bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced Algorithms for Low Dimensional Metal Oxides-Based Electronic Nose Application: A Review
Authors: Wang Xi , Zhou Yangming , Zhao Zhikai , Feng Xiujuan , Wang Zhi , Jiao Mingzhi
Published: April 2023

Low-dimensional metal oxides-based electronic noses have been applied in various fields, such as food quality, environmental assessment, coal mine risk prediction, and disease diagnosis. However, the applications of these electronic noses are limited for conditions such as precise safety monitoring because electronic nose systems have problems such as poor recognition ability of mixed gas signals and sensor drift caused by environmental factors. Advanced algorithms, including classical gas recognition algorithms and neural network-based algorithms, can be good solutions for the key problems. Classical gas recognition methods, such as support vector machines, have been widely applied in electronic nose systems in the past. These methods can provide satisfactory results if the features are selected properly and the types of mixed gas are under five. In many situations, this can be challenging due to the drift of sensor signals. In recent years, neural networks have undergone revolutionary changes in the field of electronic noses, especially convolutional neural networks and recurrent neural networks. This paper reviews the principles and performances of typical gas recognition methods of the electronic nose up to now and compares and analyzes the classical gas recognition methods and the neural network-based gas recognition methods. This work can provide guidance for research in related fields.
Applications of Machine Learning in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Elhadary Mohamed , Elsabagh Ahmed Adel , Ferih Khaled , Elsayed Basel , Elshoeibi Amgad M. , Kaddoura Rasha , Akiki Susanna , Ahmed Khalid , Yassin Mohamed
Published: April 2023

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by dysregulated growth and the proliferation of myeloid cells in the bone marrow caused by the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene. Clinically, CML demonstrates an increased production of mature and maturing granulocytes, mainly neutrophils. When a patient is suspected to have CML, peripheral blood smears and bone marrow biopsies may be manually examined by a hematologist. However, confirmatory testing for the BCR-ABL1 gene is still needed to confirm the diagnosis. Despite tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) being the mainstay of treatment for patients with CML, different agents should be used in different patients given their stage of disease and comorbidities. Moreover, some patients do not respond well to certain agents and some need more aggressive courses of therapy. Given the innovations and development that machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) have undergone over the years, multiple models and algorithms have been put forward to help in the assessment and treatment of CML. In this review, we summarize the recent studies utilizing ML algorithms in patients with CML. The search was conducted on the PubMed/Medline and Embase databases and yielded 66 full-text articles and abstracts, out of which 11 studies were included after screening against the inclusion criteria. The studies included show potential for the clinical implementation of ML models in the diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment processes of patients with CML.
Bing–Neel Syndrome and Coexisting Pituitary Macroadenoma in a Patient with Waldenström Macroglobulinemia Revealed by 18F-FDG and 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT
Authors: Pan Qingqing , Luo Yaping , Cao Xinxin , Li Jian , Feng Jun
Published: April 2023

A 63-year-old man presenting with peripheral neuropathies was diagnosed of Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia, and Bing–Neel syndrome was subsequently confirmed via cerebrospinal fluid examinations. Besides involvement in bone marrow, lymph nodes, as well as the thoracic and sacral nerve root, 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT detected active tracer uptake in bilateral choroid plexus, which was negative in 18F-FDG PET/CT, possibly suggesting the involvement of Bing–Neel syndrome. The coexisting pituitary macroadenoma was FDG-avid but negative in 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT. After six cycles of chemotherapy, the follow-up PET/CT showed complete remission of the previous disease, including the high uptake of 68Ga-Pentixafor in choroid plexus. However, the hypermetabolic pituitary macroadenoma remained unchanged.
Detection of Fatal Potassium Overdose: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Simon Gábor
Published: April 2023

Potassium overdose usually occurs accidentally, but potassium is also used for judicial executions, assisted death, and, rarely, suicides. In addition to exogenous overdose, various drugs, and renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis can cause hyperkalemia. Potassium tablets are used in most cases of suicidal potassium overdose. Suicide by intravenous administration of potassium is rare but usually fatal. The author reports a rare case of suicide with potassium infusion. Autopsy and histology findings, along with post-mortem biochemical analysis of different body fluids and fluid from the infusion set, are reported. Previously published reports of potassium overdose were reviewed, and the detection possibilities of potassium overdose are discussed. The detection possibilities of lethal hyperkalemia are very limited since hyperkalemia produces only nonspecific autopsy and histology findings. Post-mortem potassium concentrations are not indicative of ante-mortem potassium concentrations; therefore, post-mortem biochemical analysis has limited value in determining potassium overdose. The best way to prove potassium overdose is via the collection and analysis of circumstantial evidence.
Peak Arm Current Minimization of Modular Multilevel Converter Using Multiple Circulating Current Injection
Authors: Wang Yifan , Shi Xianqiang , Chen Meifu , Lyu Jing , Li Xiaotong , Zhang Zhixiang , Cai Xu
Published: April 2023

