bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative and Qualitative Experimental Assessment of Water Vapor Condensation in Atmospheric Air Transonic Flows in Convergent–Divergent Nozzles
Authors: Majkut Mirosław , Dykas Sławomir , Smołka Krystian , Wittmann Tim , Kuhlmann Axel , Thorey Florian
Published: October 2024

Atmospheric air, being also a moist gas, is present as a working medium in various areas of technology, including the areas of airframe aerodynamics and turbomachinery. Issues related to the condensation of water vapor contained in atmospheric air have been intensively studied analytically, experimentally and numerically since the 1950s. An effort is made in this paper to present new, unique and complementary results of the experimental testing of moist air expansion in the de Laval nozzle. The results of the measurements, apart from the static pressure distribution on the nozzle wall and the images obtained using the Schlieren technique, additionally contain information regarding the quantity and quality of the condensate formed due to spontaneous condensation at the transition from the subsonic to the supersonic flow in the nozzle. The liquid phase was identified using the light extinction method (LEM). The experiments were performed for three geometries of convergent–divergent nozzles with different expansion rates of 3000, 2500 and 2000 s−1. It is shown that as the expansion rate increases, the phenomenon of water vapor spontaneous condensation appears closer to the critical cross-section of the nozzle. A study was performed of the impact of the air relative humidity and pollution on the process of condensation of the water vapor contained in the air. As indicated by the results, both these parameters have a significant effect on the flow field and the pressure distribution in the nozzle. The results of the experimental analyses show that in the case of the atmospheric air flow, in addition to the pressure, temperature and velocity, other parameters must also be taken into account as boundary parameters for possible numerical analyses. Omitting information about the air humidity and pollution can lead to incorrect results in numerical simulations of transonic flows of atmospheric air. The presented results of the measurements of the moist air transonic flow field are original and fill the research gap in the field of experimental studies on the phenomenon of water vapor spontaneous condensation.
Decommissioning Offshore Wind Fixed Steel Pile Foundations: A Critical Review
Authors: Al Mowafy Ahmed , Lotfian Saeid , Brennan Feargal
Published: October 2024

Offshore wind has rapidly developed over the past three decades, with over 6000 fixed-bottom substructures installed in Europe alone as of 2022. Despite this progress, there has been limited focus on the end-of-life stages, particularly decommissioning, which is currently the default option. Sustainable offshore wind development hinges on effective decommissioning strategies for fixed-steel pile foundations. This review critically examines state-of-the-art pile-foundation-decommissioning methods recently tested in industry and academia, including partial-removal techniques like internal cutting and external cutting and full-removal approaches such as excavation and novel extraction methods. Key factors influencing decommissioning decisions, such as seabed disturbance, environmental impact, reuse potential, and cost, are discussed. Analyses reveal that current partial-removal strategies could render vast swaths of marine areas inaccessible for future development. In contrast, full removal through extraction may enable complete recycling and minimise post-decommissioning monitoring. However, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding novel extraction methods’ scalability, technical feasibility, and economics. Extensive research encompassing engineering, environmental, and economic dimensions is essential to develop holistic pile-foundation-decommissioning solutions that facilitate the sustainable long-term growth of offshore wind.
Grey-Box Method for Urban Building Energy Modelling: Advancements and Potentials
Authors: Guo Yucheng , Shi Jie , Guo Tong , Guo Fei , Lu Feng , Su Lingqi
Published: October 2024

Urban building energy modelling (UBEM) has consistently been a pivotal tool to evaluate and control a building stock’s energy consumption. There are two main approaches to build up UBEM: top-down and bottom-up. The latter is the most commonly used in engineering. The bottom-up approach includes three methods: the physical-based method, the data-driven method, and the grey-box method. The first two methods have previously received ample attention and research. The grey-box method is a modelling method that has emerged in recent years that combines the traditional physical method with the data-driven method while it aims to avoid their problems and merge their advantages. Nowadays, there are several approaches for modelling the grey-box model. However, the majority of existing reviews on grey-box methods concentrate on a specific technical approach and thus lack a comprehensive overview of modelling method perspectives. Accordingly, by conducting a comprehensive review of the literature on grey-box research in recent years, this paper classifies grey-box models into three categories from the perspective of modelling methods and provides a detailed summary of each, concluding with a synthesis of potential research opportunities in this area. The aim of this paper is to provide a foundational understanding of grey-box modelling methods for similar research, thereby removing potential barriers in the field of research methods.
Theoretical Analysis of a Novel Rock Wall to Limit Heating Demands in Historical Buildings
Authors: Bruno Roberto , Cristaudo Antonio
Published: October 2024

