bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Short-Term Human Albumin Infusion for the Prevention and Treatment of Hyponatremia in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Bai Zhaohui , Xu Wentao , Chai Lu , Zheng Xiaojie , Méndez-Sánchez Nahum , Philips Cyriac Abby , Cheng Gang , Qi Xingshun
Published: December 2022

Background: Human albumin (HA) infusion is potentially effective for the management of hyponatremia in liver cirrhosis, but the current evidence is very limited. Methods: In this retrospective study, 2414 cirrhotic patients who were consecutively admitted to our hospital between January 2010 and June 2014 were included in the Hospitalization outcome cohort, and 339 cirrhotic patients without malignancy who were consecutively admitted to our department between December 2014 and April 2021 were included in the Long-term outcome cohort. The development and improvement of hyponatremia were compared between patients who received HA infusion during hospitalizations and did not. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of development and improvement of hyponatremia during hospitalizations with the outcomes. Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated. Results: In the two cohorts, HA infusion significantly decreased the incidence of hyponatremia and increased the rate of improvement of hyponatremia in cirrhotic patients during hospitalizations. In the Hospitalization outcome cohort, the development of hyponatremia during hospitalizations was significantly associated with increased in-hospital mortality (OR = 2.493, p < 0.001), and the improvement of hyponatremia during hospitalizations was significantly associated with decreased in-hospital mortality (OR = 0.599, p = 0.014). In the Long-term outcome cohort, the development of hyponatremia during hospitalizations was significantly associated with decreased long-term survival (HR = 0.400, p < 0.001), and the improvement of hyponatremia during hospitalizations was not significantly associated with long-term survival (HR = 1.085, p = 0.813). Conclusions: HA infusion can effectively prevent the development of hyponatremia and improve hyponatremia in cirrhotic patients during hospitalizations, which may influence the patients’ outcomes.
The Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Preoperative Pulmonary Function Test Results as Predictors of In-Hospital Postoperative Complications after Hip Fracture Surgery in Older Adults
Authors: Hong Seung-Wan , Jeong Hae-Chang , Kim Seong-Hyop
Published: December 2022

Purpose: This study retrospectively evaluated the usefulness of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and pulmonary function test (PFT) results as objective predictors of in-hospital postoperative complications after hip fracture surgery in older adults. Methods: The patients aged >65 years who underwent hip fracture surgery under general anaesthesia were enrolled. In-hospital postoperative complications with preoperative NLR, PNI and PFT results were evaluated. The NLR was calculated as the preoperative neutrophil count/lymphocyte count in peripheral blood. The PNI was calculated as the serum albumin (g/dL) × 10 + total lymphocyte count × 0.005 (/mm3). Results: One hundred ninety nine patients were analysed. The most common postoperative complications were respiratory complications. Compared with patients who did not have postoperative complications, patients with postoperative complications had a significantly higher NLR (8.01 ± 4.70 vs. 5.12 ± 4.34, p < 0.001), whereas they had a significantly lower PNI (38.33 ± 6.80 vs. 42.67 ± 6.47, p < 0.001), preoperative functional vital capacity (FVC; 2.04 ± 0.76 vs. 2.45 ± 0.71 L, p < 0.001), and forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV1; 1.43 ± 0.53 vs. 1.78 ± 0.58 L, p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified NLR (odds ratio [OR], 1.142; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.060–1.230; p < 0.001) and FEV1 (OR, 0.340; 95% CI, 0.191–0.603; p < 0.001) as risk factors for postoperative complications after hip fracture surgery. Conclusion: Preoperative NLR and FEV1 are objective predictors of in-hospital postoperative complications after hip fracture surgery in older patients.
Characterization of Ag-Ion Releasing Zeolite Filled 3D Printed Resins
Authors: Pacho Marian O. , Deeney Dylan , Johnson Emily A. , Bravo Bryanna N. , Patel Kishen , Latta Mark A. , Belshan Michael A. , Gross Stephen M.
Published: December 2022

There has been profound growth in the use of 3D printed materials in dentistry in general, including orthodontics. The opportunity to impart antimicrobial properties to 3D printed parts from existing resins requires the capability of forming a stable colloid incorporating antimicrobial fillers. The objective of this research was to characterize a colloid consisting of a 3D printable resin mixed with Ag-ion releasing zeolites and fumed silica to create 3D printed parts with antiviral properties. The final composite was tested for antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1. Antiviral activity was measured in terms of the half-life of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 on the composite surface. The inclusion of the zeolite did not interfere with the kinetics measured on the surface of the ATR crystal. While the depth of cure, measured following ISO4049 guidelines, was reduced from 3.8 mm to 1.4 mm in 5 s, this greatly exceeded the resolution required for 3D printing. The colloid was stable for at least 6 months and the rheological behavior was dependent upon the fumed silica loading. The inclusion of zeolites and fumed silica significantly increased the flexural strength of the composite as measured by a 3 point bend test. The composite released approximately 2500 μg/L of silver ion per gram of composite as determined by potentiometry. There was a significant reduction of the average half-life of SARS-CoV-2 (1.9 fold) and HIV-1 (2.7 fold) on the surface of the composite. The inclusion of Ag-ion releasing zeolites into 3D-printable resin can result in stable colloids that generate composites with improved mechanical properties and antiviral properties.
Insertion Torque, Removal Torque, and Resonance Frequency Analysis Values of Ultrashort, Short, and Standard Dental Implants: An In Vitro Study on Polyurethane Foam Sheets
Authors: Comuzzi Luca , Tumedei Margherita , Romasco Tea , Petrini Morena , Afrashtehfar Kelvin I. , Inchingolo Francesco , Piattelli Adriano , Di Pietro Natalia
Published: December 2022

