bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MassARRAY and SABER Analyses of SNPs in Embryo DNA Reveal the Abscission of Self-Fertilised Progeny during Fruit Development of Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia Maiden & Betche)
Authors: De Silva Anushika L. , Kämper Wiebke , Ogbourne Steven M. , Nichols Joel , Royle Jack W. L. , Peters Trent , Hawkes David , Hosseini Bai Shahla , Wallace Helen M. , Trueman Stephen J.
Published: June 2024

Yield in many crops is affected by abscission during the early stages of fruitlet development. The reasons for fruitlet abscission are often unclear but they may include genetic factors because, in some crops, self-pollinated fruitlets are more likely to abscise than cross-pollinated fruitlets. Pollen parentage can also affect final fruit size and fruit quality. Here, we aimed to understand the effects of pollen parentage on fruitlet retention and nut quality in orchards of macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia Maiden & Betche). We identified the pollen parent of macadamia ‘cultivar ‘816’ embryos by analysing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in their DNA using customised MassARRAY and Single Allele Base Extension Reaction (SABER) methods. This allowed us to determine the proportions of self-fertilised and cross-fertilised progeny during premature fruit drop at 6 weeks and 10 weeks after peak anthesis, as well as at nut maturity. We determined how pollen parentage affected nut-in-shell (NIS) mass, kernel mass, kernel recovery, and oil concentration. Macadamia trees retained cross-fertilised fruitlets rather than self-fertilised fruitlets. The percentage of progeny that were cross-fertilised increased from 6% at 6 weeks after peak anthesis to 97% at nut maturity, with each tree producing on average 22 self-fertilised nuts and 881 cross-fertilised nuts. Three of the four cross-pollen parents provided fruit with significantly higher NIS mass, kernel mass, or kernel recovery than the few remaining self-fertilised fruit. Fruit that were cross-fertilised by ‘842’, ‘A4’, or ‘A203’ had 16–29% higher NIS mass and 24–44% higher kernel mass than self-fertilised fruit. Nuts that were cross-fertilised by ‘A4’ or ‘A203’ also had 5% or 6% higher kernel recovery, worth approximately $US460–540 more per ton for growers than self-fertilised nuts. The highly selective abscission of self-fertilised fruitlets and the lower nut quality of self-fertilised fruit highlight the critical importance of cross-pollination for macadamia productivity.
A Novel Boron Dipyrromethene-Erlotinib Conjugate for Precise Photodynamic Therapy against Liver Cancer
Authors: Wu Wenqiang , Luo Chengmiao , Zhu Chunhui , Cai Zhengyan , Liu Jianyong
Published: June 2024

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is recognized for its exceptional effectiveness as a promising cancer treatment method. However, it is noted that overexposure to the dosage and sunlight in traditional PDT can result in damage to healthy tissues, due to the low tumor selectivity of currently available photosensitizers (PSs). To address this challenge, we introduce herein a new strategy where the small molecule-targeted agent, erlotinib, is integrated into a boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY)-based PS to form conjugate 6 to enhance the precision of PDT. This conjugate demonstrates optical absorption, fluorescence emission, and singlet oxygen generation efficiency comparable to the reference compound 7, which lacks erlotinib. In vitro studies reveal that, after internalization, conjugate 6 predominantly accumulates in the lysosomes of HepG2 cells, exhibiting significant photocytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 3.01 µM. A distinct preference for HepG2 cells over HELF cells is observed with conjugate 6 but not with compound 7. In vivo experiments further confirm that conjugate 6 has a specific affinity for tumor tissues, and the combination treatment of conjugate 6 with laser illumination can effectively eradicate H22 tumors in mice with outstanding biosafety. This study presents a novel and potential PS for achieving precise PDT against cancer.
Advances in Migratory Plant Endoparasitic Nematode Effectors
Authors: Lu Yang , Yang Sihua , Chen Wenhao , Xie Hui , Xu Chunling
Published: June 2024

Unlike sedentary plant-parasitic nematodes, migratory plant endoparasitic nematodes (MPENs) are unable to establish permanent feeding sites, and all developmental stages (except eggs) can invade and feed on plant tissues and can be easily overlooked because of the unspecific symptoms. They cause numerous economic losses in agriculture, forestry, and horticulture. In order to understand the pathogenetic mechanism of MPENs, here we describe research on functions and host targets focused on currently identified effectors from six MPENs, namely Radopholus similis, Pratylenchus spp., Ditylenchus destructor, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, Aphelenchoides besseyi, and Hirschmanniella oryzae. This information will provide valuable insights into understanding MPEN effectors and for future fostering advancements in plant protection.
Comparative Analysis of mRNA, microRNA of Transcriptome, and Proteomics on CIK Cells Responses to GCRV and Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Li Xike , Lin Yue , Li Wenjuan , Cheng Yuejuan , Zhang Junling , Qiu Junqiang , Fu Yuanshuai
Published: June 2024

