bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Addressing the Limitations of Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Luan Sitao
Published: July 2023

This report gives a comprehensive summary of two problems about graph convolutional networks (GCNs): over-smoothing and heterophily challenges, and outlines future directions to explore.
Diagnostic Accuracy of a Portable Electromyography and Electrocardiography Device to Measure Sleep Bruxism in a Sleep Apnea Population: A Comparative Study
Authors: Cid-Verdejo Rosana , Domínguez Gordillo Adelaida A. , Sánchez Romero Eleuterio A. , Ardizone García Ignacio , Martínez Orozco Francisco J.
Published: July 2023

Background: The gold standard for the diagnosis of sleep bruxism (SB) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is Polysmnography (PSG). At the end of the apnea episodes there is frequently a final hy-permotor muscle activity that could act as a confusion factor in the diagnosis of SB with the elec-tromyography portable devices. The aim of this study was to compare the concordance on the number of episodes of SB in a population with OSA, between the diagnosis obtained by PSG, an-alyzed manually by a neurophysiologist and that obtained manually and automatically by a portable electromyography (EMG) and electrocardiography (EKG) device.

Methods: Twenty-three subjects underwent one night of polysomnographic study with simulta-neous recording with the EMG-EKG device. The variables referring to the number of episodes and the SB index measured with both tools and analyzed in the manual and automatic modes were compared. Masticatory muscle activity was scored according to published criteria. The sample was segmented by severity of OSA according to AASM criteria. ANOVA, correlations, and the Bland–Altman plot were used to quantify the agreement between both methods. The concordance was calculated through the ICC.

Results: The total events of SB per night in the PSG study were on average (8.17), lower than the one obtained with EMG-EKG manual analysis (14.13) and automatic (29.26). Both the SB PSG and Manual EMG-EKG episodes decrease from non-OSA (PSG = 16 ± 13,55, EMG-EKG = 16,83 ±11,58) to severe OSA (PSG = 3,14 ± 4,26, EMG-EKG = 9,86 ± 8,09). However, in the case of automatic EMG-EKG mode: the number of SB episodes in severe OSA doubled (41,23 ± 12,50) with respect to non OSA (24,50 ± 12,19). On average: the EMG-EKG device Automatic analysis measures 21.08 units more than PSG. The results with the manual EMG-EKG analysis improved.

Conclusion: There is no concordance between the results obtained in the PSG neurophysiologic analysis and those obtained by means of the EMG-EKG device automatic and manual analysis for the diagnosis of SB in a population mostly with OSA. The OSA could act as a confusion factor in the diagnosis of SB with the electromyography portable devices, but further study is needed.
Modular UV Curing Sol-Gel Coating for Invisible, Levelling and Easy to Clean Multi-Layer Systems.
Authors: Rico Lucía Florentino , Conejero Iglesias Olga , De la Rua García Ramón Bernardo , Moriones Domeño Jennifer , Fernández de Ara Jonathan , Fuentes Gonzalo Garcia
Published: July 2023

Current methods for the hardening step of functional coatings over different materials imply the use of high temperatures, high energy consumption or long periods of time, which have repercussions on the speed and cost of the product. We report here a simple and low cost methodology for the functionalization of low cost stainless steel, which is modular, depending of the functionality pursued: a levelling layer for smooth the surface of the material, an “easy to clean” property, or both of them. The research is based on sol-gel coatings cured under UV light without requiring high thermal hardening processes making it applicable to plastics and other sensible materials and possessing high chemical and thermal stability. The film ensures lower processing costs, and higher rates of hardening if the adequate medium-pressure lamps are employed. This formulation is also well defined for scaling up the process, so it is possible to perform a continuous coating in large areas by employing mild processing conditions (low temperature, atmospheric pressure). In addition, the sol gel solution was fully characterized and studied in order to guarantee a long service life before deposition, with a focus on industrial applications in the domestic sector.
Analysis of Soil Erosion Factor Changes and Soil and Water Conservation Benefits in The Yellow River Basin
Authors: Ma Jianqin , Yang Shuoguo , Wu Qing , Hao Xiuping , Cui Bifeng , Fan Xiaohan
Published: July 2023

Soil erosion due to soil erosion is an important ecological impact factor. In order to further explore the impact and contribution of soil and water conservation measures on sand production and transport in the watershed, and also to provide a reference for soil erosion control, soil and water conservation and ecological environmental protection in the Yellow River Basin. In this paper, based on the measured data from the Henan Soil and Water Conservation Observatory in the Yellow River Basin, we select appropriate equations for quantifying soil erosion factor to calculate the rainfall erosion, topography, soil, vegetation and soil conservation measures in the basin, and then analyse the changes in soil erosion factor and the actual benefits of soil conservation measures in the basin. The results show that there is an increasing trend in the rainfall erosion force factor R in the Yellow River Basin; Soil erosion can be K value made the vertical loess > yellow clunamon soil, the overall change shows a decreasing trend, indicating that erosion control has produced results and that attention should be paid to erosion control in the lithosol region in the future; Since the slope lengths of the runoff plots are laid out consistently with the same LS values for both topographic factors, soil erosion is severely increased when the slope exceeds 20°. The C value of natural vegetation is small, while the C value of bare land is large. The authorities should continue to promote the return of farmland to forests and grasses and pay attention to the self-regulation and restoration of ecosystems; There is an overall decreasing trend in the P value of the soil and water conservation measures factor, the soil and water conservation measures have been effective in providing good protection.
A Proposal to Enhance Sustainability in Saudi Universities in Light of the Saudi Green Initiative
Authors: Sharabi Wedad , Faraj Alyaa , Mazyu Manal
Published: July 2023

