bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthcare System Impact on Deceased Organ Donation and Transplantation: A Comparison Between the Top 10 Organ Donor Countries With 4 Countries in Southeast Asia
Authors: Cowie Sandra , Choy Seow-Huey , Shah Diana Mohd , Gomez Maria Paula , Yoong Boon-Koon , Koong Jun-Kit
Published: August 2023

The need for organ donation is constantly increasing. Some countries have made improvements, while others, such as countries in Southeast Asia (SEA), have some of the lowest rates of deceased donors (pmp). This review aims to compare 14 countries with regards to many variables related to healthcare systems. Countries leading in deceased organ donation spend more on health and education, which is associated with increased potential for deceased organ donation. Out-of-pocket expenditure, is also associated with a decrease in deceased organ donation. Countries in SEA are lacking in healthcare resources such as workforce and materials, which are both necessary for a successful transplant program. Most countries in SEA have an excellent foundation for successful organ donation systems, including proper legislation, government support, and brain death laws along with an overall acceptance of brain death diagnosis. Priorities should include improving coordination, donor identification, and healthcare worker education. Countries in SEA have a lot of potential to increase deceased organ donation, especially by investing in healthcare and education. There is no one size fits all for organ donation programs and countries in SEA should focus on their strengths and take cultural differences into consideration when planning interventions.
Statistics and 3D Modelling on Soil Analysis by Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Laboratory Data for a Low-Cost Precision Agriculture Approach
Authors: Mei Alessandro , Ragazzo Alfonso Valerio , Rantica Elena , Fontinovo Giuliano
Published: August 2023

The aim of this work was to elaborate a new methodology that can allow for the identification of the topsoil homogeneous area (tSHA) distribution along land parcels, supporting farmers in keeping low-cost, sustainable, and light logistic management of precision agriculture (PA) practices. This paper shows the assessment of tSHA variability over two production units (PUs), considering radiometric response (optical camera), physicochemical (texture, pH, electrical conductivity), and statistical and geostatistical data analysis. By using unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) and laboratory analysis, our results revealed that the integration between UAS-RGB and physicochemical data can improve the estimation accuracy of tSHA distribution. Firstly, the UAS-RGB dataset was used to isolate bare soil from the vegetative radiometric contribution. Secondly, starting from statistical approaches (correlation matrices), the highest correlation with UAS-RGB and physicochemical data was stated. Thirdly, by using a geostatistical approach (ordinary cokriging), the map representing the tSHA variability was finally obtained.
A Secure and Intelligent Software-Defined Networking Framework for Future Smart Cities to Prevent DDoS Attack
Authors: Alshahrani Mohammed Mujib
Published: August 2023

Smart cities have experienced significant growth in recent years, transforming people’s lives into a more futuristic version. The smart city initiative includes a diverse collection of specifications, encompassing a large number of users whose requirements vary significantly and heterogeneously. Each device in smart cities generates a significant amount of data, which places a load on the gateways. Smart cities face a major challenge due to the enormous amount of data they generate. Through software-defined networking (SDN), network information paths are optimized, ensuring that traffic flow is evenly distributed across all network nodes. A considerable number of IoT devices with limited resources are susceptible to various security threats, such as device hijacking, ransomware, man-in-the-middle (MiM) attacks, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. These threats can pose a severe challenge to network security. Additionally, DDoS attacks have disrupted web businesses, resulting in the loss of valuable data. To counter DDoS attacks in a smart city, several options exist, yet many challenges remain. This research presents a secure and intelligent system to combat DDoS attacks on smart cities. SDN security controllers and machine learning models with optimization are employed in this study to reduce the impact of common DDoS attacks on smart cities. This work utilizes an SDN based on security controllers and a detection mechanism rooted in a machine learning model with optimization to mitigate various types of prevalent DDoS attacks within smart cities. Employing binary classification, XGBoost achieved an accuracy of 99.99%, precision of 97%, recall of 99%, an F1 score of 98%, and a false-positive rate of 0.05. In multiclass classification, the average accuracy is 99.29%, precision is 97.7%, recall is 96.69%, and the F1 score is 97.51%. These results highlight the superiority of this approach over other existing machine learning techniques.
Improving the Production Efficiency Based on Algorithmization of the Planning Process
Authors: Kozinski Ondrej , Kotyrba Martin , Volna Eva
Published: August 2023

