bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combining cyclic lipopeptides and cinnamon extract enhance antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum strains pathogenic to banana and delay Fusarium wilt under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Ramírez-Mejía Julieta M. , Aguilera-Galvez Carolina , Kema Gert H. J. , Valencia-Riascos Luisa M. , Zapata-Henao Sebastián , Gómez Luis A. , Villegas-Escobar Valeska 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFusarium wilt of banana (FWB) caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) is a widely distributed disease that generates devastating losses in banana production. Foc belongs to the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC) which includes several evolutionary lineages. Nine of them are pathogenic to banana such as F. phialophorum, F. grosmichelli, F. duoseptatum and the most aggressive F. odoratissimum tropical race 4 (TR4). No control method has been successfully implemented to manage FWB, then enhancing the potential of management approaches can avoid or delay disease epidemics and reduce disease severity. Here we determined the antifungal effect of different plant-based extracts against Foc in vitro, and whether the combination of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) extract and Bacillus tequilensis EA-CB0015 cyclic lipopeptides had an additive effect against different Foc lineages in vitro and against FWB in banana plants in greenhouse. We found, from 17 plant-based natural extracts, that cinnamon was highly active against Foc strain IB (race 1). Furthermore, cinnamon and cyclic lipopeptides inhibited different strains of various evolutionary lineages of Foc belonging to race 1 and TR4, and their combination increased in 1.4-fold the effect of the single extracts in vitro. Our results showed that soil concentration of F. odoratissimum TR4-II5 decreased by 1000-fold when treated with the combination of 488 mg L−1 cinnamon and 128 mg L−1 lipopeptides in a soil microcosm system after 5 days of incubation, followed by a partial population recovery after 21 days. In greenhouse experiments, the combination reduced external but not internal FWB symptoms, and cinnamon extract had a significant impact on internal plant symptoms. Taken together, the effect of cyclic lipopeptides with cinnamon extract on Foc supports their function towards delaying the effect of disease progression and suggests that the combination enhances the effect of the single extracts.
PowerPoint-based lectures and students’ experiences in Eritrean Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Zemuy Mulugeta , Tsegay Samson Maekele , Aihui Peng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPowerPoint (PPT) is extensively used in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), including those in Eritrea, for lecture delivery and student presentations. This raises questions about whether these lectures or student presentations are effectively designed and implemented and encourage students’ participation. This study explores instructors’ use of PPT-based lectures and students’ experience in Eritrean HEIs. Additionally, it seeks to identify and understand the challenges HEIs face in using PPT-based teaching. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and observations, involving nine instructors and fifteen students from three Eritrean HEIs. The study indicated a relationship between PPT design and delivery and revealed varied outcomes regarding the design and delivery of PPT-based lectures. The study also found discipline-specific differences regarding students’ experiences of PPT-based delivery. Moreover, it identified challenges related to institutional leadership, curriculum flexibility, internet access, and pedagogical expertise and commitment of instructors as key obstacles to the successful integration of PPT-based lectures within these institutions.
Transcending attitudes: teacher responses to professional development in trauma-informed education
Authors: Gherardi Stacy A. , Stoner Allison 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe adoption of trauma-informed practices in schools is a significant and growing area of school reform efforts. It has been assumed that professional development aimed at influencing teacher attitudes toward trauma-informed care in schools is an important first step in adopting trauma-informed practices and improving student and school outcomes. However, there are gaps in the literature assessing the impact of trauma-informed professional development on teacher attitudes toward trauma-informed care, and there is little evidence linking changes in teacher attitudes to changes in practices. This exploratory study assessed teacher responses to a year-long pilot program providing intensive professional development and consultation on trauma-informed practices in one urban elementary school in the U.S. Southwest. Findings raise questions about the impact of professional development on teacher attitudes and subsequent changes to practice.
