bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lo que Bajtín tampoco dijo. Heteroglosia y polifonía en las estorias de Alfonso X
Authors: Cossío Olavide Mario
Published: June 2024

En este trabajo propongo un estudio sobre la génesis y la forma de composición de las estorias de Alfonso X, con énfasis en la General estoria, empleando algunos conceptos de análisis del discurso desarrollados por Mijaíl Bajtín. Mi propósito no es proponer un modelo teórico de análisis de la práctica historiográfica alfonsí, sino más bien contextualizar los fenómenos discursivos a los que está sujeta esta labor desde una óptica moderna e interrogar cómo este tipo de enfoque puede permitir a la crítica profundizar su entendimiento del sentido de las historias de Alfonso X.
Atenção à saúde da mulher surda no ciclo gravídico-puerperal: uma revisão de escopo
Authors: Nepomuceno de Paiva Carla Cardi , Carolina Marques Marcato Ana , Baldutti Isabella Araújo , Vianelle de Morais Larissa
Published: June 2024

Objetivo: identificar e sumarizar as evidências disponíveis na literatura nacional sobre a atenção à saúde da mulher surda no ciclo gravídico-puerperal. Método: Estudo de revisão de escopo, segundo preceitos teóricos metodológicos do Joanna Briggs Institute. A busca foi realizada via periódicos CAPES, nas bases LILACS, MEDLINE via PubMed®, Biblioteca eletrônica SCIELO, WOS e CINAHL. Resultados: Identificaram-se 1.831 estudos, dos quais 12 compuseram a amostra final. As dificuldades na comunicação e ausência de profissionais capacitados em Libras, além de sofrimento, preconceito e discriminação, fazem parte da vivência da mulher surda no ciclo gravídico-puerperal. Conclusão: a produção do conhecimento no âmbito nacional sobre a assistência à mulher surda no período gravídico-puerperal ainda é incipiente e faz-se necessário fomento de estudos e práticas baseadas em evidências para a produção de iniciativas que dialoguem sobre a autonomia e o fortalecimento do exercício dos direitos sexuais e reprodutivos da mulher surda no Brasil.
Homelessness: Methodology, Emotional Involvement and the Researcher’s Role in Sensitive Field
Authors: Kuziner Evgenia
Published: June 2024

The focus of the article is a research reflection on the sociologist’s work in a vulnerable sensory field, using homelessness as an example, as well as an analysis of methodological aspects of studying this phenomenon. The author draws attention to the importance of discussing the challenges and dilemmas faced by social researchers during empirical data collection, as well as the language used by researchers and practitioners in conducting interviews and presenting results, avoiding exoticization and additional problematization of groups in vulnerable positions. The article touches on the place and role of the researcher in such fields, emotional involvement and boundary building, relationships with other experts and the challenges of choosing the most appropriate methodology. The empirical basis of the article is the data of the research conducted by the author in a qualitative paradigm over several years (N= 60).
Synthesis of built-in control circuits for combinational digital devices based on Boolean signals correction using polynomial codes
Authors: Efanov Dmitriy , Grachev Aleksey , Pivovarov Dmitry , Abdullaev Ruslan , Leskovets Igor'
Published: June 2024

It is proposed to use Boolean correction of signals when synthesizing built-in control circuits in the structures of self-checking digital devices, taking into account the characteristics of error detection by polynomial codes. It is shown that the built-in control circuit can be organized by selecting subsets of convertible and non-convertible outputs. In this case, the number of transformation elements in the control circuit can be minimized and equal to the number of check symbols in the selected polynomial code. Conditions have been established for the synthesis of fully self-checking built-in control circuits based on Boolean signals correction using polynomial codes. Algorithms for the synthesis of built-in control circuits have been developed that allow solving the problem of their organization, taking into account the topology features of the diagnostic object itself and the characteristics of error detection in data symbols using polynomial codes. Also, when synthesizing embedded control circuits, the characteristics of error detection in the entire codeword by polynomial codes can be taken into account. Polynomial codes can be effectively used in the synthesis of built-in control circuits based on Boolean signals correction, which makes it possible to synthesize self-checking digital devices with the least complexity of technical implementation. The presented results should be taken into account in the development of devices and systems of critical application
II. BAYEZİD CAMİİ AHŞAP ÜSTÜ KALEMİŞLERİ
Authors: Detseli Naciye
Published: June 2024