The development of sustainability, the improvement of the quality of life, and the protection of future generations have become of prime importance in light of climate changes and carbon emissions. Universities are at the top of institutions that should participate in creating an environmentally friendly infrastructure. This study thus aimed to explore the extent to which Saudi universities achieve sustainability in the light of the Saudi Green Initiative from the faculty members’ perspective. Hopefully, this investigation would produce a proposal to promote sustainability in Saudi universities. A questionnaire consisting of five dimensions, namely academic sustainability, community partnership, resource management, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership was developed and administered to 120 faculty members from five Saudi universities. The participants’ ratings of Saudi universities’ achievement of sustainability dimensions ranged from high to moderate. Based on the results, a proposal was offered to take sustainability in Saudi universities to a higher level.
A Goal-Directed Trajectory Planning using Active Inference in UAV-Assisted Wireless Networks
Authors: Krayani Ali , Khan Khalid , Marcenaro Lucio , Marchese Mario , Regazzoni Carlo
Published: July 2023

Deploying UAVs as aerial base stations is an exceptional approach to reinforce terrestrial infrastructure owing to their remarkable flexibility and superior agility. However, it is essential to design their flight trajectory effectively to make the most of UAV-assisted wireless communications. This paper presents a novel method for improving wireless connectivity between UAVs and terrestrial users through effective path planning. This is achieved by developing a goal-directed trajectory planning method using active inference. First, we create a global dictionary using TSPWP instances executed on various training examples. This dictionary contains letters representing available hotspots, tokens representing local paths, and words depicting complete trajectories and hotspot order. By using this world model, the UAV can understand the TSPWP’s decision-making grammar and how to use the available letters to form tokens and words at various levels of abstraction and time scales. With this knowledge, the UAV can assess encountered situations and deduce optimal routes based on the belief encoded in the world model. Our proposed method outperforms traditional Q-learning by providing fast, stable, and reliable solutions with good generalization ability.
Cognitive Radio Strategy Combined with MODCOD Technique to Mitigate Interference on Low Orbit Satellite Downlinks
Authors: Araujo Rodolfo Antonio da Silva , Da Silva Luciano Barros Cardoso , Santos Walter Abrahaao , Souza Marcelo Lopes de Oliveira e
Published: July 2023

In order to monitor the diversity of terrestrial biomes, the Earth Exploration Satellite Services demand a high data rate for downlink transmissions while sharing their frequency spectrum with, and suffering interferences from, cellular Base Stations. Both highlight the dilemmas of spectral efficiency (bps/Hz) and spectral coexistence. Our research aims to mitigate interference on low orbit satellite downlinks using Cognitive Radio (CR) and Adaptive MODulation and CODing (MODCOD) techniques. To fulfill this: 1) we present CR approaches to enhance spectrum exploitation. Next, 2) we detail Adaptive MODCOD (ACM) technique to increase RF power and spectral efficiencies. Then, 3) we suggest the solution by combining 1) and 2). Afterwards, 4) we analyze it by monitoring the signal to interference plus noise ratio and the CR/MODCOD strategy. Finally, 5) we provide case studies to demonstrate the strategy’s effectiveness through the practical operation of satellite services, and 6) we conduct a bench test of the communication system.
Predictions of Targeted Gene Therapy Treatment Success in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Gupta Taksh , Qawasmeh Tamara , McCalla Serena
Published: July 2023

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) making up 80% of cases. Some genetic factors leading to NSCLC development include genetic mutations and PD-L1 expression. PD-L1 proteins are targeted in an NSCLC treatment called targeted gene therapy. However, this treatment is effective in a low percentage of patients. This study aimed to create machine learning models to use features like the number of mutations and the level of PD-L1 proteins in cancer cells, along with others, to predict whether a patient will receive clinical benefit from gene therapy treatment. This was done by downloading and merging datasets from cbioportal.org to create a sample size for the model. Features with high correlations to clinical benefit were identified. Three machine-learning models were created using these features to predict clinical benefits in patients, and each model’s accuracy was evaluated. All three models were accurate between 55-85%, with two of the models averaging an accuracy around 75%. Doctors can use these models to more accurately predict whether gene therapy treatment is likely to work in a patient before prescribing it to them.
Transaction Entropy: An Alternative Measurement of Market Performance
Authors: Zhong Hua , Liang Xiaohao , Wang Yougui
Published: July 2023

