bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical findings and outcome in feline tetanus: a multicentric retrospective study of 27 cases and review of the literature
Authors: Dussaux Alice , Fuhrer Laurent , Dorner Martin B. , Santifort Koen , Vanhaesebrouck An , Menchetti Marika , Danciu Cecilia-Gabriella , Dutil Guillaume , Escriou Catherine , Blot Stephane , Gutmann Sarah , Taestensen Carina , Mayousse Vincent
Published: July 2024

Tetanus is a toxigenic illness caused by the action of Clostridium tetani neurotoxin (TeNT), which results in partial or generalized muscle stiffness in infected mammals and birds. The disease is rarely reported in cats due to their innate resistance to the toxin. This multicentric retrospective study aimed to describe a significant population of cats with a diagnosis of tetanus and report their signalment, clinical and neurological signs, diagnostic findings, treatment, and outcome. A retrospective search through medical records from 11 referral centers in Europe resulted in the identification of 27 cases of feline tetanus from July 2005 to April 2023. These cases were further compared with previously reported cases in the veterinary literature. Young cats were more commonly represented than older cats, with a median age of 4 years. Clinical signs were initially characterized by a lame and/or stiff limb, near the primary injury site, in 17/26 (65%) cats. Signs were focal or multifocal in 21/27 (78%) cats of this study and one typical sign was the inability to flex the most severely affected limbs. Electrodiagnostic studies revealed characteristic changes, such as continuous spontaneous motor unit discharges in both agonist and antagonist muscles. Such studies are particularly useful in focal and multifocal cases and should be performed to further support the diagnosis. The toxin was successfully identified in one case using the mouse bioassay. Treatment included antibiotherapy (metronidazole) in most cases, muscle relaxants, appropriate nursing cares and handling of potential complications. Overall, the outcome appeared to be positive, with only 1/27 (3.7%) cats being euthanized due to financial restrains. 23/25 (92%) cats returned to an independent ambulatory capacity on all limbs within a median delay of 25 days. Mild to moderate long-term sequelae were reported in eight (30%) cats. This multicentric study is the first to bring together such a large number of cats affected with tetanus. Presentation of the disease in cats differs from that observed in humans and dogs, with most cats being locally affected. Compared to previous reports of tetanus, this series of cats had a better outcome overall, especially for cats affected with generalized tetanus.
Lipoprotein lipase as a target for obesity/diabetes related cardiovascular disease
Authors: Shang Rui , Rodrigues Brian
Published: July 2024

Worldwide, the prevalence of obesity and diabetes have increased, with heart disease being their leading cause of death. Traditionally, the management of obesity and diabetes has focused mainly on weight reduction and controlling high blood glucose. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, poor medication management predisposes these patients to heart failure. One instigator for the development of heart failure is how cardiac tissue utilizes different sources of fuel for energy. In this regard, the heart switches from using various substrates, to predominantly using fatty acids (FA). This transformation to using FA as an exclusive source of energy is helpful in the initial stages of the disease. However, over the progression of diabetes this has grave end results. This is because toxic by-products are produced by overuse of FA, which weaken heart function (heart disease). Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is responsible for regulating FA delivery to the heart, and its function during diabetes has not been completely revealed. In this review, the mechanisms by which LPL regulates fuel utilization by the heart in control conditions and following diabetes will be discussed in an attempt to identify new targets for therapeutic intervention. Currently, as treatment options to directly target diabetic heart disease are scarce, research on LPL may assist in drug development that exclusively targets fuel utilization by the heart and lipid accumulation in macrophages to help delay, prevent, or treat cardiac failure, and provide long-term management of this condition during diabetes.
The efficacy and safety of second salvage autologous transplantation in myeloma patients
Authors: Bicsko Reka Rahel , Nyilas Renata , Szasz Robert , Varoczy Laszlo , Kiss Attila , Udvardy Miklos , Illes Arpad , Gergely Lajos
Published: July 2024

Despite the availability of many novel therapies for multiple myeloma, it remains an incurable disease with relapse fated in almost all patients. In the era of modern agents, second autologous stem cell transplantation still holds its role in patients relapsing after first-line autologous transplant. The authors reviewed a single-center experience with a second auto-SCT for relapsed multiple myeloma. Thirty patients had received a salvage auto-SCT at the institution. The median follow-up after diagnosis was 86 months, and the median time between transplants was 59.1 months. Response before second ASCT was the following: CR – 11 cases, VGPR – 9 cases, PR – 10 cases. Most patients received reduced dose (140 mg/m2) of melphalan as a conditioning regimen for the second auto-SCT. Treatment-related mortality was 3%. With a median follow-up time of 34 months after the second transplant, median progression-free survival was 24 months. The median PFS in the patients achieving CR or VGPR at day 100 after the second transplantation was 32 months. By 15 months, all patients achieved only partial remission progressed, with a median PFS of 8.5 months. During the follow-up period, no MDS or AML developed, and the frequency of second malignancy was also low, 3%. In conclusion, second autologous stem cell transplantation is a well-tolerated and effective treatment option for relapsed multiple myeloma in selected patients, though with a shorter PFS than in first remission.
Experimental Determination of Pitch Damping Coefficient Using Free Oscillation Method
Authors: Bunescu Ionuț , Stoican Mihăiță-Gilbert , Hothazie Mihai-Vlăduț
Published: July 2024

