bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Velocities and Strain-Rates in the Euro-Mediterranean Region From Massive GPS Data Processing
Authors: Serpelloni Enrico , Cavaliere Adriano , Martelli Leonardo , Pintori Francesco , Anderlini Letizia , Borghi Alessandra , Randazzo Daniele , Bruni Sergio , Devoti Roberto , Perfetti Paolo , Cacciaguerra Stefano
Published: June 2022

In this work we present and discuss new geodetic velocity and strain-rate fields for the Euro-Mediterranean region obtained from the analysis of continuous GNSS stations. We describe the procedures and methods adopted to analyze raw GPS observations from >4000 stations operating in the Euro-Mediterranean, Eurasian and African regions. The goal of this massive analysis is the monitoring of Earth’s crust deformation in response to tectonic processes, including plate- and micro-plate kinematics, geodynamics, active tectonics, earthquake-cycle, but also the study of a wide range of geophysical processes, natural and anthropogenic subsidence, sea-level changes, and hydrology. We describe the computational infrastructure, the methods and procedures adopted to obtain a three-dimensional GPS velocity field, which is used to obtain spatial velocity gradients and horizontal strain-rates. We then focus on the Euro-Mediterranean region, where we discuss the horizontal and vertical velocities, and spatial velocity gradients, obtained from stations that have time-series lengths longer than 6 and 7 years, which are found to be the minimum spans to provide stable and reliable velocity estimates in the horizontal and vertical components, respectively. We compute the horizontal strain-rate field and discuss deformation patterns and kinematics along the major seismogenic belts of the Nubia-Eurasia plate boundary zone in the Mediterranean region. The distribution and density of continuous GNSS stations in our geodetic solution allow us to estimate the strain-rate field at a spatial scale of ∼27 km over a large part of southern Europe, with the exclusion of the Dinaric mountains and Balkans.
Teachers’ Learning Profiles in Learning Programming: The Big Picture!
Authors: Saqr Mohammed , Tuominen Ville , Valtonen Teemu , Sointu Erkko , Väisänen Sanna , Hirsto Laura
Published: June 2022

Currently there is a need for studying learning strategies within Massive Open Online Courses | (MOOCs), especially in the context of in-service teachers. This study aims to bridge this gap and try to understand how in-service teachers approach and regulate their learning in MOOCs. In particular, it examines the strategies used by the in-service teachers as they study a course on how to teach programming. The study implemented a combination of unsupervised clustering and process mining in a large MOOC (n = 27,538 of which 8,547 completed). The results show similar trends compared to previous studies conducted within MOOCs, indicating that teachers are similar to other groups of students based on their learning strategies. The analysis identified three subgroups (i.e., clusters) with different strategies: (1) efficient (n = 3596, 42.1%), (2) clickers (n = 1785, 20.9%), and (3) moderates (n = 3,166, 37%). The efficient students finished the course in a short time, spent more time on each lesson, and moved forward between lessons. The clickers took longer to complete the course, repeated the lessons several times, and moved backwards to revise the lessons repeatedly. The moderates represented an intermediate approach between the two previous clusters. As such, our findings indicate that a significant fraction within teachers poorly regulate their learning, and therefore, teacher education should emphasize learning strategies and self-regulating learning skills so that teacher can better learn and transfer their skills to students.
Generation of Programmatic Contents by Competencies: A Technological and Systemic View of Higher Education
Authors: Marín-González Freddy , Senior-Naveda Alexa , Ferrer Luis Yamil , Perozo Sierralta Beatriz
Published: June 2022

This research combines the art of designing programmatic contents by competencies and the technological variable as an innovative resource in the context of higher education. The objective of this study was focused on the development of a technological system for the generation of programmatic contents by competencies in the curricular units of university careers. This research was carried out under the empirical approach; it is of an applicative type, since it generates a proposal and it was structured methodologically by phases: Phase I of approaching the manual system and user requirements was deployed under a field design in which the current situation and user expectations were described through the techniques of participant observation and meetings of experts in the area of educational technology (teaching staff of the different academic programs, heads of departments and coordinators of the Curriculum Commission), in order to carry out business rounds as a strategy of characterization and permanent consultation of the evolution of the system design to generate agreements. Phase II led to the establishment of the structural components of the prototype, and integrated the essentials from the systems theory, software engineering, and pedagogical didactic theories. Phase III was based on the methodology of system design by prototyping. As for the results, it was evidenced that the stakeholders considered feasible the use of the system to generate programmatic contents by competence, and finally the functionality of the system and the operational advantages for the generation of programmatic contents were demonstrated.
The Effect of Sperm DNA Fragmentation on In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes for Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Wang Huan , Li Hui , Zhu Jing , Xu Jianmin , Jiang Yuqing , Chen Wenhui , Sun Yingpu , Yang Qingling
Published: June 2022

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disease in reproductive women associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. In modern society, people pay more attention to the female factor, but it is uncertain whether sperm quality is another factor affecting pregnancy outcomes of patients with PCOS.

