bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studying a collection of common-wheat varieties for leaf rust resistance, crop yield and grain quality in the environmental conditions of Novosibirsk region
Authors: Sochalova L. P. , Aparina V. A. , Boyko N. I. , Zuev E. V. , Morozova E. V. , Musinov E. V. , Vinichenko N. A. , Leonova I. N. , Piskarev V. V.
Published: January 2024

The relationship between a variety’s genotype, environmental conditions and phytopathogenic load are the key factors contributing to high yields that should be taken into account in selecting donors for resistance and high manifestation of valuable traits. The study of leaf rust resistance in 49 common wheat varieties was carried out in the field against the natural pathogen background and under laboratory conditions using single-pustule isolates with virulence to Lr9 and Lr24. It has been shown that the varieties carrying alien genes Lr6Agi2 (Tulaikovskaya 10) and Lr6Agi1 (Voevoda) were resistant to leaf rust infection both in the field and in the laboratory. Varieties KWS Buran, KWS Akvilon, KW 240-3-13, and Etyud producing crop yields from 417 to 514 g/m2 comparable to the best standard variety Sibirskaya 17 can be reasonably used as Lr24 resistance gene donors under West Siberian conditions. Oms kaya 44 variety showing crop yield of 440g/m2 can be used as a donor for Lr19 and partially effective Lr26. Varieties Tuleevskaya and Altayskaya 110 with Lr9 in their genomes are recommended for the development of resistance gene-pyramided genotypes. The highest protein and gluten contents were observed in the CS2A/2M sample, while KWS Buran, Altayskaya 110, Volgouralskaya, and KWS Akvilon showed the lowest values. Varieties CS2A/2M, Tulaikovskaya 10, Pavon, and Tuleevskaya were ranked the highest in micro- (Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe) and macronutrient (Ca, Mg, K) contents among the common wheat samples from the collection, while the lowest values for most elements were observed in KWS Buran, Novosibirskaya 15, and Volgouralskaya. Winter varieties demonstrating leaf rust resistance against the infectious background typically carry adult plant resistance genes (Lr34, Lr12, and Lr13), particularly combined with the juvenile Lr26 gene. The presence of Lr41 in a winter type line (KS 93 U 62) allowed it to maintain resistance against a leaf rust pathogen clone kLr24, despite the presence of Lr24 in the genotype. Varieties Doka and Cheshskaya 17 may act as donors of resistance genes Lr26 + Lr34 and Lr9 + Lr12 + Lr13 + Lr34, as well as sources of dwarfing without losses in winter hardiness and yield under West Siberian conditions.
A Preliminary Study of the Effectiveness of Information Technology in Promoting Healthcare Learning among Aging Learners in COVID-19 pandemic: Use the Ape-like On-the-spot Super Slow Jogging as an Example
Authors: Young Shwu-ching
Published: January 2024

The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has turned a new exercise Ape-like On-the-spot Super Slow Jogging that was originally taking place in the physical world into an online mode. In order to understand the characteristics, and steps and effectiveness of the Jogging, this study adopts a mixed-method methodology to analyze the effectiveness of MOOCs like course on YouTube and the two-way Line based community to assist online practice learning. The research subjects are 33 participants who completed the 100-day foundation building program within six months. The results of the quantitative and qualitative cross-comparison analysis show that this group of participants could achieve physical and mental improvement through technology-mediated blended learning in the midst of the pandemic. We hope the emerging blended learning method will reduce the burden of long-term health care in an aging society in Taiwan and improve the quality of life as well in the future.
Factors Influencing Learning Intention of Advanced Placement MOOCs: Insights from an Investigation into Information Technology Adoption
Authors: Ou Kuo-Liang , Fong Wen-Chi
Published: January 2024

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have attracted recent scholarly attention, mainly because MOOCs have effectively made higher education accessible. However, MOOCs tend to have low completion rates, and many scholars have attempted to remedy this by investigating the psychological, cognitive, physiological, and demographic factors affecting completion rates. Nevertheless, most studies have rarely investigated the student’s information technology (IT) background, focusing instead on self-awareness, self-recognition, intrinsic motivation, or external factors. Thus, this study adopted the technology acceptance model (TAM) to explore factors affecting MOOC learning intention, specifically in advanced placement (AP) MOOCs. This study also recruited 435 student participants from a university in Taiwan who took MOOCs for AP. Questionnaires were used to analyze the factors affecting completion rates. The results revealed that personal and IT backgrounds significantly affected perceived ease of use (PEU); perceived usefulness (PU) significantly affected attitude toward use (ATU); PEU significantly affected ATU; PEU significantly affected PU; ATU significantly affected behavioral intention to use (BITU); PU significantly affected BITU; and BITU significantly affected course completion rates. The results suggest that universities first understand students’ personal and IT backgrounds before promoting their AP MOOCs， as this can assist students in their learning and provide the necessary support.". Furthermore, universities must also establish a complete course-provision process and formulate learning strategies to attract, guide, and inspire students to adapt to the learning modes that AP MOOCs entail. In doing so, students are more likely to perceive MOOC learning modes as being innovative and thus learn more effectively.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Metastatic Scalp, Skull and Dural Tumors in a Case of Ewing’s Sarcoma, with Literature Review
Authors: Isabel Sollozo-Dupont
Published: January 2024

