bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Controlled Defoliant Application on Cotton Fiber Quality
Authors: Neupane Jyoti , Maja Joe Mari , Miller Gilbert , Marshall Michael , Cutulle Matthew , Luo Jun
Published: May 2023

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important industrial crop. It is a perennial crop and has indeterminate growth habit, however, in most parts of the United States, it is grown as an annual crop with the application of growth regulators. Defoliation is a major production practice influencing harvester efficiency, fiber trash content, cotton yield, and fiber quality. Currently, defoliant application is done by using a conventional boom sprayer and aerial spraying in which both systems spray chemicals horizontally downwards from the top of the canopy, which causes minimal chemical to reach at bottom canopy. However, for successful defoliation, each leaf must receive the defoliant as chemicals do not move within the plant. Thus, a new autonomous ground sprayer was developed using robotics and pulse width modulation, which can be run in between two rows covering the whole canopy of the plant. Field research was conducted to study the effect of three duty cycles (20%,40%, and 60%) on cotton fiber quality using autonomous spraying system. The result indicated that the defoliants could be applied safely at either of the three duty cycles without compromising most of the fiber quality parameters except for nep/gm, length (Ln), L (5%), SFC, trash content in field 1 and micronaire, nep size, length (Ln), L (5%), SFC, and fiber fineness in field 2 which were significant. However, application of 20% duty cycle will significantly reduce the chemical use therefore, 20% duty cycle could be a good choice for the autonomous cotton defoliation. The development of autonomous spraying technology would encourage the development of new sprayer industries and the unmanned ground vehicle industries, together with the need for the global development of an agricultural system with broad market prospects and brings about huge economic, social, and ecological benefits.
Combined Remediation Effects of Pioneer Plants and Solid Waste towards Cd- and As-Contaminated Farmland Soil
Authors: Wu Jiamei , Zhang Chenxu , Yang Huifen , Chen Pan , Cao Jian
Published: May 2023

The development of phytoremediation technology is constrained by gentle phytoextraction efficiency and slow biomass accumulation. In this study, a combined remediation of pioneer plants and solid waste towards Cd- and As-contaminated farmland soil was explored. Pioneer plants Cynodon dactylon and two material formulas (Steel slag (SS):pyrolusite (PY):ferrous sulfide (FS) = 3:3:2 or 1:2:8) were used in pot experiments. The DTPA method was used to extract the bioavailable heavy metals from soil, and then, the reduction rates of the bioavailable heavy metals were calculated. After harvesting plants, data of moisture content, biomass, root length and plant height were obtained. The remediation effect was evaluated according to the above indexes. The experimental results showed that the remediation effect of Bidentis pilosa was better than that of Cynodon dactylon. The addition of solid waste material significantly reduced the content of bioavailable Cd and As in soil by 97.73% and 53.54%, respectively. Suitable wastes may be a potential addition to heavy metal contaminated soils to promote phytoremediation of heavy metals.
Use of Cloud-Based Virtual Reality in Chinese Glove Puppetry to Preserve Intangible Cultural Heritage
Authors: Way Der-Lor , Wei Yu-Hsien
Published: May 2023

Chinese traditional glove puppetry is a folk art with a long history. It is worth inheriting and safeguarding this distinguished intangible cultural traditional art using virtual reality. With this background, this study integrates the digital resources of glove puppetry from the perspective of satisfying users’ performance needs. In this study, a multi-user, cloud-based virtual reality glove puppetry system was developed that enhances the classic works of glove puppetry. Each user has a unique perception of the virtual environment and can interact remotely. The system involves human–computer and human–human interactions. This study also describes the design and control of glove puppets. The virtual reality system provides a unique entertainment experience to users of all ages. Through a questionnaire administered to 30 subjects after the user play, this study investigated the operation and experience of this system. According to the research findings, the proposed cloud-based VR system is not only easy to use, but also helps to preserve traditional intangible culture. Our research has high theoretical value and can help preserve traditional glove puppetry. Our cloud-based virtual reality system offers a new application for disseminating and preserving intangible cultural heritage.
Exploring the Frontiers of Cybersecurity Behavior: A Systematic Review of Studies and Theories
Authors: Almansoori Afrah , Al-Emran Mostafa , Shaalan Khaled
Published: May 2023

Cybersecurity procedures and policies are prevalent countermeasures for protecting organizations from cybercrimes and security incidents. Without considering human behaviors, implementing these countermeasures will remain useless. Cybersecurity behavior has gained much attention in recent years. However, a systematic review that provides extensive insights into cybersecurity behavior through different technologies and services and covers various directions in large-scale research remains lacking. Therefore, this study retrieved and analyzed 2210 articles published on cybersecurity behavior. The retrieved articles were then thoroughly examined to meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria, in which 39 studies published between 2012 and 2021 were ultimately picked for further in-depth analysis. The main findings showed that the protection motivation theory (PMT) dominated the list of theories and models examining cybersecurity behavior. Cybersecurity behavior and intention behavior counted for the highest purpose for most studies, with fewer studies focusing on cybersecurity awareness and compliance behavior. Most examined studies were conducted in individualistic contexts with limited exposure to collectivistic societies. A total of 56% of the analyzed studies focused on the organizational level, indicating that the individual level is still in its infancy stage. To address the research gaps in cybersecurity behavior at the individual level, this review proposes a number of research agendas that can be considered in future research. This review is believed to improve our understanding by revealing the full potential of cybersecurity behavior and opening the door for further research opportunities.
Optimization of a Twistable Hovering Flapping Wing Inspired by Giant Hummingbirds Using the Unsteady Blade Element Theory
Authors: Dong Yuanbo , Song Bifeng , Yang Wenqing , Xue Dong
Published: May 2023

