bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drought Vulnerability Assessment of Winter Wheat Using an Improved Entropy–Comprehensive Fuzzy Evaluation Method: A Case Study of Henan Province in China
Authors: Yuan Binbin , Wang Shidong , Guo Linghui
Published: April 2023

The percentage precipitation anomaly was used to index the effect of drought on winter wheat grown in Henan Province for the years 2011–2020. Of interest was the effect of drought on winter wheat yield and the accurate assessment of the damage done to winter wheat by drought events in order to improve the risk management of winter wheat in the context of drought hazards. The spatial and temporal variability of winter wheat drought risk in Henan Province was determined by analysis of climate data, winter wheat yield, cultivated area, and socio-economic data across three dimensions: exposure or susceptibility to drought, economic–environmental sensitivity to drought, and capacity to resist drought. A drought vulnerability assessment model, based on the entropy value method and a comprehensive fuzzy evaluation, was developed to assess the drought vulnerability of winter wheat in Henan Province compared with the percentage precipitation anomaly model. (1) There were significant spatial differences in the frequency of the five drought categories devised. (2) Areas in which there was a high frequency of mild drought events were mainly in northern and western Henan and southwestern Henan, with the frequency ranging from 17% to 29%. (3) Areas in which there was a high frequency of moderate drought events were mainly in northwestern, central, and southeastern Henan. (4) Areas in which there was a high frequency of severe and extreme drought were mainly in Anyang in northern Henan, Zhengzhou in central Henan, and Xinyang and surrounding areas in southern Henan, with the frequency ranging from 7% to 9.70%. (5) Winter wheat drought vulnerability shows an overall annually increasing trend. The susceptibility dimension had the greatest influence of the three dimensions, followed by economic–environmental sensitivity and then drought resistance, which had the least impact. The model created in this study shows the influence of drought on winter wheat production more intuitively than a conventional fuzzy synthesis, and the results can inform decision-making in winter wheat drought risk assessment and management.
Detection of Heavy Metals in Educational Institutions’ Indoor Dust and Their Risks to Health
Authors: Kunt Fatma , Türkyılmaz Elif Sari
Published: April 2023

In addition to human health, there are typical pollutants that significantly determine the quality of life and deteriorate the quality of the air. Although these pollutants are familiar in outdoor environments, they also pose a health threat in indoor environments. These need to be monitored and controlled. Children, who spend most of their time in these environments, are especially exposed to these pollutants, and such contaminants pose a threat during their learning and growing periods. In this study, the detection of heavy metals in indoor dust in educational institutions and their health risks were evaluated. Heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium, which are named differently due to their densities, were detected, and their effects on children were determined. The measured values of heavy metals cadmium and arsenic were above the standard values of OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration), one of the health and safety organizations. However, when educational institutions were examined, an increase in the amount of arsenic due to drinking water used, cadmium batteries containing batteries, the use of batteries, and the pigment feature in oil paint derivatives supplied with cadmium may increase the values. The other heavy metals such as Al, Zn, Hg, and Pb remained below the limit values. A health risk assessment was made by considering the data obtained from the samples taken from the educational institutions in Konya province, as well as factors such as environmental conditions, the number of students, the area per capita, temperature, and humidity. The causes of polluting sources and the precautions to be taken have been determined.
Conductive Nanofibers-Enhanced Microfluidic Device for the Efficient Capture and Electrical Stimulation-Triggered Rapid Release of Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Huang Yisha , Li Xilin , Hou Jianwen , Luo Zhouying , Yang Guang , Zhou Shaobing
Published: April 2023

The effective detection and release of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are of great significance for cancer diagnosis and monitoring. The microfluidic technique has proved to be a promising method for CTCs isolation and subsequent analysis. However, complex micro-geometries or nanostructures were often constructed and functionalized to improve the capture efficiency, which limited the scale-up for high-throughput production and larger-scale clinical applications. Thus, we designed a simple conductive nanofiber chip (CNF-Chip)-embedded microfluidic device with a herringbone microchannel to achieve the efficient and specific capture and electrical stimulation-triggered rapid release of CTCs. Here, the most used epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) was selected as the representative biomarker, and the EpCAM-positive cancer cells were mainly studied. Under the effects of the nanointerface formed by the nanofibers with a rough surface and the herringbone-based high-throughput microfluidic mixing, the local topographic interaction between target cells and nanofibrous substrate in the microfluidic was synergistically enhanced, and the capture efficiency for CTCs was further improved (more than 85%). After capture, the sensitive and rapid release of CTCs (release efficiency above 97%) could be conveniently achieved through the cleavage of the gold-sulfur bond by applying a low voltage (−1.2 V). The device was successfully used for the effective isolation of CTCs in clinical blood samples from cancer patients, indicating the great potential of this CNF-Chip-embedded microfluidic device in clinical applications.
Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial Examining Intervention Effects on Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder Traits
Authors: Yasunaga Masanori , Miyaguchi Hideki , Ishizuki Chinami , Kita Yosuke , Nakai Akio
Published: April 2023

