bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Inference for Multiple Datasets
Authors: Retkute Renata , Thurston William , Gilligan Christopher A.
Published: May 2024

Estimating parameters for multiple datasets can be time consuming, especially when the number of datasets is large. One solution is to sample from multiple datasets simultaneously using Bayesian methods such as adaptive multiple importance sampling (AMIS). Here, we use the AMIS approach to fit a von Mises distribution to multiple datasets for wind trajectories derived from a Lagrangian Particle Dispersion Model driven from 3D meteorological data. A posterior distribution of parameters can help to characterise the uncertainties in wind trajectories in a form that can be used as inputs for predictive models of wind-dispersed insect pests and the pathogens of agricultural crops for use in evaluating risk and in planning mitigation actions. The novelty of our study is in testing the performance of the method on a very large number of datasets (>11,000). Our results show that AMIS can significantly improve the efficiency of parameter inference for multiple datasets.
Facile Fabrication of SrTiO3/In2O3 on Carbon Fibers via a Self-Assembly Strategy for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Niu Jiantao , Hu Qi
Published: May 2024

Photocatalytic water splitting by semiconductors is considered a promising and cost-effective method for achieving sustainable hydrogen production. In this study, a CF/SrTiO3/In2O3 photocatalytic material with a double-layer core–shell structure was developed. The experimental results indicated that the produced CF/SrTiO3/In2O3 composite fiber displayed superior photocatalytic hydrogen production performance, achieving a hydrogen evolution rate of approximately 320.71 μmol/g·h, which is roughly seven times higher than that of the CF/SrTiO3 fiber alone. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the CF/SrTiO3/In2O3 fiber can be attributed to the heterojunction structure enriched with oxygen vacancies. It was found that these oxygen vacancies created defective states that served as traps for photogenerated electrons, facilitating their migration to the surface defect states and enabling the reduction of H+ in water to produce hydrogen. Furthermore, the synergy between the heterojunction structure and the conductivity of the carbon fiber promoted the generation and migration of photogenerated electrons, reduced the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, and ultimately improved photocatalytic hydrogen production. This study presents a new approach for designing efficient photocatalysts with surface oxygen vacancies on carbon fibers, providing new insights into the sustainable application of photocatalysts.
Multi-Objective Evcuation Planning Model Considering Post-Earthquake Fire Spread: A Tokyo Case Study
Authors: Tang Kai , Osaragi Toshihiro
Published: May 2024

As an integral part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is essential for human safety and city sustainability. In recent years, natural disasters, which have had a tremendous negative impact on economic and social development, have frequently occurred in cities. As one of these devastating disasters, earthquakes can severely damage the achievements of urban development and impact the sustainable development of cities. To prepare for potential large earthquakes in the future, efficient evacuation plans need to be developed to enhance evacuation efficiency and minimize casualties. Most previous research focuses on minimization of distance or cost while ignoring risk factors. We propose a multi-objective optimization model with the goal of reducing the risk during the evacuation process, which is called the risk reduction model (RRM). Problem-specific indicators for screening optimal solutions are introduced. The research selects the Ogu area in Tokyo as a case study, where there is a relatively high density of wooden structures, increasing the risks of building collapse and fire spread after an earthquake, and is based on a two-phase evacuation flow that considers secondary evacuation for fire response. The results indicate that, in this case, RRM can, in most situations, reduce the risk level during the evacuation process and improve evacuation efficiency and success rate without significantly increasing the total evacuation distance. It proves to be superior to the traditional distance minimization model (DMM), which prioritizes minimizing the total distance as the objective function.
Materials and Methods for All-Cellulose 3D Printing in Sustainable Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Albelo Isabel , Raineri Rachel , Salmon Sonja
Published: May 2024

Additive manufacturing, commonly referred to as 3D printing, is an exciting and versatile manufacturing technology that has gained traction and interest in both academic and industrial settings. Polymeric materials are essential components in a majority of the feedstocks used across the various 3D printing technologies. As the environmental ramifications of sole or primary reliance on petrochemicals as a resource for industrial polymers continue to manifest themselves on a global scale, a transition to more sustainable bioderived alternatives could offer solutions. In particular, cellulose is promising due to its global abundance, biodegradability, excellent thermal and mechanical properties, and ability to be chemically modified to suit various applications. Traditionally, native cellulose was incorporated in additive manufacturing applications only as a substrate, filler, or reinforcement for other materials because it does not melt or easily dissolve. Now, the exploration of all-cellulose 3D printed materials is invigorated by new liquid processing strategies involving liquid-like slurries, nanocolloids, and advances in direct cellulose solvents that highlight the versatility and desirable properties of this abundant biorenewable photosynthetic feedstock. This review discusses the progress of all-cellulose 3D printing approaches and the associated challenges, with the purpose of promoting future research and development of this important technology for a more sustainable industrial future.
Study of the Adsorption and Separation Behavior of Scandium and Zirconium by Trialkyl Phosphine Oxide-Modified Resins in Sulfuric and Hydrochloric Acid Media
Authors: Xu Botao , Yin Xiangbiao , Ning Shunyan , Zhong Yilai , Wang Xinpeng , Fujita Toyohisa , Hamza Mohammed F. , Wei Yuezhou
Published: May 2024

