosis and treatment. However, research on guideline dissemination and adherence is limited. Therefore, we assessed the nationwide status of H. pylori eradication therapies in Korea before and after guideline updates.

Methods

Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, this retrospective cohort study analyzed changes in H. pylori eradication therapies across three periods: Phase I (2006–2007), Phase II (2014–2015), and Phase III (2021–2022). It examined therapy regimens, confirmation tests, and retreatment rates.

Results

Among 1,657,746 patients included, the number undergoing eradication therapy increased across the phases (Phase I: 234,365; Phase II: 493,889; Phase III: 929,492). The use of conventional triple therapy declined from 96.1% in Phase I to 88.3% in Phase III, while non‐bismuth and bismuth quadruple therapies increased to 6.8% and 3.3%, respectively, in Phase III. The proportion of patients following a 1‐week regimen of conventional triple therapy decreased from 90.3% in Phase I to 54.2% in Phase III, while a 2‐week regimen increased to 36.1% in Phase III. Confirmation testing within 1 year of therapy increased from 21.3% in Phase I to 43.0% in Phase III, whereas retreatment rates increased from 3.8% in Phase I to 8.8% in Phase III.

Conclusions

Guideline updates have influenced H. pylori eradication practices in Korea, leading to increased use of quadruple therapies with longer treatment durations. However, further improvements in confirmatory tests and retreatment following failed initial therapy are required.
Implementation of patient‐reported outcomes for people living with HIV: Insights from patients and healthcare providers in a Danish outpatient clinic
Authors: Rodkjær Lotte Ørneborg , Storgaard Merete , Schougaard Liv Marit Valen
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) have emerged as a valuable tool for aligning HIV care with patient needs and priorities. This study aimed to explore patient and healthcare provider (HCP) experiences of integrating a PRO solution into standard clinical care for HIV in a Danish outpatient clinic.

Methods

A tailored PRO solution for people living with HIV was developed in a Danish outpatient clinic. Patients were eligible if they were aged >18 years, spoke Danish, had been on effective antiretroviral therapy for 2 years, and had no additional health issues. Patients completed an electronic questionnaire 14 days before in‐clinic consultations. HCPs reviewed patients' responses before these consultations. We assessed the usability, acceptability, and relevance of the PRO solution by conducting semi‐structured interviews with 24 patients (12 responders and 12 non‐responders) and six HCPs. A further 95 non‐responders were interviewed over the phone. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Respondents found that PROs improved patient–provider communication, treatment planning, and self‐management. Non‐respondents faced barriers such as health literacy, cultural beliefs, and access to technology, necessitating alternative delivery methods. HCPs found that PROs facilitated person‐centred care and symptom management, but HCPs faced challenges such as insufficient training, resources, and organizational support.

Conclusions

Implementing PROs in HIV care is challenging because of the patient diversity, clinician training needs, and organizational adaptations. Nevertheless, the use of PROs is associated with enhanced person‐centred care. Future recommendations include tailored use of PROs, better understanding of the impact on patient groups, on‐site questionnaire completion, and emphasis on shared decision‐making between patients and HCPs.
A colourful world with a dark future: Unregulated trade as an emerging threat for woodlice (Isopoda: Oniscidea) of Spain
Authors: Robla Jairo , Orihuela‐Rivero Raúl , De Smedt Pallieter , Matarredona Marcos , Garcia Lluc
Published: November 2024

Woodlice (Isopoda: Oniscidea) constitute a diverse and ecologically significant group inhabiting a great variety of ecosystems with a crucial role for ecosystem functioning, but strongly overlooked in conservation efforts and threats to species and populations are hardly studied.

In this study, we evaluate for the first time the potential impact of an emerging unregulated trade on the woodlice of Spain.

We conducted a search for all Spanish species nationally and internationally traded via online shops and studied various aspects of the nature of this market and its tendency.

We found 56 species currently traded in international stores, and an additional 30 species through transactions on social media. Furthermore, the amount and number of species are increasing and far from stabilising, with higher prices paid for endemic than non‐endemic species.

This situation puts pressure on local populations, potentially inducing local extinctions, affecting ecosystem functioning.

Other potential future threats such as genetic contamination of native populations and the introduction of alien species cannot be ruled out.

The conservation of woodlice faces significant challenges due to a lack of assessments of species conservation status and conservation action plans for the most affected species.

We propose preventive measures, such as the creation of whitelists or blacklists, essential to protect (endemic) species and mitigate the threat of invasive species.
Nursing as an earthquake survivor: A qualitative study on nurses traumatized by the Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Turkey
Authors: Koksal Kemal , Mert Ibrahim Sani , Aslan Hüseyin
Published: November 2024

Background

Nurses' critical input and firsthand disaster management experience are vital to healthcare quality.

