bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achievement of Treatment Goals and Mortality in Individuals with Diabetes: The ELSA-Brasil Study
Authors: Chwal Bruna Cristine , dos Reis Rodrigo Citton P. , Schmidt Maria Inês , Barreto Sandhi Maria , Griep Rosane Harter , Duncan Bruce B.
Published: December 2023

Background: To prevent diabetes complications, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has recommended the treatment of blood glucose, blood pressure, and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) to target levels. Our aim is to characterize the risk of death according to the achievement of these goals in subjects with diabetes participating in the ELSA-Brasil study. Methods: ELSA-Brasil is an occupational cohort study of middle-aged and elderly adults followed from a 2008–2010 baseline to 2019 by two additional clinic visits and annual telephone interviews. We ascertained known diabetes by self-reported diagnosis or anti-diabetic medication use. We used treatment targets based on the 2022 ADA guidelines. We ascertained deaths from any cause based on the annual surveillance confirmed by death certificates. Results: After 11 (1.8) years of follow-up, 261 subjects had died among 2423 with known diabetes. Within-target HbA1c was associated with the greatest protection (HR = 0.66; 95%CI 0.50–0.88) against all-cause mortality. Achieving both glycemic and blood pressure targets conferred substantial protection (HR = 0.54; 95%CI 0.37–0.78). Within-target LDL-c, however, was associated with increased mortality (HR = 1.44; 95%CI 1.11–1.88). Conclusions: Glucose and blood pressure control, especially when concomitant, reduced mortality. The increased mortality associated with achieving the LDL-c target merits further investigation.
From Conversion to Resection for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review of the Latest Strategies
Authors: Liang Chen , He Zhaoqian , Tao Qiang , Tang Xiang , Jiang Lingmin , Tu Xinyue , Liu Zonghao , Chen Hua , Xie Feihu , Zheng Yun
Published: December 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in China, accounting for the majority of primary liver cancer cases. Liver resection is the preferred curative method for early-stage HCC. However, up to 80–85% of patients have already missed the opportunity of radical surgery due to tumor advances at the time of consultation. Conversion therapies are a series of medications and treatments for initially inoperable patients. For early-stage unresectable HCC (uHCC) patients, conversion therapies are designed to meet surgical requirements by increasing the volume of the residual liver. Meanwhile, for advanced cases, conversion therapies strive for tumor shrinkage and down-staging, creating the opportunity for liver resection or liver transplantation. This review summarizes the latest advances in conversion therapies and highlights their potential for improving the survival benefit of patients with uHCC.
Efficient Retrieval of Images with Irregular Patterns Using Morphological Image Analysis: Applications to Industrial and Healthcare Datasets
Authors: Zhang Jiajun , Cosma Georgina , Bugby Sarah , Watkins Jason
Published: December 2023

Image retrieval is the process of searching and retrieving images from a datastore based on their visual content and features. Recently, much attention has been directed towards the retrieval of irregular patterns within industrial or healthcare images by extracting features from the images, such as deep features, colour-based features, shape-based features, and local features. This has applications across a spectrum of industries, including fault inspection, disease diagnosis, and maintenance prediction. This paper proposes an image retrieval framework to search for images containing similar irregular patterns by extracting a set of morphological features (DefChars) from images. The datasets employed in this paper contain wind turbine blade images with defects, chest computerised tomography scans with COVID-19 infections, heatsink images with defects, and lake ice images. The proposed framework was evaluated with different feature extraction methods (DefChars, resized raw image, local binary pattern, and scale-invariant feature transforms) and distance metrics to determine the most efficient parameters in terms of retrieval performance across datasets. The retrieval results show that the proposed framework using the DefChars and the Manhattan distance metric achieves a mean average precision of 80% and a low standard deviation of ±0.09 across classes of irregular patterns, outperforming alternative feature–metric combinations across all datasets. Our proposed ImR framework performed better (by 8.71%) than Super Global, a state-of-the-art deep-learning-based image retrieval approach across all datasets.
Ocean Wind Speed Prediction Based on the Fusion of Spatial Clustering and an Improved Residual Graph Attention Network
Authors: Dong Dibo , Wang Shangwei , Guo Qiaoying , Li Xing , Zou Weibin , You Zicheng
Published: December 2023

Accurately predicting wind speed is crucial for the generation efficiency of offshore wind energy. This paper proposes an ultra-short-term wind speed prediction method using a graph neural network with a multi-head attention mechanism. The methodology aims to effectively explore the spatio-temporal correlations present in offshore wind speed data to enhance the accuracy of wind speed predictions. Initially, the offshore buoys are organized into a graphical network. Subsequently, in order to cluster the nodes with comparable spatio-temporal features, it clusters the nearby nodes around the target node. Then, a multi-head attention mechanism is incorporated to prioritize the interconnections among distinct regions. In the construction of the graph neural network, a star topology structure is formed by connecting additional nodes to the target node at the center. The effectiveness of this methodology is validated and compared to other time series-based approaches through comparative testing. Metrics such as Mean Absolute Error, Mean Squared Error, Root Mean Squared Error, and R yielded values of 0.364, 0.239, 0.489, and 0.985, respectively. The empirical findings indicate that graph neural networks utilizing a multi-head attention mechanism exhibit notable benefits in the prediction of offshore wind speed, particularly when confronted with intricate marine meteorological circumstances.
Investigating Urban Flooding and Nutrient Export under Different Urban Development Scenarios in the Rouge River Watershed in Michigan, USA
Authors: Zhao Yilun , Rong Yan , Liu Yiyi , Lin Tianshu , Kong Liangji , Dai Qinqin , Wang Runzi
Published: December 2023

