bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity, pathogenicity, and toxigenicity of the dominant Fusarium spp. causing maize ear rot in summer-sown regions of China
Authors: Dong Siyuan , Yuan Yongtian 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Ear rot is one of the most destructive diseases found in the major corn-producing areas of China and worldwide. The disease reduces the quality and yield of corn, and the mycotoxin adversely affects human and animal health. The present study explored the genetic diversity, pathogenicity, and toxigenicity of two dominant Fusarium species (Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium proliferatum) in the summer-sown regions of China. We identified 1349 Fusarium isolates, including F. verticillioides (71%), F. proliferatum (21%), Fusarium graminearum (6%), and Fusarium oxysporum (2%), in the maize ear rot samples collected between 2019 and 2020 from the summer-sown areas of China. The F. verticillioides isolates from Henan showed high aggressiveness (30.6), and fumonisins production ability (FB1, 3087.8 µg/kg; FB2, 1546.8 µg/kg). Field pathogenicity test in Hefei and Linquan showed that all isolates caused ear rot, with varying levels of pathogenicity. F. verticillioides isolates demonstrated higher pathogenicity than F. proliferatum in the summer-sown areas of China except for the Shānxī region. Meanwhile, the F. proliferatum isolates from Anhui showed the highest genetic diversity, genotypes, aggressiveness (28.5), and Fumonisins production ability (2816.1 µg/kg FB1; 1268.7 µg/kg FB2). Based on the disease (ear rot) severity index, the study also classified the isolates as low, medium, and highly aggressive. The ability to produce fumonisins (FB1 and FB2) in maize also varied among the different F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum isolates; F. verticillioides produced 162.9–7545.5 µg/kg of FB1 and 43.2–3831.9 µg/kg of FB2, while F. proliferatum produced 282.0–5678.8 µg/kg of FB1 and 118.2–3741.7 µg/kg of FB2. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was detected between pathogenicity and FB1 and FB2 production (r > 0.74, P < 0.01). These findings improve our understanding of the maize ear rot pathogenic and their potential risks to human and animal health. The study thus provides a theoretical basis for the comprehensive prevention and control of maize ear rot in the summer-sown regions of China.
The effect of cognitive attrition on intertemporal choice
Authors: Yao Zijian , Li Ying , Xu Fuming , Huang Long 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Intertemporal choice is the process by which people make trade-offs and choices about gains and losses at different points in time. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of cognitive attrition on intertemporal choice. Using a mixed experimental design of 2 (cognitive loss: high attrition group vs. low attrition group) x 3 (delay time: 7 days vs. 30 days vs. 120 days). Grouping of subjects by cognitive switching task. Divided into high attrition and bottom attrition groups. From there, we explored the rate of time discounting for subjects in a cross-over choice task with different delay times. As it turns out: Overall, both the proportion of subjects choosing the immediate option and the time discount rate were significantly higher in the high attrition group than in the low attrition group. In a cross-over selection task with different delay times, cognitive attrition has a greater impact on an individual's intertemporal choice preference at short delay times.
Mechanism Underlying Flavor Quality Formation during Withering Process of Niangniang Tea, a Compressed Large-Leaf Yellow Tea
Authors: Wang Yanxia , Guan Hao , Lu Li , Zhao Yunan , Shi Jinjie , Li Xiaosong , huang Hao , Lu Litang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Niangniang tea (NNT) is a traditional compressed large-leaf yellow tea shaped as Chinese writing brush. Withering time affects the flavor characteristics. The sensory evaluation revealed the highest score was achieved at 8 hours of withering (Yd). Metabolomics analysis revealed a decrease in 18 bitter metabolites, accompanied by an increase in sweet metabolites and amino acids during the withering process. Transcriptome analysis showed, the relative expression of CsSCPL (Serine carboxypeptidase-like) decreased rapidly, while the relative expression of CsTA (Tannase) showed an increasing trend, which inhibited the acylation of non-ester type catechins to ester type, and promoted the conversion of bitter and heavy ester type catechins to non-ester type catechins with lighter bitterness. The withering process of NNT reduced the bitter taste but enhanced sweetness, and the tea tastes more sweet and mellow. Metabolomics and transcriptomics result conducive to a more comprehensive and systematic understanding of the formation mechanism of flavor quality in the withering process.
