bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Job Characteristics of Police Officers and the Status of Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: Kim Wonnam , Park Seohyun , Woo Byeong Kwan , Kim Yeonhak , Yoon Changwoog , Lee Dongmin , Kim Jion , Park Yeon-Cheol
Published: October 2024

Musculoskeletal disorders occur frequently in industrial settings, and police officers in particular are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders due to the nature of their work, but research on this is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders according to the job functions of police officers. A survey was conducted, targeting active-duty police officers, and data were collected from 4268 respondents who answered all items on the questionnaire. As a control group, we used the general population dataset from the 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in Korea. The survey included general information such as gender, age, working hours, and type of work. It also investigated medical utilization, including the frequency of medical visits and hospitalizations. The assessment of musculoskeletal disorders was analyzed using pain NRS, VAS, SPADI, and ODI. The working characteristics of police officers were found to be more irregular in terms of working hours and involved a higher intensity of work activities compared with the general population. However, there was a lack of precise diagnoses and continuous treatment for these disorders. These results imply that police officers’ occupational characteristics are related to musculoskeletal disorders. Considering the direct relationship between police officers’ health and public safety, systematic evaluation and management of their musculoskeletal disorders are needed.
Progress in Disease Modeling for Myocardial Infarction and Coronary Artery Disease: Bridging In Vivo and In Vitro Approaches
Authors: Kar Riya , Mukhopadhyay Debabrata , Angom Ramcharan Singh
Published: October 2024

Recent advancements in disease modeling for myocardial infarction (MI) and coronary artery disease (CAD) have significantly enhanced our understanding of cardiovascular pathology and therapeutic development. This review comprehensively reviews the integration of in vivo and in vitro approaches to better model and study these conditions. We specifically focus on cutting-edge in vitro techniques, such as cardiac organoids, engineered heart tissues, and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which allow for detailed exploration of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in MI and CAD. These models provide insights into ischemic injury, myocardial remodeling, and the effects of potential therapeutic interventions at a cellular level. In parallel, we discuss advances in the in vivo models, including genetically modified mice and large animal models, which offer valuable information on disease progression, cardiac function, and response to treatments within a more complex physiological context. By bridging these in vivo and in vitro approaches, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of disease mechanisms, validate experimental findings, and accelerate the development of effective therapies. This review highlights recent progress, identifies current limitations, and proposes strategies for future research to enhance the translation of model-based discoveries into clinical practice for MI and CAD.
Screening and Characterization of Wild Sarcomyxa edulis Strains from Heilongjiang, China, for Strain Development
Authors: Liu Zitong , Wang Yanfeng , Sheng Chunge , Wang Fei , Zhang Peng , Qi Yuxin , Wang Jinhe , Shi Lei , Yu Haiyang , Zhao Jing
Published: October 2024

Sarcomyxa edulis is a characteristic low-temperature, edible mushroom in Northeast China. It has a delicious taste and rich nutritional and medicinal value. The artificial cultivation of S. edulis has been increasing in recent years. However, the number of S. edulis varieties is scarce, and strain degradation is a serious issue, affecting the yield and quality of S. edulis. Therefore, we collected 21 wild strains of S. edulis (Y1–21) in this study, aiming to develop strains of S. edulis. Five strains without antagonistic reaction were eliminated via the antagonism test, and the remaining sixteen strains were identified as S. edulis using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) marker identification. The mycelial growth rate, mildew resistance, fruiting body yield, agronomic traits, and nutrient content of the 16 strains were determined. The results demonstrate that Y12, Y13, Y14, and Y15 exhibited a rapid mycelial growth rate (6.43–6.8 mm·day−1). Their colony density was moderate; their edges were neat; and their colonies were leathery and had obvious pigmentation. Moreover, they exhibited strong mildew resistance and a low Trichoderma contamination rate (<40%). Their fruiting body yield (281.15–342.03 g) and biological efficiency (56.23–68.40%) were high. Their fruiting body shape was good. Their polysaccharide and crude protein contents were higher, while their crude fiber, ash, and crude fat contents were lower. Overall, these four S. edulis strains exhibited high yield, excellent traits, and good quality for commercial production and food production with high nutrient contents. This study provides a foundation for the further cross-breeding and matrix improvement of S. edulis.
The Role of Brassinosteroids and Nano-Encapsulated Brassinosteroids in Capsicum Pepper Growth and Physiological Adaptations to High-Temperature Stress
Authors: Halaji Behnaz , Haghighi Maryam , Kovács Gergő Péter , Mirmazloum Iman , Szegő Anita
Published: October 2024

