bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case report: Safety of Tumor Treating Fields therapy with an implantable cardiac pacemaker in a patient with glioblastoma
Authors: Biedermann Gregory B. , Merrifield Kathleen , Lustgarten Leonardo
Published: August 2024

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy is an anti-cancer treatment modality that is delivered noninvasively to the tumor site via skin-placed arrays. The therapy is US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and Conformité Européenne (CE) marked for adults with newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) (grade 4 glioma in the European Union). To date, there are limited data on the safety and efficacy of TTFields therapy in patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers. Herein, we report a case of a 79-year-old male patient with GBM receiving TTFields therapy with a prior medical history of cardiac events necessitating a cardiac pacemaker. The patient presented to the emergency department in May 2021 with newly onset left-sided weakness along with seizures. Based on an initial evaluation and results of the initial computed tomography (CT) scans (May 2021), the patient was clinically diagnosed with a high-grade glioma which was later confirmed as IDH wildtype following a biopsy. He was treated with radiotherapy (40 Gy in 15 fractions), followed by adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) (75 mg/m2). TTFields therapy was initiated alongside maintenance TMZ (150 mg/m2). Average TTFields therapy usage was 67% throughout the duration of treatment. Follow-up CT scans (February and May of 2022) indicated stable disease. CT scans in August 2022 showed an increase in size of a mass with heterogeneous contrast enhancement and the patient subsequently passed away in October 2022. The patient’s last cardiac tests demonstrated that the pacemaker was operational with adequate cardiac function. This report suggests that TTFields therapy concomitant with an implanted electronic device may be safe in patients with GBM.
Dexmedetomidine administration is associated with improved outcomes in critically ill patients with acute myocardial infarction partly through its anti-inflammatory activity
Authors: Liu Yimou , Chen Qian , Hu Tianyang , Deng Changming , Huang Jing
Published: August 2024

Background

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a commonly used sedative in the intensive care unit and has demonstrated cardioprotective properties against ischemia-reperfusion injury in preclinical studies. However, the protective effects of early treatment of DEX in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and its underlying mechanism are still not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the association between early DEX treatment and in-hospital mortality in patients with AMI, and to explore the potential mediating role of white blood cell (WBC) reduction in this relationship.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Patients with AMI were divided into the DEX and non-DEX group, based on whether they received DEX treatment in the early stage of hospitalization. The primary outcome measured was in-hospital mortality. The study evaluated the association between DEX use and in-hospital mortality using the Kaplan-Meier (KM) method and Cox proportional hazards model. Additionally, 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to validate the results. Furthermore, causal mediation analysis (CMA) was utilized to explore potential causal pathways mediated by WBC reduction between early DEX use and the primary outcome.

Results

This study analyzed data from 2,781 patients, with 355 in the DEX group and 2,426 in the non-DEX group. KM survival analysis revealed a significantly lower in-hospital mortality rate in the DEX group compared to the non-DEX group. After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, the Cox regression model demonstrated a significant positive impact of DEX on the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with AMI, with hazard ratios (HR) of 0.50 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.35–0.71, p < 0.0001). PSM analysis confirmed these results, showing HR of 0.49 (95% CI: 0.31–0.77, p = 0.0022). Additionally, CMA indicated that 13.7% (95% CI: 1.8%–46.9%, p = 0.022) of the beneficial effect of DEX on reducing in-hospital mortality in patients with AMI was mediated by the reduction in WBC.

Conclusion

The treatment of DEX was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with AMI, potentially due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Mapping QTLs with additive and epistatic effects for awn length and their effects on kernel-related traits in common wheat
Authors: Sun Nina , Liu Wei , Shi Deyang , Zhao Chunhua , Ou Jinlian , Song Yuanze , Yang Zilin , Sun Han , Wu Yongzhen , Qin Ran , Yuan Tangyu , Jiao Yanlin , Li Linzhi , Cui Fa
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Wheat awns are crucial determinants of wheat yield due to their capacity to photosynthesize and exchange gas. Understanding the genetic basis of awn length (AL) is essential for improving wheat yield in molecular breeding programs.

Methods

In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of AL were analyzed using recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping population referred to as YY-RILs, which was derived from a cross between Yannong 15 (YN15) and Yannong 1212 (YN1212).

Results and discussion

Seven putative additive QTLs and 30 pairwise epistatic QTLs for AL were identified. Among them, five novel additive QTLs (except qAl-2A and qAl-5A.2) and 30 novel pairwise epistatic QTLs were identified. qAl-5A.1 was repeatedly identified in all five environment datasets, which was considered to be one novel stable QTL for AL with minor additive effects. eqAl-2B.2-2 significantly interacted with eight loci and could be of great importance in regulating awn development. The genes associated with the major stable QTL of qAl-5A.2 and the minor stable QTL of qAl-2A were B1 and WFZP-A, respectively. Awn lengths exhibited significant genetic correlations with kernel weight and kernels per spike, which could affect grain protein content to a lesser extent. This study enhances our understanding of the genetic basis of awn development and identifies novel genes as well as markers for future genetic improvement of wheat yield.
RT-DETR-SoilCuc: detection method for cucumber germinationinsoil based environment
Authors: Li Zhengjun , Wu Yijie , Jiang Haoyu , Lei Deyi , Pan Feng , Qiao Jinxin , Fu Xiuqing , Guo Biao
Published: August 2024