Short implants were introduced to reduce morbidity, treatment duration, and complex bone regeneration interventions in atrophic jaws and to improve patient-reported outcomes. This study aimed to determine the insertion torque (IT), removal torque (RT), and resonance frequency analysis (RFA) values of ultrashort (3 mm length), short (7 mm length), and standard implants (10 mm length) inserted in 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-mm thickness polyurethane sheets with densities of 10, 20, and 30 pounds per cubic foot (PCF). Standard-length implants were the gold standard (control). Overall, short-length implant IT values were higher or similar to the control in most experimental conditions. Those inserted into a 3 mm/30 PCF lamina showed the highest IT values, whereas 5 mm diameter ultrashort-length implants inserted into 2 and 3 mm/20 PCF laminas were higher than other implants. RT values followed the same trend and RFA values were more appreciable in short- and standard-length implants in all the scenarios. However, ultrashort-length implants reached a primary stability comparable to that of standard implants in lower thicknesses. In conclusion, although further studies are needed to corroborate this in vitro model with preclinical and clinical studies, our data shed light on short- and ultrashort-length implants geometries to a potential application in critical atrophy of the posterior jaws.
Polyethyleneimine-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Zhao Chong , Zhou Benqing
Published: December 2022

With the development of nanotechnology, various types of polymer-based drug delivery systems have been designed for biomedical applications. Polymer-based drug delivery systems with desirable biocompatibility can be efficiently delivered to tumor sites with passive or targeted effects and combined with other therapeutic and imaging agents for cancer theranostics. As an effective vehicle for drug and gene delivery, polyethyleneimine (PEI) has been extensively studied due to its rich surface amines and excellent water solubility. In this work, we summarize the surface modifications of PEI to enhance biocompatibility and functionalization. Additionally, the synthesis of PEI-based nanoparticles is discussed. We further review the applications of PEI-based drug delivery systems in cancer treatment, cancer imaging, and cancer theranostics. Finally, we thoroughly consider the outlook and challenges relating to PEI-based drug delivery systems.
Exercise Evaluation and Prescription—Second Edition
Authors: Foster Carl , Cortis Cristina , Fusco Andrea
Published: December 2022

In the first volume of “Exercise Evaluation and Prescription” in the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology [...]
Abstract Graphic Creativity, Feelings about School, and Engagement in the School Environment: What Are the Interindividual Differences between Gifted and Non-Gifted Children?
Authors: Sanchez Christine , Blanc Nathalie
Published: December 2022

This study examines interindividual differences between gifted and non-gifted children in the school environment. Three distinct measurement tools were used to enable a multimodal approach of gifted and non-gifted children with abstract graphic creativity, feelings about school and engagement in the school environment being considered. The results obtained from 328 children (including 45 gifted children) revealed that the gifted children obtained scores significantly higher than non-gifted children in terms of self-determination, feelings about school, and creativity. In addition, a gap appears among gifted children between their significantly higher scores for motivation and intellectual skills versus standard scores for their socio-affective development. Such results are consistent with the idea of asynchronous development, which is characteristic of gifted children (cognitive and conative vs. socio-affective sphere), offering perspectives for more adapted support for these pupils in elementary school.
Numerical Modeling of Titanium Alloy Ti10V2Fe3Al Milling Process
Authors: Storchak Michael , Stehle Thomas , Möhring Hans-Christian
Published: December 2022

The simulation of material machining using finite element models is a powerful tool for the optimization of simulated processes and tools, as well as for the determination of cutting process characteristics that are difficult or practically impossible to determine by experiment. The paper presents results of the numerical simulation of the titanium alloy Ti10V2Fe3Al (Ti-1023). The behavior of the machined material was modeled with the Johnson–Cook constitutive equation, and its damage mechanism was modeled using the Cockcroft and Latham model. The parameters of the constitutive equation for machined material behavior and damage were determined using a DOE sensitivity analysis during orthogonal cutting. The values of the cutting force components, as well as the minimum and maximum chip thicknesses, were used as target functions for the DOE analysis. The generalized values of the constitutive equation parameters and the fracture stress values determined by the DOE analysis were calculated as the set intersection of individual multitude values of these parameters. The simulation results of the studied cutting processes showed an acceptable agreement with the experimental data when the cutting speed and tool feed changed significantly. The deviation in the simulated values of the cutting forces from their measured values ranged from about 10% to about 20%.
Simulating Ship Manoeuvrability with Artificial Neural Networks Trained by a Short Noisy Data Set
Authors: Moreira Lúcia , Guedes Soares C.
Published: December 2022

