bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Concentrations Measured by Collocated Federal Reference Method and Federal Equivalent Method Monitors in the U.S.
Authors: Khan Tanvir R. , Emerson Zachery I. , Mentz Karen H.
Published: August 2024

The comparison between Federal Equivalent Method (FEM) and Federal Reference Method (FRM) monitors in measuring fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations frequently raises concerns about the accuracy and reliability of data. The comparability, or lack thereof, of data between FRM and FEM monitors may have significant implications for maintaining compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQSs). This study investigates the performance of continuous FEM monitors collocated with FRM monitors across 10 EPA regions in the U.S., focusing on PM2.5 measurements collected from 276 monitoring stations. Through an analysis of annually averaged paired concentration data, the study examines concentration ratios (FEM/FRM) and associated biases (in %, defined as [(FEM/FRM)−1] × 100) in FEM monitors across different manufacturers, measurement methods, EPA regions, and sampling location types. The study findings reveal a varied distribution of FEM/FRM ratios, with more than 50% of the FEM monitors having FEM/FRM > 1.1 and approximately 30% having FEM/FRM > 1.2. Substantial variations in estimated biases are identified among monitor types, measurement methods, EPA regions, and sampling site locations. Light scatter-based FEM monitors, notably Teledyne models 640 and 640x, dominate all locations (urban, suburban, and rural), with rural areas exhibiting higher mean bias values for both light scatter and beta attenuation FEM monitors (41% and 23%, respectively). On average, light scatter-based FEM monitors demonstrate higher biases compared to beta attenuation monitors across all EPA regions (28% vs. 12%). Irrespective of the measurement method employed, FEM monitors demonstrate a significant positive bias (mean bias 22%) relative to FRM monitors, which could result in an overestimation of PM2.5 design values (DVs) by 13–21% at monitoring sites designating FEMs as primary monitors for NAAQSs compliance designations. These findings emphasize the critical need to address method comparability issues, especially considering the recent tightening of NAAQSs for PM2.5 (annual) from 12 µg/m3 to 9 µg/m3 in the U.S.
Strawberry Ripeness Detection Using Deep Learning Models
Authors: Mi Zhiyuan , Yan Wei Qi
Published: August 2024

In agriculture, the timely and accurate assessment of fruit ripeness is crucial to optimizing harvest planning and reduce waste. In this article, we explore the integration of two cutting-edge deep learning models, YOLOv9 and Swin Transformer, to develop a complex model for detecting strawberry ripeness. Trained and tested on a specially curated dataset, our model achieves a mean precision (mAP) of 87.3% by using the metric intersection over union (IoU) at a threshold of 0.5. This outperforms the model using YOLOv9 alone, which achieves an mAP of 86.1%. Our model also demonstrated improved precision and recall, with precision rising to 85.3% and recall rising to 84.0%, reflecting its ability to accurately and consistently detect different stages of strawberry ripeness.
Study of Biological Effects Induced in Solid Tumors by Shortened-Duration Thermal Ablation Using High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
Authors: Kaplińska-Kłosiewicz Patrycja Maria , Fura Łukasz , Kujawska Tamara , Andrzejewski Kryspin , Kaczyńska Katarzyna , Strzemecki Damian , Sulejczak Mikołaj , Chrapusta Stanisław J. , Macias Matylda , Sulejczak Dorota
Published: August 2024

The HIFU ablation technique is limited by the long duration of the procedure, which results from the large difference between the size of the HIFU beam’s focus and the tumor size. Ablation of large tumors requires treating them with a sequence of single HIFU beams, with a specific time interval in-between. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological effects induced in a malignant solid tumor of the rat mammary gland, implanted in adult Wistar rats, during HIFU treatment according to a new ablation plan which allowed researchers to significantly shorten the duration of the procedure. We used a custom, automated, ultrasound imaging-guided HIFU ablation device. Tumors with a 1 mm thickness margin of healthy tissue were subjected to HIFU. Three days later, the animals were sacrificed, and the HIFU-treated tissues were harvested. The biological effects were studied, employing morphological, histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural techniques. Massive cell death, hemorrhages, tissue loss, influx of immune cells, and induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines were observed in the HIFU-treated tumors. No damage to healthy tissues was observed in the area surrounding the safety margin. These results confirmed the efficacy of the proposed shortened duration of the HIFU ablation procedure and its potential for the treatment of solid tumors.
Comparison of Weekly Paclitaxel Regimens in Recurrent Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer: A Single Institution Retrospective Study
Authors: Morin Laurence , Grenier Louis-Philippe , Foucault Nicolas , Lévesque Éric , Fabi François , Langlais Eve-Lyne , Sebastianelli Alexandra , Lavoie Marianne , Lalancette Marc , Plante Marie , Singbo Mahukpe , Castonguay Vincent
Published: August 2024

