bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forms of Non-Apoptotic Cell Death and Their Role in Gliomas—Presentation of the Current State of Knowledge
Authors: Nafe Reinhold , Hattingen Elke
Published: July 2024

In addition to necrosis and apoptosis, the two forms of cell death that have been known for many decades, other non-apoptotic forms of cell death have been discovered, many of which also play a role in tumors. Starting with the description of autophagy more than 60 years ago, newer forms of cell death have become important for the biology of tumors, such as ferroptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and paraptosis. In this review, all non-apoptotic and oncologically relevant forms of programmed cell death are presented, starting with their first descriptions, their molecular characteristics, and their role and their interactions in cell physiology and pathophysiology. Based on these descriptions, the current state of knowledge about their alterations and their role in gliomas will be presented. In addition, current efforts to therapeutically influence the molecular components of these forms of cell death will be discussed. Although research into their exact role in gliomas is still at a rather early stage, our review clarifies that all these non-apoptotic forms of cell death show significant alterations in gliomas and that important insight into understanding them has already been gained.
The Prognostic Role of Perineural Invasion for Survival in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tao Zhuo-Ying , Chu Guang , Su Yu-Xiong
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive review of the predictive significance of PNI in HNSCC survival outcomes. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, and all studies published in the last decade were screened (Research Registry ID: reviewregistry1853). The included studies were assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. Survival outcome data were extracted, combined, and presented as hazard ratios (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Totally, 74 studies encompassing 27,559 patients were analyzed and revealed a cumulative occurrent rate of 30% for PNI in HNSCC. PNI+ HNSCC patients had a worse overall survival (HR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.71–2.13), disease-specific survival (HR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.55–2.07), disease-free survival (HR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.69–1.96), local recurrence (HR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.93–3.33), locoregional recurrence (HR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.82–2.82), locoregional relapse free survival (HR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.28–2.45), distant metastasis (HR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.34–2.48), and distant metastasis-free survival (HR: 2.97, 95% CI: 1.82–4.85) compared to those PNI– patients. The available evidence unequivocally establishes PNI as a critical prognostic factor for worse survival in HNSCC patients.
Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Systems Engineering for Ground-Based Astronomy
Authors: Vogiatzis Konstantinos , Angeli George , Trancho Gelys , Conan Rod
Published: July 2024

This paper presents the state-of-the-art techniques employed in aerothermal modeling to respond to the current observatory design challenges, particularly those of the next generation of extremely large telescopes (ELTs), such as the European ELT, the Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory (TIO), and the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT). It reviews the various aerothermal simulation techniques, the synergy between modeling outputs and observatory integrating modeling, and recent applications. The suite of aerothermal modeling presented includes thermal network models, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models, solid thermal and deformation models, and conjugate heat transfer models (concurrent fluid/solid simulations). The aerothermal suite is part of the overall observatory integrated modeling (IM) framework, which also includes optics, dynamics, and controls. The outputs of the IM framework, nominally image quality (IQ) metrics for a specific telescope state, are fed into a stochastic framework in the form of a multidimensional array that covers the range of influencing operational parameters, thus providing a statistical representation of observatory performance. The applications of the framework range from site selection, ground layer characterization, and site development to observatory performance current best estimate and optimization, active thermal control design, structural analysis, and an assortment of cost–performance trade studies. Finally, this paper addresses planned improvements, the development of new ideas, attacking new challenges, and how it all ties to the “Computational Fluid Dynamics Vision 2030” initiative.
Comparing Estimation Methods for the Power–Pareto Distribution
Authors: Caeiro Frederico , Norouzirad Mina
Published: July 2024

Non-negative distributions are important tools in various fields. Given the importance of achieving a good fit, the literature offers hundreds of different models, from the very simple to the highly flexible. In this paper, we consider the power–Pareto model, which is defined by its quantile function. This distribution has three parameters, allowing the model to take different shapes, including symmetrical and left- and right-skewed. We provide different distributional characteristics and discuss parameter estimation. In addition to the already-known Maximum Likelihood and Least Squares of the logarithm of the order statistics estimation methods, we propose several additional methods. A simulation study and an application to two datasets are conducted to illustrate the performance of the estimation methods.
About the Aged Degradation of the Materials Used for Medium-Voltage Distributors
Authors: Popa Gabriel Nicolae , Nikolov Dimitar Aleksiev , Diniș Corina Maria
Published: July 2024