Conventional circulating current (CC) control schemes of the modular multilevel converters (MMC) typically suppress the CC to zero to reduce the system loss. However, the non-zero CC can also bring additional benefits. In this paper, a peak arm current minimization method of the MMC using multiple circulating current injection control (MCCIC) is studied. Specifically, the second-order CC (SOCC) and the fourth-order CC (FOCC) are used to achieve this purpose. Firstly, the amplitude and phase angle of the SOCC are determined to shape the arm current into a saddle wave. Next, the amplitude and the phase angle of the FOCC are studied to further cut flat the crest of the saddle wave to minimize the peak arm current. The feasibility boundary for the proposed strategy is discussed quantitatively. Moreover, a decoupling circulating current control strategy is developed for precise control of the SOCC and FOCC. In the end, the proposed techniques are verified via both PSCAD/EMTDC simulation and RTLAB&RTU-BOX hardware-in-the-loop experiment. The results show that the peak arm current of the MMC operating with high power factors can be reduced by about 23% and its power handling capacity can be increased by about 30%.
Impact of 3G and 4G Technology Performance on Customer Satisfaction in the Telecommunication Industry
Authors: Haq Inayatul , Soomro Jahangeer Ahmed , Mazhar Tehseen , Ullah Ikram , Shloul Tamara Al , Ghadi Yazeed Yasin , Ullah Inam , Saad Aldosary , Tolba Amr
Published: April 2023

This study investigates the impact of factors (network coverage, customer service, video calls, and downloading Speed) of 3G and 4G telecommunication services performance on customer satisfaction in the Punjab region of Pakistan. This research indicates how to make strong relations with customers and what factors of the 3G and 4G networks need to be improved to enhance the revenue of telecom operator companies. The study has recognized the four main hypotheses responsible for checking the level of customer satisfaction in the telecommunication industry of Pakistan in the Punjab region. The study depends on essential insights gathered on the arbitrary premise from 300 clients of significant telecom administrators in the Punjab area. The respondents have selected on irregular premises and were welcomed to express their sentiments through an organized survey. A complete questionnaire has been utilized for statistics collection and exists based on the analysis of descriptive measurement, correlation, and regression analysis and analyzed through SmartPLS software. They indicate that the independent variables network coverage, customer service, video calls, and downloading speed are key driving factors of customer satisfaction. Among all independent variables “Internet downloading speed” highly impacts the dependent variable “customer satisfaction” based on 3G and 4G network performance. There are a limited number of studies that focus on customer satisfaction in the telecommunication sector in Pakistan. The study will fill the gap in the literature and help service providers to increase the satisfaction level of their customers and captivate new customers.
BoT2L-Net: Appearance-Based Gaze Estimation Using Bottleneck Transformer Block and Two Identical Losses in Unconstrained Environments
Authors: Wang Xiaohan , Zhou Jian , Wang Lin , Yin Yong , Wang Yu , Ding Zhongjun
Published: April 2023

As a nonverbal cue, gaze plays a critical role in communication, expressing emotions and reflecting mental activity. It has widespread applications in various fields. Recently, the appearance-based gaze estimation method, which utilizes CNN (convolutional neural networks), has rapidly improved the accuracy and robustness of gaze estimation algorithms. Due to their insufficient ability to capture global relationships, the present accuracy of gaze estimation methods in unconstrained environments, has the potential for improvement. To address this challenge, the focus of this paper is to enhance the accuracy of gaze estimation, which is typically measured by mean angular error. In light of Transformer’s breakthrough in image classification and target detection tasks, and the need for an efficient network, the Transformer-enhanced-CNN method is a suitable choice. This paper proposed a novel model for 3D gaze estimation in unconstrained environments, based on the Bottleneck Transformer block and multi-loss methods. Our designed network (BoT2L-Net), incorporates self-attention through the BoT block, utilizing two identical loss functions to predict the two gaze angles. Additionally, the back-propagation network was combined with classification and regression losses, to improve the network’s accuracy and robustness. Our model was evaluated on two commonly used gaze datasets: Gaze360 and MPIIGaze, achieving mean angular errors of 11.53° and 9.59° for front 180° and front-facing gaze angles, respectively, on the Gaze360 testing set, and a mean angular error of 3.97° on the MPIIGaze testing set, outperforming the CNN-based gaze estimation method. The BoT2L-Net model proposed in this paper performs well on two publicly available datasets, demonstrating the effectiveness of our approach.
Coal Properties and Coalbed Methane Potential in the Southern Part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland
Authors: Kędzior Sławomir , Teper Lesław
Published: April 2023

