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This study explored the impact of essential oil combinations on Botrytis cinerea-infected apples, focusing on how these treatments affect the levels of amino acids, anthocyanins, organic acids, phenolic compounds, and hormones. We discovered significant differences in amino acid concentrations, particularly asparagine, serine,
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This study explored the impact of essential oil combinations on Botrytis cinerea-infected apples, focusing on how these treatments affect the levels of amino acids, anthocyanins, organic acids, phenolic compounds, and hormones. We discovered significant differences in amino acid concentrations, particularly asparagine, serine, histidine, glycine, and arginine, between control and fungus-treated apples. Preventive measures notably increased anthocyanins like delphinidin-3-glycoside and peonidin-3-glycoside, while combinations such as thymol + fungus balanced anthocyanin profiles effectively. Organic acid and phenolic compound analyses showed that curative strategies generally increased concentrations, with the thymol + cineole + fungus treatment being especially effective. Hormonal analysis highlighted the benefits of preventive measures in raising indole-3-acetic acid and gibberellic acid levels, whereas curative treatments increased abscisic acid and salicylic acid concentrations. The combination of cineole and thymol with fungicide emerged as a potent strategy for enhancing phenolic content. These findings underscore the potential of specific essential oil combinations in improving the biochemical composition of B. cinerea-infected apples, offering new avenues for enhancing fruit quality and sustainability in the agriculture sector.
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Individuals chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) present an increased risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in comparison to HBV mono-infected individuals. Although HDV only replicates in individuals coinfected or superinfected with HBV, there is currently
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Individuals chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) present an increased risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in comparison to HBV mono-infected individuals. Although HDV only replicates in individuals coinfected or superinfected with HBV, there is currently no in vitro model that can stably express both viruses simultaneously, mimicking the chronic infections seen in HBV/HDV patients. Here, we present the HepG2BD cell line as a novel in vitro culture system for long-term replication of HBV and HDV. HepG2BD cells derive from HepG2.2.15 cells in which a 2 kb HDV cDNA sequence was inserted into the adeno-associated virus safe harbor integration site 1 (AAVS1) using CRISPR-Cas9. A Tet-Off promoter was placed 5′ of the genomic HDV sequence for reliable initiation/repression of viral replication and secretion. HBV and HDV replication were then thoroughly characterized. Of note, non-dividing cells adopt a hepatocyte-like morphology associated with an increased production of both HDV and HBV virions. Finally, HDV seems to negatively interfere with HBV in this model system. Altogether, HepG2BD cells will be instrumental to evaluate, in vitro, the fundamental HBV–HDV interplay during simultaneous chronic replication as well as for antivirals screening targeting both viruses.
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Historical buildings are constructed using a variety of materials, including stone, wood, and combinations thereof. These structures serve as tangible links to the past and are of great importance to cultural heritage, thus necessitating their protection. Throughout history, these buildings and materials have
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Historical buildings are constructed using a variety of materials, including stone, wood, and combinations thereof. These structures serve as tangible links to the past and are of great importance to cultural heritage, thus necessitating their protection. Throughout history, these buildings and materials have been exposed to various environmental conditions, including climate, wind, humidity, and seismic activity. This study focused on the Florya Atatürk Marine Mansion, Istanbul, a coastal structure situated at the shoreline and subject to the effects of wind, moisture, and sea salt. The mansion is primarily constructed from pinewood, and due to the complexity of the material salt can cause deterioration that poses a threat to the building’s cultural and historical value. With a focus on seasonal variations, this study explored the relationship between the mechanical properties and monetary values of the pinewood materials used in the waterfront mansion. To achieve this, samples were naturally aged in a saline environment by the sea and subjected to tensile and bending tests at the end of each season. The resulting mechanical properties were compared to computer simulations using finite element methods. By subtracting the specific depreciation rate of the material at the end of each season, a relationship between mechanical properties and monetary value was calculated and presented in graphical form. It was found that the material’s mechanical properties varied throughout the year, affecting its monetary value in different ways. Therefore, optimal maintenance should be provided before January to preserve the economic value of the material, considering temperature change, exposure to direct sunlight, and humidity, which have direct effects on the front and back parts of the building.