Zirconium is recognized as one of the main impurities of the rare earth element scandium during purification. It presents significant challenges due to its similar chemical properties, making separating it difficult. This study used trialkyl phosphine oxide (TRPO) as a functional ligand, and the effects of carrier type and acidity on adsorption performance were first investigated. Among these, the novel extraction resin SiO2-P as a carrier for TRPO demonstrated more prominent separation performance in 0.2 M H2SO4 and 5 M HCl solutions. The kinetic and isotherm data were consistent with the pseudo-secondary kinetics and Langmuir model, respectively, and the adsorption process could be regarded as homogeneous monolayer adsorption subject to the dual effects of chemisorption and internal diffusion. In addition, thermodynamic analysis showed that the adsorption process of zirconium under the experimental conditions was a spontaneous endothermic process. Combined with the results of SEM-EDS, FT-IR, and XPS analyses, scandium and zirconium were successfully adsorbed by the resin and uniformly distributed on its surface, and the greater affinity of the P=O groups on the resin for zirconium was the critical factor contributing to the separation of scandium and zirconium. Finally, scandium and zirconium in sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid media were extracted and separated by column experiments, and the purity of scandium could reach 99.8% and 99.99%, respectively.
Editorial to the Special Issue: “Recent Advances in Gamma Ray Astrophysics and Future Perspectives”
Authors: Romano Patrizia
Published: May 2024

This Special Issue is a collection of reviews highlighting the recent progress in the very vast and closely related fields of γ-ray astrophysics and astro-particle physics in recent years, looking toward a very promising future [...]
Driving Domain Classification Based on Kernel Density Estimation of Urban Land Use and Road Network Scaling Models
Authors: Brandes Gerrit , Sieg Christian , Sander Marcel , Henze Roman
Published: May 2024

Current research on automated driving systems focuses on Level 4 automated driving (AD) in specific operational design Domains (ODD). Measurement data from customer fleet operation are commonly used to extract scenarios and ODD features (road infrastructure, etc.) for the testing of AD functions. To ensure data relevance for the vehicle use case, driving domain classification of the data is required. Generally, classification into urban, extra-urban and highway domains provides data with similar ODD features. Highway classification can be implemented using global navigation satellite system coordinates of the driving route, map-matching algorithms, and road classes stored in digital maps. However, the distinction between urban and extra-urban driving domains is more complex, as settlement taxonomies and administrative-level hierarchies are not globally consistent. Therefore, this paper presents a map-based method for driving domain classification. First, potential urban areas (PUA) are identified based on urban land-use density, which is determined based on land-use categories from OpenStreetMap (OSM) and then spatially smoothed by kernel density estimation. Subsequently, two road network scaling models are used to distinguish between urban and extra-urban domains for the PUA. Finally, statistics of ODD feature distribution are analysed for the classified urban and extra-urban areas.
Breakthrough Infections in SARS-CoV-2-Vaccinated Multiple Myeloma Patients Improve Cross-Protection against Omicron Variants
Authors: Wagner Angelika , Garner-Spitzer Erika , Auer Claudia , Gattinger Pia , Zwazl Ines , Platzer René , Orola-Taus Maria , Pichler Peter , Amman Fabian , Bergthaler Andreas , Huppa Johannes B. , Stockinger Hannes , Zielinski Christoph C. , Valenta Rudolf , Kundi Michael , Wiedermann Ursula
Published: May 2024

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are a heterogenous, immunocompromised group with increased risk for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality but impaired responses to primary mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The effects of booster vaccinations and breakthrough infections (BTIs) on antibody (Ab) levels and cross-protection to variants of concern (VOCs) are, however, not sufficiently evaluated. Therefore, we analysed humoral and cellular vaccine responses in MM patients stratified according to disease stage/treatment into group (1) monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, (2) after stem cell transplant (SCT) without immunotherapy (IT), (3) after SCT with IT, and (4) progressed MM, and in healthy subjects (prospective cohort study). In contrast to SARS-CoV-2 hu-1-specific Ab levels, Omicron-specific Abs and their cross-neutralisation capacity remained low even after three booster doses in a majority of MM patients. In particular, progressed MM patients receiving anti-CD38 mAb and those after SCT with IT were Ab low responders and showed delayed formation of spike-specific B memory cells. However, MM patients with hybrid immunity (i.e., vaccination and breakthrough infection) had improved cross-neutralisation capacity against VOCs, yet in the absence of severe COVID-19 disease. Our results indicate that MM patients require frequent variant-adapted booster vaccinations and/or changes to other vaccine formulations/platforms, which might have similar immunological effects as BTIs.
Soluble Plasma Proteins of Tumor Necrosis Factor and Immunoglobulin Superfamilies Reveal New Insights into Immune Regulation in People with HIV and Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Ghanta Priya P. , Dang Christine M. , Nelson C. Mindy , Feaster Daniel J. , Forrest David W. , Tookes Hansel , Pahwa Rajendra N. , Pallikkuth Suresh , Pahwa Savita G.
Published: May 2024

