bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usage of Machine Learning Algorithms for Establishing an Effective Protocol for the In Vitro Micropropagation Ability of Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott)
Authors: Demirel Fatih , Uğur Remzi , Popescu Gheorghe Cristian , Demirel Serap , Popescu Monica
Published: October 2023

The primary objective of this research was to ascertain the optimal circumstances for the successful growth of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott) using tissue culture techniques. Additionally, the study aimed to explore the potential use of machine learning algorithms in this context. The present research investigated a range of in vitro parameters such as total number of roots (TNR), longest root length (LRL), average root length (ARL), number of main roots (NMR), number of siblings (NS), shoot length (SL), shoot diameter (SD), leaf width (LW), and leaf length (LL) for Aronia explants cultivated in different media (Murashige and Skoog (MS) and woody plant medium (WPM)) with different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg L−1) of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The study showed that IBA hormone levels may affect WPM properties, affecting the LRL and ARL variables. Aronia explant media treated with 2 mg L−1 IBA had the greatest TNR, NMR, NS, SL, and SD values; 31.67 pieces, 2.37 pieces, 5.25 pieces, 66.60 mm, and 2.59 mm, in that order. However, Aronia explants treated with 1 mg L−1 IBA had the highest LW (9.10 mm) and LL (14.58 mm) values. Finally, Aronia explants containing 0.5 mg L−1 IBA had the greatest LRL (89.10 mm) and ARL (57.57 mm) values. In general, the results observed (TNR, LRL, ARL, NMR, NS, SL, SD, LW, and LL) indicate that Aronia explants exhibit superior growth and development in WPM (25.68 pieces, 68.10 mm, 51.64 mm, 2.17 pieces, 4.33 pieces, 57.95 mm, 2.49 mm, 8.08 mm, and 14.26 mm, respectively) as opposed to MS medium (20.27 pieces, 59.92 mm, 47.25 mm, 1.83 pieces, 3.57 pieces, 49.34 mm, 2.13 mm, 6.99 mm, and 12.21 mm, respectively). In the context of the in vitro culturing of Aronia explants utilizing MS medium and WPM, an analysis of machine learning models revealed that the XGBoost and SVM models perform better than the RF, KNN, and GP models when it comes to making predictions about those variables. In particular, the XGBoost model stood out due to the fact that it had the greatest R-squared value, and showed higher predictive ability in terms of properly forecasting values in comparison to actual outcomes. The findings of a linear regression (LR) analysis were used in order to conduct an efficacy study of the XGBoost model. The LR results especially confirmed the findings for the SD, NS, and NMR variables, whose R-squared values were more than 0.7. This demonstrates the extraordinary accuracy that XGboost has in predicting these particular variables. As a consequence of this, it is anticipated that it will be beneficial to make use of the XGboost model in the dosage optimization and estimation of in vitro parameters in micropropagation studies of the Aronia plant for further scientific investigation.
Dissecting the Role of Cell Wall Changes in Chilling Injury-Induced Gel Formation, Rubberiness, and Mealiness in Apricots
Authors: Stanley C. Jill , Scofield Claire , Hallett Ian C. , Schröder Roswitha
Published: October 2023

In apricots and other stonefruit, chilling injury (CI) symptoms like mealiness, rubberiness, and gel formation are associated with cell wall properties. Apricots were stored at 0 °C for 5 weeks and ripened at 20 °C to induce CI and compared with fruit ripened at 20 °C from harvest at similar firmness. In those apricots without CI, degradation of middle-lamella pectin during softening weakened cell-cell adhesion and intercellular junctions. Pectin was still present in middle lamella regions but pectin that filled the intercellular spaces at harvest had disappeared. Fruit with combinations of CI symptoms showed different pectin solubilities, molecular weight distribution, and differences in pectin staining compared with fruit that were severely chilling-injured, exhibiting all symptoms. The perception of mealiness correlated with the presence of pectin in the cell lumen, and rubberiness with the presence of pectin in tricellular corners. We concluded that in chilling-injured apricots, the normal softening process is not being resumed after fruit have been taken out of cold storage. Cell wall degradation is disrupted, affecting the normal weakening of cell walls during softening. Hence, cell walls were less likely to break open during chewing, and when cells did break, any juice released might be bound by pectin present in the cell walls and cell lumen, leaving a sensation of rubberiness and mealiness.
Empowering Older Adults in Underserved Communities—An Innovative Approach to Increase Public Health Capacity for Fall Prevention
Authors: Gandhi Subi , Long Laurie , Gandhi Viraj , Bashir Muna
Published: October 2023