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As healthcare systems around the world face challenges such as escalating costs, limited access, and growing demand for personalized care, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a key force for transformation. This review is motivated by the urgent need to harness AI’s potential
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As healthcare systems around the world face challenges such as escalating costs, limited access, and growing demand for personalized care, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a key force for transformation. This review is motivated by the urgent need to harness AI’s potential to mitigate these issues and aims to critically assess AI’s integration in different healthcare domains. We explore how AI empowers clinical decision-making, optimizes hospital operation and management, refines medical image analysis, and revolutionizes patient care and monitoring through AI-powered wearables. Through several case studies, we review how AI has transformed specific healthcare domains and discuss the remaining challenges and possible solutions. Additionally, we will discuss methodologies for assessing AI healthcare solutions, ethical challenges of AI deployment, and the importance of data privacy and bias mitigation for responsible technology use. By presenting a critical assessment of AI’s transformative potential, this review equips researchers with a deeper understanding of AI’s current and future impact on healthcare. It encourages an interdisciplinary dialogue between researchers, clinicians, and technologists to navigate the complexities of AI implementation, fostering the development of AI-driven solutions that prioritize ethical standards, equity, and a patient-centered approach.
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The rapid increase in electric vehicles (EVs) has led to a continuous expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, imposing significant load pressures on the power grid. Implementing orderly charging scheduling for EVs can mitigate the impact of large-scale charging on the power
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The rapid increase in electric vehicles (EVs) has led to a continuous expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, imposing significant load pressures on the power grid. Implementing orderly charging scheduling for EVs can mitigate the impact of large-scale charging on the power grid. However, the charging behavior of EVs significantly impacts the efficiency of orderly charging plans. By integrating user portrait technology and conducting research on optimized scheduling for EV charging, EV users can be accurately classified to meet the diverse needs of various user groups. This study establishes a user portrait model suitable for park areas, providing user group classification based on the user response potential for scheduling optimization. First, the FCM and feature aggregation methods are utilized to classify the quantities of features of EV users, obtaining user portrait classes. Second, based on these classes, a user portrait inventory for each EV is derived. Third, based on the priority of user response potential, this study presents a method for calculating the feature data of different user groups. The individual data information and priorities from the user portrait model are inputted into the EV-optimized scheduling model. The optimization focuses on the user charging cost and load fluctuation, with the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II utilized to obtain the solutions. The results demonstrate that the proposed strategy effectively addresses the matching issue between the EV user response potential and optimal scheduling modes without compromising the normal use of EVs by users. This classification approach facilitates the easier acceptance of scheduling tasks by participating users, leading to optimized outcomes that better meet practical requirements.
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The fabrication of sustainable structural materials with high physical properties to replace engineering plastics is a major challenge for modern industry, and wood, as the most abundant sustainable natural raw material on the planet, has received a great deal of attention from researchers.
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The fabrication of sustainable structural materials with high physical properties to replace engineering plastics is a major challenge for modern industry, and wood, as the most abundant sustainable natural raw material on the planet, has received a great deal of attention from researchers. Researchers have made efforts to enhance the physical properties of wood in order to replace plastics. However, it is also difficult to meet practical demands at a low cost. Herein, we report a simple and efficient top-down strategy to transform bulk natural basswood into a high-performance structural material. This three-step strategy involves partial removal of hemicellulose and lignin via treating basswood by boiling an aqueous mixture of NaOH and Na2SO3, and a high-pressure steam treatment (HPST) was applied to delignified wood followed by hot-pressing, which allowed the wood to absorb moisture uniformly and quickly. HPST-treated dense delignified wood (HDDW) has a tensile strength of ~420 MPa, which is 6.5 times better than natural basswood (~65 MPa). We systematically investigated the various factors affecting the tensile strength of this wood material and explored the reasons why these factors affect the tensile strength, as well as the intrinsic connection between the moisture absorbed through HPST and the increased tensile strength of HDDW. Through our experiments, we realized the enhancement mechanism of HDDW and the optimal experimental conditions for the fabrication of HDDW.