Aim

This study aims to comprehend nurses' experiences during and after the earthquakes, their coping mechanisms for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the consequent effects on their profession, given the nurses' crucial role in disaster response.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study using semistructured interviews was conducted between April and May 2024. Fifteen nurses were selected using criterion and snowball sampling methods from those working as earthquake survivor nurses in the affected areas. The COREQ guidelines for reporting qualitative research were followed.

Findings

Five main themes were: emotional reactions/physical difficulties, career and motivation, PTSD and well‐being, suggestions, and work performance. The results highlighted the significant psychological and professional challenges that nurses encounter, including the effects of severe PTSD symptoms, coping strategies, and the influence on their capacity to deliver care.

Conclusions

Nurses dealing with earthquakes face unique challenges that test their resilience on all levels. Learning from their experiences and coping mechanisms can help healthcare systems support these frontline workers better. Investing in disaster preparedness and mental health resources for nurses is crucial for their well‐being and the overall strength of the healthcare system during crises.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Effectively managing workloads and rest periods can reduce physical fatigue and prevent burnout. Shift rotations and adequate staffing levels are necessary. Access to psychological mental health support is vital for nurses to recover from the psychological effects of disasters. Regular disaster preparedness training is imperative for physical safety and psychological resilience. Robust support systems, including safe accommodation and peer support groups, are crucial for nurses in disaster response.
Mood and emotion assessment for risk reduction of pandemic spread through passenger air transport: a DSS applied to the COVID‐19 in the case of Spain
Authors: Aguarón J. , Altuzarra A. , Aznar R. , Escobar M.T. , Jiménez‐Martín A. , Mateos A. , Moreno‐Díaz A. , Moreno‐Jiménez J.M. , Moreno‐Loscertales C. , Muerza V. , Navarro J. , Sarango A. , Turón A. , Vargas L.G.
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a decision support system (DSS) for sentiment analysis of Spanish texts based on lexicons. The information provided by this DSS, named Spanish Sentiment Analysis‐DSS (SSA‐DSS), is employed to assess the social impacts considered in an external software module (RRPS‐PAT) centered on risk reduction of pandemic spread through passenger air transport. RRPS‐PAT is a complex multiobjective optimization module simultaneously addressing different conflicting objectives, including epidemiological, economic, and social aspects. This allows more effective and realistic decisions to be made. The specificity and novelty of the problem suggest the use of lexicon‐based approaches because there is no prior information about the problem to train machine learning–based approaches. The SSA‐DSS covers the entire process from the incorporation of texts, particularly tweets, to be analyzed, the application of preprocessing and cleaning tools, the selection of lexicons (general, context, and emoji lexicons) to be used and their possible modification, to the visualization of results and their exportation to other software tools. This paper contemplates, apart from the RRPS‐PAT module, the connection with a social network analysis tool (Gephi) that complements the information provided by SSA‐DSS with the identification of social leaders. The usefulness and functionalities of SSA‐DSS are illustrated by means of an example related to the evolution of societal mood in Spain during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
A decision support system for risk reduction in pandemic spread based on the management of passenger air traffic
Authors: Peña Gabriel A. , Mateos Alfonso , Jiménez‐Martín Antonio , Sanchis Raúl G.
Published: November 2024

A significant factor in the early spread of pandemics at an international level is passenger air traffic. Decisions regarding passenger air traffic could assist different countries in managing the risk of pandemic importation. However, flight cancelations would have economic and social impacts, leading to a multiobjective optimization problem. A decision support system (DSS) for reducing the risk of pandemic spread by managing passenger air traffic is introduced. This DSS enables decision makers (DMs) to parameterize the problem to be solved (time period, country of analysis, the percentage of targeted risk reduction, etc.), quantify DM preferences using ordinal information on the objectives, solve the resulting binary single‐objective optimization problem using a binary particle swarm optimization metaheuristic, and visualize the optimal solution. The methodology is illustrated using the example of Spain with 38 national airports and 5000 international connections, involving 9678 flights within the time period from September 24 to October 7, 2020.
Revalidation of Enteromius karkensis (Gilchrist and Thompson 1913) (Cypriniformes: Smiliogastrinae) from the southern temperate freshwater ecoregion, South Africa
Authors: Martin Melissa B. , Chakona Albert , Kadye Wilbert T. , Scheepers Martinus
Published: November 2024

