bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Algebraic Approach to the Solutions of the Open Shop Scheduling Problem
Authors: Cañadas Agustín Moreno , Mendez Odette M. , Riaño-Rojas Juan-Carlos , Hormaza Juan-David
Published: May 2023

The open shop scheduling problem (OSSP) is one of the standard scheduling problems. It consists of scheduling jobs associated with a finite set of tasks developed by different machines. In this case, each machine processes at most one operation at a time, and the job processing order on the machines does not matter. The goal is to determine the completion times of the operations processed on the machines to minimize the largest job completion time, called Cmax. This paper proves that each OSSP has associated a path algebra called Brauer configuration algebra whose representation theory (particularly its dimension and the dimension of its center) can be given using the corresponding Cmax value. It has also been proved that the dimension of the centers of Brauer configuration algebras associated with OSSPs with minimal Cmax are congruent modulo the number of machines.
Optical Properties of Magnetic Monopole Excitons
Authors: Cao Junhui , Kavokin Alexey
Published: May 2023

Here we consider theoretically an exciton-like dipole formed by a magnetic monopole and a magnetic antimonopole. This type of quasiparticles may be formed in a magnetic counterpart of a one dimensional semiconductor crystal. We use the familiar Lorentz driven damped harmonic oscillator model to find the eigenmodes of magnetic monopole dipoles strongly coupled to light. The proposed model allows predicting optical signatures of magnetic monopole excitons in crystals.
Seasonal Changes in the Size Distribution of Copepods Is Affected by Coastal Upwelling
Authors: Rosa Judson , Matos Thiago , da Silva Débora , Reis Carolina , Dias Cristina , Konno Tatiana , Fernandes Lohengrin
Published: May 2023

Water temperature controls the physiology, growth rate, distribution, and behavior of most plankton populations in the sea and thus affects the energy transfer in marine ecosystems. The present study focuses on the influence of seasonal changes in sea surface temperature on phytoplankton and the size distribution of copepods in the Arraial do Cabo Upwelling System (Brazil), where a wind-driven coastal upwelling can lead to multiple distinct bottom-up cascade effects on the food web. To address the potential effect of the seasonal changes, environmental data were obtained and the abundance of plankton determined from monthly samples collected in triplicate from 2010 to 2014. The samples were analyzed on a Benchtop FlowCAM (FC), and copepods (<1000 µm) were classified according to their Ellipses Equivalent Major Axis using image analysis software ImageJ (IJ). For IJ analysis, a batch-processing macro was built to open all FC raw images and then crop each copepod individually into a single picture. Using these images, prosome and urosome lengths were manually measured with the straight-line tool in IJ. With the combinations of measurements obtained in the IJ adjusted as FC measurements, we established a new, faster, and more effective way to measure copepods. With the copepod size classification, we found that there is a cycle in copepod size combined with the upwelling cycle that is related to temperature rather than to phytoplankton growth. Copepod abundance as a whole peaked during the autumn, winter, and spring seasons. The method performed here proved that FC is an effective tool for classifying copepod sizes and detecting seasonal variation.
Breeding Population and Nesting Habitat of Skuas in the Harmony Point Antarctic Specially Protected Area
Authors: Santa Cruz Francisco , Krüger Lucas
Published: May 2023

Regular monitoring of breeding population abundance and environmental factors related to the nesting habitat has proven fundamental for seabird conservation. Harmony Point (Nelson Island) is an Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) designated to manage and protect the high biological value of seabirds’ richness and abundance. However, due to the remote location of their breeding sites, many species lack updated population counts. Skuas (Catharacta sp.) exhibited a two-decade gap since the last census was conducted in Harmony Point. The abundance and spatial distribution of the nests of skuas were studied during the austral summer of 2019/2020. Through an exhaustive search, we counted and mapped active nests. Nesting habitat was assessed by the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle to take aerial pictures and build an orthomosaic image to determine vegetation in the area. Additionally, a digital elevation model was built to calculate a series of geomorphological-related variables. Suitability models were used to estimate the importance of variables to the nesting of skuas. A total of 71 brown skua (Catharacta antarctica) and 3 south polar skua (C. maccormicki) nests were counted. Two of the seven variables (terrain slope and vegetation cover) accounted for 57.5% ± 14.1% of the models’ variability; sun radiation incidence, and wind shielding were of secondary importance. Water flow accumulation, distance from penguin colonies, and terrain elevation were the least important variables. Skuas selected for nesting flat terrains (slope < 10°) with a vegetation cover of above 20%, slightly higher sun incidence (270 to 280 kW/h), and intermediary windshielding (45% to 55% of exposition). Considering previous estimates, the skua species at Harmony Point has kept an apparently stable population size over the last 25 years. However, expected changes in nesting habitat availability, i.e., increased snow-free area, increased wind intensity, changes in vegetation cover, and reduction of penguin populations, might change population size in the mid to long term.
IRelNet: An Improved Relation Network for Few-Shot Radar Emitter Identification
Authors: Wu Zilong , Du Meng , Bi Daping , Pan Jifei
Published: May 2023

