Typical Class Research Articles

P-393. Examining Breast Surgical Site Infections: A Case-Control Study on the Effect of Skin Antisepsis Agents and Other Contributing Factors

Abstract Background Postoperative surgical site infections (SSI) in breast mastectomy and reconstruction cases persist despite efforts to control extrinsic factors. SSI may lead to prolonged hospitalization, increased costs of patient and hospital, and patient hardship. Current skin antisepsis practices warrant strict observation, application, and exploration of efficacy, as Gram-positive microorganisms are most commonly associated with breast surgery. The use of an alcohol-based skin preparation has proven to be more effective than those that are aqueous-based, We evaluated potential patient and procedure risk factors for SSI, including the perioperative skin prep used in breast mastectomy, breast plastic reconstructive, and combination breast and plastic cases. Methods A case-control study of breast procedures was performed. Procedures were identified between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023 from two campuses in the same health system. Procedures were divided into three case types: breast-only, plastics-only, and combination of breast and plastics. In addition to skin prep solution, factors assessed for SSI risk were: age, in-patients, out-patients, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, duration of procedure, wound class, and ASA. Results 45 SSI cases were identified, and 92 controls were randomly selected. Factors associated with SSI included duration of case, BMI, case type, inpatient procedure, emergent procedure, and wound class. Most SSIs were superficial with Staphylococci the most common organism isolated. Iodophor paint and/or scrub were used in the majority of cases and controls; Chloraprep was used in 0 SSI cases and 3 controls. Conclusion Attention should be focused on the prevention of SSI due to its serious nature. Multiple factors can contribute to the development of SSI and its prevention. The incidence of SSI was higher in patients who underwent either plastics-only or a combination breast/plastics procedures; iodophor skin prep may also be an area of concern. Next steps include implementing a trial of Chloraprep skin prep for all breast procedures, continuing to evaluate other known risk factors, and investigating other potential opportunities, including postoperative patient management. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Which Spaces can be Embedded in Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces?

Abstract Given a Banach space E consisting of functions, we ask whether there exists a reproducing kernel Hilbert space H with bounded kernel such that $$E\subset H$$ E ⊂ H . More generally, we consider the question, whether for a given Banach space consisting of functions F with $$E\subset F$$ E ⊂ F , there exists an intermediate reproducing kernel Hilbert space $$E\subset H\subset F$$ E ⊂ H ⊂ F . We provide both sufficient and necessary conditions for this to hold. Moreover, we show that for typical classes of function spaces described by smoothness there is a strong dependence on the underlying dimension: the smoothness s required for the space E needs to grow proportional to the dimension d in order to allow for an intermediate reproducing kernel Hilbert space H.

Dynamic Failure Mechanism and Fractal Features of Fractured Rocks Under Quasi-Triaxial Static Pressures and Repeated Impact Loading

Mastering the dynamic mechanical behaviors of pre-stressed fractured rocks under repeated impact loads is crucial for safety management in rock engineering. To achieve this, repeated impact loading experiments were performed on produced fractured samples exposed to varying pre-applied axial and confining pressures using a split Hopkinson pressure bar test system in combination with a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging system, and the dynamic failure mechanism and fractal features were investigated. The results indicate that the dynamic stress–strain curves exemplify typical class II curves, and the strain rebound progressively diminishes with growing impact times. The impact times, axial pressure, and confining pressure all significantly affect the dynamic peak strength, average dynamic strength, dynamic deformation modulus, average dynamic deformation modulus, maximum strain, and impact resistance performance. Moreover, under low confining pressures, numerous shear cracks and tensile cracks develop, which are interconnected and converge to form large-scale macroscopic fracture surfaces. In contrast, specimens under a high confining pressure primarily experience tensile failure, accompanied by localized small-scale shear failure. Under low axial pressure, some shear cracks and tensile cracks emerge, while at high axial pressure, anti-wing cracks and secondary coplanar cracks occur, characterized predominantly by shear failure. In addition, as the confining pressure grows from 8 to 20 MPa, the fractal dimensions are 2.44, 2.32, 2.23, and 2.12, respectively. When the axial pressures are 8, 14, and 20 MPa, the fractal dimensions are 2.44, 2.46, and 2.52, respectively. Overall, the degree of fragmentation of the sample decreases with growing confining pressure and grows with rising axial pressure.