The chubbyhead barbs, a distinct group of fishes endemic to southern Africa, currently include eight valid species. Historically, Enteromius anoplus was the most widespread freshwater fish in South Africa due to synonymizations in the 1960s. It occurred in nearly every river system except coastal systems in the Cape Fold Ecoregion and the lower Orange River. However, a recent revision utilizing molecular and morphological analyses has led to significant taxonomic updates. Enteromius anoplus is restricted to the Gouritz River system, whereas Enteromius cernuus and Enteromius oraniensis have been revalidated and respectively confined to the Olifants and Orange River systems. Additionally, a new species Enteromius mandelai was described, with its range currently considered to encompass several river systems in the Eastern Cape. Despite these advances, the taxonomic status of fish previously assigned to E. anoplus from KwaZulu‐Natal remained uncertain. In this study, an integrative approach, combining genetic analysis, morphological characteristics, and geographic data, was employed to resurrect Enteromius karkensis as a distinct species from E. anoplus. Enteromius karkensis is deeply genetically differentiated (3.99%–8.07% p‐distance) from its congeners within the chubbyhead group. Morphologically, E. karkensis is easily distinguishable from its counterparts due to possession of a terminal mouth (vs. inferior in E. amatolicus), one pair of maxillary barbels (vs. two conspicuous pairs in E. motebensis, E. treurensis, and E. gurneyi), and a complete lateral line (vs. incomplete in E. anoplus and E. oraniensis). Furthermore, E. karkensis is differentiated from E. mandelai and E. cernuus by its long maxillary barbels that extend beyond the midpoint of the orbit. These findings highlight a consistent pattern from previous studies that show many freshwater fishes in South Africa have narrow geographic ranges. This emphasizes the importance of targeted conservation and management efforts, and our understanding of the biogeographic and evolutionary history of freshwater fishes in southern Africa.
Melatonin Protects Against Cocaine‐Induced Blood−Brain Barrier Dysfunction and Cognitive Impairment by Regulating miR‐320a‐Dependent GLUT1 Expression
Authors: Wei Jia‐Yi , Liu Hui , Li Yuan , Zhao Dan , Wang Bo , Wang Hui‐Jie , Wang Li , Wang Kang‐Ji , Yue Jin‐Li , Zhang Hong‐Yan , Li Tian‐Yue , Miao Yi‐Jue , Wang Kai‐Li , Tong Pai‐Ge , Zhang Zhuo , Li Ze‐Ye , Shi Zheng , Yao Jia‐Yuan , Liu Dong‐Xin , Fang Wen‐Gang , Li Bo , Shang De‐Shu , Lyu Yuan , Sun Hong‐Zan , Zhao Wei‐Dong , Chen Yu‐Hua
Published: November 2024

Cocaine abuse has been strongly linked to blood−brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, though the exact mechanism by which cocaine disrupts the BBB remains unclear. In this study, we found that cocaine treatment reduces the expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) in brain microvascular endothelial cells, a key factor in cocaine‐induced brain glucose uptake, BBB leakage, and cognitive impairment. Mechanistically, our results show that cocaine upregulates miR‐320a, which in turn suppresses GLUT1 expression via the beta 2‐adrenergic receptor (ADRB2). Notably, the administration of adeno‐associated viruses encoding full‐length GLUT1 or miR‐320a inhibitors to the brain microvascular endothelium significantly mitigated cocaine‐induced BBB leakage and cognitive deficits. Additionally, we discovered that melatonin, a well‐known neuroprotective hormone, alleviates cocaine‐induced BBB disruption and cognitive impairment. This protective effect of melatonin was mediated through the upregulation of miR‐320a‐dependent GLUT1 expression in brain endothelial cells via MT1 receptor‐mediated inhibition of the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that cocaine downregulates brain microvascular GLUT1, leading to BBB dysfunction, and highlight melatonin as a potential therapeutic agent for treating cocaine‐related complications.
Effect of Butaphosphan and Cyanocobalamin on the Metabolic Profile, Oxidative Stress and Prophylaxis of Ovine Pregnancy Toxemia
Authors: Iqbal Raja , Beigh Shafayat Ahmad , Nisar Mehak , Mir Abdul Qayoom , Hussain Syed Ashaq , Dar Aijaz Ahmad , Muhee Amatul
Published: November 2024

