bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative diagnostic value of multimodal spectral CT for patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Yu Na , Hong Yuqin , Lv Xue , Liu Qiao , Yan Min
Published: September 2024

Objective

Delayed enhancement cardiac computed tomography (CT) empowers the diagnosis of left atrial appendage thrombus while limited to scanning heterogeneity. We optimized the spectral CT scan and post-process protocols, incorporating delayed enhancement and spectral iodine analysis to discriminate left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus with better morphological relationships between the left atrium, pulmonary vein, and esophagus.

Methods

A total of 278 consecutive patients were retrieved from January 2019 to June 2023. All patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and spectral CT scan of the left atrial and pulmonary vein, with a complete period including the pulmonary venous phase and three delay phases. TEE diagnosis was used as the standard reference. For patients exhibiting LAA filling defects during the pulmonary venous phase, a delayed scan of 30 s (phase I) was performed. If the filling defects persisted, a further delayed scan of 1 min (phase II) was conducted. In cases where the filling defects persisted, an additional delayed scan of 2 min (phase III) was carried out. Iodine concentration in the filled defect area of LAA and the left atrium was measured in phase III. Moreover, 30 patients were randomly selected for water-swallowing and the other 30 for calm breathing. The image quality and esophageal dilation of the two groups were assessed by two experienced surgeons specializing in radiofrequency ablation.

Results

In total, 14 patients were diagnosed with thrombi by TEE. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, negative predictive values, and AUC of phase III delayed combined with iodine quantification for thrombi diagnosis were all 100%. The water-swallowing group exhibited significantly greater esophageal filling and expansion than the calm-breathing group, contributing to a better morphology assessment with no significant difference in image quality.

Conclusion

Combined with iodine quantification, delayed enhancement of spectral CT imaging presents a promising diagnostic potency for LAA thrombus. Incorporating water swallowing into the CT scan process further enables anatomical visualization of the esophagus, left atrium, and pulmonary vein, thereby providing more objective and authentic imaging evidence to assess the esophageal morphology and positional relationships.
The microbiota and metabolome dynamics and their interactions modulate solid-state fermentation process and enhance clean recycling of brewers’ spent grain
Authors: Xie Yueqin , Liu Dongyun , Liu Yang , Tang Jiayong , Zhao Hua , Chen Xiaoling , Tian Gang , Liu Guangmang , Cai Jingyi , Jia Gang
Published: September 2024

The massive yield of brewers’ spent grain (BSG) waste inevitably threaten environmental health. Here, solid-state fermentation (SSF) technology featuring multi-strain (MS) inoculation and high-throughput sequencing technology were employed to facilitate the sustainable and clean recycling of BSG waste while revealing the associated underlying microbiological and metabolic mechanisms. MS inoculation displayed a lower pH value (3.91 vs. 4.12) and neutral detergent fiber content (446.24 vs. 476.23 g/kg DM), a higher levels of lactic acid (86.64 vs. 33.07 g/kg DM), acetic acid (6.13 vs. 4.87 g/kg DM), propionic acid (2.78 vs. 2.18 g/kg DM) and crude protein (307.5 vs. 289.15 g/kg DM) than those in the control group. Moreover, MS inoculation inhibited the formation of non-protein-N and ammonia-N, and spoilage microorganism resuscitation, while enhanced substrate preservation. Microbiologically, during the SSF, the group treated with MS inoculation exhibited an increase in the relative abundance of Leuconostoc (0.58%∼6.60%), Weissella (6.22%∼15.42%), Enterococcus (3.15%∼9.08%), Bacillus (17.63%∼31.29%), Lactobacillus (12.89%∼8.29%), Pseudoalteromonas (12.87%∼16.29%), and a decrease in the relative abundance of Acinetobacter (0.79%∼0.02%) and Enterobacteriaceae (0.78%∼0.24%). Metabolically, starch and sucrose metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and phenylalanine metabolism significantly influenced the quality of extruded BSG fermented by MS during SSF. The examination of the correlation between the microbiota, metabolites, and fermentation parameters revealed that complex interactions between microbes and the environment factors impact metabolite production. Collectively, inoculating with MS improved fermentation quality and stability, facilitated the clean recycling of BSG, which is linked to complex interactions among microbes, the environment factors and metabolite production.
Formation of self-nanoparticles and the immune effect on tumors after injection of ferric chloride with H2O2 under magnetic field therapy
Authors: Yu Baofa , Han Yan , Zhang Jian , Chen Dong
Published: September 2024

Objective

Nanotechnology offers many advantages in various fields of cancer therapy. This study describes a new method of self-forming nanoparticles (self-nano) using ferric chloride (FeCl₃) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to form the self-nanoparticles in an in vivo tumor. The treatment effect is evaluated.

Method

A solution of 3% FeCl3 (0.5 mL) and 1.8% H2O2 (1.0 mL) was injected into the tumor. At various time points post-injection, tumors were collected, and sections were prepared for electron microscopy to evaluate the size of the self-nano particles. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to analyze the immune changes and their effect on tumor growth.

