bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in the Research and Development of Soil Nitrogen Mineralization in Forests from 2004 to 2024
Authors: Zhang Xiumin , Zhang Huayong , Wang Zhongyu , Tian Yonglan , Liu Zhao
Published: September 2024

Nitrogen (N) is a vital mineral nutrient for plant growth and occupies a pivotal position in biogeochemical systems. Soil nitrogen mineralization (SNM) in forests represents a significant limiting factor in terrestrial ecosystem productivity in the context of global climate change. To understand the research status and development trends of SNM in forests, 3576 articles spanning 2004 to 2024 from the Web of Science (WOS) database were analyzed using CiteSpace software. The results indicated that (1) the mean number of articles published in the recent ten-year period is 193, marking an approximate 17.8% increase compared to the preceding ten-year period (2004–2013), highlighting the continuous development of SNM research; (2) among the sampled articles, Soil Biology and Biochemistry, Forest Ecology and Management, Plant and Soil, and Biogeochemistry emerged as leading international journals that played a key role in shaping the development of the field and laid a solid foundation for future research efforts; (3) the USA and China emerged as the most productive countries in this field, with the Chinese Academy of Sciences standing out as a prominent institution at the forefront of this research domain; and (4) recent research is focusing on understanding the interactions between microbial communities and the environment during SNM. In summary, this study offers valuable insights into the research status and development trends of SNM in forests. It underscores the importance of ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation to further enhance our understanding of key ecological processes. Future research on SNM in forests is encouraged to delve deeper into its associations with forest productivity, carbon cycling, microbial functions, and global change. Additionally, exploring sustainable land management and process optimization is recommended to promote the healthy and sustainable development of forest ecosystems.
Influence of Biomass Amendments on Soil CO2 Concentration and Carbon Emission Flux in a Subtropical Karst Ecosystem
Authors: Wu Zeyan , Luo Weiqun , Jiang Zhongcheng , Hu Zhaoxin
Published: September 2024

Soil in karst areas is rare and precious, and karst carbon sinks play an important role in the global carbon cycle. Therefore, the purpose of karst soil improvement is to improve soil productivity and a carbon sink effect. Biomass amendment experiments in this study included three schemes: filter mud (FM), filter mud + straw + biogas slurry (FSB), and filter mud + straw + cow manure (FSC). The characteristics of soil CO2 production, transport, and the effect on soil respiration carbon emissions in two years were compared and analyzed. The results were as follows: 1. The rate, amount, and depth of CO2 concentration were affected by the combinations with biogas slurry (easy to leach) or cow manure (difficult to decompose). 2. The diurnal variation curves of soil respiration in the FSB- and FSC-improved soils lagged behind those in the control soil for three hours. While the curves of FM-improved soil and the control soil were nearly the same. 3. Soil–air carbon emissions increased by 35.2 tCO2/(km2·a−1) under the FM scheme, decreased by 212.9 tCO2/(km2·a−1) under the FSB scheme, and increased by 279.5 tCO2/(km2·a−1) under the FSC scheme. The results were related to weather CO2 accumulation in the deep or surface layers under different schemes.
Disparities in Environmental Behavior from Urban–Rural Perspectives: How Socioeconomic Status Structures Influence Residents’ Environmental Actions—Based on the 2021 China General Social Survey Data
Authors: Cheng Hui , Mao Chunmei
Published: September 2024

This study explores the environmental behavior disparities between urban and rural residents in China due to socioeconomic status differences amidst social governance and institutional reform. Using OLS regression models on the 2021 China General Social Survey (CGSS) data, it analyzes the impact of socioeconomic status on environmental behaviors. This study reveals that urban residents generally exhibit better environmental behaviors than rural residents. Education and income are identified as critical drivers, with education raising environmental awareness and income driving participation in environmental activities. Urban residents benefit more from these factors. The policy recommendations are for the government to enhance rural education resources and improve education quality, ensuring that education poverty alleviation policies are effectively implemented to support rural development. Simultaneously, promoting rural economic growth and narrowing the urban–rural economic gap is crucial for improving rural environmental behavior and achieving urban–rural environmental harmony. Furthermore, the results call on the international community to focus on environmental governance systems, aiming to provide references for other developing countries in formulating environmental policies, thereby promoting the creation of a more just, eco-friendly, and sustainable global development framework.
Ecomuseums in the Mediterranean Area and the Promotion of Sustainable Food Systems
Authors: Borrelli Nunzia , Pigozzi Lisa N. R. , Mura Giulia
Published: September 2024

In recent years, the growing interest in food as a central component of heritage preservation has been paired with a reflection on the sustainability of food systems. At the same time, place-based food governance has undergone processes of hybridization, opening up to a wider range of stakeholders. We argue that ecomuseums can positively contribute to the promotion of sustainable food systems that can preserve cultural heritage without undermining the development of healthy food systems. To discuss this hypothesis, we conducted an exploratory study to assess the current diffusion and food-related practices of ecomuseums in the Mediterranean area. Integrating the information of existing databases with online research of new institutions, we mapped a large sample of ecomuseums and carried out a Web Content Analysis. The main results of the research are a geolocalized map of Mediterranean ecomuseums and their activities and an index assessing their capacity to engage users on relevant topics through their webpages. The results highlight the existence of an unbalanced distribution of experiences, and the potential for growth, especially in the east and south of the Mediterranean countries.
An Approach of Integration of Contextual Data in E-Service System for Management of Multimodal Cargo Transportation
Authors: Dzemydienė Dalė , Burinskienė Aurelija , Čižiūnienė Kristina
Published: September 2024