Market uncertainty has a significant impact on market performance. Previous studies put much efforts in investigations on market uncertainty related to information asymmetry and risk. However, they have neglected the uncertainty inherent in market transactions, which is also an important aspect of market performance, besides quantity of transactions and market efficiency. In this paper, we put forward the concept of transaction entropy to measure the market uncertainty and see how it changes with price. The definition of transaction entropy is the ratio of total information entropy of all traders to quantity of transactions, reflecting the level of uncertainty in making transactions. And the transaction entropy is the lowest at equilibrium, it will be decreasing in a shortage market, and increasing in a surplus market. Additionally, we make a comparison of total entropy of the centralized market with that of the decentralized market, revealing that the price filtering mechanism could effectively reduce market uncertainty. Overall, the introduction of transaction entropy enriches our understanding of market uncertainty and facilitates a more comprehensive assessment of market performance.
Migraine Treatment: Towards New Pharmacological Targets
Authors: Silvestro Marcello , Iannone Luigi Francesco , Orologio Ilaria , Tessitore Alessandro , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Geppetti Pierangelo , Russo Antonio
Published: July 2023

Migraine is a debilitating neurological condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Until few years ago, preventive migraine treatments were based on molecules with pleiotropic targets, developed for other indications and discovered by serendipity to be effective in migraine prevention although often burdened by tolerability issues leading to low adherence. However, the progresses in unravelling the migraine pathophysiology allowed to identify novel putative targets as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Nevertheless, despite the revolution brought by CGRP monoclonal antibodies and gepants, a significant percentage of patients still remains burdened by an unsatisfactory response suggesting that other pathways may play a critical role with an extent of involvement varying among different migraine patients. Specifically, neuropeptides of the CGRP family as adrenomedullin and amylin, molecules of the secretin family as pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), receptors as transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, intracellular downstream determinants as potassium channels but also the opioid system and the purinergic pathway have been suggested to be involved in migraine pathophysiology. The present review provides an overview of these pathways highlighting, based on preclinical and clinical evidences as well as provocative studies, their potential role as future targets for migraine preventive treatment.
Exploring the Influence of Green Brand Innovation and Perceived Value on Brand Loyalty Examining the Role of Green Knowledge as a Moderator
Authors: Negassa Gebeyehu
Published: July 2023

Environmental concern has attained a higher level than in the past, with numerous organisations, including the pioneering "Green Banking" institution, expressing their concern. This study examines the relationship between green brand innovativeness and perceived value, as well as its effect on green brand loyalty. It expands on previous research that investigated the differences between innovation and innovativeness and their effects on brand loyalty. In addition, the role of perceived green value as a mediator and consumer green knowledge as a moderator in the formation of green brand loyalty is investigated. To test the conceptual model, a convenience-sampling survey of 600 Ethiopian customers was administered to capture a sample of respondents for the conceptual model. For data analysis, structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed. The results indicate that consumers' perceptions of green value have indirect effects on brand loyalty and direct effects on the innovativeness of green brands. In addition, green knowledge mediates the relationship between green brand innovation and green value perception in a significant way. Therefore, organisations should concentrate on enhancing consumers' environmental literacy and nurturing positive attitudes towards green brands in order to increase green brand loyalty.
A Stope Mining Design with Consideration of Hanging Wall When Transitioning from Open Pit Mining to Underground Mining for Sepon Gold Mine Deposit, Laos
Authors: Phaisopha Seelae , Shimada Hideki , Sasaoka Takashi , Hamanaka Akihiro , Pongpanya Phanthoudeth , Shorin Seva , Senthavisouk Khounma
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the transition from surface to underground mining at the Sepon Gold mine. The stability of surface slopes is assessed prior to commencing underground operations. Stope mining is adopted based on ore body characteristics and geological features. Finite element numerical analysis, employing the Generalized Hoek-Brown criterion, evaluates slope stability for surface slopes and opening stopes. The pit design comprises a 70° slope angle, 20 m height, and 10-15 m safety berm, meeting stability requirements with a factor of safety of 2.46. Underground mining design includes a 62° ore body dip, 50 m thick crown pillar to prevent surface subsidence, and 5 m wide, 5 m high stopes. Sill pillars are left for support after each level excavation. Rock bolts are employed in specific stope areas where is necessary, with continuous monitoring for surface deformation. The study analyzes the influence of stope sizes on pit wall and pit bottom stability, identifying slope failures near the hanging wall close to the pit bottom during underground mining. A slight increase in the displacement zone is observed on the upper crest of the top footwall. Overall, the findings demonstrate successful stability in the transition from surface to underground mining at Sepon Gold mine.
The Human Superorganism: Microbes for Freedom vs. Fear
Authors: Dietert Rodney R. , Dietert Janice M.
Published: July 2023