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin (BC) on the metabolic profile, oxidative stress in Kashmiri merino ewes and its effect on the prophylaxis of Ovine pregnancy toxemia (PT). A total of 48 ewes were randomly divided into three groups, each consisting of 16 ewes. High dose BC (HBC): Ewes were given 0.2 mL BC/kg body weight, subcutaneously (SC) weekly from 6 weeks pre‐lambing to lambing. Low dose BC (LBC): Ewes were given 0.1 mL BC/kg body weight, SC weekly from 6 weeks pre‐lambing to lambing. No BC (CON): Ewes were given 0.2 mL normal saline/kg body weight, SC. Weekly from six pre‐lambing to lambing. A significant effect of treatment was observed on non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA; p = 0.06), beta hydroxybutyric acid (β‐HBA, p = 0.008), fructosamine (p = 0.034) and oxidative stress indices (OSI; p = 0.026) with less NEFA, β‐HBA, OSI and more fructosamine levels in HBC followed by LBC. The BC did not affect glucose, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total antioxidant capacity, calcium and phosphorus however a significant difference was observed along the sampling time in all the three groups. Plasma triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase and total oxidant status levels showed a significant treatment‐time interaction. Taking 0.8 mmol/L β‐HBA as the cutoff limit for subclinical PT, only HBC was able to significantly control PT at 3 weeks pre‐lambing (OR; 5.57; p = 0.035), at 2 weeks pre‐lambing (OR: 9.53; p = 0.007), at 1‐week pre‐lambing (OR: 6.60; p = 0.017) and at lambing (OR: 5.57; p = 0.035). In conclusion, there was a positive effect of BC treatment on the energy metabolism in pregnant ewes and it helped in the amelioration of oxidative stress and hence can be used in the prophylaxis of PT.
Children's drawings as an interpretive response to a gamified narrative with augmented reality: the case of Towards the South Pole
Authors: Neira‐Piñeiro María del Rosario , Camblor‐Pandiella Begoña , López‐Bouzas Nerea , del‐Moral‐Pérez M. Esther , Castañeda‐Fernández Jonathan
Published: November 2024

Drawing is an ideal technique to understand children's responses to fictional narratives, including digital ones. In this case, a gamified narrative with augmented reality (AR), based on a picturebook, was designed and used in an intervention in 8 Early Childhood Education classrooms (N = 113), aimed at enhancing their literary competence. This paper analyses the visual responses of the participating students after the intervention, reflected in their drawings and complemented with individual interviews. The methodology is mixed: (a) qualitative, analysing the content of the drawings, and taking into account the narrative‐interpretive and gamification dimensions, through an instrument designed ad hoc; (b) quantitative, through the statistical treatment of the collected data. The results show the predominance of informative and emotional responses, which reveal the understanding of the narrative. Most of the children draw the characters that sparked their interest and recreate key scenes from the story. Drawings emphasise the narrative aspects, and to a lesser extent refer to the game mechanics (challenges and rewards). Finally, it is confirmed that the gamified narrative with AR has the capacity to generate emotional responses and promote the immersion of students in the story and the game.
A dynamic neural network model for the identification of asbestos roofings in hyperspectral images covering a large regional area
Authors: Gubiani Donatella , Sgrazzutti Giovanni , Basso Massimiliano , Viero Elena , Tavaris Denis , Foresti Gian Luca , Scagnetto Ivan
Published: November 2024

Asbestos has been used extensively in several applications. Once it is known as a dangerous mineral, its usage has been prohibited and its identification and remediation play a very important role from the health safety point of view. Nowadays, deep learning techniques are used in many applications, especially for image analysis. They can be used to significantly reduce the time and cost of traditional detection methods. In this paper, taking advantage of asbestos spectral signature, a deep neural network is introduced in order to implement a complete methodology to identify asbestos roofings starting from hyperspectral images in a regional context. The novelty of the proposed approach is a dynamic mixing of models with different features, in order to accommodate classifications on widespread areas of both urban and rural territories. Indeed, the dataset used during the experiments described in this paper is a large one, consisting of many wide hyperspectral images with a geometric resolution of 1 m and with 186 bands, covering an entire region of approximately 8,000 . This is in contrast to other works in the literature where the analyzed areas are limited in size and uniform for physical features.
Mistletoes have higher hydraulic safety but lower efficiency in xylem traits than their hosts
Authors: Zhang Yun‐Bing , Huang Xian‐Yan , Corrêa Scalon Marina , Ke Yan , Liu Jing‐Xin , Wang Qin , Li Wen‐Hua , Yang Da , Ellsworth David S. , Zhang Yong‐Jiang , Zhang Jiao‐Lin
Published: November 2024

Both mistletoes and their hosts are challenged by increasing drought, highlighting the necessity of understanding their comparative hydraulic properties. The high transpiration of mistletoes requires efficient water transport, while high xylem tensions demand strong embolism resistance, representing a hydraulic paradox.