Method

The effect of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) on oocyte fertilization, embryonic development, and pregnancy outcomes for patients with PCOS who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment was studied. A total of 141 PCOS patients and 332 control patients undergoing IVF treatment were recruited from January 2017 to December 2019. All female patients were designated into two groups according to the Rotterdam criteria. Each group was divided into two sets, DNA fragmentation index (DFI) ≤15% and DFI > 15%, on the basis of sperm DFI.

Result

There were no differences in basic clinical characteristics between couples with a sperm DFI ≤ 15% or DFI > 15%. For control patients, no differences were observed in IVF outcomes. However, for PCOS patients, although there were no differences in the fertilization (60.4% vs. 59.9%, p = 0.831), high-quality embryo (68.5% vs. 67.9% p = 0.832), clinical pregnancy (78.4% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.148), and abortion (12.5% vs. 11.5%, p = 1.000) rates, a significantly lower high-quality blastocyst formation rate (26.3% vs. 16.3%, p = 0.023) was observed for couples with a sperm DFI > 15% compared with a sperm DFI ≤ 15%.

Conclusion

For PCOS patients undergoing IVF, oocytes fertilized using sperm with higher DFI led to a lower high-quality blastocyst formation rate but had no influence on fertilization, high-quality embryo, clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage rates.
Abnormal Activation of Tryptophan-Kynurenine Pathway in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Wang Siyu , Mu Liangshan , Zhang Chunmei , Long Xiaoyu , Zhang Yurong , Li Rong , Zhao Yue , Qiao Jie
Published: June 2022

Background

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) suffer from dysfunctional metabolism and studies have reported increased levels of tryptophan in patients with PCOS. However, the changes of downstream metabolites in tryptophan catabolism pathways remain unclear.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study that included 200 PCOS patients and 200 control women who were recruited from the Reproductive Medicine Center of Peking University Third Hospital from October 2017 to June 2019. The PCOS patients and the control group were further divided into subtypes of normal weight and overweight/obesity. Fasting blood samples from all subjects were collected on days 2~3 of a natural menstrual cycle or when amenorrhea for over 40 days with follicle diameter not exceeding 10 mm. The plasma levels of tryptophan metabolites were quantitatively determined by the liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer, including tryptophan, serotonin, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine, and quinolinic acid.

Results

The tryptophan-kynurenine pathway was dysregulated in women with PCOS, along with significantly elevated levels of tryptophan, serotonin, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, and quinolinic acid. Moreover, levels of tryptophan, kynurenine, and kynurenic acid were positively correlated with luteinizing hormone, anti-Müllerian hormone, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR. tryptophan, and kynurenine and quinolinic acid had an obvious association with C-reactive protein levels. Furthermore, logistic regression showed that tryptophan, serotonin, kynurenine, kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid were all associated significantly with the increased risk of PCOS with the adjustment for potential confounding factors. Additionally, tryptophan, kynurenine, and kynurenic acid had good diagnostic performances for PCOS, and their combination exhibited higher sensitivity and specificity to diagnostic efficiency, with the area under the ROC curve of 0.824 (95% CI 0.777-0.871), which was comparable to the endocrine indicators.

Conclusion (s)

The tryptophan-kynurenine pathway was abnormally activated in PCOS patients.
Age, Pulse, Urea, and Albumin Score: A Tool for Predicting the Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Ma Chun-Ming , Wang Ning , Su Quan-Wei , Yan Ying , Wang Si-Qiong , Ma Cui-Hua , Liu Xiao-Li , Dong Shao-Chen , Lu Na , Yin Li-Yong , Yin Fu-Zai
Published: June 2022

Objective

The predictive performances of CURB-65 and pneumonia severity index (PSI) were poor in patients with diabetes. This study aimed to develop a tool for predicting the short-term and long-term outcomes of CAP in patients with diabetes.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 531 CAP patients with type 2 diabetes. The short-term outcome was in-hospital mortality. The long-term outcome was 24-month all-cause death. The APUA score was calculated according to the levels of Age (0-2 points), Pulse (0-2 points), Urea (0-2 points), and Albumin (0-4 points). The area under curves (AUCs) were used to evaluate the abilities of the APUA score for predicting short-term outcomes. Cox regression models were used for modeling relationships between the APUA score and 24-month mortality.

Results

The AUC of the APUA score for predicting in-hospital mortality was 0.807 in patients with type 2 diabetes (P<0.001). The AUC of the APUA score was higher than the AUCs of CURB-65 and PSI class (P<0.05). The long-term mortality increased with the risk stratification of the APUA score (low-risk group (0-1 points) 11.5%, intermediate risk group (2-4 points) 16.9%, high risk group (≥5 points) 28.8%, P<0.05). Compared with patients in the low-risk group, patients in the high-risk group had significantly increased risk of long-term death, HR (95%CI) was 2.093 (1.041~4.208, P=0.038).