In the near future, the building sector will continue to absorb the greatest share of primary energy worldwide. It is necessary to find innovative solutions that promote energy efficiency through renovation measures, especially in historical buildings, for which refurbishment is constrained by several issues. In this study, we propose a novel Trombe Wall configuration that is easily integrable and based on a rock wall made of caged stone to use as a thermal accumulator. The system was investigated preliminarily using a transient Finite Difference Method (FDM) code to analyse the temperature field inside the rock wall. Successively, FDM results were employed as input data in TRNSYS simulations to determine the savings achievable in thermal heating requirements. The results demonstrated that the proposed solution, in the considered climate and on a reference historic building, can produce monthly heating savings varying between 26% and 85%. So, the rock wall results in a reliable solution for buildings in which refurbishment is difficult, allowing for preserving aesthetic features and improving energy efficiency by rationally using solar radiation.
Analysis of the Heat Transfer Performance of a Buried Pipe in the Heating Season Based on Field Testing
Authors: Ma Yongjie , Wang Jingyong , Hu Fuhang , Yan Echuan , Zhang Yu , Huang Yibin , Deng Hao , Gao Xuefeng , Kang Jianguo , Shi Haoxin , Zhang Xin , Zheng Jianqiao , Guo Jixiang
Published: October 2024

Ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems have been widely used in the field of shallow geothermal heating and cooling because of their high thermal efficiency and environmental friendliness. A borehole heat exchanger (BHE) is the key part of a ground source heat pump system, and its performance and investment cost have a direct and significant impact on the performance and cost of the whole system. The ground temperature gradient, air temperature, seepage flow rate, and injection flow rate affect the heat exchange performance of BHEs, but most of the research on BHEs lacks field test verification. Therefore, this study relied on the results of a field thermal response test (TRT) based on a distributed optical fiber temperature sensor (DOFTS) and site hydrological, geological, and geothermal data to establish a corrected numerical model of buried pipe heat transfer and carry out the heat transfer performance analysis of a buried pipe in the heating season. The results showed that the ground temperature gradient of the test site was about 3.0 °C/100 m, and the temperature of the constant-temperature layer was about 9.17 °C. Increasing the air temperature could improve the heat transfer performance. The temperature of the surrounding rock and soil mass of the single pipe spread uniformly, and the closer it was to the buried pipe, the lower the temperature. When there is groundwater seepage, the seepage carries the cold energy generated by a buried pipe’s heat transfer through heat convection to form a plume zone, which can effectively alleviate the phenomenon of cold accumulation. With an increase in seepage velocity, the heat transfer of the buried pipe increases nonlinearly. The heat transfer performance can be improved by appropriately reducing the temperature and velocity of the injected fluid. Selecting a backfill material with higher thermal conductivity than the ground body can improve the heat transfer performance. These research results can provide support for the optimization of the heat transfer performance of a buried tube heat exchanger.
Detecting Trends in Post-Fire Forest Recovery in Middle Volga from 2000 to 2023
Authors: Kurbanov Eldar , Tarasova Ludmila , Yakhyayev Aydin , Vorobev Oleg , Gozalov Siyavush , Lezhnin Sergei , Wang Jinliang , Sha Jinming , Dergunov Denis , Yastrebova Anna
Published: October 2024

Increased wildfire activity is the most significant natural disturbance affecting forest ecosystems as it has a strong impact on their natural recovery. This study aimed to investigate how burn severity (BS) levels and climate factors, including land surface temperature (LST) and precipitation variability (Pr), affect forest recovery in the Middle Volga region of the Russian Federation. It provides a comprehensive analysis of post-fire forest recovery using Landsat time-series data from 2000 to 2023. The analysis utilized the LandTrendr algorithm in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform to examine Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) spectral metrics and to quantify the forest recovery at low, moderate, and high burn severity (BS) levels. To evaluate the spatio-temporal trends of the recovery, the Mann–Kendall statistical test and Theil–Sen’s slope estimator were utilized. The results suggest that post-fire spectral recovery is significantly influenced by the degree of the BS in affected areas. The higher the class of BS, the faster and more extensive the reforestation of the area occurs. About 91% (40,446 ha) of the first 5-year forest recovery after the wildfire belonged to the BS classes of moderate and high severity. A regression model indicated that land surface temperature (LST) plays a more critical role in post-fire recovery compared to precipitation variability (Pr), accounting for approximately 65% of the variance in recovery outcomes.
Effect of Vegetation Growth, Agricultural Irrigation and Climatic Variability on Streamflow in Wujiang, China
Authors: Wang Jiaming , Ji Guangxing , Hu Yingxin
Published: October 2024