Existing seed germination detection technologies based on deep learning are typically optimized for hydroponic breeding environments, leading to a decrease in recognition accuracy in complex soil cultivation environments. On the other hand, traditional manual germination detection methods are associated with high labor costs, long processing times, and high error rates, with these issues becoming more pronounced in complex soil–based environments. To address these issues in the germination process of new cucumber varieties, this paper utilized a Seed Germination Phenotyping System to construct a cucumber germination soil–based experimental environment that is more closely aligned with actual production. This system captures images of cucumber germination under salt stress in a soil-based environment, constructs a cucumber germination dataset, and designs a lightweight real-time cucumber germination detection model based on Real-Time DEtection TRansformer (RT-DETR). By introducing online image enhancement, incorporating the Adown downsampling operator, replacing the backbone convolutional block with Generalized Efficient Lightweight Network, introducing the Online Convolutional Re-parameterization mechanism, and adding the Normalized Gaussian Wasserstein Distance loss function, the training effectiveness of the model is enhanced. This enhances the model’s capability to capture profound semantic details, achieves significant lightweighting, and enhances the model’s capability to capture embryonic root targets, ultimately completing the construction of the RT-DETR-SoilCuc model. The results show that, compared to the RT-DETR-R18 model, the RT-DETR-SoilCuc model exhibits a 61.2% reduction in Params, 61% reduction in FLOP, and 56.5% reduction in weight size. Its mAP@0.5, precision, and recall rates are 98.2%, 97.4%, and 96.9%, respectively, demonstrating certain advantages over the You Only Look Once series models of similar size. Germination tests of cucumbers under different concentrations of salt stress in a soil-based environment were conducted, validating the high accuracy of the RT-DETR-SoilCuc model for embryonic root target detection in the presence of soil background interference. This research reduces the manual workload in the monitoring of cucumber germination and provides a method for the selection and breeding of new cucumber varieties.
An advanced metabolomic approach on grape skins untangles cultivar preferences by Drosophila suzukii for oviposition
Authors: Marcellin-Gros Rémy , Hévin Sébastien , Chevalley Clara , Boccard Julien , Hofstetter Valérie , Gindro Katia , Wolfender Jean-Luc , Kehrli Patrik
Published: August 2024

Insects’ host preferences are regulated by multiple factors whose interactions are only partly understood. Here we make use of an in-depth, untargeted metabolomic approach combining molecular networking (MN) and supervised Analysis of variance Multiblock Orthogonal Partial Least Squares (AMOPLS) to untangle egg-laying preferences of Drosophila suzukii, an invasive, highly polyphagous and destructive fruit pest originating from Southeast Asia. Based on behavioural experiments in the laboratory as well as field observation, we selected eight genetically related Vitis vinifera cultivars (e.g., Ancellotta, Galotta, Gamaret, Gamay, Gamay précoce, Garanoir, Mara and Reichensteiner) exhibiting significant differences in their susceptibility toward D. suzukii. The two most and the two least attractive red cultivars were chosen for further metabolomic analyses of their grape skins. The combination of MN and statistical AMOPLS findings with semi-quantitative detection information enabled us to identify flavonoids as interesting markers for differences in the attractiveness of the four studied grape cultivars towards D. suzukii. Overall, dihydroflavonols were accumulated in unattractive grape cultivars, while attractive grape cultivars were richer in flavonols. Crucially, both dihydroflavonols and flavonols were abundant metabolites in the semi-quantitative analysis of the extracted molecules from the grape skin. We discuss how these two flavonoid classes might influence the egg-laying behaviour of D. suzukii females and how they could serve as potential markers for D. suzukii infestations in grapes that can be potentially extended to other fruits. We believe that our novel, integrated analytical approach could also be applied to the study of other biological relationships characterised by multiple evolving parameters.
The relationship among body image, psychological distress, and quality of life in young breast cancer patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yao Hongmei , Xiong Meidi , Cheng Yuping , Zhang Qingyuan , Luo Ying , Ding Xiegang , Zhang Chunhua
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to explore the interrelationships among body image perception, levels of psychological distress, and the quality of life (QOL) experienced by young breast cancer patients.

Methods

This study analyzed data from 339 young female breast cancer patients aged between 18 and 40 years (mean age was 33.47 years) from August 2023 to February 2024. Data on demographic characteristics, psychological distress, body image, medical coping, and QOL of young breast cancer patients were collected. Psychological distress, body image, medical coping, and QOL were measured using the Distress Thermometer (DT), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Body Image Scale (BIS), Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), respectively. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine factors influencing QOL.

