bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on oil recovery of oily sludge by subcritical/supercritical hydrothermal upgrading
Authors: Duan Yuanwang , Wang Shuzhong , He Chao , Zhang Fan , Wang Yulong , Li Yanhui
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Sub/supercritical hydrothermal treatment is a promising technology for efficient resource utilization and complete harmlessness of oily sludge, which is significant for promoting the green and sustainable development of the petroleum industry. In this paper, the effects of reaction temperature, reaction pressure, reaction time and oil content on oil recovery and oil quality (composition, desulfurization and denitrification, and heavy metal content) are studied in detail.

RESULTS

It was found that the temperature was the most critical parameter, and the optimal process conditions were 350°C, 20 MPa, 60 min and 12 wt% oil content, under which the oil recovery rate could reach 70.46%. The content of N and S in the recovered oil could be as low as 0.87 and 0.536 wt%, and the ratio of H/C was higher than 1.6.

CONCLUSION

It was found that reaction temperature had the most significant effect on oil recovery compared with other reaction parameters. Heavy metals are transferred from the oil phase to the water and solid phases, so the content of heavy metals in the oil phase is up to standard. The experiment shows that supercritical water heat treatment of oily sludge is feasible, which makes possible the commercial application of sub/supercritical water thermal oil collection technology. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Resurgence of human respiratory syncytial virus during COVID‐19 pandemic in Southern Brazil
Authors: Fröhlich Guilherme C. , Gregianini Tatiana S. , Pinheiro Felipe G. , Nascimento Rodrigo , Cezar Thiago M. , Pscheidt Veridiane M. , Selayaran Tainá , Martins Letícia G. , Gomes Marcelo Ferreira da Costa , Salvato Richard S. , Pereira Elisa C. , Guimarães‐Ribeiro Victor , Scalioni Letícia de Paula , Siqueira Marilda M. , Resende Paola C. , Veiga Ana B. G. ,   LACEN‐RS Team
Published: March 2024

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is an important cause of respiratory infection in humans. Severe cases are common in children ≤2 years old, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly. In 2020, RSV infection reduced in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), southern Brazil; however, in 2021 resurgence of RSV was observed. This study analyzed epidemiological and genetic features of RSV infection cases reported in 2021 in RS. Nasopharyngeal samples collected from individuals with respiratory infection negative for SARS‐CoV‐2, Influenza A and B viruses were assessed for the presence of RSV by real time RT‐qPCR. RSV‐A and RSV‐B genomic sequencing and phylogenetic reconstructions were performed for genotyping and clade characterization. Among 21,035 respiratory samples analyzed, 2,947 were positive for RSV, 947 of which were hospitalized patients. Positive cases were detected year‐round, with the highest number in June–July (winter). Children <1 year comprised 56.28% (n = 533) of the hospitalized patients infected with RSV, whereas 14.46% (n = 137) were individuals >60 years. Of a total of 361 deaths, 14.68% (n = 53) were RSV positive, mostly patients >60 years old (73.58%, n = 39). Chronic kidney disease, cardiopathy, Down syndrome and neurological diseases were associated with RSV infection. RSV‐A was identified in 58.5% (n = 117/200) of the patients, and RSV‐B in 41.5% (n = 83/200). Of 95 RSV genomes recovered from SARI cases, 66 were RSV‐A GA.2.3.5 genotype, while 29 were RSV‐B GB.5.0.5a genotype. This study provides epidemiological and molecular data on RSV cases in RS during the COVID‐19 pandemic and highlights that investigation of different respiratory viruses is essential for decision‐making and disease prevention and control measures.
Interhemispheric propagation of seasonal sea surface temperature fluctuations over the western Pacific in CMIP6
Authors: Wei Tian , Sun Cheng , Guo Zijing , Lou Wei , Song Zichen , Shi Linfeng , Dong Menghao
Published: March 2024

Interannual sea surface temperature (SST) variability in the western Pacific is a critical research topic in climate change, as it can significantly impact regional and global weather patterns. Previous observational studies have shown that SST in the southwestern Pacific (SWP) can effectively serve as a precursor signal for SST in the western tropical Pacific (WTP). In this study, we evaluate and compare the modelling capabilities of 32 CMIP6 models to simulate the relationship between SWP and WTP SST. The results indicate that while some CMIP6 models can simulate the spatial connection and physical processes between the SWP and WTP, there are significant intermodel differences. Specifically, the models that best simulate the cross‐equatorial propagation of SWP SST anomalies are those that accurately simulate the cross‐equatorial wind anomalies induced by SWP SST anomalies, highlighting the key role of wind‐evaporation‐SST feedback in SST propagation. Further analysis reveals that the intermodel spread in cross‐equatorial SST propagation is attributable to model biases in simulating climatological SST and wind speed. Models with warm climatological equatorial SST and strong wind speeds provide favourable conditions for the cross‐equatorial propagation of SWP‐related SST anomalies towards the north. Warm SST and strong inter‐season wind speeds near the equator facilitate the northward propagation of the SWP warm signal, leading to increased warming in the WTP.
Monitoring soil organic carbon under coastal restoration using time series Sentinel‐1
Authors: Yang Ren‐Min , Huang Lai‐Ming
Published: March 2024