Artificial neural networks are applied to model the manoeuvrability characteristics of a ship based on empirical information acquired from experiments with a scaled model. This work aims to evaluate the performance of the proposed method of training the artificial neural network model even with a very small quantity of noisy data. The data used for the training consisted of zig-zag and circle manoeuvres carried out in agreement with the IMO standards. The wind effect is evident in some of the recorded experiments, creating additional disturbance to the fitting scheme. The method used for the training of the network is the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm, and the results are compared with the scaled conjugate gradient method and the Bayesian regularization. The results obtained with the different methodologies show very suitable accuracy in the prediction of the referred manoeuvres.
Requirements for Optimal Local Route Planning of Autonomous Ships
Authors: Ohn Sung-Wook , Namgung Ho
Published: December 2022

Ships transport large volumes of cargo, and are therefore major contributors to the global economy. Ship collisions can cause significant economic losses. Path-planning algorithms can prevent such collisions by suggesting the optimal path for navigation. Conventional path-planning algorithms are disadvantageous, because they do not consider the navigation practices followed by experienced navigators. Therefore, in this study, we developed the requirements for optimal local path planning of autonomous ships by considering the open sea, restricted waters, and two-ship and multi-ship interactions, in addition to the navigation practices adopted by navigators and rules in COLREGs part B. First, the navigation practices under various scenarios were collected. Subsequently, these practices were linked to COLREGs part B to extract the key rules and keywords related to collision avoidance. Finally, the requirements for generating the optimal local path were drafted based on the rules and keywords. The utility of the requirements was demonstrated by applying them to representative path-planning algorithms for the timely and accurate evaluation of their effectiveness. The proposed requirements can be utilized to improve the existing path-planning algorithms and develop superior algorithms in the future.
Direct Underwater Sound Velocity Measurement Based on the Acousto-Optic Self-Interference Effect between the Chirp Signal and the Optical Frequency Comb
Authors: Yang Zihui , Dong Fanpeng , Liu Hongguang , Yang Xiaoxia , Li Zhiwei , Xue Bin
Published: December 2022

Underwater sound speed plays a vital role in maritime safety. Based on the acousto-optic self-interference effect, we proposed a new method to measure underwater sound speed utilizing Raman–Nath diffraction, generated by the acousto-optic effect between an optical frequency comb and pulsed chirp signal. When the pulsed chirp travels between the measurement and reference arm in the experimental setup that we constructed, the same signal resulting from acousto-optic self-interference is produced. The time gap between the two identical signals represents the time interval. Thus, we can determine the time-of-flight using cross-correlation. The optical path difference between the two arms is double the flight distance of ultrasonic waves and can easily be obtained using femtosecond laser interferometry. The time gap and the distance can be used to measure sound speed. The experimental results show that the chirp signal improves the signal-to-noise ratio and expands the applicable time-of-flight algorithm. The waveform pulse width after cross-correlation is 1.5 μs, compared with 40 μs before. The time-of-flight uncertainty can achieve 1.03 ns compared to 8.6 ns before. Uncertainty of sound velocity can achieve 0.026 m/s.
Status of Scoping Nuclear Analyses for the Evolving Design of ITER TBM Port Cells
Authors: Harb Moataz , Leichtle Dieter , Kim Byoung-Yoon , Martins Jean-Pierre , Polunovskiy Eduard , Somvanshi Jayant , van der Laan Jaap G.
Published: December 2022

ITER is an international collaborative effort towards the realization of fusion energy via the magnetic confinement concept. Two of the equatorial ports in the facility are dedicated to the testing of tritium breeding concepts, which is essential for the tritium self-sufficiency of future fusion reactors. The concerned Test Blanket System (TBS) consists of a Test Blanket Module (TBM) residing inside the TBM–Port Plug (TBM-PP) and its associated ancillary systems in the Tokamak facility. In this paper, the results of a full suite of nuclear analyses concerning the shielding performance of the Pipe Forest (PF) and Bioshield Plug (BP), to reflect on the evolution of their designs, are discussed. On the BP side, the design of the peripheral part has been reviewed considering the ventilation openings and butterfly doors, to assure the design compliance with the Radiation Map (RadMap) requirements for the neutron flux in the Port Cell (PC), behind the BP. On the PF side, the pipes routing and maintenance corridor door have been redesigned, by taking into account results from previously concluded nuclear analyses. The neutronics model was developed from CAD and was used to perform transport simulations in two plasma modes: on and off. For plasma-on mode, the plasma neutron field in the Port Interspace (PI) as well as behind the BP was assessed and few shielding options were explored. The responses due to decay neutrons from 17N in activated cooling water were also considered. For the plasma-off mode, the focus was shifted to further refine the ShutDown Dose Rate (SDDR) maps, which is of importance for maintenance operations that are foreseen to take place at various stages of ITER operation, in particular following the FPO-1, FPO-2, and Short operation scenarios. In addition, detailed activation analyses were carried out to provide a provisional waste classification.
Reprogramming of Fundamental miRNA and Gene Expression during the Barley-Piriformospora indica Interaction
Authors: Li Liang , Guo Nannan , Zhang Yanze , Yuan Zhi , Lu Aidang , Li Si , Wang Ziwen
Published: December 2022