The area studied covers unmined Pennsylvanian Ćwiklice and Dankowice coal deposits located in the southern part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland. The geological structure of the area clearly affects the current distribution of methane. The content of methane is lower in coal seams lying within porous and permeable sandstones (Łaziska sandstones), whereas it is higher in seams that occur in sequences (Mudstone Series) where impermeable shales and mudstones occur. Due to the previous attempts to extract methane from boreholes, this area, characterized by a dense network of exploratory and prospecting drillings, is worth analyzing with regard to the conditions of methane occurrence in terms of extraction possibilities. Using contour maps, cross-sections and profiles, the variability of methane content and resources, as well as the moisture and ash content of coal seams, were analyzed. Methane content isolines are parallel to the boundary between the Cracow Sandstone Series and the Mudstone Series and to main faults. Coal moisture contents clearly reduce methane contents. A high methane content >8 m3/t coaldaf is typical for coal seams in which moisture contents do not exceed 5%. High- and medium-volatile bituminous coal in the area is characterized by low methane saturation, though saturation increases with depth. Coal permeability is variable (from 0.2 to more than 100 mD), but, below a depth of 1200 m, a clear trend of decreasing permeability with depth is evident. From the point of view of coalbed methane (CBM) recovery, relatively low coal permeabilities and methane saturation levels could make CBM output problematic in the studied area. Methane production will be more probable as a result of demethanation of the Dankowice 1 deposit, where coal mining is planned. This will result in the emission of methane into the atmosphere from ventilation shafts and methane drainage stations. Therefore, effective use of the gas captured by the methane drainage station is highly desirable for environmental and economic reasons.
A Novel Accelerated Stress Test for a Representative Enhancement of Cathode Degradation in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Rabissi Claudio , Zago Matteo , Bresciani Fausto , Gazdzicki Pawel , Casalegno Andrea
Published: April 2023

Performance decay of direct methanol fuel cells hinders technology competitiveness. The cathode electrochemical surface area loss is known to be a major reason for performance loss and it is mainly affected by cathode potential and dynamics, locally influenced by water and methanol crossover. To mitigate such phenomenon, novel materials and components need to be developed and intensively tested in relevant operating conditions. Thus, the development of representative accelerated stress tests is crucial to reduce the necessary testing time to assess material stability. In the literature, the most diffused accelerated stress tests commonly enhance a specific degradation mechanism, each resulting in limited representativeness of the complex combination and interaction of mechanisms involved during real-life operation. This work proposes a novel accelerated stress test procedure permitting a quantifiable and predictable acceleration of cathode degradation, with the goal of being representative of the real device operation. The results obtained with a 200 h accelerated stress test are validated by comparing both in situ and post mortem measurements with those performed during a 1100 h operational test, demonstrating an acceleration factor equal to 6.25x and confirming the development of consistent cathode degradation.
Effect of Concrete Mix Composition on Greenhouse Gas Emissions over the Full Life Cycle of a Structure
Authors: Wałach Daniel , Mach Aleksandra
Published: April 2023

As the need to determine and monitor carbon footprints (CFs) in the construction industry grows and given that concrete is a key construction material in this sector, the authors of the article conducted a carbon footprint analysis of 15 different concrete mixtures. The method for determining the carbon footprint of the entire life cycle of concrete was presented in detail. The authors conducted a comparative analysis of the CF for an example structure made of three significantly different concrete strength classes, in addition to determining the CF for 1 m3 of concrete mix. This analysis showed the need to consider the entire structure and the emissivity associated with the consumption of reinforcing steel when selecting the most favorable solution in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The study revealed that the composition of the concrete mix, primarily the type and amount of cement, has the greatest influence on the carbon footprint. Furthermore, the location and geometry of the structure, as well as the number of floors, should also be taken into account when selecting concrete. In the analyzed construction, the life-cycle phases related to the incorporation of the concrete mixture at the construction site (phases A4–A5) and those related to the demolition of the concrete at the end of its life cycle (phases C1–C4) constituted approximately 10% on average of the total value of CF emissions over the entire concrete life cycle.
Direction of Changes in the Settlements for Prosumers of Photovoltaic Micro-Installations: The Example of Poland as the Economy in Transition in the European Union
Authors: Łuszczyk Marcin , Malik Krzysztof , Siuta-Tokarska Barbara , Thier Agnieszka
Published: April 2023

The implemented climate policy and the current geopolitical situation make us pay special attention to energy independence, both in the household and in the national dimension. One way to obtain inexpensive and environmentally friendly energy is the development of photovoltaic micro-installations. For positive changes to occur, correct state regulation and an appropriate set of administrative and economic instruments are necessary. The purpose of this article is to discuss changes in the accounting system for renewable energy prosumers and their consequences for the further development of renewable energy. The financial settlement methods favorable to prosumers were recently replaced with new solutions. According to the authors, this slows down the energy transformation.
Modification of the Aeration-Supplied Configuration in the Biodrying Process for Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Production
Authors: Bhatsada Abhisit , Patumsawad Suthum , Towprayoon Sirintornthep , Chiemchaisri Chart , Phongphiphat Awassada , Wangyao Komsilp
Published: April 2023