Result

The formation of self-nano in vitro was observed and confirmed, with particles averaging 421 nm in size for the FeCl3 + H2O2 solution. Over time points ranging from 1 to 14 days, the formed self-nano remained stable at a regular size of 421 ± 8 nm. The self-nano, primarily consisting of iron, induced ferroptosis under the influence of an external magnetic field, leading to tumor growth control through iron-induced cell death and immune reactions. These self-nanoparticles also showed stronger enrichment of pathways related to CD8+ T effect cells (Teff), T cell activation, and regulation of T cell proliferation.

Conclusion

The FeCl3 + H2O2 solution can form Fe₂O₃-based self-nanoparticles within tumors through H2O2-incubated oxidation of FeCl3. The self-nano remains effective for over 14 days, inducing ferroptosis and upregulating immune cells under magnetic field treatment. This method offers a novel approach for cancer treatment that can be combined with other modalities.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide-expressing interneurons modulate the effect of behavioral state on cortical activity
Authors: Sabri Ehsan , Batista-Brito Renata
Published: September 2024

Animals live in a complex and changing environment with various degrees of behavioral demands. Behavioral states affect the activity of cortical neurons and the dynamics of neuronal populations, however not much is known about the cortical circuitry behind the modulation of neuronal activity across behavioral states. Here we show that a class of GABAergic inhibitory interneurons that express vasoactive intestinal peptide-expressing interneurons (VIP), namely VIP interneurons, play a key role in the circuits involved in the modulation of cortical activity by behavioral state, as reflected in the mice facial motion. We show that inhibition of VIP interneurons reduces the correlated activity between the behavioral state of the animal and the spiking of individual neurons. We also show that VIP inhibition during the quiet state decreases the synchronous spiking of the neurons but increases delta power and phase locking of spiking to the delta-band activity. Taken together our data show that VIP interneurons modulate the behavioral state-dependency of cortical activity across different time scales.
Influencing factors of glymphatic system during perioperative period
Authors: Dong Rui , Liu Wenjie , Han Yuqiang , Wang Zimo , Jiang Linhao , Wang Liwei , Gu Xiaoping
Published: September 2024

The glymphatic system is a functional cerebrospinal fluid circulatory system that uses peri-arterial space for inflow of cerebrospinal fluid and peri-venous space for efflux of cerebrospinal fluid from brain parenchyma. This brain-wide fluid transport pathway facilitates the exchange between cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid and clears metabolic waste from the metabolically active brain. Multiple lines of work show that the glymphatic system is crucial to normal brain functions, and the dysfunction of the glymphatic system is closely associated with various neurological disorders, including aging, neurodegeneration, and acute brain injury. Currently, it is common to explore the functional and molecular mechanisms of the glymphatic system based on animal models. The function of glymphatic system during perioperative period is affected by many factors such as physiological, pathological, anesthetic and operative methods. To provide a reference for the interpretation of the results of glymphatic system studies during perioperative period, this article comprehensively reviews the physiological and pathological factors that interfere with the function of the glymphatic system during perioperative period, investigates the effects of anesthetic drugs on glymphatic system function and the potential underlying mechanisms, describes operative methods that interfere with the function of the glymphatic system, and potential intervention strategies based on the glymphatic system. Future, these variables should be taken into account as critical covariates in the design of functional studies on the glymphatic system.
Case Report: Cerebral folate deficiency caused by FOLR1 variant
Authors: Wang Qian , Yang Jie , Yu Chunmei , Deng Yao , Wen Qianhui , Yang Hua , Liu Hao , Luo Rong
Published: September 2024

Background

Cerebral folate transport deficiency (CFD) is a rare neurological disease characterized by a deficiency in 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) in the cerebrospinal fluid, with a normal peripheral total folate level. Late infantile-onset refractory seizures, ataxia, movement disorders, hypotonia, developmental delays, and developmental regression characterize CFD. Some patients present with visual and hearing impairments and autism-like manifestations. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical features, diagnostic approach, and therapeutic outcomes in siblings with CFD due to FOLR1 variants, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Case presentation

We reported the cases of two siblings with CFD caused by a new variant in FOLR1. They presented with intractable epilepsy, developmental regression, and ataxia, and the younger sibling developed autism. Whole-exon sequencing revealed a c.148G>A homozygous variant, resulting in a change in the amino acid sequence (p.Glu50Lys). Low 5-MTHF levels were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Conclusions

This report illustrates that CFD was caused by FOLR1 variants in two siblings. They had intractable epilepsy, developmental regression, and ataxia, and a diagnosis of CFD was confirmed by a c.148G>A (p.Glu50Lys) variant in FOLR1, a new pathogenic variant in FOLR1. Early diagnosis is essential and can improve outcomes in affected patients.
Correlation of anterior cerebral artery resistive index with early comorbidities in preterm neonates
Authors: Gill Karambir Singh , Gupta Bhavna , Pooni Puneet A. , Bhargava Siddharth
Published: September 2024

Introduction

This study was undertaken to find the clinical correlation of resistive index (RI) in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) of preterm neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive care unit (NICU) with comorbidities such as perinatal asphyxia, neonatal sepsis, and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Methods

An observational analytical study was conducted, including preterm neonates (<35 weeks) admitted to the NICU. Ultrasound cranium scans were performed on days 1–3 and 7 of life as per the study protocol. Baseline and clinical data of asphyxia, sepsis, and NEC were obtained. Images were acquired using a 4–8-MHz probe on a Sonosite M-turbo machine (Bothell, WA, USA). All statistical calculations were done using SPSS version 21.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) with the application of the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and the Mann–Whitney test.

