bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A modification DNA isolation method for morpho-molecular characterization: with some thrips species barcoding
Authors: NEGİŞ inci ŞAHİN 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Thysanoptera (thrips), sap-sucking insect pests, cause significant plant damage and facilitate the spread of plant-pathogenic viruses through their feeding behavior. Molecular techniques, an emerging field within entomology, offer a reliable means of identifying thrips species (Insecta, Thysanoptera). DNA barcoding, utilizing standardized gene regions such as the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI), presents a rapid and objective method for the species identification of thrips and other insects. This method is precise, widely utilized in scientific research, and has gained immense popularity as an exciting approach for species diagnosis in recent years. The accurate identification of thrips is crucial for effective pest management, given their significant impact on agriculture. The objective was to develop a specific DNA isolation method for thrips species to enhance the accuracy of identification procedures. Advances in this methodology could significantly improve the classification and management of thrips within entomology. Another goal of this study was to employ DNA barcoding methods with concise primers for molecular identification. This encompassed the evaluation of one species from the Aeolothripidae (Rhipidothrips gratiosus Uzel, 1895), three species from the Phlaeothripidae (Haplothrips andresi Priesner, 1931; Haplothrips distinguendus (Uzel, 1895); Haplothrips reuteri (Karny 1907)), and eight species from the Thripidae family (Neohydatothrips gracilicornis (Williams, 1916), Sitothrips arabicus Priesner, 1931, Anaphothrips obcurus (Müller, 1776), Kakothrips priesneri Pelikan, 1965, Pezothrips nigriventris (Pelikan, 1956), Stenothrips graminum Uzel, 1895). Specimens were collected from Yalvaç (Isparta) in western Turkiye and Selçuklu (Konya) in central Turkiye in 2020. The results of this study confirm the efficacy of employing concise primers in DNA barcoding, proving to be a highly effective and precise technique for diagnosing thrips species. Moreover, the DNA barcode system shows significant potential to enhance the accuracy of thrips species identification, especially when supported by an expanded repository of sequence information. Notably, the motified DNA isolation method substantially increases specificity in this context.
Apical morphology and dynamics analysis in hypertension and apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: new insights on the role of echocardiography
Authors: Lin Shengnan , Huang Huimei , Ruan Qinyun , Huang Chunyan , Yan Lei , Fu Liyun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
The objective of this study was to introduce several novel indices to evaluate the apical morphological and dynamical features of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (AHCM) and hypertensive patients using echocardiography.
Methods:
A total of 125 selected subjects underwent echocardiography imaging, 35 patients with AHCM, 45 patients with essential hypertension and 45 healthy controls. The apical morphological and dynamic features included apical-basal wall thickness ratio (ABR, maximal apical wall thickness / posterior basal wall thickness), apical angle (apA), peak blood flow velocity at the apical cavity (Vap) and its ratio to the velocity at left ventricular outflow tract (Vap/ Vlvot), and, relative apical longitudinal strain [RALS, RALS = apical longitudinal strain (LSapical)/ sum of basal and mid LS (LSbasal +LSmiddle)].
Results:
Patients with hypertension had lower apA, higher Vap compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001 for all). However, ABR, Vap/ Vlvot, RALS between the 2 groups showed no statistically difference. Compared to healthy controls and hypertensives, AHCM had significantly higher ABR, Vap/ Vlvot, and lower apA, RALS (p < 0.001 for all).
Conclusion:
Echocardiography is a valuable and promising tool to assess the apical morphology and dynamics. ABR, apA, Vap/ Vlvot, RALS arrived from echocardiography can be used to distinguish between hypertension and AHCM.
Moral distress and compassion fatigue among nursing interns: A cross-sectional study on the mediating roles of moral resilience and professional identity
Authors: Shuai Ting , Xuan Yan , Jiménez-Herrera Maria F. , Yi Lijuan , Tian Xu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Nursing interns often faced moral distress in clinical practice, similar to registered nurses, which can lead to compassion fatigue. The roles of moral resilience and professional identity in influencing the psychological well-being of nursing interns are recognized, but the interrelationships among moral distress, moral resilience, professional identity, and compassion fatigue in this group remain unclear.
Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the impact of moral distress on compassion fatigue among nursing interns and to explore the mediating role of moral resilience and professional identity.
Methods
A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted with467 nursing interns. Data were collected using Compassion Fatigue Short Scale, Moral Distress Scale-revised, Rushton Moral Resilience Scale, and Professional Identity Scale. Data analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0 and Amos 21.0, adhering to the STROBE statement.
Results
The mean scores for compassion fatigue, moral distress, moral resilience, and professional identity were 35.876, 44.887, 2.578, and 37.610, respectively. Moral distress was positively correlated with compassion fatigue. Structural equation modeling showed that moral resilience and professional identity partially mediated the relationship between moral distress and compassion fatigue (β = 0.448, P < 0.001).
Conclusion
The findings suggest that moral distress directly influences compassion fatigue among nursing interns and also exerts an indirect effect through moral resilience and professional identity. Interventions aimed at enhancing moral resilience and fostering a strong professional identity may help mitigate the adverse effects of moral distress on compassion fatigue among nursing interns.
A transphyletic study of metazoan β-catenin protein complexes
Authors: Mbogo Ivan Gyaviira , Kawano Chihiro , Nakamura Ryotaro , Tsuchiya Yuko , Villar-Briones Alejandro , Hirao Yoshitoshi , Yasuoka Yuuri , Hayakawa Eisuke , Tomii Kentaro , Watanabe Hiroshi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

β-catenin is essential for various biological processes, such as body axis determination and cell differentiation, during embryonic development in metazoans. β-catenin functions are thought to be exerted through complexes formed with various types of proteins. Although β-catenin complex proteins have been identified in several bilaterians, little is known about the structural and functional properties of β-catenin complexes in early metazoan evolution. In this study, we performed a comparative analysis of β-catenin sequences in nonbilaterian lineages that diverged early in metazoan evolution. We also carried out transphyletic function experiments with β-catenin from nonbilaterian metazoans using developing Xenopus embryos, which included secondary axis induction in embryos and proteomic analysis of β-catenin protein complexes. Comparative functional analysis of nonbilaterian β-catenins demonstrated sequence characteristics important for β-catenin functions, and the deep origin and evolutionary conservation of the cadherin-catenin complex. Proteins co-immunoprecipitated with β-catenin included several proteins conserved among metazoans. These data provide new insights into the conserved repertoire of β-catenin complexes.
Prediction of remaining useful life of aero-engines based on CNN-LSTM- Attention
Authors: Deng Shizhe , Zhou Jian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Predicting an aircraft engine's remaining life with accuracy is crucial for maintaining both financial stability and aviation safety. The capacity to analyze spatiotemporal data enhances machine RUL's predictive performance. Nevertheless, the majority of spatiotemporal information processing models now in use lack the ability to extract adaptive features in addition to having complicated topologies. In light of this, the paper suggests a deep learning-based approach to forecast an engine's remaining life. This method has the potential to enhance data feature recognition and, as a result, boost model prediction accuracy. First, we standardize the input features and compute the aircraft engine dataset test set's Remaining Useful Life (RUL) using CMAPSS. After extracting characteristics from the input data using a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network), the extracted data is fed into an LSTM model (Long Short Term Memory) and attention (multi head attention) is added to forecast how long the aircraft engine would last. Finally, ablation study and comparison model experiments were used to evaluate and compare the suggested aircraft engine model. the research results show that the CNN-LSTM-Attention model performs well predictively on the dataset and its Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 15.306, 12.913, 12.507, and 13.902 in FD001, FD002, FD003, and FD004, respectively,. In comparison to other models, our proposed model has the best prediction accuracy on the CMPASS dataset, indicating strong reliability and accuracy.