Planning and managing the production process are key challenges faced by every manufacturing organization. The main contribution of this article lies in the analysis and design of a planning algorithm that takes into consideration the specifics of this environment. The proposed algorithm encompasses elements of batch production, including a just-in-time approach. The article focuses on scenarios within batch production. Managers of manufacturing and supply companies must ensure smooth fulfillment and uninterrupted production of the agreed-upon quantity of parts. However, this task presents complex challenges. The product portfolio requires meticulous sequencing of production batches, and subsequent parts need to be temporarily stored in their raw state for further processing. Moreover, product variability necessitates frequent adjustments to the production line, resulting in delays. Shortages in manpower additionally place demands on shift organization. The company’s primary objective is to increase production efficiency while simultaneously reducing inventory and minimizing non-standard shift work. The challenge was to reconcile seemingly conflicting company requirements and to concentrate on solutions with swift implementation and minimal costs. Ensuring seamless production operation can be addressed by expanding supporting technologies or by increasing production capacity, such as acquiring an additional production line. However, these options entail costs and do not align with the company’s expectation for immediate impact and cost savings. However, improving production efficiency can also be achieved by altering the approach to production planning, which is the central theme of this article. The key element is ensuring that the customer plan is adhered to while working with a fixed production logic and variable input factors that must account for various non-standard situations.
Predicting Respiratory Rate from Electrocardiogram and Photoplethysmogram Using a Transformer-Based Model
Authors: Zhao Qi , Liu Fang , Song Yide , Fan Xiaoya , Wang Yu , Yao Yudong , Mao Qian , Zhao Zheng
Published: August 2023

The respiratory rate (RR) serves as a critical physiological parameter in the context of both diagnostic and prognostic evaluations. Due to the challenges of direct measurement, RR is still predominantly measured through the traditional manual counting-breaths method in clinic practice. Numerous algorithms and machine learning models have been developed to predict RR using physiological signals, such as electrocardiogram (ECG) or/and photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals. Yet, the accuracy of these existing methods on available datasets remains limited, and their prediction on new data is also unsatisfactory for actual clinical applications. In this paper, we proposed an enhanced Transformer model with inception blocks for predicting RR based on both ECG and PPG signals. To evaluate the generalization capability on new data, our model was trained and tested using subject-level ten-fold cross-validation using data from both BIDMC and CapnoBase datasets. On the test set, our model achieved superior performance over five popular deep-learning-based methods with mean absolute error (1.2) decreased by 36.5% and correlation coefficient (0.85) increased by 84.8% compared to the best results of these models. In addition, we also proposed a new pipeline to preprocess ECG and PPG signals to improve model performance. We believe that the development of the TransRR model is expected to further expedite the clinical implementation of automatic RR estimation.
A Scoping Review of Early Childhood Caries Experience Assessment Tools Used for Studies in Nigeria
Authors: Ehizele Adebola Oluyemisi , Afolabi Adebukunola Olajumoke , Nnawuihe Ukachi Chiwendu , Alade Omolola Titilayo , Lusher Joanne , Eleje George Uchenna , Abodunrin Olunike Rebecca , Akinsolu Folahanmi Tomiwa , Nwaozuru Ucheoma , Tantawi Maha El , Foláyan Morẹ́nikẹ́ Oluwátóyìn , Nwaokorie Francisca Obiageri
Published: August 2023

This scoping review provides an overview of the tools used to assess for early childhood caries (ECC) in Nigeria. A search of the literature in African Journals Online, Google Scholar, Medline, and Cochrane database was conducted in June 2023 using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A combination of keywords related to caries risk assessment, preschool children, and evaluation tools was used for the search. Studies reported in English and assessing ECC were extracted. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the information on study characteristics, types of caries assessment tools, and study outcome. Caries assessment tools were divided into behavioural, social, and biological. After screening 964 potential studies, 16 were included in the review. ECC assessment tools were categorised into behavioural (snacking, frequency of consumption of refined carbohydrate in-between-meals, dental service utilisation, frequency of tooth brushing, use of fluoridated toothpaste, breast and bottle feeding patterns and duration), biological (birth rank, age, sex, anthropometric measures, molecular characterisation of isolated organisms, presence of plaque), and social (socioeconomic status of the child’s household, mother’s level of education, maternal income, occupation of the father, maternal decision-making ability). Twelve studies used behavioural assessment tools, 11 used biological, and 11 used social tools. Furthermore, 11 (70.1%) used a combination of tools, four (25.0%) used only biological tools, and one (6.2%) used only behavioural tools to assess ECC experience. No study screened for the risk of caries. In conclusion, we identified the need for comprehensive studies to identify the risk indicators of ECC in Nigeria. This will support the development of a caries risk assessment tool appropriate for the country context.
Inflammatory Orofacial Pain Activates Peptidergic Neurons and Upregulates the Oxytocin Receptor Expression in Trigeminal Ganglion
Authors: Kemenesi-Gedei Péter Bátor , Csabafi Krisztina Anna , Kis Gyöngyi
Published: August 2023

