bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview of Consensus Protocol and Its Application to Microgrid Control
Authors: Ferreira Daniele , Silva Sidelmo , Silva Waner , Brandao Danilo , Bergna Gilbert , Tedeschi Elisabetta
Published: November 2022

Different control strategies for microgrid applications have been developed in the last decade. In order to enhance flexibility, scalability and reliability, special attention has been given to control organisations based on distributed communication infrastructures. Among these strategies, the implementation of consensus protocol stands out to cooperatively steer multi-agent systems (i.e., distributed generators), which is justified by its benefits, such as plug and play capability and enhanced resilience against communication failures. However, as the consensus protocol has a long trajectory of development in different areas of knowledge including multidisciplinary subjects, it may be a challenge to collect all the relevant information for its application in an emerging field. Therefore, the main goal of this paper is to provide the fundamentals of multi-agent systems and consensus protocol to the electrical engineering community, and an overview of its application to control systems for microgrids. The fundamentals of consensus protocol herein cover the concepts, formulations, steady-state and stability analysis for leaderless and leader-following consensus problems, in both continuous- and discrete-time. The overview of the applications summarises the main contributions achieved with this technique in the literature concerning microgrids, as well as the associated challenges and trends.
A Data-Driven Framework for FDI Attack Detection and Mitigation in DC Microgrids
Authors: Basati Amir , Guerrero Josep M. , Vasquez Juan C. , Bazmohammadi Najmeh , Golestan Saeed
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes a Data-Driven (DD) framework for the real-time monitoring, detection, and mitigation of False Data Injection (FDI) attacks in DC Microgrids (DCMGs). A supervised algorithm is adopted in this framework to continuously estimate the output voltage and current for all Distributed Generators (DGs) with acceptable accuracy. Accordingly, among the various evaluated supervised DD algorithms, Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFISs) are utilized because of their low computational burden, efficiency in operation, and simplicity in design and implementation in a distributed control system. The proposed framework is based on the residual analysis of the generated error signal between the estimated and actual sensed signals. The proposed framework detects and mitigates the cyber-attack depending on trends in generated error signals. Moreover, by applying Online Change Point Detection (OCPD), the need for a static user-defined threshold for the residual analysis of the generated error signal is dispelled. Finally, the proposed method is validated in a MATLAB/Simulink testbed, considering the resilience, effectiveness, accuracy, and robustness of multiple case study scenarios.
Influences of Liquid Viscosity and Relative Velocity on the Head-On Collisions of Immiscible Drops
Authors: Chang Jiaqing , Xu Rongchang , Cui Jinsheng , Song Qiaolin , Shen Teng
Published: November 2022

Many researchers have devoted themselves to the collision processes of binary droplets of the same liquid. However, the liquids used in their study were limited, and the phase diagram of the collision outcome was depicted in terms of the Weber and the non-dimensional impact parameter. In this research, the variety of liquid was broadened, and the phase diagram characterized by the Weber number and the Ohnesorge number for head-on collisions of immiscible drops was provided. First, a ternary flow model of binary collision of immiscible drops in quiescent ambient air was proposed. Second, the three-phase fluid interface was tracked and updated by iterating the VOF (Volume of Fluid) functions. The flow field was also updated with the PISO (Pressure-Implicit with Splitting of Operators) algorithm. Finally, the effects of the impact velocity and the viscosities of the liquids on the deformation degree of droplets were analyzed.
Energy Poverty as a Current Problem in the Light of Economic and Social Challenges
Authors: Piwowar Arkadiusz
Published: November 2022

Study of the literature and personal research experience have resulted in the identification of many challenges in the field of energy poverty, both in terms of social and technical dimensions. The research problems indicated in the paper and the proposed topics for further methodological and analytical work appear to be important not only from the perspective of the categories of energy poverty but also in the contexts of climate change, the ongoing energy transformation and attempts to implement a new energy model based to a large degree on unconventional and renewable sources of energy. This article also contains both methodological and scientific considerations.
Geochemical Modelling of the Fracturing Fluid Transport in Shale Reservoirs
Authors: Mehana Mohamed , Chen Fangxuan , Fahes Mashhad , Kang Qinjun , Viswanathan Hari
Published: November 2022

Field operations report that at least half of the fracturing fluid used in shale reservoirs is trapped. These trapped fluids can trigger various geochemical interactions. However, the impact of these interactions on well performance is still elusive. We modeled a hydraulic fracture stage where we simulated the initial conditions by injecting the fracturing fluid and shutting the well to allow the fluids to soak into the formation. Our results suggest a positive correlation between the dissolution and precipitation rates and the carbonate content of the rock. In addition, we observed that gas and load recovery are overestimated when geochemical interactions are overlooked. We also observed promising results for sea water as a good alternative fracturing fluid. Moreover, we observed better performance for cases with lower-saline connate water. The reactions of carbonates outweigh the reactions of clays in most cases. Sensitivity analysis suggests that the concentration of SO4, K and Na ions in the fracturing fluid, and the illite and calcite mineral content, along with the reservoir temperature, are the key factors affecting well performance. In conclusion, geochemical interactions should be considered for properly modeling the fate of the fracturing fluids and their impact on well performance.
Battery Lifetime Prediction via Neural Networks with Discharge Capacity and State of Health
Authors: Hemdani Jamila , Degaa Laid , Soltani Moez , Rizoug Nassim , Telmoudi Achraf Jabeur , Chaari Abdelkader
Published: November 2022