Adverse environmental impacts in the watershed are driven by urbanization, which is reflected by land use and land cover (LULC) transitions, such as increased impervious surfaces, industrial land expansion, and green space reduction. Some adverse impacts on the water environment include urban flooding and water quality degradation. Our study area, the Rouge River Watershed, has been susceptible to accelerated urbanization and degradation of ecosystems. Employing the Land Change Modeler (LCM), we designed four alternative urban development scenarios for 2023. Subsequently, leveraging the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST), we utilized two models—Nutrient Delivery Ratio (NDR) and Flood Risk Mitigation (UFRM)—to evaluate and compare the performance of these scenarios, as well as the situation in 2019, in terms of nutrient export and urban flooding. After simulating these scenarios, we determined that prioritizing the medium- and high-intensity development scenario to protect open space outperforms other scenarios in nutrient export. However, the four scenarios could not exhibit significant differences in urban flooding mitigation. Thus, we propose balanced and integrative strategies, such as planning green infrastructure and compact development, to foster ecological and economic growth, and enhance the Rouge River Watershed’s resilience against natural disasters for a sustainable future.
Long-Term Phellodendri Cortex Supplementation in the Tiger Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus): Dual Effects on Intestinal Health Revealed by Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Cai Yan , Shi Huizhong , Zheng Yu , Zhou Yongcan , Guo Weiliang , Liao Jingqiu , Wang Shifeng
Published: December 2023

The tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus), an important mariculture fish in Southeast Asia, faces increasing health issues in recent years. Phellodendri Cortex (PC) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that exhibits a variety of beneficial effects on tiger groupers. The effects of PC, however, varies with the period of dietary intervention. This study aims to investigate the long-term effects of 1% PC supplementation on tiger groupers, focusing on growth, immunity, disease resistance, and intestinal gene expression. The tiger groupers (with an initial mean weight of 27.5 ± 0.5 g) were fed with a diet of Phellodendri Cortex supplementation and a control diet for 8 weeks. Our results indicate that the long-term PC supplementation did not affect growth or Vibrio disease resistance in tiger groupers. However, the transcriptome analysis revealed potential damage to the structural and functional integrity of the groupers’ intestines. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory and cathepsin inhibition effects were also observed, offering potential benefits to fish enteritis prevention and therapy. Therefore, long-term PC supplementation in grouper culture should be applied with caution.
The Cavernous Nerve Injury Rat Model: A Pictorial Essay on Post-Radical Prostatectomy Erectile Dysfunction Research
Authors: Latcu Silviu Constantin , Novacescu Dorin , Buciu Victor-Bogdan , Dumitru Cristina-Stefania , Ceausu Raluca Amalia , Raica Marius , Cut Talida Georgiana , Ilina Razvan , Malita Daniel Claudiu , Tarta Cristi , Cumpanas Alin Adrian
Published: December 2023

Understanding and addressing post-radical prostatectomy (RP) erectile dysfunction (ED) is of paramount importance for clinicians. Cavernous nerve (CN) injury rat model studies have provided consistently promising experimental data regarding regaining erectile function (EF) after nerve damage-induced ED. However, these findings have failed to translate efficiently into clinical practice, with post-RP ED therapeutic management remaining cumbersome and enigmatic. This disparity highlights the need for further standardization and optimization of the elaborate surgical preparation protocols and multifaceted reporting parameters involved in reliable CN injury rat model experimentation. Even so, despite its technical complexity, this animal model remains instrumental in exploring the functional implications of RP, i.e., surgical lesions of the neurovascular bundles (NVBs). Herein, besides cavernous nerve (CN) dissection, injury, and electrostimulation, multiple pressure measurements, i.e., mean arterial pressure (MAP) and intra-cavernosal pressure (ICP), must also be achieved. A transverse cervical incision allows for carotid artery cannulation and MAP measurements. Conversely, ICP measurements entail circumcising the penis, exposing the ischiocavernous muscle, and inserting a needle into the corporal body. Finally, using an abdominal incision, the prostate is revealed, and the major pelvic ganglia (MPG) and CNs are dissected bilaterally. Specific surgical techniques are used to induce CN injuries. Herein, we provide a narrative and illustrative overview regarding these complex experimental procedures and their particular requirements, reflecting on current evidence and future research perspectives.
Eigenvectors of the De-Rham Operator
Authors: Bin Turki Nasser , Deshmukh Sharief , Vîlcu Gabriel-Eduard
Published: December 2023