The prognosis of patients with initially metastatic ES is very poor. Significant risk factors for death include affectation at combined local and distant sites and soft tissue involvement. For the diagnosis, an initial radiographic and/or computed tomography (CT) is performed. Both techniques are outstanding in evaluating the affected bones. However, when primary Ewing´s tumor or its metastases involves soft tissues, these might be misdiagnosed if magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not applied. The purpose of the present case is to expose the role of MRI in the assessment of a rare and aggressive ES with metastases affecting bones and soft tissue of the head.
The Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy and Other Retinal Disorders Via Optic Orr- A Topical Innovation
Authors: Tawar Vinod C
Published: January 2024

Disorders associated with diabetes commonly include a decreased vision to blindness and cataract formation. A focus of this study was to determine a beneficial role of vitamin A applied through the principle of transdermal absorption . The objective was to avoid having systemic adverse effects. The duration of treatments was found to be optimal for 12-16 weeks. The concept of employing vitamin a was derived from a known significant role of vitamin a in visual functions in humans. The cream based topical formulation was named optic Orr (vision correction). 27 subjects were studied of both genders for a duration of 12-16 weeks and periodically visual acuity was assessed by using Snellen charts in the office or symptoms evaluations, in cases of patients with retinal injuries. The result was patients showing increased visual acuity mainly in daytime vision (cone regeneration).
Erectile Dysfunction - Prevention and Treatment with a Plant-Based Diet
Authors: Strombom Amanda J
Published: January 2024

The main cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) is organic in nature, with vascular etiologies being the most common risk factors. A plant-based diet has a role to play because it can prevent and treat some of the causes of erectile dysfunction, by improving vascular function.
Cada persona es un mundo: Una mirada a través de los personajes de Francisco Lombardi
Authors: Añamuro Jimena , Basauri Camila , Castañeda Gabriela , Gamarra Ellen , Leiva Daniela
Published: January 2024

Cuando pensamos en cine, muy pocas veces pensamos en el Perú. ¿A qué se debe esto? Tal vez al hecho de que no existen muchos referentes en el país. Sin embargo, el nombre de Francisco Lombardi sale inevitablemente en las conversaciones cuando se habla de cine peruano. Y es que el director sabe muy bien cómo narrar sus historias. Pero un elemento que destaca son sus personajes, en su mayoría masculinos, los que pueden tener un punto de encuentro entre sí. Por eso, el presente texto analiza las similitudes y diferencias de los personajes que son interpretados por los actores Gustavo Bueno y Diego Bertie en las películas “La boca del lobo” (Lombardi, 1988), “Caídos del cielo” (Lombardi, 1990), “Sin compasión” (Lombardi, 1994) y “Bajo la piel” (Lombardi, 1996).
PENGEMBANGAN MODUL BIOLOGI BERBASIS GUIDED DISCOVERY LEARNING BAGI SISWA SMP
Authors: Harahap Intan Nuraini , Nursamsu Nursamsu , Setyoko Setyoko
Published: January 2024

In today's educational development, teachers are expected to be creative thinkers and producers of a variety of learning media. An additional type of educational resource that can be employed is a module. The purpose of the study is to assess whether a course on biology using guided discovery will be viable and useful. R&D is a methodology with materials and response language for JHS students, as well as validation tools from media experts. An average of 85 per cent of data collected through the validation process by qualified experts was found to meet very good criteria; similar levels were 80% for media and 95% for language experts. With extremely realistic criteria, the average score for teachers' and students' responses in the practical test was 88% and 90%, respectively. Based on the findings of this research, a biology course based on guided discovery learning can be used as teaching material for contaminated materials.
Profil Kesulitan Belajar Peserta Didik dalam Memahami Materi Hidrolisis Garam
Authors: Astuti Resti Tri
Published: January 2024

Students’ result in test can be rated poorly of salt hydrolysis material showed that the student have learning difficulties. This study aimed to describe the difficulties of students and contributing factor on understanding salt hydrolysis at Madrasah Aliyah X Palembang City. The method used in this study descriptive method. This research was conducted in the second semester of the academic year 2018/2019. Subjects in this study were students of class XI MIA which consists of 76 people. Data collection techniques obtained through multiple choice test, questionnaire, and interview which was the analyzed descriptively. Based on the results of study showed that the difficulties experience by students are determine the nature of the salt hydrolysis was 56,5%  with sufficient criteria. The difficulties experience by student are determine pH the salt hydrolysis was 53,29% with sufficient criteria. The difficulties experience by students are determine the equation of the salt hydrolysis was 32,89% with low criteria. The difficulties experience by student are determine the characteristics of salt hidyrolysis in water was 17,76% with very low. There are internal and external factors that cause student experience difficulties. The internal factors are lack of self-motivation and interest by students, while the external factors are the lack learning methods and questions by teacher.
questão indígena e a inteligibilidade jornalística
Authors: Antunes Elton , Gatto Yasmin
Published: January 2024