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The LD oilfield is one of the representative offshore oilfields. After weak gel flooding, the recovery rate is significantly improved. However, the oilfield is then in a medium- to high-water content stage, presenting a complex distribution of the remaining oil. The measures for
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The LD oilfield is one of the representative offshore oilfields. After weak gel flooding, the recovery rate is significantly improved. However, the oilfield is then in a medium- to high-water content stage, presenting a complex distribution of the remaining oil. The measures for further enhanced oil recovery (EOR) are uncertain. As a result, it is necessary to clarify the distribution pattern and development potential of the remaining oil during the high-water content period after weak gel flooding. In this study, an online nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) oil displacement experiment and microscopic oil displacement experiment were conducted, and the mechanisms of weak gel flooding and the distribution pattern of the remaining oil were clarified in the LD oilfield. Additionally, high-multiple water flooding and numerical simulation experiments were conducted to analyze the development potential after weak gel flooding. The results show that the effect of weak gel flooding was more significant in the core of 1500 mD, with an increase in oil recovery of 9% compared to 500 mD. At a permeability of 500 mD, the degree of crude oil mobilization in micropores and small pores caused by weak gel flooding was improved by 29.64% and 23.48%, respectively, compared with water flooding. At 1500 mD, the degree of crude oil mobilization in small pores caused by weak gel flooding was increased by 37.79% compared to water flooding. After weak gel flooding, the remaining oil was primarily distributed in medium and large pores. Microscopically, the remaining oil was dominated by cluster residual oil, accounting for 16.49%, followed by columnar, membranous, and blind-end residual oil. High multiple water flooding experiments demonstrated that weak gel flooding could significantly reduce development time. The ultimate oil recovery efficiency of 500 mD and 1500 mD reached 71.85% and 80.69%, respectively. Numerical simulation results show that the ultimate oil recovery efficiency increased from 62.04% to 71.3% after weak gel flooding. This indicated that the LD oilfield still had certain development potential after weak gel flooding. The subsequent direction for enhanced oil recovery focuses mainly on mobilizing oil in medium pores or clustered remaining oil. This will play a crucial role in further exploring methods for utilizing the remaining oil and increasing the recovery rate.
Full article
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), as immune effectors synthesized by a variety of organisms, not only constitute a robust defense mechanism against a broad spectrum of pathogens in the host but also show promising applications as effective antimicrobial agents. Notably, insects are significant reservoirs of
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Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), as immune effectors synthesized by a variety of organisms, not only constitute a robust defense mechanism against a broad spectrum of pathogens in the host but also show promising applications as effective antimicrobial agents. Notably, insects are significant reservoirs of natural AMPs. However, the complex array of variations in types, quantities, antimicrobial activities, and production pathways of AMPs, as well as evolution of AMPs across insect species, presents a significant challenge for immunity system understanding and AMP applications. This review covers insect AMP discoveries, classification, common properties, and mechanisms of action. Additionally, the types, quantities, and activities of immune-related AMPs in each model insect are also summarized. We conducted the first comprehensive investigation into the diversity, distribution, and evolution of 20 types of AMPs in model insects, employing phylogenetic analysis to describe their evolutionary relationships and shed light on conserved and distinctive AMP families. Furthermore, we summarize the regulatory pathways of AMP production through classical signaling pathways and additional pathways associated with Nitric Oxide, insulin-like signaling, and hormones. This review advances our understanding of AMPs as guardians in insect immunity systems and unlocks a gateway to insect AMP resources, facilitating the use of AMPs to address food safety concerns.
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The aim of this paper is to study the evolutionary dynamic model for signed edges as observed in online signed social networks. We introduce the incremental mechanism of signed edges behind a simple random walk and explain how this relates to Brownian motion
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The aim of this paper is to study the evolutionary dynamic model for signed edges as observed in online signed social networks. We introduce the incremental mechanism of signed edges behind a simple random walk and explain how this relates to Brownian motion and the diffusive process. We prove how a one-dimensional thermal diffusion equation can be obtained to describe such edge-generating mechanism, and moreover obtain a macroscopic probability distribution of positive and negative edges. The result reveals that the signed edge growth dynamics process can be regarded as a thermodynamic diffusion process. Both empirically and theoretically, we validate that signed network links follow the classic statistic mechanism, i.e., local Brownian motion gives rise to the global emergence pattern of the Gaussian process. The investigation might discover a new and universal characteristic for signed networks, and shed light on some potential applications, such as information spreading, evolutionary games, trust transmission, and dynamic structural balance.