The majority of orofacial pain is caused by musculoskeletal and neuropathological diseases related to inflammatory processes that lead even to transcriptional alterations in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons. The hypothalamic nonapeptide oxytocin has been reported to modulate nociception via binding and activating its receptor in primary sensory neurons. The purpose of this study was to analyze the gene expression of the oxytocin receptor (OTR), c-Fos, an indicator of neuronal activity, and α-calcitonin gene-related peptide (αCGRP), a characteristic neurotransmitter of the peptidergic trigeminal primary afferents in an animal model of inflammation-induced orofacial pain. Carrageenan was unilaterally injected into the vibrissal pads of male and female adult Wistar rats. RT-qPCR was performed to analyze the levels of mRNA expression in TGs 24 h after injection. The gene expression analysis revealed higher fold changes regarding the c-Fos (mean ± S.E: ♀: 3.9 ± 0.19; ♂: 3.55 ± 0.18) and αCGRP (♀: 2.84 ± 0.13; ♂: 3.39 ± 0.47) expression levels of mRNA, and a moderate rise in the expression of the OTR mRNA (♀: 1.52 ± 0.07; ♂: 1.49 ± 0.07) was observed in comparison to both vehicle(saline)-treated and untreated controls. Our results furnish evidence for inflammation-induced activation of peptidergic neurons, and it is suggested that oxytocin modulates inflammation-induced nociception by enhancing their signaling capacity due to its elevated expression in the sensory ganglion cells, thus providing new therapies for orofacial pain relief that target the OTRs.
Modeling the Energy Consumption of R600a Gas in a Refrigeration System with New Explainable Artificial Intelligence Methods Based on Hybrid Optimization
Authors: Akyol Sinem , Das Mehmet , Alatas Bilal
Published: August 2023

Refrigerant gases, an essential cooling system component, are used in different processes according to their thermophysical properties and energy consumption values. The low global warming potential and energy consumption values of refrigerant gases are primarily preferred in terms of use. Recently, studies on modeling properties such as compressor energy consumption, efficiency coefficient, exergy, and thermophysical properties of refrigerants in refrigeration systems with artificial intelligence methods has become increasingly common. In this study, a hybrid-optimization-based artificial intelligence classification method is applied for the first time to produce explainable, interpretable, and transparent models of compressor energy consumption in a vapor compression refrigeration system operating with R600a refrigerant gas. This methodological innovation obtains models that determine the energy consumption values of R600a gas according to the operating parameters. From these models, the operating conditions with the lowest energy consumption are automatically revealed. The innovative artificial intelligence method applied for the energy consumption value determines the system’s energy consumption according to the operating temperatures and pressures of the evaporator and condenser unit. When the obtained energy consumption model results were compared with the experimental results, it was seen that it had an accuracy of 84.4%. From this explainable artificial intelligence method, which is applied for the first time in the field of refrigerant gas, the most suitable operating conditions that can be achieved based on the minimum, medium, and maximum energy consumption ranges of different refrigerant gases can be determined.
Beta-Caryophyllene Induces Significant Changes in the Lipid Bilayer at Room and Physiological Temperatures: ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy Studies
Authors: Yakimov Ivan D. , Kolmogorov Ilya M. , Le-Deygen Irina M.
Published: August 2023

Beta-caryophyllene (BCP) is a natural bicyclic sesquiterpene with high biological activity. Potentially, it can be used in the treatment of a wide range of neurological diseases. However, to date, there are practically no data on the interaction of BCP with biological membranes. In the present work, we studied for the first time the interaction of BCP with model membranes—liposomes based on egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (Egg PC) with a variable cholesterol content (from 0 to 25 w.%). Using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, we have shown that the membrane rigidity and cholesterol content dramatically affect the nature of the interaction of BCP with the bilayer both at room temperature and at physiological temperatures. The incorporation of BCP into the thickness of the bilayer leads to changes in the subpolar region of the bilayer, and at a high cholesterol content, it can provoke the formation of defects in the membrane.
Experimental Determination of the Stability of the «Flamena» Gel Pharmacological Structure under the Influence of Low-Intensity Laser Radiation
Authors: Prikule Diana V. , Prikuls Vladislav F. , Potrivailo Aleksejs , Kamavosyan Anna K.
Published: August 2023

In modern dentistry, the problem of the prevention and treatment of peri-implantitis is relevant. Proposed methods of treating patients with peri-implantitis do not stop the pathological process with the possibility of achieving long-term remission. Liposomal complexes with dihydroquercetin make it possible to influence the pathogenetic links of the inflammatory process in periodontal tissues with the prospect of normalizing blood circulation and regeneration processes in the affected area. It has been established that the complex simultaneous effect of low-intensity laser radiation and a pharmaceutical (laserophoresis) provides the possibility of more significant penetration of the drug components into periodontal tissues. The study of the laserophoresis of the liposomal complex with dihydroquercetin in the treatment of patients with peri-implantitis is relevant. However, in the modern literature, there is a lack of studies on the effect of low-intensity laser radiation on the pharmaceutical structure of drugs based on the above-mentioned basis.
Women in Need—The Nature of Social Support in an Online Community
Authors: Erčulj Vanja Ida , Pavšič Mrevlje Tinkara
Published: August 2023

