bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thinking Styles and Creativity: The Mediating Role of Psychological Adjustment in College Students
Authors: Liu Zheng , Yu Huihui , Feng Minxuan , Hou Yubo
Published: October 2023

The observation and cultivation of university students’ creativity have always been of enormous concern to the Chinese government. The present research delved into the influence of three dimensions of the Chinese thinking style (Interconnection, Change, and Contradiction) on creativity and the mediating role of psychological adjustment in college students. Specifically, Study 1 investigated the relationship between university students’ thinking styles and creativity through self-reported questionnaires. The results revealed that the thinking style of interconnections had a significant positive effect on creativity among university student groups, while the change dimension significantly negatively affected creativity. The relationship between the dimension of contradiction and creativity did not show significance. Study 2 manipulated thinking style by priming techniques, priming university students’ thinking styles of interconnections (Study 2a) and change (Study 2b), and verified the mediating role of psychological adjustment between thinking styles and creativity. Aside from replicating the findings of Study 1, the results showed that university students’ psychological adjustment mediated the positive effect of interconnections on fluency and the negative effect of change on fluency. These results and findings can provide a theoretical and practical reference for our government to cultivate university students’ creativity.
Demand Response in Buildings: A Comprehensive Overview of Current Trends, Approaches, and Strategies
Authors: Jurjevic Ruzica , Zakula Tea
Published: October 2023

Power grids in the 21st century face unprecedented challenges, including the urgent need to combat pollution, mitigate climate change, manage dwindling fossil fuel reserves, integrate renewable energy sources, and meet greater energy demand due to higher living standards. These challenges create heightened uncertainty, driven by the intermittent nature of renewables and surges in energy consumption, necessitating adaptable demand response (DR) strategies. This study addresses this urgent situation based on a statistical analysis of recent scientific research papers. It evaluates the current trends and DR practices in buildings, recognizing their pivotal role in achieving energy supply–demand equilibrium. The study analysis provides insight into building types, sample sizes, DR modeling approaches, and management strategies. The paper reveals specific research gaps, particularly the need for more detailed investigations encompassing building types and leveraging larger datasets. It underscores the potential benefits of adopting a multifaceted approach by combining multiple DR management strategies to optimize demand-side management. The findings presented in this paper can provide information to and guide future studies, policymaking, and decision-making processes to assess the practical potential of demand response in buildings and ultimately contribute to more resilient and sustainable energy systems.
Mechanisms of Learning and Innovation in Project Performance: Evidence from Chinese Hydropower Industry
Authors: Hu Senchang , Zhao Heng , Tang Wenzhe
Published: October 2023

Hydropower, a renewable energy resource, underpins China’s economic and social advancement, gaining prominence amidst the country’s energy structure metamorphosis. Enhancing the performance of hydropower development projects is imperative, with the mechanisms of learning and innovation wielding a substantial impact. The extant literature on how learning and innovation affect hydropower project performance remains nebulous, lacking a systematic model to elucidate these impact mechanisms. This investigation melds theoretical analysis with the idiosyncrasies of hydropower project development, forging a theoretical model to decipher the interplay of learning, innovation, and project performance. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we probe the influence of organizational learning orientation and individual learning on participant capabilities, engineering innovation magnitude, and overall project performance. Path analysis divulges that organizational learning orientation catalyzes individual learning, jointly enhancing engineering innovation and project performance directly, although the effect on each participant’s capability necessitates mediation through the engineering innovation level. This pioneering study establishes the links and influence trajectories between learning, innovation, and project performance, systematically delineating them. It fills a scholarly void in exploring learning and innovation mechanisms within hydropower project development, propounding strategies to augment project efficiency and furnishing pragmatic, constructive insights for better engineering practice outputs.
Acid-Catalyzed Etherification of Glycerol with Tert-Butanol: Reaction Monitoring through a Complete Identification of the Produced Alkyl Ethers
Authors: Cornejo Alfonso , Reyero Inés , Campo Idoia , Arzamendi Gurutze , Gandía Luis M.
Published: October 2023

Higher tert-Butyl glycerol ethers (tBGEs) are interesting glycerol derivatives that can be produced from tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) and glycerol using an acid catalyst. Glycerol tert-butylation is a complex reaction that leads to the formation of five tBGEs (two monoethers, two diethers, and one triether). In order to gain insight into the reaction progress, the present work reports on the monitoring of glycerol etherification with TBA and p-toluensulfonic acid (PTSA) as homogeneous catalysts. Two analytical techniques were used: gas chromatography (GC), which constitutes the benchmark method, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), whose use for this purpose has not been reported to date. A method for the quantitative analysis of tBGEs and glycerol based on 1H NMR is presented that greatly reduced the analysis time and relative error compared with GC-based methods. The combined use of both techniques allowed for a complete quantitative and qualitative description of the glycerol tert-butylation progress. The set of experimental results collected showed the influence of the catalyst concentration and TBA/glycerol ratio on the etherification reaction and evidenced the intrinsic difficulties of this process to achieve high selectivities and yields to the triether.
L-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1 (LAT1) Promotes PMA-Induced Cell Migration through mTORC2 Activation at the Lysosome
Authors: Tae Kun , Kim Sun-Jick , Cho Sang-Woo , Lee Hoyeon , Cha Hyo-Sun , Choi Cheol-Yong
Published: October 2023

