bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal Postnatal Psychopathology Predicts Identity Diffusion in Young Adult Offspring
Authors: Joas Jens , Hussong Justine , Aktürk Sena , Goth Kirstin , Möhler Eva , Honecker-Gebauer Hannah
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: In the new conceptualization of personality disorders (PD) in ICD-11 and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (DSM-5 AMPD), identity development in terms of impaired personality functioning plays a central role in diagnostic guidelines and determining PD severity. On the one hand, there is a temporary identity crisis while keeping an integrated sense of identity and, on the other hand, there is pathological identity diffusion, which is associated with a high risk of a current or emerging PD. The latter is characteristic not only of borderline PD but of all personality disorders and should be detected as early as possible to prevent chronic illness and critical life courses. Maternal psychopathology is linked to several areas of child psychopathology (e.g., eating disorders, depression). In the current study, its potential to predict a child’s impaired identity development is investigated. Methods: A total of 101 mothers were asked about their health status 2 weeks after the birth of their child and when their child was 6 weeks, 4 months, 14 months and 5.5 years of age. Specifically, physical and psychological symptoms were assessed with SCL-90-R. In addition, their children were assessed in young adulthood regarding their identity development with the AIDA (Assessment of Identity Development in Adolescence) questionnaire. Linear regression models were used to investigate the amount of explanation of children’s identity diffusion by maternal symptom burden. Results: Maternal psychopathology significantly predicted identity diffusion at all time points with small effect sizes, while after 14 months, the explanation model showed a medium effect size. Conclusions: The present data suggest a relevant influence of maternal psychopathological symptoms on their children’s identity development in terms of functioning that has not yet been empirically shown in a longitudinal study. This finding highlights the importance of including further factors (particularly on the part of the child) in longitudinal studies and of investigating this clinically highly relevant relationship in greater depth.
Motor Learning Deficits in a Neonatal Mouse Model of Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury
Authors: Marlicz Maria , Matysik Weronika , Zucker Emily , Lee Sarah , Mulhern Hannah , Burnsed Jennifer
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Motor deficits following neonatal brain injury, from cerebral palsy to subtle deficits in motor planning, are common yet underreported. Rodent models of motor deficits in neonatal hypoxia–ischemia (HI) allow improved understanding of the underlying mechanisms and neuroprotective strategies. Our goal was to test motor performance and learning in a mouse model of neonatal HI. Methods: We induced HI in postnatal day (p)10 C57/Bl6 mice through unilateral carotid ligation followed by 60 min of 8% oxygen exposure, or a sham procedure. At p30, we assessed complex motor performance and learning using the accelerating rotarod and complex running wheel tasks. Results: In the rotarod task, HI mice performed worse than sham mice, with shorter latencies to fall (n = 6 sham, 9 HI; day 1, p = 0.033; day 2, p = 0.013; day 3, p = 0.023). Sham mice demonstrated improved performance across days (p = 0.005), and HI mice did not (p = 0.44). During the simple running wheel task, we observed no difference in wheel rotation and speed between groups (n = 5/group; day 1, p = 0.67; day 4, p = 0.53). However, when navigating a wheel with a random pattern of spokes removed (complex task), HI mice took longer than sham mice to reach a plateau in performance (n = 5/group; day 1, p = 0.02; day 4, p = 0.77). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that young adult mice exposed to HI exhibit significant deficits and delayed learning in complex motor performance compared to sham mice. HI mice do not show deficits in gross motor performance; however, more subtle impairments are present in complex motor performance and learning. This HI model exhibits subtle motor deficits relevant to findings in humans and may be a useful tool in testing further neuroprotective strategies.
Optimal Pathways to Lung Cancer Screening in Primary Care Settings: A Scoping Review
Authors: Symvoulakis Emmanouil K. , Bouloukaki Izolde , Christodoulakis Antonios , Aravantinou-Karlatou Antonia , Tsiligianni Ioanna
Published: December 2024

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and delayed detection contributes to poor outcomes. Primary care plays a crucial role in early diagnosis, but detecting lung cancer early remains challenging for general practitioners (GPs). Therefore, the aim of this scoping review was to identify optimal strategies and pathways for lung cancer screening (LCS) in primary care settings globally. We conducted a scoping review by searching PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies published in the past 10 years. Our keywords included “lung cancer”, “primary care”, “early detection”, “screening”, “best practices”, and “pathways”. We included randomized controlled trials, cross-sectional studies, and cohort studies focused on lung cancer screening in primary care. We extracted data on study characteristics, screening pathways, and key findings. We identified 18 studies that met our inclusion criteria. Important strategies for LCS included the use of shared decision-making tools, electronic health record (HER) prompts, risk prediction models, community outreach, and integration with smoking cessation programs. Barriers to implementation included the lack of provider familiarity with guidelines, time constraints, and patient factors. Healthcare professionals and policy makers in primary care settings can leverage this information to integrate the most effective screening strategies into their care, thus enhancing early detection rates and subsequently reducing global lung cancer morbidity and mortality.
Trends in Real-World Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) Rearranged Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Receiving One or More ALK Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs): A Cohort Study in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Chayab Lara , Leighl Natasha B. , Tadrous Mina , Warren Christine M. , Wong William W. L.
Published: December 2024

