bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome in Anorexia Nervosa: A Case Report and a Systematic Revision of the Literature
Authors: Bozzola Elena , Irrera Mariangela , Cirillo Flavia , Zanna Valeria , Petrelli Italo , Diamanti Antonella , Scire Ylenia , Park Jibin , Marchesi Alessandra , Marchili Maria Rosaria , Villani Alberto
Published: February 2024

Background. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare condition caused by the compression of the duodenum, which may occur in the case of fast weight loss. Currently, the relationship between superior mesenteric artery syndrome and anorexia nervosa is still unclear. The aim of this study is to identify the precocious clinical signs and symptoms of SMAS in patients affected by anorexia nervosa so as not to delay the diagnosis. Methods. We present the clinical case of a young female patient with anorexia nervosa complicated by SMAS. We performed a literature review of SMAS in children affected by anorexia nervosa between 1962 and 2023, according to the PRISMA Extension Guide for Scoping Reviews. Results. Reviewing the literature, 11 clinical cases were described for the pediatric age. The median age at diagnosis was 17 years (ranging from 13 to 18 years). The diagnosis of SMAS may be challenging as symptoms overlap those of anorexia, but it should be kept in mind mostly in cases of post-prandial abdominal pain, anxiety or depression, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Conclusion. Even specific clinical symptoms may act as flag tags to drive attention to this rare but potentially fatal condition.
Assessing Discriminant Validity through Structural Equation Modeling: The Case of Eating Compulsivity
Authors: Panzeri Anna , Castelnuovo Gianluca , Spoto Andrea
Published: February 2024

Food addiction (FA) and disordered eating behaviors related to obesity are gaining attention in clinical and research fields. The modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS2.0) is the gold standard questionnaire to measure FA, while another tool is the Measure of Eating Compulsivity 10 (MEC10). Discriminant validity is present when two measures of similar but distinct constructs show a correlation that is low enough for the factors to be regarded as distinct. However, the discriminant validity of these measures has never been tested. Through a cross-sectional study design, 717 inpatients (females: 56.20%, age: 53.681 ± 12.74) with severe obesity completed the MEC10, Binge Eating Scale (BES), and mYFAS2.0. A structural equation model (SEM) was fitted, freely estimating latent correlations with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The results confirmed the scales’ excellent psychometric properties. Importantly, latent factor correlations between MEC10 and mYFAS2.0 (est = 0.783, 95% CI [0.76, 0.80]) supported their discriminant validity. In contrast, the latent correlation of MEC10 and BES (est = 0.86, 95% CI [0.84, 0.87]) exceeded the recommended thresholds, indicating the absence of discriminant validity and suggesting a potential overlap, consistent with previous evidence. In conclusion, MEC10 demonstrates excellent psychometric properties but is more a measure of BED and not FA.
Experiences of People Living with Parkinson’s Disease in Care Homes: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Copeland Shannon , Anderson Tara , Carter Gillian , Brown Wilson Christine , Stark Patrick , Doumas Mihalis , Rodger Matthew , O’Shea Emma , Creighton Laura , Craig Stephanie , McMahon James , Gillis Arnelle , Crooks Sophie , Mitchell Gary
Published: February 2024

Background: Incidence of disability secondary to Parkinson’s disease is increasing faster globally than any other neurological condition. The diverse appearance of symptomatology associated with Parkinson’s, and the degenerative nature and subsequent functional decline, often increase dependence on caregivers for assistance with daily living, most commonly within a care home setting. Yet, primary literature and evidence synthesis surrounding these unique and complex care needs, challenges and the lived experiences of this population living in long-term nursing or residential facilities remains sparce. The aim of this review is to synthesize qualitative literature about the lived experience of people with Parkinson’s disease living in care home settings. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted in October 2023 across six different databases (CINAHL, Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus and Cochrane Library). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) was used to guide this review. Results: Five articles met the inclusion criteria. Four themes were identified following evidence synthesis: (1) Unique pharmacological challenges. (2) Transitioning and adapting to care home life and routines. (3) Dignified care within care homes. (4) Multidisciplinary care vacuum in care homes. Conclusion: This review revealed the significant and unique challenges for people with Parkinson’s disease when transitioning into care homes. These are exacerbated by wider social care challenges such as staffing levels, skill mixes and attitudes as well as a lack of disease-specific knowledge surrounding symptomatology and pharmacology. The lack of multi-disciplinary working and risk-adverse practice inhibited person-centred care and autonomy and reduced the quality of life of people living with Parkinson’s disease in care homes. Recommendations for practice highlight training gaps, the need for consistent and improved interdisciplinary working and better person-centred assessment and care delivery.
Exposure to Brucella Species, Coxiella burnetii, and Trichinella Species in Recently Imported Camels from Sudan to Egypt: Possible Threats to Animal and Human Health
Authors: Fereig Ragab M. , Mazeed Amira M. , El Tawab Ashraf A. Abd , El-Diasty Mohamed , Elsayed Ahmed , Shaapan Raafat M. , Abdelbaset Abdelbaset E. , Frey Caroline F. , Alawfi Bader S. , Altwaim Sarah A. , Alharbi Azzah S. , Wareth Gamal
Published: February 2024