Children with traits of developmental coordination disorder (DCD-t) may experience occupational performance problems that go unrecognized and therefore may not be adequately supported. The cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance (CO-OP) approach has been effective in interventions for developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Based on an open-label, randomized controlled trial design, this study evaluated the effects of CO-OP on the occupational performance and motor skills of older kindergarten children with DCD-t using the School Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (S-AMPS) and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition. Children with a total DCDQ score of less than 40 or M-ABC2 scores in the 5th to 16th percentile were considered to have DCD-t. Furthermore, children with DCD-t and S-AMPS process skills less than 0.7 were considered to have DAMP (Deficits in Attention, Motor control and Perception)-t. After 3 months of CO-OP intervention, the performance and motor skills of children with DCD-t improved significantly. However, there were no significant changes noted in the motor skills of children with DAMP-t, although their occupational performance improved. These results suggest that CO-OP is effective even for older kindergarten children with DCD-t. However, further improvement of the CO-OP approach or a different strategy is required for children with ADHD comorbidity.
Computerized False Belief Tasks Impact Mentalizing Ability in People with Williams Syndrome
Authors: Hsu Ching-Fen , Rao Shi-Yu
Published: April 2023

People with Williams syndrome (WS) are characterized by hyper sociability, fluency in languages, and advantageous face-processing skills, leading to the proposal of a social module. Previous studies on the mentalizing abilities of people with WS using two-dimensional pictures, including normal-like, delayed, and deviant behaviors, have yielded mixed results. Thus, this study examined the mentalizing ability of people with WS through structured computerized animations of false belief tasks to investigate whether inferences about other people’s minds can be improved in this population. Participants were shown animations containing unexpected location and content changes. After viewing each animation, participants had to answer four types of questions relating to character identification, reality, memory, and false belief. Their responses were recorded and analyzed. A comprehension of false belief was observed in 4-year-old healthy children, whereas children with WS showed enhanced comprehension of false belief (until they attained a chronological age [CA] of 5.9 years), suggesting an improvement in the theory of mind resulting from viewing structured computerized animations. This age is earlier than that reported by previous studies for using theory of mind to pass false belief tests (CA 9 years), even challenging the age at which individuals failed to pass the tests (CA 17.11 years). Structured computerized animations enhanced the mentalizing ability of people with WS to a certain extent. Compared to the typically developing controls, people with WS presented with a lower developmental level in processing false belief tasks. This study has educational implications for the development of computerized social skills interventions for people with WS.
Induced Deformation and Protection of a Hybrid Timber–Masonry Historical Structure from Adjacent Metro Tunneling
Authors: Zhang Haowen , Gao Shaoqiang , Lu Bin , Ren Yunsen , Jiang Jiawei , Li Zhaoyan , Zhao Kai
Published: April 2023

The construction of the tunnels of Metro Line 4 and Gulou Station in central Nanjing poses a potential threat to the nearby historic building, Gulou Tower, due to the relatively small spacing and the deteriorated structure behaviors. Two aspects are important for the protection of Gulou Tower: (i) reducing the soil movement caused by the tunnel–station construction and (ii) increasing the total stiffness of this sensitive building. This research first presents the main features of two tunnels and the triple-arch tunnel as the connection between the two tunnels and Gulou Station. The details of the excavation means and construction procedures of the tunnels, together with the engineering measures that tend to reduce soil disturbance during tunnel excavation, are presented. Meanwhile, to improve the overall stiffness of Gulou Tower, additional support for the masonry terrace and the upper timber structure is also discussed. Moreover, the construction procedures of the tunnels and the station that could influence the settlement development of Gulou Tower are also suggested. The measured ground settlement and structure displacement are found to be limited to the allowable values, indicating that the aforementioned protective measures are adequate to protect hybrid timber–masonry historical structures nearby tunneling.
Biomarkers of Response to Low-Dose Aspirin in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Patients
Authors: Lanas Angel , Tacconelli Stefania , Contursi Annalisa , Piazuelo Elena , Bruno Annalisa , Ronci Maurizio , Marcone Simone , Dovizio Melania , Sopeña Federico , Falcone Lorenza , Milillo Cristina , Mucci Matteo , Ballerini Patrizia , Patrignani Paola
Published: April 2023