This study, conducted across four environments with different aridity indices in Yunnan, China, examined the xylem traits of 119 mistletoe–host species pairs.

Mistletoes showed lower water use efficiency, indicating a more aggressive water use. They also showed lower hydraulic efficiency (lower vessel diameter and theoretical hydraulic conductivity) but higher safety (lower vulnerability index and higher conduit wall reinforcement, vessel grouping index, and wood density) compared with their hosts, supporting the trade‐off between efficiency and safety. Environmental variation across sites significantly affected xylem trait comparisons between mistletoes and hosts. Additionally, the xylem traits of mistletoes were strongly influenced by host water supply efficiency. The overall xylem trait relationships in mistletoes and hosts were different.

These findings stress the impact of host and site on the hydraulic traits of mistletoes, and suggest that mistletoes may achieve high transpiration by maintaining high stomatal conductance under low water potentials. This study illuminates the distinctive adaptation strategies of mistletoes due to their parasitic lifestyle.
Recommender systems use in weight management mHealth interventions: A scoping review
Authors: de Castro Bianca A. , Levens Sara M. , Sullivan Margaret , Shaw George
Published: November 2024

The use of recommender systems in mobile health apps for weight control has grown, but user app uptake and engagement remain limited. The objective of our scoping review was to explore the influence of recommender systems on mHealth app user engagement, identify the theoretical frameworks that have been applied on digital health interventions designed for weight management, and examine the key aspects that support tailoring user engagement through recommender systems. Based on existing literature, we identified 13 articles on recommender systems for weight management. Themes emerged, including theoretical underpinnings, authors' domain knowledge, user motivation, and design. Most studies used constructs from the social cognitive theory. We found inconsistencies between authors' domain knowledge and the intervention's content, with few professionals from the health and psychology fields. Only 46% of articles measured user engagement, whereas gamification and tailored messages were common app features. Despite some positive weight change results, more attention is needed toward implementing behavior theory and other strategies to promote app user engagement. Future studies should more accurately measure user motivation and identify the best features and behavioral constructs to increase app user interaction. Larger studies with a more diverse population are needed to generalize findings and evaluate weight loss maintenance and physical activity habits among users of recommender system.
Matched Unrelated Donor Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant as Successful Curative Therapy for IL10RB Mutation‐Associated Very Early Onset IBD
Authors: Grotra Rohan , Karri Padma Sagarika , Gupta Aditya , Malik Rohan , Gupta Aditya Kumar , Meena Jagdish Prasad , Seth Rachna
Published: November 2024

Background

Inflammatory bowel diseases are complex chronic disorders with a relapsing–remitting course that affect the gut due to dysregulated immune response. The incidence of these disorders is increasing globally along with an increase in the incidence in pediatric population. Very early onset inflammatory bowel diseases are seen in children with age less than 6 years, where monogenic causes predominate. With the advent of next‐generation sequencing methods, these disorders are being diagnosed more. Interleukin‐10 receptor mutation‐associated inflammatory bowel diseases is one such monogenic disorder where immunosuppression shows poor response.

Methods

We report the case of an 8‐month‐old child of Indian origin who presented with severe enterocolitis and rectovaginal fistulas. She was evaluated on lines of a very early onset inflammatory bowel disease. She was found to have a mutation in the interleukin‐10 receptor causing severe enterocolitis. She underwent a diversion colostomy. She was admitted at 25 months of age for the hematopoietic‐stem‐cell‐transplant (HSCT). The conditioning regimen used consisted of busulfan, fludarabine, and anti‐thymocyte‐globulin (ATG). The child received a 10/10 human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matched from a matched‐unrelated adult female donor with bone marrow stem cell product at a dose of 5.6 million CD34+ cells per kg.

Results

She was treated successfully by a matched unrelated donor HSCT. At present, she is 2 years and 4 months posttransplant and is cured.

Conclusions

Early recognition and prompt genetic testing can help in diagnosing and establishing the cause of a very early onset inflammatory bowel disease. Very early onset inflammatory bowel disease caused due to interleukin‐10 receptor mutations can be cured by HSCT.
Assessing the Impact of Financing on SMEs' Innovation in China
Authors: Hu Bing , Onwachukwu Chinedu Increase , Yan Isabel Kit‐Ming , Zhang Weikang , Shang Shuanghe
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the effects of formal and informal financing on the innovation‐generating activities of small‐ and medium‐scale enterprises (SMEs) in China. While formal finance mainly includes loans from banks, informal finance includes loans obtained outside the banking system—loans based on personal relationships, loans from online loan providers, and other informal institutions. Our assessment of SMEs' innovation encompasses both the input and output of innovative activities as well as their involvement in the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiatives. Substantial empirical evidence suggests that formal and informal finance propel SMEs to innovate. These findings are robust to alternative measures of innovation and formal and informal finance. To address endogeneity concerns related to formal financing, we utilize two instrumental variables: firms' capacity to provide collateral and governmental support in securing bank loans. Additionally, we demonstrate that increased investment in research and development (R&D) serves as a pathway through which financing influences and enhances SMEs' innovation pursuits.
Soil N‐related properties under soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) cultivation as affected by different soil tillage systems and seasonal changes
Authors: Długosz Jacek , Piotrowska‐Długosz Anna
Published: November 2024