Our research area concerns the development of an intelligent e-service system to help manage multimodal transportation processes. To better respond to the requirements of sustainable development, we encourage the development of multimodal cargo transportation. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the dissemination and management of information in multimodal transportation requires more accurate information transmission and implementation for better coordination of these processes with the interaction of all process participants. Also, contextual data integration into the e-service provision processes is important for more adequate real cargo transportation management. The transition to multimodal freight transport and the increase in its activity directly impact the sustainable development of this sector as transport flows are removed from ground roads and distributed more evenly to load more railways and sea vessels. This research aims to develop an approach to developing the infrastructure of an e-service system with the ability to integrate contextual data and influence the management of multimodal transportation. The methodological approach is based on methods of conceptual representation of information and methods for recognizing the flow of needful information during multimodal freight transportation according to adaptable management processes. The e-service provision system creates benefits for cargo drivers and delivery managers with more accurate information implementation and more adequate coordination of processes under real conditions by helping them make the right decisions.
Status of Production, Consumption, and End-of-Life Waste Management of Plastic and Plastic Products in Nigeria: Prospects for Circular Plastics Economy
Authors: Ezeudu Obiora B. , Tenebe Imokhai T. , Ujah Chika O.
Published: September 2024

This study is motivated by the need to understand and proffer sustainable circular economy solutions to the persistent challenges associated with plastic waste management in Nigeria. Despite the emerging awareness and increased number of studies conducted on plastic and plastic products in Nigeria, the challenges and opportunities associated with their production, consumption, and post-consumption management are still poorly understood. Besides the large quantity of plastic and plastic products produced locally in Nigeria, a substantial quantity of these products in various forms and polymer types also comes into the country through importation. This results in a high consumption rate and, by extension, a huge volume of plastic waste generated daily exceeding the capacity and ability of the authorities to manage. In this work, we reviewed the available literature to analyze the status of the production, importation, consumption, and post-consumption management of plastic waste in Nigeria. It is estimated that out of 27.3 million tonnes of municipal solid waste currently generated in Nigeria’s urban cities per annum about 11.2 million tonnes is collected, of which about 1.1 million tonnes is plastics. It is further projected that by 2040, about 40.5 million tonnes of municipal solid waste will be generated, and only about 1.6 million tonnes of the plastic component will be collected for disposal. Based on the outcome of the analysis, the current study further suggested how adopting circular economy principles can help mitigate the impact of plastic waste on Nigerian society.
Chemical and Physical Characterization of Three Oxidic Lithological Materials for Water Treatment
Authors: Prato José G. , Millán Fernando , Senila Marin , Levei Erika Andrea , Tănăselia Claudiu , González Luisa Carolina , Ríos Anita Cecilia , Sagñay Yasaca Luis , Dávalos Guillermo Eduardo
Published: September 2024

Water treatment necessitates the sustainable use of natural resources. This paper focuses on the characterization of three oxidic lithological materials (OLMs) with the aim of utilizing them to prepare calcined adsorbent substrates for ionic adsorption. The three materials have pH levels of 7.66, 4.63, and 6.57, respectively, and organic matter contents less than 0.5%. All of the materials are sandy loam or loamy sand. Their electric conductivities (0.18, 0.07, and 0.23 dS/m) show low levels of salinity and solubility. Their CEC (13.40, 13.77, and 6.76 cmol(+)kg) values are low, similar to those of amphoteric oxides and kaolin clays. Their aluminum contents range from 7% up to 12%, their iron contents range from 3% up to 7%, their titanium contents range from 0.3% to 0.63%, and their manganese contents range from 0.007% up to 0.033%. The amphoteric oxides of these metals are responsible for their ionic adsorption reactions due to their variable charge surfaces. Their zirconium concentrations range from 100 to 600 mg/g, giving these materials the refractory properties necessary for the preparation of calcined adsorbent substrates. Our XRD analysis shows they share a common mineralogical composition, with quartz as the principal component, as well as albite, which leads to their thermal properties and mechanical resistance against abrasion. The TDA and IR spectra show the presence of kaolinite, which is lost during thermal treatments. The results show that the OLMs might have potential as raw materials to prepare calcined adsorbent substrates for further applications and as granular media in the sustainable treatment of both natural water and wastewater.
Sustainable Removal of Cr(VI) from Wastewater Using Green Composites of Zero-Valent Iron and Natural Clays
Authors: Lazarević Slavica , Janković-Častvan Ivona , Radovanović Željko , Baščarević Zvezdana , Janaćković Đorđe , Petrović Rada
Published: September 2024