Development and verification of a taxa-specific gridded pollen modelling system for the UK
Authors: Neal Lucy Sarah , Brown Katherine , Agnew Paul , Bennie Jonathan , Clewlow Yolanda , Early Regan , Hemming Deborah 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis, often caused by allergies from grass, tree or weed pollen, affects a large proportion of the UK population, and leads to significant costs to the National Health Service. The existing UK pollen forecast, produced manually, provides a single daily level for each of 16 regions. We present here an implementation of a pollen modelling capability within the Met Office Numerical Atmospheric-dispersion Modelling Environment (NAME) dispersion model. This will provide taxa-specific outputs at high temporal (hourly) and spatial (5 km) resolutions, which will eventually transform the level of detail in a future forecast system and therefore be of significantly greater use to the public and health professionals for managing pollen risks. Initial developments are for the three taxa which are the most allergenic across the UK population: birch, oak and grass. Pollen grain emission maps have been estimated using species distribution modelling methods. The timing of the pollen season is controlled within NAME by an accumulated temperature sum parametrisation, while pollen release is estimated with short term meteorological dependencies based on precipitation, wind speed and the vapour pressure deficit, along with a diurnal cycle. We show that, when run in hindcast mode, NAME performance (verified against pollen observations) is comparable with the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service ensemble median prediction for birch and grass. Evaluation of NAME for simulating the UK Daily Pollen Index shows an improved correlation coefficient compared to the existing manual forecast.
Reconsidering inequalities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Germany: A spatiotemporal analysis combining individual educational level and area-level socioeconomic deprivation
Authors: Reis Marvin , Michalski Niels , Bartig Susanne , Wulkotte Elisa , Poethko-Müller Christina , Graeber Daniel , Rosario Angelika Schaffrath , Hövener Claudia , Hoebel Jens 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Combining the frameworks of fundamental causes theory and diffusion of innovation, scholars had anticipated a delayed COVID-19 vaccination uptake for people in lower socioeconomic position depending on the socioeconomic context. We qualify these propositions and analyze educational differences in COVID-19 vaccination status over the first ten months of Germany’s vaccination campaign in 2021. Data from the study “Corona Monitoring Nationwide” (RKI-SOEP-2), collected between November 2021 and February 2022, is linked with district-level data of the German Index of Socioeconomic Deprivation (GISD). We estimated the proportion of people with at least one vaccination dose stratified by educational groups and within different settings of regional socioeconomic deprivation at three time points. Logistic multilevel regression models were applied to adjust for multiple covariates and to test cross-level-interactions between educational levels and levels of area-level socioeconomic deprivation. Vaccination rates were lower among respondents with lower education. With increasing area-level socioeconomic deprivation, educational differences were larger due to particularly low vaccination rates in groups with low education levels. The analysis of vaccination timing reveals that educational gaps and gaps by area-level socioeconomic deprivation had appeared early in the vaccination campaign and did not close completely before the 4th wave of COVID-19 infections.
Relationships between in-person and remote religious attendance and loneliness, quality of life, stress and anxiety among older adults during covid-19 in ireland
Authors: O'Maoileidigh Brendan , Ward Mark , Kenny Rose Anne , Scarlett Siobhan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Religious attendance has been shown to have a positive effect on psychological health among the older people [1]. Due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and precautionary health advice, many older adults struggled to attend service in-person. However, 87% of faith organisations provided a form of remote service between June and December 2020 [2].
Methods
Data were from Wave 6 (2021) of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Data were collected via telephone interview and self-completion questionnaires. The analysis sample was made up of 3,961 community-dwelling adults living in Ireland aged 60 years and older. To assess religious attendance, participants were asked about how often they attended in-person and how often they attended remotely using radio, television, or internet streaming. Relationships between religious attendance, Quality of Life (QoL), Loneliness, Stress, and Anxiety were modelled using linear regressions.
Results
The sample was 44.1% male and 55.9% female, with a mean age of 72.0 years. In-person religious attendance was positively related to higher QoL [Beta=192.92, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI)=9.45, 376.39, p<0.05].
Remote religious attendance was positively related to higher anxiety [IRR=1.03, 95% CI=1.02, 1.04, p<0.001].
