bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Adriamycin-Cytoxan chemotherapy on hematological and electrolyte parameters among breast cancer patients
Authors: Tadesse Fikremariam Abiye , Leminie Abebaye Aragaw
Published: May 2023

Background

Adriamycin-Cytoxan (AC) is a common chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer (BC) patients. Its electrolyte and hematological adverse effects have not been addressed adequately.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effect of AC on hematological and electrolyte parameters among BC patients.

Methods

A hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study design was conducted from March to November 2022. Randomly selected AC-treated (n=100) and untreated (n=100) patients were included. Structured questionnaire and medical records were used to collect sociodemographic data. Anthropometric parameters, hematological indices, and serum electrolytes were measured. Cobas Integra 400+and SYSMEX-XT-4000i were used to analyze serum electrolytes and hematological indices respectively. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Independent t-test and chi-square test were used. p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

AC-treated patients’ mean total white blood cell (TWBC), neutrophil (NE), lymphocyte (LY), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (HCT), and sodium(Na+) values were significantly reduced (p<0.05) than patients with no treatment. However, mean eosinophils (EO), platelet (PLT) counts, red cell distribution-width (RDW), potassium (K+), and plateletcrit (PCT values were significantly increased (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The majority of blood cells and serum sodium were affected by AC treatment. Incorporating these parameters in the routine analysis and further studies on the detailed mechanism of action of this drug is required.
The function of histone methylation and acetylation regulators in GBM pathophysiology
Authors: McCornack Colin , Woodiwiss Timothy , Hardi Angela , Yano Hiroko , Kim Albert H.
Published: May 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary brain malignancy and is characterized by a high degree of intra and intertumor cellular heterogeneity, a starkly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and nearly universal recurrence. The application of various genomic approaches has allowed us to understand the core molecular signatures, transcriptional states, and DNA methylation patterns that define GBM. Histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) have been shown to influence oncogenesis in a variety of malignancies, including other forms of glioma, yet comparatively less effort has been placed on understanding the transcriptional impact and regulation of histone PTMs in the context of GBM. In this review we discuss work that investigates the role of histone acetylating and methylating enzymes in GBM pathogenesis, as well as the effects of targeted inhibition of these enzymes. We then synthesize broader genomic and epigenomic approaches to understand the influence of histone PTMs on chromatin architecture and transcription within GBM and finally, explore the limitations of current research in this field before proposing future directions for this area of research.
Juvenile dermatomyositis and nephrotic syndrome: A case report and a mini literature review
Authors: Zhou Weiran , Dong Linlin , Liu Xuemei , Dong Chunhua , Zhang Hongxia
Published: May 2023

Background

Renal involvement is rarely reported in juvenile dermatomyositis and may be caused by the toxic effects of myoglobinuria or an autoimmune reaction. We report a case of dermatomyositis and nephrotic syndrome in a child to explore the association between juvenile dermatomyositis and renal involvement.

Case presentation

An 8-year-old girl with skin rash, edema, proximal muscle weakness predominantly involving the lower extremities, low-grade fever, and foamy urine was admitted to our hospital. Her laboratory tests met the criteria of nephrotic syndrome. She had elevated creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase and was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis after electromyography and muscle MRI. Anti-NXP2 antibodies were positive. Her proteinuria was relieved soon after treatment with prednisone and methotrexate, but her muscle strength progressively decreased. The disease was relieved after pulse methylprednisolone treatment and mycophenolate mofetil, but recurred after drug reduction with mild proteinuria. Adalimumab was used for treatment and helped reduce the doses of glucocorticoid and mycophenolate mofetil.

Conclusion

Juvenile dermatomyositis may be one of the rare causes of nephrotic syndrome. The mechanism involved in JDM combined with renal injury may be multifactorial. Autoantibodies may play important roles in both muscle and renal damage.
Fuzzy response to SH guided-wave scattering by semicircular depressions on the boundary of a ribbon-shaped elastic plate
Authors: Qu Enxiang , Qi Hui , Guo Jing , Yuan Shangqi , Lv Chun
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the fuzzy scattering problem with semicircular depressions on the boundary of a band-shaped elastic plate with steady SH guided wave incident is studied and an analytical solution is given. First, the SH guided wave is constructed by the guided wave expansion method, and then the scattered wave satisfying the free condition of the boundary stress of the strip domain is constructed by the cumulative mirror method. Finally, a definite solution equation is obtained based on the fact that the shear stress at the edge of the semi-circular recessed hole is zero. In this paper, the ambiguity of the number of waves and the width of the bands is taken into account. In order to avoid the irreversibility of interval algorithm and the difficulty of solving non-linear equations, the membership function of fuzzy quantity is segmented to make the membership degree and fuzzy quantity correspond respectively. A deterministic problem that translates into piecewise processing. Two numerical examples are given to examine the changes in fuzzy response of different numbers of fuzzy waves and fuzzy thicknesses to the dynamic stress concentration factor of the hoop at the collapse limit.
Monolithically integrated laser with DBR for wideband and low time delay signature chaos generation
Authors: Li Shuhui , Qiao Lijun , Chai Mengmeng , Zhang Mingjiang
Published: May 2023