We aim to examine the influence of the existence of a nonzero eigenvector ζ of the de-Rham operator Γ on a k-dimensional Riemannian manifold (Nk,g). If the vector ζ annihilates the de-Rham operator, such a vector field is called a de-Rham harmonic vector field. It is shown that for each nonzero vector field ζ on (Nk,g), there are two operators Tζ and Ψζ associated with ζ, called the basic operator and the associated operator of ζ, respectively. We show that the existence of an eigenvector ζ of Γ on a compact manifold (Nk,g), such that the integral of Ric(ζ,ζ) admits a certain lower bound, forces (Nk,g) to be isometric to a k-dimensional sphere. Moreover, we prove that the existence of a de-Rham harmonic vector field ζ on a connected and complete Riemannian space (Nk,g), having divζ≠0 and annihilating the associated operator Ψζ, forces (Nk,g) to be isometric to the k-dimensional Euclidean space, provided that the squared length of the covariant derivative of ζ possesses a certain lower bound.
Bayesian Analysis of Unit Log-Logistic Distribution Using Non-Informative Priors
Authors: Shakhatreh Mohammed K. , Aljarrah Mohammad A.
Published: December 2023

The unit log-logistic distribution is a suitable choice for modeling data enclosed within the unit interval. In this paper, estimating the parameters of the unit-log-logistic distribution is performed through a Bayesian approach with non-informative priors. Specifically, we use Jeffreys, reference, and matching priors, with the latter depending on the interest parameter. We derive the corresponding posterior distributions and validate their propriety. The Bayes estimators are then computed using Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques. To assess the finite sample performance of these Bayes estimators, we conduct Monte Carlo simulations, evaluating their mean squared errors and their coverage probabilities of the highest posterior density credible intervals. Finally, we use these priors to obtain estimations and credible sets for the parameters in an example of a real data set for illustrative purposes.
Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aggregatimonas sangjinii F202Z8T and Their Biological Characterization
Authors: Kwon Yong Min , Cho Eun-Seo , Kim Kyung Woo , Chung Dawoon , Bae Seung Seob , Yu Woon-Jong , Kim Jaoon Young Hwan , Choi Grace
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study is to describe the general features and eco-friendly biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the marine bacterium Aggregatimonas sangjinii F202Z8T. To the best of our knowledge, no previous study has reported the biosynthesis of AgNPs using this strain. The formation of AgNPs using F202Z8T was synthesized intracellularly without the addition of any disturbing factors, such as antibiotics, nutrient stress, or electron donors. The AgNPs were examined using UV–vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The UV–vis spectrum showed a peak for the synthesized AgNPs at 465 nm. The AgNPs were spherical, with sizes ranging from 27 to 82 nm, as denoted by TEM and NTA. FTIR showed various biomolecules including proteins and enzymes that may be involved in the synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs. Notably, the AgNPs demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial effects against various pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations of the F202Z8T-formed AgNPs were 80 and 100 µg/mL, 40 and 50 µg/mL, and 30 and 40 µg/mL against E. coli, B. subtilis, and S. aureus, respectively. This study suggests that A. sangjinii F202Z8T is a candidate for the efficient synthesis of AgNPs and may be suitable for the formulation of new types of bactericidal substances.
Exploring Acetogenesis in Firmicutes: From Phylogenetic Analysis to Solid Medium Cultivation with Solid-Phase Electrochemical Isolation Equipments
Authors: Kimura Zen-ichiro , Kuriyama Hiroki , Iwasaki Yuki
Published: December 2023

This study introduces a groundbreaking approach for the exploration and utilization of electrotrophic acetogens, essential for advancing microbial electrosynthesis systems (MES). Our initial focus was the development of Solid-Phase Electrochemical Isolation Equipment (SPECIEs), a novel cultivation method for isolating electrotrophic acetogens directly from environmental samples on a solid medium. SPECIEs uses electrotrophy as a selection pressure, successfully overcoming the traditional cultivation method limitations and enabling the cultivation of diverse microbial communities with enhanced specificity towards acetogens. Following the establishment of SPECIEs, we conducted a genome-based phylogenetic analysis using the Genome Taxonomy Database (GTDB) to identify potential electrotrophic acetogens within the Firmicutes phylum and its related lineages. Subsequently, we validated the electrotrophic capabilities of selected strains under electrode-oxidizing conditions in a liquid medium. This sequential approach, integrating innovative cultivation techniques with detailed phylogenetic analysis, paves the way for further advances in microbial cultivation and the identification of new biocatalysts for sustainable energy applications.
Teachers’ Perspectives on Using Augmented-Reality-Enhanced Analytics as a Measure of Student Disengagement
Authors: Singh Manjeet , Bangay Shaun , Sajjanhar Atul
Published: December 2023