Weekly paclitaxel (WP) is a chemotherapeutic cornerstone in the management of patients with platinum-resistant ovarian carcinoma. Multiple WP dosing regimens have been used clinically and studied individually. However, no formal comparison of these regimens is available to provide objective guidance in clinical decision making. The primary objective of this study was to compare the cumulative dose of paclitaxel delivered using 80 mg/m2/week, administered using either a 3 weeks out of 4 (WP3) or a 4 weeks out of 4 (WP4) regimen. The secondary objective was to evaluate the clinical outcomes associated with both regimens, including efficacy and toxicity parameters. Our retrospective cohort comprised 149 patients harboring platinum-resistant ovarian cancer treated at the CHU de Québec from January 2012 to January 2023. WP3 and WP4 reached a similar cumulative dose (1353.7 vs. 1404.2 mg/m2; p = 0.29). No significant differences in the clinical outcomes were observed. The frequency of dose reduction was significantly higher for WP4 than WP3 (44.7% vs. 4.9%; p < 0.01), mainly due to treatment intolerance from toxicity (34.0% vs. 3.9%; p < 0.01). Our data suggest that a WP3 regimen delivers a similar cumulative dose to WP4, hence offering a better tolerability profile without compromising efficacy.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Obstacle Avoidance Based Custom Elliptic Domain
Authors: Liao Yong , Wu Yuxin , Zhao Shichang , Zhang Dan
Published: August 2024

The velocity obstacles (VO) method is widely employed in real-time obstacle avoidance research for UAVs due to its succinct mathematical foundation and rapid, dynamic planning abilities. Traditionally, VO assumes a circle protection domain with a fixed radius, leading to issues such as excessive conservatism of obstacle avoidance areas, longer detour paths, and unnecessary avoidance angles. To overcome these challenges, this paper firstly reviews the fundamentals and pre-existing defects of the VO methodology. Next, we explore a scenario involving UAVs in head-on conflicts and introduce an elliptic velocity obstacle method tailored to the UAV’s current flight state. This method connects the protection domain size directly to the UAV’s flight state, transitioning from the conventional circle domain to a more efficient elliptic domain. Additionally, to manage the computational demands of Minkowski sums and velocity obstacle cones, an approximation algorithm for discretizing elliptic boundary points is introduced. A strategy to mitigate unilateral velocity oscillation had is developed. Comparative validation simulations in MATLAB R2022a confirm that, based on the experimental results for the first 10 s, the apex angle of the velocity obstacle cone for the elliptical domain is, on average, reduced by 0.1733 radians compared to the circular domain per unit simulation time interval, saving an airspace area of 13,292 square meters and reducing the detour distance by 14.92 m throughout the obstacle avoidance process, facilitating navigation in crowded situations and improving airspace utilization.
Game on for Climate Action: Big Game Delivers Engaging STEM Learning
Authors: Tramonti Michela , Dochshanov Alden Meirzhanovich , Fiadotau Mikhail , Grönlund Mikko , Callaghan Peadar , Ailincai Alina , Marini Barbara , Joenvaara Sari , Maurer Liina , Delle Donne Elisabetta
Published: August 2024

A decline in European students’ interest in STEM subjects, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption of education, has raised concerns about the continent’s future workforce. To address this challenge, this study investigates the efficacy of the BIG GAME project methodology, a cooperative story-driven digital game approach designed to engage secondary students in collaborative environmental problem-solving. Implemented across Romania, Italy, Estonia, and Finland, this six-month study employed a mixed-methods design involving 62 teachers and 239 students in ten distinct game missions focused on environmental challenges. The quantitative results indicated significant improvements in students’ transversal skills (teamwork, communication, and critical thinking), as reported by over 75% of teachers. The qualitative data emphasised the value of structured peer review in developing students’ reflective practices. This research underscores the importance of teacher facilitation in game-based learning and problem-based simulations and highlights the potential of such methodologies to boost student engagement and environmental awareness. These findings suggest that the BIG GAME project approach could be a valuable tool for revitalising STEM education and cultivating future-ready citizens.
Metaheuristic Optimization of the Agricultural Biomass Supply Chain: Integrating Strategic, Tactical, and Operational Planning
Authors: Zahraee Seyed Mojib , Shiwakoti Nirajan , Stasinopoulos Peter
Published: August 2024

Biomass supply chain (BSC) activities have caused social and environmental disruptions, such as climate change, energy security issues, high energy demand, and job opportunities, especially in rural areas. Moreover, different economic problems have arisen globally in recent years (e.g., the high costs of BSC logistics and the inefficiency of generating bioenergy from low-energy-density biomass). As a result, numerous researchers in this field have focused on modeling and optimizing sustainable BSC. To this end, this study aims to develop a multi-objective mathematical model by addressing three sustainability pillars (economic cost, environmental emission, and job creation) and three decision levels (i.e., strategic (location of facilities), tactical (type of transportation and routing), and operational (vehicle planning). A palm oil BSC case study was selected in the context of Malaysia in which two advanced evolutionary algorithms, i.e., non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) and Multiple Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO), were implemented. The study results showed that the highest amounts of profit obtained from the proposed supply chain (SC) design were equal to $13,500 million and $7000 million for two selected examples with maximum emissions. A better target value was achieved in the extended example when 40% profit was reduced, and the minimum emissions from production and transportation in the BSC were attained. In addition, the results demonstrate that more Pareto solutions can be obtained using the NSGA-II algorithm. Finally, the technique for order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) was adopted to balance the optimum design points obtained from the optimization algorithm solutions through two-objective problems. The results indicated that MOPSO worked more efficiently than NSGA-II, although the NSGA-II algorithm succeeded in generating more Pareto solutions.
Hydrodynamic Performance of a Dual-Pontoon WEC-Breakwater System: An Analysis of Wave Energy Content and Converter Efficiency
Authors: Ding Haoyu
Published: August 2024