The mTOR signaling pathway integrates signaling inputs from nutrients, including glucose and amino acids, which are precisely regulated by transporters depending on nutrient levels. The L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) affects the activity of mTORC1 through upstream regulators that sense intracellular amino acid levels. While mTORC1 activation by LAT1 has been thoroughly investigated in cultured cells, the effects of LAT1 expression on the activity of mTORC2 has scarcely been studied. Here, we provide evidence that LAT1 recruits and activates mTORC2 on the lysosome for PMA-induced cell migration. LAT1 is translocated to the lysosomes in cells treated with PMA in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Lysosomal LAT1 interacted with mTORC2 through a direct interaction with Rictor, leading to the lysosomal localization of mTORC2. Furthermore, the depletion of LAT1 reduced PMA-induced cell migration in a wound-healing assay. Consistent with these results, the LAT1 N3KR mutant, which is defective in PMA-induced endocytosis and lysosomal localization, did not induce mTORC2 recruitment to the lysosome, with the activation of mTORC2 determined via Akt phosphorylation or the LAT1-mediated promotion of cell migration. Taken together, lysosomal LAT1 recruits and activates the mTORC2 complex and downstream Akt for PMA-mediated cell migration. These results provide insights into the development of therapeutic drugs targeting the LAT1 amino acid transporter to block metastasis, as well as disease progression in various types of cancer.
Synthesis of D-Fructose-Based Bifunctional Primary Amine-Thiourea Organocatalysts and Their Applications in Asymmetric Reactions
Authors: Lalhmangaihzuala Samson , Khiangte Vanlalngaihawma , Laldinpuii Zathang , Nunnemi Lal , Malsawmsanga Joute , Lallawmzuali Gospel , Liana Thanhming , Lalhriatpuia Chhakchhuak , Pachuau Zodinpuia , Vanlaldinpuia Khiangte
Published: October 2023

The preparation of a new class of six bifunctional thiourea organocatalysts having a D-fructose scaffold and a primary amino group was demonstrated. In the present study, the novel organocatalysts exhibited excellent enantio- and moderate diastereoselectivities in the asymmetric Michael addition of aliphatic ketones and 1,3-diketone to substituted nitroolefins at room temperature. In addition, the direct asymmetric aldol reaction between cyclic aliphatic ketone and aromatic aldehydes was also studied in the presence of the saccharide-thiourea organocatalysts giving excellent yield with moderate enantioselectivity.
Long-Term Effects of Maternal Depression during Postpartum and Early Parenthood Period on Child Socioemotional Development
Authors: Suarez Anna , Shraibman Liubov , Yakupova Vera
Published: October 2023

Most research on the impact of maternal depressive symptoms on child development is conducted during the first year postpartum. Findings on long-term effects of maternal depression are still contradictory and underexplored. The present study investigates the long-term impact of maternal depression during the postpartum and early parenthood periods on child behavioral problems at the mean age of 2.25 years. The Edinburgh postnatal depression scale and Beck depression Inventory were used to assess postpartum and early parenthood depression, respectively. The Child Behavior Checklist was used to examine child’s behavioral problems. The regression analysis showed statistically significant associations between child behavioral problems and maternal depression during early parenthood and no significant associations with postpartum depression. Four maternal depressive symptoms’ trajectories were identified: consistently low, consistently high, decreased, and increased. The children of mothers with consistently high depressive symptoms at both research stages had the most significant total, internalizing, and externalizing problems. Children of mothers whose depressive symptoms decreased over time had the lowest scores in all three domains of behavioral problems. It is extremely important to implement programs for screening and early intervention for maternal mental health problems that could greatly influence the well-being of women and their children’s development.
Application of Augmented Reality Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Systematic Review
Authors: Doulah A. B. M. S. U. , Rasheduzzaman Mirza , Arnob Faed Ahmed , Sarker Farhana , Roy Nipa , Ullah Md. Anwar , Mamun Khondaker A.
Published: October 2023

