bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection-Associated Anemia in the Asir Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Mutawa Omar A. , Izhari Mohammad Asrar , Alharbi Raed A. , Sindi Abdulmajeed Abdulghani A. , Alqarni Abdullah M. , Alotaibi Foton E. , Gosady Ahmed R. A. , Dardari Daifallah M. M. , Almutairi Abdulrahman M. , Alshehri Mohammed , Athathi Ahmed I. E.
Published: July 2023

H. pylori (ubiquitous) and anemia together represent one of the growing health concerns globally. Gastroduodenal sequelae of H. pylori infection are distinguished; however, for the H. pylori infection and its implication in the development of anemia, iron has a significant health impact. We aimed to evaluate H. pylori infection-associated anemia by employing a logistic regression analysis model. A retrospective (case–control) study design-based assessment of the H. pylori associated-anemia. The study area was geo-referenced by QGIS/QuickMapServies. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were accomplished using the R-base–R-studio (v-4.0.2)-tidyverse. A p-value < 0.05 was the statistical significance cut-off value. A ggplot2 package was used for data representation and visualization. Mean ± SD age, Hb, MCV, ferritin, and RBC for overall study participants were measured to be 44.0 ± 13.58, 13.84 ± 2.49, 83.02 ± 8.31, 59.42 ± 68.37, and 5.14 ± 0.75, respectively. Decreased levels of Hb (infected vs. uninfected: 13.26 ± 2.92 vs. 14.42 ± 1.75, p < 0.001) ferritin (infected vs. uninfected: 48.11 ± 63.75 vs. 71.17 ± 71.14, p < 0.001), and MCV (infected vs. uninfected: 81.29 ± 9.13 vs. and 84.82 ± 6.93, p < 0.05) were measured to be associated with H. pylori infection when compared with H. pylori uninfected control group. Moreover, the magnitude (prevalence) of anemia (infected vs. uninfected: 78% vs. 21%, p < 0.001), iron deficiency anemia (IDA) (infected vs. uninfected: 63.3% vs. 36.6%, p < 0.001), and microcytic anemia (infected vs. uninfected: 71.6% vs. 46.1%, p < 0.001) were significantly different among the H. pylori-infected participants. The higher likelihood of developing anemia (AOR; 4.98, 95% CI; 3.089–8.308, p < 0.001), IDA (AOR; 3.061, 95% CI; 2.135–4.416, p < 0.001), and microcytic anemia (AOR; 3.289, 95% CI; 2.213–4.949, p < 0.001) by 398%, 206.1%, and 229%, respectively, was associated with H. pylori-infected. We recommend the regular monitoring of hematological parameters and eradication of H. pylori infection to minimize the extra-gastric health consequences of H. pylori infection.
Unveiling the Connectivity of Complex Networks Using Ordinal Transition Methods
Authors: Almendral Juan A. , Leyva I. , Sendiña-Nadal Irene
Published: July 2023

Ordinal measures provide a valuable collection of tools for analyzing correlated data series. However, using these methods to understand information interchange in the networks of dynamical systems, and uncover the interplay between dynamics and structure during the synchronization process, remains relatively unexplored. Here, we compare the ordinal permutation entropy, a standard complexity measure in the literature, and the permutation entropy of the ordinal transition probability matrix that describes the transitions between the ordinal patterns derived from a time series. We find that the permutation entropy based on the ordinal transition matrix outperforms the rest of the tested measures in discriminating the topological role of networked chaotic Rössler systems. Since the method is based on permutation entropy measures, it can be applied to arbitrary real-world time series exhibiting correlations originating from an existing underlying unknown network structure. In particular, we show the effectiveness of our method using experimental datasets of networks of nonlinear oscillators.
Decision Support System for Prioritization of Offshore Wind Farm Site by Utilizing Picture Fuzzy Combined Compromise Solution Group Decision Method
Authors: Rong Yuan , Yu Liying
Published: July 2023

The selection of offshore wind farm site (OWFS) has important strategic significance for vigorously developing offshore new energy and is deemed as a complicated uncertain multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) process. To further promote offshore wind power energy planning and provide decision support, this paper proposes a hybrid picture fuzzy (PF) combined compromise solution (CoCoSo) technique for prioritization of OWFSs. To begin with, a fresh PF similarity measure is proffered to estimate the importance of experts. Next, the novel operational rules for PF numbers based upon the generalized Dombi norms are defined, and four novel generalized Dombi operators are propounded. Afterward, the PF preference selection index (PSI) method and PF stepwise weights assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) model are propounded to identify the objective and subjective weight of criteria, separately. In addition, the enhanced CoCoSo method is proffered via the similarity measure and new operators for ranking OWFSs with PF information. Lastly, the applicability and feasibility of the propounded PF-PSI-SWARA-CoCoSo method are adopted to ascertain the optimal OWFS. The comparison and sensibility investigations are also carried out to validate the robustness and superiority of our methodology. Results manifest that the developed methodology can offer powerful decision support for departments and managers to evaluate and choose the satisfying OWFSs.
Technology Implementation in Pre-Service Science Teacher Education Based on the Transformative View of TPACK: Effects on Pre-Service Teachers’ TPACK, Behavioral Orientations and Actions in Practice
Authors: Stinken-Rösner Lisa , Hofer Elisabeth , Rodenhauser Annika , Abels Simone
Published: July 2023

