bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Structural, Thermal, Micromechanical and Tribological Characterizations of Cu-Filled Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Micro-Composites
Authors: Akrout Mabrouka , Ben Difallah Basma , Kharrat Mohamed , Dammak Maher , Pereira António , Oliveira Filipe J. , Duarte Isabel
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this work was to investigate the structural, thermal, micromechanical and tribological properties of novel polymer/metal composite materials for bearing applications. Copper (Cu)-filled Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) composites were mixed in a laboratory scale by an internal mixer with two blade impellers, and then injection-molded. Neat ABS, ABS+5wt% Cu, ABS+10wt% Cu, and ABS+15wt% Cu were the four materials that were tested. The dispersion of Cu particles in the ABS matrix was investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and a micro-tomography scan. The filler particles have a uniform distribution in the matrix, according to the observations. The incorporation of Cu filler also refined an increase in the glass transition temperature from Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and less intensity in the amorphous phase by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Nanoindentation tests were carried out to characterize the micro-mechanical behavior of the composites. Friction and wear analysis were also examined using a pin-on-disk tribometer. Compared with neat ABS, all the micro-composites showed much higher indentation hardness, Vickers hardness, and indentation elastic modulus. It was also concluded that the incorporation of Cu filler into ABS simultaneously improved the friction and wear properties of the composites, which contributed to the suitability of the micro-filled composites with hard metallic particles for a wider range of mechanical components for bearing applications.
Comparative Analysis of Data-Driven Models for Marine Engine In-Cylinder Pressure Prediction
Authors: Patil Chaitanya , Theotokatos Gerasimos
Published: September 2023

In-cylinder pressure is a key parameter for assessing marine engines health; therefore, its measurement or prediction is paramount for these engines’ diagnosis. Thermodynamic models are typically employed for predicting the in-cylinder pressure, which, however, face challenges pertinent to their calibration and computational time requirements. Recent advances in the field of machine learning have leveraged the development of data-driven models. This study aims to compare two approaches for input features and six regression techniques to select the most effective combination for developing data-driven models to predict the in-cylinder pressure of marine four-stroke engines. Two approaches with different input and output features are initially compared. The first employs regression to directly predict the in-cylinder pressure signal, whereas the second predicts the harmonics coefficients by regression and subsequently estimates the in-cylinder pressure by using a Fourier series function. Typical regression techniques, including linear, elastic, and polynomial regression, support vector machines (SVM), decision trees (DT), and artificial neural networks (ANN), are employed to develop data-driven models based on the second approach. The required datasets for training and testing are derived by using a physical digital twin for the investigated marine engine, which is calibrated against the shop trials and acquired shipboard measurements. The accuracy of the data-driven models are estimated based on the root mean square error considering the testing datasets. For the data-driven model based on the second approach and the ANN regression, a sensitivity study is carried out considering the training datasets and the harmonics number to derive recommendations for these parameters’ values. The results demonstrate that the second approach provides higher accuracy, whereas the ANN regression is the most effective technique for developing data-driven models to estimate the in-cylinder pressure, as the exhibited root mean square error is retained within ±0.2 bar for the ANN trained with 20 samples. This study supports the development and use of data-driven models for marine engines health diagnosis.
Microbiota Transplant and Gynecological Disorders: The Bridge between Present and Future Treatments
Authors: Martinelli Serena , Nannini Giulia , Cianchi Fabio , Staderini Fabio , Coratti Francesco , Amedei Amedeo
Published: September 2023

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a procedure that involves transferring fecal bacteria from a healthy donor to a patients’ intestines to restore gut–immunity homeostasis. While FMT was primarily supposed to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome—and especially Clostridium difficile infection (currently the only used as clinical treatment)—recent research has suggested that it may also become a potential treatment for gynecological disorders, including endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). On the contrary, vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT) is a newer and less commonly used procedure than the FMT approach, and its potential applications are still being explored. It involves direct grafting of the entire vaginal microbiota of healthy women into the vaginal tract of patients to easily rebuild the local microbiota environment, restoring vaginal eubiosis and relieving symptoms. Like FMT, VMT is thought to have potential in treating different microbiota-related conditions. In fact, many gynecological disorders, such as bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis, are thought to be caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota. In this review, we will summarize the development, current challenges, and future perspectives of microbiota transplant, with the aim of exploring new strategies for its employment as a promising avenue for treating a broad range of gynecological diseases.
Comparative Genomic Analysis Reveals the Emergence of ST-231 and ST-395 Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Associated with the High Transmissibility of blaKPC Plasmids
Authors: AL-Muzahmi Muna , Rizvi Meher , AL-Quraini Munawr , AL-Muharrmi Zakariya , AL-Jabri Zaaima
Published: September 2023