Pseudopregnancy in dromedary camels: Characterization, prevalence, and clinical and hormonal properties.

Pseudopregnancy is the development of signs of pregnancy in the absence of an embryo or fetus. The objectives of this study were to characterize pseudopregnancy in dromedary camels, determine its prevalence in camel farms and practice, identify associated risk factors, and describe its clinical and hormonal properties. The prevalence of pseudopregnancy on 100 camel farms with 4264 total female camels was determined to be 2.07% (86/4264) overall, while the rate among infertile animals was 17.68% (1385/7833). The genital tracts of 58 pseudopregnant female camels were examined, and their breeding histories were examined. Serum concentrations of estradiol-17 β (E2), progesterone (P4), and prolactin (PRL) in these animals were assessed. Five cyclic camels and five in early pregnancy were used as control subjects. Signs of pseudopregnancy included being anestrous, refusing to mate, and adopting a stiffened posture-with the head held high and the tail cocked-when approached by a male. Normal pregnancy-associated mammary and abdominal changes were absent. Risk factors associated with pseudopregnancy included age (odds ratio [OR]=21.63, P=0.0001) and a history of reproductive disorders (OR=4.155, P=0.042). Based on their P4 levels, the pseudopregnant camels were classified as either typical (high P4, 16/58, 27.59%) or atypical (low P4, 42/58, 72.41%). The main clinical findings in the camels with typical pseudopregnancies were a narrow/closed cervix (56.25%), clinical endometritis (CE; 43.75%), and pyometra (31.25%), while those with atypical pseudopregnancies exhibited CE (50%) and luteinized follicles (43.1%). The pregnant camels had significantly (P=0.0001) higher serum P4 concentrations (2.44±0.32ng/mL) than the pseudopregnant (0.68±0.12ng/mL) and cyclic camels (0.16±0.01ng/mL). Serum E2 levels did not differ significantly among the pseudopregnant (43.2±1.05pg/mL), pregnant (47.72±4.06pg/mL), and cyclic (40.72±1.03pg/mL) camels. The pregnant camels had a significantly (P=0.04) higher average serum PRL concentration (3.61±0.45ng/mL) than the pseudopregnant (2.77±0.12ng/mL) and cyclic camels (2.18±0.11). In conclusion, pseudopregnancy in camels exhibits the same external signs that characterize pregnancy, but pseudopregnancy involves an absence of edema of the udder, milk production, and high PRL levels. We propose a division of pseudopregnant camels into typical and atypical classes, depending on whether they have high P4 levels. Pseudopregnancy is associated with a high incidence of other reproductive disorders, particularly in older camels.

Cannabis use characteristics and associations with problematic use outcomes, quitting-related factors, and mental health among US young adults

