bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Point-of-Care Testing Kit for the Detection of Hexavalent Chromium by Carbohydrazide-Derived Graphitic Carbon Nitride
Authors: Maruthupandi Muniyandi , Lee Nae Yoon
Published: September 2024

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) ions are among the most common hazardous metals that pose a serious risk to human health, causing human carcinogenesis and chronic kidney damage. In this study, a point-of-care testing (POCT) kit is proposed for Cr(VI) ions detection at room temperature. The kit contains a hydrophobic parafilm, a nylon membrane to resist outflow, and a hydrophilic Whatman filter paper suitable for coating the fluorescent graphitic carbon nitride sheet (g-C3N4). Crystalline, nano-porous, blue-emitting g-C3N4 was produced by pyrolysis utilizing carbohydrazide. The electrostatic interactions between the g-C3N4 and Cr(VI) ions inhibit the fluorescence behavior. The POCT kit can be used for on-site Cr(VI) ion detection dependent upon the blue emission value. The detection limit was attained at 4.64 nM of Cr(VI) ions. This analytical methodology was utilized on real samples from tap, pond, river, and industrial wastewater. This POCT kit can be a useful alternative for on-site detection of Cr(VI) ions.
Low-Drift NO2 Sensor Based on Polyaniline/Black Phosphorus Composites at Room Temperature
Authors: Tang Bolun , Shi Yunbo , Liu Jijiang , Zheng Canda , Zhao Kuo , Zhang Jianhua , Feng Qiaohua
Published: September 2024

In this paper, a room-temperature NO2 sensor based on a polyaniline (PANI)/black phosphorus (BP) composite material was proposed to solve the power consumption problem of traditional metal-oxide sensors operating at high temperatures. PANI was synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization, whereas BP was synthesized by low-pressure mineralization. The PANI/BP composite materials were prepared via ultrasonic exfoliation and mixing. Various characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confirmed the successful preparation of the PANI/BP composites and their excellent structural properties. The sensor demonstrated outstanding gas sensitivity in the NO2 concentration range of 2–60 ppm. In particular, the sensor showed a response exceeding 2200% at 60 ppm NO2 concentration when using a 1:1 mass ratio of PANI to BP in the composite material.
A Mathematical Model for Predicting the Ultra-Early-Age Strength of Concrete
Authors: Cao Hongfei , Xiao Bing , Qin Fengjiang , Yang Qiuwei
Published: September 2024

To accurately quantify the time-varying pattern of concrete’s compressive strength, selecting an appropriate curve model is of paramount importance. Currently, widely adopted models such as polynomial, hyperbolic, and exponential models all possess limitations, particularly in terms of low fitting accuracy during the ultra-early-age stage. This paper innovatively introduces a mathematical model that utilizes a combined curve approach. This model boasts a simplified structure with only two fitting parameters. Compared to traditional models, when utilizing three or more sets of experimental data on compressive strength across different ages, the new model is capable of yielding more precise strength predictions. Due to its minimal reliance on experimental data, the new model exhibits high practicality and convenience in real-world applications. To validate its superiority, a detailed comparison between the new model and existing models was conducted based on several sets of experimental data. The results demonstrate that the new model has significant advantages in terms of mean fitting error and standard deviation, making its predictions the most reliable. For most cases, the standard deviation of the new model is reduced by approximately 30% to 80% compared to the second-best model, underscoring its exceptional stability and consistency. Additionally, the predicted long-term compressive strength values of the new model are closer to the design strength grade of the concrete. This model can also be successfully applied to predict the tensile strength of concrete during its ultra-early age. It has been demonstrated that the combined model proposed in this paper shows promising application prospects in evaluating the time-varying behavior of concrete strength.
Impact of Harvesting Stages and Postharvest Treatments on the Quality and Storability of Tomato Fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. Sangaw
Authors: Mouhamed Bzhwean Anwar , Kasnazany Sidiq Aziz Sidiq
Published: September 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of harvesting stages (turning-color fruit and light red color) and postharvest treatments (distilled water, hot water at 35 °C, 10% Aloe vera, 2% CaCl2, 5% Mint, and 5% Catnip) for 5 min on the quality and storability of tomato fruits cv. Sangaw stored at 10 ± 1 °C and a relative humidity of 90%–95% for 20 days. Fruit harvested at the turning-color fruit stage presented significantly lower weight loss, greater firmness, and higher amounts of vitamin C, total phenol, and calcium (3.22%, 1118.31 g mm/s, 15.83 mg 100 g−1, 95.49 mg 100 mL−1 FW, and 0.14%, respectively). However, the tomatoes harvested from the light red color fruit stage presented the highest contents of total soluble sugars, total sugars, and lycopene (4.36%, 3.99%, and 41.49 mg kg−1, respectively). Notably, the postharvest treatment of tomato fruits with 2% CaCl2 significantly decreased weight loss and resulted in greater firmness, pH, total sugar, total phenol, and calcium contents (3.90%, 1212.39 g mm/s, 4.83, 3.85%, 95.60 mg 100 mL−1 FW, and 0.18%, respectively) than the control. Hence, coating with 10% Aloe vera resulted in the highest amount of total soluble solids and the highest amount of vitamin C. Tomato picked at the turning-color fruit stage and immersed in 5% Mint significantly lowered the loss of fruit weight, increased the total titratable acidity, and had the lowest content of lycopene. Additionally, the fruits harvested at the same stage and immersed in 2% CaCl2 retained greater firmness, total phenol content, and calcium content. On the other hand, fruits harvested in the light red stage and dipped in 5% Mint presented the highest total soluble sugars and total sugar contents. Finally, the harvested tomato fruits coated with 10% Aloe vera retained a relatively high level of vitamin C, indicating the storage life and quality of the tomato fruits.
The Origin of Ko-Kutani Porcelain: New Discoveries and a Reassessment
Authors: Montanari Riccardo , Murase Hiroharu , Alberghina Maria Francesca , Schiavone Salvatore , Pelosi Claudia
Published: September 2024