The medium-voltage components in the ignition installations for gasoline engines contain electroinsulating materials that lose their properties over time. The purpose of this paper is to measure and analyze the insulation resistance, dielectric absorption ratio and polarization index of the insulation of materials (three types of materials) used for medium-voltage distributors, for several operating periods, in automotive ignition installations. Experiments were conducted with old (operation tens of thousands of km, some with surfaces that have been cleaned) and new medium-voltage distributors, and a megohmmeter was used to measure, over time, the insulation resistance between the central terminal and the output terminals at different test voltages. The insulation resistance of the distributors depends on the use: in the old ones, they have values of tens of GΩ (e.g., up to 100 GΩ) and, in the new ones, of the order of TΩ (e.g., 4–7 TΩ). The more distributors are used, for the same distributor, there are greater differences between the measurements made between terminals and the average values (87% for used distributors, respectively, 2% for new ones). For new or less used distributors, higher values were obtained for the dielectric absorption ratio (1.26–1.27; for used ones, 0.91–0.95) and polarization index (1.15–1.25; for used ones, 0.96–1.15). The results show the importance of the volume insulation resistance of the electroinsulating material compared to the surface resistance and the insignificant improvement when cleaning the internal and external surfaces of the medium-voltage distributors.
Identifying Key Locations of the Ecological-Barrier System to Support Conservation Planning: A Study of the Sanjiangyuan National Park
Authors: Wen Chen , Qiu Yue , Wang Luqi
Published: July 2024

The establishment of the Sanjiangyuan National Park (SNP) system indicates a higher requirement for refining management practices, especially for protecting the ecological barrier system (EBS) that supports national ecological security and biodiversity. However, it is still understudied how planners can identify the key areas for maintaining EBS in addition to functional zoning. This study took the SNP as an example and built a comprehensive analytical framework, including fragmentation analysis, landscape morphology analysis, and connectivity analysis based on graph theory. The study found that the ecological patches of the Lancang River Source sub-park are relatively complete, while those of the Yangtze River Source sub-park and the Yellow River Source sub-park are more fragmented according to different indicators. The study then identified key nodes and edges of sources for maintaining the EBS. These areas are located mostly near core zones of habitat patches. Furthermore, the study analyzed key patches for maintaining landscape connectivity using two indicators DN (degree of nodes) and dIIC (the delta integral index of connectivity), which respectively quantify the number of neighbors of a habitat and its impact on the whole connecting EBS. Last, the study identified areas with dense landscape corridors in the EBS for suggesting key protection areas.
Optimizing Drone Energy Use for Emergency Communications in Disasters via Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Qiu Wen , Shao Xun , Masui Hiroshi , Liu William
Published: July 2024

For a communication control system in a disaster area where drones (also called unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)) are used as aerial base stations (ABSs), the reliability of communication is a key challenge for drones to provide emergency communication services. However, the effective configuration of UAVs remains a major challenge due to limitations in their communication range and energy capacity. In addition, the relatively high cost of drones and the issue of mutual communication interference make it impractical to deploy an unlimited number of drones in a given area. To maximize the communication services provided by a limited number of drones to the ground user equipment (UE) within a certain time frame while minimizing the drone energy consumption, we propose a multi-agent proximal policy optimization (MAPPO) algorithm. Considering the dynamic nature of the environment, we analyze diverse observation data structures and design novel objective functions to enhance the drone performance. We find that, when drone energy consumption is used as a penalty term in the objective function, the drones—acting as agents—can identify the optimal trajectory that maximizes the UE coverage while minimizing the energy consumption. At the same time, the experimental results reveal that, without considering the machine computing power required for training and convergence time, the proposed key algorithm demonstrates better performance in communication coverage and energy saving as compared with other methods. The average coverage performance is 10–45% higher than that of the other three methods, and it can save up to 3% more energy.
Impact of Rare Sugar D-Allulose on Hardening of Starch Gels during Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Kwakye Alexandra Obenewaa , Fukada Kazuhiro , Ishii Toya , Ogawa Masahiro
Published: July 2024

The rare sugar D-allulose (Alu), with ca. 10% calories of sucrose (Suc), is a promising alternative sugar that can be used to improve the quality of starch gels in storage. The effects of Alu (compared to Suc) on the hardening and microstructural and molecular order of amylopectin-rich (glutinous rice (GR) and corn amylopectin (CAP)) and amylose-rich (corn (C)) starch gels were investigated. Alu and Suc both suppressed hardening in C gels, while Alu but not Suc was effective in GR and CAP gels. SEM results showed that Alu-containing GR and CAP maintained a relatively large pore size compared to Suc-containing gels. The deconvolution of FTIR spectra revealed that Alu-containing GR and CAP gels had lower ratios of intermolecular hydrogen bonds and higher ratios of loose hydrogen bonds than Suc-containing gels. For amylose-rich C gels, on the other hand, such tendencies were not observed. The influence of Alu on amylopectin-rich gels could be because Alu reduced the ratio of intermolecular hydrogen bonds, which might be involved in amylopectin recrystallization, and increased that of loose hydrogen bonds. The results suggest that Alu is more effective than Suc in inhibiting the hardening of amylopectin-rich starch gels during refrigerated storage.
Evaluation of Food Security in North China Based on Food Production Level
Authors: Cheng Junqi , Yin Shuyan
Published: July 2024

