bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of Atrial Fibrillation: How Our Knowledge Affects Clinical Practice
Authors: Leventopoulos Georgios , Koros Rafail , Travlos Christoforos , Perperis Angelos , Chronopoulos Panagiotis , Tsoni Evropi , Koufou Eleni-Evangelia , Papageorgiou Athanasios , Apostolos Anastasios , Kaouris Panagiotis , Davlouros Periklis , Tsigkas Grigorios
Published: May 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a very common arrhythmia that mainly affects older individuals. The mechanism of atrial fibrillation is complex and is related to the pathogenesis of trigger activation and the perpetuation of arrhythmia. The pulmonary veins in the left atrium arei confirm that onfirm the most common triggers due to their distinct anatomical and electrophysiological properties. As a result, their electrical isolation by ablation is the cornerstone of invasive AF treatment. Multiple factors and comorbidities affect the atrial tissue and lead to myocardial stretch. Several neurohormonal and structural changes occur, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress and, consequently, a fibrotic substrate created by myofibroblasts, which encourages AF perpetuation. Several mechanisms are implemented into daily clinical practice in both interventions in and the medical treatment of atrial fibrillation.
Efficiency Index for Binary Classifiers: Concept, Extension, and Application
Authors: Larner Andrew J.
Published: May 2023

Many metrics exist for the evaluation of binary classifiers, all with their particular advantages and shortcomings. Recently, an “Efficiency Index” (EI) for the evaluation of classifiers has been proposed, based on the consistency (or matching) and contradiction (or mismatching) of outcomes. This metric and its confidence intervals are easy to calculate from the base data in a 2 × 2 contingency table, and their values can be qualitatively and semi-quantitatively categorised. For medical tests, in which context the Efficiency Index was originally proposed, it facilitates the communication of risk (of the correct diagnosis versus misdiagnosis) to both clinicians and patients. Variants of the Efficiency Index (balanced, unbiased) which take into account disease prevalence and test cut-offs have also been described. The objectives of the current paper were firstly to extend the EI construct to other formulations (balanced level, quality), and secondly to explore the utility of the EI and all four of its variants when applied to the dataset of a large prospective test accuracy study of a cognitive screening instrument. This showed that the balanced level, quality, and unbiased formulations of the EI are more stringent measures.
A Variant Iterated Greedy Algorithm Integrating Multiple Decoding Rules for Hybrid Blocking Flow Shop Scheduling Problem
Authors: Wang Yong , Wang Yuting , Han Yuyan
Published: May 2023

This paper studies the hybrid flow shop scheduling problem with blocking constraints (BHFSP). To better understand the BHFSP, we will construct its mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model and use the Gurobi solver to demonstrate its correctness. Since the BHFSP exists parallel machines in some processing stages, different decoding strategies can obtain different makespan values for a given job sequence and multiple decoding strategies can assist the algorithm to find the optimal value. In view of this, we propose a hybrid decoding strategy that combines both forward decoding and backward decoding to select the minimal objective function value. In addition, a hybrid decoding-assisted variant iterated greedy (VIG) algorithm to solve the above MILP model. The main novelties of VIG are a new reconstruction mechanism based on the hybrid decoding strategy and a swap-based local reinforcement strategy, which can enrich the diversity of solutions and explore local neighborhoods more deeply. This evaluation is conducted against the VIG and six state-of-the-art algorithms from the literature. The 100 tests showed that the average makespan and the relative percentage increase (RPI) values of VIG are 1.00% and 89.6% better than the six comparison algorithms on average, respectively. Therefore, VIG is more suitable to solve the studied BHFSP.
Respiratory Movements at Different Ages
Authors: Bai Zhen-Min , Sun Yi-Ting , Liang Wen-Ming , Truskauskaitė Inga , Yan Miao-E , Li Chun-Ri , Xiao Jing , Aihemaiti Maiwulamu , Yuan Lei , Rukšėnas Osvaldas
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: The current study aimed to better understand the changes in respiration that occur with aging in men and women to provide accurate recommendations for breathing exercises to improve health. Materials and Methods: A total of 610 healthy subjects, aged 20 to 59, participated in the study. They performed quiet breathing while wearing two respiration belts (Vernier, Beaverton, OR, USA) at the height of the navel and at the xiphoid process to record abdominal motion (AM) and thoracic motion (TM), respectively. Vital capacity, representing maximal inhalation movement, was measured using a spirometer (Xindonghuateng, Beijing, China). After exclusion, 565 subjects (164 men, aged 41 ± 11; 401 women, aged 42 ± 9) were included for statistical analysis using the Kruskal–Wallis U test and stepwise multiple linear regression. Results: Abdominal motion and its contribution to spontaneous breathing were significantly larger for older men, while the contribution of thoracic motion was smaller for older men. There was no significant difference in thoracic motion between the younger and older men. The differences in women’s respiratory movements among various ages were mild and negligible. The contribution of thoracic motion to spontaneous breathing in women was larger than in men for those of older ages (40–59 years), but not for those of younger ages (20–39 years). Additionally, men’s and women’s vital capacities were less in those of older ages, and the men’s were larger than the women’s. Conclusions: The findings indicate that men’s abdominal contribution to spontaneous breathing increased from 20 to 59 years of age due to increased abdominal motion. Women’s respiratory movements did not change much with aging. The maximal inhalation movement became smaller with aging for men and women. Healthcare professionals should focus on improving thoracic mobility when addressing health concerns about aging.
Intrapartum Cesarean Section and Perinatal Outcomes after Epidural Analgesia or Remifentanil-PCA in Breech and Twin Deliveries
Authors: Lucovnik Miha , Verdenik Ivan , Stopar Pintaric Tatjana
Published: May 2023