The market share of electric vehicles (EVs) has grown exponentially in recent years to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The principal part of an EV is the energy storage system, which is usually the batteries. Thus, the accurate estimation of the remaining useful life (RUL) of the batteries, for an optimal health management and a decision-making policy, still remains a challenge for automakers. In this paper, the problem of battery RUL prediction is studied from a new perspective. Unlike other estimation strategies existing in the literature, the proposed technique uses an intelligent prediction of the lifespan of lithium–iron–phosphate (LFP) batteries via a modified version of neural networks. It uses a data-driven life estimation approach and optimization method and does not require any prior comprehension and initialization of any parameters of the battery model. To validate and verify the proposed technique, we use LFP battery data sets, and the experimental results showed that the proposed methodology can well learn the characteristic relationship of battery discharge capacities as well as its state of health (SOH), where the battery life cycle changes as the battery ages with time and cycles.
Electrochemical Deposition of Multicomponent Mixed Metal Oxides on rGO/Ni Foam for All-Solid-State Asymmetric Supercapacitor Device: Mn, Co, and Ni Oxides with Ag Doping
Authors: Firat Yunus Emre , Čolić Viktor
Published: November 2022

In this study, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASSC) device is assembled by the deposition and annealing of silver-doped mixed metal oxides on reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/Ni foam and activated carbon (AC) on Ni foam as positive and negative electrodes, respectively. The best performing Ag:MnCoNiO active material is synthesized on rGO/Ni foam using chronopotentiometry combined with heat treatment. The XRD study clearly confirms the crystalline nature of the electrode with MnCo2O4 and MnNi2O4 phases. FT-IR and XPS studies revealed the formation of Ag:MnCoNiO/rGO on Ni foam. SEM images show a thin-film layer of fabricated material on the surface of rGO/Ni foam. The supercapacitor properties were tested in two- and three-electrode configurations, with cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) experiments in a 6 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. In the three-electrode configuration, reversible faradic reactions can be observed in a potential range of 0.0 and +0.6 V vs. Hg/HgSO4. In the two-electrode device configuration, the system exhibits a maximum energy density of 45.5 Wh kg−1 and provides a maximum power density of 4.5 kW kg−1. The results showed that the doping of Ag in a MnCoNiO electrode shows promising properties, achieved by a very simple fabrication process. The results showcase the synergistic effects achieved by mixed multiple-component metal oxides, leading to improved supercapacitive properties.
Texturized Vegetable Protein as a Source of Protein Fortification of Wheat Buns
Authors: Laugesen Susanne Bølling , Dethlefsen Sandra Lenz , Petersen Iben Lykke , Aaslyng Margit Dall
Published: November 2022

Increasing interest in plant-based proteins is particularly relevant in the food service sector. For specific groups, e.g., older adults, it may be challenging to ensure the consumption of protein of sufficient quality. One way of doing this could be through the fortification of a staple food such as bread. This study examined wheat buns, in which 0%, 20%, 35% and 50% of the flour was replaced with three different milled texturized vegetable proteins (TVP) of different plant protein combinations. Sensory and baking qualities were evaluated through sensory profiling and measurements of rising ability, baking loss, protein content and colour. An expert assessment and a robustness test were conducted to evaluate potential use in the food service sector. By substituting 35% of the wheat flour with milled TVP, it was possible to increase the protein content of the buns by 83% (up to 25% of DM) and still maintain an acceptable quality. The different TVPs showed that pea and faba bean or pea, faba bean and quinoa were more suitable in bread fortification than pea, faba bean and hemp. The study demonstrates the potential for producing quality bread for people who need a high protein intake in all their meals.
Acid and Rennet Coagulation Properties of A2 Milk
Authors: Juan Bibiana , Trujillo Antonio-José
Published: November 2022

This study investigated the acid and rennet milk coagulation properties of A2 milk (β-casein (CN) A2A2 genotype), in comparison to a control milk (blend of A2A1/A1A1/A2A2 genotypes). Acid and rennet coagulation were evaluated using the Optigraph® system, measuring the coagulation time, aggregation rate, and gel density or curd firmness. The acidification kinetics were monitored using a CINAC® system, evaluating the time to reach pH 4.6, the acidification rate, the maximum acidification rate, the time required to reach it, and the latency time. The water-holding capacity of acid milk gels and the potential yield, total solids, and syneresis of enzymatic gels were also evaluated. Some variables were highly influenced by the farm factor, showing the importance of the effect of extrinsic parameters. Acid and enzymatic coagulation times were not affected in either milk. The A2 milk presented higher acid gel density and latency time than the control milk. Although the differences in water-holding capacity were not statistically significant, the A2 milk presented lower values, related with the higher gel density. The A2 milk also showed higher rennet aggregation rate and curd firmness than the control milk. Potential yield and syneresis were higher in the A2 milk, which is in accordance with the higher firmness of curd. Coagulation results and gel and curd properties indicate that it is possible to manufacture acid and rennet coagulation dairy products from A2 milk with no major differences when compared with a control milk.
Fish By-Product Valorization as Source of Bioactive Compounds for Food Enrichment: Characterization, Suitability and Shelf Life
Authors: Honrado Adrián , Rubio Sara , Beltrán José Antonio , Calanche Juan
Published: November 2022