Nos últimos anos, houve um aumento na atenção dada à questão indígena no jornalismo brasileiro. Examinamos neste artigo a maneira pela qual o jornalismo tem incorporado essa pauta recentemente, ajustando suas formas de representação pública dos povos originários. Nossa pesquisa busca contribuir para a compreensão dessas representações jornalísticas dos povos indígenas, investigando especificamente as mudanças e continuidades nessa abordagem, seminal para a percepção de eventos relacionados a uma história do tempo presente. Para isso, escolhemos analisar como o jornal Folha de S. Paulo noticiou a questão indígena durante a realização do Acampamento Terra Livre nos anos de 2021 e 2022, uma das maiores manifestações indígenas do país. O jornal foi selecionado por ser um dos principais veículos de comunicação do Brasil em termos de circulação nacional e por ter sido uma fonte importante de notícias em momentos políticos relevantes da história recente do país. Argumentamos que a cobertura jornalística das questões indígenas frequentemente está associada a preocupações ambientais, desmatamento e territórios indígenas. Por meio de um estudo de caso durante o Acampamento Terra Livre, analisamos como as notícias são moldadas através de linguagem, seleção de fontes e contexto, evidenciando uma cobertura problemática que estereotipa os povos indígenas e ignora certas questões importantes.
Methodology of processing bibliographic data in Russian language to construct collaboration networks (using the example of the eLibrary database)
Authors: Maltseva Daria , Vashchenko Vasilisa , Kapustina Lika
Published: January 2024

The methodology for processing bibliographic data in Russian is presentedbased on the example of analyzing publications of Russian sociologists in the eLibrary, Russia's largest electronic library of scientific publications.The developed methodological approach involves the use and adaptation of technological solutions to form a bibliographic database, builds networks for further analysis and applies network analysis methods to study various fields of knowledge. The main steps of collecting and preprocessing data in Russian from the eLibrary are described. Examining a corpus of sociological publications within the eLibrary, this study delves into common challenges encountered during the preprocessing stage of bibliographic information related to author names and affiliations. The paper suggests potential solutions to address these issues. Additionally, the paper suggests various solutions to address these challenges. The methodology is applicable to the analysis of various publications by Russian-speaking authors indexed in the eLibrary.
HUBUNGAN FREKUENSI DAN LAMA MENYUSU DENGAN PERUBAHAN BERAT BADAN NEONATUS DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS GANDUSARI KABUPATEN TRENGGALEK
Authors: Rini Trio Linda Familia Endra , Nadhiroh Siti Rahayu
Published: January 2024

Breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition with a balanced composition of both quantity and quality, also adjusted to needs of the baby in the growth stage. Babies are considered get enough breastmilk if they achieve significant weight gain. The purpose of this research is to find the relationship between frequency and duration of breastfeeding with neonatal weight changes in Gandusari Trenggalek Public Health Center. This study is an observational analytic with cross sectional design. Sample in this study was a neonatal in Gandusari Trenggalek Public Health Center. The study was conducted in April-Juni 2015 by number of samples as much as 32 neonatus. The statistic test using chi-square with 95% confident interval. Most of neonatus got frequencies of breastfeeding in “often” category (84.4%), duration of breastfeeding in “enough” category (78.1%), and the majority of neonatal infant have a weight change in the “up“ category (53.1%). Based on statistical analysis, there was a relationship between the frequency of breastfeeding with the neonatal weight changes (p=0.015) and there was no relationship between the duration of breastfeeding with the neonatal weight changes (p=0.209). The conclusion of this research is that neonatus weight change associated to frequency of breastfeeding, but not related to duration of breastfeeding. The importance to communicate the information and education of breastfeeding to mothers about the practice of breastfeeding frequency within 24 hours so that ut can optimize baby’s growth.Keywords: duration of breastfeeding, frequency of breastfeeding, neonatal infant, weight changes
ANALISIS RISIKO KEJADIAN BERAT BAYI LAHIR RENDAH (BBLR) PADA PRIMIGRAVIDA
Authors: Sholiha Hidayatush , Sumarmi Sri
Published: January 2024

Low birth weight (LBW) babies still become a problem in developing countries. LBW increase risk of mortality and morbidity. The prevalence of LBW in Probolinggo increased from 2011 to 2013. This study aims to analyze risk factors related to LBW in primigravidae. This study used case control design and purposive sampling technique. The variables include age of pregnant mothers, mother’s education level, family income, gestational age, frequency and quality of antenatal care, and food taboo. Data was analyzed using chi-square and multivariate regression logistic (α=0.05). Factors associated to LBW were the gestational age (p=0.000), age at pregnancy (p=0.030), and level of education (p=0.023). Regression logistic analysis showed that gestational age is a risk factor of LBW (OR= 66; CI 95% 8.197 to 531,391). Mother who gave birth at the age of preterm (<37 weeks gestation) have 66 times greater risk of having LBW baby in primigravidae compared to mothers who gave birth at the age of aterm. Mothers and brides’ woman are expected to avoid pregnancy at risk age (<20 years and >35 years) and the socialization of risk factors related to high risk of pregnancy is needed to reduce the risk of LBW.Keywords: gestational age, low birth weight, primigravidae
HUBUNGAN TINGKAT STRES, ASUPAN NATRIUM, DAN RIWAYAT MAKAN DENGAN KEJADIAN STROKE
Authors: Ramadhani Puspita Ayu , Adriani Merryana
Published: January 2024