Although evidence-based programs have been effective for fall prevention in many communities, older adults living in underserved areas cannot access these services due to the shortage of providers and trainers. In this cross-sectional study, a multi-agency approach was adopted for integrating an evidence-based program, A Matter of Balance (AMOB), into the public health curriculum at a rurally placed university. We assessed student learning as well as the community benefits of fall prevention among those who participated in the AMOB program. Eighty-four percent of the students reported intentions of using AMOB training in their future careers. The average of the items for the effectiveness of “Classroom Training” and “Community Training” provided by the students (n = 25) ranged from 3.52 to 4.32 and 3.48 to 4.36, on a Likert scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree), respectively. Older adults who participated in the fall prevention community workshops showed increased confidence in reducing falls, protecting themselves from falling, and becoming steadier on their feet after the training (p < 0.05). Our study demonstrates the value of integrating evidence-based programs such as AMOB in a university curriculum to address rural health disparities related to falls.
Care Bundle for Acute Kidney Injury in Cardiac Patients: A Cluster-Randomized Trial
Authors: Iwers Ragna , Sliziuk Veronika , Haase Michael , Barabasch Sophie , Zänker Michael , Butter Christian , Haase-Fielitz Anja
Published: October 2023

Detection and timely intervention of acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major challenge worldwide. Electronic alerts for AKI may improve process- and patient-related endpoints. The present study evaluated the efficacy of an AKI electronic alert system and care bundle. This is a two-arm, prospective, cluster-randomized, controlled trial enrolling patients with AKI (KDIGO criteria) and cardiac diseases. Patients were randomly assigned to a routine care group or intervention group (DRKS-IDDRKS00017751). Two hundred patients (age 79 years, 46% female) were enrolled, with 100 patients in each group. The primary endpoint did not differ between patients in the routine care group 0.5 (−7.6–10.8) mL/min/1.73 m2 versus patients in the intervention group 1.0 (−13.5–15.1) mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.527. Proportions of patients in both study groups with hyperkalemia, pulmonary edema, and renal acidosis were comparable. The stop of antihypertensive medication during hypotensive periods was more frequent in patients in the intervention group compared to patients in the control group, p = 0.029. The AKI diagnosis and text module for AKI in the discharge letter were more frequently documented in patients in the intervention group (40%/48% vs. 25%/34%, p = 0.034; p = 0.044, respectively). Continued intake of RAAS inhibitors and the presence of a cardiac device were independently associated with a less pronounced decrease in eGFR from admission to the lowest value. In this RCT, electronic alerts for AKI and a care bundle improved process- but not patient-related endpoints.
Comment on Wijnia, J.W. A Clinician’s View of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 6755
Authors: Manigrasso Michele , Velotti Nunzio , De Palma Giovanni Domenico , Musella Mario
Published: October 2023

We have read with great interest the article by Wijnia [...]
The Effect of Latent Tuberculosis Infection on Ovarian Reserve and Pregnancy Outcomes among Infertile Women Undergoing Intrauterine Insemination: A Retrospective Cohort Study with Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Chu Yifan , Chen Ying , Yao Wen , Wang Luyao , Zhang Bo , Jin Lei , Yue Jing
Published: October 2023

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) widely exists in patients with unexplained infertility, and whether LTBI would affect the ovarian reserve and pregnancy outcome of infertile women undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) is still unknown. A single-center, retrospective, cohort study was designed that included infertile women undergoing IUI at the Department of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, from January 2018 to December 2020. The primary outcomes of this study were ovarian reserve and live birth rate. Secondary outcomes included pregnancy outcomes and maternal and neonatal complications. As a result, 3066 IUI cycles were eventually enrolled in this study. Of these women, 9.6% (295/3066) had LTBI evidence. After propensity score matching (PSM), there was no significant difference in the baseline between the LTBI and non-LTBI groups. The data showed that women who had LTBI had trends toward lower biochemical pregnancy rates (12.9% vs. 17.7%, p-value 0.068), lower clinical pregnancy rates (10.8% vs. 15.1%, p-value 0.082) and lower live birth rates (8.1% vs. 12.1%, p-value 0.076), with no significant differences. There were also no significant differences in ovarian reserve and other secondary outcomes between the two groups. In conclusion, there were no significant differences in ovarian reserve, perinatal or neonatal complications between women with and without LTBI. Women with LTBI tended to have worse pregnancy outcomes after receiving IUI, but the difference was not significant.
The Reliability and Validity of the Polish Version of the Schema Mode Inventory (SMI)
Authors: Grażka Anna , Królewiak Klara , Sójta Klaudia , Strzelecki Dominik
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: Schema therapy and working with schema modes is increasingly popular. Since there is no validated tool to measure schema modes in Poland, in this study, we present an assessment of the psychometric properties of the Polish version the Short Schema Mode Inventory (SMI) adaptation. (2) Methods: First, the original version of the scale was translated. Subsequently, a validity and reliability study was conducted on a sample of 240 patients and 400 non-patients. In particular, the factor structure of the inventory was checked, internal reliability and intercorrelations between subscales were tested, differences between the clinical and non-clinical groups in terms of the severity of each factor were examined, and construct validity was assessed by comparing the association of results with external variables. (3) Results: The results did not conclusively confirm the 14-factor structure postulated in the original scale. Nevertheless, the relatively best fit indices were obtained for such a model. The internal reliability for the 14 subscales ranged from 0.74 to 0.95 (McDonald’s omega). Correlations between subscales demonstrated values from 0.03 to 0.72. The existence of differences between the clinical and non-clinical groups and the construct validity were confirmed. (4) Conclusions: The psychometric evaluation performed is mostly similar to the results obtained for other adaptations, and the results justify the inventory being used for research and clinical purposes when knowledge of its limitations is included.
Usage of Inhalative Sedative for Sedation and Treatment of Patient with Severe Brain Injury in Germany, a Nationwide Survey
Authors: Roggenbuck Svea Roxana , Worm André , Juenemann Martin , Claudi Christian , Alhaj Omar Omar , Tschernatsch Marlene , Huttner Hagen B. , Schramm Patrick
Published: October 2023