Some women, especially victims of violence, seek support in online groups. The objective of this research was to investigate the nature of the social support women receive in such online communities. For this purpose, all the posts from a large online support community group for women in Slovenia, Women in Need, from 2002 to the end of 2020 were retrieved and analyzed manually as well as by using a text-mining approach. The results show that women in the investigated community mostly seek informational support, spend little time actively contributing to online discussions, and rarely become engaged members of supportive groups within the focal online space. Some recommendations on how to improve the functionality of online social support sites are provided.
Human Mast Cells Upregulate Cathepsin B, a Novel Marker of Itch in Psoriasis
Authors: West Peter W. , Tontini Chiara , Atmoko Haris , Kiss Orsolya , Garner Terence , Bahri Rajia , Warren Richard B. , Griffiths Christopher E. M. , Stevens Adam , Bulfone-Paus Silvia
Published: August 2023

Mast cells (MCs) contribute to skin inflammation. In psoriasis, the activation of cutaneous neuroimmune networks commonly leads to itch. To dissect the unique contribution of MCs to the cutaneous neuroinflammatory response in psoriasis, we examined their density, distribution, relation to nerve fibres and disease severity, and molecular signature by comparing RNA-seq analysis of MCs isolated from the skin of psoriasis patients and healthy volunteers. In involved psoriasis skin, MCs and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP)-positive nerve fibres were spatially associated, and the increase of both MC and nerve fibre density correlated with disease severity. Gene set enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes in involved psoriasis skin showed significant representation of neuron-related pathways (i.e., regulation of neuron projection along with dendrite and dendritic spine morphogenesis), indicating MC engagement in neuronal development and supporting the evidence of close MC–nerve fibre interaction. Furthermore, the analysis of 208 identified itch-associated genes revealed that CTSB, TLR4, and TACR1 were upregulated in MCs in involved skin. In both whole-skin published datasets and isolated MCs, CTSB was found to be a reliable indicator of the psoriasis condition. Furthermore, cathepsin B+ cells were increased in psoriasis skin and cathepsin B+ MC density correlated with disease severity. Therefore, our study provides evidence that cathepsin B could serve as a common indicator of the MC-dependent itch signature in psoriasis.
Self-Assembled DNA Nanospheres: Design and Applications
Authors: Li Jing , Liu Xiaojun , Wang Jiaoli , Jiang Qi , Chen Minhui , Zhang Wei , Chen Yu , Pu Ying , Huang Jin
Published: August 2023

Self-assembled DNA nanospheres, as versatile and ideal vehicles, have offered new opportunities to create intelligent delivery systems for precise bioimaging and cancer therapy, due to their good biostability and cell permeability, large loading capacity, and programmable self–assembly behaviors. DNA nanospheres can be synthesized by the self–assembly of Y–shaped DNA monomers, ultra–long single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), and even metal–DNA coordination. Interestingly, they are size–controllable by varying some parameters including concentration, reaction time, and mixing ratio. This review summarizes the design of DNA nanospheres and their extensive biomedical applications. First, the characteristics of DNA are briefly introduced, and different DNA nanostructures are mentioned. Then, the design of DNA nanospheres is emphasized and classified into three main categories, including Y–shaped DNA unit self-assembly by Watson–Crick base pairing, liquid crystallization and the dense packaging of ultra–long DNA strands generated via rolling circle amplification (RCA), and metal–DNA coordination–driven hybrids. Meanwhile, the advantages and disadvantages of different self–assembled DNA nanospheres are discussed, respectively. Next, the biomedical applications of DNA nanospheres are mainly focused on. Especially, DNA nanospheres serve as promising nanocarriers to deliver functional nucleic acids and drugs for biosensing, bioimaging, and therapeutics. Finally, the current challenges and perspectives for self-assembled DNA nanospheres in the future are provided.
Assessing the Sustainability of the Most Prominent Type of Marine Diesel Engines under the Implementation of the EEXI and CII Regulations
Authors: Polemis Dionysios , Boviatsis Michael , Chatzinikolaou Stefanos
Published: August 2023

The wide spread of the Diesel engine has been instrumental in the development of modern shipping. Marine Diesel engines dominate today as an option for the propulsion of commercial ships. While replacing Diesel engines with alternative propulsion engines is difficult to achieve, companies, in light of the new EEXI regulations, are turning to improvements, such as operating at lower rotational speeds, higher maximum combustion pressures, and more efficient overcrowding systems. Τhe purpose of this research paper is (i) to present the basic operating principles of marine Diesel engines, (ii) to study the main differences between electronically controlled Diesel engines and their mechanically controlled counterparts, and (iii) to evaluate their performance under newly introduced IMO’s EEXI regulations. Thus, after comparing Wärtsilä RTA and WinGD WX, the paper concluded that WinGD WX, being electronically controlled, will perform more effectively under new EEXI regulations, as it offers (i) reduced fuel consumption in low-load mode, (ii) zero-smoke emission at all operating speeds, (iii) very stable operation at low speed, (iv) more straightforward engine setup leading to less maintenance, (v) more extended periods between maintenance, mainly due to better load distribution between cylinders and more perfect combustion. From a regulatory perspective, the new limitations installed by the newly implemented EEXI and CII regulations will cause fewer implications in electronically controlled engines, while from an economic standpoint, the electronically controlled engines decrease OPEX and require fewer personnel, due to their efficiency at low loads and overall flexibility.
Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation on Magnesium AZ31 with Sepiolite as Inhibitor Carrier for Improved Corrosion Protection
Authors: Sottor Robert , Gruen Ricarda , Kremmer Kerstin , Lederer Stephan , Schneider Michael , Fuerbeth Wolfram
Published: August 2023