Chaotic laser has attracted a large amount of attention due to its broad spectrum, noise-like characteristics, and photonic integrated chaotic semiconductor lasers have further expanded the application field of chaotic laser for their small size and stable properties. Therefore, a monolithically integrated laser with a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) is designed. This proposed chaotic laser consists of a distributed feedback (DFB) laser section, a phase section, and a DBR section. DBR grating can provide wavelength detuning to generate mode beating, which enhances chaotic bandwidth and distributed feedback to suppress time delay signature (TDS). The transmission line laser model (TLLM) of chaotic laser is constructed and chaotic characteristics of the integrated chip are investigated. A chaotic signal with a bandwidth of 12.34 GHz and TDS less than 0.065 is obtained. In addition, a map of dynamic states in the parameter space of phase section current and DBR section current is shown, and a wide range of chaotic regions are obtained. The results show that the broadband chaotic laser with a low TDS can be obtained by controlling the parameters reasonably, which is beneficial to realize the application of chaotic laser.
Role of MOTS-c in the regulation of bone metabolism
Authors: Yi Xuejie , Hu Guangxuan , Yang Yang , Li Jing , Jin Junjie , Chang Bo
Published: May 2023

MOTS-c, a mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP), is an essential regulatory mediator of cell protection and energy metabolism and is involved in the development of specific diseases. Recent studies have revealed that MOTS-c promotes osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization. Furthermore, it inhibits osteoclast production and mediates the regulation of bone metabolism and bone remodeling. Exercise effectively upregulates the expression of MOTS-c, but the specific mechanism of MOTS-c regulation in bone by exercise remains unclear. Therefore, this article reviewed the distribution and function of MOTS-c in the tissue, discussed the latest research developments in the regulation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and proposed potential molecular mechanisms for the effect of exercise on the regulation of bone metabolism. This review provides a theoretical reference for establishing methods to prevent and treat skeletal metabolic diseases.
Process-outcome relations in music therapy versus music listening for people with schizophrenia viewed through a mediational model: the role of the therapeutic alliance
Authors: Hannibal Niels , Pedersen Inge Nygaard , Bertelsen Lars Rye , Nielsen René Ernst , Gold Christian
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Examine whether change in clinical outcomes for patients with schizophrenia and negative symptoms randomized to either Music Therapy (MT) or Music Listening (ML) is associated to moderators and mediators, with focus on alliance, attendance and dropout.

Method

An exploratory post-hoc analysis of data from an original randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating the effect of MT vs. ML for people with schizophrenia and negative symptoms. Inclusion to the study was implemented through screening of referred patients for symptoms of schizophrenia and negative symptoms. A total of 57 patients were randomly assigned, 28 to MT and 29 to ML. Session logs and notes were included in this study. Statistical analysis investigated moderator and mediator relation to outcome variables: Negative symptoms, functioning, quality of life, and retention to treatment.

Results

On average, participants in MT attended 18.86 sessions (SD = 7.17), whereas those in ML attended 12.26 (SD = 9.52), a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0078). Dropout at 25 weeks was predicted by intervention, with dropout being 2.65 (SE = 1.01) times more likely in ML than in music therapy (p = 0.009). Helping alliance score at weeks was explained by intervention, with mean score being 0.68 (SE = 0.32) points lower in ML than in MT (p = 0.042). The number of sessions attended was also explained by intervention, with participants in ML attending on average 6.17 (SE = 2.24) fewer sessions than those randomized to MT (p = 0.008). Though both groups improved significantly, improvements in negative symptoms, depression, and functioning tended to be higher in ML, whereas improvements in alliance and quality of life tended to be higher in MT.

Conclusion

The analysis could not detect a direct link between helping alliance score and outcome variables. However, the analysis documented a stronger alliance developed in the MT group, a lower dropout rate, as well as higher attendance in treatment.

Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02942459.
AROS: Affordance Recognition with One-Shot Human Stances
Authors: Pacheco-Ortega Abel , Mayol-Cuevas Walterio
Published: May 2023

