bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the sensitivity and acceptability of the Royal Marsden Palliative Care Referral “Triggers” Tool for out-patients with cancer
Authors: Kamal Laila , Kano Yuki , Stevens Anna-Marie , Mohammed Kabir , Pattison Natalie , Perkins Margaret , Popat Sanjay , Benson Charlotte , Minton Ollie , Laverty Diane , Wiseman Theresa , Mayland Catriona R , Gough Nicholas , Williams Caroline , Want Julie , Tweddle Andrew , Wood Jayne , Droney Joanne
Published: May 2024

Purpose:
To evaluate the use, acceptability, and experience of a seven-item palliative care referral screening tool in an outpatient oncology setting.
Methods:
Atwo-phase convergent parallel mixed methods study. Patient participants who met any of the “Royal Marsden Triggers Tool” criteria were compared with those who did not in terms of demographic data, palliative care needs (Integrated Palliative Outcome Scale, IPOS) and quality of life indicators (EORTC-QLQ-C30).
In-depth interviews were carried out with patients and oncology staff about their views and experience of the “Royal Marsden Triggers tool”. Qualitative and quantitative data were triangulated at data interpretation.
Results:
348 patients were recruited to the quantitative phase of the study of whom 53% met at least one of the Triggers tool palliative care referral criteria. When compared with patients who were negative using the Triggers tool, “Royal Marsden Triggers tool” positive patients had a lower quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30 Global Health Status scale (p<0.01)) and a higher proportion had severe or overwhelming physical needs on IPOS (38% versus 20%, p<0.001). Median survival of “Royal Marsden Triggers tool” positive patients was 11.7 months.
16 staff and 19 patients participated in qualitative interviews. The use of the tool normalized palliative care involvement, supporting individualized care and access to appropriate expertise.
Conclusion
The use of a palliative care referral tool streamlines palliative care within oncology outpatient services and supports teams working together to provide an early holistic patient-centered service. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of this approach.
Exploring Heterogeneity Across Diverse Regulated-Cell Death Patterns in Glioma
Authors: Jiang Zhipeng , Huang Hailong , Wang Zihan , Guo Youwei , Yin Wen , Huang Haoxuan , Wang Lei , Liu Weidong , Jiang Xingjun , Ren Caiping
Published: May 2024

Background
Glioma stands out as the most malignant ailment affecting the central nervous system. Regulated cell death, orchestrated by a multitude of genes, serves as a pivotal determinant in shaping cellular destiny and significantly contributes to tumor advancement. However, there is a dearth of literature delving into the evolution of glioma disease through the prism of cell death patterns. Hence, our objective is to delve into the pertinent molecular mechanisms underlying glioma, with a specific focus on the potential role of regulated cell death.
Results
Different patterns of regulated cell death collectively contribute to the progression of glioma. Clusters characterized by relatively specific high expression of alkalosis and netotic cell death exhibit relatively malignant clinical features. Through differential gene screening, we constructed a prognostic signature consisting of genes such as TIMP1. This model demonstrates good prognostic predictive ability, with its scoring reflecting the progression of glioma. Finally, experimental validation of TIMP1 confirms its involvement in the progression of malignant cells.
Conclusion
These findings provide new insights into understanding the relationship between regulated cell death and glioma development and identify novel biomarkers may help to guiding precise treatments to glioma.
A new method to accurately predict jet cutting front profile from jet cutting images
Authors: Chen Ke , Zhang Shijin , Wu Yuqiang , Chen Ming
Published: May 2024

As an advanced manufacturing technique, high-energy abrasive water jet (AWJ) has some special advantages such as high efficiency, no-heat affected zone, cleanliness. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for processing some special materials used extensively in aerospace, rail, and shipbuilding industries. However, the jet undergoes a real-time dynamic deformation during cutting process due to the changes of the cutting conditions. And the dynamically deforming jet often results in low cutting accuracy. If the cutting front profile of the jet can be accurately predicted and controlled properly, machining precision can be greatly enhanced. In this study, a high-speed camera has been utilized to capture the images of the jet during the jet cutting process. After that, a dataset of jet image segmentation has been created, and the jet profiles have been extracted from each image using the Segment Anything Model (SAM). We represented and quantified the trailing edge features of the jet profiles and proposed an AWJ_GA_BP neural network-based jet profile prediction algorithm, achieving a more accurate prediction of trailing edge features of the jet profiles. This research not only improves the understanding of abrasive water jet machining mechanisms but also provides a crucial guidance for precise control of abrasive water jet.
Regulatory B cells drive immune evasion in the tumor microenvironment and are involved peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer
Authors: Fujiwara Yuta , Kinoshita Jun , Shimada Mari , Saito Hiroto , Tsuji Toshikatsu , Yamamoto Daisuke , Moriyama Hideki , Horii Motoki , Nomura Sachiyo , Matsushita Takashi , Yamamoto Yasuhiko , Inaki Noriyuki
Published: May 2024