Towards Greener Futures: AI-Powered Designs for Sustainable, Accessible, and Energy-Smart Urban Furniture to Improve Happiness and Well-being in Public Parks
Authors: Abouelela Amira , Al-Saud Khaled , AlAli Rommel , KATAT Ali M. , Ali May A. Malek 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This research paper assesses the effects of sustainable, accessible, and energy-efficient urban furniture design on happiness and well-being among the residents of the urban environment. This paper discusses how urban furniture can help make cities more sustainable, livable, and welcoming for everyone. Through reviewing the existing studies, this paper explores how creative designs, along with input from experts in the same field and the use of eco-friendly materials and technologies, can contribute to making urban spaces better. One of the identified key features of this research was the use of an opinion poll involving a broad spectrum of residents, about the evaluation of proposed designs created with the help of AI, while all designs were based on sustainability, accessibility, and the potential for well-being enhancement. Collecting feedback contributes to finding out public preferences and the efficiency of elements in each design, hence aiding in the development of design guidelines that would bring more inclusive, sustainable, and energy-efficient design. This research will aim to add to the available literature on urban design, fill a gap in this area, and stress the importance of urban furniture in the improvement of life quality. It includes public input when giving recommendations on the future of developments. This can be of great input to sustain urban living and policymaking with a fresh perspective toward sustainable development and well-being.
The Mediating Effect of Meaning in Life in the Relationship between Self-compassion and Psychopathological Symptoms among Chinese adults
Authors: MA Tsz Wah 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
While there is consistent evidence linking self-compassion to depression and anxiety, the specific pathways that connect them remain poorly understood. One potential pathway is the presence of meaning in life. The present study aimed to investigate whether meaning in life, mediate the association between self-compassion and psychopathological symptoms (depression and anxiety) in a sample of adults across different age groups.
Methods
300 Hong Kong Chinese (age 18–70 years) were recruited by stratified probability sampling. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to examine the total effects, indirect effects (i.e., mediation), and direct effects outlined in the proposed hypotheses.
Results
In terms of depression, a mediation effect of meaning in life was observed. Both the direct effects and the indirect effects were statistically significant (all p values < 0.001). However, in terms of anxiety, the model showed significant direct effects of self-compassion on the anxiety symptoms, but no significant effect was found of the meaning in life on the anxiety symptoms (p = 0.77) and, therefore, the indirect effects were not statistically significant.
Conclusion
Self-compassion was found to weaken the depressive symptoms in the current study. Our study further revealed that the sense of meaning in life mediated the relationship between self-compassion and depressive symptoms. Individuals who are self-compassionate are less susceptible to depressive symptoms as they experience a greater sense of meaning in life. Self-compassion may facilitate the cultivation of positive emotions and the ability to bounce back from negative emotions, ultimately reducing the likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms.