Results

After adjusting for covariates, significant predictors of QOL in young survivors included psychological distress (β = −3.125; p = 0.002), anxiety and depression (β = −4.31; p < 0.001), cognitive dimension of body image (β = −0.218; p = 0.027), behavioral dimension of body image (β = 0.579; p = 0.047), and confrontational dimension of medical coping (β = −0.124; p = 0.01).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that higher levels of body image concerns and psychological distress are associated with poorer QOL among young female breast cancer patients. Furthermore, breast cancer patients facing with more positive medical coping strategies predicted a higher QOL.
Using qualitative exit interviews to explore schizophrenia burden and treatment experience in clinical trial patients
Authors: Simmons Adam , O’Sullivan Amy K. , Carpenter-Conlin Julia , Carty Michelle K. , Saucier Cory , McDonnell David
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Qualitative research methods can be used to obtain a deeper understanding of patient experience by collecting information in the patients’ own words about their encounters, perspectives, and feelings. In this study, patients with schizophrenia were interviewed to capture their voice and to complement the quantitative data typically obtained in clinical trials.

Methods

Semi-structured exit interviews were conducted with 41 patients who completed or prematurely discontinued from a phase 3, open-label trial (NCT02873208). The interview guide included open-ended questions on current and prior disease burden, symptoms, quality of life, and treatment experiences. Steps taken to reduce interview stress and secure the validity of data included interviewer sensitivity training specific to mental health conditions and schizophrenia, use of in-person interviews whenever possible and use of videoconferencing for remote interviews to promote trust and comfort, and working closely with clinical site staff to identify patient eligibility and willingness to participate. Transcripts based on audio recordings were content coded and analyzed using thematic analysis; a post-hoc quantitative content analysis was conducted.

Results

Patients reported that the symptoms of schizophrenia negatively impacted their work, relationships, self-esteem, emotional health, and daily activities. Most patients had positive experiences with medications that alleviated hallucinations, depression, and anxiety. However, side effects of medications were associated with negative impacts on physical, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive health. Lack of energy/drowsiness, weight gain, mood changes, and involuntary movements were the most common side effects reported with the use of antipsychotic medications. Patients reported unmet treatment needs related to better symptom control and to improved social and physical functioning.

Conclusion

Collection of qualitative information within a schizophrenia clinical development process provides value and insights into patients’ views on burden of illness, experiences with previous medications, and experiences following participation in a clinical trial and can inform design for future studies.
Understanding social situations: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating a novel social cognitive training versus modified problem-solving training for people with psychosis
Authors: Fiszdon Joanna M. , Bell Morris D. , Fulford Daniel , Roberts David L. , Dziura James , Parente Lori , Nasse Alexis , Choi Jimmy
Published: August 2024

Background

Psychotic spectrum disorders (PSD) are associated with poor social function. In this study, we investigate which of two different types of 2-month long training courses is more effective in improving day-to-day interactions and quality of life.

Methods/design

Participants with psychotic spectrum disorders will be randomly assigned to one of two training courses. Social functioning, everyday activities, social cognition and symptoms will be assessed at multiple timepoints, including baseline, treatment midpoint, end of treatment and 2-month follow-up. One training focuses on how to make good judgments about what other people may be thinking or feeling in social situations, and why people might act in certain ways in different situations. The other training focuses on different strategies for handling everyday problems and stressors. Both trainings are done in one-on-one sessions with a research staff member. There will be 16-20 training sessions, each about 45-60 minutes long. The investigators will ask participants to attend 2 training sessions per week, so the total training time should be about 2 months.

Clinical Trials Registration

PROSPERO, identifier NCT04557124
Non-suicidal self-injury among youth students during COVID-19 pandemic: the role of psychological factors in Jingzhou, China
Authors: Zhou Lie , Yu Ye , Liu Bo , Zhou Li-Fang , Sheng Juan , Zhang Xin-Feng , Deng Xiao-Peng , Ran Mao-Sheng
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among youth students, and the mediating role of psychological factors in the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and NSSI.

Method

An online survey was conducted at junior and senior high schools, as well as universities located in Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China between June 2021 and January 2022. The COVID-19 Impact Index was constructed using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) method. The bootstrapping method was used for mediation analysis.

Results

A total of 16025 youth participated in the study and 12507 youth (78.1%) finished the questionnaires. The COVID-19 Impact Index had a significantly positive effect on NSSI (r=0.16, p<0.001). The mediation analysis results showed that the COVID-19 Impact Index had a significant indirect effect on youth’ NSSI (β=0.0918, 95% CI [0.0788, 0.1048]), and this indirect effect was mainly achieved through affecting youth’ anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The mediation effect of anxiety on NSSI was 0.0584, the direct effect was 0.0334, and the mediation proportion was 63.6%. The mediation effect of depression on NSSI was 0.0668, the direct effect was 0.0250, and the mediation proportion was 72.8%. The mediation effect of PTSD on NSSI was 0.0640, the direct effect was 0.0278, and the mediation proportion was 69.7%. All the mediation effects, direct effects and total effects were statistically significant (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The higher the impact of the COVID-19 Impact Index, the higher the prevalence of NSSI among youth students. Anxiety, depression and PTSD had mediated the relationship between the COVID-19 Impact Index and NSSI. It is suggested that specific health policies, mental health services and interventions should be developed to reduce the NSSI and improve mental health status among youth students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health inequalities in a middle-income country: a systematic review of the Costa Rican case
Authors: Barboza-Solis Cristina , Herrero Rolando , Fantin Romain
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study systematically reviews evidence of socioeconomic health disparities in Costa Rica, a middle-income country, to elucidate the relationship between socioeconomic status and health outcomes.