The role of cancer-associated fibroblasts and exosomal miRNAs-mediated intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment and the biology of carcinogenesis: a systematic review
Authors: Nedaeinia Reza , Najafgholian Simin , Salehi Rasoul , Goli Mohammad , Ranjbar Maryam , Nickho Hamid , Haghjooy Javanmard Shaghayegh , A. Ferns Gordon , Manian Mostafa 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCAFs (cancer-associated fibroblasts) are highly flexible cells of the cancer microenvironment. They produce the extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents that form the structure of the tumor stroma but are also a source of metabolites, growth factors, chemokines, and exosomes that impact every aspect of the tumor, including its response to treatment. It is believed that exosomal miRNAs facilitate intercellular signaling, which is essential for the development of cancer. The role of miRNAs and CAFs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and carcinogenesis is reviewed in this paper. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines were used to perform a systematic review. Several databases, including Web of Science, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus, were searched using the following keywords: CAFs, CAF, cancer-associated fibroblasts, stromal fibroblasts, miRNA, exosomal miRNAs, exosome and similar terms. We identified studies investigating exosomal miRNAs and CAFs in the TME and their role in carcinogenesis. A total of 12,572 papers were identified. After removing duplicates (n = 3803), 8774 articles were screened by title and abstract. Of these, 421 were excluded from further analysis. It has been reported that if exosomal miRNAs in CAFs are not functioning correctly, this may influence the secretory phenotype of tip cells and contribute to increased tumor invasiveness, tumor spread, decreased treatment efficacy, and a poorer prognosis. Under their influence, normal fibroblasts (NFs) are transformed into CAFs. Furthermore, they participate in metabolic reprogramming, which allows for fast proliferation of the cancer cell population, adaptation to growing energy demands, and the capacity to avoid immune system identification.
A case of severe Aicardi–Goutières syndrome with a homozygous RNASEH2B intronic variant
Authors: Shibata Yuri , Shibata Akimichi , Mizuguchi Takeshi , Matsumoto Naomichi , Osaka Hitoshi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
We report a case of severe Aicardi–Goutières syndrome caused by a novel homozygous RNASEH2B intronic variant, NC_000013.10(NM_024570.4):c.65-13G > A p.Glu22Valfs*5. The patient was born with pseudo-TORCH symptoms, including intracranial calcification, cataracts, and hepatosplenomegaly. Furthermore, the patient exhibited profound intellectual impairment and died at 14 months due to aspiration pneumonia accompanied by interstitial lung abnormalities. The severity of the patient’s symptoms underscores the critical role of the C-terminal region of RNase H2B.
Light rain exacerbates extreme humid heat
Authors: Zhang Zhanjie , Wang Yong , Zhang Guang J. , Xing Cheng , Xia Wenwen , Yang Mengmiao 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHumid heat waves pose significant risks to human health and the ecosystem. Intuitively, rainfall often alleviates extreme humid heat. However, here we show that light rain often accompanies extreme humid heat, exacerbating its frequency and intensity, especially over arid and semi-arid regions compared to no rain and moderate-to-heavy rain cases. This is because light rain does not dramatically reduce solar radiation but increases near-surface humidity through enhanced surface evaporation. The water replenishment from light rain as well as a shallower planetary boundary layer is crucial for consecutive extremes where there are commonly sporadic drizzle days amidst several rain-free days. These extremes last longer than rain-free extremes. Current global climate models (GCMs) overestimate light rain. After reducing this bias in a GCM, underestimations of humid heat waves in energy-limited regions and overestimations in water-limited regions are largely alleviated. These findings underscore the underappreciated impact of light rain on extreme humid heat.
Efficacy and safety of Resmetirom, a selective thyroid hormone receptor-β agonist, in the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Suvarna Renuka , Shetty Sahana , Pappachan Joseph M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an important public health problem owing to its high prevalence and associated morbidity and mortality secondary to progressive liver disease and cardiovascular events. Resmetirom, a selective thyroid hormone receptor-β agonist has been developed as a therapeutic modality for MASLD. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of resmetirom compared to a placebo in the treatment of MASLD. Eligible studies were systematically identified by screening PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane library, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 2014 to 2024. Only randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy and safety of resmetirom in the treatment of MASLD against placebo were included in the analysis. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Four studies with low risk of bias and involving a total of 2359 participants were identified. The metanalysis included only three clinical trials with 2234 participants. A significant reduction in MRI-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) with 80 mg Resmetirom compared to that with placebo [SMD − 27.74 (95% CI − 32.05 to − 32.42), p < 0.00001] at 36–52 weeks as well as at 12–16 weeks [SMD − 30.92 (95% CI − 36.44 to − 25.40), p < 0.00001]. With Resmetirom 100 mg dose at 36–52 weeks [SMD − 36.05 (95% CI − 40.67 to − 31.43), p < 0.00001] and 12–16 weeks [SMD − 36.89 (95% CI − 40.73 to − 33.05), p < 0.00001] were observed. Resmetirom treatment was associated with a significant reduction in LDL-c triglyceride, lipoproteins. and liver enzymes. There was significant reduction FT4 and increase in SHBG and sex steroids with Resmetirom compared to placebo. There was no major difference in the overall treatment emergent adverse events at 80 mg [OR 1.55 (95% CI 0.84 to 2.87), and 100 mg [OR 1.13 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.63), doses of Resmetirom compared to placebo. However, gastrointestinal adverse events diarrhoea and nausea occurred in ≥ 10% in the Resmetirom group compared to placebo at < 12 week. Resmetirom treatment showed modest efficacy in treating MASLD with reduction in MRI-PDFF, LDL-c, triglyceride, lipoproteins, liver enzymes and NASH biomarkers without significant safety concerns. Larger and long-term RCTs may further confirm this promising outcomes of Resmetirom use in MASLD.