Biodrying is an essential part of the mechanical–biological treatment process that minimizes moisture content and simultaneously maximizes heating value for refuse-derived fuel (RDF) production. Although the mechanical separation process operates effectively in Thailand’s RDF production, high organic content levels and their degradation cause moisture contamination in RDF, producing wet RDF. Aeration is essential for an effective biodrying process, and can reduce RDF’s moisture content as well as increase its heating value. To maximize the biodrying effect, aeration should be optimized based on the waste conditions. This study proposes a modified aeration-supplied configuration for wet RDF biodrying. The aeration rate was modified based on the period within the biodrying operation; the first period is from the beginning until day 2.5, and the second period is from day 2.5 to day 5. The optimal aeration supply configuration was 0.5 m3/kg/day in the first period and then 0.3 m3/kg/day until the end of the process; this configuration yielded the greatest moisture content decrease of 35% and increased the low heating value of the biodried product by 11%. The final moisture content and low heating value were 24.07% and 4787 kcal/kg, respectively. Therefore, this optimal aeration-supplied configuration could be applied to meet the moisture content and low heating value requirements of the RDF production standard for Thailand’s local cement industry.
Species-Specific Response to Climate Change: Evident through Retrospective Analysis Using Tree Ring Data
Authors: Neupane Prem Raj , Gauli Archana , KC Rajendra , Poudel Buddi Sagar , Köhl Michael
Published: April 2023

It is likely that changing monsoon patterns and changes in other climatic parameters will have an impact on forests. Tree growth and biomass may respond differently across the different forest recovery contexts after the disturbance regimes. It is essential to understand the response of different tree species in order to comprehend their ability to adapt to climate change. An enhanced understanding of how tree species dynamics change with a substantial shift in climate attributes is crucial to develop adaptive forest management strategies. Advances in the statistical application of tree ring data results in more reliable dating with the high accuracy and precision of any of the paleo-records and robust and long-term reconstructions of key indices such as temperature and precipitation. In this study, we analyzed how different species inhabiting together respond to changes in climatic variables using dendroclimatic analysis. We assessed the growth performance of Abies pindrow, Pinus wallichiana, and Tsuga dumosa in the temperate region of Nepal. The climate sensitivity of the species was analyzed using bootstrap correlation analysis and the climate-growth relationship over time was assessed using the moving correlation function. Tree ring growth of Abies pindrow is stimulated by higher June temperatures and higher March precipitation. This positive relationship is consistent and stationary over time. However, in the other two species, both response function and moving correlation analysis showed that the relationship between climate and growth is inconsistent and changes over time.
Comparison of Global and Local Poisson Models for the Number of Recruitment Trees in Natural Forests
Authors: Sun Yuman , Jia Weiwei , Guo Haotian , Zhang Xiaoyong , Wang Fan , Zhao Haiping , Li Tianyu , Zhao Zipeng
Published: April 2023

The recruitment of natural forests is the key to stand growth and regeneration. Constructing theoretical models for recruitment trees is crucial for accurately quantifying stand growth and yield. To this end, the objective was to use relevant Poisson models to study the spatial relationships between the number of recruitment trees (NRTs) and driving factors, such as topography, stand, and remote sensing factors. Taking the Northeast China Liangshui Nature Reserve as the study area and 127 ecological public welfare forest plots based on grid sampling as study data, we constructed global models (Poisson regression (PR) and linear mixed Poisson regression (LMPR)) and local models (geographically weighted Poisson regression (GWPR) and semiparametric GWPR (SGWPR)) to simulate the NRTs. The evaluation indicators were calculated to analyse four model fittings, predictive abilities, and spatial effects of residual analysis. The results show that local (GWPR and SGWPR) models have great advantages in all aspects. Compared with the GWPR model, the SGWPR model exhibited improved performance by considering whether coefficients have geographical variability for all independent variables. Therefore, the SGWPR model more accurately depicts the spatial distributions of NRTs than the other models.
Modeling Wildfire Initial Attack Success Rate Based on Machine Learning in Liangshan, China
Authors: Xu Yiqing , Zhou Kaiwen , Zhang Fuquan
Published: April 2023

The initial attack is a critical phase in firefighting efforts, where the first batch of resources are deployed to prevent the spread of the fire. This study aimed to analyze and understand the factors that impact the success of the initial attack, and used three machine learning models—logistic regression, XGBoost, and artificial neural network—to simulate the success rate of the initial attack in a specific region. The performance of each machine learning model was evaluated based on accuracy, AUC (Area Under the Curve), and F1 Score, with the results showing that the XGBoost model performed the best. In addition, the study also considered the impact of weather conditions on the initial attack success rate by dividing the scenario into normal weather and extreme weather conditions. This information can be useful for forest fire managers as they plan resource allocation, with the goal of improving the success rate of the initial attack in the area.
Short-Term Response of Soil Bacterial Communities after Prescribed Fires in Semi-Arid Mediterranean Forests
Authors: Soria Rocío , Tortosa Antonio , Rodríguez-Berbel Natalia , Lucas-Borja Manuel Esteban , Ortega Raúl , Miralles Isabel
Published: April 2023