Balanced fear supports human rational decision making and useful behavioral responses. In contrast, overwhelming, persistent, and unbalanced fear can paralyze the individual and result in heightened anxiety, lack of cognitive flexibility, fear-based public compliance and serious mental health issues. Psychobiotics research has established that a healthy microbiome is required for balanced fear and mental health protection via control of fear extinction. The recent Covid-19 pandemic featured daily, persistent, fear-of-a single contagion conditioning on a global scale paired with various behavioral mandates (e.g., lockdowns of the healthy, masks, isolation from environmental microbes and each other) that degraded the human microbiome and isolated us from each other and useful environmental microbes. It also ignored the historic role of secondary bacterial pathobionts, in pandemic deaths. This narrative review examines how institutional promotion of fear-of-a single contagion, lack of balanced risk communication, and appalling disregard of our fundamental nature (as majority-microbial human superorganisms) resulted in problems rather than solutions. This review concludes that government-public health-media promotion of pervasive fear and microbiome-degrading behaviors: 1) increased public compliance, 2) reduced cognitive flexibility, and 3) increased risk of mental health conditions. It further argues that microbiome-first public health should be embraced to ensure that human freedom, rather than paralyzing fear, dominates our future.
VaR Estimation Using Extreme Value Mixture Models for Cryptocurrencies
Authors: Subramoney Stephanie Danielle , Chinhamu Knowledge , Chifurira Retius
Published: July 2023

Cryptocurrencies have obtained a crucial position in the international financial landscape. The cryptocurrency market has been perceived as a highly volatile market since the inception of Bitcoin. This study investigates the relevant performance of extreme value models (EVM) in estimating the Value-at-Risk (VaR) of Bitcoin and Ethereum returns. The extreme value mixture models, GPD-Normal-GPD (GNG) and GPD-KDE-GPD models are fitted to the returns of Bitcoin and Ethereum and the Kupiec likelihood backtesting procedure is performed on the VaR estimates to assess the fits. Both models’ results showed that the fits were a much more decent representation of the observed data when compared to the Normal distribution. The backtesting results showed that the GPD-KDE-GPD model’s fit was superior to that of the GPD-Normal-GPD for both sets of returns at all VaR risk levels except at the 99% level. The results of this study may assist with understanding the dynamics and risks associated with cryptocurrencies and can serve as a beneficial tool for decision-making and risk management to investors, traders, financial institutions and many other participants in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
A Supervised Learning Regression Method for the Analysis of Taste Function of Healthy Controls (HC) and Patients With Chemosensory Loss
Authors: Naciri Lala Chaimae , Mastinu Mariano , Melis Melania , Green Tomer , Wolf Anne , Hummel Thomas , Tomassini Barbarossa Iole
Published: July 2023

In healthy humans, taste sensitivity varies widely, influencing food selection and nutritional status. Chemosensory reductions have been associated with numerous pathological disorders or pharmacological interventions. Reliable psychophysical methods are crucial resources to analyze the taste function during routine clinical assessment. However, in the daily clinical routine, they are often considered to be too time-consuming. We used the Supervised Learning (SL) regression method to analyze with high precision the overall taste status of healthy controls (HC) and patients with chemosensory loss and to characterize the combination of responses that best can predict the overall taste status of two groups. Random Forest regressor allowed us to achieve our objective. The analysis of the order of importance and impact of each parameter on the prediction of overall taste status in the two groups showed that salty (low concentration) and sour (high concentration) stimuli specifically characterized healthy subjects, while bitter (high concentration) and astringent (high concentration) stimuli identified patients with chemosensory loss. The identification of these distinctions appears to be of interest to the health system since they may allow the use of specific stimuli during routine clinical assessments of taste function reducing the commitment in terms of time and costs.
The Green Bottom Line: Standardizing Environmental Management Accounting for Organizational, Material and Energy Efficiency
Authors: Majerník Milan , Chovancová Jana , Malega Peter , Piatra Lukáš
Published: July 2023

Criticism has been directed towards the traditional methods of management accounting employed by organizations thus far, as they fail to adequately address the growing need for competitiveness and sustainable development in a globalized environment. This criticism stems from both economic factors, such as insufficient monitoring of material, energy, and escalating overhead costs, and environmental concerns, where inadequate attention is given to vital information regarding significant environmental aspects, impacts, risks, and damages arising from the organization's activities and processes. Additionally, these methods do not sufficiently support the implementation of a functional environmental management system (EMS). Drawing upon our research in EMS standardization following the international standards ISO 1400X, as well as our knowledge gained during the development of the Slovak Technical Standard (STN) for ISO 14051, this paper presents an innovative model of environmental management accounting. This model is based on the cost accounting of material and energy flows within organizations. It serves as an enhancement framework for organizations with an existing EMS built according to the EN ISO 14001 model, as well as for organizations lacking a formalized EMS based on this standard. Within this paper, we specify, decompose, and apply the new model, focusing on the cost accounting of material-energy flows in a hypothetical organization. We meticulously examine the ten key steps of the model's structure, particularly in terms of costing and the allocation of costs to material, energy, system, and waste management.
Variable Blade Inertia in State-of-the-Art Wind Turbine Structural-Dynamics Models
Authors: Alhrshy Laurence , Lippke Alexander , Jauch Clemens
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a comparison of two methods to represent variable blade inertia in two codes for aero-servo-elastic simulations of wind turbines: the nonlinear aeroelastic multi-body model HAWC2 and the nonlinear geometrically exact beam model BeamDyn for OpenFAST. The main goal is to enable these tools to simulate the dynamic behavior of a wind turbine with variable blade inertia. However, in order to simulate the structural response of wind turbines with variable blade inertias, the source code of load simulation tools need to be modified. This is due to the fact that, currently, state-of-the-art load simulation tools for wind turbines are unable to simulate variable rotor blade inertias. The validity of the modified codes is proven based on a simple beam model. The validation shows very good agreement between the modified codes of HAWC2, BeamDyn and an analytical calculation. The add-on of variable blade inertias is applied to reduce the mechanical loads of a 5 megawatt reference wind turbine with an integrated hydraulic-pneumatic flywheel in its rotor blades.
Economic Power Dispatch of a Grid-Tied Photovoltaic Based-Energy Management Systems: Co-optimization Approach
Authors: Adenuga Olukorede Tijani , Krishnamurthy Senthil
Published: July 2023