The treatment landscape for patients with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC has rapidly evolved following the approval of several ALK TKIs in Canada. However, public funding of ALK TKIs is mostly limited to the first line treatment setting. Using linked provincial health administrative databases, we examined real-world outcomes of patients with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC receiving ALK TKIs in Ontario between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2021. Demographic, clinical characteristics and treatment patterns were summarized using descriptive statistics. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) among the treatment groups. A total of 413 patients were identified. Patients were administered alectinib (n = 154), crizotinib (n = 80), or palliative-intent chemotherapy (n = 55) in the first-line treatment. There was a significant difference in first-line PFS between the treatment groups. The median PFS (mPFS) was not reached for alectinib (95% CI, 568 days—not reached), compared to 8.2 months (95% CI, 171–294 days) for crizotinib (HR = 0.34, p < 0.0001) and 2.4 months (95% CI, 65–100 days) for chemotherapy (HR = 0.14, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in first-line OS between the treatment groups. In patients who received more than one line of treatment, there was a significant difference in mOS between patients who received two or more lines of ALK TKIs compared to those who received one line of ALK TKI (mOS = 55 months (95% CI, 400–987 days) and 26 months (95% CI, 1448–2644 days), respectively, HR = 4.64, p < 0.0001). This study confirms the effectiveness of ALK TKIs in real-world practice and supports the potential benefit of multiple lines of ALK TKI on overall survival in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC.
Early Vegetation Recovery After the 2008–2009 Explosive Eruption of the Chaitén Volcano, Chile
Authors: Moreno-Gonzalez Ricardo , Díaz Iván A. , Christie Duncan A. , Lara Antonio
Published: December 2024

In May 2008, Chaitén volcano entered an eruptive process, leading to one of the world’s largest eruptions in recent decades. The magnitude of tephra ejected by the eruption left different types of disturbances and caused diverse forms of environmental damage that were heterogeneously distributed across the surrounding area. We went to the field to assess the early vegetation responses a year after the eruption in September 2009. We evaluated the lateral-blast disturbance zone. We distributed a set of plots in three disturbed sites and one in an undisturbed site. In each of these sites, in a rectangular plot of 1000 m2, we marked all standing trees, recording whether they were alive, resprouting, or dead. Additionally, in each site of 80 small plots (~4 m2), we tallied the regenerated plants, their coverage, and the log volume. We described whether the plant regeneration was occurring on a mineral or organic substrate (i.e., ash or leaf litter, respectively). In the blast zone, the eruption created a gradient of disturbance. Close to the crater, we found high levels of devastation marked by no surviving species, scarcely standing-dead trees and logs, and no tree regeneration. At the other extreme end of the disturbance zone, the trees with damaged crowns were resprouting, small plants were regrowing, and seedlings were more dispersed. The main form of regeneration was the resprouting of trunks or buried roots; additionally, a few seedlings were observed in the small plots and elsewhere in disturbed areas. The results suggest that the early stages of succession are shaped by life history traits like dispersion syndrome and regeneration strategy (i.e., vegetative), as was found after other volcanic eruptions. Likewise, the distribution of biological legacies, which is related to disturbance intensity, can cause certain species traits to thrive. For instance, in the blow-down zone, surviving species were chiefly those dispersed by the wind, while in the standing-dead zone, survivors were those dispersed by frugivorous birds. Additionally, we suggest that disturbance intensity variations are related to the elevation gradient. The varying intensities of disturbance further contribute to these ecological dynamics. The early succession in the blast zone of Chaitén volcano is influenced by the interaction between species-specific life history, altitudinal gradient, and biological legacies. Further studies are required to observe the current successional patterns that occur directly in the blast zone and compare these results with those obtained following other volcanic disturbances.
Predictive Model of Granular Fertilizer Spreading Deposition Distribution Based on GA-GRNN Neural Network
Authors: Liu Lilian , Wang Guobin , Lan Yubin , Xue Xinyu , Ding Suming , Wang Huizheng , Song Cancan
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we investigate the particle deposition distribution characteristics in granular fertilizer spreading, establish a relationship model between operational parameters and particle deposition distribution, and design an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fertilizer particle deposition prediction system based on neural network decision making, which provides a decision-making basis for the variable fertilizer application model under multifactorial interactions. The particle deposition distribution data under different operating parameters were obtained by EDEM simulation and data superposition methods, and a generalized regression neural network (GRNN) based on a genetic algorithm (GA) was used to establish the prediction model of particle deposition, which was validated by bench test. The results show that the prediction accuracy and training effect of the GA-GRNN model are better than those of the GRNN, with a coefficient of determination of 0.839, and that the results of the GA-GRNN model are closer to the actual data when predicting the effective amplitude of the deposition amount, which is more accurate. The bench-scale validation test shows that the simulation is basically consistent with the actual measured deposition amount, and the deposition curve is normally distributed with a lateral error of about 3%. The results validate the reliability of the data superposition method for particle deposition distribution and the feasibility of the GA-GRNN model in multifactor prediction, which provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for precision fertilizer application operations using agricultural UAVs.
Key Technology for Human-System Integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Urban Air Transportation
Authors: Feng Chuanyan , Hou Jinwei , Liu Shuang , Wanyan Xiaoru , Ding Menglong , Li Huadong , Yan De , Bie Dawei
Published: December 2024