Conjugative transposons in Gram-negative bacteria have a significant role in the dissemination of antibiotic-resistance-conferring genes between bacteria. This study aims to genomically characterize plasmids and conjugative transposons carrying integrons in clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The genetic composition of conjugative transposons and phenotypic assessment of 50 multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates from a tertiary-care hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman, were investigated. Horizontal transferability was investigated by filter mating conjugation experiments. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to determine the sequence type (ST), acquired resistome, and plasmidome of integron-carrying strains. Class 1 integrons were detected in 96% of isolates and, among integron-positive isolates, 18 stains contained variable regions. Horizontal transferability by conjugation confirmed the successful transfer of integrons between cells and WGS confirmed their presence in conjugative plasmids. Dihydrofolate reductase (dfrA14) was the most prevalent (34.8%) gene cassette in class 1 integrons. MLST analysis detected predominantly ST-231 and ST-395. BlaOXA-232 and blaCTX-M-15 were the most frequently detected carbapenemases and beta-lactamases in the sequenced isolates. This study highlighted the high transmissibility of MDR-conferring conjugative plasmids in clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae. Therefore, the wise use of antibiotics and the adherence to effective infection control measures are necessary to limit the further dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
An Ecchordosis Physaliphora, a Rare Entity, Involving the Central Nervous System: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Gupta Rajesh K. , Reddy Thejasvi A. , Gupta Ashutosh , Samant Rohan , Perez Carlos A. , Haque Anam
Published: September 2023

Ecchordosis physaliphora (EP) is a benign notochordal remnant, which is often an incidental finding; however, it can rarely present with neurological symptoms. We performed a systematic review of the literature for cases of symptomatic EP published in PubMed, Web of Science and Embase from January 1982 to May 2023. This is the largest review to date and revealed 60 cases including ours. Headache (55%) and CSF rhinorrhea (32%) were the most frequent clinical manifestations. The majority of symptomatic EP lesions were located in the prepontine region (77%) and required surgical resection (75%). EP should be considered in patients with neurologic symptoms in the setting of prepontine or posterior sphenoid sinus lesions. While symptomatic patients often require surgical intervention, rare cases may respond to oral corticosteroids.
NXP081, DNA Aptamer–Vitamin C Complex Ameliorates DNFB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis in Balb/c Mice
Authors: Lee Sanggon , Ahn Hyun-Jong , Park Yong Seek , Kim Ji-Hyun , Kim Yoon-Seong , Cho Jeong-Je , Park Cheung-Seog
Published: September 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by dry and itchy skin. Recently, it has been reported that oxidative stress is involved in skin diseases, possibly including AD. Vitamin C, also referred to as ascorbic acid, is a vital water-soluble compound that functions as an essential nutrient. It plays a significant role as both an antioxidant and an additive in various pharmaceutical and food products. Despite the fact that vitamin C is easily oxidized, we have developed NXP081, a single-stranded DNA aptamer that selectively binds to vitamin C, thereby inhibiting its oxidation. The objective of the current research was to examine the impact of NXP081, an animal model of AD induced by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). The experimental drug NXP081, when taken orally, showed promising results in reducing inflammation and improving the skin conditions caused by DNFB. The administration of NXP081 resulted in a significant reduction in ear swelling and a noticeable improvement in the appearance of skin lesions. In addition, the administration of NXP081 resulted in a significant decrease in the migration of mast cells in the skin lesions induced by DNFB. Moreover, NXP081 inhibited the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in CD4+ T cells that were activated and derived from the lymph nodes. Our findings provide useful information about the anti-inflammatory effect of NXP081 on AD.
A Longitudinal Cohort Study of Risk Factors Associated with Small Ruminant Lentivirus Seropositivity in Intensively Reared Dairy Ewes in Greece
Authors: Kalogianni Aphrodite I. , Bouzalas Ilias , Bossis Ioannis , Gelasakis Athanasios I.
Published: September 2023

A two-year longitudinal cohort study was conducted on a total of 407 purebred Chios and Lacaune ewes from four intensive dairy sheep farms to assess potential risk factors for small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) seropositivity. Ewes were serologically tested semiannually at pre-mating and pre-lambing, and their age, breed, and body condition score (BCS) were recorded. Εwes were categorized as constantly seronegative, constantly seropositive, seroconverted, seroreverted, or animals with an intermittent presence of antibodies. Mixed binary logistic regression models were used to estimate the adjusted relative risks of the studied risk factors for (i) the individual ewes’ seropositivity, (ii) the manifestation of specific serological patterns, and (iii) the occurrence of seroconversion and seroreversion incidents. Increased age was associated with seropositivity and constantly seropositive status (p < 0.001 in both cases). On the other hand, age was negatively associated with constantly seronegative pattern, seroconversion incident, and the intermittent presence of antibodies (p < 0.05 in all cases). Moreover, breed was recognized as a risk factor: Lacaune ewes demonstrated increased seropositivity, whereas Chios ewes were more likely to demonstrate an intermittent presence of antibodies (p < 0.01 in both cases). Seropositive status (p < 0.001), seropositivity in animals with an intermittent presence of antibodies (p = 0.001), and seroconversion incidents (p < 0.001) were significantly increased at pre-lambing compared to pre-mating. The risk factors recognized in our study contribute to a better understanding of SRLVs epidemiology and the evidence-based designation of SRLVs’ control programs in intensive dairy sheep farms in Greece.
Comparative Analysis of Chemical Profile and Biological Activity of Juniperus communis L. Berry Extracts
Authors: Belov Timur , Terenzhev Dmitriy , Bushmeleva Kseniya Nikolaevna , Davydova Lilia , Burkin Konstantin , Fitsev Igor , Gatiyatullina Alsu , Egorova Anastasia , Nikitin Evgeniy
Published: September 2023