In future electronic warfare (EW), there will be many unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with electronic support measure (ESM) systems, which will often encounter the challenge of radar emitter identification (REI) with few labeled samples. To address this issue, we propose a novel deep learning network, IRelNet, which could be easily embedded in the computer system of a UAV. This network was designed with channel attention, spatial attention and skip-connect features, and meta-learning technology was applied to solve the REI problem. IRelNet was trained using simulated radar emitter signals and can effectively extract the essential features of samples in a new task, allowing it to accurately predict the class of the emitter to be identified. Furthermore, this work provides a detailed description of how IRelNet embedded in a UAV was applied in the EW scene and verified its effectiveness via experiments. When the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was 4 dB, IRelNet achieved an identification accuracy of greater than 90% on the samples in the test task.
Nontraditional Deterministic Remote State Preparation Using a Non-Maximally Entangled Channel without Additional Quantum Resources
Authors: Xin Xuanxuan , He Shiwen , Li Yongxing , Li Chong
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we have reinvestigated probabilistic quantum communication protocols and developed a nontraditional remote state preparation protocol that allows for deterministically transferring information encoded in quantum states using a non-maximally entangled channel. With an auxiliary particle and a simple measurement method, the success probability of preparing a d-dimensional quantum state is increased to 1 without spending additional quantum resources in advance to improve quantum channels, such as entanglement purification. Furthermore, we have designed a feasible experimental scheme to demonstrate the deterministic paradigm of transporting a polarization-encoded photon from one location to another using a generalized entangled state. This approach provides a practical method to address decoherence and environmental noises in actual quantum communication.
Assessing the Impacts of Land Use and Climate Changes on River Discharge towards Lake Victoria
Authors: Shinhu Renatus James , Amasi Aloyce I. , Wynants Maarten , Nobert Joel , Mtei Kelvin M. , Njau Karoli N.
Published: May 2023

The Lake Victoria basin’s expanding population is heavily reliant on rainfall and river flow to meet their water needs, making them extremely vulnerable to changes in climate and land use. To develop adaptation and mitigation strategies to climate changes it is urgently necessary to evaluate the impacts of climate change on the quantity of water in the rivers that drain into Lake Victoria. In this study, the semi-distributed hydrological SWAT model was used to evaluate the impact of current land use and climate changes for the period of 1990–2019 and assess the probable future impacts of climate changes in the near future (2030–2060) on the Simiyu river discharge draining into Lake Victoria, Northern Tanzania. The General Circulation Model under RCPs 4.5, 6.0 and 8.5 predicted an increase in the annual average temperature of 1.4 °C in 2030 to 2 °C in 2060 and an average of 7.8% reduction in rainfall in the catchment. The simulated river discharge from the hydrological model under RCPs 4.5, 6.0 and 8.5 revealed a decreasing trend in annual average discharge by 1.6 m3/s from 5.66 m3/s in 2019 to 4.0 m3/s in 2060. The increase in evapotranspiration caused by the temperature increase is primarily responsible for the decrease in river discharge. The model also forecasts an increase in extreme discharge events, from a range between 32.1 and 232.8 m3/s in 1990–2019 to a range between 10.9 and 451.3 m3/s in the 2030–2060 period. The present combined impacts of climate and land use changes showed higher effects on peak discharge at different return periods (Q5 to Q100) with values of 213.7 m3/s (Q5), 310.2 m3/s (Q25) and 400.4 m3/s (Q100) compared to the contributions of climate-change-only scenario with peak discharges of 212.1 m3/s (Q5), 300.2 m3/s (Q25) and 390.2 m3/s (Q100), and land use change only with peak discharges of 295.5 m3/s (Q5), 207.1 m3/s Q25) and 367.3 m3/s (Q100). However, the contribution ratio of climate change was larger than for land use change. The SWAT model proved to be a useful tool for forecasting river discharge in complex semi-arid catchments draining towards Lake Victoria. These findings highlight the need for catchment-wide water management plans in the Lake Victoria Basin.
The Influence of Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber L.) Activity on the Transformation and Functioning of Riparian Phytocoenoses in the Southern Boreal Zone (European Russia)
Authors: Nazarov Nail G. , Prokhorov Vadim E. , Sharifullin Aidar G. , Gusarov Artyom V. , Lisetskii Fedor N.
Published: May 2023