Programmed cell death and redox metabolism protect Chlamydomonas reinhardtii populations from the galactic cosmic environment on the Artemis-1 mission
Authors: Hammond Timothy G. , Panikkanvalappil Sajanlal , Allen Patricia L. , Gaikani Hamid Kian , Nislow Corey , Giaever Guri , Zhang Ye , Levine Howard G. , Gaza Ramona , Dimapilis Dinah , Wells Howard W. , Russick James M. , Durand Pierre M. , Birdsall Holly H. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We hypothesized that on the Artemis I mission, exposure to the galactic cosmic environment, specifically microgravity, lack of convection, and galactic cosmic radiation, would reduce survival of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a green unicellular flagellate alga, through the process of necrosis. An alternative hypothesis was that the radiation stimulus would induce a population survival response via a programmed cell death pathway. The Chlamydomonas strains were spotted on nutrient agar acetate plates and flown on Artemis I in the new Moonshot hardware that provided six hours of light daily to synchronize the algal cell cycle and tracked temperature, power use, and gravity over time. Synchronous ground controls were run in parallel. Analysis included spectrophotometry of chlorophylls and photosystems, flow cytometry of cell viability and lipid content, and Raman spectroscopy to identify DNA damage and cellular proteins. To test for radiation protection, select strains carried the tardigrade damage suppressor (Dsup) gene known to protect animal cells against gamma and ionizing radiation, dehydration, and temperature extremes in ground-based studies. A new flight hardware termed “Moonshot” was designed, built, and flown. “Moonshot” performed flawlessly, and is now available as flight-certified, flight-proven hardware for timed illumination and monitoring for flight and terrestrial applications. Within the limitations of the physical handling of specimens necessitated by the Artemis-1 mission flight around the Moon with exposure to the galactic cosmic environment: 1. Flown samples exposed to cosmic radiation were more viable than ground controls, with increased programmed cell death and decreased necrosis. 2. There was no difference in Chlamydomonas growth or content of chlorophylls and photosystems in flown versus ground controls, ruling out energy metabolism as the mediator of cell death. 3. Raman spectroscopy analysis showed that the redox-protective protein beta-carotene, a known cell death mediator, was increased during flight around the moon. 4. Compared to control inserts, insertion of the Dsup tardigrade gene was protective both on the ground and in flight.
Innovative design and nonlinear stability analysis of a micro giant magnetostrictive bone conduction vibrator
Authors: Fu Xin , Ai Chaohui , Yan Hongbo , Wang Jianxin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Due to the excellent energy conversion engineering characteristics of giant magnetostrictive material (GMM), a giant magnetostrictive bone conduction micro-vibrator is proposed and designed. Base on the linear piezomagnetic equation and the structural dynamics of the GMM bone conduction vibrator, a hysteresis nonlinear dynamic equation for the GMM bone conduction vibrator is derived. Following the application of a dimensionless treatment to the equation, an analysis of the vibrator's main resonance is conducted using a multi-scale method. The chaotic characteristics of the system is examined via both qualitative and quantitative analysis, with particular attention paid to the influences of excitation amplitude and frequency. The results show that the dimensions of the designed excitation coil module is ø5.5×7.15mm, with the overall contour size of the GMM vibrator being as small as ø17×19mm. This meets the miniaturization design requirements of the bone conduction vibrator. A smaller excitation amplitude or a larger damping coefficient is beneficial for reducing the unstable branch of the primary resonance and avoiding the amplitude jump. An appropriate secondary stiffness coefficient is helpful for offsetting the influence of nonlinear factors on the system. Under the condition of given parameters, the GMM bone conduction vibrator exhibits chaotic behaviour, and avoiding its chaotic region can effectively improve the stability of the system.
Empowering Recovery: Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy for Managing De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Pain
Authors: Mahmood Usman , Khan Muhammad Waqas , Khatana Naveed Hussain , Ali Taimoor , Iqbal Saad , Rehman Hafees Ur , Syed Amna , Mohammad Jemal Girma 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective:
Our study aims to evaluate clinical results following platelet-rich plasma injection use in terms of pain alleviation patients with De Quervain's Tenosynovitis..
Background: De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is a inflammation of inner lining of the tendon sheath of first dorsal compartment of wrist due to repetitive and sustained tension. For tendon healing, platelet-rich plasma offers a regenerative stimulus.
Material and Methods: Total 68 patients were included. Patients were injected with single session of PRP. Pain intensity at 6 weeks was compared to pain intensity of pre-procedure. Statistical measures of central tendency and variability were calculated. The process of stratification was conducted by using either the chi-square test or the Fischer exact test. A P-value of ≤0.05 was deemed statistically significant.