There are various ways that teachers manage student disengagement levels during their class lessons, and managing disengagement can be both stressful and challenging, especially since each student is unique. Methods and techniques utilised are specific to teachers’ own experience level, subject knowledge, and teaching styles. We report on the techniques and methods teachers utilise to identify, mitigate, and measure student disengagement during class lessons; the paper presents the results of a mixed-methods, multisession study design comprising gathered qualitative and quantitative data to enable a greater understanding. Eight educators who were full-time educators with varying years of experience from three different schools, who taught or had taught English, maths, and science subjects at the primary school level, participated in this study. The study also observed that teachers used three AR applications and collected valuable feedback on their perspectives by using analytics generated by AR applications to help manage student disengagement. A postsession survey tool was used to gather the perceived importance and ranking of the techniques and methods discussed by the teachers during the previous sessions. The results showed that the majority of teachers deemed spending “Time on Tasks” and giving “Feedback/Reflections” most suited for measuring disengagement, and encouraging “Movement” and use of “Technology” emerged as the most favoured for mitigating disengagement. For utilising AR enhanced analytics in mitigating and measuring student disengagement, the data suggested a difference in perspectives based on teachers’ teaching levels, especially concerning conversations and the use of technology devices. The study did not find conclusive evidence of differences based on teachers’ teaching subjects and there was a notable distinction in building positive relationships among English teachers. This leads to the suggestion that subject-specific pedagogy might influence the perceived effectiveness of using AR-generated analytics in mitigating and measuring student disengagement.
Antibiotic Resistance Genes, Virulence Factors, and Biofilm Formation in Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus spp. Isolates from European Hakes (Merluccius merluccius, L.) Caught in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Díaz-Formoso Lara , Silva Vanessa , Contente Diogo , Feito Javier , Hernández Pablo E. , Borrero Juan , Igrejas Gilberto , del Campo Rosa del , Muñoz-Atienza Estefanía , Poeta Patrícia , Cintas Luis M.
Published: December 2023

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics has contributed to the dissemination of multiresistant bacteria, which represents a public health concern. The aim of this work was to characterize 27 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolated from eight wild Northeast Atlantic hakes (Merluccius merluccius, L.) and taxonomically identified as Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 16), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (n = 4), Staphylococcus hominis (n = 3), Staphylococcus pasteuri (n = 2), Staphylococcus edaphicus (n = 1), and Staphylococcus capitis (n = 1). Biofilm formation was evaluated with a microtiter assay, antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method, and antibiotic resistance and virulence determinants were detected by PCR. Our results showed that all staphylococci produced biofilms and that 92.6% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, mainly penicillin (88.8%), fusidic acid (40.7%), and erythromycin (37%). The penicillin resistance gene (blaZ) was detected in 66.6% (18) of the isolates, of which 10 also carried resistance genes to macrolides and lincosamides (mphC, msr(A/B), lnuA, or vgaA), 4 to fusidic acid (fusB), and 3 to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (dfrA). At least one virulence gene (scn, hla, SCCmecIII, and/or SCCmecV) was detected in 48% of the isolates. This study suggests that wild European hake destined for human consumption could act as a vector of CoNS carrying antibiotic resistance genes and/or virulence factors.
The Birefringence and Extinction Coefficient of Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals in the Terahertz Range
Authors: Ma Ying , Shan Yuhang , Cheng Yongning , Yang Ruisheng , Kwok Hoi-Sing , Zhao Jianlin
Published: December 2023

In this paper, the refractive index and extinction coefficient of ferroelectric liquid crystals have been examined by the terahertz time-domain spectroscopy system. Two modes of ferroelectric liquid crystal materials, deformed helix ferroelectric liquid crystal (DHFLC), and electric suppressed helix ferroelectric liquid crystal (ESHFLC) are tested as experimental samples. Nematic liquid crystal (NLC) was also investigated for comparison. The birefringence of DHFLC 587 slowly increases with the growth of frequency, and it averages at 0.115. Its extinction coefficients gradually incline to their stable states at 0.06 for o-wave and 0.04 for e-wave. The birefringence of ESHFLC FD4004N remains between around 0.165 and 0.175, and both of its e-wave and o-wave extinction coefficients are under 0.1, ranging from 0.05 to 0.09. These results of FLC will facilitate the examination and improve the response performance of THz devices using fast liquid crystal materials.
Theory of Liquids for Studying the Conformational Flexibility of Biomolecules with Reference Interaction Site Model Approximation
Authors: Danilkovich Alexey , Tikhonov Dmitry
Published: December 2023

