bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the biogeochemical transformations of organic matter composition in rivers using molecular signatures
Authors: Buser-Young Jessica Z. , Garcia Patricia E. , Schrenk Matthew O. , Regier Peter J. , Ward Nicholas D. , Biçe Kadir , Brooks Scott C. , Freeman Erika C. , Lønborg Christian
Published: March 2023

Inland waters are hotspots for biogeochemical activity, but the environmental and biological factors that govern the transformation of organic matter (OM) flowing through them are still poorly constrained. Here we evaluate data from a crowdsourced sampling campaign led by the Worldwide Hydrobiogeochemistry Observation Network for Dynamic River Systems (WHONDRS) consortium to investigate broad continental-scale trends in OM composition compared to localized events that influence biogeochemical transformations. Samples from two different OM compartments, sediments and surface water, were collected from 97 streams throughout the Northern Hemisphere and analyzed to identify differences in biogeochemical processes involved in OM transformations. By using dimensional reduction techniques, we identified that putative biogeochemical transformations and microbial respiration rates vary across sediment and surface water along river continua independent of latitude (18°N−68°N). In contrast, we reveal small- and large-scale patterns in OM composition related to local (sediment vs. water column) and reach (stream order, latitude) characteristics. These patterns lay the foundation to modeling the linkage between ecological processes and biogeochemical signals. We further showed how spatial, physical, and biogeochemical factors influence the reactivity of the two OM pools in local reaches yet find emergent broad-scale patterns between OM concentrations and stream order. OM processing will likely change as hydrologic flow regimes shift and vertical mixing occurs on different spatial and temporal scales. As our planet continues to warm and the timing and magnitude of surface and subsurface flows shift, understanding changes in OM cycling across hydrologic systems is critical, given the unknown broad-scale responses and consequences for riverine OM.
The benefits of flushing for mitigating Legionella spp. in non-chlorinated building plumbing systems
Authors: Meegoda Charuka S. , Waak Michael B. , Hozalski Raymond M. , Kim Taegyu , Hallé Cynthia
Published: March 2023

Flushing is a common corrective action recommended by Legionella management guidelines to remove stagnant water and replenish disinfectant. Due to water age and different local regulations, buildings may receive water with low or no residual disinfectant. In such situations, the evidence for flushing efficacy is often anecdotal, and the benefits are poorly quantified. Using a pilot-scale premise plumbing system, flushed shower outlets were evaluated against non-flushed outlets during simulated periods of both active and low water demand. Water and biofilm concentrations of total bacteria, Legionella spp., and Vermamoeba vermiformis were quantified using real-time quantitative PCR. Even after all outlets returned to active water demand, flushed shower outlets continued to have lower quantities of Legionella compared to non-flushed outlets for several days, but the decrease was of little practical benefit (<0.5 log10[copies/L]). During prolonged periods of low water demand, however, there was no apparent benefit to flushing. Total bacteria grew to stationary phase within 3 ± 1 days, while Legionella spp. took 12 ± 6 days, regardless of whether the pipes had recently been flushed or not. Flushing with hot or cold water had little to no effect on the concentrations of total bacteria and Legionella in pipe wall biofilms. Flushing with cold water (9.6 and 13.2°C) decreased total bacteria concentrations in the water by 0.96 and 1.00 log10[copies/L], respectively and by 1.27 and 1.74 log10[copies/L] with hot water (49 and 60°C, respectively) but the difference in Legionella spp. concentrations between flushing with cold (1.55 log10[copies/L] for both) and hot water (1.32 to 1.88 log10[copies/L], respectively) was negligible. This suggests that hot water flushing, even at 60°C, provides little or no added benefit for managing Legionella in non-chlorinated building plumbing systems versus cold water flushing. Finally, the immediate benefits of flushing in terms of reductions in total bacteria and Legionella in the water were comparable as well as the rates at which those populations recovered during post-flush or post-shower stagnation.
The role of social innovation in tackling global poverty and vulnerability
Authors: Millard Jeremy , Fucci Vincenzo
Published: March 2023

Tackling the rapid rise in global poverty is one of the most pressing challenges the world faces today, especially in this new age of turbulence. On top of the ongoing environmental crisis, the last fifteen years has been rocked by the financial crisis of 2007–8, compounded by the 2020 Covid-pandemic and then by the 2022 war in Ukraine, each of which has negatively impacted all aspects of sustainable development. Although in practice many development organizations have been using the methods and processes of social innovation to tackle poverty and vulnerability for many years, it is only recently that they have specifically begun to analyse and codify its contribution to these and other SDGs. Social innovation provides beneficial social outcomes for citizens and other actors, often at local level with the strong bottom-up involvement of civil society and through its cross-actor, cross-sector, cross-disciplinary and cross-cutting strengths. Importantly, it aims to empower those with a social need, particularly when they have little to begin with. It focuses on increasing the beneficiaries' own agency and capability rather than passively only relying on others to act on their behalf. This is done by transforming social relationships and developing new collaborative processes. Amongst a wide range of recent and contemporary sources, this paper analyses a large scale quantitative and qualitative global survey of social innovations that tackle poverty and vulnerability in different global regions. It examines various definitions of poverty, including extreme, absolute and relative measures as well as arguably more useful approaches like the Multidimensional Poverty Index. It proposes how social innovation should be recalibrated to meet the increasing threats of the new age of turbulence, including by deploying the sociological lens of the agency-structure dichotomy to show why the public sector needs to become involved more proactively in social innovation. It also looks at certain myths around poverty and vulnerability, examines why we need to revise our understanding of sustainable development and resilience, and why a new nexus approach is needed that combines SDG1 with other strongly related SDGs.
Arthrogenic muscle inhibition after anterior cruciate ligament injury: Injured and uninjured limb recovery over time
Authors: McPherson April L. , Schilaty Nathan D. , Anderson Sarah , Nagai Takashi , Bates Nathaniel A.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