Vegetation restoration and farmland irrigation are important environmental factors affecting the water cycle process in basins. Analyzing the impact of vegetation restoration and farmland irrigation on runoff is an international frontier and hot topic in current research, which is crucial for the management and protection of water resources, especially for the ecological protection and high-quality development of basins. Based on the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), effective irrigated area (EIA), and meteorology and hydrology data for Wujiang River (WJR), this research aims to quantitatively calculate the influence degree of vegetation recovery, agricultural irrigation, and climatic variability on discharge alteration in WJR. First, Mann–Kendall and Pettitt approaches were used for recognizing the mutation year of streamflow data at Wulong station from 1982 to 2015. Then, a corrective Budyko model was built by constructing multiple linear regression equations for the NDVI, climate factors, EIA, and Budyko parameters. Finally, the corrective Budyko model was adopted to reveal how vegetation restoration, agri-cultural irrigation, and climate variation influence discharge alteration in WJR. The results showed the following: (1) Both runoff depth (R) and rainfall (Pr) exhibited a non-significant de-clining tendency, while potential evapotranspiration (ET0) demonstrated a non-significant in-creasing tendency. The NDVI and EIA both demonstrated a notable upward tendency (p < 0.01). (2) The mutation year of discharge in WJR was 2004. (3) The underlying surface parameters ω have a strong correlation with vegetation, agricultural irrigation, and climate factors. (4) The contribution of rainfall (Pr), potential evapotranspiration (ET0), NDVI, EIA, and human activities to runoff depth in WJR were 57.34%, 24.67%, -11.75%, 11.71%, and 18.02%, respectively. This re-search is helpful for elucidating the effects of ecological construction measures and agricultural irrigation on streamflow in WJR, and offers great scientific significance and practical value for understanding the evolution mechanism of water circulation and for managing regional water resources.
Thermogravimetric Assessment of Biomass: Unravelling Kinetic, Chemical Composition and Combustion Profiles
Authors: Paredes Roberto , Castells Blanca , Tascón Alberto
Published: October 2024

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed on six samples of pine wood, poplar sawdust and olive residue, and the kinetic parameters were evaluated by using isoconversional models. The hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin contents were also estimated using the Fraser–Suzuki deconvolution method. In addition, a range of thermodynamic parameters and combustion indices was calculated. Significant correlations were found between the kinetic, thermodynamic and combustion parameters. The ignition index showed an inverse relationship with the activation energy, whereas the burnout index correlated with enthalpy values for most samples. Higher heating rates during TGA increased ignition and combustion efficiencies but decreased combustion stability. Differences in behaviour were detected between the olive residues, which had a much higher lignin content (51.2–56.9%), and the woody biomass samples (24.2–29.2%). Moreover, the sample with the highest ash content also exhibited some distinctive characteristics, including the lowest high heating value and ignition index, coupled with the highest activation energy, indicating a less favourable combustion behaviour than the other samples. The particle size of the samples was also found to be critical for both combustion efficiency and safety.
Numerical Simulation of an Isolated N-Heptane Pool Fire
Authors: Baglatzis Manolis , Vasilopoulos Konstantinos , Lekakis Ioannis , Sarris Ioannis
Published: October 2024

Refineries are industrial complexes of great economic importance which are located close to major cities. A pool fire accident that can occur from an oil leak combined with wind can result in disastrous consequences for such an industry. This study investigates the characteristics of an isolated n-heptane square pool fire of 36 m2 under the influence of a cross wind. The pool fire characteristics are numerically studied using open-source Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, such as FireFoam (v4.1) and Fire Dynamic Simulator (FDS) (version 6.9.0). The turbulent flow field and the fire characteristics were simulated with the LES Method. The crucial parameters of the pool fire, such as (a) the temperature and velocity fields, (b) the flame length and height, (c) the surface emissive power, and (d) the flame tilt angles, were computed. Comparisons against experimental data for both small and large-area pool fires from the literature were made successfully. The flame tilt angle is shown to correlate very well with the reciprocal of the Richardson number, which was approximated within a multiplication constant to the Froude number. Thus, both the reciprocal Richardson number and Froude number can be used for correlating the flame tilt angle. It is shown that both of these numbers are used to correlate the tilt angle of experimental pool fires with effective diameters from a fraction of a meter to approximately 16 m, and wind speeds up to 7 m/s. The goodness of a linear fit based on the sum of the residual squares is 0.91.
Effect of Succinylation on Oxidation–Aggregation of Low-Density Lipoprotein and Formation of Off-Flavors in Heated Egg Yolks
Authors: Ren Liuyang , Sun Cheng , Lv Ying , Kumar Lokesh
Published: October 2024

This study examined the effect of succinylation on protein oxidation–aggregation and the formation of off-flavors in heated egg yolks (EYs). The sensory evaluation, content of volatile compounds, stability of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, and oxidation of lipid and protein at six levels of succinylated EY (0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5%, and 10%, w/w) were determined. The results showed that the succinylated thermal EY’s concentration of volatiles and off-flavors was reduced. Oil exudation and lipid and protein oxidation decreased with the improved succinylation degree. Succinylation also reduced the LDL particle size and changed the secondary structure (decreased the β-sheets and increased the α-helices) of protein in LDL particles. Meanwhile, succinylation could effectively change the thermal oxidation–aggregation of LDL protein by introducing succinyl groups with negative charges, thus increasing the stability of LDL particles in succinylated EY during heating. These results further revealed the relationship between the oxidation–aggregation of LDL and the formation of off-flavors in heated EY. These results also help improve the flavor quality of heat-treated EY and expands the application scope of egg products.
Antimicrobial Efficacy of GS-2 on Reusable Food Packaging Materials for Specialty Crops
Authors: Wong Catherine W. Y. , Burton Thomas , Carrera Montoya Julio , Birje Nupoor , Zhou Xinyi , Salazar Joelle K. , Mackenzie Jason M. , Rau Thomas F. , Teplitski Max , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2024