Osmanlıyı muhteşem çağına hazırlayan II. Bâyezid Dönemi tezyinat tarihimiz açısından
önemli bir dönemdir. Araştırma kapsamında bu dönemin tezyini öğelerini barındıran yapılardan
İstanbul Bâyezid Camii, ahşap üstü kalemişi nakışları merkeze alınarak incelenmiştir.
Ne yazık ki camiideki tüm kalem işleri günümüze orijinal olarak ulaşabilmiş
değildir. Ancak 2012-2020 restorasyonu sırasında kısmen ortaya çıkarılmış hünkâr mahfili
ve müezzin mahfilindeki nakışlar önemli ahşap üstü kalemişi numuneleridir. Çalışmanın
amacı oldukça sınırlı eserin bulunduğu II. Bayezid Devri tezyinat araştırmalarına katkı
sunmak, yıpranmaya elverişli malzeme üzerindeki nakışların yok olması ihtimaline karşın
belgelemek ve bu konu ile ilgili yapılacak çalışmalara kaynaklık teşkil etmektir. Literatür
taraması sonucunda konunun daha önce detaylı incelenmediği tespit edilmiştir. Çalışmada
genel verilere kaynaklardan ulaşılmış, ayrıca fotoğraf ve çizimlerle belgelemenin yanı sıra
muasır tezyinatla kıyaslama yöntemi kullanılmıştır. 2021 Eylül ayında fotoğraflanarak
belgelenen kalemişi örneklerinin daha anlaşılır veriler haline getirilebilmesi maksadıyla
çizimleri yapılmıştır. Kalemişleri taş ve çini gibi materyallere kıyasla yıpranmaya müsait
malzeme üzerinde bulunduğundan kaybolma veya yenilenme durumları ile çok karşılaşılmaktadır.
Bu sebeple kendi dönemine ait örnek sayısı mahduttur. Dönemin tezyini üslubu
ve renk kullanımı mukayesesi neticesinde İstanbul Bayezid Camii ahşap üstü nakışlarının
kendi döneminin işleri ile benzer olduğu görülmüştür. Bu bulgulardan hareketle nakışların
II. Bayezid Dönemi’ne ait olduğu yorumu yapılabilmektedir.
Lithium-ion battery health prognosis via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy using CNN-BiLSTM model
Authors: Liu Zhihang , Sun Yi , Li Yutian , Liu Yuyang , Chen Yue , Zhang Yunwei
Published: June 2024

Lithium-ion battery (LIB) health prognosis is essential for ensuring the safety of electric vehicles while they are in use. However, conventional approaches for accurate health state forecasting face challenges due to the complex interplay of battery degradation mechanisms and the significant variability in operating conditions during cycling. In this study, we propose a data-driven method composed of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) to accurately predict the state of health and remaining useful life of LIBs. The model is trained using a well-established open-source electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) database. This database includes over 20,000 EIS spectra from commercial LIBs, collected under various states of health, states of charge and temperatures. The CNN-BiLSTM model surpasses the previous state-of-the-art Gaussian process method in current capacity estimation and remaining useful life prediction. Furthermore, we showcase the model’s capability to forecast the capacity degradation trajectory of a cell using its early-cycle EIS data. Our research demonstrates the versatility of the battery forecasting method by integrating EIS with machine learning, and emphasizes the value of implementing the EIS-based artificial approach in a battery management system.
The potential therapeutic applications of long non-coding RNAs
Authors: Tamblin-Hopper Phoebe , Kiss-Toth Endre , Sudbery Ian , Young David , Wilkinson J. Mark
Published: June 2024

The field of RNA-based therapeutics is rapidly evolving and targeting non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) associated with disease is becoming increasingly feasible. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small ncRNAs (sncRNAs) and the first anti-miRNA drugs, e.g., Miravirsen and Cobomarsen, have successfully completed phase II clinical trials. Long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) are another class of ncRNAs that are commonly dysregulated in disease. Thus, they hold potential as putative therapeutic targets or agents. LncRNAs can function through a variety of mechanisms, including as guide, scaffold or decoy molecules, and understanding of these actions is critical to devising effective targeting strategies. LncRNA expression can be modulated with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), CRISPR-Cas9, or small molecule inhibitors. These approaches have been employed to target a number of lncRNAs and tested in animal models of disease, including targeting ANRIL for non-small cell lung cancer and H19 for pancreatitis. However, there are currently no clinical trials registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov database that target lncRNAs as a therapeutic intervention. In order to translate lncRNA targeting into clinical use, several limitations must be overcome, such as potential toxicity and off-target effects. Overall, while significant progress has been made in the field, further development is required before the clinical application of the first therapeutics targeting lncRNAs. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of action of lncRNAs that present avenues for clinical therapeutic targeting and consider off-target effects as a limiting factor in their application.
Absence of microplastic bioaccumulation in cod fillets from plastic-polluted western Norwegian waters
Authors: Haave Marte , Hæggernes Emilie , Gomiero Alessio
Published: June 2024