Composites for efficient removal of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) from industrial wastewater were obtained by deposition of nano-zero-valent iron (nZVI), synthesized by environmentally friendly synthesis using oak leaf extract, on inexpensive, natural, readily available and cheap natural raw materials, sepiolite (SEP) or kaolinite/illite (KUb) clay, as support. nZVI particles were deposited from the FeCl3 solution of different concentrations, with the same volume ratio extract/FeCl3 solution (3:1), and with different masses of SEP or KUb. Physico–chemical characterization (SEM/EDS, FTIR, BET, determination of point of zero charge) of the composites and nZVI was performed. The results of SEM and BET analyses suggested more homogeneous deposition of nZVI onto SEP than onto KUb, which ensures greater availability of the nZVI surface for Cr(VI) anions. Therefore, the higher Cr(VI) removal at all investigated initial pH values (pHi) of the solution (3, 4 and 5) was achieved with the SEP composites. The adsorption results indicated that the elimination of Cr(VI) was achieved via the combined effect of reduction and adsorption. The removal of total chromium at pHi = 3 was approximately the same as that of Cr(VI) removal for the KUb composites, but lower for the SEP composites, indicating lower removal of Cr(III) compared to the reduced Cr(VI). The SEP/nZVI composite with the highest removal efficiency was applied for Cr(VI) removal from real wastewater at pHi = 3 and pHi = 5. The results demonstrated the high Cr(VI) removal capacity, validated the assumption that a good dispersion of nZVI particles is beneficial for Cr(VI) removal and showed that the produced green composites can be efficient materials for the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater.
A Hierarchical Analysis Method for Evaluating the Risk Factors of Pile Foundation Construction for Offshore Wind Power
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Huang Hui , Xu Hao , Li Zhenming , Tian Xinjiao , Fang Shuhao , Wang Jing , Xie Changan , Yang Dingding
Published: September 2024

To improve the safety level of pile foundation construction for offshore wind power, in this study, the risk indicators of pile foundation construction were evaluated using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and comprehensive evaluation methods. The pile foundation construction operation process for offshore wind power mainly includes four phases: preparation for construction, pile sinking, end of construction, and foundation scour protection construction. Pile foundation construction risk indicators are systematically identified as human factors, material factors, management factors, and environmental factors. The most important indicators for pile foundation construction for offshore wind power were evaluated using AHP and comprehensive evaluation methods, which included five indicators: piling equipment, protective equipment, special skills, safety awareness, and emergency management. The four more important indicators are workplace environment, lifting equipment, fire protection systems, and operations. According to the results of our evaluation of the pile foundation construction safety indicators presented herein, corresponding recommendations are made that consider four aspects—human factors, material factors, management factors, and environmental factors. The construction industry should focus on improving the safety measures related to aspects with greater risk indicators. Pile foundation construction for offshore wind power can be evaluated using the method discussed in this paper, allowing industry stakeholders to prioritize and focus on improving safety measures related to aspects with greater risk indicators.
Beyond the Financial Horizon: A Critical Review of Social Responsibility in Latin American Credit Unions
Authors: Carrera-Silva Katherin , Rodríguez Ulcuango Olga Maritza , Abdo-Peralta Paula , Castelo Salazar Ángel Gerardo , Samaniego Erazo Carmen Amelia , Haro Ávalos Diego
Published: September 2024

Credit unions in Latin America play an important role in the financial system, making a significant contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their focus on financial inclusion, sustainability, and economic resilience. Assessing the social responsibility of these cooperatives ensures ethical, sustainable operations that benefit the population. Unlike traditional financial institutions, cooperatives are based on principles focused on mutual benefit, democratic participation, and responsibility toward their members and the community. This critical literature review, conducted through scientific databases, synthesizes findings on social responsibility in credit unions. The financial system is relevant for global economic stability and growth, comprising institutions like credit unions that facilitate capital flow. It operates through financial instruments, intermediaries, and markets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and risk management. Effective financial management involves planning, organizing, directing, and controlling resources to achieve stability and growth, integrating social responsibility. Credit unions in Latin America highlight cooperative principles, emphasizing member service, community development, and sustainable practices over profit maximization, thereby fostering economic inclusion and ethical business practices. In conclusion, credit unions provide affordable financial services while promoting values of solidarity and equity. However, as entities directly linked to communities, it is essential for them to monitor their actions in terms of social responsibility. This is important to measure and ensure their impact on society and its context. Finally, future research should focus on balancing economic viability with social responsibility, exploring innovative models, governance frameworks, and technological impacts.
Converting Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Fly Ash and Municipal Sludge into Environmentally Compatible Alkali-Activated Material
Authors: Sun Zengqing , Li Xiaoyu , Gan Min , Ji Zhiyun , Fan Xiaohui , Xing Jinxin
Published: September 2024

The production of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI-FA) and municipal sludge (MS) has been increasing annually, raising concerns about proper disposal. In this study, a thermal treatment method with attributes of energy efficiency and complete detoxification was applied to synergistically convert MSWI-FA and MS into precursors for the synthesis of high-strength alkali-activated materials (AAMs). The impact of mass ratios of MSWI-FA and MS on the mineralogy, microstructure, and reactivity of obtained precursors were investigated. The mechanism of alkali activation was deeply studied by characterizing the evolution of reaction products. The strength development of synthesized AAMs was characterized in a one-year time scale, as well as the environmental compatibility. The results revealed that strength, with values ranging from 12.8–33.0 MPa at 3 d, 29.5–44.1 MPa at 28 d and 39.3–54.8 MPa at 365 d. Furthermore, after one year of curing, the release of Ni, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, and Ba from synthesized AAMs into both deionized water and acetic acid were far below the regulatory limits in China. All these contribute to promoting the safe disposal and effective valorization of MSWI-FA and MS.
Rethinking Electron Statistics Rules
Authors: Kovacs Andras , Vassallo Giorgio
Published: September 2024