Much is unknown about the positive effect of plant growth regulators, such as brassinosteroids, on high-temperature stress tolerance in pepper plants. This study aimed to reveal the effect of exogenous brassinosteroids (BRs) on high-temperature-stressed bell peppers by foliar application. BR treatments (1 µM), in both bulk (Br) and nano-encapsulated (N-Br) forms, were applied to pepper plants subjected to high-temperature stress (35 °C). The results indicated an increase in plant biomass, number of fruits, and relative water content and a significantly lower flower abscission in response to Br and N-Br under high temperatures. Br and N-Br applications at high temperatures resulted in the lowest leaf water potential. Br and N-Br, especially N-Br, were more effective than Br in the upregulation of the antioxidant enzyme activity, such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and the overall antioxidant capacity of heat-stressed plants. MDA and electrolyte leakage significantly declined as a result of BR application and the proline content of the leaves was significantly higher in Br and N-Br treatments at high temperatures. Further analysis of the data pointed to SOD, DPPH, proline, RWC, and leaf water potential in pepper leaves as the most affected traits in response to brassinosteroid application under high temperature. Glucose and fructose levels also increased under high temperature, and only N-Br administration showed a significant effect on reducing the sugar levels. At high temperatures, the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids was greatest when neither Br nor N-Br was present. N-Br could reduce this ratio effectively. Conclusively, the overall performance of bell pepper improved in response to both types of BR application with no significant discrimination being found to prioritize the encapsulated form of BR application.
Impact of Nitrogen Limitation, Irrigation Levels, and Nitrogen-Rich Biostimulant Application on Agronomical and Chemical Traits of Hydroponically Grown Cichorium spinosum L.
Authors: Voutsinos-Frantzis Orfeas , Karavidas Ioannis , Savvas Dimitrios , Ntanasi Theodora , Kaimpalis Vasileios , Consentino Beppe Benedetto , Aliferis Konstantinos A. , Karkanis Anestis , Sabatino Leo , Ntatsi Georgia
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the effects of nitrogen fertilization, irrigation, and biostimulant application on the growth and nutrient composition of Cichorium spinosum L. The experimental design included two nitrogen rates (NR100 and NR30, 100% and 30% of plant requirements), two irrigation levels (WA100 and WA50, 100% and 50% of water availability,), and foliar application of a nitrogen-rich biostimulant (BS and NoBS, biostimulated or not biostimulated). In comparison to NR100, NR30 reduced agronomical parameters leaf number, leaf area, leaf fresh, and dry weight by 13.53%, 24.93%, 20.76%, and 15.00%, respectively, whereas dry matter content was increased by 7.64%. WA50 also resulted in reduction in the agronomical characteristics by 8.62%, 7.19%, 5.53%, and 5.26, respectively, whereas the dry matter content was not affected. BS positively affected the agronomical characteristics by 7.49%, 8.01%, 7.18%, and 5.56, respectively, whereas the dry matter content was not affected. The effects of nitrogen rates and water availability suggest the more pronounced impact of nitrogen compared to water stress on the agronomical characteristics. Biostimulant application partially mitigated the effects of NR30 but was ineffective against WA50. The nutrient content of the leaves was also affected. NR30 reduced leaf nitrate, calcium, and zinc content, but increased iron, manganese, and copper concentrations. WA50 altered magnesium and zinc levels: it increased the former and decreased the latter. The interaction between nitrogen and water stress notably affected the plants’ calcium content, which was higher under the NR100 x WA50 treatment. These findings provide significant insights into the perlite-based cultivation of C. spinosum L., and its resilience against drought stress. Moreover, the beneficial effects of sufficient nitrogen rates on leaf fresh weight of Cichorium spinosum L. outline the importance for improving nutrient solution management schemes. Biostimulant application demonstrated promising results and could, after further research, become a viable solution for maintaining optimal yields under nitrogen stress.
Understanding Spatio-Temporal Hydrological Dynamics Using SWAT: A Case Study in the Pativilca Basin
Authors: Pachac-Huerta Yenica , Lavado-Casimiro Waldo , Zapana Melania , Peña Robinson
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the hydrological dynamics of the Pativilca Basin in the Southern Hemisphere using the SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model. Seventy-seven watersheds across a mountainous region were analyzed using elevation data, land cover, soil type, and gridded meteorological products (RAIN4PE and PISCO) for hydrological simulations. Watershed delineation, aided by a Digital Elevation Model, enabled the identification of critical drainage points and the definition of Hydrological Response Units (HRUs). The model calibration and validation, performed using the SWAT-CUP with the SUFI-2 algorithm, achieved Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values of 0.69 and 0.72, respectively. Cluster analysis categorized the watersheds into six distinct groups with unique hydrological and climatic characteristics. The results showed significant spatial variability in the precipitation and temperature, with pronounced seasonality influencing the daily flow patterns. The higher-altitude watersheds exhibited greater soil water storage and more effective aquifer recharge, whereas the lower-altitude watersheds, despite receiving less precipitation, displayed higher flows due to runoff from the upstream areas. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating seasonality and spatial variability into water resource planning in mountainous regions and demonstrate the SWAT model’s effectiveness in predicting hydrological responses in the Pativilca Basin, laying the groundwork for future research in mountain hydrology.
The Effect of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria Bacillus subtilis IB-22 on the Hydraulic Conductivity and Abundance of PIP2 Aquaporins in the Roots of an Abscisic Acid-Deficient Barley Mutant
Authors: Akhtyamova Zarina , Arkhipova Tatiana , Sharipova Guzel , Ivanov Ruslan , Nuzhnaya Tatyana , Kudoyarova Guzel , Veselov Dmitry
Published: October 2024