Salt marsh soils are key reservoirs of organic carbon. Although the potential for using Sentinel‐1 data to estimate organic carbon in marsh soils has been recognized, there is still a need to find suitable proxies and effective algorithms that enhance predictions. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of Sentinel‐1 data for predicting soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in salt marshes located on the coast of eastern‐central China. We defined the relations between SOC stocks and remotely sensed data using a knowledge‐based approach (i.e., structural equation modeling (SEM)), and the results were compared with those obtained using a common data‐driven approach (i.e., random forest (RF)). Predictive models were developed using (1) refined images associated with phenological stages (phenological variables), (2) refined images that were classified as statistically important using Monte Carlo feature selection (MCFS‐based variables), and (3) images from the combination of these refined datasets. The predictions were validated using a leave‐one‐out cross‐validation approach. The results showed that SEM was more accurate than RF when predicting SOC stocks using the same type of predictor variables. Models using phenological variables alone yielded the least accurate predictions. Adding phenological variables to the structural equation model with MCFS‐based variables increased the prediction accuracy by 36% in terms of the R2. The results of the case study suggest that images related to phenological stages are good predictors for mapping SOC stocks in marshes. This study highlights the superiority of SEM over RF for developing effective remote sensing‐based models to quantify and map SOC stocks in salt marshes.
Combined effect of warming, nutrients, and species pool size on the seasonal variability of phytoplankton composition: A modeling perspective
Authors: Pálffy Károly , Smeti Evangelia
Published: March 2024

The anticipated long‐term rise in temperature can have numerous effects on freshwater phytoplankton, however, there is a great deal of uncertainty about how biogeochemical processes modify community functioning under a warming climate. Previous works regarding a large shallow lake and a mesocosm study showed a positive relationship between the temporal variability of phytoplankton composition and mean temperature, which might be a sign of warming‐stimulated instability in ecosystem processes. To elucidate whether these observations are part of a more general phenomenon, we combined a numerical model describing the dependence of algal growth on temperature and nutrient concentration with a multispecies, multi‐nutrient model. We ran simulations representative of changes in phytoplankton communities with randomized initial species composition under different temperature scenarios (current annual temperature pattern increased with 1°C, 2°C, or 3°C), various levels of nitrogen and phosphorus supply and different degrees of temporal variability in those supplies. The model outputs showed that seasonal variability in composition can be enhanced by warming through the mechanistic links between nutrient availability, temperature, and species‐specific growth rates, but the rate of increase is also dependent on nutrient ratios and the size of the species pool. Moreover, temporal variability in nutrient loads also enhanced compositional variability, but the rate of increase also depended on the level of nutrient supply. The results of our study hint that the impact of climate change and eutrophication on phytoplankton dynamics can be more intricate than spatiotemporally limited field or experimental observations would suggest.
Erbium: YAG laser treatment efficacy and association with histologic features for giant congenital melanocytic nevi management
Authors: Zhao Yifei , Zou Yun , Chen Hui , Rao Yamin , Lin Xiaoxi
Published: March 2024

Background

Limited research exists on laser treatment of giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN).

Objective

We sought to elucidate the efficacy of the Erbium: YAG laser on GCMN and the histologic factors associated with a positive clinical response.

Methods and Materials

Between 2019 and 2022, we enrolled 30 medium‐to‐giant CMN patients who underwent Er: YAG laser treatment. All patients received biopsies before and after laser treatments. Clinical efficacy outcomes were evaluated by the investigator's global assessment (IGA), 5‐point scale of depigmentation, and Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores at least 6 months after treatment.

Results

Of the 30 cases, 18 (60.0%) showed improvement (IGA score ≥3). Eight (26.7%) patients showed repigmentation. Eight (26.7%) patients developed hypertrophic scars. The average IGA, depigmentation, and VSS scores were 2.93, 3.57, and 3.20. The IGA score was higher (3.24 ± 1.18 vs. 2.22 ± 0.97, p = 0.031) and a lower repigmentation rate (14.3% vs. 55.6%, p = 0.032) was observed in the cases with Grenz zone. The IGA score was higher (3.33 ± 1.24 vs. 2.13 ± 0.89, p = 0.023) and the repigmentation rate was lower (11.1% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.034) also in the cases with the melanocytes nests with aggregation of melanin. Lesions with superficial ablation resulted in less hypertrophic scar formation than those with deep ablation (5.9% vs. 53.8%, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The Er: YAG laser demonstrated effective clinical results for GCMNs. The grenz zone and the melanocytes nests with aggregation of melanin are promising predictors of laser efficacy.
Relevant Aspects of Combined Protocols for Prevention of N(M)AFLD and Other Non‐Communicable Diseases
Authors: Videla Luis A. , Valenzuela Rodrigo , Zúñiga‐Hernández Jessica , del Campo Andrea
Published: March 2024

