bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lansoprazole Increases Inorganic Pyrophosphate in Patients with Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Murcia Casas Belén , Carrillo Linares Juan Luis , Baquero Aranda Isabel , Rioja Villodres José , Merino Bohórquez Vicente , González Jiménez Andrés , Rico Corral Miguel Ángel , Bosch Ricardo , Sánchez Chaparro Miguel Ángel , García Fernández María , Valdivielso Pedro
Published: March 2023

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is characterized by low levels of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) and a high activity of tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP). Lansoprazole is a partial inhibitor of TNAP. The aim was to investigate whether lansoprazole increases plasma PPi levels in subjects with PXE. We conducted a 2 × 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial in patients with PXE. Patients were allocated 30 mg/day of lansoprazole or a placebo in two sequences of 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the differences in plasma PPi levels between the placebo and lansoprazole phases. 29 patients were included in the study. There were eight drop-outs due to the pandemic lockdown after the first visit and one due to gastric intolerance, so twenty patients completed the trial. A generalized linear mixed model was used to evaluate the effect of lansoprazole. Overall, lansoprazole increased plasma PPi levels from 0.34 ± 0.10 µM to 0.41 ± 0.16 µM (p = 0.0302), with no statistically significant changes in TNAP activity. There were no important adverse events. 30 mg/day of lansoprazole was able to significantly increase plasma PPi in patients with PXE; despite this, the study should be replicated with a large number of participants in a multicenter trial, with a clinical end point as the primary outcome.
Direct Oral FXa Inhibitors Binding to Human Serum Albumin: Spectroscopic, Calorimetric, and Computational Studies
Authors: Mariño-Ocampo Nory , Rodríguez Diego F. , Guerra Díaz Daniel , Zúñiga-Núñez Daniel , Duarte Yorley , Fuentealba Denis , Zacconi Flavia C.
Published: March 2023

Direct FXa inhibitors are an important class of bioactive molecules (rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, and betrixaban) applied for thromboprophylaxis in diverse cardiovascular pathologies. The interaction of active compounds with human serum albumin (HSA), the most abundant protein in blood plasma, is a key research area and provides crucial information about drugs’ pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic properties. This research focuses on the study of the interactions between HSA and four commercially available direct oral FXa inhibitors, applying methodologies including steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and molecular dynamics. The HSA complexation of FXa inhibitors was found to occur via static quenching, and the complex formation in the ground states affects the fluorescence of HSA, with a moderate binding constant of 104 M−1. However, the ITC studies reported significantly different binding constants (103 M−1) compared with the results obtained through spectrophotometric methods. The suspected binding mode is supported by molecular dynamics simulations, where the predominant interactions were hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions (mainly π–π stacking interactions between the phenyl ring of FXa inhibitors and the indole moiety of Trp214). Finally, the possible implications of the obtained results regarding pathologies such as hypoalbuminemia are briefly discussed.
Psoriatic Arthritis: Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapies
Authors: Azuaga Ana Belén , Ramírez Julio , Cañete Juan D.
Published: March 2023

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory immune-mediated disease characterized by musculoskeletal inflammation (arthritis, enthesitis, spondylitis, and dactylitis), generally occurs in patients with psoriasis. PsA is also associated with uveitis and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis). To capture these manifestations as well as the associated comorbidities, and to recognize their underlining common pathogenesis, the name of psoriatic disease was coined. The pathogenesis of PsA is complex and multifaceted, with an interplay of genetic predisposition, triggering environmental factors, and activation of the innate and adaptive immune system, although autoinflammation has also been implicated. Research has identified several immune-inflammatory pathways defined by cytokines (IL-23/IL-17, TNF), leading to the development of efficacious therapeutic targets. However, heterogeneous responses to these drugs occur in different patients and in the different tissues involved, resulting in a challenge to the global management of the disease. Therefore, more translational research is necessary in order to identify new targets and improve current disease outcomes. Hopefully, this may become a reality through the integration of different omics technologies that allow better understanding of the relevant cellular and molecular players of the different tissues and manifestations of the disease. In this narrative review, we aim to provide an updated overview of the pathophysiology, including the latest findings from multiomics studies, and to describe current targeted therapies.
Characterization of the Seed Biopriming, Plant Growth-Promoting and Salinity-Ameliorating Potential of Halophilic Fungi Isolated from Hypersaline Habitats
Authors: Aizaz Muhammad , Ahmad Waqar , Asaf Sajjad , Khan Ibrahim , Saad Jan Syed , Salim Alamri Safiya , Bilal Saqib , Jan Rahmatullah , Kim Kyung-Min , Al-Harrasi Ahmed
Published: March 2023

