bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biocarrier selection for the attachment of specific microorganisms in wastewater treatment
Authors: Chang Ting-Ting , Liu Yi-Hong , Jheng Yu-Jhan , Chiu Sheng Yi , Chang Wang-Kuan , Chang Kuan-Foo , Sean Wu-Yang , Chen Po-Yu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

With the growing global awareness of sustainable water resource management, biological treatment technologies play a crucial role in the transformation and removal of pollutants in wastewater treatment, water reclamation, and resource recovery. Biofilm technology is particularly promising due to its high efficiency, capacity, and stability. Given the complex sources of wastewater, designing suitable carrier materials is essential to enhance treatment efficiency by supporting various microorganisms growth. In nitrogen-containing wastewater treatment systems, slow-growing autotrophic nitrifying bacteria or anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria require carriers to extend their retention time, facilitating nitrogen removal. Recent studies show that the smaller the surface energy difference (γbv-γsv) between bacteria and materials, the greater the adhesion. Most commercial bio-carriers are made of HDPE, which has a large surface energy difference (11.26 mJ/m²) with nitrifying bacteria, resulting in low adhesion (< 1.3 nN) and slow biofilm growth. This study developed a new biocarrier using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), known for its bio-affinity. Further modification on PVA reduced the surface energy difference with ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (7.69 mJ/m²) and increased adhesion (6.37 nN), making the target bacteria's adhesion 2.3 times higher than on commercial HDPE carriers. In continuous biocarrier system tests over 50 days, the effluent of ammonia nitrogen from the treatment system with modified PVA carrier was approximately 3.6–7.8 mg/L, while the effluent of ammonia nitrogen from the treatment system with HDPE carrier system was range from 7.3 to 13.2 mg/L. HDPE carriers failed to meet Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration's ammonia nitrogen discharge standard for public sewage systems (< 10 mg/L) within 50 days. In addition, the result of real-time PCR quantification showed that the microorganisms on the modified PVA carriers had an ammonium-oxidizing bacteria adhesion amount of 3.73*108 copies/mL, over 60 times higher than those on HDPE carriers. In summary, the PVA-modified bio-carrier developed in this study enhances the adhesion and growth of ammonium-oxidizing bacteria, leading to rapid biofilm formation, shorter start-up times, and stable water quality. This innovation has broad applicability for high-load secondary biological treatment units, significantly improving current wastewater treatment plant efficiency.
Understanding Tourists Repurchase Intention on Airbnb from the Perspective of Low Carbon and Extended Expectation-Confirmation Model
Authors: Wang Liming , Hu Jinhao , Wang Bei , Chen HongBin , Xu Ning 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Airbnb is a popular and low-carbon platform for tourism in the sharing economy. This paper utilized the extended expectation-confirmation model (ECM) and collected 330 valid data through a questionnaire survey to analyze the psychological behavior of tourists during their Airbnb experience. The results demonstrate that the service quality, the concept of low-carbon service, friendly communication with the host, and platform security significantly impact consumers' satisfaction. Highly satisfied consumers are more likely to continue using Airbnb with low-carbon consciousness and engage in electronic word-of-mouth communication. Therefore, ensuring customer satisfaction and low-carbon consciousness are critical to win on the Airbnb platform and attracting more hosts and guests. This study contributes to the existing literature on Airbnb and offers practical implications for the platform and hosts to attract more guests and generate positive word-of-mouth.
An electrochemical sensor based on N-doped hollow carbon sphere@ZIF-8 composite for luteolin detection
Authors: 程 昊 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In the study, a composite carbon nanomaterial (NC@ZIF-8) based on N-doped hollow carbon spheres and a metal-organic framework (ZIF-8) material was developed to prepare an electrochemical sensor for the detection of luteolin, a natural flavonoid with favorable pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Owing to its high specific surface area, high conductivity, and abundant active sites, the NC@ZIF-8 composite exhibited excellent luteolin detection performance, including a wide linear range, good repeatability, and immunity to interference. The synthesis and characterization of the material and the fabrication and optimization of the electrochemical sensor are described. The NC@ZIF-8/GCE sensor exhibited good recovery and stability in detecting luteolin in real samples, demonstrating its effectiveness in the rapid and accurate detection of luteolin.
Automatic image registration provides superior accuracy compared to surface matching in cranial navigation
Authors: Frisk Henrik , Jensdottir Margret , Coronado Luisa , Conrad Markus , Hager Susanne , Arvidsson Lisa , Bartek Jiri , Burström Gustav , El-Hajj Victor Gabriel , Edström Erik , Elmi-Terander Adrian , Persson Oscar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
The precision of neuronavigation systems relies on the correct registration of the patient’s position in space and aligning it with radiological 3D imaging data. Registration is usually performed by acquisition of anatomical landmarks or surface matching based on facial features. Another possibility is automatic image registration using intraoperative imaging. This could provide better accuracy especially in rotated or prone positions where the other methods may be difficult to perform.