Obesity is a global health issue characterized by the excessive fat accumulation, leading to an increased risk of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), which can progress from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there are no approved pharmacological protocols for prevention/treatment of MAFLD, and due the complexity lying beneath these mechanisms, monotherapies are unlikely to be efficacious. This review article analyzes the possibility that NCDs can be prevented or attenuated by the combination of bioactive substances, as they could promote higher response rates, maximum reaction results, additive or synergistic effects due to compounds having similar or different mechanisms of action and/or refraining possible side effects, related to the use of lower doses and exposures times than monotherapies. Accordingly, prevention of mouse MAFLD is observed with the combination of the omega‐3 docosahexaenoic acid with the antioxidant hydroxytyrosol, whereas attenuation of mild cognitive impairment is attained by folic acid plus cobalamin in elderly patients. The existence of several drawbacks underlying published monotherapies or combined trials, opens space for adequate and stricter experimental and clinical tryouts to achieve meaningful outcomes with human applicability.
Assessment of Performance and Deactivation Resistance of Catalysts in the Pyrolysis of Polyethylene and Post‐Consumer Polyolefin Waste
Authors: Mesquita Katiane de Jesus , Pinto José Carlos , Pacheco Henrique Poltronieri
Published: March 2024

In the present work, the catalyst performances of USY and REY zeolites and MgO, ZnO, and MgxAlOy oxides are investigated in the pyrolysis of virgin high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and of post‐consumer polyolefin waste. The influence of operation parameters and catalyst deactivation resistance over four reaction cycles are evaluated. The results indicate that basic oxides do not show relevant cracking activity, so that the only identified effect for these catalysts is the production of liquid products with higher contents of paraffins when compared to thermal pyrolysis. Among the evaluated oxides, MgxAlOy is the most active and resistant to deactivation. The zeolites promote cracking and secondary reactions of isomerization, cyclization, and aromatization. Particularly, USY promotes the production of higher‐quality oils and shows higher deactivation resistance, when compared to REY. Additionally, a significant loss of catalyst activity is identified in reactions conducted with post‐consumer polyolefin wastes. However, increase in rates of coke formation and the presence of contaminants (such as halogens and metals) are not detected in the catalysts after the reactions.
Policy research institutes’ role in the development of evidence for evidence‐based policymaking in the United States
Authors: Burkhauser Richard V. , Burkhauser Susan V.
Published: March 2024

Policy research institutes in the United States play an important role in the creation of evidence for evidence‐based policymaking. This is the case with respect to their advocacy for the gathering and broad dissemination of “Big Data” and in the publication of policy analysis in the academic literature using these data. But they play a much more significant role, via non‐refereed working papers, in predicting the possible behavioral and distributional consequences of currently proposed policies being considered by the executive and legislative branches of government. Historically, however, policy research institutes, both inside and outside the Beltway, have also played a less understood role. This role is the nurturing of those mostly academic‐based economists who, as members of the Council of Economic Advisers, eventually end up advising presidents of the United States and their staff on the state of economic knowledge regarding the economic problems these policymakers are called to solve via evidence‐based policymaking.
The relationship between kinesiophobia, balance, and upper extremity functions in patients with painful shoulder pathology
Authors: Ata Ayşe Merve , Tuncer Baran , Kara Onur , Başkan Bedriye
Published: March 2024

Background

Poor balance ability may contribute to shoulder pathology in patients with existing shoulder pathologies or vice versa. The relationship between kinesiophobia and chronic shoulder pain intensity has been researched, although the conclusions are conflicting. To our knowledge, no study in the literature explores the association between kinesiophobia and balance in patients with shoulder pain.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between kinesiophobia, upper extremity functions, and balance abilities in patients with shoulder pain.

Design

Cross‐sectional observational study.

Setting

Physical medicine and rehabilitation hospital.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Participants

A total of 44 patients with shoulder pain were included in the study.

Main Outcome Measures

The pain severity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) were used to assess the patients. Ultrasound was used to diagnose underlying shoulder joint problems. Static and dynamic postural control was evaluated.

Results

The most common pathologies detected by ultrasound were supraspinatus tendinitis/rupture (77.3%), cortical irregularity (68.2%), and bursitis (63.6%). TSK score did not correlate with age, body mass index, symptom duration, or VAS score in rest (all p > .05), but it was associated with scores on the BBS (r = −0.437, p = .003), SPADI‐pain (r = 0.474, p = .001), SPADI‐disability (r = 0.355, p = .018), SPADI‐total (r = 0.405, p = .006), and VAS in activity (r = 0.331, p = .028). According to multiple linear regression analysis, BBS score, SPADI‐total score, and anterior–posterior sway length were significant predictors of TSK (r = 0.645, r2 = 0.416).