Plastics are synthetic, persistent materials that are distributed worldwide. An important concern is whether microplastics (MP) can bioaccumulate in the food chain and pose a threat to human consumers. We studied MP in the fillet of resident coastal cod from a plastic-polluted area in Western Norway, where long-range transported marine litter accumulates and MP are generated on shore. We dissected the fish and processed the samples in an MP-free lab using gentle enzymatic treatment. Micro Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (µFTIR) was used for identification of particles down to 10 µm. The fish were 40 to 74 cm, corresponding to 2-6 years old. 29 particles were observed in fillets from eight of the 23 individuals. The mean particle count was 1.55 ± 2.75 nMP/100 g, and the mean concentration was 2.81 ± 8.33 µg/kg wet weight. Six polymer groups were identified, where polypropylene (33%) and polyethylene (30%) were the most frequent. The majority (86%) of the particles were fragments ranging from 32-100 µm. Fibers and fragments over 200 µm were observed. The largest particle was a PP particle of 258.2 µm. Controls showed minimal contamination and the procedural blanks were negative. There was no significant correlation between age, body condition, time of capture, and MP concentrations, and no evidence of bioaccumulation of MP in the fillet of older fish after in situ exposure. MP in food is of concern for human consumption and emphasizes the importance of understanding MP distribution and fate as well as reducing and controlling plastic release into the environment.
La Tour Carnet 2050: insights on phenology and yield of a very large collection of varieties
Authors: Plantevin Marc , Lecourt Julien , Djikstra Lucile , Van Leeuwen Cornelis
Published: June 2024

The introduction of new grape varieties to Bordeaux is one of the available levers to build up resilience to climate change. An ideal candidate for varietal diversification must fulfill different criteria, including, among others, later phenology and economically sustainable yield. In order to identify potential candidates to be introduced in the varietal mix of the Bordeaux area, an experimental parcel called “The Bordeaux 2050 plot” was planted at Château La Tour Carnet in the Haut-Médoc (Cru Classé of the 1855 classification) with 90 different varieties in order to characterise multiple varietal traits. Phenology and yield data are presented here to assist growers in their planting decisions.
Duality Principles and Numerical Procedures for a Large Class of Non-convex Models in the Calculus of Variations
Authors: Botelho Fabio Silva
Published: June 2024

This article develops duality principles and numerical results for a large class of non-convex variational models. The main results are based on fundamental tools of convex analysis, duality theory and calculus of variations. More specifically the approach is established for a class of non-convex functionals similar as those found in some models in phase transition. Finally, in some sections we present concerning numerical examples and the respective softwares.
The Fourier Continuous Derivative: A New Approach to Fractional Differentiation
Authors: Diedrich Eduardo
Published: June 2024

The Fourier Continuous Derivative ($D_C$) offers a unique perspective on fractional differentiation grounded in the theory of Fourier series. This approach has the potential to address problems across various disciplines, including physics, engineering, and mathematics. The primary insight underpinning this approach is that a convex function defined on $\mathbb{Z}$ retains its convexity on $\mathbb{R}$. This paper delves into the Fourier Continuous Derivative, compares it with traditional fractional derivatives, and outlines its possible real-world applications, such as modeling viscoelastic materials, solving wave equations, and financial data analysis.
Machine Learning Driven Dashboard for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Prediction using Protein Sequences
Authors: Ahmad Waqar , Alahmadi Tahani Jaser , Amin Muhammad Awais , Bangyal Waqas Haider , Shahzad Abdul Raheem , Alsahfi Tariq
Published: June 2024

In Southeast Asia, the incidence of Leukemia, a malignant blood cancer originating from hema-topoietic progenitor cells, is on the rise, marked by a concerning 54% mortality rate. This study focuses on enhancing early-stage prediction to improve patient recovery prospects significantly. Leveraging Machine Learning and Data Science, we employ protein sequential data from frequently mutated genes such as BCL2, HSP90, PARP, and RB to predict Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). Our approach relies on robust feature extraction techniques, namely Di-peptide Composition (DPC), Amino Acid Composition (AAC), and Pseudo amino acid composition (Pse-AAC), with prior attention to addressing outliers and validating feature selection through the Pearson Corre-lation Coefficient. Data augmentation ensures a well-rounded dataset for analysis. Employing a range of Machine Learning models, including Support Vector Machine (SVM), XGBoost, Random Forest (RF), K Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Decision Tree (DT), and Logistic Regression (LR), we achieve accuracy rates spanning from 66% to 94%. These classifiers undergo comprehensive as-sessment using performance metrics such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, and the confusion matrix. Our proposed solution, encompassing a user-friendly web application dashboard, presents an invaluable tool for early CML diagnosis with profound implications for practitioners, offering a deploy-able asset within healthcare institutions and hospitals.
Evaluation of Chemical Composition Among the Multi Colored Germplasm of Abrus precatorius L.
Authors: Sampath Prabakaran , Rajalingam Sowmyapriya , Murugesan Sharmila , Bhardwaj Rakesh , Gupta Veena
Published: June 2024