Background: Peritoneal metastasis (PM) of gastric cancer (GC) has an immune escape environment. Regulatory B cells (Bregs), characterized by IL-10 production, play an important role in the tumor immunity; however, the function of Bregs in PM remains unclear. We investigated the frequency and effects of Bregs on other immune cells in the PM using clinical specimens and mouse models of PM.
Methods: Breg frequency was assessed in the blood and ascites from healthy subjects and patients with early GC, advanced GC, and PM by flow cytometry, and in resected specimens of primary GC and PM by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, we analyzed Bregs and other immune cells in C57BL/6J and B cell-specific phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-deficient PM mouse models.
Results: In the peripheral blood and ascites, Breg frequency was significantly higher in patients with GC with PM than in those without PM. In clinical PM samples, Breg frequency was an independent prognostic factor. In the mouse PM model, peritoneal tumors showed higher Breg infiltration than subcutaneous tumors. In the PTEN-deficient PM model, activation of Bregs promoted ascites and peritoneal tumor growth, decreased the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, and increased the infiltration of M2 macrophages. In contrast, treatment with wortmannin, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, suppressed Breg infiltration, resulting in decreased M2 macrophage infiltration and increased CD8+ T cell infiltration.
Conclusions: Bregs are indicated to be involved in immunosuppression of PM and are promising targets for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy against PM.
Developing three-dimensional rheological model for clay from K0 oedometer test
Authors: Ge Chen , Jungao Zhu , Tao Wang , Long Wang , Fulong Ma , Qixun Luo
Published: May 2024

The rheological deformation of soil can pose significant threats to the economy and public safety, making accurate prediction of soil rheological deformation crucial. In this paper, one-dimensional compression rheological tests were operated for over-consolidated clay by a novel K0 oedometer. The test results show that the coefficient of earth stress at rest K0 remains constant over time under constant load. The strain-time relationship during reloading can be described by a hyperbolic function, while the stress-strain relationship can be represented by a power function. Based on the relationship of strain-stress-time and the equal timeline theory, a one-dimensional viscoplastic equation was proposed to describe the axial strain rate. By introducing K0, a viscoplastic volumetric strain rate equation is derived, leading to the development of a three-dimensional elastic viscoplastic model under general stress conditions. Verification shows that the predictions of the proposed model agrees well with the test data of triaxial rheological. The model, based on K0 oedometer tests data, offers a simplified alternative to complex triaxial rheological tests and extends the modeling approach of rheological models.
MRPL13 is a metastatic and prognostic marker of breast cancer: a silico analysis accompanied with experimental validation
Authors: Dai Pei , Chen Yan’an , Zhang Xiao , Liu Long , Cheng Zhenbo
Published: May 2024

Background: Although progress has been made in accurate diagnosis and targeted treatments, breast cancer (BC) patients with metastasis still present a grim prognosis. With the continuous emergence and development of new personalized and precision medicine targeting specific tumor biomarkers, there is an urgent need to find new metastatic and prognostic biomarkers for BC patients.
Methods: We commit to identify genes that associate with metastasis and prognosis in BC by a silico analysis accompanied with experimental validation.
Results: A total of 25 overlap differentially expressed genes were identified. Ten hub genes (namely MRPL13, CTR9, TCEB1, RPLP0, TIMM8B, METTL1, GOLT1B, PLK2, PARL and MANBA) were identified and confirmed. MRPL13, TCEB1, GOLT1Bwere shown be associated with the worse over survival (OS) and were optionally chosen for further verification by western blot. Only MRPL13 was found associated with cells invasion, and the expression ofMRPL13 in metastatic BC was significant higher than in primary BC.
Conclusion: We proposed MRPL13 could be a potential novel biomarkerfor the metastasis and prognosis of breast cancer.
Experience and perception of peer assessment: findings from a higher education health students’ study
Authors: Anna Ramon-Aribau , Meritxell Mondejar-Pont , Cristina Vaqué-Crusellas , Ester Goutan-Roura , Montserrat Serra Mas , Ricard Castro-Prat , María Navarrete-Muñoz Eva , Desirée Valera-Gran
Published: May 2024

Feedback and peer assessment are some of the most powerful educational tools for improving learning and increasing student performance. However, their impact can be positive or negative depending on their quality and the opportunity provided. This study seeks to analyse the perception of peer assessment among university healthcare students in relation to their learning experience. A cross-sectional design was used with students from physiotherapy, nursing, human nutrition and dietetics and occupational therapy. 630 students answered the questionnaire used. A total of 85% of respondents reported having participated in peer assessment activities and usually their first experience happens at the university level. Students generally hold positive views on peer assessment, agreeing that is useful for improving their learning and that promotes student engagement. They expressed a moderate confidence in their ability to provide high-quality feedback and less confident in its effectiveness for improving their peers’ work. Finally, they exhibited positive views on the importance of providing constructive feedback and effectively handling critical peer feedback and utilizing peer feedback for self-improvement.
In conclusion, it is important to understand students' prior experiences with different teaching methodologies. Educators need to acknowledge the diverse learning backgrounds, practices, and values that students bring from previous educational experiences. Recognizing these values and practices is essential for effectively tailoring teaching methods. Additionally, these findings highlight the unique impact of teaching methods in certain disciplines, such as healthcare. Methods like peer assessment can significantly influence students' professional development and future practice within these specialized fields.
Keywords: peer assessment, health studies, higher education, professional development
On Dealing with Multicollinearity Using New Hybridized Regression Model
Authors: Jaisankar R. , D Victorseelan
Published: May 2024

