bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motivations for the Demand for Religious Tourism: The Case of the Pilgrimage of the Virgin of Montserrat in Ecuador
Authors: Carvache-Franco Mauricio , Carvache-Franco Wilmer , Orden-Mejía Miguel , Carvache-Franco Orly , Andrade-Alcivar Luis , Cedeño-Zavala Brigette
Published: July 2024

Religious tourism is one of the oldest forms of mobility for travel. This study aims at validating the motivational dimensions of demand in religious tourism. The present research was carried out with tourists who had attended the pilgrimage of the Virgin of Montserrat in the city of Montecristi (Ecuador), an important tourist destination that stands out for its culture and intangible heritage. This quantitative study had a sample of 298 valid questionnaires that were analyzed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The results identified five motivational dimensions: experience belief, experience religion, social exploration, escape, and shopping. The results will serve as a guide for private companies to develop products from religious tourism. Likewise, the research contributes significantly to the academic literature on religious tourism in emerging destinations.
Advancement in Propagation, Breeding, Cultivation, and Marketing of Ornamentals
Authors: Beruto Margherita , Dhooghe Emmy , Dunn Bruce
Published: July 2024

Ornamental horticulture is an important branch of horticulture addressed to grow and market plants or cut flowers used for decorative purposes and landscape design [...]
Can Multi-Temporal Vegetation Indices and Machine Learning Algorithms Be Used for Estimation of Groundnut Canopy State Variables?
Authors: Jewan Shaikh Yassir Yousouf , Singh Ajit , Billa Lawal , Sparkes Debbie , Murchie Erik , Gautam Deepak , Cogato Alessia , Pagay Vinay
Published: July 2024

The objective of this research was to assess the feasibility of remote sensing (RS) technology, specifically an unmanned aerial system (UAS), to estimate Bambara groundnut canopy state variables including leaf area index (LAI), canopy chlorophyll content (CCC), aboveground biomass (AGB), and fractional vegetation cover (FVC). RS and ground data were acquired during Malaysia’s 2018/2019 Bambara groundnut growing season at six phenological stages; vegetative, flowering, podding, podfilling, maturity, and senescence. Five vegetation indices (VIs) were determined from the RS data, resulting in single-stage VIs and cumulative VIs (∑VIs). Pearson’s correlation was used to investigate the relationship between canopy state variables and single stage VIs and ∑VIs over several stages. Linear parametric and non-linear non-parametric machine learning (ML) regressions including CatBoost Regressor (CBR), Random Forest Regressor (RFR), AdaBoost Regressor (ABR), Huber Regressor (HR), Multiple Linear Regressor (MLR), Theil-Sen Regressor (TSR), Partial Least Squares Regressor (PLSR), and Ridge Regressor (RR) were used to estimate canopy state variables using VIs/∑VIs as input. The best single-stage correlations between canopy state variables and VIs were observed at flowering (r > 0.50 in most cases). Moreover, ∑VIs acquired from vegetative to senescence stage had the strongest correlation with all measured canopy state variables (r > 0.70 in most cases). In estimating AGB, MLR achieved the best testing performance (R2 = 0.77, RMSE = 0.30). For CCC, RFR excelled with R2 of 0.85 and RMSE of 2.88. Most models performed well in FVC estimation with testing R2 of 0.98–0.99 and low RMSE. For LAI, MLR stood out in testing with R2 of 0.74, and RMSE of 0.63. Results demonstrate the UAS-based RS technology potential for estimating Bambara groundnut canopy variables.
Xylem Vessel Size Is Related to Grapevine Susceptibility to Phaeomoniella chlamydospora
Authors: Gerin Donato , Chimienti Nicola , Agnusdei Angelo , Mannerucci Francesco , De Miccolis Angelini Rita Milvia , Faretra Francesco , Pollastro Stefania
Published: July 2024

Grapevine trunk diseases are a threat to table- and grape-wine cultivation worldwide. Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (Pch) is a vascular fungus recognized as one of the most important pathogens associated with grapevine trunk diseases. The relationships between xylem vessel features and Pch susceptibility of 10 table- and 17 wine-grape genotypes, as well as 3 rootstocks, were investigated by image analysis of 50 µm cross-sections and artificial Pch inoculation on one-year-old vine cuttings. Vessels were grouped in the diameter classes 1–30, 31–60, 61–90, 91–120, and >120 µm. Among the table-grape varieties, ‘Sable’, ‘Timco’, and ‘Red Globe’ showed higher densities of large vessels (>120 μm) than ‘Italia’, ‘Sugar Crisp’, and ‘Sugraone’. Among the wine-grape varieties, ‘Minutolo’, ‘Montepulciano’, ‘Primitivo’ CDTa19, and ‘Verdeca’ showed higher densities of large vessels than ‘Aglianico’, ‘Nero di Troia’, ‘Sangiovese’, and ‘Susumaniello’. In the rootstocks, the vessel diameters were 50.8, 54.0, and 60.9 μm for ‘34 E.M.’, ‘140 Ruggieri’, and ‘1103 Paulsen’, in that order. For table-grape varieties, Pch was re-isolated from 13.3% for ‘Sugar Crisp’ and ‘Sugraone’ cuttings up to 93.3% for ‘Timco’. For wine-grape varieties, Pch re-isolation ranged from 51.1% (‘Bombino nero’, ‘Negroamaro’ D15, and ‘Sangiovese’) to 81.1% (‘Montepulciano’), while for the rootstocks, the values were from 33 to 51%. A principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a positive correlation between the frequencies of large vessels and Pch re-isolation. In addition, in wine grapes and rootstocks, higher Pch re-isolation frequencies in the lateral parts of cuttings were correlated (r = 0.79) to a higher frequency of large vessels. The results highlight relationships between grapevine xylem vessel sizes and susceptibility to P. chlamydospora that are worthy of further research.
DPP: A Novel Disease Progression Prediction Method for Ginkgo Leaf Disease Based on Image Sequences
Authors: Yao Shubao , Lin Jianhui , Bai Hao
Published: July 2024