The medicinal plant Abrus precatorius L. was traditionally used in Siddha and Ayurvedic systems of medicine in India. The Indian centre of origin holds vast variability for its seed color. The objective of this study was to assess the total monomeric anthocyanin, flavonol, antioxidative potential, protein content and ash content among the accessions. A total of 99 accessions conserved in the Indian National Genebank were used in this study. The method used for the estimation of total monomeric anthocyanin, flavonol, antioxidative potential, protein content and ash content was pH differential method, Oomah method, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential, Dumas method and gravimetric method respectively. The completely black colored accession was recorded with highest total monomeric anthocyanin (51.95 mg / 100 g of cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalent) and flavonol content (66.41 mg/g of quercetin equivalent). Red + black colored accessions have recorded the maximum value with respect to antioxidants (14.18 mg/g of gallic acid equivalent). Highest amount of protein content was found in a completely white colored accession (20.67%) and maximum ash content was recorded in red + black seed colored accession (4.01%). The promising accessions identified can be used by pharmaceutical companies in drug development and in curing degenerative diseases.
Heat-Induced Oxidative Stress and Use of Astaxanthin on the NF-kB, NFE2L2 Transcription Factors and Cytoprotective Capacity in the Thymus of Broilers
Authors: Kuehu Donna Lee , Fu Yuanyuan , Nasu Masaki , Yang Hua , Khadka Vedbar S. , Deng Youping
Published: June 2024

The thymus, a central lymphoid organ in animals serves as the site for T cell development, differentiation and maturation, vital to adaptive immunity. Thymus is critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis to protect against tumors and tissue damage. Overactive or prolonged immune response can lead to oxidative stress from increased production of reactive oxygen species. Heat stress induces oxidative stress and overwhelms the natural antioxidant defense mechanisms. The study objectives were to investigate the protective properties of astaxanthin against heat-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in the chicken thymus, by comparing the growth performance and gene signaling pathways among three groups- thermal neutral, heat stress and heat stress with astaxanthin. The thermal neutral temperature conditions were 21-22°C and heat stress temperature was 32-35°C. Both heat stress groups experienced reduced growth performance, while the astaxanthin treated group showed a slightly lesser decline. The inflammatory response and antioxidant defense system were activated by the upregulation of the NF-kB, NFE2L2, PPARα, cytoprotective capacity and apoptotic gene pathways in the heat stress compared to the thermal neutral group. Conversely, expression levels were without significance between the thermal neutral and heat stress with antioxidant groups, suggesting astaxanthin antioxidant effectiveness to mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress damage.
Alpha Synuclein Toxicity and Non-motor Parkinson’s
Authors: Mazzotta Gabriella M. , Conte Carmela
Published: June 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common multisystem neurodegenerative disorder affecting 1% of the population above 60 years. The main neuropathological features of PD are the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and the presence of alpha synuclein (Syn)-rich Lewy bodies both manifesting with classical motor signs. Syn has emerged as a key protein in PD pathology as it can spread through synaptic networks to reach several anatomical regions of the body contributing to the appearance of non-motor symptoms (NMS) considerate prevalent among individuals before PD diagnosis and persisting throughout the patient’s life. NMS mainly include loss of taste and smell, constipation, psychiatric disorders, dementia, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior impairment, urogenital dysfunction, and cardiovascular impairment. This review summarizes the more recent findings showing the impact of Syn deposits on several prodromal NMS and emphasizes the importance of early detection of Syn toxic species in biofluids and peripheral biopsies as prospective biomarkers in PD.
Creatine Effects on Kidney Tissues and Renal Function: New Insights from a Bioinformatic Study
Authors: Medeiros Matheus Anselmo , Abreu Bento João , Lima João Paulo Matos Santos
Published: June 2024

Creatine has been linked to the development of kidney damage since 1998. However, uncertainties persist regarding the actual impact of creatine supplementation on individuals with kidney disease before supplementation or with pathological conditions that have an increased risk of developing kidney dysfunction. This study performed a comprehensive review of the literature and utilized bioinformatics tools to investigate the effects of creatine on renal tissue and function. Moreover, we identified 44 genes modulated explicitly in response to creatine exposure using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, including IGF1, SLC2A4, and various creatine kinase genes. The analysis revealed associations with metabolic processes such as amino acid metabolism, indicating a connection between creatine and tissue physiology. Gene expression analysis using the Genotype-Tissue Expression Portal highlighted tissue-specific expression patterns in kidney and pancreas tissues. Furthermore, the study explored creatine metabolism pathways and kinase regulation through biological databases and Gene Expression Omnibus data, shedding light on the potential regulatory roles of creatine in cellular processes during kidney diseases. Understanding the impact of the balance between the endogenous creatine synthesis and the creatine uptake, particularly the genes GATM, GAMT, SLC6A8 and IGF1, insights into molecular mechanisms underlying creatine's physiological effects on renal tissues. Overall, this work provides new insights into the molecular interactions and pathways influenced by creatine in renal function.
Long-Term Survival of LVAD Patients – A TriNetX Database Analysis
Authors: Nair Nandini , Mahesh Balakrishnan , Du Dongping
Published: June 2024