Comparative data on the potential impact of various forms of labor analgesia on the mode of delivery and neonatal complications in vaginal deliveries of singleton breech and twin fetuses are lacking. The present study aimed to determine the associations between type of labor analgesia (epidural analgesia (EA) vs. remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)) and intrapartum cesarean sections (CS), and maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes in breech and twin vaginal births. A retrospective analysis of planned vaginal breech and twin deliveries at the Department of Perinatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, was performed for the period 2013–2021, using data obtained from the Slovenian National Perinatal Information System. The pre-specified outcomes studied were the rates of CS in labor, postpartum hemorrhage, obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI), an Apgar score of <7 at 5 min after birth, birth asphyxia, and neonatal intensive care admission. A total of 371 deliveries were analyzed, including 127 term breech and 244 twin births. There were no statistically significant nor clinically relevant differences between the EA and remifentanil-PCA groups in any of the outcomes studied. Our findings suggest that both EA and remifentanil-PCA are safe and comparable in terms of labor outcomes in singleton breech and twin deliveries.
Fluoroquinolone-Associated Movement Disorder: A Literature Review
Authors: Rissardo Jamir Pitton , Caprara Ana Letícia Fornari
Published: May 2023

Background: Fluoroquinolones (FQNs) are related to several central nervous system side effects. This review aims to evaluate the clinical-epidemiological profile, pathophysiological mechanisms, and management of FQNs-associated movement disorders (MDs). Methods: Two reviewers identified and assessed relevant reports in six databases without language restriction between 1988 and 2022. Results: A total of 45 reports containing 51 cases who developed MDs secondary to FQNs were reported. The MDs included 25 myoclonus, 13 dyskinesias, 7 dystonias, 2 cerebellar syndromes, 1 ataxia, 1 tic, and 2 undefined cases. The FQNs reported were ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, gemifloxacin, and pefloxacin. The mean and median age were 64.54 (SD: 15.45) and 67 years (range: 25–87 years). The predominant sex was male (54.16%). The mean and median time of MD onset were 6.02 (SD: 10.87) and 3 days (range: 1–68 days). The mean and median recovery time after MD treatment was 5.71 (SD: 9.01) and 3 days (range: 1–56 days). A complete recovery was achieved within one week of drug withdrawal in 80.95% of the patients. Overall, 95.83% of the individuals fully recovered after management. Conclusions: Future cases need to describe the long-term follow-up of the individuals. Additionally, FQN-induced myoclonus should include electrodiagnostic studies.
Incipient Biofouling Detection via Fiber Optical Sensing and Image Analysis in Reverse Osmosis Processes
Authors: Oesinghaus Helge , Wanken Daniel , Lupp Kilian , Gastl Martina , Elsner Martin , Glas Karl
Published: May 2023

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a widely used membrane technology for producing process water or tap water that is receiving increased attention due to water scarcity caused by climate change. A significant challenge in any membrane filtration is the presence of deposits on the membrane surfaces, which negatively affect filtration performance. Biofouling, the formation of biological deposits, poses a significant challenge in RO processes. Early detection and removal of biofouling are essential for effective sanitation and prevention of biological growth in RO-spiral wound modules. This study introduces two methods for the early detection of biofouling, capable of identifying initial stages of biological growth and biofouling in the spacer-filled feed channel. One method utilizes polymer optical fibre sensors that can be easily integrated into standard spiral wound modules. Additionally, image analysis was used to monitor and analyze biofouling in laboratory experiments, providing a complementary approach. To validate the effectiveness of the developed sensing approaches, accelerated biofouling experiments were conducted using a membrane flat module, and the results were compared with common online and offline detection methods. The reported approaches enable the detection of biofouling before known online parameters become indicative, effectively providing an online detection with sensitivities otherwise only achieved through offline characterization methods.
The Effects of Double-Step Homogenization on Precipitation Behavior of Al3Zr Dispersoids and Microstructural Evolution in 2196 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Zhou Hongyu , Ding Lipeng , Liu Manping , Zeng Ying , Lei Xiuchuan , Weng Yaoyao , Wang Kui , Jia Zhihong
Published: May 2023

The effects of double-step homogenization processes on the precipitation of Al3Zr dispersoids and the dissolution of the primary phases of 2196 aluminum alloy were studied by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was revealed that first-step homogenization facilitates the nucleation of Al3Zr, while second-step homogenization results in the dissolution of the primary phases and the growth of Al3Zr dispersoids. The nanosized θ’ precipitates formed in the first-step homogenization are dissolved after the second-step homogenization. The optimum homogenization process was selected as 400 °C/10 h + 520 °C/24 h, which effectively dissolves the primary phases and promotes the formation of refined distribution of Al3Zr dispersoids. This phenomenon is mainly caused by the highest nucleation rate of the Al3Zr phase at 400 °C. While reducing the heating rate of the homogenization process can increase the number density of the Al3Zr dispersoids and reduce the precipitate free zone (PFZ), it does not alleviate the inhomogeneity of the Al3Zr precipitation. These results are expected to be meaningful for tailoring the industrial homogenization processing of as-cast Al-Cu-Li alloy.
Roles of Cysteine Proteases in Biology and Pathogenesis of Parasites
Authors: Yang Nawu , Matthew Maurice A. , Yao Chaoqun
Published: May 2023