Salinity stress is one of the major abiotic factors limiting crop yield in arid and semi-arid regions. Plant growth-promoting fungi can help plants thrive in stressful conditions. In this study, we isolated and characterized 26 halophilic fungi (endophytic, rhizospheric, and soil) from the coastal region of Muscat, Oman, for plant growth-promoting activities. About 16 out of 26 fungi were found to produce IAA, and about 11 isolates (MGRF1, MGRF2, GREF1, GREF2, TQRF4, TQRF5, TQRF5, TQRF6, TQRF7, TQRF8, TQRF2) out of 26 strains were found to significantly improve seed germination and seedling growth of wheat. To evaluate the effect of the above-selected strains on salt tolerance in wheat, we grew wheat seedlings in 150 mM, 300 mM NaCl and SW (100% seawater) treatments and inoculated them with the above strains. Our findings showed that fungal strains MGRF1, MGRF2, GREF2, and TQRF9 alleviate 150 mM salt stress and increase shoot length compared to their respective control plants. However, in 300 mM stressed plants, GREF1 and TQRF9 were observed to improve shoot length. Two strains, GREF2 and TQRF8, also promoted plant growth and reduced salt stress in SW-treated plants. Like shoot length, an analogous pattern was observed in root length, and different salt stressors such as 150 mM, 300 mM, and SW reduced root length by up to 4%, 7.5%, and 19.5%, respectively. Three strains, GREF1, TQRF7, and MGRF1, had higher catalase (CAT) levels, and similar results were observed in polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and GREF1 inoculation dramatically raised the PPO level in 150 mM salt stress. The fungal strains had varying effects, with some, such as GREF1, GREF2, and TQRF9, showing a significant increase in protein content as compared to their respective control plants. Under salinity stress, the expression of DREB2 and DREB6 genes was reduced. However, the WDREB2 gene, on the other hand, was shown to be highly elevated during salt stress conditions, whereas the opposite was observed in inoculated plants.
Regulation of MAPK Signaling Pathways by the Large HERC Ubiquitin Ligases
Authors: Sala-Gaston Joan , Costa-Sastre Laura , Pedrazza Leonardo , Martinez-Martinez Arturo , Ventura Francesc , Rosa Jose Luis
Published: March 2023

Protein ubiquitylation acts as a complex cell signaling mechanism since the formation of different mono- and polyubiquitin chains determines the substrate’s fate in the cell. E3 ligases define the specificity of this reaction by catalyzing the attachment of ubiquitin to the substrate protein. Thus, they represent an important regulatory component of this process. Large HERC ubiquitin ligases belong to the HECT E3 protein family and comprise HERC1 and HERC2 proteins. The physiological relevance of the Large HERCs is illustrated by their involvement in different pathologies, with a notable implication in cancer and neurological diseases. Understanding how cell signaling is altered in these different pathologies is important for uncovering novel therapeutic targets. To this end, this review summarizes the recent advances in how the Large HERCs regulate the MAPK signaling pathways. In addition, we emphasize the potential therapeutic strategies that could be followed to ameliorate the alterations in MAPK signaling caused by Large HERC deficiencies, focusing on the use of specific inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimeras.
Prediction Machine Learning Models on Propensity Convicts to Criminal Recidivism
Authors: Kovalchuk Olha , Karpinski Mikolaj , Banakh Serhiy , Kasianchuk Mykhailo , Shevchuk Ruslan , Zagorodna Nataliya
Published: March 2023

Increasing internal state security requires an understanding of the factors that influence the commission of repetitive crimes (recidivism) since the crime is not caused by public danger but by the criminal person. Against the background of informatization of the information activities of law enforcement agencies, there is no doubt about the expediency of using artificial intelligence algorithms and blockchain technology to predict and prevent crimes. The prediction machine-learning models for identifying significant factors (individual characteristics of convicts), which affect the propensity to commit criminal recidivism, were applied in this article. For predicting the probability of propensity for criminal recidivism of customers of Ukrainian penitentiary institutions, a Decision Tree model was built to suggest the probability of repeated criminal offenses by convicts. It was established that the number of convictions to the actual punishment and suspended convictions is the main factors that determine the propensity of customers of penitentiary institutions to commit criminal recidivism in the future. Decision Tree models for the classification of convicts prone or not prone to recidivism were built. They can be used to predict new cases for decision-making support in criminal justice. In our further research, the possibility of using the technology of distributed registers/blockchain in predictive criminology will be analyzed.
A Modular Architecture of Command-and-Control Software in Multi-Sensor Systems Devoted to Public Security
Authors: Villani Maria Luisa , De Nicola Antonio , Bouma Henri , van Rooijen Arthur , Räsänen Pauli , Peltola Johannes , Toivonen Sirra , Guarneri Massimiliano , Stifini Cristiano , De Dominicis Luigi
Published: March 2023