Low-intensity burnings could be an effective silvicultural tool to prevent the occurrence and severity of wildfires. Nevertheless, their use as a forest fuel reduction tool may have a negative impact on soil properties. The aim of this investigation was to study the impact of a low-intensity prescribed fire on the main chemical properties of the soil (pH, electrical conductivity, and total organic carbon), and the diversity and composition of the soil bacterial communities in a semi-arid forest in SE Spain. Two similar stands were treated with a low-intensity prescribed burn in spring and autumn 2018 and were compared to an unburned stand. All soil samples were collected at the same time (autumn 2018). The chemical properties of the soil showed no significant differences between the prescribed burns and the control forest. Shannon and Pielou’s diversity indices presented values significantly lower in the burned soils compared to the control. Prescribed burning did not modify soil bacterial community structure at the phylum level, but NMDS analysis did reveal a difference between soil bacterial communities at the genus level. Both prescribed burnings favoured some bacterial taxa over others, suggesting different thermal and bacterial resistance. The presence of Massilia, Pseudomonas and Arthrobacter could suggest a short-term ecosystem recovery. Therefore, prescribed burning in semi-arid forests could be suitable as a preventive tool against wildfires.
A Political Economy and Multi-Stakeholder Perspective of Net-Zero Emission Urban Bus Transportation in the United Kingdom
Authors: Argyriou Iraklis
Published: April 2023

The transition to net-zero emission urban bus (ZEB) systems is receiving increased attention in research and policymaking. Most studies in this area focus on techno-economic aspects and the views of a narrow group of stakeholders. This offers limited insight into the range of barriers that constrain transitions in real-world contexts. This article offers a political-economic and multi-stakeholder perspective on the technical and non-technical barriers to ZEB transitions within the UK context. It develops a theory-guided empirical case study, informed by stakeholder theory perspectives and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in the local bus transportation system. It finds that a transition to net zero will require addressing technical, policy, market, and cooperative barriers across sectors and policy levels. On the one hand, this relates to high costs and performance uncertainties over ZEB technology and infrastructure. On the other hand, it concerns unsustainable bus networks from passenger patronage and coordination perspectives, stakeholder cooperative gaps, and high car use and dependency in urban areas. Policy portfolios and stakeholder collaborations, beyond a ‘net-zero’ and sectoral focus, could tackle barriers to system-level change. Further application of the theoretical framework can contribute to a broader body of knowledge about transition barriers operating in different political and economic contexts.
A Comparison between Perceptions of Psychiatric Outpatients and Psychiatrists Regarding Benzodiazepine Use and Decision Making for Its Discontinuation: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Japan
Authors: Aoki Yumi , Takeshima Masahiro , Tsuboi Takashi , Katsumoto Eiichi , Udagawa Ken , Inada Ken , Watanabe Koichiro , Mishima Kazuo , Takaesu Yoshikazu
Published: April 2023

Background: Although long-term use of benzodiazepines and z-drugs (BZDs) is not recommended, little is known about the stakeholders’ perceptions. This study aimed to assess and compare the perceptions of BZD use and decision making regarding its discontinuation between psychiatric outpatients and psychiatrists. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Results: Of 104 outpatients, 92% were taking hypnotics and 96% were taking anxiolytics for ≥a year, while 49% were willing to taper hypnotic/anxiolytics within a year of starting. Most psychiatrists felt that “patient and psychiatrist make the decision together on an equal basis” compared to patients (p < 0.001), while more patients felt that “the decision is (was) made considering the psychiatrists’ opinion” compared to psychiatrists (p < 0.001). Of 543 psychiatrists, 79% reported “patients were not willing to discontinue hypnotic/anxiolytic” whereas a certain number of patients conveyed “psychiatrists did not explain in enough detail about hypnotic/anxiolytic discontinuation such as procedure (18.3%), timing (19.2%), and appropriate condition (14.4%)”. Conclusion: The results suggest that the majority of psychiatric outpatients were taking hypnotic/anxiolytics for a long time against their will. There might be a difference in perceptions toward hypnotic/anxiolytic use and decision making for its discontinuation between psychiatric outpatients and psychiatrists. Further research is necessary to fill this gap.
Persistence of E. coli in Streambed Sediment Contaminated with Faeces from Dairy Cows, Geese, and Deer: Legacy Risks to Environment and Health
Authors: Afolabi Emmanuel O. , Quilliam Richard S. , Oliver David M.
Published: April 2023