We present Affordance Recognition with One-Shot Human Stances (AROS), a one-shot learning approach that uses an explicit representation of interactions between highly articulated human poses and 3D scenes. The approach is one-shot since it does not require iterative training or retraining to add new affordance instances. Furthermore, only one or a small handful of examples of the target pose are needed to describe the interactions. Given a 3D mesh of a previously unseen scene, we can predict affordance locations that support the interactions and generate corresponding articulated 3D human bodies around them. We evaluate the performance of our approach on three public datasets of scanned real environments with varied degrees of noise. Through rigorous statistical analysis of crowdsourced evaluations, our results show that our one-shot approach is preferred up to 80% of the time over data-intensive baselines.
Program evaluation of a virtual physical activity program for individuals with disabilities
Authors: Matthews Nikki , Seaman Roxanne , Bremer Emily
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Regular physical activity is important for positive health outcomes yet, most individuals do not meet physical activity guidelines. Recent studies show that one in five Canadians aged 15 or older have one or more disabilities, yet as a population, individuals with disabilities are 16%–62% less likely to meet physical activity guidelines. The COVID-19 pandemic created additional barriers to physical activity participation as lockdowns prevented in-person programming. In response to the pandemic, the Acadia University Sensory Motor Instructional Leadership Experience (S.M.I.L.E.) Program shifted its programming to a virtual platform; however, there was little research to guide its creation, implementation, or expected outcomes. Thus, this program evaluation explored program feasibility and impact on physical activity and physical literacy.

Method

A mixed methods case study approach was used for this project. Virtual S.M.I.L.E. took place over eight weeks in the fall of 2020. Programming consisted of three live Zoom sessions facilitated by trained program leaders, and eight weeks of at-home activity guides for participants to complete on their own time. Demographic data, physical literacy (PLAYself), and physical activity (IPAQ-A) data were collected using caregiver pre-and post-programming surveys. Throughout programming, weekly check-in surveys were sent to reflect on the previous week of programming. After the eight weeks of programming were complete, caregiver and leader interviews were conducted to understand both program implementation and performance perspectives.

Results

Results indicated that participants' (N = 15, Mage = 20.4 years) overall physical literacy and physical activity did not change; however, there was a decrease in the cognitive domain of physical literacy (p = 0.03). Caregiver and leader interviews highlighted five main themes following the virtual programming: (a) Virtual impact on programming; (b) Programming impact on social and motor goals; (c) Impact of program design; (d) Impact on physical activity; and (e) Program feasibility for families.

Discussion

Results from this program evaluation suggest that physical literacy and physical activity levels were generally maintained throughout programming and caregivers indicated several social and activity benefits. Future work includes program modifications and further evaluation of virtual adapted physical activity programming to improve the physical literacy of individuals with disabilities.
Infection due to Buteo buteo herpesvirus in a common buzzard (Buteo buteo insularum)
Authors: Suárez-Santana Cristian M. , Sierra Eva , Marrero-Ponce Lucía , Colom-Rivero Ana , Navarro-Sarmiento Jose , Segura-Göthlin Simone , Castro-Alonso Ayoze , Quesada-Canales Óscar
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to document the pathological findings observed in a common buzzard (Buteo buteo insularum) from Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Atlantic Ocean), naturally infected with Buteo buteo herpesvirus (HV). Local authorities found the common buzzard alive, but it died after 10 days of specialized veterinary care. Postmortem investigation, including complete gross and histologic examination, immunohistochemistry, microbiology, and PCR, was performed. The animal presented necrotizing heterophilic and histiocytic bilateral conjunctivitis, stomatitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis with secondary bacterial and fungal infections. Frequent eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed in the oral mucosa and esophagus epithelium. HV proteins and DNA were detected in tissues from this animal. The sequences obtained from the PCR product were identical to the reported sequences of Buteo buteo HV.
Building Neural Machine Translation Systems for Multilingual Participatory Spaces
Authors: Lohar Pintu , Xie Guodong , Gallagher Daniel , Way Andy
Published: May 2023

This work presents the development of the translation component in a multistage, multilevel, multimode, multilingual and dynamic deliberative (M4D2) system, built to facilitate automated moderation and translation in the languages of five European countries: Italy, Ireland, Germany, France and Poland. Two main topics were to be addressed in the deliberation process: (i) the environment and climate change; and (ii) the economy and inequality. In this work, we describe the development of neural machine translation (NMT) models for these domains for six European languages: Italian, English (included as the second official language of Ireland), Irish, German, French and Polish. As a result, we generate 30 NMT models, initially baseline systems built using freely available online data, which are then adapted to the domains of interest in the project by (i) filtering the corpora, (ii) tuning the systems with automatically extracted in-domain development datasets and (iii) using corpus concatenation techniques to expand the amount of data available. We compare our results produced by the domain-adapted systems with those produced by Google Translate, and demonstrate that fast, high-quality systems can be produced that facilitate multilingual deliberation in a secure environment.
A Note on Korn’s Inequality in an N-Dimensional Context and a Global Existence Result for a Non-Linear Plate Model
Authors: Botelho Fabio Silva
Published: May 2023

In the first part of this article, we present a new proof for Korn’s inequality in an n-dimensional context. The results are based on standard tools of real and functional analysis. For the final result, the standard Poincaré inequality plays a fundamental role. In the second text part, we develop a global existence result for a non-linear model of plates. We address a rather general type of boundary conditions and the novelty here is the more relaxed restrictions concerning the external load magnitude.
Timely Palliative Care Could Be Another Benefit for Cancer Patients with Non-Malignant Pain
Authors: Maltoni Marco C. , Donati Costanza M. , Rossi Romina , Morganti Alessio G.
Published: May 2023