Results

During the study period, a total of 739 neonates were admitted. Of these, 73 neonates constituted the study group. Among the 73 patients, 33 were preterm neonates without comorbidities and 40 neonates had comorbidities such as perinatal asphyxia, sepsis, and NEC stage 2 and 3 (necrotizing enterocolitis). In the present study, the mean RI on day 3 of life was 0.76 ± 0.04 in neonates without comorbidities and 0.77 ± 0.04 in neonates with comorbidities, with a p-value of 0.247. On the 7th day of life, the mean RI was 0.82 ± 0.03 in both groups, with a p-value of 0.42.

Conclusion

We could not find any significant clinical correlation of RI in the ACA of preterm neonates <35 weeks of gestation with comorbidities.
Inhibitory effects of calcium channel blockers nisoldipine and nimodipine on ivacaftor metabolism and their underlying mechanism
Authors: Xia Hailun , Xu Xinhao , Chen Jie , Wu Hualu , Shen Yuxin , Chen Xiaohai , Xu Ren-ai , Wu Wenzhi
Published: September 2024

Ivacaftor is the first potentiator of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein approved for use alone in the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). Ivacaftor is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 and therefore may interact with drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates, resulting in changes in plasma exposure to ivacaftor. The study determined the levels of ivacaftor and its active metabolite M1 by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). We screened 79 drugs and 19 severely inhibited ivacaftor metabolism, particularly two cardiovascular drugs (nisoldipine and nimodipine). In rat liver microsomes (RLM) and human liver microsomes (HLM), the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of nisoldipine on ivacaftor metabolism were 6.55 μM and 9.10 μM, respectively, and the inhibitory mechanism of nisoldipine on ivacaftor metabolism was mixed inhibition; the IC50 of nimodipine on ivacaftor metabolism in RLM and HLM were 4.57 μM and 7.15 μM, respectively, and the inhibitory mechanism of nimodipine on ivacaftor was competitive inhibition. In pharmacokinetic experiments in rats, it was observed that both nisoldipine and nimodipine significantly altered the pharmacokinetic parameters of ivacaftor, such as AUC(0-t) and CLz/F. However, this difference may not be clinically relevant. In conclusion, this paper presented the results of studies investigating the interaction between these drugs and ivacaftor in vitro and in vivo. The objective is to provide a rationale for the safety of ivacaftor in combination with other drugs.
Inhibition of the RIP3/MLKL/TRPM7 necroptotic pathway ameliorates diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction by reducing cell death, fibrosis, and inflammation
Authors: Niu Lipan , Yang Pei , Zhu Bingbing , Jin Xiufang , Yang Chengxia , Zhang Xijia , Liu Yulian , Zhang Rui , Liu Fengxia
Published: September 2024

Diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED) is a common complication in patients with diabetes mellitus. Necroptosis is regarded as a form of cell death that is intimately associated with the inflammatory response, which is not only initiated by inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, but also triggers the inflammatory cascade through the rupture of the dying cell. There is no definitive study on the role of necroptosis in the pathological process of DMED. In light of the pathological features of high inflammation levels in DMED patients, we assessed whether the necroptosis plays an important role in the course of DMED. Our study revealed that penile tissues of DMED rats showed high levels of key necroptosis factors such as receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3), mixed-lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), and transient receptor potential melatonin 7 (TRPM7). Furthermore, the inhibition of necroptosis with a receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3) inhibitor or Yimusake (a common herbal remedy for ED) effectively rescued damage to corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMC) under high glucose conditions. Our findings suggest that inhibition of the RIP3/MLKL/TRPM7 necroptotic pathway could effectively ameliorate CCSMCs fibrosis and death induced by high glucose and inhibited the inflammatory response.
Exogenous gibberellin suppressed taproot secondary thickening by inhibiting the formation and maintenance of vascular cambium in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Meng Ge , Yong Mingli , Zhang Ziyue , Zhang Yuqing , Wang Yahui , Xiong Aisheng , Su Xiaojun
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The thickening of radish taproots is primarily determined by secondary growth driven by the vascular cambium and is a highly intricate process regulated by plant hormones, transcription factors, and many metabolic pathways. Gibberellin (GA), a plant hormone associated with cell elongation, is essential in secondary growth. However, the mechanism through which exogenous GA3 regulates secondary taproot growth in radishes remains unclear.

Methods

Integrated morphological, anatomical, hormonal, and transcriptomic analyses of taproots in radishes treated with GA3 and its biosynthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol (PBZ) were performed to explore their effects on taproot secondary growth and key regulatory pathways.