Background
Multicollinearity is a serious problem to be considered while performing the multiple regression analysis and so also the multiple logistic regressions. The presence of Multicollinearity leads to several consequences which makes the purpose of regression analysis futile. To address the problem of Multicollinearity, several remedies like Ridge regression or Factor Analysis are suggested.
Methods
This article describes an alternative procedure which is potential enough to deal with Multicollinearity which encompasses two different statistical procedures, viz., Statistical Discriminant Analysis and Logistic Regression, and hence may be called Hybridized-LR.
Results
The suggested method shows high potentiality in terms of accuracy measures when compared with all other algorithms, which is substantiated by the application based on the data collected on chronic kidney disease.
Densely Populated Macrocyclic Dicobalt Sites in Ladder Polymers for Ultralow Overpotential Oxygen Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Liu Xikui , Liu Xikui , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Zhen , Xing Zhenyu , Xing Zhenyu , Xianglin Luo , Xianglin Luo , Cheng Chong , Cheng Chong
Published: May 2024

Dual-atom catalysts (DACs) with synergetic dinuclear active sites, have the potential to break the linear scaling relationship of the well-established single-atom catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR); however, the design of DACs with rationalized local microenvironment for high activity and selectivity remains a blind area and is great challenge. Herein, we reported a design of bisalphen ladder polymer with well-defined densely populated binuclear cobalt sites that in suit growth on Ketjenblack substrates (CoCo-BiSalphen@KB). The strong electron coupling effect between the fully-conjugated ladder structure with carbon substrates induces the low-to-high spin transition for the 3d electron of Co(II), activating O-O bond through the side-on overlapping and enhancing the electron transfer between the cobalt center and reactants/intermediates. In situ techniques and density functional theory calculations revealed the dynamic evolution of Co2N4O2 active sites and reaction intermediates. In alkaline conditions, the catalyst presented impressive ORR activity featuring an ultrahigh onset potential of 1.10 V and a remarkable half-wave potential of 1.00 V, insignificant decay after 30,000 cycles, which pushes the overpotential boundaries of ORR electrocatalysis to an unprecedented low level. This work provides a new platform for designing high-efficiency dual atom catalysts with well-defined coordination and electronic structures in energy conversion technologies.
Framework for Accurate Estimation of Freezing Time and Convective Heat Transfer Coefficient for Freezing of Food product in Domestic Refrigerator: A Numerical and Simulation Modeling approach
Authors: Ray Arijit , Minz P. S. , Sinha Chitranayak
Published: May 2024

Freezing time estimation is essential for quality assurance, process optimization, and innovation in a variety of industries. The total freezing time is greatly influenced by the heat transfer parameters like convective heat transfer coefficient (CHTC), which in turn affects the product's quality characteristics. The correct calculation of CHTC, especially in domestic freezers, remains largely unexplored despite the development of several mathematical models for freezing time prediction. To fill this gap, this research presents a framework-driven analysis of CHTC for estimating the freezing time of frozen sweetened yoghurt in a domestic refrigerator. This research not only compares the performance of several freezing time prediction models, but also seeks to determine the optimal CHTC range for accurate freezing time forecasts, determining the most accurate freezing time prediction model and to replicate the freezing process by simulation accurately for this specific scenario. The results showed great accuracy for the determined CHTC range (RMSE = 27.24, CV = 0.16, MSE = 741.85, MAE = 22.4, MAPE = 12.24 and MBE = 8.14) and lowest average residual (3.95 min) for the fitted prediction for the freezing time calculation of frozen yoghurt. The simulation analysis further backed the results by showcasing marginal temperature difference between the simulated and actual temperature (0.232℃ to 0.684℃) of the frozen yoghurt by using the determined CHTC range. This showed the developed framework’s reliability in freezing time prediction and CHTC range determination, which will eventually help in modeling the freezing process of different food products with high accuracy.
Willingness and Perceptions of Malaria Vaccines among Caregivers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Mwingira Felista Walafried , Matiya Deoakry Joseph , Chacky Frank
Published: May 2024