ObjectiveGiven the changes in trends of cannabis use (e.g., product types), this study examined latent classes of young adult use and associations with use-related outcomes.MethodsWe analyzed 2023 survey data among 4,031 US young adults (Mage=26.29, 59.4% female, 19.0% Hispanic, 13.5% Black, 13.6% Asian). Among those reporting past-month use (48.8%), latent class analysis (LCA) indicators included: days used (1–5; 6–20; 21–30), use/day (1; 2–4; ≥5), and type usually used (herb/flower; edibles; oils/vape; concentrates/other). Multivariable regressions examined class in relation to problematic use, quitting-related factors, and mental health, controlling for sociodemographics and state non-medical cannabis laws.ResultsLCA identified 4 classes of cannabis use frequency and types used: ‘infrequent-herb/edibles’ (41.4%), ‘frequent-herb’ (16.8%), ‘moderate-herb’ (28.0%), and ‘moderate-oil/other’ (13.8%). In multivariable analyses (referent group: ‘moderate-herb’ class), ‘frequent-herb’ reported less problematic use (B=-0.18, 95%CI=-0.30, -0.07), while ‘moderate-oil/other’ reported greater (B = 0.39, 95%CI = 0.27, 0.51). ‘Infrequent-herb/edibles’ had lower odds of driving post-use of cannabis (aOR = 0.28, 95%CI = 0.22, 0.37) and cannabis/alcohol (aOR = 0.52, 95%CI = 0.35, 0.76), whereas ‘frequent-herb’ (aOR = 1.52, 95%CI = 1.02, 2.28) and ‘moderate-oil/other’ (aOR = 3.98, 95%CI = 2.72, 5.82) reported greater odds of driving post-cannabis/alcohol use. ‘Moderate-oil/other’ reported higher quitting importance (B = 0.59, 95%CI = 0.17, 1.01), while ‘frequent-herb’ reported lower (B=-0.33, 95%CI=-0.99, -0.18). ‘Infrequent-herb/edibles’ reported higher quitting confidence (B = 0.56, 95%CI = 0.20, 0.92), whereas ‘frequent-herb’ (B=-1.01, 95%CI=-1.45, -0.57) and ‘moderate-oil/other’ (B=-1.27, 95%CI=-1.74, -0.81) reported lower. ‘Infrequent-herb/edibles’ reported fewer mental health symptoms (B=-0.55, 95%CI=-0.93, -0.17), while ‘moderate-oil/other’ reported more (B = 1.03, 95%CI = 0.53, 1.52).ConclusionsPreventing frequent and moderate use of cannabis, particularly of oils/concentrates, is crucial given the potential negative implications for problematic use, quitting, and mental health.

Bidirectional Higher-Rank Polymorphism with Intersection and Union Types

Modern mainstream programming languages, such as TypeScript, Flow, and Scala, have polymorphic type systems enriched with intersection and union types. These languages implement variants of bidirectional higher-rank polymorphic type inference, which was previously studied mostly in the context of functional programming. However, existing type inference implementations lack solid theoretical foundations when dealing with non-structural subtyping and intersection and union types, which were not studied before. In this paper, we study bidirectional higher-rank polymorphic type inference with explicit type applications, and intersection and union types and demonstrate that these features have non-trivial interactions. We first present a type system, described by a bidirectional specification, with good theoretical properties and a sound, complete, and decidable algorithm. This is helpful to identify a class of types that can always be inferred. We also explore variants incorporating practical features, such as handling records and inferring a larger class of types, which align better with real-world implementations. Though some variants no longer have a complete algorithm, they still enhance the expressiveness of the type system. To ensure rigor, all results are formalized in the Coq proof assistant.

COVID-19 and the impact of vaccination on the disease morbidity of Polish paediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

We evaluated the frequency and severity of COVID-19, and vaccination status, in children with different forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This was a prospective, observational cohort study that used a questionnaire to gather data on the patients' vaccination doses, medication and disease activity. Disease flare was defined as worsening IBD symptoms and changes in medication. Outcomes were stratified by vaccine type and medication classes. The questionnaire was completed by 320 children with IBD, and their parents or carers: 52.8% had Crohn disease, 46.9% had ulcerative colitis and 0.3% were unclassified. Just over a third (35.6%) had COVID-19, which was mild in 69.3%, moderate in 27.2% and severe in 3.5%. We found that 127 patients received at least one vaccine dose, but 23 patients were vaccinated after they had COVID-19 and were classified as unvaccinated. This meant that 104 vaccinated patients and 216 unvaccinated patients were studied. A fifth (20.2%) of the vaccinated children developed COVID-19, compared to 43.1% of the unvaccinated children. Vaccination status had no statistically significant impact on the severity of COVID-19. Morbidity rates were similar between patients with Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis.

Oriented catalysis through chaos: high-entropy spinels in heterogeneous reactions.

High-entropy spinel (HES) compounds, as a typical class of high-entropy materials (HEMs), represent a novel frontier in the search for next-generation catalysts. Their unique blend of high entropy, compositional diversity, and structural complexity offers unprecedented opportunities to tailor catalyst properties for enhanced performance (i.e., activity, selectivity, and stability) in heterogeneous reactions. However, there is a gap in a critical review of the catalytic applications of HESs, especially focusing on an in-depth discussion of the structure-property-performance relationships. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the development of HESs in catalysis, including definition, structural features, synthesis, characterization, and catalytic regimes. The relationships between the unique structure, favorable properties, and improved performance of HES-driven catalysis are highlighted. Finally, an outlook is presented which provides guidance for unveiling the complexities of HESs and advancing the field toward the rational design of efficient energy and environmental materials.