Cysteine proteases, also known as thiol proteases, are a class of nucleophilic proteolytic enzymes containing cysteine residues in the enzymatic domain. These proteases generally play a pivotal role in many biological reactions, such as catabolic functions and protein processing, in all living organisms. They specifically take part in many important biological processes, especially in the absorption of nutrients, invasion, virulence, and immune evasion of parasitic organisms from unicellular protozoa to multicellular helminths. They can also be used as parasite diagnostic antigens and targets for gene modification and chemotherapy, as well as vaccine candidates, due to their species and even life-cycle stage specificity. This article highlights current knowledge on parasitic cysteine protease types, biological functions, and their applications in immunodiagnosis and chemotherapy.
Special Issue “An Update on Lactobacillus”: Editorial
Authors: Heczko Piotr , Kozień Łucja , Strus Magdalena
Published: May 2023

As indicated in the introduction to this Special Issue, as of 2020, the original genus Lactobacillus comprised over 260 recognized species, a figure which is probably much higher now [...]
Deportment of Metals from E-Waste PCBs towards Alloy and Slag Phases during Smelting Using CaO-Al2O3-SiO2-B2O3 Slags
Authors: Islam Md Khairul , Somerville Michael , Pownceby Mark I. , Tardio James , Haque Nawshad , Bhargava Suresh
Published: May 2023

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) from antiquated electronic goods were processed by a pyrometallurgical route to produce and separate alloy and slag phases. The process involved initial size reduction of PCBs, followed by pyrolysis at 500 °C for 6 h and finally smelting of the solid materials in an electric furnace. A preliminary smelting test was performed at 1600 °C to estimate the composition of the slag generated. In later kilogram-scale smelting experiments, B2O3 flux was added along with CaO and SiO2 to decrease the liquidus temperature required to smelt the PCBs. The level of fluxing was adapted from earlier phase equilibria studies of the CaO-Al2O3-SiO2-B2O3 slag system. Results showed that the flux decreased the melting temperature and assisted the recovery of most valuable metals within the alloy phase at 1350 °C smelting temperature. The alloy phase recovered 99.8% of Cu, 99% of Sn, and 100% of precious metals (Au, Ag, Pt). A fluxing strategy for smelting high Al2O3 containing e-waste PCBs was proposed based on the experimental findings of this research.
Synthesis and Hydrogen Production Performance of MoP/a-TiO2/Co-ZnIn2S4 Flower-like Composite Photocatalysts
Authors: Wu Keliang , Shang Yuhang , Li Huazhen , Wu Pengcheng , Li Shuyi , Ye Hongyong , Jian Fanqiang , Zhu Junfang , Yang Dongmei , Li Bingke , Wang Xiaofei
Published: May 2023

Semiconductor photocatalysis is an effective strategy for solving the problems of increasing energy demand and environmental pollution. ZnIn2S4-based semiconductor photocatalyst materials have attracted much attention in the field of photocatalysis due to their suitable energy band structure, stable chemical properties, and good visible light responsiveness. In this study, ZnIn2S4 catalysts were modified by metal ion doping, the construction of heterojunctions, and co-catalyst loading to successfully prepare composite photocatalysts. The Co-ZnIn2S4 catalyst synthesized by Co doping and ultrasonic exfoliation exhibited a broader absorption band edge. Next, an a-TiO2/Co-ZnIn2S4 composite photocatalyst was successfully prepared by coating partly amorphous TiO2 on the surface of Co-ZnIn2S4, and the effect of varying the TiO2 loading time on photocatalytic performance was investigated. Finally, MoP was loaded as a co-catalyst to increase the hydrogen production efficiency and reaction activity of the catalyst. The absorption edge of MoP/a-TiO2/Co-ZnIn2S4 was widened from 480 nm to about 518 nm, and the specific surface area increased from 41.29 m2/g to 53.25 m2/g. The hydrogen production performance of this composite catalyst was investigated using a simulated light photocatalytic hydrogen production test system, and the rate of hydrogen production by MoP/a-TiO2/Co-ZnIn2S4 was found to be 2.96 mmol·h−1·g−1, which was three times that of the pure ZnIn2S4 (0.98 mmol·h−1·g−1). After use in three cycles, the hydrogen production only decreased by 5%, indicating that it has good cycle stability.
Oleuropein-Rich Gellan Gum/Alginate Films as Innovative Treatments against Photo-Induced Skin Aging
Authors: Busto Francesco , Licini Caterina , Luccarini Alessia , Damiani Elisabetta , Mattioli-Belmonte Monica , Cometa Stefania , De Giglio Elvira De
Published: May 2023