The theory of fluids is used to modify the integral equations of the reference interaction site model (RISM) approximation. Its applicability to the study of biomolecules solvation is evaluated. Unlike traditional RISM applications, the new integral equation contains an intramolecular correlation matrix that only needs to be calculated once. This allows us to bypass the effort of repeatedly solving RISM equations and the time-consuming averaging of values obtained for each time point of a molecular trajectory. The new approach allows for the assessment of the conformational transience of dissolved molecules while taking into account the effects of solvation. The free energy of oxytocin, which is a peptide hormone, as well as self-assembled ionic peptide complexes calculated using both the traditional RISM and the new RISM with average matrix (RISM-AM) approach are estimated. The free energy of oxytocin calculated using RISM-AM shows that the statistical error does not exceed the error obtained by standard averaging of solutions in the RISM equation. Despite the somewhat ambiguous results obtained for ionic peptide self-assembly using RISM-AM with Lennard–Jones repulsion correction, this method can still be considered applicable for fast molecular dynamics analysis. Since the required computational power can be reduced by at least two orders of magnitude, the medium-matrix RISM is indeed a highly applicable tool for studying macromolecular conformations as well as corresponding solvation effects.
Bioinformatic Analysis of the BTB Gene Family in Paulownia fortunei and Functional Characterization in Response to Abiotic and Biotic Stresses
Authors: Zhu Peipei , Fan Yujie , Xu Pingluo , Fan Guoqiang
Published: December 2023

To learn about the gene structure, phylogenetic evolution, and function under biotic and abiotic stresses of BTB (Bric-a-Brac/Tramtrack/Broad Complex) genes in Paulownia fortunei, a whole-genome sequence evaluation was carried out, and a total of 62 PfBTB genes were identified. The phylogenetic analysis showed that PfBTB proteins are divided into eight groups, and these proteins are highly conserved. PfBTB genes were unevenly distributed on 17 chromosomes. The colinearity analysis found that fragment replication and tandem replication are the main modes of gene amplification in the PfBTB family. The analysis of cis-acting elements suggests that PfBTB genes may be involved in a variety of biological processes. The transcriptomic analysis results showed that PfBTB3/12/14/16/19/36/44 responded to Paulownia witches’ broom (PaWB), while PfBTB1/4/17/43 responded to drought stress, and the RT-qPCR results further support the reliability of transcriptome data. In addition, the association analysis between miRNA and transcriptome revealed a 91-pair targeting relationship between miRNAs and PfBTBs. In conclusion, the BTB genes in Paulownia are systematically identified in this research. This work provides useful knowledge to more fully appreciate the potential functions of these genes and their possible roles in the occurrence of PaWB and in response to stress.
Side Lighting of Red, Blue and Green Spectral Combinations Altered the Growth, Yield and Quality of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. “Yidali”) in Plant Factory
Authors: Chen Ren , Wang Zhenwei , Liu Wenke , Ding Yuteng , Zhang Qishuan , Wang Shurong
Published: December 2023

A plant factory with artificial lighting (PFAL) usually uses top lighting for cultivation. The light from the upper part of the canopy cannot penetrate the entire lettuce canopy, however, resulting in uneven vertical spatial light in the canopy, and accelerating the senescence of both the bottom and side leaves of the plant canopy. Therefore, in this study, the performance of lettuce in hydroponics was investigated upon supplemental side lighting with different spectral LEDs in a PFAL. A set of short-term side lighting treatments, including no side lamps (CK), red (R), blue (B), red + blue (RB), and red + blue + green (RGB) LED lamps (150 μmol·m−2·s−1, respectively), was employed for an additional 2 h per day after normal top lighting for 6 days before harvest. The results showed that the lettuce canopy was relatively loose and had a large crown size under side lighting compared with CK. Side lighting, irrespective of spectral qualities, significantly increased the fresh weight, and the R, B, RB, and RGB treatments increased the shoot fresh weight of lettuce plants by 34%, 19%, 31%, and 34%, and increased the fresh weight of leaf layer 2 by 50%, 17%, 44%, and 48%, respectively. The side lighting of different spectral qualities had a significant impact on the nutritional quality of the first row of lettuce at the edge of the top lighting illuminated area. Treatment B significantly promoted the chlorophyll content of leaf layer 3; the soluble sugar contents from leaf layer 1, 2, and 3; the starch contents in leaf layers 2 and 3; and the content of phenolics in the leaf layers 3; and significantly reduced the nitrate content in leaf layers 2 and 3. RGB significantly increased soluble sugar content by 91%, and the starch content in leaf layer 1, as well as the leaf chlorophyll and flavonoid content of leaf layer 3, while R had opposite effect completely. RB significantly increased the leaf chlorophyll content of leaf layer 3 and the nitrate content in leaf layer 1, but the overall effect was lower than that of RGB. In summary, side lighting of any type could effectively improve lettuce yield, solve the problem of inconsistent lettuce plant size caused by the edge effect of top lighting, and affect the nutritional quality of lettuce. B and RGB performed best. There was spatial response diversity of lettuce plants to side lighting spectral qualities.
Construction of an Efficient Genetic Transformation System for Watercress (Nasturtium officinale W. T. Aiton)
Authors: Ran Jiajun , Ding Qiang , Shen Yunlou , Gao Zhanyuan , Wang Guangpeng , Gao Yue , Ma Xiaoqing , Hou Xilin
Published: December 2023