Fish processing generates many by-products, which are mainly destined for aquaculture feed. However, these by-products have interesting nutritional properties and could still be used for human consumption, thus promoting circular economy. Therefore, this study focused on evaluating the shelf life of mechanically deboned and dried meat (MDDM) of sea bass based on the lipid oxidation criterion (TBARS). The effect of a tocopherol-based antioxidant was also evaluated, and changes in the fatty acid profile were studied. For that, samples with and without antioxidant were stored at three temperatures (37, 55, and 65 °C) for 50 days. This allowed its modelling according to the Arrhenius model. The results showed a shelf life for MDDM of 220 days at 20 °C without the addition of antioxidant. When antioxidant was added, a high protective effect against oxidation and preservation of unsaturated fatty acids was perceived, avoiding nutritional losses and negative sensory effects, reducing EPA and DHA losses by 75% and 72%, respectively. In conclusion, the stability of MDDM from sea bass was demonstrated, making possible its incorporation into other food matrices.
Sulfonylurea Use in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and COPD: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Yen Fu-Shun , Wei James Cheng-Chung , Yu Teng-Shun , Hsu Chung Y. , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Hwu Chii-Min
Published: November 2022

We conducted this study to investigate the long-term outcomes of sulfonylurea (SU) use in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We used propensity-score matching to identify 6008 pairs of SU users and nonusers from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2017. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare the risks of mortality, cardiovascular events, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation, invasive mechanical ventilation, bacterial pneumonia, lung cancer, and hypoglycemia between SU users and nonusers. In the matched cohorts, the mean follow-up time for SU users and nonusers was 6.57 and 5.48 years, respectively. Compared with nonusers, SU users showed significantly lower risks of mortality [aHR 0.53(0.48–0.58)], cardiovascular events [aHR 0.88(0.81–0.96)], non-invasive positive pressure ventilation [aHR 0.74(0.6–0.92)], invasive mechanical ventilation [aHR 0.57(0.5–0.66)], and bacterial pneumonia [aHR 0.78(0.7–0.87)]. A longer cumulative duration of SU use was associated with a lower risk of these outcomes. This nationwide cohort study demonstrated that SU use was associated with significantly lower risks of cardiovascular events, ventilation use, bacterial pneumonia, and mortality in patients with COPD and T2D. SU may be a suitable option for diabetes management in these patients.
Factors Associated with Willingness to Pay for Cost-Sharing under Universal Health Coverage Scheme in Yogyakarta, Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Nugraheni Diesty Anita , Satibi Satibi , Kristina Susi Ari , Puspandari Diah Ayu
Published: November 2022

Background: National Health Insurance (NHI) in Indonesia requires an appropriate cost-sharing policy, particularly for diseases that require the largest financing. This study examined factors that influence willingness to pay (WTP) for cost-sharing under the universal health coverage scheme among patients with catastrophic illnesses in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using structured questionnaires through direct interviews. The factors related to the WTP for cost-sharing under the NHI scheme in Indonesia were identified by a bivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Two out of every five (41.2%) participants had willingness to pay for cost-sharing. Sex [AOR = 0.69 (0.51, 0.92)], education [AOR = 1.54 (0.67, 3.55)], family size [AOR = 1.71 (1.07, 2.73)], occupation [AOR = 1.35 (0.88, 2.07)], individual income [AOR = 1.50 (0.87, 2.61)], household income [AOR = 1.47 (0.90, 2.39)], place of treatment [AOR = 2.54 (1.44, 4.45)], a health insurance plan [AOR = 1.22 (0.87, 1.71)], and whether someone receives an inpatient or outpatient service [AOR = 0.23 (0.10, 0.51)] were found to affect the WTP for a cost-sharing scheme with p < 0.05. Conclusion: Healthcare (place of treatment, health insurance plan, and whether someone receives an inpatient or outpatient service) and individual socioeconomic (sex, educational, family size, occupational, income) factors were significantly related to the WTP for cost-sharing.
Factors Associated with Mortality with Tuberculosis Diagnosis in Indigenous Populations in Peru 2015–2019
Authors: León-Giraldo Hoover , Rivera-Lozada Oriana , Castro-Alzate Elvis Siprian , Aylas-Salcedo Rula , Pacheco-López Robinson , Bonilla-Asalde César Antonio
Published: November 2022