The European Union (EU) regulations mandate 10% of all food packaging to be reusable by 2030. United States (U.S.) exporters of specialty crops face new challenges in ensuring microbiological food safety using reusable packaging. A novel antimicrobial formulation consisting of ammonium carboxylate salt of capric acid and L-arginine (GS-2) was recently developed as a spray coating chemical for food packaging materials. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of GS-2 against microbial strains representing three foodborne bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica), one fungal spoilage organism (Aspergillus niger), and one surrogate viral pathogen (murine norovirus) on three reusable plastic materials (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, high-density polyethylene, and polypropylene) and one cardboard packaging material, respectively. Different chemical concentrations, exposure times, and storage conditions were individually evaluated for the relative antimicrobial efficacies of GS-2 against these microorganisms. Our results showed that GS-2 was highly effective for inactivating bacterial pathogens on both plastic and cardboard surfaces. For instance, 3% GS-2 achieved a >5 log CFU/in2 reduction in E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and S. enterica on tested plastic surfaces at an exposure time of 60 min. However, its efficacy against A. niger and murine norovirus was less optimal, resulting in a ≤1 log CFU/in2 reduction on all tested surfaces. Based on our study, GS-2 demonstrated a strong potential as an antibacterial coating reagent for reusable food packaging materials to minimize pathogen contamination and ensure the safety of the specialty crops.
Extraction and Structural Characterization of Four Grape Polysaccharides and Their Protective Effects in Alcohol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury
Authors: Shao Jian , Li Jizhen , Zhao Yonghui , Huang Rong , Guo Aixin , Hou Lijuan , Leng Xiangpeng , Li Qiu
Published: October 2024

Grapes, recognized as a nutritionally rich fruit, have been found through extensive research to contain various bioactive components. However, the roles of polysaccharides and their bioactive properties remain unclear. Based on this, in our research, four different grape polysaccharides were obtained using an enzymatic-assisted extraction method. We investigated and compared their physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities, and protective effects on gastric mucosa in mice. The results indicated that the monosaccharide compositions of these specific grape polysaccharides were similar; however, their molar ratios, molecular weights, and morphological characteristics varied. The results of radical scavenging tests revealed that red-fleshed grape polysaccharide (RFP) exhibited superior antioxidant properties. In vivo assessments demonstrated that RFP protects against gastric mucosal injury in mice by inhibiting inflammation and radical generation. Therefore, the polysaccharide from red-fleshed grape holds potential application value in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Two Novel Variants in the CHRNA2 and SCN2A Genes in Italian Patients with Febrile Seizures
Authors: Procopio Radha , Gagliardi Monica , Talarico Mariagrazia , Fortunato Francesco , Sammarra Ilaria , Procopio Anna Caterina , Roncada Paola , Malanga Donatella , Annesi Grazia , Gambardella Antonio
Published: October 2024

Background: Febrile seizures (FSs) are the most common form of epilepsy in children aged between six months and five years. The exact cause is unknown, but several studies have demonstrated the importance of genetic predisposition, with increasing involvement of receptors and ion channels. The present study aims to identify novel pathogenic variants in Italian patients with FSs. Methods: We performed targeted panel sequencing in a cohort of 21 patients with FSs. In silico analysis was performed to predict the pathogenic role of the resulting variants. Results: We found two novel variants segregating in two families with FSs: c.1021C>G (p.Leu341Val) in the CHRNA2 gene and c.140A>G (p.Glu47Gly) in SCN2A. Conclusions: The c.1021C>G (p.Leu341Val) variant leads to a codon change of highly conserved leucine to valine at position 341 and is located in segments M3 of the subunit, which is important for channel gating. The c.140A>G (p.Glu47Gly) variant causes a substitution of glutamic acid with glycine at position 47 of the protein, which is highly conserved across the species. Moreover, it is located in the N-terminal domain, a region commonly affected in ASD, which impacts the inactivation kinetics and voltage dependence of steady-state activation. Further analyses are needed to better explain the role of CHRNA2 and SCN2A in the development of febrile seizures.
In Silico Identification of the Laccase-Encoding Gene in the Transcriptome of the Amazon River Prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862)
Authors: Lima Gabriel Monteiro de , Abrunhosa Fernando Araújo , Maciel Bruna Ramalho , Lutz Ítalo , Sousa Janieli do Socorro Amorim da Luz , Maciel Carlos Murilo Tenório , Maciel Cristiana Ramalho
Published: October 2024