Cancer patients, as well as individuals in the general population, suffer from non-malignant pain (NMP), although with variable prevalence in the few studies dealing with this topic [...]
Low-Cost Indirect Measurements for Power-Efficient In-Field Optimization of Configurable Analog Front-Ends with Self-X Properties: A Hardware Implementation
Authors: Zaman Qummar , Alraho Senan , König Andreas
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a practical implementation and measurement results of power-efficient chip performance optimization, utilizing low-cost indirect measurement methods to support self-X properties (self-calibration, self-healing, self-optimization, etc.) for in-field optimization of analog front-end sensory electronics with XFAB 0.35 µm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The reconfigurable, fully differential indirect current-feedback instrumentation amplifier (CFIA) performance is intrinsically optimized by employing a single test sinusoidal signal stimulus and measuring the total harmonic distortion (THD) at the output. To enhance the optimization process, the experience replay particle swarm optimization (ERPSO) algorithm is utilized as an artificial intelligence (AI) agent, implemented at the hardware level, to optimize the performance characteristics of the CFIA. The ERPSO algorithm extends the selection producer capabilities of the classical PSO methodology by incorporating an experience replay buffer to mitigate the likelihood of being trapped in local optima. Furthermore, the CFIA circuit has been integrated with a simple power-monitoring module to assess the power consumption of the optimization solution, to achieve a power-efficient and reliable configuration. The optimized chip performance showed an approximate 34% increase in power efficiency while achieving a targeted THD value of −72 dB, utilizing a 1 Vp-p differential input signal with a frequency of 1 MHz, and consuming approximately 53 mW of power. Preliminary tests conducted on the fabricated chip, using the default configuration pattern extrapolated from post-layout simulations, revealed an unacceptable performance behavior of the CFIA. Nevertheless, the proposed in-field optimization successfully restored the circuit’s performance, resulting in a robust design that meets the performance achieved in the design phase.
Altering Stomatal Density for Manipulating Transpiration and Photosynthetic Traits in Rice through CRISPR/Cas9 Mutagenesis
Authors: Rathnasamy Sakthi Ambothi , Kambale Rohit , Elangovan Allimuthu , Mohanavel Williams , Shanmugavel Priyanka , Ramasamy Gowtham , Alagarsamy Senthil , Marimuthu Rajavel , Rajagopalan Veera Ranjani , Manickam Sudha , Ramanathan Valarmathi , Muthurajan Raveendran , Vellingiri Geethalakshmi
Published: May 2023

Stomata regulates conductance, transpiration and photosynthetic traits in plants. Increased stomatal density may contribute to enhanced water loss and thereby help improve the transpirational cooling process and mitigate the high temperature-induced yield losses. However, genetic manipulation of stomatal traits through conventional breeding still remains a challenge due to problems involved in phenotyping and the lack of suitable genetic materials. Recent advances in functional genomics in rice identified major effect genes determining stomatal traits, including its number and size. Widespread applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in creating targeted mutations paved the way for fine tuning the stomatal traits for enhancing climate resilience in crops. In the current study, attempts were made to create novel alleles of OsEPF1 (Epidermal Patterning Factor), a negative regulator of stomatal frequency/density in a popular rice variety, ASD 16, using the CRISPR/Cas9 approach. Evaluation of 17 T0 progenies identified varying mutations (seven multiallelic, seven biallelic and three monoallelic mutations). T0 mutant lines showed a 3.7–44.3% increase in the stomatal density, and all the mutations were successfully inherited into the T1 generation. Evaluation of T1 progenies through sequencing identified three homozygous mutants for one bp insertion. Overall, T1 plants showed 54–95% increased stomatal density. The homozygous T1 lines (# E1-1-4, # E1-1-9 and # E1-1-11) showed significant increase in the stomatal conductance (60–65%), photosynthetic rate (14–31%) and the transpiration rate (58–62%) compared to the nontransgenic ASD 16. Results demonstrated that the genetic alterations in OsEPF1 altered the stomatal density, stomatal conductance and photosynthetic efficiency in rice. Further experiments are needed to associate this technology with canopy cooling and high temperature tolerance.
HTRA1 in Placental Cell Models: A Possible Role in Preeclampsia
Authors: Tossetta Giovanni , Fantone Sonia , Giannubilo Stefano Raffaele , Ciavattini Andrea , Senzacqua Martina , Frontini Andrea , Marzioni Daniela
Published: May 2023