People with HIV (PWH) frequently suffer from Opioid (OP) Use Disorder (OUD). In an investigation of the impact of OUD on underlying immune dysfunction in PWH, we previously reported that OP use exacerbates inflammation in virally controlled PWH followed in the Infectious Diseases Elimination Act (IDEA) Syringe Services Program (SSP). Unexpectedly, Flu vaccination-induced antibody responses in groups with OUD were superior to PWH without OUD. Here, we investigated the profile of 48 plasma biomarkers comprised of TNF and Ig superfamily (SF) molecules known to impact interactions between T and B cells in 209 participants divided into four groups: (1) HIV+OP+, (2) HIV−OP+, (3) HIV+OP−, and (4) HIV−OP−. The differential expression of the top eight molecules ranked by median values in individual Groups 1–3 in comparison to Group 4 was highly significant. Both OP+ groups 1 and 2 had higher co-stimulatory TNF SF molecules, including 4-1BB, OX-40, CD40, CD30, and 4-1BBL, which were found to positively correlate with Flu Ab titers. In contrast, HIV+OP− exhibited a profile dominant in Ig SF molecules, including PDL-2, CTLA-4, and Perforin, with PDL-2 showing a negative correlation with Flu vaccine titers. These findings are relevant to vaccine development in the fields of HIV and OUD.
Questionable Immunity to Mumps among Healthcare Workers in Italy—A Cross-Sectional Serological Study
Authors: Ferrari Cristiana , Somma Giuseppina , Treglia Michele , Pallocci Margherita , Passalacqua Pierluigi , Di Giampaolo Luca , Coppeta Luca
Published: May 2024

Highly contagious diseases, such as mumps, are a global concern as new epidemics continue to emerge, even in highly vaccinated populations. The risk of transmission and spread of these viruses is even higher for individuals who are more likely to be exposed, including healthcare workers (HCWs). In healthcare settings, both HCWs and patients are at risk of infection during the care process, potentially leading to nosocomial epidemic outbreaks. Mumps is often underestimated compared with measles and rubella, despite being milder and less likely to spread. In fact, the risk of complications following mumps infection is extremely high, especially if the disease occurs in adulthood. The measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccine has been shown to be an excellent preventive measure. Unfortunately, the mumps component appears to be less effective in inducing immunity than those for measles and rubella (two-dose effectiveness of 85%, 95% and 97%, respectively). The main aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of detectable mumps antibodies (serum IgG antibodies) in a cohort of Italian and foreign HCWs in relation to personal and occupational factors. We included in the study 468 subjects who underwent health surveillance at the Occupational Medicine Unit of the Tor Vergata Polyclinic in Rome during the period from January 2021 to March 2023. In our study, the proportion of HCWs found to be unprotected against mumps was very high (8.3%), and those found to be immune are below the WHO threshold for herd immunity (95%). From our data, it seems essential that all occupational health services carry out an accurate screening with a dose of anti-mumps antibodies to assess serological protection before starting a job, regardless of an individual’s vaccination history. This approach is proving to be beneficial, accurate, as it allows all serologically non-immune individuals to be vaccinated in the workplace, including those who would be protected by their vaccination history but have lost the antibody response.
Visual Deficits and Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies for Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Bridging Science and Patient-Centered Care
Authors: Miyagishima Kiyoharu J. , Qiao Fengyu , Stasheff Steven F. , Nadal-Nicolás Francisco M.
Published: May 2024

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an inherited autosomal dominant disorder primarily affecting children and adolescents characterized by multisystemic clinical manifestations. Mutations in neurofibromin, the protein encoded by the Nf1 tumor suppressor gene, result in dysregulation of the RAS/MAPK pathway leading to uncontrolled cell growth and migration. Neurofibromin is highly expressed in several cell lineages including melanocytes, glial cells, neurons, and Schwann cells. Individuals with NF1 possess a genetic predisposition to central nervous system neoplasms, particularly gliomas affecting the visual pathway, known as optic pathway gliomas (OPGs). While OPGs are typically asymptomatic and benign, they can induce visual impairment in some patients. This review provides insight into the spectrum and visual outcomes of NF1, current diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions, and explores the influence of NF1-OPGS on visual abnormalities. We focus on recent advancements in preclinical animal models to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of NF1 pathology and therapies targeting NF1-OPGs. Overall, our review highlights the involvement of retinal ganglion cell dysfunction and degeneration in NF1 disease, and the need for further research to transform scientific laboratory discoveries to improved patient outcomes.
In the Eyes of the Future: Eye Movement during Near and Distant Future Thinking
Authors: El Haj Mohamad , Moustafa Ahmed
Published: May 2024