It is well documented that marked weakness of the quadriceps is present after knee joint injury. This joint trauma induces a presynaptic reflex inhibition of musculature surrounding the joint, termed arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI). The extent to which anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury affects thigh musculature motor unit activity, which may affect restoration of thigh muscle strength after injury, is undetermined.

Methods

A randomized protocol of knee flexion and extension isometric contractions (10%–50% maximal voluntary isometric contraction) were performed for each leg on 54 subjects with electromyography array electrodes placed on the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris. Longitudinal assessments for motor unit recruitment and average firing rate were acquired at 6-month intervals for 1 year post ACL injury.

Results

The ACL-injured population demonstrated smaller quadriceps and hamstrings motor unit size (assessed via motor unit action potential peak-to-peak amplitude) and altered firing rate activity in both injured and uninjured limbs compared to healthy controls. Motor unit activity remained altered compared to healthy controls at 12 months post ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

Discussion

Motor unit activity was altered after ACLR up to 12 months post-surgery. Further research is warranted to optimize rehabilitation interventions that adequately address altered motor unit activity and improve safety and success with return to sport after ACLR. In the interim, evidence based clinical reasoning with a focus on development of muscular strength and power capacity should be the impetus behind rehabilitation programming to address motor control deficits.
First report of Cryptosporidium andersoni and risk factors associated with the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in pre-weaned native Korean calves with diarrhea
Authors: Jang Dong-Hun , Cho Hyung-Chul , Park Yu-Jin , Park Jinho , Choi Kyoung-Seong
Published: March 2023

Cryptosporidium spp. are important enteric protozoan parasites that infect humans and other animals throughout the world. Cryptosporidium infection in cattle industry leads to substantial economic losses due to diarrhea, growth retardation, weight loss, and possibly death. Most studies have focused on C. parvum, and studies on other Cryptosporidium spp. and calf diarrhea are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in pre-weaned calves, to determine the risk factors for Cryptosporidium spp. infection such as age and season, and to identify subtypes of C. parvum circulating in the Republic of Korea (ROK). A total of 510 fecal samples were collected from calves with diarrhea and divided by age and season. Cryptosporidium spp. were first screened using PCR targeting the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and further the 60-kDa glycoprotein gene for subtyping of C. parvum. Out of 510 fecal samples, 71 (13.9%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. in pre-weaned calves with diarrhea. C. andersoni (2.8%), C. bovis (30.9%), C. parvum (29.6%), and C. ryanae (36.6%) were identified. C. ryanae was the most predominant in calves in the ROK. Calf age was a significant risk factor for C. bovis (χ2 = 13.83, P = 0.001), C. parvum (χ2 = 7.57, P = 0.023), and C. ryanae (χ2 = 20.18, P = 0.000) occurrence. Additionally, C. parvum was detected 3.1-fold more frequently in pre-weaned calves with diarrhea in fall (95% CI: 1.23–7.81; P = 0.016) than in spring, whereas C. ryanae was 8.9-fold more frequently detected in summer (95% CI: 1.65–48.68; P = 0.011) than in spring. Three subtypes (IIaA17G4R1, IIaA18G3R1, and IIaA20G3R1) of C. parvum were identified. Of them, IIaA17G4R1 was the most common, whereas IIaA20G3R1 was not previously detected in calves in the ROK. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. andersoni in pre-weaned calves in the ROK. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. appears to be age-dependent in calves. Season had a significant effect on the occurrence of C. parvum and C. ryanae. Taken together, C. bovis and C. ryanae along with C. parvum are detected in pre-weaned calves with diarrhea and these two pathogens should not be overlooked in the diagnosis of calf diarrhea.
Multiset-Trie Data Structure
Authors: Akulich Mikita , Savnik Iztok , Krnc Matjaž , Škrekovski Riste
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a new data structure, multiset-trie, that is designed for storing and efficiently processing a set of multisets. Moreover, multiset-trie can operate on a set of sets without efficiency loss. The multiset-trie structure is a search tree with properties similar to those of a trie. It implements all standard search tree operations together with the multiset containment operations for searching sub-multisets and super-multisets. Suppose that we have a set of multisets S and a multiset X. The multiset containment operations retrieve multisets from S that are either sub-multisets or super-multisets of X. We present the mathematical analysis of a multiset-trie that gives the time complexity of the algorithms and the space complexity of the data structure. Further, the empirical analysis of the data structure is implemented in a series of experiments. The experiments illuminate the time complexity space of the multiset containment operations.
Exploring Leadership Style and Employee Attitude through Cluster and Sentiment Analyses of In-Depth Interviews of Employees
Authors: Ho Dat Hung , Wang Jue , Kim Hak-Seon
Published: March 2023