The origin of Ko-Kutani porcelain and its decoration style have been debated for over a century. Despite the well-established theory that identified the wares as the result of porcelain production in Kaga (present-day Ishikawa Prefecture) in the 17th century, there still is no general agreement as to where they were first incepted and fired. In recent years, curatorial traditional criteria have formed the basis upon which a new theory has been gaining popularity in Japan, identifying Arita (present-day Saga Prefecture) as their actual place of birth. Such a new theory, however, has proven insufficient to cast new light on many of the unexplained facts that characterize the history of the wares. Furthermore, scientific evidence has been lacking, as no systematic analyses of the porcelains were carried out until the present work. In order to define univocally the dynamics behind this period of Japanese history, the most important and complete Ko-Kutani collection extant in Japan today (Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art) was analyzed by portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF). The scientific investigation was also extended to the very scarce shards excavated at the Kaga kiln site and Nonomura Ninsei’s masterpieces. For the first time ever, the results herein presented clarify the missing points crucial to reaching a definitive conclusion.
Investigations of Some Disordered Quaternary Compounds in the Systems Ag/Pb/Sb/Se and Ag/Pb/Sb/Te
Authors: Grauer Maxim , Benndorf Christopher , Rohr Valentin , Paulmann Carsten , Oeckler Oliver
Published: September 2024

Electrical and thermal transport measurements on quenched NaCl-type Ag1/3Pb1/3Sb1/3Se reveal an n-type semiconductor with a Seebeck coefficient up to −140 μVK−1 and a thermal conductivity as low as 0.52 WmK−1. Short-range order is indicated by disorder diffuse scattering in electron diffraction patterns. In contrast, 4L-Ag0.61Pb1.79Sb2.61Se6 (space group Cmcm with a = 4.2129(1) Å, b = 13.852(1) Å, and c = 20.866(1) Å, Z = 4) features the first lillianite-type structure in the system Ag/Pb/Sb/Se. It consists of slab-like NaCl-type building blocks that are interconnected via trigonal [PbSe6] prisms. As such structures typically do not form with Te as an anion, the first “sulfosalt-like” compound, Ag0.38Pb0.25Sb2.38Te4, in the system Ag/Pb/Sb/Te forms a layered tetradymite-like structure (space group R3-m with a = 4.2887(1) Å, c = 41.544(1) Å, Z = 3). Its slabs, which are separated by van der Waals gaps, are built up from three layers of distorted [MTe6] octahedra. Crystals of Ag0.38Pb0.25Sb2.38Te4 were grown by chemical transport.
New Evidence of the Feeding Behaviors of Coronodon and the Origin of Filter Feeding in Mysticetes (Mammalia: Cetacea) Revisited
Authors: Geisler Jonathan H. , Beatty Brian L. , Boessenecker Robert W.
Published: September 2024

Coronodon includes species of basal toothed mysticetes that were initially interpreted as engaging in raptorial feeding and dental filtration. Here, the feeding of this extinct genus is revisited based on recently described specimens and species. Associations between tooth position and types of dental wear were tested, and evidence for feeding behaviors was tabulated using scores from 14 craniodental characters, each mapped onto five alternate phylogenetic hypotheses. Individual character states were interpreted as being supportive, neutral, or contradictory evidence to raptorial feeding, suction feeding, baleen filtration, or dental filtration. Wear in Coronodon was found to be significantly more concentrated on mesial teeth, mesial cusps, higher cusps, and upper teeth. Upper teeth also had mesial cusps more worn than distal cusps, inconsistent with predictions of the dental filtration hypothesis. Wear in notches was correlated with wear on neighboring cusps, and side wear was concentrated on occlusal sides, suggesting both were caused by raptorial feeding. These observations raise the possibility that raptorial feeding was the primary, and maybe even the only, mode of feeding for Coronodon. The feeding scores of reconstructed ancestors leading to crown mysticetes typically display a stepwise decrease in raptorial feeding, a stepwise increase in baleen filtration, and, occasionally, an intermediate but weakly supported stage of dental filtration. For most toothed mysticetes, there is little evidence for or against suction feeding. The method we have developed for studying the origin of baleen can be expanded and allows for multiple hypotheses to be tested without undue emphasis on any particular taxon or set of characters.
Morphology and Multi-Gene Phylogeny Reveal a New Species of Family Torulaceae from Yunnan Province, China
Authors: He Shucheng , Wei Deping , Bhunjun Chitrabhanu S. , Jayawardena Ruvishika S. , Thiyagaraja Vinodhini , Zhao Qi , Fatimah Al-Otibi , Hyde Kevin D.
Published: September 2024