A dual-pontoon WEC-breakwater system is proposed to optimise space utilisation and reduce construction costs by integrating wave energy converters (WECs) with breakwaters. Previous parametric studies on the dimensions and layout of WECs have primarily used potential flow theories, often neglecting the viscous effects in wave–pontoon interactions. In this research, I employ a fully nonlinear viscous model, OpenFOAM®, to address these limitations. I examine multiple parameters, including the gap width between the pontoons, the draft, and the structure breadth, to assess their impact on the functional performance of this hybrid system. Furthermore, I discuss the accurate hydrodynamic performance of waves interacting with multiple floating structures and explore how various parameters influence the dual-pontoon WEC-breakwater integrated system’s functionality. I discuss a novel analysis of the effective frequency bandwidth, considering both wave energy conversion efficiency and wave attenuation efficiency, to reflect the overall performance of the integrated system. This paper investigates wave–structure interactions and suggests optimisation strategies for the WEC-breakwater integrated system.
Modeling the Optimal Transition of an Urban Neighborhood towards an Energy Community and a Positive Energy District
Authors: Viesi Diego , Borelli Gregorio , Ricciuti Silvia , Pernigotto Giovanni , Mahbub Md Shahriar
Published: August 2024

Building renovation is a key initiative to promote energy efficiency, the integration of renewable energy sources (RESs), and a reduction in CO2 emissions. Supporting these goals, emerging research is dedicated to energy communities and positive energy districts. In this work, an urban neighborhood of six buildings in Trento (Italy) is considered. Firstly, the six buildings are modeled with the Urban Modeling Interface tool to evaluate the energy performances in 2024 and 2050, also accounting for the different climatic conditions for these two time periods. Energy demands for space heating, domestic hot water, space cooling, electricity, and transport are computed. Then, EnergyPLAN coupled with a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm is used to investigate 12 different energy decarbonization scenarios in 2024 and 2050 based on different boundaries for RESs, energy storage, hydrogen, energy system integration, and energy community incentives. Two conflicting objectives are considered: cost and CO2 emission reductions. The results show, on the one hand, the key role of sector coupling technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicles in exploiting local renewables and, on the other hand, the higher costs in introducing both electricity storage to approach complete decarbonization and hydrogen as an alternative strategy in the electricity, thermal, and transport sectors. As an example of the quantitative valuable finding of this work, in scenario S1 “all sectors and EC incentive” for the year 2024, a large reduction of 55% of CO2 emissions with a modest increase of 11% of the total annual cost is identified along the Pareto front.
Vehicle Acceleration and Speed as Factors Determining Energy Consumption in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Kozłowski Edward , Wiśniowski Piotr , Gis Maciej , Zimakowska-Laskowska Magdalena , Borucka Anna
Published: August 2024

Energy consumption in electric vehicles is a key element of their operation, determining energy efficiency and one of its main indicators, i.e., range. Therefore, in this article, mathematical models were developed to evaluate the impact of selected factors on energy consumption in electric vehicles. The phenomenon of energy recuperation was also examined. The study used data from mileage measurements of the electric vehicle (EV) driving on a motorway and in built-up areas. The results obtained showed a strong correlation between acceleration, vehicle speed, battery power, and energy consumption. In urban conditions, engine RPM and vehicle speed had an additional impact on energy consumption. Findings from this study can be used to optimize vehicle acceleration control modules to increase their range, develop eco-driving styles for EV drivers, and better understand the energy efficiency factors of EVs.
Direct Sonochemical Leaching of Li, Co, Ni, and Mn from Mixed Li-Ion Batteries with Organic Acids
Authors: Willner Joanna , Fornalczyk Agnieszka , Gajda Bernadeta , Figlus Tomasz , Swieboda Adam , Wegrzyński Dawid , Mlonka Aleksander , Perenc Bartosz , Kander Michał
Published: August 2024

Metals such as nickel, cobalt, lithium, and manganese are widely used in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in electronic devices and electric vehicles. It is forecast that there will be a strong increase in the number of electronic devices and electric vehicles in the coming years. (1) Background: In this paper, the application of ultrasound waves on improving Li, Co, Mn, and Ni leaching efficiency from mixed active cathode materials from different types of LIBs is presented. (2) Methods: Environmentally friendly, low-concentrated (0.75 M) organic acids (oxalic acid, citric acid) and, additionally, sulfuric acid, were used in sonochemical and chemical leaching (stirring process) at a temperature of 60 °C. (3) Results: The results showed significantly higher leaching efficiency of metals with ultrasound-assisted treatment, especially when using organic acids. An average of 50% better leaching results were obtained for Li in oxalic acid (99.6%) and for Co (93.1%) in citric acid during sonochemical leaching. (4) Conclusions: Based on the theory of hydrogen peroxide formation during ultrasound wave transition in solutions, the role of H2O2 as one of the most effective reductants used to enhance cobalt, manganese, and nickel leaching from LIBs is indicated.
A Decision–Support Tool to Inform Coconut Log Procurement and Veneer Manufacturing Location Decisions in Fiji
Authors: Dorries Jack W. , Venn Tyron J. , McGavin Robert L. , Tawake Sefanaia
Published: August 2024