The requirement for integration of power plants due to the cyclical rise in electrical energy consumption is due to fluctuating load demand with the current grid systems. This integration necessitates effective allocating loads to the power plants for a minimum grid-tied transmission line cost while meeting network constraints. In this paper, we formulate an optimisation problem of minimising the total operational cost of all committed plants transmitted to the grid while meeting network constraints and ensuring economic power dispatch (EPD) and energy management system co-optimization. The developed Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method resolve the optimisation problem using piecewise quadratic function to describe the operational cost of the generation units, and the B coefficient approach is employed to estimate the transmission losses. Intelligent adjustments are made to the acceleration coefficients, and a brand-new algorithm is suggested for distributing the initial power values to the generation units. The developed economic power dispatch strategy successfully demonstrated an imperative cost reduction with connected load of 850MW, 1263MW and 2630MW power demand are contrasted with previous PSO application cost values, maximum yearly cost savings of (0.55%, 91.87), (46.55%, 3.78), (73.86%, 89.10) respectively, and significant environmental-benefit. The proposed co-optimisation approach can enhance a significant self-consumption ratio compared to the baseline method.
The Influence of the Content of Recycled Natural Leather Residue Particles on the Properties of the HDF Boards
Authors: Bartoszuk Katarzyna , Kowaluk Grzegorz
Published: July 2023

During the production of furniture, large amounts of waste of these materials are generated, which are most often stored in warehouses without a specific purpose for their subsequent use. In highly developed countries, as many as 25 million tons of textile waste are produced annually, of which approximately 40% is non-clothing waste, such as carpets, furniture and car upholstery. The aim of the research was to produce and evaluate the dry-formed high-density fiberboards (HDF) with various shares of recycled particles of natural leather used in upholstery furniture production at different contents (1, 5 and 10% by weight). Mechanical properties (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and screw withdrawal resistance) and physical properties (density profile, thickness swelling after water immersion, water absorption, surface absorption) were tested. The density profile and contact angle of natural leather have been also characterized. The results show that increasing the content of leather particles in HDF mostly has a positive effect on mechanical properties, especially screw withdrawal resistance and water absorption. It can be concluded, that, depending on the further use of HDF, it is possible to use recovered upholstery leather particles as a reasonable addition to wood fibers in HDF technology.
Honokiol-Rich Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract Attenuates Trauma-Induced Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Borgonetti Vittoria , Galeotti Nicoletta
Published: July 2023

Neuropathic pain (NP) affects about the 8% of the general population. Current analgesic therapies have limited efficacy, making NP one of the most difficult to treat pain conditions. Evidence indicates that excessive oxidative stress can contribute to the onset of chronic NP and several natural antioxidant compounds have showed promising efficacy in NP models. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the pain-relieving activity of honokiol (HNK)-rich standardized extract of Magnolia officinalis Rehder & E. Wilson bark (MOE), well known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in the spared nerve injury (SNI) model. The molecular mechanisms were investigated in spinal cord samples from SNI mice and in LPS-stimulated BV2. MOE and HNK showed antioxidant activity. MOE (30 mg/kg p.o.), produced an antiallodynic effect in the absence of locomotor impairment. MOE treatment reduced spinal p-p38, p-JNK1, iNOS, p-p65, IL-1ß and Nrf2 overexpression, increased IL-10 and MBP levels and attenuated the Notch signaling pathway by reducing Jagged1 and NEXT. All these effects were prevented by the CB1 antagonist AM251. HNK reduced the proinflammatory state of LPS-stimulated BV2 cells and reduced Jagged1 overexpression. MOE and HNK, by modulating oxidative and proinflammatory responses, might represent interesting candidates for NP management.
Alternate antimicrobial therapies and their companion tests
Authors: Kalpana Sriram , Lin Wan-Ying , Wang Yu-Chiang , Fu Yiwen , Wang Hsin-Yao
Published: July 2023