This paper focuses on county-level grain production and food security in North China; selects 17 indicators from both climatic conditions and human activities; applies yield fluctuation coefficients, spatial econometric modelling, the random forest method, and factor analysis to study the characteristics of grain production in North China and the influencing factors; and evaluates the situation of food security in North China based on grain production capacity. The following results were obtained: (1) The spatial and temporal changes in grain production located in North China from 2000 to 2020 are obvious. The grain output in North China from 2000 to 2020 maintains fluctuating growth at a rate of 0.38 × 1011 kg/10a. The east and south are the key areas for grain production in North China. Grain output was relatively stable except for 2003. with the cold spots of grain production being mainly in the northwestern area and the hot spots in the central and southern areas. (2) The changes in grain production in North China from 2000 to 2020 were less affected by climate and mainly influenced by human activity indicators. (3) As time progresses, the area of food shortage zones decreases in size, becoming evenly distributed and dispersed from the initial concentration in northern Hebei and most of Shanxi; the change in the supply–demand equilibrium zones is not obvious; and the area of surplus grain zones increases markedly in size, with a tendency to expand from the south and centre of the study area to the west and north. The grain production capacity of counties in the northwest and north is generally low, and even counties located in surplus grain areas have potential food security risks. However, in the east and south, due to their high grain production capacity, the per capita grain supply situation may be alleviated even in counties located in grain shortage areas. This study can deepen the understanding of the characteristics of food production in North China and enrich the research on food security. Analyses of factors influencing food production will improve a deeper understanding of food security. Food security evaluation based on food production capacity will contribute to a more precise and comprehensive understanding of the food security pattern in North China.
Effect of the Addition of Soybean Protein and Insect Flours on the Quality of Cooked Sausages
Authors: Kolev Nikolay , Vlahova-Vangelova Desislava , Balev Desislav , Dragoev Stefan , Dimov Krasimir , Petkov Evgeni , Popova Teodora
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to assess the effect of the addition (2%) of soybean protein (SP) and insect flours derived from house crickets (Acheta domesticus, HCF) and yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor, YMF) in cooked sausages. The technological characteristics of the batter, the chemical composition of the sausages, their technological traits and lipid stability during refrigerated storage, as well as their sensory properties, were investigated. The SP, HCF and YMF batters displayed higher pH (p = 0.0025) and stability (p < 0.0001) but a darker colour (p < 0.0001) than the control samples. The addition of SP increased the plasticity of the batter (p = 0.0017), while YMF decreased its structural strength (p = 0.0274). Higher pH and darker colour were detected in SP-, HCF- and YMF-containing sausages; however, the effect of the alternative proteins depended on the duration of storage. The plasticity decreased in the insect-containing sausages (p = 0.0010) and increased over time (p = 0.0136), whereas the elasticity was lower in the YMF group (p < 0.0001). The protein and fat contents were higher (p < 0.0001) in the sausages containing alternative protein. TBARS content decreased over time in these groups. The HCF and YMF sausages received lower scores for their appearance, colour, texture, flavour and taste, suggesting the need for further technological interventions to make such products more attractive to consumers.
Turning Wastes into Resources: Red Grape Pomace-Enriched Biscuits with Potential Health-Promoting Properties
Authors: Giosuè Annalisa , Siano Francesco , Di Stasio Luigia , Picariello Gianluca , Medoro Chiara , Cianciabella Marta , Giacco Rosalba , Predieri Stefano , Vasca Ermanno , Vaccaro Olga , Cozzolino Rosaria
Published: July 2024

The life-long adherence to a dietary pattern able to provide a high amount of polyphenols demonstrating beneficial cardiometabolic effects is demanding for the general population. In this study, red grape pomace (GP) was used as an ingredient to increase the daily polyphenols’ intake. The incorporation of crude crushed GP at 20 and 30% (w/w) in a control (CTR) biscuit formula improved the nutritional profile by increasing the fiber and reducing lipid and energy content while providing up to 540 mgGAE of polyphenols per 100 g. Besides anthocyanins, GP contains flavonoids and grape-seed procyanidins, contributing to the remarkable antioxidant capacity of 20- and 30-GP biscuits. Upon in vitro gastro-duodenal enzymatic digestion, the concentration of reducing sugars for 20-GP and 30-GP compared to the CTR biscuits dropped significantly, meaning that the combined action of GP fibers and polyphenols could delay the intestinal absorption of glucose. Overall, 60 volatiles were detected in biscuits. All in all, the content of Maillard reaction products was lower in GP than in CTR biscuits, possibly due to the free radical scavenging ability of polyphenols. Despite the high rates of GP utilized, the sensorial attributes and the overall liking of the GP biscuits—especially the 20-GP ones—were not substantially affected. These findings will support nutritional studies to assess the potential role as functional foods of GP biscuits, and, afterwards, the large-scale production of a food mainly based on a waste ingredient turned into a resource.
Comparative Analysis of Gracilaria chouae Polysaccharides Derived from Different Geographical Regions: Focusing on Their Chemical Composition, Rheological Properties, and Gel Characteristics
Authors: Li Xiong , Yao Wanzi , Hu Cebin , Lin Congyu , You Lijun , Mao Jian
Published: July 2024

