bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and Test of an Intelligent Lifting Electric Marigold Picker
Authors: Liu Yan , Li Tong , Wang Guanping , Sun Wei , Yang Sen , Gao Shunping 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

To address current challenges in the mechanical harvesting of marigolds, such as low picking efficiency, high mispicking rates, insufficient power, poor passability, and low automation, this study designs a new marigold picker by combining the growth characteristics and planting mode of marigolds. The picker consists of a high passability frame, electric drive wheels, intelligent Lift picking system, LiDAR, flower storage bag and control system, while powered by a lithium battery. The control system uses LiDAR data to measure the average flower height 0.2 meters in front of the picking platform and issues picking instructions accordingly. The mechanical picking system employs sword-shaped comb teeth for continuous harvesting. This design optimizes the mechanical structure and control system to enhance the feed rate and reduce the mispicking of non-harvestable flower buds. A test prototype was built, and field tests showed that the picker operated smoothly with a marigold height measurement error within 1 cm. Optimal results were achieved with a comb spacing of 12 mm, comb length of 250 mm, and forward speed of 0.3 m/s, yielding a picking rate of 92.95% and a mispicking rate of 10%. The designed picker meets harvesting demands and represents a valuable step towards automation in Chinese herbal medicine harvesting.
Profound deficiencies in mature blood and bone marrow progenitor dendritic cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia patients
Authors: Medina Kay , Welch Baustin , Parikh Sameer , Kay Neil 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients are immunocompromised and highly vulnerable to serious recurrent infections. Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) are principal sensors of infection and are essential in orchestrating innate and adaptive immune responses to resolve infection. This study identified significant deficiencies in six functionally distinct DC subsets in blood of untreated CLL (UT-CLL) patients and selective normalization of pDCs in response to acalabrutinib (a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor) therapy. DCs are continuously replenished from hematopoiesis in bone marrow (BM). Four BM developmental intermediates that give rise to cDCs and pDCs were examined and significant reductions of these were identified in UT-CLL patients supporting a precursor/progeny relationship. The deficiencies in blood DCs and BM DC progenitors were significantly associated with alterations in the Flt3/FL signaling pathway critical to DC development and function. Regarding clinical parameter, cDC subset deficiencies are associated with adverse prognostic indicators of disease progression, including IGHV mutation, CD49d, CD38, and ZAP-70 status. Importantly, UT-CLL patients with shared DC subset deficiencies had shorter time-to-first treatment (TTFT), uncovering a profound alteration in innate immunity with the potential to instruct therapeutic decision-making.
Does ICT diffusion exacerbate or mitigate the environmental impacts of renewable energy projects in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Authors: Bello AAbdulwahab Ahmad , Hassan Abubakar , Bekun Festus , Aliyu Umar , Akadiri Seyi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The interplay between ICT, renewable energy, and CO2 emissions is a critical area of research, especially in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa, which faces significant challenges in terms of energy access, environmental sustainability, and technological development. This study examines the direct impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on environmental quality and its indirect impact through its interaction with renewable energy consumption. It also controls for other important macroeconomic variables across 48 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries from 2005 to 2020. The research employs various econometric panel data methods, including standard linear regression pooled-OLS, fixed-effects, random-effects models, and a more robust system-GMM approach. The results indicate that increased energy consumption, urbanization, and education negatively affect environmental quality, whereas trade openness has a positive impact. These findings are significant for policymakers, especially in the context of globalization and Africa's growing integration into the world economy through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement and the accompanying urbanization challenges. The study suggests an urgent need for a sustainable environmental strategy. It also highlights that the interaction between renewable energy and ICT diffusion can enhance environmental quality in SSA, implying that investments in R&D for renewable energy technologies are crucial for achieving environmental sustainability.
JEL Classification :C23, Q43, Q53
The Impact of a Romantic Partner on Patient Experience of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback: Recommendations and Considerations for Clinicians
Authors: Knauss Adrian , Jensen Jakob , Fish Matthew , Bolin Linda , Brimhall Andrew 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Biofeedback is a health intervention that trains people to exert control over physiological processes through real-time monitoring and feedback mechanisms (Schwartz et al., 2016). One modality, heart rate variability biofeedback, can be used to promote self-regulation and manage stress (Lehrer et al., 2020; Tan et al., 2016). However, these interventions are often conducted individually and practitioners rarely utilize the patient’s social network to assist in the development of self-regulation skills (Frank et al., 2010; Schwartz et al., 2016). This is a notable omission since research has established that social systems impact patients’ psychophysiology (Kleinbub, 2017). Participants (N = 12) completed a heart rate variability biofeedback intervention with their romantic partner either present or absent from the room. A qualitative interview was conducted with the romantic partners (N = 12) to explore how the presence or absence of a partner impacted the participants’ experience of the intervention. Based on the themes generated from the interviews, a series of recommendations for clinicians are provided to encourage participation of social support persons during biofeedback interventions.