Based on the established efficient regeneration system for watercress in our laboratory, we optimized the processes of pretreatment, co-culture, and differentiation culture. Through GFP fluorescence and PCR identification, we successfully obtained transgenic watercress with the DR5 gene, which allowed us to investigate the distribution details of auxin in the growth process of watercress. Our findings provide an effective method for gene function research and lay the foundation for innovative utilization of germplasm resources of watercress.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Efficacy of Borosilicate Compound against Escherichia coli
Authors: Vera Barrios Bertha Silvana , Sacari Sacari Elisban Juani , Mangalaraja Ramalinga Viswanathan , Arulraj Arunachalam , Espinoza Reynoso Isabel del Carmen , Cano de Terrones Teresa , Aguilar Martínez Josué Amílcar , del Carpio Delgado Fabrizio , Lazo Alarcón Luis Antonio
Published: December 2023

In this study, a glassy borosilicate compound was synthesized using recycled glass and natural clays. Even though glass recycling is the generally accepted standard practice for managing glass waste, fine fractions of container soda-lime glass or cullet of other compositions are still disposed of in landfills. Thus, advanced upcycled products that offer greater economic motivation for implementation in industry may be the key to success, but these are frequently linked to alternative methods of product synthesis. Here, a simple and facile route of borosilicate compound production has been synthesized and characterized. The physicochemical characterization of the compounds was carried out to determine their properties and the antibacterial efficacy of the synthesized compound against Escherichia coli (E. coli) was investigated. The structural and spectroscopic characteristics were identified as a compound that conformed to quartz, cristobalite, and silicon hexaboride (SiB6). For the antibacterial activity, two test types were typically performed; in the first one, the dilutions of the grind were combined with chloramphenicol at a concentration of 20 µg/mL to perform a synergistic action against the bacteria and in the second one, only the amorphous borosilicate compound was tested against E. coli ATCC 25922 strains. The treatments applied considered the dilutions from 8 to 40 µg/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) sensitivity tests began with incubation at 37 °C in the tubes and subsequent seeding in Petri dishes for colony-forming unit (CFU) counting. The results obtained indicated that the samples possessed a productive antibacterial effect, which support their use in various biomedical applications.
Application and Analysis of Array Production Logging Technology for Multiphase Flow in Horizontal Wells
Authors: Luo Renwei , Liu Jianli , Yang Dong , Deng Qiao
Published: December 2023

Production logging (PL) instruments play a pivotal role in the comprehensive management and monitoring of oil and gas reservoirs. These devices facilitate the resolution of complex flow diagnosis challenges throughout the life cycle of hydrocarbon field exploitation. However, the advent of highly deviated well drilling technology has exposed certain limitations inherent in conventional centralized logging sensing techniques. When fluid flow within horizontal wells becomes segregated or even laminar, these traditional methods struggle to accurately decipher the zonal productions of oil, gas, and water. To address this challenge, multi-array production logging tools were developed in the late 1990s. Historically, these tools were characterized by considerable lengths, reaching up to 30 feet for an entire suite incorporating flow speed and holdup sensors that were not always collocated. Despite the integration of multiple sensors, uncertainties in determining flow profiles persisted. In this paper, we propose a novel integrated multi-parameter evaluation method based on measurements from a recently developed ultracompact flow array sensing tool, aimed at enhancing the accuracy of reservoir evaluation. The validity of the multi-parameter method is substantiated through a comparison of the new tool with an industry benchmark array PL tool on the same well. By combining the monitoring results, an optimization strategy for oil and gas extraction is presented, which is expected to improve the oil and gas recovery rate, thereby providing guidance for subsequent extraction endeavors. Moreover, we demonstrate how this innovative integrated workflow significantly enhances energy savings and efficiency, further underlining its value in modern oil and gas field management.
Salvage Hip Arthroplasty in Nail Failure: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pantè Salvatore , Braconi Lorenzo , Cottino Umberto , Dettoni Federico , Rossi Roberto
Published: December 2023

Background: Femoral nailing is a largely widespread procedure in the elderly population, and the number of these surgeries is rising. Hip arthroplasty is a salvage procedure performed to improve function of the hip after femoral nail failure. The aim of the study is to evaluate functional outcomes, complications and survivorship in hip arthroplasty after femoral nail failure. Methods: A systematic review of three databases (Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane) was performed using the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. After selection, four studies met the inclusion criteria, and 483 treated hips have been analyzed (476 total hip arthroplasties, 7 partial hip arthroplasties). Results: The median value of Harris Hip Score (HHS) after salvage treatment was 86.1. The main indications for salvage treatment were osteoarthrosis, avascular necrosis of the femoral head and instability of the hip. Complications are more frequent than in primary total hip arthroplasty, in particular aseptic loosening and dislocation. Good outcomes have also been achieved using revision-type stems and proximal femoral replacements (PFR). Conclusions: Conversion total hip arthroplasty is confirmed as the optimal treatment for femoral nail failure in the elderly population. Cemented or hybrid total hip arthroplasties have better outcomes than uncemented total hip arthroplasties, and the use of different types of implants widens the possible approaches to surgery in restoring the biomechanics of the hip and increases the satisfaction of patients.
Exploiting Sociocultural Issues in Election Campaign Discourse: The Case of Nyans in Sweden
Authors: Almahfali Mohammed , El-Husseini Rola
Published: December 2023