Little information is available on how rhizosphere bacteria affect abscisic acid (ABA) levels in plants and whether these bacterial effects are associated with improved plant water status. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the stimulation of plant growth may be associated with the ability of ABA to increase the hydraulic conductivity of roots through the up-regulation of aquaporin. To do this, we studied the effect of bacteria capable of producing ABA on a barley mutant deficient in this hormone. Measurements of hydraulic conductivity of the ABA-deficient barley mutant Az34 showed that its tissues exhibited a reduced ability to conduct water, which correlated with lower ABA content in plants. The inoculation of Bacillus subtilis IB-22 stimulated the growth of both the mutant and its parent variety. Also, under the influence of bacteria, the ABA content in plants increased, and the increase was more significant in the mutant. This effect was accompanied by an increase in hydraulic conductivity in the roots of the ABA-deficient mutant, and immunolocalization using antibodies against PIP2;1 and PIP2;2 aquaporins revealed an increase in their abundance. Thus, the results obtained support the hypothesis about the importance of a sufficiently high ABA content in plants to maintain the abundance of aquaporins, hydraulic conductivity and the growth of barley plants.
Drug Combination Studies of Isoquinolinone AM12 with Curcumin or Quercetin: A New Combination Strategy to Synergistically Inhibit 20S Proteasome
Authors: Di Chio Carla , Previti Santo , Starvaggi Josè , De Luca Fabiola , Calabrò Maria Luisa , Zappalà Maria , Ettari Roberta
Published: October 2024

In the eukaryotic cells, the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) plays a crucial role in the intracellular protein turnover. It is involved in several cellular functions such as the control of the regular cell cycle progression, the immune surveillance, and the homeostasis. Within the 20S proteasome barrel-like structure, the catalytic subunits, β1, β2 and β5, are responsible for different proteolytic activities: caspase-like (C-L), trypsin-like (T-L) and chymotrypsin-like (ChT-L), respectively. The β5 subunit is particularly targeted for its role in antitumor activity: the synthesis of β5 subunit inhibitors could be a promising strategy for the treatment of solid and hematologic tumors. In the present work, we performed two combination studies of AM12, a recently developed synthetic proteasome inhibitor, with curcumin and quercetin, two nutraceuticals endowed of many pharmacological properties. We measured the combination index (CI), applying the Chou and Talalay method, comparing the two studies, from 50% to 90% of proteasome inhibition. In the case of the combination AM12 + curcumin, an increasing synergism was observed from 50% to 90% of proteasome inhibition, while in the case of the combination AM12 + quercetin an additive effect was observed only from 50% to 70% of β5 subunit inhibition. These results suggest that combining AM12 with curcumin is a more promising strategy than combining it with quercetin for potential therapeutic applications, especially in treating tumors.
Process-Specific Blood Biomarkers and Outcomes in COVID-19 Versus Non-COVID-19 ARDS (APEL–COVID Study): A Prospective, Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Lesur Olivier , Segal Eric David , Rego Kevin , Mercat Alain , Asfar Pierre , Chagnon Frédéric
Published: October 2024

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are often considered separate clinico-radiological entities. Whether these conditions also present a single process-specific systemic biomolecular phenotype and how this relates to patient outcomes remains unknown. A prospective cohort study was conducted, including adult patients admitted to the ICU and general floors for COVID-19-related (COVID+) or non-COVID-19-related (COVID−) acute respiratory failure during the main phase of the pandemic. The primary objective was to study blood biomarkers and outcomes among different groups and severity subsets. Results: A total of 132 patients were included, as follows: 67 COVID+, 54 COVID− (with 11 matched control subjects for biomarker reference), and 58 of these patients allowed for further pre- and post-analysis. The baseline apelin (APL) levels were higher in COVID+ patients (p < 0.0001 vs. COVID− patients) and in SARS COVID+ patients (p ≤ 0.02 vs. ARDS), while the IL-6 levels were higher in ARDS COVID− patients (p ≤ 0.0001 vs. SARS). Multivariable logistic regression analyses with cohort biomarkers and outcome parameters revealed the following: (i) log-transformed neprilysin (NEP) activity was significantly higher in COVID+ patients (1.11 [95% CI: 0.4–1.9] vs. 0.37 [95% CI: 0.1–0.8], fold change (FC): 1.43 [95% CI: 1.04–1.97], p = 0.029) and in SARS patients (FC: 1.65 [95% CI: 1.05–2.6], p = 0.032 vs. non-SARS COVID+ patients, and 1.73 [95% CI: 1.19–2.5], p = 0.005 vs. ARDS COVID− patients) and (ii) higher lysyl oxidase (LOX) activity and APL levels were respectively associated with death and a shorter length of hospital stay in SARS COVID+ patients (Odds Ratios (OR): 1.01 [1.00–1.02], p = 0.05, and OR: −0.007 [−0.013–0.0001], p = 0.048). Conclusion: Process-specific blood biomarkers exhibited distinct profiles between COVID+ and COVID− patients, and across stages of severity. NEP and LOX activities, as well as APL levels, are particularly linked to COVID+ patients and their outcomes (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04632732).
Treating Anxiety-Based Cognitive Distortions Pertaining to Somatic Perception for Better Chronic Pain Outcomes: A Recommendation for Better Practice in the Present Day and the Cyber Age of Medicine
Authors: Silva Marcelina Jasmine
Published: October 2024