Research has suggested that near future events are typically viewed from a first-person (an own-eyes, also known as field) perspective while distant future events are typically viewed from a third-person (an observer) perspective. We investigated whether these distinct mental perspectives would be accompanied by distinct eye movement activities. We invited participants to imagine near and distant future events while their eye movements (i.e., scan path) were recorded by eye-tracking glasses. Analysis demonstrated fewer but longer fixations for near future thinking than for distant future thinking. Analysis also demonstrated more “field” mental visual perspective responses for near than for distant future thinking. The long fixations during near future thinking may mirror a mental visual exploration involving processing of a more complex visual representation compared with distant future thinking. By demonstrating how near future thinking triggers both “field” responses and long fixations, our study demonstrates how the temporality of future thinking triggers both distinct mental imagery and eye movement patterns.
Unveiling the Dynamics of Cryptosporidium in Urban Surface Water: A Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment and Insights into Climatic and Seasonal Influences
Authors: Bilal Hazrat , Li Xiaowen , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Tulcan Roberto Xavier Supe , Chhetri Madan Thapa
Published: May 2024

In response to global urbanization and economic development, urban surface water pollution has become a universal challenge and particularly affects densely populated megacities, and Dhaka is no exception. The discharge of 98% of untreated domestic sewage and massive volumes of industrial wastewater from over 7000 industries escalate surface water crises. This study investigates microbial and fecal contamination with particular emphasis on Cryptosporidium in surface water, known for causing waterborne diseases, such as cryptosporidiosis. Findings reveal high Cryptosporidium oocyst concentrations and fecal contamination in various water bodies in Dhaka City. Among the investigated water bodies, the Buriganga River exhibits the highest Cryptosporidium oocyst concentration (46%), while the Balu River, Turag River, Shitalakkhya River, Dhanmondi Lake, Gulshan Lake, Banani Lake, Ramna Lake, and Crescent Lake also present high levels of oocyst concentrations ranging from 21–40%. This study also calculated infection risks and found that the infection risk of swimming is highest during the wet season and is (3.9 ± 2.2 (95% CI: 3.0–5.0)) × 10−2 per swimming event, whereas it is approximately (2.4 ± 1.9 (95% CI: 1.6–3.3)) × 10−2 during the dry season. Annual diving risks are approximately (1.2 ± 0.6 (95% CI: 0.9–1.4)) × 10−2, indicating considerably high risks. Most of the sampling sites generally show significantly higher risks than other study areas like the Mymensingh and Kushtia Districts. In light of these results, we strongly recommend immediate measures to address water quality issues and mitigate the risks associated with Cryptosporidium contamination in Dhaka’s surface water.
Classification of Pollution Sources and Their Contributions to Surface Water Quality Using APCS-MLR and PMF Model in a Drinking Water Source Area in Southeastern China
Authors: Wang Ai , Wang Jiangyu , Luan Benjie , Wang Siru , Yang Dawen , Wei Zipeng
Published: May 2024

Identifying the potential pollution sources of surface water pollutants is essential for the management and protection of regional water environments in drinking water source areas. In this study, absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) models were applied to assess water quality and identify the potential pollution sources affecting the surface water quality of Xin’an River Basin. For this purpose, a 10-year (2011–2020) dataset of eight water quality indicators (including pH, EC, DO, COD, NH3-N, TN, TP, and FC) covering eight monitoring stations and 7248 monthly observations was used. The results indicated that Pukou section had the worst water quality among the eight monitoring stations, and TN was the most serious water quality index. Both the APCS-MLR and PMF models identified agricultural nonpoint source pollution, urban nonpoint source pollution and rural domestic pollution, and meteorological factors. The sum of these three sources was very close, accounting for 60% and 58%, respectively. The APCS-MLR results demonstrated that for EC, COD, and NH3-N, the major pollution sources were urban nonpoint sources and rural domestic pollution. The major contamination source of TN was agricultural nonpoint source pollution (30.4%). Meanwhile, the major pollution sources of pH, DO, TP, and FC were unidentified factors. The PMF model identified five potential sources, and pH and DO were affected by meteorological factors. NH3-N and TP were influenced mainly by agricultural nonpoint source pollution. Atmospheric deposition was the major pollution source (87.9%) of TN. FC was mostly derived from livestock and poultry breeding (88.3%). EC and COD were mostly affected by urban nonpoint sources and rural domestic pollution. Therefore, receptor models can help managers identify the major sources of pollution in watersheds, but the major factors affecting different pollutants need to be supplemented by other methods.
Racism and Mental Health: The Moderating Role of Critical Consciousness for Black Adolescents
Authors: Hope Elan C. , Golden Alexandrea R. , Anyiwo Nkemka
Published: May 2024