The Family Torulaceae belongs to the Order Pleosporales (Class Dothideomycetes) and mainly comprises saprobes. The taxa are widely distributed in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. In this study, we collected three dead leaf specimens of Carex baccans and two submerged wood specimens in Yunnan Province, China. A biphasic approach of morphological examination and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses conducted for internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS), nuclear large subunit rDNA (28S), nuclear small subunit rDNA (18S), translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1) gene, and RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit (rpb2) revealed one new species Rutola kunmingensis and a new collection of Torula sundara. Rutola kunmingensis is characterized by black, powdery colonies, micronematous, creeping, reticular conidiophores bearing inconspicuous, monoblastic conidiogenous loci, and multi-septate, catenulate, verruculose, brown conidia. The conidiophores and conidia of each genus in Torulaceae are mapped onto the phylogenetic tree and the generic demarcations of this family are discussed and the significant divergence of ITS, 18S, 28S, rpb2, and tef1 sequences in Torulaceae is also discussed.
Comparative Shape of Two Recently Diverged Species of Pacific Rockfish: Sebastes ciliatus and S. variabilis
Authors: Smith Jonah , Sorensen Michael , Shiozawa Dennis K. , Belk Mark C.
Published: September 2024

Species delimitation can be based on the consideration of several different criteria, including the differentiation of ecological or functional traits. Two species of Pacific rockfish, the dark rockfish (Sebastes ciliatus) and the dusky rockfish (Sebastes variabilis), appear to represent recently divergent evolutionary lineages. We evaluate evidence for the differentiation of these two species in somatic shape using geometric morphometrics at two locations in the northeast Pacific where they occur in sympatry. The somatic shape was significantly different between species, but the species’ shape did not vary between the two locations. Sebastes ciliatus had an upturned and relatively smaller head, eye, and jaw, and an elongated midbody, whereas S. variabilis had a downturned and larger head, eye, and jaw, and a shorter midbody. These results suggest that S. ciliatus and S. variabilis are morphometrically differentiated in a similar way in both locations. The somatic shape differentiation between these two sympatric species is similar to genus-wide patterns of somatic shape differentiation.
Exploring the Relationship between Ecosystem Services and Sustainable Development Goals for Ecological Conservation: A Case Study in the Hehuang Valley of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Wei Hejie , Wang Ke , Ma Yu , Meng Qingxiang , Yang Yi , Liu Mengxue
Published: September 2024

With the increase in human activities and the acceleration of urbanization, over-exploitation of natural resources has led to a decline in ecosystem services (ESs), subsequently affecting the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). As the key ecological zone of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the stability and enhancement of ESs in the Hehuang Valley are crucial for achieving SDGs and biodiversity conservation. This study quantifies nine SDGs for the Hehuang Valley in the last twenty years. Four ecological models were utilized to compute key ESs: net primary productivity (NPP), water yield, soil retention, and sand fixation. Panel data were analyzed using a coupling coordination model to quantify the relationship between ESs and sustainable development level (SDL) in each county. Additionally, the Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model was employed to examine the correlation between ESs and SDL. The results indicate the following: (1) During the period, NPP and water yield first increased and then decreased. The capacity for soil retention and sand fixation showed an overall increase, highlighting substantial variability among counties in their ability to deliver these ESs. (2) The SDL of counties in the Hehuang Valley increased, with Xining City showing slightly higher SDL than other counties. (3) The overall coupling coordination degree among NPP, water yield, soil retention, sand fixation, and SDL in the Hehuang Valley exhibited an upward trend in the last twenty years. SDL demonstrated the highest coordination degree with NPP, followed by soil retention, water yield, and sand fixation. (4) Most counties in the Hehuang Valley exhibited a lag in SDL relative to NPP, water yield, and soil retention in the last twenty years. In the early stage, sand fixation and SDL were primarily lagging in SDL, while in the late stages, sand fixation lagged behind SDL. (5) During the period, there was an increasing negative correlation observed between the four ESs and SDL. The positive contribution of NPP and sand fixation in some counties gradually shifted to a negative effect, and the negative effect of water yield and soil retention on SDL intensified. The impact of human activities on ecosystem function hindered local SDL. This study offers scientific theoretical backing and practical recommendations for promoting SDL and biodiversity conservation in the Hehuang Valley.
A Molecular-Informed Species Inventory of the Order Ceramiales (Rhodophyta) in the Narragansett Bay Area (Rhode Island and Massachusetts), USA
Authors: Irvine Thomas , Wysor Brian , Beauvais Alicia
Published: September 2024