Methods

Published studies were identified through a systematic review of PubMed (English) and Scielo (Spanish) databases from December 2023 to January 2024, following PRISMA guidelines. Search terms included socioeconomic status, social determinants, social gradient in health, and health inequalities.

Results

Of 236 identified references, 55 met the inclusion criteria. Findings were categorized into health inequalities in mortality (among the general population, infants, and older adults), life expectancy, cause-specific mortality, and health determinants or risk factors mediating the association between the social environment and health. The studies indicate higher mortality among the most disadvantaged groups, including deaths from respiratory diseases, violence, and infections. Higher socioeconomic status was associated with lower mortality rates in the 1990s, indicating a positive social gradient in health (RII = 1.3, CI [1.1–1.5]). Disparities were less pronounced among older adults. Urban areas exhibited concentrated wealth and increased risky behaviors, while rural areas, despite greater socioeconomic deprivation, showed a lower prevalence of risky behaviors. Regarding smoking, people living in rural areas smoked significantly less than those in urban areas (7% vs. 10%). Despite the relatively equitable distribution of public primary healthcare, disparities persisted in the timely diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases. Cancer survival rates post-diagnosis were positively correlated with the wealth of districts (1.23 [1.12–1.35] for all cancers combined).

Conclusion

The study highlights the existence of social health inequalities in Costa Rica. However, despite being one of the most unequal OECD countries, Costa Rica shows relatively modest social gradients in health compared to other middle and high-income nations. This phenomenon can be attributed to distinctive social patterns in health behaviors and the equalizing influence of the universal healthcare system.
Assessing disparities in health and living conditions: a comparative study of Hungarian-speaking Roma and non-Roma women across Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia
Authors: Mózes Noémi , Takács Johanna , Ungvari Zoltan , Feith Helga Judit
Published: August 2024

Background

The Roma minority, Europe’s largest ethnic minority, experiences significant disparities in living conditions and health outcomes compared to the non-Roma populations across the continent. Despite extensive documentation of the socio-economic challenges faced by the Roma, there is a notable lack of comparative research.

Methods

This study aims to fill this gap by examining the differences in socio-economic characteristics, living conditions, and self-reported health status between Roma (R) and non-Roma (nR) women in in Hungary (HU), Romania (RO), and Slovakia (SK), providing a cross-country comparative analysis. Utilizing simple and multiple binary logistic models, our research analysed data collected from September 2020 to March 2022, involving 322 Roma and 294 non-Roma women in Hungary, 258 Roma and 183 non-Roma women in Romania, and 146 Roma and 163 non-Roma women in Slovakia.

Results

Findings indicate significant associations between increased age (R:OR = 1.04[1.02,1.06], p < 0.001), (nR:OR = 1.04[1.02,1.05], p < 0.001) lower financial situation (R:OR = 2.05[1.01,4.18], p = 0.048) (nR:OR = 1.67[1.01,2.77], p = 0.047), and basic education level (R:OR = 3.60[1.29,10.08], p = 0.015) (nR:OR = 3.64[1.77,7.51], p < 0.001) with the likelihood of poor health status across both groups in Hungary. In Romania, increased age (OR = 1.04[1.02,1.06], p < 0.001) and basic education level (OR = 5.24[2.29,11.99], p < 0.001) were particularly predictive of poor health among non-Roma, while in Slovakia, age (OR = 1.05[1.02,1.07], p < 0.001) was a significant factor for Roma, and intermediate education level (OR = 2.68[1.16,6.20], p = 0.021) was for non-Roma. The study also found that a higher number of children (HU:OR = 1.35[1.12,1.63], p = 0.002), (RO:OR = 1.57[1.25,1.96], p < 0.001) and problems with housing comfort (RO:OR = 4.83[2.19,10.62], p = 0.015) and wall conditions (RO:OR = 2.81[1.22,6.46], p < 0.001) significantly impacted the health status of non-Roma women in Hungary and Romania. Conversely, an increase in household size was associated with a better health status among Roma women in Hungary (OR = 0.88[0.79,0.99]) and Slovakia (OR = 0.78[0.61,0.99]).

Conclusion

By offering a novel comparative analysis, this study highlights the critical need for focused attention on the health disparities faced by Roma women, particularly those in a multiply disadvantaged situation due to their ethnic and socio-economic status.
The impact of environmental protection tax on the health of middle-aged and older adults: evidence from CHARLS data in China
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhou Ruifan , Luo Haohan , Liang Shanwen , Kong Youzhuan
Published: August 2024

Introduction

With the aging population, the relationship between human health and the ecological environment has gained increasing attention. In China, it is imperative to evaluate the policy effects of the Environmental Protection Tax (EPT) on improving the ecological environment and enhancing the health of middle-aged and older adult people.