Stroke is a condition of the local neurological disorder that occurs suddenly, causing blood supply into the brain  tissue stop and also causing impaired brain function. There are many causal factors that lead to stroke such as age, stress, natrium consumption, and food history. This study aims to analyze the relation between stress level, natrium consumption, and food history with the incidence of stroke in among stroke outpatients aged ≥ 45 years. This is an analytic observational study using case control design in Neural Poly of Airlangga University Hospital. The population of case group was stroke outpatients aged ≥ 45 years while control group was outpatients aged ≥ 45 years who didn’t have stroke. The sample was 11 patients for each group and were taken using simple random sampling technique. Relation among variables were analyzed using Chi-Square test. The result of this study showed that there is signiﬁ cant relation between natrium consumption level (p = 0,032; OR = 0,083) and food history (p = 0,003; OR = 45,000) with the incidence of stroke. There is no signiﬁ cant relation between stress level (p = 1,000) with the incidence of stroke. It is necessary to give the information about natrium food source and healthy diet in order to prevent the occurrence of stroke.Keywords: natrium, food history, stress, stroke
Editorial
Authors: Vermes Mónica
Published: January 2024

Editorial do volume 29 (2023) da revista Opus.
Misfit strain-misfit strain phase diagram of (110)-oriented ferroelectric PbTiO3 films: a phase-field study
Authors: Li Hui-Mei , Zhang Heng , Wang Yu-Jia , Tang Yun-Long , Zhu Yin-Lian , Ma Xiu-Liang
Published: January 2024

Ferroelectric thin films with high index orientations are found to possess unique structures and properties. In this work, we constructed the misfit strain-misfit strain phase diagram of (110)-oriented PbTiO3 (PTO) thin films by phase-field simulations. The evolutions of ferroelectric phase structures, domain morphologies, volume fractions, and polarization components with the anisotropic strains were analyzed in detail. Large anisotropic strains exist between the orthorhombic scandate substrates and (110)-oriented PTO films, which makes it possible to engineer the structures and properties by anisotropic strain. These results deepen the understanding of ferroelectric domain structures of (110)-oriented PTO films under the anisotropic strain and provide theoretical support for the anisotropic strain engineering of high-index thin films experimentally.
Entropy and Its Application to Number Theory
Authors: Fujino Seiji
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we suggest an expansion of the Planck distribution function derived from the Boltzmann principle. Thereby, we consider expanding Planck's law with a new distribution function, and discuss fine structure constant. Furthermore, using ideas applied to the expansion of the Planck distribution function, we show that Von Koch's inequality can be derived without using the Riemann Hypothesis, that is, the Riemann Hypothesis is true, and that the abc conjecture is not true. Furthermore, we define a generalization of Entropy and discuss that Entropy is relevant to dynamical systems described by logistic function models, such as the growth of bacteria and populations.
A Comprehensive Study on Soybean Yield Prediction Using Soil and Hyperspectral Reflectance Data
Authors: Chattopadhyay Souradeep , Gupta Aditya , Carroll Matthew , Raigne Joscif , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar , Singh Asheesh , Sarkar Soumik
Published: January 2024

Soybean yield prediction is a challenging problem in plant breeding that is often affected by many different factors simultaneously. Hyperspectral reflectance data from plants and soil data provide breeders with useful information about soybean plant health and using these different types of data to predict yield is an active area of research. Furthermore, breeding programs encounter challenges such as data imbalance and external factors like genotype variability across different environments, which present significant hurdles in the development of yield prediction models for large-scale breeding programs. In this work, we perform a comprehensive study of predicting yield using both hyperspectral reflectance and soil data to understand what scenario's offer the best chances of predicting yield with high accuracy. We demonstrate a cluster based ensemble approach for yield prediction using hyperspectral reflectance data that can perform well for large scale breeding programs by efficiently harnessing useful information from data through an unsupervised approach.
Mathematical and Statistical Review of NMR Time Domain Data Pre-Processing
Authors: Jiang Aixiang
Published: January 2024

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and its various forms are extensively utilized in both research and clinical settings to analyse molecules. NMR data pre-processing, while essential to NMR data analysis, can be uniquely complex. Despite the availability of software tools, understanding these processes can be challenging, complicating the selection of appropriate pre-processing steps. In this review, we elucidate pre-processing steps in the time domain from a mathematical and statistical perspective, explaining direct current offset removal, eddy current correction, shift and linear prediction, weighting, zero filling, and domain transformation using plain language and fundamental mathematical formulas. Our objective is to clarify these processes in simple terms and provide general guidance.
Assessing Conservation Conditions at La Fortaleza de Kuelap, Peru, based on Integrated Close-Range Remote Sensing and Near-Surface Geophysics
Authors: Ghezzi Ivan , Kościuk Jacek , Church Warren , VanValkenburgh Parker , Ćmielewski Bartłomiej , Kucera Matthias , Dąbek Paweł B. , Contreras Jeff , Mori Nilsson , Righetti Giovanni , Serafini Stefano , Rojas Carol
Published: January 2024