Conclusion

The APUA score is a simple and accurate tool for predicting short-term and long-term outcomes of CAP patients with diabetes.
Gait Parameters and Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients With Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Zhenchao , Peng Si , Zhang Honghong , Sun Hong , Hu Ji
Published: June 2022

Objective

To investigate the relationship between diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and gait abnormality in diabetic patients.

Methods

Related research concerning the gait of diabetic patients with and without DPN was collected and analyzed by searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Statistical analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

Twenty-one studies were included in this meta-analysis, consisting of 499 diabetic neuropathy patients and 467 diabetes controls without neuropathy. Meta-analysis results showed lower gait velocity, shorter stride length, longer stride time, longer stance time, and higher maximum knee extension moment in the DPN group, compared with their counterparts.

Conclusion

Among diabetic patients, those complicated with DPN possess lower gait velocity, shorter stride length, longer stride time, longer stance time, and higher maximum knee extension moment.
Improving Parameter Estimation of Fuel Cell Using Honey Badger Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Almodfer Rolla , Mudhsh Mohammed , Alshathri Samah , Abualigah Laith , Abd Elaziz Mohamed , Shahzad Khurram , Issa Mohamed
Published: June 2022

In this study, we proposed an alternative method to determine the parameter of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) since there are multiple variable quantities with diverse nonlinear characteristics included in the PEMFC design, which is specified correctly to ensure effective modeling. The distinctive model of FCs is critical in determining the effectiveness of the cells’ inquiry. The design of FC has a significant influence on the simulation research of such methods, which have been used in a variety of applications. The developed method depends on using the honey badger algorithm (HBA) as a new identification approach for identifying the parameters of the PEMFC. In the presented method, the minimal value of the sum square error (SSE) is applied to determine the optimal fitness function. A set of experimental series has been conducted utilizing three datasets entitled 250-W stack, BCS 500-W, and NedStack PS6 to justify the usage of the HBA to determine the PEMFC’s parameters. The results of the competitive algorithms are assessed using SSE and standard deviation metrics after numerous independent runs. The findings revealed that the presented approach produced promising results and outperformed the other comparison approaches.
Raman Spectroscopy of Nascent Soot Oxidation: Structural Analysis During Heating
Authors: De Falco G. , Bocchicchio S. , Commodo M. , Minutolo P. , D’Anna A.
Published: June 2022

The effect of oxidation on nascent soot particles is investigated in this work by means of Raman spectroscopy. Three different soot particle samples are produced in a lightly sooting ethylene/air laminar premixed flame and collected at different residence times. The samples are characterized by a different size of primary particles and a different degree of aging and hence graphitization, and they are representative of the early evolution of nascent soot in flames. Oxidation of particles is induced by exposing the samples to a high temperature oxidation treatment in air over a range of temperature 25–500°C. To this aim, a programmable heating microscope stage is used. Thermo-optical transmission (TOT) measurements are used to characterize the chemical composition of pristine particles in terms of organic and elemental carbon content, also providing the pyrolytic carbon fraction of the organic carbon. The TOT results show that the organic fraction is constant for the three conditions. On the other hand, the pyrolytic carbon fraction decreases and the elemental carbon increases when moving from the sample composed of just-nucleated particles to the sample mostly made of mature soot particles. Raman spectroscopy reveals that the thermal oxidation treatment performed on the sample of just-nucleated particles, with the highest organic carbon content, results in a reduction of the amorphous carbon component. Conversely, the sample of mature soot, with the highest elemental carbon content, shows an increase in the amorphous carbon phase after oxidation, which is attributed to fragmentation or the formation of point defects by O2 oxidation. Finally, the thermal oxidation procedure produces a strong reduction in the photoluminescence signal detected from Raman spectra.
Investigations on Spray Characteristics and Self-Pulsation of a Gas-Centered Shear Coaxial Injector
Authors: Yuchao Gao , Wei Chu , Yuan Xie , Chuanjin Jiang , Boqi Xu , Lingyu Su , Yiheng Tong
Published: June 2022

The spray characteristics of a gas-centered shear coaxial injector under different conditions and recess ratios (RR) were studied through experiments and numerical simulations. The numerical study was carried out based on the coupled level set and volume-of-fluid (CLSVOF) method and the adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) method. The results indicated that without recess, the spray angle first stayed almost constant and then dropped linearly with an increase in the gas mass flow rate (m˙g) when holding the liquid mass flow rate (m˙l) constant. In contrast, with recess, the spray angle was found to increase with m˙g, which could be attributed to the secondary expansion of the central gas flow. Under specific conditions, self-pulsation occurred and was accompanied by a loud scream. The frequency of the self-pulsation increased with both m˙g and m˙l. Moreover, the self-pulsation frequency decreased with RR. Meanwhile, the mechanism of self-pulsation was initially explored through numerical simulation. It was concluded that self-pulsation was caused by the surface tension and the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the liquid sheet, together with the central airflow impact extrusion.
Prediction Method of Coal and Gas Outburst Intensity Based on Digital Twin and Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Zhiquan
Published: June 2022