Brucellosis and coxiellosis/Q fever are bacterial infections caused by Brucella species and Coxiella burnetii, respectively; camels are highly susceptible to both pathogens. Trichinellosis is a parasitic infection caused by various Trichinella nematode species. Reportedly, camels are susceptible to experimental infection with Trichinella spp., but information on this potential host species is scarce. All three infections are of zoonotic nature and thus of great public health concern. The current study aimed to determine antibodies against the three pathogens in recently imported camels (n = 491) from Sudan at the two main ports for the entrance of camels into southern Egypt using commercial indirect ELISAs. Samples were collected in two sampling periods. The seropositivity rates of Brucella spp., C. burnetii, and Trichinella spp. were 3.5%, 4.3%, and 2.4%, respectively. Mixed seropositivity was found in 1% for Brucella spp. and C. burnetii. Marked differences were found between the two study sites and the two sampling periods for Brucella. A higher rate of seropositivity was recorded in the Red Sea/older samples that were collected between 2015 and 2016 (4.3%, 17/391; odds ratio = 9.4; p < 0.030) than in those collected in Aswan/recent samples that were collected between 2018 and 2021 (0/100). Concerning C. burnetii, samples collected during November and December 2015 had a significantly higher positivity rate than the other samples (13%, 13/100; OD = 4.8; p < 0.016). The same effect was observed for antibodies to Trichinella spp., with samples collected during November and December 2015 showing a higher positivity rate than the other samples (7%, 7/100; OD = 10.9; p < 0.001). This study provides valuable information on the seroprevalence of Brucella spp. and additional novel information on C. burnetii and Trichinella spp. in recently imported camels kept in quarantine before delivery to other Egyptian regions. This knowledge can be utilized to reduce health hazards and financial burdens attributable to brucellosis, Q fever, and trichinellosis in animals and humans in Egypt.
New Multitarget Rivastigmine–Indole Hybrids as Potential Drug Candidates for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Bon Leo , Banaś Angelika , Dias Inês , Melo-Marques Inês , Cardoso Sandra M. , Chaves Sílvia , Santos M. Amélia
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia with no cure so far, probably due to the complexity of this multifactorial disease with diverse processes associated with its origin and progress. Several neuropathological hallmarks have been identified that encourage the search for new multitarget drugs. Therefore, following a multitarget approach, nine rivastigmine–indole (RIV-IND) hybrids (5a1-3, 5b1-3, 5c1-3) were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their multiple biological properties and free radical scavenging activity, as potential multitarget anti-AD drugs. The molecular docking studies of these hybrids on the active center of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) suggest their capacity to act as dual enzyme inhibitors with probable greater disease-modifying impact relative to AChE-selective FDA-approved drugs. Compounds 5a3 (IC50 = 10.9 µM) and 5c3 (IC50 = 26.8 µM) revealed higher AChE inhibition than the parent RIV drug. Radical scavenging assays demonstrated that all the hybrids containing a hydroxyl substituent in the IND moiety (5a2-3, 5b2-3, 5c2-3) have good antioxidant activity (EC50 7.8–20.7 µM). The most effective inhibitors of Aβ42 self-aggregation are 5a3, 5b3 and 5c3 (47.8–55.5%), and compounds 5b2 and 5c2 can prevent the toxicity induced by Aβ1-42 to cells. The in silico evaluation of the drug-likeness of the hybrids also showed that all the compounds seem to have potential oral availability. Overall, within this class of RIV-IND hybrids, 5a3 and 5c3 appear as lead compounds for anti-AD drug candidates, deserving further investigation.
Design, Synthesis, and Antitumor Evaluation of an Opioid Growth Factor Bioconjugate Targeting Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Budka Justyna , Debowski Dawid , Mai Shaoshan , Narajczyk Magdalena , Hac Stanislaw , Rolka Krzysztof , Vrettos Eirinaios I. , Tzakos Andreas G. , Inkielewicz-Stepniak Iwona
Published: February 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents a formidable challenge with high lethality and limited effective drug treatments. Its heightened metastatic potential further complicates the prognosis. Owing to the significant toxicity of current chemotherapeutics, compounds like [Met5]-enkephalin, known as opioid growth factor (OGF), have emerged in oncology clinical trials. OGF, an endogenous peptide interacting with the OGF receptor (OGFr), plays a crucial role in inhibiting cell proliferation across various cancer types. This in vitro study explores the potential anticancer efficacy of a newly synthesized OGF bioconjugate in synergy with the classic chemotherapeutic agent, gemcitabine (OGF-Gem). The study delves into assessing the impact of the OGF-Gem conjugate on cell proliferation inhibition, cell cycle regulation, the induction of cellular senescence, and apoptosis. Furthermore, the antimetastatic potential of the OGF-Gem conjugate was demonstrated through evaluations using blood platelets and AsPC-1 cells with a light aggregometer. In summary, this article demonstrates the cytotoxic impact of the innovative OGF-Gem conjugate on pancreatic cancer cells in both 2D and 3D models. We highlight the potential of both the OGF-Gem conjugate and OGF alone in effectively inhibiting the ex vivo pancreatic tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation (TCIPA) process, a phenomenon not observed with Gem alone. Furthermore, the confirmed hemocompatibility of OGF-Gem with platelets reinforces its promising potential. We anticipate that this conjugation strategy will open avenues for the development of potent anticancer agents.
Dysregulation of the mRNA Expression of Human Renal Drug Transporters by Proinflammatory Cytokines in Primary Human Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells
Authors: Tsang Yik Pui , Hao Tianran , Mao Qingcheng , Kelly Edward J. , Unadkat Jashvant D.
Published: February 2024