Grass Carp Reovirus (GCRV) and Aeromonas hydrophila (Ah) are the causative agents of haemorrhagic disease in grass carp. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms and immune responses at the miRNA, mRNA, and protein levels in grass carp kidney cells (CIK) infected by Grass Carp Reovirus (GCRV, NV) and Aeromonas hydrophilus (Bacteria, NB) to gain insight into their pathogenesis. Within 48 h of infection with Grass Carp Reovirus (GCRV), 99 differentially expressed microRNA (DEMs), 2132 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and 627 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified by sequencing; a total of 92 DEMs, 3162 DEGs, and 712 DEPs were identified within 48 h of infection with Aeromonas hydrophila. It is worth noting that most of the DEGs in the NV group were primarily involved in cellular processes, while most of the DEGs in the NB group were associated with metabolic pathways based on KEGG enrichment analysis. This study revealed that the mechanism of a grass carp haemorrhage caused by GCRV infection differs from that caused by the Aeromonas hydrophila infection. An important miRNA–mRNA–protein regulatory network was established based on comprehensive transcriptome and proteome analysis. Furthermore, 14 DEGs and 6 DEMs were randomly selected for the verification of RNA/small RNA-seq data by RT-qPCR. Our study not only contributes to the understanding of the pathogenesis of grass carp CIK cells infected with GCRV and Aeromonas hydrophila, but also serves as a significant reference value for other aquatic animal haemorrhagic diseases.
Ultrasound in Microsurgery: Current Applications and New Frontiers
Authors: Cowan Rachel , Mann Gursimran , Salibian Ara A.
Published: June 2024

Ultrasound has revolutionized reconstructive microsurgery, offering real-time imaging and enhanced precision allowing for preoperative flap planning, recipient vessel identification and selection, postoperative flap monitoring, and lymphatic surgery. This narrative review of the literature provides an updated evidence-based overlook on the current applications and emerging frontiers of ultrasound in microsurgery, focusing on free tissue transfer and lymphatic surgery. Color duplex ultrasound (CDU) plays a pivotal role in preoperative flap planning and design, providing real-time imaging that enables detailed perforator mapping, perforator suitability assessment, blood flow velocity measurement, and, ultimately, flap design optimization. Ultrasound also aids in recipient vessel selection by providing assessment of caliber, patency, location, and flow velocity of recipient vessels. Postoperatively, ultrasound enables real-time monitoring of flap perfusion, providing early detection of potential flap compromise and improved flap survival rates. In lymphatic surgery, ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) offers precise mapping and evaluation of lymphatic vessels, improving efficacy and efficiency by targeting larger dilated vessels. Integrating ultrasound into reconstructive microsurgery represents a significant advancement in the utilization of imaging in the field. With growing accessibility of devices, improved training, and technological advancements, using ultrasound as a key imaging tool offers substantial potential for the evolution of reconstructive microsurgery.
The Evaluation of Changing the Eponym Churg–Strauss Syndrome Due to the 2012 Revised International Chapel Hill Consensus Conference Nomenclature of Vasculitides
Authors: Sargin Gokhan
Published: June 2024

Background: Eponyms do not describe any pathogenesis of a disease. So, there is no other way than to memorize the disease or anatomical area. Over the years, new nomenclatures have been suggested for some diseases due to a better understanding of the pathogenesis. In this article, the changes in the use of Churg–Strauss syndrome were investigated. Methods: In the study, a computerized search was performed using the PubMed database. Books and documents, clinical trials, editorials, meta-analyses, reviews, and case reports were included in the study. Data were obtained from the title of the database, and the variations or distribution by year for the nomenclature of the most related studies were evaluated. Results: Overall, 68.3% of the articles included CSS, 25.7% included eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis (EGPA), and 6.0% included both nomenclatures. When evaluated in terms of the distribution according to years, it was determined that there was a statistically significant increase in use in terms of EGPA. When evaluated among specific section journals, the highest rate was in Rheumatology (29.4%). The highest rate of using CSS was in the Rheumatology (25.1%) journals, followed by Pulmonary/Respiratory (17%), Cardiovascular (12%), and Allergy/Immunology/Biology (9.8%). The use of EGPA combined with CSS decreased in all the specific journals from 2012 to the present. Conclusions: The findings of the study revealed that the number of articles with the eponym of EGPA showed an increased frequency in contrast to a decreasing frequency for those with CSS during recent years. Today, with the elaboration of the disease pathogenesis and the increase in knowledge, the trend has shifted in this direction.
Design and Validation of a Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Cable-Stayed Pedestrian Bridge: Human-Induced Actions vs. Comfort Levels
Authors: Drygala Izabela Joanna , Nisticò Nicola
Published: June 2024