Teaching with and about technology is part of science teachers’ 21st century skills. To foster technology-enhanced practice, teachers need to acquire both technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK on action) and positive behavioral orientations toward technology exploitation. However, it remains unclear if the gained knowledge is applied in practice (TPACK in action). Therefore, studies are required to investigate the interplay of programs promoting TPACK on action, behavioral orientations, and resulting TPACK in action. This paper presents an approach that explicitly links pre-service science teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) with TPACK development in two undergraduate modules, following the transformative view of TPACK. TPACK on action and behavioral orientations are captured through a questionnaire at three points in time. Additionally, lesson plans are analyzed to evaluate the quality of technology use and cognitive engagement, approximating TPACK in action. The results show a significant increase in pre-service science teachers’ (N = 133) self-rated TPACK on action and behavioral orientations between pre- and post-test, with moderate to large effects. Moreover, the analyses of lesson plans reveal a high quality of technology exploitation in the planned lessons, indicating distinctive TPACK in action after attending the modules. This theory-based approach is supported by empirical data, and highly regarded by participants, making it a successful model for course redesign at other universities.
Is the Education System Prepared for the Irruption of Artificial Intelligence? A Study on the Perceptions of Students of Primary Education Degree from a Dual Perspective: Current Pupils and Future Teachers
Authors: Lozano Alba , Blanco Fontao Carolina
Published: July 2023

The recent irruption of ChatGPT, a powerful chatbot that uses a “Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer” language model, could revolutionize education worldwide since it can greatly affect the competence development that students need to achieve for their professional future. The aim of this work is to assess the level of knowledge of ChatGPT and the perception of its possibilities of use in education by students studying the Primary Education Degree at the University of León (Spain) from a double perspective: as students and future teachers, respectively. For this purpose, a descriptive, cross-sectional, non-experimental, and quantitative research design was carried out, with the design and elaboration of a questionnaire. The questionnaire data were statistically processed by calculating relative frequencies. The main results highlight that students have a positive perception of ChatGPT use, with potential applications in education, and do not perceive it as a threat to the deterioration of the educational system as long as the sources of the data generated by the tool are verified. In addition, as students and future teachers, they need more knowledge about the operation of ChatGPT to ensure its correct use and maintain the quality of the education system. Thus, to overcome ChatGPT irruption in education, digital literacy is crucial at all educational levels.
Sparse Tiled Planar Array: The Shared Multibeam Aperture for Millimeter-Wave Joint Communication and Sensing
Authors: Alidoustaghdam Hadi , Kokkeler André , Miao Yang
Published: July 2023

Multibeam planar arrays are investigated as shared apertures for dual functionality in millimeter-wave (mmWave) joint communication and sensing (JCAS), providing time division duplex communication and full-duplex sensing with steerable beams. The conventional uniform planar arrays (CUPA)s have limited angular resolution, whereas the sparse planar arrays (SPA)s are often very costly to implement. In order to have a low-cost aperture with high angular resolution, we propose to design a sparse tiled planar array (STPA) shared aperture. Our proposed solution is modular tiling and uniform at the subarray level but sparse at the aperture level. The modular tiling and sparse design of a planar array are non-convex optimization problems; however, we exploit the fact that the more irregularity of the antenna array geometry, the less the side lobe level (SLL). In a JCAS scenario, we compare the performance of STPA, CUPA. and SPA, regarding the spectral efficiency of a line-of-sight (LoS) included communication link, detection loss rate, and detection accuracy rate for sensing, and the blockage time in case of an overlapping communication and sensing beam. The SPA for comparison has the same size and beamwidth as STPA, but less average SLL and less modular design. The results show that the same spectral efficiency is achieved in the communication link for CUPA, SPA, and STPA. The effect of a smaller beamwidth of the STPA and SPA is reflected in the lower detection loss rate of them compared to that of the CUPA, but the side lobes of these sparse solutions result in errors in the association of the detected and true targets and hence a reduction in the detection accuracy. In such a multibeam solution for JCAS, it is critical to study blockage time, and we show that the STPA and SPA have a 40% shorter blockage time compared to the CUPA when a blocker moves across the LoS of the communication link. Therefore, STPA is a trade-off solution between CUPA and SPA, since it has uniformly distributed antennas within the subarrays as in CUPA, but a sparse solution in the whole aperture as in SPA, which guarantees the same beamwidth and sensing performances as a SPA.
RCBLS: An Outlier-Robust Broad Learning Framework with Compact Structure
Authors: Guo Wei , Yu Jianjiang , Zhou Caigen , Yuan Xiaofeng , Wang Zhanxiu
Published: July 2023