Objective: To identify factors associated with mortality in indigenous populations diagnosed with tuberculosis in Peru, 2015–2019. Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study in a retrospective cohort using the registry of indigenous peoples of the National Health Strategy for TB Prevention and Control of the Ministry of Health of Peru. A descriptive analysis was performed, and then bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between the variables and the outcome (alive–deceased). The results are shown as OR with their respective 95% confidence intervals. Results: The mortality rate of the total indigenous population of Peru was 1.75 deaths per 100,000 indigenous people diagnosed with TB. The community of Kukama Kukamiria-Yagua reported 505 (28.48%) individuals, followed by the Shipibo-Konibo community with 385. The final logistic model showed that indigenous males (OR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.001–3.7) with a history of HIV prior to TB (OR = 16.7; 95% CI: 4.7–58.7), and indigenous people in old age (OR = 2.95; 95% CI: 1.5–5.7) were factors associated with a greater chance of dying from TB. Conclusions: It is important to reorient health services among indigenous populations, especially those related to improving a timely diagnosis and early treatment of TB/HIV co-infection, to ensure comprehensive care for this population considering that they are vulnerable groups.
The Relationship between Teacher Autonomy and Mental Health in Primary and Secondary School Teachers: The Chain-Mediating Role of Teaching Efficacy and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Peng Yujue , Wu Huimin , Guo Cheng
Published: November 2022

Teachers in primary and secondary schools are frequently under pressure. Therefore, it is critical to understand the factors that affect their mental health. Autonomy was associated with mental health in the past. However, the mediating mechanism behind this relationship has received little attention. In this study, a chain mediation model was built to determine whether teaching efficacy and work satisfaction mediated the relationship between teacher autonomy and mental health. Our study enlisted the participation of 810 Chinese primary and secondary school teachers aged from 21 to 57 years old. They completed self-reporting measures of teacher autonomy, mental health, teaching efficacy, and job satisfaction. The results show that (1) teacher autonomy, teaching efficacy, job satisfaction, and mental health have strong positive relationships, (2) teaching efficacy and job satisfaction significantly mediate the relationship between autonomy and mental health, and (3) both teaching efficacy and job satisfaction play a chain-mediating role. The chain-mediating effect of teaching efficacy and job satisfaction plays an important role in promoting teachers’ mental health. Teachers with a high level of autonomy tend to have high teaching efficacy, high job satisfaction, and improved mental health.
Identification of Early Knee Osteoarthritis Based on Knee Joint Trajectory during Stair Climbing
Authors: Ogawa Ami , Iijima Hirotaka , Takahashi Masaki
Published: November 2022

Patients with knee osteoarthritis show low stair climbing ability, but a diagnosis of stair performance time is not enough to identify the early stages of knee osteoarthritis. Therefore, we developed an indicator named range of the knee joint trajectory (RKJT) as a kinematic parameter to express more detailed characteristics than stair performance time. To achieve this, we used our developed “IR-Locomotion”, a markerless measurement system that can track the knee joint trajectory when climbing stairs. This study aimed to test whether the RKJT effectively identifies patients with early knee osteoarthritis even after controlling stair performance time. Forty-seven adults with moderate to severe knee pain (mean age 59.2 years; 68.1% women) underwent the radiographic examination (Kellgren and Lawrence grade) of both knees and a stair climbing test on 11 stairs. The RKJT during the stair climbing test was calculated by “IR-Locomotion”. A generalized linear mixed model was used to evaluate the discriminative capability of RKJT on early knee osteoarthritis (i.e., Kellgren and Lawrence grade of 1). As expected, patients with early knee osteoarthritis showed larger RKJT than non-radiographic controls (95% confidence interval: 1.007, 1.076). Notably, this finding was consistent even after adjusting stair performance time.
A Job Demands–Resources Perspective on Kindergarten Principals’ Occupational Well-Being: The Role of Emotion Regulation
Authors: Zheng Xin , Dan Qinyuan , Wu Zhimin , Luo Shengquan , Peng Xinying
Published: November 2022

The position of school principal is emotionally demanding. Principals’ occupational well-being (OWB) can be influenced by their emotional work characteristics, and their emotional regulation plays a critical role. Based on the job demands–resources (JD-R) model, this study investigated the relationships between kindergarten principals’ OWB and its complex antecedents. Specifically, the study examined the influences among emotional job demands and trust in colleagues on kindergarten principals’ OWB factors (job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion), with a particular focus on the role of their emotion regulation strategies. Through an investigation of 618 kindergarten principals in China, the results showed that emotional job demands and trust in colleagues had different influences on principals’ OWB dimensions. Emotional job demands can enhance both principals’ suppression and reappraisal strategies, and trust in colleagues functions as an interpersonal resource for reappraisal. Principals’ emotion regulation strategies mediated the influence of work characteristics on OWB. Reappraisal is an important personal resource that can buffer the influence of work demands on OWB. The results may extend our understanding of principals’ emotional work. The implications on principals’ work and emotion regulation were further discussed.
Air Pollution and Corporate Green Financial Constraints: Evidence from China’s Listed Companies
Authors: Shen Yi , Lyu Minghan , Zhu Jiali
Published: November 2022