In today’s fast-paced business environment, leaders who fail to recognize and respond to the emotions of their employees can result in stagnation or a lack of growth in their organization. In light of this, the current study presents a method for identifying leadership styles based on the perspectives of employees, exploring their perceptions of specific leadership traits. Drawing upon the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire framework, this study aims to identify the leadership style of Tony Wedding Studio by conducting in-depth interviews with its employees. Through sentiment and cluster analyses of the collected data, the study identifies Idealized Influence Attributes and Laissez-faire as key leadership style traits. Additionally, this study sheds light on how employees react to and feel about their leader’s leadership style, providing valuable insights for organizational development and leadership training. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of understanding and responding to employee perspectives in effective leadership.
An Efficient and Robust Sizing Method for eVTOL Aircraft Configurations in Conceptual Design
Authors: Ugwueze Osita , Statheros Thomas , Horri Nadjim , Bromfield Michael A. , Simo Jules
Published: March 2023

This paper presents the development of a robust sizing method to efficiently estimate and compare key performance parameters in the conceptual design stage for the two main classes of fully electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the powered lift and wingless aircraft types. The paper investigates hybrids of classical root-finding methods: the bisection, fixed-point and Newton-Rapson methods for use in eVTOL aircraft sizing. The improved convergence efficiency of the hybrid methods is at least 70% faster than the standard methods. This improved efficiency is significant for complex sizing problems. The developed sizing method is used to investigate the comparative performance of the wingless and powered lift eVTOL aircraft types for varying mission lengths. For a generic air taxi mission with a payload of 400 kg, the powered lift type demonstrates its mass efficiency when sized for missions above 10 km in range. However, the simpler architecture of the wingless eVTOL aircraft type makes it preferable for missions below 10 km in range when considering energy efficiency. The results of the sizing study were compared against a selection of eVTOL aircraft data. The results showed a good agreement between the estimated aircraft mass using the proposed sizing method and published eVTOL aircraft data.
Detection of Xylella fastidiosa in Host Plants and Insect Vectors by Droplet Digital PCR
Authors: Amoia Serafina Serena , Minafra Angelantonio , Ligorio Angela , Cavalieri Vincenzo , Boscia Donato , Saponari Maria , Loconsole Giuliana
Published: March 2023

Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a Gram-negative plant bacterium that causes severe diseases affecting several economically important crops in many countries. To achieve early detection of the pathogen, a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR)-based approach was used to detect the bacterium at low concentrations in different plant species and insect vectors. In this study, we implemented the reaction conditions of a previously developed ddPCR assay, and we validated its use to detect Xf in insect vectors as well as in a broader list of host species. More specifically, the sensitivity and accuracy of the protocol were assessed by testing five plant matrices (Olea europaea, Nerium oleander, Vitis vinifera, Citrus sinensis, and Prunus dulcis), and for the first time, the insect vector (Philaenus spumarius), was either naturally infected or artificially spiked with bacterial suspension at known concentrations. The lowest concentrations detected by ddPCR were 5 ag/µL of bacterial DNA and 1.00 × 102 CFU/mL of bacterial cells. Both techniques showed a high degree of linearity, with R2 values ranging from 0.9905 to 0.9995 and from 0.9726 to 0.9977, respectively, for qPCR and ddPCR. Under our conditions, ddPCR showed greater analytical sensitivity than qPCR for O. europea, C. sinensis, and N. oleander. Overall, the results demonstrated that the validated ddPCR assay enables the absolute quantification of Xf target sequences with high accuracy compared with the qPCR assay, and can support experimental research programs and the official controls, particularly when doubtful or inconclusive results are recorded by qPCR.
Properties of Biochar Obtained from Tropical Crop Wastes Under Different Pyrolysis Temperatures and Its Application on Acidic Soil
Authors: Song Shuhui , Cong Ping , Wang Chao , Li Puwang , Liu Siru , He Zuyu , Zhou Chuang , Liu Yunhao , Yang Ziming
Published: March 2023