Due to the complexity of tailoring the wing flexibility and selecting favorable kinematics, the design of flapping wings is a considerably challenging problem. Therefore, there is an urgent need to investigate methods that can be used to design wings with high energy efficiency. In this study, an optimization model was developed to improve energy efficiency by optimizing wing geometric and kinematic parameters. Then, surrogate optimization was used to solve the design optimization model. Finally, the optimal design parameters and the associated sensitivity were provided. The optimized flapping wing, inspired by hummingbirds, features large geometrical parameters, a moderate amplitude of the flapping angle, and low frequency. With the spanwise twisting deformation considered in the parameterization model, the optimization solver gave an optimized wing with a pitching amplitude of approximately 39 deg at the root and 76 deg at the tip. According to the sensitivity analysis, the length of the wing, flapping frequency, and flapping amplitude are the three critical parameters that determine both force generation and power consumption. The amplitude of the pitching motion at the wing root contributes to lowering power consumption. These results provide some guidance for the optimal design of flapping wings.
Traditional Cultivars Influence on Physical and Engineering Properties of Rice from the Cauvery Deltaic Region of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Venkatesan Subramanian , Udhaya Nandhini Dhandayuthapani , Senthilraja Kandasamy , Prabha Balasubramaniam , Jidhu Vaishnavi Sivaprakasam , Eevera Tamilmani , Somasundaram Eagan , Balakrishnan Natarajan , Raveendran Muthurajan , Geethalakshmi Vellingiri , Sivakumar Servakaranpalayam Subramaniam
Published: May 2023

Standard unit operations/equipment have not evolved for the traditional rice varieties of the Cauvery Deltaic region of Tamil Nadu. The fame of traditional rice is increasing nowadays owing to its health benefits. Non-standard unit operations may cause rice grains to crack during milling, accumulating more broken rice and yields in products of inferior quality. As a result, research into the physical properties of rice is crucial for the development of rice processing equipment that minimizes post-harvest losses during milling. Hence, an assessment was made to evaluate 30 traditional rice cultivars on their Physical (grain length, width, thickness, shape, and size), gravimetric (bulk, true, tapped density, porosity, Carr’s index, and Hausner ratio), and engineering characteristics (equivalent, arithmetic, square mean, and geometric mean diameter) using standard protocols, with the goal of reviving and preserving older varieties. The results from the analysis showed significant variations (p < 0.05) between all properties that were evaluated. According to length, a substantial amount of traditional rice varieties were long grain (76.7%), whereas (16.7%) belonged to the medium type and (3.3%) were short-grain types, respectively. There were variations among the three different categories of local rice grains when it comes to size, ranging from 3.26 to 4.69 mm for arithmetic mean diameter, 2.84 to 4.00 mm for geometric mean diameter, and 3.02 to 4.28 mm for square mean diameter, respectively. Sphericity, aspect ratio, and surface area measurements of the samples varied from 37.7% to 81.2%, 0.26 to 1.00, and 25.4 to 50.1 mm2, respectively. Of the 30 varieties, 28 were under the high amylose category, and 2 belonged to the intermediate type. The Pearson correlation was established to study the interrelationships between the dimensions and engineering properties. Principal component analysis (PCA) reduced the dimensionality of 540 data into five principal components (PC), which explained 95.7% of the total variance. These findings suggest that it is possible to revive old landraces through careful selection and analysis of these properties. The superior characteristics of these traditional varieties can be further evaluated for breeding programs in order to improve the cultivation of these cherished rice landraces to enhance nutritional security.
A Fine-Tuning Based Approach for Daily Activity Recognition between Smart Homes
Authors: Yu Yunqian , Tang Kun , Liu Yaqing
Published: May 2023

Daily activity recognition between different smart home environments faces some challenges, such as an insufficient amount of data and differences in data distribution. However, a deep network requires a large amount of labeled data for training. Additionally, inconsistent data distribution can lead to over-fitting of network learning. Additionally, the time cost of training the network from scratch is too high. In order to solve the above problems, this paper proposes a fine-tuning method suitable for daily activity recognition, which is the first application of this method in our field. Firstly, we unify the sensor space and activity space to reduce the variability in heterogeneous environments. Then, the Word2Vec algorithm is used to transform the activity samples into digital vectors recognizable by the network. Finally, the deep network is fine-tuned to transfer knowledge and complete the recognition task. Additionally, we try to train the network on public datasets. The results show that the network trained on a small dataset also has good transferability. It effectively improves the recognition accuracy and reduces the time cost and heavy data annotation.
A Comprehensive Review of Soil Remolding Toughness Determination and Its Use in the Classification of Fine-Grained Soils
Authors: O’Kelly Brendan C. , Alonso-Azcárate Jacinto , Moreno-Maroto José Manuel
Published: May 2023