This paper aims to investigate how air pollution may affect corporate green financial constraints. We assume that poor air quality can enhance the pressure of governments on environmental protection, which creates easier access to financing for firms’ green investments and transitions, especially in emerging markets. Using a sample of Chinese-listed companies, we find that the level of green financial constraints is reduced when air quality deteriorates. This effect is more obvious in regions with stronger local government influence or fewer formal environmental regulations. To manage potential self-selection and endogeneity issues, fixed effects (FE), two-stage least squares (2SLS) with instrumental variables (IV), and propensity-score matching (PSM) approaches are used to verify the validity of our results. We link air pollution and financial constraints of green investment, and we fill a literature gap by considering whether the environment can have an impact on corporate green transformation. In the channel analysis, we identify that debt could be an important mechanism through which firms derive fewer green financial constraints. Our findings indicate that air pollution can be a crucial factor restricting corporate green investment and transformation, and managers in the context of emerging markets should be more attentive to green financing.
Is There Influence of Gender and the Specificity of Sports Activities on the Performance of Body Balance in Young Athletes?
Authors: Czarnota Michalina , Walicka-Cupryś Katarzyna
Published: November 2022

Sports training can significantly influence specific motor skills. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of gender and the specificity of sports activities on body balance, symmetry of lower extremity loads (SI) as well as body mass index (BMI) in young athletes aged 14 to 17. There were 240 participants (145 boys and 95 girls) divided into five groups: swimmers, dancers, soccer players, archery and control group. The average age was 16. Participants had 3 years of training experience (training three times a week or training that lasted between 4.5 and 6 h weekly). To assess balance, the stabilized Zebris platform was used in the study. The SI was calculated based on the percentage load on the lower extremities, dividing the greater value by the lower. Body mass index was calculated on the basis of height and weight. Women had a significantly lower BMI and balance in some analyzed parameters, while men had better SI. Archers obtained the best results of the balance parameters and the worst results of SI. Only swimmers and soccer players had a normal SI. Sports specialization generates significant differences in the manifestation of balance compared to the gender variable and sport discipline.
“I Just Don’t Know What to Believe”: Sensemaking during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Criminal Legal Involved Communities
Authors: Davidson Mhonde Rochelle , Riddick Breonna , Hingle Aayushi , Shaw Cameron , Rudes Danielle , Pollack Harold , Schneider John , Zhao Xiaoquan , Taxman Faye S.
Published: November 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, those involved with the criminal legal system experience disproportionate vulnerability to infection, transmission, and mortality, facing additional systemic barriers due to criminal legal involvement (CLI) (e.g., prior incarcerations or probationary status affecting employability or housing security). We use Weick’s (1979) model of sensemaking as a theoretical framework to inform our examination of CLI individuals’ experiences during the pandemic. The primary objective of this paper is to explore the process of sensemaking amid misinformation, trust/mistrust, and vulnerability during the pandemic among CLI communities in three central states (Illinois, Louisiana, and Arkansas). We conducted seven online focus groups (n = 44), between December 2020 and January 2021, from the targeted communities about their awareness of misinformation, trusted or distrusted sources, attitudes about COVID-19 health behaviors (including testing, protective behaviors such as mask-wearing and social distancing, and vaccination), and experiences with the criminal legal system during the pandemic. The concept of equivocality was at the core of the narratives shared among participants, with uncertainty emerging as a meta-theme across all focus groups. The findings of this study should prove useful for those who are developing messaging to combat mis/disinformation and overcome mis/distrust with the medical system and government institutions among those who are disenfranchised.
Analysis of Hospitalization Costs in Patients Suffering from Cerebral Infarction along with Varied Comorbidities
Authors: He Yongmei , Chen Sixuan , Chen Yongcong
Published: November 2022

Objective: This study aimed to study the influence of comorbidities on hospitalization costs for inpatients with cerebral infarction. Methods: The data from the medical records pertaining to 76,563 inpatients diagnosed with cerebral infarction were collected from public hospital records for the period between 1 January 2020 and 30 December 2020 in Gansu Province. EpiData 3.1 software was used for data collation, and SPSS 25.0 was used for data analysis. Numbers and percentages were calculated for categorical variables, the chi-squared test was used to compare differences between groups, and multiple independent-sample tests (Kruskal–Wallis H test, test level α = 0.05) and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the influence of different types of comorbidity on hospitalization costs. Results: Among the 76,563 cerebral infarction inpatients, 41,400 were male (54.07%); the average age of the inpatients was 67.68 ± 10.75 years (the 60~80-year-old group accounted for 65.69%). Regarding the incidence of varied chronic disease comorbidities concomitant with cerebral infarction, hypertension was reported as the most frequent, followed by heart disease and chronic pulmonary disease. The average hospitalization cost of cerebral infarction inpatients is US $1219.66; the hospitalization cost increases according to the number of comorbidities with which a patient suffers (H = 404.506, p < 0.001); Regarding the types of comorbidities, the hospitalization cost of cancer was the highest, at US $1934.02, followed by chronic pulmonary disease (US $1533.02). Regarding the cost of hospitalization for combinations of comorbidities, cerebral infarction + chronic pulmonary disease was the most costly (US $1718.90), followed by cerebral infarction + hypertension + chronic pulmonary disease (US $1530.60). In the results of multiple linear regression analysis, cerebral infarction with chronic pulmonary disease had significant effects on hospitalization costs (β = 0.181, p < 0.001), drug costs (β = 0.144, p < 0.001) and diagnosis costs (β = 0.171, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Comorbidities are significantly associated with high hospitalization costs for cerebral infarction patients. Furthermore, relevant health departments should build preventative and control systems to reduce the risk of comorbidities, as well as to improve hospital clinical pathway management and to strengthen and refine the cost-control management of cerebral infarction from the perspective of comorbidities.
Multi-Scale Effects of Meteorological Conditions and Anthropogenic Emissions on PM2.5 Concentrations over Major Cities of the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Zhang Jiejun , Liu Pengfei , Song Hongquan , Miao Changhong , Yang Jie , Zhang Longlong , Dong Junwu , Liu Yi , Zhang Yunlong , Li Bingchen
Published: November 2022