Brain injured patients often need deep sedation to prevent or treat increased intracranial pressure. The mainly used IV sedatives have side effects and/or high context-sensitive half-lives, limiting their use. Inhalative sedatives have comparatively minor side effects and a brief context-sensitive half-life. Despite the theoretical advantages, evidence in this patient group is lacking. A Germany-wide survey with 21 questions was conducted to find out how widespread the use of inhaled sedation is. An invitation for the survey was sent to 226 leaders of intensive care units (ICU) treating patients with brain injury as listed by the German Society for Neurointensive Care. Eighty-nine participants answered the questionnaire, but not all items were responded to, which resulted in different absolute counts. Most of them (88%) were university or high-level hospital ICU leaders and (67%) were leaders of specialized neuro-ICUs. Of these, 53/81 (65%) use inhalative sedation, and of the remaining 28, 17 reported interest in using this kind of sedation. Isoflurane is used by 43/53 (81%), sevoflurane by 15/53 (28%), and desflurane by 2. Hypotension and mydriasis are the most common reported side effects (25%). The presented survey showed that inhalative sedatives were used in a significant number of intensive care units in Germany to treat severely brain-injured patients.
Comparison of Incidence and Prognosis of Myocardial Injury in Patients with COVID-19-Related Respiratory Failure and Other Pulmonary Infections: A Contemporary Cohort Study
Authors: Vivan Manoela Astolfi , Hirakata Vania Naomi , Arteche Maria Antônia Torres , de Araujo Débora Marques , Fuchs Sandra C. , Fuchs Flávio D.
Published: October 2023

Myocardial injury (MI) is frequent in critically ill patients with COVID-19, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. We hypothesized that MI is not solely due to viral infection by SARS-CoV-2 but rather due to the common pathophysiological mechanisms associated with severe pulmonary infections and respiratory failure. This contemporary cohort study was designed to compare the incidence of MI in patients with acute respiratory failure caused by COVID-19 to patients with other pulmonary infections. In addition, we aimed to investigate whether MI was a distinct risk factor for in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19 compared to those with non-COVID-19 infections. This study included 1444 patients with COVID-19 (55.5% men; age 58 (46;68) years) and 182 patients with other pulmonary infections (46.9% men; age 62 (44;73) years). The incidence of MI at ICU admission was lower in COVID-19 patients (36.4%) compared to non-COVID-19 patients (56%), and this difference persisted after adjusting for age, sex, coronary artery disease, heart failure, SOFA score, lactate, and C-reactive protein (RR 0.84 (95% CI, 0.71–0.99)). MI at ICU admission was associated with a 59% increase in mortality (RR 1.59 (1.36–1.86); p < 0.001), and there was no significant difference in the mortality between patients with COVID-19 and those with other pulmonary infections (p = 0.271). We concluded that MI is less frequent in patients with critical COVID-19 pneumonia and respiratory failure compared to those with other types of pneumonia. The occurrence of MI is a significant risk factor for in-hospital mortality, regardless of the etiology of the pulmonary infection.
Criterion-Referenced Standards of Handgrip Strength for Identifying the Presence of Hypertension in Croatian Older Adults
Authors: Sagat Peter
Published: October 2023

Background: It is well known that muscular fitness has been associated with hypertension. However, it is less known which cut-off values of muscular fitness may predict the presence of hypertension. The main purpose of this study was to establish criterion-referenced standards of muscular fitness to define the presence of hypertension in Croatian older adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited men and women over 60 years of age. Muscular fitness was assessed by handgrip strength and normalized by height squared. Hypertension was defined as having systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm/Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥80 mm/Hg. Results: In older men, the optimal cut-point of muscular fitness in defining hypertension was 15.4 kg/m2. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.85 (96% CI 0.77 to 0.92, p < 0.001). In older women, the optimal cut-point was 11.8 kg/m2, with an AUC of 0.84 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.89, p < 0.001). Men and women with cut-points of < 15.4 kg/m2 and < 11.8 kg/m2 were 11.8 (OR = 11.8, 95% CI 4.3 to 32.4, p < 0.001) and 10.6 (OR = 10.6, 95% CI 5.7 to 19.7, p < 0.001) times more likely to be diagnosed with hypertension. Conclusions: Our newly developed cut-points of muscular fitness assessed by the handgrip strength and normalized by height squared have satisfactory predictive validity properties in detecting men and women aged 60-81 years with hypertension.
Stigmatization among Patients with Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Jankowiak Barbara , Krajewska-Kułak Elżbieta , Jakoniuk Marta , Khvorik Dzmitry F.
Published: October 2023