The Swedish far-right party, the Sweden Democrats (SD), came to power in 2022 and is currently the second-largest party in the Swedish Parliament, the Riksdag. While it has been propagandizing an anti-migrant discourse, another newly founded party has been producing a counter-discourse. The newly created Nyans party claims to represent migrants and minorities in Sweden. However, its discourse uses controversial issues that could potentially misrepresent those communities. Our study aimed to analyze Nyans’ Facebook posts published in the month leading up to the 2022 elections. Through our analysis process, which lasted from January to August 2023, we applied a critical discourse analysis approach to uncover the relationship between sociocultural issues and their social, political, and ideological contexts. The results reveal that Nyans’ discourse focused on opposing left-wing parties and aligned itself with the far-right. The discourse aligned with misinformation campaigns on social media when addressing sociocultural issues. These issues include the childcare law, the burning of the Qur’an, and the veil, which are pertinent to a particular perspective in the Muslim community and do not necessarily represent immigrants or minorities.
Factors Influencing Blockchain Technologies Adoption in Supply Chain Management and Logistic Sectors: Cultural Compatibility of Blockchain Solutions as Moderator
Authors: AlKubaisy Zenah Mahmoud , Al-Somali Sabah Abdullah
Published: December 2023

The rapid advancements in blockchain technology have heralded a new era for various industries, including the supply chain and logistics. However, despite the promising opportunities, the adoption of blockchain within supply chain and logistics still needs to be explored, especially in Saudi Arabia. This study investigated the impact of technological, organizational, and environmental factors on blockchain adoption among Saudi supply chain and logistics companies. The study also tested cultural compatibility’s moderating role in solving blockchain issues. A quantitative method approach was employed, utilizing a survey questionnaire. Data were gathered from various stakeholders across the industry, including managers, IT experts, and logistics professionals. The findings indicate that relative advantage, top management support, and competitors influence blockchain technology adoption significantly and positively. However, openness to innovation use has an insignificant effect on adoption. Government support demonstrates the strongest positive influence on blockchain adoption, whereas vendor orientation and support showed an insignificant impact. Both blockchain technology adoption and the cultural compatibility of blockchain solutions significantly enhance operational excellence, but the moderating effect of cultural compatibility of blockchain solutions shows no effect on operational excellence. This study stands out as one of the first explorations into blockchain adoption in the supply chain and logistics sector within the Saudi context, identifying the factors contributing to blockchain’s successful implementation for operational excellence.
Brief Myofascial Intervention Modulates Visual Event-Related Potential Response to Emotional Photographic Contents: A Pilot Study
Authors: Byczynski Gabriel , D’Angiulli Amedeo
Published: December 2023

The use of touch for the treatment of psychiatric disorders is increasingly investigated, as it is shown that cognitive symptoms can be improved by various forms of massage. To investigate if the effect of massage is measurable using classical visual event-related potential components (P1, P2, late positive potential (LPP)), we performed a preliminary study on six participants using myofascial induction massage. Participants were shown emotionally valenced or neutral images before and after a 20 min myofascial massage. We found general increases in P2 amplitude following the intervention across all conditions (both neutral and affective), indicating increased attention or salience to visual stimuli. The magnitude of change was visibly larger for unpleasant stimuli, suggesting that visual perception and attention were modulated specifically in response to unpleasant visual images. The LPP showed reductions in amplitude after myofascial massage, suggesting increased emotional modulation following intervention, as a result of possible DMN alterations, consistent with region and function. We conclude that brief myofascial intervention supports other research in the field, finding that physical touch and massage techniques can alter cognition and perception. We posit further research to investigate its future use as an intervention for both physical and cognitive modulation. Importantly, we provide preliminary evidence that the neural processes that resonate with this type of massage involve complex feedforward and backward cortical pathways, of which a significant portion participate in modulating the visual perception of external stimuli.
Pharmacists’ perspectives on recommending herbal medicines for acute infections: a qualitative study
Authors: Hu Xiao-Yang , Logue Martin , Maund Emma , Santer Miriam , Willcox Merlin Luke , Islam Shazab , Stokes Tom , Moore Michael
Published: December 2023

Background

Community pharmacists have an essential role in antimicrobial stewardship by providing self-care advice for self-limiting infections.

Aim

To explore community pharmacists’ perceptions and experiences of advising patients on management of acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and urinary tract infections (UTIs), and to explore issues regarding use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, including herbal medicines.

Design & setting

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with community pharmacists in England.

Method

Qualitative interviews with community pharmacists were carried out face to face and by telephone between November 2019 and March 2020. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, recorded and transcribed. A reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken.