This paper outlines an experimental investigation conducted at the INCAS trisonic wind tunnel, focusing on the determination of pitch damping coefficient. The model used for this investigation is the Basic Finner Model, a standard model for dynamic tests which consists in a cone-cylinder body with four rectangular fins. The study aims to evaluate the influence of various parameters—including the Mach number, angle of attack, reduced frequency, center of rotation, and roll angle—on pitch damping coefficient. The employed method for determining these coefficients is the free oscillation method which consists in measuring the model oscillation in free stream after an initial perturbation. In order to perform these dynamic tests in the wind tunnel, a dedicated rig was developed to initiate the model’s oscillation using a linear servo-actuator and to record its oscillation using a strain gauge. The results obtained from the experiments illustrate how each parameter impacts the pitch damping coefficient, highlighting the precision of the measurements. The paper’s conclusion presents that the developed rig and the method used provide accurate results, and the variation in different parameters can change the damping coefficient.
Interplay of Fogponics and Artificial Intelligence for Potential Application in Controlled Space Farming
Authors: Suganob Newton John , Arroyo Carey Louise , Concepcion Ronnie
Published: July 2024

Most studies in astrobotany employ soil as the primary crop-growing medium, which is being researched and innovated. However, utilizing soil for planting in microgravity conditions may be impractical due to its weight, the issue of particles suspended in microgravity, and its propensity to harbor pathogenic microorganisms that pose health risks. Hence, soilless irrigation and fertigation systems such as fogponics possess a high potential for space farming. Fogponics is a promising variation of aeroponics, which involves the delivery of nutrient-rich water as a fine fog to plant roots. However, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of fogponics compared to other soilless cultivation methods is essential. Additionally, optimizing fogponics systems for effective crop cultivation in microgravity environments is crucial. This study investigated the interaction of fogponics and artificial intelligence for crop cultivation in microgravity environments, aiming to replace soil-based methods, filling a significant research gap as the first comprehensive examination of this interplay in the literature. A comparative assessment of soilless fertigation and irrigation techniques to identify strengths and weaknesses was conducted, providing an overview through a literature review. This highlights key concepts, methodologies, and findings, emphasizing fogponics’ relevance in space exploration and identifying gaps in current understanding. Insights suggest that developing adaptive fogponics systems for microgravity faces challenges due to uncharacterized fog behavior and optimization complexities without gravity. Fogponics shows promise for sustainable space agriculture, yet it lags in technological integration compared with hydroponics and aeroponics. Future research should focus on microgravity fog behavior analysis, the development of an effective and optimized space mission-compatible fogponics system, and system improvements such as an electronic nose for an adaptive system fog chemical composition. This study recommends integrating advanced technologies like AI-driven closed-loop systems to advance fogponics applications in space farming.
Enhancing Talent Recruitment in Business Intelligence Systems: A Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Models
Authors: Al-Quhfa Hikmat , Mothana Ali , Aljbri Abdussalam , Song Jie
Published: July 2024

In the competitive field of business intelligence, optimizing talent recruitment through data-driven methodologies is crucial for better decision-making. This study compares the effectiveness of various machine learning models to improve recruitment accuracy and efficiency. Using the recruitment data from a major Yemeni organization (2019–2022), we evaluated models including K-Nearest Neighbors, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, Naive Bayes, Decision Trees, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting Classifier, AdaBoost Classifier, and Neural Networks. Hyperparameter tuning and cross-validation were used for optimization. The Random Forest model achieved the highest accuracy (92.8%), followed by Neural Networks (92.6%) and Gradient Boosting Classifier (92.5%). These results suggest that advanced machine learning models, particularly Random Forest and Neural Networks, can significantly enhance the recruitment processes in business intelligence systems. This study provides valuable insights for recruiters, advocating for the integration of sophisticated machine learning techniques in talent acquisition strategies.
The Effect of Wood Species on Fine Particle and Gaseous Emissions from a Modern Wood Stove
Authors: Rinta-Kiikka Henna , Dahal Karna , Louhisalmi Juho , Koponen Hanna , Sippula Olli , Krpec Kamil , Tissari Jarkko
Published: July 2024