The HtrA serine peptidase 1 (HTRA1) is a multidomain secretory protein with serine–protease activity involved in the regulation of many cellular processes in both physiological and pathological conditions. HTRA1 is normally expressed in the human placenta, and its expression is higher in the first trimester compared to the third trimester, suggesting an important role of this serine protease in the early phases of human placenta development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional role of HTRA1 in in vitro models of human placenta in order to define the role of this serine protease in preeclampsia (PE). BeWo and HTR8/SVneo cells expressing HTRA1 were used as syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast models, respectively. Oxidative stress was induced by treating BeWo and HTR8/SVneo cells with H2O2 to mimic PE conditions in order to evaluate its effect on HTRA1 expression. In addition, HTRA1 overexpression and silencing experiments were performed to evaluate the effects on syncytialization, cell mobility, and invasion processes. Our main data showed that oxidative stress significantly increased HTRA1 expression in both BeWo and HTR8/SVneo cells. In addition, we demonstrated that HTRA1 has a pivotal role in cell motility and invasion processes. In particular, HTRA1 overexpression increased while HTRA1 silencing decreased cell motility and invasion in HTR8/SVneo cell model. In conclusion, our results suggest an important role of HTRA1 in regulating extravillous cytotrophoblast invasion and motility during the early stage of placentation in the first trimester of gestation, suggesting a key role of this serine protease in PE onset.
Precision Oncology in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Mechahougui Hiba , Michael Montemurro , Friedlaender Alex
Published: May 2023

GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumors) represent 20% of sarcomatous tumors and 1–2% of primary gastrointestinal cancers. They have an excellent prognosis when localized and resectable, though their prognosis is poor in the metastatic setting, with limited options after the second line until recently. Four lines are now standard in KIT-mutated GIST and one in PDGFRA-mutated GIST. An exponential growth of new treatments is expected in this era of molecular diagnostic techniques and systematic sequencing. Currently, the main challenge remains the emergence of resistance linked to secondary mutations caused by selective pressure induced by TKIs. Repeating biopsies to tailor treatments might be a step in the right direction, and liquid biopsies at progression may offer a non-invasive alternative. New molecules with wider KIT inhibition are under investigation and could change the catalog and the sequence of existing treatments. Combination therapies may also be an approach to overcome current resistance mechanisms. Here, we review the current epidemiology and biology of GIST and discuss future management options, with an emphasis on genome-oriented therapies.
A Resilience History of the Columbia River Basin and Salmonid Species: Regimes and Policies
Authors: Hill Gregory M. , Kolmes Steven A.
Published: May 2023

We view the history of the Columbia River Basin through a resilience lens from the point of view of salmonids, as keystone species for the river basin ecosystems and social systems. We rely on the concept of multiple stable states as depicted in a stability landscape, as a scientific theory, but equally as a metaphor and a mental model. Using evidence-based plausibility arguments concerning the existence, creation, and potential critical transitions between regimes, we describe change over centuries. We argue that a critical transition occurred taking the state of the system from its historic regime into a novel regime stabilized by new social feedbacks and institutional configurations. By using a state space defined by four variables used in policy deliberations for salmon recovery we tie our results to historical and contemporary management issues. Knowledge of (a) which regime is currently occupied and (b) which critical transitions between regimes are possible are both crucial to effective policy formation. We draw distinctions between positions held by federal agencies, tribal agencies, and civil society organizations as to the current state of affairs and policy recommendations, raising questions about the appropriate use of decision support systems in the public process for decision making.
Phenotype of White Sika Deer Due to SCF Gene Structural Variation
Authors: Chen Xu , Dong Shiwu , Liu Xin , Ding Ning , Xing Xiumei
Published: May 2023

Breeding ornamental white sika deer is a new notion that can be used to broaden the sika deer industry However, it is very rare for other coat phenotypes to occur, especially white (apart from albinism), due to the genetic stability and homogeneity of its coat color phenotype, making it difficult to breed white sika deer between species. We found a white sika deer and sequenced its whole genome. Then, the clean data obtained were analyzed on the basis of gene frequency, and a cluster of coat color candidate genes containing 92 coat color genes, one SV (structure variation), and five nonsynonymous SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) was located. We also discovered a lack of melanocytes in the skin tissue of the white sika deer through histological examination, initially proving that the white phenotype of sika deer is caused by a 10.099 kb fragment deletion of the SCF gene(stem cell factor). By designing SCF-specific primers to detect genotypes of family members of the white sika deer, and then combining them with their phenotypes, we found that the genotype of the white sika deer is SCF789/SCF789, whereas that of individuals with white patches on their faces is SCF789/SCF1–9. All these results showed that the SCF gene plays an important role in the development of melanocytes in sika deer and is responsible for the appearance of the white coat color. This study reveals the genetic mechanism of the white coat color in sika deer and supplies data as a reference for breeding white ornamental sika deer.
Dynamic Properties of a Compacted Residual Soil from the West Indies
Authors: Mouali Lila , Veylon Guillaume , Dias Daniel , Peyras Laurent , Carvajal Claudio , Duriez Jérôme , Antoinet Eric
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a laboratory investigation of the strain-dependent cyclic properties of a compacted tropical residual soil as measured in a resonant column and cyclic triaxial testing program. The mechanical properties were evaluated with respect to cyclic shear strain amplitude, initial void ratio, and confining pressure. It was shown that the existing models for the prediction of shear modulus reduction and damping ratio curves were not pertinent in the case of the compacted residual soil studied. Empirical equations were developed for the small-strain shear modulus and the normalized shear modulus, damping ratio, and pore water pressure ratio curves for void ratios between e = 1.00 and e = 1.50 and mean effective pressures of p′ = 50−300 kPa. The comparison of the models to the measured values suggest that the uncertainties associated with each of these models are lower than 20% of the predicted values. The results were established as part of a project for the construction of an embankment dam in the West Indies. However, the methodology as well as the model formulation framework presented in the article can be generalized to other residual soils and applied in all fields of geotechnical engineering.
The Effectiveness of Pan-Sharpening Algorithms on Different Land Cover Types in GeoEye-1 Satellite Images
Authors: Alcaras Emanuele , Parente Claudio
Published: May 2023