Proinflammatory cytokines, which are elevated during inflammation or infections, can affect drug pharmacokinetics (PK) due to the altered expression or activity of drug transporters and/or metabolizing enzymes. To date, such studies have focused on the effect of cytokines on the activity and/or mRNA expression of hepatic transporters and drug-metabolizing enzymes. However, many antibiotics and antivirals used to treat infections are cleared by renal transporters, including the basal organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2), organic anion transporters 1 and 3 (OAT1 and 3), the apical multidrug and toxin extrusion proteins 1 and 2-K (MATE1/2-K), and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 and 4 (MRP2/4). Here, we determined the concentration-dependent effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) on the mRNA expression of human renal transporters in freshly isolated primary human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs, n = 3–5). PTECs were exposed to either a cocktail of cytokines, each at 0.01, 0.1, 1, or 10 ng/mL or individually at the same concentrations. Exposure to the cytokine cocktail for 48 h was found to significantly downregulate the mRNA expression, in a concentration-dependent manner, of OCT2, the organic anion transporting polypeptides 4C1 (OATP4C1), OAT4, MATE2-K, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and MRP2 and upregulate the mRNA expression of the organic cation/carnitine transporter 1 (OCTN1) and MRP3. OAT1 and OAT3 also appeared to be significantly downregulated but only at 0.1 and 10 ng/mL, respectively, without a clear concentration-dependent trend. Among the cytokines, IL-1β appeared to be the most potent at down- and upregulating the mRNA expression of the transporters. Taken together, our results demonstrate for the first time that proinflammatory cytokines transcriptionally dysregulate renal drug transporters in PTECs. Such dysregulation could potentially translate into changes in transporter protein abundance or activity and alter renal transporter-mediated drug PK during inflammation or infections.
Development of a Prediction Model to Identify the Risk of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Hospitalized Patients Receiving at Least One Dose of Antibiotics
Authors: Alamri Abdulrahman , Bin Abbas AlHanoof , Al Hassan Ekram , Almogbel Yasser
Published: February 2024

Objective: This study’s objective was to develop a risk-prediction model to identify hospitalized patients at risk of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) who had received at least one dose of systemic antibiotics in a large tertiary hospital. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective case–control study that included patients hospitalized for more than 2 days who received antibiotic therapy during hospitalization. The study included two groups: patients diagnosed with hospital CDI and controls without hospital CDI. Cases were matched 1:3 with assigned controls by age and sex. Descriptive statistics were used to identify the study population by comparing cases with controls. Continuous variables were stated as the means and standard deviations. A multivariate analysis was built to identify the significantly associated covariates between cases and controls for CDI. Results: A total of 364 patients were included and distributed between the two groups. The control group included 273 patients, and the case group included 91 patients. The risk factors for CDI were investigated, with only significant risks identified and included in the risk assessment model: age older than 70 years (p = 0.034), chronic kidney disease (p = 0.043), solid organ transplantation (p = 0.021), and lymphoma or leukemia (p = 0.019). A risk score of ≥2 showed the best sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 78.02%, 45.42%, and 78.02, respectively, with an area under the curve of 0.6172. Conclusion: We identified four associated risk factors in the risk-prediction model. The tool showed good discrimination that might help predict, identify, and evaluate hospitalized patients at risk of developing CDI.
Time Travelers (and Everyone Else) Cannot Do Otherwise
Authors: Goddu G. C.
Published: February 2024

Many defenders of the possibility of time travel into the past also hold that such time travel places no restrictions on what said time travelers can do. Some hold that it places at least a few restrictions on what time travelers can do. In attempting to resolve this dispute, I reached a contrary conclusion. Time travelers to the past cannot do other than what they in fact do. Using a very weak notion of can, I shall argue that the correspondingly strong cannot do otherwise applies in the case of backwards time travel. I defend this result from objections.
Almond By-Products Substrates as Sustainable Amendments for Green Bean Cultivation
Authors: Silva Vânia , Oliveira Ivo , Pereira José Alberto , Gonçalves Berta
Published: February 2024