Recently, the broad learning system (BLS) has been widely developed in virtue of its excellent performance and high-computational efficiency. However, two deficiencies still exist in BLS and preclude its deployment in real applications. First, the standard BLS performs poorly in outlier environments because the least squares loss function it uses to train the network is sensitive to outliers. Second, the model structure of BLS is likely to be redundant since the hidden nodes in it are randomly generated. To address the above two issues, a new robust and compact BLS (RCBLS), based on M-estimator and sparsity regularization, is proposed in this paper. The RCBLS develops from the BLS model and maintains its excellent characteristics, but replaces the conventional least squares learning criterion with an M-estimator-based loss function that is less sensitive to outliers, in order to suppress the incorrect feedback of the model to outlier samples, and hence enhance its robustness in the presence of outliers. Meanwhile, the RCBLS imposes the sparsity-promoting l2,1 -norm regularization instead of the common l2-norm regularization for model reduction. With the help of the row sparsity of l2,1-norm regularization, the unnecessary hidden nodes in RCBLS can be effectively picked out and removed from the network, thereby resulting in a more compact network. The theoretical analyses on outlier robustness, structural compactness and computational complexity of the proposed RCBLS model are provided. Finally, the validity of the RCBLS is verified by regression, time series prediction and image classification tasks. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed RCBLS has stronger anti-outlier ability and more compact network structure than BLS and other representative algorithms.
Research on Mathematical Model of Shale Oil Reservoir Flow
Authors: Yao Lanlan , Yang Zhengming , Li Haibo , Du Meng , Zhou Tiyao , Zhang Yapu
Published: July 2023

There are complex pore structures in shale reservoirs, and the nonlinear flow characteristics of shale reservoirs are complicated by stress sensitivity and boundary layer effects. In this research, a new flow mathematical model was established based on capillary model, stress sensitivity and boundary layer effect. The model was verified by the experimental results of Jilin shale oil reservoir, and the influencing factors of flow characteristics were analyzed. The results show that the new shale oil flow model has good fitting and high reliability with the experimental results. The boundary layer effect and stress sensitivity are the main factors affecting the seepage characteristics. With the increase in the pressure gradient, the influence of the boundary layer effect on the flow is gradually enhanced, and the influence of the stress sensitivity on the flow is gradually weakened. At the same time, this study developed a method for the evaluation of effective displacement distance of shale oil reservoir with CO2 injection through the limited injection-production well spacing method, and obtained the nonlinear flow curve of displacement distance with reservoir permeability under different injection and production pressure difference. This research deeply studies the flow characteristics of shale oil reservoir and provides a theoretical basis for the enhanced oil recovery of shale oil with CO2 injection.
Wind Turbine Active Fault Tolerant Control Based on Backstepping Active Disturbance Rejection Control and a Neurofuzzy Detector
Authors: Assia Hamza , Merabet Boulouiha Houari , Chicaiza William David , Escaño Juan Manuel , Kacimi Abderrahmane , Martínez-Ramos José Luis , Denai Mouloud
Published: July 2023

Wind energy conversion systems have become an important part of renewable energy history due to their accessibility and cost-effectiveness. Offshore wind farms are seen as the future of wind energy, but they can be very expensive to maintain if faults occur. To achieve a reliable and consistent performance, modern wind turbines require advanced fault detection and diagnosis methods. The current research introduces a proposed active fault-tolerant control (AFTC) system that uses backstepping active disturbance rejection theory (BADRC) and an adaptive neurofuzzy system (ANFIS) detector in combination with principal component analysis (PCA) to compensate for system disturbances and maintain performance even when a generator actuator fault occurs. The simulation outcomes demonstrate that the suggested method successfully addresses the actuator generator torque failure problem by isolating the faulty actuator, providing a reliable and robust solution to prevent further damage. The neurofuzzy detector demonstrates outstanding performance in detecting false data in torque, achieving a precision of 90.20% for real data and 100% for false data. With a recall of 100%, no false negatives were observed. The overall accuracy of 95.10% highlights the detector’s ability to reliably classify data as true or false. These findings underscore the robustness of the detector in detecting false data, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the application presented. Overall, the study concludes that BADRC and ANFIS detection and isolation can improve the reliability of offshore wind farms and address the issue of actuator generator torque failure.
DC Admittance Model of VSCs for Stability Studies in VSC-HVDC Systems
Authors: Pedra Joaquín , Sainz Luis , Monjo Lluís
Published: July 2023