When biochars are produced, feedstock is a crucial factor that determines their physicochemical properties. However, the characteristics of tropical crop waste-derived biochar have not been described and limit its availability. In this study, pineapple leaf (PAL), banana stem (BAS), sugarcane bagasse (SCB) and horticultural substrate (HCS), were used to prepare biochar at 300, 500 and 700 °C. Properties of biochars and their applications were analysed. The results indicated that hydrophobicity, nonpolarity and aromaticity of SCB biochar (SCBB) were higher than other biochars due to the loss of H (hydrogen), O (oxygen), and N (nitrogen). The pH of PAL biochar (PALB) and BAS biochar (BASB) ranged from 9.69 to 10.30 higher than that of SCBB and HCS biochar (HCSB) with 7.17–9.77. In PALB and BASB, sylvite was the dominant crystal structure. With temperature rising, C–H stretching, C=C stretching and H–O in alcohol groups decreased, and Si–O stretching in HCSB and SCBB strengthened. Biochars obtained at 500 °C, especially SCBB and HCSB, significantly promoted the growth of maize. The PALB and BASB greatly increased the soil pH/EC to 6.90–7.35 and 0.67–0.95 ms/cm, while those of SCBB and HCSB were 5.97–6.74 and 0.23–0.45 ms/cm. The application of the biochars to the soil increased soil pH, reducing the acidic soil stress in maize growth, especially PAL and BAS biochars prepared at 300 °C. Biochar prepared at lower temperature will greatly reduce energy consumption and increase the utilization efficiency of tropical agricultural waste resources.
Phytolith Content Negatively Affects Forage Quality of Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees
Authors: Gallardo Jimena , Díaz Marina , Carballo José , Garayalde Antonio , Echenique Viviana
Published: March 2023

Phytoliths are intra and extracellular siliceous deposits present in different plant tissues. Si uptake and transport are mediated by Lsi genes and its concentration is associated with forage quality. Our objective was to determine the phytolith content in seven Eragrostis curvula genotypes at the outbreak and re-growth stages to assess its relationship with the forage quality parameters and perform a genome-wide analysis to detect the presence/absence of Lsi genes. The mean values of the phytolith content of dry matter varied between 1.94–2.26% and 2.72–4.71% at the outbreak and re-growth stages, respectively, with highly significant differences among the genotypes and phenological stages. A highly negative correlation was observed in the phytolith content and in vitro dry matter digestibility and crude protein, revealing its importance as a selection parameter in breeding programs. A positive correlation was obtained between the phytolith content and lignin, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. The main morphotypes of the phytoliths included saddle-shaped, bulliform, and acicular cells. Genes Lsi1, Lsi2, Lsi3, and Lsi6, previously reported in silica uptake, were identified and compared with related species, being the gene sequences highly conserved, meaning that its accumulation is probably due to differences in the gene expression or different allelic variants among cultivars.
Effect of Plastic Film Colours and Perforations on Energy Distribution, Soil Temperature, and Evaporation
Authors: Xu Zunqiu , Wallach Rony , Song Jian , Mao Xiaomin
Published: March 2023

Plastic film mulching is a commonly used agricultural measure in arid/cold regions to improve crop growth. Despite previous studies on the impact of film mulching on soil water/heat status and crop growth, it is not clear how plastic film colours and perforations affect energy distribution, soil temperature, and evaporation. Six sets of column experiments were performed with three plastic film colours: transparent (T), black (B), and silver-grey (G), and two perforation ratios: 4.49% and 21.44%, to monitor soil evaporation and soil/film mulching temperature. Using these two main control factors, a soil–mulch–atmosphere system (SMAS) model was established to simulate soil evaporation and energy distribution. The simulations of soil evaporation compared well with the measurements. The available net energy was positively related to the perforation ratio and transmittance of the plastic film, which further influenced soil temperature and altered energy distribution. Both simulated and measured results gave the following order for transpiration with the plastic films: T > B > G. The SMAS model was more accurate when a mulch with weak light transmittance covered the field. Moreover, by comparing simulated evaporation mass loss with and without considering heat conduction between the plastic mulch and the soil surface, Csm, we found that it is feasible to exclude Csm. However, Csm is indispensable in the SMAS model for understanding the mechanism of plastic film mulching in agroecosystems, particularly at night.
Anatomy, Physiology, and Disorders of the Spectacle, Subspectacular Space, and Its Lacrimal Drainage System in Squamates
Authors: Hellebuyck Tom , Solanes Vilanova Ferran
Published: March 2023

Various squamate species have completely fused eyelids that make up a transparent spectacle. The spectacle is a continuation of the integument that is renewed with each shedding cycle and creates a narrow subspectacular or corneospectacular space that is filled with lacrimal fluid. The latter is considered as the analogue of the conjunctival sac in other vertebrates. Almost all reptiles that have a spectacle lack a nictitating membrane, bursalis muscle, and lacrimal glands. The lacrimal fluid in the subspectacular space is secreted by the Harderian gland. The features of the spectacle and its lacrimal drainage system are an illustration of the enormous variation of the morphological adaptations that are seen in reptiles and one of the most distinguishable traits of snakes and most gecko species. Whereas ocular disease in squamates with a spectacle is infrequently seen in practice, disorders of the spectacle and the subspectacular space are commonly encountered. In order to apply an adequate diagnostic and therapeutic approach for these conditions, a sound knowledge and understanding of the anatomical and physiological peculiarities of the spectacle, subspectacular space, and lacrimal drainage system are fundamental.
Advances in Animal Anatomy
Authors: Lombardero Matilde , Yllera María del Mar
Published: March 2023

This Special Issue was the result of reviewing Leonardo da Vinci's anatomical drawings of the bear foot and the horse trunk (among others) [...]
The Relationship between Ambient Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Pollution and Depression: An Analysis of Data from 185 Countries
Authors: Rajkumar Ravi Philip
Published: March 2023