The Fermi–Dirac and Bose–Einstein statistics are considered to be key concepts in quantum mechanics, and they are used to explain the occupancy limit of electron orbitals. We investigate the physical origin of these two statistics and uncover that the key determining factor is whether an individual electron spin is measurable or not. Microscopically, a system with individually measurable electron spins corresponds to the presence of Larmor spin precession in electron–electron interactions, while the non-measurability of individual electron spins corresponds to the absence of Larmor spin precession. Both interaction types are possible, and the favored interaction type is thermodynamically determined. The absence of Larmor spin precession is realized in coherent electron states, and coherent electrons therefore obey Bose–Einstein statistics.
Optimization of SOX2 Expression for Enhanced Glioblastoma Stem Cell Virotherapy
Authors: Kim Dongwook , Puig Abraham , Rabiei Faranak , Hawkins Erial J. , Hernandez Talia F. , Sung Chang K.
Published: September 2024

The Zika virus has been shown to infect glioblastoma stem cells via the membrane receptor αvβ5, which is activated by the stem-specific transcription factor SOX2. Since the expression level of SOX2 is an important predictive marker for successful virotherapy, it is important to understand the fundamental mechanisms of the role of SOX2 in the dynamics of cancer stem cells and Zika viruses. In this paper, we develop a mathematical ODE model to investigate the effects of SOX2 expression levels on Zika virotherapy against glioblastoma stem cells. Our study aimed to identify the conditions under which SOX2 expression level, viral infection, and replication can reduce or eradicate the glioblastoma stem cells. Analytic work on the existence and stability conditions of equilibrium points with respect to the basic reproduction number are provided. Numerical results were in good agreement with analytic solutions. Our results show that critical threshold levels of both SOX2 and viral replication, which change the stability of equilibrium points through population dynamics such as transcritical and Hopf bifurcations, were observed. These critical thresholds provide the optimal conditions for SOX2 expression levels and viral bursting sizes to enhance therapeutic efficacy of Zika virotherapy against glioblastoma stem cells. This study provides critical insights into optimizing Zika virus-based treatment for glioblastoma by highlighting the essential role of SOX2 in viral infection and replication.
Anisotropic (p, q) Equation with Partially Concave Terms
Authors: Gasiński Leszek , Makrides Gregoris , Papageorgiou Nikolaos S.
Published: September 2024

We consider a Dirichlet problem driven by the anisotropic (p,q) Laplacian. In the reaction, we have a parametric partially concave term plus a “superlinear” perturbation (convex term) which need not satisfy the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition. Using variational tools, we show that for all small values of the parameter λ>0, the problem has at least two nontrivial smooth solutions.
Investigating the Relationship between Balanced Composition and Aesthetic Judgment through Computational Aesthetics and Neuroaesthetic Approaches
Authors: Lin Fangfu , Song Wu , Li Yan , Xu Wanni
Published: September 2024

Background: Symmetry is a special kind of balance. This study aims to systematically explore and apply the role of balanced composition in aesthetic judgments by focusing on balanced composition features and employing research methods from computational aesthetics and neuroaesthetics. Methods: First, experimental materials were classified by quantifying balanced composition using several indices, including symmetry, center of gravity, and negative space. An EEG experiment was conducted with 18 participants, who were asked to respond dichotomously to the same stimuli under different judgment tasks (balance and aesthetics), with both behavioral and EEG data being recorded and analyzed. Subsequently, participants’ data were combined with balanced composition indices to construct and analyze various SVM classification models. Results: Participants largely used balanced composition as a criterion for aesthetic evaluation. ERP data indicated that from 300–500 ms post-stimulus, brain activation was more significant in the aesthetic task, with unbeautiful and imbalanced stimuli eliciting larger frontal negative waves and occipital positive waves. From 600–1000 ms, beautiful stimuli caused smaller negative waves in the PZ channel. The results of the SVM models indicated that the model incorporating aesthetic subject data (ACC = 0.9989) outperforms the model using only balanced composition parameters of the aesthetic object (ACC = 0.7074). Conclusions: Balanced composition is a crucial indicator in aesthetics, with similar early processing stages in both balance and aesthetic judgments. Multi-modal data models validated the advantage of including human factors in aesthetic evaluation systems. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances our understanding of the cognitive and emotional processes involved in aesthetic judgments but also enables the construction of more reasonable machine learning models to simulate and predict human aesthetic preferences.
Deep Learning-Based Vision Systems for Robot Semantic Navigation: An Experimental Study
Authors: Alotaibi Albandari , Alatawi Hanan , Binnouh Aseel , Duwayriat Lamaa , Alhmiedat Tareq , Alia Osama Moh’d
Published: September 2024