Residential wood combustion (RWC) is a significant source of gaseous and particulate emissions causing adverse health and environmental effects. Several factors affect emissions, but the effects of the fuel wood species on emissions are currently not well understood. In this study, the Nordic wood species (named BirchA, BirchB, Spruce, SpruceDry, Pine and Alder) were combusted in a modern stove, and the emissions were studied. The lowest emissions were obtained from the combustion of BirchA and the highest from Spruce and Alder. The fine particle mass (PM2.5) was mainly composed of elemental carbon (50–70% of PM2.5), which is typical in modern appliances. The lowest PAH concentrations were measured from BirchA (total PAH 107 µg/m3) and Pine (250 µg/m3). In the ignition batch, the PAH concentration was about 4-fold (416 µg/m3). The PAHs did not correlate with other organic compounds, and thus, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or organic carbon (OC) concentrations cannot be used as an indicator of PAH emissions. Two birch species from different origins with a similar chemical composition but different density produced partially different emission profiles. This study indicates that emission differences may be due more to the physical properties of the wood and the combustion conditions than to the wood species themselves.
Can Foraging for Earthworms Significantly Reduce Global Famine in a Catastrophe?
Authors: Miller Henry , Mulhall James , Pfau Lou Aino , Palm Rachel , Denkenberger David C.
Published: July 2024

Earthworms are a resilient group of species thriving in varied habitats through feeding on decaying organic matter, and are therefore predicted to survive an abrupt sunlight reduction scenario, e.g., a nuclear winter. In this study, the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of foraging earthworms to reduce global famine in such a scenario with or without global catastrophic infrastructure loss was considered. Previously reported earthworm extraction methods (digging and sorting, vermifuge application, worm grunting, and electroshocking) were analysed, along with scalability, climate-related barriers to foraging, and pre-consumption processing requirements. Estimations of the global wild earthworm resource suggest it could provide three years of the protein needs of the current world human population, at a median cost of USD 353·kg−1 dry carbohydrate equivalent or a mean cost of USD 1200 (90% confidence interval: 32–8500)·kg−1 dry carbohydrate equivalent. At this price, foraging would cost a median of USD 185 to meet one person’s daily caloric requirement, or USD 32 if targeted to high-earthworm-biomass and low-labour-cost regions; both are more expensive than most existing resilient food solutions. While short-term targeted foraging could still be beneficial in select areas given its quick ramp-up, earthworms may bioaccumulate heavy metals, radioactive material, and other contaminants, presenting a significant health risk. Overall, earthworm foraging cannot be recommended as a scalable resilient food solution unless further research addresses uncertainties regarding cost-effectiveness and food safety.
Computation Implemented by the Interaction of Chemical Reaction, Clustering, and De-Clustering of Molecules
Authors: Gunji Yukio Pegio , Adamatzky Andrew
Published: July 2024

A chemical reaction and its reaction environment are intrinsically linked, especially within the confines of narrow cellular spaces. Traditional models of chemical reactions often use differential equations with concentration as the primary variable, neglecting the density heterogeneity in the solution and the interaction between the reaction and its environment. We model the interaction between a chemical reaction and its environment within a geometrically confined space, such as inside a cell, by representing the environment through the size of molecular clusters. In the absence of fluctuations, the interplay between cluster size changes and the activation and inactivation of molecules induces oscillations. However, in unstable environments, the system reaches a fluctuating steady state. When an enzyme is introduced to this steady state, oscillations akin to action potential spike trains emerge. We examine the behavior of these spike trains and demonstrate that they can be used to implement logic gates. We discuss the oscillations and computations that arise from the interaction between a chemical reaction and its environment, exploring their potential for contributing to chemical intelligence.
Self-Regulation of the Posterior–Frontal Brain Activity with Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback to Influence Perceptual Discrimination
Authors: Kim Sunjung , Dalboni da Rocha Josue Luiz , Birbaumer Niels , Sitaram Ranganatha
Published: July 2024

The Global Neuronal Workspace (GNW) hypothesis states that the visual percept is available to conscious awareness only if recurrent long-distance interactions among distributed brain regions activate neural circuitry extending from the posterior areas to prefrontal regions above a certain excitation threshold. To directly test this hypothesis, we trained 14 human participants to increase blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signals with real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rtfMRI)-based neurofeedback simultaneously in four specific regions of the occipital, temporal, insular and prefrontal parts of the brain. Specifically, we hypothesized that the up-regulation of the mean BOLD activity in the posterior–frontal brain regions lowers the perceptual threshold for visual stimuli, while down-regulation raises the threshold. Our results showed that participants could perform up-regulation (Wilcoxon test, session 1: p = 0.022; session 4: p = 0.041) of the posterior–frontal brain activity, but not down-regulation. Furthermore, the up-regulation training led to a significant reduction in the visual perceptual threshold, but no substantial change in perceptual threshold was observed after the down-regulation training. These findings show that the up-regulation of the posterior–frontal regions improves the perceptual discrimination of the stimuli. However, further questions as to whether the posterior–frontal regions can be down-regulated at all, and whether down-regulation raises the perceptual threshold, remain unanswered.
Transforming Healthcare: The AI Revolution in the Comprehensive Care of Hypertension
Authors: Alam Sreyoshi F. , Gonzalez Suarez Maria L.
Published: July 2024