The remolding toughness property of fine-grained soil has not been investigated that much, mainly because it has not lent easily to direct measurement, with soil toughness usually qualitatively described. In practical terms, as the plastic limit wP is approached, tougher soils require greater rolling effort during the wP test, such that plasticity and toughness properties can be used to distinguish those plastic soils having greater deformation resistance for various field applications. This state-of-the-art review paper presents a critical appraisal of soil remolding toughness determination and its limited use, to date, in the classification of fine-grained soils. The recent developments reviewed and critically assessed include mechanical thread rolling for nominal toughness measurement during the wP rolling-out procedure, various extrusion approaches, and proposed correlations between toughness and the plasticity index to liquid limit ratio. From statistical analysis of previously reported toughness–consistency limits data, some new correlations are introduced in the present paper. Soil classification using the traditional Casagrande plasticity chart is not entirely accurate for certain soil types in that one can observe soils that present high toughness (something typical of clay) being incorrectly classified as silt soil. From this perspective, a new toughness chart is introduced to augment (or for use instead of) the Casagrande plasticity chart in obtaining more reliable soil classification. This paper concludes with recommendations on future research efforts for routinely obtaining soil toughness measurements.
The Question Concerning Technology in Ireland?: Art, Decoloniality and Speculations of an Irish Cosmotechnics
Authors: Putnam EL
Published: May 2023

In this article, the process of speculating an Irish cosmotechnics is instigated by taking a decolonial approach to technics and technology in Ireland with a focus on three artworks: Assembly by Shane Finan, Interlooping by EL Putnam, and Entanglement by Annex. Each work relates to a different aspect of Irish technological history, from its national beginnings to its current role in global cloud computing networks, engaging with the materialities of technologies with a focus on technologies of communication, agriculture, and digital infrastructures. Countering a colonial narrative of modernist progression, where the implementation of technologies through the cultivation of land and society is put in the service of economic “development”, these three artworks treat technologies with ambivalence, placing emphasis on their material qualities and impacts. This ambivalence, where it is implemented critically yet also functions as the means of producing artistic works, enables what Catherine Walsh refers to as decolonial cracks, introducing a means of working and thinking otherwise with technology in ways that diverge from current practices of coloniality.
Methane Emissions from a State-of-the-Art LNG-Powered Vessel
Authors: Lehtoranta Kati , Kuittinen Niina , Vesala Hannu , Koponen Päivi
Published: May 2023

To meet stringent fuel sulfur limits, together with NOx limits, ships are increasingly utilizing dual-fuel (DF) engines operating with liquified natural gas (LNG) as the primary fuel. Compared to diesel, LNG combustion produces less CO2, which is needed in targeting the reduction of the shipping impact on the climate; however, this could be significantly interfered with by the methane emission formation. In this study, the methane emissions, together with other emission components, were studied by measurements onboard a state-of-the-art RoPax ferry equipped with two different development-stage engines. The results from the current standard state-of-the-art DF engine showed methane levels that were, in general, lower than what has been reported earlier from onboard studies with similar sized DF engines. Meanwhile, the methane emission from the DF engine piloting the new combustion concept was even lower, 50–70% less than that of the standard DF engine setup. Although the CO2 was found to slightly increase with the new combustion concept, the CO2 equivalent (including both methane and CO2) was smaller than that from the standard DF engine, indicating that the recent development in engine technology is less harmful for the climate. Additionally, lower NOx and formaldehyde levels were recorded from the new combustion concept engine, while an increase in particle emissions compared to the standard DF engine setup was observed. These need to be considered when evaluating the overall impacts on the climate and health effects.
Jackson R. Herring and the Statistical Closure Problem of Turbulence: A Review of Renormalized Perturbation Theories
Authors: McComb David
Published: May 2023

The pioneering applications of the methods of theoretical physics to the turbulence statistical closure problem are summarised. These are: the direct-interaction approximation (DIA) of Kraichnan, the self-consistent-field theory of Edwards, and the self-consistent-field theory of Herring. Particular attention is given to the latter, in terms of its elegance and its pedagogical value. We then concentrate on the assessment of these theories and take the historical route of Kraichnan’s diagnosis of the failure of DIA, followed by Edwards’s analysis of the failure of his self-consistent theory, when compared to the Kolmogorov spectrum. As all three theories are closely related, these analyses also shed light on Herring’s theory. The second-generation theories that grew out of this assessment are then discussed. First, there were the Lagrangian theories, initially stemming from the work of Kraichnan and Herring, and later the purely Eulerian local energy-transfer (LET) theory. The latter is significant because its development exposes the underlying problems with the pioneering theories in terms of the basic physics of the inertial energy transfer. In particular, later work allows us to assign a unified explanation of the incompatibility of all three pioneering theories with the Kolmororov spectrum, in that they are all Markovian approximations (in wavenumber) to the non-Markovian phenomenon of fluid turbulence. In the interests of completeness, we briefly review the formalisms of Wyld and Martin, Siggia, and Rose. More recent developments are also discussed, in order to bring the subject up to the present day.
Atmospheric CH4 and Its Isotopic Composition (δ13C) in Urban Environment in the Example of Moscow, Russia
Authors: Berezina Elena , Vasileva Anastasia , Moiseenko Konstantin , Pankratova Natalia , Skorokhod Andrey , Belikov Igor , Belousov Valery
Published: May 2023