The reintroduction of Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber L.) results in significant changes in ecosystems. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of the environment-forming activity of C. fiber on the riparian phytocoenoses of the Raifa forest sector of the Volga-Kama State Nature Biosphere Reserve (Middle Volga region, European Russia) after the reintroduction. Phytoindication methods of ecological–coenotic groups and indicator values were used to assess changes in environmental conditions under the influence of beaver activity. The influence of the beaver reintroduction factor on the increase in the moisture regime (by three points according to the Tsyganov indicator values) and the illumination of habitats, the richness of soils in nitrogen, and the acidity and salt regime of soils (by one point) was revealed. Under the conditions of fodder and construction activities of the beaver, an increase in the proportion of aquatic and wetland groups from 10.2% to 28.2% and boreal plant species from 15.0% to 27.6% was detected. An expansive nature of the change in the degree of landscape occupancy with wetland plants was noted. A decrease in the degree of landscape occupancy (3 to 2 points) of the distribution of ruderal species in the riparian zones of the waterbodies of the reserve due to the activity of the beaver was revealed. Based on phytoindication and ecological–coenotic analyses, it was shown that the reintroduction of C. fiber into the waterbodies of the Raifa forest sector of the reserve is responsible for maintaining the necessary microclimatic conditions for the preservation of natural southern boreal communities. The results obtained can be used for predictive assessment of the influence of the beaver on riparian (small rivers and lakes) plant communities of forest ecosystems in the Middle Volga region of European Russia and other regions of the planet with similar environmental conditions.
The Use of Blockchain Technology and Its Reflection in the Financial Performance of Investment Projects Developed by the Ministry of Sports
Authors: Ata Sobhi , Hassan Ahmed , Selim Hossam , Hammad Badry , Abdelhalim Hussien , Abdelhalim Abeer
Published: May 2023

Blockchain has received a lot of attention in financial technology, as it combines many computer technologies, including data storage, point-to-point transmission, and consensus mechanisms, as it is considered a decentralized technology for managing transactions and data that has been developed. The study aimed to demonstrate the impact of the use of blockchain technology on the financial performance of investment projects developed by the Ministry of Sports. We used the descriptive approach (survey study method) as an appropriate method to achieve the objectives of the study due to the suitability of its procedures. The participants in the study included some leaders of the Ministry of Sports and experts in the field of sports investment, as well as some leaders working in the directorates of youth and sports, and some members of the board of directors of the Olympic Committee, sports federations, sports clubs, and youth centers. The study sample was selected in a deliberate way based on the categories of the study population. There were 300 participants in the study, and the researchers used two questionnaires as tools to collect the data. The results revealed a lack of the use of blockchain technology at the Ministry of Sports and a low level of financial performance at the Ministry of Sports. With a correlation between the level of financial performance and the use of blockchain technology, the level of the financial performance of the investment projects developed by the Ministry of Sports could be predicted based on the use of blockchain technology. Finally, the study also provides insight into political implications, limitations, and future directions.
The Development of Receptive Language Skills from Captioned Video Viewing in Primary School EFL Learners
Authors: Avello Daniela , Muñoz Carmen
Published: May 2023

The evidence obtained to date supports the use of captioned videos for L2 learning purposes, such as vocabulary acquisition and the development of L2 listening skills. However, little research has been conducted with primary school learners, and even less so on the extent to which L2-captioned videos foster the development of L2 reading skills. Thus, the present investigation aimed to determine the extent to which five groups of primary school EFL learners from Chile (n = 96, 9–11 years old, years 4 and 5) benefited from their viewing experience (11 captioned videos) as regards the development of L2 listening skills and L2 reading efficacy (measured at pretest, posttest, and delayed-posttest). In addition, we assessed the influence of L1- and L2-related factors on learners’ performance over time (L1 and L2 reading efficacy, L2 vocabulary knowledge, and L2 listening skills). Overall, the results revealed that the treatment led to significant gains in English listening skills and reading efficacy in fourth and fifth graders. However, learners’ performance was also found to be predicted by language-related factors, especially L2 vocabulary knowledge. On the whole, the findings of this investigation support the use of age-appropriate captioned videos at primary school to increase children’s exposure to the target language and enhance the development of receptive language skills.
Factors Affecting the Adoption of Online Database Systems for Learning among Students at Economics Universities in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thi Minh Phuong
Published: May 2023

This study aims to evaluate the determinants that influence the adoption of online databases in the learning process of students at economics universities in Vietnam. A quantitative study with a meta-analysis was conducted by utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM). The sample consisted of 492 students from economics universities located in Vietnam who were surveyed using stratified random sampling. The results indicate that the adoption of online databases in student learning is influenced by six determinants, namely: (i) perceived effectiveness, (ii) perceived ease of use, (iii) technical barriers, (iv) personal usefulness, (v) usage attitudes, and (vi) convenience. Our study has revealed that students’ intention to use the online database system is positively influenced by their perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. These findings could be valuable in shaping policies for enhancing the online database system at economics universities, taking into account the students’ characteristics and the institution’s needs.
Understanding Education Workers’ Stressors after Lockdowns in Ontario, Canada: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Serrano Frances , Saragosa Marianne , Nowrouzi-Kia Behdin , Woodford Lynn , Casole Jennifer , Gohar Basem
Published: May 2023