Digital twin can well solve complex problems, especially in the case of mechanical failures. Digital twin technology can be applied in 3D IoT smart factories, new smart city construction, smart medical care, digital energy, digital archives, warehousing and logistics visualization and other fields. Deep learning covers a wide range of applications and is extremely common. This paper discusses the application of the two in the risk prediction of coal and gas outburst strength. This paper firstly describes the method of predicting coal and gas outburst intensity. For example, the BP neural network algorithm applied to the prediction of coal and gas outburst intensity in deep learning, the air flow control system model of digital twin for coal mines, and the risk assessment algorithm of coal and gas outburst intensity in coal mines based on grey relational analysis, and various ways to predict risk. And the system model is designed in this paper. Combined with the Formula, this paper describes the process of predicting risk in detail, and then conducts experiments based on digital twin and deep learning to predict coal and gas outburst intensity. In this paper, digital twin is used to systematically design coal and gas outburst intensity prediction, and a neural network prediction model based on optimized quantum gate nodes is established. In this paper, the practical application experiment and result analysis of the optimization algorithm in the coal and gas outburst prediction model are carried out, and the conclusion is drawn. After QGNN is optimized by the sdPSO algorithm, the error is extremely small, only 2.0914, and the specific value of the prediction accuracy in practical applications is as high as 95%. The experimental data verifies the feasibility of digital twin and deep learning technology in the prediction of coal and gas outburst intensity.
Dynamic Characteristics and Effect on Thrust of Jet Tail Vortex Ring for Pump Jet Propulsion
Authors: Han Wei , Li Zhixiong , Li Rennian , Feng Huimin , Nan Lingbo , Xu Jun , Xiao Mingzhen
Published: June 2022

When a pump is propelled by a propeller, the nozzle flooding of the jet wake area will produce a turbulent quasi-sequence structure and have a certain impact on the outflow field structure and thrust characteristics of the water jet propulsion pump. In this paper, a method that combined numerical simulation with vortex dynamics is adopted, which analyzes the dynamic characteristics and influence on the thrust characteristics of the water jet propulsion pump. A large eddy simulation turbulence model and a dimensionless water jet propulsion pump velocity coefficient were used to reveal flow structure and relation, with the pump operation parameters of the wake vortex ring. The thrust with a trailing vortex ring is 7.0% higher than that without a trailing vortex ring. Vortex dynamics and mathematical statistics are combined to quantitatively analyze the dynamic characteristics of the jet tail vortex ring. Finally, the formation time of the vortex ring is obtained in exponential relation with dimensionless transmission velocity and vorticity coefficient, which has nonlinear relation with vortex intensity coefficient and helicity coefficient. BP Neural Network combined with the LM algorithm is used to establish the mathematical relationship between the thrust and the physical characteristic parameters of the vortex ring.
Multi-Objective Optimal Source–Load Interaction Scheduling of Combined Heat and Power Microgrid Considering Stable Supply and Demand
Authors: Chang Jiaqi , Yang Xinglin , Zhang Zongnan , Zheng Shouqing , Cui Bowei
Published: June 2022

With the development of smart grids, it has become possible to take demand-side resource utilization into account to improve the comprehensive benefits of combined heat and power microgrids (CHP-MGs). In order to improve the benign interaction between the source and the load of the system, the source side decouples the thermoelectric linkage through energy storage devices and improves the system multi-energy supply capacity by introducing various energy flow forms of energy devices. On the demand side, considering the elasticity of electric heating load and the diversity of heating mode, an integrated demand response (IDR) model is established, and a flexible IDR price compensation mechanism is introduced. On this basis, aiming at the optimal stability of supply and demand and the minimum operating cost of the system, a multi-objective optimal operation model of combined heat and power source–load interaction is constructed, taking into account the user satisfaction with energy consumption and the internal equipment load constraints of the system. Finally, an improved multi-objective optimization algorithm is used to solve the model. The analysis of the algorithm shows that the source–load interaction multi-objective optimal scheduling of the cogeneration microgrid considering the stability of supply and demand can effectively improve the stability of supply and demand and the economy of the system.
Improving the Performance of PMSG Wind Turbines During Grid Fault Considering Different Strategies of Fault Current Limiters
Authors: Okedu Kenneth E.
Published: June 2022

The wind energy conversion technology of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) is very promising in renewable power generation. However, the performance of the grid-connected PMSGs is greatly affected by grid disturbances because their stator windings are interfaced with the grid directly. There are different Fault Current Limiter (FCL) topologies that are capable of improving the Fault Ride Through (FRT) capability of PMSG wind turbines during short circuit faults. This study investigates three types of FCLs connected to the grid side of the PMSG wind turbine: Series Dynamic Braking Resistor (SDBR), traditional Bridge Fault Current Limiter (BFCL), and Capacitive Bridge Fault Current Limiter (CBFCL). Complete modeling of FCLs was derived in order to understand their behaviors accurately during normal conditions and fault periods. The performance of the three FCLs in the PMSG wind turbine was analyzed and compared using a severe three-phase to ground fault at the terminal of the PMSG wind turbine in Power System Computer Design and Electromagnetic Transient Including DC (PSCAD/EMTDC) platform. The same conditions of operation were used in investigating the various FCL strategies in the PMSG wind turbine considered in this study during grid fault for effective comparison.
Application of Monodisperse Encapsulated Phase Change Materials in Building Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Li Zhenya , Liu Chuanliang , Chen Yingying , Hao Ning , Jiang Li , Bian Wenjie
Published: June 2022