The mechanism behind PM2.5 pollution is complex, and its performance at multi-scales is still unclear. Based on PM2.5 monitoring data collected from 2015 to 2021, we used the GeoDetector model to assess the multi-scale effects of meteorological conditions and anthropogenic emissions, as well as their interactions with PM2.5 concentrations in major cities in the Yellow River Basin (YRB). Our study confirms that PM2.5 concentrations in the YRB from 2015 to 2021 show an inter-annual and inter-season decreasing trend and that PM2.5 concentrations varied more significantly in winter. The inter-month variation of PM2.5 concentrations shows a sinusoidal pattern from 2015 to 2021, with the highest concentrations in January and December and the lowest from June to August. The PM2.5 concentrations for major cities in the middle and downstream regions of the YRB are higher than in the upper areas, with high spatial distribution in the east and low spatial distribution in the west. Anthropogenic emissions and meteorological conditions have similar inter-annual effects, while air pressure and temperature are the two main drivers across the whole basin. At the sub-basin scale, meteorological conditions have stronger inter-annual effects on PM2.5 concentrations, of which temperature is the dominant impact factor. Wind speed has a significant effect on PM2.5 concentrations across the four seasons in the downstream region and has the strongest effect in winter. Primary PM2.5 and ammonia are the two main emission factors. Interactions between the factors significantly enhanced the PM2.5 concentrations. The interaction between ammonia and other emissions plays a dominant role at the whole and sub-basin scales in summer, while the interaction between meteorological factors plays a dominant role at the whole-basin scale in winter. Our study not only provides cases and references for the development of PM2.5 pollution prevention and control policies in YRB but can also shed light on similar regions in China as well as in other regions of the world.
Geographic Information System Applied to Sustainability Assessments: Conceptual Structure and Research Trends
Authors: Oliveira Victor Tomaz de , Teixeira Denilson , Rocchi Lucia , Boggia Antonio
Published: November 2022

The conceptual variations and divergences that permeate the debate on sustainability end up directly reflecting the choice of sustainability assessment (SA) processes, providing different methodological approaches. Among them, some researchers have pointed out challenges, but also opportunities to use geospatial data, techniques, and tools as resources to be explored in sustainability assessments. However, it was still unclear how geospatial tools have contributed in this context, as well as their future potential. Thus, through bibliometric mapping, this research answers these questions, through the identification of both the thematic fields of action of the geographic information system (GIS) in SA as well as the emerging research areas in this domain of knowledge. For this, we selected 1721 articles spanning 31 years (1990–2020). We observe that this is a subject of growing interest, as more than 50% of all publications were published after 2015. The main results indicated that, initially, the GIS supported sustainability assessments as a mapping tool associated mostly with environmental issues, however, the evolution of the analysis potential, through data modeling, gives rise to new application perspectives. This evolution takes place, in parallel, with the global discussion on sustainability, where multidimensionality starts to play a leading role, and sustainability indicators assume geographic positions.
Bioinspired Pd-Cu Alloy Nanoparticles as Accept Agent for Dye Degradation Performances
Authors: Chen Shiyue , Yang Yujun , Zhang Mingjun , Ma Xiaohong , He Xiaoxiao , Wang Teng , Hu Xi , Mao Xiang
Published: November 2022