Researchers are looking for the most effective ways to extract the bioactive substances of Juniperus communis L. berries, which are capable of displaying the greatest range of biological activity, namely antimicrobial potential “against phytopathogens”, antioxidant activity and nematocidal activity. This study provides detailed information on the chemical activity, group composition and biological activity of the extracts of juniper berries of 1- and 2-year maturity (JB1 and JB2), which were obtained by using different solvents (pentane, chloroform, acetone, methanol and 70% ethanol) under various extraction conditions (maceration and ultrasound-assisted maceration (US)). Seventy percent ethanol and acetone extracts of juniper berries were analyzed via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and they contained monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, polysaccharides, steroids, fatty acid esters and bicyclic monoterpenes. The antimicrobial activity was higher in the berries of 1-year maturity, while the acetone extract obtained via ultrasound-assisted maceration was the most bioactive in relation to the phytopathogens. Depending on the extraction method and the choice of solvent, the antioxidant activity with the use of US decreased by 1.5–1.9 times compared to the extracts obtained via maceration. An analysis of the nematocidal activity showed that the sensitivity to the action of extracts in Caenorhabditis elegans was significantly higher than in Caenorhabditis briggsae, particularly for the acetone extract obtained from the juniper berries of 1-year maturity.
Design and Verification of Key Components of a New Selective Catalytic Reduction System in a Petrochemical Captive Power Plant
Authors: Wu Jiarui , Liu Guofu , Zhang Xin , Zhang Chao , Li Chao , Gong Chenghong , Zhou Xiaobo , Gong Qiuping , Cheng Shen , Jiang Jianguo
Published: September 2023

A new selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for captive power plants in the petrochemical industry was analyzed. The key components suitable for the target SCR system were obtained using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation combined with a cold physical model. The structural characteristics of the SCR system were studied, and corresponding design schemes were obtained for the key components, such as the guide plate, the ammonia injection grid (AIG), the static mixer, and the rectifier grille. The distributions of the flue gas velocity and the NH3 concentration within the flue cross-section in front of the first layer catalyst were studied in detail. Synchronously, the pressure loss and the temperature reduction characteristics in the SCR system were also considered. CFD results showed that the average standard deviation of the flue gas velocity was about 11.61%, and the average standard deviation of the NH3 concentration distribution could reach about 3.79% under the five operating conditions. It could be concluded that the uniformity of the flue gas velocity and the NH3 concentration distribution within the above flue cross-section was guaranteed by comparing to the design standard of 15% and 5%, respectively. It was further found that the maximum pressure loss between the inlet and the first layer catalyst was about 106.64 Pa, and the temperature reduction characteristic of the entire SCR system could be maintained within ±0.01 °C, which indicated that no extreme adverse effect arose due to the introduce of the key components. The cold physical model experiment was accordingly conducted to verify the reliability of the above CFD results. The cold physical model experiment results showed that the average standard deviation of flue gas velocity was about 8.82%, and the average standard deviation of NH3 concentration distribution could reach about 4.21%. The maximum biases for the standard deviations of the flue gas velocity and the NH3 concentration distribution were approximately 4.83% and 1.18% under the five operating conditions. Based on the good agreement of the research results via the two different methods, the designed key components of a new SCR system could be confirmed to be feasible, which would benefit the deNOx performance of the SCR system.
Mapping Grassland Based on Bio-Climate Probability and Intra-Annual Time-Series Abundance Data of Vegetation Habitats
Authors: Sun Minxuan , Ji Zhengxin , Jiao Xin , Lun Fei , Sun Qiangqiang , Sun Danfeng
Published: September 2023

Accurate inventories of grasslands are important for studies of greenhouse gas (GHG) dynamics, as grasslands store about one-third of the global terrestrial carbon stocks. This paper develops a framework for large-area grassland mapping based on the probability of grassland occurrence and the interactive pathways of fractional vegetation and soil-related endmember nexuses. In this study, grassland occurrence probability maps were produced based on data on bio-climate factors obtained from MODIS/Terra Land Surface Temperature (MOD11A2), MODIS/Terra Vegetation Indices (MOD13A3), and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM 3B43) using the random forests (RF) method. Time series of 8-day fractional vegetation-related endmembers (green vegetation, non-photosynthetic vegetation, sand land, saline land, and dark surfaces) were generated using linear spectral mixture analysis (LSMA) based on MODIS/Terra Surface Reflectance data (MOD09A1). Time-series endmember fraction maps and grassland occurrence probabilities were employed to map grassland distribution using an RF model. This approach improved the accuracy by 5% compared to using endmember fractions alone. Additionally, based on the grassland occurrence probability maps, we identified extensive ecologically sensitive regions, encompassing 1.54 (104 km2) of desert-to-steppe (D-S) and 2.34 (104 km2) of steppe-to-meadow (S-M) transition regions. Among these, the D-S area is located near the threshold of 310 mm/yr in precipitation, an annual temperature of 10.16 °C, and a surface comprehensive drought index (TVPDI) of 0.59. The S-M area is situated close to the line of 437 mm/yr in precipitation, an annual temperature of 5.49 °C, and a TVPDI of 0.83.
State-of-the-Art of Non-Radiative, Non-Visual Spine Sensing with a Focus on Sensing Forces, Vibrations and Bioelectrical Properties: A Systematic Review
Authors: Timmermans Maikel , Massalimova Aidana , Li Ruixuan , Davoodi Ayoob , Goossens Quentin , Niu Kenan , Vander Poorten Emmanuel , Fürnstahl Philipp , Denis Kathleen
Published: September 2023