Preventing terrorist attacks at soft targets has become a priority for our society. The realization of sensor systems for automatic threat detection in crowded spaces, such as airports and metro stations, is challenged by the limited sensing coverage capability of the devices in place due to the variety of dangerous materials, to the scanning rate of the devices, and to the detection area covered. In this context, effectiveness of the physical configuration of the system based on the detectors used, the coordination of the sensor data collection, and the real time data analysis for threat identification and localization to enable timely reactions by the security guards are essential requirements for such integrated sensor-based applications. This paper describes a modular distributed architecture of a command-and-control software, which is independent from the specific detectors and where sensor data fusion is supported by two intelligent video systems. Furthermore, the system installation can be replicated at different locations of a public space. Person tracking and later re-identification in a separate area, and tracking hand-over between different video components, provide the command-and-control with localization information of threats to timely activate alarm management and support the activity of subsequent detectors. The architecture has been implemented for the NATO-funded DEXTER program and has been successfully tested in a big city trial at a metro station in Rome both when integrated with two real detectors of weapons and explosives and as a stand-alone system. The discussion focuses on the software functions of the command-and-control and on the flexibility and re-use of the system in wider settings.
Temperature-Dependent Life Table Parameters of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in the United States
Authors: Mermer Serhan , Maslen Erika A. , Dalton Daniel T. , Nielsen Anne L. , Rucker Ann , Lowenstein David , Wiman Nik , Bhattarai Mukesh , Soohoo-Hui Alexander , Harris Edwin T. , Pfab Ferdinand , Walton Vaughn M.
Published: March 2023

Brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a generalist pest that causes serious injury to a variety of crops around the world. After the first detection in the USA, H. halys became a serious threat to growers resulting in significant crop damage. Understanding the effect of temperature on H. halys development will help to achieve successful control by predicting the phenological timing of the pest. Here, life table parameters (survival, development, reproduction, and daily mortality) of H. halys were evaluated for New Jersey and Oregon populations in the US. Parameters were determined from field-collected and laboratory-reared individuals. The results indicated that New Jersey populations had higher levels of egg-laying than Oregon populations and exhibited higher and earlier fecundity peaks. Survival levels were similar between populations. Linear and nonlinear fit were used to estimate the minimum (14.3 °C), optimal (27.8 °C), and maximum (35.9 °C) temperatures where development of H. halys can take place. An age-specific fecundity peak (Mx = 36.63) was recorded at 936 degree days for New Jersey populations, while maximum fecundity (Mx = 11.85) occurred at 1145 degree days in Oregon. No oviposition was recorded at the lowest (15 °C) or highest (35 °C) trialed temperatures. Developmental periods increased at temperatures above 30 °C, indicating that such higher temperatures are suboptimal for H. halys development. Altogether the most optimal temperatures for population increase (rm) ranged from 25 to 30 °C. Survival rates of H. halys at suboptimal low temperatures of 8 °C (i.e., 61%) is comparable to previous reports. The present paper provides additional data and context from a range of experimental conditions and populations. Such temperature-related H. halys life table parameters can be used to provide determine the risk to susceptible crops.
Ecological Factors Associated with the Distribution of Bemisia tabaci Cryptic Species and Their Facultative Endosymbionts
Authors: Li Hongran , Jiang Zhihui , Zhou Jincheng , Liu Xin , Zhang Youjun , Chu Dong
Published: March 2023

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci species complex, comprises at least 44 morphologically indistinguishable cryptic species, whose endosymbiont infection patterns often varied at the spatial and temporal dimension. However, the effects of ecological factors (e.g., climatic or geographical factors) on the distribution of whitefly and the infection frequencies of their endosymbionts have not been fully elucidated. We, here, analyzed the associations between ecological factors and the distribution of whitefly and their three facultative endosymbionts (Candidatus Cardinium hertigii, Candidatus Hamiltonella defensa, and Rickettsia sp.) by screening 665 individuals collected from 29 geographical localities across China. The study identified eight B. tabaci species via mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene sequence alignment: two invasive species, MED (66.9%) and MEAM1 (12.2%), and six native cryptic species (20.9%), which differed in distribution patterns, ecological niches, and high suitability areas. The infection frequencies of the three endosymbionts in different cryptic species were distinct and multiple infections were relatively common in B. tabaci MED populations. Furthermore, the annual mean temperature positively affected Cardinium sp. and Rickettsia sp. infection frequencies in B. tabaci MED but negatively affected the quantitative distribution of B. tabaci MED, which indicates that Cardinium sp. and Rickettsia sp. maybe play a crucial role in the thermotolerance of B. tabaci MED, although the host whitefly per se exhibits no resistance to high temperature. Our findings revealed the complex effects of ecological factors on the expansion of the invasive whitefly.
Trans-Scleral Plugs Fixated FIL SSF IOL: A Review of the Literature and Comparison with Other Secondary IOL Implants
Authors: Raimondi Raffaele , Sorrentino Tania , Kilian Raphael , Verma Yash , De Rosa Francesco Paolo , Cancian Giuseppe , Tsoutsanis Panos , Fossati Giovanni , Allegrini Davide , Romano Mario R.
Published: March 2023