The investigation into advanced structural materials, such as composite materials, has revealed numerous possibilities within the field of bridge engineering. Glass-fiber-reinforced polymers (GFRPs) are notable among these materials, particularly in footbridge construction, encompassing both arch and cable-stayed designs. While GFRPs boast advantages, such as their high strength-to-weight ratio, they may exhibit some deficiencies, particularly when subjected to dynamic loads induced by wind or pedestrian forces. Two noteworthy global examples are the Lleida arch bridge (Spain, 2001) and the Aberfeldy cable-stayed bridge (Scotland, 1992). These structures have recently undergone comprehensive studies by the authors to assess their behavior when subjected to specific conditions regarding pedestrian traffic and vibrations induced by under-passing trains, as far as Lleida is concerned. The methodologies employed in these studies are detailed herein, incorporating the relevant scientific literature and technical regulations that provide guidance on fundamental principles for bridge design, pedestrian modelling, and acceleration thresholds aimed at minimizing discomfort. While the framework of principles is clear, the regulations are extensive, requiring designers to have a comprehensive understanding of the diverse outcomes achievable through various approaches. Therefore, the provided state-of-the-art overview serves as a roadmap for assessing the performance of an innovative cable-stayed bridge recently proposed by one of the authors. Initially designed with six spans, this prototype has been reconfigured here as a three-span train station overpass. The analyses conducted allowed for the assessment of induced accelerations. According to current accredited standards, the resulting comfort classification is considered minimal, even if, for crowded conditions, more specific studies are required.
Cellulamides: A New Family of Marine-Sourced Linear Peptides from the Underexplored Cellulosimicrobium Genus
Authors: Girão Mariana , Murillo-Alba José , Martín Jesús , Pérez-Victoria Ignacio , Leite Ricardo B. , Urbatzka Ralph , Leão Pedro N. , Carvalho Maria F. , Reyes Fernando
Published: June 2024

Bioprospecting the secondary metabolism of underexplored Actinomycetota taxa is a prolific route to uncover novel chemistry. In this work, we report the isolation, structure elucidation, and bioactivity screening of cellulamides A and B (1 and 2), two novel linear peptides obtained from the culture of the macroalga-associated Cellulosimicrobium funkei CT-R177. The host of this microorganism, the Chlorophyta Codium tomentosum, was collected in the northern Portuguese coast and, in the scope of a bioprospecting study focused on its associated actinobacterial community, strain CT-R177 was isolated, taxonomically identified, and screened for the production of antimicrobial and anticancer compounds. Dereplication of a crude extract of this strain using LC-HRMS(/MS) analysis unveiled a putative novel natural product, cellulamide A (1), that was isolated following mass spectrometry-guided fractionation. An additional analog, cellulamide B (2) was obtained during the chromatographic process and chemically characterized. The chemical structures of the novel linear peptides, including their absolute configurations, were elucidated using a combination of HRMS, 1D/2D NMR spectroscopy, and Marfey’s analysis. Cellulamide A (1) was subjected to a set of bioactivity screenings, but no significant biological activity was observed. The cellulamides represent the first family of natural products reported from the Actinomycetota genus Cellulosimicrobium, showcasing not only the potential of less-explored taxa but also of host-associated marine strains for novel chemistry discovery.
Secondary Metabolites with Agricultural Antagonistic Potential from Aspergillus sp. ITBBc1, a Coral-Associated Marine Fungus
Authors: Abulaizi Ailiman , Wang Rong , Xiong Zijun , Zhang Shiqing , Li Yuanchao , Ge Huiming , Guo Zhikai
Published: June 2024

A marine-derived fungal strain, Aspergillus sp. ITBBc1, was isolated from coral collected from the South China Sea in Hainan province. Intensive chemical investigation of the fermentation extract of this strain afforded four new secondary metabolites (1–4), named megastigmanones A–C and prenylterphenyllin H, along with four known compounds (5–8). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis including one-and two-dimensional (1D and 2D) NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS). The modified Mosher’s method was undertaken to determine the absolute configurations of new compounds. The phytotoxic activity test showed that compounds 6–8 exhibited significant antagonistic activity against the germination of Triticum aestivum L. and Oryza sativa L. seeds with a dose-dependent relationship.
Effect of Al Content on the Microstructure and Properties of Zn-Al Solder Alloys
Authors: Zhai Yunlong , Wang Tianguo , Liu Mingyang , Zhou Nan , Li Xintao
Published: June 2024

Zn-Al alloy with the addition of Al (5–25 wt.%) was fabricated into as–cast and rod–shaped alloys. SEM/EDS and XRD technology were used to examine the impacts of the Al–element content on the alloys’ microstructure, mechanical characteristics, electrical conductivity, wetting ability, and corrosion resistance. The findings demonstrate how the Zn-Al alloy’s microstructure is dramatically altered by the different additions of the Al content. When the Al content reaches 15 wt.%, the eutectoid structures of the as–cast Zn-Al alloy are the finest, and the microhardness and tensile strength of the extruded–state alloy reach their maximum and exhibit the best corrosion resistance. The spreading area of the Zn-15Al solder alloy achieves its maximum on the 6061 Al plate, while it reaches its minimum on the T2 Cu plate. Furthermore, the electrical resistivity of the Zn-Al alloy continuously decreases as the Al content increases.
A Cross-Sectional Validation Study of Camry EH101 versus JAMAR Plus Handheld Dynamometers in Colorectal Cancer Patients and Their Correlations with Bioelectrical Impedance and Nutritional Status
Authors: Jiménez-Sánchez Andrés , Pereira-Cunill José Luis , Limón-Mirón María Luisa , López-Ladrón Amelia , Salvador-Bofill Francisco Javier , García-Luna Pedro Pablo
Published: June 2024