In recent years, the demand for very high geometric resolution satellite images has increased significantly. The pan-sharpening techniques, which are part of the data fusion techniques, enable the increase in the geometric resolution of multispectral images using panchromatic imagery of the same scene. However, it is not trivial to choose a suitable pan-sharpening algorithm: there are several, but none of these is universally recognized as the best for any type of sensor, in addition to the fact that they can provide different results with regard to the investigated scene. This article focuses on the latter aspect: analyzing pan-sharpening algorithms in relation to different land covers. A dataset of GeoEye-1 images is selected from which four study areas (frames) are extracted: one natural, one rural, one urban and one semi-urban. The type of study area is determined considering the quantity of vegetation included in it based on the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Nine pan-sharpening methods are applied to each frame and the resulting pan-sharpened images are compared by means of spectral and spatial quality indicators. Multicriteria analysis permits to define the best performing method related to each specific area as well as the most suitable one, considering the co-presence of different land covers in the analyzed scene. Brovey transformation fast supplies the best results among the methods analyzed in this study.
A Novelty Methodological Approach to Coastal Scenic Quality Evaluation—Application to the Moroccan Mediterranean Coast
Authors: Er-Ramy Noureddine , Nachite Driss , Anfuso Giorgio , Azaaouaj Soria
Published: May 2023

Many tourists around the world are interested in coastal sites of exceptional scenic quality. This paper aims to assess the landscape quality of 50 sites along the Moroccan Mediterranean coast based on a novelty Coastal Scenic Quality Evaluation (CSQE) method able to classify the attractiveness of the sites and to distinguish exceptional ones with high tourist potential. This proposed methodology relies on evaluating coastal areas through easily obtainable indicators in order to simplify its application to other regions around the world. Four landscape dimensions were selected: Substratum, Sea-Coastal Area, Vegetation and Scenic Background. Each dimension was numerically assessed and ranged from 0 to 1. The values of each dimension along the sites were classified as: <0.2 (very low); 0.2 to <0.4 (low); 0.4 to <0.6 (medium); 0.6 to <0.8 (high) and ≥0.8 (very high). The results show that the overall scenic quality score of the Moroccan Mediterranean coast is 0.6 (high quality), reflecting a potential tourist destination of high scenic value. Substratum, Sea-Coastal Area and Vegetation dimensions obtained a high quality score (0.6 to <0.8), while the Scenic Background dimension recorded medium quality (0.4 to <0.6). Urbanization, the presence of litter and sewage evidence were the main factors of degradation of the Moroccan coastal landscapes, i.e., 32 out of 50 sites (64%) obtained low scores (from 0 to 2) for these three variables. Sound management actions have to be taken to reduce their impacts, in order to preserve and improve the natural landscape, and strength its capacity to host the various tourist activities.
Spatially Structured Environmental Analysis of Marine Ecological Landscapes Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Zhang Longlong , Yuan Jingwen , Kim Chulsoo
Published: May 2023

In this study, based on the current development status of Zhanjiang’s marine economy and ecological landscape environmental spatial structure in China, an appropriate coordination measurement model tailored to Zhanjiang’s marine economy and the ecological environment was selected. The spatially structured environment of marine ecological landscape (MEL) is analyzed based on machine vision (MV) technology. It established a subsystem for Zhanjiang’s marine economy and ecological landscape environmental spatial structure and chose relevant system indicators. Through data standardization, principal component analysis and regression fitting analysis, the spatial structured coordination degree of MEL is measured, and the marine economy and ecological environment are comprehensively analyzed, which is important for the future development of MEL. By charting the coordination degree trend over the years and conducting an empirical analysis of the comprehensive development level and coordination degree of Zhanjiang’s marine economy and ecological environment, policy recommendations are offered to encourage the harmonious development of Zhanjiang’s marine economy and ecological landscape environmental spatial structure.
Performance Assessment of the Innovative Autonomous Tool CETOSCOPE© Used in the Detection and Localization of Moving Underwater Sound Sources
Authors: Doh Yann , Ecalle Beverley , Delfour Fabienne , Pankowski Cyprien , Cozanet Gildas , Becouarn Guillaume , Ovize Marion , Denis Bertrand , Adam Olivier
Published: May 2023