This review explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in hypertension care, summarizing and analyzing published works from the last three years in this field. Hypertension contributes to a significant healthcare burden both at an individual and global level. We focus on five key areas: risk prediction, diagnosis, education, monitoring, and management of hypertension, supplemented with a brief look into the works on hypertensive disease of pregnancy. For each area, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of integrating AI. While AI, in its current rudimentary form, cannot replace sound clinical judgment, it can still enhance faster diagnosis, education, prevention, and management. The integration of AI in healthcare is poised to revolutionize hypertension care, although careful implementation and ongoing research are essential to mitigate risks.
Modeling the Potential Habitat Gained by Planting Sagebrush in Burned Landscapes
Authors: Heinrichs Julie A. , O’Donnell Michael S. , Orning Elizabeth K. , Pyke David A. , Ricca Mark A. , Coates Peter S. , Aldridge Cameron L.
Published: July 2024

Many revegetation projects are intended to benefit wildlife species. Yet, there are few a priori evaluations that assess the potential efficiency of restoration actions in recovering wildlife habitats. We developed a spatial vegetation–habitat recovery model to gauge the degree to which field planting strategies could be expected to recover multi-factor habitat conditions for wildlife following wildfires. We simulated a wildfire footprint, multiple sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) planting scenarios, and tracked projected vegetation growth for 15 years post-fire. We used a vegetation transition framework to track and estimate the degree to which revegetation could accelerate habitat restoration for a Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus) population within the Great Basin, western United States. We assessed the amount of habitat 15 years post-fire to estimate the degree to which revegetation could be expected to accelerate habitat restoration. Our results highlight a potential disconnect between the expansive areas required by wide-ranging wildlife such as sage-grouse and the relatively small areas that planting treatments have created. Habitat restorations and planting strategies that are intended to benefit sage-grouse may only speed up localized habitat restoration. This study provides an example of how linked revegetation–habitat modeling approaches can scope the expected return on restoration investment for habitat improvements and support the strategic use of limited restoration resources.
The Genetic Characterization of the Canarian Endemic Palm (Phoenix canariensis) by Simple Sequence Repeats and Chloroplast Markers: A Tool for the Molecular Traceability of Phoenix Hybridization
Authors: Saro Isabel , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Priscila , Rivera Diego , Obón Concepción , Aberlenc Fredérique , Díaz-Pérez Antonio , Zehdi-Azouzi Salwa , Curbelo Leticia , Sosa Pedro A.
Published: July 2024

The endemic palm from the Canary Islands, Phoenix canariensis, is one of the most distinctive elements of the Canarian vegetation landscape, contributing to cultural, economic and environmental aspects. One of the main conservation problems facing this iconic palm is anthropogenic hybridization with other Phoenix species, particularly Phoenix dactylifera, which has been introduced extensively throughout its geographical range. Therefore, it is important to obtain a genetic tool that addresses different issues that may have an impact on the protection of P. canariensis, including ornamental applications and wild population conservation purposes. Our main goals were to detect a molecular tracer that could reliably distinguish between Phoenix canariensis and P. dactylifera in the Canary archipelago and to characterize the presence and extent of genetic hybridization events between the two species. We used 19 nuclear microsatellites and 1 chloroplast minisatellite set and analysed a large sample size (N = 433) of plants using both Bayesian methods and ordination techniques. Our data showed that a set of 13 nuclear markers revealed diagnostic alleles for P. canariensis, which were defined as the Canarian nuclear genotype (CNG). Moreover, P. canariensis exhibited an exclusive chlorotype of 266 bp that together with the GNC serve as an indicator of genetic purity in the Canarian palm. These markers are sufficient to detect any hybrid, even if it is not related to morphological differences. The occurrence of a considerable number of specimens with different degrees of hybridization is discussed in terms of the existence of different generations of hybrids and different types of crosses. Thus, the genetic tracers represent an invaluable tool to address any proposal for the genetic conservation of Phoenix canariensis.
Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality after Thrombectomy in Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion: A Retrospective, Machine Learning Study
Authors: Petrović Ivan , Broggi Serena , Killer-Oberpfalzer Monika , Pfaff Johannes A. R. , Griessenauer Christoph J. , Milosavljević Isidora , Balenović Ana , Mutzenbach Johannes S. , Pikija Slaven
Published: July 2024