Tongue brushing enhances the myoelectric activity of the suprahyoid muscles in older adults: a six-week randomized controlled trial
Authors: Izumi Maya , Sonoki Kazuo , Akifusa Sumio 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTongue brushing improves respiratory function in older adults. Considering connection between the respiratory-related and suprahyoid muscles, this study aimed to investigate whether tongue-brushing interventions can improve myoelectric activity during respiration. A six-week randomized controlled trial was conducted in Kitakyushu, Japan, with 50 participants aged ≥ 65 years. The participants were allocated to the intervention (tongue brushing with routine oral hygiene) or control (routine oral hygiene alone) groups. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to assess the myoelectric activity of the suprahyoid muscles during inhalation, exhalation, and forced vital capacity (FVC). A survey was conducted at baseline and the end of the follow-up period. Thirty-six participants were recruited for the analysis. The root mean squares (RMS) of sEMG during exhalation increased significantly at the end of the follow-up period compared with that at baseline in the intervention group [48.7 (18.0–177.5) vs. 64.9 (21.6–163.0), p = 0.001], but not in the control group. The generalized linear model revealed that the ratio of change in FVC was correlated with the change in the RMS of sEMG of the suprahyoid muscles during exhalation after adjusting for potential confounders. Tongue brushing enhances the myoelectric activity of the suprahyoid muscle.
Serein: A parallel pipeline‐based DAG schema for consensus in blockchain
Authors: Liu Yang , Chen Jingwen , Zhang Miaomiao , Shi Shidong , Wang Feng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAs the core technology of blockchain, consensus mechanisms play a crucial role in ensuring the consistency and reliability of blockchain systems. In a decentralized and open system environment like blockchain, traditional consensus algorithms are often unsuitable due to their inability to tolerate arbitrary faults such as malicious node behaviour. Consequently, Byzantine fault tolerance consensus algorithms have become a focal point in blockchain systems. However, as Byzantine fault tolerance consensus algorithms have evolved, they still face significant challenges, particularly in addressing issues related to network latency and throughput. This paper proposes a parallel pipeline‐based DAG schema for consensus in blockchain, Serein. Firstly, the Serein algorithm achieves functional partitioning of nodes, enhancing their scalability. Secondly, it employs a pipeline structure, allowing each block to proceed without waiting for the previous block's result, thereby reducing block generation latency. Lastly, the Serein algorithm leverages the advantages of the DAG block structure to achieve concurrent block ordering and submission, improving system throughput. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed Serein algorithm maintains robust performance under conditions of high transaction volume with multiple nodes, effectively enhancing consensus efficiency while ensuring Byzantine fault‐tolerant security.
Energy regulation of impulse current generator modulated DC arc discharge
Authors: Li Ji , Tang Jingfeng , Lou Yuqing , Zhang Haoran , Wang Lu , Ji Tianyuan , Yu Daren , Zhu Ximing 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper proposes a method of impulse current generator modulated DC arc by combining the advantages of pulse and the RF to solve the low electron energy problem of direct current arc. Through experimental analyzing the electrical, spectral, and optical characteristics of the arc, the effect of impulse current generator (ICG) on improving electron energy is discussed. The results show that the ICG consumes more energy to enhance the strength of arc discharge, and therefore electron energy is increased in a microsecond scale. In addition, it is found that the electron energy of the arc discharge can be adjusted by varying inductance, capacitance, and discharge tube: increasing the inductance or capacitance can increase the electron energy firstly and then decrease it. In adjusting the three adjustable components, adjusting the inductor is the most effective method, followed by adjusting the capacitor, and adjusting the repetition frequency has the least effect. The reason is discussed, and it is believed that the results are related to leakage inductance and distributed capacitance.