Background: The results of Aspirin prevention of colorectal adenomas in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are controversial. Methods: We conducted a biomarker-based clinical study in eight FAP patients treated with enteric-coated low-dose Aspirin (100 mg daily for three months) to explore whether the drug targets mainly platelet cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 or affects extraplatelet cellular sources expressing COX-isozymes and/or off-target effects in colorectal adenomas. Results: In FAP patients, low-dose Aspirin-acetylated platelet COX-1 at Serine529 (>70%) was associated with an almost complete inhibition of platelet thromboxane (TX) B2 generation ex vivo (serum TXB2). However, enhanced residual urinary 11-dehydro-TXB2 and urinary PGEM, primary metabolites of TXA2 and prostaglandin (PG)E2, respectively, were detected in association with incomplete acetylation of COX-1 in normal colorectal biopsies and adenomas. Proteomics of adenomas showed that Aspirin significantly modulated only eight proteins. The upregulation of vimentin and downregulation of HBB (hemoglobin subunit beta) distinguished two groups with high vs. low residual 11-dehydro-TXB2 levels, possibly identifying the nonresponders and responders to Aspirin. Conclusions: Although low-dose Aspirin appropriately inhibited the platelet, persistently high systemic TXA2 and PGE2 biosynthesis were found, plausibly for a marginal inhibitory effect on prostanoid biosynthesis in the colorectum. Novel chemotherapeutic strategies in FAP can involve blocking the effects of TXA2 and PGE2 signaling with receptor antagonists.
Combination of Everolimus and Bortezomib Inhibits the Growth and Metastasis of Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas via JNK/p38/ERK MAPK and AKT Pathways
Authors: Nakamura Koichi , Asanuma Kunihiro , Okamoto Takayuki , Iino Takahiro , Hagi Tomohito , Nakamura Tomoki , Sudo Akihiro
Published: April 2023

The combination of the mammalian target of rapamycin and proteasome inhibitors is a new treatment strategy for various tumors. Herein, we investigated the synergistic effect of everolimus and bortezomib on tumor growth and metastasis in bone and soft tissue sarcomas. The antitumor effects of everolimus and bortezomib were assessed in a human fibrosarcoma (FS) cell line (HT1080) and mouse osteosarcoma (OS) cell line (LM8) by MTS assays and Western blotting. The effects of everolimus and bortezomib on HT1080 and LM8 tumor growth in xenograft mouse models were evaluated using tumor volume and the number of metastatic nodes of the resected lungs. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate cleaved PARP expression. The combination therapy decreased FS and OS cell proliferation compared with either drug alone. This combination induced more intense p-p38, p-JNK, and p-ERK and activated apoptosis signals, such as caspase-3, compared with single-agent treatment. The combination treatment reduced p-AKT and MYC expression, decreased FS and OS tumor volumes, and suppressed lung metastases of OS. The combination therapy inhibited tumor growth in FS and OS and metastatic progression of OS via the JNK/p38/ERK MAPK and AKT pathways. These results could aid in the development of new therapeutic strategies for sarcomas.
Demographics and Clinicopathologic Profile of Pulmonary Sarcomatoid Carcinoma with Survival Analysis and Genomic Landscape
Authors: Ullah Asad , Ahmed Asim , Yasinzai Abdul Qahar Khan , Lee Kue Tylor , Khan Israr , Asif Bina , Khan Imran , Tareen Bisma , Kakar Kaleemullah , Andam Gul , Heneidi Saleh , Khan Jaffar , Khan Hina , Karki Nabin R. , Del Rivero Jaydira , Karim Nagla Abdel
Published: April 2023

Background: Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is a rare subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with an aggressive clinical nature and poor prognosis. With novel targeted therapeutics being developed, new ways to effectively treat PSC are emerging. In this study, we analyze demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes of PSC and genetic mutations in PSC. Methods: Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were reviewed to analyze cases of pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma from 2000 to 2018. The molecular data with the most common mutations in PSC were extracted from the Catalogue Of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) database. Results: A total of 5259 patients with PSC were identified. Most patients were between 70 and 79 years of age (32.2%), male (59.1%), and Caucasian (83.7%). The male-to-female ratio was 1.45:1. Most tumors were between 1 and 7 cm in size (69.4%) and poorly differentiated (grade III) (72.9%). The overall 5-year survival was 15.6% (95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 14.4–16.9)), and the cause-specific 5-year survival was 19.7% (95% CI = 18.3–21.1). The five-year survival for those treated with each modality were as follows: chemotherapy, 19.9% (95% CI = 17.7–22.2); surgery, 41.7% (95% CI = 38.9–44.6); radiation, 19.1% (95% CI = 15.1–23.5); and multimodality therapy (surgery and chemoradiation), 24.8% (95% CI = 17.6–32.7). On multivariable analysis, age, male gender, distant stage, tumor size, bone metastasis, brain metastasis, and liver metastasis were associated with increased mortality, and chemotherapy and surgery were associated with reduced mortality (p < 0.001). The best survival outcomes were achieved with surgery. The most common mutations identified in COSMIC data were TP53 31%, ARID1A 23%, NF1 17%, SMARCA4 16%, and KMT2D 9%. Conclusions: PSC is a rare and aggressive subtype of NSCLC, usually affecting Caucasian males between 70 and 79. Male gender, older age, and distant spread were associated with poor clinical outcomes. Treatment with surgery was associated with better survival outcomes.
The Inconsistent Assessment of Quality of Life in Patients Treated for Head and Neck Cancer with Anti-EGFR Inhibitors: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Sutton Sarah R. , Taniguchi April N. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Albergotti William G. , Kaczmar John M. , Kejner Alexandra E. , Newman Jason G.
Published: April 2023