Background: Donor shortage limits the utilization of heart transplantation making it available for only a fraction of the patients on the transplant wait list. Continuous flow left ventricular assist devices have therefore risen in importance as a standard of care for end-stage heart failure. Short, mid and long-term survival rates as well as quality of life are now being studied with newer and more sophisticated machines. This study attempts to assess the impact of several commonly associated risk factors on long-term survival of LVAD recipients. Methods The TriNetX dataset comprises de-identified patient information across healthcare organizations. The study assesses the impact of demographics, infections, comorbidities, types of cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias, and end-organ dysfunction on long-term LVAD survival. The Log-rank test was used to assess post-implant survival effects, while Cox regression was used in univariate analysis to obtain Hazard Ratio (HR). Patients with unknown lab results were removed before the univariate analysis and K-M survival curves were generated. Samples with missing values or data errors (e.g., implantation is after recorded death) were excluded. All analyses were conducted using the Python programming language and the lifelines library. This study is IRB-exempt Results This study identified common risk factors that significantly impact survival such as CMV, hepatitis A exposure, atrial fibrillation, paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia, ischemic cardiomyopathy, renal dysfunction, diabetes, COPD, mitral valve disease, and hypertension. Conclusions This is the first report of a detailed long-term survival assessment of several risk factors that impact the LVAD population.
The Protection Level of S-RBD SARS-CoV-2 Immunoglobulin G Antibodies Using The Chemiluminescent Immunoassay Compared To The Surrogate Virus Neutralization Test Method
Authors: Indrati Agnes Rengga , Horian Erinca , Dewi Nina Susana , Suraya Nida , Tiara Marita Restie , Djauhari Hofiya , Alisjahbana Bachti
Published: June 2024

COVID-19 infection in high-risk populations is fatal and has a poor prognosis, necessitating a test to determine the protectiveness of immune response. Antibody testing is necessary to determine the body's immune response to COVID-19 infection and also vaccination strategies. Among the various methods available, chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) test is more widely used and accessible to determine antibody levels. This study aimed to determine the protection level of S-RBD SARS-CoV-2 IgG using CLIA compared to Surrogate Virus Neutralization Test (SVNT). The population of this study comprised all healthcare professionals who experienced S-RBD SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody level examinations. S-RBD SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels were examined using CLIA and SVNT. The cut-off was determined using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and AUC (Area Under the Curve) measurements were evaluated. The result showed a strong positive correlation between S-RBD SARS-CoV-2 IgG CLIA and SVNT with a value of r=0.933 and p <0.001. The value ≥37.29 BAU/mL was determined as the cut-off based on SVNT 30% inhibition level with sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of 96.5%, 90.9%, 96.5%, and 90.9%, respectively. A titer of antibodies greater than or equal to 37.29 BAU/mL with CLIA showed the presence of protective antibodies compared to SVNT.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Ground-Level Concentrations of Aerosols and Criteria Pollutants Using the CAMS Reanalysis Dataset over the Himawari-8 Observational Area, including China, Indonesia, and Australia (2016-2023)
Authors: Sowden Miles
Published: June 2024