Almond processing generates a high quantity of by-products, presenting the untapped potential for alternative applications and improved sustainability in production. This study aimed to evaluate whether the incorporation of almond by-products (hulls/shells) can improve the biochemical characteristics of green bean pods when used as an alternative to traditional growing media in green bean plants. Four substrates were prepared: the Control substrate (C): 70% peat + 30% perlite; substrate (AS): 70% peat + 30% shells; substrate (AH): 70% peat + 30% perlite + 1 cm hulls as mulch; substrate (MIX): 70% peat + 15% shells + 15% hulls. Plants were grown in each of these substrates and subjected to two irrigation levels, 100% and 50% of their water-holding capacity. Biochemical parameters (photosynthetic pigments, total phenolics, flavonoids, ortho-diphenols, soluble proteins, antioxidant capacity) and color were evaluated in the harvested pods. Results showed that pods from plants growing in AH substrate presented statistically significant higher values in their total phenolic content, while AS and MIX substrates did not reveal significant benefits. Summarily, this study highlights the potential of almond hulls as a promising medium for green bean cultivation, particularly when employed as mulch. Further research is recommended to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the application of almond by-products as natural fertilizers/mulch.
Advanced Bioresin Formulation for 3D-Printed Bone Scaffolds: PCLDMA and p-PLA Integration
Authors: Sakarya Deniz , Zorlu Tolga , Yücel Sevil , Sahin Yesim Muge , Özarslan Ali Can
Published: February 2024

In bone tissue engineering, scaffold attributes such as pore dimensions and mechanical strength are crucial. This study synthesized polycaprolactone dimethacrylate (PCLDMA) from polycaprolactone (PCL), incorporating epichlorohydrin (Epi-PCL) and methacryloyl chloride (Meth-Cl). PCLDMA was blended with polylactic acid (p-PLA) to 3D-print bone scaffolds using stereolithography (SLA). Analytical techniques included nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and compression testing. Degradation kinetics and cell viability were investigated using human osteoblast (HOB) cells. Findings revealed PCLDMA/p-PLA composite scaffold superiority over the original polymers. Notably, PCLDMA-60 (60% PCLDMA, 40% p-PLA) displayed optimal properties. Compressive strength varied from 0.019 to 16.185 MPa, porosity from 2% to 50%, and degradation rates from 0% to 0.4% over three days. Cell viability assays affirmed biocompatibility across various PCLDMA ratios. In conclusion, PCLDMA/p-PLA composite scaffolds, particularly PCLDMA-60, show great potential in bone tissue engineering.
Flowing Liquid-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator Performance Enhancement with Functionalized Polyvinylidene Fluoride Membrane for Self-Powered Pulsating Flow Sensing Application
Authors: Vu Duy Linh , Nguyen Quang Tan , Chung Pil Seung , Ahn Kyoung Kwan
Published: February 2024

Pulsating flow, a common term in industrial and medical contexts, necessitates precise water flow measurement for evaluating hydrodynamic system performance. Addressing challenges in measurement technologies, particularly for pulsating flow, we propose a flowing liquid-based triboelectric nanogenerator (FL-TENG). To generate sufficient energy for a self-powered device, we employed a fluorinated functionalized technique on a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane to enhance the performance of FL-TENG. The results attained a maximum instantaneous power density of 50.6 µW/cm2, and the energy output proved adequate to illuminate 10 white LEDs. Regression analysis depicting the dependence of the output electrical signals on water flow revealed a strong linear relationship between the voltage and flow rate with high sensitivity. A high correlation coefficient R2 within the range from 0.951 to 0.998 indicates precise measurement accuracy for the proposed FL-TENG. Furthermore, the measured time interval between two voltage peaks precisely corresponds to the period of pulsating flow, demonstrating that the output voltage can effectively sense pulsating flow based on voltage and the time interval between two voltage peaks. This work highlights the utility of FL-TENG as a self-powered pulsating flow rate sensor.
The Sacred Building and the City: Decoding the Formal Interface between Public Space and Community
Authors: Silva Leite João , Fernandes Sérgio , Dias Coelho Carlos
Published: February 2024

The reflection on sacred places continues to assume significant relevance today in urban space production. The public value of sacred buildings has consolidated over time an aggregating sense of community, representing spaces for meeting and sharing. Their historical relevance as spaces for meditation represents for mankind places of personal reflection, while they have always played an important role in the city and in its symbolic and spatial structure. Thus, starting from the hypothesis that the sacred space is affirmed as an interface, because it welcomes the individual and serves the community, we examine the architectural features that enhance this ambivalence, exposing transition systems between private and collective spaces, seeking to systematize essential composition matrices for new urban spaces for public use. Assuming Lisbon as a framework, this article proposes a comparative reading between two paradigmatic buildings—Sagrado Coração de Jesus Church and the New Mosque of Lisbon—with similar goals according to the relationship between architecture, place sacrality, and the urban public space. Methodologically, drawing is used as an interpretative tool and, through formal decomposition, this article tries to demonstrate that these buildings are the result of a reflection deeply determined by the value of the place’s identity in the city’s public space system. According to these case studies, sacred buildings are conceived based on formal and spatial links that are rooted in Lisbon’s urban layout. It is sacred buildings that are at the origin of urban places for public use. Each one of these buildings share an idea of architecture with an urban and public role which integrates the objects with the shape of the city and contradicts the tendency for the dissociation between urban elements. In a way, they can be considered paradigmatic examples of architecture with an urban vocation.
A Critical Evaluation of the Impact of Religious Belief (Christianity) within Post-Colonial African Burial Rites: A South African Perspective
Authors: Baloyi Magezi Elijah
Published: February 2024