Dye degradation is a key reaction in organic decomposition production through electron donor transferring. Palladium (Pd) is the best-known element for synthesis Pd-based catalyst, the surface status determines the scope of relative applications. Here we first prepare Pd-Cu alloy nanoparticles (NPs) by co-reduction of Cu(acac)2 (acac = acetylacetonate) and Pd(C5HF6O2)2 in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) and glutathione (GSH). The obtained Pd-Cu is about ~10 nm with super-hydrophilicity in aqueous mediums. The structural analysis clearly demonstrated the uniform distribution of Pd and Cu element. The colloidal solution keeps stability even during 30 days. Bimetallic Pd-Cu NPs shows biocompatibility in form of cell lines (IMEF, HACAT, and 239 T) exposed to colloidal solution (50 µg mL−1) for 2 days. It shows the catalytic multi-performance for dye degradation such as methyl orange (MO), rhodamine B (RhB), and methylene blue (MB), respectively. The as-synthesized nanoparticles showed one of the best multiple catalytic activities in the industrially important (electro)-catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to corresponding amines with noticeable reduced reaction time and increased rate constant without the use of any large area support. In addition, it exhibits peroxidase-like activity in the 3, 3′, 5, 5′-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) color test and exhibit obvious difference with previous individual metal materials. By treated with high intensity focused ultrasound filed (HIFU), Pd-Cu NPs might be recrystallized and decreased the diameters than before. The enhancement in catalytic performance is observed obviously. This work expedites rational design and synthesis of the high-hierarchy alloy catalyst for biological and environment-friendly agents.
Limitations of Tamoxifen Application for In Vivo Genome Editing Using Cre/ERT2 System
Authors: Ilchuk Leonid A. , Stavskaya Nina I. , Varlamova Ekaterina A. , Khamidullina Alvina I. , Tatarskiy Victor V. , Mogila Vladislav A. , Kolbutova Ksenia B. , Bogdan Sergey A. , Sheremetov Alexey M. , Baulin Alexandr N. , Filatova Irina A. , Silaeva Yulia Yu. , Filatov Maxim A. , Bruter Alexandra V.
Published: November 2022

Inducible Cre-dependent systems are frequently used to produce both conditional knockouts and transgenic mice with regulated expression of the gene of interest. Induction can be achieved by doxycycline-dependent transcription of the wild type gene or OH-tamoxifen-dependent nuclear translocation of the chimeric Cre/ERT2 protein. However, both of these activation strategies have some limitations. We analyzed the efficiency of knockout in different tissues and found out that it correlates with the concentration of the hydroxytamoxifen and endoxifen—the active metabolites of tamoxifen—measured by LC-MS in these tissues. We also describe two cases of Cdk8floxed/floxed/Rosa-Cre-ERT2 mice tamoxifen-induced knockout limitations. In the first case, the standard scheme of tamoxifen administration does not lead to complete knockout formation in the brain or in the uterus. Tamoxifen metabolite measurements in multiple tissues were performed and it has been shown that low recombinase activity in the brain is due to the low levels of tamoxifen active metabolites. Increase of tamoxifen dosage (1.5 fold) and duration of activation (from 5 to 7 days) allowed us to significantly improve the knockout rate in the brain, but not in the uterus. In the second case, knockout induction during embryonic development was impossible due to the negative effect of tamoxifen on gestation. Although DNA editing in the embryos was achieved in some cases, the treatment led to different complications of the pregnancy in wild-type female mice. We propose to use doxycycline-induced Cre systems in such models.
Selected Simple Natural Antimicrobial Terpenoids as Additives to Control Biodegradation of Polyhydroxy Butyrate
Authors: Fayyazbakhsh Ahmad , Koutný Marek , Kalendová Alena , Šašinková Dagmar , Julinová Markéta , Kadlečková Markéta
Published: November 2022

In this experimental research, different types of essential oils (EOs) were blended with polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) to study the influence of these additives on PHB degradation. The blends were developed by incorporating three terpenoids at two concentrations (1 and 3%). The mineralization rate obtained from CO2 released from each sample was the factor that defined biodegradation. Furthermore, scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were used in this research. The biodegradation percentages of PHB blended with 3% of eucalyptol, limonene, and thymol after 226 days were reached 66.4%, 73.3%, and 76.9%, respectively, while the rate for pure PHB was 100% after 198 days, and SEM images proved these results. Mechanical analysis of the samples showed that eucalyptol had the highest resistance level, even before the burial test. The other additives showed excellent mechanical properties although they had less mechanical strength than pure PHB after extrusion. The samples’ mechanical properties improved due to their crystallinity and decreased glass transition temperature (Tg). DSC results showed that blending terpenoids caused a reduction in Tg, which is evident in the DMA results, and a negligible reduction in melting point (Tm).
Alterations in the Kynurenine–Tryptophan Pathway and Lipid Dysregulation Are Preserved Features of COVID-19 in Hemodialysis
Authors: Schuller Max , Oberhuber Monika , Prietl Barbara , Zügner Elmar , Prugger Eva-Maria , Magnes Christoph , Kirsch Alexander H. , Schmaldienst Sabine , Pieber Thomas , Brodmann Marianne , Rosenkranz Alexander R. , Eller Philipp , Eller Kathrin
Published: November 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-induced metabolic alterations have been proposed as a source for prognostic biomarkers and may harbor potential for therapeutic exploitation. However, the metabolic impact of COVID-19 in hemodialysis (HD), a setting of profound a priori alterations, remains unstudied. To evaluate potential COVID-19 biomarkers in end-stage kidney disease (CKD G5), we analyzed the plasma metabolites in different COVID-19 stages in patients with or without HD. We recruited 18 and 9 asymptomatic and mild, 11 and 11 moderate, 2 and 13 severely affected, and 10 and 6 uninfected HD and non-HD patients, respectively. Plasma samples were taken at the time of diagnosis and/or upon admission to the hospital and analyzed by targeted metabolomics and cytokine/chemokine profiling. Targeted metabolomics confirmed stage-dependent alterations of the metabolome in non-HD patients with COVID-19, which were less pronounced in HD patients. Elevated kynurenine levels and lipid dysregulation, shown by an increase in circulating free fatty acids and a decrease in lysophospholipids, could distinguish patients with moderate COVID-19 from non-infected individuals in both groups. Kynurenine and lipid alterations were also associated with ICAM-1 and IL-15 levels in HD and non-HD patients. Our findings support the kynurenine pathway and plasma lipids as universal biomarkers of moderate and severe COVID-19 independent of kidney function.
Exploration of Sugar and Starch Metabolic Pathway Crucial for Pollen Fertility in Rice
Authors: Lee Sang-Kyu , Lee Juho , Jo Mingyu , Jeon Jong-Seong
Published: November 2022