High-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems linked to AC grids with converters are promising energy transmission systems. These systems present complex AC- and DC-side dynamic interactions. Impedance-based stability studies have recently been proposed to assess DC-side dynamics from DC-side characterization of voltage source converters (VSCs) considering AC-side dynamics. However, the existing approaches used for stability studies in VSC-HVDC systems do not completely model VSCs because they do not consider together the VSC delay, the grid voltage feedforward filter, and all the d- and q-reference current controls. Moreover, these approaches are analytically characterized from dq-real space vectors (less related to circuit theory than dq-complex space vectors), and some work with simple AC grids. The main contribution of this paper is a detailed and complete DC admittance model of VSCs from dq-complex space vectors, which considers the VSC delay, feedforward filter, and d- and q-reference current controls, and also a general AC grid. The proposed model can be used for DC-side stability studies in VSC-HVDC systems considering AC grid dynamics. The capabilities and drawbacks of impedance-based stability methods for DC-side stability assessment were analyzed, and the positive-net-damping criterion was validated as a robust approach. The model was validated by PSCAD/EMTDC simulations and applied to a stability study in a VSC-HVDC system.
Hydrothermal Carbonization of Digestate Produced in the Biogas Production Process
Authors: Mikusińska Joanna , Kuźnia Monika , Czerwińska Klaudia , Wilk Małgorzata
Published: July 2023

In agricultural biogas plants, besides biogas, the by-product digestate is also produced. Due to its high moisture content and organic origin, it can successfully be applied in the hydrothermal carbonization process to avoid the fate of landfilling. This paper reviews the properties of agricultural digestate and its hydrothermal conversion (HTC) into hydrochar and process water. The type of feedstock and the parameters of the HTC process, such as temperature, pressure and residence time, affects the physical and chemical characteristics of hydrochar. Therefore, its possible application might be as a biofuel, fertilizer, soil improver, adsorber, or catalyst. In this paper, the properties of hydrochar derived from agricultural digestate are widely discussed.
Three-Phase Modal Noise Analysis and Optimal Three-Phase Power Line Filter Design
Authors: Bosi Marco , Miquel Sánchez Albert , Javier Pajares Francisco , Peretto Lorenzo
Published: July 2023

Conducted emissions (CE) for three-phase systems are becoming an increasing concern due to the recent exponential growth of three-phase applications, especially linked to the automotive sector. The problem arises because electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards only define the methodology to measure the CE generated by the equipment under test (EUT), and they do not provide sufficient information to design a power line filter (PLF) in case of non-compliance. Hence, the design of an optimal PLF is a very difficult task for engineers. The unclear methodology to be followed, unknown load impedances, inadequate equipment, and lack of knowledge of the modal noise are all different reasons that contribute to increasing the PLF design complexity. Common mode (CM) and differential mode (DM) decomposition and PLF design techniques for single-phase EUTs are well discussed and studied in the literature, but the same cannot be stated when it comes to three-phase PLF design. The objective of this paper is to clarify how modal noises behave in a three-phase system and to propose a clear methodology which can be followed to design an optimal three-phase PLF. Additionally, this paper analyses and discusses the modal noises’ intrinsic behavior and provides an understanding of how the PLF components behave when subjected to either a CM or DM noise. Finally, a methodology to design a three-phase PLF, based on accurate insertion loss (IL) estimations and S-parameter measurements, is used to determine the optimal PLF. This approach is tested and validated.
Lag Phase in the Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Sargassum spp. and Organic Domestic Waste
Authors: López-Aguilar Héctor Alfredo , Morales-Durán Bryan , Quiroz-Cardoza David , Pérez-Hernández Antonino
Published: July 2023

The mass arrival of pelagic sargassum is an international issue that is currently taking its toll on the economic activity of affected regions by causing a significant reduction in investment and tourism. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the Logistic Modified and Gompertz Modified sigmoid kinetic models for describing the lag phase in the generation of biomethane. The case studies were: anaerobic co-digestion (ACoD) of Sargassum spp./domestic organic waste and Sargassum spp. in mono-digestion. The experimental method, based on biochemical methane potential (BMP), enabled kinetic models to be built for methane production under environmental conditions and an estimate to be made for the duration of the lag phase. The maximum cumulative production determined for monodigestion was 140.7 cm3 of CH4/g SV at 99 days, and for ACoD, it was 161.3 cm3 of CH4/g SV at 172 days. The lag phase was determined to be approximately 7 days and 93 days, respectively. It was concluded that the modified sigmoid growth functions are a valuable tool for studying the start-up and scaling of systems for the ACoD of organic waste. The results present the ACoD of coastal pelagic sargassum algae and domestic organic waste as a potential alternative energy source.
Effect of Reactive and Non-Reactive Additive Treatment on the Recovery of Phosphorus from Biogas Digestate
Authors: Uppuluri Naga , Dinkler Konstantin , Ran Xueling , Guo Jianbin , Müller Joachim , Oechsner Hans
Published: July 2023