Conclusion
Results show that in-person attendance was positively related to QoL, while remote attendance was positively related to higher anxiety. This may be a result of the lack of social connectedness felt when practicing religion remotely or the higher level of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research should focus on social connectedness felt during in-person religious practice and during remote practice.
Performance Investigation on Energy Harvesting In Cognitive Radio Network Derived From Black Widow Optimization Technique
Authors: S Oudaya coumar , R Surender , M Raja , S Thiyagarajan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The process of evolution in the computation methods used in the energy harvesting techniques in MISO cognitive radio networks is thoroughly studied. It involves two users the licensed User (primary user) and the Non-licensed (secondary user). The hybrid base station (HBS) is the network involves with both the PU and SU. Secondary user consists of multiple antennas which are used to harvest energy from hybrid base station. Nakagami-m fading channel is used to transmit the data in uplink and downlink. Asymptotic formula is used to derive signal to noise ratio and also average system error probability and ergodic capacity which could be formulated using the closed form expression. In this paper, black widow optimization technique is used to find fitness value of population. Moreover, black widow method is used to minimize outage probability and also in identifying the optimum secondary user transmission power. Black widow optimization works on the principle of the evolution methodology of the black widow spider and its mating behaviours. This meta heuristic algorithm is used to validate the mathematical analysis.
Association between childhood obesity and vitamin D: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Luo Xi , Luo Jie , Du Jun , Sun Xu , He Kunfeng , Zhu Yuxian , Lu Deqin , Gu Huajian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Previous randomized controlled trial studies have confirmed that obesity can cause changes in serum vitamin D levels, but these changes has not been studied in children. This study evaluated the causal relationship between childhood obesity and vitamin D levels by performing a Mendelian randomization analysis using publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics.
Methods: Vitamin D is present in the blood in the form of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), childhood obesity and 25(OH)D levels data were obtained from the IEU open GWAS project, which were subjected to Mendelian randomization analyses. In this study, the inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was used as the predominant analysis method and was complemented by Mendelian randomization-Egger regression (MR-Egger), simple mode, weighted median and weighted mode methods. The Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier（MR-PRESSO）method was utilized to identify horizontal pleiotropy and potential outliers.
Results: This study indicated that childhood obesity cases the serum of 25(OH)D, which was significant in the IVW [OR (95%CI), 0.977 (0.966–0.989), P = 0.0001], and weighted-median [OR (95%CI), 0.983(0.969–0.997), P = 0.015] analyses, but nonsignificant in the MR-Egger [OR (95%CI), 0.985 (0.897–1.082), P = 0.784] , simple mode [OR (95%CI), 0.985 (0.965–1.005), P = 0.233] and weighted mode [OR (95%CI), 0.985 (0.967–1.004), P = 0.214] analyses. No significant heterogeneity or potential pleiotropy was detected, and the possibility of weak instrumental variables (IVs) was also excluded.
Conclusion: In summary, we found a potential inverse association between elevated childhood obesity and 25(OH)D levels, which suggested that obese children need timely vitamin D supplementation.
Chenodeoxycholic acid alleviated the cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity by decreasing oxidative stress and suppressing renin-angiotensin system through AT2R and ACE2 mRNA upregulation in rats
Authors: Bingul Ilknur , Kalayci Rivaze , Tekkesin Merva Soluk , Olgac Vakur , Bekpinar Seldag , Uysal Mujdat 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
Oxidative stress, inflammation and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation play an important role in the nephrotoxicity which is caused by the long-term use of the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine (CsA). This study investigates whether chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), an endogenous farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, modulates CsA nephrotoxicity.
Methods
CsA (25 mg/kg/day; s.c.) was administered to rats for 12 days. CDCA (20 mg/kg/day; i.p.) injection was started 3 days before CsA and continued for 15 days. CDCA improved renal damage and function in CsA-administered rats. Renal function markers in serum, renal histology, oxidative stress, inflammation and RAS components were determined in kidney.