Starch is the primary storage carbohydrate in mature pollen grains in many crop plants, including rice. Impaired starch accumulation causes male sterility because of the shortage of energy and building blocks for pollen germination and pollen tube growth. Thus, starch-defective pollen is applicable for inducing male sterility and hybrid rice production. Despite the importance of pollen starch, the details of the starch biosynthesis and breakdown pathway in pollen are still largely unknown. As pollen is isolated from the maternal tissue, photoassimilate transported from leaves must pass through the apoplastic space from the anther to the filial pollen, where it is stored as starch. Several sugar transporters and enzymes are involved in this process, but many are still unknown. Thus, the current review provides possible scenarios for sucrose transport and metabolic pathways that lead to starch biosynthesis and breakdown in rice pollen.
Peripheral Ion Channel Genes Screening in Painful Small Fiber Neuropathy
Authors: Ślęczkowska Milena , Almomani Rowida , Marchi Margherita , Salvi Erika , de Greef Bianca T A , Sopacua Maurice , Hoeijmakers Janneke G J , Lindsey Patrick , Waxman Stephen G , Lauria Giuseppe , Faber Catharina G , Smeets Hubert J M , Gerrits Monique M
Published: November 2022

Neuropathic pain is a characteristic feature of small fiber neuropathy (SFN), which in 18% of the cases is caused by genetic variants in voltage-gated sodium ion channels. In this study, we assessed the role of fifteen other ion channels in neuropathic pain. Patients with SFN (n = 414) were analyzed for ANO1, ANO3, HCN1, KCNA2, KCNA4, KCNK18, KCNN1, KCNQ3, KCNQ5, KCNS1, TRPA1, TRPM8, TRPV1, TRPV3 and TRPV4 variants by single-molecule molecular inversion probes–next-generation sequencing. These patients did not have genetic variants in SCN3A, SCN7A-SCN11A and SCN1B-SCN4B. In twenty patients (20/414, 4.8%), a potentially pathogenic heterozygous variant was identified in an ion-channel gene (ICG). Variants were present in seven genes, for two patients (0.5%) in ANO3, one (0.2%) in KCNK18, two (0.5%) in KCNQ3, seven (1.7%) in TRPA1, three (0.7%) in TRPM8, three (0.7%) in TRPV1 and two (0.5%) in TRPV3. Variants in the TRP genes were the most frequent (n = 15, 3.6%), partly in patients with high mean maximal pain scores VAS = 9.65 ± 0.7 (n = 4). Patients with ICG variants reported more severe pain compared to patients without such variants (VAS = 9.36 ± 0.72 vs. VAS = 7.47 ± 2.37). This cohort study identified ICG variants in neuropathic pain in SFN, complementing previous findings of ICG variants in diabetic neuropathy. These data show that ICG variants are central in neuropathic pain of different etiologies and provides promising gene candidates for future research.
Physiology and Molecular Breeding in Sustaining Wheat Grain Setting and Quality under Spring Cold Stress
Authors: Su Hui , Tan Cheng , Liu Yonghua , Chen Xiang , Li Xinrui , Jones Ashley , Zhu Yulei , Song Youhong
Published: November 2022

Spring cold stress (SCS) compromises the reproductive growth of wheat, being a major constraint in achieving high grain yield and quality in winter wheat. To sustain wheat productivity in SCS conditions, breeding cultivars conferring cold tolerance is key. In this review, we examine how grain setting and quality traits are affected by SCS, which may occur at the pre-anthesis stage. We have investigated the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in floret and spikelet SCS tolerance. It includes the protective enzymes scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), hormonal adjustment, and carbohydrate metabolism. Lastly, we explored quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that regulate SCS for identifying candidate genes for breeding. The existing cultivars for SCS tolerance were primarily bred on agronomic and morphophysiological traits and lacked in molecular investigations. Therefore, breeding novel wheat cultivars based on QTLs and associated genes underlying the fundamental resistance mechanism is urgently needed to sustain grain setting and quality under SCS.