The annual phosphate (PO43−) utilization has increased, leading to a depletion of existing sources of phosphorus (P). To overcome this, digestate as a source to recover P is being investigated. Due to the abundance of nutrients, the digestate from an agricultural biogas plant is used as fertilizer for crops. The separation of solids and liquids from the digestate by a screw press is the simplest form of concentrating, therefore, recovering PO43−. This is the most commonly employed method in existing biogas plants. However, the separation is not very efficient as only 20–30% of P is recovered in the solid phase. The goal of this study is to increase the separation efficiency and recover more P into the solid phase, in order to improve the transportability. For this, separation trials at a laboratory scale were performed for five experimental groups, with biochar and straw flour as non-reactive additives and kieserite as a reactive additive. In addition, untreated digestate was studied as a control. The control and the treatment with biochar and straw flour were carried out at 25 °C, while the treatment with kieserite was performed at 25 °C and 50 °C. The separation trails were performed at treatment times of 0 h, 1 h, 2 h, 8 h, and 20 h. The results showed that the treatment with additives had a beneficial effect on the recovery of P. It was noted that kieserite treatment at 25 °C and 50 °C bound about 61% of the total P present in the digestate to the solid phase. A sequential extraction was performed to study the effect of additives on the recovery of different P species. The results concluded that, compared to biochar and straw flour, kieserite was efficient in recovering the non-labile fractions (NaOH-P and HCl-P) of P, which act as slow-release fertilizers. This study shows that the use of additives, especially kieserite, has a positive influence on recovering P from digestate, and further research to optimize the recovery process would be beneficial.
Optimal Power Flow Using Improved Cross-Entropy Method
Authors: Su Hao , Niu Qun , Yang Zhile
Published: July 2023

An improved cross-entropy (CE) method assisted with a chaotic operator (CGSCE) is presented for solving the optimal power flow (OPF) problem. The introduction of the chaotic operator helps to enhance the exploration capability of the popular cross-entropy approach while the global best solution is preserved. To handle the constraints in the optimal power flow, an efficient constraint handling technique with no parameter adjustment is also introduced. The approach is tested on both the IEEE-30 bus system and the IEEE-57 bus system with different objective functions to verify its effectiveness in comparison with a few other methods reported in the literature. Simulation results confirm that the proposed method is capable of improving both the exploration ability and the convergence speed of the conventional cross-entropy method. It outperforms the original cross-entropy, its variant GSCE and other methods in most of the OPF study cases.
Wildfire Hotspots Forecasting and Mapping for Environmental Monitoring Based on the Long Short-Term Memory Networks Deep Learning Algorithm
Authors: Kadir Evizal Abdul , Kung Hsiang Tsung , AlMansour Amal Abdullah , Irie Hitoshi , Rosa Sri Listia , Fauzi Shukor Sanim Mohd
Published: July 2023

Global warming is raising the earth’s temperature, and resulting in increased forest fire events, especially in tropical regions with locations that are at high risk of wild and forest fires. Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia that has experienced a severe number of wildfires, which have dangerous impacts on neighboring countries due to the emission of carbon and haze to the free air. The objective of this research is to map and plot the locations that consist of a significant number of fire hotspots and forecast the possible forest fire disasters in Indonesia based on the collected data of forest fires. The results of forecasting data are beneficial for the government and its policymakers to take preventive action and countermeasures regarding this wildfire issue. The Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) algorithm, a deep learning method, was applied to analyze and then forecast the number of wildfire hotspots. The wildfire hotspot dataset from the year 2010 to 2022 is derived from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The total number of collected observations is more than 700,000 wildfire data in Indonesia. The distribution of wildfire hotspots as shown in the results is concentrated mainly on two big islands, Kalimantan and Sumatra, Indonesia. The main issue is the peat type of land that is prone to spreading fire. Forecasting the number of hotspots for 2023 has achieved good results with an average error of 7%. Additionally, to prove that the proposed algorithm is working well, a simulation has been conducted using training data from 2018 to 2022 and testing data from 2021 to 2022. The forecasting result achieved a similar pattern of the number of fire hotspots compared to the available data in 2021 and 2022.
Assembly and Source of the Lithobiontic Microbial Community in Limestone
Authors: Chen Jin , Li Fangbing , Zhao Xiangwei , Wang Yang , Zhang Limin , Liu Feng , Yang Dan , Yan Lingbin , Yu Lifei
Published: July 2023