Understanding the experiences and stressors of education workers is critical for making improvements and planning for future emergency situations. Province-specific studies offer valuable information to understand the stressors of returning to the workplace. This study aims to identify the stressors education workers experienced when returning to work after months of school closures. This qualitative data is part of a larger study. Individuals completed a survey including a questionnaire and some open-ended questions in English and French. A total of 2349 respondents completed the qualitative portion of the survey, of which most were women (81%), approximately 44 years of age, and working as teachers (83.9%). The open-ended questions were analyzed using thematic analysis. Seven themes emerged from our analysis: (1) challenges with service provision and using technology; (2) disruption in work–life balance; (3) lack of clear communication and direction from the government and school administration; (4) fear of contracting the virus due to insufficient health/COVID-19 protocols; (5) increase in work demands; (6) various coping strategies to deal with the stressors of working during the COVID-19 pandemic; (7) lessons to be learned from working amid a global pandemic. Education workers have faced many challenges since returning to work. These findings demonstrate the need for improvements such as greater flexibility, training opportunities, support, and communication.
Formal Analysis of Reentrancy Vulnerabilities in Smart Contract Based on CPN
Authors: He Yaqiong , Dong Hanjie , Wu Huaiguang , Duan Qianheng
Published: May 2023

A smart contract is a special form of computer program that runs on a blockchain and provides a new way to implement financial and business transactions in a conflict-free and transparent environment. In blockchain systems such as Ethereum, smart contracts can handle and autonomously transfer assets of considerable value to other parties. Hence, it is particularly important to ensure that smart contracts function as intended since bugs or vulnerabilities may lead, and indeed have led, to substantial economic losses and erosion of trust for blockchain. While a number of approaches and tools have been developed to find vulnerabilities, formal methods present the highest level of confidence in the security of smart contracts. In this paper, we propose a formal solution to model a smart contract based on colored Petri nets (CPNs). Herein, we focus on the most common type of security bugs in smart contract, i.e., reentrancy bugs, which led to a serious financial loss of around USD 34 million for the Cream Finance project in 2021. We present a hierarchical CPN modelling method to analyze potential security vulnerabilities at the contract’s source code level. Then, modeling analysis methods such as correlation matrix, state space report and state space graph generated via CPN Tools simulation are exploited for formal analysis of smart contracts. The example shows the full state space and wrong path in accordance with our expected results. Finally, the conclusion was verified on the Ethereum network based on the Remix platform.
A Requirement Quality Assessment Method Based on User Stories
Authors: Xu Xiangqian , Dou Yajie , Qian Liwei , Zhang Zhiwei , Ma Yufeng , Tan Yuejin
Published: May 2023

Agile development processes based on user stories often face issues such as incomplete, inconsistent, and inaccurate user requirements, which increase the workload of agile development teams and reduce the efficiency of product function development, ultimately resulting in the inability to respond quickly to user requirements. This paper proposes a user requirement quality assessment method based on user stories to address these problems. This method relies on the agile development process, constructs a user requirement quality assessment framework, defines a user story model and a user requirement quality model, develops seven user requirement quality assessment criteria, and designs a user requirement quality assessment process. A data experiment exploring the development of smartphone requirements is used to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the method. The experimental results demonstrate that the method improves user requirement quality to some extent, providing an automated solution for agile development teams to enhance user requirement quality.
Power Distribution System Outage Management Using Improved Resilience Metrics for Smart Grid Applications
Authors: Malek Arif Fikri , Mokhlis Hazlie , Mansor Nurulafiqah Nadzirah , Jamian Jasrul Jamani , Wang Li , Muhammad Munir Azam
Published: May 2023

Smart grid systems play a significant role in improving the resilience of distribution systems (DSs). In this paper, two strategies are proposed for implementation of a smart grid application: (a) a network reconfiguration and (b) a network reconfiguration with mobile emergency generator (MEGs) deployment. An improved set of resilience metrics to quantify and enhance the resiliency of distribution systems (DSs) is developed for the proposed optimization. The metrics aim to determine a suitable strategy and the optimal number and capacity of MEGs to restore the disconnected loads through the development of several microgrids. These metrics are then aggregated with the proposed strategy to develop an automated solution provider. The objective is to maximize system resilience considering the priority loads. The proposed resilience metrics are tested on the IEEE 33-Bus radial DSs. The case studies conducted proved the performance of the proposed power outage management strategy and resilience metrics in maximizing system resiliency for smart grids.
Renewable Energy Potential and CO2 Performance of Main Biomasses Used in Brazil
Authors: Alves Elem Patricia Rocha , Salcedo-Puerto Orlando , Nuncira Jesús , Emebu Samuel , Mendoza-Martinez Clara
Published: May 2023