Methods

This study, based on data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), employs a Difference-in-Differences (DID) model to assess the health effects of the EPT policy.

Results

The findings indicate that the EPT policy significantly improves the health of middle-aged and older adult individuals and reduces the prevalence of chronic diseases. The EPT policy affects the health of middle-aged and older adult through two main mechanisms: emission reduction and psychological effects. These are evidenced by reductions in PM10 particle concentration and sulfur dioxide emissions, improvements in public sleep quality and memory, and significant changes in environmental awareness and concern.

Discussion

Heterogeneity analysis reveals differences across urban and rural areas, age groups, and education levels. Following the implementation of the EPT policy, there are notable improvements in reduction of chronic diseases among rural residents, self-rated health among urban residents, and overall health among the older adult and individuals with a junior high school education or lower. The study’s results confirm the importance of environmental policies in promoting public health, providing a reference for the refinement of the EPT system, and offering insights for environmental pollution control in developing countries.
The impact of first-person avatar customization on embodiment in immersive virtual reality
Authors: Gonzalez-Franco Mar , Steed Anthony , Berger Christopher C. , Tajadura-Jiménez Ana
Published: August 2024

In virtual reality (VR), users can embody a wide variety of avatars, from digital replicas of themselves through diverse human body styles and appearances to non-humanoid representations. Although choosing a body to inhabit is part of what makes VR such an engaging experience, various studies have shown how embodiment may change the way we perceive ourselves and others both inside and outside VR. In our study, we explored whether first-person versus third-person avatar customization would lead to changes in embodiment. Furthermore, participants were embodied in larger-sized avatars based on the hypothesis that embodiment would lead to a change in implicit bias toward larger-sized people. Our results show that third-person avatar customization led to a decrease in the perceived embodiment of the larger-sized avatar and that, on the contrary, higher embodiment was associated with a reduction in implicit biases toward larger-sized people in the first-person avatar customization mode. These findings suggest that third-person avatar customization leads to reduced feelings of embodiment, while first-person avatar customization may support more radical body changes.
Validation of the professional competencies model required by experts of agricultural consulting, technical, and engineering services companies to provide private extension services
Authors: Farshad Sanaz , Niknami Mehrdad
Published: August 2024

One of the important pillars for achieving organizational objectives is the presence of qualified human resources. Professional competencies in experts working in agricultural consulting, technical, and engineering services companies (ACTESCs) can be a basis for the quality of human resources and assure the quality of the functions of this system. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify the professional competencies required by extension experts working in these companies to provide extension services from their perspectives. The research method was a survey. The statistical population of the study consisted of 593 extension experts working in these companies, from whom 234 people were selected as the sample by the use of Cochran’s formula. In the field stage, a questionnaire was used as the main research tool. The face and content validities as well as the reliability of the research tool were confirmed. The result of the structural equation modeling approach confirmed the hypothesis that economic, technical, and communicational functions play roles in providing extension services. Accordingly, it is recommended to fill the gap between the existing competencies and the competencies required by the experts working in the ACTESCs to provide appropriate Private Extension Services (PESs).
Individual nutritional self-sufficiency: a viable option in the present era
Authors: Pelman Alik , Nachtomy Ohad , Carmel Yohay
Published: August 2024

At the present state of industrialized agriculture and specialized economy, achieving nutritional self-sufficiency on a personal level is widely considered a naïve goal, unsuited to the present technological era. Furthermore, nutritional self-sufficiency is considered overly demanding in terms of training, land, labor intensity, and time requirements. This study contests these common notions. Drawing on a study of a small (approximately 0.075 ha) low-input self-sufficient farm in an industrialized country, we show that achieving nutritional self-sufficiency on this farm required modest initial agricultural training, a small parcel of land, and, perhaps most surprisingly, a single day of labor per month, on average. We offer these results as proof of concept that, when properly planned, nutritional self-sufficiency may be sustained over an extended period (more than a decade) and that doing so may be compatible with working full-time outside the farm, as well as engaging in regular leisure activities. We also propose that some upscaling is viable at the industrial, small-scale, and household levels.
Optimal Searching-Based Reference Current Computation Algorithm for IPMSM Drives Considering Iron Loss
Authors: Stumpf Péter , Tóth-Katona Tamás
Published: August 2024

Interior permanent magnet synchronous machines (IPMSMs) are widely used as traction motors in the electric drive-train because of their high torque-per-ampere characteristics and potential for wide field weakening operation to expand the constant power range. The paper aims to introduce the most important equations to calculate the operating trajectories of an IPMSM for optimal control. The main contribution is that the optimal operating trajectories are calculated by a feedforward, Newton–Raphson method-based searching algorithm that considers the iron loss resistance of IPMSMs. Steady-state calculations and dynamic simulation results prove the theoretical findings.
Exogenously Applied Sodium Nitroprusside Alleviated Cadmium Toxicity in Different Aromatic Rice Cultivars by Improving Nitric Oxide Accumulation and Modulating Oxidative Metabolism
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Hussain Saddam , Rana Muhammad Shoaib , Iqbal Anas , Rehman Naveed Ur , Chen Xiaoyuan , Tang Xiangru
Published: August 2024