Background
Tanzania is a malaria-endemic country that relies solely on antimalarial drugs and vector control, insecticide-treated bed nets, and indoor residual spray control strategies. However, the efficacy of these interventions is threatened by the development of resistance, and additional strategies are needed to accelerate malaria eradication. Currently, malaria vaccines have begun to roll out in endemic areas. However, hesitancy emanating from misinformation on vaccine efficacy and safety has been recorded in various parts of the world. Thus, an assessment of caregivers' acceptance of the malaria vaccine is essential. In this context, this study investigated the awareness and willingness of caregivers towards the malaria vaccine.
Methodology:
This is a health facility-based cross-sectional survey conducted from September 2022 to March 2023. In total, 293 caregivers attending Ante-Natal Clinics (ANC) in selected health facilities in Dar es Salaam were recruited. A semistructured questionnaire was used to collect caregivers’ demographic information, knowledge of malaria, knowledge of malaria vaccines and willingness to receive malaria vaccines.
Results
The respondents were predominantly women aged 18–52 years. Overall, 87.4% had knowledge of malaria. In contrast, 14% did not know how malaria is transmitted. Most respondents (86.3%) knew about malaria prevention/control methods. However, only 14.7% of the recruited caregivers were aware of the malaria vaccine. Of those exposed to vaccine messages, 67.4% were aware that the vaccine was for children under five years of age, while 53.5% knew that the vaccine was for pregnant women. Despite their low exposure, most respondents (92.8%) were willing to receive the malaria vaccine for their children under five years of age.
Conclusion
Malaria knowledge was high among the caregivers. However, the abysmally low awareness of vaccines calls for targeted information, education and communication strategies (IECs) for communities to curb misconceptions and complement their high willingness to accept the malaria vaccine upon its roll-out in Tanzania.
Impact of General Population Stigmatization toward Marriage in Patients Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Behgam Nazgol , Sahraian Amirhossein , Ebadi Zahra , Jahani Shima , Sahraian Mohammad Ali
Published: May 2024

Background Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a long-term condition that affects the central nervous system and typically manifests in individuals during their youth. Stigma poses significant psychosocial challenges for patients with MS, leading to negative impacts on their personal and social lives. However, limited research has been conducted on the experiences of individuals and the influence of MS stigmatization on marriage. This study focused on unmarried individuals aged 20–40 years in Iran to determine the prevalence of societal stigma and their intention to marry an individual affected by MS. Methods A researcher-designed questionnaire was utilized to collect data from 343 unmarried individuals in a prospective cross-sectional study. We conducted an in-person interview to gather their overall understanding of MS and their views on marrying someone with MS. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic variables and measured the degree of stigmatization toward MS, by including concerns related to marriage with MS patients. Results The results showed that stigmatization attitudes and concerns existed among the participants as much as 85%, including worries about physical disability, treatment costs, potential transmission of MS to future children, unemployment, and dismissal. The study findings suggested the inquiry of MS patients in managing stigmas effectively, as well as increasing social awareness regarding MS. Conclusions This study contributes to the understanding of the social implications of MS and provides insights for developing strategies to address societal stigma and improve the quality of life for MS patients. By raising awareness and providing support in society, it is feasible to establish an inclusive and accepting environment that enables individuals with MS to experience an improved quality of life and reduced stigma in various social areas, such as relationships and marriage.
A Discrete-Time Event-Triggered Consensus Algorithm with Optimized Sampling for Multi-Agent Coordination Control
Authors: Lin Meihuan , Wu Weilin , Huang Hongben
Published: May 2024

In this paper, a multi-agent cooperative control algorithm based on event-triggered mechanism is designed. The main research contents are as follows : Firstly, the consensus algorithm of second-order discrete multi-agent is designed, and the consensus protocol is designed by using sampling position information. The relationship among network topology, control gain and sampling period is analyzed. Secondly, the leader-follower consistency based on event-triggered mechanism is studied, and a leader-follower consistency algorithm based on event-triggered mechanism is designed. By introducing the event-triggered mechanism, the master-slave consistency cooperative control is realized. Thirdly, the research results of multi-agent cooperative control algorithm based on event-triggered mechanism are verified by an example to prove the effectiveness of theoretical analysis.
Imprinting of B cells in SARS-CoV-2 prototype strain infection compared to AZD1222 (ChAdOx nCoV-19) vaccination
Authors: Familiar-Macedo Débora , de Azeredo Elzinandes Leal , Lemos Elba Regina Sampaio , Damasco Paulo Vieira , de-Oliveira-Pinto Luzia Maria
Published: May 2024