Monodisperse encapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) are fabricated via microfluidic technology. To evaluate the thermoregulation ability of PCM capsules applied in building thermal energy storage, a gypsum model house with PCM capsules embedded is prepared. The temperature revolutions outside and inside the gypsum model house with different PCM capsules filling ratios are investigated. The effect of the filling ratio of the PCM on the thermoregulation performance is discussed. The potential application of monodisperse encapsulated PCMs in building thermal energy storage is verified. Attributing to the PCM capsules, the thermal response of the gypsum model house to the varying environmental temperature is retarded. As the filling ratios increase, the thermoregulation performance of the gypsum model house is better.
Research on Ultra-Short-Term Prediction Model of Wind Power Based on Attention Mechanism and CNN-BiGRU Combined
Authors: Meng Yuyu , Chang Chen , Huo Jiuyuan , Zhang Yaonan , Mohammed Al-Neshmi Hamzah Murad , Xu Jihao , Xie Tian
Published: June 2022

With the rapid development of new energy technologies and aiming at the proposal of the “DOUBLE CARBON” goal, the proportion of wind energy and other new sustainable energy power solutions in the power industry continues to increase and occupy a more critical position. However, the instability of wind power output brings serious challenges to safe and stable power grid operations. Therefore, accurate ultra-short-term wind power prediction is of great significance in stabilizing power system operations. This paper presents an ACNN-BiGRU wind power ultra-short-term prediction model based on the Attention mechanism, the fusion of convolutional neural network (CNN), and bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU). The model takes a single wind turbine as the prediction unit and uses the real-time meteorological data in the wind farm, the historical power data of the wind turbine, and the real-time operation data for parallel training. Then, it extracts the key features of the input data through CNN and uses the BiGRU network to conduct bidirectional modeling learning on the dynamic changes of the features proposed by CNN. In addition, the Attention mechanism is introduced to give different weights to BiGRU implicit states through mapping, weighting, and learning parameter matrix to complete the ultra-short-term wind power prediction. Finally, the actual observation data of a wind farm in Northwest China is used to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model. The model provides new ideas and methods for ultra-short-term high-precision prediction for wind power.
Using a Modified Langmuir Equation to Estimate the Influence of Organic Materials on Phosphorus Adsorption in a Mollisol From Northeast, China
Authors: Wang Zini , Hou Liyuan , Liu Zhenjuan , Cao Ning , Wang Xiaoli
Published: June 2022

The use of organic materials has been increasing due to improving soil fertility by affecting phosphorus (P) adsorption and desorption behavior of soils. However, previous studies ignored the influences of increased P concentrations in equilibrium solutions caused by P released from applied organic materials in bath P adsorption experiments. To eliminate these influences, a modified Langmuir equation was applied to describe P adsorption properties in dairy manure composts and biosolids-incubated soils. The adsorption and desorption trends shifted around the initial P concentration of 70 mg/L. The fitted parameter of correlation coefficients showed that the modified Langmuir model fitted well for the adsorption data covering only the lower initial P concentrations (0–70 mg P/L) and covering the whole P concentrations applied in the present study (0–400 mg/L). For the fitted results covering the whole P concentrations, adding organic materials generally decreased both the Γmax (maximum adsorption capacity for P) and the MABC (maximum adsorption buffering capacity), except for the 20-g/kg biosolids incubation, indicating that the number of adsorption sites for P decreased as the organic materials applied, and the binding energy for the P adsorption to the soil also decreased to some extent with some fluctuation as reflected by K values which represent adsorption strength. Higher DOC content, lower molecular weight, and higher humic acid might result in the higher Γmax of 20-g/kg biosolids incubated soil. The linear equations are described well for P desorption. The constant a value of slope in a linear equation reflects the P desorption capacity of soils increased due to the application of organic materials, especially in high P concentrations with a value of 0.45 for the control soil increased to 1.02 for 10-g/kg biosolids treated soil. Thus, it would be important to control the P application amounts when the application of P fertilizers to the soils with organic materials applied, as the effects of organic materials on P adsorption and desorption characteristics were more efficient at high P concentrations.
RETRACTED: Recycling in Textile Sector: A New Circular Economy Approach Towards Ecology and Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Liu Xiaolian , Wang Shuangao , Li Yuhong , Ali Shamsher , Khan Yousaf Ali , Salem Sultan , Huang Xiaobing
Published: June 2022