Conclusions

According to the findings of this study, the main risk factors for high levels of kinesiophobia are poor balance, severe pain, and disability. In addition to mechanical causes of shoulder pain, diagnosing and intervening on underlying balance issues and psychosocial causes of shoulder pain will improve treatment success.
Partial‐node‐based resilient set‐membership filtering for output‐coupled complex networks with event‐triggered mechanisms
Authors: Lin Ming , Shen Qi , Liu Chang , Peng Hui , Xu Yong
Published: March 2024

This paper studies the resilient set‐membership filtering for discrete‐time nonlinear complex networks with output‐coupled topologies. An event‐triggered mechanism (ETM) is employed to save communication resources from the sensor to the filter. A resilient set‐membership filter (RSMF) handles unknown bounded uncertainty, resists the gain perturbation and makes the estimation errors to a certain ellipsoid region. Sufficient conditions for the existence of the RSMF are derived using mathematical induction techniques. The filter gain can be determined on the basis of solving a specific set of recursive matrix inequalities. Then, by optimizing the constrained ellipsoid of the estimation error, the optimized filtering performance is ensured. Finally, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed RSMF.
Simultaneous Dual‐Gene Test of Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus using an Argonaute‐Centered Portable and Visual Biosensor
Authors: Kou Jun , Li Yaru , Zhao Zhiying , Qiao Jiali , Zhang Qiang , Han Xiao , Cheng Xinkuan , Man Shuli , Ma Long
Published: March 2024

The development of novel method for drug‐resistant bacteria detection is imperative. A simultaneous dual‐gene Test of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is developed using an Argonaute‐centered portable biosensor (STAR). This is the first report concerning Argonaute‐based pathogenic bacteria detection. Simply, the species‐specific mecA and nuc gene are isothermally amplified using loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique, followed by Argonaute‐based detection enabled by its programmable, guided, sequence‐specific recognition and cleavage. With the strategy, the targeted nucleic acid signals gene are dexterously converted into fluorescent signals. STAR is capable of detecting the nuc gene and mecA gene simultaneously in a single reaction. The limit of detection is 10 CFU/mL with a dynamic range from 10 to 107 CFU/mL. The sample‐to‐result time is <65 min. This method is successfully adapted to detect clinical samples, contaminated foods, and MRSA‐infected animals. This work broadens the reach of Argonaute‐based biosensing and presents a novel bacterial point‐of‐need (PON) detection platform.
Climate change and broiler production
Authors: Oke Oyegunle Emmanuel , Akosile Oluwaseun Ayomide , Uyanga Victoria Anthony , Oke Folasade Olukemi , Oni Aderanti Ifeoluwa , Tona Kokou , Onagbesan Okanlawon Mohammed
Published: March 2024

Climate change has emerged as a significant occurrence that adversely affects broiler production, especially in tropical climates. Broiler chickens, bred for rapid growth and high meat production, rely heavily on optimal environmental conditions to achieve their genetic potential. However, climate change disrupts these conditions and poses numerous challenges for broiler production. One of the primary impacts of climate change on broiler production is the decreased ability of birds to attain their genetic potential for faster growth. Broilers are bred to possess specific genetic traits that enable them to grow rapidly and efficiently convert feed into meat. However, in tropical climates affected by climate change, the consequent rise in daily temperatures, increased humidity and altered precipitation patterns create an unfavourable environment for broilers. These conditions impede their growth and development, preventing them from reaching their maximum genetic influence, which is crucial for achieving desirable production outcomes. Furthermore, climate change exacerbates the existing challenges faced by broiler production systems. Higher feed costs impact the industry's economic viability and limit the availability of quality nutrition for the birds, further hampering their growth potential. In addition to feed scarcity, climate change also predisposes broiler chickens to thermal stress. This review collates existing information on climate change and its impact on broiler production, including nutrition, immune function, health and disease susceptibility. It also summarizes the challenges of broiler production under hot and humid climate conditions with different approaches to ameliorating the effects of harsh climatic conditions in poultry.
The Regular Polyhedra: Drawing and Computing in Euclid’s day
Authors: Duvernoy Sylvie
Published: March 2024

Can we compute what we cannot draw? How must we draw to produce measurable representations, or visual ones? This research inquires into the relationship between mathematics and figurative representation, and more precisely between drawing and computation. The scientific imagery studied here is the representation of the five platonic solids, discussing various representation techniques from classical antiquity to modern times, and their efficacy to help calculate sizes and proportional ratios. Scholars in history of architectural drawing have too often limited their observations to the very few preserved plans and front views dating back to classical antiquity, without enlarging their investigation to other scientific fields that also rely on drawing as a research tool and communication device. Among these other fields stands the mathematical research, especially solid geometry which deals with objects and entities that have shapes that needs to be somehow drawn in 3D to be studied.
Artistic and Structural Connections Between Architecture and Music – a Comparative Case Study of the Forbidden City and Palace Memories
Authors: Dong Jun , Yin Hang , Yu Rongrong
Published: March 2024