Background: Despite the increased use of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in recent years, there remains a lack of research on in-hospital mortality rates following the procedure, the primary factors influencing these rates, and the potential for predicting them. This study aimed to utilize interpretable machine learning (ML) to help clarify these uncertainties. Methods: This retrospective study involved patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO)-related ischemic stroke who underwent MT. The patient division was made into two groups: (I) the in-hospital death group, referred to as miserable outcome, and (II) the in-hospital survival group, or favorable outcome. Python 3.10.9 was utilized to develop the machine learning models, which consisted of two types based on input features: (I) the Pre-MT model, incorporating baseline features, and (II) the Post-MT model, which included both baseline and MT-related features. After a feature selection process, the models were trained, internally evaluated, and tested, after which interpretation frameworks were employed to clarify the decision-making processes. Results: This study included 602 patients with a median age of 76 years (interquartile range (IQR) 65–83), out of which 54% (n = 328) were female, and 22% (n = 133) had miserable outcomes. Selected baseline features were age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) value, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), international normalized ratio (INR), the type of the affected vessel (‘Vessel type’), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), baseline glycemia, and premorbid modified Rankin scale (pre-mRS). The highest odds ratio of 4.504 was observed with the presence of peripheral arterial disease (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.120–9.569). The Pre-MT model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) value of around 79% utilizing these features, and the interpretable framework discovered the baseline NIHSS value as the most influential factor. In the second data set, selected features were the same, excluding pre-mRS and including puncture-to-procedure-end time (PET) and onset-to-puncture time (OPT). The AUC value of the Post-MT model was around 84% with age being the highest-ranked feature. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the moderate to strong effectiveness of interpretable machine learning models in predicting in-hospital mortality following mechanical thrombectomy for ischemic stroke, with AUCs of 0.792 for the Pre-MT model and 0.837 for the Post-MT model. Key predictors included patient age, baseline NIHSS, NLR, INR, occluded vessel type, PAD, baseline glycemia, pre-mRS, PET, and OPT. These findings provide valuable insights into risk factors and could improve post-procedural patient management.
Determinants of Inequalities in the Exposure to and Adoption of Multiple Health Risk Behaviors among Brazilian Adolescents, 2009–2019
Authors: Haddad Mariana Rebello , Sarti Flavia Mori
Published: July 2024

The occurrence of multiple risk behaviors among adolescents imposes challenges in the context of public policies of health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Evidence on the conditions leading to the exposure to and adoption of multiple risk behaviors allows the identification of vulnerable groups of adolescents, and may support the proposition of targeted strategies directed to individuals at risk. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a quantitative analysis to identify recent trends in the exposure to and adoption of multiple health risk behaviors among Brazilian adolescents, highlighting individual-, household-, and school-level characteristics linked to inequalities among social groups. The analysis was based on cross-sectional data from the National Student Health Survey (PeNSE), conducted by the Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics in 2009, 2012, 2015, and 2019. The trends in the occurrence of multiple risk behaviors among adolescents were estimated according to social strata, allowing the calculation of concentration indexes and their disaggregation into major determinants of inequalities in the exposure and adoption of risk behaviors. The analyses were conducted using a complex survey design to allow representativeness at the population level. The results showed a rise in the incidence of multiple risk behaviors among youngsters in Brazil from 2009 to 2019. Factors influencing inequalities in the exposure to multiple risk behaviors were socioeconomic status and the characteristics of the household and school environments, whilst the adoption of multiple risk behaviors was also influenced by early exposure to multiple risk behaviors. Furthermore, trends in inequalities in the exposure to and adoption of multiple risk behaviors showed an intensification from 2009 to 2019, being initially concentrated among wealthier adolescents, followed by a transition to higher incidence in the lower socioeconomic strata in 2012 and 2015, respectively. The findings underscore the role of support systems for adolescents at risk within the familial and school contexts, whereas strategies of public policies of health based on the strengthening of community ties may require improvements to tackle socioeconomic inequalities in the occurrence of risk behaviors among youngsters.
A Fault Identification Method of Hybrid HVDC System Based on Wavelet Packet Energy Spectrum and CNN
Authors: Liang Yan , Zhang Junwei , Shi Zheng , Zhao Haibo , Wang Yao , Xing Yahong , Zhang Xiaowei , Wang Yujin , Zhu Haixiao
Published: July 2024