Robot semantic navigation has received significant attention recently, as it aims to achieve reliable mapping and navigation accuracy. Object detection tasks are vital in this endeavor, as a mobile robot needs to detect and recognize the objects in the area of interest to build an effective semantic map. To achieve this goal, this paper classifies and discusses recently developed object detection approaches and then presents the available vision datasets that can be employed in robot semantic navigation applications. In addition, this paper discusses several experimental studies that have validated the efficiency of object detection algorithms, including Faster R-CNN, YOLO v5, and YOLO v8. These studies also utilized a vision dataset to design and develop efficient robot semantic navigation systems, which is also discussed. According to several experiments conducted in a Fablab area, the YOLO v8 object classification model achieved the best results in terms of classification accuracy and processing speed.
The Mechanism of Arsenic Release in Contaminated Paddy Soil with Added Biochar: The Role of Dissolved Organic Matter, Fe, and Bacteria
Authors: Fan Jianxin , Liao Maoyu , Duan Ting , Hu Ying , Sun Jiaoxia
Published: September 2024

The addition of biochar inevitably modifies the acidity (pH), redox potential (Eh), and dissolved organic matter (DOM) level in the soil. These alterations also have coupled effects on the cycling of iron (Fe) and the composition of bacterial communities, thereby impacting the speciation and availability of arsenic (As) in the soil. This study explored the potential mechanisms through which biochar affects As in paddy soil during flooded cultivation with different pyrolysis temperature biochars (300 °C, 400 °C, and 500 °C) added. The results revealed that the TAs concentration increased in the initial 15 days of soil cultivation with SBC300 or SBC400 addition because increasing the concentration of DOM induced the mobility of As though the formation of As-DOM complexes. Meanwhile, biochar addition elevated the pH, decreased the Eh, and promoted the transformation of specific adsorbed As (A-As) and amorphous iron oxide-bound As (Amo-Fe-As) to supernatant As through enhancing the reductive dissolution of Fe(oxy)(hydr)oxides. Moreover, the biochar altered the relative abundance of As (V)-reducing bacteria (such as Firmicutes) and As (III)-oxidizing bacteria (such as Chloroflex), thereby affecting As speciation. However, these mechanistic effects varied depending on the pyrolysis temperature of the biochar. The microbial composition of SBC300 and SBC400 were similar, with both containing larger populations of Enterobacteriaceae (AsRB) and pseudomonas (FeRB) compared to CK and SBC500. It was proposed that lower pyrolysis temperatures (300 °C and 400 °C) are more favorable for the dissolution of Fe(oxy)(hydr)oxides and the reduction of As (V). However, the biochar from the higher pyrolysis temperature (500 °C) showed environmental impacts akin to the control group (CK). This study demonstrated potential mechanisms of biochar’s effect on As and the role of pyrolysis temperature.
Recreational Drug Overdose—Clinical Value of Toxicological Analysis
Authors: Zellner Tobias , Eyer Florian , Rabe Christian , Geith Stefanie , Haberl Bettina , Schmoll Sabrina
Published: September 2024

Background: Toxicological analysis of patients with acute recreational drug poisoning can improve our understanding of substance use patterns, clinical symptoms, and improve treatment. Patient history alone may be incomplete or misleading. The objective was to assess the differences in patient history and analytical results, to describe the clinical characteristics, implications and hospital management, and to describe the drug use pattern over time. Methods: A retrospective study including all patients admitted to our toxicology unit with recreational drug toxicity and analytical testing from October 2014 to December 2022. Results: 872 patients were included. Patient history revealed a median of one ingested substance class: opiates/opioids, benzodiazepines/Z-drugs, and Pregabalin were predominant. Urine analysis revealed a median of three ingested substance classes (p < 0.001). Benzodiazepines/Z-drugs, Pregabalin, and THC were severely underreported. Agitation and aggression, anxiety, hallucinations, and psychosis were frequent, associated with cocaine, cathinone/phenethylamine, and amphetamine/MDMA detection and required sedation. Coma was also frequent, associated with opiate/opioid, benzodiazepine/Z-drug, GBL/GHB, and Pregabalin detection and required intubation, and/or application of Naloxone and/or Flumazenil. Twelve patients arrived in cardiac arrest; all were positive for opiates/opioids. Four patients died: three with Benzodiazepines/Z-drugs, Pregabalin and opiates/opioids detected, one with cathinones/phenethylamines detected. While cathinones/phenethylamines and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists were mainly detected between 2014–2016, detection decreased significantly between 2017–2022 after NPS legislation passed. Pregabalin detection increased. Conclusions: Patient history is inaccurate, and patients frequently underreport ingested drugs. Opiates and opioids are still the main cause of morbidity and mortality. Pregabalin is increasingly abused. NPS legislation effectively decreased cathinone/phenethylamine and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist overdoses.
Dendritic Cells Pulsed with HAM/TSP Exosomes Sensitize CD4 T Cells to Enhance HTLV-1 Infection, Induce Helper T-Cell Polarization, and Decrease Cytotoxic T-Cell Response
Authors: Joseph Julie , Premeaux Thomas A. , Tandon Ritesh , Murphy Edward L. , Bruhn Roberta , Nicot Christophe , Herrera Bobby Brooke , Lemenze Alexander , Alatrash Reem , Baffour Tonto Prince , Ndhlovu Lishomwa C. , Jain Pooja
Published: September 2024

HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a progressive demyelinating disease of the spinal cord due to chronic inflammation. Hallmarks of disease pathology include dysfunctional anti-viral responses and the infiltration of HTLV-1-infected CD4+ T cells and HTLV-1-specific CD8+ T cells in the central nervous system. HAM/TSP individuals exhibit CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with elevated co-expression of multiple inhibitory immune checkpoint proteins (ICPs), but ICP blockade strategies can only partially restore CD8+ T-cell effector function. Exosomes, small extracellular vesicles, can enhance the spread of viral infections and blunt anti-viral responses. Here, we evaluated the impact of exosomes isolated from HTLV-1-infected cells and HAM/TSP patient sera on dendritic cell (DC) and T-cell phenotypes and function. We observed that exosomes derived from HTLV-infected cell lines (OSP2) elicit proinflammatory cytokine responses in DCs, promote helper CD4+ T-cell polarization, and suppress CD8+ T-cell effector function. Furthermore, exosomes from individuals with HAM/TSP stimulate CD4+ T-cell polarization, marked by increased Th1 and regulatory T-cell differentiation. We conclude that exosomes in the setting of HAM/TSP are detrimental to DC and T-cell function and may contribute to the progression of pathology with HTLV-1 infection.
Safety and Immunogenicity of a Carbohydrate Fatty Acid Monosulphate Ester Adjuvant Combined with a Low-Dose Quadrivalent Split-Virion Inactivated Influenza Vaccine: A Randomised, Observer-Blind, Active-Controlled, First-in-Human, Phase 1 Study
Authors: D’Onofrio Valentino , Porrez Sharon , Jacobs Bart , Alhatemi Azhar , De Boever Fien , Waerlop Gwenn , Michels Els , Vanni Francesca , Manenti Alessandro , Leroux-Roels Geert , Platenburg Peter Paul , Hilgers Luuk , Leroux-Roels Isabel
Published: September 2024

Seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness is low. Carbohydrate fatty acid monosulphate ester (CMS), a new oil-in-water adjuvant, has proven potency in animal models with suggested capacity for dose-sparing. The objective was to evaluate safety and immunogenicity of CMS when added to a low-dose influenza vaccine (QIV) in humans. In a randomised, double-blind, active-controlled, first-in-human study, sixty participants (18–50 years) received either 0.5 mg CMS or 2 mg CMS with 1/5th dose QIV, or a full dose QIV without CMS. Adverse events (AE) were monitored until 7 days post-vaccination. Haemagglutinin inhibition (HI) titres in serum and CD4+ T cells in PBMCs were determined at day 0, 7, 28, and 180. Mean age was 37.6 (±10.1) years and 42/60 (70.0%) were female. Pain at injection site (42/60, 86.7%) and headache (34/60, 56.7%) were reported most and more frequently in the 2 mg CMS group. HI titres and the frequency of influenza specific CD4+ T cells were equal across strains for the three cohorts on all visits, increased until day 28 and decreased at day 180 to values higher than baseline. CMS was safe in humans. Humoral and cell-mediated immunogenicity was similar across vaccines, even with 1/5th antigen dose. CMS can have beneficial implications in low-resource settings or in a pandemic context.
Method for Producing Columnar Ice in Laboratory and Its Application
Authors: Zhang Yujia , Qian Zuoqin , Huang Weilong
Published: September 2024

This study presents the design of a small open-circuit wind tunnel for laboratory use and a method for preparing columnar ice. The ice formation process was analyzed in terms of temperature and ice thickness variations under varying environmental temperatures and wind speeds. Observations revealed that as wind speed increased, the grain size of the columnar ice decreased. Key findings include the following: (1) the selection and validation of two cubic arcs for the wind tunnel contraction section, achieving an acceleration ratio of 6.7–6.8 and stable wind speeds of 1–10 m/s; (2) real-time temperature monitoring indicated rapid cooling before freezing and slower cooling post-freezing, with lower ambient temperatures and higher wind speeds accelerating the icing process; (3) the −1/2 power of grain size was found to be positively correlated with wind speed; and (4) the method’s feasibility for studying mechanical properties of polar columnar ice was confirmed. This technique offers a controlled approach for producing columnar ice in the laboratory, facilitating comprehensive research on ice properties and providing a foundation for future studies on the mechanical behavior of ice under windy polar conditions.
Enhanced Visible-Light-Assisted Photocatalytic Removal of Tetracycline Using Co/La@g-C3N4 Ternary Nanocomposite and Underlying Reaction Mechanisms
Authors: John Kingsley Igenepo , Issa Touma B. , Ho Goen , Nikoloski Aleksandar N. , Li Dan
Published: September 2024