Polysaccharides derived from diverse sources exhibit distinct rheological and gel properties, exerting a profound impact on their applicability in the food industry. In this study, we collected five Gracilaria chouae samples from distinct geographical regions, namely Rizhao (RZ), Lianyungang (LYG), Ningde (ND), Beihai (BH), and a wild source from Beihai (BHW). We conducted analyses on the chemical composition, viscosity, and rheological properties, as well as gel properties, to investigate the influence of chemical composition on variations in gel properties. The results revealed that the total sugar, sulfate content, and monosaccharide composition of G. chouae polysaccharides exhibit similarity; however, their anhydrogalactose content varies within a range of 15.31% to 18.98%. The molecular weight distribution of G. chouae polysaccharides ranged from 1.85 to 2.09 × 103 kDa. The apparent viscosity of the LYG and BHW polysaccharides was relatively high, whereas that of RZ and ND was comparatively low. The gel strength displayed a similar trend. BHW and LYG exhibited solid-like behavior, while ND, RZ, and BH demonstrated liquid-like characteristics at low frequencies. The redundancy analysis (RDA) analysis revealed a positive correlation between the texture profile analysis (TPA) characteristics and anhydrogalactose. The study could provide recommendations for the diverse applications of G. chouae polysaccharides derived from different geographical regions.
Exploring Injury Prevention Strategies for Futsal Players: A Systematic Review
Authors: Oliveira João P. , Sampaio Tatiana , Marinho Daniel A. , Barbosa Tiago M. , Morais Jorge E.
Published: July 2024

Futsal carries a high risk of injury for players. This systematic review aimed to assess the existing literature on injury prevention strategies for futsal players. The literature was searched using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from inception to 20 March 2024. Relevant articles were searched using the terms “futsal” AND “injury” AND “prevention”. Fourteen studies were included in the review. The review identified several injury prevention strategies with potential benefits for futsal players. Structured warm-up routines were shown to improve balance and eccentric strength and to reduce total, acute, and lower limb injuries. Proprioceptive training methods were suggested to improve joint stability and landing mechanics, which may reduce the risk of injury. Furthermore, multicomponent methods that include components such as core stability and flexibility have shown potential for reducing injury rates in futsal players. Finally, by reducing fatigue and improving movement control, strength training procedures designed to correct muscular imbalances may improve performance, which may ultimately minimize the risk of injury. This systematic review demonstrates the potential benefits of different injury prevention strategies for futsal players. The combination of several strategies, such as proprioceptive training, multicomponent programs, warm-up routines, and strength training specifically designed to address muscular imbalances, appears promising.
Emotional Dysregulation in Anorexia Nervosa: Scoping Review of Psychological Treatments
Authors: Cogodi Enrica , Ranieri Jessica , Martelli Alessandra , Di Giacomo Dina
Published: July 2024

Eating disorders are complex psychiatric disorders characterized by compensatory and restrictive behavior and a preoccupation with one’s body. Eating and purging behaviors are considered dysfunctional emotional regulation strategies. Therefore, psychological treatment is essential. The most common psychological interventions are dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy (FBT), multi-family group therapy (MFTG) and mentalization-based treatment (MBT). The aim of this study was to summarize the current evidence on the impact of psychological treatments on emotional regulation difficulties and psychological symptoms in patients with eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa. A search was conducted on PubMed and Web of Science using the terms “anorexia nervosa” and “emotion dysregulation”. Of the 278 initial articles, we included 15 publications. The results indicate that the acquisition of coping strategies, through DBT, leads to an improvement in anxiety and alexithymia. DBT, CBT and MBT lead to a reduction in the use of dysfunctional emotional regulation strategies too. Eating disorders involve both physical and mental health; therefore, it is desirable for future research to focus on the mutual synergy between the mental and physical components by evaluating various factors, such as biomarkers and the most appropriate therapeutic approach, with respect to the treatment setting.
Geostatistical Analysis of Groundwater Data in a Mining Area in Greece
Authors: Diamantopoulou E. , Pavlides A. , Steiakakis E. , Varouchakis E. A.
Published: July 2024

Geostatistical prediction methods are increasingly used in earth sciences and engineering to improve upon our knowledge of attributes in space and time. During mining activities, it is very important to have an estimate of any contamination of the soil and groundwater in the area for environmental reasons and to guide the reclamation once mining operations are finished. In this paper, we present the geostatistical analysis of the water content in certain pollutants (Cd and Mn) in a group of mines in Northern Greece. The monitoring points that were studied are 62. The aim of this work is to create a contamination prediction map that better represents the values of Cd and Mn, which is challenging based on the small sample size. The correlation between Cd and Mn concentration in the groundwater is investigated during the preliminary analysis of the data. The logarithm of the data values was used, and after removing a linear trend, the variogram parameters were estimated. In order to create the necessary maps of contamination, we employed the method of ordinary Kriging (OK) and inversed the transformations using bias correction to adjust the results for the inverse transform. Cross-validation shows promising results (ρ=65% for Cd and ρ=52% for Mn, RMSE = 25.9 ppb for Cd and RMSE = 25.1 ppm for Mn). As part of this work, the Spartan Variogram model was compared with the other models and was found to perform better for the data of Mn.
Identification and Evaluation of qRT-PCR Reference Genes in Melanaphis sacchari
Authors: Zou Kunliang , Wang Tonghan , Guan Minghui , Liu Yang , Li Jieqin , Liu Yanlong , Du Junli , Wu Degong
Published: July 2024