This review investigates the effects of the Brazilian agriculture production and forestry sector on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Residual biomasses produced mainly in the agro-industrial and forestry sector as well as fast-growing plants were studied. Possibilities to minimize source-related emissions by sequestering part of carbon in soil and by producing biomass as a substitute for fossil fuel were extensively investigated. The lack of consistency among literature reports on residual biomass makes it difficult to compare CO2 emission reductions between studies and sectors. Data on chemical composition, heating value, proximate and ultimate analysis of the biomasses were collected. Then, the carbon sequestration potential of the biomasses as well as their usability in renewable energy practices were studied. Over 779.6 million tons of agricultural residues were generated in Brazil between 2021 and 2022. This implies a 12.1 million PJ energy potential, while 4.95 million tons of forestry residues was generated in 2019. An estimated carbon content of 276 Tg from these residues could lead to the production of approximately 1014.2 Tg of CO2. Brazilian biomasses, with a particular focus on agro-forest waste, can contribute to the development of sustainable alternative energy sources. Moreover, agro-waste can provide carbon credits for sustainable Brazilian agricultural development.
Consumer Preferences for Smart Energy Services Based on AMI Data in the Power Sector
Authors: Lee Hye-Jeong , Chung Beom Jin , Huh Sung-Yoon
Published: May 2023

Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is becoming increasingly popular as an efficient means of energy demand management. By collecting energy data through AMI, it is possible to provide users with information that can induce them to change their behavior. To ensure that AMI continues to expand and to encourage the use of energy data, it is important to increase consumer participation and analyze their preferred service attributes. This study utilized a choice experiment to analyze consumer preferences for and acceptance of smart energy services based on AMI data. The results of a mixed logit model estimation show that consumers prefer the electricity information service for individual households and the social safety-net service among convergence services. A scenario analysis confirms that monetary compensation to offset any additional charges is important to maintain the level of consumer acceptance. These empirical findings offer insights for policymakers and companies seeking to develop policies and similar services.
Energy Independence of a Small Office Community Powered by Photovoltaic-Wind Hybrid Systems in Widely Different Climates
Authors: Matera Nicoletta , Mazzeo Domenico , Baglivo Cristina , Congedo Paolo Maria
Published: May 2023

Hybrid renewable energy systems are an optimal solution for small energy communities’ energy supply. One of the critical issues is the strong correlation of these systems with outdoor climatic conditions. The goal is to make local communities increasingly energy independent. To this end, an in-depth analysis of the behaviour of hybrid photovoltaic (PV)–wind systems powering small office communities in 48 locations around the world characterized by widely varying climates was conducted. System sizes, assumed to be stand-alone or grid-connected, were varied, for a total of 343 system power configurations. Highest satisfied load fraction (SLF) values are obtained with a significant predominance of PV over wind; the trend is more pronounced in dry and continental climates (zones B and D according to the Köppen climate classification). The utilization factor (UF) values of 1 are rarely reached and never in the wind-only or PV-only configurations. In all climates, the grid energy interaction factor (GEIF) values of zero are never reached but come very close. The benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of grid-connected systems is significantly higher than stand-alone systems.
The Androgen Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteases in Prostate Cancer and Its Related Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Sorrentino Carmela , D’Angiolo Rosa , Gentile Giulia , Giovannelli Pia , Perillo Bruno , Migliaccio Antimo , Castoria Gabriella , Di Donato Marzia
Published: May 2023

Prostate cancer represents the most common type of cancer among males and the second leading cause of cancer death in men in Western society. In most cases (~70%), PC has a slow and symptom-free growth, whereas it is more aggressive in the remaining patients. Current PC therapies prevalently target the proliferative function of the androgen receptor and may only be effective within short periods, beyond which the disease will progress to metastatic and castration-resistant phenotype. Preclinical and clinical studies are aimed at investigating the molecular basis for prostate cancer spreading. Although considerable efforts have been made to dissect the programs that foster prostate cancer spreading, few biomarkers predictive of metastatic phenotype have yet been identified and few therapeutic options are available for treatment of the metastatic disease. In the present paper, we will discuss innovative aspects of prostate cancer biology, which impinge on the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts and the released matrix metalloproteinases in the disease progression. Investigating these aspects might allow the discovery of clinically actionable biomarkers to target in the advanced stages of prostate cancer.
Biological Hydrogen Methanation with Carbon Dioxide Utilization: Methanation Acting as Mediator in the Hydrogen Economy
Authors: González Rubén , Cabeza Iván Orlando , Casallas-Ojeda Miguel , Gómez Xiomar
Published: May 2023

Hydrogen is one of the main energy carriers playing a prominent role in the future decarbonization of the economy. However, several aspects regarding the transport and storage of this gas are challenging. The intermediary conversion of hydrogen into high-density energy molecules may be a crucial step until technological conditions are ready to attain a significant reduction in fossil fuel use in transport and the industrial sector. The process of transforming hydrogen into methane by anaerobic digestion is reviewed, showing that this technology is a feasible option for facilitating hydrogen storage and transport. The manuscript focuses on the role of anaerobic digestion as a technology driver capable of fast adaptation to current energy needs. The use of thermophilic systems and reactors capable of increasing the contact between the H2-fuel and liquid phase demonstrated outstanding capabilities, attaining higher conversion rates and increasing methane productivity. Pressure is a relevant factor of the process, allowing for better hydrogen solubility and setting the basis for considering feasible underground hydrogen storage concomitant with biological methanation. This feature may allow the integration of sequestered carbon dioxide as a relevant substrate.
Aboveground Carbon Stock in a Bottomland Hardwood Forest in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Streeter Jared R. , Bhattacharjee Joydeep , Kandel Bibek
Published: May 2023