Understanding the behavior of B cell subsets in infections and vaccination is important to determine how protective humoral immunity is established. Here, we performed a cross-sectional study and evaluated subjects who were either acutely infected with SARS-CoV-2, recovered from COVID-19, or received two doses of the AZD1222 vaccine. PBMC collected from these subjects were subjected to in vitro stimulation with R848 + rIL-2 to promote terminal differentiation of B cells into antibody-secreting cells (ASC), and the abundance of pan (irrespective of antigen specificity) and SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 domain-reactive IgG + ASC were evaluated using the ELISPOT method. Stimulated PBMCs were recovered from ELISPOT assays and further characterized using multiparametric flow cytometry. Moreover, culture supernatants from the ELISPOT assay were assessed for soluble B cell activating factors (BAFF, APRIL, and CD40L). Lastly, using a commercial ELISA kit, the abundance of IgA and IgG in plasma with specificity for the Spike 1 domain was evaluated in the groups. We showed that most recovered individuals display a robust Spike 1-specific ASC response compared to acute COVID-19 and those vaccinated. Although the frequency of total B cells or B-cell subsets did not vary when comparing the four groups, plasmablasts are commonly increased for naïve and double negative B-cells in the acute, recovered, and vaccinated groups. Considering the IgA and IgG production profile, similar IgA and IgG production appears to be present in acute and recovered patients. During vaccination, more IgG is produced than IgA. This could be due to the increased frequency of IgG + plasmablasts and IgG + memory B cells in acute cases and IgG + memory B cells in vaccinated patients. Furthermore, in acute patients, BAFF quantities were positively correlated with total B cells and IgG + plasmablasts but negatively correlated with IgA + plasmablasts. Our data suggest that vaccination and natural infection in COVID-19 induce a differential profile and functionality of B cells. Therefore, we recommend that new vaccines against COVID-19 incorporate molecular adjuvants that regulate B lymphocyte functionality, that they are more effective in inducing an ACS IgG + response to SARS-CoV-2 antigens and, consider the beneficial aspects of the IgA response in addition to the IgG.
Diet and risk of temporomandibular disorders: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Jianing , Huang Xin , Wang Rui , Tian Wenxin , Wang Yue
Published: May 2024

Objectives Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are the second most prevalent musculoskeletal condition after chronic low back pain, and have been demonstrated to be associated with a multiple factors. However, studies on the relationship between diet and TMD are limited. This study examined the causal association between diet and TMD using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Materials and methods Leveraging large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, we employed MR analysis to assess the causal associations between diet and TMD. This study employed three primary methods: weighted median, MR-Egger, and inverse variance weighting (IVW). Furthermore, sensitivity analysis was performed to verify the results’ robustness. Results Our results suggested that a higher intake of tea, alcoholic drinks, and fizzy drinks correlated with an increased risk of TMD ( alcoholic drinks per week: odds ratio (OR) = 1.714; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.056–2.782;P = 0.029; tea intake: OR = 1.476; 95% CI, 1.012–2.151;P = 0.043; fizzy drink intake: OR = 2.712; 95% CI, 1.504–4.890;P = 0.001). Sensitivity analysis revealed no evidence of heterogeneity or pleiotropy. However, no significant association was observed between TMD and other dietary intakes. Conclusions In this study, we presented convincing evidence supporting the presence of a causal link between diet and TMD. Refraining from excessive consumption of alcohol, tea, and fizzy beverages may contribute to TMD prevention. Clinical relevance Acknowledging the significance of diet as a controllable factor in preventing and managing TMD is crucial, and our research provides valuable perspectives on this matter.
Assessment of variability, genetic diversity and character association of Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelve) based on qualitative and quantitative traits
Authors: B. Kavana G. , K. Seetharamu G. , Kumar. Rajiv , D. Satish , Taj. Amreen , S Bhat Amruta , R Venugopalan
Published: May 2024

Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelve) is one of the most widely cultivated herbaceous perennial flowering plants belonging to family Asteraceae. Every year many varieties are being added by the government and private agencies. So, there is wide range of variation, but very little attention has been given for its improvement. For effective selection, it is necessary to separate genetic variability from total variability, which helpful breeders to adopt suitable breeding programmes. There is a need for identification of varieties suitable for growing in different agro climatic conditions for specific purposes. Fifty genotypes of chrysanthemum were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design during the year 2022 (Kharif) to determine genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for different quantitative and qualitative traits. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all the characters studied. Results revealed that magnitude of the Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) was higher than Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) for all the traits viz., number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, duration of flowering, number of flowers per plant, weight of hundred flowers, yield per plant, flower diameter, total number of ray florets per flower head, petiole length, shelf life and disc diameter indicating genotype and environment interaction. highest heritability coupled with genetic advance as per cent mean was found for all the traits. The characters that endowed with high heritability with values high genetic advance as per cent mean may be used as selection criteria in genetic improvement of yield. the information of genotypic and phenotypic correlations and path coefficients analysis, it is suggested that an ideal Chrysanthemum genotype for getting higher flower yield per plant would possess more plant height, petiole length, more weight of 100 flowers and more number of flowers per plant. Therefore, selection based on these attributes would results in genetic advance for flower yield per plant.
Soil Nitrogen Fertility Influences the Growth and Yield of American Elderberry but Is Less Impactful than Genotype and Environment on Other Horticultural Characteristics
Authors: Thomas Andrew L. , Rottinghaus George E. , Dela Libera Tres Matheus , Byers Patrick L. , Avery John D. , Kaps Martin , Gruen Ingolf , Mazumder Akash , Thomas Diann M. , Westwood M.N. , Campos Giselle , Biagioni Richard , Johnson Mitch C. , Greenlief C. Michael
Published: May 2024