Results

GA3 significantly hindered taproot thickening by inhibiting the formation and maintenance of the vascular cambium, and PBZ promoted root development by increasing root length rather than root diameter. Transcriptome analysis revealed 2,014, 948, and 1,831 differentially expressed genes identified from the control vs. GA3, control vs. PBZ, and GA3 vs. PBZ comparisons, respectively. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathway enrichment analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes were primarily involved in the biosyntheses of secondary metabolites and metabolic pathways. GA3 significantly increased the levels of endogenous indole-acetic acid and the expression of auxin synthesis and signal transduction genes.

Discussion

Exogenous GA3 significantly inhibited the expression of genes involved in the maintenance and differentiation of vascular cambium, including WOX14, ER/ERL1, and XCP2. Exogenous GA3 affects root thickening in radishes primarily by regulating hormone signal transduction pathways, vascular cambium activity, and substance and energy metabolisms. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying taproot thickening in radishes and provide a valuable gene database for future studies.
Mental health literacy and help-seeking intention among Chinese elite athletes: the mediating roles of stigma and social support
Authors: Bu Danran , Zhang Chun-Qing , Liang Wei , Han Zhe , Yi Nian , Su Ning , Huang Zhijian
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Considering the importance of mental health help-seeking, researchers have closely examined the relationship between mental health literacy (MHL) and help-seeking intention (HSI). Furthermore, the high impact of stigma and the potential value of social support on HSI have been recognised. However, the relationship between these variables has not been fully tested within the context of Chinese elite athletes. This study addressed this gap by examining the relationship between MHL and HSI. Furthermore, it explored the mediating effects of public stigma, self-stigma, and social support on the relationship between MHL and HSI among Chinese elite athletes.

Methods

450 Chinese elite athletes (Mage = 18.12, SD = 3.20, 46.2% female) self-reported their MHL, public stigma, self-stigma, social support, and HSI. Mediation analysis was conducted using the bootstrap approach of the PROCESS macro version 3.3 of SPSS 25.

Results

The results showed a significant positive correlation between MHL and HSI (r = 0.348). The results also demonstrated that MHL was a predictor of HSI (β = 0.337, 95%CI [0.249, 0.425], p < 0.001). Furthermore, 1) the indirect effect of MHL → public stigma→HSI was 0.024 and a 95%CI [0.003, 0.053]. Specifically, MHL predicted public stigma (Estimate = −0.151, 95%CI [−0.187, −0.045], p < 0.001), and public stigma predicted HSI (Estimate = −0.161, 95%CI [− 0.549, −0.164], p < 0.001); 2) the indirect effect of MHL → self-stigma→ HSI was 0.016 and 95%CI [0.002, 0.038]. Specifically, MHL predicted self-stigma (Estimate = −0.137, 95%CI [−0.069, −0.013], p < 0.01), and self-stigma predicted HSI (Estimate = −0.120, 95%CI [−1.181, −0.186], p < 0.01); as well as 3) the indirect effect of MHL → social support→HSI was 0.029 and a 95%CI [0.009, 0.055]. Specifically, MHL predicted social support (Estimate = 0.208, 95%CI [0.018, 0.047], p < 0.001), and social support predicted HSI (Estimate = 0.141, 95%CI [0.578, 2.442], p < 0.01). Additionally, the direct effects from MHL to HSI is (β = 0.452, 95%CI [0.304, 0.600], p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings provide empirical support for the roles of public stigma, self-stigma, and social support as mechanisms of behavioural change in MHL interventions. These factors increase HSI among elite athletes. Future studies should further test these mediating effects using experimental designs.
Exploring the landscape of adult autism research in psychology: a bibliometric and network analysis
Authors: Mota Fabio Batista , Braga Luiza Amara Maciel , Cabral Bernardo Pereira
Published: September 2024

The global prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing. ASD manifests with persistent social communication and interaction challenges, limited interests, and repetitive behaviors. As the scientific literature on ASD in adults varies greatly, mapping the recent global research becomes valuable for enhancing comprehension of this subject. This study aims to map recent global scientific publications on ASD in adults. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, bibliometrics, and network analyses, we assessed 850 articles indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection between 2013 and 2022 assigned to the research area of psychology. Findings indicate an annual average growth of 11.69%. Key keywords include Emotion, Anxiety, and Depression, with Anxiety, Depression, and Mental Health as central nodes in the network. Rehabilitation, Behavioral Sciences, and Psychiatry frequently co-occur, and Psychology, Psychiatry, and ‘Neurosciences and Neurology’ are central nodes in the network of research areas. The United States of America and the United Kingdom lead in publications, with the United Kingdom being the most central country in the network. King’s College London and the University of California are the main research organizations, with King’s College London as the central node in the network. The American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5-TR was the most cited reference in the period. This comprehensive analysis contributes to understanding the landscape of ASD research in adults, providing insights for future research and fostering collaborations.
Mannerisms and stereotypies in catatonia: beyond simple motor movements
Authors: Mahgoub Yassir , Pathare Aum , Hamlin Dallas , Kindt Hailey , Francis Andrew
Published: September 2024

Background

Catatonia is a complex syndrome with prominent psychomotor, cognitive, and affective manifestations. Among the commonly described manifestations of catatonia are mannerisms and stereotypies. Kahlbaum, who coined the term catatonia, described several presentations of mannerisms and stereotypies as complex behaviors in his monograph. However, most of the subsequent psychiatric literature has described both phenomena in the context of simple motor movements or actions.