Over the past 10 years, the use of augmented reality (AR) applications to assist individuals with special needs such as intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and physical disabilities has become more widespread. The beneficial features of AR for individuals with autism have driven a large amount of research into using this technology in assisting against autism-related impairments. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of AR in rehabilitating and training individuals with ASD through a systematic review using the PRISMA methodology. A comprehensive search of relevant databases was conducted, and 25 articles were selected for further investigation after being filtered based on inclusion criteria. The studies focused on areas such as social interaction, emotion recognition, cooperation, learning, cognitive skills, and living skills. The results showed that AR intervention was most effective in improving individuals’ social skills, followed by learning, behavioral, and living skills. This systematic review provides guidance for future research by highlighting the limitations in current research designs, control groups, sample sizes, and assessment and feedback methods. The findings indicate that augmented reality could be a useful and practical tool for supporting individuals with ASD in daily life activities and promoting their social interactions.
Tomato Firmness and Shelf-Life Increased by Application of Stimulated Calcium
Authors: Dodgson Jolyon , Weston Anna , Marks David
Published: October 2023

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) had almost 190 million tonnes produced in 2021. Tomato fruit suffer losses of up to 50% during harvest and transport, which causes financial hardship, reduces the amount of food available and causes environmental harm. Calcium plays an important role in cell wall strength. This work assessed the use of a calcium transport stimulant (MCAS) to increase the firmness of tomato fruit in the laboratory and the foliar application to tomato plants. Then, handling damage was simulated. In the laboratory, the calcium with MCAS significantly increased the fruit firmness compared to the untreated and calcium without MCAS, which were not significantly different. When calcium with MCAS was applied to tomato plants foliarly before harvest, the calcium with MCAS-treated fruit were significantly firmer than the untreated or calcium without MCAS-treated fruit for up to 10 weeks after harvest, and this was achieved by applying only 0.91 kg ha−1 calcium. Finally, when fruit were exposed to a simulated drop, the calcium with MCAS-treated fruit remained firmer than the undamaged fruit or dropped fruit with calcium without MCAS. Calcium with MCAS could significantly increase the fruit firmness and increase the shelf-life of tomatoes while applying less calcium.
Bacterial Products and Their Effect on the Shrubby Legume Calicotome villosa (Poir.) Link
Authors: Pérez-Fernández María A. , De-Lara-Del-Rey Irene Ariadna , Magadlela Anathi
Published: October 2023

Calicotome villosa is a eurioic legume with broad distribution in the south of Europe. It can grow in almost any type of soil as well as in humid and dry and nutrient-deficient ecosystems. The broad distribution and eurioic nature of C. villosa may be attributed to its ability to establish endophytic associations with plant-growth-promoting (PGP) bacteria housed in the nodules and rootlets. This study examined the legume–microbe interaction of C. villosa growing in two contrasting locations: a hilltop with high sun irradiance and drought, and a valley bottom with a low level of radiation and sufficient soil humidity for plant growth. Calicotome villosa adult plants established endophytic interactions with bacteria in six genera: Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Brevicacterium, and Rhizobium. Plants growing on the hilltop had associated lower bacterial richness than those grown on the valley bottom. All strains were drought-tolerant and produced siderophores, IAA, HCN, and NH3 that stimulated plant performance in C. villosa plants and the other four legumes commonly present in the understory of the shrub communities. The legumes’ capacity to selectively host symbiotic bacteria that enhance plant survival in harsh conditions partly accounts for the diverse partnerships between C. villosa plants and their symbionts, ultimately explaining the wide distribution of this plant species.
A New Miniature Species of Arthroleptis (Anura: Arthroleptidae) from Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Authors: Dehling J. Maximilian
Published: October 2023

A new, very small-sized species of Arthroleptis is described from western Rwanda. The new species occurs locally endemic in Nyungwe Forest and Cyamudongo Forest, where it inhabits the leaf litter of montane forests between 1800 and 2200 m a.s.l. It differs from all other members of the genus by a unique combination of morphological characters, including size (SVL of adult males 16.0–16.5 mm), skin texture, length of hindlimbs, and ventral colour pattern; by characteristics of its advertisement call that consists of a single note lasting 17.4 ± 6.4 [11–32] ms and has a dominant frequency of 5861 ± 188 [5531–6029] Hz; and also in the sequence of the 16S rRNA gene that differs from available homologous sequences of other species of the genus by an uncorrected p-distance of at least 4.6%. Details of the natural history as well as two additional call types are described.
Industrial Environment Multi-Sensor Dataset for Vehicle Indoor Tracking with Wi-Fi, Inertial and Odometry Data
Authors: Silva  Ivo , Pendão Cristiano , Torres-Sospedra Joaquín , Moreira Adriano
Published: October 2023