In patients receiving treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC), there is a correlation between quality of life (QoL) scores and treatment outcomes. Higher QoL scores have been associated with improved survival. Despite this, the assessment of QoL in clinical trials varies considerably. Three databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Cinahl) were queried for articles published in English between 2006 and 2022. Two reviewers (SRS and ANT) performed study screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. The authors identified 21 articles that met the inclusion criteria. A total of 5961 patients were evaluated. QoL was reported as average scores for specific variables across five different surveys in 12 included articles. Supplemental QoL data were available in 10 included studies. Critical appraisal of studies indicated a high risk of bias due to the inclusion of trials. There is no standard method for reporting QoL data in clinical trials for HNC patients undergoing treatment with anti-EGFR inhibitors. Future clinical trials should standardize their method for assessing and reporting quality-of-life data to increase patient-centered care and refine treatment choices to optimize survival.
X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) Analysis of Nitrogen Environment in Small Extracellular Vesicle Membranes: A Potential Novel Technique with Application for Cancer Screening
Authors: Sancho-Albero María , Martín-Pardillos Ana , Irusta Silvia , Sebastián Víctor , Cebolla Vicente Luis , Pazo-Cid Roberto , Martín-Duque Pilar , Santamaría Jesús
Published: April 2023

Small extracellular vesicle (EV) membranes display characteristic protein-lipidic composition features that are related to their cell of origin, providing valuable clues regarding their parental cell composition and real-time state. This could be especially interesting in the case of cancer cell-derived EVs, as their membranes could serve as valuable tools in liquid biopsy applications and to detect changes in the tumor malignancy. X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) is a powerful surface analysis technique able to detect every chemical element present, being also sensitive to their chemical environment. Here we explore the use of XPS as a fast technique to characterize EV membrane composition, with possible application in cancer research. Notably, we have focused on the nitrogen environment as an indicator of the relative abundance of pyridine-type bonding, primary, secondary and tertiary amines. Specifically, we have analyzed how tumoral and healthy cells have different nitrogen chemical environments that can indicate the presence or absence of malignancy. In addition, a collection of human serum samples from cancer patients and healthy donors was also analyzed. The differential XPS analysis of EVs collected from patients confirmed that the patterns of amine evolution could be related to markers of cancer disease, opening the possibility of their use as a non-invasive blood biomarker.
Baveno VII Criteria Is an Accurate Risk Stratification Tool to Predict High-Risk Varices Requiring Intervention and Hepatic Events in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Claudia Wing-Kwan , Lui Rashid Nok-Shun , Wong Vincent Wai-Sun , Yam Tsz-Fai , Yip Terry Cheuk-Fung , Liu Ken , Lai Jimmy Che-To , Tse Yee-Kit , Mok Tony Shu-Kam , Chan Henry Lik-Yuen , Ng Kelvin Kwok-Chai , Wong Grace Lai-Hung , Chan Stephen Lam
Published: April 2023

The Baveno VII criteria are used in patients with liver cirrhosis to predict high-risk varices in patients with liver cirrhosis. Yet its use in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been validated. HCC alone is accompanied with a higher variceal bleeding risk due to its association with liver cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis. The use of systemic therapy in advanced HCC has been thought to further augment this risk. Upper endoscopy is commonly used to evaluate for the presence of varices before initiation of treatment with systemic therapy. Yet it is associated with procedural risks, waiting time and limited availability in some localities which may delay the commencement of systemic therapy. Our study successfully validated the Baveno VI criteria with a 3.5% varices needing treatment (VNT) missed rate, also with acceptable <5% VNT missed rates when considering alternative liver stiffness (LSM) and platelet cut-offs. The Baveno VII clinically significant portal hypertension rule-out criteria (LSM < 15 kPa and platelet >150 × 109/L) also revealed a low frequency (2%) of hepatic events, whilst the rule-in criteria (LSM > 25 kPa) was predictive of a higher proportion of hepatic events (14%). Therefore, our study has successfully validated the Baveno VII criteria as a non-invasive stratification of the risk of variceal bleeding and hepatic decompensation in the HCC population.
Liminality: Change Starts Within
Authors: Rodriguez Carreon Vivianna
Published: April 2023