The interactions between plants and microorganisms, which are widely present in the microbial-dominated rhizosphere, have been studied. This association is highly beneficial to the organisms involved, as plants benefit soil microorganisms by providing them with metabolites, while microorganisms promote plant growth and development by promoting nutrient uptake and/or protecting the plant from biotic and abiotic stresses. Piriformospora indica, an endophytic fungus of Sebacinales, colonizes the roots of a wide range of host plants and establishes various benefits for the plants. In this work, an interaction between barley and the P. indica was established to elucidate microRNA (miRNA)-based regulatory changes in miRNA profiles and gene expression that occurred during the symbiosis. Growth promotion and vigorous root development were confirmed in barley colonized by P. indica. The genome-wide expression profile analysis of miRNAs in barley root showed that 7,798,928, 6,418,039 and 7,136,192 clean reads were obtained from the libraries of mock, 3 dai and 7 dai roots, respectively. Sequencing of the barley genome yielded in 81 novel miRNA and 450 differently expressed genes (DEGs). Additionally, 11, 24, 6 differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) in barley were found in the three comparison groups, including 3 dai vs. mock, 7 dai vs. mock and 7 dai vs. 3 dai, respectively. The predicted target genes of these miRNAs are mainly involved in transcription, cell division, auxin signal perception and transduction, photosynthesis and hormone stimulus. Transcriptome analysis of P. indica identified 667 and 594 differentially expressed genes (DEG) at 3 dai and 7 dai. Annotation and GO (Gene Ontology) analysis indicated that the DEGs with the greatest changes were concentrated in oxidoreductase activity, ion transmembrane transporter activity. It implies that reprogramming of fundamental miRNA and gene expression occurs both in barley and P. indica. Analysis of global changes in miRNA profiles of barley colonized with P. indica revealed that several putative endogenous barley miRNAs expressed upon colonization belonging to known micro RNA families involved in growth and developmental regulation.
Medium- and Long-Term Effects of Dapagliflozin on Serum Uric Acid Level in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Real-World Study
Authors: Wang Shihan , Yuan Tao , Song Shuoning , Duo Yanbei , Zhao Tianyi , Gao Junxiang , Fu Yong , Dong Yingyue , Zhao Weigang
Published: December 2022

We aimed to explore the medium- and long-term (≥12 weeks) effects of dapagliflozin on serum uric acid (SUA) level in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the real world study and to explore the influencing factors of dapagliflozin on reducing SUA level. This observational, prospective cohort study was based on the real world. There were 77 patients included in this study. They were divided into two groups. Patients in treatment group (n = 38) were treated as dapagliflozin 10 mg/d combined with therapy of routine glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs), and patients in the control group (n = 39) were treated with their routine GLDs. All measurements of physical examinations, blood, and urine samples, including age, sex, weight, height, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and SUA, were collected at baseline for all patients in these two groups and repeated after 12, 24, and 48 weeks of therapy. We compared the changes of metabolic indicators including SUA in these two groups to evaluate the effects of dapagliflozin and analyzed its influencing factors. In the dapagliflozin group, mean SUA levels significantly decreased from 334.2 ± 99.1 μmol/L at baseline to 301.9 ± 73.2 μmol/L after 12 weeks therapy (t = 2.378, p = 0.023). There was no significant statistical difference of SUA levels after 24 weeks treatment of dapagliflozin compared with 12-week and 48-week treatment with dapagliflozin (p > 0.05). We found that baseline SUA had a significant impact on the effect of dapagliflozin on reducing SUA (OR 1.014, 95%CI 1.003–1.025, p = 0.014) by logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that T2DM patients with SUA level ≥ 314.5 μmol/L had relative accuracy in recognizing the good effects of dapagliflozin on reducing SUA (sensitivity 76.9%, specificity 76.2%). Combination therapy of dapagliflozin with routine blood-glucose-lowering drugs in T2DM patients showed the significant and sustained stable effect of lowering SUA level in this real-world study.
Maximizing Small Biopsy Patient Samples: Unified RNA-Seq Platform Assessment of over 120,000 Patient Biopsies
Authors: Walsh P. Sean , Hao Yangyang , Ding Jie , Qu Jianghan , Wilde Jonathan , Jiang Ruochen , Kloos Richard T. , Huang Jing , Kennedy Giulia C.
Published: December 2022