The aim of the study was to analyze the level of stigmatization among patients with plaque psoriasis according to their demographic and clinical characteristics. The study included 122 patients who completed the 6-item and 33-item Feelings of Stigmatization Questionnaire and a sociodemographic survey. The analysis of the 6-item Stigmatization Scale showed a mean stigmatization score of 6.4 points. (Me = 6; s = 3.7); the mean score for the 33-item scale was 81.3 points (Me = 79.5; s = 19.9). Female patients felt stigmatized more often than males. Respondents living in the countryside had a stronger sense of stigmatization in the Sensitivity to Others’ Attitudes (p = 0.0238) and Secretiveness (p = 0.0234) domains. The presence of psoriatic lesions across the entire body was the only explanatory variable significantly determining the level of stigmatization in the Positive Attitudes domain, either through the main effect or through the interaction with the patient sex. A highly significant difference was found for the feeling of being flawed domain (p = 0.044), with a mean score of 13.4 points. The issue of stigmatization in psoriasis deserves more attention, as the analysis of this problem may provide a better insight into the effect of the disease on the patient’s condition, not merely in the context of its clinical manifestation.
Hybrid Sol–Gel and Spark Plasma Sintering to Produce Perovskite-like SrTiO3 Ceramics for Radioactive Waste Isolation
Authors: Belov Anton A. , Shichalin Oleg O. , Papynov Evgeniy K. , Buravlev Igor Yu. , Kolodeznikov Erhan S. , Kapustina Olesya V. , Azon Semen A. , Kondrikov Nikolay B. , Fedorets Alexander N. , Tananaev Ivan G.
Published: October 2023

The paper presents a reliable technology combining sol–gel synthesis and spark plasma sintering (SPS) to obtain SrTiO3 perovskite-type ceramics with excellent physicomechanical properties and hydrolytic stability for the long-term retention of radioactive strontium radionuclides. The Pechini sol–gel method was used to synthesize SrTiO3 powder from Sr(NO3)2 and TiCl3 (15%) precursors. Ceramic matrix samples were fabricated by SPS in the temperature range of 900–1200 °C. The perovskite structure of the synthesized initial SrTiO3 powder was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis results. Scanning electron microscopy revealed agglomeration of the nanoparticles and a pronounced tendency for densification in the sintered compact with increasing sintering temperature. Chemical homogeneity of ceramics was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Physicochemical characteristic studies included density measurement results (3.11–4.80 g·cm−3), dilatometric dependencies, Vickers microhardness (20–900 HV), and hydrolytic stability (10−6–10−7 g·cm−2·day−2), exceeding GOST R 50926-96 and ISO 6961:1982 requirements for solid-state matrices. Ceramic sintered at 1200 °C demonstrated the lowest strontium leaching rate of 10−7 g/cm2·day, optimal for radioactive waste (RAW) isolation. The proposed approach can be used to fabricate mineral-like forms suitable for RAW handling.
Critical Thinking: Creating Job-Proof Skills for the Future of Work
Authors: Dumitru Daniela , Halpern Diane F.
Published: October 2023

In this study, we explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the job market and argue for the growing importance of critical thinking skills in the face of job automation and changing work dynamics. Advancements in AI have the potential to disrupt various professions, including, for example, programming, legal work, and radiology. However, solely relying on AI systems can lead to errors and misjudgments, emphasizing the need for human oversight. The concept of “job-proof skills” is introduced, highlighting the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, empathy, ethics, and other human attributes that machines cannot replicate with the same standards and agility. We maintain that critical thinking can be taught and learned through appropriate classroom instruction and transfer-focused approaches. The need for critical thinking skills is further reinforced by the influx of information and the spread of misinformation in the age of social media. Moreover, employers increasingly value critical thinking skills in their workforce, yet there exists a gap between the demand for these skills and the preparedness of college graduates. Critical thinking is not only essential for the future of work, but also for informed citizenship in an increasingly complex world. The potential impact of AI on job disruption, wages, and employment polarization is discussed, highlighting the correlation between jobs requiring critical thinking skills and their resistance to automation. We conclude by discussing collaborative efforts between universities and labor market organizations to adapt curricula and promote the development of critical thinking skills, drawing on examples from European initiatives. The need to prioritize critical thinking skills in education and address the evolving demands of the labor market is emphasized as a crucial step for navigating the future of work and opportunities for workers.
Multi-Channel Dual-Mode Oil Multi-Pollutant Detection Sensor
Authors: Wang Chenyong , Zhang Hongpeng , Bai Chenzhao , Li Wei , Wang Shengzhao , Zhang Shuyao
Published: October 2023

In order to realize the lubricant fluid condition monitoring of ships and offshore engineering equipment, a multi-channel, dual-mode oil multi-pollution detection sensor is proposed and fabricated. The sensor has three detection channels connected via tee tubes, as well as two different detection modes, inductive and capacitive, respectively. In comparison to the traditional sensor, this sensor not only has the ability to distinguish and identify a diverse range of pollutants, but it also experiences an 11-fold increase in its volume of flow, resulting in a significant enhancement in detection efficiency. The mechanism of the inductive and capacitive modes for the differentiated detection of multiple pollutants is elucidated through theoretical analysis. The performance of the sensor is investigated using the constructed experiment platform. The experimental results show that the sensor can realize the simultaneous detection of metallic and non-metallic contaminants in lubricating oil fluids. It can detect the smallest iron particle size of 54 μm, the smallest copper particle size of 90 μm, the smallest water droplet size of 116 μm, and the smallest air bubble size of 130 μm. A novel approach for achieving ship and marine engineering equipment health monitoring and fault diagnosis is presented in this study.
An Intelligent Monitoring System for the Force Characteristics of Floating Bollards in a Ship Lock
Authors: Wu Linjian , Yang Jia , Xiang Zhouyu , Liu Mingwei , Li Minglong , Di Yutao , Jiang Han , Dai Chuan , Ji Xudong
Published: October 2023