Narragansett Bay is an estuarine system in the western North Atlantic Ocean that harbors a diverse marine flora, providing structure, habitat, and food for native biodiversity. This area has been the center of numerous environmental, biological, ecological, and oceanographic studies; however, marine macroalgae have not been extensively examined using modern molecular methods. Here, we document the biodiversity of the red algal order Ceramiales based on DNA sequence comparisons of the 3′ end of the RuBisCo large subunit (rbcL-3P) and the universal plastid amplicon (UPA). Thirty-seven distinct species of this order were identified and validated with molecular data, including five new species reports and at least one new report of an introduced species, Antithamnionella spirographidis, in the vicinity of Narraganset Bay. Novel sequence data were generated for numerous species, and it was discovered that the UPA marker, which has been less frequently used in red algal floristics, revealed an identical inventory of ceramialean algae as the rbcL-3P marker. Thus, the shorter length of the UPA marker holds promise for DNA metabarcoding studies that seek to elucidate biodiversity across algal phyla.
The Role of Customs Policy in Maximizing the Benefits of Economic Blocs: The Case of Egypt
Authors: Barbary Mahmoud Magdy , Tawfiq Abdalla Ramadan
Published: September 2024

This study aims to examine the relationship between customs policy and the economic blocs of which Egypt is a member, with a focus on the theory of New Regionalism and modern trends in customs policies. Egypt joined numerous economic blocs following its accession to the world trade organization (WTO) in 1995, yet this membership has not yielded significant positive impacts on the performance of Egyptian exports or the trade balance. The study utilized panel data analysis of Egypt’s international trade from 2001 to 2023. The results indicate that, despite Egypt’s limited success in reaping the benefits of most economic blocs, largely due to the concentration of Egyptian exports in primary and agricultural products and the low tariff rates, factors such as customs clearance processes, tariff barriers, non-tariff barriers, regional trade agreements, and technology adoption still play a crucial role in influencing trade volume among member countries. The findings highlight the significance of effective customs procedures and the reduction of trade barriers in boosting trade volumes within regional trade agreements. The study proposes a strategy for Egypt’s customs policy to maximize benefits from economic blocs, focusing on four key areas: aligning customs policy planning with targeted export sectors to realize trade creation and trade diversion effects; fully implementing trade facilitation programs and liberalizing customs policy procedures; adopting a national strategy to stimulate high value-added export industries as a long-term solution; and adopting regional trade agreements that support cumulative origin as a short-term solution.
The Evolution of English Medium Instruction Research in Higher Education: A Bibliometric Study
Authors: Karabay Akmaral , Durrani Naureen
Published: September 2024

The expansion of English medium instruction (EMI) in higher education has generated significant scholarly interest, resulting in an increasing body of research across different contexts. This bibliometric study examines 1522 publications in the Scopus database to explore the intellectual, conceptual, and social structure of the EMI literature in higher education. Findings revealed substantial growth in publications and citations between 1974 and 2024, showing a notable increase in productivity after 2018. Most cited authors focus on EMI within their affiliated country, but some affiliated with British universities have made global contributions. The field exhibits global coverage, albeit with strong dominance by China, Spain, the UK, Australia, and Hong Kong, as well as limited representation from African nations, barring South Africa. EMI networks are primarily driven by authors’ current and past institutional affiliations as well as geographical proximity, with the UK, Spain, and China emerging as leaders in these networks. The most productive journals focus on multilingualism, bilingualism, language policy, teaching, and learning while also encompassing higher education and multidisciplinary areas. Key topics signal a shift towards translanguaging and classroom interaction. Under-researched areas include (post)colonialism and EMI implementation. These findings provide a comprehensive insight into the evolving landscape of EMI research and potential future directions.
Willingness of West African Consumers to Buy Food Produced Using Black Soldier Fly Larvae and Frass
Authors: Traore Ousmane , Zaato Paul Alhassan , Baidoo Jessica Kukua , Feleke Shiferaw , Manyong Victor , Abdoulaye Tahirou , Djouaka Rousseau , Schreinemachers Pepijn , Ba Malick Niango
Published: September 2024

The use of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae and frass in agriculture can make an important contribution to food and nutrition security. However, it is important to understand whether consumers are willing to consume food products resulting from the use of BSF larvae as animal feed or BSF frass as fertilizer. This study employed the stated preference approach as food products produced using BSF larvae and frass are not currently available on the market. Questionnaires were administered to a total of 4412 consumers in Ghana (1360), Mali (1603), and Niger (1449). The results show that the vast majority of respondents are willing to consume vegetables (88%) produced using BSF frass and meat (87%) produced using animal feed made of BSF larvae. A smaller percentage of respondents are even willing to pay USD 1.32 and USD 1.7 more if the base price of BSF-based products were USD 5 per kg. Age, gender, education, and country positively influenced the respondents’ willingness to consume food produced using BSF products. In contrast, neighborhood status, income, and household size are inversely related to the respondents’ willingness to pay for and consume these products. Our findings are, therefore, important to scaling up BSF technologies in the region.
Millet Bran Dietary Fibers Modified by Heating and Enzymolysis Combined with Carboxymethylation, Acetylation, or Crosslinking: Influences on Properties of Heat-Induced Egg White Protein Gel
Authors: Li Yan , Feng Chen , Wang Xueying , Zheng Yajun , Song Xinling , Wang Nan , Liu Danhong
Published: September 2024