In the research field of robotic spine surgery, there is a big upcoming momentum for surgeon-like autonomous behaviour and surgical accuracy in robotics which goes beyond the standard engineering notions such as geometric precision. The objective of this review is to present an overview of the state of the art in non-visual, non-radiative spine sensing for the enhancement of surgical techniques in robotic automation. It provides a vantage point that facilitates experimentation and guides new research projects to what has not been investigated or integrated in surgical robotics. Studies were identified, selected and processed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant study characteristics that were searched for include the sensor type and measured feature, the surgical action, the tested sample, the method for data analysis and the system’s accuracy of state identification. The 6DOF f/t sensor, the microphone and the electromyography probe were the most commonly used sensors in each category, respectively. The performance of the electromyography probe is unsatisfactory in terms of preventing nerve damage as it can only signal after the nerve is disturbed. Feature thresholding and artificial neural networks were the most common decision algorithms for state identification. The fusion of different sensor data in the decision algorithm improved the accuracy of state identification.
Active SLAM: A Review on Last Decade
Authors: Ahmed Muhammad Farhan , Masood Khayyam , Fremont Vincent , Fantoni Isabelle
Published: September 2023

This article presents a comprehensive review of the Active Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (A-SLAM) research conducted over the past decade. It explores the formulation, applications, and methodologies employed in A-SLAM, particularly in trajectory generation and control-action selection, drawing on concepts from Information Theory (IT) and the Theory of Optimal Experimental Design (TOED). This review includes both qualitative and quantitative analyses of various approaches, deployment scenarios, configurations, path-planning methods, and utility functions within A-SLAM research. Furthermore, this article introduces a novel analysis of Active Collaborative SLAM (AC-SLAM), focusing on collaborative aspects within SLAM systems. It includes a thorough examination of collaborative parameters and approaches, supported by both qualitative and statistical assessments. This study also identifies limitations in the existing literature and suggests potential avenues for future research. This survey serves as a valuable resource for researchers seeking insights into A-SLAM methods and techniques, offering a current overview of A-SLAM formulation.
Process Model for the Introduction of Automated Buses
Authors: Beckmann Sönke , Trojahn Sebastian , Zadek Hartmut
Published: September 2023

The early deployment of automated electric buses, as a sustainable future mobility concept, depends not only on technical development but also on comprehensive public transportation planning. Local authorities and transportation companies’ planners must strategically incorporate automated buses into the public transportation network on suitable routes. However, current approaches to transportation planning often neglect essential factors pertinent to automated buses, including legal regulations, the status of technological development, and the existing transportation infrastructure. Recognizing the paramount significance of addressing these considerations, this paper endeavors to adapt the public transportation planning process to accommodate the unique requirements of automated buses. To achieve this objective, this study incorporates the requisite input data and framework conditions specific to automated buses into the public transportation planning workflow. Moreover, it elucidates the resultant impacts on the various stages of the planning process and the utilization of mathematical optimization techniques. By employing the devised process model, it becomes feasible to comprehensively assess and evaluate not only the integration of conventional public transportation but also automated buses within a line network. This approach facilitates a comparative analysis of both modes of transportation in terms of costs and benefits, even during the early planning phases, ultimately identifying optimal routes.
Study on the Redevelopment of the Hangang River Waterfront from an Urban Resilience Perspective
Authors: Jun Jinhyun , Song Minkyung
Published: September 2023