Architecture and music have a potential to trigger similar psychological effects in people due to commonalities in artistic and structural properties. Current studies exploring the relationship between architecture and music have often focused on analyzing how music can inspire architectural design, but there have been a lack of studies exploring artistic and structural commonalities between architecture and music in such a context. Therefore, this study adopts semiotics and analogy as an interdisciplinary approach aiming to comprehensively investigate connections and commonalities between architecture and music, particularly in terms of design forms and organization patterns. Using the architecture of the Forbidden City, and the musical piece Palace Memories, as selected cases for this study, this research demonstrates how both of the cases’ artistic forms can be translated into structural similarities in terms of both architecture and music. The results of this study reveal significant commonalities in forms and patterns across the fields of architecture and music for the selected cases. This study provides new perspectives for better understanding potential connections between the two fields, and how each may shed new light and provide surprising insights on the other.
Boundary value problems associated with Hamiltonian systems coupled with positively-(p, q)-homogeneous systems
Authors: Fonda Alessandro , Ullah Wahid
Published: March 2024

We study the multiplicity of solutions for a two-point boundary value problem of Neumann type associated with a Hamiltonian system which couples a system with periodic Hamiltonian in the space variable with a second one with positively-(p, q)-homogeneous Hamiltonian. The periodic problem is also treated.
Cast immobilization duration for distal radius fractures, a systematic review
Authors: de Bruijn Marcel A. N. , van Ginkel Laura A. , Boersma Emily Z. , van Silfhout Lysanne , Tromp Tjarda N. , van de Krol Erik , Edwards Michael J. R. , Stirler Vincent M. A. , Hermans Erik
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The optimal duration of immobilization for the conservative treatment of non- or minimally displaced and displaced distal radius fractures remains under debate. This research aims to review studies of these treatments to add evidence regarding the optimal immobilization period.

Methods

A comprehensive database search was conducted. Studies investigating and comparing short (< 3 weeks) versus long (> 3 weeks) immobilizations for the conservative treatment of distal radius fractures were included. The studies were evaluated for radiological and functional outcomes, including pain, grip strength, and range of motion. Two reviewers independently reviewed all studies and performed the data extraction.

Results

The initial database search identified 11.981 studies, of which 16 (involving 1.118 patients) were ultimately included. Patient-reported outcome measurements, grip strength, range of motion, and radiological outcomes were often better after shorter immobilization treatments. Radiological outcomes were better with longer immobilization in two studies and shorter immobilization in one study. Fourteen studies concluded that early mobilization is preferred, while the remaining two studies observed better outcomes with longer immobilization. The data were unsuitable for meta-analysis due to their heterogeneous nature.

Conclusion

Shorter immobilization for conservatively treated distal radius fractures often yield equal or better outcomes than longer immobilizations. The immobilization for non- or minimally displaced distal radius fractures could therefore be shortened to 3 weeks or less. Displaced and reduced distal radius fractures cannot be immobilized shorter than 4 weeks due to the risk of complications. Future research with homogeneous groups could elucidate the optimal duration of immobilization.
Fertility and heavy metal pollution in silage maize soil irrigated with different levels of recycled wastewater under conventional and no-tillage practices
Authors: Yerli Caner , Sahin Ustun , Oztas Taskin , Ors Selda
Published: March 2024

Irrigation with recycled domestic wastewater has been known to obtain positive effects on improving soil fertility, but it may also become a risk factor in case of causing an increase in soil salinity and/or heavy metal concentration of soil. No-tillage can retain soil moisture, helping to reduce irrigation water necessity, and thus lower amounts of heavy metals and salts are added to soil under wastewater irrigation conditions. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of wastewater irrigation at different levels of on silage maize cultivation under conventional tillage and no-tillage conditions by comparing to full irrigation with fresh water. The two-year experiment was planned according to the split-plots design in the random blocks with three replications. The results indicated that full irrigation with wastewater increased soil salinity, organic matter content, total nitrogen, plant available phosphous, exchangeable cations, exchangeable sodium percentage and soil essential and non-essential heavy metal contents, but decreased soil pH and lime content. Increasing rates in organic matter content, total nitrogen, plant available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium were higher, but in electrical conductivity, and heavy metal accumulation were lower in soil under no-tillage as compared to conventional tillage. Contamination and enrichment factors and geographic accumulation index showed that non-essential heavy metal contamination due to cadmium and nickel, increased in full irrigation with wastewater. Irrigation with wastewater also increased heavy metal accumulation in silage maize. No-tillage can be a recommendable water management practice considering that the risks of soil salinity and heavy metal accumulation can be reduced and that soil fertility can be increased. Also, in reducing the risk of accumulation of cadmium and nickel in soil, 33% deficit irrigation with wastewater can make no-tillage more available.
Psychometric properties of the World Health Organization WHOQOL-AGE Scale in Singapore
Authors: Lee Rachael Zhi Yi , Yang Winson Fu Zun , Mahendran Rathi , Suárez Lidia
Published: March 2024