Results: There were 29.4% male and 70.6% female patients. Mean age was 43.75±10.01 years. Mean symptoms and surgery duration was 5.18±1.03 weeks and 2.15±0.35 hours. Mean pre-operative pain, pain after 2 weeks and pain after 6 weeks was 84.93±10.80, 60.15±12.95 and 43.24±14.00 respectively. 36.8% patients got pain relief after 2 weeks and 83.8% got pain relief after 6 weeks.
Conclusion: PRP is an efficient method for treating De Quervain's illness and reducing pain intensity is platelet-rich plasma.
Intimate partner violence and maternal characteristics as predictor of anxiety and depression among pregnant women in Nigeria.
Authors: Olabisi Oluwaseyi Isaiah , Ogunmodede Eunice , Dosumu Taiwo , Olude Abigail , Banjo Bimbo , Adesanya Monsurat , Esan Deborah Tolulope 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives:
This study aimed to assess the influence of maternal characteristics and intimate partner violence on the level of anxiety and depression experienced by the pregnant women
Method: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to study 394 pregnant women in two selected primary healthcare centres in Nigeria using a systematic sampling technique based on the requisite sample size. Data was collected using the World Health Organization’s Multi-Country Tool on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores. The collected data were analysed using SPSS Windows software version 21. Furthermore, the results were summarised using descriptive and inferential statistics with a significance level of p<0.05.
Results:. Pregnant women who experienced intimate partner violence were 3.9 times more likely to have anxiety symptoms (adjusted OR 3.91, 95% CI 1.41–10.874; p = 0.009). Maternal characteristics associated with depression include tertiary education, second-trimester pregnancy, middle age (25–34 years), and pregnancy with more than two children.
Conclusion: This study shows a strong link between intimate partner violence and anxiety levels among pregnant women. Therefore, healthcare professionals should assess for the history of intimate partner violence during antenatal clinic and provide care accordingly
Parkinson’s Disease Mild Cognitive Impairment with MRI evidence of Cholinergic Nucleus 4 Degeneration: A New Subtype?
Authors: Negida Ahmed , Vohra Hiba , Lageman Sarah , Mukhopadhyay Nitai , Berman Brian , Weintraub Daniel , Barrett Matthew 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Subtyping Parkinson’s disease with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) could improve clinical trial design and personalized treatments. Cholinergic nucleus 4 (Ch4) volume has been linked to cognitive impairment severity and future decline in PD. This study investigates whether PD-MCI patients with MRI evidence of Ch4 degeneration have distinct clinical profiles and cognitive trajectories. Baseline MRI scans of 148 PD-MCI participants from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) were analyzed. Patients with low Ch4 grey matter density (GMD) had worse motor, autonomic, and olfactory symptoms, and were more likely to belong to the diffuse malignant PD subtype (51.6% vs. 23.4%; P < 0.01). They also had faster progression to cognitive milestones (P = 0.0046). These findings identify PD-MCI with low Ch4 as a distinct subtype with more severe symptoms and faster cognitive decline, highlighting the importance of considering this group in PD-MCI clinical trials, particularly for cholinergic therapies.
Sustainable Development Goal-Oriented Water Management for Smart Buildings in Smart Cities: An Automatic PLC-Based Demand and Supply Approach
Authors: Desai Ravishankar , Maske Pramod 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The global emphasis on sustainable development, exemplified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscores the crucial importance of effective water management. Integrating smart cities and buildings is essential for developing sustainable and adaptable water management and distribution systems as urban areas continue expanding. Our research outlines autonomous water management in smart buildings within smart cities, aligning with the SDGs.
This paper presents a prototype model of programmable logic controller (PLC)-based automatic water distribution for smart residential buildings, which is part of the smart cities initiative. This approach addresses several issues, such as unregulated water flow, excessive water usage by individuals, accurate and balanced billing, waterline leakages and tank overflow. Additionally, it ensures the effective and efficient utilization of water. The proposed prototype model offers flexibility to individuals based on their requirements, with an option to charge extra for additional usage.