Exogenous application of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) has previously been reported to trigger plant tolerance against a variety of environmental stresses. The present study was planned to investigate the possible role/s of exogenously applied SNP (50 or 100 μM) in alleviating cadmium (Cd)-induced effects on physio-biochemical processes, yield attributes, and grain quality traits of three fragrant rice cultivars, viz., Meixiangzhan-2 (MXZ), Guixiangzhan (GXZ), and Xiangyaxiangzhan (XYXZ) under 50 mg Cd kg−1 of soil. The results revealed that foliar spray of SNP (50 or 100 μM) on Cd-stressed rice plants reduced oxidative stress (lower hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), and electrolyte leakage (EL)) and improved the photosynthetic apparatus through higher chlorophyll contents, gas exchange attributes, and intact chloroplast configurations, and reduced Cd concentration in the leaves and grains of aromatic rice cultivars. The reduced levels of cellular ROS, MDA, and EL were related to the endogenous NO-mediated improvement in the activity of anti-oxidative enzymes and those involved during the ascorbate–glutathione cycle. However, among the different SNP levels, the foliar spraying of 50 μM of SNP was recorded to be the best treatment for fragrant rice growth, which increased grain yield by 42.06%, 46.03%, and 31.21%, and the quality trait of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) content by 43.12%, 55.84%, and 35.72% in MXZ, GXZ, and XYXZ respectively, suggesting that GXZ is more responsive to SNP than MXZ and XYXZ fragrant rice cultivars. Collectively, our results deduced that cultivating the GXZ fragrant rice cultivar along with foliar application of 50 μM of SNP could sustain the grain yield and quality features of aromatic rice cultivation in heavy metal (especially Cd)-polluted soils.
Effects of Reducing Chemical Fertilisers Application on Tea Production and Soils Quality: An In Situ Field Experiment in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Hu Zhenmin , Li Huan , Ji Lingfei , Yang Yiyang
Published: August 2024

In order to achieve sustainable development of the tea industry in China, it is necessary to reduce the use of chemical fertiliser rationally. With conventional fertilisation (CF) treatment as the control, five different chemical fertiliser-reduced regimes, including tea-specific formula fertiliser (T1), T1 + acidification amendment (T2), organic substitution based on T1 (T3), urea formaldehyde slow-release fertiliser (T4) and carbon-based organic fertiliser (T5), were conducted and evaluated on a green tea plantation from 2018 to 2021. The results showed that the spring tea yield of T1–T5 increased by 4.65–28.67%, while the free amino acids, tea polyphenols and sensory evaluation scores did not remarkably decrease. In addition, the T1–T5 treatments had a slight effect on soil acidification mitigation (except T2) and maintained the essential nutrients for tea production. Nutrient use efficiency improved, with agronomic efficiency (AE) increasing by 0.01–0.08 kg kg−1, shoot nutrient use efficiency (NUE) by 0.14–0.70% and partial factor productivity (PFP) by 0.05–0.18 kg kg−1. The net economic benefits also improved, with T1 showing a 135.28% increase, followed by T3 (67.53%), T2 (48.65%), T4 (38.07%) and T5 (33.35%). Overall, our results indicated that the T1 treatment could maintain the tea yield and quality while reducing the chemical fertiliser input and maximising the net economic benefit and AE.
Nanopriming-Induced Enhancement of Cucumber Seedling Development: Exploring Biochemical and Physiological Effects of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Pintos Beatriz , de Diego Hugo , Gomez-Garay Arancha
Published: August 2024

Nanopriming, a technique that involves treating seeds with nanoparticles, is gaining attention for enhancing seed germination and seedling growth. This study explored the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), synthesized using Ascorbic acid, Caffeic acid, and Gallic acid, on cucumber seedling development. The nanoparticles, characterized by spherical morphology and distinct optical properties, showed varying effects based on the type and concentration of the reducing agents used. AgNP treatments generally led to higher germination rates and improved shoot and root growth compared to controls. Biochemical analyses revealed that these treatments influenced plant physiology, affecting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, oxidative stress markers, and the content of amino acids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and soluble sugars. Specifically, certain AgNP treatments reduced oxidative stress, while others increased oxidative damage. Additionally, variations in free amino acids and phenolic and flavonoid contents were noted, suggesting complex interactions between nanoparticles and plant biochemical pathways. These findings highlight the potential of nanopriming in agriculture and underscore the need for further research to optimize nanoparticle formulations for different plant species.
Chemical and Biological Investigation on the Potential Ornamental Plant Ophiorrhiza chinensis
Authors: Bu Qing , Ge Zeng-Yue , Liang Lin-Fu
Published: August 2024