Aiming at the shortcomings of traditional fault identification methods in fault information acquisition, In the scenario of hybrid HVDC transmission system, a new fault identification method is proposed by using wavelet packet energy spectrum and convolutional neural network (CNN), which effectively solves the problem of complex fault feature extraction of hybrid HVDC transmission system. This method effectively improves the accuracy of fault identification. Firstly, tThe frequency-domain characteristics of the fault transient signal are extracted by wavelet packet transform, and the feature differences are reflected in the form of energy spectrum. Secondly, according to the extracted energy feature information, the order of fault line and fault type is identified by CNN. Finally, through example verification and algorithm comparison, it is concluded that, the mentioned model has a strong ability to identify faults, and has strong anti-noise interference and tolerance to transition resistance.
Investigation of Arc Dynamic Behavior Change Induced by Various Parameter Configurations for C4F7N/CO2 Gas Mixture
Authors: Wang Wen , Yan Xianglian , Liu Beiyang , Bian Yalin
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the feasibility of using a mixture of C4F7N/CO2 gases as an eco-friendly arcing medium for high-voltage circuit breakers, comparing its performance to that of conventional SF6 gas. An existing magnetohydrodynamic (MHD)-based arc model is modified to incorporate the non-recombination characteristics of C4F7N. The temperature, pressure, and velocity distributions of the arc throughout the whole arcing process are systematically analyzed. First, the differences in multi-physical fields induced by the C4F7N non-recombination feature are highlighted. The effects of varying the C4F7N concentration from 4% to 10% in the C4F7N/CO2 gas mixture on the arc behavior are also computationally studied. The results indicate significant differences in the arc-extinguishing performance between C4F7N/CO2 and SF6 under identical operating conditions. The potential of using C4F7N/CO2 as a viable alternative to SF6 in circuit breaker applications may need further design efforts to optimize key components such as the driving mechanism and nozzle. Moreover, as the concentration of C4F7N increases, the gas mixture exhibits improved flow field characteristics, suggesting that a higher volume concentration of C4F7N enhances the gas’s short-circuit current interruption capabilities.
Responses of Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics and GHG Fluxes in Forest Ecosystems to Climate Change and Human Activity
Authors: Xu Xingkai
Published: July 2024

Forest soils are considered the largest carbon and nitrogen pools in soil organic matter among terrestrial ecosystems, and soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are normally affected by climate change and human activity. The collection of recent research on this scientific theme would provide a basis for understanding the responses of soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics and GHG fluxes in forest ecosystems to climate change and human activity. A Special Issue was, thus, organized to discuss recent research achievements, including a total of nine research articles and one review. This Special Issue includes the effects of climate changes such as changes in throughfall, snow cover, and permafrost degradation; human activities such as nitrogen and/or phosphorus addition and the use of biochar; and soil–plant interactions on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics and GHG fluxes in forest ecosystems. Although this collection of papers reflects only a small part of this scientific theme, it can, to some extent, provide a basis for understanding some important research aspects related to the future of forest soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics and GHG fluxes in a changing world, thereby enabling sustainable development and the mitigation of climate change.
Tradition and Innovation in Yoghurt from a Functional Perspective—A Review
Authors: Munteanu-Ichim Roxana-Andreea , Canja Cristina-Maria , Lupu Mirabela , Bădărău Carmen-Liliana , Matei Florentina
Published: July 2024

Yoghurt is one of the most consumed and studied dairy products, with proven functional effects on the human body. This review discusses the functional properties of traditional yoghurt products in comparison with different other yoghurts enriched with natural bioactive compounds like bee products, aromatic plants, fruit, vegetables, extracts, edible flowers, mushrooms, and high protein ingredients. The food industry aims to enhance the nutritional profile of final products, recognising the potential value they bring. Yoghurt, acknowledged as a functional food, has garnered significant attention globally in terms of production and consumption. Incorporating flavours through essences, fruit, fruit extracts, and honey is considered a preferable alternative to artificial flavours for innovating new dairy products. While the review underscores the positive properties of natural additives, it also addresses the possible changes in physicochemical properties and storage stability when yoghurt is enriched beyond the basic elements. A compelling synthesis of the data reveals the remarkable finding that the majority of functional yoghurts incorporate bee products. In recent years, the dairy industry has seen a rise in combining probiotics and functional foods, especially with the development of probiotic functional yoghurts.
Bioactive Peptides Derived from Whey Proteins for Health and Functional Beverages
Authors: Saubenova Margarita , Oleinikova Yelena , Rapoport Alexander , Maksimovich Sviatoslav , Yermekbay Zhanerke , Khamedova Elana
Published: July 2024

Milk serves as a crucial source of natural bioactive compounds essential for human nutrition and health. The increased production of high-protein dairy products is a source of whey—a valuable secondary product that, along with other biologically valuable substances, contains significant amounts of whey proteins and is often irrationally used or not utilized at all. Acid whey, containing almost all whey proteins and approximately one-quarter of casein, presents a valuable raw material for generating peptides with potential health benefits. These peptides exhibit properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antihypertensive, antithrombotic, opioid, mineral-binding, and growth-stimulating activities, contributing to improved human immunity and the treatment of chronic diseases. Bioactive peptides can be produced by enzymatic hydrolysis using a variety of proteolytic enzymes, plant extracts, and microbial fermentation. With the participation of plant enzymes, peptides that inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme are most often obtained. The use of enzymatic hydrolysis and microbial fermentation by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) produces more diverse peptides from different whey proteins with α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin as the main targets. The resulting peptides of varying lengths often have antimicrobial, antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic characteristics. Peptides produced by LAB are promising for use in medicine and the food industry as antioxidants and biopreservatives. Other beneficial properties of LAB-produced, whey-derived peptides have not yet been fully explored and remain to be studied. The development of whey drinks rich in bioactive peptides and based on the LAB proteolytic activity is underway. The strain specificity of LAB proteases opens up broad prospects for combining microorganisms to obtain products with the widest range of beneficial properties.
Solid-State Fermentation of Quinoa Flour: An In-Depth Analysis of Ingredient Characteristics
Authors: Gautheron Ophélie , Nyhan Laura , Ressa Arianna , Torreiro Maria Garcia , Tlais Ali Zein Alabiden , Cappello Claudia , Gobbetti Marco , Hammer Andreas Klaus , Zannini Emanuele , Arendt Elke K. , Sahin Aylin W.
Published: July 2024