Change Starts Within is the welcome title to the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) toolkit. The tools are resources to support the inner growth of individuals and organizations committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This reflection article emerged from reviewing my earlier experiences in inner development while collaborating in the development of the IDGs. Years of continuing inner growth involved going through the liminal stage several times. Evolution is ongoing. Liminality has been conceptualized through different ways of embodying knowing by anthropologists, phenomenologists, psychologists, philosophers, scientists, and spiritual teachers, among others working in transformational processes. Through a lived experience approach, I explore my relationship with the liminal stage. Learning and practicing the “unseen” inner muscle leads to becoming “sensitive” to the subtle qualities. It involves perceiving the world through sensorial qualities, which leads to a conscious action to purposefully commit to what lies along the path to sustainable humanity. At the same time, I notice the limitations for understanding the language of the inner world. The inner world communicates through dynamic manifestations of the lived experience, and when conceptualized in a logical and structured way, it constrains how the animacy of the inner being can be described. The invitation to understand spaces of inner transformation in liminality is to learn to manifest the state of being. The effects of understanding inner development accelerate wisdom and human evolution.
Latent Transition Analysis of Motor Development Patterns in Preschoolers
Authors: Chao Hsueh-Chin , Lin Chun-Ta , Tu Jui-Hung , Wu Chung-Chin
Published: April 2023

In-group heterogeneity is often neglected during investigations of motor development patterns in children. Moreover, the variation in motor development patterns over time has seldom been examined. In this work, 1884 three-year-old preschoolers were selected from a panel study conducted in Taiwan called the National Longitudinal Study of Child Development and Care. A confirmatory factor analysis was applied to analyze the construct validity of the assessments of motor development used for these children. A latent profile analysis and latent transition analysis (LTA) were sequentially applied to clarify their motor development patterns at the ages of three and four years and their transitions between these two ages. The following findings were obtained: (1) The motor development assessment had good validity. (2) Considerable heterogeneity regarding motor development in preschoolers was observed, in which four and three subgroups displaying distinct levels of mastery with respect to their gross and fine motor skills were identified at the ages of three and four years, respectively. (3) From age three to age four, a large proportion of the preschoolers exhibited improvements or retentions in both gross and fine motor skills, whereas some of the preschoolers were classified into subgroups displaying “gross motor retention and fine motor progression,” “gross motor progression and fine motor retention,” “gross motor retention and fine motor regression,” and “gross motor regression and fine motor progression.” Few preschoolers exhibited “general motor regression.” The present results suggest that there were considerable heterogeneous groups in the motor development in preschoolers in the middle of early childhood, and this phenomenon has rarely been addressed in former studies. The LTA results implied that effective interventions should be given sequentially to preschoolers in subgroups whose motor development presented regression and retention tendencies.
Effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen for Fibromyalgia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Cao Chunfeng , Li Qianlu , Zhang Xinran , Varrassi Giustino , Wang Haiqiang
Published: April 2023

Background: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been reported as an emerging treatment regimen for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), with a paucity of solid evidence. Accordingly, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to address the effectiveness of HBOT on FMS. Methods: We searched the Cochrane Database, EMBASE, Medline, PubMed, Clinicaltrials.gov, and PsycINFO, and the reference sections of original studies and systematic reviews from inception to May 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the treatment of FMS with HBOT were included. Outcome measures included pain, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Tender Points Count (TPC), and side effects. Results: Four RCTs, with 163 participants, were included for analysis. Pooled results showed that HBOT could benefit FMS with significant improvement at the end of treatment, including FIQ (SMD = −1.57, 95% CI −2.34 to −0.80) and TPC (SMD = −2.50, 95% CI −3.96 to −1.05). However, there was no significant effect on pain (SMD = −1.68, 95% CI, −4.47 to 1.11). Meanwhile, HBOT significantly increased the incidence of side effects (RR = 24.97, 95% CI 3.75 to 166.47). Conclusions: Collectively, emerging evidence from RCTs indicates that HBOT can benefit FMS patients in FIQ and TPC throughout the observation time phrases. Although HBOT has some side effects, it does not cause serious adverse consequences.
Electronic Properties, Linear and Nonlinear Performance of KAgCh (Ch = S, Se) Compounds: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Seddik Taieb , Behera Debidatta , Batouche Mohammed , Ouerghui Walid , Abdallah Houda Ben , Sarkar Ram Krishna , Salah Mostafa M. , Shaker Ahmed , Mukherjee Sanat Kumar
Published: April 2023

In the current study, the peculiar nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of KAgCh (Ch = S, Se) and their structural, electronic, and thermodynamic properties are computed utilizing the FP-LAPW (full-potential linearized augmented plane wave) approach as embedded in Wein2K code. The Perdew–Burke–Ernzerh of generalized gradient approximation (PBE-GGA) was considered for the structural optimization. The computed bandgaps are found to be 2.57 and 2.39 eV for KAgS and KAgSe, respectively. Besides the structural and electronic properties, we also computed the refractive indices n(ω), surface energy loss function (SELF), and nonlinear optical susceptibilities. The estimated refractive indices, energy band gap, and their frequency dependence for the investigated KAgCh (Ch = S, Se) compounds, along with the NLO coefficients, are found to be in good agreement with the earlier reports. These current findings suggest that KAgCh (Ch = S, Se) can be recommended for nonlinear optical applications in the near-infrared spectrum.
Investigation on the Progressive Damage and Bearing Failure Behavior of Composite Laminated Bolted Joints under Tension
Authors: Liu Gang , Li Ce , Luo Wenjun , Liao Feng , Zhang Yidong , Zeng Shan
Published: April 2023