Measurements of near-surface methane (CH4) mixing ratio and its stable isotope 13C were carried out from January 2018 to December 2020 at the A.M. Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) research site in the center of Moscow city. The data show moderate interannual variations in monthly mean CH4 with maximum values being observed predominantly in winter (2.05–2.10 ppmv on average). The most δ13C depleted CH4 (up to −56‰) is observed in summer and autumn following seasonal decrease in traffic load in the city. The highest CH4 concentrations (>2.2 ppmv) were likely to be caused by air transport from the E–SE sector where potentially large microbial CH4 sources are located (landfills and water treatment plants, Moscow River). Keeling plots of these episodes in different seasons of 2018–2020 showed δ13C isotopic signatures of about −58–−59‰ for the spring–autumn period and −67‰ for winter. A good correlation was observed between CH4 and other pollutants: CO2, CO, and benzene in daytime (10:00–19:00) hours (R > 0.7). Contribution of urban methane emissions due to vehicle exhausts (∆[CH4]auto) and microbial activity (∆[CH4]micro+) along with regional baseline mixing ratios of CH4 ([CH4]base) and CO ([CO]base) were estimated from the linear orthogonal regression analyses of the measured daytime mixing ratios. A significant role of microbial methane in the formation of CH4 maximums in Moscow was revealed. Contributions of the upwind continental CH4 and CO sources to the measured species levels were estimated through comparison with the Mace Head site data representative for the Northern Hemisphere baseline air. The study provides, for the first time, important insights into the long- and short-term variations of CH4 levels in Moscow in connection to the local (urban) emissions and long-range transport from upwind continental sources. The results will contribute to elaboration of a default emission inventory in air quality modeling and help to identify the areas for targeted mitigation efforts.
Thoron Gas Measurement Using Airflow-Through Scintillation Cell with Consideration of Progeny Deposition
Authors: Zhao Chao , Liu Jiayu , Chen Yanliang , He Linfeng , Tang Fangdong , Zhuo Weihai
Published: May 2023

Accurate measurement of low-level thoron gas and high-accuracy calibration of thoron measurement devices are essential for assessing and preventing thoron radiological risks. This study aimed to develop a thoron gas measurement technique using an airflow-through scintillation cell for both low-level measurement and high-accuracy calibration. To achieve this, a compartment model was developed to estimate the influence of progeny deposition and accumulation on the wall of the scintillation cell to prevent an overestimation of thoron. A self-developed scintillation cell was utilised to implement and validate this technique. The lower detection limit and measurement uncertainty were then evaluated to assess the feasibility of the technique for low-level measurement and high-accuracy calibration. The results showed that the compartment model effectively addressed the influence of progeny deposition. The measurement technique achieved a lower detection limit below 100 Bq m−3 even with the coexistence of that of 100 Bq m−3 of radon and attained a measurement uncertainty (k = 2) below 10% when the concentration of thoron exceeded 1000 Bq m−3. In summary, this study developed a reliable and practical thoron gas measurement technique using an airflow-through scintillation cell with a consideration of progeny deposition, and is expected to contribute to the assessment and prevention of thoron radiological risk.
The Cooling Effects of Landscape Configurations of Green–Blue Spaces in Urban Waterfront Community
Authors: Wang Min , Song Haoyang , Zhu Wen , Wang Yuncai
Published: May 2023

Optimizing the configuration of green–blue spaces is crucial in mitigating the urban heat island effect. However, many existing studies neglect to consider the synergistic cooling effect of green–blue space and its spatial comparison, focusing instead on individual ecological elements of green space or water bodies. Additionally, the relative importance of different configuration indicators and their marginal effects on the cooling effect of green–blue space remain unclear, with an identified need for the quantification of indicator thresholds for maximizing the cooling effect. To address these gaps, this study investigated green–blue spaces in 30 urban waterfront communities located in Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, China, and measured the scale, distribution, morphology, green–blue relationship, and built environment of these spaces. To determine the cooling effect, maximum air temperature and mean cold island intensity were measured using ENVI-met simulations. Correlation analyses and boosted regression trees (BRT) were utilized to identify the configuration indicators that affect the cooling effect and their action threshold. The results show that green space distribution and water body shape are the most important features affecting the maximum air temperature, with green space patch density (PD) and water landscape shape index (LSI) contributing 21.3% and 20.9% to the reduction in temperature, while the thresholds are 550 and 4.2, respectively. The contribution of green–blue space percentage is critical in raising urban cold island intensity, with threshold effects at 43%. These findings provide practical guidance for the efficient exploitation of the synergistic cooling effects of green–blue space and enhancement of climate resilience in coastal cities.
Dental Fiber-Post Systems: An In-Depth Review of Their Evolution, Current Practice and Future Directions
Authors: Alshabib Abdulrahman , Abid Althaqafi Khaled , AlMoharib Hani S. , Mirah Mahir , AlFawaz Yasser F. , Algamaiah Hamad
Published: May 2023