Despite its wide-ranging benefits, whole-transcriptome or RNA exome profiling is challenging to implement in a clinical diagnostic setting. The Unified Assay is a comprehensive workflow wherein exome-enriched RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) assays are performed on clinical samples and analyzed by a series of advanced machine learning-based classifiers. Gene expression signatures and rare and/or novel genomic events, including fusions, mitochondrial variants, and loss of heterozygosity were assessed using RNA-Seq data generated from 120,313 clinical samples across three clinical indications (thyroid cancer, lung cancer, and interstitial lung disease). Since its implementation, the data derived from the Unified Assay have allowed significantly more patients to avoid unnecessary diagnostic surgery and have played an important role in guiding follow-up decisions regarding treatment. Collectively, data from the Unified Assay show the utility of RNA-Seq and RNA expression signatures in the clinical laboratory, and their importance to the future of precision medicine.
The Use of the 6MWT for Rehabilitation in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Romeo Domenico M. , Venezia Ilaria , De Biase Margherita , Sini Francesca , Velli Chiara , Mercuri Eugenio , Brogna Claudia
Published: December 2022

Assessing and improving walking abilities is considered one of the most important functional goals of physical therapy in children with cerebral palsy. However, there is still a gap in knowledge regarding the efficacy of treatment targeting the walking capacity of children with CP, as well as their responsiveness to the treatment. The 6 min walk test (6MWT) is a reliable tool to measure this function in children with CP, although less has been known about its potential efficacy to assess changes in the walking abilities associated with interventions. The aim of the present narrative review is to increase the amount of knowledge regarding the use of the 6MWT as a reliable measure to evaluate the effect of interventions on walking capacity in children with CP.
Scrutinizing Urbanization in Kathmandu Using Google Earth Engine Together with Proximity-Based Scenario Modelling
Authors: Aryal Anisha , Bhatta Kishor Prasad , Adhikari Sanot , Baral Himlal
Published: December 2022

‘Urbanization’ refers to the expansion of built-up areas caused by several factors. This study focuses on the urbanization process in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Supervised classification was conducted in Google Earth Engine by using Landsat data for years 2001, 2011 and 2021. The random forest classifier with 250 trees was used for classification to generate land-cover map. A land-cover map of 2021 was used as base map in the InVEST tool for scenario modelling. An accuracy assessment with 20% of sample points was conducted with different metrics, such as overall accuracy, kappa coefficient, producer accuracy, and consumer accuracy. The results show an increment of built-up areas by around 67 km2 over 20 years in a centrifugal pattern from the core district, converting agricultural and forest land. ‘Forest’ is still dominant land-use class, with an area of 177.97 km2. Agricultural land was highly converted to urban area. The overall accuracy of this classification process ranged 0.96–1.00 for different years. The scenario modelling further elaborated an amiability of drastic shift in land-use classes to ‘built-up’, especially forest and agriculture, by around 33 km2 and 66 km2, respectively. This study recommends the consideration of ecological approaches during the planning process.
Urban Industrial Carbon Efficiency Measurement and Influencing Factors Analysis in China
Authors: Cui Weijia , Lin Xueqin , Wang Dai , Mi Ying
Published: December 2022

Based on the EBM-DEA (Explainable Boosting Machine-Data Envelopment Analysis) model, this paper constructs an evaluation model of urban industrial carbon efficiency (UICE), measures and analyzes the spatial evolution characteristics of China’s UICE from 2003 to 2016, and analyzes the influencing factors of UICE using the Tobit model. The research draws the following conclusions: (1) China’s UICE improved from 2003 to 2016, and the distribution showed a spatial pattern decreasing from the east, central, west, and northeast regions. (2) The UICE, by region, was at an initial low stable level in 2003 and was in the process of moving towards a highly-efficient stable state up until 2016. The differences between regions have been the main aspect which affects the overall variation in UICE in China. (3) There is a logistic curve relationship between the economic development level and UICE. (4) Nationally, the factors that are significantly and positively correlated with UICE are: industrial agglomeration, local fiscal decentralisation, level of economic development, technological progress, industrial enterprises’ average size, and industrial diversification. Factors that are significantly negatively correlated with UICE are the level of industrialization, the share of output value of state-owned enterprises in total output value, industrial openness, and environmental regulation. The factors influencing UICE differ depending on the stage of industrialization.
Towards European Transitions: Indicators for the Development of Marginal Urban Regions
Authors: Canesi Rubina , Marella Giuliano
Published: December 2022

Urban transitions and urban-scape have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and will likely be affected by the current Ukrainian-Russian conflict. These two major events have affected European urban regions and especially marginal regions. Indeed, these regions are mostly struggling with inequality, lack of optionality, interoperability, and resilience due to their energy dependency and digital asymmetries. The continuous demand for a green and digital transition to strengthen social and economic resilience sought and targeted by the European Community has driven the policy of recent years to new European Guidelines. Nevertheless, the digital transition will require sustainability targets in the urban context, changing economic, social, and ecological relationships and balances. In this context, faced with these new transitions, marginal urban regions must plan, design, build, and manage future urban planning choices in a new digital-hybrid space. Therefore, it is crucial to support these transitions with a multi-dimensional sustainability concept through economic, environmental, social, and digital measurements. Urban sustainability indicators (USIs) play an essential role in supporting urban choices and planning. The current study analyzes recent literature and European standards to verify if and how they have changed in embracing the European Policy Pillar under a new and different sustainability profile, which needs to include digital sustainability. As a matter of fact, even if the concept of digitization has been recognized as a pillar of ongoing transitions, the literature and even European indicators struggle to recognize it as a tangible and measurable indicator of sustainability. Seeking to bridge the gap between European requirements and urban practice, the aim of this study is to identify and suggest new key indicators of digitalization to enable the digital sustainability of urban planning to be measured. These indicators can be used to implement a new valuation tool capable of supporting marginal regions by promoting sustainable urban investments in this new hybrid space.
Comparing Nonlinear and Threshold Effects of Bus Stop Proximity on Transit Use and Carbon Emissions in Developing Cities
Authors: Hao Zhesong , Peng Ying
Published: December 2022