Due to the large scale of navigation ships, the fast speed of entering the lock, and the irregular mooring and the complicated flow conditions in the lock chamber, it is common for the floating bollards of the lock to suffer structural damage or even failure due to the overloaded mooring force. However, the traditional cable load measurement method cannot offer real-time feedback on force characteristics of floating bollards, making it difficult to accurately judge its service status. To this end, according to the floating bollard structure type and load condition of a representative ship lock project in China, this paper determines the theoretical model parameters of a floating bollard load response based on three-dimensional finite element numerical simulation test data and constructs a modified load response model of floating bollards. On this basis, an intelligent floating bollard monitoring system based on big data, internet, and cloud services is developed to intelligently perceive real-time floating bollard force characteristics and monitor the long-term service status. Relying on a representative ship lock in China, a field test of the floating bollard intelligent monitoring system is carried out. The relative error between the calculated values via the model (i.e., system exhibition results) based on the numerical results and the field-measured values is within 15%. This result verified the accuracy and effect of the monitoring system. This research supports the establishment of the digital perception monitoring platform for ship lock facilities and improves the automation level of ship lock operation and management as well as overall risk prevention and control capabilities.
Verification of Two-Step Flow Model in the Process of City International Image Communication Based on Data Mining and Empirical Analysis
Authors: Wangqu Jian , Neto Luiz Peres
Published: October 2023

This study seeks to decipher the modus operandi of Shanghai’s image portrayal to the audience through social media platforms, particularly Twitter. Leveraging the potency of big data analysis, the study scrutinizes the applicability of the two-step flow communication model in the communication of Shanghai’s image. The findings highlight the cardinal role of opinion leaders in the image communication process, overshadowing the impact of mass media. The age-old phenomenon of two-step flow, wherein information trickles down from mass media to opinion leaders, appears to be fading away. Although mass media’s tweets can potentially reach a broad audience, they do not necessarily captivate the attention of opinion leaders. Thus, the study underscores the importance of both mass media and opinion leaders in shaping Shanghai’s image.
Determinants of Non-Performing Loans in a Small Island Economy of Fiji: Accounting for COVID-19, Bank-Type, and Globalisation
Authors: Chand Shasnil Avinesh , Kumar Ronald Ravinesh , Stauvermann Peter Josef
Published: October 2023

An increase in non-performing loans and bad debts in the banking sector can make banks vulnerable to a loss of confidence among customers and other banks and a banking collapse. The recent pandemic (COVID-19) and the evolving globalisation can affect bank operations, although the effects may depend on the type of banks and other bank-specific factors. In this paper, we revisit the topic on the determinants of non-performing loans of banks in a small island economy of Fiji over the period 2000 to 2022. We apply a fixed-effect method and consider seven banks (five commercial banks and two non-bank financial institutions). In our estimations, we examine the effect of bank-specific factors and control for the social and economic globalisation, the GFC, the COVID-19 pandemic, and bank-type effects, as well as the effect of the interaction between the bank type and the pandemic, as key contributions of the study. Overall, our results are consistent in terms of the effects noted from the bank-specific factors. From the extended model estimations, we note that COVID-19 had a more adverse effect on loan losses than the GFC, and the interaction between the bank type and COVID-19 indicates that non-banks were highly vulnerable to loan losses, whereas commercial banks exhibited greater preparedness. Economic globalisation reduces bank losses, whereas social globalisation exacerbates NPLs.
Combating Rising Energy Poverty with Sunnah-Compliant Orthodox Sukuk Finance
Authors: Umar Abdullahi Ahmed , Goje Kabiru , Ahmad Mahadi
Published: October 2023

There is a growing number of published peer-reviewed articles, government reports and investigations from civil societies reporting the poor performance of Public Private Partnerships (PPP)-provided utilities services. The purpose of this desk study is to explore the unreported connection between the source of financing for Public Private Partnerships (PPP) projects in the energy sector and the growing energy poverty across the globe. Energy poverty has become a growing threat to households in both developing and developed countries. Studies have shown that energy poverty results in poor health outcomes, discomfort, and poor economic and intellectual development. The causes of energy poverty have been attributed to rising energy prices, stagnated household incomes and poorly energy-efficient buildings. In response, there are growing calls in many countries for the re-nationalisation of energy companies. However, there is a dearth of studies exploring the connection between conventional interest-based debt finance used in financing PPPs which require tariffs to be designed to achieve cost recovery and overcome the growing energy poverty. Our intention is to show that beyond the private vs. public provision debate, there exists an unexplored third approach that mainstream experts seem to ignore or are oblivious about. We argue that the highly leveraged interest-based financing model currently used by PPP sponsors exacerbates energy poverty because of interest costs built into consumer tariffs. We argue that adopting orthodox non-interest equity-based sukuks as a medium of financing for energy PPPs will lead to a reduction in energy tariffs, and will enhance affordability, sustainability, value-for-money and reduce energy poverty. The emphasis on orthodoxy is derived from the fact that most of the current sukuks in the market violate the core concept of Islamic finance by promising a fixed return to investors.
A Comprehensive Review of Plastics in Agricultural Soils: A Case Study of Castilla y León (Spain) Farmlands
Authors: Mongil-Manso Jorge , Jiménez-Ballesta Raimundo , Trujillo-González Juan Manuel , San José Wery Ana , Díez Méndez Alexandra
Published: October 2023