Effective integration of human factors and systems engineering has become a technical challenge that constrains the full realization of human performance in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for urban air transportation. To address this challenge, breakthroughs are needed in key technologies related to human-system integration (HSI) of UAS. Based on literature review and industry practices, unique HF challenges of UAS are identified, and two research issues, HSI analysis throughout UAS development lifecycle and HSI practice under UAS typical lifecycle stages, are summarized. To address these issues, a model-based human-system integration (MBHSI) design framework is proposed for the UAS development lifecycle, along with an HSI practice framework for UAS under typical human readiness levels. The HSI design and practice framework can provide references for HF design of UAS in urban air transportation.
Random Frequency Division Multiplexing
Authors: Liu Chanzi , Wu Jianjian , Zhou Qingfeng
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we propose a random frequency division multiplexing (RFDM) method for multicarrier modulation in mobile time-varying channels. Inspired by compressed sensing (CS) technology which use a sensing matrix (with far fewer rows than columns) to sample and compress the original sparse signal simultaneously, while there are many reconstruction algorithms that can recover the original high-dimensional signal from a small number of measurements at the receiver. The approach choose the classic sensing matrix of CS–Gaussian random matrix to compress the signal. However, the signal is not sparse which makes the reconstruction algorithms ineffective. We take full account of the great power of deep neural networks (DNN) to detect the signal as it is an underdetermined equation. The proposed RFDM establishes a novel signal modulation and detection method to target better transmission efficiency, and the simulation results show that the proposed method can achieve good BER, offering a new research paradigm to improve the spectrum efficiency of a multi-subcarrier, multi-antenna, multi-user system.
Magnetocaloric Effect for a Q-Clock-Type System
Authors: Aguilera Michel , Pino-Alarcón Sergio , Peña Francisco J. , Vogel Eugenio E. , Cortés Natalia , Vargas Patricio
Published: December 2024

In this work, we study the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in a working substance corresponding to a square lattice of spins with Q possible orientations, known as the “Q-state clock model”. When the Q-state clock model has Q≥5 possible configurations, it presents the famous Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless (BKT) phase associated with vortex states. We calculate the thermodynamic quantities using Monte Carlo simulations for even Q numbers, ranging from Q=2 to Q=8 spin orientations per site in a lattice. We use lattices of different sizes with N=L×L=82,162,322,642,and1282 sites, considering free boundary conditions and an external magnetic field varying between B=0 and B=1.0 in natural units of the system. By obtaining the entropy, it is possible to quantify the MCE through an isothermal process in which the external magnetic field on the spin system is varied. In particular, we find the values of Q that maximize the MCE depending on the lattice size and the magnetic phase transitions linked with the process. Given the broader relevance of the Q-state clock model in areas such as percolation theory, neural networks, and biological systems, where multi-state interactions are essential, our study provides a robust framework in applied quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and related fields.
Joint Identification and Sensing for Discrete Memoryless Channels
Authors: Labidi Wafa , Zhao Yaning , Deppe Christian , Boche Holger
Published: December 2024

In the identification (ID) scheme proposed by Ahlswede and Dueck, the receiver’s goal is simply to verify whether a specific message of interest was sent. Unlike Shannon’s transmission codes, which aim for message decoding, ID codes for a discrete memoryless channel (DMC) are far more efficient; their size grows doubly exponentially with the blocklength when randomized encoding is used. This indicates that when the receiver’s objective does not require decoding, the ID paradigm is significantly more efficient than traditional Shannon transmission in terms of both energy consumption and hardware complexity. Further benefits of ID schemes can be realized by leveraging additional resources such as feedback. In this work, we address the problem of joint ID and channel state estimation over a DMC with independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) state sequences. State estimation functions as the sensing mechanism of the model. Specifically, the sender transmits an ID message over the DMC while simultaneously estimating the channel state through strictly causal observations of the channel output. Importantly, the random channel state is unknown to both the sender and the receiver. For this system model, we present a complete characterization of the ID capacity–distortion function.
Strongly Coupled 𝒫𝒯-Symmetric Models in Holography
Authors: Areán Daniel , Garcia-Fariña David , Landsteiner Karl
Published: December 2024