Coconut plantations throughout the Asia–Pacific region are generally characterised by the presence of low-productivity senile palms over the age of 60, which have negative impacts on farming communities, coconut processors, and the wider economy. In Fiji, despite numerous senile coconut replacement programs, 60% of coconut palms are considered senile. The purpose of this study is to provide preliminary estimates of the financial viability of a market-based approach to senile coconut palm replacement in Fiji by utilising the palms as a feedstock, for the manufacture of rotary peeled veneer, along with plantation pine and mahogany. A mathematical model capable of supporting deterministic and stochastic dynamic optimisation was developed with an objective function to maximise the gross margin of marketable veneer manufacture per hour (GMpz) by procuring the optimal allocation of logs throughout the landscape. The majority of facility location and log processing scale scenarios evaluated found that utilising large volumes of senile coconut palms for the manufacture of veneer was optimal, whilst veneering mills situated near the coconut plantations in Vanua Levu were found to maximise GMpz. Overall, the results indicate that a coconut veneer and engineered wood product (EWP) value chain could present a financially viable opportunity to support large-scale senile coconut palm replacement in Fiji.
Effect of Temperature and pH on Microbial Communities Fermenting a Dairy Coproduct Mixture
Authors: Walters Kevin A. , Myers Kevin S. , Ingle Abel T. , Donohue Timothy J. , Noguera Daniel R.
Published: August 2024

Organic-rich industrial residues can serve as renewable feedstocks for the generation of useful products by microbial fermentation. We investigated fermenting communities enriched in a mixture of ultra-filtered milk permeate (UFMP) and acid whey from cottage cheese (CAW), two dairy coproducts rich in lactose. To evaluate how operational pH and temperature affect microbial communities and fermentation products, we operated 12 bioreactors for 140 days, each fed a 1:1 mixture of UFMP and CAW at either 35 °C or 50 °C and at either a pH of 4.8 or 5.5. The bioreactors operated at a pH of 4.8 resulted in the incomplete conversion of lactose, while those operated at a pH of 5.5 consistently fermented lactose, primarily into lactic, acetic, and hexanoic acids. The metagenomic analyses revealed that microbial communities obtained at a pH of 5.5 were dominated by lactic acid-producing organisms. Additionally, an inverse relationship was found between the abundance of chain elongating organisms and lactic acid accumulation, with 50 °C reducing the abundance of these organisms and enhancing lactic acid yields. We conclude that the pH and temperature are important determinants of the fermentation of dairy coproducts with a pH of 5.5 and 50 °C yielding the most promising results for lactic acid production. Additional research is required to better understand the factors affecting functional consistency of the process.
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) as a Source of Phytoestrogens in Beer
Authors: Habschied Kristina , Kovačević Babić Marija , Horvat Daniela , Arapović Martina , Puljić Leona , Kajić Nikolina , Krstanović Vinko , Mastanjević Krešimir
Published: August 2024

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a fodder plant grown in many regions of the world. It is also known as a medicinal plant. Red clover contains large amounts of isoflavones, which are, due to their similarity to estrogen, called phytoestrogen; it is believed that they can increase the concentration of estrogen in women. Some studies have refuted this information, but this topic is still being researched. The aim of the work was to produce beer to which red clover is added during the boiling phase and to monitor the transfer of isoflavones from red clover to beer. Red clover was not added to the control sample during boiling. During production and fermentation, the basic physical-chemical properties of wort and beer were monitored, as well as acceptability among potential consumers, which was determined by sensory analysis. The results show that phytoestrogens do end up in beer. The analyzed beer contained biochanin A, formononetin, genistein, and daidzein, in a total concentration of 12.42 µg/mL. The control sample contained none of the aforementioned compounds. Sensory analysis gave promising results, and the tested consumers all approved the taste, smell, and aroma of the produced beer. The most notable aroma that was singled out by consumers was “hay-like”.
Simulating the Potential Evapotranspiration of Egypt Using the RegCM4: Sensitivity to the Land Surface and Boundary Layer Parameterizations
Authors: Anwar Samy A. , Olusegun Christiana F.
Published: August 2024