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a promising material for photocatalytic applications. However, it suffers from poor visible-light absorption and a high recombination rate of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. Here, Co/La@g-C3N4 with enhanced photocatalytic activity was prepared by co-doping Co and La into g-C3N4 via a facile one-pot synthesis. Co/La@g-C3N4 displayed better performance, achieving 94% tetracycline (TC) removal within 40 min, as compared with g-C3N4 (BCN, 65%). It also demonstrated promising performance in degrading other pollutants, which was ~2–4-fold greater relative to BCN. The improved photocatalytic activity of Co/La@g-C3N4 was associated with improved photogenerated charge separation, reduced charge transfer resistance, a built-in electric field arising from the p-n-p heterojunction, and the synergistic effect of ternary components for the separation and transfer of the photogenerated charge carriers. Superoxide radicals are suggested to be the most notable reactive species responsible for the photocatalytic reaction. Environmental factors, including the pollutant concentration, catalyst dosage, solution pH, inorganic salts, water matrices, and mixture with dyes, were considered in the photocatalytic reactions. Co/La@g-C3N4 showed good reusability for five cycles of the photocatalytic degradation of TC. The facile one-pot co-doping of Co and La in g-C3N4 formed a p-n-p heterojunction with boosted photocatalytic activity for the highly efficient removal of TC from various water matrices.
Estimating Evapotranspiration of Rainfed Winegrapes Combining Remote Sensing and the SIMDualKc Soil Water Balance Model
Authors: Almeida Wilk S. , Paredes Paula , Basto José , Pôças Isabel , Pacheco Carlos A. , Paço Teresa A.
Published: September 2024

Soil water balance (SWB) in woody crops is sometimes difficult to estimate with one-dimensional models because these crops do not completely cover the soil and usually have a deep root system, particularly when cropped under rainfed conditions in a Mediterranean climate. In this study, the actual crop evapotranspiration (ETc act) is estimated with the soil water balance model SIMDualKc which uses the dual-Kc approach (relating the fraction of soil cover with the crop coefficients) to improve the estimation of the water requirements of a rainfed vineyard, using data from a deep soil profile. The actual basal crop coefficient (Kcb act) obtained using the SIMDualKc model was compared with the Kcb act estimated using the A&P approach, which is a simplified approach based on measurements of the fraction of ground cover and crop height. Spectral vegetation indices (VIs) derived from Landsat-5 satellite data were used to determine the fraction of ground cover (fc VI) and thus the density coefficient (Kd). The SIMDualKc model was calibrated using available soil water (ASW) measurements down to a depth of 1.85 m, which significantly improved the conditions for using an SWB estimation model. The test of the model was performed using a different ASW dataset. A good agreement between simulated and field-measured ASW was observed for both data sets along the crop season, with RMSE < 12.0 mm and NRMSE < 13%. The calibrated Kcb values were 0.15, 0.60, and 0.52 for the initial, mid-season, and end season, respectively. The ratio between ETc act and crop evapotranspiration (ETc) was quite low between veraison and maturity (mid-season), corresponding to 36%, indicating that the rainfall was not sufficient to satisfy the vineyard’s water requirements. VIs used to compute fc VI were unable to fully track the plants’ conditions during water stress. However, ingestion of data from remote sensing (RS) showed promising results that could be used to support decision making in irrigation scheduling. Further studies on the use of the A&P approach using RS data are required.
Salaries of employees of socially and vitally important professions
Authors:   Department of Civil Law disciplines MFUA, Moscow, Shuvalova I.A.
Published: September 2024

In the article, the author argues the importance of certain types of professions. Medical, pedagogical and social workers, rescuers make a tremendous contribution to the life of society, help citizens, improve their lives, have a significant impact on the well-being and development of the country. When studying the data of state statistics, the emphasis is on the low wage of these employees. The legal regulation of their wages is analyzed. The problems are identified, as well as ways to solve them in the form of the adoption of a separate regulatory legal act fixing the system of remuneration for employees of socially and vitally important professions.
Work and rest regime in modern conditions
Authors:   Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management, Podovalov N.А. , Voronchenko M.V. ,   Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management, Zhukov А.А. ,   Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management, Rozhkov D. D. ,   Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management, Martyusheva A.E. ,   Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management, Markeev A.I. ,   Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management
Published: September 2024

The article examines the integral content of the concepts of "work regime" and "rest regime", the history of the development of legislation on the work regime in Russia. The analysis of the signs of the legal nature of the work and rest regime is carried out, the values of these regimes are determined. The relevance of this topic is due to the fact that the regulation of work and rest is an integral element of labor law. Having a number of problems in this area, employees and (or) employers often violate the labor legislation of Russia on the organization of work and rest regimes. Consideration of issues related to work and rest time will allow determining vectors for further legal regulation and possible ideas for eliminating problematic issues. The main part of the work is devoted to the analysis of problem areas common in the Russian legal field in the regulation of working hours, as well as time for rest.
Effects of orange juice intake on Doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats
Authors: Fogaça Alef José , Barbisan Luís Fernando , Ribeiro Ana Paula Dantas , Polegato Bertha Furlan
Published: September 2024

Considering that doxorubicin (DOXO) is an anticancer agent with severe adverse effects, this preclinical study investigated the protective effect of ‘pera’ orange juice (POJ) intake on DOXO-induced hepatic and renal toxicities. To this end, male Wistar rats were treated with DOXO in chronic (4.0 mg/kg weekly for four weeks) and acute (16.0 mg/kg in the fourth week) regimens. The experimental groups received filtered water or pasteurized POJ. After euthanasia, livers and kidneys were evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically for Ki-67 and histone γ-H2A.X markers, and their data were analyzed by One-Way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s a posteriori test. In this way, it was observed that DOXO caused weight loss, histological changes and increased damage markers. POJ reduced these changes only in chronic treatment, which allows us to conclude that the orange juice may attenuate the hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of DOXO at low and fractionated doses.
Estrategias didácticas y tecnologías para los estudiantes con NEE asociados o no a la discapacidad
Authors: Echeverría Juana Eulalia Coka , Macancela Irlanda Jacqueline Maridueña , Coka Jorge Enrique Cervantes , Peñarrieta Gabriela Yamile Arteaga
Published: September 2024