This paper describes a dataset collected in an industrial setting using a mobile unit resembling an industrial vehicle equipped with several sensors. Wi-Fi interfaces collect signals from available Access Points (APs), while motion sensors collect data regarding the mobile unit’s movement (orientation and displacement). The distinctive features of this dataset include synchronous data collection from multiple sensors, such as Wi-Fi data acquired from multiple interfaces (including a radio map), orientation provided by two low-cost Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors, and displacement (travelled distance) measured by an absolute encoder attached to the mobile unit’s wheel. Accurate ground-truth information was determined using a computer vision approach that recorded timestamps as the mobile unit passed through reference locations. We assessed the quality of the proposed dataset by applying baseline methods for dead reckoning and Wi-Fi fingerprinting. The average positioning error for simple dead reckoning, without using any other absolute positioning technique, is 8.25 m and 11.66 m for IMU1 and IMU2, respectively. The average positioning error for simple Wi-Fi fingerprinting is 2.19 m when combining the RSSI information from five Wi-Fi interfaces. This dataset contributes to the fields of Industry 4.0 and mobile sensing, providing researchers with a resource to develop, test, and evaluate indoor tracking solutions for industrial vehicles.
Association between Red Cell Distribution Width and Outcomes of Nonagenarians Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit—A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Theile Pauline , Müller Jakob , Daniels Rikus , Kluge Stefan , Roedl Kevin
Published: October 2023

The red cell distribution width (RDW) measures the heterogeneity of the erythrocyte volume. Different clinical conditions are associated with increased RDW, and high levels (>14.5%) have been described as a predictive marker for unfavorable outcomes and mortality in critically ill patients. However, there is a lack of data on very elderly critically ill patients. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of RDW with outcomes in critically ill patients ≥ 90 years. A retrospective analysis was conducted for all consecutive critically ill patients ≥ 90 years who were admitted to the Department of Intensive Care Medicine of the Medical University Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (Hamburg, Germany) with available RDW on admission. Clinical course and laboratory were analyzed for all patients with eligible RDW. High RDW was defined as (>14.5%). We clinically assessed factors associated with mortality. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the prognostic impact of RDW on 28-day mortality. During a 12-year period, we identified 863 critically ill patients ≥ 90 years old with valid RDW values and complete clinical data. In total, 32% (n = 275) died within 28 days, and 68% (n = 579) survived for 28 days. Median RDW levels on ICU admission were significantly higher in non-survivors compared with survivors (15.6% vs. 14.8%, p < 0.001). Overall, 38% (n = 327) had low, and 62% (n = 536) had high RDW. The proportion of high RDW (>14.5%) was significantly higher in non-survivors (73% vs. 57%, p < 0.001). Patients with low RDW presented with a lower Charlson Comorbidity Index (p = 0.014), and their severity of illness on admission was lower (SAPS II: 35 vs. 38 points, p < 0.001). In total, 32% (n = 104) in the low and 35% (n = 190) in the high RDW group were mechanically ventilated (p = 0.273). The use of vasopressors (35% vs. 49%, p < 0.001) and renal replacement therapy (1% vs. 5%, p = 0.007) was significantly higher in the high RDW group. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that high RDW was significantly associated with 28-day mortality [crude HR 1.768, 95% CI (1.355–2.305); p < 0.001]. This association remained significant after adjusting for multiple confounders [adjusted HR 1.372, 95% CI (1.045–1.802); p = 0.023]. High RDW was significantly associated with mortality in critically ill patients ≥ 90 years. RDW is a useful simple parameter for risk stratification and may aid guidance for the therapy in very elderly critically ill patients.
The Potential of Ultrasound Radiomics in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Wei-Ting , Lin Che-Yu , Shu Yi-Chung , Shen Peng-Chieh , Lin Ting-Yu , Chang Ke-Vin , Özçakar Levent
Published: October 2023

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy for which ultrasound imaging has recently emerged as a valuable diagnostic tool. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the role of ultrasound radiomics in the diagnosis of CTS and compare it with other diagnostic approaches. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases from inception to September 2023. The included studies were assessed for quality using the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies. The primary outcome was the diagnostic performance of ultrasound radiomics compared to radiologist evaluation for diagnosing CTS. Results: Our meta-analysis included five observational studies comprising 840 participants. In the context of radiologist evaluation, the combined statistics for sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.78 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.71 to 0.83), 0.72 (95% CI, 0.59 to 0.81), and 9 (95% CI, 5 to 15), respectively. In contrast, the ultrasound radiomics training mode yielded a combined sensitivity of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.85 to 0.91), a specificity of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.84 to 0.92), and a diagnostic odds ratio of 58 (95% CI, 38 to 87). Similarly, the ultrasound radiomics testing mode demonstrated an aggregated sensitivity of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.78 to 0.89), a specificity of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.73 to 0.85), and a diagnostic odds ratio of 22 (95% CI, 12 to 41). Conclusions: In contrast to assessments by radiologists, ultrasound radiomics exhibited superior diagnostic performance in detecting CTS. Furthermore, there was minimal variability in the diagnostic accuracy between the training and testing sets of ultrasound radiomics, highlighting its potential as a robust diagnostic tool in CTS.
Spectrum of Imaging Patterns of Lung Cancer following Radiation Therapy
Authors: Strange Taylor A. , Erasmus Lauren T. , Ahuja Jitesh , Agrawal Rishi , Shroff Girish S. , Truong Mylene T. , Strange Chad D.
Published: October 2023