Non-Hermitian quantum field theories are a promising tool to study open quantum systems. These theories preserve unitarity if PT symmetry is respected, and in that case, an equivalent Hermitian description exists via the so-called Dyson map. Generically, PT-symmetric non-Hermitian theories can also feature phases where PT symmetry is broken and unitarity is lost. We review the construction of holographic duals to strongly coupled PT-symmetric quantum field theories and the study of their phase diagram. We next focus on spacetime-dependent non-Hermitian couplings: non-Hermitian quenches and lattices. They violate the null energy condition in the gravity dual. The lattices realize phases supporting an imaginary current that breaks PT symmetry spontaneously. Remarkably, these non-Hermitian lattices flow to a PT-symmetric fixed point in the IR.
Timing Optimization Method for Pumped Storage Plant Construction Considering Capital Expenditure Capacity Feedback
Authors: Jiao Jie , Lei Xiaoquan , He Puyu , Wang Qian , Yu Guangxiu , Ren Wenshi , Qi Shaokang
Published: December 2024

With the extensive integration of renewable energy into the power grid, pumped storage power plants have become an essential component in the development of modern power systems due to their rapid response capabilities, advanced technology, and other beneficial features. However, high construction costs and irrational capital expenditure and construction schedules have constrained the robust and sustainable growth of pumped storage plants. Therefore, this paper proposes a pumped storage plant construction timing optimization method considering capital expenditure capacity feedback. Initially, an analysis is conducted on the factors that influence the capital expenditure costs of pumped storage power plants throughout their lifecycle. Next, the value of investing in pumped storage plants is assessed across three different aspects: economics, environment, and reliability. Finally, according to the principle of dynamic planning combined with the actual needs and capital expenditure potential of pumped storage plants, the sum of the capital expenditure effectiveness values in each stage is used as the indicator function of each stage to construct the pumped storage plants project capital expenditure timing optimization model, and a simulation analysis is carried out with Province Z as an example to verify the validity and applicability of the proposed model. The findings indicate that the suggested model is effective in balancing the implementation time of individual projects to achieve the maximum cumulative capital expenditure performance over the entire planning period.
Advanced Rectifier Technologies for Electrolysis-Based Hydrogen Production: A Comparative Study and Real-World Applications
Authors: Gao Yan , Wang Xiongzheng , Meng Xin
Published: December 2024

In response to the growing significance of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier, this study investigates the advanced rectifier technologies employed in electrolytic hydrogen production. First, the topologies of three rectifiers typically employed in industry—24-pulse thyristor rectifiers, insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) rectifiers, and 24-pulse diode rectifiers with multi-phase choppers—are described in detail. Subsequently, at a constant 5 MW power level, the three rectifiers are compared in terms of rectifier efficiency, grid-side power quality, power factor, and overall investment cost. The results indicate that in comparison to the other two rectifiers, the thyristor rectifier provides superior efficiency and cost advantages, thereby maintaining a dominant market share. Additionally, case studies of rectifier power supplies from three real-world industrial projects are presented, along with actual grid-side power quality data. Finally, the challenges, potential applications, and future prospects of rectifiers in renewable energy-based hydrogen production are discussed and summarized.
Inherent Risk Analysis of Power Supply Management: Case of Belize’s System Operator and Third-Party Actors
Authors: Usher Khadija Sherece , McLellan Benjamin Craig
Published: December 2024

System operators (SOs) manage power supply, focusing on risk management. In small emerging economies, proactive risk management is crucial as major disruptions require SOs to redirect resources into recovery efforts. Therefore, SOs prioritize risk reduction, proactively minimizing the possibility of major disruption to ensure the industry’s long-term advancement. However, SOs frequently focus on residual risk mitigation while ignoring their exposure to inherent risk. This study investigated the inherent risks associated with power supply management using the SO’s operations and pertinent third parties. It used a seasonal multivariate strategy to identify risk factors, create univariate distribution models, and generate multivariate distributions using the copula method. Joint risk exposure was calculated using different percentile metrics for each scenario, allowing for a comparison of exposure levels. The study found that risk variables can sometimes reinforce or offset each other, impacting exposure behaviour. Exposure levels indicate periods of increased or decreased exposure to risk variables. Copula-modelled interdependencies captured larger exposure levels but had lower unit likelihoods, presenting less conservative exposure forecasts for SO managers. Case 1 exhibited the highest exposure levels in the early dry season (0.237 and 0.179), while case 2 showed peak exposure levels in the late wet season (1.009 and 0.948), along with cases 3 (0.977 and 0.908) and 4 (0.950 and 0.879).
Produced Water Treatment Technologies: A Review
Authors: Abdelhamid Cilia , Latrach Abdeldjalil , Rabiei Minou , Venugopal Kalyan
Published: December 2024

The oil and gas industry’s view of water production, once regarded primarily as a waste stream, has shifted in recent years due to the growing environmental and economic challenges. Industries now recognize the substantial volumes of water produced during production operations and are actively exploring alternative water management strategies. Among these, water treatment stands out as a leading approach, aimed at purifying the water to achieve specific element concentrations suited for targeted applications. The produced water from oil and gas reservoirs is a complex mixture of various organic and inorganic compounds, as well as dissolved and suspended solids. It is considered a highly contaminated waste stream, making effective treatment essential to meet future critical water demand. The physical and chemical properties of the produced water vary depending on the extraction location, geological formations, and type of hydrocarbon produced. This review examines multiple treatment methods used for the beneficial reuse of produced water, covering physical, chemical, and biological techniques, along with examples demonstrating their effectiveness in field case studies.
Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Increases with Tree Age in Karstic Rocky Desertification Areas of Southwestern China
Authors: Li Ying , Zhang Zhongfeng , Tan Shuhui , Lyv Shihong , Zhou Longwu , Yu Limin , Tang Chungui , You Yeming
Published: December 2024

The diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is a crucial indicator for determining the productivity of forest ecosystems and for assessing degraded areas. At present, the effect of tree age and vegetation restoration strategies on AMF diversity in karstic rocky desertification areas remains unclear. This study investigated AMF diversity and abundance in soils planted with Delavaya toxocarpa Franch. for 18, 11, and 4 years in a karstic desertification area of southwestern China. Additionally, it explored AMF community composition in soils of an 18-year-old D. toxocarpa plantation, a secondary forest naturally restored since 2005, and an abandoned land with no human intervention. High-throughput sequencing revealed that the mean Chao1 and richness indices of AMF increased with tree age, as indicated by the highest AMF α-diversity in 18-year-old plantations. The various vegetation restoration strategies resulted in significant differences in AMF abundance and evenness indices. Although no significant differences (p = 0.33) were found between the different restoration strategies, the AMF α-diversity index showed a decreasing trend from plantation forest to secondary forest and then to abandoned land. Overall, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and available phosphorus (AP) significantly influence AMF diversity. Additionally, soil TN, AP, hydrolysable nitrogen (HN), and urease activity (URE) shape AMF community composition. These properties varied with tree age and vegetation restoration strategies. Our findings point to good recovery results of artificial afforestation in karstic rocky desertification areas. The process accelerates vegetation restoration and enhances the mutually beneficial relationship between vegetation and AMF compared with natural restoration. However, the tree age selected in this study only represents the forest stands before mature forests, and the microbial diversity and structure in karst rocky desertification soils after mature and over-mature forest stands remain to be studied.
Population Dynamics of the Crocodile Shark, Pseudocarcharias kamoharai, in the Tropical Equatorial Pacific Ocean, Ecuador
Authors: Calle-Morán Marcos , Aragón-Noriega Eugenio , Hernández-Téllez Ana , Marín-Enríquez Emigdio , Tovar-Ávila Javier , Arzola-González Juan , Payán-Alejo Jorge
Published: December 2024

The objectives of this study were to determine the rates of natural mortality (M), fishing mortality (F), total mortality (Z), the exploitation rates (E), as well as the biological reference points (BRPs) and the annual removal rates (R) of the crocodile shark, Pseudocarcharias kamoharai, in the Ecuadorian Pacific. Thirty similar and different models were applied to determine all these rates. These equations were obtained from studies on teleost and chondrichthyan fish. The biological parameters, including age, growth, longevity, and reproduction, were obtained from the specialized literature based on the biology of P. kamoharai in Ecuadorian waters. These biological parameters were used in all the models considered here. The M estimations were 0.14 to 0.28 based on six models for chondrichthyans and osteichthyes. These values were similar to the six algorithms designed for cartilaginous fish, ranging from 0.16 to 0.35; for this reason, these mortality rates were considered low. The Z values ranged from 0.08 to 0.51; however, they were not considered given that the three estimations were less than M, and only the Z = 0.51 was considered. Given that Z = 0.51 and M = 0.24, an F = 0.27 was obtained by subtraction, indicating a low mortality by fishing. E had values between 0.21 and 0.53, which indicated overexploitation that exceeded the Eopt = 0.50 value. The obtained BRPs were Fopt = 0.10 and 0.12 and Flim = 0.16, which showed that the optimal fishing levels (best possible capture) to achieve long-term sustainable exploitation of the stock encompass 10 to 16% of the fishing effort applied for this species. However, the F surpassed this prudential range. The annual removal percentage (R = 21%) demonstrated that 21% of the population was being removed. Based on the biology and ecology of this species, all models applied in this study showed that P. kamoharai had low natural and fishing mortality rates and moderate total mortality; its exploitation rate exceeded the fishing limits. These values and their life history traits indicated that this shark species cannot tolerate any fishing level without threatening its populations.
Interfacial Properties and Structure of Emulsions and Foams Co-Stabilized by Span Emulsifiers of Varying Carbon Chain Lengths and Egg Yolk Granules
Authors: Liu Wenyan , Cao Jingxia , Zhang Qixin , Wang Weiqin , Ye Yuanping , Zhang Senwang , Wu Leiyan
Published: December 2024