Purpose. To revise the current literature on FIL SSF (Carlevale) intraocular lens, previously known as Carlevale lens, and to compare their outcomes with those from other secondary IOL implants. Methods. We performed a peer review of the literature regarding FIL SSF IOLs until April 2021 and analyzed the results only of articles with a minimum of 25 cases and a follow-up of at least 6 months. The searches yielded 36 citations, 11 of which were abstracts of meeting presentations that were not included in the analysis because of their limited data. The authors reviewed 25 abstracts and selected six articles of possible clinical relevance to review in full text. Of these, four were considered to be sufficiently clinically relevant. Particularly, we extrapolated data regarding the pre- and postoperative best corrected visual acuities (BCVA) and the complications related to the procedure. The complication rates were then compared with those from a recently published Ophthalmic Technology Assessment by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) on secondary IOL implants. Results. Four studies with a total of 333 cases were included for results analysis. The BCVA improved in all cases after surgery, as expected. Cystoid macular edema (CME) and increased intraocular pressure were the most common complications, with an incidence of up to 7.4% and 16.5%, respectively. Other IOL types from the AAO report included anterior chamber IOLs, iris fixation IOLs, sutured iris fixation IOLs, sutured scleral fixation IOLs, and sutureless scleral fixation IOLs. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of postoperative CME (p = 0.20), and vitreous hemorrhage (p = 0.89) between other secondary implants and the FIL SSF IOL, whereas the rate of retinal detachment was significantly less with FIL SSF IOLs (p = 0.04). Conclusion. The results of our study suggest the implantation of FIL SSF IOLs is an effective and safe surgical strategy in cases where there is a lack of capsular support. In fact, their outcomes seem to be comparable to those obtained with the other available secondary IOL implants. According to published literature, the FIL SSF (Carlevale) IOL provides favorable functional results with a low rate of postoperative complications.
The First Pulmonary Hypertension Registry in the United Arab Emirates (UAEPH): Clinical Characteristics, Hemodynamic Parameters with Focus on Treatment and Outcomes for Patients with Group 1-PH
Authors: Saleh Khaled , Khan Naureen , Dougherty Kelly , Bodi Govinda , Michalickova Miriam , Mohammed Samiuddin , Kerenidi Theodora , Sadik Ziad , Mallat Jihad , Farha Samar , Sabbour Hani
Published: March 2023

Background: The aim of this study is to present the first United Arab Emirates pulmonary hypertension registry of patients’ clinical characteristics, hemodynamic parameters and treatment outcomes. Method: This is a retrospective study describing all the adult patients who underwent a right heart catheterization for evaluation of pulmonary hypertension (PH) between January 2015 and December 2021 in a tertiary referral center in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Results: A total of 164 consecutive patients were diagnosed with PH during the five years of the study. Eighty-three patients (50.6%) were World Symposium PH Group 1-PH; nineteen patients (11.6%) were Group 2-PH due to left heart disease; twenty-three patients (14.0%) were Group 3-PH due to chronic lung disease; thirty-four patients (20.7%) were Group 4-PH due to chronic thromboembolic lung disease, and five patients (3.0%) were Group 5-PH. Among Group 1-PH, twenty-five (30%) had idiopathic, twenty-seven (33%) had connective tissue disease, twenty-six (31%) had congenital heart disease, and five patients (6%) had porto-pulmonary hypertension. The median follow-up was 55.6 months. Most of the patients were started on dual then sequentially escalated to triple combination therapy. The 1-, 3- and 5-year cumulative probabilities of survival for Group 1-PH were 86% (95% CI, 75–92%), 69% (95% CI, 54–80%) and 69% (95% CI, 54–80%). Conclusions: This is the first registry of Group 1-PH from a single tertiary referral center in the UAE. Our cohort was younger with a higher percentage of patients with congenital heart disease compared to cohorts from Western countries but similar to registries from other Asian countries. Mortality is comparable to other major registries. Adopting the new guideline recommendations and improving the availability and adherence to medications are likely to play a significant role in improving outcomes in the future.
A Review of Parental Vaccine Hesitancy for Human Papillomavirus in Japan
Authors: Lelliott Madoka , Sahker Ethan , Poudyal Hemant
Published: March 2023

Globally, Japan has the lowest rate of vaccine confidence. The persistent parental vaccine hesitancy has been attributed to safety and efficacy concerns and is primarily driven by the negative experience with human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. This literature review aimed to identify factors associated with HPV vaccine uptake and potential strategies to reduce vaccine hesitancy among Japanese parents. Articles published in English or Japanese between January 1998 and October 2022 that examined Japanese parental factors for HPV vaccine uptake were identified from PubMed, Web of Science, and Ichushi-Web. In total, 17 articles met the inclusion criteria. Four key themes which affected HPV vaccine hesitancy and acceptance were identified: perceptions of risk and benefits, trust and recommendation, information and knowledge, and sociodemographic characteristics. While governmental and healthcare provider recommendations are important factors, efforts to improve parental confidence in the HPV vaccine are required. Future interventions to counteract HPV vaccine hesitancy should actively disseminate information on vaccine safety and effectiveness, along with information on the severity and susceptibility of HPV infection.
Method for Identifying Materials and Sizes of Particles Based on Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Xingming , Cao Yewen , Xue Bingsen , Hua Geyang , Zhang Hongpeng
Published: March 2023