Sustainable supply chain management techniques have been developed over the last several decades to reduce accidental environmental damage during production and buying. Certifying a practical connection between ecosystems and economic development, circular economies push the limits of environmental sustainability. There are two types of rebound effects in the studied business. The impacts of circular business models and strategies are examined and put in a broader framework to get a better understanding of their role in the transition. In order to put transitory changes in a system perspective, this work approach to the problem in new way. Rebound effects and designing an eco-effective transition are discussed as theory-building elements. We conclude by suggesting several future research directions.
Can ESG-Responsible Investing Attract Sovereign Wealth Funds’ Investments? Evidence From Chinese Listed Firms
Authors: Chen Guifu , Wei Boyu , Dai Liyan
Published: June 2022

Global sustainable development focuses on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) responsible investment as a leading-edge topic in global asset management. Because of the long-term financial returns and positive social benefits of ESG-responsible investment, ESG factors have been introduced into the investment decision-making and risk management of Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs). Therefore, this study examines the effect of firms’ ESG-responsible investments on the investment scale of SWFs. We also examine the different influences of ESG factors in attracting SWFs’ investment, which is of some significance in discussing the investment preferences of SWFs. We find that ESG performance attracts SWFs’ investment by increasing ROA and reducing risk. The relationship between ESG and SWFs’ investments may help managers adopt appropriate strategies to attract SWFs investments and achieve coordinated development.
The Happy Hopping of Transposons: The Origins of V(D)J Recombination in Adaptive Immunity
Authors: Shridharan Rishi V. , Kalakuntla Neha , Chirmule Narendra , Tiwari Bhavana
Published: June 2022

Nearly 50% of the human genome is derived from transposable elements (TEs). Though dysregulated transposons are deleterious to humans and can lead to diseases, co-opted transposons play an important role in generating alternative or new DNA sequence combinations to perform novel cellular functions. The appearance of an adaptive immune system in jawed vertebrates, wherein the somatic rearrangement of T and B cells generates a repertoire of antibodies and receptors, is underpinned by Class II TEs. This review follows the evolution of recombination activation genes (RAGs), components of adaptive immunity, from TEs, focusing on the structural and mechanistic similarities between RAG recombinases and DNA transposases. As evolution occurred from a transposon precursor, DNA transposases developed a more targeted and constrained mechanism of mobilization. As DNA repair is integral to transposition and recombination, we note key similarities and differences in the choice of DNA repair pathways following these processes. Understanding the regulation of V(D)J recombination from its evolutionary origins may help future research to specifically target RAG proteins to rectify diseases associated with immune dysregulation.
Habitat Protection Approaches Facilitate Conservation of Overlooked Fungal Diversity – A Case Study From the Norwegian Coastal Heathland System
Authors: Blaalid Rakel , Davey Marie L.
Published: June 2022

European coastal heathlands are distinct ecosystems shaped by land use tradition and they have experienced an 80% area reduction from their historical maximum. These mosaics of mires and wind exposed patches have ericaceous shrub dominated vegetation, and soils within coastal heathlands are characterized by low pH and high levels of recalcitrant debris. Using a culture-based approach with molecular identification of isolates, we characterized root-associated fungal communities of six ericaceous species in eight heathland localities along Norway’s western coast. Site-level alpha diversity ranged from 21-38 OTUs, while the total estimated gamma diversity for culturable heathland root fungi was 190-231 OTUs. Most species recovered are previously reported at low abundance in Norway, suggesting the biodiversity in this community is underreported, rather than novel for science. The fungi recovered were primarily Ascomycota, specifically endophytic Phialocephala, and Pezicula, and no host specificity was observed in the communities. The fungal communities exhibited high turnover and low nestedness, both between ericaceous hosts and across heathland sites. We observed no spatial patterns in fungal betadiversity, and this heterogeneity may be a product of the unique historic land use practices at each locality creating a distinct mycofloral “fingerprint”. Robust diversity estimates will be key for managing fungal biodiversity in coastal heathlands. Our results indicate that sampling schemes that maximize the number of host plants sampled per site, rather than the number of cultures per plant yield improved alpha diversity estimates. Similarly, gamma diversity estimates are improved by maximizing the total number of localities sampled, rather than increasing the number of plants sampled per locality. We argue that while the current protected status of coastal heathland habitats and restoration efforts have knock-on effects for the conservation of fungal biodiversity, fungi have a vital functional role in the ecosystem and holistic conservation plans that consider fungal biodiversity would be beneficial.
Bridging the Gap Between Environmental Adversity and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: The Role of Transposable Elements
Authors: DeRosa Holly , Richter Troy , Wilkinson Cooper , Hunter Richard G.
Published: June 2022

Long regarded as “junk DNA,” transposable elements (TEs) have recently garnered much attention for their role in promoting genetic diversity and plasticity. While many processes involved in mammalian development require TE activity, deleterious TE insertions are a hallmark of several psychiatric disorders. Moreover, stressful events including exposure to gestational infection and trauma, are major risk factors for developing psychiatric illnesses. Here, we will provide evidence demonstrating the intersection of stressful events, atypical TE expression, and their epigenetic regulation, which may explain how neuropsychiatric phenotypes manifest. In this way, TEs may be the “bridge” between environmental perturbations and psychopathology.
Genetic Analysis of the LOXHD1 Gene in Chinese Patients With Non-Syndromic Hearing Loss
Authors: Wang Wei-Qian , Gao Xue , Huang Sha-Sha , Kang Dong-Yang , Xu Jin-Cao , Yang Kun , Han Ming-Yu , Zhang Xin , Yang Su-Yan , Yuan Yong-Yi , Dai Pu
Published: June 2022