Applications of millet bran dietary fiber (MBDF) in the food industry are limited by its poor hydration properties. Herein, MBDF was modified by heating, xylanase and cellulase treatment separately combined with carboxymethylation, acetylation, and phosphate crosslinking, and the effects of the modified MBDFs on heat-induced egg white protein gel (H-EWG) were studied. The results showed that three composite modifications, especially heating and dual enzymolysis combined with carboxymethylation, increased the surface area, soluble fiber content, and hydration properties of MBDF (p < 0.05). MBDF and the modified MBDFs all made the microstructure of H-EWG denser and decreased its α-helix content. Three composite modifications, especially heating and dual enzymolysis combined with carboxymethylation, enhanced the improving effect of MBDF on the WRA (from 24.89 to 35.53 g/g), pH, hardness (from 139.93 to 323.20 g), chewiness, and gumminess of H-EWPG, and enhanced the gastric stability at 3–5 g/100 g. MBDFs modified with heating and dual enzymolysis combined with acetylation or crosslinking were more effective in increasing the antioxidant activity of the gastrointestinal hydrolysates of H-EWG than MBDF (p < 0.05). Overall, heating, xylanase and cellulase treatment separately combined with carboxymethylation, acetylation and crosslinking can enhance the hydration properties and the improving effect of millet bran fibers on H-EWG properties.
A Variant-Centric Analysis of Allele Sharing in Dogs and Wolves
Authors: Funk Matthew W. , Kidd Jeffrey M.
Published: September 2024

Canines are an important model system for genetics and evolution. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have enabled the creation of large databases of genetic variation in canines, but analyses of allele sharing among canine groups have been limited. We applied GeoVar, an approach originally developed to study the sharing of single nucleotide polymorphisms across human populations, to assess the sharing of genetic variation among groups of wolves, village dogs, and breed dogs. Our analysis shows that wolves differ from each other at an average of approximately 2.3 million sites while dogs from the same breed differ at nearly 1 million sites. We found that 22% of the variants are common across wolves, village dogs, and breed dogs, that ~16% of variable sites are common across breed dogs, and that nearly half of the differences between two dogs of different breeds are due to sites that are common in all clades. These analyses represent a succinct summary of allele sharing across canines and illustrate the effects of canine history on the apportionment of genetic variation.
DTVF: A User-Friendly Tool for Virulence Factor Prediction Based on ProtT5 and Deep Transfer Learning Models
Authors: Sun Jiawei , Yin Hongbo , Ju Chenxiao , Wang Yongheng , Yang Zhiyuan
Published: September 2024

Virulencefactors (VFs) are key molecules that enable pathogens to evade the immune systems of the host. These factors are crucial for revealing the pathogenic processes of microbes and drug discovery. Identification of virulence factors in microbes become an important problem in the field of bioinformatics. To address this problem, this study proposes a novel model DTVF (Deep Transfer Learning for Virulence Factor Prediction), which integrates the ProtT5 protein sequence extraction model with a dual-channel deep learning model. In the dual-channel deep learning model, we innovatively integrate long short-term memory (LSTM) with convolutional neural networks (CNNs), creating a novel integrated architecture. Furthermore, by incorporating the attention mechanism, the accuracy of VF detection was significantly enhanced. We evaluated the DTVF model against other excellent-performing models in the field. DTVF demonstrates superior performance, achieving an accuracy rate of 84.55% and an AUROC of 92.08% on the benchmark dataset. DTVF shows state-of-the-art performance in this field, surpassing the existing models in nearly all metrics. To facilitate the use of biologists, we have also developed an interactive web-based user interface version of DTVF based on Gradio.
Redefining Hospital Excellence: Join the Conversation
Authors: Epelde Francisco
Published: September 2024

Welcome to Hospitals, a journal dedicated to exploring the essential pillars that drive the success and evolution of hospitals in today’s world [...]
Is the Current Systematic Subdivision of the Subfamily Neanurinae (Collembola, Neanuridae) Still Valid? Testing the Monophyly and Phylogenetic Relationships of Currently Established Tribes of the Neanurinae
Authors: Paśnik Grzegorz , Smolis Adrian
Published: September 2024

The subfamily Neanurinae is the largest in the family, with almost 800 described species. These springtails differ significantly from all other Collembola in their morphology, behaviour, and natural habitats. A systematic division of the Neanurinae into tribes was proposed more than 30 years ago by Cassagnau (1989), but it has not yet been tested using cladistic methods. Recent studies, both phylogenetic analyses of individual tribes or genera and descriptions of new taxa, suggest that the currently recognised tribes may not be monophyletic. The phylogenetic relationships among major lineages of the Neanurinae were explored by analysing a dataset of 101 discrete morphological characters. Bayesian and maximum parsimony analyses yielded similar tree topologies. The relationships among the Neanurinae were not resolved in any of the analyses, except for the support for the monophyly of the tribe Lobellini. The results indicate that the taxonomic characters used in the classification of Neanurinae are shared among members of the different tribes, which may have resulted in a classification with little phylogenetic basis. The article discusses the phylogenetic significance of morphological characters, including those recognised as key to the evolution and history of Neanurinae.
Foraging of Honeybees from Different Ecological Areas Determined through Melissopalynological Analysis and DNA Metabarcoding
Authors: Daugaliyeva Saule , Daugaliyeva Aida , Amirova Katira , Yelubayeva Akmeiir , Kapar Abylay , Abiti Aishat , Partipilo Thomas , Toktarov Nurlan , Peletto Simone
Published: September 2024