An investigation of the potential ornamental plant Ophiorrhiza chinensis H.S. Lo (Rubiaceae) was conducted, which resulted in the discovery of eight structurally diverse compounds, including two triterpenes, two steroids, two anthraquinones, one alkaloid, and one coumarin. These chemical constituents were isolated by repeated column chromatography and identified by analysis of their NMR spectral data. All of these substances were found in this species for the first time, and four of them were first isolated from the genus Ophiorrhiza. The chemotaxonomic importance of these isolates was discussed, indicating four chemotaxonomic markers for O. chinensis. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity of these isolates was evaluated by a colorimetric method. As a result, six phytochemicals demonstrated moderate tyrosinase inhibitory effects with IC50 values ranging from 25.7 μM to 68.1 μM. Moreover, the binding modes between the active compounds and the mushroom tyrosinase were analyzed preliminarily assisted by molecular docking calculations. This study filled up the knowledge gap of the unreported phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of secondary metabolites from the species O. chinensis.
Personality Unleashed: Surveying Correlation of Neuter Status and Social Behaviour in Mixed-Breed Male Dogs across Weight Classes
Authors: Kolkmeyer Carina A. , Zambrano Cardona Ana M. , Gansloßer Udo
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the behavioural differences between neutered and intact dogs. A total of 230 questionnaires of neutered (n = 115) and intact (n = 115) mixed-breed male dogs were collected. Small, medium, large, and giant dogs were analysed to investigate a possible influence of body size. The results showed neuters were significantly more stressed than intacts (multinomial logistic regression, p = 0.001). In terms of stress by influences (such as separation anxiety and anxiety at car rides), neutered small, medium, and large dogs were more stressed than giant dogs (multinomial logistic regression, p = 0.05). Neuters were also found to be more aggressive in general (multinomial logistic regression, p = 0.04) and more aggressive on the walk (multinomial logistic regression, p = 0.02). In addition, personality questionnaires revealed significant differences in all characteristics. Neuters were less emotionally calm (multiple ordinal regression, p = 0.03), less trainable and less sociable (each multiple ordinal regression, p < 0.001). They also scored lower on extraversion (multiple ordinal regression, p = 0.04). These findings highlight the importance of further research into the behavioural effects of neutering dogs, as well as the need for evidence-based guidelines for neutering practices.
Elucidating Decade-Long Trends and Diurnal Patterns in Aerosol Acidity in Shanghai
Authors: Lv Zhixiao , Ye Xingnan , Huang Weijie , Yao Yinghui , Duan Yusen
Published: August 2024

Aerosol acidity is a critical factor affecting atmospheric chemistry. Here, we present a study on annual, monthly, and daily variations in PM2.5 pH in Shanghai during 2010–2020. With the effective control of SO2 emissions, the NO2/SO2 ratio increased from 1.26 in 2010 to 5.07 in 2020 and the NO3−/SO42− ratio increased from 0.68 to 1.49. Aerosol pH decreased from 3.27 in 2010 to 2.93 in 2020, regardless of great achievement in reducing industrial SO2 and NOx emissions. These findings suggest that aerosol acidity might not be significantly reduced in response to the control of SO2 and NOx emissions. The monthly variation in pH values exhibited a V-shape trend, mainly attributable to aerosol compositions and temperature. Atmospheric NH3 plays the decisive role in buffering particle acidity, whereas Ca2+ and K+ are important acidity buffers, and the distinct pH decline during 2010–2016 was associated with the reduction of Ca2+ and K+ while both temperature and SO42− were important drivers in winter. Sensitivity tests show that pH increases with the increasing relative humidity in summer while it is not sensitive to relative humidity in winter due to proportional increases in Hair+ and aerosol liquid water content (ALWC). Our results suggest that reducing NOx emissions in Shanghai will not significantly affect PM2.5 acidity in winter.
Meteorological Modulation of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Height over a Caribbean Island
Authors: Álvarez-Valencia Alejandro , Colón-Perez Juan L. , Jury Mark R. , Jiménez Héctor J.
Published: August 2024

This study analyzes fluctuations in the atmospheric boundary layer height (aBLH) over a Caribbean island using hourly measured and model-interpolated data from the 2019–2023 period. Our focus is the mean structure, diurnal cycle, and aBLH correlation with meteorological parameters on the leeward coast at Mayaguez (18.2 N, 67.1 W). The mean diurnal cycle of the aBLH increases from 300 m near sunrise (07:00) to 1200 m by 13:00 because of turbulent heating. Summer-time thermal circulations lead to a 3 °C increase in near-surface dewpoint temperature (Td) that propagates upward to 3000 m by 16:00. A case study demonstrates how mid-day trade winds turn onshore and generate significant rainfall and river discharge across the island. The context for this study is provided by a 24 yr cluster analysis that identifies rainfall over the island’s northwest interior driven by upstream heating. Analysis of linear trends from 1979 to 2023 shows that Td declined by −0.02 °C/yr above 1500 m because of large-scale subsidence. However, cool interior forests transpire humidity and instill contrasting trends that may amplify climate extremes. A better understanding of entrainment at the top of the atmospheric boundary layer could be critical for managing future water resources in Caribbean islands.
Effects of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse on the Structure of the Planetary Boundary Layer: A Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Pasken Robert , Woodford Richard , Bergmann Jimmy , Hickel Carter , Ideker Margaret , Jackson Riley , Rotter Jack , Schaefer Benjamin
Published: August 2024