Anxiety-based cognitive distortions pertaining to somatic perception (ABCD-SPs)—primarily catastrophizing, fear avoidance, and kinesiophobia—have been repeatedly linked to worsening chronic, non-cancer pain (CNCP) outcomes of increased disability, amplified pain, ineffective opioid use, and opioid misuse. Several studies have suggested that treating ABCD-SPs can improve pain outcomes, yet identification and targeting of ABCD-SPs are not part of the standard medical pain assessment and treatment plan. Utilizing a narrative review of proposed mechanisms, published patient perspectives, and study correlations connecting these cognitive distortions with CNCP outcomes, an approach for better practice in the delivery of standard medical CNCP care can be deduced and formulated into a Belief and Behavior Action Plan (BBAP) for medical clinicians treating CNCP to implement into initial and maintenance care planning. These recommendations require relatively few resources to implement and have the potential to disseminate more effective CNCP treatment on a large scale now and in the future with the new frontier of cognitive computing in medicine.
Non-Obscene Socially Inappropriate Behavior in Patients with Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Grycz Mateusz , Janik Piotr
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Behavioral disturbances are a common phenomenon associated with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS), which can manifest as non-obscene socially inappropriate behaviors (NOSIBs). The classification of NOSIB has not yet been clearly established. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency, age of onset, and clinical correlation of NOSIB with tic severity and the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders in individuals with GTS. Methods: A total of 365 participants (272 male, 74.5%) with GTS were included in the study. Of these, 278 (76.2%) were children and adolescents. The mean age of the participants at evaluation was 14.4 ± 9.8 years, with a range of 4 to 64 years. The clinical data of NOSIB were collected during a routine, ambulatory examination using half-structured questionnaires developed by the authors. Results: NOSIB was observed in 86 patients with GTS, representing a prevalence of 23.6%. NOSIB commenced at a mean age of 6.6 ± 4.1 years (range 2–19). The mean age at onset of NOSIB was 1.4 ± 3.7 years after the onset of tics, with 18 cases (26.1%) preceding tics and 13 cases (18.8%) starting at the same age as tics. The results of the multivariate analysis confirmed the associations between NOSIB and YGTSS (p = 0.02) and coprophenomena (p < 0.01), as well as ADHD (p < 0.01), ODD (p = 0.01), ASD (p < 0.01), and anxiety disorders (p = 0.02). Conclusions: NOSIB is an early symptom of GTS that typically manifests in childhood and occurs in approximately a quarter of patients. Tic severity and the presence of psychiatric comorbidities, which indicate a more severe disease course, may serve as risk factors for NOSIB.
Treatment-Related Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome
Authors: Avola Giulia , Pezzini Alessandro
Published: October 2024

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a rare but significant cause of intracranial arteriopathy and stroke in young adults. The syndrome encompasses a spectrum of disorders radiologically characterized by reversible narrowing and dilation of intracranial arteries, often triggered by vasoactive drugs or the postpartum period. The hallmark clinical feature of RCVS is thunderclap headache with or without other neurological signs. Though endothelial dysfunction and sympathetic hyperactivation are hypothesized to be key mechanisms, the exact pathogenesis of RCVS is still unclear. RCVS’s diagnosis could be challenging, since vasospasm proceeds centripetally, initially involving distal small pial and cortical arteries, and angiographic studies, especially brain magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and computed tomography angiography (CTA), may miss it in the early phase of the disease, while early signs such as vascular hyperintensities may be visible on T2/FLAIR sequences before vasospasm onset. Catheter angiography is the gold standard and it could be used to assess vasospasm reversibility post-intra-arterial vasodilator administration. Treatment is mainly symptomatic, and nimodipine is the most commonly administered therapy, given orally or intra-arterially in severe cases. Since many aspects of RCVS remain partially known, further research is needed to better understand the complex pathophysiology of this unique clinical condition and to optimize specific management strategies.
Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator Resilient, Ship Emissions under Control
Authors: Barreiro Montes Julio , Fraguela Diaz Feliciano , Diaz-Casas Vicente , Zaragoza Sonia
Published: October 2024