A long-term horticultural experiment was conducted at two geographically distinct sites in southern Missouri in 2011–15 to study the response of American elderberry [Sambucus nigra (L.) subsp. canadensis (L.) Bolli] to various soil nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels. Three commercially available elderberry cultivars (‘Adams II’, ‘Bob Gordon’, and ‘Wyldewood’) were used. The three cultivars were each assigned to 16 of 48 four-plant plots in a completely randomized manner at each site. Four replications of four N fertilizer treatments (0, 56, 112, 169 kg⋅ha−1 N) were randomly assigned to each cultivar’s plots and applied for 4 years (2012–15). Fruit yields, plant growth, phenology, and pest incidence were determined each year. Fruit quality was assessed by analyzing basic juice characteristics as well as organic acids, carbohydrates, anthocyanins, and polyphenols from 2012–14 samples. Leaf tissue analysis determined the plants’ mineral contents in 2012–14. Most factors evaluated were significantly affected by site, year, and cultivar, whereas the effects of N fertilizer treatment were less definitive. Fruit yields and plant growth increased with increasing N levels. For example, plants fertilized with 0, 56, 112, and 169 kg⋅ha−1 N produced 123, 137, 155, and 161 fruiting cymes per plot (5.8 m2), respectively. The eriophyid mite incidence was higher on fertilized plants, but other pests were not influenced by the N treatment. Basic fruit juice characteristics (soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, polyphenols) were not influenced by the N treatment, whereas total anthocyanins were statistically higher in unfertilized plants. Levels of organic acids and carbohydrates in juice varied statistically among N treatments, but patterns were difficult to discern. Leaf N concentrations were correlated with N fertilizer levels—2.75% N with the highest fertilizer level compared with 2.55% N in unfertilized plants. Leaf levels of most other macronutrients varied, but consistent patterns did not emerge, and none of the micronutrients was different among N treatments. Although elderberry plants responded positively to increased N fertilizer levels in terms of plant growth and fruit yield, genetics (cultivar) and environment (site, year) were more influential on most other experimental factors evaluated.
Market Potential for Specialty Compost Produced from Wool Waste
Authors: Glenn William , Waliczek Tina M. , Drewery Merritt L.
Published: May 2024

In several regions of the United States, waste and “tag” wool are readily available, inexpensive, and considered low-quality because of weed seed contamination and stains from defecation. Because of an overabundance of waste and tag wool, some are landfilled. Previous research has indicated that wool or hair incorporated in potted plants can improve the water-holding capacity of the soil and act as a slow-release fertilizer. Furthermore, compost trials have demonstrated that wool produces a high-quality compost product. This study aimed to evaluate the market potential of wool-based compost to determine its commercial viability. To address this, we conducted in-depth interviews with lead user gardeners (n = 10) who used 1 yard of wool-based compost in their gardens over the course of 10 weeks and distributed a quantitative survey instrument to both lead users and general gardeners recruited from garden centers, nurseries, and horticulture classes (n = 256). Lead users responded positively to the wool-based compost and reported they would be willing to pay $6 to $7 per ft3. General gardeners who were less familiar with the product reported they were willing to pay at least a similar amount as that for typical market composts, but they suggested that they would pay more if characteristics such as “increases drought tolerance” were used in advertising. Our analysis indicated that the target audience for the wool-based compost is male gardeners older than 25 years who are concerned about the environment.
Yields, Postharvest Storage, and Response to Pruning of Eggplant Cultivars Grown in High Tunnels in New Hampshire, USA
Authors: Sideman Rebecca Grube , Bryant Heather , Saunders Olivia
Published: May 2024

We grew eight cultivars of eggplant (Solanum melongena) over 2 years in four experiments conducted in high tunnels located in Durham, NH; North Haverhill, NH; and Ossipee, NH, USA. The marketable yields of eggplant harvested over 14 to 15 weeks ranged from 925 to 3269 g per plant (2.5–8.8 kg⋅m–2), depending on year and cultivar. Significant differences in marketable yield among cultivars were observed in three of the four experiments, but trends were not consistent. Parthenocarpic cultivars developed for greenhouse production, including Angela, Annina, Aretussa, Jaylo, and Michal, did not produce significantly greater yields than the cultivars developed for field production (Nadia, Traviata, and White Star). In two experiments, using a subset of cultivars, we explored the effects of training plants to four leaders compared with the standard practice of no pruning. Pruning treatment did not impact significantly the number or weight of marketable fruit, or the percentage of cull fruit, and there was no cultivar-by-pruning treatment interaction. In three separate experiments in Durham NH, USA, weight loss, browning, and softness were evaluated after 2 weeks of storage in one of three conditions: within the ideal range of temperatures (average of 50–64 °F), too warm (63–73 °F), and too cool (38–49 °F). Overall, responses to conditions that were warmer or cooler than ideal were as predicted, and weight loss, softness, and browning were all minimized when fruit were stored at 50 or 60 °F. We did, however, see some differences among cultivars in susceptibility to common postharvest storage problems. In conclusion, we found that cultivar choice can be important for high-tunnel eggplant producers, especially if postharvest storage conditions are not ideal. We also found that pruning and parthenocarpy did not enhance marketable yields, allowing growers to reduce labor and seed costs without impacting yield or fruit quality negatively.
Grafting onto Tomato Rootstocks Improves Outcomes for Dry-farmed Tomato
Authors: Davis Matthew , Stone Alexandra , Selman Lane , Merscher Patrick , Garrett Amy
Published: May 2024