Plant protein ingredients are gaining attention for human nutrition, yet they differ significantly from animal proteins in functionality and nutrition. Fungal solid-state fermentation (SSF) can modulate the composition and functionality, increasing their applicability in foods. Quinoa flour (QF) served as a substrate for Aspergillus oryzae and Rhizopus oligosporus, resulting in two fermented ingredients (QFA and QFR) with different nutritional, functional, and aroma characteristics. A higher increase in protein (+35%) and nitrogen (+24%) was observed in the QFA, while fat was predominantly increased in the QFR (+78%). Fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) decreased in the QFR but increased in the QFA due to polyol production. Metabolomic analysis revealed higher lactic acid concentrations in the QFA, and higher citric, malic, and fumaric acid contents in the QFR. The SSF reduced most antinutrients, while R. oligosporus produced saponins. Olfactometry showed the development of fruity ester compounds and a decrease in metallic and cardboard aromas. Both ingredients showed an enhanced water-holding capacity, with the QFA also demonstrating an increased oil-holding capacity. Complex formation increased the particle size, reduced the solubility, and decreased the foaming properties. Mycelium production darkened the ingredients, with the QFR having a higher differential colour index. This study highlights the potential of SSF to produce ingredients with improved nutritional, sensory, and functional properties.
Water Sowing and Harvesting (WS&H) for Sustainable Management in Ecuador: A Review
Authors: Herrera-Franco Gricelda , Morante-Carballo Fernando , Bravo-Montero Lady , Valencia-Robles Juan , Aguilar-Aguilar Maribel , Martos-Rosillo Sergio , Carrión-Mero Paúl
Published: July 2024

Water Sowing and Harvesting (WS&H) is an ancestral knowledge widely used as a sustainable technique in water management. This study aims to analyse the importance, promotion, and cultural heritage of WS&H techniques through a literature review in Ecuador, considering applications of ancestral techniques by region (coastal, Andean and insular) with a strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats (SWOTs) analysis and a focus group for a strategy proposal of the water supply. The methodology of this study includes the following: (i) an analysis of the evolution of WS&H studies in Ecuador; (ii) a presentation of WS&H techniques and their applications; and (iii) the contribution of WS&H to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), complemented by a SWOTs analysis. The results show that, in Ecuador, WS&H is a method of Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) applied to the problems of water scarcity and is affordable, ecological, and has high efficiency, improving agricultural productivity and guaranteeing water supply for human consumption. The Manglaralto coastal aquifer, a case study in the coastal region of Ecuador, involves WS&H management and artificial aquifer recharge. WS&H structures became a reference for the sustainable development of rural communities that can be replicated nationally and internationally as a resilient alternative to water scarcity and a global climate emergency, contributing to the SDGs of UNESCO.
Towards Using Digital Technologies to Balance Conservation and Fire Mitigation in Building Heritage Hosting Vulnerable Occupants: Rapid Evacuation Simulator Verification for the “Omero Museum” (Ancona, Italy)
Authors: D’Orazio Marco , Canafoglia Margherita , Bernardini Gabriele , Quagliarini Enrico
Published: July 2024

Digital technologies can support designers in balancing architectural heritage conservation and performances using multidisciplinary approaches. Fire safety represents a challenging issue, especially in public historical buildings hosting vulnerable occupants, since heavy modifications are often required to facilitate their evacuation. Digital tools based on evacuation simulation are able to verify the impact of other sustainable, compatible evacuation management and planning approaches, especially considering the use of generic software, which can be used by low-trained technicians according to rapid setups. Nevertheless, simulator reliability should be experimentally verified through case study applications. This work thus offers the experimental verification of a rapid setup-based generic evacuation simulator in the context of a significant case study (the “Omero Museum”, Ancona, Italy), placed in a historic building hosting vulnerable occupants (disabled, elderly, children), thanks to a full-scale evacuation drill. The rapid setup described different vulnerable occupants’ categories according to literature data. Comparisons between drill and simulation results, using consolidated verification indicators, showed the overall reliability of the proposed approach, and thus encourage additional tests in historical buildings. The proposed setup-based simulator could be combined with other digital tools (virtual reality, BIM-related) to provide full support to fire risk and evacuation assessments when vulnerable occupants are present.
Impact of Soil Management Practices on Soil Culturable Bacteriota and Species Diversity in Central European a Productive Vineyard under Warm and Dry Conditions
Authors: Šimanský Vladimír , Kačániová Miroslava , Juriga Martin , Čmiková Natália , Borotová Petra , Aydın Elena , Wójcik-Gront Elzbieta
Published: July 2024