Linezolid combined Strontium substituted hydroxyapatite-Bi polymeric composite for Osteomyelitis affected bone regeneration analysis
Authors: Li Hua , Du Qi , Guo Pei-Yu , Yi Yong-Tao , Mickymaray Suresh , Balu Anbarasan , Suresh Kaviya , Li Xi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The primary objective of this investigation is to rectify bacterial infections in bone (osteomyelitis) and bone regeneration by utilizing an antibiotic-loaded hydroxyapatite polymer composite. In this regard, strontium (Sr)-substituted hydroxyapatite (mHAP)-reinforced polymeric composites with linezolid (LNZ) were utilized for osteomyelitis-affected bone repair. The brittle nature of the mHAP ceramic was overcome by adding with polymers such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (PSSS). The composite formation, crystallinity, surface morphology, and zeta potential were investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), high resolution - transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and Zeta potential and particle size analysis techniques. The particle size and zeta potential were noted, and the zeta potential values of mHAP/PVP-PSSS and mHAP/PVP-PSSS/LNZ composites were found to be − 14.8 mV and − 40.3 mV, respectively. The bioactive results with SBF favored apatite formation and confirmed the composite’s biocompatibility with new bone formation. The cell viability of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and the gene expression analysis confirmed the osteogenic potential of the prepared materials. Because the prepared composite obtained promising results, these studies confirm that the prepared composite can release the antibiotic for the treatment of osteomyelitis-affected bone repair.
Association of stress hyperglycemia ratio with clinical outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus in intensive care units: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Chen Jinzhan , Chen Ayun , Zhang Ning , Chen Zhisheng , Huang Jinxian , Jiang Hongni , Xie Congyi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Co-morbidity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) corresponds to increasing severity and adverse clinical outcomes. This study intends to investigate the association of stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) with adverse outcomes in critically ill patients with COPD and T2DM.
Methods
Critically ill patients diagnosed with COPD and T2DM from 2008 to 2019 were retrospectively included from the MIMIC-IV (version 2.2). They were assigned into three groups based on SHR tertiles, and all-cause in-hospital mortality (ACIHM) and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (LOIS) were the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. The association of SHR with adverse outcomes was explored by Logistic regression, generalized linear regression, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) curve analyses, and its robustness was verified by subgroup analyses.
Results
Totally 1781 patients with COPD and T2DM were included. Logistic regression analyses revealed that after adjusting for all confounders, the risk of ACIHM increased by 51% in T3 compared with T1 (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.06–2.16). RCS curve analyses showed a statistically significant linear association between SHR and ACIHM (Pnonlinear=0.584). As shown by generalized linear regression analyses, each unit increase in SHR was associated with a 0.68-day increase in LOIS after adjusting for all confounders (β = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.12–1.2). According to subgroup analyses, SHR and ACIHM had no statistically significant interaction except for the marital status subgroup (Pinteraction=0.04).
Conclusion
A high SHR is associated with an increase in ACIHM and LOIS in critically ill patients with COPD and T2DM. Assessment of SHR may contribute to better risk stratification and prognostic prediction for such patients.
Trial registration:
Not applicable
An Observational Study of Renewable Energy Supply Chain and Sustainability Challenges
Authors: Labaran Muhamad Jameel , Masood Tariq 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the sustainability and supply chain challenges in the African renewable energy sector, offering solutions rooted in green supply chain management principles and Industry 4.0 technologies. Employing an interpretive research strategy, the study gathers insights from mini-grid companies, regulatory authorities, and a global financial institution that fund renewable energy projects across Africa. The findings reveal various SC issues related to importation, economic policies, regulations, logistics, skill gaps, and corruption. Sustainability related challenges such as lack of environmental awareness and poor end-of-life management practices were also obtained. Proposed solutions include GSCM practices like recycling, responsible sourcing, and carbon footprint assessment, and leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies such as Internet of things, blockchain, and big data analytics for smart metering and energy management. The study highlights practical implications, advocating for robust approaches to resolving supply chain and sustainability issues, policy enactment favourable to the renewable energy sector, and synergy among government departments and law enforcement agencies.