The mystery of death, dying and funerals has been a universal phenomenon in the lives of almost all human beings, from humanity’s fall from grace to today. Death visits every culture, clan and family, and yet it continues to be a terrifying, unexpected stranger and the most feared enemy of human beings. People from different cultures use different coping mechanisms to fight off the pain of death, but for some people in the Collins Chabane Municipality, a particular Christian religious belief has been shown to be the most reliable asset during the battle. It is questionable whether alternative traditions besides Christianity can compete with Christianity in bringing healing from the pain of death. Various methods of healing, like African grief therapy and psychological healing, are offered to bereaved family members after death and even after burial, but are they enough for Africans to return to their normal lives? This article discusses why (Christian) religious belief is essential during and after the burial of a loved one. This is carried out within the context of colonialism having eroded all African traditions, creating a space for Christianity alone to be a remedy in death and burying.
TDFPI: A Three-Dimensional and Full Parameter Inversion Model and Its Application for Building Damage Assessment in Guotun Coal Mining Areas, Shandong, China
Authors: Liu Hui , Yuan Mingze , Li Mei , Li Ben , Chen Ning , Wang Jinzheng , Li Xu , Wu Xiaohu
Published: February 2024

Subsidence prediction is essential for preventing and controlling geohazards in coal mining areas. However, the Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technique is limited in deriving the goaf displacements with a large gradient and fast deformation rates, hindering its application for potential risk evaluation over the mining areas. In this study, we proposed a three-dimensional and full parameter inversion (TDFPI) model to derive the large-gradient subsidence and then investigate its application for building damage assessment over coal mining areas. By taking the Guotun coal mine as the case study, the TDFPI model was demonstrated to have effectively predicted the large-gradient deformation of the mining areas and successfully evaluated the house damage in Chelou village, which agrees well with our field investigations. Specifically, the predicted subsidence results were validated with high fitting accuracy against field measurements, with RMSE of 0.083 m and 0.102 m, respectively, on observation line A and line F. In addition, the classified damage levels are highly consistent with in situ field surveys for the house cracks in Chelou village, presenting its practicality and effectiveness for building damage evaluation, and thus can provide a useful tool for potential risk assessment and prevention over the mining areas.
A High-Resolution Imaging Method for Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Sonar Based on Deterministic Compressed Sensing
Authors: Gao Ning , Xu Feng , Yang Juan
Published: February 2024

Differences between conventional sonar and Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) sonar systems arise in achieving high angular and range resolution. MIMO sonar uses Matched Filtering (MF) with well-correlated transmitted signals to enhance spatial resolution by obtaining virtual arrays. However, imperfect correlation characteristics yield high sidelobe values, which hinder accurate target localization in underwater imagery. To address this, a Compressed Sensing (CS) method is proposed by reconstructing echo signals to suppress correlation noise between orthogonal waveforms. A shifted dictionary matrix and a deterministic Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) measurement matrix are used to multiply received echo signals to yield compressed measurements. A sparse recovery algorithm is applied to optimize signal reconstruction before joint transmit–receive beamforming forms a 2D sonar image in the angle-range domain. Numerical simulations and lake experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method, by obtaining a lower sidelobe sonar image under sub-Nyquist sampling rates as compared with other approaches.
Characterization of Partial Discharges in Dielectric Oils Using High-Resolution CMOS Image Sensor and Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Monzón-Verona José Miguel , González-Domínguez Pablo , García-Alonso Santiago
Published: February 2024

In this work, an exhaustive analysis of the partial discharges that originate in the bubbles present in dielectric mineral oils is carried out. To achieve this, a low-cost, high-resolution CMOS image sensor is used. Partial discharge measurements using that image sensor are validated by a standard electrical detection system that uses a discharge capacitor. In order to accurately identify the images corresponding to partial discharges, a convolutional neural network is trained using a large set of images captured by the image sensor. An image classification model is also developed using deep learning with a convolutional network based on a TensorFlow and Keras model. The classification results of the experiments show that the accuracy achieved by our model is around 95% on the validation set and 82% on the test set. As a result of this work, a non-destructive diagnosis method has been developed that is based on the use of an image sensor and the design of a convolutional neural network. This approach allows us to obtain information about the state of mineral oils before breakdown occurs, providing a valuable tool for the evaluation and maintenance of these dielectric oils.
The Human Rights of Sex Trafficking Survivors: Trends and Challenges in American Vacatur Laws
Authors: Rodda Patricia C. , Smith-Cannoy Heather
Published: February 2024