Sustainable management practices are crucial for the longevity of a monoculture vineyard, especially in the context of a changing climate. Therefore, soil management practices in a vineyard (T: tillage, T+FYM: tillage + farmyard manure, G: grass strips, G+NPK1: grass strips + rational rates of NPK, and G+NPK2: grass strips + higher rates of NPK) were tested in a temperate climate of Slovakia (Central Europe) under specific soil conditions (Rendzic Leptosol). We investigated the influence of continuous cropping on soil chemical properties and microbial communities during the dry and warm year of 2022. The results showed that the soil pH was higher by 19%, 21%, 24% and 13% in T, T+FYM, G and G+NPK1, respectively, compared to G+NPK2. The lowest soil organic matter (SOM) content was found in T, and it increased in the following order: T < T+FYM < G+NPK2 < G+NPK1 < G. Similarly, the lowest abundance of soil culturable bacteriota was found in T and it increased in the following order: T < T+FYM = G+NPK2 < G+NPK1< G. Culturable bacteriota was identified using mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper). The most numerous species group was Bacillus, followed by Lactobacillus > Staphylococcus > Pseudomonas. The most frequently isolated species were Bacillus megaterium (16.55%), Bacillus cereus (5.80%), Bacillus thuringiensis (4.87%), and Bacillus simplex (4.37%). Positive relationships between SOM and soil culturable bacteriota were found in the G and G+NPK1 treatments. Temperature also affected soil culturable bacteriota in all soil management practices, most significantly in G+NPK1. Overall, the best scenario for the sustainable management of a productive vineyard is the use of grass strips.
Digital Violence in University Student Couples: England vs. Spain
Authors: Hernando-Gómez Ángel , Montero-Fernández Delia , García-Rojas Antonio Daniel , Olvera Francisco Javier Del Río
Published: July 2024

This research studies the prevalence of digital violence exercised through new information and communication technology (ICT) among university couples. A comparative study was carried out in England, United Kingdom, and in Spain with 831 participants. A quantitative methodology was applied with different sampling: in the United Kingdom, 303 (MAge = 22.79; SD; 47.32; 58.7% male) and in Spain, 528 (MAge = 24.29; SD = 21.41; 69.5% female). An ad hoc questionnaire was used, created for the detection, measurement and analysis of digital violence within affective-sexual relationships. The results reveal proportions of 51.04% and 49.82% in the perception of digital violence through electronic devices in dating relationships among young people; 15.84% and 11.05% in the prevalence of digital violence in young couples’ relationships; 9.36% and 6.17% in the prevalence of traditional violence; and 35.78% and 22.43% in the tolerance of digital violence among students, for the English and Spanish samples, respectively. The results also show a slightly lower prevalence of digital violence in the Spanish sample with respect to the English sample, where females scored slightly higher in the perpetration of digital violence. There is a need to develop awareness, training and prevention programs against digital violence in the university context.
The Role of PTEN in Chemoresistance Mediated by the HIF-1α/YY1 Axis in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Antonio-Andres Gabriela , Morales-Martinez Mario , Jimenez-Hernandez Elva , Huerta-Yepez Sara
Published: July 2024

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer. Current chemotherapy treatment regimens have improved survival rates to approximately 80%; however, resistance development remains the primary cause of treatment failure, affecting around 20% of cases. Some studies indicate that loss of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) leads to deregulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, increasing the expression of proteins involved in chemoresistance. PTEN loss results in deregulation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and induces hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) expression in various cancers. Additionally, it triggers upregulation of the Yin Yang 1 (YY1) transcription factor, leading to chemoresistance mediated by glycoprotein p-170 (Gp-170). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the PTEN/NF-κB axis in YY1 regulation via HIF-1α and its involvement in ALL. A PTEN inhibitor was administered in RS4;11 cells, followed by the evaluation of PTEN, NF-κB, HIF-1α, YY1, and Gp-170 expression, along with chemoresistance assessment. PTEN, HIF-1α, and YY1 expression levels were assessed in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from pediatric ALL patients. The results reveal that the inhibition of PTEN activity significantly increases the expression of pAkt and NF-κB, which is consistent with the increase in the expression of HIF-1α and YY1 in RS4;11 cells. In turn, this inhibition increases the expression of the glycoprotein Gp-170, affecting doxorubicin accumulation in the cells treated with the inhibitor. Samples from pediatric ALL patients exhibit PTEN expression and higher HIF-1α and YY1 expression compared to controls. PTEN/Akt/NF-κB axis plays a critical role in the regulation of YY1 through HIF-1α, and this mechanism contributes to Gp-170-mediated chemoresistance in pediatric ALL.