The environment significantly impacts the lives of bees and their feeding. This study aimed to investigate bee foraging using melissopalynological analysis and DNA metabarcoding in intensive farming, reserved, and urbanized areas. The highest alpha diversity was observed in the reserved and intensive farming areas. The urbanized area had less diversity. In the intensive farming area, Sinapis, Helianthus, and Fagopyrum predominated; in the reserved area, Melilotus, Helianthus, and Brassica predominated. In the urbanized area, garden plants, namely radish (Raphanus sativus) and cucumber (Cucumis hystrix), and agricultural plants, namely soybean (Glycine max) and melon (Cucumis melo), were often found. The most significant agreement was between the rbcL and the melissopalynological analysis. The ITS2 revealed equal matches with both rbcL and melissopalynology, but this marker missed or underestimated some genera. Trifolium pretense and Brassica nigra were identified simultaneously by the melissopalinology method and two genetic markers in DNA metabarcoding. The species Convolvulus arvensis, Melilotus officinalis, Echium vulgare, Brassica rapa, Helianthus divaricatus, and Onobrychis viciifolia were found in all ecological areas. Imperfect databases impose some limits in the identification of some taxa using metabarcoding. The further research and expansion of plant databases is needed. Studying the food preferences of bees in different environmental conditions and landscapes is necessary to develop measures to preserve their populations.
Contextual Hospital Conditions and the Risk of Nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Matched Case-Control Study with Density Sampling in a Large Portuguese Hospital
Authors: Almeida Francisco , Correia Sofia , Leal Cátia , Guedes Mariana , Duro Raquel , Andrade Paulo , Pedrosa Afonso , Rocha-Pereira Nuno , Lima-Alves Carlos , Azevedo Ana
Published: September 2024

Objective: Knowledge of the role of hospital conditions in SARS-CoV-2 transmission should inform strategies for the prevention of nosocomial spread of this pathogen and of similarly transmitted viruses. This study aimed to identify risk factors for nosocomial acquisition of SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We ran a nested case-control study with incidence density sampling among adult patients hospitalized for >7 days (August–December 2020). Patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 after the 7th day of hospitalization were defined as cases and matched with controls (1:4) by date of admission, hospitalization duration until index date, and type of department. Individual and contextual characteristics were gathered, including admission characteristics and exposures during the risk period. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) with respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) separately for probable (diagnosed on day 8–13) and definitive (diagnosed after day 14) nosocomial sets. Results: We identified 65 cases (31 probable; 34 definitive) and 219 controls. No individual characteristic was related to nosocomial acquisition of SARS-CoV-2. Contextual risk factors for nosocomial acquisition were staying in a non-refurbished room (probable nosocomial: OR = 3.6, 1.18–10.87), contact with roommates with newly diagnosed SARS-CoV-2 (probable nosocomial: OR = 9.9, 2.11–46.55; definitive nosocomial: OR = 3.4, 1.09–10.30), and contact with roommates with a first positive test 21–90 days before the beginning of contact (probable nosocomial: OR = 10.7, 1.97–57.7). Conclusions: Hospital conditions and contact with recently infected patients modulated nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission. These results alert us to the importance of the physical context and of agile screening procedures to shorten contact with patients with recent infection.
Prevalence and Influence of Genetic Variants on Follow-Up Results in Patients Surviving Thoracic Aortic Therapy
Authors: Ghazy Tamer , Elzanaty Nesma , Lackner Helmut , Irqsusi Marc , Rastan Ardawan , Behrendt Christian-Alexander , Mahlmann Adrian
Published: September 2024

Background/Objective: To investigate the prevalence and effects of genetic variants (GVs) in survivors of thoracic aortic dissection/aneurysm repair. Methods: Patients aged 18–80 years who survived follow-up after cardiosurgical or endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection at a single tertiary center between 2008 and 2019 and underwent genetic testing were enrolled. The exclusion criteria were age >60 years, no offspring, and inflammatory- or trauma-related pathogenesis. Follow-up entailed computed tomography-angiography at 3 and 9 months and annually thereafter. All patients underwent genetic analyses of nine genes using next-generation sequencing. In cases of specific suspicion, the analysis was expanded to include 32 genes. Results: The study included 95 patients. The follow-up period was 3 ± 2.5 years. GVs were detected in 40% of patients. Correlation analysis according to primary diagnosis showed no significant correlation in disease persistence, progression, or in reintervention rates in aneurysm patients and a correlation of disease persistence with genetic variants according to variant class in dissection patients (p = 0.037). Correlation analysis according to follow-up CD finding revealed that patients with detected dissection, irrespective of original pathology, showed a strong correlation with genetic variants regarding disease progression and reintervention rates (p = 0.012 and p = 0.047, respectively). Conclusions: The prevalence of VUS is high in patients with aortic pathology. In patients with dissected aorta in the follow-up, irrespective of original pathology, genetic variants correlate with higher reintervention rates, warranting extended-spectrum genetic testing. The role of VUS may be greater than is currently known.
Population Analysis of Masseter Muscle Tension Using Shear Wave Ultrasonography across Different Disease States
Authors: Obuchowicz Rafal , Obuchowicz Barbara , Nurzynska Karolina , Urbanik Andrzej , Pihut Malgorzata
Published: September 2024