Olea europaea L. leaf extracts (OLEs) represent highly value-added agro-industrial byproducts, being promising sources of significant antioxidant compounds, such as their main component, oleuropein. In this work, hydrogel films based on low-acyl gellan gum (GG) blended with sodium alginate (NaALG) were loaded with OLE and crosslinked with tartaric acid (TA). The films’ ability to act as an antioxidant and photoprotectant against UVA-induced photoaging, thanks to their capability to convey oleuropein to the skin, were examined with the aim of a potential application as facial masks. Biological in vitro performances of the proposed materials were tested on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NhDFs), both under normal conditions and after aging-induced UVA treatment. Overall, our results clearly show the intriguing properties of the proposed hydrogels as effective and fully naturally formulated anti-photoaging smart materials for potential use as facial masks.
An Improved Technique for Genotyping the ABCB1 Gene Variant of Exon 21
Authors: Zuccoli Johanna Romina , Pagnotta Priscila Ayelén , Melito Viviana Alicia , Lavandera Jimena Verónica , Parera Victoria Estela , Buzaleh Ana María
Published: May 2023

The Multidrug Resistance protein (ABCB1, MDR1) is involved in the transport of xenobiotics and antiretroviral drugs. Some variants of the ABCB1 gene are of clinical importance; among them, exon 12 (c.1236C>T, rs1128503), 21 (c.2677G>T/A, rs2032582), and 26 (c.3435C>T, rs1045642) have a high incidence in Caucasians. Several protocols have been used for genotyping the exon 21 variants, such as allele-specific PCR-RFLP using adapted primer to generate a digestion site for several enzymes and automatic sequencing to detect the SNVs, TaqMan Allele Discrimination assay and High-Resolution Melter analysis (HRMA). The aim was to describe a new approach to genotype the three variants c.2677G>T/A for the exon 21 doing only one PCR with the corresponding primers and the digestion of the PCR product with two restriction enzymes: BrsI to identify A allele and BseYI to differentiate between G or T. An improvement of this methodology was also described. The proposal technique here described is demonstrated to be very efficient, easy, fast, reproducible, and cost-effective.
Linking Personality and Trust in Intelligent Virtual Assistants
Authors: Schadelbauer Lisa , Schlögl Stephan , Groth Aleksander
Published: May 2023

Throughout the last years, Intelligent Virtual Assistants (IVAs), such as Alexa and Siri, have increasingly gained in popularity. Yet, privacy advocates raise great concerns regarding the amount and type of data these systems collect and consequently process. Among many other things, it is technology trust which seems to be of high significance here, particularly when it comes to the adoption of IVAs, for they usually provide little transparency as to how they function and use personal and potentially sensitive data. While technology trust is influenced by many different socio-technical parameters, this article focuses on human personality and its connection to respective trust perceptions, which in turn may further impact the actual adoption of IVA products. To this end, we report on the results of an online survey (n=367). Findings show that on a scale from 0 to 100%, people trust IVAs 51.59% on average. Furthermore, the data point to a significant positive correlation between people’s propensity to trust in general technology and their trust in IVAs. Yet, they also show that those who exhibit a higher propensity to trust in technology tend to also have a higher affinity for technology interaction and are consequently more likely to adopt IVAs.
Rapid Single-Step Immunochromatographic Assay for Angiostrongylus cantonensis Specific Antigen Detection
Authors: Eamsobhana Praphathip , Tungtrongchitr Anchalee , Wanachiwanawin Darawan , Boonyong Sudarat , Yong Hoi-Sen
Published: May 2023

Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the major etiological nematode parasite causing eosinophilic meningitis and/or eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans. The rapid global spread of Angiostrongylus cantonensis and the emerging occurrence of the infection have exposed the shortcomings of traditional/conventional diagnostics. This has spurred efforts to develop faster, simpler and more scalable platforms that can be decentralized for point-of-need laboratory testing. By far, the point-of-care immunoassays such as the lateral flow assay (LFA) are the best-placed. In this work, a LFA in the form of an immunochromatographic test device (designated AcAgQuickDx), based on the detection of a circulating Angiostrongylus cantonensis-derived antigen, was established using anti-31 kDa Angiostrongylus cantonensis antibody as the capture reagent and anti-Angiostrongylus cantonensis polyclonal antibody as the indicator reagent. The AcAgQuickDx was evaluated for its diagnostic potential with a total of 20 cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) and 105 serum samples from patients with angiostrongyliasis and other clinically related parasitic diseases, as well as serum samples from normal healthy subjects. Three of the ten CSF samples from serologically confirmed angiostrongyliasis cases and two of the five suspected cases with negative anti-Angiostrongylus cantonensis antibodies showed a positive AcAgQuickDx reaction. Likewise, the AcAgQuickDx was able to detect Angiostrongylus cantonensis specific antigens in four serum samples of the 27 serologically confirmed angiostrongyliasis cases. No positive reaction by AcAgQuickDx was observed in any of the CSF (n = 5) and serum (n = 43) samples with other parasitic infections, or the normal healthy controls (n = 35). The AcAgQuickDx enabled the rapid detection of active/acute Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection. It is easy to use, can be transported at room temperature and does not require refrigeration for long-term stability over a wide range of climate. It can supplement existing diagnostic tests for neuroangiostrongyliasis under clinical or field environments, particularly in remote and resource-poor areas.
Crime and Punishment: A Rethink
Authors: Arandjelović Ognjen
Published: May 2023