Ginkgo leaf disease poses a grave threat to Ginkgo biloba. The current management of Ginkgo leaf disease lacks precision guidance and intelligent technologies. To provide precision guidance for disease management and to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented measures, the present study proposes a novel disease progression prediction (DPP) method for Ginkgo leaf blight with a multi-level feature translation architecture and enhanced spatiotemporal attention module (eSTA). The proposed DPP method is capable of capturing key spatiotemporal dependencies of disease symptoms at various feature levels. Experiments demonstrated that the DPP method achieves state-of-the-art prediction performance in disease progression prediction. Compared to the top-performing spatiotemporal predictive learning method (SimVP + TAU), our method significantly reduced the mean absolute error (MAE) by 19.95% and the mean square error (MSE) by 25.35%. Moreover, it achieved a higher structure similarity index measure (SSIM) of 0.970 and superior peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of 37.746 dB. The proposed method can accurately forecast the progression of Ginkgo leaf blight to a large extent, which is expected to provide valuable insights for precision and intelligent disease management. Additionally, this study presents a novel perspective for the extensive research on plant disease prediction.
Socket Array Irregularities and Wing Membrane Distortions at the Eyespot Foci of Butterfly Wings Suggest Mechanical Signals for Color Pattern Determination
Authors: Nakazato Yugo , Otaki Joji M.
Published: July 2024

Eyespot foci on butterfly wings function as organizers of eyespot color patterns during development. Despite their importance, focal structures have not been examined in detail. Here, we microscopically examined scales, sockets, and the wing membrane in the butterfly eyespot foci of both expanded and unexpanded wings using the Blue Pansy butterfly Junonia orithya. Images from a high-resolution light microscope revealed that, although not always, eyespot foci had scales with disordered planar polarity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images after scale removal revealed that the sockets were irregularly positioned and that the wing membrane was physically distorted as if the focal site were mechanically squeezed from the surroundings. Focal areas without eyespots also had socket array irregularities, but less frequently and less severely. Physical damage in the background area induced ectopic patterns with socket array irregularities and wing membrane distortions, similar to natural eyespot foci. These results suggest that either the process of determining an eyespot focus or the function of an eyespot organizer may be associated with wing-wide mechanics that physically disrupt socket cells, scale cells, and the wing membrane, supporting the physical distortion hypothesis of the induction model for color pattern determination in butterfly wings.
Development of a Japanese Version of the Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire and Its Validity and Reliability
Authors: Abe Koji , Tomiyama Kana
Published: July 2024

Background: Self-perceptions of aging are important predictors of physical and mental health, longevity, and quality of life. The Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ) is the most promising scale of self-perceptions about aging and has been translated into many languages. This study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the B-APQ and examine its validity and reliability. Methods: A web-based survey of 1500 people aged 65 and older was conducted in Japan. Of the participants, 651 were men and 849 were women. The average age was 72.97 years. Results: No significant distributional biases were found for any items of the Japanese version of the B-APQ. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted using the same model as the previous studies. The results of CFA showed that the goodness of fit indices met the acceptability criteria. Two-tailed Pearson correlations showed significant relationships between each factor of the Japanese version of the B-APQ as well as the cognitive and physical functioning, depression, and well-being of older adults. Conclusions: The Japanese version of the B-APQ has high internal consistency and significant factorial and construct-related validity. The Japanese version of the B-APQ is expected to be used to measure the self-perceptions of aging for further study in Japan.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-Based Semi-Quantitative Methods for Rheumatoid Arthritis: From Scoring to Measurement
Authors: Salaffi Fausto , Carotti Marina , Di Carlo Marco , Ceccarelli Luca , Farah Sonia , Poliseno Anna Claudia , Di Matteo Andrea , Bandinelli Francesca , Giovagnoni Andrea
Published: July 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the small joints of the hands and feet, characterized by pain, inflammation, and joint damage. In this context, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful to identify and monitor joint/tendon inflammation and the evolution of joint damage, playing a key role in treatment response evaluation, in addition to clinical measurements. Various methods to quantify joint inflammation and damage with MRI in RA have been developed, such as RA-MRI Score (RAMRIS), Early RA-MRI Score (ERAMRS), and Simplified RA-MRI Score (SAMIS). RAMRIS, introduced in 2002, offers an objective means to assess inflammation and damage via MRI in RA trials, encompassing findings such as synovitis, bone erosion, and edema/osteitis. Recently, an updated RAMRIS version was developed, which also includes the evaluation of joint space narrowing and tenosynovitis. The RAMRIS-5, which is a condensed RAMSIS version focusing on five hand joints only, has been proven to be a valuable resource for the semi-quantitative evaluation of RA joint damage, both in early and established disease. This narrative literature review will provide an overview of the MRI scoring systems that have been developed for the assessment of joint inflammation and structural damage in RA patients.
Different Neurogenic Bladders in Patients with Cervical and Thoracic Myelopathy: Direct Comparison from a Prospective Case Series
Authors: Kim Hyoungmin , Chang Bong-Soon , Park Sanghyun , Nam Yunjin , Chang Sam Yeol
Published: July 2024