Background: Reduced muscle strength (dynapenia) and mass (atrophy) are prognostic factors in oncology. Measuring maximal handgrip strength with dynamometers is feasible but limited by the cost of the reference device (JAMAR). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on colorectal cancer outpatients treated with chemotherapy or under active surveillance in our center from September 2022 to July 2023. Accuracy, reliability, and concordance were compared for two handheld dynamometers: the JAMAR Plus (the gold-standard device) and the Camry EH101 (a low-cost index device). A simultaneous nutritional diagnosis with GLIM criteria and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was carried out. Results: A total of 134 participants were included. The median of maximal strength for the JAMAR Plus had a non-significant difference of 1.4 kg from the Camry EH101. The accuracy and reliability of the devices were high. Bland–Altman analysis showed a 0.8 kg bias and −4.1 to 5.6 kg limits of agreement (LoA); a 0.1 kg bias and −5.3 to 5.4 kg LoA in men; a 1.5 kg bias and −2.2 to 5.3 kg LoA in women. In total, 29.85% of the participants were malnourished. Prevalence of dynapenia increased from 3.67% with the JAMAR Plus to 5.14% with the Camry EH101. Both devices had a moderate and significant correlation with BIA-estimated muscle mass. Conclusions: The Camry EH101 was a cost-effective alternative to JAMAR Plus in our sample.
Maternal Oxidative Balance Score during Pregnancy and Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Yang Jiaomei , Du Qiancheng , Xiao Ziqi , Guo Rui , Chang Qianqian , Li Yue-Hua
Published: June 2024

The relationship between maternal oxidative balance score (OBS) in pregnancy, representing overall oxidative balance status by integrating dietary and lifestyle factors, and congenital heart defects (CHD) remains unclear; therefore, this study attempted to explore their associations among the Chinese population. We conducted a case-control study including 474 cases and 948 controls in Northwest China. Pregnant women were interviewed to report diets and lifestyles in pregnancy by structured questionnaires. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the adjusted ORs (95%CIs). Maternal OBS ranged from 6 to 34 among cases, and 5 to 37 among controls. Comparing the highest with the lowest tertile group, the adjusted OR for CHD was 0.31 (0.19–0.50). The CHD risk was reduced by 7% (OR = 0.93, 95%CI = 0.90–0.95) in association with per 1 higher score of OBS during pregnancy. The inverse relationship between maternal OBS and CHD risk appeared to be more pronounced among participants in urban areas (OR = 0.89, 95%CI = 0.86–0.93). Maternal OBS during pregnancy showed good predictive values for fetal CHD, with the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.78 (0.76–0.81). These findings highlighted the importance of reducing oxidative stress through antioxidant-rich diets and healthy lifestyles among pregnant women to prevent fetal CHD.
Does Vitamin D3 Supplementation Improve Depression Scores among Rural Adolescents? A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Satyanarayana Pradeep Tarikere , Suryanarayana Ravishankar , Yesupatham Susanna Theophilus , Varadapuram Ramalingareddy Sudha Reddy , Gopalli Navya Aswathareddy
Published: June 2024

Background: Contemporary evidence has been established demonstrating that stunted vitamin D levels are associated with depression, poor mood, and other mental disorders. Individuals with normal vitamin D levels have a much lower probability of developing depression. Improving vitamin D levels by supplementation has shown betterment in depressive patients among different age groups. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on depression scores among rural adolescents. Material and methods: This study was a cluster randomized controlled trial carried out for a period of 3 years among adolescents from rural Kolar. The sample size was calculated based on previous research and was determined to be 150 for each group. The intervention arm received 2250 IU of vitamin D, and the control arm received a lower dose of 250 IU of vitamin D for 9 weeks. To assess sociodemographic status, a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire was used, and, to assess depression, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was used. A baseline assessment was carried out for vitamin D status and depression status, followed by a post-intervention assessment. From the start of the trial, the participants were contacted every week by the pediatric team to investigate any side effects. Results: Out of 235 school students in the vitamin D supplementation arm, 129 (54.9%) belonged to the 15 years age group, 124 (52.8%) were boys, and 187 (79.6%) belonged to a nuclear family. Out of 216 school students in the calcium supplementation arm, 143 (66.2%) belonged to the 15 years age group, 116 (53.7%) were girls, and 136 (63%) belonged to a nuclear family. By comparing Beck depression scores before and after the intervention, it was found that the vitamin D intervention arm showed a statistically significant reduction in Beck depression scores. Conclusions: The present study showed that vitamin D supplementation reduced depression scores, showing some evidence that nutritional interventions for mental health issues such as depression are an excellent option. Vitamin D supplementation in schools can have numerous beneficiary effects on health while mutually benefiting mental health.
Small Fish Big Impact: Improving Nutrition during Pregnancy and Lactation, and Empowerment for Marginalized Women
Authors: Saha Manika , Ng Heidi , Odjidja Emmanuel Nene , Saha Mallika , Olivier Patrick , McCaffrey Tracy A. , Thilsted Shakuntala Haraksingh
Published: June 2024

Undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies such as anemia are considered significant public health challenges in Bangladesh, which enhancing fish consumption is a well-established food-based intervention to address these. This paper documents the establishment of community-based fish chutney production and reports the impact of its consumption on mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels among targeted 150 pregnant and lactating women (PLW) in rural Bangladesh. A fish chutney was developed using locally available ingredients followed by a series of laboratory tests, including nutrient composition, shelf-life and food safety. A community-based fish chutney production process was designed to: (1) supply locally available ingredients for processing; (2) establish two fish drying sites; (3) initiate a community-based production site; and (4) distribute fish chutney to PLW for one year by six women nutrition field facilitators. Then a pre- and post-intervention study was designed for a selected 150 PLW to receive 30 g of fish chutney daily for 12 months. Differences in mean MUAC and Hb levels pre- and post-consumption were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. Consumption of 30 g of fish-chutney resulted in significant increases of the mean values of Hb levels and MUAC among the targeted PLW.
Measuring Urban and Landscape Change Due to Sea Level Rise: Case Studies in Southeastern USA
Authors: Zhao Jiyue , Rivero Rosanna G. , Madden Marguerite
Published: June 2024

As a consequence of global climate change, sea level rise (SLR) presents notable risks to both urban and natural areas located near coastlines. For developing effective strategies to mitigate and adapt to these risks, it is essential to evaluate the potential impacts of SLR in coastal areas. While substantial research has been conducted on mapping the broad-scale impacts of SLR based on scenarios of Global Mean Sea Level (GMSL), consideration of regional scenarios, systematic classification, and distinct stages of SLR have been largely overlooked. This gap is significant because SLR impacts vary by region and by the level of SLR, so adaptations, planning, and decision-making must be adapted to local conditions. This paper aims to precisely identify the landscape and urban morphology changes caused by the impact of SLR for each foot of elevation increase based on remote sensing technologies, focusing on St. Johns County, Florida, and Chatham County, Georgia. These two counties are both situated along the southeastern coastline of the United States but with completely different urban forms due to distinct historical and cultural developments. Regional forecasting SLR scenarios covering the period from 2020 to 2100 were utilized to assess the landscape transformation and urban changes, incorporating selected landscape and urban metrics to calculate quantitative data for facilitating comparative analyses. This study investigated gradual alterations in urban morphology and green infrastructure both individually and in combination with the effect on wetlands due to SLR. The mapping outcomes of this research were generated by employing comprehensive remote sensing data. The findings of this research indicated that, when the sea level rose to 3 feet, the wetlands would experience notable alterations, and the level of fragmentation in urban built areas would progressively increase, causing most of the metric data to exhibit a pronounced decline or increase.
Advanced Image Stitching Method for Dual-Sensor Inspection
Authors: Shahsavarani Sara , Lopez Fernando , Ibarra-Castanedo Clemente , Maldague Xavier P. V.
Published: June 2024

Efficient image stitching plays a vital role in the Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) of infrastructures. An essential challenge in the NDE of infrastructures is precisely visualizing defects within large structures. The existing literature predominantly relies on high-resolution close-distance images to detect surface or subsurface defects. While the automatic detection of all defect types represents a significant advancement, understanding the location and continuity of defects is imperative. It is worth noting that some defects may be too small to capture from a considerable distance. Consequently, multiple image sequences are captured and processed using image stitching techniques. Additionally, visible and infrared data fusion strategies prove essential for acquiring comprehensive information to detect defects across vast structures. Hence, there is a need for an effective image stitching method appropriate for infrared and visible images of structures and industrial assets, facilitating enhanced visualization and automated inspection for structural maintenance. This paper proposes an advanced image stitching method appropriate for dual-sensor inspections. The proposed image stitching technique employs self-supervised feature detection to enhance the quality and quantity of feature detection. Subsequently, a graph neural network is employed for robust feature matching. Ultimately, the proposed method results in image stitching that effectively eliminates perspective distortion in both infrared and visible images, a prerequisite for subsequent multi-modal fusion strategies. Our results substantially enhance the visualization capabilities for infrastructure inspection. Comparative analysis with popular state-of-the-art methods confirms the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Atrial Fibrillation Recognition Method for Motion Artifact-Contaminated Electrocardiogram Signals Preprocessed by Adaptive Filtering Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Huanqian , Zhao Hantao , Guo Zhang
Published: June 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia, and out-of-hospital, wearable, long-term electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring can help with the early detection of AF. The presence of a motion artifact (MA) in ECG can significantly affect the characteristics of the ECG signal and hinder early detection of AF. Studies have shown that (a) using reference signals with a strong correlation with MAs in adaptive filtering (ADF) can eliminate MAs from the ECG, and (b) artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can recognize AF when there is no presence of MAs. However, no literature has been reported on whether ADF can improve the accuracy of AI for recognizing AF in the presence of MAs. Therefore, this paper investigates the accuracy of AI recognition for AF when ECGs are artificially introduced with MAs and processed by ADF. In this study, 13 types of MA signals with different signal-to-noise ratios ranging from +8 dB to −16 dB were artificially added to the AF ECG dataset. Firstly, the accuracy of AF recognition using AI was obtained for a signal with MAs. Secondly, after removing the MAs by ADF, the signal was further identified using AI to obtain the accuracy of the AF recognition. We found that after undergoing ADF, the accuracy of AI recognition for AF improved under all MA intensities, with a maximum improvement of 60%.
Artificial Intelligence in Smart Cities—Applications, Barriers, and Future Directions: A Review
Authors: Wolniak Radosław , Stecuła Kinga
Published: June 2024