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the distribution and trends of masseter muscle tension in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, examining gender-specific differences and the impact of various TMJ disorders. Methods: From January 2020 to June 2024, a total of 734 patients presenting with facial pain radiating to the head and neck, localized around and extending from the TMJ, were referred for ultrasonographic examination. After applying exclusion criteria, 535 patients (72.9%) were included in the study. The patient cohort consisted of 343 females (64.1%) and 192 males (35.9%), with muscle tension measured using the Aixplorer ultrasound system equipped with a shear wave device. Data were collected and analyzed across different age groups and TMJ conditions, including “no changes”, “exudate”, “arthrosis”, and “disc displacement”. Results: The study found that males exhibited higher muscle tension across all conditions, particularly in the “no changes” (40.4 kPa vs. 32.1 kPa, 25.9% higher) and “exudate” (38.5 kPa vs. 29.7 kPa, 29.6% higher) categories, indicating increased muscle strain and inflammation during middle age. In females, a trend of decreasing muscle tension with age was observed, with a significant reduction from 36.2 kPa in the 20–30 age group to 24.3 kPa in the 60–70 age group (32.9% reduction), suggesting a reduction in muscle mass or strength due to aging. Both genders showed high muscle tension in the presence of exudate, with females peaking in the 40–50 age group at 37.1 kPa and males peaking earlier in the 20–30 age group at 41.2 kPa (10.9% higher in males), highlighting potential gender differences in inflammatory response. In the arthrosis group, males displayed a consistent increase in muscle tension with age, peaking at 37.5 kPa in the 50–60 age group (50.7% increase from the 20–30 age group), while females showed high tension, particularly in the 40–50 age group at 31.0 kPa (82.4% higher compared to the 20–30 age group), indicating the need for targeted joint health interventions in middle-aged women. Conclusions: This study reveals significant gender-specific differences in masseter muscle tension among patients with TMJ pain. Males were found to be more affected by muscle strain and inflammation during middle age, whereas females showed a significant decrease in muscle tension with age. The presence of exudate significantly impacted muscle tension across all age groups for both genders. These findings underscore the importance of tailored clinical interventions and preventive strategies to manage TMJ disorders effectively.
Impact of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Perfusion Dynamics in Free Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flaps
Authors: Moellhoff Nicholas , Demmer Wolfram , Pistek Svenja , Wachtel Nikolaus , Bodenschatz Karl , Lui Lulin , Alfertshofer Michael , Frank Konstantin , Giunta Riccardo E. , Ehrl Denis
Published: September 2024

Background: Free muscle flaps can develop significant postoperative edema and wound exudation, thereby increasing interstitial pressure and potentially compromising microcirculation. While concerns exist regarding negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to compress free flaps and hinder monitoring, recent studies have indicated a reduction in edema and an increase in blood flow. Objective: To compare microcirculation in free latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) flaps dressed with and without NPWT. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed prospectively collected data of patients who received free LDM flap reconstruction. Patients were separated into two groups according to management with or without NPWT. Microcirculation was evaluated continuously for up to 72 h utilizing laser doppler flowmetry and tissue spectrometry. Results: In total, n = 61 patients (26 females, 35 males) with an average age of 56.90 (17.4) years were included. NPWT was applied in 12 patients, while a regular cotton dressing was used in 49 patients. Overall, no significant differences in the number of minor and major complications were observed between groups. Both groups showed an increase in microvascular flow over the investigated time period. The flow showed higher absolute values in the NPWT group, reaching statistical significance at 12 h post-anastomosis, p = 0.038. There was a tendency for lower rHb values in the NPWT group, without reaching statistical significance. Conclusions: The presented study confirms the increase in microvascular flow after NPWT application. Whilst ensuring continuous free flap monitoring utilizing laser doppler flowmetry and spectrometry, the data further support the safety of NPWT application without risking vascular compromise due to external compression.
Maternal and Fetal Outcomes of COVID-19 According to the Trimester of Diagnosis: A Cross-Sectional Prospective Study in a Tertiary University Hospital
Authors: Al-Husban Naser , Di’bas Rahaf Mohammad , Karadsheh Sara Salem , Alananzeh Lara Ali , Aolymat Iman , Kilani Asma , Obeidat Ala’eddien , Alhusban Alhareth Eid , Al-Husban Hedaieh
Published: September 2024