Appropriate reference genes must be selected for accurate qRT-PCR data to conduct a thorough gene expression analysis in the sorghum aphid (Melanaphis sacchari, Hemiptera, Aphididae). This approach will establish a foundation for gene expression analysis and determines the efficacy of RNA interference in the sorghum aphid. Nine potential reference genes, including Actin, 18S, GAPDH, RPL7, EF-1α, EF-1β, 28S, HSP70, and TATA, were assessed under various experimental conditions to gauge their suitability based on qRT-PCR Ct values. The stability of these candidate reference genes in diverse experimental setups was analyzed employing several techniques, including the ΔCt comparative method, geNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder. The findings revealed that the quantity of ideal reference genes ascertained by the geNorm method for diverse experimental conditions remained consistent. For the developmental stages of the sorghum aphid, RPL7 and 18S proved to be the most dependable reference genes, whereas GAPDH and EF-1β were recommended as the most stable reference genes for different tissues. In experiments involving wing dimorphism, EF-1α and GAPDH were identified as the optimal reference gene pair. Under varying temperatures, EF-1α and EF-1β were found to be the most dependable gene pair. For studies focusing on insecticide susceptibility, 18S and TATA emerged as the most stable candidate reference genes. Across all experimental conditions, EF-1α and EF-1β was the optimal combination of reference genes in the sorghum aphid. This research has pinpointed stable reference genes that can be utilized across various treatments, thereby enhancing gene expression studies and functional genomics research on the sorghum aphid.
Development of a Shuttle Vector That Transforms at High Frequency for the Emerging Human Fungal Pathogen: Candida auris
Authors: Determann Brenden , Fu Jianmin , Wickes Brian L.
Published: July 2024

Routine molecular manipulation of any organism is inefficient and difficult without the existence of a plasmid. Although transformation is possible in C. auris, no plasmids are available that can serve as cloning or shuttle vectors. C. auris centromeres have been well characterized but have not been explored further as molecular tools. We tested C. auris centromeric sequences to identify which, if any, could be used to create a plasmid that was stably maintained after transformation. We cloned all seven C. auris centromeric sequences and tested them for transformation frequency and stability. Transformation frequency varied significantly; however, one was found to transform at a very high frequency. A 1.7 Kb subclone of this sequence was used to construct a shuttle vector. The vector was stable with selection and maintained at ~1 copy per cell but could be easily lost when selection was removed, which suggested that the properties of the centromeric sequence were more Autonomously Replicating Sequence (ARS)-like than centromere-like when part of a plasmid. Rescue of this plasmid from transformed C. auris cells into E. coli revealed that it remained intact after the initial C. auris transformation, even when carrying large inserts. The plasmid was found to be able to transform all four clades of C. auris, with varying frequencies. This plasmid is an important new reagent in the C. auris molecular toolbox, which will enhance the investigation of this human fungal pathogen.
CfHMG Differentially Regulates the Sexual Development and Pathogenicity of Colletotrichum fructicola Plus and Minus Strains
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Wenkui , Liang Xiaofei , Zhang Rong , Gleason Mark L. , Sun Guangyu
Published: July 2024

Colletotrichum fructicola shows morphological and genetic differences in plus and minus strains. However, the mechanism of the differentiation between two types of strains is still largely unclear. Our early transcriptome analysis revealed that CfHMG expression differed in plus and minus strains. To define the functions of the CfHMG gene, we constructed gene deletion mutants by homologous recombination. We found that a CfHMG deletion mutant of the minus strain, CfHMG-M, could lead to a reduction in perithecium sizes and densities on media and sterile perithecium formation compared with the minus wild type (WT), whereas there was no effect for the plus mutant CfHMG-P. In co-cultures between CfHMG-P and minus WT, CfHMG-M and plus WT, or CfHMG-P and CfHMG-M, the quantities of perithecia were all reduced significantly. When conidial suspensions were inoculated on non-wounded apple fruit, it was found that the virulence of the minus mutant decreased significantly but not for the plus one. Further, we found that the virulence decrease in minus mutants was caused by a decrease in the conidium germination rate. Our results indicate that CfHMG of C. fructicola plays an important role in the mating line formation between the plus and minus strain for both strains and differentially regulates the perithecium size, density, fertilization, and virulence of the minus strain. The results are significant for further detecting the differentiated mechanisms between the plus and minus strains in Colletotrichum fungi.
Unpacking Environmental, Social, and Governance Score Disparity: A Study of Indonesian Palm Oil Companies
Authors: Suhardjo Iwan , Akroyd Chris , Suparman Meiliana
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the inconsistencies in ESG scores assigned by different rating agencies. Focusing on two Indonesian palm oil companies, this paper examines the link between their reported sustainability performance and the resulting ESG scores. This study employs content analysis to assess how the companies disclose information around double materiality, stakeholder engagement, and certifications. Additionally, the methodologies used by two rating agencies are reviewed to identify potential misalignments. The analysis reveals discrepancies in the ratings, suggesting factors like differences in the level of engagement with each company and scoring methodologies might be at play. This highlights the need for standardized sustainability reporting and more transparent rating methodologies within the palm oil industry. While limited to two companies and two agencies, the findings can inform efforts to improve transparency both in sustainability practices and scoring methodologies. This would ultimately lead to more reliable ESG scores, benefiting all related stakeholders. To goal of this study is to promote responsible practices in the palm oil industry by emphasizing the impact of reporting practices.
Spatial Distribution of the Cropping Pattern Exerts Greater Influence on the Water Footprint Compared to Diversification in Intensive Farmland Landscapes
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Jia Hao , Wang Xiaolong , Zhang Jiaen , Chen Fu
Published: July 2024