Strategi Untuk Meningkatkan Inovasi Produk Olahan Singkong Dalam Rangka Mendukung Keberlanjutan UMKM di Desa Petanang

Petanang Village, located in Lembak District, Muaraenim, is known because the majority of its population relies on income from cassava-processed products. One of the superior products of Petanang Village comes from cassava processing, one of which is a typically processed class from this village, namely the typical class of Petanang Village. This study describes the innovation strategy used to develop kelasan products to increase their selling value. The research was carried out through several stages: survey, Implementation, Production, Socialization, and Marketing. By maximizing local resources in Petanang Village, Kelasan product innovation activities can be carried out with minimal capital but generate optimal profits. The results of this innovation are expected to provide a sustainable positive impact in improving the welfare of MSMEs in the area

Titchmarsh-type theorems for the Hartley integral transform

In this paper, we investigate the Plancherel theorem, inversion formula, and a shift operator associated with the Hartley integral transform. Building on these results, we introduce Hartley–Lipschitz type classes and derive analogues of Titchmarsh's theorems within the framework of the Hartley integral transform.

Advances in LUCAS Copernicus 2022: enhancing Earth observations with comprehensive in situ data on EU land cover and use

Abstract. The Land Use/Cover Area frame Survey (LUCAS) of the European Union (EU) presents a rich resource for detailed understanding of land cover and use, making it invaluable for Earth observation (EO) applications. This paper discusses the recent enhancements and improvements in the LUCAS Copernicus module, particularly the data collection process of 2022, its protocol simplifications, and geometry definitions compared to the 2018 survey and data. With approximately 150 000 polygons collected in 2022, an increase from 60 000 in 2018, the LUCAS Copernicus 2022 data provide a unique and comprehensive in situ dataset for EO applications. The protocol simplification also facilitates a faster and more efficient data collection process. In 2022, there were 137 966 polygons generated out of the original 149 408 LUCAS Copernicus points, which means that 92.3 % of the points were actually surveyed. The data have 82 land cover classes for the Copernicus module that map to 88 classes up to the LUCAS level-3 legend. For land use the data have 40 classes, along with 18 classes of land use types. The dataset is available for download (product IDentification – PID: http://data.europa.eu/89h/e3fe3cd0-44db-470e-8769-172a8b9e8874; European Commission, 2023). The paper elaborates further on the implications of these enhancements and the need for continuous harmonization to ensure semantic consistency and temporal usability of data across different periods. Moreover, it calls for additional studies exploring the potential of the collected data, especially in the context of remote sensing and computer vision. It ends with a discussion of future data usage and dissemination strategies.

Mapping typical LULC classes using spatiotemporal analysis and the thresholds of spectral optical satellite imagery indices: a case study in Algiers city.

Land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics have a substantial impact on human-environment interactions. Nowadays, remote sensing imagery has emerged as a useful tool for mapping and tracking LULC changes. Spectral optical indices derived from remote sensing data can provide insightful information about vegetation health, urban expansion, water bodies, deforestation patterns, and many other applications. The present study examines the use of popular optical spectral indices: vegetation index (NDVI), water indices (NDWI and MNDWI), urban indices (UI and NDBI), and bare land index (MNDBI) in threshold-based classification for LULC mapping using Algiers (Algeria) as a case study, and assesses the potential impacts of their spatiotemporal (at a seasonal and annual temporal scales) variations associated with natural seasonal changes and/or the evolution of the city's fabric. Here, a geo-statistical analysis of the values of the selected spectral indices at the level of each LU-class is conducted, threshold values (that account for seasonal variations) are proposed, and a classification approach (making use of best performing indices) is proposed and tested. Although fast and easy to implement, the proposed threshold-based LULC classification approach was successfully used for mapping LULC for the study zone with a high accuracy (an overall accuracy of 90.20 and a kappa of 0.84 for the demonstration year of 2017). The outcomes of the study heighten the potential and the limitations of the use of spectral indices for LULC mapping practices and consequent applications in environmental and urban studies.