For years, survivors of sex trafficking, people compelled by force or circumstance to engage in sex acts, were often wrongly convicted of prostitution and many collateral crimes in the United States. These convictions became a permanent part of survivors’ criminal records, inhibiting their ability to satisfy necessities for a dignified life—finding work and a place to live, or going to school. Since 2010, forty-five state legislatures across the US have sought to solve this problem by passing vacatur laws. These laws allow the survivors of sex trafficking a means to erase certain charges and convictions from their records. The American movement to support the human rights of sex trafficking victims is part of a larger, global non-criminalization movement to support survivors’ human rights. This article surveys the recent and robust diffusion of American vacatur laws, situates them amidst the larger, global non-criminalization movement, and highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of the current US vacatur laws with an eye toward closing the rights gap for sex trafficking survivors. We argue that extant vacatur legislation should be expanded to include all crimes traffickers compel victims to commit, should incorporate trauma-informed means for establishing victimhood, and should be passed at the federal level to ensure complete and uniform protection.
Physical Exercise and Older People: Always a Happy Relationship? Four Qualitative Reflections to Deepen Understanding
Authors: Sossa Rojas Alexis
Published: February 2024

In this paper, I recall reflections from and discussions with both older people who exercise actively and with personal trainers who specialise in working with older people to address two essential elements that should be clarified: First, what are we talking about when we discuss sport, physical exercise and physical activity, especially when we relate them to older people? Second, the benefits of exercise are known, but what are the margins and precautions that this group of people should consider, and even the damage that physical exercise can cause to them? Based on qualitative data that are taken from different ethnographic works, four areas are considered: What does it mean to train as a senior?; are injuries inevitable?; the dangers of having an athlete’s identity; and the hazards of body-image ideals. This work gives voice to older athletes and their coaches, and contributes to studies on physical activity, older people and wellbeing.
Plastics in Agricultural and Urban Soils: Interactions with Plants, Micro-Organisms, Inorganic and Organic Pollutants: An Overview of Polyethylene (PE) Litter
Authors: Tziourrou Pavlos , Golia Evangelia E.
Published: February 2024

Over the last few decades, different types of plastics have been found in different soil types with documented or potential negative effects on the environment, the flora and fauna inhabiting the soils, and subsequently human health. This article is a global review of the consequences of the interactions of plastics with soil, plants, soil microbes, and organic or inorganic pollutants depending on land use. It focuses on the various types of polyethylene, a widely used material with a strong presence in both agricultural and urban soils. Although the chemical formula (C2H4)n remains the same in its various classifications, the chemical behavior of polyethylene in soil varies and directly depends on its density, branching, crystallinity, and relative molecular mass, resulting in many and various differences in the properties but also in the behavior of the two main forms of polyethylene, low and high density. However, beyond the chemical composition of plastics, the climatic conditions that apply in both urban and rural areas determine the degree of corrosion as well as their shape and size, also affecting the chemical reactions that directly or indirectly affect them. In agricultural soils, plants and the microbiome present mainly in the rhizosphere seem to dramatically influence the behavior of plastics, where the interaction of all these parameters leads to changes in the availability of nutrients (phosphorus and potassium), the percentage of organic matter and the nitrogen cycle. In urban soils, the increase in temperature and decrease in humidity are the main parameters that determine the adsorption of heavy metals and organic pollutants on the surface of plastics. Although the presence of plastics is considered inevitable, perhaps a more thorough study of them will lead to a reduction in the risks of pollution in urban and rural environments. This research provides a promising perspective on the potential contribution of MP PEs to the sustainable management of soil systems.
Effects of Agricultural Expansion on Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Stocks in the Amazon Deforestation Arc
Authors: Azevedo Jorge Cardoso de , Cardoso Abmael da Silva , Lage Filho Nauara Moura , Faturi Cristian , Silva Thiago Carvalho da , Domingues Felipe Nogueira , Costa Vladimir Eliodoro , Ruggieri Ana Cláudia , Reis Ricardo Andrade , do Rêgo Aníbal Coutinho
Published: February 2024

Typical successions in land use affect the dynamics of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in the soil. This study aimed to determine the effects of land use change on soil organic carbon and N content and stocks in pastures, crops, and forests in the Amazon. Soil C and N stocks were assessed at depths of 30 and 100 cm to determine 13C isotopic abundance. The concentrations of C and N in crops were lower (p < 0.05) than those in other land use types. Soil organic C and soil N stocks for pasture (67.6, 144.8, 5.7, and 13.3) and forest (77.1, 137.5, 6.3, and 13.8) systems were similar, but greater than those of the crop area (36.4, 63.9, 3.0, and 6.0), regardless of depth (30 and 100 cm for C and N). Land use change for pastures in the Arc of Deforestation region of the Amazon maintains SOC and N stocks in the soil and is more sustainable than the agricultural system with black pepper, as long as the conditions of soil, climate, and cultivation are similar. Part of the C3-derived carbon from the forest was replaced by C4-derived C from grasses at soil depths up to 100 cm.
Uncovering the Effects of Non-Hydrostaticity on Pressure-Induced Phase Transformation in Xenotime-Structured TbPO4
Authors: Sharma Jai , Packard Corinne E.
Published: February 2024