This study examined experiences of individual, institutional, and cultural racism, along with critical consciousness (i.e., critical reflection, critical agency, critical action), and how they are associated with mental health outcomes for Black adolescents (N = 604; Mage = 15.4; 47.4% female). Consistent with previous research, we found that more experiences of racism were associated with more mental health distress for Black adolescents. We also found that the relationship between racism and mental health varied by critical reflection and critical action, in a three-way interaction effect. The positive association between racism and mental health distress was weaker for the Black adolescents in our sample who reported higher than average critical reflection and lower than average critical action. This evidence suggests that the reflection and action components of critical consciousness, together, can serve as an adaptive coping strategy to guard against the harm racism can cause to mental health. Black adolescents experience less mental health distress when they have a deep understanding of oppression, but do not engage heavily in actions to dismantle those unjust systems. These findings have implications for how youth researchers and practitioners can support critical consciousness development in ways that do not compromise adolescent mental health.
Free To All: Outdoor Spaces for the Boston Public Library
Authors:   Tufts University, Haouzi Chana , Okazaki Matthew Akira ,   University of Chicago
Published: May 2024

Free to All is a series of semi-permanent outdoor shade canopies, cooling misters, and seating strategies developed for ninesatellite branches of the Boston Public Library. In the summer of 2022, Boston Public Library received a grant to improve accessand visibility to library resources in nine underserved communities. The project served as an opportunity to bring the library’sservices and spaces beyond traditional boundaries to connect with the public in new ways. Community engagement served as a fundamental bedrock of the development of the work, from initial interviews and informal gatherings, to design and construction with a local youth organization, to post-occupancy surveys and operational memos. More than an end product,Free to All is an embodiment of a design process, one deeply engaged with members of the public throughout all aspects ofthe project’s development.
Synthetic Data Meets Architectural Typology: An Exploratory Computational Workflow with a Carbon Footprint Inference Case Study
Authors:   University of Texas at Austin, School of Architecture, Koehler Daniel
Published: May 2024

This study employs large-scale-text-to-image (LLI) models to analyze building typologies in relation to environmental contexts. Here, types delineate deep compositions of places that intertwine socio-economic histories with physical structures. Rather than mere representations or models, types encapsulate various facets of a site into a specific term, acting as strategic interfaces bridging architectural design and policy-making. Moving forward, can typological thinking assist in understanding generative-AI workflows from an architectural perspective? Moreover, can one redesign types as instrumental interfaces once again linking design to their environmental contexts?The investigation examines the compositional characteristics of AI-generated images of buildings across various cities.A synthetic dataset of 150,000 images was segmented into individual building segments, enabling a statistical analysisof compositional features across 5,600 cities. The paper introduces how LLI models portray diverse local typologies anddifferentiates these using computational metrics for big-data analysis. It explores the LLI’s potential to assess the carbonfootprint of places by analyzing materials, building parts, and construction methods within the generated images throughimage segmentation.Despite only a real-world alignment of approximately 70 percent in the synthetic data, such databases can augmentexisting building datasets. Synthetic datasets are particularly useful in hard-to-access contexts and in past or projectivesettings. They allow for the precise staging of specific content, such as building typologies or perspectives. Computationalarticulation of types reveals specific attributes that transcend linear classification regimes, aiding here in assessing places’carbon footprints through multilayered linkages. The analysis indicates that embodied carbon in places does not align withgeographical carbon classifications, offering more differentiated resolutions. Furthermore, the embodied carbon,composed of multiple materials, is not visually apparent,suggesting a need for local and project-specific adaptations.
Seven Generations for Wood
Authors:   University of British Columbia, Meyboom Annalisa , Nielson-Roine Kaia ,   University of British Columbia
Published: May 2024

While there is much interest from both the construction industry and government to develop new pathways for salvaging and recycling wood products there has not been significant movement in imple-menting large scale wood recycling initiatives. Despite having one of the strictest recycling programs in the country, the city of Vancouver still a significant construction and demolition (C&D) waste problem. The Zero Waste Policies from Metro Vancouver Municipalities has allowed 78% (1.3 million tonnes) of all waste streams to be diverted from regional landfills, but wood C&D waste (31% of all C&D waste) still largely ends up in the landfill.1,2 Given that about 57% of new buildings in Vancouver are light-wood type buildings and the Vancouver Landfill is slated to be decommissioned in 2037, the city needs a strategy to divert these large volumes of wood from being landfilled.3 This proj-ect presents a method to recycle salvaged wood from deconstructed light-wood buildings and use those materials in new deconstructa-ble assemblies. Common wood waste such as dimensional lumber, plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), laminated strand lumber (LSL),and laminated veneer lumber(LVL) can be recycled into new wood products including finger-jointed lumber, OSB, OSB/LSL or Plywood/LVL crosslam tiles, and wood fibre insulation. Typical light- wood frame construction can then be altered to incorporate these recycled materials and to facilitate deconstruction and further reuse. This project proposes that with proper recycling infrastructure and construction practices the value of wood extracted from the urban environment can be maintained across multiple generations of build-ings creating a true circular economy of wood materials.
Media Usage for Pope Francesco's Visit to Iraq March 5, 2021 (A Semiotic Study of the Photograph Welcoming Of the Pope)
Authors: Hameed Ahmed , Jameel Bushra
Published: May 2024