Non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) is a common neurosensory disease with an extreme genetic heterogeneity which has been linked to variants in over 120 genes. The LOXHD1 gene (DFNB77), encoding lipoxygenase homology domain 1, is a rare hearing loss gene found in several populations. To evaluate the importance of LOXHD1 variants in Chinese patients with NSHL, we performed genetic analysis on LOXHD1 in 2,901 sporadic Chinese patients to identify the aspect and frequency of LOXHD1 causative variants. Next-generation sequencing using a custom gene panel of HL was conducted on 2,641 unrelated patients and whole-exome sequencing on the remaining 260 patients. A total of 33 likely causative variants were identified in 21 patients, including 20 novel variants and 13 previously reported pathogenic variants. Each of the 20 novel variants was evaluated according to ACMG criteria. These findings showed that causative variants in LOXHD1 were found in about 0.72% (21/2,901) of Chinese NSHL patients. This study is by far the largest number of novel variants identified in this gene expanding the range of pathogenic variants in LOXHD1, and suggests that variants in this gene occur relatively commonly in Chinese NSHL patients. This extensive investigation of LOXHD1 in Chinese NSHL patients proposed six recurrent LOXHD1 variants. These findings may assist in both molecular diagnosis and genetic counseling.
Whole-Genome Analysis Deciphers Population Structure and Genetic Introgression Among Bovine Species
Authors: Li Rong , Chen Shanyuan , Li Chunqing , Xiao Heng , Costa Vânia , Bhuiyan Mohammad Shamsul Alam , Baig Mumtaz , Beja-Pereira Albano
Published: June 2022

It is known that throughout history and presently, taurine (Bos taurus) and indicine/zebu (Bos indicus) cattle were crossed with other bovine species (e.g., gayal, gaur, banteng, yak, wisent, and bison). Information on the role of interspecific hybridization to facilitate faster adaptation of the newly arrived domestic species to new environments is poorly known. Herein, we collected 266 samples of bovine species of the taurine, zebu, yak, and gaur from West Europe, Southwest China, Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia to conduct the principal component analysis (PCA), admixture, gene flow, and selection signature analyses by using SNPs distributed across the bovine autosomes. The results showed that the genetic relationships between the zebu, yak, and gaur mirrored their geographical origins. Three ancestral components of the European taurine, East Asian taurine, and Indian zebu were found in domestic cattle, and the bidirectional genetic introgression between the Diqing cattle and Zhongdian yak was also detected. Simultaneously, the introgressed genes from the Zhongdian yak to the Diqing cattle were mainly enriched with immune-related pathways, and the ENPEP, FLT1, and PIK3CA genes related to the adaptation of high-altitude hypoxia were detected. Additionally, we found the genetic components of the Zhongdian yak had introgressed into Tibetan cattle. The 30 selected genes were detected in Tibetan cattle, which were significantly enriched in the chemokine signaling pathway. Interestingly, some genes (CDC42, SLC39A2, and EPAS1) associated with hypoxia response were discovered, in which CDC42 and SLC39A2 played important roles in angiogenesis and erythropoiesis, and heart function, respectively. This result showed that genetic introgression was one of the important ways for the environmental adaptation of domestic cattle.
Identifying Antidepressant Effects of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and IDO1 in the Mouse Model Based on RNA-Seq Data
Authors: Ren Jing , Li Chenyang , Wei Songren , He Yanjun , Huang Peng , Xu Jiangping
Published: June 2022

Deletion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and upregulation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) are associated with depression severity in animals. The neurotransmitter hypothesis of depression at the transcriptomic level can be tested using BDNF- and IDO1-knockout mouse models and RNA-seq. In this study, BDNF+/−, IDO1−/−, and chronic ultra-mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression mouse models and controls were developed, and the differentially expressed genes were analyzed. Furthermore, the ceRNA package was used to search the lncRNA2Target database for potential lncRNAs. Finally, a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRINGdb. By comparing the control and CUMS model groups, it was found that pathway enrichment analysis and ceRNA network analysis revealed that most differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with protection of vulnerable neuronal circuits. In addition, we found the enriched pathways were associated with nervous system development and synapse organization when comparing the control and BDNF+/−model groups. When replicating the neurotransmitter disruption features of clinical patients, such comparisons revealed the considerable differences between CUMS and knockdown BDNF models, and the BDNF+/−model may be superior to the classic CUMS model. The data obtained in the present study implicated the potential DEGs and their enriched pathway in three mouse models related to depression and the regulation of the ceRNA network-mediated gene in the progression of depression. Together, our findings may be crucial for uncovering the mechanisms underlying the neurotransmitter hypothesis of depression in animals.
IL-33 and the PKA Pathway Regulate ILC2 Populations Expressing IL-9 and ST2
Authors: Olguín-Martínez Enrique , Muñoz-Paleta Ofelia , Ruiz-Medina Blanca E. , Ramos-Balderas Jose Luis , Licona-Limón Ileana , Licona-Limón Paula
Published: June 2022