Assessing the daily water requirements of crops and understanding the severity of drought necessitates precise estimation of potential evapotranspiration (PET), particularly in regions with arid climates such as Egypt. In the present study, the RegCM4 regional climate model was used to investigate the sensitivity of the PET of Egypt to two land surface schemes and boundary layer parameterizations. The land surface schemes are the Biosphere Atmosphere Transfer System (BATS) and the Community Land Model version 4.5 (CLM45). The boundary layer schemes considered are the HOLTSLAG (HOLT) and University of Washington (UW). To accomplish this task, four 32-year simulations were conducted spanning from 1979 to 2010, with the first two years considered as spin up. The ERA-Interim reanalysis was used to downscale the RegCM4 model. The simulated PET was evaluated with respect to the high-resolution ERA5-land PET-based product (hPET). The results showed that the BATS showed a bias of −0.8 to −1.8 mm day−1, while the CLM45 showed a bias of −0.8 to −3 mm day−1. Also, fine-tuning the coefficient of the daily mean air temperature succeeded in reducing the PET bias. Additionally, the UW had a lower PET bias than that noted in HOLT. To further reduce the PET bias, the linear-scaling (LS) bias-correction method was used. The LS showed its potential skills in reducing the mean bias of the PET from −2.2 to +0.4 mm day−1 in the evaluation period and to ±0.2 mm day−1 in the validation period. Furthermore, the added value of the LS was confirmed concerning the climatological annual cycle in different locations representing different climate zones of Egypt. In conclusion, accurate estimation of the PET can be ensured using the BATS, the UW schemes, and the LS technique in the present climate or under different warming scenarios.
Developmental Assets and Their Relationship to Suicidal Behavior in Mexican Young Adults
Authors: Baza-Arce Omar , Juárez-Loya Angélica , González-Forteza Catalina
Published: August 2024

Suicide in young people is a public health problem. Typically, protective factors for suicide are not studied; research tends to focus on measuring risk factors. However, knowing the risk factors does not mean that we also know the opposing factors that influence a group’s health problems. For this reason, we examined the relationship between developmental assets in Mexican youth aged 18 to 25 years who are not at risk for suicide, exhibit self-injurious behavior, and whose last suicide attempt had low or high lethality. A cross-sectional study of 478 young people (73% female and 27% male) from Mexico City was conducted using an online survey and correlations were tested with dummy variables (groups) and multinomial logistic regression. The no-risk group showed associations with all developmental assets, the self-injurious group had an association with the house rules variable, the low lethality group was correlated with twelve assets and the high lethality group with four assets. Four internal developmental strengths were significant in the regression model: avoidance of risk behaviors, school expectations, resistance to pressure, and expression of anger. These results suggest that PYD is a useful framework for examining suicide risk and promotes skill development in young college students.
Regional Differences in American Indian/Alaska Native Chronic Respiratory Disease Disparity: Evidence from National Survey Results
Authors: Laffey Kimberly G. , Nelson Alfreda D. , Laffey Matthew J. , Nguyen Quynh , Sheets Lincoln R. , Schrum Adam G.
Published: August 2024

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons in the US experience a disparity in chronic respiratory diseases compared to white persons. Using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, we previously showed that the AI/AN race/ethnicity variable was not associated with asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a BRFSS-defined subset of 11 states historically recognized as having a relatively high proportion of AI/AN residents. Here, we investigate the contributions of the AI/AN variable and other sociodemographic determinants to disease disparity in the remaining 39 US states and territories. Using BRFSS surveys from 2011 to 2019, we demonstrate that irrespective of race, the yearly adjusted prevalence for asthma and/or COPD was higher in the 39-state region than in the 11-state region. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the AI/AN race/ethnicity variable was positively associated with disease in the 39-state region after adjusting for sociodemographic covariates, unlike in the 11-state region. This shows that the distribution of disease prevalence and disparity for asthma and/or COPD is non-uniform in the US. Although AI/AN populations experience this disease disparity throughout the US, the AI/AN variable was only observed to contribute to this disparity in the 39-state region. It may be important to consider the geographical distribution of respiratory health determinants and factors uniquely impactful for AI/AN disease disparity when formulating disparity elimination policies.
Social Support at School for Students with Sensory Disabilities
Authors: Fadda Roberta , Piu Tiziana , Congiu Sara , Papakonstantinou Doxa , Motzo Giulia , Sechi Cristina , Lucarelli Loredana , Tatulli Ilaria , Pedditzi Maria Luisa , Petretto Donatella Rita , Freire Ana Sofia , Papadopoulos Konstantinos
Published: August 2024

Social support is the gratification of basic social needs (affection, belonging, esteem or approval, security, identity) through interaction with others. Social support at school allows students to perceive themselves as competent during learning and to enjoy school in general. Little is known about social support at school for students with sensory disabilities. This review aims to synthesize findings from studies examining social support at school for students with hearing and visual impairments. A search of computerized databases was supplemented by a manual search of the bibliographies of the main publications. The synthesis of the literature suggests that all students need adequate support devices in class and properly trained support teachers. However, visually impaired students are more likely to have access to resources compared to those with hearing impairments. Students with visual impairments attending regular schools are more positive about the availability of resources than those with hearing impairments attending special schools. Overall, senior secondary school students indicate higher resource availability than junior secondary school ones. Still, very few studies have investigated social support for students with sensory disabilities. Thus, further research is needed to confirm these results.
Understandings and Perceived Benefits of Outdoor-Based Support for People Living with Dementia
Authors: Innes Anthea , Dal Bello-Haas Vanina , Burke Equity , Lu Dylan , McLeod Mason , Dupuis Constance
Published: August 2024