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) in an alkaline silicate electrolyte containing nanosized sepiolite fibers was carried out on magnesium alloy AZ31. The mineral fibers were loaded with different corrosion inhibitors and incorporated in situ during the PEO treatment. The composition and microstructure of the PEO coatings were investigated by SEM. It was shown that the fibers are located on the surface as well as inside the “weak spots” of the coating, i.e., pores and discharge channels. The fixation of the particles is caused by sintering due to the heat developed during the PEO treatment. Investigations using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and linear sweep voltammetry in 0.01 M NaCl solution confirmed an improvement of the corrosion protection. The use of the inhibitors shifts the critical pitting potential in the anodic direction. Regarding efficiency, cerium-loaded sepiolite showed the best behavior by shifting the pitting potential by +0.9 V.
Abrupt Late Holocene Closure of San Elijo Lagoon, Northern San Diego County, California
Authors: Laton William R. , Foster John H.
Published: August 2023

The San Elijo Lagoon experienced a sudden shift in sedimentation type around 1000 AD, as evidenced by the 14C dating. This shift is marked by a sharp boundary between a lower layer of medium to fine sand and an upper layer of dark, silty clay that reflects the lagoon closure. The dated sediments also reveal a history of marine conditions in the lagoon basin since about 7400 ± 140 years before the present (ybp), when the sea level was −12.2 meters (m), and the shoreline was 400 m away from the current location. The sea level rose at a rate of 2.84 m per 1000 years until about 4170 ± 100 ybp. After that, the rising sea level slowed and reached the present level about 3100 years ago. However, the lagoon remained closed after about 730 to 1180 ybp, with only fine organic sediment accumulating in the basin, which coincides with a severe drought in the southwest around 1150 AD. A higher sedimentation rate is interpreted from bluff erosion as seen after 520 ± 40 ybp but without enough stream flow to force the reopening of the lagoon.
Thermodynamic Overview of Bioconjugation Reactions Pertinent to Lysine and Cysteine Peptide and Protein Residues
Authors: Lopandic Maja , Merza Fatima , Honek John F.
Published: August 2023

Bioconjugation reactions are critical to the modification of peptides and proteins, permitting the introduction of biophysical probes onto proteins as well as drugs for use in antibody-targeted medicines. A diverse set of chemical reagents can be employed in these circumstances to covalently label protein side chains, such as the amine moiety in the side chain of lysine and the thiol functionality in cysteine residues, two of the more frequently employed sites for modification. To provide researchers with a thermodynamic survey of the reaction of these residues with frequently employed chemical modification reagents as well as reactive cellular intermediates also known to modify proteins non-enzymatically, a theoretical investigation of the overall thermodynamics of models of these reactions was undertaken at the T1 and G3(MP2) thermochemical recipe levels (gas phase), the M06-2X/6-311+G(2df,2p)/B3LYP/6-31G(d) (gas and water phase), and the M06-2X/cc-PVTZ(-f)++ density functional levels of theory (water phase). Discussions of the relationship between the reagent structure and the overall thermodynamics of amine or thiol modification are presented. Of additional interest are the observations that routine cellular intermediates such as certain thioesters, acyl phosphates, and acetyl-L-carnitine can contribute to non-enzymatic protein modifications. These reactions and representative click chemistry reactions were also investigated. The computational survey presented herein (>320 reaction computations were undertaken) should serve as a valuable resource for researchers undertaking protein bioconjugation. A concluding section addresses the ability of computation to provide predictions as to the potential for protein modification by new chemical entities, with a cautionary note on protein modification side reactions that may occur when employing synthetic substrates to measure enzyme kinetic activities.
Strength and Resistance to Sulfates, Carbonation and Chlorides Ingress by Substitution of Binder by Hydrotalcite in Several Cement Types
Authors: Andrade Carmen , Martínez-Serrano Ana , Sanjuán Miguel Ángel , Tenorio José A.
Published: August 2023

Currently, the cement sector has become aware of the economic and environmental advantages of replacing clinker with other supplementary cementitious materials that have a lower carbon footprint in the design of eco-cements. In this study, hydrotalcite, a natural as well as synthetic clay, which can be fabricated at the cement plant site, was used as such an addition. The objective of this work was to evaluate the behavior of its physical–mechanical properties and durability in pastes and mortars, using a magnesium-type commercial hydrotalcite, Mg6Al2(OH)16CO3·4H2O, as a substitute material for 10, 20 and 30% by weight of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The mechanical strength was not affected by the substitution, the resistance to chlorides increased, as the hydrotalcite (HT) was able to bind chlorides, and the resistance to carbonation increased at 3 months but was almost the same as the reference specimen at 6 months, which indicates the need to have longer test durations.
Chronic False Positive Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) Tests Induced by COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Williams Erin , Kennedy Devin J. , Hoffer Michael , Carreño Juan Manuel , Krammer Florian , Pallikkuth Suresh , Pahwa Savita
Published: August 2023