Several studies have identified a relationship between air pollution and depression, particularly in relation to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure. However, the strength of this association appears to be moderated by variables such as age, gender, genetic vulnerability, physical activity, and climatic conditions, and has not been assessed at a cross-national level to date. Moreover, certain studies in this field have yielded negative results, and there are discrepancies between the results obtained in high-income countries and those from low- and middle-income countries. The current study examines cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between the incidence of depression in each country, based on Global Burden of Disease Study data, and the average national level of PM2.5 based on the World Health Organization’s database, over the past decade (2010–2019). The observed associations were adjusted for age, gender, level of physical activity, income, education, population density, climate, and type of depression. It was observed that while PM2.5 levels showed significant cross-sectional associations with the incidence of depression, longitudinal analyses were not suggestive of a direct causal relationship. These findings are discussed in the light of recent contradictory results in this field, and the need to consider the intermediate roles of a number of individual and environmental factors.
Lithium-Ion Battery State-of-Charge Estimation Using Electrochemical Model with Sensitive Parameters Adjustment
Authors: Wang Jingrong , Meng Jinhao , Peng Qiao , Liu Tianqi , Zeng Xueyang , Chen Gang , Li Yan
Published: March 2023

State-of-charge (SOC) estimation of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries with good accuracy is of critical importance for battery management systems. For the model-based methods, the electrochemical model has been widely used due to its accuracy and ability to describe the internal behaviors of the battery. However, the uncertainty of parameters and the lack of correction from voltage also induce errors during long-time calculation. This paper proposes a particle filter (PF) based method to estimate Li-ion batteries’ SOC using electrochemical model, with sensitive parameter identification achieved using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. First, a single particle model with electrolyte dynamics (SPME) is used in this work to reduce the computational burden of the battery electrochemical model, whose sensitive parameters are selected through the elementary effect test. Then, the representative sensitive parameters, which are difficult to measure directly, are adjusted by PSO for a high efficiency. Finally, a model-based SOC estimation framework is constructed with PF to achieve accurate Li-ion battery SOC. Compared with extended Kalman filter and equivalent circuit model, the proposed method shows high accuracy under three different driving cycles.
In Situ Metal Organic Framework (ZIF-8) and Mechanofusion-Assisted MWCNT Coating of LiFePO4/C Composite Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Mathur Priyatrisha , Shih Jeng-Ywan , Li Ying-Jeng James , Hung Tai-Feng , Thirumalraj Balamurugan , Ramaraj Sayee Kannan , Jose Rajan , Karuppiah Chelladurai , Yang Chun-Chen
Published: March 2023

LiFePO4 is one of the industrial, scalable cathode materials in lithium-ion battery production, due to its cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness. However, the electrochemical performance of LiFePO4 in high current rate operation is still limited, due to its poor ionic- and electron-conductive properties. In this study, a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) modified LiFePO4/C (LFP) composite cathode materials were developed and investigated in detail. The ZIF-8 and MWCNT can be used as ionic- and electron-conductive materials, respectively. The surface modification of LFP by ZIF-8 and MWCNT was carried out through in situ wet chemical and mechanical alloy coating. The as-synthesized materials were scrutinized via various characterization methods, such as XRD, SEM, EDX, etc., to determine the material microstructure, morphology, phase, chemical composition, etc. The uniform and stable spherical morphology of LFP composites was obtained when the ZIF-8 coating was processed by the agitator [A], instead of the magnetic stirrer [MS], condition. It was found that the (optimum of) 2 wt.% ZIF-8@LFP [A]/MWCNT composite cathode material exhibited outstanding improvement in high-rate performance; it maintained the discharge capacities of 125 mAh g−1 at 1C, 110 mAh g−1 at 3C, 103 mAh g−1 at 5C, and 91 mAh g−1 at 10C. Better cycling stability with capacity retention of 75.82% at 1C for 100 cycles, as compared to other electrodes prepared in this study, was also revealed. These excellent results were mainly obtained because of the improvement of lithium-ion transport properties, less polarization effect, and interfacial impedance of the LFP composite cathode materials derived from the synergistic effect of both ZIF-8 and MWCNT coating materials.
Investigation on the Air Stability of P2-Layered Transition Metal Oxides by Nb Doping in Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Yanyan , Shi Qinhao , Zhao Shengyu , Feng Wuliang , Liu Yang , Yang Xinxin , Wang Zhenwei , Zhao Yufeng
Published: March 2023

Sodium-ion batteries are regarded as a substitution for lithium-ion batteries for its abundant resources, wide distribution, low cost, etc. The P2-layered sodium transition metal oxides (P2-NaxTMO2) have attracted extensive attention due to their high rate and cycling properties. However, P2-NaxTMO2 often undergoes structural transformations when exposed in ambient air, which restricts its practical applications. Herein we studied the effect of Nb doping on the air stability of P2-NaxTMO2. We demonstrated that the Nb-induced surface preconstructed layer inhibited the surface dissolution of the P2 material in the electrochemical reaction and formed a stable and thin (cathode–electrolyte interphase) CEI film, which prevented water molecules from entering the P2-NaxTMO2 lattice. Na0.67Mn0.67Ni0.33Nb0.03O2 could exhibit superior rate performance (a reversible capacity of 72.5 mAh g−1 at 20 C) and outstanding cycling performance (84.43% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 5 C) in a half cell after exposed in a moisture atmosphere (RH93%) for 20 days.
Electrode Fabrication Techniques for Li Ion Based Energy Storage System: A Review
Authors: Singh Veena , Kuthe Sudhanshu , Skorodumova Natalia V.
Published: March 2023