The importance of the outdoors for supporting well-being is recognized, but less is known about the role of the outdoors in supporting people living with dementia. The aim of this study was to examine three stakeholder groups’ understandings about outdoor-based support and care for people living with dementia to help understand what might be done to maximize the outdoors as a source of support for people living with dementia. Data were collected in Southern Ontario, Canada, between January and June 2023 via 1-1 interviews (n = 12); four focus groups (n = 17) with staff from organizations providing outdoor recreation or social programming; six in-person focus groups (n = 37); and 2 outdoor-based walking focus groups (n = 17) conducted with people living with dementia, care partners, and older adults. All interviews and focus groups, other than the walking focus groups where the field notes were used, were audio recorded and fully transcribed verbatim. Within and across data sets, thematic analysis was conducted. We report findings relating to the challenges of achieving full participation in outdoor-based activities; perceived physical, social, and mental health benefits of outdoor activities; stigma; and overcoming perceived risks. The importance of the outdoors for people living with dementia and their care partners is evident. There are implications for care policy and practice relating to the promotion of (social) health and well-being for people living with dementia.
ICAM1 (CD54) Contributes to the Metastatic Capacity of Gastric Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Tinajero-Rodríguez José Manuel , Ramírez-Vidal Lizbeth , Becerril-Rico Jared , Alvarado-Ortiz Eduardo , Romero-Rodríguez Dámaris P. , López-Casillas Fernando , Hernández-Sotelo Daniel , Fernández-Ramírez Fernando , Contreras-Paredes Adriana , Ortiz-Sánchez Elizabeth
Published: August 2024

Gastric cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The presence of chemoresistant cells has been used to explain this high mortality rate. These higher tumorigenic and chemoresistant cells involve cancer stem cells (CSCs), which have the potential for self-renewal, a cell differentiation capacity, and a greater tumorigenic capacity. Our research group identified gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) with the CD24+CD44+CD326+ICAM1+ immunophenotype isolated from gastric cancer patients. Interestingly, this GCSC immunophenotype was absent in cells isolated from healthy people, who presented a cell population with a CD24+CD44+CD326+ immunophenotype, lacking ICAM1. We aimed to explore the role of ICAM1 in these GCSCs; for this purpose, we isolated GCSCs from the AGS cell line and generated a GCSC line knockout for ICAM1 using CRISPR/iCas9, which we named GCSC-ICAM1KO. To assess the role of ICAM1 in the GCSCs, we analyzed the migration, invasion, and chemoresistance capabilities of the GCSCs using in vitro assays and evaluated the migratory, invasive, and tumorigenic properties in a zebrafish model. The in vitro analysis showed that ICAM1 regulated STAT3 activation (pSTAT3-ser727) in the GCSCs, which could contribute to the ability of GCSCs to migrate, invade, and metastasize. Interestingly, we demonstrated that the GCSC-ICAM1KO cells lost their capacity to migrate, invade, and metastasize, but they exhibited an increased resistance to a cisplatin treatment compared to their parental GCSCs; the GCSC-ICAM1KO cells also exhibited an increased tumorigenic capability in vivo.
Mining Candidate Genes and Identifying Risk Factors for Leg Disease in Broilers: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Tang Xinxin , Liu Peihao , Luo Na , Wen Jie , Li Hegang , Zhao Guiping , An Bingxing
Published: August 2024

Clinical investigations have highlighted disruptions in bone metabolic processes and abnormal fluctuations in serum indicator levels during the onset of leg disease (LD) in broilers. However, the presence of a genetic causal relationship for this association remains undetermined. Therefore, the aim of this study is to discern the risk factors underlying LD development using 1235 sequenced white-feathered broilers. We employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the associations of bone strength (BS), bone mineral density (BMD), tibial bone weight (TBW), tibial bone length (TBL), tibial bone diameter (TBD), bone ash (BA), ash calcium (Ash Ca), ash phosphorus (Ash P), serum calcium (Ca), serum phosphorus (P), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) with the incidence of LD. Compelling evidence underscores a causal link between the risk of developing LD and decreased BMD (odds ratio (OR) = 0.998; 95% CI: 0.983, 0.993; P < 0.001) and narrower TBD (OR = 0.985, 95% CI: 0.975, 0.994, P = 0.002). Additionally, serum OPG concentrations (OR: 0.995, 95% CI: 0.992, 0.999, P = 0.008) were associated with BMD (OR = 0.0078, 95% CI = 0.0043 to 0.0140, P < 0.001), indicating a robust genetic relationship between ALP concentrations (OR: 0.988, 95% CI: 0.984, 0.993, P < 0.001) and TBD (OR = 0.0046, 95% CI = 0.0026, 0.0083, P < 0.001). Moreover, elevated serum Ca (OR: 0.564, 95% CI: 0.487, 0.655, P < 0.001) and P (OR: 0.614, 95% CI: 0.539, 0.699, P < 0.001) levels were associated with a narrower TBD. Elevated serum levels of Ca, P, ALP, and OPG contribute to disturbances in bone metabolism, while decreased BMD and narrower TBD are associated with a greater risk of developing LD in broilers. This discovery elucidates the metabolic risk factors for LD in broilers and could provide information on LDs, such as osteoporosis, in humans.
Levels of Plasma Endothelin-1, Circulating Endothelial Cells, Endothelial Progenitor Cells, and Cytokines after Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Children with Congenital Heart Disease: Role of Endothelin-1 Regulation
Authors: Rangel-López Angélica , González-Cabello Héctor , Paniagua-Medina María Eugenia , López-Romero Ricardo , Arriaga-Pizano Lourdes Andrea , Lozano-Ramírez Miguel , Pérez-Barragán Juan José , Márquez-González Horacio , López-Sánchez Dulce María , Mata-Rocha Minerva , Paniagua-Sierra Ramon , Majluf-Cruz Abraham , Villanueva-García Dina , Zavala-Vega Sergio , Núñez-Enríquez Juan Carlos , Mejía-Aranguré Juan Manuel , Arellano-Galindo José
Published: August 2024