Due to its unique rock properties (e.g., porous nature, rough texture, and high calcium and magnesium content), limestone exhibits a high degree of bioreceptivity. However, the mechanisms underlying the establishment of limestone lithobiontic microbial communities (LLMCs) and the extent to which their composition is influenced by the surrounding environment remain enigmatic. Herein, after collecting limestone sand samples, we applied various treatments: rain shelter (RS), organic acid (Oa), nutrients (Nut), inorganic acid (Ia), inorganic acid combined with nutrients (Ia+Nut15), and a blank control (CK). Subsequently, we sampled the treatments after a duration of 60 days. In addition, we collected rotted wood, concrete fences, and soil from the surrounding environment as microbial sources, while using treated limestone samples as microbial sinks. This study yields the following findings: (1) Limestone exhibits high bioreceptivity, allowing rapid microbial colonization within 60 days. Furthermore, compared to the surrounding environment, limestone can accommodate a greater diversity of microbial species. (2) The fungal and bacterial community compositions were explained by surrounding sources to the extent of 35.38% and 40.88%, respectively. The order of sources, in terms of contribution, is as follows: unknown sources > soil > rotted wood > concrete fences. (3) Higher concentrations of Ia and Ia+Nut15 treatments facilitate the colonization of fungi from the surrounding environment onto limestone while inhibiting bacterial colonization. (4) The process of establishing LLMCs is primarily driven by stochastic processes. However, Ia and Ia+Nut15 can mediate transitions in the establishment processes of bacterial communities, while Ia is solely responsible for mediating transitions in the establishment process of fungal communities. Our study offers a fresh perspective on the establishment and origins of microbial communities in limestone habitats. We believe that limestone serves as an excellent substrate for microbial colonization and holds immense potential in ecological restoration efforts within degraded karst areas.
Identification of Volatile Markers during Early Zygosaccharomyces rouxii Contamination in Mature and Immature Jujube Honey
Authors: Wang Yin , Huang Yuanyuan , Cheng Ni , Zhao Haoan , Zhang Ying , Liu Cailing , He Liangliang , Ma Tianchen , Li Yankang , Cao Wei
Published: July 2023

Osmotolerant yeasts are considered one of the major contaminants responsible for spoilage in honey. To address the signature volatile components of jujube honey contaminated by Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and chemometrics analyses were used to analyze the variation of volatile substances during early contamination of mature and immature jujube honey. Undecanal, methyl butyrate, methyl 2-nonenoate, methyl hexanoate, and 2-methyl-3-pentanone were identified as signature volatiles of jujube honey contaminated with Z. rouxii. In addition, methyl heptanoate, 2,6,10-trimethyltetradecane, and heptanal were identified as potential volatile signatures for immature jujube honey. The R2 and Q2 of OPLS-DA analyses ranged from 0.736 to 0.955, and 0.991 to 0.997, which indicates that the constructed model was stable and predictive. This study has demonstrated that HS-SPME-GC-MS could be used to distinguish Z. rouxii-contaminated jujube honey from uncontaminated honey based on variation in VOCs, and could provide theoretical support for the use of HS-SPME-GC-MS for the rapid detection of honey decomposition caused by Z. rouxii, which could improve nutritional quality and reduce economic losses.
Storage Quality Changes in Craft and Industrial Blueberry, Strawberry, Raspberry and Passion Fruit-Mango Sorbets
Authors: Palka Agnieszka , Wilczyńska Aleksandra
Published: July 2023

Sorbets are a popular dessert, especially during hot summer days. They can also have health-promoting qualities, mainly due to the nutritional value of the fruit from which they are made. The production technology can also have an impact on the final nutritional quality of the sorbets. This paper presents a comparative assessment of the quality of industrial fruit sorbets and their craft analogs. Sorbets with the following flavors were selected for the research: blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, and passion fruit with mango. An organoleptic evaluation was performed, and the overrun, melting resistance, active acidity (pH), color in the CIE Lab system, antiradical activity (DDPH method), and content of vitamin C and total polyphenols were determined. The research revealed the differences between sorbets produced from different fruits as well as the differences depending on the production method between products made of the same type of fruit. Craft sorbets were found to be better than industrial sorbets, and storage time had a significant effect on the sorbets’ quality. In terms of organoleptic characteristics, craft mango-passion fruit sorbet turned out to be the best; in terms of antioxidant properties, craft raspberry and strawberry sorbets were the best, and these two sorbets also showed good, stable overrun and melting resistance values during storage.
Towards Less Plastic in Food Contact Materials: An In-Depth Overview of the Belgian Market
Authors: Ciano Salvatore , Di Mario Mélanie , Goscinny Séverine , Van Hoeck Els
Published: July 2023

The food contact materials (FCMs) industry is forced to develop substitute materials due to constant pressure from consumers and authorities to reduce fossil-based plastic. Several alternatives are available on the market. However, market share, trends, and consumer preferences are still unclear. Therefore, this study aims to provide an overview of the Belgian FCMs market, the available substitute materials, and their uses. The market analysis was performed with an integrated web-based approach. Fifty-two sources were investigated, covering e-shops selling materials intended to replace disposable plastic materials or being advertised as environmentally friendly and websites describing homemade FCMs. The first screening identified 10,523 articles. The following data cleaning process resulted in a homogeneous dataset containing 2688 unique entries, systematically categorised into fifteen material categories and seven utilisation classes. Paper and board was the most popular material category (i.e., 37% of the entries), followed by bagasse, accounting for 9% of the entries. Takeaway and food serving (44.4% and 22.8% of the entries) were the most common usage categories. The study pursued to provide insights into current trends and consumer preferences, highlighting priorities for safety assessment and future policy making.
Levofloxacin HCl-Loaded Eudragit L-Based Solvent Exchange-Induced In Situ Forming Gel Using Monopropylene Glycol as a Solvent for Periodontitis Treatment
Authors: Senarat Setthapong , Tuntarawongsa Sarun , Lertsuphotvanit Nutdanai , Rojviriya Catleya , Phaechamud Thawatchai , Chantadee Takron
Published: July 2023