Transit proximity is impactful in providing congestion relief and carbon emissions reduction only within a certain range, while the effective ranges to achieve different policy goals might be distinct. Comparing the impact boundaries of transit proximity on transit use and carbon emissions offers insights for planners to coordinate multidimensional goals more efficiently, but few studies have conducted this comparative analysis. Using 2019 travel data in Zhongshan, this study employed a gradient-boosting decision tree to quantify the nonlinear and threshold effects of bus stop proximity on transit use and commuting-related carbon emissions. Results indicate that the relative impact of bus stop proximity in developing cities is significantly lower than that in developed cities. We found a weaker association between bus stop proximity and carbon emissions than between bus stop proximity and transit use in developing cities. The impact thresholds of bus stop proximity on carbon emissions and the probability of commuting via transit are distinct, and both are lower than China’s current national standards. The findings suggest that some ranges of proximity to bus stops across a developing city can help reduce carbon emissions but cannot help relieve congestion. Most importantly, we found that, due to disparities in the impact boundary on different policy variables and the corresponding analysis criteria, the calculated stop coverage rate varies dramatically. This finding challenges the validity of using national criteria to guide transportation planning and assess land use performance.
Effects of Coastal Urbanization on Habitat Quality: A Case Study in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Su Fenzhen , Yan Fengqin , Zhang Xinjia , Wang Xuege
Published: December 2022

Coastal areas are usually considered as pioneering areas for economic development and reform due to their unique geographical locations and ecological conditions. Correspondingly, rapid urbanization in coastal urban agglomerations has resulted in population concentration and land use/cover change (LUCC), leading to the decline of habitat quality and biodiversity. However, few studies have quantitatively explored the impacts of urban agglomeration expansion in coastal zones on habitat quality. Taking the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao-Great Bay Area (GBA) as a case study, we applied the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model to assess the habitat quality based on land use data obtained from remote sensing images from 1980 to 2020 and developed a geographically weighted regression model to quantitatively analyze the response of habitat quality to urbanization. The results showed that (1) LUCC in the GBA was dramatic from 1980 to 2020, dominated by the shift from various land use types to construction land, which led to increased fragmentation; (2) the overall habitat quality showed a decreasing trend, characterized by low values in the central part and high values in the surrounding area; (3) population and construction land such urbanization elements had a more significantly negative effect on habitat quality changes, while the relationships among slope, road distance, and habitat quality changes were complex. Based on above analysis, this paper suggests that future land management in the GBA should develop in the direction of intensification, refinement, and regional integration.
Sensitivity Analysis in Mean Annual Sediment Yield Modeling with Respect to Rainfall Probability Distribution Functions
Authors: Rodríguez González César Antonio , Rodríguez-Pérez Ángel Mariano , López Raúl , Hernández-Torres José Antonio , Caparrós-Mancera Julio José
Published: December 2022

An accurate estimation of the mean annual sediment yield from basins contributes to optimizing water resources planning and management. More specifically, both reservoir sedimentation and the damage caused to infrastructures fall within its field of application. Through a simple probabilistic combination function implemented in hydrometeorological models, this sediment yield can be estimated on a planning and management scale for ungauged basins. This probabilistic combination methodology requires the use of probability distribution functions to model design storms. Within these functions, SQRT-ET max and log-Pearson type III are currently highlighted in applied hydrology. Although the Gumbel distribution is also relevant, its use has progressively declined, as it has been considered to underestimate precipitation depth and flow discharge for high return periods, compared to the SQRT-ET max and log-Pearson III functions. The quantification of sediment yield through hydrometeorological models will ultimately be affected by the choice of the probability distribution function. The following four different functions were studied: Gumbel type I with a small sample size, Gumbel type I with a large sample size, log-Pearson type III and SQRT-ET max. To illustrate this, the model with these four functions has been applied in the Alto Palmones basin (South Iberian Peninsula). In this paper, it is shown that the application of Gumbel function type I with a small sample size, for the estimation of the mean annual sediment yield, provides values on the conservative side, with respect to the SQRT-ET max and log-Pearson type III functions.
Monitoring of Inland Excess Water Inundations Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Kajári Balázs , Bozán Csaba , Van Leeuwen Boudewijn
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, climate change not only leads to riverine floods and flash floods but also to inland excess water (IEW) inundations and drought due to extreme hydrological processes. The Carpathian Basin is extremely affected by fast-changing weather conditions during the year. IEW (sometimes referred to as water logging) is formed when, due to limited runoff, infiltration, and evaporation, surplus water remains on the surface or in places where groundwater flowing to lower areas appears on the surface by leaking through porous soil. In this study, eight different machine learning approaches were applied to derive IEW inundations on three different dates in 2021 (23 February, 7 March, 20 March). Index-based approaches are simple and provide relatively good results, but they need to be adapted to specific circumstances for each area and date. With an overall accuracy of 0.98, a Kappa of 0.65, and a QADI score of 0.020, the deep learning method Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) gave the best results, compared to the more traditional machine learning approaches Maximum Likelihood (ML), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and artificial neural network (ANN) that were evaluated. The CNN-based IEW maps can be used in operational inland excess water control by water management authorities.
Wind Tunnel Tests Reveal Aeolian Relocation Processes Related to Land Cover and Surface Characteristics in the Souss Basin, Morocco
Authors: Marzen Miriam , Kirchhoff Mario , Aït Hssaine Ali , Ries Johannes B.
Published: December 2022