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to identify the unique characteristics of neurogenic bladders and associated symptoms in patients with cervical or thoracic myelopathy using clinical surveys and urodynamic studies (UDSs). Methods: Patients with degenerative cervical (DCM) or thoracic (DTM) myelopathy and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) scheduled for decompressive surgery were prospectively enrolled. A UDS was performed one day preceding surgery to evaluate the preoperative urological function. Subjective symptoms were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire before surgery and one year postoperatively. Results: Sixty-two patients (DCM: 50, DTM: 12) with a mean age of 63.2 years (men: 30, women: 32) were enrolled. The UDS revealed that 5 (8.1%) patients, all with DCM, exhibited completely normal UDS results, and the remaining 57 had at least one abnormal finding. Based on the International Continence Society classification, an underactive bladder was significantly more common in patients with DTM compared to patients with DCM (75.0% vs. 18.0%, p < 0.001). The results of the questionnaire showed that the voiding symptom IPSS were significantly worse, preoperatively, in patients with DTM (5.0 ± 4.4 [DCM] vs. 8.7 ± 4.5 [DTM]; p = 0.013). One year postoperatively, the IPSS grade of 24.0% of patients with DCM improved, whereas only one (8.3%) patient with DTM showed improvement. Conclusions: Patients with DTM reported worse voiding symptoms and exhibited more underactive bladders on UDS than patients with DCM before decompression. One year postoperatively, more patients with DCM showed subjective improvements in urinary function than those with DTM.
Poor Sperm Chromatin Condensation Is Associated with Cryopreservation-Induced DNA Fragmentation and Cell Death in Human Spermatozoa
Authors: Hallam Jade , Burton Peter , Sanders Katherine
Published: July 2024

Background/Objectives: Semen cryopreservation is routinely performed in fertility clinics for a variety of reasons, including fertility preservation and storage of donor sperm, yet the freeze–thaw process leads to cellular damage via ice crystal formation, osmotic shock, and supraphysiological levels of oxidative stress. Sperm resistance to damage during the freeze–thaw process varies widely, yet the intrinsic factors associated with sperm cryotolerance are largely unknown. The study aimed to investigate whether poor chromatin condensation renders sperm vulnerable to DNA fragmentation and cell death induced by the freeze–thaw process. Methods: Participants (n = 51) from the general community who met the inclusion criteria collected a semen sample after 3–8 days of abstinence. Neat semen samples underwent traditional semen analysis, aniline blue (AB)-eosin staining for chromatin condensation, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay for DNA fragmentation, and the Annexin V assay for apoptosis/necrosis, prior to being cryopreserved using the liquid nitrogen vapour method and stored at −196 °C. Stored samples were later thawed at room temperature and processed using density gradient centrifugation. Motile sperm concentration, DNA fragmentation and apoptosis/necrosis were analysed in post-thaw samples. Results: As indicated by a significant interaction effect in linear mixed models, an increased proportion of AB-positive sperm in the pre-freeze sample exacerbated the adverse effect of freezing on sperm DNA fragmentation (p = 0.004), late apoptosis (p = 0.007), and necrosis (p = 0.007). AB-staining was positively correlated with all three parameters in the post-thaw sample (all rs ≥ 0.424, all p < 0.01) and remained significant after adjusting for neat sperm concentration (all partial rs ≥ 0.493, all p < 0.01). Similarly, AB-staining was significantly correlated with the percentage point change in sperm DNA fragmentation (rs = 0.366, p = 0.014) and necrosis (rs = 0.403, p = 0.009), both of which remained significant after adjusting for neat sperm concentration (both partial rs ≥ 0.404, both p < 0.01), and borderline significantly correlated with percentage point change in late apoptosis (rs = 0.307, p = 0.051). Conclusions: Sperm with poorly condensed chromatin may be more susceptible to cellular damage during the freeze–thaw process, independent of pre-freeze sperm concentration. These findings may help to explain the intrinsic variation in sperm resistance to cryodamage within and between individuals that is poorly understood.
Bridging the Gap: A Survey and Classification of Research-Informed Ethical Hacking Tools
Authors: Modesti Paolo , Golightly Lewis , Holmes Louis , Opara Chidimma , Moscini Marco
Published: July 2024