Ships are equipped with power plants and operational assistance devices, both of which need oil for lubrication or energy transfer. Oil carries a large number of metal particles. By identifying the materials and sizes of metal particles in oil, the position and type of wear can be fully understood. However, existing online oil-detection methods make it difficult to identify the materials and the sizes of metal particles simultaneously and continuously. In this paper, we proposed a method for identifying the materials and the sizes of particles based on neural network. Firstly, a tree network model was designed. Then, each sub-network was trained in stages. Finally, the identification performance of several key groups of different frequencies and frequency combinations was tested. The experimental results showed that the method was effective. The accuracies of material and size identification reached 98% and 95% in the pre-training stage, and both had strong robustness.
The Relationship between Lower Extremity Functional Performance and Balance after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Results of Patients Treated with the Modified All-Inside Technique
Authors: Güzel Nizamettin , Genç Ahmet Serhat , Yılmaz Ali Kerim , Kehribar Lokman
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are common injuries, and ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is among the most common surgical procedures in sports surgery. Our research aims to compare the 6-month post-operative results of the modified all-inside (MAI) ACLR technique, single leg hop tests (SLHT), and Y balance tests applied in different directions on the operated and non-operated sides. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort of 22 male recreational athletes who underwent MAI ACLR techniques performed by the same surgeon were evaluated. The functional knee strengths of the participants on the operated and non-operated sides were evaluated with five different tests of SLHTs: single hop for distance (SH), triple hop for distance (TH), crossover triple hop for distance (CH), medial side triple hop for distance (MSTH), and medial rotation (90°) with hop for distance (MRH). Their dynamic balance was evaluated with the Y balance Test. Results: Compared to pre-operative levels, there was a significant improvement in the mean Lysholm, Tegner, and IKDC scores during the post-operative period (p < 0.05). There was a difference between SH, THD, CHD, MSTH, and MRH on the operated and non-operative sides (p < 0.05). There was no difference between Y balance scores on the operated and non-operative sides, and there were no differences between LSI scores resulting from SLHTs (p > 0.05). There were no significant relationships between YBT (composite scores) and SH, TH, CH, MSTH, and MRH distances in the healthy leg (p > 0.05), but a significant correlation with only CH in the ACL leg (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our research shows that sixth-month post-operative SLHT findings were lower on the ACL side compared to the healthy side in patients tested with the MAI ACLR technique. However, when these scores are evaluated in terms of balance, it can be seen that both sides reveal similar findings. The similarity of LSIs in SLHTs applied in different directions, and balance scores of ACL and healthy sides revealed that the MAI technique is also an ACLR technique that can be used in athletes from a functional point of view.
An IFRS Decision Heuristic—A Model for Accounting for Credit Card Rewards Programme Transactions
Authors: Brink Sophia M. , Steenkamp Gretha
Published: March 2023

Guidance on the appropriate accounting treatment of a credit card rewards programme (CCRP) transaction after the effective date of IFRS 15 is needed due to current uncertainty and inconsistencies. The objective of the research was to develop a theoretical model for the accounting treatment of CCRP transactions after the effective date of IFRS 15 by considering the relevant literature, including IFRS. This non-empirical qualitative literature study utilised document analysis and model building to construct the theoretical model. To provide practical guidelines in accounting for a CCRP transaction, a model embedded in a decision tree was developed as a heuristic to provide for various possible accounting treatments. It was found that a CCRP transaction can be accounted for in terms of IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets (as an expense and provision), in terms of IFRS 9 Financial instruments (as an expense and financial liability), or in terms of IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers (as a deferred revenue). The value of this article is that it provides answers in a clear and concise matter on a single page dealing with all the various elements of a CCRP transaction that impacts the accounting treatment. The CCRP theoretical model developed could eliminate uncertainty amongst CCRP management and increase the decision-usefulness of financial information.
The Effect of Multi-Use Landscapes on Mammal Assemblages and Its Implication for Conservation
Authors: Woodgate Zoë , Drouilly Marine , Distiller Greg , O’Riain M. Justin
Published: March 2023

It has become clear that state-owned protected areas (PAs) are insufficient in preserving the world’s spatially heterogenous biodiversity. Private land conservation could contribute significantly to national conservation goals, without further burdening state resources. In South Africa, legislation has been introduced to incentivise private landowners to contribute to national biodiversity goals. In this study, we used camera trap arrays and hierarchical multi-species occupancy modelling to evaluate the impact of land-use on mammal (body mass >0.5 kg) diversity in the drylands of South Africa. Four hundred and fifty-one camera traps were deployed across a statutory PA, private PA and a neighbouring group of farmlands, covering ~2096 km2. Although trophic species richness were similar across all three land-uses, occurrence and detection probabilities of larger (>20 kg) species were low in the farmlands and highest in the private PA. In contrast, smaller species had higher occurrence probabilities in the farmlands, where large predators and megaherbivores have been extirpated. Differences in species-specific occurrence probabilities were primarily driven by land-use context, as opposed to fine-scale habitat attributes. These results highlight how a land-use matrix incorporating statutory PAs, private PAs and well-managed rangelands can benefit wildlife conservation, as long as these land-uses are included in carefully developed regional conservation planning.
Enhancing Clinical Decision-Making in Complex Corneal Disorders: The Role of In-Vivo Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Recchioni Alberto , Barua Ankur , Dominguez-Vicent Alberto
Published: March 2023