Results
CDCA reduced CsA-induced renal increases in NADPH oxidases 4 and NADPH oxidases 2 mRNA expressions, oxidative stress and inflammation. CDCA elevated renal FXR, small heterodimer partner-1, hypoxia-inducible factor and vascular endothelial growth factor and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor mRNA expressions in CsA rats. It prevents renin angiotensin system activation by reducing angiotensin II (Ang-II) levels in serum and upregulating renal mRNA expressions of Ang II type-II receptor (AT2R) and angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), but not AT1R and ACE in CsA rats.
Conclusions
Our results indicate that CDCA may be a protective agent against CsA-nephrotoxicity by decreasing inflammation, oxidative stress and RAS activation via AT2R and ACE2 upregulations.
An R package for flexible modeling of spatio-temporal data
Authors: Mínguez Román (corresponding author) , Basile Roberto , Durbán María 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This article introduces the R package pspatreg, publicly available for download from the Comprehensive R Archive Network, for estimating semiparametric spatio-temporal econometric penalized spline (P-Spline) models. These models may include a nonparametric spatio-temporal trend, a spatial lag of the dependent variable, independent variables, or the noise, and a time series autoregressive noise. The essential functions in this package cover the estimation of P-Spline spatio-temporal econometric models using either the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method or the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method, as well as the computation of marginal impacts for both parametric and nonparametric terms. Moreover, this package provides methods for the graphical display of estimated nonlinear functions and spatial or spatio-temporal trend maps. Applications to cross-sectional and panel spatial data are used as examples of these functions’ usage.
JEL Classification: C14 , C21 , C23
MSC Classification: 35A01 , 62G08
Characterizing Engineering Sites in a Sedimentary-based terrain using Ground Magnetic Attributes methods: A Case Study from the Karak Area, Southern Kohat Plateau, Pakistan.
Authors: Rehman Khaista , Farooq Muhammad Umar , khan Azeem 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The Karak District of the Southern Kohat Plateau was chosen as the location of the magnetic data acquisition, that accomplished four grids totaling 7,600 square meters. Approximately 5 and 10 meters distanced the interstations. The initial compilation of magnetic field data had been adjusted for the purpose to identify anomalies. Gaps, magnetic spikes, and noise from the sensors were observed. Minor fractures or nonmagnetic source rocks have been suggested to be the origin of the low magnetic flexural anomalies found in the Western, Central, and Eastern regions of the map. On the other hand, the northern and southern areas had extensive overburden or deep source bodies, which may have originated from faults or diamagnetic minerals. These regions are regarded as weak points for building. Hydrogeological research is required because of the low magnetic intensity in the region. Large constructions could have been firmly supported by the magnetic sedimentary rocks and shallow overburden, forming a round closure. In the Western, Central, and Southern areas, widely spaced contour lines are indicative of substantial overburden or deep source bodies, which are thought to be non-magnetic minerals or faults. Development in the area should be avoided because of the possible risks that come from building towering structures.
Charging Ahead: Managing Grid Impacts from Increased Electric
Vehicle Adoption in African Cities
Authors: Lukuyu June , Shirley Rebekah , Taneja Jay 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Electric vehicles are pivotal for global climate solutions, particularly in emerging markets like Africa. Despite the continent's clean energy potential, electric vehicle adoption faces unique challenges due to inefficiencies and reliability issues of distribution power grids. Here, we analyze the impacts of expanding electric vehicle fleets—private, commercial, and paratransit—on Nairobi's power grid. We simulate traffic patterns, charging behaviors, and transformer utilization using local mobility data. Our results show that while electric commercial and paratransit fleets may improve power system efficiency, widespread private EV adoption could significantly strain the grid, increasing peak loads and transformer aging. Smart charging strategies could mitigate these issues, reducing potential transformer replacement costs by up to 40%. Our study highlights the importance of tailored demand management and infrastructure planning to support EV growth in African cities, providing critical insights for policymakers, utilities, and transport planners to facilitate sustainable electric mobility transitions.