Legacy stores of faecal pollution in streambed sediments can result in delayed impacts on environmental quality and human health if resuspended into the overlying water column. Different catchment sources of faecal pollution can contribute to a legacy store of microbial pollutants, with size of stores influenced by microbial die-off and faecal accrual rates in the streambed. The aim of this study was to use a mesocosm experiment to characterise the persistence of E. coli derived from faeces of dairy cows, deer, and geese once introduced to streambed sediment under different temperature regimes. The settling rate of solid constituents of faecal material into streambed sediment once delivered into an aquatic environment was also quantified. The persistence patterns of E. coli in streambed sediment were found to vary as a function of faecal source and temperature; die-off of E. coli in sediment contaminated with goose faeces was more rapid than in sediments contaminated with dairy cow or deer faeces. Goose faeces also recorded a more rapid settling rate of faecal particles through the water column relative to dairy cow and deer faeces, suggesting a more efficient delivery of E. coli to streambed sediments associated with this faecal source. Our findings provide new evidence to improve understanding of the potential longer-term risks to both the environment and public health posed by sediments when contaminated with livestock, wildlife, and wildfowl faeces.
The Senior Companion Program Plus (SCP Plus): Examining the Preliminary Effectiveness of a Lay Provider Program to Support African American Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) Caregivers
Authors: Xu Ling , Fields Noelle L. , Williams Ishan C. , Gaugler Joseph E. , Kunz-Lomelin Alan , Cipher Daisha J. , Feinhals Gretchen
Published: April 2023

Objectives: A culturally informed, peer-led, lay provider model, the Senior Companion Program (SCP) Plus, was implemented to decrease caregiving burden/stress and improve coping skills and social support for African American ADRD caregivers. This study reported the preliminary effectiveness of this intervention. Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used in this study, and a randomized control trial was conducted for the SCP Plus intervention among participants in three sites (n = 20). A subsample of participants (n = 7) consented to a qualitative interview about their experiences with the intervention. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, Friedman tests, and one-way repeated measures ANOVA were computed for quantitative analyses. Thematic analysis was used for the qualitative interviews. Results: Results demonstrated that knowledge of AD/dementia (KAD) and preparedness for caregiving were significantly improved for all senior companions in the intervention group. Results also showed that caregivers in the intervention group reported significantly decreased caregiving burden, as well as increased KAD, satisfaction with social support, and positive aspects of caregiving. Themes from the qualitative interviews included: learning new skills about caregiving, gaining knowledge about ADRD, and benefits for the dyad. Discussions: Findings from this study implied that SCP Plus was a promising model for African American family caregivers as it benefits both the SC volunteers and the African American ADRD family caregivers.
Healthcare Impacts Associated with Federally Declared Disasters—Hurricanes Gustave and Ike
Authors: Lavin Roberta , Couig Mary Pat , Kelley Patricia Watts , Schwarts Thais , Ramos Fermin
Published: April 2023

People impacted by disasters may have adverse non-communicable disease health effects associated with the disaster. This research examined the independent and joint impacts of federally declared disasters on the diagnosis of hypertension (HTN), diabetes (DM), anxiety, and medication changes 6 months before and after a disaster. Patients seen in zip codes that received a federal disaster declaration for Hurricanes Gustave or Ike in 2008 and who had electronic health records captured by MarketScan® were analyzed. The analysis included patients seen 6 months before or after Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008 and who were diagnosed with HTN, DM, or anxiety. There was a statistically significant association between post-disaster and diagnosis of hypertension, X2 (1, n = 19,328) = 3.985, p = 0.04. There was no association post-disaster and diabetes X2 (1, n = 19,328) = 0.778, p = 0.378 or anxiety, X2 (1, n = 19,328) = 0.017, p = 0.898. The research showed that there was a change in the diagnosis of HTN after a disaster. Changes in HTN are an additional important consideration for clinicians in disaster-prone areas. Data about non-communicable diseases help healthcare disaster planners to include primary care needs and providers in the plans to prevent the long-term health impacts of disasters and expedite recovery efforts.
“Going Forward like a Grandmother in the Snow”: Personal Survival Strategies, Motherhood, and Nature as Resources for Mothers Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Sorsa Minna , Bryngeirsdottir Hulda S. , Paavilainen Eija
Published: April 2023

After suffering interpersonal violence (IPV), women survivors can access various interdisciplinary services and programmes to guide their recovery. Nevertheless, many vulnerable women postpone seeking help, sometimes indefinitely. Motherhood especially complicates help-seeking because mothers often want to protect both the perpetrator and their children. Understanding women’s resilience, resources, and capacities in surviving IPV, however, could guide the development of helpful services that women actually access. Thus, in our study, we sought to explore the agency, resources, and reinforcing survival experiences of survivors of IPV. Our data, gathered in Finland during the COVID-19 pandemic, consisted of 12 narratives of mothers told in Clinical Ethnographic Narrative Interviews that were subsequently subjected to thematic analysis. Five themes describing personal resources, motherhood, and nature were identified under the overarching metaphor of “going forward like a grandmother in the snow”. Recognising the agency, resources, capacities, and coping mechanisms of women who have suffered IPV can help in developing professional outreach programmes, promoting women’s early access to useful resources, and, in turn, helping them to stop the possible intergenerational transmission of violence.
Thematic Foreword from the Guest Editor to the Special Issue Entitled “The Role of Interactions in Complexes, Clusters and Crystal Structures—Theoretical Analyses and Experimental Evidences”
Authors: Mikhailov Oleg V.
Published: April 2023