This study aims to describe how in-vivo confocal microscopy (ICVM) results improved diagnosis and treatment in three patients with complex corneal disorders at a single institution. Case one was a 36-year-old woman contact lens wearer referred to the hospital eye service (HES) by her community optician for a suspected corneal ulcer in her left eye. The case demonstrated that where laboratory cell culture was inconclusive, IVCM imaging improved diagnosis and more importantly adjusted the initial treatment till the complete resolution of the case. Case two was a shared-care 66-year-old keratoconus patient under a complex immunosuppression regime who had developed a recent series of post-surgical complications of fungal origin and was experiencing eye pain. IVCM was able to differentiate between an immune-mediated response and fungal keratitis and guide the clinicians towards an optimized treatment. Case three was a long-standing dry eye disease in a 64-year-old woman diagnosed with primary Sjögren’s syndrome where previous treatments failed to improve her symptomatology. IVCM was crucial for prescribing allogeneic serum eyedrops by anticipating early immune changes in the sub-basal corneal nerve plexus. In-vivo confocal microscopy can be an essential non-invasive imaging technique for improving clinicians’ diagnostic precision by adding a layer of certainty that other techniques may lack. Additionally, IVCM allows adjustment of the treatment accordingly, by instantly following any pathologic changes at the cellular level.
Sex and Age-Dependent Olfactory Memory Dysfunction in ADHD Model Mice
Authors: Sim Jae-Sang , Lee Won-Seok , Yoon Bo-Eun
Published: March 2023

ADHD is a typical neurodevelopmental disorder with a high prevalence rate. NSCs in the subventricular zone (SVZ) are closely related to neurodevelopmental disorder and can affect olfactory function by neurogenesis and migratory route. Although olfactory dysfunction is one of the symptoms of ADHD, the relevance of cells in the olfactory bulb derived from NSCs has not been studied. Therefore, we investigated olfactory memory and NSCs in Git1-deficient mice, under the ADHD model. Interestingly, only adult male G protein-coupled receptor kinase-interacting protein-1 (GIT1)-deficient (+/−, HE) mice showed impaired olfactory memory, suggesting sex and age dependence. We performed adult NSCs culture from the SVZ and observed distinct cell population in both sex and genotype. Taken together, our study suggests that the altered differentiation of NSCs in GIT1+/− mice can contribute to olfactory dysfunction in ADHD.
RETRACTED: Mouafo Nebot, G.V.; Wang, H. Port Terminal Performance Evaluation and Modeling. Logistics 2022, 6, 10
Authors: Nebot Giscard , Wang Haiyan
Published: March 2023

The journal Logistics retracts the article “Port Terminal Performance Evaluation and Modeling” [...]
Sustainable Binary Blending for Low-Volume Roads—Reliability-Based Design Approach and Carbon Footprint Analysis
Authors: Amulya Gudla , Moghal Arif Ali Baig , Almajed Abdullah
Published: March 2023

The utilization of industrial by-products as stabilizers is gaining attention from the sustainability perspective. Along these lines, granite sand (GS) and calcium lignosulfonate (CLS) are used as alternatives to traditional stabilizers for cohesive soil (clay). The unsoaked California Bearing Ratio (CBR) was taken as a performance indicator (as a subgrade material for low-volume roads). A series of tests were performed by varying the dosages of GS (30%, 40%, and 50%) and CLS (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%) for different curing periods (0, 7, and 28 days). This study revealed that the optimal dosages of granite sand (GS) are 35%, 34%, 33%, and 32% for dosages of calcium lignosulfonate (CLS) of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%, respectively. These values are needed to maintain a reliability index greater than or equal to 3.0 when the coefficient of variation (COV) of the minimum specified value of the CBR is 20% for a 28-day curing period. The proposed RBDO (reliability-based design optimization) presents an optimal design methodology for designing low-volume roads when GS and CLS are blended for clay soils. The optimal mix, i.e., 70% clay blended with 30% GS and 0.5% CLS (exhibiting the highest CBR value) is considered an appropriate dosage for the pavement subgrade material. Carbon footprint analysis (CFA) was performed on a typical pavement section according to Indian Road Congress recommendations. It is observed that the use of GS and CLS as stabilizers of clay reduces the carbon energy by 97.52% and 98.53% over the traditional stabilizers lime and cement at 6% and 4% dosages, respectively.
Highly Reliable Ovonic Threshold Switch with TiN/GeTe/TiN Structure
Authors: Seong Dongjun , Lee Su Yeon , Seo Hyun Kyu , Kim Jong-Woo , Park Minsoo , Yang Min Kyu
Published: March 2023