In this article, we combine datasets from multiple research projects and remote sensing tech-nologies to evaluate the conservation conditions of La Fortaleza de Kuelap, a pre-Hispanic monument in Peru’s northeastern Andes that suffered significant damage during historically high seasonal rains in April 2022. Our analyses seek to identify the main causes of the collapse and locate places where the monument is likely at risk of further deterioration. To do so, we model surface hydrology using a digital elevation model (DEM) derived from drone LiDAR data, re-construct a history of previous collapses, and calculate the volume of the most recent by fusing terrestrial LiDAR and photogrammetric datasets. In addition, we examine subsurface water ac-cumulation through electrical resistivity data, reconstruct the stratification of the monument from seismic refraction data, and analyze vegetation loss and ground moisture accumulation using high resolution satellite imagery. Our results point to water accumulation as the most significant source of risk for La Fortaleza’s perimeter walls. Combined with adverse contemporary conser-vation interventions and natural conditions, this led to the collapse of April 2022. This integration of analytical results demonstrates how multi-scalar and multi-instrumental approaches provide comprehensive and timely assessments of conservation needs.
Axial Vibration Control Technique for Crystal Growth from the Melt: Analysis of Vibrational Flows’ Behavior
Authors: Nefedov Oleg , Dovnarovich Alexey , Kostikov Vladimir , Levonovich Boris , Avetissov And Igor
Published: January 2024

A problem of efficacy of crystal growth methods for crystallization from solution or melt has been investigated. Axial vibrational control (AVC) technique was considered as a perspective method to manage both heat-mass transfer and chemical component composition of the melts in the case of crystallization of complex chemical compounds. Numerical modeling and the search for generalized dependencies made it possible to predict the AVC parameters that provide optimal heat and mass transfer modes for creating flat liquid-solid interfaces, as well as the component composition of dissociated melts of various chemical compounds – Ge, NaNO3, CdTe.
Almost 50 Years of Monomeric Extracellular Ubiquitin (eUb)
Authors: Mendoza-Salazar Ivette , Fragozo Ana , González-Martínez Aneth P. , Trejo-Martínez Ismael , Arreola Rodrigo , Pavón Lenin , Almagro Juan C. , Vallejo-Castillo Luis , Aguilar-Alonso Francisco A. , Pérez-Tapia Sonia M.
Published: January 2024

Monomeric Ubiquitin (Ub) is a 76-amino acid highly conserved protein found in eukaryotes. The first described biological activity of Ub in the 1970s was extracellular, but it quickly gained relevance due to its intracellular role, i.e., post-translational modification of intracellular proteins (ubiquitination) that regulate numerous eukaryotic cellular processes. In the following years, the extracellular role of Ub was relegated to the background, until a correlation between higher survival rate and increased serum Ub concentrations in patients with sepsis and burns was observed. Although the mechanism of action (MoA) of extracellular ubiquitin (eUb) is not yet well understood, further studies have shown that it may ameliorate the inflammatory response in tissue injury and multiple sclerosis diseases. These observations compounded with the high stability and low immunogenicity of eUb due to its high conservation in eukaryotes have made this small protein a relevant candidate for biotherapeutic development. Here, we review the in vitro and in vivo effects of eUb on immunologic, cardiovascular, and nervous systems, and discuss the potential MoAs of eUb as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardio- and brain-protective agent.
Paraoxonase-1 as a Cardiovascular Biomarker in Caribbean Hispanics Patients Treated with Clopidogrel: Abundance and Functionality.
Authors: Monero-Paredes Mariangeli , Santiago Ednalise , Carrasquillo-Carrion Kelvin , Renta Jessicca Y. , Rogozin Igor B. , Roche-Lima Abiel , Duconge Jorge
Published: January 2024

Clopidogrel, a prescription drug to reduce ischemic events in cardiovascular patients, has been extensively studied in mostly European individuals but not among Caribbean Hispanics. This study evaluated the low abundance and reduced activity of paraoxonase-1 (PON1) in clopidogrel-resistant patients as a predictive risk biomarker of poor responders and disease severity in this population. Thirty-six patients on clopidogrel (cases; divided into poor and normal responders) were enrolled along with 11 cardiovascular patients with no clopidogrel indications (positive control) and 13 healthy volunteers (negative control). Residual on-treatment platelet function (PRU), PON1 abundance by western blotting, and PON1 activity by enzymatic assays were measured. PON1 genotyping and computational haplotype phasing were performed for two genetic loci (rs662 and rs854560). No statistical differences in mean relative PON1 abundance were found among the groups (p> 0.05). However, a significantly lower enzymatic activity was found in poor responders (10.57 6.79 µU/mL) when compared to controls (22.66 8.30 µU/mL and 22.21 9.66 µU/mL; p= 0.004). PON1 activity among carriers of the most prevalent PON1 haplotype (AA|AA) was significantly lower than in wild-types (7.90 µU/mL vs 22.03 µU/mL; p= 0.005). Our findings suggested that PON1 is a potential biomarker of cardiovascular disease severity in Caribbean Hispanics.
Autophagy of Glycogen Granules is a Non-Selective Process in Nitrogen Starved Komagataella phaffii
Authors: Wijewantha Nimna V. , Kumar Ravinder , Nazarko Taras Y.
Published: January 2024