Solvent exchange-induced in situ forming gel (ISG) is currently an appealing dosage form for periodontitis treatment via localized injection into the periodontal pocket. This study aims to apply Eudragit L and Eudragit S as matrix components of ISG by using monopropylene glycol as a solvent for loading levofloxacin HCl for periodontitis treatment. The influence of Eudragit concentration was investigated in terms of apparent viscosity, rheological behavior, injectability, gel-forming behavior, and mechanical properties. Eudragit L-based formulation presented less viscosity, was easier to inject, and could form more gel than Eudragit S-based ISG. Levofloxacin HCl-loading diminished the viscosity of Eudragit L-based formulation but did not significantly change the gel formation ability. Higher polymer loading increased viscosity, force-work of injectability, and hardness. SEM photographs and µCT images revealed their scaffold formation, which had a denser topographic structure and less porosity attained owing to higher polymer loading and less in vitro degradation. By tracking with fluorescence dyes, the interface interaction study revealed crucial information such as solvent movement ability and matrix formation of ISG. They prolonged the drug release for 14 days with fickian drug diffusion kinetics and increased the release amount above the MIC against test microbes. The 1% levofloxacin HCl and 15% Eudragit L dissolved in monopropylene glycol (LLM15) was a promising ISG because of its appropriate viscosity (3674.54 ± 188.03 cP) with Newtonian flow, acceptable gel formation and injectability (21.08 ± 1.38 N), hardness (33.81 ± 2.3 N) and prolonged drug release with efficient antimicrobial activities against S. aureus (ATCC 6538, 6532, and 25923), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) (S. aureus ATCC 4430), E. coli ATCC 8739, C. albicans ATCC 10231, P. gingivalis ATCC 33277, and A. actinomycetemcomitans ATCC 29522; thus, it is the potential ISG formulation for periodontitis treatment by localized periodontal pocket injection.
Effectiveness of Physiotherapy in Managing Symptomatology in Gambling Disorder Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Carrascosa-Arteaga Pablo , López-Liria Remedios , Catalán-Matamoros Daniel , Rocamora-Pérez Patricia
Published: July 2023

Although the prevalence of gambling disorder (GD) and problem gambling has remained stable in recent years, the expansion of legalized gambling is considered a public health problem leading to significant personal, familial, and social impacts. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of various physiotherapy interventions on the symptoms of patients with GD. A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted in December 2022, using descriptors related to physiotherapy and GD in ten databases. Inclusion criteria were designed to identify clinical trials published in the last decade. Eight studies were identified, with a total of 357 patients, and the main variables measured were anxiety and depression symptoms, gambling craving, and gambling desire. The interventions included aerobic exercise, relaxation techniques, and non-invasive brain stimulation. Results suggest that physiotherapy may help with GD symptoms, although more research is needed to strengthen these findings. These findings highlight the potential of physiotherapy in treating GD and provide a basis for future research to better understand the effectiveness of these interventions.
Reflections on the Forms and Arrangements of Surface Images in the Art of Barniz de Pasto, from the 16th to the 19th Century
Authors: López Pérez María del Pilar
Published: July 2023

Flowers, branches, birds, animals, a diversity of geometric combinations and varied scenes create, with great care, an exquisite and delightfully ornamented world. Among symmetries, proportions, chromatic sense, and repeated figures, themes between the sacred and the profane are set and arranged in the artistic surfaces of barniz de Pasto. My reflection is aimed at knowing in greater depth the marvelous creations that the barniz de Pasto painters elaborated in the cultural environment of San Juan de Pasto and San Francisco de Quito, by exploring that visual world, which is part of a group of objects made by overlapping layers of membrane to define figures with the presence of silver leaf, in which a significant relief is generally evident. Understanding how the figures were arranged on the surface of the objects, how they were organized, and what system of composition and other possible artistic resources to control the surfaces existed, leads me to consider that the craftsmen had a similar training to that given in the field of the Spanish painter in several of its modalities. Some of the most noted examples of this neogranadino art will be used as examples. I reflect on three examples from different periods and very different in their configuration: a casket, a cabinet, and a tray, all decorated with barniz de Pasto and with different compositional challenges for the artist. Rather than the physical–mechanical use of materials and supports, I focus on the syntax of the image and the techniques used in the organizational structure and its processes, finding that there were ways of organizing the elements in a specific space and that these came from professional practices associated mainly with painting.
Pim Kinases: Important Regulators of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Nock Sophie , Karim Eima , Unsworth Amanda J.
Published: July 2023