Evaluation of maximum power point tracking methods for a marine current energy converter
Authors: Fjellstedt Christoffer , Forslund Johan , Goude Anders , Thomas Karin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMarine current power is attracting more attention as a renewable energy option. Similar to wind power, marine current power often requires a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method to optimize power extraction from the free‐flowing water. Research into MPPT methods for marine current power remains limited. Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive investigation of MPPT methods for marine current power, building upon similar research in wind power. Three methods, namely the optimal tip speed ratio (OTSR), optimal torque (OT), and two variants of the perturb and observe (P&O) method, are explored. Using a simulation model developed for a specific marine current energy converter, where hydrodynamic calculations are coupled with electrical simulations, the study demonstrates that the OTSR method achieves MPPT with a comparably fast convergence time. After a change in water speed, the OTSR method achieves optimal operation within two turbine rotations. Additionally, the P&O methods are shown to achieve MPPT, albeit with a significantly longer convergence time. However, the P&O methods can be more convenient since no model of the system is required, and no water speed measurements are necessary. The proposed implementation of the OT method underperforms but positions the system close to the optimal operational point.
Grid frequency regulation through virtual power plant of integrated energy systems with energy storage
Authors: Xu Tao , Wang Rujing , Meng He , Li Mengchao , Ji Yu , Zhang Ying , Zhao Jianli , Xiang Jiani 
Published: August 2024

AbstractOwing to the widespread integration of renewable distributed energy resources (DERs), the system frequency stability has been jeopardized by the non‐inertial and stochastic units caused by power electronic devices. The integrated energy system (IES) that combines multi‐vector energy resources can provide energy compensation among sub‐systems in a coordinated fashion to further alleviate the volatility on the electric grid. Under the framework of IES, a virtual power plant (VPP) can aggregate multi‐entities and multi‐vector energy resources to participate in the frequency regulation service while pursuing profit maximization. A three‐stage optimal scheduling model of IES‐VPP that fully considers the cycle life of energy storage systems (ESSs), bidding strategies and revenue settlement has been proposed in this paper under the modified PJM frequency regulation market framework to motivate the aggregated resources to respond to the frequency regulation market actively. The simulation results under various scenarios have verified the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model through techno‐economic analysis, the advantages of IES‐VPP have been demonstrated compared with a single vector energy system.
Resilience enhancement by line hardening for communication routing considering renewable energy sources in cyber‐physical power systems
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Li Wenyi , Wang Nana , Li Le , Gong Xuan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCommunication routing of cyber‐physical power systems (CPPS) with the high penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) plays an important role in the resilience enhancement against disasters, natural and man‐made alike. Therefore, a trilevel optimization model is proposed for the CPPS resilience enhancement with the RES against extreme events. The upper‐level model identifies optimal hardening lines of both the transmission and communication networks with consideration of the communication routing constraints. The middle‐level model identifies the attacked lines to maximize load shedding of the power system. The effects of RES uncertainty and communication routings on resilience enhancement are analysed. The lower‐level model attains an optimal allocation strategy of power generation to minimize load shedding. The model is solved by the column‐and‐constraint generation algorithm. Case studies are conducted on the IEEE 14‐bus, RTS 24‐bus, and 118‐bus system. The results show that the proposed hardening strategy can effectively ensure the adaptiveness of the transmission network and communication routing to improve the resilience of CPPS to extreme events. Moreover, it is observed that the load loss and total investment cost are heavily affected without and with RES.
Defeating angle tracking: A comprehensive analysis of scan rate modulation jamming against sequential lobing radars
Authors: Kucuk Mustafa , Nuhoglu Mustafa Atahan , Durak‐Ata Lutfiye , Cirpan Hakan Ali 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe authors analyse the sequential lobing radar (SLR) resistance against the scan rate modulation (SRM) jamming technique. Unlike previous studies, the authors analyse SLRs with sinc antenna patterns, enabling investigation of the sidelobe region's vulnerability. By incorporating second‐order angular tracking loops (SOATLs), the first analysis of break‐lock probability for SLRs under SRM jamming is introduced. The analysis reveals the influence of SOATL parameters (damping ratio and natural frequency) on both angular root‐mean‐square‐error at low jamming‐to‐signal‐ratio (JSR) region and break‐lock probability at high JSR region. Additionally, the impact of squint angle on SLR resistance to SRM jamming is examined. Furthermore, the optimal duty cycle as a function of JSR, which maximises break‐lock probability is presented. Significantly, the theoretical results support the 20 dB JSR requirement for SRM effectiveness, often cited experimentally in literature, and extend the theoretical analysis of the SRM technique carried out for the main lobe region of SLRs. This finding bridges the gap between theoretical analysis and practical observations.