Development of reliable energy storage technologies is the key for the consistent energy supply based on alternate energy sources. Among energy storage systems, the electrochemical storage devices are the most robust. Consistent energy storage systems such as lithium ion (Li ion) based energy storage has become an ultimate system utilized for both domestic and industrial scales due to its advantages over the other energy storage systems. Considering the factors related to Li ion-based energy storage system, in the present review, we discuss various electrode fabrication techniques including electrodeposition, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), stereolithography, pressing, roll to roll, dip coating, doctor blade, drop casting, nanorod growing, brush coating, stamping, inkjet printing (IJP), fused deposition modelling (FDM) and direct ink writing (DIW). Additionally, we analyze the statistics of publications on these fabrication techniques and outline challenges and future prospects for the Li ion battery market.
Survey on Battery Technologies and Modeling Methods for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Iqbal Mehroze , Benmouna Amel , Becherif Mohamed , Mekhilef Saad
Published: March 2023

The systematic transition of conventional automobiles to their electrified counterparts is an imperative step toward successful decarbonization. Crucial advances in battery storage systems (BSS) and related technologies will enable this transition to proceed smoothly. This requires equivalent developments in several interconnected areas, such as complete battery cycles and battery management systems (BMS). In this context, this article critically examines state-of-the-art battery technologies from the perspective of automakers, provides insightful discussions, and poses open questions with possible answers. The generations of BSS (traditional, current, and futuristic) are first reviewed and analyzed via two distinct qualitative factors (DQFs): key design markers and performance indicators. Based on the introduced DQFs, major development trends and probable evolutions are forecasted. Thereafter, recent modeling and state estimation methods are comprehensively reviewed in relation to high-performance BMS. Accordingly, promising modeling methods are identified as futuristic solutions, leading to an accurate and timely decision for reliable and safer user experience. This article is concluded by presenting a techno-economic assessment of what to expect, as well as highlighting future challenges and opportunities for industry, academia, and policy makers.
Effects of a Graphene Heating Device on Fatigue Recovery of Biceps Brachii
Authors: Liu Wenming , Jiang Xiaohui , Yu Zhiran , Pang Kai , Wang Jian , Peng Yuxin
Published: March 2023

Far-infrared (FIR) is considered to be an ideal method to promote fatigue recovery due to its high permeability and strong radiation. In this paper, we report a flexible and wearable graphene heating device to help fatigue recovery of human exercise by using its high FIR divergence property. This study compares two different fatigue recovery methods, graphene far-infrared heating device hot application and natural recovery, over a 20 min recovery time among the male colleges’ exhaustion exercise. Experimental results show that the achieved graphene device holds excellent electro-thermal radiation conversion efficiency of 70% and normal total emissivity of 89%. Moreover, the graphene FIR therapy in our work is more energy-efficient, easy to use, and wearable than traditional fatigue recovery methods. Such an anti-fatigue strategy offers new opportunities for enlarging potential applications of graphene film in body science, athletic training recovery, and wearable devices.
Histopathological Analysis for Detecting Lung and Colon Cancer Malignancies Using Hybrid Systems with Fused Features
Authors: Al-Jabbar Mohammed , Alshahrani Mohammed , Senan Ebrahim Mohammed , Ahmed Ibrahim Abdulrab
Published: March 2023

Lung and colon cancer are among humanity’s most common and deadly cancers. In 2020, there were 4.19 million people diagnosed with lung and colon cancer, and more than 2.7 million died worldwide. Some people develop lung and colon cancer simultaneously due to smoking which causes lung cancer, leading to an abnormal diet, which also causes colon cancer. There are many techniques for diagnosing lung and colon cancer, most notably the biopsy technique and its analysis in laboratories. Due to the scarcity of health centers and medical staff, especially in developing countries. Moreover, manual diagnosis takes a long time and is subject to differing opinions of doctors. Thus, artificial intelligence techniques solve these challenges. In this study, three strategies were developed, each with two systems for early diagnosis of histological images of the LC25000 dataset. Histological images have been improved, and the contrast of affected areas has been increased. The GoogLeNet and VGG-19 models of all systems produced high dimensional features, so redundant and unnecessary features were removed to reduce high dimensionality and retain essential features by the PCA method. The first strategy for diagnosing the histological images of the LC25000 dataset by ANN uses crucial features of GoogLeNet and VGG-19 models separately. The second strategy uses ANN with the combined features of GoogLeNet and VGG-19. One system reduced dimensions and combined, while the other combined high features and then reduced high dimensions. The third strategy uses ANN with fusion features of CNN models (GoogLeNet and VGG-19) and handcrafted features. With the fusion features of VGG-19 and handcrafted features, the ANN reached a sensitivity of 99.85%, a precision of 100%, an accuracy of 99.64%, a specificity of 100%, and an AUC of 99.86%.
Stiff Extracellular Matrix Promotes Invasive Behaviors of Trophoblast Cells
Authors: Cao Jialing , Li Hangyu , Tang Hongyan , Gu Xuenan , Wang Yan , Guan Dongshi , Du Jing , Fan Yubo
Published: March 2023

The effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness on embryonic trophoblast cells invasion during mammalian embryo implantation remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of ECM stiffness on various aspects of human trophoblast cell behaviors during cell–ECM interactions. The mechanical microenvironment of the uterus was simulated by fabricating polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogels with different levels of stiffness. The human choriocarcinoma (JAR) cell lineage was used as the trophoblast model. We found that the spreading area of JAR cells, the formation of focal adhesions, and the polymerization of the F-actin cytoskeleton were all facilitated with increased ECM stiffness. Significantly, JAR cells also exhibited durotactic behavior on ECM with a gradient stiffness. Meanwhile, stiffness of the ECM affects the invasion of multicellular JAR spheroids. These results demonstrated that human trophoblast cells are mechanically sensitive, while the mechanical properties of the uterine microenvironment could play an important role in the implantation process.
Intraspecific Comparative Analysis Reveals Genomic Variation of Didymella arachidicola and Pathogenicity Factors Potentially Related to Lesion Phenotype
Authors: Li Shaojian , Wang Zhenyu , Gao Meng , Li Tong , Cui Xiaowei , Zu Junhuai , Sang Suling , Fan Wanwan , Zhang Haiyan
Published: March 2023

Didymella arachidicola is one of the most important fungal pathogens, causing foliar disease and leading to severe yield losses of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) in China. Two main lesion phenotypes of peanut web blotch have been identified as reticulation type (R type) and blotch type (B type). As no satisfactory reference genome is available, the genomic variations and pathogenicity factors of D. arachidicola remain to be revealed. In the present study, we collected 41 D. arachidicola isolates from 26 geographic locations across China (33 for R type and 8 for B type). The chromosome-scale genome of the most virulent isolate (YY187) was assembled as a reference using PacBio and Hi-C technologies. In addition, we re-sequenced 40 isolates from different sampling sites. Genome-wide alignments showed high similarity among the genomic sequences from the 40 isolates, with an average mapping rate of 97.38%. An average of 3242 SNPs and 315 InDels were identified in the genomic variation analysis, which revealed an intraspecific polymorphism in D. arachidicola. The comparative analysis of the most and least virulent isolates generated an integrated gene set containing 512 differential genes. Moreover, 225 genes individually or simultaneously harbored hits in CAZy-base, PHI-base, DFVF, etc. Compared with the R type reference, the differential gene sets from all B type isolates identified 13 shared genes potentially related to lesion phenotype. Our results reveal the intraspecific genomic variation of D. arachidicola isolates and pathogenicity factors potentially related to different lesion phenotypes. This work sets a genomic foundation for understanding the mechanisms behind genomic diversity driving different pathogenic phenotypes of D. arachidicola.
Helminth Communities of Common Fish Species in the Coastal Zone off Crimea: Species Composition, Diversity, and Structure
Authors: Plaksina Mariana P. , Dmitrieva Evgenija V. , Dvoretsky Alexander G.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we analyzed the diversity and structure of helminth communities of 12 common fish species from the coastal zone of Crimea. A total of 53 helminth species were found. The total number of parasite species per host fish ranged from 3 to 18. Species richness at the infracommunity and component community levels were from 1.4–4.2 to 1.7–7, respectively. The Brillouin index for the infracommunites was 0.1–1, while the Shannon index for the component communities was 0.3–1.2. Component communities demonstrated a bi- or tri-modal distribution of the parasite prevalence and positive correlations between the prevalence and log-transformed abundance indices, thus following the “core–satellite” conception. Overall, the prevalence and abundance index of the dominant parasite in the component communities ranged from 18 to 80% and from 0.6 to 61.5 ind. per fish, respectively. The structure of the helminth component communities demonstrated good accordance with the nestedness mode where the rarest species occurred in the most diverse infracommunities, while the poorest infracommunities were composed of a few dominating species. More than two-thirds of the studied helminth species had an aggregated distribution indicating well-structured and developed communities. Our data provide a basis for further research and may be used for fish resource monitoring and management.
The Significance of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) in Urinary Bladder Cancer
Authors: Kudelski Jacek , Tokarzewicz Anna , Gudowska-Sawczuk Monika , Mroczko Barbara , Chłosta Piotr , Bruczko-Goralewska Marta , Mitura Przemysław , Młynarczyk Grzegorz