As urbanization continues to pose new challenges for cities around the world, the concept of smart cities is a promising solution, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a central role in this transformation. This paper presents a literature review of AI solutions applied in smart cities, focusing on its six main areas: smart mobility, smart environment, smart governance, smart living, smart economy, and smart people. The analysis covers publications from 2021 to 2024 available on Scopus. This paper examines the application of AI in each area and identifies barriers, advances, and future directions. The authors set the following goals of the analysis: (1) to identify solutions and applications using artificial intelligence in smart cities; (2) to identify the barriers to implementation of artificial intelligence in smart cities; and (3) to explore directions of the usage of artificial intelligence in smart cities.
Evaluation of Water Quality from the Zimny Sztok Spring (Southern Poland)—Preliminary Results
Authors: Ruman Marek , Dąbrowska Dominika
Published: June 2024

Enabling citizens to have access to good-quality water is an important challenge in the 21st century. Water quality in springs located in urban areas may deteriorate as a result of natural and anthropogenic factors. The quality of water in springs is influenced not only by rock weathering, evapotranspiration and climate change but also by the lack of sustainable resource use. Anthropogenic activities, including industrial and domestic and agricultural activities, may not only lead to an increase in pollutants such as nitrates, chlorides and heavy metals but also to the development of dangerous bacteria. Research on water quality was conducted in two series of measurements at the Zimny Sztok spring (southern Poland), located in an urban space. The results of the analyses indicate that the waters of this spring, despite anthropogenic pressure, exceeded the permissible values for drinking water only in terms of the total number of microorganisms. Unfortunately, this was not confirmed by Water Quality Index (WQI) values. These were approximately equal to 99 in the first measurement series and about 41 in the second series. Maintaining appropriate water quality is one of the goals of rational water management, and the constant control of selected parameters in the water falls within the scope of the concept of smart city/smart water. The example of this spring shows that the water was used by residents without information about its current physicochemical parameters and bacteriological composition. This problem can be solved in the future by implementing a monitoring system for this point. The aim of this work was to examine the quality of water in the spring, use the WQI to determine the potential risks and present the general problem of people consuming water from urban sources without knowing about their parameters.
Hybrid Waste-to-Energy Solutions within a Circular Economy Framework Directed towards Sustainable Urban Waste Management in Ghana
Authors: Armoo Ekua Afrakoma , Narra Satyanarayana , Mohammed Mutala , Boahemaa Belinda , Beguedou Essossinam , Kemausuor Francis , Agyenim Francis Boateng
Published: June 2024

Cities in developing countries continue to struggle with mounting waste management challenges. Within a circular economy framework, energy recovery is mostly nonexistent. Against that background, this study aimed to design and assess the viability of a hybrid waste-to-energy facility for the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) in Ghana by 2030. The proposed plant integrates solar PV, anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis to treat unsegregated municipal solid waste. Three cases were developed for different product combinations. Material flow analysis was performed with STAN software 2.7.101. The results indicate that 1.6 million tons of MSW will be generated, to be potentially converted to 271 GWh of electricity, 6400 tons of hydrogen or 4400 tons of bio-compressed natural gas per year, along with additional products: compost, refuse-derived fuel and bio-oil. The economic indicators show that all cases are potentially viable in terms of the net present value (EUR 397 to 1030 million), internal rate of return (14–22%) and levelized cost of energy (0.11–0.18 EUR/kWh). As such, this study proves that waste to energy is a viable waste management solution for large metropolitan areas, with the potential to supply energy, alternative fuels and material products within a circular economy, though it requires the buy-in of policy makers.
An Assessment Methodology for International Hydrogen Competitiveness: Seven Case Studies Compared
Authors: Yin Yue , Wang Jing , Li Lei
Published: June 2024