Maritime transport is the most widely used means of transporting goods, and forecasts indicate that it will continue to grow in the coming years, which is why the IMO is regulating energy efficiency and emissions from maritime transport with exhaustive monitoring. The most widely used measure of energy efficiency during operation on a ship is the Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator (EEOI); however, the difficulty in obtaining references for this indicator, together with the great variability that exists between shipowners when choosing terms such as “cargo transported”, among others, means that this operational indicator of energy efficiency in ships does not have the expected results. This work develops a two-phase procedure for the selection of representative EEOI values for ships, taking into account parameters such as ship speed, cargo, mode of operation and the subsequent determination of a suitable control system that allows the continuous and real-time implementation of measures to improve energy and environmental efficiency on the ship. The proposed final procedure is effective in terms of improving energy efficiency and emissions, on top of being simple, easily implementable, working in real time and adapting to navigation circumstances while keeping emissions under control.
Advanced Energy Management System for Generator–Battery Hybrid Power System in Ships: A Novel Approach with Optimal Control Algorithms
Authors: Choi Eunbae , Kim Heemoon
Published: October 2024

Advancements in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from ships are driving the development of more efficient onboard power systems. The proposed non-equivalent parallel running operation system is explored in this study, which improves the efficiency of the main power generation source compared with traditional equal load-sharing methods used in power management systems. However, the asymmetric method reduces the efficiency of the auxiliary power sources. To address this issue, we propose a control method that integrates a battery system with an efficiency-based algorithm to optimize the overall system performance. The proposed approach involves establishing operation command values based on the characteristics of the power generation source and adjusting these commands according to the battery’s state of charge (SOC). MATLAB/Simulink simulations confirmed the effectiveness of this method across various operating modes and revealed no operational issues. When applied to a ship’s operating profile over 222 h, the method reduced fuel consumption by approximately 2.98 tons (5.57%) compared with conventional systems. Over 38 annual voyages, this reduction equates to savings of 115.96 tons of fuel or approximately 96.47 million Korean won. This study demonstrates that integrating an optimal efficiency algorithm into the energy management system significantly enhances both the propulsion and overall energy efficiency of ships.
Enhanced Transformer Framework for Multivariate Mesoscale Eddy Trajectory Prediction
Authors: Du Yanling , Huang Jiahao , Chen Jiasheng , Chen Ke , Wang Jian , He Qi
Published: October 2024

Accurately predicting the trajectories of mesoscale eddies is essential for comprehending the distribution of marine resources and the multiscale energy cascade in the ocean. Nevertheless, current approaches for predicting mesoscale eddy trajectories frequently exhibit inadequate examination of the intrinsic multiscale temporal data, resulting in diminished predictive precision. To address this challenge, our research introduces an enhanced transformer-based framework for predicting mesoscale eddy trajectories. Initially, a multivariate dataset of mesoscale eddy trajectories is constructed and expanded, encompassing eddy properties and pertinent ocean environmental information. Additionally, novel feature factors are delineated based on the physical attributes of eddies. Subsequently, a multi-head attention mechanism is introduced to bolster the modeling of the multiscale time-varying connections within eddy trajectories. Furthermore, the original positional encoding is substituted with Time-Absolute Position Encoding, which considers the dimensions and durations of the sequence mapping, thereby improving the distinguishability of embedded vectors. Ultimately, the Soft-DTW loss function is integrated to more accurately assess the overall discrepancies among mesoscale eddy trajectories, thereby improving the model’s resilience to erratic and diverse trajectory sequences. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is assessed using the eddy-abundant South China Sea. Our framework exhibits exceptional predictive accuracy, achieving a minimum central error of 8.507 km over a seven-day period, surpassing existing state-of-the-art models.
Predominance of Trichophyton soudanense as Agent of Dermatophytoses in Cape Verdean School-Age Children
Authors: Correia Edmilson Emanuel Monteiro , Mota Marta , Veiga Luciano Vagner Ascenção de Melo , Fernandes Chantal , Gonçalves Teresa
Published: October 2024

Dermatophytoses are infectious skin diseases of public health importance because of their transmissibility and high prevalence, especially among children. This is the first study aiming to estimate and report the burden of dermatophytoses on school-age children on the island of Santiago in Cape Verde, an African country that is an archipelago. A total of 249 students attending the afternoon shift of three elementary schools in the city of Achada Igreja were examined. Of these, 60 had suspected lesions of dermatophyte infection. However, from the samples collected from these 60 students, including hair, nails, and skin scrapings, only 18 dermatophyte isolates were obtained, corresponding to a point prevalence of 7.2%. Morphological species identification demonstrated three different species: Trichophyton soudanense, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton violaceum; re-identification by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 and 2 regions of ribosomal DNA, and the 5.8S rDNA encoding gene (ITS-5.8S region), revealed T. soudanense as the most prevalent species, with only one case of T. rubrum. This is the first epidemiological data describing dermatophytoses and dermatophytes in Cape Verde among school-age children on one of the archipelago islands. It reinforces the need of using culture and accurate identification methodologies when gathering epidemiological data on dermatophytoses.
Clarity in Crisis: How UK Firms Communicated Risks during COVID-19
Authors: Moussa Ahmed Saber , Elmarzouky Mahmoud
Published: October 2024