The field of dental medicine is constantly evolving and advancing toward minimally invasive techniques. Several studies have demonstrated that bonding to the tooth structure, particularly enamel, yields the most predictable results. In some instances, however, significant tooth loss, pulpal necrosis, or irreversible pulpitis may limit the options available to the restorative dentist. In these cases, placement of a post and core followed by a crown is the preferred treatment option, provided all requirements are met. This literature review provides an overview of the historical development of dental FRC post systems as well as a comprehensive examination of the currently available posts and their bonding requirements. In addition, it offers valuable insights for dental professionals seeking to understand the current state of the field and the prospects of dental FRC post systems.
Genetic Markers Associated with Milk Production and Thermotolerance in Holstein Dairy Cows Managed in a Heat-Stressed Environment
Authors: Zamorano-Algandar Ricardo , Medrano Juan F. , Thomas Milton G. , Enns R. Mark , Speidel Scott E. , Sánchez-Castro Miguel A. , Luna-Nevárez Guillermo , Leyva-Corona José C. , Luna-Nevárez Pablo
Published: May 2023

Dairy production in Holstein cows in a semiarid environment is challenging due to heat stress. Under such conditions, genetic selection for heat tolerance appears to be a useful strategy. The objective was to validate molecular markers associated with milk production and thermotolerance traits in Holstein cows managed in a hot and humid environment. Lactating cows (n = 300) exposed to a heat stress environment were genotyped using a medium-density array including 53,218 SNPs. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) detected six SNPs associated with total milk yield (MY305) that surpassed multiple testing (p < 1.14 × 10−6). These SNPs were further validated in 216 Holstein cows from two independent populations that were genotyped using the TaqMan bi-allelic discrimination method and qPCR. In these cows, only the SNPs rs8193046, rs43410971, and rs382039214, within the genes TLR4, GRM8, and SMAD3, respectively, were associated (p < 0.05) with MY305, rectal temperature (RT), and respiratory rate. Interestingly, these variables improved as the number of favorable genotypes of the SNPs increased from 0 to 3. In addition, a regression analysis detected RT as a significant predictor (R2 = 0.362) for MY305 in cows with >1 favorable genotype, suggesting this close relationship was influenced by genetic markers. In conclusion, SNPs in the genes TLR4, GRM8, and SMAD3 appear to be involved in the molecular mechanism that regulates milk production in cows under heat-stressed conditions. These SNPs are proposed as thermotolerance genetic markers for a selection program to improve the milk performance of lactating Holstein cows managed in a semiarid environment.
Effect of Translocation on Host Diet and Parasite Egg Burden: A Study of the European Bison (Bison bonasus)
Authors: Herskind Christinna , Petersen Heidi Huus , Pertoldi Cino , Østergaard Stine Karstenskov , Kołodziej-Sobocińska Marta , Sobociński Wojciech , Tokarska Małgorzata , Hammer Jensen Trine
Published: May 2023

For the purpose of nature management and species conservation, European bison (Bison bonasus) are being increasingly reintroduced into nature reserves across Europe. The aim of this study was to investigate European bison’s adaptability to new areas through the study of their parasite-EPG (eggs per gram feces) and dietary diversity during twelve months after translocation. We compared the parasite-EPG from introduced European bison in Lille Vildmose, Denmark, with the parasite-EPG from populations from Bornholm, Denmark, and Białowieża Forest, Poland. From March 2021 to February 2022, fecal samples were collected from three populations. Samples from Lille Vildmose were examined through flotation, sedimentation, the Baermann technique, and nanopore sequencing. Fecal samples from Bornholm and Białowieża were examined through flotation and sedimentation. Nanopore sequencing of DNA from 63 European bison’s fecal samples collected during March–September in Lille Vildmose identified 8 species of nematodes within the digestive tract of the European bison, with Haemonchus contortus being the most frequently observed. In Lille Vildmose, a significantly higher excretion of nematode-EPG was observed during the summer period than in the spring, autumn, and winter. In addition, monthly differences in the excretion of nematode eggs were found, with this being significantly higher in June than in the months during autumn and winter (October–February). Significant differences in the nematode-EPG were only found between the excretion of nematode eggs in Białowieża Forest when compared to that of Lille Vildmose, with significantly higher excretion in Lille Vildmose (October–November). The results indicate that the development rates for nematodes may be affected by changes in temperature, with increasing temperatures speeding up their development time. Independent of this study design, wildlife vets together with the gamekeepers managing the herd found it necessary to treat the herd with antiparasitics for practical and animal welfare reasons in relation to translocation. Furthermore, 79 plant taxa were identified in the diet of the European bison. The broadest diet was observed in March suggesting that the European bison quickly adapted to their new habitat. The results suggest a seasonal shift in their diet, with this being most apparent from March to April.
Endotrophin Levels Are Associated with Allograft Outcomes in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Sparding Nadja , Genovese Federica , Rasmussen Daniel Guldager Kring , Karsdal Morten A. , Krogstrup Nicoline V. , Nielsen Marie Bodilsen , Hornum Mads , Nagarajah Subagini , Birn Henrik ,   The CONTEXT Study Group, Jespersen Bente , Tepel Martin , Nørregaard Rikke
Published: May 2023