Vegetable grafting can mitigate the negative effects of drought on crop production. Dry farming, which is the production of crops without irrigation during a dry growing season, can result in lower yields, smaller fruit, and a higher incidence of blossom-end rot (BER), which is a physiological disorder associated with drought stress. To determine the effects of grafting on yield and fruit quality of dry-farmed tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), three years of trials were conducted using different scion–rootstock combinations and ungrafted controls. In 2020, grafting onto rootstocks ‘DRO141TX’ and ‘Fortamino’ resulted in greater total yield and average fruit weight and a lower BER incidence for dry-farmed tomato than grafting onto the rootstock ‘Shincheonggang’ or using ungrafted plants. In 2021, grafting onto the rootstock ‘DRO141TX’ again increased yields and average fruit weight and decreased BER incidence when compared with ungrafted plants (‘Fortamino’ was not tested). Interactions were detected between different scion–rootstock combinations in terms of the degree of reduction of necrotic BER (BER resulting in a large, sunken, grey or black spot, making the fruit unmarketable) when grafted onto ‘DRO141TX’, with the scion ‘Azoychka’ having a 69% reduction in necrotic BER and the scion ‘Astrakhanskie’ having a 93% reduction in necrotic BER. In 2022, an interaction was detected between the rootstocks and scions in terms of their effect on large fruit (>0.33 lb) yield, with ‘BHN 871’ grafted onto ‘Fortamino’ producing the highest yields of large fruit and ‘Big Beef’ grafted onto ‘Fortamino’ producing the lowest yields. Overall, grafting onto the rootstocks ‘DRO141TX’ or ‘Fortamino’ improved diverse dry-farmed tomato outcomes in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, USA.
Petromagnetism and paleomagnetism of kimberlite pipesof the Verkhnemunskoe deposit (Yakutsk diamondiferous province)
Authors: Khoroshikh M. S. , Konstantinov K. M. , Sharygin I. S. , Kuzina D. M. , Potapov S. V. , Kokodey D. Yu.
Published: May 2024

The purpose of the studies of kimberlite pipes of the Verkhnemunskoe diamond field is to calculate the Middle Paleozoic paleomagnetic pole to clarify the trajectory of the apparent migration of the pole and reconstructions of the paleogeographic position of the Siberian platform at the time of the manifestation of active tectono-magmatic processes.

   The Verkhnemunskoye deposit is located within the Verkhnemunskoye kimberlite field of the Yakutsk diamondiferous province and includes five kimberlite pipes (Deimos, Zapolyarnaya, Komsomolskaya-Magnitnaya, Novinka and Poiskovaya), the age of which according to geological and isotopic data is estimated as Late Devonian-Early Carboniferous (372–347 Ma). For the first time scalar and vector physical parameters of kimberlites and captured xenoliths from different structural-material complexes of the Earth’s crust, as well as the host terrigenous sedimentary rocks of the Early Paleozoic were obtained, which are necessary for the development of physical-geological models of the Verkhnemunskoe field deposits. A relatively deep level of erosional shearing of the field has been established. The primary (synchronous with the formation of the field) natural residual magnetization was preserved in the kimberlite cohesive mass. The main carrier minerals of natural remanent magnetization vectors of kimberlites are unaltered magnesioferrite and magnetite, which indicates their thermo-sufficient nature. The natural remanent magnetization vectors of captured xenoliths indicate that the influence of hypergenic processes did not strongly affect the NRM vectors of kimberlites. Firing test is positive. The paleomagnetic pole with coordinates Φ = 26.5°N, Λ = 142.2°E, dp/dm = 6.2/7.8° was calculated from the obtained clusters of N = 10 vectors of the primary natural remanent magnetization of kimberlite pipes. On its basis, we reconstructed the paleogeographic position of the Siberian Platform, which at the time of the kimberlite intrusion was located in the middle latitudes of the northern hemisphere and was facing north with its southern edge.
Using isotope-geochemical criteria for Olympiadinskoye gold deposit gas system genesis diagnosis
Authors: Kovalev A. A. , Karpov V. A. , Makarov V. А. , Padalko N. L.
Published: May 2024

The authors studied modern gas manifestations spatially associated with the ore deposits in the Kaitbinskaya lithological-facies zone of the Yenisei Ridge.

   The purpose of the research is to obtain scientifically based data on the genesis of gaseous and vaporous fluids in various sampling environments of the Vostochny open-pit mine of the Olympiadinskoye gold deposit: rocks, natural waters, free-flowing gases from blastholes and air of the surface atmosphere.