New antimicrobial approaches are essential to counter antimicrobial resistance. The drug development pipeline is exhausted with emergence of resistance resulting in unsuccessful trials. The lack of an effective drug developed from the conventional drug portfolio has mandated the introspection into the list of potentially effective unconventional alternate antimicrobial molecules. Alternate therapies, that are clinically explicable forms include monoclonal antibodies, antimicrobial peptides, aptamers and phages. Clinical diagnostics optimizes the drug delivery. In the era of diagnostic-based applications, it is logical to draw diagnostic based treatment for infectious diseases. Selection criteria of alternate therapeutics in infectious disease include detection, monitoring of response and resistance mechanism identification. Integrating these diagnostic applications is disruptive to the traditional therapeutic development. The challenges and mitigation methods need to be noted. Applying the goals of clinical pharmacokinetics that include enhancing efficacy and decreasing toxicity of drug therapy this review analyses the strong correlation of alternate antimicrobial therapeutics in infectious diseases. The relationship between drug concentration and the resulting effect defined by the pharmacodynamic parameters are also analyzed. This review analyzes the perspectives of aligning diagnostic initiatives into the use of alternate therapeutics with a particular focus on companion diagnostic applications in infectious diseases.
Comparison between mullite-based and anorthite-based porcelain tiles: a review
Authors: Li Kun , Cordeiro Eloise , Junior Agenor De Noni
Published: July 2023

This paper begins with an introduction to porcelain tiles. A review of the major scientific and technological features of the mullite−based porcelain tile (MPT) and anorthite−based porcelain tile (APT), focusing primarily on the raw material, processing, phase evolution and mechanical behavior, is then presented. Based on the porcelain tile firing behavior and a series of physical and chemical changes that can occur, a comprehensive comparison is described. In the last part, the prospects for further developments related to MPT and APT are discussed.
Proporsi Perempuan yang Bekerja pada Posisi Manajerial di Indonesia Tahun 2015-2021: Pendekatan Feasible Generalized Least Square
Authors: Ussyarovi Aghnia , Siskarossa Ika Oktora
Published: July 2023

The fifth goal of the SDGs is to achieve gender equality and empower women. One indicator of women's empowerment is to give women the opportunity to be in managerial positions. The proportion of women working in managerial positions tends to increase from year to year but still lagging behind and there are gaps compared to men. This study aims to determine the effect of the percentage of women with the highest diploma who had a minimum of Diploma IV, female AHH, female LFPR, the number of women who attended training, and the percentage of women working with married status on the proportion of women working in managerial positions in Indonesia 2015-2021. The data used is secondary data obtained from the Central Statistics Agency. The method used is the fixed effect panel data regression method with the Feasible Generalized Least Square estimation method. The results of this study indicate that the percentage of women with the highest diploma who had a minimum of Diploma IV, female AHH, and the percentage of women working with married status have a significant effect, while female LFPR and the number of women who attended training did not significantly affect the proportion of women working in managerial positions.
‘May Be a Picture of a Dog and a Book’: The Inaccessibility of Public Library Social Media Feeds
Authors: Hill Heather , Oswald Kevin
Published: July 2023

This research investigates the accessibility of Ontario public libraries’ social media feeds. Social media plays an important role in how public libraries engage with their communities. This patron engagement outside of library-maintained websites, raises questions around accessibility for persons with disabilities. Given the increasing usage of social media as a communication mechanism, how accessible are Ontario public library social media feeds? Of specific interest here is the use of alternative text (alt text) attributed to images posted on Ontario public libraries’ social media posts. Findings indicate a dearth of alt text on social media feeds. Suggestions are made for creating good alt text in order to create a more equitable environment.
Micro- to Macro-Scale Foraminiferal Distributions: The Contributions of Martin A. Buzas*
Authors: Culver Stephen J.
Published: July 2023

The research that Martin A. Buzas has published over the past more than 40 years has influenced us greatly. That research has many strands that cannot be dealt with in this short review. However, the theme of micro- to macroscale foraminiferal distributions is interwoven throughout Buzas's research career. Distributions are something that Buzas is very fond of. He was trained in statistics as well as foraminifera and so it was inevitable that he would combine his knowledge of statistical distributions with foraminiferal distributions at several different scales. He has studied the distribution of foraminifera at microscales, horizontally within a 10 cm2 area of the sea floor or vertically, cm by cm within a 20 cm core. He has also worked at the mesoscale, quantifying, through the pioneering use of the General Linear Model, the relationship of foraminiferal distributions and environmental variables in space and time. This research led to the hypothesis of pulsating patches. He has worked at the macroscale with S. J. Culver, defining the distribution of benthic foraminiferal provinces, showing that all foraminiferal distributions, particularly around the coasts of North and Central America, belong to the same statistical distribution. Their work has documented the assembly and disassembly of communities and the latitudinal patterns of deep-sea benthic foraminiferal diversity in the Atlantic basin. Most recently, with his coauthor, mathematical statistician L. C. Hayek, Buzas has delved deep into the intricacies of species diversity and solved a 50 year-old supposedly intractable problem of mathematically relating species richness with species evenness. This work led to the introduction of new approaches to understanding community structure and recognizing boundaries between adjacent communities (SHE analysis). Many of us work long hours and publish many papers over our careers but few of us truly influence the fundamentals of our science. Marty Buzas is one micropaleontologist whose work will be of lasting significance.
Benthic Foraminiferal Response to the Aptian−Albian Carbon Cycle Perturbation in the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Kochhann Karlos G. D. , Huber Brian T. , Holbourn Ann E. , Kuhnt Wolfgang
Published: July 2023