Early prediction of kidney graft function may assist clinical management, and for this, reliable non-invasive biomarkers are needed. We evaluated endotrophin (ETP), a novel non-invasive biomarker of collagen type VI formation, as a prognostic marker in kidney transplant recipients. ETP levels were measured with the PRO-C6 ELISA in the plasma (P-ETP) of 218 and urine (U-ETP/Cr) of 172 kidney transplant recipients, one (D1) and five (D5) days, as well as three (M3) and twelve (M12) months, after transplantation. P-ETP and U-ETP/Cr at D1 (P-ETP AUC = 0.86, p < 0.0001; U-ETP/Cr AUC = 0.70, p = 0.0002) were independent markers of delayed graft function (DGF) and P-ETP at D1 had an odds ratio of 6.3 (p < 0.0001) for DGF when adjusted for plasma creatinine. The results for P-ETP at D1 were confirmed in a validation cohort of 146 transplant recipients (AUC = 0.92, p < 0.0001). U-ETP/Cr at M3 was negatively associated with kidney graft function at M12 (p = 0.007). This study suggests that ETP at D1 can identify patients at risk of delayed graft function and that U-ETP/Cr at M3 can predict the future status of the allograft. Thus, measuring collagen type VI formation could aid in predicting graft function in kidney transplant recipients.
A Multilevel Study of Eupatorin and Scutellarein as Anti-Amyloid Agents in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rizou Aikaterini E. I. , Nasi Georgia I. , Paikopoulos Yiorgos , Bezantakou Dimitra S. , Vraila Konstantina D. , Spatharas Panagiotis M. , Dimaki Virginia D. , Papandreou Nikos C. , Lamari Fotini N. , Chondrogianni Niki , Iconomidou Vassiliki A.
Published: May 2023

Today, Alzheimer’s disease (AD)—the most common neurodegenerative disorder, which affects 50 million people—remains incurable. Several studies suggest that one of the main pathological hallmarks of AD is the accumulation of abnormal amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregates; therefore, many therapeutic approaches focus on anti-Aβ aggregation inhibitors. Taking into consideration that plant-derived secondary metabolites seem to have neuroprotective effects, we attempted to assess the effects of two flavones—eupatorin and scutellarein—on the amyloidogenesis of Aβ peptides. Biophysical experimental methods were employed to inspect the aggregation process of Aβ after its incubation with each natural product, while we monitored their interactions with the oligomerized Aβ through molecular dynamics simulations. More importantly, we validated our in vitro and in silico results in a multicellular organismal model—namely, Caenorhabditis elegans—and we concluded that eupatorin is indeed able to delay the amyloidogenesis of Aβ peptides in a concentration-dependent manner. Finally, we propose that further investigation could lead to the exploitation of eupatorin or its analogues as potential drug candidates.
Low Temperature Delays the Effects of Ischemia in Bergmann Glia and in Cerebellar Tissue Swelling
Authors: Li Xia , Helleringer Romain , Martucci Lora L. , Dallérac Glenn , Cancela José-Manuel , Galante Micaela
Published: May 2023

Cerebral ischemia results in oxygen and glucose deprivation that most commonly occurs after a reduction or interruption in the blood supply to the brain. The consequences of cerebral ischemia are complex and involve the loss of metabolic ATP, excessive K+ and glutamate accumulation in the extracellular space, electrolyte imbalance, and brain edema formation. So far, several treatments have been proposed to alleviate ischemic damage, yet few are effective. Here, we focused on the neuroprotective role of lowering the temperature in ischemia mimicked by an episode of oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) in mouse cerebellar slices. Our results suggest that lowering the temperature of the extracellular ‘milieu’ delays both the increases in [K+]e and tissue swelling, two dreaded consequences of cerebellar ischemia. Moreover, radial glial cells (Bergmann glia) display morphological changes and membrane depolarizations that are markedly impeded by lowering the temperature. Overall, in this model of cerebellar ischemia, hypothermia reduces the deleterious homeostatic changes regulated by Bergmann glia.
Amperometric Biosensor for Quantitative Measurement Using Sandwich Immunoassays
Authors: Pedersen Thor , Fojan Peter , Pedersen Anne Kathrine Nissen , Magnusson Nils E. , Gurevich Leonid
Published: May 2023