Congenital heart disease (CHD) can be complicated by pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for corrective surgery may cause endothelial dysfunction, involving endothelin-1 (ET-1), circulating endothelial cells (CECs), and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). These markers can gauge disease severity, but their levels in children’s peripheral blood still lack consensus for prognostic value. The aim of our study was to investigate changes in ET-1, cytokines, and the absolute numbers (Ɲ) of CECs and EPCs in children 24 h before and 48 h after CPB surgery to identify high-risk patients of complications. A cohort of 56 children was included: 41 cases with CHD-PAH (22 with high pulmonary flow and 19 with low pulmonary flow) and 15 control cases. We observed that Ɲ-CECs increased in both CHD groups and that Ɲ-EPCs decreased in the immediate post-surgical period, and there was a strong negative correlation between ET-1 and CEC before surgery, along with significant changes in ET-1, IL8, IL6, and CEC levels. Our findings support the understanding of endothelial cell precursors’ role in endogenous repair and contribute to knowledge about endothelial dysfunction in CHD.
Cracking the Codes behind Cancer Cells’ Immune Evasion
Authors: Mundhara Nikita , Sadhukhan Pritam
Published: August 2024

Immune evasion is a key phenomenon in understanding tumor recurrence, metastasis, and other critical steps in tumor progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is in constant flux due to the tumor’s ability to release signals that affect it, while immune cells within it can impact cancer cell behavior. Cancer cells undergo several changes, which can change the enrichment of different immune cells and modulate the activity of existing immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer cells can evade immune surveillance by downregulating antigen presentation or expressing immune checkpoint molecules. High levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) correlate with better outcomes, and robust immune responses can control tumor growth. On the contrary, increased enrichment of Tregs, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and M2-like anti-inflammatory macrophages can hinder effective immune surveillance and predict poor prognosis. Overall, understanding these immune evasion mechanisms guides therapeutic strategies. Researchers aim to modulate the TME to enhance immune surveillance and improve patient outcomes. In this review article, we strive to summarize the composition of the tumor immune microenvironment, factors affecting the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), and different therapeutic modalities targeting the immune cells. This review is a first-hand reference to understand the basics of immune surveillance and immune evasion.
Application of Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data and Machine Learning for Surface Soil Moisture Mapping in Temperate Forests of Central Japan
Authors: Win Kyaw , Sato Tamotsu , Tsuyuki Satoshi
Published: August 2024

Surface soil moisture (SSM) is a key parameter for land surface hydrological processes. In recent years, satellite remote sensing images have been widely used for SSM estimation, and many methods based on satellite-derived spectral indices have also been used to estimate the SSM content in various climatic conditions and geographic locations. However, achieving an accurate estimation of SSM content at a high spatial resolution remains a challenge. Therefore, improving the precision of SSM estimation through the synergies of multi-source remote sensing data has become imperative, particularly for informing forest management practices. In this study, the integration of multi-source remote sensing data with random forest and support vector machine models was conducted using Google Earth Engine in order to estimate the SSM content and develop SSM maps for temperate forests in central Japan. The synergy of Sentinel-2 and terrain factors, such as elevation, slope, aspect, slope steepness, and valley depth, with the random forest model provided the most suitable approach for SSM estimation, yielding the highest accuracy values (overall accuracy for testing = 91.80%, Kappa = 87.18%, r = 0.98) for the temperate forests of central Japan. This finding provides more valuable information for SSM mapping, which shows promise for precision forestry applications.
Tetrahydroxidohexaoxidopentaborate(1-) Salts of C6-Linked Substituted Diimidazolium and Dipyrrolidinium Cations: Synthesis, Characterization and XRD Studies
Authors: Al-Dulayymi Ahmad R. , Beckett Michael A. , Braganca Radek , Coles Simon J. , Horton Peter N. , Rixon Thomas A.
Published: August 2024