The aim of this study was to validate automatic image registration (AIR) using intraoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for cranial neurosurgical procedures and compare the registration accuracy to the traditional Surface Matching (SM) registration method, based on preoperative MRI. The preservation of navigation accuracy throughout the surgery was also investigated.
Methods
Adult patients undergoing intracranial tumor surgery were enrolled after consent. A standard SM registration was performed, and reference points were acquired. An AIR was then performed, and the same reference points were acquired again. Accuracy was calculated based on referenced and acquired coordinates of the points for each registration method. The reference points were acquired before and after draping and at the end of procedure to assess persistency of accuracy.
Results
In total, 22 patients were included. The mean accuracy was 6.6 ± 3.1 mm for SM registration and 1.0 ± 0.3 mm for AIR. The AIR was superior to the SM registration (p<0.0001), with a mean improvement in accuracy of 5.58 mm (3.71-7.44 mm 99% CI). The mean accuracy for the AIR registration pre-drape was 1.0 ± 0.3 mm. The corresponding accuracies post-drape and post-resection were 2.9± 4.6 mm and 4.1± 4.9 mm respectively. Although a loss of accuracy was identified between the preoperative and end of procedure measurements, there was no statistically significant decline during surgery.
Conclusions
AIR for cranial neuronavigation consistently delivered greater accuracy than SM and should be considered the new gold standard for patient registration in cranial neuronavigation. If intraoperative imaging is a limited resource, AIR should be prioritized in rotated or prone positions procedures, where the benefits are the greatest.
Assessing Plant Growth-Promoting Activities of Bacillus pumilus: Quantification of Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA) and Tryptophan by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Authors: Swarnakar Shambhu , Chakraborty Arka Pratim 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Microbial-mediated plant growth promotion has gained significant attention in agriculture due to its potential to improve crop yield and sustainability. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and tryptophan are key compounds synthesized by certain bacteria, known to positively influence plant development. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a robust analytical technique capable of accurately quantifying these compounds, enabling a deeper understanding of plant-microbe interactions.
Results
In this study, bacterial isolates designated as MUSRH-5 were investigated for their plant growth-promoting activities. Cultured bacterial strains were assessed for their efficacy in promoting plant growth. Through HPLC analysis, varying concentrations of IAA and tryptophan were observed among the bacterial isolates, indicating differing metabolic capabilities. Significant variations in plant growth-promoting activities were also noted, with certain strains demonstrating notable effectiveness.
Conclusion
The findings of this study highlight the potential of selected bacterial isolates, particularly MUSRH-5 strains, to enhance plant growth through the production of growth-promoting compounds. The utilization of HPLC for precise quantification provided valuable insights into the metabolic capabilities of these bacteria and their impact on plant development. This research underscores the importance of microbial-mediated plant growth promotion in sustainable agriculture and environmental management, emphasizing the role of bacterial isolates as valuable assets in enhancing agricultural productivity and mitigating environmental challenges.
Unveiling the Sociodemographic and Socioeconomic Determinants of Antenatal Care Utilization in Bangladesh: Insights from the 2017-18 BDHS
Authors: Sakib Md. Mojammel Haque , Alam Muhammad Khairul , Yasmin Mst. Nilufar , Rois Rumana 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Antenatal care (ANC) is indispensable for supervising and enhancing the health of both the mother and the baby during pregnancy. It helps to reduce the risks of complications and ensures better pregnancy outcomes. This study investigates the aspects that influence antenatal care (ANC) visits in Bangladesh, focusing on sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors.
Methods
The study used the most current, nationally representative data from the 2017–18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS). Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were conducted for bivariate analysis. The Boruta algorithm was utilized for variable selection. After employing various regression models, including Poisson Regression (PR), Negative Binomial Regression (NBR), and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), we evaluated their performance and selected Negative Binomial Regression for parameter estimation and interpretation.
Results
Our results reveal that less than 50% of women meet the WHO-recommended minimum number of ANC visits. Women with secondary and higher education (IRR 1.42 & 1.46, 95% CI 1.28–1.56 & 1.31–1.64), Rich wealth status (IRR 1.13, 95% CI 1.07–1.19), Cesarian section (IRR 1.28, 95% CI 1.23–1.34), media coverage (IRR 1.20, 95% CI 1.14–1.25) were more likely to have frequent ANC visits. Conversely, women with higher birth order (IRR 0.94 & 0.82, 95% CI 0.89–0.99 & 0.75–0.91), unintentional pregnancy (IRR 0.92 & 0.85, 95% CI 0.87–0.97 & 0.79–0.92) were less likely to have ANC vists.