False positive reactive plasmin reagin (RPR) reactivity following a COVID-19 vaccine has been reported, and it is therefore conceivable that individuals who receive frequent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations may exhibit durable RPR responses. Here, we sought to investigate the extent to which repeated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines can elicit chronic false RPR reactivity in a longitudinal cohort. Participants (n = 119) in an IRB-approved (#20201026), longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 cohort study were screened for RPR reactivity via manual RPR card assays. Samples with reactive results underwent additional testing, including follow-on RPR screening at additional timepoints, confirmatory fluorescent treponemal antibody (FTA-ABS) testing and anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) testing. Medical histories were collected. We observed (n = 2) screen-positive RPR results (1.7% [2/119]) following booster vaccination, for which two individuals exhibited chronic, vaccine-induced RPR reactivity for up to 9 months following booster vaccination. Both participants were ANA-negative. It is imperative for clinicians to be mindful of the potential immunologic interference of COVID-19 vaccines with standard infectious disease assays, including RPR testing. Detailed medical histories and clinical contexts, including recent vaccination, should be reviewed prior to proceeding with distressing and invasive workups.
A Framework for Evaluating Renewable Energy for Decision-Making Integrating a Hybrid FAHP-TOPSIS Approach: A Case Study in Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Authors: Barrera-Zapata Mateo , Zuñiga-Cortes Fabian , Caicedo-Bravo Eduardo
Published: August 2023

At present, the energy landscape of many countries faces transformational challenges driven by sustainable development objectives, supported by the implementation of clean technologies, such as renewable energy sources, to meet the flexibility and diversification needs of the traditional energy mix. However, integrating these technologies requires a thorough study of the context in which they are developed. Furthermore, it is necessary to carry out an analysis from a sustainable approach that quantifies the impact of proposals on multiple objectives established by stakeholders. This article presents a framework for analysis that integrates a method for evaluating the technical feasibility of resources for photovoltaic solar, wind, small hydroelectric power, and biomass generation. These resources are used to construct a set of alternatives and are evaluated using a hybrid FAHP-TOPSIS approach. FAHP-TOPSIS is used as a comparison technique among a collection of technical, economic, and environmental criteria, ranking the alternatives considering their level of trade-off between criteria. The results of a case study in Valle del Cauca (Colombia) offer a wide range of alternatives and indicate a combination of 50% biomass, and 50% solar as the best, assisting in decision-making for the correct use of available resources and maximizing the benefits for stakeholders.
Enhancing Light Harvesting in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells through Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle-Mediated Diffuse Scattering Back Reflectors
Authors: Fina Jeffrie , Kaur Navdeep , Chang Chen-Yu , Lai Cheng-Yu , Radu Daniela R.
Published: August 2023

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) hold unique promise in solar photovoltaics owing to their low-cost fabrication and high efficiency in ambient conditions. However, to improve their commercial viability, effective, and low-cost methods must be employed to enhance their light harvesting capabilities, and hence photovoltaic (PV) performance. Improving the absorption of incoming light is a critical strategy for maximizing solar cell efficiency while overcoming material limitations. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were employed herein as a reflective layer on the back of transparent counter electrodes. Chemically synthesized MSNs were applied to DSSCs via bar coating as a facile fabrication step compatible with roll-to-roll manufacturing. The MSNs diffusely scatter the unused incident light transmitted through the DSSCs back into the photoactive layers, increasing the absorption of light by N719 dye molecules. This resulted in a 20% increase in power conversion efficiency (PCE), from 5.57% in a standard cell to 6.68% with the addition of MSNs. The improved performance is attributed to an increase in photon absorption which led to the generation of a higher number of charge carriers, thus increasing the current density in DSSCs. These results were corroborated with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), which showed improved charge transport kinetics. The use of MSNs as reflectors proved to be an effective practical method for enhancing the performance of thin film solar cells. Due to silica’s abundance and biocompatibility, MSNs are an attractive material for meeting the low-cost and non-toxic requirements for commercially viable integrated PVs.
The Role of the Energy Use in Buildings in Front of Climate Change: Reviewing a System’s Challenging Future
Authors: Ekonomou George , Menegaki Angeliki N.
Published: August 2023