A planktic foraminiferal mass extinction, coeval with the major carbon cycle perturbation of Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE) 1b, occurred at the Aptian−Albian boundary interval (AABI). However, the scarcity of high-resolution records across the AABI hampers an assessment of the impacts of OAE 1b on deep-water benthic foraminiferal assemblages. Here we present high-resolution benthic foraminiferal census counts at Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) Site 511 (southern South Atlantic Ocean) and Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 1049 (western subtropical North Atlantic Ocean) over the AABI. Our records at these bathyal sites provide conclusive evidence that there was no benthic foraminiferal extinction at the Aptian−Albian boundary, although marked reorganizations of relative abundances occurred. During the latest Aptian, cyclic increases in the abundance of infaunal species at both sites point to repeated pulses of reduced bottom water oxygenation and increased organic carbon flux to the ocean floor. Additionally, agglutinated and weakly calcified benthic foraminiferal species were relatively abundant during the latest Aptian, suggesting deep-water carbonate ion depletion in the Atlantic Ocean, although we did not identify signs of carbonate dissolution at these relatively shallow sites. At Site 511, abundances of infaunal foraminifera increased in tandem with the negative carbonate carbon isotope (δ13Ccarb) excursion of the Kilian sub-event within OAE 1b, suggesting decreased bottom water ventilation and increased organic carbon flux to the ocean floor during the sub-event. Bottom water ventilation and carbonate ion saturation improved during the earliest Albian in the Atlantic Ocean, followed by high-amplitude oscillations, as suggested by abundance trends of heavily calcified epifaunal foraminifera at Sites 511 and 1049.
The Later Holocene Foraminifera of Liverpool Bay (Bae Lerpwl), British Isles: Morphospecies and Community Level Patterns
Authors: Wilson Brent , Hayek Lee-Ann C.
Published: July 2023

Two cores were studied from Liverpool Bay (∼40 m water depth). The lowest 80 cm of ISLF13 (290 cm long) comprised clay, gypsum and pyritised foraminifera (Surface Layer 2 Member, gypsiferous lithofacies GLF) from a tidal flat dominated by Cribroelphidium excavatum. Perturbation Detection Analysis (PDA) found two ISLF13 GLF abundance biozones (ABs) with assemblages in stasis. ISLF16 (80 cm long) and between 30–202 cm in ISLF13 were open marine, sandy with gastropods and bivalves (Surface Layer 1 Member, shelly sand lithofacies SSLF). Assemblages in the SSLF sections differed, despite their proximity. That in ISLF13 comprised dominant C. excavatum with lesser Ammonia batava, Asterigerinata mamilla, Cibicides refulgens and Bulimina elongata. PDA identified two ISLF13 SSLF ABs, both in growth stages. The ISLF16 assemblage was co-dominated by C. excavatum, A. mamilla and A. batava from a single AB in stasis. This difference might reflect sorting. Asterigerinata murraynhaynesi n. sp. is described.
Oceanic-Scale Species Diversity of Living Benthic Foraminifera: Insights into Neogene Diversity, Community Structure, Species Duration, and Biogeography
Authors: Buzas Martin A. , Hayek Lee-Ann C. , Culver Stephen J. , Murray John W. , Jones Daniel O. B.
Published: July 2023

Within-habitat (α) diversity of living benthic foraminifera in the Atlantic Basin increases as latitude decreases and generally increases with depth from shelf to abyss. Total populations (live + dead) show the same pattern and indicate that species are becoming more widespread with increasing water depth. Thus, within-habitat diversity increases with depth while regional (or γ) diversity is greater on the shelf (more communities). Community structure analysis indicates stasis and growth in shallower areas with stasis or decline in the abyss. The latitudinal gradient has existed for ca. 34 Ma; lower latitude deeper habitats have the longest species durations. For living populations an inverse relationship between density and diversity suggests scarcity of food is not sufficient to decrease diversity through extinction. For shallower-dwelling species, variability of solar energy can explain the latitudinal gradient. For deep-sea species, energy transfer from the surface, along with environmental stability over vast expanses, are plausible explanations for high diversity.
Origin and environmental significance of crystalline quartz and amorphous silica in Xuanwei Formation coal, China
Authors: Chen Zailin , shi zeming , Ni Shijun , Ren Bangzheng , Hu Junchun
Published: July 2023