Conclusion
Given that the majority of women in Bangladesh do not receive adequate antenatal care, achieving national and international maternal and child health goals will be challenging. This study identified factors hindering access to high-quality prenatal care, which the Bangladeshi administration should address through focused actions.
Inverting Vertical Gravity Anomaly Gradients Using Multidirectional Data from Mean Sea Surface Model: A Case of Arabian Sea
Authors: Zhou Ruichen , Liu Xin , Guo Jinyun , Hwang Cheinway , Jia Jinyun , Chang Xiaotao , Sun Heping 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Advancements in satellite altimetry have significantly enhanced high-resolution mean sea surface (MSS) models, enabling the computation of high-resolution vertical gravity anomaly gradient (VGAG) models. This study focused on the methodology for computing VGAG models using MSS models, introducing innovative improvements to established techniques. Using the SDUST2020 MSS model within the Arabian Sea research area, the DTU22 and CNES-CLS22 mean dynamic topography (MDT) models, and the XGM2019e_2159 Earth gravity field model for the remove-restore process, the short-wavelength geoid was derived. To harness the extensive marine gravity field information within the MSS model, the study considered the complex marine environment and calculated the second-order derivatives of the geoid in multiple directions. These derivatives were then used to determine their north-south and east-west components through the least squares method, resulting in the computation of the short-wavelength vertical gravity anomaly gradient. By restoring the long-wavelength vertical gravity anomaly gradient, a VGAG model for the study area was established. Finally, the results were analyzed using the SIO V32.1 vertical gravity anomaly gradient model. Experimental results demonstrated that this approach effectively extracted marine gravity field information from the MSS model using multidirectional data, mitigating the amplification of geoid uncertainties caused by second-order derivatives.
Resilience Assessment of Historic Districts Affected by Natural Disturbances: The Old City of Kashigar in Xinjiang,China
Authors: Yan Jiaxing , Wu Wenli , Du Chunlan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

With the intensification of global climate change and the threat of natural disasters, urban resilience has become the key to assessing the ability of cities to cope with unknown perturbations. This paper took the historic district of Kashgar Old City, an important node city on the Silk Road, as the research object. It made full use of remote sensing technology and GIS advantages and selected 44 key natural disturbance factors closely related to its toughness in response to natural disturbances to construct a PSR model. It evaluated the toughness level of Kashgar Old City in response to natural disturbances in a three-dimensional hierarchy. The results of this study showed that (1) the natural disturbance toughness of the historic district of Kashgar Old City had a toughness grade of II (1.84), meaning its ability to cope with the risk of natural disturbance is low, and the comprehensive ability of the affected area to cope with the risk of natural disturbance is weak. (2) Using the PSR model, it was found that the sudden stress capacity represented by the pressure layer in each criterion layer score was not a critical factor affecting the resilience of the historic district to natural disturbances. The state layer showed a stronger self-regulation capacity in the face of rain flooding and high temperatures, but the response layer's ability to manage the disaster after it occurred was weaker in terms of facing the response to earthquakes and fire prevention. (3) According to the frequency of the main natural disturbance resilience factors in the historic district of Kashgar, we can conclude that rain flooding problems, the scale and density of streets and alleys, and the thermal environment of the district are the main problems faced by the indicator layer.
Identification of important genes related to ferroptosis in early missed abortion based on WGCNA
Authors: Zeng Yulu , Gan Jayi , Cheng Jinlian , Wei Changqiang , Zhu Xiangyun , Wei Shisi , Pang Lihong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Early missed abortion is defined as a pregnancy of ≤ 12 weeks in wherein there is a cessation of life in the developing embryo or fetus, leading to its retention within the uterine cavity", failing to be expelled spontaneously in a timely manner. This is a commonly observed and significant pathological state that has an impact on the overall well-being of human reproductive health. The aim of this study was to identify key genes related to ferroptosis that could serve as novel biomarkers for early missed abortion. Relevant findings from gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicate a correlation between iron DEFRGS in key modules and the p53 signaling, mitophagy-animal, as well as protein digestion and absorption pathways. An analysis of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was conducted on DEFRGS, resulting in the identification of five central genes (TP53, EZH2, TIMP1, SLC3A2, and GABARAPL2) through the utilization of STRING and Cytohubba ROC curves.The expression of pivotal genes in the missed-abortion and control groups was verified by RT-qPCR. CIBERSORT analysis revealed a notable increase in the infiltration levels of CD8 T lymphocytes and M2 macrophages among individuals in the early missed abortion group. Ultimately, a ceRNA network was established in order to anticipate the connections between mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA of the central genes. However, the interacting miRNAs predicted by SLC3A2 in the miRanda, miRDB, and TargetScan databases were hsa-miR-661, hsa-miR-4311. There were no interacting lncRNAs in the spongeScan database. This research has discovered novel genes that can be targeted for the early detection and management of miscarriages.