WHOQOL-AGE is a promising quality of life (QOL) tool that has not been fully validated in Asia. The present study aimed to verify its factor structure and psychometric properties among community-dwelling older adults in Singapore. This study was cross-sectional and used data (N = 593) from the Community Health and Intergenerational study that interviewed older adults between 2018 and 2021. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the factor structure of the WHOQOL-AGE, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were employed to examine internal consistency. Spearman’s rho correlations coefficients between WHOQOL-AGE and other related scales (Satisfaction with Life and the Friendship) examined convergent validity. A Pearson’s correlation coefficient between WHOQOL-AGE and compassion scale examined discriminant validity. An independent t test was used to demonstrate known-groups validity, examining differences in QOL scores between individuals with and without chronic medical conditions. Findings supported a bifactor model with more satisfactory goodness-of-fit indices than the original two-factor model and the two-correlated factor model. WHOQOL-AGE showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficients > .70). Good convergent validity was demonstrated by moderate-to-large correlations between WHOQOL-AGE and satisfaction with life (rs = .54) as well as social connectedness (rs = .33). Discriminant validity was shown by low correlations between WHOQOL-AGE and compassion (r = .19). Findings also indicated good known-groups validity (p < 0.01). The WHOQOL-AGE showed promising psychometric properties using an Asian convenience sample and can be useful in large-scale studies or busy clinical settings.
Comparison by thermal analysis of Joule-cured versus oven-cured composites
Authors: Vázquez Laura S. , López-Beceiro Jorge , Díaz-Díaz Ana-María , Álvarez-García Ana , Pereira Mercedes , Artiaga Ramón
Published: March 2024

The current technology for curing high-performance composites, such as those used in industries like such as aeronautics and the automotive industry, is based on the use of autoclaves, where the material is cured by external heating, in large ovens. This type of curing requires enormous amounts of energy, of which only a small part is invested in the actual curing of the material, and the rest is mainly used for heating and maintaining the temperature of the autoclave. An alternative method that entails a lower energy cost compared to the traditional methodology is curing through the Joule effect, in which an electric current is passed through the material, so that it acquires temperature from the inside due to the passage of current through the carbon fibres, triggering and accelerating the curing process of the composite. While Joule curing may provide a much more efficient and faster curing, a control technology is needed to ensure that temperatures all throughout the composite match the temperature programme. In this work, a procedure has been developed to control the Joule effect curing of carbon fibre/epoxy composites in order to compare, by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), the curing obtained by this method with that obtained by the traditional oven curing method.
A Novel Distributed Process Monitoring Framework of VAE-Enhanced with Deep Neural Network
Authors: Yin Ming , Tian Jiayi , Wang Yibo , Jiang Jijiao
Published: March 2024

Intelligent manufacturing process needs to adopt distributed monitoring scenario due to its massive, high-dimensional and complex data. Distributed process monitoring has been introduced into global monitoring and local monitoring to analyze the characteristic relationship between process data. However, the existing framework methods ignore or suppress the fault information and thus cannot effectively identify the local faults and the time sequence characteristics between units in the batch production system. This paper proposes a novel distributed process monitoring framework based on Girvan-Newman algorithm modular subunit partitioning and probabilistic learning model with deep neural networks. First, Girvan-Newman algorithm is used to divide the complex manufacturing system modularized to reduce the latitude of data processing. Second, variational autoencoder (VAE) is adopted to ensure the stability of local analysis, and long short-term memory is adopted to improve the VAE model to detect global multi-time scale anomalies. Finally, distributed process fault detection is carried out for each subunit in a separate and integrated manner, and the performance of the framework in distributed process monitoring is analyzed through two fault detection indicators T2 and SPE statistics. A case study of the Tennessee Eastman Process is used to demonstrate the performance and applicability of the proposed framework. Results show that the proposed VAE enhancement framework based on the DNN could accurately identify faults in distributed process monitoring and locate the specific sub-units where the fault occurs. Compared with VAE-DNN method and traditional process monitoring methods, the framework proposed in this paper has higher fault detection rate and lower false alarm rate, and the detection rate of some faults can reach 100%.
Robustness analysis of exponential stability of fuzzy inertial neural networks through the estimation of upper limits of perturbations
Authors: Fang Wenxiang , Xie Tao
Published: March 2024

This paper characterizes the robustness of exponential stability of fuzzy inertial neural network which contains time delays or stochastic disturbance through the estimation of upper limits of perturbations. By utilizing Gronwall-Bellman lemma, stochastic analysis, Cauchy inequality, the mean value theorem of integrals, as well as the properties of integrations, the limits of both time delays and stochastic disturbances are derived in this paper which can make the disturbed system keep exponential stability. The constraints between the two types of disturbances are provided in this paper. Examples are offered to validate our results.
Influence of Additional Strut Elements in 3D Re-Entrant Auxetic Unit Cells on the Damage and Energy Absorption Properties
Authors: Kaya A. C. , Korucu A. , Boğoçlu M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Geometric parameter optimization, novel design, and mechanism modeling of auxetic materials have been widely studied. However, manipulating the topology of the 3d printed auxetic unit cells and its influence on the damage have yet to be explored.