The reduction of soil tillage with the application of catch crop green mass in the form of a mulch is a conservation practice that is being used more and more frequently in agriculture to improve the functioning of the soil ecosystem by enhancing soil organic matter content and quality through improving soil biological activity and nutrient availability, and simultaneously reducing soil disturbance. Globally, conflicting results have been obtained with regards to the influence of various tillage methods on the soil environment under soybean cultivation. To date, only limited Polish studies have been conducted concerning the effect of reduced tillage on plant and soil properties under soybean cultivation, while as yet there are no national surveys concerning the strip‐till cultivation of soybean. Because of the growing interest in soybean cultivation in Poland, and also because of the limited and contradictory data concerning the influence of the various tillage systems (especially strip‐till) applied for soybean cultivation on plant yield and also on soil properties under the climatic condition of Poland, a study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of three tillage methods (TMs) (conventional, CT; reduced, RT and strip‐tillage, ST) on the seed yield of soybean (Glycine max. (L.) Merrill), some plant characteristics, N‐associated soil properties (mineral N content, the activity of urease, proteases and nitrate reductase) and some basic soil properties in a three‐year field experiment in the years 2017–2019. The study was conducted in a field, it was a one‐factor experiment and soil samples were collected five times a year: in April (before the sowing of soybean) and also in May, June, August and September (before soybean harvesting). In 2017, the average soybean seed yield was twice as high (2.42 t ha−1) as in the other 2 years (mean 0.87 t ha−1) and was significantly higher in CT than in RT or ST. Neither the TMs nor the sampling dates differentiated between the content of organic carbon and total nitrogen. Most of the N‐related properties (mineral N content and enzymatic activity) were highest in May and/or June. The RT increased the activity of proteases and nitrate reductase as well as mineral and microbial biomass N content when compared with CT and ST. In turn, the urease activity behaved differently and in 2017 and 2019 was significantly higher in CT, than in RT and ST tillage methods. In general terms, reduced tillage combined with plant residues return may be recommended for increasing inorganic N content as well as improving soil quality by enhancing microbial biomass nitrogen content and soil enzymatic activity.
Cytogenetic characterization of EPSPS gene amplification in glyphosate‐resistant Hordeum glaucum and Bromus diandrus from Australia
Authors: Islam Md Mazharul , Gill Bikram S. , Malone Jenna M. , Preston Christopher , Jugulam Mithila
Published: November 2024

As a result of extensive selection, two polyploid grass weeds, Hordeum glaucum (northern barley grass; 2n = 4x = 28) and Bromus diandrus (ripgut brome; 2n = 8x = 56), have evolved resistance to glyphosate, in Australia. Previous research suggested amplification of 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐Phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene confers resistance in these two weed species. The objective of this research was to investigate the genomic organization of the EPSPS gene in these two species through molecular cytogenetic analyses of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to understand possible mechanism of amplification of this gene. EPSPS copy number of H. glaucum and B. diandrus plants was estimated via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The susceptible plants of both species had one copy of EPSPS, whereas the resistant plants of H. glaucum and B. diandrus had 14–17 and 16–32 copies, respectively. FISH analysis of glyphosate‐susceptible (Hg‐RWS) H. glaucum, revealed four faint signals of the EPSPS gene in two pairs of homologous chromosomes, at the telomeric region. The glyphosate‐resistant H. glaucum (Hg‐YP1) also showed amplification of EPSPS gene at telomeric regions in two pairs of homologous chromosomes, but the signals were brighter and appeared as cluster of EPSPS genes. Similarly, the glyphosate‐susceptible B. diandrus (Bd‐S) plants showed faint signals of EPSPS gene on two homologous chromosomes, at the telomeric position. However, samples of two glyphosate‐resistant, B. diandrus, Bd‐SA988 and Bd‐Vic showed much brighter hybridization signals of EPSPS gene, located at the telomere on two homologous chromosomes, suggesting an increase in EPSPS gene copies at this position. Overall, unequal crossover during meiosis may have triggered the initial EPSPS gene duplication sparking the evolution of glyphosate resistance.
Incremental Deformations and Bifurcation of Elastic Solids Reinforced by Fibers With Intrinsic Extensional, Flexural, and Torsional Elasticity
Authors: McAvoy R. C. , Steigmann D. J.
Published: November 2024