Pim Kinases; Pim-1, Pim-2, and Pim-3, are a family of constitutively active serine/threonine kinases, widely associated with cell survival, proliferation, and migration. Historically considered to be functionally redundant, independent roles for the individual isoforms have been described. Whilst most established for their role in cancer progression, there is increasing evidence for wider pathological roles of Pim kinases within the context of cardiovascular disease, including inflammation, thrombosis, and cardiac injury. The Pim kinase isoforms have widespread expression in cardiovascular tissues, including the heart, coronary artery, aorta, and blood, and have been demonstrated to be upregulated in several co-morbidities/risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Pim kinase inhibition may thus be a desirable therapeutic for a multi-targeted approach to treat cardiovascular disease and some of the associated risk factors. In this review, we discuss what is known about Pim kinase expression and activity in cells of the cardiovascular system, identify areas where the role of Pim kinase has yet to be fully explored and characterised and review the suitability of targeting Pim kinase for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular events in high-risk individuals.
P38 MAPK Signaling in the Retina: Effects of Aging and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Muraleva Natalia A. , Kolosova Nataliya G.
Published: July 2023

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible visual impairment worldwide. Age is the greatest risk factor for AMD but the underlying mechanism remains unascertained, resulting in a lack of effective therapies. Growing evidence shows that dysregulation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway (SP) contributes to aging and neurodegenerative diseases; however, information about its alteration in the retina with age and during AMD development is limited. To assess the contribution of alterations in p38 MAPK signaling to AMD, we compared age-associated changes in p38 MAPK SP activity in the retina between Wistar rats (control) and OXYS rats, which develop AMD-like retinopathy spontaneously. We analyzed changes in the mRNA levels of genes of this SP in the retina (data of RNA-seq) and evaluated the phosphorylation/activation of key kinases using Western blotting at different stages of AMD-like pathology including the preclinical stage. p38 MAPK SP activity increased in the retinas of healthy Wistar rats with age. The manifestation and dramatic progression of AMD-like pathology in OXYS rats was accompanied by hyperphosphorylation of p38 MAPK and MK2 as key p38 MAPK SP kinases. Retinopathy progression co-occurred with the enhancement of p38 MAPK-dependent phosphorylation of CryaB at Ser59 in the retina.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Brassinolide Signaling Pathway Control of Foxtail Millet Seedling Starch and Sucrose Metabolism under Freezing Stress, with Implications for Growth and Development
Authors: Zhao Xiatong , Ma Ke , Li Zhong , Li Weidong , Zhang Xin , Liu Shaoguang , Meng Ru , Lu Boyu , Li Xiaorui , Ren Jianhong , Zhang Liguang , Yuan Xiangyang
Published: July 2023

Low-temperature stress limits the growth and development of foxtail millet. Freezing stress caused by sudden temperature drops, such as late-spring coldness, often occurs in the seedling stage of foxtail millet. However, the ability and coping strategies of foxtail millet to cope with such stress are not clear. In the present study, we analyzed the self-regulatory mechanisms of freezing stress in foxtail millet. We conducted a physiological study on foxtail millet leaves at −4 °C for seven different durations (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 h). Longer freezing time increased cell-membrane damage, relative conductance, and malondialdehyde content. This led to osmotic stress in the leaves, which triggered an increase in free proline, soluble sugar, and soluble protein contents. The increases in these substances helped to reduce the damage caused by stress. The activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. The optimal time point for the response to freezing stress was 8 h after exposure. The transcriptome analysis of samples held for 8 h at −4 °C revealed 6862 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), among which the majority are implicated in various pathways, including the starch and sucrose metabolic pathways, antioxidant enzyme pathways, brassinolide (BR) signaling pathway, and transcription factors, according to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment. We investigated possible crosstalk between BR signals and other pathways and found that BR signaling molecules were induced in response to freezing stress. The beta-amylase (BAM) starch hydrolase signal was enhanced by the BR signal, resulting in the accelerated degradation of starch and the formation of sugars, which served as emerging ROS scavengers and osmoregulators to resist freezing stress. In conclusion, crosstalk between BR signal transduction, and both starch and sucrose metabolism under freezing stress provides a new perspective for improving freezing resistance in foxtail millet.
Transposable Elements: Epigenetic Silencing Mechanisms or Modulating Tools for Vertebrate Adaptations? Two Sides of the Same Coin
Authors: Carotti Elisa , Carducci Federica , Barucca Marco , Canapa Adriana , Biscotti Maria Assunta
Published: July 2023

Transposable elements constitute one of the main components of eukaryotic genomes. In vertebrates, they differ in content, typology, and family diversity and played a crucial role in the evolution of this taxon. However, due to their transposition ability, TEs can be responsible for genome instability, and thus silencing mechanisms were evolved to allow the coexistence between TEs and eukaryotic host-coding genes. Several papers are highlighting in TEs the presence of regulatory elements involved in regulating nearby genes in a tissue-specific fashion. This suggests that TEs are not sequences merely to silence; rather, they can be domesticated for the regulation of host-coding gene expression, permitting species adaptation and resilience as well as ensuring human health. This review presents the main silencing mechanisms acting in vertebrates and the importance of exploiting these mechanisms for TE control to rewire gene expression networks, challenging the general view of TEs as threatening elements.