Study design or method

We identified complex behavioral presentations of mannerisms and stereotypies described by Kahlbaum in his monograph. We summarize the development and use of mannerisms and stereotypies as psychiatric terminology since Kahlbaum, emphasizing the spectrum of behavior captured early in this usage. We list the inconsistent and interchangeable use of these terms in subsequent literature and describe recent examples of complex behavioral manifestations of mannerisms and stereotypies in the context of catatonia.

Study results

We propose a new framework for mannerisms and stereotypies that utilizes descriptive psychopathology factors in various normative references, the context of the behavior examined, and critical pathological processes identified in mannerisms and stereotypies to identify and describe complex manifestations of these phenomena.

Conclusion

Catatonia continues to remain under-recognized and under-treated. Our current diagnostic tools can make mannerisms and stereotypies complex and challenging to recognize. We suggest defining stereotypies as non-contextual repetitive activities while mannerisms as non-contextual peculiarities of activities. Utilizing our proposed framework and definitions can improve the description, recognition, and treatment of catatonia.
Low hand grip strength as an indicator of depression in the Korean population: a large-scale cross-sectional study
Authors: Lee Bum Ju
Published: September 2024

Background

Depression is one of the leading global mental health problems, and hand grip strength (HGS) is associated with depression. However, there have been no studies assessing the association between depression and relative HGS indices combined with waist circumference (WC) and the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). The objective of this study was to examine the association of depression with absolute and relative HGS indices.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2014 to 2019. A total of 20,649 participants (8,959 men, 43.4% and 11,690 women, 56.6%) were included. The associations between depression and the HGS indices were analyzed through complex sample binary logistic regression models, which were adjusted for age in Model 1 and various covariates in Model 2.

Results

The prevalence of depression was 4.58%, with rates of 2.29% for men and 6.34% for women. The prevalence of depression in women was 2.76 times greater than that in men. In men, the mean HGS values in the dominant hand were 35.48 ± 0.75 kg in the depression group and 38.73 ± 0.11 kg in the non-depression group; in women, they were 21.37 ± 0.22 kg in the depression group and 22.77 ± 0.07 kg in the non-depression group. In men, relative HGS indices as HGS/WC, HGS/body mass index, and HGS/WHtR were more strongly associated with depression than were the absolute HGS indices; however, in women, the associations were similar for both absolute and relative HGS indices. The magnitude of the association was greater for men than for women. In both sexes, all the anthropometric indices had a lower association with depression than did the HGS indices.

Conclusion

Low absolute and relative HGS were negatively associated with depression in the Korean population. But, relative HGS indices were more strongly associated with depression than were absolute HGS and anthropometric indices in men but not in women.
Remote sensing of 50 years of coastal urbanization and environmental change in the Arabian Gulf: a systematic review
Authors: Dahy Basam , Al-Memari Maryam , Al-Gergawi Amal , Burt John A.
Published: September 2024

Since the 1970s oil boom, nations surrounding the Arabian Gulf have witnessed rapid coastal urbanization, which accelerated in the early 2000s with the emergence of large-scale coastal ‘mega-projects’ designed to accommodate growing populations, attract international investments, and promote tourism. This development surge has had profound environmental impacts, including significant habitat modification, land use and land cover (LULC) change, and increased environmental pressure. Remote sensing (RS) technologies have become indispensable tools for monitoring these changes, offering cost-effective and non-intrusive methods to map and assess coastal zones. However, RS applications across the Arabian Gulf have been spatially limited, often focusing narrowly on specific cities or habitats while neglecting the broader geographical and coastal dimensions of urbanization. This study addresses this gap by conducting a systematic review of peer-reviewed RS literature from 1971 to 2022, covering the coastal regions of the eight nations bordering the Arabian Gulf. A total of 186 publications were categorized into three focal areas: 1) coastal urbanization and LULC, 2) coastal and marine habitats, and 3) environmental pressures and state changes. The results reveal a significant increase in RS studies in recent years, with around two-thirds of the publications (64.3%) appearing between 2016 and 2022. Studies predominantly focused on environmental pressures and state changes (35%), followed by habitat modification (27%), and coastal urbanization (20%). Geographically, RS research primarily concentrated on the coasts of the southern Gulf (UAE and Qatar) and western Gulf (Bahrain and Saudi Arabia), where major urban centers are located, while the northern Gulf (Kuwait and Iraq) and Iranian coast have been less studied. The systematic review highlights the need for integrated RS and GIS-based monitoring systems that combine different sources of RS data and in situ measurements to evaluate the Gulf as a unified system. Expanding spatial coverage, enhancing temporal analysis, and fostering regional collaboration are necessary to improve the understanding and management of coastal urbanization and environmental changes in the Arabian Gulf. This approach will more effectively inform decision-makers, and support more sustainable coastal management and long-term environmental resilience in the region.
Flowers You Can Eat
Authors: Castañeda-Rodríguez Rey , Mulík Stanislav , Quiles Amparo , Ozuna César
Published: September 2024