Interfacial properties significantly influence emulsifying and foaming stability. We here explore the interfacial behavior of egg yolk granules (EYGs) combined with various Span emulsifiers (Span 20, 40, 60, 80) to assess their solution properties, interface dynamics, and effects on emulsifying and foaming stability. The results unveiled that as the Span concentration increased, particle size decreased from 7028 to 1200 nm, absolute zeta potential increased from 4.86 to 9.26 mv, and the structure became increasingly loosened. This loose structure of EYGs-Span complexes resulted in reduced interfacial tension (γ), higher adsorption rate (Kd), and improved interfacial composite modulus (E) compared with native EYGs. These effects were more pronounced with shorter hydrophobic chain Spans but diminished with longer chain lengths. Enhanced interfacial properties contributed to better emulsification and foaming stability, with EYGs-Span complexes displaying increased emulsifying ability and stability compared with natural EYGs. Emulsifying and foaming stability improved in the order of Span 20 > Span 40 > Span 60 > Span 80 as the Span concentration increased. The correlation analysis (p > 0.05) indicated that emulsifying stability was positively associated with interfacial composite modulus and negatively correlated with particle size. Consequently, EYGs-Span composites demonstrate considerable potential for use as effective emulsifiers in food industry applications.
Forced-Perturbed Fractional Differential Equations of Higher Order: Asymptotic Properties of Non-Oscillatory Solutions
Authors: Grace Said R. , Chhatria Gokula N. , Kaleeswari S. , Alnafisah Yousef , Moaaz Osama
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the asymptotic behavior of non-oscillatory solutions to forced-perturbed fractional differential equations with the Caputo fractional derivative. The main aim is to unify the Beta Integral Lemma (Lemma 2) and the Gamma Integral Lemma (Lemma 3) into a single framework. By combining these two powerful tools, we propose new criteria that effectively characterize the asymptotic behavior of non-oscillatory solutions to the given equations. The analysis of such solutions has significant implications in the fields of oscillation and stability theory. Notably, our findings extend prior work by exploring a wider range of equations with more general functions and coefficients, thereby broadening the applicability and deepening the understanding of both asymptotic and oscillatory behaviors. Moreover, the criteria we introduce offer improvements over previous approaches, as demonstrated by the example provided, which highlights the advantages of our results in comparison to earlier methods.
Some Existence, Uniqueness, and Stability Results for a Class of ϑ-Fractional Stochastic Integral Equations
Authors: Alsharari Fahad , Fakhfakh Raouf , Kahouli Omar , Ben Makhlouf Abdellatif
Published: December 2024

This paper focuses on the existence and uniqueness of solutions for ϑ-fractional stochastic integral equations (ϑ-FSIEs) using the Banach fixed point theorem (BFPT). We explore the Ulam–Hyers stability (UHS) of ϑ-FSIEs through traditional methods of stochastic calculus and the BFPT. Moreover, the continuous dependence of solutions on initial conditions is proven. Additionally, we provide three examples to demonstrate our findings.
A Comparative Analysis of the Water Retention Properties of Hydrogels Prepared from Melon and Orange Peels in Soils
Authors: Fang Shiwei , Zhong Yuan , Wu Jun , Xie Yufan , Cai Liqun , Li Minjun , Cao Jun , Zhao Hejie , Dong Bo
Published: December 2024

The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the performance of hydrogels prepared from two distinct raw materials and to identify the hydrogels with the optimal overall capacity for dry farming applications. Ten grafted polymer hydrogels were prepared from melon peel (MP) and orange peel (OP). A comparative analysis of the degree of swelling, water absorption time, pH range, reusability, and soil water retention and water-holding capacity of the two hydrogels revealed that the MP-based hydrogels exhibited superior performance in all evaluated parameters when compared to their OP-based counterparts. The treatment group of hydrogels prepared from MPs exhibited the highest degree of swelling, with an absorptive capacity of up to 765.6 g/g in ultrapure water. The optimum absorption ratio at pH = 8.1 was 606.8 g/g, as determined by Gaussian distribution modeling. The treatment group with the best reusability demonstrated an average absorption ratio of 445.0 g/g. The degree of swelling was 84.0 g/g when the process was repeated seven times. After the MP-gels were applied to the soil, it was observed that the gels enhanced the water retention and holding capacity of the sandy soil. The water retention ratio of the sandy soil was increased by 271.0% by the addition of MP-gel, and the growth of wheat was found to be normal when 1.5% to 2.0% of MP-gel was added under drought-stress conditions. In light of the necessity to reuse agricultural waste, the preparation of MP-gel can facilitate the improvement of dry farming and address the issue of water scarcity in agriculture. This offers a viable solution for the growth and management of crops under conditions of drought stress.
Columnar Mesophases and Organogels Formed by H-Bound Dimers Based on 3,6-Terminally Difunctionalized Triphenylenes
Authors: Vadra Nahir , Giovanetti Lisandro J. , Di Chenna Pablo H. , Cukiernik Fabio D.
Published: December 2024

A series of triphenylene (TP) compounds—denoted 3,6-THTP-DiCnOH—bearing four hexyloxy ancillary chains and two variable-length alkoxy chains terminally functionalized with hydroxyl groups have been synthesized and characterized. The shorter homologs revealed mesogenic characteristics, giving rise to thermotropic mesophases in which π-stacked columns of H-bound dimers self-organize yielding superstructures. Molecular-scale models are proposed to account for their structural features. The three studied compounds yielded supramolecular gels in methanol; their ability to gelify higher alcohols was found to be enhanced by the presence of water. The intermediate homolog also gelled n-hexane. Compared to their isomeric 2,7-THTP-DiCnOH analogs, the 3,6-derivatives showed a higher tendency to give rise to LC phases (wider thermal ranges) and a lower organogelling ability (variety of gelled solvents, lower gels stabilities). The overall results are analyzed in terms of different kinds of competing H-bonds: intramolecular, face-to-face dimeric, lateral polymeric, and solvent–TP interactions.
Composite Sorbents Based on Polymeric Se-Derivative of Amidoximes and SiO2 for the Uranium Removal from Liquid Mineralized Media
Authors: Matskevich Anna I. , Maslov Konstantin V. , Prokudina Veronika A. , Churakova Daria D. , Korochencev Vladimir V. , Slabko Oleg Yu. , Eliseenko Evgenij A. , Tokar’ Eduard A.
Published: December 2024