The majority of Ethical Hacking (EH) tools utilised in penetration testing are developed by practitioners within the industry or underground communities. Similarly, academic researchers have also contributed to developing security tools. However, there appears to be limited awareness among practitioners of academic contributions in this domain, creating a significant gap between industry and academia’s contributions to EH tools. This research paper aims to survey the current state of EH academic research, primarily focusing on research-informed security tools. We categorise these tools into process-based frameworks (such as PTES and Mitre ATT&CK) and knowledge-based frameworks (such as CyBOK and ACM CCS). This classification provides a comprehensive overview of novel, research-informed tools, considering their functionality and application areas. The analysis covers licensing, release dates, source code availability, development activity, and peer review status, providing valuable insights into the current state of research in this field.
Accurate Determination of Camera Quantum Efficiency from a Single Image
Authors: Rzhanov Yuri
Published: July 2024

Knowledge of spectral sensitivity is important for high-precision comparison of images taken by different cameras and recognition of objects and interpretation of scenes for which color is an important cue. Direct estimation of quantum efficiency curves (QECs) is a complicated and tedious process requiring specialized equipment, and many camera manufacturers do not make spectral characteristics publicly available. This has led to the development of indirect techniques that are unreliable due to being highly sensitive to noise in the input data, and which often require the imposition of additional ad hoc conditions, some of which do not always hold. We demonstrate the reason for the lack of stability in the determination of QECs and propose an approach that guarantees the stability of QEC reconstruction, even in the presence of noise. A device for the realization of this approach is also proposed. The reported results were used as a basis for the granted US patent.
Investigation of Metal Powder Blending for PBF-LB/M Using Particle Tracing with Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Ludwig Ina , Gerassimenko Anatol , Imgrund Philipp
Published: July 2024

Laser-based powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M) is the most used additive manufacturing (AM) technology for metal parts. Nevertheless, challenges persist in effectively managing metal powder, particularly in blending methodologies in the choice of blenders as well as in the verification of blend results. In this study, a bespoke laboratory-scale AM blender is developed, tailored to address these challenges, prioritizing low-impact blending to mitigate powder degradation. As a blending type, a V-shape tumbling geometry meeting the requirements for laboratory AM usage is chosen based on a literature assessment. The implementation of thermal oxidation as a powder marking technique enables particle tracing. Blending validation is achieved using light microscopy for area measurement based on binary image processing. The powder size and shape remain unaffected after marking and blending. Only a small narrowing of the particle size distribution is detected after 180 min of blending. The V-shape tumbling blender efficiently yields a completely random state in under 10 min for rotational speeds of 20, 40, and 60 rounds per minute. In conclusion, this research underscores the critical role of blender selection in AM and advocates for continued exploration to refine powder blending practices, with the aim of advancing the capabilities and competitiveness of AM technologies.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Sonar Detection Range in Luzon Strait
Authors: Zhang Gengming , Zhang Lihua , Wang Yitao , Ma Yaowei , Zhou Xingyu , Yu Yue
Published: July 2024

Sonar serves as a critical submarine detection apparatus for naval vessels, with its detection range forming the foundation of its overall performance in underwater surveillance. The Luzon Strait, in the eastern part of the South China Sea, presents a complex hydrographic setting that profoundly influences sonar performance, necessitating mastery of the detection range variation for enhanced anti-submarine operational efficiency. This study employs the Bellhop acoustic propagation model to estimate the transmission loss. Subsequently, a detection probability integration approach is applied to determine the sonar detection range in the Luzon Strait from 2019 to 2023, which is then subjected to statistical analysis. The findings indicate the following. (1) During the summer and autumn, the shallow mixed layer fails to generate a surface duct, resulting in shorter detection ranges that are primarily dependent on the water depth. In the Shallow Water Zone (<150 m), frequent interactions between sound waves and the sea boundaries lead to considerable acoustic energy attenuation, maintaining a short detection range. In the Intermediate Depth Zone (150–2500 m), sound rays retain adequate energy post-seabed reflection, extending the sonar detection to 5–8 km. Beyond 2500 m, the diminishing reflective energy restricts the range to 2–5 km. (2) Conversely, in the winter and spring, the formation of a surface duct becomes the predominant determinant of the detection range, capable of exceeding 10 km, overshadowing the influence of the water depth.
Complete Favorable Response after Second-Line Immunotherapy in Stage IV Non-Small Lung Cancer with Visceral Metastases and Operated Brain Metastasis
Authors: Rahnea-Nita Roxana-Andreea , Rebegea Laura-Florentina , Toma Radu-Valeriu , Nechifor Alexandru , Constantin Georgiana Bianca , Rahnea-Nita Gabriela
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and brain metastatic disease have an unfavorable prognosis. The goal of the treatment in stage IV NSCLC is to increase the survival rate and to improve the quality of life. Case report: We present the case of a young male patient (47 years old at the time of diagnosis in 2021) with NSCLC stage IV with the onset of the disease through neurological symptoms determined by brain metastasis. The immunohistochemical result raised problems of differential diagnosis. The complete favorable response was obtained 20 months after the initiation of second-line immunotherapy, maintaining this response 6 months later. Discussion: The therapeutic approach for the second-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without mutations has been revolutionized by the approval of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy can increase the abscopal phenomenon by the stimulation of an immune response against tumors at distant sites, outside the radiation field, as recent studies suggest. Conclusions: Second-line immunotherapy is beneficial to the survival of patients with NSCLC with disease progression beyond initial chemotherapy. The combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy has the potential to play an important role in metastatic NSCLC.
Study on the Spatial Effects of Grain Change on Food Security of Feed from the Perspective of Big Food
Authors: Chen Qiang , Yu Zhiming , Deng Hua , Wu Haitao
Published: July 2024