A new architecture has become necessary owing to the power consumption and latency problems of the von Neumann architecture. A neuromorphic memory system is a promising candidate for the new system as it has the potential to process large amounts of digital information. A crossbar array (CA), which consists of a selector and a resistor, is the basic building block for the new system. Despite the excellent prospects of crossbar arrays, the biggest obstacle for them is sneak current, which can cause a misreading between the adjacent memory cells, thus resulting in a misoperation in the arrays. The chalcogenide-based ovonic threshold switch (OTS) is a powerful selector with highly nonlinear I–V characteristics that can be used to address the sneak current problem. In this study, we evaluated the electrical characteristics of an OTS with a TiN/GeTe/TiN structure. This device shows nonlinear DC I–V characteristics, an excellent endurance of up to 109 in the burst read measurement, and a stable threshold voltage below 15 mV/dec. In addition, at temperatures below 300 °C, the device exhibits good thermal stability and retains an amorphous structure, which is a strong indication of the aforementioned electrical characteristics.
Bioactive Carbonate Apatite Cement with Enhanced Compressive Strength via Incorporation of Silica Calcium Phosphate Composites and Calcium Hydroxide
Authors: Cahyanto Arief , Liemidia Michella , Karlina Elin , Zakaria Myrna Nurlatifah , Shariff Khairul Anuar , Sukotjo Cortino , El-Ghannam Ahmed
Published: March 2023

Carbonate apatite (CO3Ap) is a bioceramic material with excellent properties for bone and dentin regeneration. To enhance its mechanical strength and bioactivity, silica calcium phosphate composites (Si-CaP) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) were added to CO3Ap cement. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Si-CaP and Ca(OH)2 on the mechanical properties in terms of the compressive strength and biological characteristics of CO3Ap cement, specifically the formation of an apatite layer and the exchange of Ca, P, and Si elements. Five groups were prepared by mixing CO3Ap powder consisting of dicalcium phosphate anhydrous and vaterite powder added by varying ratios of Si-CaP and Ca(OH)2 and 0.2 mol/L Na2HPO4 as a liquid. All groups underwent compressive strength testing, and the group with the highest strength was evaluated for bioactivity by soaking it in simulated body fluid (SBF) for one, seven, 14, and 21 days. The group that added 3% Si-CaP and 7% Ca(OH)2 had the highest compressive strength among the groups. SEM analysis revealed the formation of needle-like apatite crystals from the first day of SBF soaking, and EDS analysis indicated an increase in Ca, P, and Si elements. XRD and FTIR analyses confirmed the presence of apatite. This combination of additives improved the compressive strength and showed the good bioactivity performance of CO3Ap cement, making it a potential biomaterial for bone and dental engineering applications.
The San Carlo Colossus: An Insight into the Mild Galvanic Coupling between Wrought Iron and Copper
Authors: Petiti Chiara , Martini Carla , Chiavari Cristina , Vettori Silvia , Welter Jean Marie , Guzmán García Lascurain Paulina , Goidanich Sara
Published: March 2023

The San Carlo Colossus, known as San Carlone, is a monument constituted by an internal stone pillar support to which a wrought iron structure is attached. Embossed copper sheets are fixed to the iron structure to give the final shape to the monument. After more than 300 years of outdoor exposure, this statue represents an opportunity for an in-depth investigation of long-term galvanic coupling between wrought iron and copper. Most iron elements of the San Carlone appeared in good conservation conditions with scarce evidence of galvanic corrosion. In some cases, the same iron bars presented some portions in good conservation conditions and other nearby portions with active corrosion. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible factors correlated with such mild galvanic corrosion of wrought iron elements despite the widespread direct contact with copper for more than 300 years. Optical and electronic microscopy and compositional analyses were carried out on representative samples. Furthermore, polarisation resistance measurements were performed both on-site and in a laboratory. The results revealed that the iron bulk composition showed a ferritic microstructure with coarse grains. On the other hand, the surface corrosion products were mainly composed of goethite and lepidocrocite. Electrochemical analyses showed good corrosion resistance of both the bulk and surface of the wrought iron, and galvanic corrosion is not occurring probably due to the iron’s relatively noble corrosion potential. The few areas where iron corrosion was observed are apparently related to environmental factors, such as the presence of thick deposits and to the presence of hygroscopic deposits that create localized microclimatic conditions on the surface of the monument.
The Influence of Polymer Superplasticizers on Properties of High-Strength Concrete Based on Low-Clinker Slag Portland Cement
Authors: Dvorkin Leonid , Zhitkovsky Vadim , Makarenko Ruslan , Ribakov Yuri
Published: March 2023

The paper deals with the effectiveness of various types of polymers (naphthalene formaldehyde, polycarboxylate, and lignosulfonate) as superplasticizers of concrete mixtures based on low-clinker slag Portland cement. Using the mathematical planning experimental method and statistical models of water demand of concrete mixtures with polymer superplasticizers, as well as concrete strength at different ages and under different curing conditions (normal curing and after steaming) were obtained. According to the models, the superplasticizer’s water-reducing effect and relative change in concrete strength were obtained. The proposed criterion for evaluating the effectiveness and compatibility of superplasticizers with cement takes into account the water-reducing effect of the superplasticizer and the corresponding relative change in concrete strength. The results demonstrate that the use of the investigated superplasticizer types and low-clinker slag Portland cement allows for achieving a significant increase in concrete strength. The effective contents of various polymer types, which allow the achieving of concrete strengths from 50 MPa to 80 Mpa, has been found.
Adsorption of the rhNGF Protein on Polypropylene with Different Grades of Copolymerization
Authors: Canepa Paolo , Canale Claudio , Cavalleri Ornella , Marletta Giovanni , Messina Grazia M. L. , Messori Massimo , Novelli Rubina , Mattioli Simone Luca , Apparente Lucia , Detta Nicola , Romeo Tiziana , Allegretti Marcello
Published: March 2023