Energy keeps the global economy alive, while also being extensively exposed to various climate change impacts. In this context, severe business competition (e.g., the building sector) and the unwise use of natural resources and ecosystem services (e.g., fossil fuel energy sources) seem to sharpen the relevant effects of climate change. Indicatively, contemporary issues at the interface of building energy performance and environmental quality levels include consequences from global warming, the increasing release of carbon dioxide to peak electrical loads, power grids, and building planning, and energy demand and supply issues. In light of such concerns, the present review paper attempts to disclose the multifaceted and multidisciplinary character of building energy use at the interface of the economy, the environment, and society against climate change. This review highlights energy efficiency concepts, production, distribution, consumption patterns, and relevant technological improvements. Interestingly, the reviewed contributions in the relevant literature reveal the need and necessity to alter the energy mix and relevant energy use issues. These include developments in climate-proof and effective systems regarding climate change impacts and shocks. Practical implications indicate that the sustainable development goals for clean energy and climate action should be followed if we wish to bring a sustainable future closer and faster to our reality.
The Occurrence and Genetic Variability of Tea Plant Necrotic Ring Blotch Virus in Fujian Province, China
Authors: Chen Xihong , Shen Jianguo , Li Min , Gao Yujie , Du Zhenguo , Gao Fangluan
Published: August 2023

Tea plant necrotic ring blotch virus (TPNRBV) is a kitavirus that poses a serious threat to the cultivation of tea, one of the most economically important plants in many Asian countries. However, the occurrence and genetic variability of this virus remain poorly understood. This study investigated the occurrence of TPNRBV in Fujian Province, China, one of the largest tea producers in the country, and determined the complete genome of 10 new TPNRBV isolates. The results revealed that TPNRBV is widespread in Fujian. The nucleotide diversity values for the RNA1-4 segments of TPNRBV were found to be 0.027, 0.016, 0.027, and 0.014, respectively. Among the seven proteins of TPNRBV, P22 was the least conserved, while MP was the most conserved. The 5′ termini of the genomic segments of TPNRBV commonly possessed a sequence of 5′-AATTACGA-3′ (RNA1-3) or 5′-ATTAACGA-3′ (RNA4). Furthermore, the 3′ non-coding region of TPNRBV RNA4 exhibited significant length variation due to frequent deletion/insertion mutations. Recombination and purifying selection likely played important roles in shaping the genetic structure of TPNRBV. These findings provide a snapshot of the epidemiology and genetic structure of TPNRBV, offering valuable information for the development of targeted strategies to control and manage TPNRBV in tea cultivation.
Thermal–Acoustic Interaction Impacts on Crowd Behaviors in an Urban Park
Authors: Chen Ye , Chen Ziyi , Lin Shumeng , Lin Xiaoqian , Li Shuting , Li Taoyu , Dong Jianwen
Published: August 2023

As urbanization accelerates, parks, as vital urban public open spaces, and their acoustic and thermal ambience directly impact visitors’ comfort and the sustainability of parks. Selecting Xihu Park in Fuzhou, China located in the subtropical region as a typical example, this study utilizes covert observational experiments with different typical sounds (grass cutting, music, and no sound source) across temperature levels to examine the influence of thermal–acoustic interactions on crowd behaviors in the park. The findings are as follows: (1) melodious music can attract more tourists, while strong stimulating grass cutting noises under high temperatures reduce crowd flow. Excluding unpleasant audio sources, park soundscapes across temperatures have a relatively limited influence on attractiveness to people flow. (2) High temperatures diminish tourists’ interest in landscape experiences and persons staying, especially when the soundscape quality is poorer. Under non-high temperatures, audio environments have a minor impact on the staying time. (3) The soundscape quality plays a role by affecting people’s path choices of approaching or avoiding sound sources, where grass cutting noise has the most negative influence. Music, grass cutting sounds, and natural sounds demonstrate conspicuous differences in their effects under varied temperatures. (4) Comfortable acoustic environments can draw larger crowds and decrease the walking pace. High temperatures make crowds take slower steps. Different sound types have significant influences on crowd movement velocity under three typical temperature levels. This study comprehensively investigates the mechanisms of typical thermal–acoustic environments’ impacts on park crowd behaviors, providing important references for optimizing the acoustic and thermal environments of urban parks, while also enriching related research on landscape design and environmental psychology. Future studies can conduct in-depth explorations by creating more abundant thermal–acoustic combinations and probe differences across diverse populations.
Production of Potential Substitutes for Conventional Plastics Using Metabolically Engineered Acetobacterium woodii
Authors: Höfele Franziska , Dürre Peter
Published: August 2023

Increasing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing fossil fuel supplies necessitate the development of alternative methods for producing petroleum-based commodities. Plastics are also primarily petroleum-based goods with rising demand, thus there is growing interest in plastic substitutes. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are naturally produced biopolymers that are utilized by microorganisms as a source of energy and carbon storage. Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a member of the PHA family and is considered the most promising candidate to replace polyethylene (PE). PHB is naturally produced by Cupriavidus necator, but recombinant production has also been recently established. This study is the first to investigate the heterologous production of PHB with recombinant Acetobacterium woodii using CO2 + H2 as a carbon and energy source. The introduction of a synthetic PHB production pathway resulted in the production of 1.23 g/L CDW and 1.9% PHB/cell dry weight (CDW), which corresponds to a production of 23.5 mg/L PHB. PHB quantification was simplified using LipidGreen2 fluorescence measurements.
Global Dynamics of Fractional-Order Discrete Maps
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Hong Ling , Tang Dafeng
Published: August 2023