Composite laminated bolted joints are increasingly used in the aerospace industry, and most researchers are involved in the study of the failure behavior of composite bolted joints’ structures. Because of the complexity and stability of the structure, precisely predicting the damage evolution and failure behavior of the composite laminated bolted joint becomes rather difficult. In this paper, an asymptotic damage model is proposed to predict the failure behavior of the composite bolted joint structure. The model is based on the frame of mainstream criteria and some improvements are made to adapt to the particularity of composite laminated bolted joints. Combining the damage model with the finite element method, the failure behavior of single-lap and double-lap bolted joint structures are predicted and analyzed. In order to guarantee the reliability of the model, the corresponding experimental study is conducted, and the results show that the simulation curve and the experimental data are in good agreement. This damage model can further predict the failure behavior of various types of complex composite laminated bolted joints effectively.
Description of Cylindrospermum solincola sp. nov. from Jammu and Kashmir, India and Further Insights into the Ecological Distribution and Morphological Attributes of Cylindrospermum badium
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Saraf Aniket , Pal Sagarika , Singh Prashant
Published: April 2023

Two cyanobacterial strains KUT1-PS and 18C-PS were collected from the soil surface and vernal pool, respectively, from the Basantgarh village, Udhampur district of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India and characterized by a polyphasic approach. The morphological characterization indicated that both the strains showed typical Cylindrospermum-like morphology and probably belonged to the genus Cylindrospermum. Further, phylogenetic interpretations at the genus level were made using the 16S rRNA gene while the 16S-23S ITS region phylogenetic analysis and secondary structure analysis were conducted to enhance the resolution at the species level. The results from the comparative morphological analysis, the 16S rRNA gene percent similarity and phylogenetic analyses, the 16S-23S ITS percent dissimilarity and the ITS secondary structure analyses provided enough evidence that the strain 18C-PS is a representative of Cylindrospermum badium, providing further insights into its ecological distribution and morphological attributes. Additionally, the strain KUT1-PS was a novel species of the genus Cylindrospermum and is referred to herein as Cylindrospermum solincola sp. nov., in accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants. This study also discusses the importance of comparing the newly sequenced strains with previously established species before making final taxonomic interpretations.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Thalassemia: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ferih Khaled , Elsayed Basel , Elshoeibi Amgad M. , Elsabagh Ahmed A. , Elhadary Mohamed , Soliman Ashraf , Abdalgayoom Mohammed , Yassin Mohamed
Published: April 2023

Thalassemia is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder that affects the beta or alpha subunits of the hemoglobin structure. Thalassemia is classified as a hypochromic microcytic anemia and a definitive diagnosis of thalassemia is made by genetic testing of the alpha and beta genes. Thalassemia carries similar features to the other diseases that lead to microcytic hypochromic anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Therefore, distinguishing between thalassemia and other causes of microcytic anemia is important to help in the treatment of the patients. Different indices and algorithms are used based on the complete blood count (CBC) parameters to diagnose thalassemia. In this article, we review how effective artificial intelligence is in aiding in the diagnosis and classification of thalassemia.
Blood Based Biomarkers of Central Nervous System Involvement in Wilson’s Disease
Authors: Antos Agnieszka , Członkowska Anna , Bembenek Jan , Skowronska Marta , Kurkowska-Jastrzębska Iwona , Litwin Tomasz
Published: April 2023

Wilson’s disease (WD) is an inherited disorder of copper metabolism with clinical symptoms related to pathological copper accumulation, which are mainly hepatic and/or neuropsychiatric. The disease is potentially treatable with pharmacological agents (chelators or zinc salts). As such, key factors for a favorable treatment outcome are early diagnosis and anti-copper treatment initiation as well as appropriate treatment monitoring for safety and efficacy. Despite the generally favorable outcome in most treated patients, almost 10% of the general population of WD patients and about 25% of patients in the group with initial neurological phenotype of disease experience early neurological deterioration. In almost 50% of patients with neurological symptoms, the symptoms persist. A search for new treatment modalities (e.g., gene therapy, molybdenum salts) aims to prevent early neurological deterioration as well as improve treatment outcomes. In addition to evaluating the clinical signs and symptoms of the disease, serum biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment monitoring are very important for WD management. Sensitive serum biomarkers of copper metabolism and liver injury are well described. However, there is a need to establish blood-based biomarkers of central nervous system (CNS) injury to help identify patients at risk of early neurological deterioration and aid in their monitoring. Based on the available literature and studies of WD patients, the authors reviewed serum biomarkers of CNS involvement in WD, as well as their potential clinical significance.
Professional and Family Carers’ Perspectives on the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Supported Decision-Making with Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Qualitative Online Survey
Authors: Casey Hannah , Desmond Deirdre , Coffey Laura
Published: April 2023