Autophagy was initially recognized as a bulk degradation process that randomly sequesters and degrades cytoplasmic material in lysosomes (vacuoles in yeast). In recent years, various selective autophagy pathways have been discovered. Glycophagy, the selective autophagy of glycogen granules, is one of them. It is an important contributor to Pompe disease, a type of lysosomal storage disorder with lysosomal accumulation of glycogen. Here, we developed the Komagataella phaffii yeast as a simple model of glycogen autophagy under nitrogen starvation conditions. For this, we turned the self-glucosylating initiator of glycogen synthesis, Glg1, which is covalently bound to glycogen, into the Glg1-GFP autophagic reporter. Our results revealed that vacuolar delivery of Glg1-GFP and its processing to free GFP were strictly dependent on autophagic machinery and vacuolar proteolysis. Notably, this process was independent of Atg11, the scaffold protein common for many selective autophagy pathways. Importantly, the non-mutated Glg1-GFP (which synthesizes and marks glycogen) and mutated Glg1Y212F-GFP (which does not synthesize glycogen and is degraded by non-selective autophagy as cytosolic Pgk1-GFP) were equally well delivered to the vacuole and had similar levels of released GFP. Therefore, we concluded that glycogen autophagy is a non-selective process in K. phaffii yeast under nitrogen starvation conditions.
Neuroplastic Changes in Adult Urogenital Sensation Induced by Neonatal Cystitis – A Review of Studies and Filling of Gaps
Authors: Ness Timothy Ness , DeWitte Cary
Published: January 2024

Research studies related to neuroplastic changes that occur secondary to a bout of cystitis at a critical neonatal period of development in female rats (P14-16) are reviewed. They reveal that neonatal bladder inflammation (NBI) leads to an adult phenotype with many of the features of the human disorder, interstitial cystitis. Neurochemical, behavioral and neurophysiological differences between rats which experienced NBI and control animals are discussed and new data presented.
Exploring Digital Twins Applications for Asset Management in the AEC/FM Industry
Authors: Mohamed Abdelmoneim , Tariq Shafiq Muhammad
Published: January 2024

The emergence of digital twins (DTs) represents a recent advancement in technological processes that support the planning, construction, and oversight of constructed assets. A DT is essentially a digital model that facilitates simulations and two-way information exchange with its real-world counterpart (a physical twin), creating opportunities for data-driven decision-making. Despite the promising prospects of DTs, both the technology and the methodologies for developing them, as well as their potential applications, remain not fully understood in both academic and industrial contexts. This research explores the applications of DTs for the management of existing assets within the AEC/FM industry. The study presents the results of a comprehensive literature review that explores existing knowledge in this domain. The findings reveal that procedures for creating DTs are still in their early stages, emphasizing potential applications in asset management throughout their lifespan, facilitating sustainability upgrades, and supporting the maintenance and restoration of heritage assets. The review concludes by providing recommendations for future research in this evolving field.
Stem Cells and Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Gao Xueqin , Ruzbarsky Joseph J. , Layne Jonathan E , Xiao Xiang , Huard Johnny
Published: January 2024

Segmental bone defects caused by trauma, infection, tumor resection or osteoporotic fractures present significant surgical treatment challenges. Host bone autograft is considered the gold standard to restore function but comes with the cost of harvest site comorbidity. Allograft bone is a secondary option but has its own limitations in incorporation with host bone as well as cost. Therefore, developing new bone tissue engineering strategies to treat bone defects is critically needed. In the past three decades, the use of stem cells delivered with different scaffolds or growth factors for bone tissue engineering has made tremendous progress. Many varieties of stem cells have been isolated from different tissues for use in bone tissue engineering. This review summarizes the progress in using different postnatal stem cells including bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, muscle-derived stem cells, adipose-derived stem cells, dental pulp stem cells/periodontal ligament stem cells, periosteum stem cells, umbilical cord-derived stem cells, peripheral blood stem cells and urine-derived stem cells for bone tissue engineering and repair. This review also summarizes the progress using exosomes or extracellular vesicles delivered with various scaffolds for bone repair. The advantages and disadvantages of each type of stem cell are also discussed and explained in detail. It is hopeful in the future that these preclinical results will translate into new therapies for bone defect repair.
Astrocyte Control Bursting Mode of Spiking Neuron Network with Memristor-Implemented Plasticity
Authors: Stasenko Sergey , Mikhaylov Alexey , Fedotov Alexander , Smirnov Vladimir , Kazantsev Victor
Published: January 2024