Edible flowers are made up of a large group of flowers that have different characteristics. In addition to being delicious, they can also be healthy and nutritious. In this article, you will learn about the science behind flower eating, including the super-healthy nutrients they contain and how these nutrients can change when the flowers are cooked. We hope that this article, and our work studying edible flowers, will help spread the knowledge about flowers as food. Many people still might not know that some flowers are much more than decorations—they can actually be eaten as part of a healthy diet.
Explainable Machine Learning Model to Accurately Predict Protein-Binding Peptides
Authors: Azim Sayed Mehedi , Balasubramanyam Aravind , Islam Sheikh Rabiul , Fu Jinglin , Dehzangi Iman
Published: September 2024

Enzymes play key roles in the biological functions of living organisms, which serve as catalysts to and regulate biochemical reaction pathways. Recent studies suggest that peptides are promising molecules for modulating enzyme function due to their advantages in large chemical diversity and well-established methods for library synthesis. Experimental approaches to identify protein-binding peptides are time-consuming and costly. Hence, there is a demand to develop a fast and accurate computational approach to tackle this problem. Another challenge in developing a computational approach is the lack of a large and reliable dataset. In this study, we develop a new machine learning approach called PepBind-SVM to predict protein-binding peptides. To build this model, we extract different sequential and physicochemical features from peptides and use a Support Vector Machine (SVM) as the classification technique. We train this model on the dataset that we also introduce in this study. PepBind-SVM achieves 92.1% prediction accuracy, outperforming other classifiers at predicting protein-binding peptides.
Research on Vibration Reduction Characteristics of High-Speed Elevator with Rolling Guide Shoes Based on Hydraulic Damping Actuator
Authors: Hu Dongming , Wang Qibing , Zhan Jianming
Published: September 2024

This paper endeavors to tackle the issue of horizontal vibrations encountered in high-speed and ultra-high-speed elevator cabins during operation. Given the limitations of traditional passive-control guide shoes in effectively mitigating these vibrations and the complexity and cost associated with active control systems, a novel approach involving passive-control rolling guide shoes (PCRGS) integrated with hydraulic damping is explored. The PCRGS incorporates a hydraulic actuator and hydraulic damping, which can be modeled by a mechanical and hydraulic co-simulation model using AMESim2020 software. The simulation reveals a substantial reduction in cabin vibrations equipped with PCRGS. Specifically, under pulse excitation, the reduction ranges from 26.2% to 27.5%; under white noise excitation, it varies between 14.3% and 17.1%; and under sine wave excitation, the reduction spans 21.2% to 24.1%. Notably, the system meets the stringent ‘Excellent’ (<=0.07 m/s2) performance criteria under sine wave excitation at lower frequencies, signifying its high effectiveness. These findings not only underscore the potential of hydraulic passive-control guide shoes in mitigating elevator vibrations but also provide invaluable guidance for their further development and refinement.
Measuring Efficiency and Satisfaction in the Context of Digital Transformation
Authors: Krejnus Matej , Repková Štofková Katarína , Štofková Jana , Štofková Zuzana , Loučanová Erika , Poliaková Adela , Šujanská Lucia
Published: September 2024

Currently, much attention is paid to digital transformation in all areas, including the public sphere. The latest studies show that it is necessary for the public sector to monitor the efficiency and satisfaction with the services provided. However, there are significant gaps in research in this area, including in Slovakia. This research proposes and applies the measurement of efficiency using the DEA method in the context of e-Government, provides a comparison of the roles of states in the use of public electronic services in the EU, and applies the method of measuring satisfaction using the American Customer Satisfaction Index, focused on the central state portal in Slovakia. The main methods that were used to fulfil the objectives of the work were data envelopment analysis, “DEA”, and the American Customer Satisfaction Index, “ACSI”. Other methods used include the Mann–Whitney U test, the chi-squared test, and Sperm correlation analysis. From the results of the work, it is possible to conclude that ACSI can be applied within Slovakia. Furthermore, the results show a strong correlation between perceived quality and satisfaction, which is 0.855. Overall satisfaction with the central state portal of public electronic services reached 61.7%. We conclude that it would be appropriate and possible to use ACSI as part of DEA measurement.
A Neural Network with Physical Mechanism for Predicting Airport Aviation Noise
Authors: Zhu Dan , Peng Jiayu , Ding Cong
Published: September 2024

Airport noise prediction models are divided into physics-guided methods and data-driven methods. The prediction results of physics-guided methods are relatively stable, but their overall prediction accuracy is lower than that of data-driven methods. However, machine learning methods have a relatively high prediction accuracy, but their prediction stability is inferior to physics-guided methods. Therefore, this article integrates the ECAC model, driven by aerodynamics and acoustics principles under the framework of deep neural networks, and establishes a physically guided neural network noise prediction model. This model inherits the stability of physics-guided methods and the high accuracy of data-driven methods. The proposed model outperformed physics-driven and data-driven models regarding prediction accuracy and generalization ability, achieving an average absolute error of 0.98 dBA in predicting the sound exposure level. This success was due to the fusion of physics-based principles with data-driven approaches, providing a more comprehensive understanding of aviation noise prediction.
Material Characterization of High-Performance Polymers for Additive Manufacturing (AM) in Aerospace Mechanical Design
Authors: Boado-Cuartero Blanca , Pérez-Álvarez Javier , Roibás-Millán Elena
Published: September 2024