Bottomland Hardwood Forests (BHFs) are commonly acknowledged worldwide for their vast carbon sequestration potential and carbon storage capacity. However, the paucity of forest carbon stock data from BHFs along the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV) in Northeast Louisiana is an existing knowledge gap in understanding the carbon sequestration and storage dynamics across the region. This study was carried out in the Russell Sage Wildlife Management Area (RSWMA) in Northeast Louisiana using a protocol modified from the Terrestrial Carbon Observations Protocol for Vegetation Sampling. Comprehensive analyses of carbon stocks in trees, woody shrubs and seedlings, herbaceous vegetation, downed woody debris, leaf litter, and soil were carried out to quantify the carbon stored in each ecosystem component. Trees accounted for a carbon stock of 132.4 Mg C ha−1, approximately 99% of the total stock for the area. Woody shrubs and seedlings and leaf litter stored 0.4% (0.62 Mg C ha−1) and 0.3% (0.4 Mg C ha−1), respectively. Considering the sparse understory in a BHF, the carbon stored per hectare is comparable to other temperate forests in the conterminous United States. These findings highlight the importance of the BHF ecosystem in carbon storage and their overall role in regional and global ecosystem management in light of climate change.
Biosynthesis of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid by Engineered Clostridium tyrobutyricum Co-Overexpressing Glutamate Decarboxylase and Class I Heat Shock Protein
Authors: Liu Ziyao , Guo Xiaolong , Dai Kaiqun , Feng Jun , Zhou Tiantian , Fu Hongxin , Wang Jufang
Published: May 2023

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system that has a significant beneficial effect on human health. Traditional microbial GABA synthesis requires continuous oxygen supplementation. Here, a new anaerobic platform for GABA production was established with engineered C. tyrobutyricum ATCC 25755, which is considered an ideal anaerobic microbial-cell factory for bioproduction. Glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) and Class I heat-shock proteins were screened and overexpressed, generating an excellent Ct-pMAG strain for monosodium-glutamate (MSG) tolerance and GABA production, with a GABA titer of 14.26 g/L in serum bottles with the mixed substrate of glucose and MSG. Fed-batch fermentation was carried out in a 5 L bioreactor, achieving 35.57 g/L and 122.34 g/L final titers of GABA by applying the pH-free strategy and the pH-control strategy, respectively using MSG. Finally, a two-stage strategy (growth stage and bioconversion stage) was applied using glutamate acid (L-Glu) and glucose as the substrate, obtaining a 400.32 g/L final titer of GABA with a productivity of 36.39 g/L/h. Overall, this study provides an anaerobic-fermentation platform for high-level bio-GABA production.
Effect of Host-Associated Bacillus-Supplemented Artificial Diets on Growth, Survival Rate, and Gene Expression in Early-Stage Eel Larvae (Anguilla japonica)
Authors: Jang Won Je , Kim Shin-Kwon , Park So Young , Kim Dong Pil , Heo Yun-Jy , Kim Haham , Lee Su-Jeong , Shin Min Gyu , Lee Eun-Woo , Lee Seunghyung , Lee Jong Min
Published: May 2023

Beneficial microorganisms can increase nutrient digestion and absorption in farmed fish. This study investigates the effects of supplemental feeding of Bacillus species isolated from the intestines of wild glass eels on the growth, survival, and gene expression of farm-raised eel larvae for 30 days after hatching. Three species of Bacillus (B. velezensis, AJBV; B. subtilis, AJBS; B. licheniformis, AJBL) without hemolytic activity were isolated, and an experiment compared the growth of eel larvae fed an artificial diet supplemented with each Bacillus species. There were no significant differences in the total length and body depth of eel larvae at 30 days after hatching in all groups. During the feeding period, 149 eels survived from the initial 1000 in the control group. On the other hand, 240, 178, and 141 eels survived in the AJBV, AJBS, and AJBL groups, respectively. However, there were no significant differences in survival rates despite the difference in the number of surviving eel larvae among the groups. In the comparison of gene expression of genes involved with growth (growth hormone, growth hormone receptor 1, insulin-like growth factor II-2) and those involved with digestive enzymes (amylase, trypsin, lipase), there were also no significant differences among the groups. Our results confirm that dietary supplementation with each of the three host-associated Bacillus does not affect the growth and survival rates of eel larvae reared on an artificial diet up to the first 30 days after hatching, nor does it significantly affect related gene expression.
Dynamic Distribution of Mesanophrys sp. and Tissue Enzyme Activities in Experimentally Infected Mud Crab Scylla paramamosain
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Zhang Weiren , Li Ronghua , Lu Junkai , Chen Qingwei , Hu Haojie , Yin Fei , Mu Changkao , Song Weiwei , Wang Chunlin
Published: May 2023