Using panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2020, this paper uses a spatial double difference model to evaluate the policy impact of the “grain-to-feed” policy on feed grain production in pilot areas and adjacent spatial areas. Research has found that the “grain-to-feed” policy has a significant impact on the feed grain production in pilot areas and can significantly increase the feed grain production in pilot areas by about 2.71 million tons. The “grain-to-feed” policy has strengthened the positive connection between pilot areas and adjacent pilot areas, increased feed grain production, and has a significant spatial spillover effect. Robustness analysis shows that whether using different methods to measure spatial adjacency or using different standards to distribute subsidies, the “grain-to-feed” policy can significantly increase feed grain production, narrow the supply and demand gap of feed grain, and ensure feed grain security. Further analysis shows that the “grain-to-feed” policy can not only ensure the security of feed grain for the current and next periods but also promote the increase in farmers’ income, which is long-term and sustainable. Compared with non-pilot areas, the “grain-to-feed” policy can mitigate the negative impact of wage–price signals on feed grain production in pilot areas. It is recommended that government departments accelerate the transformation of food security concepts, establish a “Big Food Perspective”, gradually promote the pilot of the “grain-to-feed” policy nationwide, increase the subsidy amount of the “grain-to-feed” policy, increase financial support for scientific and technological research and achievement transformation in the field of feed grain, prevent the impact of economic price signal fluctuations on feed grain production, and effectively ensure the security of feed grain in China.
The Impact of Farmers’ E-Commerce Adoption on Land Transfer: Evidence from Ten Provinces across China
Authors: Wang Yitao , Wang Weidong , Jiang Xuemei , Wang Hui
Published: July 2024

Rural e-commerce is rapidly expanding in rural China, profoundly affecting the agricultural and rural development of China. This paper focuses on the impact of farmers’ e-commerce adoption on land transfer, aiming to reveal the role of farmers’ e-commerce adoption in promoting rural transformation. Based on the 2020 Comprehensive Survey of Rural Revitalization in China conducted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, this study employs the method of least squares and propensity score matching to evaluate the impact of farmers’ e-commerce adoption on land-transfer behaviors in China. The results indicate that farmers’ e-commerce adoption promotes farmers’ participation in land transfer, significantly facilitating farmers’ land transfer in and increasing the area of land acquired. Additionally, farmers’ e-commerce adoption also promotes the trend of standardization and contractualization in land transfer, significantly increasing the probability of farmers signing formal agreements, clarifying lease terms, and renting land to strangers when acquiring land. This study can provide some theoretical inputs for policies to promote the development of agricultural land markets in developing countries and for policy formulation to promote e-commerce development.
Amplifying Parental Views about Language Choice When Raising Multilingual Children: Towards a Family-Centered Approach in Professional Contexts
Authors: Bellón Paula , Nieva Silvia , Lyons Rena
Published: July 2024

Multilingualism has become the norm in families all over the world. These families need to juggle their children’s linguistic identity and integration in their contexts. They may also need professional advice about which language(s) they should use at home, especially when children present with developmental disorders. There is a dearth of studies addressing the role parental views play in home-language maintenance with children with developmental disorders. This study is conducted in Spain, where Spanish is the national language, along with local languages in certain regions, as well as foreign languages. This qualitative study aimed to deepen our understanding of the views about language choice of multilingual families whose children have either typical language development or a developmental disorder in Spain. We recruited 26 parents of multilingual children aged between 5 and 10 years, from different linguistic backgrounds. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted. The data were analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis. The findings illustrate the complexity and nuance of parents’ views and decisions regarding language choice in their contexts. The themes included identity and belonging, as well as the influences of external advice on parental decisions. It is important that professionals such as speech–language therapists understand these views to enable them to deliver family-centered care.
Climate Change and Soil Health: Explainable Artificial Intelligence Reveals Microbiome Response to Warming
Authors: Novielli Pierfrancesco , Magarelli Michele , Romano Donato , de Trizio Lorenzo , Di Bitonto Pierpaolo , Monaco Alfonso , Amoroso Nicola , Stellacci Anna Maria , Zoani Claudia , Bellotti Roberto , Tangaro Sabina
Published: July 2024