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Urinary bladder cancer is a serious oncological problem that is the cause of many deaths worldwide. The processes of metastasis and origination of local tumor invasion depend on the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. The cancer microenvironment, particularly the ECM, may be considered a key factor in cancer progression. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are classified as the main factors responsible for the degradation of ECM components. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in urinary bladder cancer according to different stages. Material and methods: Urinary bladder tissue samples were analyzed. Cancer patients were divided into two groups: low-grade tumors (LG; Group I) and high-grade tumors (HG; Group II). Control tissue was obtained from the opposite site to the tumor. MMPs content and activity (actual and specific) were evaluated using ELISA and Western blot methods, respectively. Results: Both MMPs are present in high and low molecular complexes in healthy or bladder cancer tissues. The content of MMP-9 is enhanced in comparison with MMP-2, particularly in HG cancer tissue. The actual activity of MMP-2 was highest in LG cancer tissue whereas the actual activity of MMP-9 was highest in HG cancer. Specific activity of both MMPs was highest in LG cancer, but the activity of MMP-9 was higher in comparison with MMP-2. Conclusions: In conclusion, the content and specific activity of MMP-9 were increased in comparison with MMP-2. The revealed differences in content and activity of both MMPs demonstrate their different participation in ECM remodeling at different stages of cancer development. Moreover, it seems that MMP-9 has higher clinical utility than MMP-2 as a potential therapeutic option and a diagnostic biomarker of urinary bladder cancer.
Demographic, Epidemiologic, and Clinical Characteristics of Human Monkeypox Disease Pre- and Post-2022 Outbreaks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hatami Hossein , Jamshidi Parnian , Arbabi Mahta , Safavi-Naini Seyed , Farokh Parisa , Izadi-Jorshari Ghazal , Mohammadzadeh Benyamin , Nasiri Mohammad , Zandi Milad , Nayebzade Amirhossein , Sechi Leonardo
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: In early May 2022, an increasing number of human monkeypox (mpox) cases were reported in non-endemic disparate regions of the world, which raised concerns. Here, we provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of mpox-confirmed patients presented in peer-reviewed publications over the 10 years before and during the 2022 outbreak from demographic, epidemiological, and clinical perspectives. (2) Methods: A systematic search was performed for relevant studies published in Pubmed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar from 1 January 2012 up to 15 February 2023. Pooled frequencies with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were assessed using the random or fixed effect model due to the estimated heterogeneity of the true effect sizes. (3) Results: Out of 10,163 articles, 67 met the inclusion criteria, and 31 cross-sectional studies were included for meta-analysis. Animal-to-human transmission was dominant in pre-2022 cases (61.64%), but almost all post-2022 reported cases had a history of human contact, especially sexual contact. The pooled frequency of MSM individuals was 93.5% (95% CI 91.0–95.4, I2: 86.60%) and was reported only in post-2022 included studies. The male gender was predominant in both pre- and post-2022 outbreaks, and the mean age of confirmed cases was 29.92 years (5.77–41, SD: 9.38). The most common clinical manifestations were rash, fever, lymphadenopathy, and malaise/fatigue. Proctalgia/proctitis (16.6%, 95% CI 10.3–25.6, I2: 97.76) and anal/perianal lesions (39.8%, 95% CI 30.4–49.9, I2: 98.10) were the unprecedented clinical manifestations during the 2022 outbreak, which were not described before. Genitalia involvement was more common in post-2022 mpox patients (55.6%, 95% CI 51.7–59.4, I2: 88.11). (4) Conclusions: There are speculations about the possibility of changes in the pathogenic properties of the virus. It seems that post-2022 mpox cases experience a milder disease with fewer rashes and lower mortality rates. Moreover, the vast majority of post-2022 cases are managed on an outpatient basis. Our study could serve as a basis for ongoing investigations to identify the different aspects of previous mpox outbreaks and compare them with the current ones.
Challenging the Pleiotropic Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Geriatric Depression: A Multimodal Case Series Study
Authors: Nicoletti Vincenzo G. , Fisicaro Francesco , Aguglia Eugenio , Bella Rita , Calcagno Damiano , Cantone Mariagiovanna , Concerto Carmen , Ferri Raffaele , Mineo Ludovico , Pennisi Giovanni , Ricceri Riccardo , Rodolico Alessandro , Saitta Giulia , Torrisi Giulia , Lanza Giuseppe , Pennisi Manuela
Published: March 2023

Background: Although the antidepressant potential of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), the pleiotropic effects in geriatric depression (GD) are poorly investigated. We tested rTMS on depression, cognitive performance, growth/neurotrophic factors, cerebral blood flow (CBF) to transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD), and motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) to TMS in GD. Methods: In this case series study, six drug-resistant subjects (median age 68.0 years) underwent MEPs at baseline and after 3 weeks of 10 Hz rTMS on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The percentage change of serum nerve growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, brain-derived growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, and angiogenin was obtained. Assessments were performed at baseline, and at the end of rTMS; psychocognitive tests were also repeated after 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: Chronic cerebrovascular disease was evident in five patients. No adverse/undesirable effect was reported. An improvement in mood was observed after rTMS but not at follow-up. Electrophysiological data to TMS remained unchanged, except for an increase in the right median MEP amplitude. TCD and neurotrophic/growth factors did not change. Conclusions: We were unable to detect a relevant impact of high-frequency rTMS on mood, cognition, cortical microcircuits, neurotrophic/growth factors, and CBF. Cerebrovascular disease and exposure to multiple pharmacological treatments might have contributed.