Molecular profile of adult primary leptomeningeal gliomatosis aligns with glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype.

Adult primary leptomeningeal gliomatosis (PLG) is a rare, rapidly progressive and fatal disease characterized by prominent leptomeningeal infiltration by a glial tumor without an identifiable parenchymal mass. The molecular profile of adult PLG has not been well-characterized. We report the clinical, pathological, and molecular findings of six adult PLG patients (five males and one female), median age 58 years. All cases exhibited pathological leptomeningeal enhancement at presentation. Leptomeningeal biopsy was diagnostic in five (of six) cases, revealing infiltration by an astrocytic glioma with mitotic activity, lacking microvascular proliferation or necrosis. One case was diagnosed at autopsy. All tumors were IDH-wildtype, with five harboring TERT promoter mutations. Additional mutations identified were PTEN in one case, TP53 in two cases, and NF1 in two cases. A chromosome profile with +7/-10 was found in four cases, whereas the remaining two showed either chromosome 7 or 7p gain only. Four cases showed chromosome 9p loss with CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion, one case showed hemizygous CDKN2A/B loss, and one case showed intact chromosome 9 and CDK4/GLI1 amplification. DNA methylation profiling was performed in four cases and revealed a match to glioblastoma (GBM) family and mesenchymal typical class with high confidence scores in two cases; the other two cases showed only suggestive combined scores for GBM family and mesenchymal atypical class. The molecular profile of all cases closely aligned with that of adult-type GBM, IDH-wildtype, CNS WHO grade 4. All patients succumbed to the disease. In five cases with extensive leptomeningeal disease at diagnosis, the course was rapid, with median survival of 24 days following palliative care. Only one case, with relatively localized disease at diagnosis, received chemoradiation therapy and survived 535 days, raising the possibility that early diagnosis and timely treatment could improve outcome. A detailed list of previously reported cases is provided in a supplementary table.

Molecular Insight into the Catalytic Mechanism of the Sesquiterpene Cyclase BcABA3.

BcABA3 is an unusual sesquiterpene synthase that lacks the conserved DDxxD and DTE/NSE motifs. Despite this, it can catalyze the conversion of farnesyl diphosphate to 2Z,4E-α-ionylideneethane. We used structure prediction, multiscale simulations, and site-directed mutagenesis experiments to investigate BcABA3 and its catalytic mechanism. BcABA3 has structural similarity to typical class I terpenoid cyclases in its active site. Based on simulation results, we identified two discontinuous glutamate residues, E124 and E88, which compensate for the absence of the aspartate-rich DDxxD motif. Quantum chemical calculations show that BcABA3 adopts a direct rotation mechanism for allyl cation isomerization rather than via the nerolidyl diphosphate. Then, it can achieve a successive proton transfer reaction, which is difficult to achieve by intramolecular rearrangement via the protruding outward carbonyl oxygen of A206. This reaction is then directed forward by two relatively stable intermediates containing a cation-conjugated double-bond structure. E124 is also proposed as the proton receptor in the final deprotonation to couple this step with 2Z,4E-α-ionylideneethane release. These findings provide valuable insight into the catalytic mechanisms of BcABA3 and can aid in its engineering, which will facilitate studies of abscisic acid biosynthesis.

Realistic Estimation of Critical Exponents for Predicting the Magnetocaloric Effect in La0.7Sr0.3–xSmxMn0.95Ni0.05O3 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15) Manganites

AbstractIn this article, is introduce a calculation approach derived from integrating the Landau theory with the Arrott–Noakes equation. Employing a creative formulation, is conduct simulations to explore the magnetic entropy change, within a random ferromagnetic system. This theoretical approach is used for the examination of a given La0.7Sr0.3–xSmxMn0.95Ni0.05O3 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15) manganites. Initially, the critical exponents (𝛾; 𝛽) of these compounds are estimated. It has been noted that the magnetic behavior of the examined materials near the phase transition deviate from the standard patterns observed in typical universality classes. Subsequently, these exponents are exploited to simulate the isothermal curves under higher magnetic fields. The predicted relative cooling power values reach 420.3, 415.7, 412.5, and 408.4 J.kg−1K−1 under 10 T applied magnetic field for La0.7Sr0.3–xSmxMn0.95Ni0.05O3 with x = 0, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15, respectively.