This study evaluated ground-level concentrations (GLCs) of aerosols and criteria pollutants using the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) reanalysis dataset over the Himawari-8 observational land area, including China, Indonesia, and Australia, for the past eight years. A square root transformation of the data was used to normalize and mitigate skewness. Monthly-hourly long-term averages were subtracted to determine abnormalities and identify significant pollution events. Geographic Weighted Regression (GWR) and the Jacobian matrix (dY/dX) methods were used to determine the spatial variability in pollutant concentrations and correlations with meteorological factors. The findings revealed complex interactions between atmospheric dynamics, such as wind components, specific humidity, and pollutant distribution. The analysis highlighted the limitations of traditional point monitoring methods and the need for incident-based spatiotemporal approaches to understand pollution dynamics. This comprehensive evaluation, covering roughly 10% of the globe, demonstrated CAMS's effectiveness in providing detailed insights into air quality trends, which can support targeted public health interventions and compliance with sustainability goals. Integrating CAMS data with high-resolution satellite data like Himawari-8 could revolutionize air quality monitoring by delivering dynamic, near real-time outputs with high spatiotemporal resolution.
How Authentic Leadership Influences Socially Responsible Behavior? Sequential Mediation of Psychological Empowerment and Psychological Capital and Moderating Role of Perceived Corporate Social Responsibility.
Authors: Almasradi Rajeh Bati , Sarwar Farhan , Adam Ismail Hussain Droup
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the relationship between authentic leadership and socially responsible behavior among employees in Saudi Arabia's service sector. Utilizing social cognitive theory as the theoretical framework, the research proposes that authentic leadership indirectly influences socially responsible behavior through psychological empowerment and psychological capital as parallel and serial mediators. Additionally, the study examines the moderating effect of CSR perceptions on these relationships. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 349 professionals from the service sector. The results, analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), revealed that authentic leadership does not directly impact SRB. Instead, the relationship is fully mediated by psychological empowerment and psychological capital. Moreover, CSR perceptions significantly moderate the relationship between authentic leadership and psychological empowerment, as well as the indirect effects of authentic leadership on SRB through psychological empowerment and psychological capital. The findings highlight the importance of fostering an authentic leadership style and how psychological resources of empowerment, and psychological capital carry forward this effect to promote SRB in the service sector. Additionally, the study underscores the role of CSR perceptions in strengthening the impact of authentic leadership on employee outcomes. The research contributes to the literature on leadership, CSR, and employee behavior, and offers practical implications for organizations aiming to enhance their social responsibility initiatives.
A Bioinformatic Assay of Quercetin in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zúñiga-Hernández Sergio Raúl , García-Iglesias Trinidad , Macías-Carballo Monserrat , Pérez-Larios Alejandro , Gutiérrez-Mercado Yanet Karina , Camargo-Hernández Gabriela , Rodríguez-Razón Christian Martín
Published: June 2024

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a significant global health challenge, with high mortality rates, especially in developing countries. Current treatments are invasive and have considerable risks, necessitating the exploration of safer alternatives. Quercetin (QRC), a flavonoid present in various plants and foods, has demonstrated multiple health benefits, including anticancer properties. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of QRC in the treatment of GC. We utilized advanced molecular techniques to assess the impact of QRC on GC cells, examining its effects on cellular pathways and gene expression. Our findings indicate that QRC significantly inhibits GC cell proliferation and induces apoptosis, suggesting its potential as a safer therapeutic option for GC treatment. Further research is required to validate these results and explore the clinical applications of QRC in cancer therapy
On the Importance of Solar Radiation and Shading for the AAR Prediction of Concrete Arch Dams
Authors: Leitão Noemi Schclar
Published: June 2024

The environmental conditions to which dams are exposed play a major role in dictating the progression and manifestation of the alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR). However, in the numerical thermal-mechanical simulation of AAR affected dams, the solar radiation and its associated shadow effects have received little attention. The spatiotemporal distribution of the solar radiation incidence on the dam surfaces has often been addressed in a simplified way or has just been neglected. Yet, far less attention has been given to shadows cast by the dam’s own geometry or the slopes. To illustrate the influence of the nonuniform temperature distribution on dam surfaces due to solar radiation and shading, the analysis of an AAR affected arch dam is presented in this paper.
Constraint on the Cosmic Curvature in a Model with the Schwarzschild-De Sitter Metric from Supernovae and Gamma-Ray Burst Observational Data
Authors: Yershov Vladimir N.
Published: June 2024

In developing his cosmological model of 1917, de Sitter theoretically predicted the phenomenon of cosmological redshift (the de Sitter effect), which he did long before the discovery of this phenomenon in observations. The de Sitter effect is gravitational by its nature, as it is due to differences between the coordinate systems of the observer and the distant source. However, the relationship between the redshift and distance derived from the de Sitter metric is at odds with observations, since this relationship is nonlinear (quadratic) for small redshifts, while the observed relationship between the same quantities is strictly linear. This paper discusses the possibility that cosmological redshift is gravitational by its nature, as in de Sitter’s 1917 model. At the same time, here, as in de Sitter’s model, an elliptical space is used, the main characteristic of which is the identification of its antipodal points. But, unlike de Sitter’s model, here, in order to ensure a strict linear dependence of the redshift on distance, the origin of the reference system is transferred to the observer’s antipodal point. The Schwarzschild-de Sitter metric used in this model allows you to estimate the curvature of space from observational data. To do this, a theoretical Hubble diagram is built within the framework of the model with the Schwarzschild-de Sitter metric, which is compared with observations from the Pantheon+ catalogue of type Ia supernovae and the Amati catalogue of gamma-ray bursts in the redshift range of 0<z<8. As a results of the comparison, the lower estimate of the radius of curvature of space turned out to be quite large: 2.3·1015 Mpc. This means that the observational data indicate a negligible curvature of space.
Optimal Machine Learning Model to Predict Demolition Waste Generation for a Circular Economy
Authors: Cha Gi-Wook , Park Choon-Wook
Published: June 2024