The pressure-induced phase transformations of rare earth orthophosphates (REPO4s) have become increasingly relevant in ceramic matrix composite (CMC) research; however, understanding of the shear-dependence of these transformations remains limited. This study employs diamond anvil cell experiments with three pressure media (neon, KCl, sample itself/no medium) to systematically assess the effect of shear on the phase transformations of TbPO4. Results show a lowering of the TbPO4 transformation onset pressure (Ponset) as well as an extension of the xenotime–monazite phase coexistence range under non-hydrostatic conditions. The TbPO4 Ponset under no medium (4.4(3) GPa) is the lowest REPO4 Ponset reported to date and represents a ~50% drop from the hydrostatic Ponset. Enthalpic differences likely account for lower Ponset values in TbPO4 compared to DyPO4. Experiments also show scheelite may be the post-monazite phase of TbPO4; this phase is consistent with observed and predicted REPO4 transformation pathways.
A Conceptual Exploration of Hidden Spatial Layers: Reading Urban-Breccia
Authors: Aksoy Elif Öztürk , Çebi Pelin Dursun
Published: February 2024

Sustainable urban spaces, from social and cultural perspectives, can be characterized not only by the preservation of the historical cultural structures within them but also by the subjective and collective meanings contributed by the individuals inhabiting these spaces in their daily lives across physical, social, cognitive, and cultural dimensions. Therefore, the planning and construction of socially and culturally sustainable cities is a challenging endeavor due to the intricate and dynamic nature of the urban phenomenon. The main goal of this study is to investigate the meanings of the different layers of the urban space phenomenon and how they can be conceptualized at the core of social and cultural sustainability strategies for cities. The study aims to reconceptualize urban space through the lens of ‘memory’, depicting it as ‘urban-breccia’ that emerges along the axes of remembering–construction and forgetting–destruction, mediated by visible and hidden layers. Within the entirety and variability of physical realities, concepts, phenomena, and occurrences, the urban-breccia generates dynamic, complex, multilayered, and ambiguous relational systems through the struggles of the visible and hidden layers vying for predominance. These relational systems within urban-breccia signify both semantic and syntactic approaches that encompass visible and hidden layers. It is believed that such a study would contribute to the endeavors that seek to find the fundamental domains that render urban spaces culturally and socially sustainable, within the synthesis of urban space’s physical, social, cognitive, and cultural perspectives, through a temporality inherent to memory.
A System Dynamics Approach to Valorize Overripe Figs in the Brewing of Artisanal Beer
Authors: Lagarda-Leyva Ernesto A. , Ruiz Angel , Morales-Mendoza Luis Fernando
Published: February 2024

Craft beer production has grown extensively worldwide. The variety of products and grains that can be used in production make this artisanal product unique. In this study, we propose a system dynamics model that allows for the evaluation of different production scenarios in which figs are used as the main ingredient. This research is inspired by the real case of small fig producers in Valle del Mayo in Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico, who, in 2020, took on the challenge of creating a processing factory for fig-derived products. This paper presents the development and application of a system dynamics approach to model the entire supply chain of overripe figs, i.e., figs that cannot be marketed in prime quality but can still be used in the production of derivative products. The method used for its development encompasses the following stages: (1) defining the craft beer supply chain variables; (2) elaborating on causal diagrams; (3) producing model stock and flow diagrams; (4) model validation; (5) sensitivity analysis and scenario evaluations; and (6) building a graphical user interface (GUI). The proposed model allows managers to assess several production policies under various assumptions of capacity and beer demand, demonstrating its value as an effective tool for strategic decision making.
Can Infrastructure Upgrading Achieve the Synergistic Effect of Pollution Reduction and Carbon Reduction? Evidence from the High-Speed Rail and “Broadband China” Strategies
Authors: Zhang Mengyu , Ma Xiaoyu , Liu Jiamin
Published: February 2024

Infrastructure upgrading has an important impact on environmental protection and low-carbon development. Based on the panel data of 277 prefecture-level cities in China from 2005 to 2021, we examined the impact of infrastructure upgrading on the synergistic effect of pollution reduction and carbon reduction (Pc) by using the multiple-period difference-in-differences method. The results show that infrastructure upgrading can achieve Pc. Additionally, compared with resource-based cities, peripheral cities, and central and western cities, the impact of infrastructure upgrading on Pc is more significant in non-resource-based cities, central cities, and eastern cities. Meanwhile, infrastructure upgrading can promote Pc by promoting scientific and technological talent agglomeration (Tg) and industrial agglomeration (Ig). Finally, the policy of synergy analysis shows that compared with the single pilot cities, the dual pilot cities have a more obvious effect on Pc, and becoming first high-speed rail (HSR) cities and then becoming “Broadband China” strategy (BCS) cities has a stronger effect on Pc. Therefore, to effectively alleviate the dual environmental pressures of pollution reduction and carbon reduction, emphasis should be placed on promoting the common development of transportation infrastructure and digital infrastructure.
The Performance and Feasibility of Solar-Powered Desalination for Brackish Groundwater in Egypt
Authors: Dawoud Mohamed A. , Sallam Ghada R. , Abdelrahman Mohamed A. , Emam Mohamed
Published: February 2024