Mesanophrys sp. is reported to be highly pathogenic to marine crustaceans. This study presents the first report of Mesanophrys sp. infection in the mud crab (Scylla paramamosain). In this study, we first recorded the survival rates of an experimentally infected group and a control group; the cumulative survival rate in the infected group was significantly lower compared to the control group after 72 h (73.20% vs. 94.19%), while the highest mortality of S. paramamosain occurred within the first 24 h post-infection. Then, we investigated the dynamic distribution and tissue tropism of the Mesanophrys sp. in the infected S. paramamosain by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The result showed that a significant increase in the number of Mesanophrys sp. could be detected in all tested tissues (obtained from the eyestalks, gills, heart, nerves, muscles and hepatopancreas) at 3 h post-infection. The numbers of Mesanophrys sp. in the gill, eyestalk and nerve tissues were relatively higher than in the other tissues. The gill tissue showed the highest numbers from 6 to 48 h. Histopathological observation found a severe collapse in the filament structure, which indicated tissue-specific pathogen infection. Furthermore, the antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) in three representative tissues (gill, muscle and hepatopancreas) were compared between the infected and control groups, and a significant increase in enzyme activity was observed in all three tested tissues in the infected group, indicating a relatively strong innate immune defense reaction that could have been induced by Mesanophrys sp. infection. These results will be helpful to Mesanophrys sp. pathogenicity-related research and the control of this pathogen in S. Paramamosain in the future.
Prediction of Anthocyanidins Content in Purple Chinese Cabbage Based on Visible/Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Ya-Qin , Liu Guang-Min , Hu Li-Ping , Zhao Xue-Zhi , Zhang De-Shuang , He Hong-Ju
Published: May 2023

Purple Chinese cabbage (PCC) has become a new breeding trend due to its attractive color and high nutritional quality since it contains abundant anthocyanidins. With the aim of rapid evaluation of PCC anthocyanidins contents and screening of breeding materials, a fast quantitative detection method for anthocyanidins in PCC was established using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR). The PCC samples were scanned by NIR, and the spectral data combined with the chemometric results of anthocyanidins contents obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography were processed to establish the prediction models. The content of cyanidin varied from 93.5 mg/kg to 12,802.4 mg/kg in PCC, while the other anthocyanidins were much lower. The developed NIR prediction models on the basis of partial least square regression with the preprocessing of no-scattering mode and the first-order derivative showed the best prediction performance: for cyanidin, the external correlation coefficient (RSQ) and standard error of cross-validation (SECV) of the calibration set were 0.965 and 693.004, respectively; for total anthocyanidins, the RSQ and SECV of the calibration set were 0.966 and 685.994, respectively. The established models were effective, and this NIR method, with the advantages of timesaving and convenience, could be applied in purple vegetable breeding practice.
Fermented Sargassum fusiforme Mitigates Ulcerative Colitis in Mice by Regulating the Intestinal Barrier, Oxidative Stress, and the NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Zhang Siteng , Cao Yu , Wang Zixuan , Liu Huanhuan , Teng Yue , Li Guopeng , Liu Jiaxiu , Xia Xiaodong
Published: May 2023

In recent years, Sargassum fusiforme has gained increasing attention for its ability to improve human health and reduce the risk of disease. Nevertheless, there have been few reports on the beneficial functions of fermented Sargassum fusiforme. In this study, the role of fermented Sargassum fusiforme in the mitigation of ulcerative colitis was investigated. Both fermented and unfermented Sargassum fusiforme demonstrated significant improvement in weight loss, diarrhea, bloody stools, and colon shortening in mice with acute colitis. Fermented Sargassum fusiforme further protected against goblet cell loss, decreased intestinal epithelium permeability, and enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins. Fermented Sargassum fusiforme reduced oxidative stress, which was demonstrated by a decrease in nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in the colon of mice and an increase in total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity in the colon. Meanwhile, catalase (CAT) concentrations in both the colon and serum of mice were significantly increased. Fermented Sargassum fusiforme also attenuated the inflammatory response, which was evidenced by the decreased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the colon. Moreover, fermented Sargassum fusiforme inhibited the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and increased the production of short-chain fatty acids in the intestine. These findings indicate that fermented Sargassum fusiforme may have the potential to be developed as an alternative strategy for alleviating colitis.
Some Families of Differential Equations Associated with Multivariate Hermite Polynomials
Authors: Alkahtani Badr Saad T. , Alazman Ibtehal , Wani Shahid Ahmad
Published: May 2023

In this article, the recurrence relations and shift operators for multivariate Hermite polynomials are derived using the factorization approach. Families of differential equations, including differential, integro–differential, and partial differential equations, are obtained using these operators. The Volterra integral for these polynomials is also discovered.
Symptom Clusters, Psychological Distress, and Quality of Life in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Bang Chohee , Park Sookyung
Published: May 2023

Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) experience diverse symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, and fainting that lead to depression, anxiety, and poor quality of life. Management of symptoms is fundamental for AF, and with the increasing prevalence of AF, studies on management of symptoms in patients with AF are needed. Objectives: This study aimed to assess symptom clusters according to symptom severity in patients with atrial fibrillation and evaluate the relationships between symptom cluster groups and the psychological distress and quality of life of these patients. Design: A descriptive survey was used in this study. Methods: A total of 175 patients were included in this study. Data regarding symptoms, psychological distress, and quality of life were obtained using structured questionnaires and analyzed using frequency and percentage, mean and standard deviation, cluster analysis, t-testing, Chi-square testing, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. The Euclidean distance square of the hierarchical cluster was used to form symptom cluster groups. Results: Two groups of symptom clusters were formed based on the seven most common symptoms (i.e., chest palpitations, fatigue/tiredness, dizziness, lack of energy, pulse skipping, insomnia, and heavy breathing) of atrial fibrillation patients. Psychological distress and quality of life showed significant correlations with the symptom cluster groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Symptoms of atrial fibrillation increased patients’ depression and anxiety, and further affected their quality of life. Therefore, management of symptoms is critical to maintaining a high quality of life. Nursing interventions based on the characteristics of symptom cluster groups must be developed and attempted.
Factors Related to Depression According to the Degree of Loneliness in Adolescents with Severe Friend-Relationship Stress
Authors: Park Hyeok Gyu , Jeong Sunkyung , Kwon Myoungjin
Published: May 2023

This study attempted to identify factors affecting depression in relation to loneliness among adolescents. The study participants were 2668 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years who felt stressed and lonely. The variables in this study were classified into sociodemographic and psychological characteristics based on the 16th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey items. Results revealed that sex, smoking, suicidal ideation, suicide planning, and anxiety were significantly related to depression (p < 0.05) in the group that reported less loneliness. Economic level, alcohol consumption, suicidal ideation, suicide planning, subjective body type, and anxiety were significantly related factors (p < 0.05) in the group that reported feeling very lonely. This study is significant in providing basic data for developing evidence-based strategies to ameliorate depression in adolescents.
Evaluation of an Advanced Care Planning Training Program Incorporating Online Skills in Shared Decision Making: A Preintervention and Postintervention Comparative Study
Authors: Goto Yuko , Miura Hisayuki
Published: May 2023

Aim: This study evaluated an advanced care planning (ACP) training program incorporating online skills in shared decision making (SDM). Method: The New World Kirkpatrick Model was employed to assess the efficacy of the training program at four levels: reaction, learning, behavior, and results. Reaction measured the participants’ satisfaction and difficulty with the training program alongside the status of support received from workplaces engaging in ACP. Learning evaluated the changes in SDM skills. Behavior assessed the changes in the relationship between patients and healthcare professionals when the latter were involved in the SDM process. Results evaluated whether the participants were willing to participate in ACP educational programs as a facilitator and whether their motivation for continuous learning changed through throughout the training program. The relationships among patients, healthcare providers, and third-party roles were analyzed in SDM role-playing via structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: Between September 2020 and June 2022, 145 multidisciplinary participants completed the entirety of the training program. The most common responses to the training were “satisfied”, “slightly difficult”, and “I received some support from my workplace”. The SDM skills significantly improved from the first to the third workshop, evaluated using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. In the first workshop, SDM was primarily performed by healthcare providers; however, in the third workshop, patient-centered SDM was adopted. Of the participants who completed the program, 63% intended to participate in future ACP educational programs as ACP education facilitators. Conclusion: This study ascertained the validity of this training.
Predictors of Parental Recall of Newborn Hearing Screening Program in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almatrafi Mohammed A. , Alsahaf Nouf , Kabli Abdulrahman , Maksood Lama , Alharbi Khawlah , Alsharif Alhanouf , Mujahed Revan A. , Naser Abdallah Y. , Assaggaf Hamza M. , Mosalli Rafat , Alshareef Shahd , Salawati Emad
Published: May 2023

Hearing impairment is a prevalent disabling condition among children; all newborns should undergo a universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS). Unfortunately, many newborns who fail the screening test are lost to follow-up. Our study aims to evaluate parents’ perceptions of UNHS and to identify predictors for newborn hearing screening recall in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study involving Saudi parents with 0-to-18-year-old children born in Saudi Arabia was conducted. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to describe the participants’ characteristics and to identify UNHS recall predictors. A total of 1533 parents were surveyed. Overall, 29.9% of them recalled a hearing screening at birth, while 22.2% reported no hearing screening, and 47.8% were unable to remember. Only (6.9%) participants reported a failed hearing screening, of which 75.9% recalled a follow-up recommendation. Females, parents aged 30–34 years, consanguineous parents, and parents of newborns who were treated with antibiotics were more likely to recall hearing screening compared to others. This study highlights inadequate awareness of UNHS among parents. Our findings support the need to improve the reporting system of UNHS results and implement educational programs to increase parents’ recall of hearing test results and ensure early follow-ups for neonates with failed test results.