A suitable waste management strategy is crucial for a sustainable and efficient circular economy in the construction sector, and requires precise data on the volume of demolition waste (DW) gen-erated. Therefore, we developed an optimal machine learning (ML) model to forecast the quantity of recycling and landfill waste based on the characteristics of DW. A dataset comprising infor-mation on the characteristics of 150 buildings, demolition equipment utilized, and volume of five waste types generated (i.e., recyclable mineral, recyclable combustible, landfill specified, and landfill mix waste, and recyclable minerals) was constructed. ML models were developed to predict the quantities of such waste. Artificial neural network, decision tree, gradient boosting machine, k-nearest neighbors, linear regression, random forest (RF), and support vector regression were applied, and optimal models were derived via hyperparameter tuning. The RF model demonstrated superior performance. In both validation and test phases, the “recyclable mineral waste” and “recyclable combustible waste” models achieved accuracies of of 0.987 and 0.972, re-spectively. The “recyclable metals” and “landfill specified waste” models achieved accuracies of 0.953 and 0.858 or higher, respectively. Moreover, the “landfill mix waste” model exhibited an accuracy of 0.984 or higher. SHapley Additive exPlanations analysis highlighted floor area as the primary input variable influencing model performance. The type of equipment employed in demolition emerged as another crucial input variable impacting the volume of recycling and landfill wastes generated. The developed model can provide precise data on waste management, thereby facilitating the decision-making process for industry professionals.
A Fast Multi-Threshold Color Image Segmentation Algorithm Using Bayesian Forecasting Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Jiang Yunzhi , Yeh Wei-chang , Lin Zhengchun
Published: June 2024

Multi-threshold image segmentation is a relevant research field in further higher-level image preprocessing and computer vision. This paper adopts the Bayesian Forecasting Evolutionary Algorithm (BFEA) for natural scenery image segmentation using multilevel thresholding. An update method for the prediction vector is designed for image segmentation. The design idea of the BFEA algorithm for multilevel thresholding is based on the basic principle of Evolutionary Computation, the probability distribution of promising solutions, and the Bayesian theorem. BFEA could effectively solve the curse of dimensionality. Extensive experiments have demonstrated that the proposed algorithm dominated the state-of-the-art population-based thresholding method in term of the quality of image, function fitness value, optimal threshold value, SSIM value, PSNR value, computation time, dimensionality issue and convergence rate. The proposed method is very effective for color image segmentation.
Impaired Peripheral Vascular Function Following Ischemic Stroke: Implications for Blood Pressure Variations in the Post-stroke Patient
Authors: Yilmaz Gokhan , Alexander J. Steven
Published: June 2024

High systolic blood pressure and increased blood pressure variability after the onset of ischemic stroke are associated with poor clinical outcomes. One of the key determinants of blood pressure is arteriolar size, determined by vascular smooth muscle tone and vasodilatory and vasoconstrictor substances that are released by the endothelium. The aim of this study is to outline alterations in vasomotor function in isolated peripheral arteries following ischemic stroke. The reactivity of thoracic aortic segments from male C57BL/6 mice to dilators and constrictors was quantified using wire myography. Acetylcholine induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation was impaired after ischemic stroke (LogIC50 Sham=-7.499, LogIC50 Stroke=-7.350, P=0.0132, n= 19, 31 respectively). Vasodilatory responses to SNP were identical in isolated aortas in sham and stroke groups. Phenylephrine induced vasoconstriction was impaired in aortas isolated from stroke animals in comparison to sham counterparts (Sham LogEC50= -6.652 vs Stroke LogEC50=-6.475, P< 0.001). Our study demonstrates that 24 hours post-ischemic stroke, peripheral vascular responses are impaired in remote arteries. Aortas from stroke animals exhibited reduced vasoconstrictor and endothelium-dependent vasodilator responses, while endothelium-independent vasodilatory responses were preserved. Since both vasodilatory and vasoconstrictor responses of peripheral arteries are impaired following ischemic stroke, our findings might explain increased blood pressure variability following ischemic stroke.
Synthesis of 2-Azetidinones via Cycloaddition Approaches: An Update
Authors: Cordero Franca Maria , Giomi Donatella , Machetti Fabrizio
Published: June 2024

The present review is a comprehensive update of the synthesis of monocyclic β-lactams via cycloaddition reactions. According to the IUPAC definition of cycloaddition, both elementary and stepwise processes (formal cycloadditions) have been considered. The years 2019-2022 are covered by the cited literature. The focus of the review is on synthetic aspects with emphasis on the structural scope, reaction conditions, mechanistic aspects, and selectivity results. Selected significant data related to biological activities and synthetic applications are also highlighted.
Shear Thickening, Star-Shaped Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Słojewska Magdalena , Czerwiński Arkadiusz , Kaczorowski Marcin , Zygadło-Monikowska Ewa
Published: June 2024