Radiation therapy using conventional or newer high-precision dose techniques, including three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, four-dimensional conformational radiotherapy, and proton therapy, is an important component of treating patients with lung cancer. Knowledge of the radiation technique used and the expected temporal evolution of radiation-induced lung injury, as well as patient-specific parameters such as previous radiotherapy, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, or immunotherapy, is important in image interpretation. This review discusses factors that affect the development and severity of radiation-induced lung injury and its radiological manifestations, as well as the differences between conventional and high-precision dose radiotherapy techniques.
Examining the Effects of Dasatinib, Sorafenib, and Nilotinib on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: Insights into Proliferation, Migration, and Gene Expression Dynamics
Authors: Alhazzani Khalid , Almangour Abdullah , Alsalem Abdulaziz , Alqinyah Mohammed , Alhamed Abdullah S. , Alhamami Hussain N. , Alanazi Ahmed Z.
Published: October 2023

Background: Dasatinib, nilotinib, and sorafenib are clinically proven tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) used for the treatment of leukemia and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, there is a growing concern regarding cardiotoxicity associated with their use. The impact of these TKIs on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the effects of TKIs on VSMC proliferation and migration, as well as to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involving inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. Methods: VSMCs were extracted from albino rats and cultured in vitro. The cells were divided into four experimental groups: control, dasatinib, sorafenib, and nilotinib. The MTT assay was employed to assess the cytotoxic effects of TKIs on VSMCs. A scratch assay was conducted to evaluate the inhibitory potential of TKIs on VSMC migration. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect apoptotic cells. Real-Time PCR expression was utilized to determine the differential gene expression of apoptotic and inflammatory markers. Results: Dasatinib, nilotinib, and sorafenib demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on VSMC viability and migration at low concentrations (<1 µmol/L, p < 0.05). Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed up-regulation of inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and apoptotic markers (P53, BAX), along with down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic biomarker BCL-2 in response to all TKIs. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that dasatinib, nilotinib, and sorafenib inhibit VSMC proliferation and migration, suggesting their potential to induce vascular injury and remodeling by activating inflammation and apoptosis pathways. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into the cardiotoxic effects of these TKIs and the development of strategies to mitigate their adverse vascular effects.
Computational Literacy as an Important Element of a Digitized Science Teacher Education—A Systematic Review of Curriculum Patterns in Physics Teacher Education Degrees in Germany
Authors: Braun Daniel , Huwer Johannes
Published: October 2023

Computational literacy (CL) has become indispensable for teachers and learners as part of 21st-century skills. Therefore, corresponding models for teacher education are being further developed internationally from a scientific perspective. In parallel, content and competencies are being enhanced in the respective subjects at the curricular level of teacher training. In this context, we consider it important to examine the current status of this development. Since, to our knowledge, there are no comparable scientific studies, we have taken Germany as a representative example of the international education system and systematically analyzed the module handbooks of the physics teacher training courses at methodically selected universities. For this analysis, we used three research questions focusing on CL: In which physics content does CL play a role? Which computer science competencies or knowledge can be identified or derived? Are they described implicitly or explicitly? Our results suggest that CL is integrated very differently in terms of quantity and depth of content among the universities we examined. For example, there is often a very strong focus on computer-based data acquisition, but few programs also have specialized courses addressing CL more explicitly or integrate additional computer science competencies. CL is primarily taught in laboratory courses and frequently in subject-didactic courses. Nevertheless, the depictions presented in the purely subject-oriented and basic lectures lack specific computational literacy skills or knowledge. Furthermore, the fact that many programs only offer implicit descriptions of CL skills indicates that the integration of these skills has not progressed very far in practice.
Video Observation of Kindergarten Teachers’ Use of Questions in Picture-Book Reading with Quiet Multilingual Children: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bredesen Marit M. , Næss Kari-Anne B.
Published: October 2023

Teacher questions asked during picture-book reading may stimulate the child’s practice of new vocabulary. However, there is great variation in children’s amount of verbal expression, and little knowledge exists about what level of openness in the questions elicits a response. We use video observation and pilot a set of digital picture-book dialog materials that are under development. The analysis included 234 questions asked during picture-book reading in the Norwegian language between three quiet multilingual children and their kindergarten teachers. The analysis was partly qualitative evaluating the types of questions and subsequent responses and partly quantitative in summarizing the occurrence of the types of questions and responses. The results show that between 75% and 97% of the half-open questions, between 60% and 80% of the closed questions, and between 14% and 60% of the open-ended questions elicited a response from the children. Overall, the results indicated that the frequency of responses varied both within and between question types. The fact that open-ended questions generated a limited number of responses among multilingual children may challenge the use of such questions as the gold standard in adult–child dialogs, regardless of child factors and context.
The Difference in the Effects of IR-Drop from the Negative Capacitance of Fast Cyclic Voltammograms
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Aoki Koichi Jeremiah , Chen Jingyuan
Published: October 2023