Supervised Automated Kinetic Perimetry (SAKP) Using Simulated Visual Field Data - Presentation of a New Examination Technique.

The aim of this study was to develop, optimise, train, and evaluate an algorithm for performing Supervised Automated Kinetic Perimetry (SAKP) using digitalised perimetric simulation data. The original SAKP algorithm was based on findings from a multicentre study to establish reference values by semi-automated kinetic perimetry (SKP) combined with an automated examination method with moving stimuli ("Program K", developed in Japan). The algorithm evaluated the outer angles of isopter segments and responded to deviations from expected values by placing examination vectors to measure the outer boundaries of the visual field (VF). Specialised interpolation methods were also used to create individual 3D hills of vision and local "probing vectors" to optimise the eccentricity of the vector origins. This algorithm was trained iteratively on seven representative digitalised 3D VF results from five typical classes and optimised in each step: (1) Normal VF, (2) Central scotoma, (3) Concentric VF constriction, (4) Retinal nerve fibre layer defects in the visual field (VFDs), (5) VFDs with respect to the vertical meridian. The optimised SAKP algorithm was then applied to a new set of twenty 3D VF results of varying origin and severity. The primary targets were measured in agreement between actual calculated VF expressed as accuracy (A), that is, the ratio between the area containing correct predictions and total area of predictions measured between 0 = worst and 1 = best, and examination duration (T). The results are given as median (and interquartile range). We also verified the test's robustness by varying individual error rates (ERs) and error magnitudes (EMs). The median and interquartile range (IQR, in brackets) for the total of representative VFs were 0.93 (0.02) for A and 7.0 min (5.2 min) for T, respectively. A gave the best result for altitudinal VFDs and VFDs with hemianopic character and macular sparing (0.98 each) and worst in superior wedge-shaped VFDs (0.78); T was shortest in blind spot displacement (3.9 min) and longest in hemianopic VFDs with hemianopic character and macular sparing with preserved temporal crescent (12.1 min). Error rate and magnitude (up to 30% each) only showed a comparatively low influence on A and T. The SAKP algorithm presented here achieves a comparatively high degree of accuracy and robustness for actual, simulated visual field data within acceptable examination times. This algorithm is currently being prepared for application in real patient examinations under clinical conditions.

A New Technique to Qualify Rotary Electro-Mechanical Actuator for Tactical Class of Missile System

A novel technique has been adopted to establish the functionality and to qualify the Rotary Electro-Mechanical Actuator (REMA) system developed for a typical tactical class of weapon system in addition to the conventional method of checking the functionality through On-Board Computer in-loop simulation, Actuator in-loop simulation and Hardware in-loop simulation. The REMA along with full scale fin surface subjected to wind tunnel tests at the actual flight Mach number and flight dynamic pressure conditions. Flight hardware of REMA and fin assembly has been used in the tests so as to derive direct conclusions without applying any corrections to the measured results. This technique revealed the capability of the actuator, the dynamic functionality of its components such as gear systems, bearings and structural integrity of the whole actuator under the flight aerodynamic load on the full scale fin surface and vibration environments. The test conducted is being the most critical condition and the REMA and fin combination performed the intended commands as predictable and survived without any structural dis-integrity qualifies for further flight use. Subsequently flight tests were conducted and found the performance of REMA was as anticipated. Based on these results, recommendation made that it is mandatory that the all the actuation systems developed for fin actuation in missiles has to undergo the wind tunnel tests and qualify further actual use. The details of wind tunnel tests and the results of typical REMA with full scale fin are presented in this paper.