Exploring Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Familial Mediterranean Fever Patients: Insights From a Retrospective Study
Authors: Yayla Emine Nur Sunar , Yıldırım Deniz Gezgin , Öztürk Hakan , Sarı Sinan , Söylemezoğlu Oğuz 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
In light of the accepted association between familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as well as the limited previous research on this subject, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of IBD among individuals diagnosed with FMF and to explore the clinical features and genetic mutations present in FMF patients with IBD.
Methods
The study was conducted among patients diagnosed with FMF between 2006 and 2022. Patients diagnosed with IBD were included. Patient records were reviewed for demographic data, presenting symptoms and their duration, laboratory results at the time of initial diagnosis and during follow-up, colonoscopy findings, treatments administered, and post-treatment follow up colonoscopy results.
Results
Among 1176 patients diagnosed with FMF, 9 patients (0.76%) also diagnosed with IBD were included in the study. Genetic analysis showed that all patients had a detected MEFV gene mutation, with the M694V mutation being the most frequently observed. Approximately 44% of FMF and IBD patients exhibit homozygosity for the M694V mutation. Among 1122 FMF patients analyzed for MEFV gene mutations, 19% were homozygous for this variant. The frequency of the M694V homozygous mutation is higher in patients with both IBD and FMF compared to those with only FMF (p = 0.079). In the patients with IBD, diarrhea was the most common presenting complaint. Fever attacks accompanied by abdominal pain were observed in all patients. Further investigations through colonoscopy were conducted on 9 patients, revealing inflammation in the colonic mucosa in the majority (66%). All patients had been receiving colchicine. Methylprednisolone, mesalamine, azathioprine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, and interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitors were among the treatments administered. Following the treatment, all patients experienced a reduction in symptoms, and acute phase reactants were found to be negative in all except one (6.6%).
Conclusion
The prevalence of IBD is increased in FMF patients with M694V homozygous mutation. Therefore, careful monitoring and thorough evaluation, including colonoscopies, are crucial for assessing IBD risk in these individuals.
The impact of regular physical activity on health-related quality of life among young employees
Authors: Hasni Achref , Bedhioufi Hafsi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This article examines the impact of regular physical activity on the health of young Tunisian employees.
Methods
This study employed a cross-sectional design involving 400 young employees aged between 18 and 35 from a various field of work. Health status was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire, which evaluates the physical and mental components of health using eight subscales. Data were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test.
Results
Our analysis reveals significant differences between physically active and inactive employees (p < 0.05). For the physical component, the General Health, Functioning Physical, Physical Role and Bodily Pain subscales revealed p-values of less than 0.05, indicating that physically active people perceive themselves as having better overall physical health. In terms of the mental component, the Emotional Role, Mental Health and Vitality subscales showed p-values of less than 0.05, indicating better mental and emotional health among practitioners. The Social Functioning subscale showed no significant difference, but the composite analysis of the mental component revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Our research highlights the importance of regular physical activity in improving the physical and mental health of young employees.
Exploring the Microbiome of Fermented Soy Products: Implications for Gut Health in China
Authors: Xiang Xuesong , Li Yingying , Ye Junbin , Li Baolong , He Guozhong , Zhu Mingyu , Zhang Jiawen , Zhang Bike , Miao Ming , Yang Yuexin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:Fermented foods have a long history in China, and they continue to be widely consumed today. Fermented foods have recently been reported as a pivotal approach to restoring gut microbial diversity and are recommended by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics for inclusion in dietary guidelines. However, there are potential safety concerns associated with fermented foods, such as the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes to the human gut. This underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the microbial communities in fermented foods and additional data to facilitate health risk assessments.Results:In this study, we employed shotgun metagenomic analysis to investigate the microbiota of three commonly consumed fermented soy products in China and compared them with the gut microbiota of the Chinese population. Our findings revealed significant differences in both the microbial composition and functions among these three fermented soy products. Intriguingly, network analysis revealed an antagonistic interaction between beneficial speciesBacillalesandLactobacillales, and potentially harmful speciesEnterobacterales. In examining the Chinese gut microbiota, we identified a high prevalence of potentially harmful bacteria from the Enterobacterales order, which were also found in significant amounts in fermented foods. Using genome-level and strain-level analyses, we hypothesize that fermented foods may serve as a source of harmful bacteria, such asKlebsiella pneumoniaeandKlebsiella quasipneumoniae, for gut microbiota. Horizontal gene transfer analysis highlighted the potential transfer of numerous antibiotic resistance genes from fermented foods microbes to those in the human gut microbiome.Conclusions:While there is substantial evidence supporting the potential health benefits of consuming fermented foods, our research highlights important safety concerns. Notably, consuming fermented foods could increase exposure to pathogenic microorganisms and increase the risk of antibiotic resistance gene transmission. This accentuates the need for enhanced microbial monitoring and quality control measures for fermented foods.