Objectives: The research aims to highlight the semiotic approach and apply it to a photograph of the Pope's reception at Baghdad International Airport, published on the page of the Media Office of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi in the Twitter application, in order to study its components, analyze its contents and clarify its implications, as well as approach the image as a political and media act.
Methods: The stages of research were accomplished by "investigation, observation, and analysis", and the dismantling of the composition of the photograph, thus revealing the hidden and hidden aspects, relying on the semiotic approach to analysis.
Results: The study showed that the ideas and meanings included in the image in form and content are in the framework of political marketing of the personality of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi, as well as the presence of implicit connotations represented by the official personality and the cross, which expresses the importance of this segment in Iraqi society.
Conclusion: The study concluded that the symbols, connotations and rhetorical methods employed in the image contributed to increasing its effectiveness in influencing and reaching the target audience because of its persuasive power through which it aims to attract and attract the recipient. The results of the analysis confirmed the ability of these symbols, connotations and rhetorical methods in communicating to the recipient the meanings inherent in the image on the one hand and achieving the goals of the sender on the other hand.
DETERMINANTS OF AI-BASED APPLICATIONS ADOPTION IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR – MULTI-GROUP ANALYSIS
Authors: KEERATIVUTISEST Vasu , CHAIYASOONTHORN Wornchanok , KHALID Bilal , ŚLUSARCZYK Beata , CHAVEESUK Singha
Published: May 2024

This research investigated the factors determining the adoption of AI-based applications in Thailand and Poland's agricultural sectors. The study explored the sector's adoption of AI technology and its contributions to driving the market and business performance. Despite the potential of AI in the agricultural sector, its adoption rate still needs to be clarified, and its potential needs to be better understood, hence the need for the study. The research applied primary data collected from respondents working in the agricultural sector in Thailand and Poland using a structured questionnaire. A sample of 356 and 377 respondents were representative samples in Thailand and Poland, respectively. The research was driven by the hypotheses evaluated using the Structural Equation Model (SEM). The findings indicated that organizational size was the most influential determinant of AI-based applications in both countries. Another significant determinant was technological competence in both countries. Additionally, social influence was a significant determinant in Thailand, while facilitating conditions and effort expectancy were significant determinants in Poland. The multi-group analysis revealed that the two countries were not invariant; hence, the effect of independent variables on behavioral intention to adopt AI between the two countries was different. The research recommended that each country's policymakers consider its contexts differently in AI-based application adoption policies. However, improving the organizational size and technological competence would enhance the adoption of AI-based applications across the board.
DESIGN AND TEST OF THRESHING AND CLEANING DEVICE FOR CYPERUS ESCULENTUS L. COMBINE HARVESTER
Authors: ZHANG Zixuan , JIANG Honglei , HE Xiaoning , ZHANG Fangyan , WANG Jiasheng , WANG Dongwei
Published: May 2024

In response to the challenges of difficult separation and incomplete cleaning during the mechanized harvesting of Cyperus esculentus L., a combined threshing and cleaning device consisting of a fruit-picking roller, a cleaning belt, and an air-screening system was designed. The structure and working principle of this device were explained, and the main components and operating parameters were determined through theoretical analysis. Using fruit-picking roller speed, cleaning belt angle, and fan speed as evaluation indicators, a three-factor three-level field experiment was conducted based on the Box-Behnken central composite design principle. Regression models between loss rate, impurity rate, and significant factors were established, and the optimal working parameters were determined using regression equations. The results showed that when the fruit-picking roller speed was 543.7 r/min, the cleaning belt angle was 50.3°, and the fan speed was 532.4 r/min, the loss rate of sesame seed harvesting was 2.67%, and the impurity rate was 2.49%. The results of field validation experiments indicated that the average loss rate of the combined threshing and cleaning device under the optimal parameter combination was 2.88%, and the average impurity rate was 2.41%, which were consistent with the optimization results of the regression model and fully met the requirements of mechanized sesame seed harvesting production.
HIV-1 drug resistance among naïve patients in Armenia in 2017–2021
Authors: Osadchaya Olga A. , Kireev Dmitry E. , Saleeva Daria V. , Kirichenko Alina A. , Lapovok Ilya A. , Lopatukhin Alexey E. , Shlykova Anastasia V. , Makhmudova Leila F. , Ladnaya Natalia N. , Hovakimyan Ermis M. , Martoyan Siranush V. , Kazaryan Hovsep K. , Hovsepyan Tamara V. , Sargsiants Narina K. , Pokrovsky Vadim V.
Published: May 2024