Background: Macrobrachium amazonicum is an opportunistic and omnivorous species that primarily feeds on plant material. Recent studies have shown that Endo-β-1,4-glucanase and Endo-β-1,4-mannanase are expressed in the transcriptome of adult specimens, while juveniles are capable of digesting nutrients from purified cellulose in their diet. In organisms that degrade raw plant material, laccase plays a key role in oxidizing phenolic compounds found in lignin, leading to its depolymerization and increasing access to cellulose and hemicellulose microfibrils. Objective: In this study, we conducted an in silico identification and characterization of the laccase-encoding gene, as this enzyme is linked to lignin biodegradation in herbivorous crustaceans. Methods: We analyzed the transcriptomes of the hepatopancreas from adult M. amazonicum, sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Subsequently, bioinformatics analyses were conducted to predict the conserved regions and active sites associated with laccase activity. Results: A complete open reading frame (ORF) of the laccase protein was identified in all datasets, comprising 609 amino acids. The top 40 similarity hits corresponded exclusively to crustaceans such as prawns, crayfish, and crabs (86.3–51.4%), while the highest divergence was observed in relation to fungi, plants, and bacteria. Three conserved domains were detected, along with the complete set of copper-binding centers (T1Cu, T2Cu, and T3Cu). A notable variable residue was methionine, suggesting a reduced redox potential in M. amazonicum laccase. Conclusion: These findings, combined with recent reports on the nutritional requirements of M. amazonicum, contribute to a deeper understanding of the digestive physiology of this species and offer valuable insights into its ability to utilize plant fibers as energy sources.
Validity, Reliability, and Cultural Adaptability of the Arabic Cognitive Flexibility Scale (Ar-CFS) Among Saudi Arabians: A Two-Cohort Investigation
Authors: AbuDujain Nasser M. , AlDhuwaihy Abdullah , Alshuwaier Faisal , Alsulaim Yazeed B. , Aldahash Norah , Aljarallah Saleh , Almigbal Turky H. , Alrasheed Abdullah A. , Batais Mohammed A. , Martin Matthew M.
Published: October 2024

Background/objectives: Cognitive flexibility is the mental skill that allows a person to shift between different ideas or concepts and think about several concepts simultaneously. A commonly used tool to assess cognitive flexibility is the Cognitive Flexibility Scale (CFS). This study focused on translating and validating the CFS into Arabic, given the lack of existing Arabic tools for assessing cognitive flexibility. Methods: Conducted at King Saud University, Riyadh, between April and June 2024, the study employed random sampling and involved 529 participants, including 419 students and 110 patients. Results: The average participant age was 25.8 years, with females making up 56.9% of the sample. Participants completed the Arabic CFS, along with the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), at two time points 3–6 weeks apart. Reliability was evaluated through internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.8) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.82). Item analysis indicated that removing any single item did not significantly impact overall reliability, and inter-item correlations were strongest between items 4 and 6 (0.55) and items 6 and 7 (0.51). Validity was assessed through face, content, and construct validity, with factor analysis revealing a dominant single component accounting for 34.4% of the variance, confirming the scale’s unidimensionality. Content validity indices for all items exceeded 0.9 in terms of relevance, importance, simplicity, and clarity. The Arabic CFS demonstrated good construct validity, showing significant correlations with the ERQ’s reappraisal and suppression dimensions and the PSS. Conclusion: In conclusion, the Arabic version of the CFS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing cognitive flexibility in Arabic-speaking populations. This tool will be valuable in both clinical and research settings within Saudi Arabia, offering a robust instrument for evaluating cognitive flexibility.
Influences of Digital Literacy and Moral Sensitivity on Artificial Intelligence Ethics Awareness Among Nursing Students
Authors: Yang Yaki
Published: October 2024

Background: As artificial intelligence technology has developed, research on the application of AI in the medical field has increased, and there is a high likelihood that the use of AI technology will expand in nursing education and practice in the future. However, ethical issues arise when utilizing AI, necessitating a high level of ethical awareness before its application. Objectives: This study aimed to identify factors in artificial intelligence ethics awareness among nursing students. Methods: Participants were 140 nursing students attending universities in G City and J Province in South Korea. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire from 26 August to 6 September 2024. Factors in artificial intelligence ethics awareness were analyzed by multiple regression analysis. Results: Nursing students’ artificial intelligence ethics awareness is significantly correlated with digital literacy (r = 0.30, p < 0.001) and moral sensitivity (r = 27, p < 0.001). The influencing factor in artificial intelligence ethics awareness among nursing students was moral sensitivity (β = 0.23, p = 0.042). The explanation power of these variables was 14.0% (F = 46.78, p < 0.001). Conclusions: There is a need to provide education and training programs that can improve moral sensitivity to foster artificial intelligence ethics awareness.
Non-Destructive Prediction of Rosmarinic Acid Content in Basil Plants Using a Portable Hyperspectral Imaging System and Ensemble Learning Algorithms
Authors: Yoon Hyo In , Ryu Dahye , Park Jai-Eok , Kim Ho-Youn , Park Soo Hyun , Yang Jung-Seok
Published: October 2024