Causal associations between sarcopenia-related traits and obstructive sleep apnea: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Sun Huixian , Zeng Xin , Gao Wei , Lu Xiang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Evidence for a causal relationship between sarcopenia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the causal association between sarcopenia-related traits and OSA utilizing Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.
Methods
MR analyses were conducted using genetic instruments for sarcopenia-related traits, including hand grip strength, muscle mass, fat mass, water mass, and physical performance. Data from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were utilized to identify genetic variants associated with these traits. Causal associations with OSA were assessed using various MR methods, including the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method, MR-Egger, and weighted median approaches. Pleiotropy and heterogeneity were evaluated through MR-PRESSO and other sensitivity analyses.
Results
Low hand grip strength in individuals aged 60 years and older exhibited a positive correlation with the risk of OSA (IVW, OR = 1.190, 95% CI = 1.003–1.413, p = 0.047), while no significant causal effects were observed for grip strength in the left and right hands. Muscle mass, fat mass, and water mass were significantly associated with OSA, even after adjusting for multiple testing. Notably, higher levels of body fat percentage, trunk fat percentage, and limb fat percentage were strongly correlated with increased risk of OSA. Physical performance indicators such as walking pace demonstrated an inverse association with OSA, while a higher risk of OSA was observed with increased log odds of falling risk and greater frequency of falls in the last year. Additionally, a causal effect was found between long-standing illness, disability, or infirmity and OSA.
Conclusions
This comprehensive MR analysis provides evidence supporting a causal relationship between sarcopenia-related traits, including hand grip strength, muscle mass, fat mass, and physical performance, and the risk of OSA. These findings underscore the importance of addressing sarcopenia-related factors in the management and prevention of OSA.
Learning together when feeling alone: The experience of parents with chronically ill children in a self-compassion program
Authors: Franco Phoebe , Knox Marissa , Gulbas Lauren , Gregory Krista 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Parents of children with chronic illnesses face unique stressors that put them at risk for mental health disorders, such as anxiety, stress, and depression. In the U.S., 20% of families care for a child with a chronic health condition. Because self-compassion is a protective factor for parents against distress, this study examined the processes through which parents may become open to attending a self-compassion-based support program and acquiring self-compassion skills.
Methods
Eight parents who attended a six-week self-compassion training were interviewed about their experiences during the program. Responses were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results
Parents were motivated to attend the program because they were open to change and trusted the program would be valuable. Learning self-compassion involved developing a kinder relationship with themselves and embracing their common humanity, which helped them recognize the existing strengths they have had to develop in order to care for their children. They also experienced greater emotional acceptance and reported learning self-compassion had impacted the quality of care they provided for their children.
Conclusions
Results demonstrate the importance of acquiring trust from potential participants and combining social support (which can reduce feelings of isolation) with evidence-based training. Findings also provide insight for future researchers to examine the mechanisms of engagement in a program and to better understand the processes through which self-compassion supports positive mental health outcomes for parents of chronically ill children.
Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy versus sub-endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy for acute appendicitis
Authors: Cao Shouli , Li Song , Yan Jinming , Xue Dongyun , Meng Fanlu , Li Junshan , Li Xiaopei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aims to compare the effectiveness and clinical outcomes of endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT) with sub-endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (SERAT) in treating acute appendicitis.
Method
This retrospective study analyzed 40 patients undergoing ERAT and 43 undergoing SERAT for acute appendicitis at Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, China, from November 2021 to November 2023. The analysis included patient clinicopathological characteristics, technical aspects of ERAT and SERAT, clinical success (symptom resolution and laboratory test normalization), length of hospital stay, complications, and recurrence rates.
Results
No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of age, gender, complications, clinical manifestations, laboratory and imaging data, Alvarado score, etc. (P > 0.05); The SERAT group had significantly shorter operation and intubation times compared to the ERAT group (43.9 min vs. 20.8 min, P < 0.001; 257 sec vs. 103 sec, P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in stent implantation, fecalith removal, postoperative temperature normalization, VAS score 6 hours post-treatment, days to normal temperature and white blood cell count, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization costs (P > 0.05); The recurrence rate was significantly lower in the SERAT group (2.3%) compared to the ERAT group (17.5%) (P = 0.019).
Conclusion
SERAT is an effective and safe approach for the diagnosis and treatment of acute appendicitis, offering shorter operation and intubation times, a lower recurrence rate, and minimally invasive treatment.