Plastics, especially microplastics, are a diverse group of polymer-based particles, currently emerging as a global environmental threat—plastic pollution. An attempt was made to search for the presence of plastics in soils, particularly in a traditionally agricultural region such as Castilla y León (CYL). This study aimed to evaluate the use of plastics in agricultural soils in general, with an emphasis on CYL, by analyzing the present state and future perspectives on the addition of plastic waste to some agricultural soils in CYL. Surprisingly, many agricultural soils, including arable lands, irrigation, and especially greenhouse soils, receive plastic residues every day, which can lead to contaminants. By analyzing government data, we discovered that the volume of plastic waste from intensive agriculture is increasing (49,131 t in 2020) and that the current management system does not meet the needs of the sector. From this review, it can be inferred that plastics affect cultivated soils in CYL; this could affect both the economy and the soil itself and, by extension, the trophic food chain, food, and human health.
The Influence of Farmers’ Cognition on Forest Land Transfer Behavior: A Case Study of Chengdu City
Authors: Cheng Ying , Liu Zhongbao , Hu Yuan , Zeng Weizhong
Published: October 2023

In the context of China’s forest rights reform, promoting forest land circulation is the key to revitalizing forest land resources and promoting the development of the forestry industry. Based on the theoretical analysis of the effect of farmers’ cognition on forest land transfer behavior, data from 790 farmers in typical areas of Chengdu were used for empirical testing with the binary logit model. At the same time, the effects of the cognitive differences of the farmers with different education levels on forest land circulation are discussed. Finally, appropriate instrumental variables were selected to modify the model, and the IV probit model was used to test the endogeneity of the model. The results showed that the (1) farmers’ cognition had a significant positive effect on the forest land transfer behavior. Among them, in the order of the degree of impact, were the following: ecological cognition, policy cognition, risk cognition, social regulation, and benefit cognition. (2) Among the groups with different education levels, farmers with lower education levels will consider more aspects than farmers with higher education levels when choosing to transfer forest land. By broadening the research into the cognitive composition of farmers, this study deepens our understanding of the influence of farmers’ cognition on forest land transfer behavior. Moreover, it is found that Chinese farmers have strong ecological rationality in addition to economic rationality, and ecological cognition plays a greater role in forest land transfer behavior than benefit cognition, which is of considerable significance for further research on forest land transfer behavior.
Gynaecological Causes of Acute Pelvic Pain: Common and Not-So-Common Imaging Findings
Authors: Franco Paolo , García-Baizán Alejandra , Aymerich María , Maino Cesare , Frade-Santos Sofia , Ippolito Davide , Otero-García Milagros
Published: October 2023

In female patients, acute pelvic pain can be caused by gynaecological, gastrointestinal, and urinary tract pathologies. Due to the variety of diagnostic possibilities, the correct assessment of these patients may be challenging. The most frequent gynaecological causes of acute pelvic pain in non-pregnant women are pelvic inflammatory disease, ruptured ovarian cysts, ovarian torsion, and degeneration or torsion of uterine leiomyomas. On the other hand, spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, and placental disorders are the most frequent gynaecological entities to cause acute pelvic pain in pregnant patients. Ultrasound (US) is usually the first-line diagnostic technique because of its sensitivity across most common aetiologies and its lack of radiation exposure. Computed tomography (CT) may be performed if ultrasound findings are equivocal or if a gynaecologic disease is not initially suspected. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an extremely useful second-line technique for further characterisation after US or CT. This pictorial review aims to review the spectrum of gynaecological entities that may manifest as acute pelvic pain in the emergency department and to describe the imaging findings of these gynaecological conditions obtained with different imaging techniques.
Origin of Angiosperms: Problems, Challenges, and Solutions
Authors: Wang Xin
Published: October 2023