A mathematical model of a spiking neuron network accompanied by astrocytes is con- sidered. The network is composed of excitatory and inhibitory neurons with synaptic connections supplied by a memristor-based model of plasticity. Another mechanism for changing the synaptic connections involves astrocytic regulations using the concept of tripartite synapses. In the absence of memristor-based plasticity, the connections between these neurons drive the network dynamics into a burst mode, as observed in many experimental neurobiological studies when investigating living networks in neuronal cultures. The memristive plasticity implementing synaptic plasticity in inhibitory synapses results in a shift in network dynamics towards an asynchronous mode. Next,it is found that accounting for astrocytic regulation in glutamatergic excitatory synapses enable the restoration of ’normal’ burst dynamics. The conditions and parameters of such astrocytic regulation’s impact on burst dynamics established.
Biofilm Growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa TGC04 Exposed to Metformin and Variations in COD Content
Authors: Pragana Luiz Gustavo , Bandeira João Antônio Carvalho , Lima Kaíque Yago Gervazio de , Vasconcelos Ulrich
Published: January 2024

Metformin is an oral antidiabetic agent with antimicrobial properties, excreted in an active and unmetabolized form. Like some non-antibiotic drugs, subinhibitory concentrations of metformin may contribute to the expression of microbial resistance in wild-type strains. This work aimed to evaluate the biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa TGC04 exposed to 100 and 200 µg/mL of metformin, varying the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and flow regime. Biofilms were quantified after 2 and 24 hours, observing reductions and increases in biofilm growth around 13 and 64%, respectively. The greatest biofilm growth occurred in cells exposed to 200 µg/mL of metformin. Both the flow regime and COD concentration were important for the development of the biofilm, whose cells were mostly weakly to moderately adhered. The study provides evidence that in polluted aquatic systems with turbulent regimes, the inhibitory concentration of metformin promoted the least disturbances to the biofilm.
A Novel Statistical Framework for Optimal Sizing of Grid-Connected Photovoltaic-Battery Systems for Peak Demand Reduction to Flatten Daily Load Profiles
Authors: Nematirad Reza , Pahwa Anil , Natarajan Balasubramaniam
Published: January 2024

Integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems plays a pivotal role in the global shift toward renewable energy, offering significant environmental benefits. In many instances, utility companies pay for both energy and peak demand. PV systems can effectively reduce energy consumption during their operational periods, while, their contribution during peak hours, particularly in the early morning and late evening, is often limited. To address this issue, battery storage systems are utilized for storing energy during off-peak hours and releasing it during peak times. However, finding the optimal size of PV-battery systems remains a challenge. This study proposes a novel statistical model to optimize PV-battery system sizing for enhanced peak demand reduction. The model aims to flatten 95% of peak demand days up to a certain demand threshold, ensuring consistent energy supply and financial benefit for utility companies. A straightforward and effective search methodology is employed to determine the optimal system sizes. Additionally, the model effectiveness is rigorously tested through a modified Monte Carlo simulation coupled with time series clustering to generate various scenarios to assess performance under different conditions. The results indicate that the optimal PV-battery system successfully flattens 95% of daily peak demand up to 2000 kW, yielding a financial benefit of $812,648 over 20 years.
Forestry Applications of Space-borne LiDAR Sensors: A Worldwide Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Aguilar Fernando J. , Rodríguez Francisco A , Aguilar Manuel A. , Nemmaoui Abderrahim , Álvarez-Taboada Flor
Published: January 2024

The 21st century has seen the launch of new space-borne sensors based on LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology developed in the second half of the 20th century. LiDAR was initially developed to integrate laser-focused imaging with the capability to determine distances through the measurement of signal return times, utilizing suitable sensors and data acquisition electronics. Nowadays, these sensors have transformed into robust instruments, offering novel opportunities for mapping terrain, canopy heights, and estimating above-ground biomass (AGB) across local to regional scales. This work aims to analyze the scientific impact of these sensors on large-scale for-est mapping to retrieve 3D canopy information, monitor forest degradation, estimate AGB, and model key ecosystem variables such as primary productivity and biodiversity. In this way, a worldwide bibliometric analysis of this topic was carried out based on up to 412 publications in-dexed in the Scopus database during the period 2004-2022. The results showed that the number of published documents increased exponentially in the last five years, coinciding with the commis-sioning of two new LiDAR space missions: Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat-2) and Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI). These missions are providing data since 2018 and 2019, respectively. The journal that demonstrated the highest productivity in this field was "Remote Sensing," and among the leading contributors, the top five countries in terms of publica-tions were the USA, China, the UK, France, and Germany. In the realm of prominent research in-stitutions, France boasted six, the USA had four, China had three, while the UK and Canada each had one. The upward trajectory in the number of publications recorded from 2004 to 2022 catego-rizes the subject under investigation as a highly trending research topic, particularly within the context of enhancing the administration of forest resources and engaging in global climate treaty frameworks mandating the surveillance and reporting of carbon stocks in forests. The recent launch in August 2022 of the Terrestrial Ecosystem Carbon Monitoring Satellite (TECMS; China State Administration of Forestry and Grassland), along with the planned launch in the coming years of up to three new space sensors, such as the Multi-footprint Observation LiDAR and Im-ager (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), the BIOMASS P-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) (European Space Agency), and the LiDAR Surface Topography (LIST; NASA), will greatly contribute to expanding the ability to map and monitor forest systems at very large scales. In this context, the integration of space-borne data, including imagery, SAR, and LiDAR, is anticipated to steer the trajectory of this research in the upcoming years.
Trans-eQTLs Can Be Used to Identify Tissue-Specific Gene Regulatory Networks
Authors: Nikpay Majid
Published: January 2024