A new composite material with enhanced sorption-selective properties for uranium recovery from liquid media has been obtained. Sorbents were synthesized through a polycondensation reaction of a mixture of 4-amino-N’-hydroxy-1,2,5-oxadiazole-3-carboximidamide (hereinafter referred to as amidoxime) and SiO2 in an environment of organic solvents (acetic acid, dioxane) and highly porous SiO2. To establish optimal conditions for forming the polymer sorption-active part and the synthesis as a whole, a series of composite adsorbents were synthesized with varying amidoxime/matrix ratios (35/65, 50/50, 65/35). The samples were characterized with FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, XRFES spectroscopy and TGA. Under static conditions of uranium sorption, the dependence of the efficiency of radionuclide recovery from mineralized solutions of various acidities on the ratio of the initial components was established. In the pH range from 4 to 8 (inclusive), the uranium removal efficiency exceeds 95%, while the values of the distribution coefficients (Kd) exceed 104 cm3g−1. It was demonstrated that an increase in the surface development of the sorbents enhances such kinetic parameters of uranium sorption as diffusion rate by 10–20 times compared to non-porous materials. The values of the maximum static capacity exceed 700 mg g−1. The enhanced availability of adsorption centers, achieved through the use of a porous SiO2 matrix, significantly improves the kinetic parameters of the adsorbents. A composite with optimal physicochemical and sorption properties (amidoxime/matrix ratio of 50/50) was examined under dynamic conditions of uranium sorption. It was found that the maximum dynamic sorption capacity of porous materials is four times greater compared to that of a non-porous adsorbent Se-init. The effective filter cycle exceeds 3200 column volumes—twice that of an adsorbent with a monolithic surface. These results indicate the promising potential of the developed materials for uranium sorption from liquid mineralized media under dynamic conditions across a wide pH range.
The Effect of Organomineral Fertilizers on the Yield and Quality of Apples After Long-Term Storage
Authors: Ozherelieva Zoya E. , Nikitin Andrey L. , Prudnikov Pavel S.
Published: December 2024

The goal of this work is to study the effect of the Natural Plant Complex (NPC) “White Pearl” on the yield and marketability of apples after long-term storage. The experiment comprised the following treatments: 1—control (without treatment); 2—foliar sprays (1% solution of “White Pearl Universal (WPU) Antifreeze” + 1% solution of “White Pearl (WP) Drip Ca + Mg”); and 3—foliar sprays (3% solution of “WPU Antifreeze” + 3% solution of “WP Drip Ca + Mg”). Foliar sprays with organomineral fertilizers (1% solution of “WPU Antifreeze” + 1% solution of “WP Drip Ca + Mg”) significantly increased (by 1.8 times) the yield of the experimental apple cultivar compared to the control. After long-term storage, foliar sprays with a 1% solution and 3% solution of NPC “White Pearl” preparations significantly reduced scald damage to ‘Sinap Orlovsky’ apples compared to the control and increased the number of marketable ‘Sinap Orlovsky’ fruits by 1.4 and 1.2 times, respectively, but the 1% solution of organomineral fertilizers was more effective. The experiment that was conducted to evaluate the effect of organomineral fertilizers in apple plantations shows that they can potentially be used to supplement traditional apple cultivation technologies.
Strategic Responses to Employee Well-Being Issues in VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) Conditions: Expanding the JD-R (Job Demands–Resources) Model with Job Crafting
Authors: Volderauer Thomas , Raich Margit , Bierwisch Antje , Stummer Harald , Som Oliver
Published: December 2024

Current work environments, driven by globalization, demographic changes, and digitalization, demand substantial adaptation, which leads to decreased employee well-being. While occupational psychology research has identified supportive mechanisms, it often lacks a deepened understanding of how interventions function. This study aims to analyze the impacts of VUCA contexts and leadership behavior on job crafting, focusing on white-collar workers. Our objective is to identify workplace configurations that safeguard employee health in dynamic settings. Utilizing the JD-R model augmented by job crafting as a theoretical framework, we conducted qualitative comparative case studies using the GABEK® methodology to analyze and systematize data. This approach captures complex organizational interrelationships through sentence analysis, transforming subjective meanings into a comprehensive network and providing deeper insights into organizational dynamics. Research findings reveal that evolving work demands, notably from digital transformations, impact knowledge management, communication, and employee well-being. IT discrepancies and communication deficits intensify work complexity, underscoring the need for enhanced management frameworks. Proactive and adaptive leadership, along with job crafting, is crucial for protecting health and enhancing performance in fast-paced digital environments. These strategies promote structured decision-making and efficient knowledge management, fostering a resource-oriented culture that enhances employee well-being and overall effectiveness.
The Role of Cardiac Troponins in Postmortem Diagnosis of Myocardial Ischemia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sacco Matteo Antonio , Gualtieri Saverio , Grimaldi Gioele , Monterossi Maria Daniela , Aquila Valerio Riccardo , Tarallo Alessandro Pasquale , Verrina Maria Cristina , Ranno Francesco , Gratteri Santo , Aquila Isabella
Published: December 2024