Diffusion-controlled cyclic voltammograms at fast scan rates show peak shifts, as well as decreases in the peak currents from predicted diffusion-controlled currents, especially when the currents are large in a low concentration of supporting electrolytes. This has been conventionally recognized as an IR-drop effect due to solution resistance on the peaks, as well as a heterogeneously kinetic effect. It is also brought about by the negatively capacitive currents associated with charge transfer reactions. The reaction product generates dipoles with counterions to yield a capacitance, the current of which flows oppositely to that of the double-layer capacitance. The three effects are specified here in the oxidation of a ferrocenyl derivative using fast scan voltammetry. The expression for voltammograms complicated with IR-drop is derived analytically and yields deformed voltammograms. The peak shift is approximately linear with the IR-voltage, but exhibits a convex variation. The dependence of some parameters on the peaks due to the IR-drop is compared with those due to the negative capacitance. The latter is more conspicuous than the former under conventional conditions. The two effects cannot be distinguished specifically except for variations in the conductance of the solution.
Improved Leakage Detection and Recognition Algorithm for Residual Neural Networks Based on Transfer Learning
Authors: Li Liangliang , Chen Yu , Ma Zhengxiang , Wen Xinling , Pang Jiabao , Yuan Weitao
Published: October 2023

Due to the lack of other component information in traditional magnetic leakage signal defects and the low accuracy of prediction methods, this paper proposes an improved residual network for magnetic leakage detection defect recognition method that predicts defect size and different detection speeds. A new defect diagnosis method based on ResNet18 on the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is proposed in this study. This method transfers the pre-trained ResNet18 network and replaces the activation function in the transferred network structure. It extracts features from transformed two-dimensional images obtained by converting the original experimental signals and signals with added noise, removing the influence of manual features. The results demonstrated that the improved ResNet18 network model, after transfer learning, achieved 100% prediction accuracy for all 10,000 grayscale images generated with defect lengths of 50 mm; width of 2 mm; and depths of 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm. Moreover, the prediction accuracies for the quasi-static, slow, compensated fast, and fast scanning speeds were 99.20%, 98.50%, 93.30%, and 94.00%, respectively, for defect depths of 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm. These accuracies surpass those of other models, demonstrating the significant improvement in prediction accuracy achieved by this method.
Implementing Real-Time DOV Compensation: A Practical Approach Using a MLP on an NPU Embedded in an INS
Authors: Kim Hyunseok , Kim Hyungsoo , Choi Yunhyuk , Cho Yunchul , Park Chansik
Published: October 2023

This paper explores the impact of gravity disturbances on INS accuracy and presents a method for real-time compensation during the navigation process. By utilizing data from the precise gravity model, EGM2008, a novel approach to compensate for the DOV in real time on the INS’s built-in NPU was introduced. This method predicts gravity disturbances while traveling for platforms on both land and water, utilizing the MLP technique. To predict these gravity disturbances, four distinct MLP models, MLP1~MLP4, were designed and their supervised learning results were compared using HMSE and RMSE. This comparative analysis allowed us to identify that the MLP4 model exhibited the best performance. In order to validate the proposed method, MLP4 was implemented inside the NPU and the measured execution time was 1.041 ms. The field test was conducted with real-time execution of the MLP4 model on the NPU of the INS. The results of this field test clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed approach in enhancing position accuracy. Over the course of a 2 h field test, it was evident that employing the proposed method improved position accuracy by a notable 27%.
Structure and Function of Polysaccharides and Oligosaccharides in Foods
Authors: Yao Tianming , Ma Mengting , Sui Zhongquan
Published: October 2023

Polysaccharides and oligosaccharides are abundantly found in various foods [...]
A Comprehensive Study on the Chemical Characterization and Neuroprotective Evaluation of Pracaxi Nuts Extracts Obtained by a Sustainable Approach
Authors: Mohammadnezhad Pouya , Valdés Alberto , Barrientos Ruth , Ibáñez Elena , Block Jane , Cifuentes Alejandro
Published: October 2023