Global imperatives call for reduced water consumption in homogeneous, intensive farming systems, where farmland landscape heterogeneity significantly impacts anthropogenic, ecological, and socioeconomic factors. However, the impact of this heterogeneity on crop water footprint (WF) remains uncertain. To address this, this study assessed the WF at the landscape scale across 616 subplots (1 × 1 km) in a representative county of North China Plain from 2013 to 2019, integrating green (WFgreen), blue (WFblue), and gray (WFgray) water footprints. Results showed that the winter wheat–summer maize double cropping pattern (WM) exhibited the highest WFgreen, WFblue, and WFgray. Over six years, most subplots saw significant reductions in WFgreen, WFblue, WFgray, and WF. At the landscape scale, diversification (compositional heterogeneity), fragmentation, and spatial distribution (configurational heterogeneity) were assessed using Shannon’s diversity index (SHDI), edge density (ED), and effective mesh size (MESH), which exhibited average variations of 0.07, −3.16 m ha−1, and −5.86 m2, respectively. For WM patches, the percentage of landscape (PLAND) and MESH were used to evaluate diversification and spatial distribution, resulting in reductions of 1.14% and 2.32 m2, respectively. Regression analysis and structural equation modeling further illuminated the connections between the landscape pattern and WF, emphasizing the significant role of MESH in reducing WFblue and influencing crop diversity (p < 0.001). Therefore, spatial distribution, whether directly or through the mediation of diversification, demonstrated a more substantial overall impact on WF. Consequently, future research should prioritize investigating how spatial distribution influences crop choice and agronomic management in order to determine the optimal cropping patterns and field size that strike a balance between crop production and the water footprint. This study offers theoretical guidance and a scientific foundation for redesigning farmland landscapes to bolster water sustainability in intensive farming systems.
The Inflection of Latin Proper Names in the Old English Translation of Bede’s Historia Ecclesiastica
Authors: Ruiz Narbona Esaúl
Published: July 2024

This paper discusses the inflections of Latin proper names in the Old English translation of Bede’s Historia Ecclesiastica. Whereas most common Latin loans are integrated into the Old English system as far as inflections are concerned, proper names, like scientific loans, can retain Latin inflections in some contexts. The analysis of the more than 700 tokens in this text reveals that the prototypical paradigm of Latin proper names results from a mixture of Latin and Old English patterns. The choice of inflections seems to be chiefly conditioned by grammatical case. While the nominative and accusative are modeled after Latin with very few exceptions, the dative and genitive are influenced by Old English paradigms as well. Both Latin and Old English inflections are evenly distributed in the dative. However, marking on names seems to be secondary and determined primarily by additional morphosyntactic means such as determiners or prepositions. As for the genitive, the predominant inflection, thematic vowel plus -s, results from the fusion of the inflections in both languages grounded in phonetic or spelling similarities.
Recent Advances in Fabrication and Applications of Yttrium Aluminum Garnet-Based Optical Fiber: A Review
Authors: Pang Yuli , Lu Xu , Zhang Xin , Miao Ziheng , Sun Min , Tang Guowu , Li Jialong , Zhao Qilai , Yang Changsheng , Chen Dongdan , Qian Qi , Xu Zhuo
Published: July 2024

Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG)-based optical fiber is one of the research hotspots in the field of fiber lasers due to its combined advantages of a wide doping range of rare earth ions and the high mechanical strength of YAG material, as well as the flexibility and small size of the fiber structure. YAG-based optical fibers and related laser devices can be used in communication, sensing, medicine, etc. A comprehensive review of YAG-based optical fibers is provided in this paper. Firstly, the fabrication processes of YAG-based optical fibers are summarized and the structure and properties of fibers are classified and compared. Secondly, according to the optical wavelength regions, rare earth-doped YAG-based optical fibers for the applications of single-frequency and mode-locked fiber lasers are summarized. Lastly, the development challenges in both the fabrication and applications of YAG-based optical fibers are discussed.
Investigating Enhanced Microwave Absorption of CNTs@Nd0.15-BaM/PE Plate via Low-Temperature Sintering and High-Energy Ball Milling
Authors: Wang Chengying , Feng Xiaohua , Yu Chengwu , Zhang Lixia , Zhou Shengguo , Liu Yi , Huang Jing , Li Hua
Published: July 2024