With a deficit of about 20 BCM in 2022, Egypt faces a severe water shortage due to rapid population growth (109.3 million in 2022). Egypt launched a program to utilize non-conventional water sources, like treated wastewater, agriculture drainage water, and desalination. Egypt is expanding its non-conventional water resources, boosting desalination capacity from 86,000 m3/day in 2015 to 680,000 m3/day in 2022, with plans to reach 1,250,000 m3/day by 2025. Despite the improvements in desalination technologies and cost, its high energy use and environmental impacts are still limiting its use. Egypt’s desalination relies on grid electricity, but renewable energy is crucial for remote areas where no electricity grid exists. Scaling up renewable energy in desalination faces challenges like land availability and high costs. GIS was used for optimal site selection for a brackish groundwater solar desalination plant in the Western North Nile Delta. Factors like solar radiation, groundwater quality, aquifer potentiality, geology, and seawater intrusion were carefully assessed. An evaluation of a sustainable 1000 m3/day solar-powered RO desalination pilot plant’s economic and technical viability is provided, along with its performance assessment. Limitations, challenges, and potential improvements are discussed. The study finds that RO–PV desalination for brackish groundwater is technically mature, with competitive Capex costs (USD 760-USD 850/m3) and low Opex (USD 0.55–USD 0.63/m3). Solar desalination for brackish groundwater with salinity less than 23,000 ppm can reduce energy consumption to 3.6–4.2 kWhr/m3. Water storage and hybrid systems with solar and conventional energy are suggested to enhance efficiency. This implies a growing market for small- to medium-scale RO solar-powered desalination in remote areas in the near future.
Investigation into Detection Efficiency Deviations in Aviation Soot and Calibration Particles Based on Condensation Particle Counting
Authors: Chen Liang , Zhou Quan , Li Guangze , Chang Liuyong , Chen Longfei , Li Yuanhao
Published: February 2024

Aviation soot constitutes a significant threat to human well-being, underscoring the critical importance of accurate measurements. The condensation particle counter (CPC) is the primary instrument for quantifying aviation soot, with detection efficiency being a crucial parameter. The properties of small particles and the symmetry of their growth pathways are closely related to the detection efficiency of the CPC. In laboratory environments, sodium chloride is conventionally utilized to calibrate the CPC’s detection efficiency. However, aviation soot exhibits distinctive morphological characteristics compared to the calibration particles, leading to detection efficiencies obtained from calibration particles that may not be applicable to aviation soot. To address this issue, a quantitative study was performed to explore the detection efficiency deviations between aviation soot and calibration particles. The experiment initially utilized a differential mobility analyzer to size select the two types of polydisperse particles into monodisperse particles. Subsequently, measurements of the separated particles were performed using the TSI Corporation’s aerosol electrometer and a rigorously validated CPC (BH-CPC). These allowed for determining the detection efficiency deviation in the BH-CPC for the two types of particles at different particle sizes. Furthermore, the influence of the operating temperature of the BH-CPC on this detection efficiency deviation was investigated. The experimental results indicate a significant detection efficiency deviation between aviation soot and sodium chloride. In the range of 10–40 nm, the absolute detection efficiency deviation can reach a maximum of 0.15, and the relative deviation can reach a maximum of 0.75. And this detection efficiency deviation can be reduced by establishing a relevant relationship between the detection efficiency of the operating temperature and the calibration temperature. Compared to the saturated segment calibration temperature of 50 °C, the aviation soot detection efficiency is closer to the sodium chloride detection efficiency at the calibration temperature of 50 °C when the saturated segment operates at a temperature of 45 °C. These studies provide crucial theoretical guidance for enhancing the precision of aviation soot emission detection and establish a foundation for future research in monitoring and controlling soot emissions within the aviation sector.
D-Limonene Affects the Feeding Behavior and the Acquisition and Transmission of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus by Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Wei Yan , Gao Liming , Zhang Zhanhong , Li Kailong , Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Deyong , Chen Jianbin , Peng Jing , Gao Yang , Du Jiao , Yan Shuo , Shi Xiaobin , Liu Yong
Published: February 2024

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is an important invasive pest transmitting plant viruses that are maintained through a plant–insect–plant cycle. Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) can be transmitted in a persistent manner by B. tabaci, which causes great losses to global agricultural production. From an environmentally friendly, sustainable, and efficient point of view, in this study, we explored the function of d-limonene in reducing the acquisition and transmission of TYLCV by B. tabaci as a repellent volatile. D-limonene increased the duration of non-feeding waves and reduced the duration of phloem feeding in non-viruliferous and viruliferous whiteflies by the Electrical Penetration Graph technique (EPG). Additionally, after treatment with d-limonene, the acquisition and transmission rate of TYLCV was reduced. Furthermore, BtabOBP3 was determined as the molecular target for recognizing d-limonene by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), fluorescence competitive binding assays, and molecular docking. These results confirmed that d-limonene is an important functional volatile which showed a potential contribution against viral infections with potential implications for developing effective TYLCV control strategies.