Angiosperms are frequently assumed to constitute a monophyletic group. Therefore, the origin of angiosperms is a key question in systematic botany since the answer to this question is hinged with many questions concerned with angiosperm evolution. Previously, the lack of fossil evidence undermines the robustness of related hypotheses, and explains the instability of the systematics of angiosperms in the past century. With increasing evidence of early angiosperms, the origin and early evolution of angiosperms become approachable targets. However, reaching a strict consensus is still a mission impossible now: there are too many issues open to debate. A good sign in research is that palaeobotanists started addressing the issue of criterion identifying angiosperms, this would bring order in studies of early angiosperms. Several flaws in fundamental concepts inflicting botany require efforts to elucidate and remedy. The author here opens a discussion on these problems, hoping that more botanists will join to discuss and clarify previously blurry concepts and place a solid foundation for future development in botany.
Taurine Protects Doxorubicin-Induced Hepatotoxicity via Its Membrane-Stabilizing Effect in Rats
Authors: Gedikli Esra , Barış Veysel Özgür , Yersal Nilgün , Dinçsoy Adnan Berk , Müftüoğlu Sevda Fatma , Erdem Ayşen
Published: October 2023

Background: Doxorubicin (dox) is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used against various tumors. However, the clinical use of this agent is limited due to various organ toxicities. Taurine is an intracellular free β-amino acid with antioxidant properties. The present study investigated the protective mechanism of taurine on dox-induced hepatotoxicity. Methods: In total, 31 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the study. The control group received intraperitoneal (i.p.) 0.9% NaCl alone for 14 days; the taurine (Tau) group received i.p. taurine 150 mg/kg body weight/day for 14 days; the dox group received dox on days 12, 13, and 14 at a cumulative dose of 25 mg/kg body weight/3 days; and the tau+dox group received taurine and dox together at the same dose and through the same route. On day 15, biochemical evaluations were performed on blood samples taken from the left ventricle followed by histological examinations on liver samples. Results: Dox was found to increase liver function enzymes and tissue protein carbonyl levels, causing congestion and tissue damage, thereby leading to dysfunction. Tau was found to histologically preserve the liver morphology without showing any corrective effect on oxidative stress parameters. These findings suggest that the membrane-stabilizing effect of taurine may be more effective than its radical scavenging activity in preventing dox-induced toxicity. Conclusion: Taurine can prevent doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity through non-antioxidant pathways.
Effect of Argon Flow Rate on Tribological Properties of Rare Earth Ce Doped MoS2 Based Composite Coatings by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Tian Changling , Cai Haichao , Xue Yujun , Pei Lulu , Yu Yongjian
Published: October 2023

Exploring the doping components of the coating is of great significance for improving the tribological properties of the MoS2-based coating. The optimization of magnetron sputtering process parameters can also improve the coating quality. In this paper, the effects of working gas flow rate on the microstructure in a vacuum chamber, nano-hardness, and tribological properties of Ce-Ti/MoS2 coatings were studied using DC and RF unbalanced co-sputtering technology. It is found that the coating structure was coarse and porous when the Ar flow rate was excessive (70 sccm), significantly affecting the mechanical properties; there are pit defects on the surface of the coating when the flow rate is just minor (30 sccm), and the coating easily falls off during the friction process. When the flow rate is 40~60 sccm, the coating grows uniformly, the hardness reaches 7.85 GPa at 50 sccm, and the wear rate is only 4.42 × 10−7 mm3 N−1 m−1 at 60 sccm. The coating doped with Ce and Ti is an approximate amorphous structure. Under appropriate gas flow rate conditions, the friction induces a transfer film with a layered structure, and the MoS2 (002) crystal plane orientation is arranged in parallel at the edge of the wear debris, effectively reducing the shear force during sliding and reducing wear. Based on rare earth doping, this study improves the tribological properties by optimizing the working gas parameters, which plays a reference role in preparing high-quality MoS2-based coatings.
Tribological Performance of Steel/W-DLC and W-DLC/W-DLC in a Solid–Liquid Lubrication System Additivated with Ultrathin MoS2 Nanosheets
Authors: Yi Meirong , Wang Taoping , Liu Zizheng , Lei Jin , Qiu Jiaxun , Xu Wenhu
Published: October 2023

In this paper, MoS2 nanosheets with an ultrathin structure were fabricated using a solvothermal method and further added into PAO oil, which was further combined with W-DLC coating to constitute a solid–liquid lubricating state. The influences of MoS2 concentration, applied load and counter surfaces on the lubricating of the solid–liquid hybrid lubricating system were explored through a ball-on-disk tribometer. The friction results indicated that the steel/W-DLC and W-DLC/W-DLC tribopairs lubricated with ultrathin MoS2 possessed better friction reduction and wear resistance behaviors in comparison to pure PAO oil. However, compared to the steel/steel couple case, the prepared MoS2 nanosheets exhibited a more efficient lubricating effect for the W-DLC/W-DLC couple. The beneficial boundary lubricating impact of MoS2 nanosheets on self-mated W-DLC coated rubbing surfaces could be attributed to the tribochemical reaction between MoS2 and doping W element in DLC, resulting in a formation of a thin tribofilm at both counterparts. Meanwhile, the extent of graphitization of W-DLC film induced by friction was alleviated because of the lubrication and protection from the formation of MoS2-based tribofilm at both counterparts.
Superconducting In Situ/Post In Situ MgB2 Joints
Authors: Glowacki Bartlomiej Andrzej
Published: October 2023