Objectives: Pregnant women are considered a high-risk group because they may be particularly susceptible to COVID-19. Our study tried to relate fetomaternal outcomes and trimester-specific infection. Methods: A prospective study on 224 pregnant women with confirmed antenatal infections at a tertiary hospital. Data from the antenatal clinic records, admission files, labor ward and neonatal notes, lab results, respiratory consultations, and ICU admission were analyzed using Jamovi 2.2.5, with p < 0.05 indicating significance. Results: A total of 224 patients were included—10, 32, and 182 patients were diagnosed in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. Neonatal NICU admissions were significantly higher among those with infections in the third trimester compared to those in the first trimester (p = 0.008). Significant differences in Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min emerged between the second and third trimesters (p = 0.014 and p = 0.037, respectively). However, no significant differences were observed in Apgar scores between the first and second trimesters (p = 0.341, p = 0.108) or the first and third trimesters (p = 0.545, p = 0.755). Complications of pregnancy, including maternal mortality and various conditions (respiratory, obstetrical, sepsis, DIC), neonatal outcomes, ICU admission, and cesarean section indications, showed no significant differences related to the trimester of infection (p-values: 0.989, 0.892). Study limitations include sample size impacting generalization, higher COVID-19 cases in the third trimester than other trimesters, and potential historical data availability and accuracy issues. Conclusions: In the third trimester, COVID-19 caused more neonatal ICU admissions than the first trimester, with lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min compared to the second trimester, indicating an increasing susceptibility and vulnerability to COVID-19 infection with an increasing pregnancy age. Other fetal and maternal outcomes showed no significant differences in infection timing.
Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (MAPSE): A Review of a Simple and Forgotten Parameter for Assessing Left Ventricle Function
Authors: Cirin Liviu , Crișan Simina , Luca Constantin-Tudor , Buzaș Roxana , Lighezan Daniel Florin , Văcărescu Cristina , Cozgarea Andreea , Tudoran Cristina , Cozma Dragoș
Published: September 2024

Mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) was a widely used and simple M-mode echocardiographic parameter for determining the left ventricle (LV) longitudinal systolic function. The purpose of this review is to analyze the use of MAPSE as a simple LV systolic function marker in different clinical scenarios, especially given the recent paradox of choices in ultrasound markers assessing cardiac performance. Recent data on the use of MAPSE in the assessment of LV function in different settings seem to be relatively scarce, given the wide variety of possible causes of cardiovascular pathology. There remain significant possible clinical applications of MAPSE utilization. This review included all major articles on the topic of mitral annular plane systolic excursion published and indexed in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. We analyzed the potential implications of using simpler ultrasonographical tools in heart failure diagnosis, prediction, and treatment. MAPSE is a dependable, robust, and easy-to-use parameter compared to ejection fraction (EF) or global longitudinal strain (GLS) for the quick assessment of LV systolic function in various clinical settings. However, there may be a gap of evidence in certain scenarios such as conventional cardiac pacing.
Investigating the Influence of Fiber Content and Geometry on the Flexural Response of Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites
Authors: Bzeni Dillshad Khidhir
Published: September 2024

This study investigates fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs), concentrating on the geometric features of soft micro- and macro-fibers with a lower elastic modulus and higher aspect ratios than steel fibers. There is no literature predicting the ratio of ultimate flexural strength to the initial cracking strength of FRCC. The composites were made using a cement-to-sand ratio of 1:2.5, with 20% fly ash as a partial substitution and two water-to-binder ratios (0.55 and 0.60). Carbon, polypropylene, and natural sisal fibers were added at quantities ranging from 0.4% to 2.27%, with aspect ratios ranging from 71 to 3750. Flexural strength was determined using 75 × 75 × 380 mm3 prisms, whereas compressive strength was evaluated using 50 mm cubes. Load–deflection curves were created to investigate fracture behavior. The post-cracking behavior was determined using the matrix compressive strength, fiber type, amount, and aspect ratio. Regression analysis of data from this work and previous publications yielded an equation for predicting the ratio of the modulus of rupture (MOR) to the initial fracture strength. After cracking, carbon-fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (CFRCCs) were fragile, but their flexural strength was two to three times higher than that of control specimens. This was because the increased fiber volume and aspect ratio made the materials stronger and better at handling load and deflection.
Attenuation Capacity of a Multi-Cylindrical Floating Breakwater
Authors: Martinelli Luca , Mohamad Omar , Volpato Matteo , Eskilsson Claes , Aufiero Manuele
Published: September 2024

Floating breakwaters (FBs) are frequently used to protect marinas, fisheries, or other bodies of water subject to wave attacks of moderate intensity. New forms of FBs are frequently introduced and investigated in the literature as a consequence of technological advancements. In particular, a new possibility is offered by High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) by extruding pipes of large diameters (e.g., 2.5 m in diameter) and with virtually no limit in length (hundreds of meters). By connecting two or three such pipes in a vertical layout, a novel low-cost floating breakwater with deep draft is devised. This note investigates numerically and experimentally the efficiency of this type of multi-cylindrical FBs in evaluating different geometries and aims at finding design guidelines. Due to the extraordinary length of the breakwater, the investigation is carried out in two dimensions. The 2D numerical model is based on the solution of the rigid body motion in the frequency domain, where the hydrodynamic forces are evaluated (thanks to a linear potential flow model), and the mooring forces do not include dynamic effects nor drag on the lines. The numerical predictions are compared to the results of a 1:10 scale experimental investigation. An atypical shape of the wave transmission (kt) curve is found, with a very low minimum in correspondence with the heave resonance frequency. The results essentially point out the influence of the position of the gravity center, the stiffness, and the mutual distance among cylinders on kt.