Iron Deficiency and Its Cognitive Effects Among University Women: Findings From a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: BENEDETTI FABIO , Franzon Evelin Centenaro , Mastella Gustavo Antunes , Zugno Alexandra Ioppi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Iron deficiency is considered a worldwide problem, with an incidence of 10 to 15% in the adult female population in developed countries and estimated to double in developing countries. In the adult population, some studies have shown a relationship between cognitive deficit in the population with iron deficiency. However, this evidence is still incipient, despite its biological plausibility regarding the influence of iron on monoamine metabolism. With the aim of correlating anemia and iron deficiency with cognitive impairment, this cross-sectional study recruited university women of childbearing age, assessing their hemoglobin, iron stores, and their executive functions using the 19-position Tower of London test. In addition, cobalamin deficiency, hypothyroidism, and depression were evaluated to avoid possible confounders. Anemia was found in 8% of the participants, while 30% had iron deficiency. Among the participants, 43% of depression criteria were observed, measured by the PHQ-2 test. No statistical correlation was found between anemia or iron deficiency and performance in the cognitive test. On the other hand, a correlation was found between depression and iron deficiency. It is likely that this study did not find a correlation between anemia or iron deficiency and cognitive performance because the sample size became insufficient due to the high prevalence of depression, which may have interfered with cognitive test performance. Additionally, the prevalence of anemia was lower than that reported in global literature. This study draws attention to the high rate of depression in the population of young university students and points to its correlation with iron deficiency, while showing the need for further studies in this area, still leaving open the possibility of a relationship between executive function performance and iron deficiency.
How BMI-restrictive policies impact women seeking NHS-funded IVF in the United Kingdom: A qualitative analysis of online forum discussions
Authors: Muir Rebecca , Hawking Meredith K.D. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Across the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), women* with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of >30 face restrictions accessing In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment. This study asks: what are the (un)expected and (un)intended harms and consequences experienced by women restricted from accessing NHS-funded IVF due to BMI threshold criteria?
Methods:Posts from a popular infertility online forum were collected and reflexively thematically analysed.
Results:On the forum, users discussed how they struggled to lose weight, how they faced time pressures to meet BMI thresholds, and they shared knowledge on how to comply or appear compliant with BMI cut-offs. Our study found widespread moral discourses around body weight were reproduced in the forum, particularly commonplace narratives that body weight is under personal control, that people with a high BMI should ‘work’ to change their bodies, and that this work helps demonstrate deservingness for IVF treatment. Moralising discourses around weight were linked to the responsibilities of a hoped-for future of motherhood, as users performed deservingness through emphasising their commitment to meeting the BMI threshold.
Conclusion: We conclude that NHS-IVF policies in the United Kingdom do not consider the burdensomeemotional and moral work placed on people seeking treatment due to inflexible upper-limit BMI criteria.
Comparative analysis of the trends in thyroid cancer burden in China and worldwide from 1990 to 2021
Authors: Zhang Yuhan , Wang Hanyu , Chen Xiao , Wang Zixuan , Liu Jiaqi , Sun Hui 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In recent years, the incidence of thyroid cancer has been increasing, posing a significant public health problem. This study aims to assess the burden of thyroid cancer in China and globally between 1990 and 2021. It seeks to elucidate trends in incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), while also identifying variations across different age groups and genders. Data were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database from 1990 to 2021, focusing on thyroid cancer indicators in China and globally. We calculated age-standardised incidence (ASIR), age-standardised prevalence (ASPR), age-standardised mortality (ASMR), and age-standardised DALY rate (ASDR) for each age group, and analyzed the annual percentage change (APC) in trends over the study period using Joinpoint regression models. In China, the incidence of thyroid cancer increased by 295.70% between 1990 and 2021, with a significant annual increase of 2.242%. The global incidence increased by 177.62% and the APC was 1.139%. While ASMR declined slightly both in China and globally, ASPR showed a substantial increase. It is worth noting that the burden of thyroid cancer is higher in women, and the increased risk of developing the disease has been more pronounced in men in recent years. The findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies, improved diagnostics to avoid overdiagnosis, and equitable allocation of public health resources to address the growing thyroid cancer challenge.