Study of Distribution of Free Flow Speeds on Urban Road Sections Depending on Their Functional Purpose and One-Way Traffic—Evidence from Kharkiv (Ukraine)

Data on the distribution of the free flow speed (FFS) of cars are used to solve a wide range of tasks in the field of road transport, starting from road design and ending with the development of traffic modeling and simulation programs. The purpose of this study was to obtain the distribution of vehicle speeds on typical sections of the city road network, characterized by the presence of one-way traffic. The data were obtained by field observations using a portable radar. As a result, statistical characteristics and speed distribution laws for four sections of streets in the city of Kharkiv were analyzed. It was shown that the characteristics of FFS distributions differ depending on the functional class of the streets. Average FFS values on main street segments were on average 19 km/h higher. The one-way traffic has less impact on the FFS distribution, especially for arterial streets. The characteristics of FFS distributions differ depending on the type and functional class of streets; they can be described with sufficient accuracy by typical distribution laws, such as Normal, Log-normal, Gamma, and Chi-square. The results of this study can be useful for traffic modeling problems.

Desertification Assessment Using the Modified Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use Model in a Karst Plateau

Desertification is among the most severe environmental problems in many countries at present, and threatens the integrity of natural environments and the sustainability of related natural resources. This work aims to assess proneness to desertification in the Alta Murgia karst plateau (Apulia, Southern Italy) through the integration of the modified Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use model (MEDALUS) with a GIS-based approach. The model includes indexes for climate, vegetation, soil, and management, all combined to assess environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) regarding desertification. Given the karst features of the study area, the management index was modified and renamed the Karst Management Quality Index (KMQI). This modification was made by incorporating the Karst Disturbance Index (KDI), based on a series of indicators divided into five categories: geomorphology, hydrology, atmosphere, biota, and cultural factors. According to the model, the results indicated that the whole area (97%) is within the Critical type of ESA, with no area being assessed as the “Non-Affected” or “Potential” type. A total of 57% of the study area falls into Critical sub-type 2, 32% falls into sub-type 3, and 8% falls into sub-type 1. The remaining percentage (3%) belong to a non-optimal category, i.e., the Fragile type (sub-type F3) class. The obtained results could be explained, more than by climatic or ecological factors, by a series of anthropogenic activities carried out over the years that strongly modified and disturbed the original karst landscape, with a highly negative impact on the Alta Murgia karst.

Comparative Study on the Nutritional Quality of Peanut in Saline and Non-Saline Land.

Saline soils, as a special class of soil types, have unique physicochemical properties that have far-reaching effects on crop growth and quality characteristics. In order to better develop saline soils as a reserve resource, it is particularly important to exploit the potential of saline crops. Peanut, as one of the important crops in saline soils, can have different quality characteristics depending on the differences in soil salinity and alkalinity, as well as growing conditions. In this study, we compared the nutritional quality and functional composition of five peanut varieties grown in coastal saline soils, with the same varieties grown in non-saline soils in similar areas. The results showed significant differences (p<0.05) between saline and non-saline peanuts in the contents of ash, zinc, phosphorus, β-VE, Cis-11-eicosatetraenoic acid, palmitoleic acid, linolenic acid, and total antioxidant removal capacity, whereby the former was higher than the latter by 0.12 g/100 g, 4.1 mg/kg, 321 mg/kg, 8.98 μg/g, 0.36%, 0.01%, and 0.01%, respectively, and the total antioxidant capacity was lower than that of the latter by 9.18 μg Trolxo/g of fresh weight. Sodium element and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity contents were extremely significantly (p<0.01) different in peanuts grown in both land types, where the former was higher than the latter by 261.9 mg/kg and 285 U/g, respectively. Water, fat, protein, calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, Vc, α-VE, total VE, VB3, 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate, 5-formyl-tetrahydrofolate, total phenols, total flavonoids, ABTS free radical scavenging capacity, DPPH free radical scavenging capacity, fatty acids (except for Cis-11-eicosapentaenoic acid, palmitoleic acid, and linolenic acid), phytosterols, and guanines showed no significant differences (p<0.01). To sum up, the origin and soil environment have an effect on the quality of peanuts. These results also provide a scientific basis for the quality assessment of peanuts in saline soil.