Previous high throughput screening studies indicated trans-eQTLs tend to be tissue specific. In this study, I probed if this feature can be used to identify tissue-specific gene regulatory networks. eQTL data (P<5e-8) for 16,259 were identified and their summary association statistics were obtained from the eQTLGene database. Next, eQTLs that display both cis and trans regulatory effects were selected and the association between their corresponding genes were examined using Mendelian randomization. A total of 169 genes that exerted trans-regulatory impacts on 692 genes were identified. 90% of the genes (N=749) aggregated into a gene regulatory network significantly enriched in hemo-immune processes. The robustness of finding was confirmed through simulation. The identified network displayed the scale-free topology. This provided the reason to examine the association of the network’s hub genes with the phenome. The outcome of analyses revealed GSDMB and ORMDL3 impact several disorders of immune origin and ALDH2 overexpression contributes to obesity. This study reports trans-eQTLs can be used to identify tissue-specific gene regulatory networks and describes a workflow to achieve this purpose. The network identified in this study showed scale-free topology suggesting the hub genes of a GRN could be targeted to prevent disease outcomes.
From Oblivion to Life: The Recovery of Intangible Cultural Heritage through the Anti-Aircraft Shelters of the Spanish Civil War
Authors: Rosser Pablo , Soler Seila
Published: January 2024

The study's results and conclusions are relevant for academics, professionals, and cultural heritage managers at both national and international levels, offering insights into the effective preservation and promotion of historical sites.
The Role of Biodegradable Polymers in Nano Carrier-based Drug Delivery System to Enhance Oral Bioavailability & Solubility of BCS Class II, IV Drugs: A Review
Authors: Tripathi Mohan , Bhardwaj Peeyush , Tiwari Shruti , Sahu Arti
Published: January 2024

The last 20 years have seen significant advancements in polymeric drug delivery methods. A formulation or a system that makes it possible for a medicinal ingredient to be injected into the body is known as polymeric drug delivery1. The key choice for many novel medication delivery methods is made achievable by biodegradable and bio-reducible polymers. The research's prospects for practical applications have necessitated the field's development—the choice for a lot of new drug delivery systems. The prospects of the research for practical applications are required for the development in the field. Polymeric drug delivery methods have been developed from natural polymers like arginine, chitosan2, dextrin, polysaccharides, poly (glycolic acid), poly (lactic acid), and hyaluronic acid. Regarding polymeric drug delivery1, synthetic polymers such as poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide), poly(ethylenimine), dendritic polymers, biodegradable, and bioabsorbable polymers have all been considered. Polymeric drug delivery has also been addressed by focusing on drug-free macromolecular therapies, biomimetic and bio-related polymeric systems, and targeting polymeric drug delivery. Pharmaceutical fields are seeing a tremendous rise in the development of polymeric drug delivery methods based on natural and manmade polymers. The successful advancements in the utilization of biocompatible and bio-related copolymers and dendrimers in cancer treatment, including their application as vehicle systems for highly effective anticancer medications3. A new paradigm for the development of polymeric drug and gene delivery systems will be possible through the fusion of viewpoints from the synthetic and biological domains.
Aortic Valve Embryology, Mechanobiology and Second Messenger Pathways: Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Notenboom Maximiliaan L , Van Hoof Lucas , Schuermans Art , Takkenberg Johanna JM , Rega Filip R , Taverne Yannick JHJ
Published: January 2024

During the Renaissance, Leonardo Da Vinci was the first person to successfully detail the anatomy of the aortic root and its adjacent structures. Ever since, novel insights into morphology, function and their interplay have accumulated resulting in advanced knowledge on complex functional characteristics of the aortic valve (AV) and root. This shifted the vision from the AV as being a static structure towards that of a dynamic interconnected apparatus within the aortic root as a functional unit, exhibiting a complex interplay with adjacent structures via both humoral and mechanical stimuli. This paradigm shift has stimulated surgical treatment strategies of valvular disease that seek to recapitulate healthy AV function, whereby AV disease can no longer be seen as an isolated morphological pathology which needs to be replaced. As prostheses still cannot reproduce the complexity of human nature, treatment of diseased AVs, whether stenotic or insufficient, has tremendously evolved with a similar shift towards treatments options that are more hemodynamically centered such as the Ross procedure and valve-conserving surgery. Native AV and root components allow for an efficient Venturi effect over the valve to allow for optimal opening during the cardiac cycle, while also alleviating the left ventricle. Next to that, several receptors are present on native AV leaflets, enabling messenger pathways based on their interaction with blood and other shear-stress related stimuli. Many of these physiological and hemodynamical processes are under acknowledged but may hold important clues for innovative treatment strategies, or as potential novel targets for therapeutic agents that halt or reverse the process of valve degeneration. A structured overview of these pathways and their implications for cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiologists is lacking. As such, we provide an overview on embryology, hemodynamics, and messenger pathways of the healthy and diseased AV and its implications for clinical practice, by relating this knowledge to current treatment alternatives and clinical decision-making.