The Amazonian Pentaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntze nuts contain a lipidic fraction with health-promoting effects, but little is known about the bioactivity of other constituents. In this study, the lipidic fraction obtained using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with CO2 was chemically characterized by using lipidomics techniques. The SFE-CO2 residue, named as pracaxi cake, was re-extracted by pressurized liquid extraction following a biorefinery approach. Using a response surface methodology and based on the extraction yield and different in vitro assays, two optimum conditions were obtained: 80% and 12.5% of ethanol at 180 °C. Under these conditions, extraction yield and different in vitro measurements related to neuroprotection were assessed. Chemical characterization of these extracts suggested the presence of triterpenoid saponins and spermidine phenolamides, which were not previously reported in pracaxi nuts. These results suggest that pracaxi oil extraction by-products are a valuable source of bioactive compounds with neuroprotective potential.
Polyphenolic Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Green Extracts from Grape Pomace Skins and Seeds of Italian Cultivars
Authors: Guaita Massimo , Motta Silvia , Messina Stefano , Casini Francesco , Bosso Antonella
Published: October 2023

The possibility of industrial exploitation of winemaking products, as for all byproducts of vegetal origin, constantly deals with a raw material (grape pomace, GP) whose chemical composition and functional properties vary over time depending on the varietal and geographical origin of the grapes, the climatic conditions (vintage effect), and the winemaking technique. This work studied the compositional variability of polyphenolic skin and seed extracts from GP derived from white and red winemaking of different Italian grape varieties. The total polyphenolic content (GAE), the main classes of polyphenolic compounds, and the DPPH index were determined. Seed extracts were always richer in total polyphenols and condensed tannins and had higher antiradical activity (DPPH) than skin extracts: 144–298 mg GAE/g d.w. extract for skins and 327–540 mg GAE/g for seeds; the DPPH values were 1.77–3.40 mg AAE/g for skins and 3.10–10.48 mg AAE/g for seeds. Furthermore, it was verified that the evaluation of the GAE index of seed extracts, offering a good estimate of the antiradical properties (DPPH index), could represent a simple and rapid method for selecting the best lots of seeds to be used. Conversely, GP skins could be used as flour in the food industry due to their high content of dietary fiber and the presence of flavonols, which possess very interesting functional properties. Important differences in the flavonols profile were observed both between cultivars and between unfermented and fermented pomace.
Oxidopamine-Induced Nuclear Alterations Quantified Using Advanced Fractal Analysis: Random Forest Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Pantic Igor , Topalovic Nikola , Corridon Peter R. , Paunovic Jovana
Published: October 2023

Fractal analysis (FA) is a contemporary computational technique that can assist in identifying and assessing nuanced structural alterations in cells and tissues after exposure to certain toxic chemical agents. Its application in toxicology may be particularly valuable for quantifying structural changes in cell nuclei during conventional microscopy assessments. In recent years, the fractal dimension and lacunarity of cell nuclei, considered among the most significant FA features, have been suggested as potentially important indicators of cell damage and death. In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of developing a random forest machine learning model that employs fractal indicators as input data to identify yeast cells treated with oxidopamine (6-hydroxydopamine, 6-OHDA), a powerful toxin commonly applied in neuroscience research. The model achieves notable classification accuracy and discriminatory power, with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of more than 0.8. Moreover, it surpasses alternative decision tree models, such as the gradient-boosting classifier, in differentiating treated cells from their intact counterparts. Despite the methodological challenges associated with fractal analysis and random forest training, this approach offers a promising avenue for the continued exploration of machine learning applications in cellular physiology, pathology, and toxicology.
Impacts of Population Size and Domestication Process on Genetic Diversity and Genetic Load in Genus Ovis
Authors: Wang Dongfeng , Salehian-Dehkordi Hosein , Suo Langda , Lv Fenghua
Published: October 2023

In theoretical biology, a prevailing hypothesis posits a profound interconnection between effective population size (Ne), genetic diversity, inbreeding, and genetic load. The domestication and improvement processes are believed to be pivotal in diminishing genetic diversity while elevating levels of inbreeding and increasing genetic load. In this study, we performed a whole genome analysis to quantity genetic diversity, inbreeding, and genetic load across seven wild Ovis species and five domesticated sheep breeds. Our research demonstrates that the genetic load and diversity of species in the genus Ovis have no discernible impact on recent Ne, and three species within the subgenus Pachyceros tend to carry a higher genetic load and lower genetic diversity patterns. The results coincide with these species’ dramatic decline in population sizes within the subgenus Pachyceros ~80–250 thousand years ago. European mouflon presented with the lowest Ne, lower genetic diversity, and higher individual inbreeding coefficient but a lower genetic load (missense and LoF). This suggests that the small Ne of European mouflon could reduce harmful mutations compared to other species within the genus Ovis. We showed lower genetic diversity in domesticated sheep than in Asiatic mouflon, but counterintuitive patterns of genetic load, i.e., lower weak genetic load (missense mutation) and no significant difference in strong genetic load (LoF mutation) between domestic sheep and Asiatic mouflon. These findings reveal that the “cost of domestication” during domestication and improvement processes reduced genetic diversity and purified weak genetic load more efficiently than wild species.
Feasibility of a Supervised Postpartum Exercise Program and Effects on Maternal Health and Fitness Parameters—Pilot Study
Authors: Brites-Lagos Carla , Ramos Liliana , Szumilewicz Anna , Santos-Rocha Rita
Published: October 2023