Climate change presents an unprecedented global challenge, demanding collective action to both mitigate its effects and adapt to its consequences. Soil health and function are profoundly impacted by climate change, particularly evident in the sensitivity of soil microbial respiration to warming, known as Q10. Q10 measures the rate of microbial respiration’s increase with a temperature rise of 10 degrees Celsius, playing a pivotal role in understanding soil carbon dynamics in response to climate change. Leveraging machine learning techniques, particularly explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), offers a promising avenue to analyze complex data and identify biomarkers crucial for developing innovative climate change mitigation strategies. This research aims to evaluate the extent to which chemical, physical, and microbiological soil characteristics are associated with high or low Q10 values, utilizing XAI approaches. The Extra Trees Classifier algorithm was employed, yielding an average accuracy of 0.923±0.009, an average AUCROC of 0.964±0.004, and an average AUCPRC of 0.963±0.006. Additionally, through XAI techniques, we elucidate the significant features contributing to the prediction of Q10 classes. The XAI analysis shows that the temperature sensitivity of soil respiration increases with microbiome variables but decreases with non-microbiome variables beyond a threshold. Our findings underscore the critical role of the soil microbiome in predicting soil Q10 dynamics, providing valuable insights for developing targeted climate change mitigation strategies.
Examining the Global Patent Landscape of Artificial Intelligence-Driven Solutions for COVID-19
Authors: Mota Fabio , Braga Luiza Amara Maciel , Cabral Bernardo Pereira , Ferreira Natiele Carla da Silva , Pinto Cláudio Damasceno , Coelho José Aguiar , Alves Luiz Anastacio
Published: July 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have been widely applied to tackle Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) challenges, from diagnosis to prevention. Patents are a valuable source for understanding the AI technologies used in the COVID-19 context, allowing the identification of the current technological scenario, fields of application, and research, development, and innovation trends. This study aimed to analyze the global patent landscape of AI applications related to COVID-19. To do so, we analyzed AI-related COVID-19 patent metadata collected in the Derwent Innovations Index using systematic review, bibliometrics, and network analysis., Our results show diagnosis as the most frequent application field, followed by prevention. Deep Learning algorithms, such as Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), were predominantly used for diagnosis, while Machine Learning algorithms, such as Support Vector Machine (SVM), were mainly used for prevention. The most frequent International Patent Classification Codes were related to computing arrangements based on specific computational models, information, and communication technology for detecting, monitoring, or modeling epidemics or pandemics, and methods or arrangements for pattern recognition using electronic means. The most central algorithms of the two-mode network were CNN, SVM, and Random Forest (RF), while the most central application fields were diagnosis, prevention, and forecast. The most significant connection between algorithms and application fields occurred between CNN and diagnosis. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the technological landscape involving AI and COVID-19, and we hope they can inform future research and development’s decision making and planning.
Optimization of Sensor Placement for a Measurement System for the Determination of Local Magnetic Material Properties
Authors: Reinbacher-Köstinger Alice , Gschwentner Andreas , Mušeljić Eniz , Kaltenbacher Manfred
Published: July 2024

The aim of this work is to optimize the sensor positions of a sensor–actuator measurement system for identifying local variations in the magnetic permeability of cut steel sheets. Before solving the actual identification problem, i.e., finding the material distribution, the sensor placement of the measurement setup should be improved in order to reduce the uncertainty of the identification of the material distribution. The Fisher information matrix (FIM), which allows one to quantify the amount of information that the measurements carry about the unknown parameters, is used as the main metric for the objective function of this design optimization. The forward problem is solved by the finite element method. The results show that the proposed method is able to find optimal sensor positions as well as the minimum number of sensors to achieve a desired maximum parameter uncertainty.
Ramadan Intermittent Fasting and Plasma Volume Variations in Individuals with Different Body Weights
Authors: Khalfoun Jihen , Zouhal Hassane , Triki Raoua , Jribi Wafa , Saeidi Ayoub , Almaqhawi Abdullah , Clark Cain C. T. , Laher Ismail , Ben Abderrahman Abderraouf
Published: July 2024

Background: There is increasing awareness of the physiological effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) in obese subjects. However, there are no data on the effects of RIF on plasma volume changes (ΔPV) in individuals with different body weights. Background and Objectives: This study investigated the effects of RIF on ΔPV in normal-weight (NW) and overweight (OW) adult men, and adult men with obesity (OB) and severe obesity (SO). Materials and Methods: Thirty-two male subjects (32) were divided into four groups (n = 8 per group) according to their body mass index (BMI): normal weight (NW) (BMI < 25 kg/m2; age = 27.4 ± 3.8), overweight (OW) (BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2; age = 26.8 ± 3.7), obese subjects (OB) (BMI between 30 and 34.9 kg/m2; age = 25.6 ± 2.9), and severely obesity (SO) (BMI between 35 and 40 kg/m2; age = 24.0 ± 4.1). Blood samples were collected for 24 h on 4 different occasions, at T0 before the start of the Ramadan month, at T1 15 days after the start of Ramadan, at T2 one day after the end of Ramadan, and at T3 on the 21st day after the end of Ramadan to determine ΔPV. All groups completed their fasting rituals for the 30 days of Ramadan. Results: A significant group × time effect occurred for body mass (p = 0.001; ES = 0.53), BMI (p = 0.001; ES = 0.53), and body fat percentage (p = 0.001; ES = 0.52). Post hoc tests indicated reductions in body mass in OB and SO at T1 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.21 and p = 0.002; ES = 0.12) and T2 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.31 and p = 0.02; ES = 0.23), reductions in BMI in OB and SO at T1 (p = 0.04; ES = 0.35 and p = 0.03; ES = 0.42) and T2 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.52 and p = 0.005; ES = 0.48), and reductions in body fat percentage only in OB AT T1 (p = 0.002; ES = 0.31) and T2 (p = 0.001; ES = 0.17). A significant group × time effect occurred for hematocrit (p = 0.02; ES = 0.34), hemoglobin (p = 0.01; ES = 0.35), and ΔPV (p = 0.02; ES = 0.18). Post hoc tests indicated increases in hematocrit in OB at T2 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.36) and hemoglobin in OB and SO at T1 (p = 0.03; ES = 0.35 and p = 0.002; ES = 0.32) and T2 (p = 0.003; ES = 0.21 and p = 0.002; ES = 0.33). There were also increases in ΔPV in OB at T1 and T2 (p = 0.002; ES = 0.25 and p = 0.003; ES = 0.22) and in SO only at T2 (p = 0.02; ES = 0.37). Contrast analysis indicated that NW was significantly lower than the grand mean of OW, Ob, and SO for all anthropometric and PVV variables (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: The effects of RIF on ΔPV and anthropometric characters was greater in obese individuals compared to normal-weight and overweight participants, suggesting that the improvements in body composition and ΔPV produced by RIF could positively influence obesity.
Research Progress on Immune Evasion of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae
Authors: Jiang Bin , Zhang Ying , Li Gaojian , Quan Yanping , Shu Jianhong , Feng Huapeng , He Yulong
Published: July 2024