The Souss Basin is a dryland environment featuring soil, surface and climatic conditions enhancing processes of wind erosion and mineral and organic dust emissions while subject to frequent grazing, tillage and driving. The fine-grained compacted surfaces are covered by physical and biological crusts and stone cover and are sparsely vegetated by open argan woodland and patchily distributed bushes. Wind-tunnel experiments and soil sampling were conducted on the deeply incised alluvial fans originating from High Atlas and Anti-Atlas mountains to investigate the dryland ecosystem, including the open argan woodland, for information on local wind-induced relocation processes and associated dust emission potential. To investigate possible connections between dryland environmental traits and dust emissions, we used two approaches: (a) surface categories (stone cover, crust and cohesionless sand) and (b) Land Cover Classes (wasteland, woodland and wadi). The results indicate omnipresent dynamic aeolian surface processes on a local to regional scale. Wind impact is a powerful trigger for the on-site relocation of available mineral and organic dust and may be crucial to explain the heterogeneous spatial distribution of soil organic carbon and nutrients associated with mineral fines. Aeolian dust flux showed statistically significant relations with surface categories and, to some extent, with Land Cover Classes. While wind erosion processes are key to understanding on-site sediment and nutrient dynamics between fertile dryland islands, the results also indicate a considerable dust emission potential under increasing climate impact and anthropogenic pressure.
Parent-Child Relationship in the Civil Code of China
Authors: You Wenting
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this article is to familiarize readers with the Chinese Civil Code, which entered into force in early 2021, and to draw their attention to the changes brought about by the Marriage and Family Book, which is now included in Volume V of the new code. The paternity system best reflects the changes in the Chinese Marriage and Family Book, especially Article 1073. A complete paternity system includes presumption, claim, and denial of the parent-child relationship. However, Article 1073 of the Civil Code, which regulates the parent-child relationship, is a guiding provision with a lack of operational rules. It is necessary to make general rules for operation and enforcement by adding supporting rules, including the presumption of legitimate children, the claim of children born out of wedlock, the denial of legitimate children, and other operational rules, to resolve paternity disputes. The Civil Code also makes changes to the adoption system in the Marriage and Family Book, mainly by further restricting the conditions for adopters with the aim of protecting the interests of the adoptee children. Although the Chinese Civil Code retains the concepts of legitimate and illegitimate children, in essence, there is no difference in their rights and legal status, including the right to inheritance. In conclusion, the legislative norms of paternity determination improve the Chinese paternity system, but lack operability, and it is important to accumulate experience through practice and draw on custom and jurisprudence to develop specific operational rules that complement the legislative provisions. This is exactly what this paper will address and the knowledge gap it will fill.
Assessment of Thermal Stability of Mutant p53 Proteins via Differential Scanning Fluorimetry
Authors: Khadiullina Raniya , Mirgayazova Regina , Davletshin Damir , Khusainova Elvina , Chasov Vitaly , Bulatov Emil
Published: December 2022

The p53 protein is a transcription factor that preserves the integrity of the genome. The TP53 gene has inactivating mutations in about 50% of all human cancers. Some missense mutations lead to decreased thermal stability in the p53 protein, its unfolding and aggregation under physiological conditions. A general understanding of the impact of point mutations on the stability and conformation of mutant p53 is essential for the design and development of small molecules that target specific p53 mutations. In this work, we determined the thermostability properties of some of the most common mutant forms of the p53 protein—p53(R273H), p53(R248Q), p53(R248W) and p53(Y220C)—that are often considered as attractive therapeutic targets. The results showed that these missense mutations lead to destabilization of the p53 protein and a decrease in its melting temperature.
Resistance Evaluation for Native Potato Accessions against Late Blight Disease and Potato Cyst Nematodes by Molecular Markers and Phenotypic Screening in India
Authors: Dalamu Dalamu , Tiwari Jagesh Kumar , Bairwa Aarti , Bhatia Nisha , Zinta Rasna , Kaushal Nimisha , Kumar Vinod , Sharma Ashwani K. , Sharma Sanjeev , Choudhary Babita , Luthra Satish Kumar , Buckseth Tanuja , Singh Rajesh K. , Thakur Ajay K. , Kumar Manoj , Kumar Devendra
Published: December 2022