Background: COVID-19 restrictions in Ireland varied in levels of severity throughout 2020 and 2021. The aim of the present study was to explore the experiences of professional and family carers in supporting people with intellectual disabilities to make their own decisions during these restrictions. Methods: Participants recruited between July and December 2021 via social media, disability services, and academic experts completed a qualitative online survey. Results were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Data from 16 participants (eight professional carers, eight family carers) were included. Three main themes were identified: 1. centring the person, 2. adapting to COVID, and 3. restricted lives. Anxiety, confusion, and boredom among adults with intellectual disabilities during restrictions were reported by both professional and familial carers. Professional carers reported some positive outcomes, including greater chances for independence among service users and new activities becoming available via online resources. Family carers reported more negative outcomes, including isolation from disability services. Conclusions: People with intellectual disabilities had their choices markedly curtailed during the restrictions. Future studies should focus on improving the ability of services to reach users who may not have the ability to attend services in person.
The Effects of Cognitively Challenging Physical Activity Games versus Health-Related Fitness Activities on Students’ Executive Functions and Situational Interest in Physical Education: A Group-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kolovelonis Athanasios , Goudas Marios
Published: April 2023

This study compared cognitively challenging physical activity games and health-related fitness activities in terms of their effects on students’ executive functions and situational interest in physical education. A total of 102 fourth- and fifth-grade students (56 boys, 46 girls) participated in this study. A group-randomized controlled trial design involving an acute experiment was used. Two intact classes of students (one fourth-grade and one fifth-grade) were randomly assigned to each one of the three groups. Students in Group 1 participated in cognitively challenging physical activity games, students in Group 2 participated in activities for developing their health-related fitness, and Group 3 students were the control group without physical education. Executive functions were measured pre- and post-intervention with the design fluency test, whereas situational interest was only measured post-intervention with the situational interest scale. Group 1 students who played cognitively challenging physical activity games had increased their executive functions’ scores more than the Group 2 students involved in health-related fitness activities. Students of both these groups outperformed control group students. Moreover, Group 1 students reported higher levels of instant enjoyment and total interest than Group 2 students. The results of this study suggest that cognitively challenging physical activity games can be an effective means for enhancing executive functions, and motivate students to be involved in interesting and enjoyable forms of physical activity.
On the Minimum Value of Split DC Link Capacitances in Three-Phase Three-Level Grid-Connected Converters Operating with Unity Power Factor with Limited Zero-Sequence Injection
Authors: Siton Yarden , Sitbon Moshe , Aharon Ilan , Lineykin Simon , Baimel Dmitry , Kuperman Alon
Published: April 2023

This paper introduces an approach to calculating the minimum value of split DC link capacitance in three-phase three-level grid-connected DC-AC converters operating with unity power factor without either active balancing circuits or AC zero sequence injection. Due to the fact that partial DC link voltages and rectified mains phase voltages reach their maximum and minimum values, respectively, at different time instants, it is feasible to decrease the minimum value of the former below the maximum value of the latter while still maintaining proper functionality of the power stage. The minimum possible split DC link capacitance values are hence derived from the boundary condition where the above-mentioned voltages are tangent to each other. The accuracy of the analytical derivations is confirmed by simulations and experiments carried out on a 10 kVA T-type converter prototype, which show a high degree of agreement.
Smoke Formation during Combustion of Biofuel Blends in the Internal Combustion Compression Ignition Engine
Authors: Valeika Gintaras , Matijošius Jonas , Orynycz Olga , Rimkus Alfredas , Świć Antoni , Tucki Karol
Published: April 2023

The proposed changes to the legislation on diesel cars require intensification of work on the possibilities of reducing emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere by these vehicles. The subject of experimental research included in the manuscript was the Skoda Octavia with a 1.9 TDI (turbocharged direct injection) compression ignition engine (type 1Z). Light absorption measurements of smokiness of the exhaust gases emitted after combustion of various biofuels (conventional diesel, pure hydrotreated vegetable oil, hydrotreated vegetable oil, biobutanol) and their blends with fossil diesel fuel were studied. The measured light absorption coefficient is the reciprocal of the thickness of the layer, after passing through which the light has a ten times lower intensity. Its unit is the reciprocal of the meter (1/m or m−1). The results obtained by means of a standard smokiness meter indicate that the use of biofuels or their blends, in general, reduces smoke formation.
Life Cycle Assessment and Cost–Benefit Analysis as Combined Economic–Environmental Assessment Tools: Application to an Anaerobic Digestion Plant
Authors: Bruno Morena , Marchi Michela , Ermini Nicolò , Niccolucci Valentina , Pulselli Federico Maria
Published: April 2023