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With the fast development of the cold chain transportation industry, the traditional refrigeration method results in significant energy consumption. To address the national call for energy saving and emission reduction, the search for a new type of energy storage material has already become
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With the fast development of the cold chain transportation industry, the traditional refrigeration method results in significant energy consumption. To address the national call for energy saving and emission reduction, the search for a new type of energy storage material has already become a future development trend. According to the national standard GB/T28577 for the classification and basic requirements of cold chain logistics, the temperature in frozen logistics is typically below −18 °C. In this study, n-undecane with a phase change temperature of −26 °C is chosen as the core material of microcapsules. Poly(methyl methacrylate) is applied as the shell material, with n-undecane microcapsules being prepared through suspension polymerization for phase change cold storage materials (MEPCM). Using characterization techniques including SEM, DSC, FTIR, and laser particle size analysis, the effects of three types of emulsifiers (SMA, Tween-80, Tween-80/span-80 (70/30)), SMA emulsifier dosage, core–shell ratio, and emulsification rate on the thermal performance and micro-surface morphology of n-undecane/PMMA microcapsules were studied. The results indicate that when comparing SMA, Tween-80, and Tween-80/span-80 (70/30) as emulsifiers, the dodecane/PMMA microcapsules prepared with SMA emulsifier exhibit superior thermal performance and micro-surface morphology, possessing a complete core–shell structure. The optimal microstructure and the highest enthalpy of phase change, measuring 120.3 kJ/kg, are achieved when SMA is used as the emulsifier with a quantity of 7%, a core-to-wall ratio of 2.5:1, and an emulsification speed of 2000 rpm. After 200 hot and cold cycles, the enthalpy of phase change decreased by only 18.6 kJ/kg, indicating the MEPCM thermal performance and cycle life. In addition, these optimized microcapsules exhibit favorable microstructure, uniform particle size, and efficient energy storage, making them an excellent choice for the refrigeration and freezing sectors.
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Underwater signal processing is primarily based on sound waves because of the unique properties of water. However, the slow speed and limited bandwidth of sound introduce numerous challenges, including pronounced time-varying characteristics and significant multipath effects. This paper explores a channel estimation method
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Underwater signal processing is primarily based on sound waves because of the unique properties of water. However, the slow speed and limited bandwidth of sound introduce numerous challenges, including pronounced time-varying characteristics and significant multipath effects. This paper explores a channel estimation method utilizing superimposed training sequences. Compared with conventional schemes, this method offers higher spectral efficiency and better adaptability to time-varying channels owing to its temporal traversal. To ensure success in this scheme, it is crucial to obtain time-varying channel estimation and data detection at low SNRs given that superimposed training sequences consume power resources. To achieve this goal, we initially employ coarse channel estimation utilizing superimposed training sequences. Subsequently, we employ approximate message passing algorithms based on the estimated channels for data detection, followed by iterative channel estimation and equalization based on estimated symbols. We devise an approximate message passing channel estimation method grounded on a Gaussian mixture model and refine its hyperparameters through the expectation maximization algorithm. Then, we refine the channel information based on time correlation by employing an autoregressive hidden Markov model. Lastly, we perform numerical simulations of communication systems by utilizing a time-varying channel toolbox to simulate time-varying channels, and we validate the feasibility of the proposed communication system using experimental field data.
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In this paper, we unite concepts from Husserlian phenomenology, the active inference framework in theoretical biology, and category theory in mathematics to develop a comprehensive framework for understanding social action premised on shared goals. We begin with an overview of Husserlian phenomenology, focusing
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In this paper, we unite concepts from Husserlian phenomenology, the active inference framework in theoretical biology, and category theory in mathematics to develop a comprehensive framework for understanding social action premised on shared goals. We begin with an overview of Husserlian phenomenology, focusing on aspects of inner time-consciousness, namely, retention, primal impression, and protention. We then review active inference as a formal approach to modeling agent behavior based on variational (approximate Bayesian) inference. Expanding upon Husserl’s model of time consciousness, we consider collective goal-directed behavior, emphasizing shared protentions among agents and their connection to the shared generative models of active inference. This integrated framework aims to formalize shared goals in terms of shared protentions, and thereby shed light on the emergence of group intentionality. Building on this foundation, we incorporate mathematical tools from category theory, in particular, sheaf and topos theory, to furnish a mathematical image of individual and group interactions within a stochastic environment. Specifically, we employ morphisms between polynomial representations of individual agent models, allowing predictions not only of their own behaviors but also those of other agents and environmental responses. Sheaf and topos theory facilitates the construction of coherent agent worldviews and provides a way of representing consensus or shared understanding. We explore the emergence of shared protentions, bridging the phenomenology of temporal structure, multi-agent active inference systems, and category theory. Shared protentions are highlighted as pivotal for coordination and achieving common objectives. We conclude by acknowledging the intricacies stemming from stochastic systems and uncertainties in realizing shared goals.