Type 2 Innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are tissue-resident immune cells activated by epithelial-derived alarmins upon tissue damage. They regulate immunity against helminth parasites and allergies by expressing type 2 immune response cytokines including IL-9, known to be critical for inducing and potentiating the immune response in such context. Although ILC2s are reported to be the main source of IL-9 in mice during N. brasiliensis infection, the mechanisms that regulate the expression of IL-9 in these cells are yet to be described. Recent studies have shown that in addition to cytokines, multiple molecules can differentially modulate the functions of ILC2s in various contexts both in vitro and in vivo. Among these stimuli are lipid mediators and neuropeptides, which activate the PKA pathway and have been associated with the regulation of type 2 immune cytokines. In this work we found that ILC2s in mice infected with N. brasiliensis can be classified into different groups based on the expression of IL-9 and ST2. These distinct populations were distributed in the lung and the small intestine. Through the development of an in vitro culture system, we sought to determine the stimuli that regulate the expression of these markers in ILC2s. We identified the alarmin IL-33 as being a key player for increased IL-9 expression. Additionally, we found the PKA pathway to be a dual regulator of ILC2 cells, working synergistically with IL-33 to enhance IL-9 production and capable of modulating proliferation and the expression of ILC2 markers. These data provide further evidence of a high heterogeneity between ILC2 subsets in a context dependent manner and calls for careful consideration when choosing the markers to identify these cells in vivo. Distinguishing ILC2 subsets and dissecting their mechanisms of activation is critical for a deeper understanding of the biology of these cells, allowing their manipulation for therapeutic purposes.
The Effect of Age, Gender and Comorbidities Upon SARS-CoV-2 Spike Antibody Induction After Two Doses of Sinopharm Vaccine and the Effect of a Pfizer/BioNtech Booster Vaccine
Authors: Farid Eman , Herrera-Uribe Juber , Stevenson Nigel J.
Published: June 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 emerged in China in 2019 and has since travelled the world infecting millions. SARS-CoV-2 causes Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), that has to date taken over 4 million lives. The Kingdom of Bahrain’s vaccine roll-out has consisted of Sinopharm’s BBIBP-CorV (Sinopharm) and Pfizer/BioNtech’s BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNtech). Testing for SARS-CoV-2 anti-Spike (S) antibodies is a useful technique in estimating an individual’s immune protection against the infection. In this study we evaluated S antibody levels by electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay in 379 individuals double vaccinated with Sinopharm and 15 of whom were given a booster with the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine. Among our double vaccinated cohort, we found a spectrum of S antibody levels. Indeed, we found that a significant proportion of individuals with low S antibody levels had clinical conditions, which were mainly immune-related disorders. Furthermore, a significant proportion of individuals with low S antibody levels were above 50 years of age. Finally, we observed a significant increase in S antibody levels after the Pfizer/BioNtech booster was administered. These findings reveal that while a large proportion of Sinopharm vaccinated individuals did not develop high levels of antibodies against the S protein, a booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine significantly enhances S antibody levels, revealing this “triple dose” vaccination strategy as a useful method of ensuring protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2.
Podocalyxin Expressed in Antigen Presenting Cells Promotes Interaction With T Cells and Alters Centrosome Translocation to the Contact Site
Authors: Amo Laura , Díez-García Javier , Tamayo-Orbegozo Estíbaliz , Maruri Natalia , Larrucea Susana
Published: June 2022

Podocalyxin (PODXL), a cell surface sialomucin expressed in diverse types of normal and malignant cells, mediates cellular adhesion to extracellular matrix and cell-to-cell interaction. A previous study reported the expression of PODXL protein on monocytes undergoing macrophage differentiation, yet the expression of this molecule in other antigen presenting cells (APCs) and its function in the immune system still remain undetermined. In this study, we report that PODXL is expressed in human monocyte-derived immature dendritic cells at both the mRNA and protein levels. Following dendritric cells maturation using pro-inflammatory stimuli, PODXL expression level decreased substantially. Furthermore, we found that PODXL expression is positively regulated by IL-4 through MEK/ERK and JAK3/STAT6 signaling pathways. Our results revealed a polarized distribution of PODXL during the interaction of APCs with CD4+ T cells, partially colocalizing with F-actin. Notably, PODXL overexpression in APCs promoted their interaction with CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells and decreased the expression of MHC-I, MHC-II, and the costimulatory molecule CD86. In addition, PODXL reduced the translocation of CD4+ T-cell centrosome toward the APC-contact site. These findings suggest a regulatory role for PODXL expressed by APCs in immune responses, thus representing a potential target for therapeutic blockade in infection and cancer.