Cities worldwide are developing strategies to cope with heat waves, extreme colds, floods, wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, droughts, pandemics, and other disasters caused by climate change. To this end, a resilience theory is being expanded and applied as a methodology to secure social and spatial systems that respond to climate change while providing ecological habitats and spaces for more diverse human activities. This study evaluated resilient redevelopment strategies for the Hangang River in Seoul by drawing on practices grounded in resilience theory. This study analyzed the nine proposals from the Resilience by Design Challenge, which aimed to gather response strategies for climate change in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2017 to identify practical physical design and social system strategies. Each team’s strategy for implementing urban resilience focused on six categories: governance systems, financial planning, public engagement, accessibility, ecology, and diversity. The guidelines to consider during the redevelopment of the Hangang River in Seoul were formulated by applying these criteria to the review of the river. This process has also yielded the following implications and characteristics for resilient design. First, ensuring the resilience of a city necessitates prioritizing the resolution of regional imbalances. Second, the social and ecological resilience of cities is intricately intertwined. Moreover, comprehending the dynamics between the two can guide effective, resilient design. Third, resilient design’s spatial and temporal scales are extensive and varied, highlighting the importance of understanding the relationships among categories and subcategories at different hierarchies. Finally, the value of urban waterfront space, traditionally associated with positive cultural and economic contributions to cities, must be reevaluated more profoundly and meaningfully in light of climate change.
A DPSIR Framework to Evaluate and Predict the Development of Prefabricated Buildings: A Case Study
Authors: Ji Fanrong , Luo Zhaoyuan , Hu Xiancun , Nan Yunquan , Wei Aifang
Published: September 2023

Prefabricated building construction is an important method of enhancing construction productivity and promoting sustainable development in the construction industry. Evaluating and predicting the development performance of prefabricated buildings will contribute to identifying and implementing the most effective responses to promote prefabricated building technologies. Based on the Drives–Pressures–States–Impacts–Responses (DPSIR) framework, 14 evaluation indexes are determined to evaluate the development level of prefabricated buildings. The entropy weight method was used to determine the weight of the evaluation index, and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method with improved grey correlation was applied to comprehensively evaluate the trend of the index. The grey model (GM(1,1)) was developed to predict the development trend of prefabricated buildings. The development of prefabricated buildings in Shandong province, China, is employed as a case to apply the developed method and investigate development experiences. The results demonstrate that the case has achieved significant progress and has great potential in promoting the use of prefabricated buildings. The development recommendations include developing a policy and regulation system, strengthening a prefabricated building talent pool, and enhancing the investment in technological innovation. This study innovatively formulated the evaluation and prediction system based on the DPSIR, TOPSIS and GM(1,1) models, which could be used for evaluating development performance between social and environmental factors among various cause-effect relationships.
STEM Students’ Academic Well-Being at University before and during Later Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Cohort and Longitudinal Study
Authors: Aarntzen Lianne , Nieuwenhuis Marlon , Endedijk Maaike D. , van Veelen Ruth , Kelders Saskia M.
Published: September 2023

This paper offers an indepth analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on STEM students’ academic well-being beyond the initial stages of the pandemic. We draw upon a unique self-collected cross-sectional cohort dataset (n = 990, prepandemic and pandemic first-year STEM students) and longitudinal dataset (n = 170, students who started their studies pre-pandemic and are in their second year during the pandemic). Study 1 revealed that STEM students’ academic well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic was lower than before its onset, as shown when comparing a pre-pandemic and pandemic cohort of first-year students and from analyzing first-year students’ changes in academic well-being over time (i.e., lower academic satisfaction, belonging, efficacy and persistence intentions). Study 2 showed that especially COVID-19-related worries regarding academic enjoyment and study progress were related to STEM students’ decreased academic well-being, both for first and second-year students. Study 3 demonstrated that both peer support and faculty support contributed to higher academic well-being among first and second-year STEM students during the pandemic. These findings benefit policymakers and higher education institutions as they provide insight in how to safeguard sustainable academic well-being for STEM students in times of crisis or challenge.
Incorporating Social and Policy Drivers into Land-Use and Land-Cover Projection
Authors: Abbasnezhad Behnoosh , Abrams Jesse B. , Hepinstall-Cymerman Jeffrey
Published: September 2023

Forestlands in the southeastern U.S. generate a great variety of ecosystem services that contribute to the well-being of humans and nonhumans alike. Despite their importance, forests continue to be lost to other land uses such as agricultural production and urban development. Advancements in remote sensing and machine learning techniques have facilitated land use/land cover (LULC) change projections, but many prior efforts have neglected to account for social and policy dimensions. We incorporated key socio-economic factors, conservation policies, societal preferences, and landscape biophysical features into LULC projection techniques under four different development scenarios. We applied this approach in the Upper Flint watershed, which flows south from the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area and is characterized by extensive urbanization and associated deforestation. Our results suggest that incorporating social and policy drivers in future LULC projection approaches leads to more realistic results with higher accuracy levels, offering decision-makers, development planners, and policymakers better opportunities to forecast the effects of anticipated changes on the availability of ESs in the future. Conservation organizations and public agencies can benefit from such analysis to identify regions requiring conservation interventions for prioritizing their conservation efforts. We used publicly available data for the conterminous U.S., hence our approach can be replicable in other study regions within the nation.
Different Responses of Soil Moisture to Different Artificial Forest Species on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Cao Jing , Chen Yiping , Jiang Yao , Chen Jingshu , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wu Junhua
Published: September 2023