Incarceration remains the foremost form of sentence for serious crimes in Western democracies. At the same time, the management of prisons and of the prison population has become a major real-world challenge, with growing concerns about overcrowding, the offenders’ well-being, and the failure of achieving the distal desideratum of reduced criminality, all of which have a moral dimension. In no small part motivated by these practical problems, the focus of the present article is on the ethical framework that we use in thinking about and administering criminal justice. I start with an analysis of imprisonment and its permissibility as a punitive tool of justice. In particular, I present a novel argument against punitive imprisonment, showing it to fall short in meeting two key criteria of just punishment, namely (i) that the appropriate individual is being punished, and (ii) that the punishment can be adequately moderated to reflect the seriousness of the crime. The principles I argue for and that the aforementioned analysis brings to the fore, rooted in the sentient experience, firstly of victims, and not only of victims but also of the offenders as well as the society at large, then lead me to elucidate the broader framework of jurisprudence that I then apply more widely. Hence, while rejecting punitive imprisonment, I use its identified shortcomings to argue for the reinstitution of forms of punishment that are, incongruently, presently not seen as permissible, such as corporal punishment and punishments dismissed on the basis of being seen as humiliating. I also present a novel view of capital punishment, which, in contradiction to its name, I reject for punitive aims, but which I argue is permissible on compassionate grounds.
A Dynamic Restructuring Algorithm Based on Flexible PON Slices
Authors: Tian Qinghua , Li Shixuan , Wang Fu , Tang Xiongyan , Sun Dandan , Yao Haipeng , Tian Feng , Zhang Qi , Xin Xiangjun
Published: May 2023

In recent years, with the introduction of the concept of the Internet of Things, a large number of terminals connected to the network, the pressure of network bandwidth is increasing. The bandwidth resources wasted by the traditional fixed access network architecture have attracted more and more attention of researchers. In order to meet the different needs of different users for service quality and improve the flexibility of network, network slicing technology arises at the right moment. Based on the slicing idea of the flexible time- and wavelength-division multiplexing passive optical network (TWDM-PON), a dynamic PON slice restructuring algorithm (DRA) is proposed in this paper. The proposed algorithm avoids the influence of previous slicing on subsequent slicing in the step-by-step slicing process, slices at the global level, and is less affected by the randomness of initialization. The simulation results show that the performance of DRA is about 10~30% higher than that of the dynamic optical network units (ONUs) grouping algorithm (DGA) and the dynamic ONU slicing algorithm (DONUSA) when there are 8 OLTs, and is about 30% higher than that of DGA and 10% higher than that of DONUSA when there are 16 OLTs. Therefore, the proposed DRA has more positive significance to relieve the traffic pressure in the increasingly tight bandwidth resources.
Potential Distribution of Pilocarpus microphyllus in the Amazonia/Cerrado Biomes under Near-Future Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: Monteiro Waléria P. , de Souza Everaldo B. , Miranda Leonardo de Sousa , Anjos Luciano J. S. , Caldeira Cecilio F.
Published: May 2023

Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf. ex Wardlew. (Rutaceae) is an endemic and threatened medicinal plant species from tropical Brazil. Popularly known as “jaborandi”, it is the unique natural source of pilocarpine, an alkaloid used to medical treat glaucoma and xerostomia. Based on Species Distribution Models (SDMs), we modeled the suitability of P. microphyllus’s geographical distribution considering three Global Circulation Models (GCMs) under two future climate change scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5). The quantitative analyses carried out using ten different SDM algorithms revealed that precipitation seasonality (Bio15) and precipitation of the driest month (Bio14) were the most important bioclimatic variables. The results evidenced four main key areas of continuous occurrence of the plant spreading diagonally over tropical Brazilian biomes (Amazon, Cerrado and Caatinga). The near-future (2020 to 2040) ensemble projections considering all GCMs and scenarios have indicated negative impacts for the potential loss or significant reduction in suitable habitats for P. microphyllus in the transition region between the Amazon and Cerrado into central and northern Maranhão state, and mainly in the Caatinga biome over the northern Piaui state. On the other hand, positive impacts of the expansion of the plant habitat suitability are projected over forest cover protected areas of the Amazon biome in the southeastern Pará state. Since the jaborandi is of socioeconomic importance for many families in the north/northeast Brazil, it is urgent to implement public policies for conservation and sustainable management, thus mitigating the impacts of global climate change.
A Green Approach of Utilising Banana Peel (Musa paradisiaca) as Adsorbent Precursor for an Anionic Dye Removal: Kinetic, Isotherm and Thermodynamics Analysis
Authors: Basirun Ain Aqilah , Othman Ahmad Razi , Yasid Nur Adeela , Shukor Mohd Yunus Abd , Khayat Mohd Ezuan
Published: May 2023