Results

In total, 18 community pharmacists were interviewed. Three main themes were identified. Theme 1 was self-management recommendations. Community pharmacists considered patients’ preferences when recommending self-management strategies. Some believed that conventional OTC medications had quicker and stronger effects, while others preferred herbal OTCs as a more natural approach, particularly for less severe symptoms. Theme 2 was factors influencing pharmacists’ recommendations for acute infections. This included pharmacists' perceptions of patient preferences, nature or severity of illness, research evidence, training, commercial pressures, and patient concerns about medication cost. Theme 3 was pharmacist–patient communication. Pharmacists sometimes experienced challenges with language barriers and patients’ expectations of receiving antibiotics. Pharmacists emphasised the importance of being trusted by their patients. There was widespread acceptance of their role in self-management advice for acute illness and interest in the role of herbal medicines, but pharmacists did not feel confident in recommending these.

Conclusion

Pharmacists are central to the management of self-limiting infections. There is a need to educate the public about appropriate use of antibiotics and provide training and support for pharmacists on self-management strategies including herbal medicine.
Transición energética en México, retos y desafíos
Authors: Urbano Juárez Nayeli
Published: December 2023

En la actualidad México cuenta con el marco jurídico que respalda la transición energética, además de contar con las condiciones ambientales para el desarrollo e implementación de las energías renovables, no obstante, el gran desafío para la obtención de este cometido se ve truncado por factores financieros, es decir la insuficiente inversión en proyectos tecnológicos energético. De modo que, con la presente investigación de tipo socio jurídica, bajo el empleo del método analítico deductivo se identificará las falencias, desafíos y retos, que presenta el Estado mexicano para dar cumplimiento a lo establecido en el artículo tercero transitorio de la Ley de Transición Energética. Como resultado se observó que existe un contraste entre la norma que establece la meta de implementación de energías renovables y la creación de acciones por parte del estado, encaminadas a lograr el desarrollo energético en procura de mitigar el impacto del cambio climático
Services Innovation for Smart City Destinations
Authors: Suwandi Andreas , Ardhita Mayadhisa , Setiadi Raditya Pratama
Published: December 2023

Purpose of the study: Smart City in the city can be seen through technology, people, and financial systems that support city life. This city also strives by creating the Smart Tourism Destination concept which aims to attract and provide tourist needs by combining ICT, culture, and tourism industry in the city of Bandung.
Design/methodology: This research is carried out using a descriptive qualitative approach that is useful for testing and developing an understanding of lesser-known phenomena, and is useful for allowing the accumulation of in-depth information about the subject of the study. Data collection uses structured interviews with experts and is obtained through secondary data such as journal articles, reports, organization webpages, and policy documents that are researched to gain a broader perspective on smart city program innovation.
Findings: The study shows Bandung effectively utilizes the smart city concept for tourism, highlighting destinations like the Asian-African Museum and Bukit Bintang on the Smart City website and app. However, its technological execution, with 300 flawed applications, remains below expectation.
Research limitations/Implications: The research is restricted to a descriptive qualitative approach, which might not provide quantifiable measures of the smart city's success. The research focuses mainly on the tourism aspect of the smart city concept, potentially overlooking other critical facets of the initiative.
Novelty/Originality of the study: This study provides a unique insight into the application of the smart city concept specifically for tourism in Bandung, a relatively new endeavour started in 2016. The research bridges the gap between smart city planning and its practical impact on tourism, using Bandung as a case study.
Transdisciplinary Approach in Studying Organisational Transformations
Authors: MATTILA JUHA KAI
Published: December 2023

Digital transformation has a notorious record of failures. Maybe the enterprise architects do not have a holistic model to study and model the organisational transformation. An enterprise consists of several structural components, which vary from culture to technology layers defined in the Enterprise Architecture. Usually, the transformation of an enterprise involves most of the interrelated layers in connection to the environment around the organisation. Seemingly, no single science provides frameworks to study the transformation of a whole system of systems (including the layers of enterprise strategy, culture, business, information, and technology). Therefore, the paper proposes a transdisciplinary approach combined with spiral research design as a framework for the business sciences and enterprise architecture. The proposed framework connects different sciences of sociology, business, strategy, history, information, and technology to understand the evolutionary particularities of each layer of enterprise in transformation. The transdisciplinary approach supports the modelling of the entire enterprise in all of its complexities and over a longer time. In contrast, the current monodisciplinary focuses only on parts of an enterprise at a particular window of time. By definition, transdisciplinary research fuses findings across the disciplines, between the disciplines and beyond the disciplines. Furthermore, the framework supports spiralling between scientific methods and non-scientific practices. The case study utilised a spiralling research process that provided a tighter feedback loop from application in practice to model development in theory. The transdisciplinary spiralling approach provided an iterative approach to verify the outcome, reduce the complexity, and address the practitioner’s reality. Hopefully, the research approach used in the case study and the tool created will improve enterprise architecture practice to ensure a successful digital transformation of military organisations.