The study on the origin of quartz and silica in Xuanwei Formation coal in Northwest Yunnan, China, is helpful to understand the relationship between quartz and silica and the high incidence of lung cancer from the root. To address these questions, the mineralogy and microscopic studies of silica in Xuanwei Formation coal were performed.
The following results were obtained: (1) silica in the late Permian Xuanwei Formation coal seams originated from detrital input, early diagenesis, and late diagenesis. (2) A more significant contribution comes from early diagenesis, which contains abundant authigenic quartz and amorphous silica. (3) Quartz and silica from inorganic silicon are more symbiotic with kaolinite and from biogenic silicon with chamosite. (4) Three silica polymorphs in coal samples have been identified: opal-A (amorphous silica), opal-CT/-C (cristobalite/tridymite), and α quartz. (5) Opal-A is ubiquitous, while opal-CT/-C and α quartz are rare. (5) Opal-A is an amorphous and nontoxic ordinary silica.
MicroRNAs Associated with AGL6 and IAA9 function in tomato fruit set
Authors: Molesini Barbara , Pennisi Federica , Vitulo Nicola , Pandolfini Tiziana
Published: July 2023

Objective: Fruit set is triggered after ovule fertilization, as a consequence of the downregulation of ovary growth repressors, such as the tomato transcription factors Auxin/indole-3-acetic acid 9 (IAA9) and Agamous-like 6 (AGL6). In a recent work, we developed a method to silence IAA9 and AGL6 in tomato ovaries using exogenous dsRNAs. We also produced small RNA libraries from IAA9- and AGL6-silenced ovaries to confirm the presence of siRNAs, derived from exogenous dsRNA, targeting IAA9 and AGL6. The objective of this work is to exploit these sRNA libraries to identify miRNAs differentially expressed in IAA9- and AGL6-silenced ovaries as compared with unpollinated control ovaries.
Results: We identified by RNA sequencing 125 and 104 known and 509 and 516 novel miRNAs from reads mapped to mature or hairpin sequences, respectively. Of the known miRNAs, 7 and 45 were differentially expressed in IAA9- and AGL6-silenced ovaries compared to control ones, respectively. Six miRNAs were common to both datasets, suggesting their importance in the fruit set process. The expression pattern of two of these (miR393 and miR482e-5p) was verified by stem-loop qRT-PCR. The identified miRNAs represent a pool of regulatory sRNAs potentially involved in tomato fruit initiation.
Factors associated with the status of usual source of care during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Aoki Takuya , Matsushima Masato
Published: July 2023

Background. To ensure that high-quality primary care is available to every individual, increasing the proportion of residents with a usual source of care (USC) is a challenge for each country. However, the status of USC after the spread of COVID-19 and the factors associated with it remain unclear internationally. Therefore, we aimed to explore the associations of sociodemographic and clinical factors with the presence and type of USC (kakaritsukeiin Japanese) during the pandemic in Japan.
Methods. We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of the general Japanese adult population in May 2021. The main outcome measures were the presence and type of USC. We assessed sociodemographic and clinical factors, including age, gender, marital status, years of education, employment status, annual household income, social isolation, health literacy, number of chronic conditions, and health-related quality of life.
Results. Of the 1,757 participants, 1,011 (57.5%) had a USC. There were 769 (76.1%) participants who had a USC in a clinic and 227 (22.5%) in a hospital. As a result of multivariable modified Poisson regression analysis, male gender, no chronic condition, lower health literacy, and social isolation were significantly associated with not having a USC. Among participants with a USC, male gender, the presence of one or more chronic conditions, and lower health-related quality of life were associated with having a hospital-based USC.
Conclusions. We identified factors associated with the status of USC during the COVID-19 pandemic, including health literacy and social isolation. These findings provide primary care providers and policymakers with insight into the potential facilitators and barriers to having a USC in the aftermath of the pandemic.
There is market potential for circular farming food in Europe due to consumers’ willingness to purchase and pay a premium for circular-labeled food
Authors: Li Shanshan , Kallas Zein , Ornelas Selene , Pereira Edilene , Behrendt Lena , Hajdu Zoltán , Michels Evi , Meers Erik
Published: July 2023

Circular farming, as a sustainable agricultural system, contributes to the reuse of waste and optimizes the recovery of nutrients (C, N, P). By circular farming we refer to farming activities that focus on using minimal amounts of external inputs, closing nutrient loops, and minimizing environmental impacts. Here we employed open-ended choice experiments (OECEs) to analyze consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) and demand for food products obtained from circular farming with a questionnaire involving 5,591 participants from 6 EU countries. We chose three product categories: pork, milk, and bread. We found that a market niche existed for the food products produced from circular farming, with consumers exhibiting a willingness to pay a premium for circular products compared to conventional products. Spanish consumers displayed the highest WTP premium (>26%), whereas Hungarian consumers exhibited the lowest in all categories. Socio-demographic characteristics, environmental attitudes, and price levels influenced the quantity of circular products consumers are willing to purchase.