Methods for removing pollutants include membrane isolation, ion exchange, precipitation, transformation, and biosorption. Adsorption is a cost-effective method of treating industrial wastewater and a common commercial method for concentrating valuable molecules or eliminating contaminants. Banana peel is one of the largest underutilized agricultural wastes in Malaysia. A novel method of using a low-cost biosorbent made from banana peel and Evans blue (EB) dye as a target is the target of this study. The optimal conditions for EB dye adsorption occurred at a dye concentration of 200 mg/L, adsorbent dosages between 10 and 20 g/L, temperature of 25 °C, incubation time of 180 min, and agitation speeds of 100 rpm. Statistical discriminatory analysis showed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Redlich–Petersen isotherm model were the best models. The maximum adsorption capacity based on Langmuir’s isotherm prediction was 58.51 mg g−1. A non–linear regression of the thermodynamic van’t Hoff plot based on a dimensionless equilibrium constant resulted in negative values for Gibb’s free energy and enthalpy, indicating that the adsorption process is spontaneous and exothermic.
N-Substituted (Hexahydro)-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione Derivatives: New Insights into Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Bădiceanu Carmellina Daniela , Mares Catalina , Nuță Diana Camelia , Avram Speranța , Drăghici Constantin , Udrea Ana-Maria , Zarafu Irina , Chiriță Cornel , Hovaneț Marilena Viorica , Limban Carmen
Published: May 2023

Novel phthalimide derivatives, namely N-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)-2-(2-methyl-4-oxoquinazolin-3(4H)-yl)acetamide (1a) and N-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)thiophene-2-carboxamide (1b), and hexahydrophthalimide derivative N-(1,3-dioxohexahydro-1H-isoindol-2(3H)-yl)-2-(2-methyl-4-oxoquinazolin-3(4H)-yl)acetamide (2), have been synthesized. The phthalimide derivatives were synthesized from phthalic anhydride and 2-(2-methyl-4-oxoquinazolin-3(4H)-yl)acetohydrazide or thiophene-2-carbohydrazide, and the hexahydrophthalimide derivative has been synthesized from hexahydrophthalic anhydride and 2-(2-methyl-4-oxoquinazolin-3(4H)-yl)acetohydrazide. The chemical structures of the compounds are elucidated by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Infrared (IR) spectra. The new in vitro antioxidant activities of the obtained substances were evaluated using the DPPH method. All tested compounds showed antioxidative activity, the most active compound being 1b. Bioinformatics tools were used for the prediction of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics profiles. Our results showedthat all compounds have a suitable intestinal absorption rate, good BBB and CNS permeabilities and have as molecular targets MAO B, COX-2 and NF-KB, important for antioxidant activities.
Application of Composite Biomaterials from Chinese Herbal Medicine in the Field of Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Ke Liqing , Cheng Wenxiang , Zhang Peng
Published: May 2023

Research into bone tissue engineering is increasing with advances in biomaterials. Natural products of plant origin have exciting therapeutic effects through multiple targets. The purpose of this article is to review the outstanding performance of herbal-derived natural products in bone tissue engineering. We have categorized herbal-derived natural products that exert different effects in bone tissue engineering into osteogenic, vascular, chondrogenic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Natural products of plant origin are readily available and can be combined with biomaterials as bioactive molecules to complement each other and provide additional opportunities for bone tissue engineering. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities for the development of plant composite biomaterials for bone tissue engineering and highlight emerging strategies in this field.
Using Ant Colony Optimization as a Method for Selecting Features to Improve the Accuracy of Measuring the Thickness of Scale in an Intelligent Control System
Authors: Mayet Abdulilah Mohammad , Ijyas V. P. Thafasal , Bhutto Javed Khan , Guerrero John William Grimaldo , Shukla Neeraj Kumar , Eftekhari-Zadeh Ehsan , Alhashim Hala H.
Published: May 2023

The scaling of oil pipelines over time leads to issues including diminished flow rates, wasted energy, and decreased efficiency. To take appropriate action promptly and avoid the aforementioned issues, it is crucial to determine the precise value of the scale within the pipe. Non-invasive gamma attenuation systems are one of the most accurate detection methods. To accomplish this goal, the Monte Carlo N Particle (MCNP) algorithm was used to simulate a scale thickness measurement system, which included two sodium iodide detectors, a dual-energy gamma source (241 Am and 133 Ba radioisotopes), and a test pipe. Water, gas, and oil were all used to mimic a three-phase flow in the test pipe, with the volume percentages ranging from 10% to 80%. Moreover, a scale ranging in thickness from 0 to 3 cm was inserted into the pipe, gamma rays were shone on the pipe, and on the opposite side of the pipe, photon intensity was measured by detectors. There were 252 simulations run. Fifteen time and frequency characteristics were derived from the signals collected by the detectors. The ant colony optimisation (ACO)-based approach is used to pick the ideal inputs from among the extracted characteristics for determining the thickness of the scale within the pipe. This technique led to the introduction of thirteen features that represented the ideal combination. The features introduced by ACO were introduced as inputs to a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural network to predict the scale thickness inside the oil pipe in centimetres. The maximum error found in calculating scale thickness was 0.017 as RMSE, which is a minor error compared to earlier studies. The accuracy of the present study in detecting scale thickness has been greatly improved by using the ACO to choose the optimal features.
Understanding the Paradox of (Im)Perfection: An Actor-Network Approach to Digitally Mediated Preaching
Authors: Mannerfelt Frida , Kaufman Tone Stangeland
Published: May 2023