Additive manufacturing has profoundly influenced the aerospace industry since its inception, offering unmatched design freedom, cost reduction, rapid prototyping, and enhanced supply-chain efficiency. High-performance polymers like ULTEM™ and PEEK have emerged, known for their strength, temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and lightweight properties. However, the mechanical properties of materials produced through additive manufacturing can vary due to several factors in the printing process, leading to some degree of uncertainty. To address this, the mechanical properties of ULTEM™ 9085 and ULTEM™ 1010 were characterized through mechanical tests. These tests aimed to provide valuable insights into the performance of these materials to be able to run more practical and precise analyses in concurrent design facilities for topological optimization. The results were also compared to materials used in traditional manufacturing methods for components such as flexures and compliant mechanisms. While not fully able to replace metals in high-stress environments, they can be effectively utilized in specific applications. The tests performed contribute to the building of databases that would allow for faster access to critical data that could be applied to a simulation to predict structural performance. This research highlights the potential of additive manufacturing to revolutionize material use in the aerospace sector.
Multi-Fidelity Modelling of the Effect of Combustor Traverse on High-Pressure Turbine Temperatures
Authors: Carta Mario , Shahpar Shahrokh , Ghisu Tiziano , Licheri Fabio
Published: September 2024

As turbine entry temperatures of modern jet engines continue to increase, additional thermal stresses are introduced onto the high-pressure turbine rotors, which are already burdened by substantial levels of centrifugal and gas loads. Usually, for modern turbofan engines, the temperature distribution upstream of the high-pressure stator is characterized by a series of high-temperature regions, determined by the circumferential arrangement of the combustor burners. The position of these high-temperature regions, both radially and circumferentially in relation to the high-pressure stator arrangement, can have a strong impact on their subsequent migration through the high-pressure stage. Therefore, for a given amount of thermal power entering the turbine, a significant reduction in maximum rotor temperatures can be achieved by adjusting the inlet temperature distribution. This paper is aimed at mitigating the maximum surface temperatures on a high-pressure turbine rotor from a modern commercial turbofan engine by conducting a parametric analysis and optimization of the inlet temperature field. The parameters considered for this study are the circumferential position of the high-temperature spots, and the overall bias of the temperature distribution in the radial direction. High-fidelity unsteady (phase-lag) and conjugate heat transfer simulations are performed to evaluate the effects of inlet clocking and radial bias on rotor metal temperatures. The optimized inlet distribution achieved a 100 K reduction in peak high-pressure rotor temperatures and 7.5% lower peak temperatures on the high-pressure stator vanes. Furthermore, the optimized temperature distribution is also characterized by a significantly more uniform heat load allocation on the stator vanes, when compared to the baseline one.
Strigolactone Preserves Fresh-Cut Apple Quality during Shelf Life
Authors: Liu Zunchun , Zhang Xinyu , Zhu Shuhua , Huang Dandan
Published: September 2024

Strigolactone (SL) is a signal factor that plays a vital role in plants. The application of SL for the storability of horticultural products has recently received attention. In this experiment, fresh-cut apples were treated with SL at diverse concentrations and stored at 4 °C for 10 days, and the changes in quality characteristics, antioxidant system, hydrogen sulfide metabolism, and nitric oxide metabolism were determined. Compared with other treatments, the results showed that SL treatment at 0.50 µmol L−1 had excellent effects on maintaining fruit surface color, weight, firmness, reduced respiration rate, soluble solids content, and electrolyte leakage. SL treatment increased antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, altered the nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-like pathway to promote endogenous NO production in the fruit, and facilitated the L-cysteine-catalyzed process to increase the endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) content. In addition, SL treatment affected the mRNA transcription levels of several genes related to the antioxidant system, H2S metabolism, and NO synthesis, including MdSOD, MdCAT, MdPOD, and MdSAT. Taken together, the results indicated that 0.50 µmol L−1 SL treatment improves the endogenous synthesis of NO and H2S, enhances the antioxidative system, and maintains the quality of fresh-cut apples during their shelf life. Therefore, the present study opens up the possibility of using the exogenous application of strigolactone in the fresh-cut processing industry.
Comparative Performance of a Sprayer Rate Controller and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Systems for Site-Specific Pesticide Applications
Authors: Meena Ravi , Virk Simerjeet , Rains Glen , Porter Wesley
Published: September 2024