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S. Mohd. Yonos Qattali, Jamal Nasir, Christian Pritzel, Torsten Kowald, Yilmaz Sakalli, S. M. Fuad Kabir Moni, Jörn Schmedt auf der Günne, Claudia Wickleder, Reinhard H. F. Trettin and Manuela S. Killian
One of the most significant global challenges for humans is environmental pollution. The technology to control this problem is the utilization of semiconductors as photocatalysts. In the current study, iron-doped titania nanotubes (Fe/TiNTs) with increased photocatalytic effect were synthesized via a modified hydrothermal
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One of the most significant global challenges for humans is environmental pollution. The technology to control this problem is the utilization of semiconductors as photocatalysts. In the current study, iron-doped titania nanotubes (Fe/TiNTs) with increased photocatalytic effect were synthesized via a modified hydrothermal method. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), gas adsorption, electron spin resonance (ESR) and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). TEM results indicated that Fe/TiNTs have a tubular and uniform structure with an average outer diameter of 23–48 nm and length of 10–15 µm. ESR and DRS revealed that Fe3+ ions were successfully introduced into the TiNT structure by replacing Ti4+ ions. An enhanced light absorption in the range of 400–600 nm additionally indicated successful doping. The band gap was narrowed as iron wt% was increased. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange (MO) in the presence of Fe/TiNTs and TiTNs by monitoring the degradation of MO under UV light irradiation. An acceleration on the hydration of Portland cement was observed in the presence of 2.0 wt% Fe/TiNTs. Fe/TiNTs can be used as a nanomaterial in cement-based building materials to provide self-cleaning properties to the surface of concrete even in indoor environments.
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Surface waterlogging disasters due to underground mining and geological status have caused the abandonment of fertile land, seriously damaged the ecological environment, and have influenced the sustainable development of coal resource-based cities, which has become a problem that some mining areas need to
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Surface waterlogging disasters due to underground mining and geological status have caused the abandonment of fertile land, seriously damaged the ecological environment, and have influenced the sustainable development of coal resource-based cities, which has become a problem that some mining areas need to face. However, the traditional underwater terrain measurement method using sonar encompasses a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Thus, an inversion method for obtaining the underwater spatial information of subsidence waterlogging in coal mining subsidence waterlogging areas is proposed, based on differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (D-InSAR) and the probability integral prediction method. First, subsidence values are obtained in the marginal area of the subsidence basin using D-InSAR technology. Then, the subsidence prediction parameters of the probability integral method (PIM) are inverted by a genetic algorithm (GA) based on the subsidence values. Finally, the underwater spatial information of subsidence waterlogging is calculated on the basis of the prediction parameters. The subsidence waterlogging area in the Wugou coal mine was adopted as the study area, and the underwater spatial information of subsidence waterlogging was inverted by the proposed method. The results show that this method can effectively provide the underwater spatial information of subsidence waterlogging, including the maximum subsidence value, waterlogging volume, subsidence waterlogging area, and underwater terrain in the subsidence waterlogging area. Compared with field-measured data from the same period, the RMSE of water depth is 99 mm, and the relative error is 9.9%, which proves that this inversion method is accurate and can meet engineering precision requirements.
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Joseph Kletzer, Bernhard Scharinger, Ozan Demirel, Reinhard Kaufmann, Michaela Medved, Christian Reiter, Matthias Hammerer, Clemens Steinwender, Stefan Hecht, Kristen Kopp, Uta C. Hoppe, Klaus Hergan and Elke Boxhammer
J. Clin. Med.2024, 13(7), 1999; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13071999 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Background: Echocardiography has long been established as the primary noninvasive method for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension (PH) prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). In recent years, radiological methods for diagnosing PH have been investigated. Measurements
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Background: Echocardiography has long been established as the primary noninvasive method for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension (PH) prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). In recent years, radiological methods for diagnosing PH have been investigated. Measurements such as the computed tomography angiography (CTA)-derived pulmonary artery (PA) diameter and PA diameter/body surface area (PA/BSA) have shown promising results regarding their diagnostic strength. However, it has yet to be determined if a patient’s sex has any impact on the effectiveness of these diagnostic measurements. Methods: In all, 271 patients (51.3% male, mean age 82.6 ± 4.8 years) with severe AS undergoing TAVR were separated into male and female groups. The cut-off values for the diagnosis of PH were calculated for the CTA-derived PA diameter and PA/BSA based on different systolic pulmonal artery pressure values (40–45–50 mmHg). Patients were then subclassified according to measurements above or below these PA diameters and PA/BSA cut-off values. A PA diameter ≥29.5 mm and PA/BSA ≥ 15.7 mm/m2 qualified for PH. The 1–5 year survival rate in these cohorts was further analyzed. Results: Patients with a PA diameter ≥29.5 mm showed a significantly higher 1 year mortality rate (p = 0.014). This observation could only be confirmed for the male sex (p = 0.018) and not for the female sex (p = 0.492). As for the PA/BSA, in patients over the cut-off value, no significant increase in mortality was noted in the overall cohort. However, the male patients showed increased 3 year (p = 0.048) and 5 year mortality rates (p = 0.033). Conclusions: The CTA-obtained PA diameter and PA/BSA are both useful in the diagnosis of PH and mortality risk stratification in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR, especially in males. Male patients with PA ≥ 29.5 mm or PA/BSA ≥ 15.7 mm/m2 seem to be at a higher risk of death during follow-up after undergoing TAVR. In females, no such correlation was observed.