This paper adds to the growing body of literature on digitally mediated preaching by using actor–network theory (ANT) in conjunction with Amanda Lagerkvist’s work on digital media as theoretical lenses to describe and discuss what we term “the paradox of (im)perfection”. This paradox refers to the tension between an ideal of perfection and an ideal of imperfection (or vulnerability) as experienced by church practitioners who were “thrown” online abruptly and unexpectedly due to the pandemic. In our analysis we show how human and non-human actors interact (and act on each other) in ways that assemble their networks towards a mode of visibility and perfection, or towards a mode of authenticity, intimacy, and imperfection. In the former mode, preachers and church practitioners find themselves competing in “a mimetic visibility contest” that is characterized by an ontology of numbers (likes, follower counts, retweets, etc.) and a subsequent ethos of quantification. In the latter mode, an ethos of care affords the opportunity for spiritual intimacy, even among “anonymous” online individuals. Drawing on Deanna A. Thompson’s and Amanda Lagerkvist’s work, we argue that the latter mode enacts “a cruciform media ethics” in which the embodied worshiping community interacting online can be understood as “the virtual body of the suffering Christ”. Here, digital media is enacting as “caring media” rather than “metric media”. While the paper introduces message-oriented, media-oriented, and ontology-oriented approaches as helpful for the study of digitally mediated preaching, it ultimately argues for the superior virtues of ANT as a non-dichotomous approach—overcoming both the message/media and the virtual/real divides which are often inherent to other approaches.
Cyber-Physical System for Smart Traffic Light Control
Authors: Deshpande Siddhesh , Hsieh Sheng-Jen
Published: May 2023

In recent years, researchers have proposed smart traffic light control systems to improve traffic flow at intersections, but there is less focus on reducing vehicle and pedestrian delays simultaneously. This research proposes a cyber-physical system for smart traffic light control utilizing traffic detection cameras, machine learning algorithms, and a ladder logic program. The proposed method employs a dynamic traffic interval technique that categorizes traffic into low, medium, high, and very high volumes. It adjusts traffic light intervals based on real-time traffic data, including pedestrian and vehicle information. Machine learning algorithms, including convolutional neural network (CNN), artificial neural network (ANN), and support vector machine (SVM), are demonstrated to predict traffic conditions and traffic light timings. To validate the proposed method, the Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO) platform was used to simulate the real-world intersection working. The simulation result indicates the dynamic traffic interval technique is more efficient and showcases a 12% to 27% reduction in the waiting time of vehicles and a 9% to 23% reduction in the waiting time of pedestrians at an intersection when compared to the fixed time and semi-dynamic traffic light control methods.
Printed Directional Bending Sensor with High Sensitivity and Low Hysteresis for Human Motion Detection and Soft Robotic Perception
Authors: Wang Yi-Fei , Yoshida Ayako , Takeda Yasunori , Sekine Tomohito , Kumaki Daisuke , Tokito Shizuo
Published: May 2023

We present a high-performance flexible bending strain sensor for directional motion detection of human hands and soft robotic grippers. The sensor was fabricated using a printable porous conductive composite composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and carbon black (CB). The utilization of a deep eutectic solvent (DES) in the ink formulation induced a phase segregation between the CB and PDMS and led to a porous structure inside the printed films after being vapored. This simple and spontaneously formed conductive architecture provided superior directional bend-sensing characteristics compared to conventional random composites. The resulting flexible bending sensors displayed high bidirectional sensitivity (gauge factor of 45.6 under compressive bending and 35.2 under tensile bending), negligible hysteresis, good linearity (>0.99), and excellent bending durability (over 10,000 cycles). The multifunctional applications of these sensors, including human motion detection, object-shape monitoring, and robotic perceptions, are demonstrated as a proof-of-concept.
Traffic Fatalities and Urban Infrastructure: A Spatial Variability Study Using Geographically Weighted Poisson Regression Applied in Cali (Colombia)
Authors: Vivas Pacheco Harvy , Rodríguez-Mariaca Diego , Jaramillo Ciro , Fandiño-Losada Andrés , Gutiérrez-Martínez María Isabel
Published: May 2023

The mobility plan and the road infrastructure works implemented, together with the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) connected bus system in its first two phases, generated optimistic expectations about the reduction of lethal crashes in the city. This research studies the relationship between investments in transportation infrastructure in the city and the distribution of traffic fatalities. Although it is not strictly speaking an impact assessment, the approach we propose performs geostatistical contrasts between intervened and non-intervened areas, using a geographically weighted model that attempts to model the spatial variability of the factors associated with the intra-urban road traffic crash rate, controlling for infrastructure interventions and some proxy indicators of urban structure. The findings reveal that fatalities decreased in areas both with and without intervention. Despite the expectation of reducing fatal injuries, the differential effects of the interventions were relatively small. The risk of road traffic crashes was even increased in critical points of the city with recurrent lethal crashes. The effects of road interventions on fatal road traffic crashes in Cali did not correspond to the high social and economic costs involved in the BRT system and the work plan.
Impact and Optimization of the Conditions of Extraction of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Olive Leaves (Moroccan picholine) Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: El Adnany El Mustapha , Elhadiri Najat , Mourjane Ayoub , Ouhammou Mourad , Hidar Nadia , Jaouad Abderrahim , Bitar Khalid , Mahrouz Mostafa
Published: May 2023