Background. The increased antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage of patients in the absence of routine drug resistance (DR) tests highlight the importance of HIV-1 drug resistance surveillance in Armenia.
Aim. The aim of this study was a determination of the prevalence of HIV-1 DR on a large-scale cohort of HIV-infected citizens of the Republic of Armenia who had no experience of taking antiretroviral drugs.
Materials and methods. The study was carried out on a cohort of more than 20% of PLHIV in the Republic of Armenia. The resulting 982 nucleotide sequences of the HIV-1 pol gene fragment, encoding the protease and reverse transcriptase region, as well as 367 sequences of the integrase gene, were analyzed using the Stanford University database and the CPR tool for the presence of drug resistance mutations and determination of the resistance level to ARV drugs. The HIV-1 subtype was determined using the Stanford University database and confirmed by phylogenetic analysis.
Results. The overall prevalence of HIV DR to ARV drugs in naïve patients was 13.8%. Resistance to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors was 11.2%, nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors — 1.4%, protease inhibitors — 2.0% and integrase inhibitors — 0.5%. The predominant genetic variant among viruses containing DR mutations was subtype B. Resistance was most often recorded among men who have sex with men living in Yerevan.
Conclusion. In our study, prevalence of DR was high only for the NNRTI drugs. The results show that the first-line ARV drugs recommended in current national guidelines are highly likely to be effective. The analysis was carried out on a significant proportion of HIV-infected citizens of the Republic of Armenia, which increases the reliability and accuracy of the data obtained.
Study of humoral and cellular immunity following the immunization of C57Bl/6 mice with a prototype of the inactivated Chikungunya vaccine
Authors: Otrashevskaia Elena V. , Kaa Konstantin V. , Oksanich Alexey S. , Мurashko Nikita V. , Кusliy Alexander G. , Krasko Anatoliy G. , Zverev Vitaly V. , Ignatyev George M.
Published: May 2024

Introduction. Chikungunya virus infection is a problem for the health care system of affected regions due to the lack of specific prevention, as well as effective antiviral drugs. The critical role of cellular immunity in viral control and clearance for the Chikungunya fever has been demonstrated in many studies. Therefore, effective stimulation of not only humoral but also cellular immunity is of undeniable importance when assessing the effectiveness of a potential vaccine for the prevention of this infection.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the formation of protective immunity after administration of a drug containing inactivated Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) to C57Bl/6 mice.
Materials and methods. Inactivated CHIKV (concentrations of 10 μg and 40 μg) was administered intramuscularly to C57Bl/6 mice twice with an interval of 14 days. Indicators of humoral immunity were assessed by ELISA and neutralization test (NT), cellular immunity — by the production of IFN-γ and splenocyte proliferation in vitro. The concentration of cytokines IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70 and TNF was determined by ELISA. When assessing the protective immunity in animals, CHIKV was injected into the dorsal surface of the foot of the right hind paw at a dose of 2.89 ± 0.10 lg TCD50 in a volume of 20 μl.
Results. The most pronounced immune response was noted to the administration of 40 μg of inactivated CHIKV, which was manifested in the balanced production of the studied cytokines, the formation of specific humoral (according to the results of ELISA and NT) and cellular — specific proliferation of splenocytes in vitro and production of IFN-γ. When assessing efficacy, the development of foot edema in immunized animals was significantly lower than in animals in the control group.
Discussion. CHIKV, inactivated by beta-propiolactone, had pronounced immunogenic properties. The balance of production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as the Th1/Th2 immune response, characterized the formation of adaptive immunity in mice without a pronounced inflammatory response. The formation of a specific humoral and cellular immune response has been demonstrated. A study of protection in a non-lethal animal model confirmed the efficacy of the inactivated vaccine.
Conclusion. Double administration of the inactivated CHIKV vaccine at a dose of 40 μg to C57Bl/6 mice demonstrated pronounced immunogenicity, which allows us to evaluate it as a promising prophylactic vaccine.
Polymorphism of spore germination receptor genes in Bacillus anthracis strains of major genetic lineages
Authors: Eremenko Evgeny I. , Ryazanova Alla G. , Pechkovskii Grigorii A. , Pisarenko Sergey V. , Kovalev Dmitry A. , Aksenova Lyudmila Yu. , Semenova Olga V. , Kulichenko Alexander N.
Published: May 2024