We present a model for incremental deformations of an elastic solid reinforced by a single family of fibers that offer resistance to extension, flexure, and torsion. The theory is cast in the setting of small-on-large deformations and provides a framework for the multiscale analysis of bifurcation of equilibria in fibrous composites. The model is based on a theory of three-dimensional Cosserat elasticity in which fiber kinematics are controlled by a rotation field that is weakly coupled to the bulk deformation through a pointwise fiber-materiality constraint. Fiber–matrix interaction forces are explicitly accounted for via the attendant Lagrange multipliers. We demonstrate the utility of the model by investigating the onset of bifurcation in an incompressible fiber-reinforced elastic half-plane. In particular, we study the influence of axial fiber stiffness, flexural stiffness, and fiber–matrix interaction forces on planar buckling modes. We envisage a model for the study of buckling problems of biological and industrial relevance with a view to gaining better insight into the roles of fiber bending, twisting, and fiber–matrix interaction forces in regulating the buckling of fibrous composites.
Path Generative Model Based on Conditional β-Variational Auto Encoder for Four-Bar Mechanism Design
Authors: Nurizada Anar , Lyu Zhijie , Purwar Anurag
Published: November 2024

This article introduces a novel methodology based on conditional β-variational autoencoder (cβ-VAE) architecture to generate diverse types of planar four-bar mechanisms for a given coupler curve. Central to our contribution is the novel integration of cross- and self-attention layers within the VAE framework, facilitating an encoding and decoding process that captures the complex interdependencies of mechanism parameters and associated coupler curves. We propose a unified representation scheme for four-bar mechanisms with both revolute and prismatic joints, utilizing a consistent set of joints to describe each mechanism type. To support and validate our methodology, we have compiled an extensive dataset featuring both open and closed coupler curves of the aforementioned mechanism types. Furthermore, the article introduces three metrics aimed at quantifying the efficacy of our model, alongside an innovative algorithm designed to enhance the predictive outcomes by identifying and computing cognate mechanisms.
Evaluating Thin-Film Thermocouple Performance on Additively Manufactured Turbine Airfoils
Authors: Berdanier Reid A. , Nunn Margaret R. , Brumberg Justin T. , Barringer Michael D. , Fishbone Scott , Thole Karen A.
Published: November 2024

As gas turbine engine designs continue to target higher turbine entry temperatures for increased thermal efficiency, gas turbine manufacturers and operators require additional feedback from life-limited engine components. Moreover, additively manufactured (AM) hardware is becoming more prevalent in the engine development cycle to reduce component lead times and associated costs. Although additive manufacturing unlocks unique capabilities for sensor integration, the inherent roughness from additive surfaces poses unique challenges to the direct-write sensor installation processes. The current study addresses these realities by demonstrating sensor operation on additively manufactured vane hardware in a turbine research facility operating at scaled conditions. Thin-film thermocouples were deposited on fully-cooled AM turbine vanes and tested over a range of operating conditions in a one-stage research turbine at Penn State University. The low-profile surface-mounted sensors were compared with traditional small-diameter embedded thermocouples in terms of calibration accuracy and durability. A comparison between traditional masked thermal spray and direct-write installation was also evaluated as part of the sensor integration strategy for the AM vanes. Ultimately, this study shows that thin-film thermocouples on additively manufactured airfoils can operate reliably over an extended test campaign in rig-scaled conditions. Furthermore, the measurement accuracy of thin-film thermocouples demonstrated through this study is equivalent to traditional mineral-insulated thermocouple sensors showing the utility of these technologies for future turbine research and development applications.
A Fatigue Evaluation Approach for Graphite Core Components Using a Reduced Dataset
Authors: Cano Jaime A. , Wang Jasmine
Published: November 2024