State-of-the-art clinical detection methods typically involve standard immunoassay methods, requiring specialized equipment and trained personnel. This impedes their use in the Point-of-Care (PoC) environment, where ease of operation, portability, and cost efficiency are prioritized. Small, robust electrochemical biosensors provide a means with which to analyze biomarkers in biological fluids in PoC environments. Optimized sensing surfaces, immobilization strategies, and efficient reporter systems are key to improving biosensor detection systems. The signal transduction and general performance of electrochemical sensors are determined by surface properties that link the sensing element to the biological sample. We analyzed the surface characteristics of screen-printed and thin-film electrodes using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adapted for use in an electrochemical sensor. The robustness and reproducibility of the developed electrochemical immunosensor were investigated by detecting Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) in urine. The sensor showed a detection limit of 1 ng/mL, a linear range of 3.5–80 ng/mL, and a CV% of 8%. The results demonstrate that the developed platform technology is suitable for immunoassay-based sensors on either screen-printed or thin-film gold electrodes.
Highly Sensitive Fluorescence Detection of Three Organophosphorus Pesticides Based on Highly Bright DNA-Templated Silver Nanoclusters
Authors: Li Guowen , Huang Xiufang , Peng Chifang , Sun Fengxia
Published: May 2023

It is still challenging to achieve simultaneous and sensitive detection of multiple organophosphorus pesticides (OPs). Herein, we optimized the ssDNA templates for the synthesis of silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs). For the first time, we found that the fluorescence intensity of T base-extended DNA-templated Ag NCs was over three times higher than the original C-riched DNA-templated Ag NCs. Moreover, a “turn-off” fluorescence sensor based on the brightest DNA-Ag NCs was constructed for the sensitive detection of dimethoate, ethion and phorate. Under strong alkaline conditions, the P-S bonds in three pesticides were broken, and the corresponding hydrolysates were obtained. The sulfhydryl groups in the hydrolyzed products formed Ag-S bonds with the silver atoms on the surface of Ag NCs, which resulted in the aggregation of Ag NCs, following the fluorescence quenching. The fluorescence sensor showed that the linear ranges were 0.1–4 ng/mL for dimethoate with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.05 ng/mL, 0.3–2 µg/mL for ethion with a LOD of 30 ng/mL, and 0.03–0.25 µg/mL for phorate with a LOD of 3 ng/mL. Moreover, the developed method was successfully applied to the detection of dimethoate, ethion and phorate in lake water samples, indicating a potential application in OP detection.
Sex Differences in Excitatory and Inhibitory Function in the Primary Somatosensory Cortex during the Early Follicular Phase: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Anazawa Sayaka , Yamashiro Koya , Makibuchi Taiki , Ikarashi Koyuki , Fujimoto Tomomi , Ochi Genta , Sato Daisuke
Published: May 2023

Background and objectives: We examined sex differences in the excitatory and inhibitory functions of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) between males and females during the early follicular phase, when estradiol hormones are unaffected. Methods: Fifty participants (25 males and 25 females) underwent measurement of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and paired-pulse inhibition (PPI) in the S1; SEPs and PPI were elicited by constant current square-wave pulses (0.2 ms duration) delivered to the right median nerve by electrical stimulation. Paired-pulse stimulation occurred at 30- and 100-ms interstimulus intervals. Participants were randomly presented with 1500 (500 stimuli each) single- and paired-pulse stimuli at 2 Hz. Results: The N20 amplitude was significantly larger in female subjects than in male subjects, and the PPI-30 ms was significantly potentiated in female subjects compared to that in male subjects. Conclusions: The excitatory and inhibitory functions in S1 differ between male and female subjects, at least during the early follicular phase.
Single-Cell Transcriptomics Reveals Evidence of Endothelial Dysfunction in the Brains of COVID-19 Patients with Implications for Glioblastoma Progression
Authors: Thakur Abhimanyu , Liang Lifan , Banerjee Sourav , Zhang Kui
Published: May 2023

Background: Endothelial dysfunction is implicated in various inflammatory diseases such as ischemic stroke, heart attack, organ failure, and COVID-19. Recent studies have shown that endothelial dysfunction in the brain is attributed to excessive inflammatory responses caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection, leading to increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier and consequently neurological damage. Here, we aim to examine the single-cell transcriptomic landscape of endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19 and its implications for glioblastoma (GBM) progression. Methods: Single-cell transcriptome data GSE131928 and GSE159812 were obtained from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) to analyze the expression profiles of key players in innate immunity and inflammation between brain endothelial dysfunction caused by COVID-19 and GBM progression. Results: Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of the brain of COVID-19 patients revealed that endothelial cells had undergone significant transcriptomic changes, with several genes involved in immune responses and inflammation upregulated. Moreover, transcription factors were observed to modulate this inflammation, including interferon-regulated genes. Conclusions: The results indicate a significant overlap between COVID-19 and GBM in the context of endothelial dysfunction, suggesting that there may be an endothelial dysfunction link connecting severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in the brain to GBM progression.
Experience of Pain and Unpleasantness during Mammography Screening: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Roles of Emotional, Cognitive, and Personality Factors
Authors: Montoro Casandra I. , Alcaraz María del Carmen , Galvez-Sánchez Carmen M.
Published: May 2023