   It has been conducted a complex of field and analytical works including degassing, gas chromatography, pyrolysis of the organic substance of lithified and metamorphosed deposits, analysis of carbon isotopic composition in carbon dioxide and methane in fluidal systems. In order to study normal gas-geochemical field (natural background) of the work area an atmospheric geochemical survey was carried out at the reference site – an “environmentally friendly” site with the minimal influence of technogenic factors. It has been determined that the surface atmosphere of the site had been formed due to the landscape and geomorphological conditions of the Kaitbinskaya lithological-facies zone as well as fluidal systems of deep horizons. The latter, due to the presence of an extensive network of disruptive disturbances and diffusion-filtration processes of mass transfer reached the zone of exploratory geochemical sounding. The conducted pyrolytic studies of rocks have proved that within the open section of the Vostochny open-pit mine the organic substance of the Kordinskaya series of the lower Riphean deposits has implemented its oil and gas generation potential and cannot serve the formation source of abnormal gas fields of the Olympiadinskoye gold deposit. The studied gas systems are polygenic in nature and, being allochthonous to the host sediments, are formed without the participation of gases from the upper generating (bio) zone. According to isotope-geochemical criteria, these are mainly endogenous and naphthidogenic fluids identical to the gas condensate accumulations of the Yurubcheno-Tokhomskaya oil and gas accumulation zone.
Factor analysis-based deep differentiation of oil deposits in the Ural-Volga region
Authors: Gilyazetdinov R. A. , Kuleshova L. S. , Mukhametshin V. V. , Gizzatullina A. A.
Published: May 2024

The purpose of the article is to present an algorithm developed on the scientific and methodological foundations of quantitative and qualitative processing of geological and commercial data to implement the procedure for deep identification of deposits.

   The developed algorithm consists of two levels: the initial stage includes facility identification by tectonic and stratigraphic characteristics resulting in the formation of a number of megagroups of objects. Then they are subjected to deep differentiation using the elements of data factor analysis, which is carried out together with the monitoring of the highly identical objects. The presented approach to solving the problems of field effective grouping is the most effective due to a comprehensive and reasonable assessment of the groups of facilities formed as a result of modeling. The developed algorithm was tested on example of a number of fields associated with terrigenous reservoirs of the Devonian and carboniferous systems of the Volga-Ural oil and gas province. After two calculation stages the percentage of correctly grouped objects averaged 96.8 %, which is a high result. To make the search for analogous objects qualitative and objective eighteen equations have been obtained that combine twenty parameters describing the geological and physical characteristics of productive formations as well as the physico-chemical properties of the fluids saturating them at the sufficient level of reliability. Based on the results of using the developed algorithm for deep identification of deposits, the authors obtained a number of relevant mathematical dependencies between various parameters, graphical distributions of objects in the axes of the main components, which all together enable efficient and systematic search for analogous objects in the deposits of terrigenous reservoirs of the Devonian and carboniferous systems of the Volga-Ural oil and gas province. Besides, the presented identification diagrams enable successful management of the processes of oil recovery within the micro- and macro-levels of facility distribution in the axes of the main components. They also allow to form a list of general recommendations that will contribute to the optimal development of liquid hydrocarbon resources.
An investigation into the causes and impact of service delivery protests on political stability: perceptions from the social contract and relative deprivation
Authors: Ragolane Mahlatse , Malatji Thabiso Lucky
Published: May 2024

Service delivery protests in South African municipalities are common due to governance issues. The ongoing discussions around service delivery protests in South Africa are an indication of a much-needed holistic approach to addressing the needs of the people. The objective of this study is to explore the reasons behind and effects of service delivery protests on political stability with perspectives, gained from the ideas of the social contract and relative deprivation. This study explored the individualized experiences, attitudes, and motives of persons engaging in service delivery protests using a qualitative research methodology based on an interpretivism approach. A detailed knowledge of the complex dynamics underpinning these protests was revealed using in-depth interviews, content analysis, and participant observation. The research has found that when promises of basic services and socioeconomic growth are not kept, there is a perceived breakdown of the social contract between residents and the government. Additionally, relative deprivation appeared as a major element influencing protest mobilization as people and communities perceived injustice and discontent when they contrasted their socioeconomic situation to others. Protests in the delivery of services have been found to have a variety of effects on political stability. Although they can spur government responsiveness and policy change, they also present stability hazards and the possibility of bloodshed. The study suggests a Cooperative government model to reduce protests and promote stability. This model focuses on protection, participation, and provision to ensure effective decision-making and service delivery that meets the people's needs.
Enhanced gate-valve failure detection in water distribution networks using ML and pressure data
Authors: Kim Hyunjun , Jung Kwangjun , Lee Sumin , Jeong Eunhye
Published: May 2024

This study introduces an innovative diagnostic approach for identifying gate-valve failures in water distribution systems. By implementing high-frequency pressure sensors upstream and downstream of the gate valves, we obtained detailed pressure data that are pivotal for fault diagnosis. We explored three distinct machine-learning algorithms and two data-handling techniques to ensure optimal performance in real-world applications. In our methodology, supervised learning algorithms are used to analyze pressure differentials and predict valve behavior. We rigorously tested these algorithms using both raw and feature-engineered data, and the results indicated the effectiveness of the Gaussian-naïve Bayes model with six extracted features. This approach enhances the precision and reliability of diagnostics in water distribution networks.