A total solar eclipse provides an unparalleled opportunity to study the changes in the atmosphere’s planetary boundary layer (PBL) due to changes in radiative heating. Although previous eclipse studies have demonstrated that significant changes occur, few studies have explored the evolution of these changes. To better understand the changes in the lowest layers of the PBL during an eclipse, a multi-sensor sampling approach was taken. Radiosonde launches were used to explore the depth of the column, while Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) were used to document with high-resolution the brief changes in the vertical structure of the PBL caused by the eclipse. These changes highlighted differences from previous studies that relied solely on radiosonde and/or mesonet data alone. Higher-resolution sampling of the lower PBL showed a delay in the local vertical mixing as well as changes in the PBL height from pre- to post-eclipse. Slow responses were noted at the top of the PBL while very rapid changes to the PBL profile were captured in the near-surface layer. These changes highlighted differences from previous studies that relied solely on radiosonde and/or mesonet data alone. A preliminary analysis of the collected data highlighted a slow response to the eclipse near the top of the planetary boundary layer (radiosonde data) with very rapid changes noted in the near surface layer (UAV data). Preliminary results show that PBL heights remained nearly constant until well after third contact when a 35 hPa lowering of the PBL heights was observed and were limited to the lowest 25 hPa. The UAV soundings demonstrated the development of a strong inversion where the air below 990 hPa rapidly cooled with a nearly 1 °C drop in temperature observed. These observed changes raise interesting questions about how the lower and upper parts of the planetary boundary layer interact.
Comparative Analysis of Two Tornado Processes in Southern Jiangsu
Authors: Li Yang , Cao Shuya , Wang Xiaohua , Wang Lei
Published: August 2024

Jiangsu is a province in China and has the highest frequency of tornado occurrences. Studying the meteorological background and mechanisms of tornado formation is crucial for predicting tornado events and preventing the resulting disasters. This paper analyzed the meteorological background, instability mechanisms, and lifting conditions of the two Enhanced Fujita Scale level 2 (EF2) and above tornadoes that occurred in southern Jiangsu on 14 May 2021 (“5.14”) and 6 July 2020 (“7.06”) using ERA5 reanalysis data. Detailed analyses of the internal structure of tornado storms were conducted using Changzhou and Qingpu radar data. The results showed that (1) both tornadoes occurred in warm and moist areas ahead of upper-level troughs with significant dry air transport following the cold troughs. The continuous strengthening of low-level warm and moist advection was crucial in maintaining potential instability and triggering tornado vortices. The 14 May tornado formed within a low-level shear line and a warm area of a surface trough, while the 6 July tornado occurred at the end of a low-level jet stream, north of the eastern section of a quasi-stationary front. (2) The convective available potential energy (CAPE) and K indices for both tornado processes were very close (391 for “5.14” and 378 for “7.06”), with the lifting condensation level (LCL) near the ground. The “5.14” showed greater instability and more favorable thermodynamic conditions, with deep southwesterly jets at the mid-level shear line producing rotation under strong convergent action (convergence center value exceeding −1 × 10−4s−1). In contrast, the “7.06” was driven by super-low-level jet stream pulsations and wind direction convergence under the influence of the Meiyu Front (convergence center value exceeding −1.5 × 10−4 s−1), resulting in intense lifting and vertical vorticity triggered by a surface convergence line. (3) The “5.14” tornado process involved a supercell storm over a surface dry line experiencing tilting due to strong vertical wind shear, which led to the formation of smaller cyclonic vortices near a hook echo that developed into a tornado. The “7.06” developed on a bow echo structure within a mesoscale convective system formed over the Meiyu Front, where dry air subsidence, entrainment, and convergence of the southeast jet stream triggered a “miniature” supercell. The relevant research results provide a reference for the prediction and early warning of tornadoes.
A Novel Hybrid Method for Multi-Step Short-Term 70 m Wind Speed Prediction Based on Modal Reconstruction and STL-VMD-BiLSTM
Authors: Da Xuanfang , Ye Dong , Shen Yanbo , Cheng Peng , Yao Jinfeng , Wang Dan
Published: August 2024

In the context of achieving the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, the development of clean resources has become an essential strategic support for the low-carbon energy transition. This paper presents a method for the modal decomposition and reconstruction of time series to enhance the prediction accuracy and performance regarding the 70 m wind speed. The experimental results indicate that the STL-VMD-BiLSTM hybrid algorithm proposed in this paper outperforms the STL-BiLSTM and VMD-BiLSTM models in forecasting accuracy, particularly in extracting nonlinearity characteristics and effectively capturing wind speed extremes. Compared with other machine learning algorithms, including the STL-VMD-LGBM, STL-VMD-SVR and STL-VMD-RF models, the STL-VMD-BiLSTM model demonstrates superior performance. The average evaluation criteria, including the RMSE, MAE and R2, for the proposed model, from t + 15 to t + 120 show improvements to 0.582–0.753 m/s, 0.437–0.573 m/s and 0.915–0.951, respectively.