Composite plates comprising a blend of rare earth neodymium-(Nd) doped M-type barium ferrite (BaM) with CNTs (carbon nanotubes) and polyethylene WERE synthesized through a self-propagating reaction and hot-pressing treatment. The plates’ microscopic characteristics were analyzed utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), thermo–gravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analytical techniques. Their microwave absorption performance within the frequency range of 8.2 to 18 GHz was assessed using a vector network analyzer. It showed that CNTs formed a conductive network on the surface of the Nd-BaM absorber, significantly enhancing absorption performance and widening the absorption bandwidth. Furthermore, dielectric polarization relaxation was investigated using the Debye theory, analyzing the Cole–Cole semicircle. It was observed that the sample exhibiting the best absorbing performance displayed the most semicircles, indicating that the dielectric polarization relaxation phenomenon can increase the dielectric relaxation loss of the sample. These findings provide valuable data support for the lightweight preparation of BaM-based absorbing materials.
A Review of Diamond Materials and Applications in Power Semiconductor Devices
Authors: Zhao Feiyang , He Yongjie , Huang Bin , Zhang Tianyi , Zhu Hao
Published: July 2024

Diamond is known as the ultimate semiconductor material for electric devices with excellent properties such as an ultra-wide bandgap (5.47 eV), high carrier mobility (electron mobility 4000 cm2/V·s, hole mobility 3800 cm2/V·s), high critical breakdown electric field (20 MV/cm), and high thermal conductivity (22 W/cm·K), showing good prospects in high-power applications. The lack of n-type diamonds limits the development of bipolar devices; most of the research focuses on p-type Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) and unipolar field-effect transistors (FETs) based on terminal technology. In recent years, breakthroughs have been made through the introduction of new structures, dielectric materials, heterogeneous epitaxy, etc. Currently, diamond devices have shown promising applications in high-power applications, with a BV of 10 kV, a BFOM of 874.6 MW/cm2, and a current density of 60 kA/cm2 already realized. This review summarizes the research progress of diamond materials, devices, and specific applications, with a particular focus on the development of SBDs and FETs and their use in high-power applications, aiming to provide researchers with the relevant intuitive parametric comparisons. Finally, the paper provides an outlook on the parameters and development directions of diamond power devices.
Dichotomous Proportional Hazard Regression Model: A Case Study on Students’ Dropout
Authors: Martínez-Flórez Guillermo , Tovar-Falón Roger , Barrera-Causil Carlos
Published: July 2024

In problems involving binary classification, researchers often encounter data suitable for modeling dichotomous responses. These scenarios include medical diagnostics, where outcomes are classified as “disease” or “no disease”, and credit scoring in finance, determining whether a loan applicant is “high risk” or “low risk”. Dichotomous response models are also useful in many other areas for estimating binary responses. The logistic regression model is one option for modeling dichotomous responses; however, other statistical models may be required to improve the quality of fits. In this paper, a new regression model is proposed for cases where the response variable is dichotomous. This novel, non-linear model is derived from the cumulative distribution function of the proportional hazard distribution, and is suitable for modeling binary responses. Statistical inference is performed using a classical approach with the maximum likelihood method for the proposed model. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the introduced model has a non-singular information matrix. The results of a simulation study, along with an application to student dropout data, show the great potential of the proposed model in practical and everyday situations.
An Intelligent Fault-Tolerant Control Method for a Flexible-Link Manipulator with an Uncertain Dead-Zone and Intermittent Actuator Faults
Authors: Cao Liang , Liu Shuangyin , Xu Longqin
Published: July 2024

In this article, a new intelligent fault-tolerant control (FTC) is designed to control a flexible-link manipulator with uncertain dead-zone and intermittent actuator faults. Initially, a smooth dead-zone inverse model using a hyperbolic tangent function is introduced to handle dead-zone nonlinearity and suppress input chattering. An adaptive law is proposed to estimate an unknown coupling item, combining the upper bounds of compensation error and floating bias faults, achieving robust adaptive control of the system. A new FTC strategy is subsequently developed to address intermittent actuator faults. Finally, the bounded convergence of system state errors is proven using direct Lyapunov methods, and the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed controller are demonstrated through numerical simulation and experiment.
Algebraic Connectivity of Power Graphs of Finite Cyclic Groups
Authors: Rather Bilal Ahmad
Published: July 2024