Introduction. The genetic structure of the global population of Bacillus anthracis characterized by an unequal distribution of isolates of the main genetic lineages A, B and C, the reason for which is unknown. Determining the characteristics of genes encoding factors that determine the existence of this pathogen at the intra- and extra organismal stages of the life cycle, which can influence the prevalence of strains, is relevant.
Aim — сharacterization of the genes and proteins of spore germination in strains of the anthrax pathogen of different genetic lineages.
Materials and methods. Whole genome sequences of 46 B. anthracis strains and the CI strain of B. cereus biovar anthracis from the NCBI GenBank database studied. In silico analysis carried out using the programs “BLASTn”, “MEGA X”, “Tandem Repeat Finder”.
Results. The number of SNPs, indels and pseudogenes in B. anthracis strains of line B was 2,7–25,6 times higher, in line C 2–23,5 times, and in the B. cereus biovar anthracis strain was 20–2841 times higher than in strains of line A. Significant substitutions in genes leading to changes in the amino acid composition of 10 germination receptor proteins were also significantly more common in B. anthracis strains of lines B, C and the B. cereus biovar anthracis strain.
Undescribed VNTRs within the gerHA gene with repeat units of 78 and 117 bp identified, varying between and within isolates of different genetic lineages. Six germination receptor genes have been shown to have rare starting codons.
Conclusion. A larger number of non-synonymous SNPs in the genes of spore germination receptors with changes in the amino acid composition of proteins in B. anthracis strains of the main genetic lines B, C and B. cereus biovar anthracis than in strains of line A suggests their limited adaptive capabilities and may be one of the explanations for the lower prevalence compared to line A. Differences in the gerHA and gerM genes make it possible to differentiate the major B and C genetic lineages from A.
Subgingival microbiome in periodontal disease and comorbid pathology (meta-analysis)
Authors: Tsareva Tatyana V. , Balmasova Irina P. , Tsarev Victor N.
Published: May 2024

The problem of chronic periodontitis (CP) is actively discussed due to the recognition of the fact that periodontal microbial damage is closely related to a number of systemic diseases and probably plays an important role in the occurrence of comorbid pathology.
The aim of the meta-analysis was to characterize the composition of the subgingival microbiome and to determine the peculiarities of the formation of associations of the new periodontal pathogen Filifactor alocis with other I and II order periodontal pathogenic bacteria, as well as with the commensal bacteria colonizing this biotope.
The study presents data of patient examination with obligatory use of polymerase chain reaction methods and sequencing of 16S rRNA genes in 1529 healthy individuals and 2394 patients with CP, 136 patients with CP and concomitant atherosclerosis, 258 patients with CP and concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus. It was confirmed that the basis of the oral microbiome under normal circumstances is composed of representatives of microaerophilic streptococci, corynebacteria, lactobacilli, as well as representatives of the Veillonella and Sphingobacterium genera. 16S sequencing and bioinformatic analysis allowed us to specify the taxonomic place of the new pathogen F. alocis, as well as representatives of normal microbiota in CP and comorbid somatic pathology.
Anti-corruption measures for non-profit corporations and public interest corporations : Focusing on Australian legal cases
Authors:   Korea Anti-Corruption Law Association, Eom Juhee , Yang Jae Hyeuk
Published: May 2024

The prevention of corruption in non-profit organizations and public interest organizations that serve the public interest in the private sector plays an important role in pursuing the public good and enhances trust and confidence in the private sector.
In our anti-corruption law system, prevention of corruption in the private sector is added to the provisions on breach of trust under criminal law. The Public Interest Whistleblower Protection Act regulates the protection of whistleblowers, and the Medical Service Act, Medical Device Act, Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, etc., are governed by regulations prohibiting receiving bribes or similar payments.
There is a need to introduce regulations for non-profit corporations through a legislative reform of the anti-corruption law system. In that sense, we looked at the legal system and regulations on the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission of Australia and considered the implications for improving future anti-corruption legislation in the private sector. In the case of Australia, non-profit charitable corporations are generally afforded with public trust and confidence through the ongoing disclosure, transparency, public education, and independent and powerful authority of the Charity Commission, while sufficiently guaranteeing citizens' autonomy and enjoying tax benefits.
We also need to refer to the model of discipline based on autonomy and trust. Regarding the discipline of public interest corporations, it is necessary to consider implementing a newly established public interest committee to prevent dual supervision issues with existing authorities and supervisory agencies such as the National Tax Service, and to develop a new independent management and supervision body as in the case of Australia.
Smart Hospital Management System: Streamlining Healthcare Operations with SQL Integration
Authors: Gaikwad Gaurav , Mahamuni Chaitanya V , Kadam Rohit , Pandita Sunakshi
Published: May 2024

This research delves into the development and deployment of a Smart Hospital Management System (HMS), a pivotal solution for enhancing administrative efficiency and elevating patient care standards within healthcare institutions. Motivated by the pressing need to optimize hospital operations, the system seamlessly integrates modules encompassing patient registration, appointment scheduling, medical records management, billing, and inventory control. Leveraging modern technologies, particularly database management systems and web-based platforms, the HMS aims to bolster the efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of healthcare services while prioritizing data security and regulatory compliance. The study scrutinizes the benefits and challenges associated with HMS adoption, shedding light on its potential impact on healthcare delivery and organizational performance. Furthermore, it underscores the contributions of this work to the research community, delineates future avenues for exploration, and offers insights into the promising prospects of smart healthcare systems.