This study explores the influence of risk disclosure levels and types on the readability of annual reports of non-financial firms in the UK during the COVID-19 outbreak. It further investigates how the disclosure of COVID-19-related information moderates the relationship between risk disclosure and readability. The study uses a content analysis approach and CFIE software to measure the level of risk disclosure and readability in the annual reports of non-financial firms listed on the FTSE all-share from 2019 to 2021. The results show a positive and significant effect of risk disclosure level on readability, which is stronger for firms that disclosed COVID-19 information. Different types of risk disclosure have varying effects on readability, with COVID-19 risk, credit risk, and strategic risk positively affecting readability, while operational risk negatively affects it. The study contributes to the literature on information asymmetry and institutional theory by demonstrating how risk disclosure and readability are influenced by external factors like the COVID-19 outbreak and internal factors such as firm characteristics and types of risks. It introduces a new risk definition and category specific to the COVID-19 pandemic and develops new measurements for risk disclosure, including credit, liquidity, market, operational, business, strategic, and COVID-19 risks. The study provides valuable insights for managers, investors, regulators, and standard setters on the relationship between risk disclosure and readability in annual reports. It highlights the importance of disclosing COVID-19-related information to enhance the readability and understandability of financial communication. The paper contributes to the literature and practice on risk disclosure, readability, and financial communication during crises.
From Health Risks to Environmental Actions: Research on the Pathway of Guiding Citizens to Participate in Pocket-Park Governance
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Zhigang , Zhong Jialong
Published: October 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the demand for urban pocket parks near residential areas, posing new challenges for environmental governance. However, there is a lack of research on how to engage citizens in pocket-park governance to address both potential and unforeseen risks. This study combines social information processing theory with a norm activation model to develop a framework that identifies the shaping stages and influencing factors of citizens’ intentions to participate in pocket-park governance. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling, this research analyzed the relationships among external factors, attitudes, moral norms, and intentions to participate based on 719 responses from an online survey targeting Chinese citizens in November and December 2023. Results indicate that health risks and pocket-park environmental quality positively affect perceived usefulness. Attitudes and moral norms are indeed important factors mediating the positive effect of the external environment on the intention to participate. The pathway of guiding citizens to participate in pocket-park governance is clarified, which helps bolster the resilience of urban green spaces and improve the quality of life of residents after public crises.
Quantum Chemical (QC) Calculations and Linear Solvation Energy Relationships (LSER): Hydrogen-Bonding Calculations with New QC-LSER Molecular Descriptors
Authors: Panayiotou Costas
Published: October 2024

A new method, based on quantum chemical calculations, is proposed for the thermodynamically consistent reformulation of QSPR-type Linear Free-Energy Relationship (LFER) models. This reformulation permits the extraction of valuable information on intermolecular interactions and its transfer in other LFER-type models, in acidity/basicity scales, or even in equation-of-state models. New molecular descriptors of electrostatic interactions are derived from the distribution of molecular surface charges obtained from COSMO-type quantum chemical calculations. The widely used and very successful Abraham’s Linear Solvation Energy Relationship (LSER) model is selected as the reference LSER model for the calculations in solute–solvent systems as well as in solute self-solvation. Hydrogen-bonding free energies, enthalpies, and entropies are now derived for a variety of common solutes. The capacity of the method to address the role of conformational changes in solvation quantities is discussed. The perspectives of the LSER model with the implementation of the new descriptors are also discussed.
Improved HER/OER Performance of NiS2/MoS2 Composite Modified by CeO2 and LDH
Authors: Li Hao , Chen Feng , Wu Xinyang , Wang Dandan , Ren Yongpeng , Li Yaru
Published: October 2024