The power graph P(Zn) of Zn for a finite cyclic group Zn is a simple undirected connected graph such that two distinct nodes x and y in Zn are adjacent in P(Zn) if and only if x≠y and xi=y or yi=x for some non-negative integer i. In this article, we find the Laplacian eigenvalues of P(Zn) and show that P(Zn) is Laplacian integral (integer algebraic connectivity) if and only if n is either the product of two distinct primes or a prime power. That answers a conjecture by Panda, Graphs and Combinatorics, (2019).
Prevalence of HPV Genotypes among Greek Women in Association with Their Potential to Cause Precancerous Lesions
Authors: Kafasi Athanasia , Kaparos Georgios , Pitiriga Vassiliki C. , Spanakis Nikolaos , Vlachos Nikolaos , Thomakos Nikolaos , Stournaras Stamatios , Tsakris Athanasios
Published: July 2024

The escalating global rates of precancerous lesions associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) types not targeted by current vaccines underscore the need to explore the prevalence of HPV types within the Greek female population and their involvement in precancerous lesion development. In the current study, we enrolled a cohort of 253 women aged 18 to 65 years, residing in Greece, who underwent routine screening in three tertiary care referral hospitals. Each participant completed a demographic questionnaire. An HPV DNA test was administered using the VisionArray® HPV kit (ZytoVision GmbH) to qualitatively detect and genotype 41 clinically relevant HPV genotypes. Of all 253 women examined, 114 (45.1%) tested positive for HPV DNA. The primary type detected was HPV51 (high-risk), present in 21 women (8.3% of the total), followed by HPV54 (low-risk) in 17 women (6.7%); HPV16 (high-risk) ranked third, identified in 14 women (5.5%). Among the HPV-positive women, 65 were positive for high-risk HPV types (57% of HPV-positive women) and were referred for colposcopy and cervical biopsy. These procedures identified 24 women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1 (CIN1) lesions and 2 with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 (CIN2) lesions. The most prevalent HPV type among women with CIN1 lesions was HPV16, found in nine (37.5%) women, while HPV51 ranked second, identified in six (25%) women. Both women with CIN2 lesions tested positive for HPV16, whereas one of them was also tested positive for HPV45. Our study is the first to report the prevalence of HPV51 among HPV-positive women in the Greek female population. This highlights the need for further research to fully understand the potential of HPV types not covered by current vaccines, such as HPV51, to cause high-grade lesions or cervical cancer.
Blood Glucose Prediction from Nutrition Analytics in Type 1 Diabetes: A Review
Authors: Lubasinski Nicole , Thabit Hood , Nutter Paul W. , Harper Simon
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) affects over 9 million worldwide and necessitates meticulous self-management for blood glucose (BG) control. Utilizing BG prediction technology allows for increased BG control and a reduction in the diabetes burden caused by self-management requirements. This paper reviews BG prediction models in T1D, which include nutritional components. Method: A systematic search, utilizing the PRISMA guidelines, identified articles focusing on BG prediction algorithms for T1D that incorporate nutritional variables. Eligible studies were screened and analyzed for model type, inclusion of additional aspects in the model, prediction horizon, patient population, inputs, and accuracy. Results: The study categorizes 138 blood glucose prediction models into data-driven (54%), physiological (14%), and hybrid (33%) types. Prediction horizons of ≤30 min are used in 36% of models, 31–60 min in 34%, 61–90 min in 11%, 91–120 min in 10%, and >120 min in 9%. Neural networks are the most used data-driven technique (47%), and simple carbohydrate intake is commonly included in models (data-driven: 72%, physiological: 52%, hybrid: 67%). Real or free-living data are predominantly used (83%). Conclusion: The primary goal of blood glucose prediction in T1D is to enable informed decisions and maintain safe BG levels, considering the impact of all nutrients for meal planning and clinical relevance.
Physician Perspectives on Malnutrition Screening, Diagnosis, and Management: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Veldhuijzen van Zanten Daniel , Vantomme Erik , Ford Katherine , Cahill Leah , Jin Jennifer , Keller Heather , Nasser Roseann , Lagendyk Laura , Strickland Tina , MacDonald Brenda , Boudreau Sonya , Gramlich Leah
Published: July 2024

Malnutrition is an important clinical entity that is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated, in part due to a lack of education and different perceptions by healthcare providers on its value in medical practice. Given this void, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore physicians’ clinical perspectives on malnutrition care, including its prevalence in their practice, and potential barriers that might preclude the delivery of malnutrition care. Using a directed content qualitative analysis approach, a total of 22 general and subspecialist physicians across three Canadian provinces were interviewed using a series of standardized questions developed by a multidisciplinary research team. Responses were transcribed and then analyzed using NVivo Version 14 software. While physicians recognized the importance of malnutrition screening and treatment, they did not view themselves as the primary drivers and often deferred this responsibility to dietitians. Lack of standard malnutrition screening, education amongst allied healthcare providers, time, personnel, and referral processes to have patients assessed and managed for malnutrition were also identified as contributing factors. For physicians, malnutrition education, standard malnutrition screening during patient encounters, and access to the necessary tools to manage malnutrition using a more centralized approach and standard referral process were viewed as strategies with the potential to improve the ability of the physician to identify and manage disease-related malnutrition and its negative consequences.