In the present study, using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Cost–Benefit Analysis (CBA), we assess the economic–environmental performance of an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant, fed by cultured crops (i.e., maize and wheat), in Italy. The biogas generated by the AD plant is used for the production of electricity, imputed into the Italian energy grid. The LCA evaluated potential greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, measured via Carbon Footprint (CF), while the CBA analysed the financial and economic profiles via the Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) indicators. The strength of combining these methodologies is the joint examination of the financial and social–environmental performance of the plant. The results of the CBA are complemented with the GHG emissions avoided by producing electricity from biogas. The CF of 0.28 kg CO2eq·kWh−1 of electricity produced is mainly due to the nitrogen fertilizers involved in the production of the additional feedstock matrix (i.e., maize flour). In the CBA, the negative financial NPV and the financial IRR, which is lower than the discount rate applied, highlight the inability of the net revenue to repay the initial investment. Regarding the social desirability, the economic analysis, enriched by the LCA outcomes, shows a positive economic performance, demonstrating that the combination of information from different methodologies enables wider consideration for the anaerobic digestion plant. In line with the Italian Recovery and Resilience Plan’s aim to strongly increase the exploitation of renewable resources, an AD plant fed by dedicated crops could valorise the marginal uncultivated land, obtaining energy without consuming land for food production. Moreover, this AD plant could contribute to the creation of repeatable small-scale energy production systems able to sustain the demand of local communities.
Fabrication of Planar Perovskite Solar Cells Using Ternary Metal Oxide Nanocomposite as Hole-Transporting Material
Authors: Muthukumaran K. P. , Arjun V. , Nithya A. , Thangarasu Sadhasivam , Oh Tae Hwan , Karuppuchamy S.
Published: April 2023

This work uses a hole-transporting copper cobaltite/copper oxide nanocomposite to fabricate carbon-based MAPbI3 PSCs. The copper cobaltite/copper oxide HTM-based PSC results show the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE = 7.32%) compared with an HTM-free device. The highest photocurrent density (Jsc = 15.17 mA/cm2), open-circuit voltage (Voc = 0.82 V), and fill factor (FF = 0.59) are achieved for the PSC fabricated with hydrothermally synthesized copper cobaltite/copper oxide nanocomposites. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is used to analyze the charge transfer resistance (Rs) and the capacitive behavior of copper cobaltite/copper oxide nanocomposite. The maximum electron lifetime of 35.16 μs is witnessed for the PSCs fabricated with 3 mg mL−1 of copper cobaltite/copper oxide (H1). The efficiency of the copper cobaltite/copper oxide-based PSC remains unchanged, showing no further perovskite layer degradation.
Variability in the Wind Spectrum between 10−2 Hz and 1 Hz
Authors: Garcia Neil , Mohanty Biswaranjan , Stelson Kim A.
Published: April 2023

Wind is an abundant, yet intermittent, source of renewable energy, with speeds changing both spatially and temporally over a wide range of time scales. While wind variability is well documented on large meteorological time scales and the behavior of turbulent flow at high frequencies is well understood, there remain questions in the literature regarding the intermediate region of these domains. Understanding wind variability at the microscale, here considering a frequency range of 10−2 Hz < f < 1 Hz, is key for wind turbine control and modeling. In this paper, we quantify the variability of wind conditions for the meteorological tower at the Eolos wind research station in Minnesota using power spectral density analysis. Spectral analysis of wind samples with similar mean wind speeds was conducted to test the hypothesis that the wind spectrum’s shape is independent of the mean wind speed. Historical wind speed data were compared and evaluated to identify diurnal, seasonal, and interannual trends in the spectrum of wind at frequencies above 10−3 Hz. We conclude that the shape of the wind spectrum is independent of the mean wind speed following the Kolmogorov −5/3 law for turbulent flows for incoming wind, with some variations in slope and spectrum magnitude. While no conclusive diurnal, seasonal, or interannual trends were observed, it is shown that some variations in both slope and spectrum magnitude can occur on these time scales.
Virtual Power Plant with Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Storage Systems for Sustainable Power Grid-Formation, Control Techniques and Demand Response
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Hu Hongji , Yu Samson S. , Trinh Hieu
Published: April 2023

As the climate crisis worsens, power grids are gradually transforming into a more sustainable state through renewable energy sources (RESs), energy storage systems (ESSs), and smart loads. Virtual power plants (VPP) are an emerging concept that can flexibly integrate distributed energy resources (DERs), managing manage the power output of each DER unit, as well as the power consumption of loads, to balance electricity supply and demand in real time. VPPs can participate in energy markets, enable self-scheduling of RESs, facilitate energy trading and sharing, and provide demand-side frequency control ancillary services (D-FCAS) to enhance the stability of the system frequency. As a result, studies considering VPPs have become the focus of recent energy research, with the purpose of reducing the uncertainty resulting from RESs distributed in the power grid and improving technology related to energy management system (EMS). However, comprehensive reviews of VPPs considering their formation, control techniques, and D-FCAS are still lacking in the literature. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a thorough overview of state-of-the-art VPP technologies for building sustainable power grids in the future. The review mainly considers the development of VPPs, the information transmission and control methods among DERs and loads in VPPs, as well as the relevant technologies for providing D-FCAS from VPPs. This review paper describes the significant economic, social, and environmental benefits of VPPs, as well as the technological advancements, challenges, and possible future research directions in VPP research.