The Chinese Loess Plateau has undertaken a large-scale “Grain for Green” project since 1999. Understanding how reforestation affects soil moisture is crucial for ecological construction and the region’s revegetation. In this study, soil sensors were installed to monitor the soil moisture content (SMC) and soil desiccation intensity in a 0–200 cm soil profile online during the growing season, with farmland as a control and Robinia (R.) pseudoacacia L., Pinus (P.) tabulaeformis Carr., Populus (P.) alba L., and Ulmus (U.) pumila L. were selected. The results showed that the SMC increased with soil depth, and the soil moisture storage (SMS) in the 0–200 cm soil profile was ranked as R. pseudoacacia L. (424.3 mm) < farmland (479.8 mm) < U. pumila L. (569.8 mm) < P. alba L. (583.9 mm) < P. tabulaeformis Carr. (589.8 mm). Secondly, the percentages of inefficient water and gravimetric water in soil moisture were ranked as R. pseudoacacia L. (63%) > farmland (49%) > U. pumila L. (43%) > P. alba L. (17%) > P. tabulaeformis Carr. (11%). The soil desiccation intensity of artificial forests was heavy in June, light in April and July, and no desiccation in the other months. Moderate desiccation was discovered in the 0–40 cm soil layer and mild desiccation occurred in the 40–60 cm soil layer. Additionally, the representative soil layer for SMS in farmland for P. tabulaeformis Carr., U. pumila L., and R. pseudoacacia L. was the 90 cm soil layer, and the SMS representative soil layer for P. alba L. was the 70 cm soil layer. In brief, an SMS deficit occurred after the conversion of the farmland to R. pseudoacacia L., but there was an SMS surplus after the conversion of the farmland to P. alba L., U. pumila L., and P. tabulaeformis Carr. This suggests that the artificial forest species could be optimized by introducing P. tabulaeformis Carr. instead of R. pseudoacacia L., and the degradation of R. pseudoacacia L. could be suppressed by the application of a nitrogen fertilizer. Our research demonstrated that soil moisture depletion patterns were closely related to artificial forest species, and attention should be paid to the vegetation restoration and maintenance of afforestation achievements in water-constrained arid regions in the future.
Techno-Economic Feasibility Study for Organic and Plastic Waste Pyrolysis Pilot Plant in Malaysia
Authors: Lim Mooktzeng , Tan Ee Sann
Published: September 2023

Organic and plastic waste (OPW) is diverted from landfills in order to lower carbon emissions. Nevertheless, modern pyrolysis techniques are frequently utilized in laboratories (using feedstocks that weigh less than 1 kg), which employ costly pure nitrogen gas (N2). This study developed a fast pyrolysis system to produce pyrolysis oil or liquid (PyOL) from OPW using flue gas as the pyrolysis agent. The added benefits included the efficient value-added chemical extractions and the non-thermal plasma reactor upgraded PyOL. OPW was also pyrolyzed at a pilot scale using flue gas fast pyrolysis in this study. In addition to lowering operational expenses associated with pure N2, flue gas reduced the lifecycle carbon emissions to create PyOL. The results indicated that considerable material agglomeration occurred during the OPW pyrolysis with an organic-to-plastic-waste (O/P) ratio of 30/70. Furthermore, the liquid yields were 5.2% and 5.5% when O/P was 100/0 (305 °C) and 99.5/0.5 (354 °C), respectively. The liquid yields also increased when polymers (polypropylene) were added, enhancing the aromatics. Two cases were employed to study their techno-economic feasibility: PyOL-based production and chemical-extraction plants. The mitigated CO2 from the redirected OPW and flue gas produced the highest revenue in terms of carbon credits. Moreover, the carbon price (from RM 100 to 150 per ton of CO2) was the most important factor impacting the economic viability in both cases. Plant capacities higher than 10,000 kg/h were economically viable for the PyOL-based plants, whereas capacities greater than 1000 kg/h were financially feasible for chemical-extraction plants. Overall, the study found that the pyrolysis of OPW in flue gas is a viable waste-to-energy technology. The low liquid yield is offset by the carbon credits that can be earned, making the process economically feasible.
Systems Approach for the Adoption of New Technologies in Enterprises
Authors: Ramírez-Gutiérrez Ana Gabriela , Solano García Pavel , Morales Matamoros Oswaldo , Moreno Escobar Jesús Jaime , Tejeida-Padilla Ricardo
Published: September 2023

There is a great challenge in the business sector to adopt new technologies that boost companies to break into Industry 4.0, especially to obtain the capacity to adopt and develop complex systems based on: artificial intelligence, Big Data, Data Mining, and Cyber Physical Systems. However, efforts tend to be more of an empirical process, rather than a prior analysis, that allows companies to identify the complexity of the situation and trigger a viable implementation. For this reason, this research carried out a systematic review to identify and analyze, from the Systems Science approach, the proposed and most used models to face these organizational problems. In total, 42 of the 3800 documents were filtered for discussion using a systems approach. In addition, one of the models was tested by interviews with Mexican managers to understand how it promotes the abstraction of complexity necessary for a viable system change. The findings at the end of the work were to determine the lack of systemic properties in the current proposals, especially in the efforts to adopt artificial intelligence and the need to have a suitable model for the context of technology.
Humoral Responses Elicited by SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine in People Living with HIV
Authors: Marchitto Lorie , Chatterjee Debashree , Ding Shilei , Gendron-Lepage Gabrielle , Tauzin Alexandra , Boutin Marianne , Benlarbi Mehdi , Medjahed Halima , Sylla Mohamed , Lanctôt Hélène , Durand Madeleine , Finzi Andrés , Tremblay Cécile
Published: September 2023

While mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination elicits strong humoral responses in the general population, humoral responses in people living with HIV (PLWH) remain to be clarified. Here, we conducted a longitudinal study of vaccine immunogenicity elicited after two and three doses of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in PLWH stratified by their CD4 count. We measured the capacity of the antibodies elicited by vaccination to bind the Spike glycoprotein of different variants of concern (VOCs). We also evaluated the Fc-mediated effector functions of these antibodies by measuring their ability to eliminate CEM.NKr cells stably expressing SARS-CoV-2 Spikes. Finally, we measured the relative capacity of the antibodies to neutralize authentic SARS-CoV-2 virus after the third dose of mRNA vaccine. We found that after two doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine, PLWH with a CD4 count < 250/mm3 had lower levels of anti-RBD IgG antibodies compared to PLWH with a CD4 count > 250/mm3 (p < 0.05). A third dose increased these levels and importantly, no major differences were observed in their capacity to mediate Fc-effector functions and neutralize authentic SARS-CoV-2. Overall, our work demonstrates the importance of mRNA vaccine boosting in immuno-compromised individuals presenting low levels of CD4.
Epidemiology Update of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in Uruguay: Subtyping, Environmental Surveillance and Zoonotic Transmission
Authors: Cancela Florencia , Icasuriaga Romina , Cuevas Santiago , Hergatacorzian Valentina , Olivera Mauricio , Panzera Yanina , Pérez Ruben , López Julieta , Borzacconi Liliana , González Elizabeth , Montaldo Natalia , Gaitán Melissa , López-Verges Sandra , Bortagaray Viviana , Victoria Matías , Colina Rodney , Arbiza Juan , Berois Mabel , Mirazo Santiago
Published: September 2023

Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) infection is an emergent zoonotic disease of increasing concern in developed regions. HEV genotype 3 (HEV-3) is mainly transmitted through consumption of contaminated food in high-income countries and is classified into at least 13 subtypes (3a–3n), based on p-distance values from complete genomes. In Latin America, HEV epidemiology studies are very scant. Our group has previously detected HEV3 in clinical cases, swine, wild boars, captive white-collared peccaries, and spotted deer from Uruguay. Herein, we aimed to provide novel insights and an updated overview of the molecular epidemiology of zoonotic HEV in Uruguay, including data from wastewater-based surveillance studies. A thorough analysis of HEV whole genomes and partial ORF2 sequences from Uruguayan human and domestic pig strains showed that they formed a separate monophyletic cluster with high nucleotide identity and exhibited p-distance values over the established cut-off (0.093) compared with reference subtypes’ sequences. Furthermore, we found an overall prevalence of 10.87% (10/92) in wastewater, where two samples revealed a close relationship with humans, and animal reservoirs/hosts isolates from Uruguay. In conclusion, a single, new HEV-3 subtype currently circulates in different epidemiological settings in Uruguay, and we propose its designation as 3o along with its reference sequence.
RNA Editing-Dependent and -Independent Roles of Adenosine Deaminases Acting on RNA Proteins in Herpesvirus Infection—Hints on Another Layer of Complexity
Authors: Ivanišević Vlatka , Žilić Lidia , Čunko Marina , Fadiga Hana , Munitić Ivana , Jurak Igor
Published: September 2023

The Adenosine Deaminases Acting on RNA (ADAR) catalyze the posttranscriptional deamination of adenosine residues to inosine in double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs, A-to-I editing), preventing the overactivation of dsRNA sensor molecules and interferons. RNA editing is the cornerstone of innate immunity that distinguishes between self and non-self (virus), and it is essential for normal regulation of cellular homeostasis. Although much is already known about the role of ADAR proteins in RNA virus infection, the role of ADAR proteins in herpesvirus infection remains largely unexplored. In this review, we provide several lines of evidence from studies of different herpesviruses for another level of complexity in regulating the already intricate biphasic life cycle of herpesviruses.
Vaccination Campaign against Hepatitis B Virus in Italy: A History of Successful Achievements
Authors: Stroffolini Tommaso , Stroffolini Giacomo
Published: September 2023