With recent advances in spray technology and rising interest in site-specific applications, it is imperative to assess the performance of the latest application technologies to ensure effective pesticide applications. Thus, a study was conducted to compare and evaluate the performance of two different flow control systems [rate controller (RC) and pulse width modulation (PWM)] on an agricultural sprayer while simulating different site-specific application scenarios. A custom data acquisition and logging system was developed to record the real-time nozzle flow and pressure across the sprayer boom. The first experiment measured the response time to achieve different target application rates in single-rate site-specific (On/Off) states at varying simulated ground speeds. The second experiment examined the response time for rate transitions in variable-rate application scenarios among different selected target rates at varying simulated ground speeds. Across all the application scenarios, the PWM system consistently outperformed the RC system in terms of response time and rate stabilization. Specifically, the PWM system exhibited significantly lower mean rate stabilization times compared to the RC system during single-rate application states. Similarly, in the variable-rate application states—where the rate transitions were evaluated—the PWM system consistently displayed shorter mean rate transition and stabilization times compared to the RC system. Overall, the findings from this study suggest PWM systems tend to be more responsive and effective, making them the preferred choice for efficient precision site-specific pesticide applications. Future research should evaluate the influence of other operational parameters such as look-ahead time and ground speed variations on the performance of both systems in actual field applications.
Investigation of the Composting Process of Mongolian Horse Manure Utilizing Intelligent Composting Equipment
Authors: Wang Jian , Ren Kailin , Zhang Yong , Zhang Longfei , Li Zhe
Published: September 2024

The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, known for its famous Mongolian horses, faces significant environmental challenges due to the large-scale rearing of these animals, which produces a substantial amount of manure. If not managed effectively, this manure can lead to severe environmental pollution. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a small-scale intelligent aeration and heating composting system is effective in treating Mongolian horse manure, with the objective of enhancing composting efficiency and resource utilization to support sustainable agricultural development in the region. The equipment was utilized to treat a compost mixture of Mongolian horse manure and corn stover, allowing for an analysis of the changes in key indicators throughout the composting process. The results demonstrated that the equipment maintained high temperatures for up to eight days during the composting process, effectively inactivating pathogens and promoting the efficient decomposition of organic matter. The system also successfully controlled humidity to 12.7% and maintained oxygen concentration within the optimal range. Post-composting analysis revealed that the final compost contained 2.3% nitrogen, 1.3% phosphorus, and 1.2% potassium, with a pH of 6.4 and conductivity of approximately 5.2 mS/cm. Additionally, the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio decreased significantly from 27.3 to 15.9, indicating substantial organic matter degradation. Seed germination tests showed germination rates of 80%, 86%, and 75% for corn, mung bean, and wheat, respectively, with a final seed germination index of 104%. This study concluded that the small aeration and heating composting equipment is highly effective in treating Mongolian horse manure, producing high-quality organic fertilizers that significantly enhance soil fertility and demonstrate considerable potential for supporting sustainable agricultural practices and improving environmental management in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
Modeling the Effects of Irrigation and Its Interaction with Silicon on Quinoa Seed Yield and Water Use Efficiency in Arid Regions
Authors: El-Tahan Amira M. , Emran Mohamed , Safhi Fatmah A. , Wali Asal M. , Sobhy Sherien E. , Ibrahim Omar M.
Published: September 2024

Despite quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) gaining international popularity in the early 21st century for its nutritional benefits, there remains a critical need to optimize its cultivation practices in arid regions. Current research often overlooks the combined effects of supplemental irrigation and foliar treatments on quinoa’s yield and water efficiency, particularly under challenging environmental conditions like those in Borg El-Arab, Egypt. Field studies were conducted in Borg El-Arab, Alexandria, Egypt, during the winter seasons of 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 to determine the influence of supplemental irrigation (rainfed, 2000, and 4000 m3/hectare, respectively) and foliar spraying of sodium silicate (control, 200, and 400 ppm) on yield, yield components, seed quality, and water usage efficiency in quinoa cv. Chibaya grown in arid lands. Three replications were used in a split-plot design. The main plots were designated for irrigation, while the subplots were designated for foliar spraying. The results indicate that applying irrigation at a rate of 4000 m3/hectare significantly increased leaf dry weight per plant by 23.5%, stem dry weight per plant by 18.7%, total dry weight per 25 plants by 21.4%, leaf area per plant by 19.2%, and straw yield by 26.8% compared to the control treatment. There were no significant differences between irrigation with the rate of 4000 m3 or 2000 m3/hectare on biological yield kg/hectare, N (%), P (mg/100 g), and protein (%). The utilization of sodium silicate had no significance on all studied features except for straw yield kg ha−1 at the rate of 200 or 400 ppm. The results regarding the RAPD1 primer revealed that the 2000+0 silicon treatment was the only treatment that resemble the control with no up- or downregulated fragment. Moreover, 20 upregulated fragments were observed in all treatments, while 19 DNA fragments were downregulated. Furthermore, the results obtained regarding the RAPD2 primer revealed that 53 fragments were upregulated and 19 downregulated. Additionally, the RAPD3 primer demonstrated that 40 DNA fragments were upregulated, whereas 18 downregulated DNA fragments were detected. It may be inferred that the application of irrigation at a rate of 4000 m3 ha−1 might serve as a supplemental irrigation method. Spraying sodium silicate at a 400 mg L−1 concentration could alleviate the dry climate on the Egyptian shore.