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This study firstly applied a Bayesian symbolic regression (BSR) to the forecasting of numerous commodities’ prices (spot-based ones). Moreover, some features and an initial specification of the parameters of the BSR were analysed. The conventional approach to symbolic regression, based on genetic programming,
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This study firstly applied a Bayesian symbolic regression (BSR) to the forecasting of numerous commodities’ prices (spot-based ones). Moreover, some features and an initial specification of the parameters of the BSR were analysed. The conventional approach to symbolic regression, based on genetic programming, was also used as a benchmark tool. Secondly, various other econometric methods dealing with variable uncertainty were estimated including Bayesian Model Averaging, Dynamic Model Averaging, LASSO, ridge, elastic net, and least-angle regressions, etc. Therefore, this study reports a concise and uniform comparison of an application of several popular econometric models to forecasting the prices of numerous commodities. Robustness checks and statistical tests were performed to strengthen the obtained conclusions. Monthly data beginning from January 1988 and ending in August 2021 were analysed.
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COVID-19 prompted a significant number of employees to shift to remote work for the first time, potentially reshaping future work patterns. This study examines the post-COVID impacts on telecommuting, commuting behaviour, travel activities, and lifestyles in the city of Adelaide, South Australia. A
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COVID-19 prompted a significant number of employees to shift to remote work for the first time, potentially reshaping future work patterns. This study examines the post-COVID impacts on telecommuting, commuting behaviour, travel activities, and lifestyles in the city of Adelaide, South Australia. A multivariate nominal logistic regression analysis of 305 post-restriction survey responses revealed that home distance from the CBD, industry, occupation, and income significantly influence post-COVID telecommuting trends. Individuals living over 20 kilometres from the CBD, those in professional or managerial roles, and higher-income earners (>125k) are more prone to regular telecommuting, highlighting the impact of commute lengths, job flexibility, and financial resources on the ability to work remotely. The study revealed a higher adoption of telecommuting post-COVID, with more individuals working from home and telecommuting more often each week. This led to reduced usage of private cars and public transport, indicating a decrease in overall travel frequency. Respondents also adopted flexible work schedules, resulting in fewer peak-hour commutes, which would have resulted in lower congestion and emissions and led to more sustainable travel practices. The study also investigated future telecommuting perspectives, revealing a preference for remote work 3–4 days a week. Some respondents who initially could not telecommute have since considered it feasible and want to adopt it. Notably, about 25% of respondents would even change jobs for flexible, home-based work arrangements. The study’s results suggest that remote work frequency may influence individuals’ future house location preferences. These findings offer valuable insights for sustainable transport and urban planning considerations in the post-COVID era.