As the main pathogen associated with enzootic pneumonia (EP), Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhp) is globally prevalent and inflicts huge financial losses on the worldwide swine industry each year. However, the pathogenicity of Mhp has not been fully explained to date. Mhp invasion usually leads to long-term chronic infection and persistent lung colonization, suggesting that Mhp has developed effective immune evasion strategies. In this review, we offer more detailed information than was previously available about its immune evasion mechanisms through a systematic summary of the extant findings. Genetic mutation and post-translational protein processing confer Mhp the ability to alter its surface antigens. With the help of adhesins, Mhp can achieve cell invasion. And Mhp can modulate the host immune system through the induction of inflammation, incomplete autophagy, apoptosis, and the suppression of immune cell or immune effector activity. Furthermore, we offer the latest views on how we may treat Mhp infections and develop novel vaccines.
The Prevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Domestic Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the North-Western Region of Romania Using Serological Diagnosis: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Doboși Anca-Alexandra , Paștiu Anamaria Ioana , Bel Lucia-Victoria , Pusta Dana Liana
Published: July 2024

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian, domestic rabbits being the main host. The disease can be acute or subclinical, but treatment options are limited and usually with unrewarding results; therefore, diagnosis and prevention of encephalitozoonosis in rabbits are of the utmost importance. This study aims to obtain the first preliminary information of the prevalence of E. cuniculi in the north-western region of Romania. A total of 176 rabbits were clinically examined and 2 mL of blood was sampled from each. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit by Medicago (Medicago, Uppsala, Sweden) on the resulted blood serum was utilized. Statistical analysis of the results was conducted using the EpiInfo 2000 software (CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA). A total prevalence of 39.2% (69/176) was identified, with statistically significant differences in relation to the rabbits’ clinical status, age, season of sampling, breeding system, body condition score and county of origin; the different family farms tested also had a statistically significant difference. This study gives the first preliminary information on this pathogen distribution on Romania’s territory, but further studies need to be performed on larger regions to declare the prevalence in the country.
Presence and Role of the Type 3 Fimbria in the Adherence Capacity of Enterobacter hormaechei subsp. hoffmannii
Authors: Fernández-Yáñez Valentina , Ibaceta Valentina , Torres Alexia , Vidal Roberto M. , Schneider Isidora , Schilling Valeria , Toro Cecilia , Arellano Carolina , Scavone Paola , Muñoz Ignacio , Del Canto Felipe
Published: July 2024

Enterobacter hormaechei, one of the species within the Enterobacter cloacae complex, is a relevant agent of healthcare-associated infections. In addition, it has gained relevance because isolates have shown the capacity to resist several antibiotics, particularly carbapenems. However, knowledge regarding colonization and virulence mechanisms of E. hormaechei has not progressed to the same extent as other Enterobacteriaceae species as Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae. Here, we describe the presence and role of the type 3 fimbria, a chaperone-usher assembled fimbria, which was first described in Klebsiella spp., and which has been detected in other representatives of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Eight Chilean E. cloacae isolates were examined, and among them, four E. hormaechei isolates were found to produce the type 3 fimbria. These isolates were identified as E. hormaechei subsp. hoffmannii, one of the five subspecies known. A mutant E. hormaechei subsp. hoffmannii strain lacking the mrkA gene, encoding the major structural subunit, displayed a significantly reduced adherence capacity to a plastic surface and to Caco-2 cells, compared to the wild-type strain. This phenotype of reduced adherence capacity was not observed in the mutant strains complemented with the mrkA gene under the control of an inducible promoter. Therefore, these data suggest a role of the type 3 fimbria in the adherence capacity of E. hormaechei subsp. hoffmannii. A screening in E. hormaechei genomes contained in the NCBI RefSeq Assembly database indicated that the overall presence of the type 3 fimbria is uncommon (5.94–7.37%), although genes encoding the structure were detected in representatives of the five E. hormaechei subspecies. Exploration of complete genomes indicates that, in most of the cases, the mrkABCDF locus, encoding the type 3 fimbria, is located in plasmids. Furthermore, sequence types currently found in healthcare-associated infections were found to harbor genes encoding the type 3 fimbria, mainly ST145, ST78, ST118, ST168, ST66, ST93, and ST171. Thus, although the type 3 fimbria is not widespread among the species, it might be a determinant of fitness for a subset of E. hormaechei representatives.
Creep Phenomena, Mechanisms, and Modeling of Complex Engineering Alloys
Authors: Wu Xijia , Liu Rong , Khelfaoui Fadila
Published: July 2024