Components manufactured from graphite are commonly used in nuclear fission reactor cores, where they are subjected to cyclic stresses, e.g., due to temperature changes during reactor start-up, shut-down, and load-following operations. Fatigue from cyclic stresses may result in a reduced load-bearing capacity and initial cracking of Graphite Core Components (GCCs). Therefore, fatigue must be evaluated to qualify GCCs. Paragraph HHA-3144 of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section III Division 5 states that the graphite fatigue rules are in course of preparation. As such, there are neither formal requirements for testing nor a universal approach for the evaluation of GCCs. While a universal method to assess fatigue in GCCs may be difficult to define, this paper proposes an approach to evaluate a graphite grade used in High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor designs. By exclusively using the low cycle fatigue data from multiple stress ratios, a Modified Goodman Diagram is constructed, to evaluate the fatigue life to the full range of cycles (up to 106 cycles). This paper demonstrates that the approach is conservative and sufficient. Compared to previous approaches, this method requires a reduced fatigue test dataset, which is advantageous for designers as it is more time and cost-effective.
Wake Flow Study on Two Tandem Circular Cylinders: Spacing Ratio and Reynolds Number Effects
Authors: Habowski Patrick Batista , Prisco Petry Adriane , Viçosa Möller Sergio , Mohany Atef
Published: November 2024

This article presents an exploration of the wake flow interaction between two vibrating tandem circular cylinders placed in a turbulent crossflow with one degree of freedom, in a pendulumlike movement. Four main experiments were performed to obtain the results of wake flow velocity, lateral acceleration and displacement, and flow structure through the PIV technique. Two distincts wind tunnels were employed in this study, maintaining similar flow characteristics in each experiment. Four spacing ratios of 3.5, 4.5, 7.5, and 10 were considered in this study, combined with Reynolds numbers ranging from 9.5 to 24 × 103. The results show that the mean time wake velocity behind the downstream cylinder is not influenced by the spacing ratio, but follows the increase in the free flow velocity for the same spacing ratio. The lateral acceleration and lateral displacement measured on the downstream cylinder are the highest for the lowest spacing ratio, reducing with the increase in the spacing ratio. For the highest spacing ratio, the setup behaves as two single cylinders. Flow visualization performed in this study on the oscillatory cylinders showed different characteristics from the fixed cylinders results. A summary of the results is presented in this article.
High Gravimetric Hydrogen Storage Efficiency of Type 5 Pressure Vessel by Dry Filament Winding-Infusion Process
Authors: Grothaus Raimund , Scholtyschik Oliver , Schmidt Thomas
Published: November 2024

Future requirements on hydrogen storage systems for mobile applications require multiple advancements for the storage technology. For the gaseous storage of hydrogen high pressure ranges up to 1000 bar are in current technology development. State-of-the-art applications of these high-pressure vessels typically use metallic materials for stationary applications or hybrid polymer-composite materials for mobile applications in automotive and truck industries. These type 4 composite pressure vessels experience great lightweight design potential but also significant disadvantages especially for demanding future applications of hydrogen in aerospace and space due to significant thermal behavior mismatch of the thermal expansion coefficients (α) of the materials for the metallic boss, thermoplastic polymer liner and structural CFRP layer of the pressure vessel. Increased lightweight and Δα-capabilities are achieved using an advanced manufacturing process for an all-composite type 5 pressure vessel. This new process achieves superior permeability characteristics e. g. by having high fiber volume contents (FVCs) and void-free processes for all single manufacturing steps, which are essential features for the fluid permeability requirement of the selected materials as well as the leakage rate of the whole pressure vessel assembly. Within this paper, the design, manufacturing and testing as well as a permeability simulation process for this new type 5 pressure vessel generation is presented for advanced future applications in aerospace, space or other mobile industries.
Fitness-for-Service Assessment of Gas Pipeline Welds Based on the Fusion of Multi-Source Data
Authors: Zhang Jialu , Zuo Lili , Fei Fan , Dong Shaohua
Published: November 2024

Circumferential weld defects are one of the primary causes of failure in long-distance natural gas pipelines. Therefore, at various stages of pipeline operation, a fitness-for-service assessment of the defective circumferential welds should be conducted to eliminate potential hazards and determine the appropriate pressure range. Most natural gas pipelines are laid underground, and it is difficult to accurately obtain the load parameters at the circumferential welds. The commonly used assessment method for circumferential welds in engineering only considers the internal pressure of the pipeline, neglecting the impact of additional loads, resulting in inaccurate assessment results. To ensure the safe and efficient operation of the pipeline, for an X70 pipeline with a diameter of 1016mm, a circumferential weld additional load valuation model based on multi-source data fusion was established by the Analytic Hierarchy Process and Cloud Model. Based on this, the fitness-for-service assessment of all defective circumferential welds in the pipeline was conducted using the Failure Assessment Diagram (FAD) in API 579-2021. This paper compares the assessment results before and after multi-source data fusion, and the results indicate that the risk factors considered in the assessment after multi-source data fusion are more numerous, enabling accurate evaluation of the safety status of the pipeline circumferential welds and providing more effective decision support for pipeline safety.