Currently, the global energy structure is undergoing a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, with the hydrogen economy playing a pivotal role. Hydrogen is not only an important energy carrier needed to achieve the global goal of energy conservation and emission reduction, it represents a key object of the future international energy trade. As hydrogen trade expands, nations are increasingly allocating resources to enhance the international competitiveness of their respective hydrogen industries. This paper introduces an index that can be used to evaluate international hydrogen competitiveness and elucidate the most competitive countries in the hydrogen trade. To calculate the competitiveness scores of seven major prospective hydrogen market participants, we employed the entropy weight method. This method considers five essential factors: potential resources, economic and financial base, infrastructure, government support and institutional environment, and technological feasibility. The results indicate that the USA and Australia exhibit the highest composite indices. These findings can serve as a guide for countries in formulating suitable policies and strategies to bolster the development and international competitiveness of their respective hydrogen industries.
Research on Integration of the Sustainable Development Goals and Teaching Practices in a Future Teacher Science Education Course
Authors: Guo Chen , Huang Ying , Chen Xiangdong
Published: June 2024

This study aims to investigate the levels of pedagogical competencies and ESD competencies in a group of future primary school teachers when integrating teaching practices and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into a science education course. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used. Eighty-eight of the student teachers demonstrated pedagogical and ESD competencies, as evidenced by the self-rated scores and course instructor-rated scores of their teaching practices which were collected and analyzed. In addition, the lesson plans designed by the student teachers were coded and scrutinized to identify their ESD-specific competencies related to designing primary science instruction. Furthermore, the student teachers responded to the questionnaires about their views and attitudes towards the integration of the SDGs and teaching practices. The findings reveal a difference between the participants’ self-rated scores and the instructor-rated scores for pedagogical competencies during the teaching practices, whereas the scores for general ESD competencies were closely aligned. Content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, and motivation and value related to sustainable development and science education were well represented in the lesson plans, and the student teachers generally held a positive attitude towards the integration of the SDGs and teaching practices. This study offers practical insights into the effective integration of pertinent topics and knowledge regarding sustainable development into teacher education and science education curricula.
Research on the Capability to Prevent Returning to Poverty and Its Enhancement Path for the Ecologically Fragile Areas: A Case Study of Enshi Prefecture
Authors: Ma Linmao , Ding Tonggen , Zhang Jinsong
Published: June 2024

According to the strategic plan for rural revitalization and the consolidation of poverty alleviation achievements, this research has developed an evaluation indicator system encompassing three dimensions: environment, social support, and economic resilience, viewed through a sustainable development lens. This system is designed to gauge the capacity to forestall a relapse into poverty in ecologically fragile regions and can also serve as a foundation for the government to establish a comprehensive early-warning and monitoring system. An integrated approach, combining the TOPSIS and entropy methods, was employed to assess the capability to prevent a recurrence of poverty based on data from Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture spanning 2016 to 2022. Subsequently, the obstacle degree model was utilized to pinpoint critical barriers to enhancing its capability to mitigate the risk of reverting to poverty. The findings clearly indicated that, compared to other regions, Enshi City and Lichuan City maintained the most robust comprehensive capabilities to avert poverty recurrence between 2016 and 2022. Furthermore, the evaluation of capabilities across various dimensions revealed that, with the exception of Enshi City, other counties and cities demonstrated lower capacities in the environmental, social support, and economic resilience dimensions. Moreover, in 2020, the capabilities of all counties and cities deteriorated, and the capabilities under the dimensions of social support and economic resilience had not returned to their former levels by 2022, suggesting that the social and economic systems are susceptible to emergency public crises. A spatiotemporal analysis of the factors impeding the enhancement of capabilities in the counties and cities of Enshi Prefecture showed that the inhibiting factors varied by region, with the most prevalent obstacles stemming from economic resilience. In terms of environmental dimensions, the total regional water supply played a pivotal role in Enshi Prefecture. There was a pronounced regional disparity in the development of capabilities to prevent the recurrence of poverty, and the evolution of systems, such as the environment, social support, and economic resilience, was markedly uncoordinated. Finally, strategic recommendations and measures were formulated to bolster the capabilities to avert returning to poverty in ecologically fragile areas across these three dimensions.
Evaluation of an Asphalt Mixture Containing a High Content of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Materials with Epoxy Asphalt
Authors: Elnihum Ahmed , Lu Qing , Alharthai Mohammad , Alamri Mohammed , Chen Can , Elmagarhe Asad
Published: June 2024

The average content of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) materials in asphalt mixtures for new pavements is around 22% in the current paving practices in the United States. Increasing this content has significant economic and environmental benefits. This study explored the approach of producing asphalt mixtures with 100% RAP materials by adding a small percentage of epoxy asphalt. Specimens of 100% RAP mixtures with low contents of epoxy asphalt were fabricated and evaluated in the laboratory for their properties related to pavement performance, including Marshall stability and flow, indirect tensile strength, resistance to moisture damage, resistance to fatigue damage, and fracture resistance. The results showed that the specimens made of 100% RAP materials selected in this study without a new binder or rejuvenator had low workability and high Marshall stability and indirect tensile strength but poor resistance to moisture damage and fatigue damage. A low percentage (0.5 to 2%) of epoxy asphalt significantly improved the resistance to moisture and fatigue damage of the 100% RAP mixture, and this improvement increased with the epoxy asphalt content. The fracture resistance of the 100% RAP mixture was also significantly improved by a low dosage of epoxy asphalt at a low temperature (8 °C), but the improvement was less significant at a moderate temperature of 25 °C.
How Does Foreign Direct Investment Impact the Sustainable Development? Empirical Evidence from China’s Coastal Areas
Authors: Zhong Yu , Li Jian , Luan Shuochen , Wang Yixuan
Published: June 2024