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequent cause of malignant tumors among women worldwide. Its successful prevention depends on the degree of participation in screening programs, which can be influenced by psychological factors, including fear. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Statement. Twenty-six healthy women aged 50–69 years took part in this study, all of whom were summoned for routine mammography screening and were randomly selected. Prior mammography screening, breast pain intensity, unpleasantness (visual analog scale), and psychological (catastrophizing, state anxiety, and fear of pain) and personality (neuroticism, psychoticism, and extraversion) variables were evaluated. Pain, unpleasantness, and state anxiety were further evaluated pre- and post-mammography screening. Results: During the mammography screening, pain and unpleasantness levels were higher than those observed pre- and post-screening. Residual unpleasantness remained post-screening. State anxiety was positively associated with pain, and psychoticism with unpleasantness, as reported by participants during the mammography screening. Conclusions: Anxiety levels influence the pain experienced in association with the mammography procedure. Women subjected to mammography screenings might benefit from relaxation strategies aimed at reducing anxiety to pre-mammography levels and, by extension, pain and unpleasantness during mammography. The inclusion of these strategies in breast cancer prevention campaigns could improve the rates of mammography reattendance, and therefore, benefit cancer prevention efforts.
Psychological Stress and Hand Eczema in Physicians and Dentists: A Comparison Based on Surgical Work
Authors: Japundžić Iva , Lugović-Mihić Liborija , Košćec Bjelajac Adrijana , Macan Jelena , Novak-Hlebar Ina , Buljan Marija , Zovak Mario , Vidović Dinko , Trkanjec Zlatko , Kuna Matea
Published: May 2023

Background: This research looks at the connection between psychological stress and the prevalence of hand eczema (HE) among physicians and dentists (surgeons, non-surgeons). Methods: This cross-sectional field study involved 185 participants: physicians (surgeons, non-surgeons), dentists (surgeons, non-surgeons) and controls. Hand lesions were examined using the Osnabrueck Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI), and participants answered the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Patch tests were performed using commercial contact allergens. Results: The estimated prevalence of HE (self-reported) was 43.9% (physicians 44.6%; dentists 43.2%). HE was significantly more reported by surgeons than controls (p < 0.004; V = 0.288). Degrees of perceived stress (PSS) did not differ significantly between the groups, though physicians non-surgeons most exhibited high stress (50%), and physicians surgeons most exhibited low stress (22.5%). High stress was associated with 2.5 higher odds for self-reported HE (p = 0.008). Low stress was greater among physicians/dentists who did not report eczema (41.0% vs. 24.6%); moderate stress was more common among those who reported eczema (72.3% vs. 51.8%; p = 0.038; V = 0.210). Conclusions: Since high stress levels may negatively influence physicians’/dentists’ work and quality of life, measures to decrease stress could be introduced into the treatment of healthcare workers who are prone to it.
The Affective Domain, Safety Attitude, and COVID-19 Prevention of Employees in the Petrochemical Industry
Authors: Lai Gwo-Long , Wen I-Jyh , Chien Wei-Liang
Published: May 2023

The petrochemical industry is relatively strict regarding safety rules in the workplace. The workplace involves high-risk categories that are intolerant of human error. Especially in the current situation with COVID-19, concerns regarding prevention and safety in the workplace have increased. In light of this pandemic, the company must know whether all employees recognize the implementation of COVID-19 prevention. In addition, employee awareness of safety grounded in the affective domain of human thought is lacking. This study investigates the safety attitudes and COVID-19 prevention in the workplace based on the affective domain of employees. A survey questionnaire based on the Likert scale was utilized to collect data from 618 employees in the petrochemical industry. Descriptive analysis and analysis of variance were used to examine the data. The results reveal that employees in the petrochemical industry have a positive degree of responses to COVID-19 prevention, safety attitudes, and the affective domain, regardless of employment characteristics such as gender, age, position, and work experience. This study concludes that a positive affective domain of employees is followed by a positive safety attitude; thus, effective COVID-19 prevention was established in the workplace based on the perspectives and attitudes of the employees.
University Dropout Model for Developing Countries: A Colombian Context Approach
Authors: Valencia-Arias Alejandro , Chalela Salim , Cadavid-Orrego Marcela , Gallegos Ada , Benjumea-Arias Martha , Rodríguez-Salazar David Yeret
Published: May 2023

University dropout is a problem that has raised great concern in institutions of higher education. For this reason, academic institutions need to study the phenomenon and come up with alternatives that contribute to the improvement of students’ individual commitments. The aim is to examine the dimensions influencing the decision of university students to drop out. A quantitative approach study was carried out, based on a cross-sectional exploratory-descriptive field design, in which 372 students participated. According to the participants, one of the dimensions that influence the decision to leave the university is the support of the institutions to the continuity of the motivation processes to the student body, since the easy access to the credits is greater than the scholarships granted, which coincides with the financing restrictions of university students in developing countries. In conclusion, it is observed that the communication between managers, teachers, and students is a key factor in the processes of academic retention as a strategy to combat the phenomenon of university desertion.