The postpartum period is marked by profound changes in women at physical, psychological, and physiological levels. Many of these changes persist after four to six weeks postpartum, and most women do not resume their levels of physical activity, which increases the risk of remaining inactive for many years. It is crucial to implement effective programs that promote exercise during the postpartum period. The objective of this study was to test the feasibility and analyze the effects of a structured and supervised postpartum exercise program on maternal health and fitness parameters. To analyze the potential effects of the intervention, the level of physical activity, quality of life, pelvic girdle and low back pain, fatigue, depression, and the level of functional and physical fitness were assessed at baseline, after 8 weeks, and after 16 weeks of intervention. Feedback on the exercise program was collected after the final assessment. The results showed that a structured and supervised postpartum exercise program was feasible and safe and produced positive effects on selected maternal health and fitness parameters. These results will encourage a study protocol with a larger sample in order to prove its effectiveness, improve the guidelines for postpartum exercise, and incorporate this program into a routine healthcare setting.
Impact of Cover Cropping on Temporal Nutrient Distribution and Availability in the Soil
Authors: Brewer Miurel , Kanissery Ramdas G. , Strauss Sarah L. , Kadyampakeni Davie M.
Published: October 2023

Cover cropping is a best management practice that can improve soil quality by reducing soil erosion, building soil organic matter (SOM), and improving soil nutrient availability. Southwest (SW) Florida citrus growers have the challenge of growing citrus in sandy soils characterized by low organic matter (<2%), extremely low water and nutrient-holding capacities, and high sand content (>90%), and therefore are looking for methods to improve SOM and nutrient retention and availability in sandy soils. A trial of two cover crop (CC) mixtures planted in the row middles (RM) of Huanglongbing-affected citrus ‘Valencia’ (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) orchards in sandy soils in SW Florida was conducted. This study explored how incorporating CCs in the RM of the orchards could affect soil ammonium (NH4+), soil nitrate (NO3−), exchangeable macronutrients, and SOM temporal availability. These parameters were measured under the tree canopy (UC) and within RM of two orchards: South Grove (SG) and North Grove (NG), both located in SW Florida. The two seeded CC mixtures were legume + non-legume (LG+NL) and non-legume (NL) and were compared to a control no-CC grower standard (GSC). Phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and NH4+ were not statistically significantly different among treatments in either of the two sampling positions (UC and RM). Cover cropping significantly (p < 0.05) increased NO3−-N concentrations in the RM area of the citrus orchards after seven consecutive seasons (brassicas, legumes, and grasses) by 31% in the LG + NL and 29% in the NL with reference to the GSC. In addition to the significant increase in NO3−N, SOM significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the RM in the NG site only in both CCs treatments by 17% and 16% for LG + NL and NL treatments, respectively, compared with GSC.
Adding Behaviour-Change Counselling to an Exercise Program for Adults Preparing for Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Improves Psychological and Physical Wellness: Focus Group Reflections
Authors: Bird Marie-Louise , Mulford Jonathan , Williams Andrew Daffyd , Cheney Michael , O’Brien Jane
Published: October 2023

Purpose: To explore participant experiences for people on an arthroplasty waitlist, randomised to an exercise and behaviour-change counselling program (ENHANCE). The ENHANCE program for arthroplasty patients was led by an accredited exercise physiologist who delivered an individually tailored and structured exercise program. Included in the exercise program were up to five in-person counselling sessions, based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) applied specifically to people with osteoarthritis. Nine adults (mean 69.4 years) who were on the waiting list for a total hip or knee arthroplasty and who had completed a 12-week program (ENHANCE) as part of a randomised controlled trial were recruited for this study. Methods: Two focus groups were conducted to explore participant experiences of ENHANCE. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis with constructs of the HAPA (motivational and volitional factors) as a framework. Results: We identified three themes (1) ‘The structured program addressed inactivity and improved feelings of wellness and preparation for the operation’. The benefits were not only physical, but psychological and were contextualised in terms of preparation for the upcoming surgery. (2) ‘People as enablers of participation’: Participants identified that the attitude, and skill of the experienced instructor were supportive and motivating, especially in tailoring the intervention. Within the program, the support of the group was considered a positive attribute (3) ‘Improved awareness changed attitudes to self-efficacy and perceived self-control’. Participants described an increased awareness of their condition and a better understanding of health expectations. They felt more control and ownership over their health journey. Conclusion: Goal setting and social support were identified factors in a behaviour-change counselling program, delivered in conjunction with structured exercise that led to a positive experience. Improved psychological and physical health were described. Participants were better prepared for their upcoming surgery, with increased self efficacy and mastery to support long-term physical-activity engagement.