Objective

This study aims to characterize the energy absorption properties and damage mechanisms of the modified auxetic unit cells.

Methods

In the current study, bending-dominated re-entrant auxetic unit cells (Cell0), torsion-dominated auxetic unit cells with cross elements (CellX), buckling-dominated auxetic unit cells with vertical elements (CellB), and bending-dominated auxetic unit cells with panels (CellW) have been fabricated by FDM (Fused deposition modeling). Uniaxial compression testing of the PLA (Polylactic acid) unit cells has been carried out, and a camera has observed their deformation behavior. SR- µCT (Synchrotron radiation microtomography) and an SEM (Secondary electron microscope) accomplished further damage analysis of the struts.

Results

Adding additional struts hinders the lateral shrinking of the re-entrant auxetics, and re-entrant auxetic unit cells with cross elements have shown higher energy absorption capacity and efficiency than others. The struts’ damage has been governed by building direction, printed material, and strut dimensions. Intra-layer and interlayer fracture of the layers and rupture in the circumferential direction of the PLA struts have been observed in the SR- µCT slices.

Conclusions

By additional struts, it is possible to fabricate complex auxetic structures with enhanced energy absorption properties, but their inherent characteristics dominate the damage of the struts in the auxetic unit cells.

Graphical Abstract
Modulation of neural gene networks by estradiol in old rhesus macaque females
Authors: Cervera-Juanes Rita , Zimmerman Kip D. , Wilhelm Larry , Zhu Dongqin , Bodie Jessica , Kohama Steven G. , Urbanski Henryk F.
Published: March 2024

The postmenopausal decrease in circulating estradiol (E2) levels has been shown to contribute to several adverse physiological and psychiatric effects. To elucidate the molecular effects of E2 on the brain, we examined differential gene expression and DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns in the nonhuman primate brain following ovariectomy (Ov) and subsequent subcutaneous bioidentical E2 chronic treatment. We identified several dysregulated molecular networks, including MAPK signaling and dopaminergic synapse response, that are associated with ovariectomy and shared across two different brain areas, the occipital cortex (OC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC). The finding that hypomethylation (p = 1.6 × 10−51) and upregulation (p = 3.8 × 10−3) of UBE2M across both brain regions provide strong evidence for molecular differences in the brain induced by E2 depletion. Additionally, differential expression (p = 1.9 × 10−4; interaction p = 3.5 × 10−2) of LTBR in the PFC provides further support for the role E2 plays in the brain, by demonstrating that the regulation of some genes that are altered by ovariectomy may also be modulated by Ov followed by hormone replacement therapy (HRT). These results present real opportunities to understand the specific biological mechanisms that are altered with depleted E2. Given E2’s potential role in cognitive decline and neuroinflammation, our findings could lead to the discovery of novel therapeutics to slow cognitive decline. Together, this work represents a major step toward understanding molecular changes in the brain that are caused by ovariectomy and how E2 treatment may revert or protect against the negative neuro-related consequences caused by a depletion in estrogen as women approach menopause.
Metal Objects Were Much Desired: A Sixteenth-Century Shipwreck Cargo off the Coast of Esposende (Portugal) and the Importance of Studying Ship Cargos
Authors: Casimiro Tânia Manuel , Dostal Christopher , Castro Filipe , Almeida Ana , Magalhães Ivone , Teixeira Elsa , Frias-Bulhosa Elisa
Published: March 2024

During winter storms in 2014 and 2017, strong waves exposed hundreds of timbers and artefacts at the Belinho beach, in the North of Portugal. These ship remains were later discovered to belong to a 16th-century shipwreck, probably originating from Northern Europe. This paper aims to discuss the importance of cargo analysis through the study of the material culture associated with that site, consisting mainly of hundreds of pewter, brass, lead, iron, and stone artefacts. Most of these objects seem to have belonged to the ship’s cargo and are tied to a European trade system reflecting economic, cultural, and symbolic behaviours.
A lightweight xAI approach to cervical cancer classification
Authors: Civit-Masot Javier , Luna-Perejon Francisco , Muñoz-Saavedra Luis , Domínguez-Morales Manuel , Civit Anton
Published: March 2024

Cervical cancer is caused in the vast majority of cases by the human papilloma virus (HPV) through sexual contact and requires a specific molecular-based analysis to be detected. As an HPV vaccine is available, the incidence of cervical cancer is up to ten times higher in areas without adequate healthcare resources. In recent years, liquid cytology has been used to overcome these shortcomings and perform mass screening. In addition, classifiers based on convolutional neural networks can be developed to help pathologists diagnose the disease. However, these systems always require the final verification of a pathologist to make a final diagnosis. For this reason, explainable AI techniques are required to highlight the most significant data to the healthcare professional, as it can be used to determine the confidence in the results and the areas of the image used for classification (allowing the professional to point out the areas he/she thinks are most important and cross-check them against those detected by the system in order to create incremental learning systems). In this work, a 4-phase optimization process is used to obtain a custom deep-learning classifier for distinguishing between 4 severity classes of cervical cancer with liquid-cytology images. The final classifier obtains an accuracy over 97% for 4 classes and 100% for 2 classes with execution times under 1 s (including the final report generation). Compared to previous works, the proposed classifier obtains better accuracy results with a lower computational cost.