The superconducting joints of superconducting in situ MgB2 wires have been of great interest since the first MgB2 wires were manufactured. The necessity of joining fully reacted wires in applications such as NMR brings complexity to the methodology of connecting already reacted wires sintered under optimised conditions via a mixture of Mg + 2B and subsequential second heat treatment to establish fully superconducting MgB2 joints. Some of the data in the literature resolved such a procedure by applying high cold pressure and sintering at a low temperature. A topical review publication did not address in depth the question of whether cold sintering is a potential solution, suggesting that hot pressing is the way forward. In this paper, we discuss the potential joint interfacial requirements, suggesting a thermo-mechanical procedure to successfully form a superconductive connection of two in situ reacted wires in the presence of Mg + 2B flux. The critical current at 25 K of the researched junction achieved 50% Ic for an individual in situ wire.
Stability Aspects of UV-Curable Prints on Pressure-Sensitive Labels Facestock Made from Agro-Industrial By-Products
Authors: Malenica Ivan , Golik Krizmanić Marina , Vukoje Marina , Kulčar Rahela , Itrić Ivanda Katarina
Published: October 2023

During its life cycle, packaging comes into contact with various substances and even those it protects. Thus, for example, oil, water, and alcohol, if spilled on the packaging, can damage its functionality. In addition to exposure to chemicals, graphic products (packaging) can be exposed to moisture and UV radiation, which can negatively affect their stability during transport, storage, and handling. The choice of printing substrate can directly affect the stability of prints against different degrading influences. This paper explores the stability of thermochromic (TC) and conventional offset printing inks printed on environmentally friendly printing substrates intended for packaging applications (labelling). Results have confirmed that used printing substrates and printing inks give prints good rub resistance, but somewhat lower stability in terms of ethanol, water, and UV radiation. The choice of printing substrate can directly affect the stability of prints against different degrading influences. The resistance of prints to oil cannot be clearly defined since the samples were altered with the coloration of the oil. It can only be stated that oil reduced the functionality of the TC prints given that the samples were colored by the oil itself.
Temperature Dependence of Magnetization Dynamics in Co/IrMn and Co/FeMn Exchange Biased Structures
Authors: Dzhun Irina O. , Gerasimenko Andrey V. , Ezhov Alexander A. , Bezzubov Stanislav I. , Rodionova Valeria V. , Gritsenko Christina A. , Chechenin Nikolai G.
Published: October 2023

Thin film ferromagnet/antiferromagnet (F/AF) exchange biased structures that are widely used in GMR spin valves are considered nowadays as promising systems for antiferromagnetic spintronic and spin-orbitronic devices. Here, the temperature dependences of magnetization dynamics in Co/IrMn and Co/FeMn F/AF structures are investigated using ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) in comparison to a free Co layer. A strong additional decrease in the resonance field was observed in Co/IrMn with a temperature decrease attributed to the rotatable anisotropy increase, which almost vanished at room temperature. In contrast to Co/IrMn, the contribution of the rotatable anisotropy in Co/FeMn is much weaker, even though it exists at RT, it is negative, and slightly varies with the temperature and resonance field shift in Co/FeMn. This is mainly due to unidirectional exchange anisotropy. FMR linewidth for the free Co layer increases with decreasing temperature and is accompanied with a slow relaxation process, while the additional contribution to FMR line broadening in Co/IrMn and Co/FeMn structures is correlated with variation in the exchange anisotropy. The observed results are discussed based on structural and surface morphology and magnetization reversal characterization using X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry data.
Phase Separation in the Double Perovskite Sr2FeNbO6-δ
Authors: Popov Daniil , Batulin Ruslan , Cherosov Mikhail , Vagizov Farit , Zinnatullin Almaz , Chupakhina Tatiana , Deeva Yuliya , Maiti Tanmoy , Eremina Rushana
Published: October 2023

The ceramic perovskite Sr2FeNbO6-δ was synthesized via the solution combustion precursor method. X-ray phase analysis showed that the sample is single-phase and does not contain impurities. The specific heat capacity and the Mössbauer spectra were measured for the Sr2FeNbO6-δ ceramic in the temperature range of 4–300 K. The observation of an asymmetric doublet in the Mössbauer spectra and the literature data on the magnetic susceptibility indicated the presence of two magnetic subsystems in Sr2FeNbO6-δ with antiferromagnetic exchange interactions. Based on the analysis of the temperature dependence of the specific heat capacity, we determined the Debye and Einstein temperatures.
Unit Exponential Probability Distribution: Characterization and Applications in Environmental and Engineering Data Modeling
Authors: Bakouch Hassan S. , Hussain Tassaddaq , Tošić Marina , Stojanović Vladica S. , Qarmalah Najla
Published: October 2023

Distributions with bounded support show considerable sparsity over those with unbounded support, despite the fact that there are a number of real-world contexts where observations take values from a bounded range (proportions, percentages, and fractions are typical examples). For proportion modeling, a flexible family of two-parameter distribution functions associated with the exponential distribution is proposed here. The mathematical and statistical properties of the novel distribution are examined, including the quantiles, mode, moments, hazard rate function, and its characterization. The parameter estimation procedure using the maximum likelihood method is carried out, and applications to environmental and engineering data are also considered. To this end, various statistical tests are used, along with some other information criterion indicators to determine how well the model fits the data. The proposed model is found to be the most efficient plan in most cases for the datasets considered.