Several tetrahydroxidohexaoxidopentaborate(1-) salts of N-substituted diimidazolium cations or N-substituted dipyrrolidinium cations linked through N-C6-N chains have been synthesized and characterized spectroscopically (NMR, IR) and by single-crystal XRD studies: [R(NC3H3N)(CH2)6(NC3H3N)R][B5O6(OH)4]2·xH2O (R = Me, x = 0 (1); R = Et, x = 3 (2); [Me(NC3H3N)(CH2(C6H4)CH2)(NC3H3N)Me][B5O6(OH)4]2 (3), [(C4H8N)(R)(CH2)6(R)(NC4H8)][B5O6(OH)4]2·xB(OH)3 (R = Me, x = 0 (4, two polymorphs); R = Et, x = 0 (5); R = Bu, x = 4 (6); R = allyl, x = 0 (7)). Representative samples (1 and 7) were also characterized by thermal (TGA/DSC) studies; compounds are thermally decomposed to B2O3 in air. Numerous anion-anion H-bonding interactions are present in the solid-state structures of 1–5 and 7 as giant anionic networks. Unusually, in 6 there are no R22(8) anion-anion interactions as the co-crystallized B(OH)3 bridges between all pentaborate anions. H-bonding interactions in 1–7 have been examined using Etter graph set analysis; C(8), C33(18), R22(8), R22(12) and R44(12) motifs have been identified.
Correction: Liu et al. Tamarixia radiata Behaviour Is Influenced by Volatiles from Both Plants and Diaphorina citri Nymphs. Insects 2019, 10, 141
Authors: Liu Yan-Mei , Guo Shu-Hao , Wang Fei-Feng , Zhang Li-He , Guo Chang-Fei , Cuthbertson Andrew G. S. , Qiu Bao-Li , Sang Wen
Published: August 2024

Error in Figure/Table [...]
Increasing the Photovoltaic Efficiency of Semiconductor (Cu1−xAgx)2ZnSnS4 Thin Films through Ag Content Modification
Authors: M. Bakry A. , El-Sherif Lamiaa S. , Hassaballa S. , Shaaban Essam R.
Published: August 2024

The research referred to in this study examines the morphological, structural, and optical characteristics of kesterite (Cu1−xAgx)2ZnSnS4 (CAZTS) thin films, which are produced using a process known as thermal evaporation (TE). The study’s main goal was to determine how different Ag contents affect the characteristics of CAZTS systems. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy were used to confirm the crystal structure of the CAZTS thin films. Using a mathematical model of spectroscopic ellipsometry, the refractive index (n) represented the real part of the complex thin films, the extinction coefficient (k) portrayed the imaginary part, and the energy bandgap of the fabricated thin films was calculated. The energy bandgap is a crucial parameter for solar cell applications, as it determines the wavelength of light that the material can absorb. The energy bandgap was found to decrease from 1.74 eV to 1.55 eV with the increasing Ag content. The ITO/n-CdS/p-CAZTS/Mo heterojunction was well constructed, and the primary photovoltaic characteristics of the n-CdS/p-CAZTS junctions were examined for use in solar cells. Different Ag contents of the CAZTS layers were used to determine the dark and illumination (current–voltage) characteristics of the heterojunctions. The study’s findings collectively point to CAZTS thin layers as potential absorber materials for solar cell applications.
Research on the Optimization of Ship Trajectory Clustering Based on the OD–Hausdorff Distance
Authors: Liu Zhiyao , Yang Haining , Xiong Chenghuai , Xu Feng , Gan Langxiong , Yan Tao , Shu Yaqing
Published: August 2024

With the growth of global trade, port shipping is becoming more and more important. In this paper, an analysis of a ship’s inbound and outbound track characteristics is conducted using the OD–Hausdorff distance. The accuracy and efficiency of trajectory data analysis have been enhanced through clustering analysis. Trajectories are arranged in a time sequence, and representative port segments are selected. An improved OD–Hausdorff distance method is employed to capture the dynamic characteristics of a ship’s movements, such as speed and heading. Additionally, the DBSCAN algorithm is utilized for clustering, allowing for the processing of multidimensional AIS data. Data cleaning and preprocessing have ensured the reliability of the AIS data, and the Douglas–Peucker algorithm is used for trajectory simplification. Significant improvements in the accuracy and efficiency of trajectory clustering have been observed. Therefore, the main channel of the Guan River and the right side of Yanwei Port are usually followed by ships greater than 60 m in length, with a lateral Relative Mean Deviation (RMD) of 7.06%. Vessels shorter than 60 m have been shown to have greater path variability, with a lateral RMD of 7.94%. Additionally, a crossing pattern at Xiangshui Port is exhibited by ships shorter than 60 m due to the extension of berths and their positions at turns. Enhanced clustering accuracy has provided more precise trajectory patterns, which aids in better channel management.
Operational Competitiveness and the Relationship between Corporate Environmental and Financial Performance
Authors: Amarasuriya Senali , Burke Gerard , Hsu Ta Kang
Published: August 2024

With increasing pressures on big businesses to expand performance objectives beyond financial metrics and to include social and environmental objectives, business organizations experience rising tension in balancing these various objectives. Oftentimes, subjective narratives can weigh in on the relative importance of competing objectives. This subjectivity is a contributing factor to findings of inconsistent and mixed results for the financial impact of an organization’s environmental performance in the prior literature. Our research effort seeks to provide a positivist perspective on the relationship between environmental performance and financial performance of companies. Also, given the importance of efficient operations for corporate success, we examine the influence of operational productivity on the environmental and financial performance relationship. Using a global dataset compiled from reputable sources, including 1738 unique firms spanning between the years 2011 and 2020, we find statistically significant results that indicate that lower carbon emissions are associated with higher profitability when a firm has competitively high operational productivity. Companies with operational productivity that is competitively low do not perform well financially when carbon emissions are low. Thus, our study fills a research gap in this domain by relying exclusively on a broad set of purely objective data and illuminating the importance of operational efficiency on the relationship between the environmental performance and financial performance of firms.