The detection and localization of acoustic sources remain technological challenges in bioacoustics, in particular, the tracking of moving underwater sound sources with a portable waterproof tool. For instance, this type of tool is important to describe the behavior of cetaceans within social groups. To contribute to this issue, an original innovative autonomous device, called a CETOSCOPE©, was designed by ABYSS NGO, including a 360° video camera and a passive acoustic array with 4 synchronized hydrophones. Firstly, different 3D structures were built and tested to select the best architecture to minimize the errors of the localizations. Secondly, a specific software was developed to analyze the recorded data and to link them to the acoustic underwater sources. The 3D localization of the sound sources is based on time difference of arrival processing. Following successful simulations on a computer, this device was tested in a pool to assess its efficiency. The final objective is to use this device routinely in underwater visual and acoustic observations of cetaceans.
Estimation of Tanker Ships’ Lightship Displacement Using Multiple Linear Regression and XGBoost Machine Learning
Authors: Frančić Vlado , Hasanspahić Nermin , Mandušić Mario , Strabić Marko
Published: May 2023

It is of the utmost importance to accurately estimate different ships’ weights during their design stages. Additionally, lightship displacement (LD) data are not always easily accessible to shipping stakeholders, while other ships’ dimensions are within hand’s reach (for example, through data from the online Automatic Identification System (AIS)). Therefore, determining lightship displacement might be a difficult task, and it is traditionally performed with the help of mathematical equations developed by shipbuilders. Distinct from the traditional approach, this study offers the possibility of employing machine learning methods to estimate lightship displacement weight as accurately as possible. This paper estimates oil tankers’ lightship displacement using two ships’ dimensions, length overall, and breadth. The dimensions of oil tanker ships were collected from the INTERTANKO Chartering Questionnaire Q88, available online, and, because of similar block coefficients, all tanker sizes were used for estimation. Furthermore, multiple linear regression and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) machine learning methods were utilised to estimate lightship displacement. Results show that XGBoost and multiple linear regression machine learning methods provide similar results, and both could be powerful tools for estimating the lightship displacement of all types of ships.
Biodiversity of UV-Resistant Bacteria in Antarctic Aquatic Environments
Authors: Coppola Daniela , Lauritano Chiara , Zazo Gianluca , Nuzzo Genoveffa , Fontana Angelo , Ianora Adrianna , Costantini Maria , Verde Cinzia , Giordano Daniela
Published: May 2023

Antarctica is an untapped reservoir of bacterial communities, which are able to adapt to a huge variety of strategies to cope with extreme conditions and, therefore, are capable of producing potentially valuable compounds for biotechnological applications. In this study, 31 UV-resistant bacteria collected from different Antarctic aquatic environments (surface sea waters/ice and shallow lake sediments) were isolated by UV-C assay and subsequently identified. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities showed that the isolates were affiliated with Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes phyla, and they were clustered into 15 bacterial genera, 5 of which were Gram negative (Brevundimonas, Qipengyuania, Sphingorhabdus, Sphingobium, and Psychrobacter) and 10 of which were Gram positive (Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Mesobacillus, Kocuria, Gordonia, Rhodococcus, Micrococcus, Arthrobacter, Agrococcus, and Salinibacterium). Strains belonging to Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria phyla were the most abundant species in all environments. The genus Psychrobacter was dominant in all collection sites, whereas bacteria belonging to Actinobacteria appeared to be the most diverse and rich in terms of species among the investigated sites. Many of these isolates (20 of 31 isolates) were pigmented. Bacterial pigments, which are generally carotenoid-type compounds, are often involved in the protection of cells against the negative effects of UV radiation. For this reason, these pigments may help bacteria to successfully tolerate Antarctic extreme conditions of low temperature and harmful levels of UV radiation.
Nonignorable Consequences of (Partially) Ignoring Missing Item Responses: Students Omit (Constructed Response) Items Due to a Lack of Knowledge
Authors: Robitzsch Alexander
Published: May 2023

In recent literature, alternative models for handling missing item responses in large-scale assessments have been proposed. Based on simulations and arguments based on psychometric test theory, it is argued in this literature that missing item responses should never be scored as incorrect in scaling models but rather treated as ignorable or handled based on a model. The present article shows that these arguments have limited validity and illustrates the consequences in a country comparison using the PIRLS 2011 study. It is argued that students omit (constructed response) items because they do not know the correct item answer. A different treatment of missing item responses than scoring them as incorrect leads to significant changes in country rankings, which induces nonignorable consequences regarding the validity of the results. Additionally, two alternative item response models are proposed based on different assumptions for missing item responses. In the first pseudo-likelihood approach, missing item responses for a particular student are replaced by a score that ranges between zero and a model-implied probability computed based on the non-missing items. In the second approach, the probability of a missing item response is predicted by a latent response propensity variable and the item response itself. The models were applied to the PIRLS 2011 study, demonstrating that country comparisons change under different modeling assumptions for missing item responses.
Deep Insight on Land Use/Land Cover Geospatial Assessment through Internet-Based Validation Tool in Upper Karkheh River Basin (KRB), South-West Iran
Authors: Mallah Sina , Gorji Manouchehr , Balali Mohammad Reza , Asadi Hossein , Davatgar Naser , Varmazyari Hojjat , Stellacci Anna Maria , Castellini Mirko
Published: May 2023