Metal creep has been a subject of extensive study for more than 110 years because it affects the useful life of engineering components operating at high temperatures. This is even more true with ever-increasing operating temperatures of propulsion/power-generation systems and the environmental regulations to reduce greenhouse emissions. This review summarizes the recent development in creep modeling with regards to creep strain evolution, creep rate, creep ductility, creep life, and fracture mode, attempting to provide a comprehensive mechanism-based framework to address all the important creep phenomena and the long-standing issue of long-term creep life prediction with microstructural evolution and environmental effects.
Effects of Selective and Mixed-Action Kappa and Delta Opioid Receptor Agonists on Pain-Related Behavioral Depression in Mice
Authors: Negus S. Stevens , St. Onge Celsey M. , Lee Young K. , Li Mengchu , Rice Kenner C. , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2024

We recently developed a series of nalfurafine analogs (TK10, TK33, and TK35) that may serve as non-addictive candidate analgesics. These compounds are mixed-action agonists at the kappa and delta opioid receptors (KOR and DOR, respectively) and produce antinociception in a mouse warm-water tail-immersion test while failing to produce typical mu opioid receptor (MOR)-mediated side effects. The warm-water tail-immersion test is an assay of pain-stimulated behavior vulnerable to false-positive analgesic-like effects by drugs that produce motor impairment. Accordingly, this study evaluated TK10, TK33, and TK35 in a recently validated assay of pain-related behavioral depression in mice that are less vulnerable to false-positive effects. For comparison, we also evaluated the effects of the MOR agonist/analgesic hydrocodone (positive control), the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) antagonist aprepitant (negative control), nalfurafine as a selective KOR agonist, SNC80 as a selective DOR agonist, and a nalfurafine/SNC80 mixture. Intraperitoneal injection of dilute lactic acid (IP lactic acid) served as a noxious stimulus to depress vertical and horizontal locomotor activity in male and female ICR mice. IP lactic acid-induced locomotor depression was alleviated by hydrocodone but not by aprepitant, nalfurafine, SNC80, the nalfurafine/SNC80 mixture, or the KOR/DOR agonists. These results suggest that caution is warranted in advancing mixed-action KOR/DOR agonists as candidate analgesics.
Pentafluorophenyl Copper–Biarylsulfoxide Complexes: Synthesis and Photoreactivity
Authors: Magné Valentin , Lenk Romaric , Mallet-Ladeira Sonia , Maerten Eddy , Madec David
Published: July 2024

Pentafluorophenyl copper(I)–biarylsulfoxide complexes, existing as [Cu(C6F5)]4L2, both in solution and in the solid state, were prepared and thoroughly characterized. Subsequently, the photochemistry of the complexes was explored, showing inherent photoreactivity of the biarylsulfoxide moiety within the coordination sphere of the copper. Photoinduced cross-coupling reactions between the anthryl moiety of bis-anthracenylsulfoxide and pentafluorobenzene, and synthesis of Cu2O (cuprite), were demonstrated.
Mechanism of Methyl Transfer Reaction between CH3Co(dmgBF2)2py and PPh3Ni(Triphos)
Authors: Sitek Patrycja , Lodowski Piotr , Jaworska Maria
Published: July 2024

DFT calculations were performed for the methyl group transfer reaction between CH3Co (dmgBF2)py and PPh3Ni(Triphos). The reaction mechanism and its energetics were investigated. This reaction is relevant to the catalytic mechanism of the enzyme acetyl coenzyme A synthase. BP86 and PBE functionals and dispersion corrections were used. It was found that intermolecular interactions are very important for this reaction. The influence of the solvent on the reaction was studied.
Correction: Niu, Y.; Galluzzi, M. Hyaluronic Acid/Collagen Nanofiber Tubular Scaffolds Support Endothelial Cell Proliferation, Phenotypic Shape and Endothelialization. Nanomaterials 2021, 11, 2334
Authors: Niu Yuqing , Galluzzi Massimiliano
Published: July 2024

In the original publication [...]
Mo-Doped Ni/C Catalyst for Improved Simultaneous Production of Hydrogen and Carbon Nanotubes through Ethanol Decomposition
Authors: Diao Jinxiang , Liu Xiaojie , Wang Xianmeng , Zhang Yuzhu , Yue Jingkai , Wang Hui
Published: July 2024

A Mo-Ni/C catalyst was developed and assessed in terms of the decomposition of ethanol to produce multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and hydrogen. The catalyst utilized different molar ratios of Mo:Ni (1:9, 2:8, and 3:7), with Mo acting as a dopant to enhance the MWCNT yield and Ni acting as the primary active phase for MWCNT formation. Among the tested ratios, the 2:8 Mo:Ni ratio exhibited the optimal performance, yielding 86% hydrogen and high-quality MWCNTs. In addition to hydrogen, the process also generated CO, CH4, and CO2. Gas chromatography (GC) was employed to analyze the influence of the Mo:Ni ratio on gas production and selectivity, while the quality of the resulting MWCNTs was evaluated using SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and TEM analyses.