As one of the important driving forces of sustainable development in coastal areas, foreign direct investment (FDI) has provided new ideas for exploring optimal strategies. This analysis explores the linear impact of FDI on sustainable development in coastal areas with 53 cities in China from 2012 to 2020. Accordingly, a dynamic panel smoothed transition regression (PSTR) model is used to analyze the non-linear impact of FDI on sustainable development, with transition mechanisms of industrial structure and technological innovation level. The findings reveal that the non-linear effect of FDI on the sustainable development of coastal areas is obvious. When the coastal area’s industrial structure is more optimized, and the level of technological innovation is higher, the promotion effect of FDI on sustainable development is more obvious. Further, the threshold effect of industrial structure and technological innovation is different. The threshold conversion rate of industrial structure is faster, but the threshold effect of technological innovation is stronger. Regionally, the impact of FDI on the sustainable development of coastal adjacent areas is significant, but not on the sustainable development of inland areas due to the few FDI inflows. This analysis offers guidance for policymakers to further develop the tertiary industry, increase financial investment in innovation in coastal areas and encourage enterprises to improve their independent innovation capacity.
State-Feedback and Nonsmooth Controller Design for Truck Platoon Subject to Uncertainties and Disturbances
Authors: Feng Jianbo , Gao Zepeng , Guo Bingying
Published: June 2024

Intelligent truck platoons can benefit road transportation due to the short gap and better fuel economy, but they are also subject to dynamic uncertainties and external disturbances. Therefore, this paper develops a novel robust control algorithm for connected truck platoons. By introducing a linearized expression method of platoon error dynamics based on state measurement, the state feedback mechanism combined with a nonsmooth controller for a truck platoon is proposed in the development of the distributed control method. The state-feedback controller can drive the nominal platoon system to the state of second-order consensus, and the nonsmooth controller counterparts the uncertainties and disturbances. The convergence and string stability of the proposed control algorithm are demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally, and the effectiveness and robustness are also verified by simulation tests.
Análisis fisicoquímico de materiales de embalaje utilizados para almacenar documentos históricos/patrimoniales en instituciones culturales públicas de Costa Rica
Authors: Ugalde Soto Sharon , Hernández Murillo Camila , Abarca Montero Karla
Published: June 2024

Para determinar la aptitud de materiales de embalaje elaborados en papel/cartón y empleados en diferentes instituciones públicas a cargo de patrimonio documental costarricense, se llevó a cabo la medición de la acidez (pH) de los materiales, así como el uso de espectroscopía infrarroja para estudiar los cambios en la estructura cristalina de las moléculas de la celulosa del papel, las cuales influyen en la oxidación y degradación de la celulosa como consecuencia del envejecimiento (Chiriu et al., 2018). Estudiar los materiales empleados para embalar y almacenar documentos con valor histórico/patrimonial resulta de alta importancia ya que son estos los que se mantienen en contacto directo con los bienes por años, inclusive décadas. En total se llevó a cabo la medición de las propiedades fisicoquímicas en cuatro estadios de envejecimiento diferentes (0, 8, 15 y 28 días), para comparar los resultados y conocer los cambios y degradaciones en los materiales, esto con el fin de establecer cuáles de los materiales muestreados resultan más aptos para embalar patrimonio documental, tanto a corto como a largo plazo, y según los parámetros analizados.
La discapacidad auditiva en el contexto de las publicaciones sobre accesibilidad e inclusión en Biblioteconomía y Documentación. Una revisión sistemática
Authors: Olmedo Pagés Elena Loreto , Arquero Avilés Rosario
Published: June 2024

Las personas con discapacidad se enfrentan a diario con barreras que derivan del entorno físico, material o social en el que se desenvuelven. Para lograr que dicho entorno sea completamente inclusivo, se debe garantizar la accesibilidad, realizar las adaptaciones necesarias y reconocer las habilidades de cada individuo. El presente artículo muestra los resultados de una investigación llevada a cabo con el fin de comprobar si las bibliotecas están respondiendo a las necesidades los usuarios con discapacidad. Se analiza la producción científica en este ámbito en los últimos cincuenta años relacionada con las iniciativas de accesibilidad e inclusión destinadas a garantizar el acceso a la información de las personas con discapacidad en función del tipo de esta. Dicho análisis se sustenta en la realización de una revisión sistemática sobre el uso de los conceptos de “accesibilidad” e “inclusión” relacionados con el de “biblioteca” en la producción científica del ámbito de la Biblioteconomía y la Documentación en las bases de datos de Web of Science, Scopus y Library Science Database, Con ello, se pretende estudiar la atención que se presta a las personas con discapacidad y, en especial, a las personas con discapacidad auditiva.