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a phenolic antioxidant naturally occurring in the plants of the Lamiaceae family, including basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Existing analytical methods for determining the RA content in leaves are time-consuming and destructive, posing limitations on quality assessment and control during cultivation. In this study, we aimed to develop non-destructive prediction models for the RA content in basil plants using a portable hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system and machine learning algorithms. The basil plants were grown in a vertical farm module with controlled environments, and the HSI of the whole plant was captured using a portable HSI camera in the range of 400–850 nm. The average spectra were extracted from the segmented regions of the plants. We employed several spectral data pre-processing methods and ensemble learning algorithms, such as Random Forest, AdaBoost, XGBoost, and LightGBM, to develop the RA prediction model and feature selection based on feature importance. The best RA prediction model was the LightGBM model with feature selection by the AdaBoost algorithm and spectral pre-processing through logarithmic transformation and second derivative. This model performed satisfactorily for practical screening with R2P = 0.81 and RMSEP = 3.92. From in-field HSI data, the developed model successfully estimated and visualized the RA distribution in basil plants growing in the greenhouse. Our findings demonstrate the potential use of a portable HSI system for monitoring and controlling pharmaceutical quality in medicinal plants during cultivation. This non-destructive and rapid method can provide a valuable tool for assessing the quality of RA in basil plants, thereby enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of quality control during the cultivation stage.
An Exploration of Candidate Korean Native Poaceae Plants for Breeding New Varieties as Garden Materials in the New Climate Regime Based on Existing Data
Authors: Kim Sang Heon , Cho Wonwoo
Published: October 2024

There is an increasing demand for low-maintenance public garden models, and environmental stress on plants due to climate change is growing. As a result, the demand for developing new plant varieties based on native species for use in gardens in response to climate change has increased significantly. Many plants in the Poaceae family are applied for various purposes, including food crops, fodder grasses, ornamental plants, and medicinal plants. Additionally, native plants provide economic and ecological benefits, making them advantageous for use in gardens. However, there are some difficulties in Poaceae breeding studies and the utilization of wild native plants for breeding. Model plants can be utilized in breeding studies of Poaceae plant species. In this study, to identify Korean native Poaceae species with the potential for use not only as garden materials but also as model plants for breeding research in response to climate change, candidate species were selected from the Korean Plant Names Index (KPNI). A total of three Korean native plants in the Poaceae family, including Brachypodium sylvaticum, Setaria viridis, and Zoysia japonica, were selected, and their properties and genome information were compared with the existing representative model plants, Arabidopsis thaliana and Brachypodium distachyon. The current research status of B. sylvaticum, S. viridis, and Z. japonica has been summarized, and the genome size and other characteristics of these model plants have been compared and discussed. As a result, both A. thaliana (2n = 2x = 10) and B. distachyon (2n = 2x = 10) are annual C3 plants, but B. sylvaticum (2n = 2x = 18) is a perennial C3 plant, and S. viridis (2n = 2x = 18) is an annual C4 plant. Thus, B. sylvaticum and S. viridis can be utilized as model plants for perennial C3 plants and annual C4 plants, respectively. Z. japonica (2n = 4x = 40) is a perennial C4 plant, but it can be unsuitable as a model plant because it is an allotetraploid. The application of these newly selected candidate plants in breeding research can build a foundation for breeding native Poaceae plants in Korea in the new climate regime.
Factors Associated with Impact of Event Scores Among Ontario Education Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gutmanis Iris , Coleman Brenda L. , Maunder Robert G. , Fischer Kailey , Zhu Veronica , McGeer Allison
Published: October 2024

There is limited information regarding factors related to education workers’ responses to traumatic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study goal was to determine whether personal factors, behaviours that mitigate viral spread, and work-related factors were associated with post-traumatic symptoms. This observational study, embedded within a cohort study, recruited Ontario education workers from February 2021 to June 2023. Exposure data were collected at enrollment and updated annually. Participants completed the Impact of Event Scale (IES) at withdrawal/study completion. Modified Poisson regression was used to build hierarchical models of dichotomized IES scores (≥26: moderate/severe post-traumatic symptoms). Of the 1518 education workers who submitted an IES between September 2022 and December 2023, the incidence rate ratio of IES scores ≥26 was significantly higher among participants who usually/always wore a mask at work (1.48; 95% confidence interval 1.23, 1.79), usually/always practiced physical distancing (1.31; 1.06, 1.62), lived in larger households (1.06; 1.01, 1.12), and reported poor/fair/good health (1.27; 1.11, 1.46). However, models accounted for little of the variance in IES scores, suggesting the need for future studies to collect data on other factors associated with the development of PTSD, such as pre-existing mental health challenges. Early identification of those experiencing traumatic stress and the implementation of stress reduction strategies are needed to ensure the ongoing health of education workers.
Intrapartum Electronic Cigarette Use and Birth Outcomes: Evidence from a Population-Based Study
Authors: Azar Michelle , Oatey M. Elena , Moniz Michelle H. , Bailey Beth A.
Published: October 2024