Las universidades y escuelas politécnicas del país tienen la imperiosa tarea de atender las necesidades educativas especiales de todos los estudiantes para garantizar el rendimiento académico y los resultados de aprendizaje con la finalidad de entregar a la sociedad profesionales altamente competentes con autonomía, vocación y comprometidos a solucionar problemas de la comunidad. El éxito académico está en la metodología y rigor científico aplicado por los docentes, para atender las dificultades en el ámbito educativo como la deserción y fracaso escolar que por décadas han sido barreras del aprendizaje. El motivo de las autoras es socializar los resultados obtenidos del trabajo práctico experimental con investigación de campo, de tipo descriptivo, explicativo, y de observación, cuyos instrumentos, estrategias didácticas y tecnológicas son propicias para atender las dificultades de los educandos. Se utilizó 209 estudiantes universitarios involucrados en la investigación, lo cual dio lugar a la elaboración de prototipos didácticos, videos, documentales, aplicados a niños y niñas con o sin discapacidad, que presentan anomalías del aprendizaje y que les impide el desarrollo de habilidades cognitivas, afectivas y psicomotrices, dicha metodología dio óptimos resultados en la aplicación del proceso educativo.
Distinct Olfactory Bulb-Cortex Neural Circuits Coordinate Cognitive Function in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Wang Shuai-Shuai , Mao Xing-Feng , Cai Zhi-Shen , Lin Wen , Liu Xiu-Xiu , Luo Bei , Chen Xiang , Yue Yue , Fan Heng-Yu , Sasaki Takuya , Fukunaga Kohji , Zhang Wen-Bin , Lu Ying-Mei , Han Feng
Published: September 2024

Cognitive dysfunction stands as a prevalent and consequential non-motor manifestation in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Although dysfunction of the olfactory system has been recognized as an important predictor of cognitive decline, the exact mechanism by which aberrant olfactory circuits contribute to cognitive dysfunction in PD is unclear. Here, we provide the first evidence for abnormal functional connectivity across olfactory bulb (OB) and piriform cortex (PC) or entorhinal cortex (EC) by clinical fMRI, and dysfunction of neural coherence in the olfactory system in PD mice. Moreover, we discovered that 2 subpopulations of mitral/tufted (M/T) cells in OB projecting to anterior PC (aPC) and EC precisely mediated the process of cognitive memory respectively by neural coherence at specific frequencies in mice. In addition, the transcriptomic profiling analysis and functional genetic regulation analysis further revealed that biorientation defective 1 (
Bod1
) may play a pivotal role in encoding OB
M/T
-mediated cognitive function. We also verified that a new deep brain stimulation protocol in OB ameliorated the cognitive function of
Bod1
-deficient mice and PD mice. Together, aberrant coherent activity in the olfactory system can serve as a biomarker for assessing cognitive function and provide a candidate therapeutic target for the treatment of PD.
Diminuição do impacto ambiental no solo através de soluções propostos para a fluidez de concreto aplicado a fundação em estaca hélice contínua monitorada em um edifício de quatro pavimentos na Universidade Estadual da região Tocantina do Maranhão - Açailândia
Authors: Barbosa Rodrigo da Silva , Silva Jorge Luiz Oliveira , Teixeira Fawan Lima , Jesus Luciano Silva de , Ribeiro Marcos Gabriel Silva , Oliveira Fabiane de Sousa , Silva Adri Jardel de Oliveira , Lucena Mário Silva de , Crocia Marcondes Ayres
Published: September 2024

Devido ao aumento da demanda por salas por causa da expansão de novos cursos, a UEMASUL em Açailândia, Maranhão, decidiu construir um edifício de quatro andares. A MVDC Empreendimentos LTDA executou a construção e encontrou desafios na instalação das fundações. O uso de estacas do tipo hélice contínua foi decidido porque são autoperfurantes e causam menos impacto no solo, evitando trincas e rachaduras. O objetivo do estudo foi revisar o traço do concreto utilizado e o melhor tipo de fundação para garantir a estabilidade da estrutura e uma maior preservação do solo em conformidade com as normas técnicas atualizadas, particularmente a NBR 6118/2023.
A metodologia seguiu a NBR 6122/2019 e 6118/2023 e incluiu a terraplanagem, locação, perfuração de estacas e, em seguida, escavação, armação e concretagem dos blocos de fundação. Os principais resultados foram os seguintes: os testes de carga estática nas estacas confirmarão sua capacidade de carga e as margens de segurança requeridas; as sondagens mostraram que o subsolo diferia muito, o que significa que cada estaca precisa de ajustes específicos. A conclusão mostra o quão importante é a revisão e atualização do projeto e a adaptação das fundações para garantir que a estrutura seja segura e estável e que os danos ao solo sejam minimizados.