Postmortem diagnosis of myocardial ischemia remains a challenge in forensic pathology, as traditional methods like autopsy and histology may not always provide conclusive results. Cardiac troponins, specifically cTnI and cTnT, are well-established biomarkers for myocardial injury in living patients, but their role in postmortem ischemia diagnosis is still under investigation. This systematic review aims to evaluate the role of troponins in diagnosing myocardial ischemia in postmortem cases, focusing on the diagnostic accuracy, sample types, and the influence of the postmortem interval (PMI). A systematic search on PubMed NCBI was conducted to identify studies published between 2000 and 2024 that evaluated the use of cTnI and cTnT in postmortem myocardial ischemia diagnosis. The studies were assessed for their sample types, methods of troponin quantification, sensitivity, specificity, and the impact of PMI on the stability of troponin levels. The review included 13 studies that utilized various sample types, including serum, femoral blood, and pericardial fluid. cTnT was found to be more reliable than cTnI, particularly in pericardial fluid, with shorter PMIs (typically under 48 h) showing higher sensitivity and specificity for myocardial ischemia. Pericardial fluid provided the most consistent results, followed by serum and femoral blood. Studies also highlighted that longer PMIs negatively affected the reliability of troponin measurements due to postmortem degradation. Cardiac troponins, especially cTnT, are valuable biomarkers for diagnosing myocardial ischemia postmortem, particularly when measured in pericardial fluid and within a short PMI. The use of multimarker strategies and the development of standardized cut-off values are needed to improve the accuracy of troponin measurements in forensic pathology. Future research should focus on standardizing diagnostic thresholds, improving assay sensitivity, and exploring new sample types and imaging techniques to enhance postmortem cardiovascular diagnostics.
Newly Initiated Statin Treatment Is Associated with Decreased Plasma Coenzyme Q10 Level After Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Csengo Erika , Lorincz Hajnalka , Csosz Eva , Guba Andrea , Karai Bettina , Toth Judit , Csiha Sara , Paragh Gyorgy , Harangi Mariann , Nagy Gergely Gyorgy
Published: December 2024

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays a crucial role in facilitating electron transport during oxidative phosphorylation, thus contributing to cellular energy production. Statin treatment causes a decrease in CoQ10 levels in muscle tissue as well as in serum, which may contribute to the musculoskeletal side effects. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effect of newly initiated statin treatment on serum CoQ10 levels after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and the correlation of CoQ10 levels with key biomarkers of subclinical or clinically overt myopathy. In this study, we enrolled 67 non-diabetic, statin-naïve early-onset STEMI patients with preserved renal function. Plasma CoQ10 level was determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS-MS), while the myopathy marker serum fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3) level was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at hospital admission and after 3 months of statin treatment. The treatment significantly decreased the plasma CoQ10 (by 43%) and FABP3 levels (by 79%) as well as total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100), and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) levels. The change in CoQ10 level showed significant positive correlations with the changes in total cholesterol, LDL-C, ApoB100, and oxLDL levels, while it did not correlate with the change in FABP3 level. Our results prove the CoQ10-reducing effect of statin treatment and demonstrate its lipid-lowering efficacy but contradict the role of CoQ10 reduction in statin-induced myopathy.
The Molecular Basis of Asthma Exacerbations Triggered by Viral Infections: The Role of Specific miRNAs
Authors: Kierbiedź-Guzik Natalia , Sozańska Barbara
Published: December 2024

Viral respiratory infections are a significant clinical problem among the pediatric population and are one of the leading causes of hospitalization. Most often, upper respiratory tract infections are self-limiting. Still, those that involve the lower respiratory tract are usually associated with asthma exacerbations, leading to worsening or even the initiation of the disease. A key role in regulating the immune response and inflammation during viral infections and their impact on the progression of asthma has been demonstrated for miRNA molecules (microRNA). Their interaction with mRNA (messenger RNA) regulates gene expression in innate and acquired immune responses, making them valuable biomarkers for diagnostics, monitoring, and predicting asthma exacerbations. The following paper presents changes in the expression of miRNAs during the five most common viral infections causing asthma worsening, with particular emphasis on the pediatric population. In addition, we describe the molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs influence the pathogenesis of viral infection, immune responses, and asthma exacerbations. These molecules represent promising targets for future innovative therapeutic strategies, paving the way for developing personalized medicine for patients with viral-induced asthma exacerbations.