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This paper assesses evidence-based applications of Remote Sensing for Sustainable and Precision Agriculture in the Northern Savanna Regions of Ghana for three decades (1990–2023). During this period, there have been several government policy intervention schemes and pragmatic support actions from development agencies towards
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This paper assesses evidence-based applications of Remote Sensing for Sustainable and Precision Agriculture in the Northern Savanna Regions of Ghana for three decades (1990–2023). During this period, there have been several government policy intervention schemes and pragmatic support actions from development agencies towards improving agriculture in this area with differing level of success. Over the same period, there have been dramatic advances in remote sensing (RS) technologies with tailored applications to sustainable agriculture globally. However, the extent to which intervention schemes have harnessed the incipient potential of RS for achieving sustainable agriculture in the study area is unknown. To the best of our knowledge, no previous study has investigated the synergy between agriculture policy interventions and applications of RS towards optimizing results. Thus, this study used systematic literature review and desk analysis to identify previous and current projects and studies that have applied RS tools and techniques to all aspects of agriculture in the study area. Databases searched include Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, AoJ, and PubMed. To consolidate the gaps identified in the literature, ground-truthing was carried out. From the 26 focused publications found on the subject, only 13 (54%) were found employing RS in various aspects of agriculture observations in the study area. Out of the 13, 5 studies focused on mapping the extents of irrigation areas; 2 mapped the size of crop and pasturelands; 1 focused on soil water and nutrient retention; 1 study focused on crop health monitoring; and another focused on weeds/pest infestations and yield estimation in the study area. On the type of data, only 1 (7%) study used MODIS, 2 (15%) used ASTER image, 1 used Sentinel-2 data, 1 used Planetscope, 1 used IKONOS, 5 used Landsat images, 1 used Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and another 1 used RADAR for mapping and monitoring agriculture activities in the study area. There is no evidence of the use of LiDAR data in the area. These results validate the hypothesis that failing agriculture in the study area is due to a paucity of high-quality spatial data and monitoring to support informed farm decision-making.
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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is increasingly recognized as being implicated in acute illness in older adults, with a significant weight in hospitalizations for respiratory illness and death. By means of a best-evidence review, this paper aims to investigate whether RSV can be considered
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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is increasingly recognized as being implicated in acute illness in older adults, with a significant weight in hospitalizations for respiratory illness and death. By means of a best-evidence review, this paper aims to investigate whether RSV can be considered a forgotten pathogen in older patients, looking at trends in the literature volume and exploring possible epidemiological and clinical features underlying the focus given to it. We then present an assessment of its disease burden and present and future strategies for its reduction, particularly in light of the recent availability of new vaccines.
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Olive (Olea europaea L.) is one of the major oil fruit tree crops worldwide. However, the mechanisms underlying olive fruit growth remain poorly understood. Here, we examine questions regarding the interaction of endoreduplication, cell division, and cell expansion with olive fruit growth
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Olive (Olea europaea L.) is one of the major oil fruit tree crops worldwide. However, the mechanisms underlying olive fruit growth remain poorly understood. Here, we examine questions regarding the interaction of endoreduplication, cell division, and cell expansion with olive fruit growth in relation to the final fruit size by measuring fruit diameter, pericarp thickness, cell area, and ploidy level during fruit ontogeny in three olive cultivars with different fruit sizes. The results demonstrate that differences in the fruit size are related to the maximum growth rate between olive cultivars during early fruit growth, about 50 days post-anthesis (DPA). Differences in fruit weight between olive cultivars were found from 35 DPA, while the distinctive fruit shape became detectable from 21 DPA, even though the increase in pericarp thickness became detectable from 7 DPA in the three cultivars. During early fruit growth, intense mitotic activity appeared during the first 21 DPA in the fruit, whereas the highest cell expansion rates occurred from 28 to 42 DPA during this phase, suggesting that olive fruit cell number is determined from 28 DPA in the three cultivars. Moreover, olive fruit of the large-fruited cultivars was enlarged due to relatively higher cell division and expansion rates compared with the small-fruited cultivar. The ploidy level of olive fruit pericarp between early and late growth was different, but similar among olive cultivars, revealing that ploidy levels are not associated with cell size, in terms of different 8C levels during olive fruit growth. In the three olive cultivars, the maximum endoreduplication level (8C) occurred just before strong cell expansion during early fruit growth in fruit pericarp, whereas the cell expansion during late fruit growth occurred without preceding endoreduplication. We conclude that the basis for fruit size differences between olive cultivars is determined mainly by different cell division and expansion rates during the early fruit growth phase. These data provide new findings on the contribution of fruit ploidy and cell size to fruit size in olive and ultimately on the control of olive fruit development.
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Strengthening the service function of small towns, using its fundamental role in the urban system to drive rural development, is the main issue that needs to be addressed urgently in numerous developing countries. County towns are unique types of small towns in China.