In recent years, there has been significant interest in transition-metal sulfides (TMSs) due to their economic affordability and excellent catalytic activity. Nevertheless, it is difficult for TMSs to achieve satisfactory performance due to problems such as low conductivity, limited catalytic activity, and inadequate stability. Therefore, a catalyst with a heterostructure constituted of a nickel–iron-layered double hydroxide, nickel sulfide, molybdenum disulfide, and cerium dioxide was designed. At the current density of 10 mA cm−2 in an alkaline solution, the catalyst exhibits a HER overpotential of 116 mV. In addition, an overpotential of 235 mV@150 mA cm−2 was displayed for OER. The catalyst showed a good retention rate (94.7% for HER, 98.6% for OER) after 160 h stability tests. The excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to the following points: 1. The self-supporting three-dimensional hierarchical structure provides abundant sites, fast ion diffusion channels, and electron transfer paths, and ensures structural stability. 2. The strong interfacial electron interaction between Ni3S2/MoS2 heterojunction and NiFe-LDH improves the OER reaction kinetics. 3. The Ce3+ and oxygen vacancies in CeO2 promote the dissociation of H2O and promote the HER reaction kinetics. This approach paves the way for developing highly efficient electrocatalysts for various electrochemical applications.
A Review of Natural Fibres and Biopolymer Composites: Progress, Limitations, and Enhancement Strategies
Authors: McKay Innes , Vargas Johnattan , Yang Liu , Felfel Reda M.
Published: October 2024

The interest in natural fibres and biopolymers for developing bio-composites has greatly increased in recent years, motivated by the need to reduce the environmental impact of traditional synthetic, fossil fuel-derived materials. However, several limitations associated with the use of natural fibres and polymers should be addressed if they are to be seriously considered mainstream fibre reinforcements. These include poor compatibility of natural fibres with polymer matrices, variability, high moisture absorption, and flammability. Various surface treatments have been studied to tackle these drawbacks, such as alkalisation, silane treatment, acetylation, plasma treatment, and polydopamine coating. This review paper considers the classification, properties, and limitations of natural fibres and biopolymers in the context of bio-composite materials. An overview of recent advancements and enhancement strategies to overcome such limitations will also be discussed, with a focus on mechanical performance, moisture absorption behaviour, and flammability of composites. The limitations of natural fibres, biopolymers, and their bio-composites should be carefully addressed to enable the widespread use of bio-composites in various applications, including electronics, automotive, and construction.
Identification of the Cohesive Parameters for Modelling of Bonded Joints between Flat Composite Adherends with Thick Layer of Adhesive
Authors: Bernardin Petr , Sedlacek Frantisek , Kozak Josef , Kucerova Ludmila , Lasova Vaclava
Published: October 2024

The failure of bonded composite materials is accompanied by specific failure modes. These are specifically Mode I, Mode II, Mode III, and their combination (so-called mixed mode). These modes depend on the direction and type of loading. The mechanical properties describing the damage initiation and the damage evolution are unique according to the type of adhesive and present mode of failure. However, a few research studies have focused on an adhesive thicknesses greater than 0.2 mm. The main objective of this research is to investigate the mechanical properties of a bonded joint with large adhesive thickness loaded according to Modes I and II. The observed failure parameters, the cohesive and damage parameters, are identified by minimizing the difference between the force–displacement diagram obtained from the experimental data for both Mode I and Mode II. The finite element model is confronted with these parameters and is evaluated based on their agreement. Compared to other studies with a small adhesive layer thickness, the values of failure parameters are lower. The results show that the adhesive thickness has an influence on the values of cohesive and damage parameters and that these parameter values decrease significantly compared to a small adhesive thickness. The obtained parameters can be further used to predict the fracture toughness of other bonded joints loaded in any direction.
Optimization of Ultra-High Performance Concrete Based on Response Surface Methodology and NSGA-II
Authors: Wang Zhenxing , Wu Jiaming , Su Lei , Gao Zhaolin , Yin Chenglin , Ye Zhengmao
Published: October 2024

This study systematically investigated three influential factors—water-to-binder ratio, cement/sand ratio, and steel fiber content—that significantly impact the performance of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). Utilizing the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Central Composite Design (CCD), 20 carefully designed mix proportions underwent comprehensive experimental testing. Through rigorous statistical analysis, models were established to elucidate the complex relationships between the specified factors and the overall properties of UHPC. Variance analysis reveals significant effects of the three factors on UHPC performance, with workability and compressive strength increasing with higher cement/sand ratios while flexural strength decreases. Moreover, increased water-to-binder ratios exhibit substantial negative impacts on both 28-day compressive and flexural strengths. Despite adversely affecting workability, higher steel fiber dosages contribute positively to mechanical performance. Furthermore, Monte Carlo sampling and the multi-objective non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) were employed to validate the reliability of the statistical model and to conduct multi-objective optimization. The final UHPC mix design obtained consists of a cement/sand ratio of 1.12, a water/binder ratio of 0.16, and a steel fiber content of 2.94%. Experimental results yielded a slump flow of 802 mm, compressive strength of 122.7 MPa, and flexural strength of 24.3 MPa.
The Finite-Time Turnpike Property in Machine Learning
Authors: Gugat Martin
Published: October 2024