Recently, the demand for high-quality land use/land cover (LULC) information for near-real-time crop type mapping, in particular for multi-relief landscapes, has increased. While the LULC classes are inherently imbalanced, the statistics generally overestimate the majority classes and underestimate the minority ones. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the classes of the 10 m European Satellite Agency (ESA) WorldCover 2020 land use/land cover product with the support of the Google Earth Engine (GEE) in the Honam sub-basin, south-west Iran, using the LACOVAL (validation tool for regional-scale land cover and land cover change) online platform. The effect of imbalanced ground truth has also been explored. Four sampling schemes were employed on a total of 720 collected ground truth points over approximately 14,100 ha. The grassland and cropland totally canopied 94% of the study area, while barren land, shrubland, trees and built-up covered the rest. The results of the validation accuracy showed that the equalized sampling scheme was more realistically successful than the others in terms of roughly the same overall accuracy (91.6%), mean user’s accuracy (91.6%), mean producers’ accuracy (91.9%), mean partial portmanteau (91.9%) and kappa (0.9). The product was statistically improved to 93.5% ± 0.04 by the assembling approach and segmented with the help of supplementary datasets and visual interpretation. The findings confirmed that, in mapping LULC, data of classes should be balanced before accuracy assessment. It is concluded that the product is a reliable dataset for environmental modeling at the regional scale but needs some modifications for barren land and grassland classes in mountainous semi-arid regions of the globe.
Challenges and Opportunities for Cover Crop Mediated Soil Water Use Efficiency Enhancements in Temperate Rain-Fed Cropping Systems: A Review
Authors: Moore Eric Britt
Published: May 2023

Soils are at the nexus of the atmospheric, geological, and hydrologic cycles, providing invaluable ecosystem services associated with water provision. The immeasurably vital role of water provision is of urgent concern given the intertwined and interdependent challenges of growing human populations, increased agricultural demands, climate change, and freshwater scarcity. Adapting temperate rain-fed cropping systems to meet the challenges of the 21st century will require considerable advancements in our understanding of the interdependent biophysical processes governing carbon and soil-water dynamics. Soil carbon and water are inextricably linked, and agricultural management practices must take this complexity into account if crop productivity is to be maintained and improved. Given the widespread, intensive use of agricultural soils worldwide, it stands to reason that readily adaptable crop management practices can and must play a central role in both soil carbon and water management. This review details challenges and opportunities for utilizing cover crop management to enhance soil carbon stocks and soil water use efficiency in rain-fed cropping systems. A review of the current body of knowledge shows that cover crops can play a more prominent role in soil carbon and water management; however, the more widespread use of cover crops may be hindered by the inconsistencies of experimental data demonstrating cover crop effects on soil water retention, as well as cover crop effect inconsistencies arising from complex interactions between soil carbon, water, and land management. Although these gaps in our collective knowledge are not insignificant, they do present substantial opportunities for further research at both mechanistic and landscape-system scales.
Urban Human Settlement Vulnerability Evolution and Mechanisms: The Case of Anhui Province, China
Authors: Song Rui , Li Xueming
Published: May 2023

In this paper, taking the jurisdiction of Anhui Province as the research area, a vulnerability assessment index system of human settlements was constructed from “exposure–sensitivity–coping ability”. Based on the GIS spatial analysis method, the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of human settlements in Anhui Province were analyzed. The influences of human factors and natural factors on the spatial differentiation of human settlement vulnerability were explored by using geographic detectors, and the driving mechanism of the evolution of human settlement vulnerability was analyzed. An analysis of the results showed the following: ① With a change in the time scale, the human settlement vulnerability index showed a trend of decreasing year by year, the exposure and sensitivity show a downward trend year by year in the three major subsystems, and the coping ability shows an upward trend year by year. ② The evolution of the vulnerability subsystems of exposure, sensitivity, and coping ability in human settlement environments showed the directions of “medium–high–low (M-H-L)” in the early stage, “low–high–medium (L-H-M)” in the middle stage, and “low–medium–high (L-M-H)” in the later stage. ③ The causes of high vulnerability were as follows: The leading factors in the early stage were natural factors, the leading factors in the middle period were natural and human factors, and the leading factors in the later stage were human factors. ④ One-factor and two-factor interactive detection using a geodetector showed that urbanization, industrialization, land use control, and per capita income levels have become key and “short-board” factors that control the vulnerability of human settlements.