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Strengthening the service function of small towns, using its fundamental role in the urban system to drive rural development, is the main issue that needs to be addressed urgently in numerous developing countries. County towns are unique types of small towns in China. Analyzing the spatial-temporal patterns and differentiation mechanisms of comprehensive service functions of county towns in China from a geographic point of view can not only provide a basis for the macro-control of county towns but also provide typical regional research results for the study of urban systems and urban–rural coordination in developing countries. Based on Point of Interest (POI) data of 1788 county towns in China, this study analyzes the evolution of spatial and temporal differentiation of comprehensive service functions and influencing factors by using modeling methods such as Getis-Ord Gi* analysis, the random forest model, and Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR). The obtained results show that (1) from 2012 to 2021, the average value of the comprehensive service function index (CSFI) of county towns in China shows a significant increase, and the proportion of county towns with medium–high service levels and above increases from 3.41% to 54.50%; (2) spatially, the comprehensive service function of county towns is characterized by the basic pattern of “high east, low west; high south, low north”, which keeps getting stronger. During the study period, eastern China has always been a high-level region, northwestern and southwestern China have always been low-level regions, and northeastern China has been a stagnant region, while central, northern, and southern China have been fast-growing regions; (3) county general public budget revenues, value added of secondary industry, GDP per capita, county town resident population, altitude, and GDP per capita of affiliated prefecture-level cities to which it belongs are the key factors influencing the comprehensive service function of county towns in China. The county general public budget revenue indicator, which represents the governmental capacity, has the strongest influence; and (4) the results of the MGWR analysis indicate that there is spatial and temporal heterogeneity in the intensity of the above-mentioned key influencing factors on the development of comprehensive service functions of county towns in China. Based on this finding, differentiated strategies should be proposed to policy makers and urban planners in different regions in order to effectively enhance the level of comprehensive service functions of county towns in China.
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Flaxseed, also known as flax or linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), is one of the oldest crops. It is used for oil and fiber production. The species displays a broad range of biological activities due to its chemical compounds. It has a widespread
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Flaxseed, also known as flax or linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), is one of the oldest crops. It is used for oil and fiber production. The species displays a broad range of biological activities due to its chemical compounds. It has a widespread geographical distribution, and a large number of its varieties have been evaluated for their biological efficacy and nutritional value. This study investigates fifteen varieties of the species, some of which are examined for the first time. In this regard, a series of chemical composition analyses and antioxidant assays were carried out. Accordingly, total phenolic content ranged between 613.6 (Michael) and 3164.6 (Atalanta) mg GAE/g, whilst total flavonoid content varied from 176.25 (BonnyDoon) to 689.20 (Mcduff) mg QE/g. Regarding the radical scavenging assays, the values obtained were significantly higher than those of the standard antioxidant (ascorbic acid). Furthermore, the extracts exhibited chelating activity for ferrous ions and a cupric reducing capacity that was comparable to that of the standard. The oil content values of the varieties ranged from 0.82 g/100 g (Michael) to 2.14 g/100 g (McGregor). The percentage of α-linolenic acid varied between 39.21% (McGregor) and 54.13% (Nareum).
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A cryogenic hose is used to transport liquefied natural gas at sea, where flexible fittings are sealed by corrugated lining and end flange welding. However, the extreme cryogenic temperatures of the conveyed fluid introduce substantial challenges to the integrity of the fitting seals’
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A cryogenic hose is used to transport liquefied natural gas at sea, where flexible fittings are sealed by corrugated lining and end flange welding. However, the extreme cryogenic temperatures of the conveyed fluid introduce substantial challenges to the integrity of the fitting seals’ structure during the LNG transfer process. In order to study the sealing performance of the fitting under LNG conveying conditions, this paper was based on the general finite element software ABAQUS 6.11 to carry out a thermo-mechanical coupling analysis of the end sealing stress. This paper also established a sealing performance analysis model of the corrugated fitting welding area under the fitting action of LNG load and internal pressure load. A sensitivity analysis was conducted on the influence of weld clearance, blunt edge size, and weld residual height on the weld stress of a fitting ring. The results show that, under the combined action of the medium internal pressure and cryogenic load, the size design of the weld area significantly affects the sealing performance of the fitting, among which the equivalent force of the weld clearance butt sealing area has the greatest impact. Moreover, it was found that a pressure of 5 MPa was 2 mm when the weld clearance was 2 mm, and the average stress at the weld was 53.68 MPa. Further, considering the synergistic influence of the blunt edge size, the weld clearance was 3 mm, the stress was minimal when the blunt side size was 4 mm, and the average stress was 17.42 MPa. These research results can serve as a reference for the design and analysis of the sealing structure of non-adhesive inner corrugated cryogenic hose fittings.
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