The finite-time turnpike property describes the situation in an optimal control problem where an optimal trajectory reaches the desired state before the end of the time interval and remains there. We consider a machine learning problem with a neural ordinary differential equation that can be seen as a homogenization of a deep ResNet. We show that with the appropriate scaling of the quadratic control cost and the non-smooth tracking term, the optimal control problem has the finite-time turnpike property; that is, the desired state is reached within the time interval and the optimal state remains there until the terminal time T. The time t0 where the optimal trajectories reach the desired state can serve as an additional design parameter. Since ResNets can be viewed as discretizations of neural odes, the choice of t0 corresponds to the choice of the number of layers; that is, the depth of the neural network. The choice of t0 allows us to achieve a compromise between the depth of the network and the size of the optimal system parameters, which we hope will be useful to determine the optimal depths for neural network architectures in the future.
Modeling and Verification of Cable-Hole Transmission Tension Ratio Considering the Cable Lateral Extrusion
Authors: Gu Haiyu , Deng Zhiming , Yu Yunfeng , Li Xiaofeng , Ai Baixin
Published: October 2024

Cable-hole transmission is widely applied in cable-driven mechanisms to reduce the mechanical size. However, the driving tension is attenuated with the cable threading through the hole caused by uncertain factors such as local deformation, friction, and other effects, and errors in cable-hole transmission occur. To improve the transmission accuracy of cable-driven mechanisms, a tension distribution model considering the cable lateral extrusion is established. Then, an analytical tension ratio of the cable-hole transmission is derived based on the perturbation method and tension distribution model. Parameters of the tension ratio are identified using a particle swarm optimization algorithm. An adaptive tension control method considering the cable lateral extrusion is designed and compared with the method excluding the cable lateral extrusion in the cable-hole transmission. Finally, a cable-hole transmission experimental device was constructed to verify the tension ratio, parameter identification, and servo control method of the cable-hole transmission. The results show the motion control accuracy of the cable-driven mechanism can be significantly improved with the tension ratio considering the cable lateral extrusion. Compared to the case excluding the cable lateral extrusion, the errors in cable-hole transmission considering the lateral extrusion are reduced by an order of magnitude, and the tension vibration is significantly weakened.
Thermal Fault-Tolerant Asymmetric Dual-Winding Motors in Integrated Electric Braking System for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Hwang Kyu-Yun , Oh Seon-Yeol , Park Eun-Kyung , Song Baik-Kee , Kim Sung-Il
Published: October 2024

A conventional dual-winding (DW) motor has two internal windings consisting of a master part and a slave part, each connected to a different electronic control unit (ECU) to realize a redundant system. However, existing DW motors have a problem related to heat generation in both the healthy mode and the faulty mode of the motor operation. In the healthy mode, unexpected overloads can cause both windings to burn out simultaneously due to equal heat distribution. If the current sensor fails to measure correctly, the motor may exceed the designed current density of 4.7 [Arms/mm2] under air-cooling conditions, further increasing burnout risk. External factors such as excessive load cycles or extreme heat conditions can further exacerbate this issue. In the faulty mode, the motor requires double the current to generate maximum torque, leading to rapid temperature increases and a high risk of overheating. To address these challenges, this paper proposes the design of a thermal fault-tolerant asymmetric dual-winding (ADW) motor, which improves heat management in both healthy and faulty modes for autonomous vehicles. A lumped-parameter thermal network (LPTN) with a piecewise stator-housing model (PSMs) was employed to evaluate the coil temperature during faulty operation. An optimal design approach, incorporating kriging modeling, Design of Experiments (DOE), and a genetic algorithm (GA), was also utilized. The results confirm that the proposed ADW motor design effectively reduces the risk of simultaneous burnout in the healthy mode and overheating in the faulty mode, offering a robust solution for autonomous vehicle applications.
Closed-Form Performance Analysis of the Inverse Power Lomax Fading Channel Model
Authors: Gvozdarev Aleksey S.
Published: October 2024

This research presents a closed-form mathematical framework for assessing the performance of a wireless communication system in the presence of multipath fading channels with an instantaneous signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) subjected to the inverse power Lomax (IPL) distribution. It is demonstrated that depending on the channel parameters, such a model can describe both severe and light fading covering most cases of the well-renowned simplified models (i.e., Rayleigh, Rice, Nakagami-m, Hoyt, α−μ, Lomax, etc.). This study provides the exact results for a basic statistical description of an IPL channel, including the PDF, CDF, MGF, and raw moments. The derived representation was further used to assess the performance of a communication link. For this purpose, the exact expression and their high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) asymptotics were derived for the amount of fading (AoF), outage probability (OP), average bit error rate (ABER), and ergodic capacity (EC). The closed-form and numerical hyper-Rayleigh analysis of the IPL channel is performed, identifying the boundaries of weak, strong, and full hyper-Rayleigh regimes (HRRs). An in-depth analysis of the system performance was carried out for all possible fading channel parameters’ values. The practical applicability of the channel model was supported by comparing it with real-world experimental results. The derived expressions were tested against a numerical analysis and statistical simulation and demonstrated a high correspondence.