The Moroccan picholine tree’s leaves contain phenolic compounds that benefit human health. However, the amount and type of these compounds can vary based on factors such as the extraction method and conditions. This study aimed to improve phenolic compounds’ extraction while minimising harmful chemicals’ use. It has been found that using ethanol as a solvent with ultrasonic extraction is the most effective and environmentally friendly technique. Several parameters, such as the extraction time, solid/solvent ratio, and ethanol concentration as independent variables, were evaluated using a surface response method (RSM) based on the Box–Behnken design (BBD) to optimize the extraction conditions. The experimental data were fitted to a second-order polynomial equation using multiple regression analysis and also examined using the appropriate statistical methods. In optimal conditions, the ultrasonic time, the ratio (solvent/solid) and the concentration (ethanol/water), the content of total polyphenols (TPC), total flavonoids (TFC), and antioxidant activity (by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) were, respectively, 74.45 ± 1.22 mg EAG/g DM, 17.08 ± 1.85 mg EC/g DM, 83.45 ± 0.89% 82.85 ± 1.52%, and 85.01 ± 2.35%. The identification of phenolic compounds by chromatography coupled with mass spectrum (HPLC-MS) under optimal conditions with two successive extractions showed the presence of hydroxytyrosol, catechin, caffeic acid, vanillin, naringin, oleuropein, quercetin, and kaempferol at high concentrations.
Machine Learning Explains Long-Term Trend and Health Risk of Air Pollution during 2015–2022 in a Coastal City in Eastern China
Authors: Qian Zihe , Meng Qingxiao , Chen Kehong , Zhang Zihang , Liang Hongwei , Yang Han , Huang Xiaolei , Zhong Weibin , Zhang Yichen , Wei Ziqian , Zhang Binqian , Zhang Kexin , Chen Meijuan , Zhang Yunjiang , Ge Xinlei
Published: May 2023

Exposure to air pollution is one of the greatest environmental risks for human health. Air pollution level is significantly driven by anthropogenic emissions and meteorological conditions. To protect people from air pollutants, China has implemented clean air actions to reduce anthropogenic emissions, which has led to rapid improvement in air quality over China. Here, we evaluated the impact of anthropogenic emissions and meteorological conditions on trends in air pollutants in a coastal city (Lianyungang) in eastern China from 2015 to 2022 based on a random forest model. The annual mean concentration of observed air pollutants, including fine particles, inhalable particles, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide, presented significant decreasing trends during 2015–2022, with dominant contributions (55–75%) by anthropogenic emission reduction. An increasing trend in ozone was observed with an important contribution (28%) by anthropogenic emissions. The impact of meteorological conditions on air pollution showed significant seasonality. For instance, the negative impact on aerosol pollution occurred during cold months, while the positive impact was in warm months. Health-risk-based air quality decreased by approximately 40% in 8 years, for which anthropogenic emission made a major contribution (93%).
Individual Risk Assessment for Population Living on the Territories Long-Term Polluted by Organochlorine Pesticides
Authors: Garshin Aleksandr , Altynova Nazym , Djangalina Erika , Khamdiyeva Ozada , Baratzhanova Gulminyam , Tolebaeva Anar , Zhaniyazov Zhasulan , Khussainova Elmira , Cakir-Kiefer Céline , Jurjanz Stefan , Delannoy Matthieu , Djansugurova Leyla
Published: May 2023

The long-term storage of unutilized pesticides raised new problems of long-term environmental contamination. The study presents the results of surveying 151 individuals in 7 villages living close to pesticide-contaminated localities. All individuals have been surveyed concerning their consumption habits and lifestyle characteristics. An assessment of the general exposure risks of the local population was carried out using the analysis of pollutants in food products and the average levels of their consumption in the region. The cohort risk evaluation revealed that the greatest risk was associated with the regular consumption of cucumbers, pears, bell peppers, meat, and milk. The new model to estimate individual risks of long-term pesticide pollution was proposed as a calculation of the combined action of 9 risk factors, including individual genotypes, age, lifestyle, and personal pesticide consumption rates. The analysis of the predictive ability of this model showed that the final score for individual health risks corresponded to the development of chronic diseases. A high level of chromosomal aberrations was evidenced for individual genetic risk manifestations. The combined influence of all risk factors revealed contributions of 24.7% for health status and 14.2% for genetic status, while other impacts go to all unaccounted factors.
Clinical and Parasitological Profiles of Gestational, Placental and Congenital Malaria in Northwestern Colombia
Authors: Cardona-Arias Jaiberth Antonio , Higuita-Gutiérrez Luis Felipe , Carmona-Fonseca Jaime
Published: May 2023

This study compared the clinical–parasitological profiles of gestational (GM), placental (PM), and congenital (CM) malaria in northwestern Colombia. A cross-sectional study with 829 pregnant women, 549 placentas, and 547 newborns was conducted. The frequency of GM was 35.8%, PM 20.9%, and CM 8.5%. P. vivax predominated in GM; in PM, the proportion of P. vivax and P. falciparum was similar; in CM, P. falciparum predominated. The main clinical findings were headache (49%), anemia (32%), fever (24%), and musculoskeletal pain (13%). The clinical manifestations were statistically higher in P. vivax infections. In submicroscopic GM (positive with qPCR and negative with thick blood smear), the frequency of anemia, sore throat, and a headache was statistically higher compared with pregnant women without malaria. GM, PM, and CM reduce birth weight and head circumference. In Colombia, this is the first research on the clinical characteristics of GM, PM, and CM; contrary to evidence from other countries, P. vivax and submicroscopic infections are associated with clinical outcomes.