In this paper, global dynamics of fractional-order discrete maps is analyzed by an extended generalized cell mapping (EGCM) method. Considering the lack of valid global analysis methods, the EGCM method is used to explore the global dynamics for fractional-order discrete maps. Firstly, considering the slowly convergence speed of solution of fractional-order discrete maps, the one-step mapping time of the EGCM method should be sufficient long to guarantee the precision of the results. Secondly, global dynamics of three typical fractional-order discrete maps is analyzed by the EGCM method. The stable and the unstable invariant sets can be obtained by the method. The results confirm their previous results, and furthermore obtain the global dynamics in the interesting region which includes attractors, saddles, basin boundaries and domains of attraction. These indicate that the EGCM method is also valid and efficient for fractional-order discrete maps.
Investigating the Use of Street-Level Imagery and Deep Learning to Produce In-Situ Crop Type Information
Authors: Orduna-Cabrera Fernando , Sandoval-Gastelum Marcial , McCallum Ian , See Linda , Fritz Steffen , Karanam Santosh , Sturn Tobias , Javalera-Rincon Valeria , Gonzalez-Navarro Felix F.
Published: August 2023

The creation of crop type maps from satellite data has proven challenging and is often impeded by a lack of accurate in situ data. Street-level imagery represents a new potential source of in situ data that may aid crop type mapping, but it requires automated algorithms to recognize the features of interest. This paper aims to demonstrate a method for crop type (i.e., maize, wheat and others) recognition from street-level imagery based on a convolutional neural network using a bottom-up approach. We trained the model with a highly accurate dataset of crowdsourced labelled street-level imagery using the Picture Pile application. The classification results achieved an AUC of 0.87 for wheat, 0.85 for maize and 0.73 for others. Given that wheat and maize are two of the most common food crops grown globally, combined with an ever-increasing amount of available street-level imagery, this approach could help address the need for improved global crop type monitoring. Challenges remain in addressing the noise aspect of street-level imagery (i.e., buildings, hedgerows, automobiles, etc.) and uncertainties due to differences in the time of day and location. Such an approach could also be applied to developing other in situ data sets from street-level imagery, e.g., for land use mapping or socioeconomic indicators.
The Experiences of Community Health Workers in Preventing Noncommunicable Diseases in an Urban Area, the Philippines: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Yamaguchi Yuko , Palileo-Villanueva Lia M. , Tubon Leonor Sanchez , Mallari Eunice , Matsuo Hiroya
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: Barangay health workers (BHWs) play important roles as community health workers in preventing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), where the shortage of health professionals is felt more acutely in the Philippines. However, there is little research on the experiences of BHWs as community health workers in preventing NCDs. This study aimed to clarify the roles and difficulties of BHWs in conducting activities for the prevention of NCDs. (2) Methods: Qualitative data were collected from 25 BHWs. (3) Results: The mean age of the participants was 50.4 ± 9.5 years, 23 were women, and the mean length of time as a BHW was 9.1 ± 7.7 years. Three major themes about the role of BHWs in preventing NCDs—“screening for NCDs”, “assisting patients with management of their conditions”, and “promoting healthy behaviors”—and four major themes about the difficulties—“insufficient awareness of preventative behaviors”, “economic burdens”, “lack of resources for managing NCDs”, and “difficulty of access to medical care facilities”—were identified. (4) Conclusions: Through the findings of this study, focusing interventions aimed at addressing the difficulties for the prevention of NCDs among BHWs may help reduce health inequities.
How Managed Entry Agreements Influence the Patients’ Affordability to Biological Medicines—Bulgarian Example
Authors: Mitkova Zornitsa , Manev Ivan , Tachkov Konstantin , Boyadzhieva Vladimira , Stoilov Nikolay , Doneva Miglena , Petrova Guenka
Published: August 2023

Managed entry agreements are applied in almost all European countries in order to improve patients’ access to therapy. The current study aims to evaluate the changes in the affordability of biological medicines for patients in Bulgaria during 2019–2022. The study is a top-down macroeconomic analysis of the key economic indicators and reimbursed costs of biologic therapies. Affordability was determined as the number of working hours needed to pay for monthly therapy. The average NHIF budget for pharmaceuticals increased significantly along with inflation in the healthcare sector. Bulgarian patients had to devote a large part of their income to buying medicines if a co-payment existed. The percentage of the monthly income of pensioners needed for therapy co-payment varied between 10% and 280%. The hours of work required to purchase a package of biologicals varied between 7 and 137 working hours. The global economic crisis has affected Bulgaria and led to worsening economic parameters. There are still no well-established practices to control public spending, as the measures taken to reduce the final cost of medicines mainly affect the pharmaceutical companies. This type of cost-containment policy provides an opportunity for innovative treatment with biologicals for patients with inflammatory diseases. Most of the therapies cost more than the patients’ monthly income.