In Italy, the vaccination campaign against hepatitis B virus has been characterized by two phases. In the first phase (1984–1991), vaccination with plasma-derived vaccines was first recommended for the high-risk group. In the second phase (1991–nowadays), recombinant vaccine targeted, by law, infants 2 months old and teenagers 12 years old (limited to the first 12 years of campaign); screening for HBsAg became compulsory for all pregnant women during the third trimester of pregnancy. Successful achievements have been attained: No acute HBV case has been observed in the age group targeted by vaccination, the pool of chronic HBsAg carriers is strongly reduced, perinatal HBV transmission is under control, and acute delta virus hepatitis cases are nearly eliminated. The key point of this success has been the peculiar vaccination policy adopted. The combined vaccination of teenagers has generated an early immune cohort of youths, who are no longer at risk of acquiring HBV infection by sources of exposure (i.e., drug use and unsafe sex practices) typical of the young adults. Vaccination of household contacts with HBsAg-positive subjects represents an area of improvement; providing migrants and refugees access to healthcare services is also a focal point. In 2020, Italy became the first country in Europe to achieve the WHO’s regional hepatitis targets.
Trick-or-Trap: Extracellular Vesicles and Viral Transmission
Authors: Bou Juan-Vicente , Taguwa Shuhei , Matsuura Yoshiharu
Published: September 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid membrane-enclosed particles produced by most cells, playing important roles in various biological processes. They have been shown to be involved in antiviral mechanisms such as transporting antiviral molecules, transmitting viral resistance, and participating in antigen presentation. While viral transmission was traditionally thought to occur through independent viral particles, the process of viral infection is complex, with multiple barriers and challenges that viruses must overcome for successful infection. As a result, viruses exploit the intercellular communication pathways of EVs to facilitate cluster transmission, increasing their chances of infecting target cells. Viral vesicle transmission offers two significant advantages. Firstly, it enables the collective transmission of viral genomes, increasing the chances of infection and promoting interactions between viruses in subsequent generations. Secondly, the use of vesicles as vehicles for viral transmission provides protection to viral particles against environmental factors, while also expanding the cell tropism allowing viruses to reach cells in a receptor-independent manner. Understanding the role of EVs in viral transmission is crucial for comprehending virus evolution and developing innovative antiviral strategies, therapeutic interventions, and vaccine approaches.
Haemorrhagic progression of contusions after traumatic brain injury in orally anticoagulated patient
Authors: Janjua Tariq , Abdulla Ebtesam , Agrawal Amit , Rahman Moshiur , Ivan Lozada  , Picon Yelson Alejandro , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael
Published: September 2023

Traumatic brain injury carries a high risk of neurological disability and fatality. The extent of the injury to the neuronal tissue following a head impact defines the primary injury. The acceleration energy delivered at the time of impact provokes this injury. There are numerous secondary responses to the injury that mostly intensify the primary injury. When a head impact causes a contusion, the hemorrhagic injury frequently progresses over the first few hours after impact, either growing or developing new, non-contiguous hemorrhagic lesions, a condition known as the hemorrhagic progression of a contusion.
Intracranial lipoma associated with a subcutaneous lipoma
Authors: Oyemolade Toyin , Balogun James
Published: September 2023

Intracranial lipomas are rare, frequently asymptomatic, congenital malformations. They are most commonly located in the pericallosal region and are often detected incidentally during neuroimaging studies or postmortem examinations. While other associated brain malformations, most notably callosal agenesis, are frequently reported, association with a subcutaneous scalp lipoma is extremely rare. We present a case of pericallosal lipoma associated with callosal agenesis and subcutaneous lipoma over the anterior fontanelle in a 6-month-old female infant who had excision of only the extracranial mass and has remained asymptomatic from the intracranial mass for the 3 years of follow up.
Comparing dietary strategies to manage cardiovascular risk in primary care: a narrative review of systematic reviews
Authors: Greenwood Hannah , Barnes Katelyn , Ball Lauren , Glasziou Paul
Published: September 2023

Background

Nutrition care in general practice is crucial for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and management, although comparison between dietary strategies is lacking.

Aim

To compare the best available (most recent, relevant, and high-quality) evidence for six dietary strategies that are effective for primary prevention/absolute risk reduction of CVD.

Design and setting

A pragmatic narrative review of systematic reviews of randomised trials focused on primary prevention of cardiovascular events.

Method

Studies about: 1) adults without a history of cardiovascular events; 2) target dietary strategies postulated to reduce CVD risk; and 3) direct cardiovascular or all-cause mortality outcomes were included. Six dietary strategies were examined: energy deficit, Mediterranean-like diet, sodium reduction (salt reduction and substitution), the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, alcohol reduction, and fish/fish oil consumption. Reviews were selected based on quality, recency, and relevance. Quality and certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE.

Results

Twenty-five reviews met inclusion criteria; eight were selected as the highest quality, recent, and relevant. Three dietary strategies showed modest, significant reductions in cardiovascular events: energy deficit (relative risk reduction [RRR] 30%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 13 to 43), Mediterranean-like diet (RRR 40%, 95% CI = 20 to 55), and salt substitution (RRR 30%, 95% CI = 7 to 48). Still, some caveats remain on the effectiveness of these dietary strategies. Salt reduction, DASH diet, and alcohol reduction showed small, significant reductions in blood pressure, but no reduction in cardiovascular events. Fish/fish oil consumption showed little or no effect; supplementation of fish oil alone showed small reductions in CVD events.

Conclusion

For primary prevention, energy deficit, Mediterranean-like diets, and sodium substitution have modest evidence for risk reduction of CVD events. Strategies incorporated into clinical nutrition care should ensure guidance is person centred and tailored to clinical circumstances.