The surface properties of drug containers should reduce the adsorption of the drug and avoid packaging surface/drug interactions, especially in the case of biologically-derived products. Here, we developed a multi-technique approach that combined Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Contact Angle (CA), Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), and X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS) to investigate the interactions of rhNGF on different pharma grade polymeric materials. Polypropylene (PP)/polyethylene (PE) copolymers and PP homopolymers, both as spin-coated films and injected molded samples, were evaluated for their degree of crystallinity and adsorption of protein. Our analyses showed that copolymers are characterized by a lower degree of crystallinity and lower roughness compared to PP homopolymers. In line with this, PP/PE copolymers also show higher contact angle values, indicating a lower surface wettability for the rhNGF solution on copolymers than PP homopolymers. Thus, we demonstrated that the chemical composition of the polymeric material and, in turn, its surface roughness determine the interaction with the protein and identified that copolymers may offer an advantage in terms of protein interaction/adsorption. The combined QCM-D and XPS data indicated that protein adsorption is a self-limiting process that passivates the surface after the deposition of roughly one molecular layer, preventing any further protein adsorption in the long term.
Effect of Rolling Resistance Model Parameters on 3D DEM Modeling of Coarse Sand Direct Shear Test
Authors: Benmebarek Mohamed Amine , Movahedi Rad Majid
Published: March 2023

This paper deals with the micro and macro behaviors of coarse sand inside a direct shear box during a geotechnical test. A 3D discrete element method (DEM) model of the direct shear of sand was performed using sphere particles to explore the ability of the rolling resistance linear contact model to reproduce this commonly used test considering real-size particles. The focus was on the effect of the interaction of the main contact model parameters and particle size on maximum shear stress, residual shear stress, and sand volume change. The performed model was calibrated and validated with experimental data and followed by sensitive analyses. It is shown that the stress path can be reproduced appropriately. For a high coefficient of friction, the peak shear stress and volume change during the shearing process were mainly affected by increasing the rolling resistance coefficient. However, for a low coefficient of friction, shear stress and volume change were marginally affected by the rolling resistance coefficient. As expected, varying the friction and rolling resistance coefficients was found to have less influence on the residual shear stress.
Insights on the Statistics and Market Behavior of Frequent Batch Auctions
Authors: Alves Thiago W. , Florescu Ionuţ , Bozdog Dragoş
Published: March 2023

This paper extends previous research performed with the SHIFT financial market simulation platform. In our previous work, we show how this order-driven, distributed asynchronous, and multi-asset simulated environment is capable of reproducing known stylized facts of real continuous double auction financial markets. Using the platform, we study a pricing mechanism based on frequent batch auctions (FBA) proposed by a group of researchers from University of Chicago. We demonstrate our simulator’s capability as an environment to experiment with potential rule changes. We present the first side-by-side comparison of frequent batch auctions with a continuous double auction. We show that FBA is superior in terms of market quality measures but we also discover a potential problem in the technical implementation of FBA.
Studying the Effect of Introducing Chaotic Search on Improving the Performance of the Sine Cosine Algorithm to Solve Optimization Problems and Nonlinear System of Equations
Authors: El-Shorbagy Mohammed A. , Al-Drees Fatma M.
Published: March 2023

The development of many engineering and scientific models depends on the solution of nonlinear systems of equations (NSEs), and the progress of these fields depends on their efficient resolution. Due to the disadvantages in solving them with classical methods, NSEs are amenable to modeling as an optimization issue. The purpose of this work is to propose the chaotic search sine cosine algorithm (CSSCA), a new optimization approach for solving NSEs. CSSCA will be set up so that it employs a chaotic search to get over the limitations of optimization techniques like a lack of diversity in solutions, exploitation’s unfair advantage over exploration, and the gradual convergence of the optimal solution. A chaotic logistic map has been employed by many studies and has demonstrated its effectiveness in raising the quality of solutions and offering the greatest performance. So, it is used as a local search strategy. Three kinds of test functions—unimodal, multimodal, and composite test functions—as well as numerous NSEs—combustion problems, neurophysiology problems, arithmetic application, and nonlinear algebraic equations—were employed to assess CSSCA. To demonstrate the significance of the changes made in CSSCA, the results of the recommended algorithm are contrasted with those of the original SCA, where CSSCA’s average improvement rate was roughly 12.71, demonstrating that it is very successful at resolving NSEs. Finally, outcomes demonstrated that adding a chaotic search to the SCA improves results by modifying the chaotic search’s parameters, enabling better outcomes to be attained.