The harms of combustible cigarette (CC) use in pregnancy for fetal development are well studied. Less understood are the potential impacts of newer non-combustible cigarette alternatives, including electronic cigarettes (ECs). Our goal was to examine whether EC use during pregnancy predicts increased risk of adverse birth outcomes. This retrospective cohort study used data from the Obstetrics Initiative (OBI), a statewide collaborative of 70 maternity hospitals. OBI’s clinical registry of data on nulliparous, term, singleton, and vertex fetal presentation pregnancies were from medical records. Three groups of pregnancy cigarette users (Controls (n = 26,394), CC (n = 2216), and EC (n = 493)) were compared on birth outcomes, controlling for background differences. Controls were defined as nonsmokers of ECs or CCs. Compared to the controls, the EC group had significantly lower birth weight, while the CC group had reduced birthweight and greater rates of arterial cord pH < 7.1. Compared to EC users, CC users had higher rates of neonates requiring antibiotics and NICU admission. Growing evidence suggests ECs are not safer alternatives to CCs and use during pregnancy should be discouraged. Additional research is needed, as non-significant trends for increased risk of several adverse neonatal outcomes following EC use were found, potentially significant in larger studies with average risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes and when frequency and timing of EC exposure are considered.
Provision of Public Dental Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences of Dental Staff in Greater Western Sydney, Australia
Authors: Patterson-Norrie Tiffany , Kong Ariana , Yaacoub Albert , Srinivas Ravi , Kezhekkekara Shwetha G. , George Ajesh
Published: October 2024

Background and aim: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic led to significant changes in health service delivery. Despite the risk in high-exposure environments, frontline workers such as dental staff were expected to continue delivering essential services. This study specifically sought to explore the experiences of dental staff in New South Wales and determine their perceptions of dental care delivery during a pandemic. Methods: Purposive sampling was used to recruit twenty-four dental staff from two local health districts. A deductive framework, as described by Braun and Clark, was used to analyse the transcripts. Four major focus areas were identified: responding to protocol changes, adapting to the impact of changes in policy and protocol, modifying dental treatment planning and recommendations for training and implementation of policies. Results: Dental staff reported that management staff were doing all they could and were most supported working in a team. Reduced contact with patients and personal protective equipment helped staff feel safe when seeing patients. Mental health and remote dentistry services could be more supported. Conclusions: Unique challenges were experienced by dental staff and their management during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Future considerations include improved support for staff and further investigation into the effectiveness of options such as teledentistry.
Identifying Predictors of Unfavorable Treatment Outcomes in Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Lee Ji Yeon , Myong Jun-Pyo , Kim Younghyun , Jeong Ina , Kim Joohae , Sin Sooim , Kwon Yunhyung , Song Chieeun , Joh Joon-Sung
Published: October 2024

Objectives: In South Korea, there has been a continuous decrease in the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) attributable to a national TB elimination program; however, TB still poses a significant socioeconomic burden. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with successful TB treatment and to identify refractory patient groups with unfavorable outcomes. Methods: We analyzed anonymized data on 89,150 patients with TB provided by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Specifically, we collected independent variables, which were categorized as individual, regional, and medical facility factors. Individual factors included age, sex, nationality, TB type, drug-resistant status, category of TB, housing type, underlying disease status, number of referrals, and smoking status. Regional factors referred to the region where the TB case was reported. Medical facility factors included the first visit to a medical facility, categorized by hospital type and the distinction between private–public mix (PPM) and non-PPM depending on the presence or absence of dedicated TB nurses. These factors were analyzed in relation to treatment success to identify refractory patient groups with unfavorable outcomes. Results: Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the following significant factors associated with successful TB treatment: sex, nationality, status of drug-resistant TB, category of TB, number of referrals, region of TB registry, underlying diseases, and smoking status. Specifically, compared with their relevant counterparts, male patients had a lower rate of successful treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.66, reference [Ref.]: women); Korean nationals had a higher rate of treatment success (aOR: 7.20, Ref. foreign residents in Korea); resistant TB was associated with a lower rate of treatment success (aOR: 0.35, Ref.: non-resistant TB status); newly treated patients had a higher rate of treatment success (aOR: 1.75, Ref.: retreatment patient); switching hospitals once (aOR: 1.78), never (aOR: 1.41), or twice (aOR: 1.37) was associated with increased treatment success (Ref.: three or more times); having zero (aOR: 1.45), one (aOR: 1.31), or two (aOR: 1.24) underlying diseases was associated with a higher rate of treatment success (Ref. three or more underlying diseases); and past smokers (aOR: 1.40) and non-smokers (aOR: 1.35) had a higher rate of treatment success (Ref.: current smokers). Conclusions: Our study identified several factors contributing to unfavorable treatment outcomes in tuberculosis patients, including male patients, foreign residents in Korea, drug-resistant TB, retreatment patients, frequent hospital switching, multiple underlying diseases, and current smoking status. These research findings could inform the development of efficient management strategies and policies for improving the treatment success rate among patients with TB.
Identification of Key Determinants Influencing Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity of Urban Resilience
Authors: Hou Jingwei , Hou Bo , He Gongpeng
Published: October 2024