Social disconnection and paranoid thoughts in the general population sample: A network analysis investigating differential associations of social isolation and loneliness
Authors: Misiak Błażej 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Social disconnection has been implicated in the development of paranoia. Yet, both components of social disconnection, i.e., social isolation and loneliness, were mostly investigated separately. The present study aimed to explore as to whether social isolation and loneliness show differential associations with paranoid thoughts.
Methods
The study was based on a representative sample of 5,099 general population adults (aged 44.9 ± 15.4 years, 52.2% women). Self-reports were used to assess psychopathological symptoms, cognitive processes, perceptions of social interactions, loneliness, and social isolation.
Results
Linear regression and network analyses were performed. Loneliness and social isolation were significantly and independently associated with paranoid thoughts in linear regression analyses. Paranoid thoughts were more strongly associated with loneliness than social isolation. No significant association of the interaction between social isolation and loneliness with paranoid thoughts was found. A network analysis revealed that the nodes representing social isolation and loneliness were not directly connected to the nodes of paranoid thinking. In the shortest pathways, loneliness and social isolation were independently associated with paranoia. The shortest pathway between loneliness and paranoia led through only one mediating node representing external attribution biases. In turn, the shortest pathway between social isolation and paranoia led through two mediating nodes representing social anhedonia and external attribution biases.
Conclusion
The findings imply that social isolation and loneliness might exert additive effects on the occurrence of paranoid thoughts. External attribution biases and social anhedonia might play important roles in the association of social disconnection with paranoia.
Mathematical Models for Predicting Network Traffic in Cloud Computing Environments
Authors: Liu Xingyu , Zhong Zhongkezhen , Chen Chenxi , Cha Junjie , maan troy 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Effective network traffic prediction is crucial for optimizing resource allocation and ensuring efficient performance in cloud computing environments. In this research, mathematical models are developed to use historical data, factors, and other data to predict future network traffic patterns more effectively. In this context, we then compare an array of time series models such as ARIMA, LSTM, as well as the Prophet model so that we can determine the cloud environments most appropriate for each. These models include time and day of the week as well as the general activities of the users in the network in order to mimic the real flow of network traffics. The experimental results concern the efficiency of the proposed models as opposed to existing approaches and give a lot of information to network administrators and cloud service providers. The outcomes make a significant contribution as to the formulation of intelligent approaches in resource management and improve the dependability and performance of cloud computing environments.
Adaptive investment behaviours enable earlier carbon peak in low-carbon electricity transition
Authors: Zou Hongyang , Du Huibin , Zuo Jian , He Gang , Feng Kuishuang , Yang Yuting , Wang Chengshan , Tang Lixin , Brown Marilyn 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Electricity planning often employs average production costs and efficiencies, assuming that energy companies are homogeneous. In reality, firms are heterogeneous in the scale, cost and efficiency of their power generation, leading to various adaptive behaviours such as differentiated investments in CO2 reductions and offsets. This has resulted in misjudgments about climate tipping points and unanticipated delays in phasing out coal-fired technology. Here we develop an agent-based model using company-level technology-specific installed capacity, cost and efficiency within China’s electricity sector. We estimate renewable energy expansion and carbon peaks by simulating companies’ adaptive behaviours. The results indicate that if such behaviours focused on technology stock and return-on-investment, China’s electricity sector could have reached carbon peak by 2019-2020, ahead of the national 2030 target. By analyzing adaptive investment behaviours, we pinpoint distinct profit strategies for companies with varying technology capacities. This enables tailored incentives, avoiding the fiscal inefficiencies of one-size-fits-all policies like uniform feed-in-tariffs. Our behavioural analysis further illustrates that the delayed phase-out of coal-fired technology, due to lock-in effects, could result in coal power overcapacity and hinder the operation of renewable energy generation. Policies to accelerate the phase-out of coal capacity are becoming increasingly imperative relative to incentivizing the scale-up of renewables.