The world around us consists of a huge number and a wide variety of substances—both individual chemical compounds and their compositions (mixtures) [...]
Bithiophene as a Sulfur-Based Promotor for the Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes and Carbon-Carbon Composites
Authors: Bogdanova Alisa R. , Krasnikov Dmitry V. , Khabushev Eldar M. , Ramirez B. Javier A. , Nasibulin Albert G.
Published: April 2023

We assess bithiophene (C8H6S2) as a novel sulfur-based promotor for the growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in the aerosol (floating catalyst) CVD method. Technologically suitable equilibrium vapor pressure and an excess of hydrocarbon residuals formed under its decomposition make bithiophene an attractive promoter for the production of carbon nanotubes in general and specifically for ferrocene-based SWCNT growth. Indeed, we detect a moderate enhancement in the carbon nanotube yield and a decrease in the equivalent sheet resistance of the films at a low bithiophene content, indicating the improvement of the product properties. Moreover, the relatively high concentrations and low temperature stability of bithiophene result in non-catalytical decomposition, leading to the formation of pyrolytic carbon deposits; the deposits appear as few-layer graphene structures. Thus, bithiophene pyrolysis opens a route for the cheap production of hierarchical composite thin films comprising carbon nanotubes and few-layer graphene, which might be of practical use for hierarchical adsorbents, protective membranes, or electrocatalysis.
The Role of Toll-like Receptors (TLRs) and Their Related Signaling Pathways in Viral Infection and Inflammation
Authors: Kircheis Ralf , Planz Oliver
Published: April 2023

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) belong to a powerful system for the recognition and elimination of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) from bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens [...]
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals a Potential Regulatory Network for Ogura Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.)
Authors: Chen Li , Ren Wenjing , Zhang Bin , Guo Huiling , Fang Zhiyuan , Yang Limei , Zhuang Mu , Lv Honghao , Wang Yong , Ji Jialei , Hou Xilin , Zhang Yangyong
Published: April 2023

Ogura cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) lines are widely used breeding materials in cruciferous crops and play important roles in heterosis utilization; however, the sterility mechanism remains unclear. To investigate the microspore development process and gene expression changes after the introduction of orf138 and Rfo, cytological observation and transcriptome analysis were performed using a maintainer line, an Ogura CMS line, and a restorer line. Semithin sections of microspores at different developmental stages showed that the degradation of tapetal cells began at the tetrad stage in the Ogura CMS line, while it occurred at the bicellular microspore stage to the tricellular microspore stage in the maintainer and restorer lines. Therefore, early degradation of tapetal cells may be the cause of pollen abortion. Transcriptome analysis results showed that a total of 1287 DEGs had consistent expression trends in the maintainer line and restorer line, but were significantly up- or down-regulated in the Ogura CMS line, indicating that they may be closely related to pollen abortion. Functional annotation showed that the 1287 core DEGs included a large number of genes related to pollen development, oxidative phosphorylation, carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. In addition, further verification elucidated that down-regulated expression of genes related to energy metabolism led to decreased ATP content and excessive ROS accumulation in the anthers of Ogura CMS. Based on these results, we propose a transcriptome-mediated induction and regulatory network for cabbage Ogura CMS. Our research provides new insights into the mechanism of pollen abortion and fertility restoration in Ogura CMS.
Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis Uncovers the Potential Role of JAZ and MYC Families in Potato under Abiotic Stress
Authors: Wang Shan , Wang Yongbin , Yang Rui , Cai Wanhua , Liu Yaning , Zhou Duanrong , Meng Li , Wang Ping , Huang Binquan
Published: April 2023

As key regulators of the Jasmonates (JAs) signal transduction pathway, JAZ protein, and MYC transcription factors are imperative for plant response to external environmental changes, growth, and development. In this study, 18 StJAZs and 12 StMYCs were identified in potatoes. Their chromosomal position, phylogenetic development, gene structure, and promoter cis-acting parts of the StJAZ genes were analyzed. In addition, Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) network analysis of StJAZ and StMYC gene families and yeast two-hybrid assay demonstrated that five StMYCs can interact with 16 StJAZs, which provides new insights into the operation mechanism of StJAZs and StMYCs in JA signal response. Moreover, we explored the expression profiles of StJAZs and StMYCs genes in different tissues and during abiotic stresses by RNA-seq data. Based on the PPI network and transcriptome data, the genes StJAZ11, StJAZ16, and StMYC6 were chosen for further qRT-PCR study under salt or mannitol treatment. Under mannitol-induced drought or salinity treatment, the expression patterns of StMYC6, StJAZ11, and StJAZ16 were different, indicating that the JAZ protein and MYC transcription factor may be engaged in the response of potatoes to abiotic stress, which opened up a new research direction for the genetic improvement of potatoes in response to environmental stress.
The Prognostic, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Potential of TRAIL Signalling in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Kelland Elaina , Patil Manisha S. , Patel Sanjay , Cartland Siân P. , Kavurma Mary M.
Published: April 2023

TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) was originally discovered, almost 20 years ago, for its ability to kill cancer cells. More recent evidence has described pleiotropic functions, particularly in the cardiovascular system. There is potential for TRAIL concentrations in the circulation to act as prognostic and/or diagnostic factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Pre-clinical studies also describe the therapeutic capacity for TRAIL signals, particularly in the context of atherosclerotic disease and diseases of the myocardium. Because diabetes mellitus significantly contributes to the progression and pathogenesis of CVDs, in this review we highlight recent evidence for the prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic potential of TRAIL signals in CVDs, and where relevant, the impact of diabetes mellitus. A greater understanding of how TRAIL signals regulate cardiovascular protection and pathology may offer new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues for patients suffering from CVDs.
Molecular Cytological Analysis and Specific Marker Development in Wheat-Psathyrostachys huashanica Keng 3Ns Additional Line with Elongated Glume
Authors: Pang Jingyu , Huang Chenxi , Wang Yuesheng , Wen Xinyu , Deng Pingchuan , Li Tingdong , Wang Changyou , Liu Xinlun , Chen Chunhuan , Zhao Jixin , Ji Wanquan
Published: April 2023

Psathyrostachys huashanica Keng (2n = 2x = 14, NsNs) is an excellent gene resource for wheat breeding, which is characterized by early maturity, low plant height, and disease resistance. The wheat-P. huashanica derivatives were created by the elite genes of P. huashanica and permeate into common wheat through hybridization. Among them, a long-glume material 20JH1155 was identified, with larger grains and longer spike than its parents. In the present study, the methods of cytological observation, GISH, and sequential FISH analysis showed that 20JH1155 contained 21 pairs of wheat chromosomes and a pair of P. huashanica. There were some differences in 5A and 7B chromosomes between 20JH1155 and parental wheat 7182. Molecular marker, FISH, and sequence cloning indicated 20JH1155 alien chromosomes were 3Ns of P. huashanica. In addition, differentially expressed genes during immature spikelet development of 20JH1155 and 7182 and predicted transcription factors were obtained by transcriptome sequencing. Moreover, a total of 7 makers derived from Ph#3Ns were developed from transcriptome data. Taken together, the wheat-P. huashanica derived line 20JH1155 provides a new horizon on distant hybridization of wheat and accelerates the utilization of genes of P. huashanica.
The Effect of CaV1.2 Inhibitor Nifedipine on Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow or Menstrual Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Chondrocytes
Authors: Uzieliene Ilona , Bironaite Daiva , Miksiunas Rokas , Bagdonas Edvardas , Vaiciuleviciute Raminta , Mobasheri Ali , Bernotiene Eiva
Published: April 2023

Cartilage is an avascular tissue and sensitive to mechanical trauma and/or age-related degenerative processes leading to the development of osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, it is important to investigate the mesenchymal cell-based chondrogenic regenerating mechanisms and possible their regulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of intracellular calcium (iCa2+) and its regulation through voltage-operated calcium channels (VOCC) on chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells derived from human bone marrow (BMMSCs) and menstrual blood (MenSCs) in comparison to OA chondrocytes. The level of iCa2+ was highest in chondrocytes, whereas iCa2+ store capacity was biggest in MenSCs and they proliferated better as compared to other cells. The level of CaV1.2 channels was also highest in OA chondrocytes than in other cells. CaV1.2 antagonist nifedipine slightly suppressed iCa2+, Cav1.2 and the proliferation of all cells and affected iCa2+ stores, particularly in BMMSCs. The expression of the CaV1.2 gene during 21 days of chondrogenic differentiation was highest in MenSCs, showing the weakest chondrogenic differentiation, which was stimulated by the nifedipine. The best chondrogenic differentiation potential showed BMMSCs (SOX9 and COL2A1 expression); however, purposeful iCa2+ and VOCC regulation by blockers can stimulate a chondrogenic response at least in MenSCs.
Experimental Investigation Techniques for Non-Ideal Compressible Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Wiesche Stefan aus der
Published: April 2023

The rising number of applications of the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) or supercritical CO2 (sCO2) power systems have shaped a new branch of fluid mechanics called non-ideal compressible fluid dynamics (NICFD). This field of fluid mechanics is concerned with flows of vapors or gases, which are characterized by substantial deviations from the perfect gas model. In extreme cases, even non-classical gas dynamic phenomena could occur. Although these non-ideal compressible flows are the subject of sophisticated numerical simulation studies today, there is also a growing need for experimental data for validating purposes. In the last couple of years, new experimental test rigs designed for investigating non-ideal compressible fluid dynamics have been developed and commissioned. Classical practical measurement techniques are currently being re-developed and applied to non-ideal compressible flows. Despite its substantial relevance, information about these measurement techniques and their differences from conventional methods in the open literature is scarce. The present review article is an attempt to reduce that gap. After briefly discussing the thermodynamics and fluid dynamics of non-ideal compressible flows, the currently available test rigs and their utilized measurement techniques are reviewed. This review discusses schlieren optical investigations, pneumatic and laser-optical methods, and hot-wire anemometry for non-ideal compressible flows.