The potato originated in southern Peru and north-western Bolivia (South America). However, native accessions have also been cultivated in India for many years. Late blight, caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans, is the most devastating potato disease, while potato cyst nematode (Globodera spp.) (PCN) is another economically significant quarantine-requiring pest in India. In this study, we have generated a new Indian native collection of 94 potato accessions collected from different parts India. These accessions were screened against late blight and potato cyst nematode resistance by using gene-based molecular markers and phenotypic screening methods. Marker assisted selection using R1 gene-specific marker CosA210 revealed a late blight resistance gene in 11 accessions. PCN resistance bands were found in 3 accessions with marker TG689141, 5 accessions with marker 57R452, and 1 accession having Gro1-4-1602 marker for G. rostochiensis (Ro1,4), while 64 accessions amplified marker HC276 indicating G. pallida (Pa2,3) resistance gene (GpaVvrn QTL). On the other hand, phenotypic screening against late blight resistance under natural epiphytic conditions (hot-spot) revealed three accessions with high resistance, while others were resistant (1 accession), moderately resistant (5 accessions), susceptible (29 accessions), and highly susceptible (56 accessions). For G. rostochiensis (golden cyst nematode) and G. pallida (white cyst nematode) resistance, accessions were grouped into highly resistant (3, 3), resistant (0, 2), moderately resistant (6, 29), susceptible (32, 30), and highly susceptible (53, 30), respectively, for the two PCN species. Collectively, we identified promising accessions with high resistance to late blight (JG-1, Kanpuria Safed, and Rangpuria), and also highly resistant to both Globodera species (Garlentic, Jeevan Jyoti, and JG-1). Our findings suggested that these accessions would be useful for late blight and PCN resistance breeding, as well as future molecular studies in potatoes.
Support Needs and Coping Strategies in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Multidisciplinary Approach to Potential Unmet Challenges beyond Pharmacological Treatment
Authors: Shea Sue , Lionis Christos , Atkinson Lou , Kite Chris , Lagojda Lukasz , Chaggar Surinderjeet S. , Kyrou Ioannis , Randeva Harpal S.
Published: December 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most frequently occurring chronic liver disease, affecting approximately 25–30% of the adult general population worldwide. NAFLD reflects excess hepatic accumulation of fat in the absence of increased alcohol intake, and, due to its close association with obesity, is frequently referred to as the ‘hepatic manifestation’ of metabolic syndrome. Indeed, a high percentage of individuals with NAFLD present with a combination of the cardio-metabolic comorbidities that are associated with the metabolic syndrome. In addition to its well-established link with the metabolic syndrome and increased risk for cardiovascular disease, NAFLD has also been associated with certain mental health issues (e.g., depression and stress). Although this link is now being increasingly recognized, there are still unmet needs regarding the holistic management of patients with NAFLD, which could further contribute to feelings of social isolation and loneliness. The latter conditions are also increasingly reported to pose a substantial risk to overall health and quality of life. To date, there is limited research that has explored these issues among patients with NAFLD, despite existing data which indicate that perceived loneliness and isolation may pose an additional health risk. Notably, many features associated with NAFLD have been related to these concepts, such as perceived stigma, fatigue, stress, and confusion regarding this diagnosis. As such, this review aimed to assess such potential problems faced by patients with NAFLD, and to explore the possibility of unmet support needs which could lead to perceived social isolation. Moreover, the importance of a compassionate approach towards such patients is discussed, together with potential coping strategies. Future research directions and the need for a multidisciplinary approach are also highlighted.
Ecofriendly Protic Ionic Liquid Lubricants for Ti6Al4V
Authors: Jiménez Ana-Eva , Avilés María-Dolores , Pamies Ramón , Bermúdez María-Dolores , Carrión-Vilches Francisco-José , Sanes José
Published: December 2022

Three diprotic ionic liquids (PILs) containing bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium cations and citrate (DCi), lactate (DL), or salycilate (DSa) hydroxy/carboxylate anions were studied as lubricants for Ti6Al4V–sapphire contact. At room temperature, the neat PILs are non-Newtonian fluids, which show up to a 70% friction coefficient reduction with respect to water. New aqueous lubricants were developed using PILs as 1 wt.% additives in water. The new (Water + 1 wt.% PILs) lubricants showed friction reductions of higher than 50% with respect to water at room temperature. The lowest friction coefficients at room temperature were achieved with thin lubricant layers deposited on Ti6Al4V using Water + 1 wt.% PIL after water evaporation. At 100 °C, the best tribological performance, with the lowest friction coefficients and wear rates, was obtained for the PILs containing aliphatic anions: DCi, and DL. The surface layers of the sapphire balls with mild adhesion and abrasion wear mechanisms were observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).