The identification of spatiotemporal heterogeneity, its key determinants, and the interaction effects between the driving factors of urban resilience (UR) within and between subregions is fundamental for understanding its underlying mechanisms. A resilience evaluation model was applied to analyze the temporal and spatial differences in UR in Hunan Province, China. A hot spot analysis identified clusters of cold and hot spots. The contributions of spatiotemporal differences in UR within and between subregions were assessed using the Theil index. A geodetector analysis determined the factors influencing UR and their interactions. There was an increasing trend in UR from 0.2692 in 2014 to 0.3422 in 2022. The number of cities with a high resilience gradually increased from 2014 to 2022, while there was a decreasing gradient in UR from northeast to southwest across the province. High-resilience cities had positive spillover effects on the surrounding area. Hot spots were predominantly located in the northeast, while cold spots were concentrated in the southwest. The barycenter of UR shifted from northeast to southwest by 2018, before moving southeast by 2022. The Theil index values declined over time both within and between subregions. Per capita GDP, the average wages of on-the-job employees, per capita social consumption, and doctor density were found to enhance UR. Two-factor interactions had a greater influence on the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of UR than single factors. Two-factor and nonlinear enhancements were identified as the primary mode of influence.
Exploring Georeferenced Augmented Reality for Architectural Visualization with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Assumpção João Paulo Franco , Cuperschmid Ana Regina Mizrahy
Published: October 2024

Unmanned aerial systems (UASs) offer a less invasive solution for accessing remote areas and sites, making them valuable in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operation (AECO). Their ease of use, ability to reach previously inaccessible areas, and sensor integration provide new project perspectives. Augmented Reality (AR), which allows for the real-time insertion of virtual elements into physical spaces, is also being explored in the AECO industry. Recognizing the potential of these technologies, this research aims to integrate them for on-site building model visualization. This article presents the development of resources to visualize building design implementation in AR, which is supported by UASs through georeferencing. The system development process included establishing the software architecture, creating interface prototypes, and constructing the model. It was possible to visualize the building model in AR within the real world; however, limitations were identified regarding the UAS used and its Application Programming Interface, which affected the aircraft’s programmed trajectory. The contribution of this paper lies in exploring the utilization of georeferenced AR enabled by UAS for visualizing architectural designs on site, detailing the steps and strategies employed to achieve this, highlighting the limitations of the chosen approach, and proposing potential solutions to the issues identified in the research.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in the Pre-Transplant Hepatocellular Carcinoma Setting: A Glimpse Beyond the Liver
Authors: Marzi Luca , Mega Andrea , Turri Chiara , Gitto Stefano , Ferro Federica , Spizzo Gilbert
Published: October 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Liver transplantation (LT) is the best therapy for most patients with non-metastatic HCC. In recent years, the management of patients with HCC has considerably changed, thanks to the improvement of molecular biology knowledge and the introduction of immunotherapy. To date, systemic therapy is authorized in the Western world only in patients with advanced HCC. However, this therapy could not only stabilize the tumour disease or improve survival but could display excellent response and lead to downstaging of the tumour that finally permits LT. There are increasing reports of patients that have performed LT after pretreatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, due to the intrinsic mechanism of ICIs, graft rejection might be favoured. In addition, chronic adverse effects affecting other organs may also appear after the end of therapy. This review aims to evaluate the readiness and outcomes of LT in patients with advanced HCC who have previously undergone treatment with ICIs. It seeks to identify the challenges, risks, and benefits associated with this conversion therapy. The integration of ICIs into the treatment paradigm for advanced HCC necessitates a nuanced approach to LT. While early evidence supports the feasibility of LT following ICIs therapy, there is an urgent need for standardized guidelines and more extensive longitudinal studies to optimize patient selection, timing, and post-transplant management.
Development and Characterization of Two Wheat–Rye Introgression Lines with Resistance to Stripe Rust and Powdery Mildew
Authors: Ji Yuzhou , Yang Guotang , Li Xingfeng , Wang Honggang , Bao Yinguang
Published: October 2024

Rye (Secale cereale L.) genes, which contribute to the tertiary gene pool of wheat, include multiple disease resistance genes useful for the genetic improvement of wheat. Introgression lines are the most valuable materials for wheat breeding because of their small alien segments and limited or lack of linkage drag. In the present study, wheat–rye derivative lines SN21627-2 and SN21627-6 were produced via distant hybridization. A genomic in situ hybridization analysis revealed that SN21627-2 and SN21627-6 lack alien segments, while a multi-color fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis detected structural changes in both introgression lines. At the seedling and adult plant stages, SN21627-2 and SN21627-6 were highly resistant to stripe rust and powdery mildew. Primers for 86 PCR-based landmark unique gene markers and 345 rye-specific SLAF markers were used to amplify SN21627-2 and SN21627-6 genomic DNA. Eight markers specific to rye chromosome 2R were detected in both introgression lines, implying these lines carry chromosome 2R segments with genes conferring stripe rust and powdery mildew resistance. Therefore, SN21627-2 and SN21627-6 are resistant to more than one major wheat disease, making them promising bridging parents for breeding disease-resistant wheat lines.