Graphical abstract
Espionage and The Harming of Innocents
Authors: Christie Lars
Published: March 2024

In her latest book Spying Through a Glass Darkly: The Ethics of Espionage and Counter-Intelligence, Cécile Fabre suggests that the deception of third parties during an infiltration operation can be justified as a foreseen but unintended side effect. In this essay, I criticize this view. Such deception, I argue, is better justified paternalistically as a means of preventing third parties from becoming wrongful threats. In the second part of the article, I show that Fabre ignores an important moral complication in deception operations where agents intentionally allow others to be harmed as a means of protecting a secret. I argue that intentionally allowing harm to others as a means is a particularly problematic mode of agency which must be addressed in a normative account of espionage.
Effect of Zusanli Acupoint Injection with Anisodamine on Postoperative Recovery Quality of Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Cheng Jianxin , Wang Xiaohan , Wang Rui , Sheng Jingyi , Guo Shanshan , Liu Tianya , Wang Zhiping
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of anisodamine injection at the Zusanli (ST36) on early postoperative recovery quality in patients who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Materials and Methods

141 patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were randomly divided into the control group (group C), the normal saline group (group S) and the anisodamine group (group A). Acupuncture point injections were administered after induction of general anesthesia. The quality of recovery-40 questionnaire (QoR-40) scores were documented preoperatively (D0) and on the 1st (D1), 3rd (D3) and 7th (D7) days postoperatively. Additional metrics included: the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), assessment and analgesic consumption 24-h post-extubation and the initial postoperative times for ambulation and anal exhaust. Substance P (SP), β-endorphin (β-EP), motilin (MTL) and gastrin (GAS) were quantified at 24-h post-surgery.

Results

Compared with group C, group A demonstrated an elevation in QoR-40 scores and physical comfort dimensions during D1-3, and an increased pain scores during D1-7; group S exhibited an augmentation in QoR-40 scores and pain scores on D1 (p < 0.05). Compared with group S, group A improved QoR-40 scores on D1 and pain scores during D1-3 (p < 0.05). SP, β-EP, MTL and GAS presented significant variances among the groups 24-h post-surgery (p < 0.05). There were significant differences between the groups in NRS pain scores and PONV scores at 24-h postoperatively, dosage of dizocin on the first postoperative day, and time to first anal defecation (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The administration of anisodamine via ST36 acupoint injections has been demonstrated to facilitate the recuperation of gastrointestinal functionality, to alleviate postoperative pain and nausea, and substantially to enhance the quality of early postoperative recovery.

Graphical Abstract
Xylazine: A Drug Adulterant of Clinical Concern
Authors: Edinoff Amber N. , Sall Saveen , Upshaw William C. , Spillers Noah J. , Vincik LeighAnn Y. , De Witt Adalyn S. , Murnane Kevin S. , Kaye Adam M. , Kaye Alan D.
Published: March 2024

Purpose of Review

The opioid epidemic has been responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in the USA and worldwide. As a result, it is essential to recognize the threat these potent drugs can cause when illicitly used. Specifically, introducing fentanyl as a drug adulterant has been shown to impact overdose rates drastically. In this regard, the Drug Enforcement Agency recently released a public safety alert announcing the new threat of a new adulterant called xylazine. Xylazine is a powerful animal sedative with a different mechanism of action when compared to illicit opioids such as heroin and fentanyl. Xylazine is typically injected intravenously via a syringe, often in combination with multiple other drugs. One of the most common drugs, xylazine, is taken in combination with fentanyl, with users of this drug combination describing xylazine as prolonging the euphoric sensation produced by fentanyl.

Recent Findings

Xylazine may cause adverse effects such as bradycardia, brief hypertension followed by hypotension, premature ventricular contractions, ataxia, slurred speech, sedation, and respiratory depression. Much of the recent literature on xylazine use in humans comes from case reports and review articles.

Related to widespread use in veterinary medicine and increasing circulation in illicit drug markets, there is a critical need for public awareness and additional clinical-based studies to further increase understanding of mediated or modulated pharmacological effects of xylazine in humans. Further research is urgently needed to more clearly understand the implications of unregulated xylazine in the illicit drug market, to formulate public health interventions, and to implement harm reduction strategies.