The safety concerns associated with current lithium-ion batteries are a significant drawback. A short-circuit within the battery's internal components, such as those caused by a car accident, can lead to ignition or even explosion. To address this issue, a polymer shear thickening electrolyte, free from flammable solvents, has been developed. It comprises a star-shaped oligomer derived from a trimethylolpropane (TMP) core and polyether chains, along with the inclusion of 20 wt.% nanosilica. Notably, the star-shaped oligomer serves a dual function as both the solvent for the lithium salt and the continuous phase of the shear thickening fluid. The obtained electrolytes exhibit an ionic conductivity of 10-6 S cm-1 at 20 °C and 10-4 S cm-1 at 80 °C, with a high Li+ transference number (t+ = 0.79). A nearly thirtyfold increase in viscosity to a value of 1187 Pa s at 25 °C and a critical shear rate of 2 s-1 were achieved. During impact, this electrolyte could enhance cell safety by preventing electrode short-circuiting.
The Interplay of the TLR-NFκB Signalling Pathway and Functional Enzymes in the LPS Inflammatory Response of Ciona robusta
Authors: Bisanti Luca , La Corte Claudia , Dara Mariano , Bertini Federica , Vizioli Jacopo , Parisi Maria Giovanna , Cammarata Matteo , Parrinello Daniela
Published: June 2024

the close phylogenetic relationship between ascidians (Tunicata) and vertebrates makes them a powerful model for studying the innate immune system. To better understand the nature and dynamics of immune responses and the mechanisms through which bacterial infections are detected and translated into inflammation in Ciona robusta, we applied an approach combining in vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, immune-labelling and functional enzymatic analyses. The immunohistochemistry showed that toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) were expressed during the inflammatory pharynx response 4 hours post-LPS, with formation of immune-stained haemocyte nodules in the vessel lumen. Pharynx vessel endothelium also took part in the inflammatory response. Observations of histological sections from naive and MS-inoculated ascidians confirmed immuno-positive tissue response. Enzyme immune parameters – which included the activity of phenoloxidase, glutathione peroxidase, lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase and esterase – showed up-modulation 4 hours after LPS injection, confirming their involvement during ascidian inflammatory response. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms involved in LPS-induced C. robusta response and suggest that a broad innate immune mechanism is involved in the regulation of tunicate inflammatory responses.
Incorporation of Nano-Zinc Oxide as a Strategy to Improve the Barrier Properties of Biopolymer-Suberinic Acid Residues Films – A Preliminary Study
Authors: Jeżo Aleksandra , Poohphajai Faksawat , Herrera Diaz Rene , Kowaluk Grzegorz
Published: June 2024

Finishing coatings in the wood-based composites industry not only influence the final appearance of the product but also serve to protect against fungi, and molds, and reduce the release of harmful substances, particularly formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Carbon-rich materials, such as those derived from birch bark extraction, specifically suberin acids, can fulfil this role. Previous research has demonstrated that adding suberin acid residues (SAR) at 20% and 50% by weight significantly enhances the gas barrier properties of surface finishing materials based on poly(lactide) (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL), particularly in terms of Total VOC (TVOC) and formaldehyde emissions. This study aims to explore whether these properties can be further improved through the incorporation of nano-zinc oxide (nano-ZnO). Previous research has shown that these nanoparticles possess strong resistance to biological factors and can positively affect the characteristics of nanofilms applied as surface protection. The study employed PLA and PCL finishing layers blended with SAR powder at 10% w/w and included 2% and 4% nano-zinc oxide nanoparticles. The resulting blends were milled to create a powder, which was subsequently pressed into 1 mm thick films. These films were then applied to raw particleboard surfaces. TVOC and formaldehyde emission tests were conducted. Additionally, the fungal resistance of the coated surfaces was assessed. The results showed that PLA/SAR and PCL/SAR composites with the addition of nano-zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibited significantly improved barrier properties, offering a promising avenue for developing biodegradable, formaldehyde-free coatings in the furniture industry with enhanced features. Furthermore, by utilizing SAR as a post-extraction residue, this project aligns perfectly with the concept of upcycling.
Measurement Error Analysis of Seawater Refractive Index Measurement Sensor Based on a Position-Sensitive Detector
Authors: Zhou Guanlong , Li Liyan , Zhou Yan , Chen Xinyu
Published: June 2024

The refractive index of seawater is one of the essential parameters in ocean observation, so it is necessary to achieve high-precision seawater refractive index measurements. A seawater refractive index measurement system based on position-sensitive detectors is an effective means to achieve high-precision measurement of seawater refractive index. However, in the actual seawater refractive index measurement process, the impact of the measurement error caused by the jitter signal obtained from the measurement on the measurement results cannot be ignored. In this paper, we theoretically analyse the causes of the long jitter signals during seawater refractive index measurement and quantify the influencing factors. Through the analysis, it can be seen that the angle between the two windows in the refractive index measurement area of seawater causes a great error on the measurement results, so the angle between the two windows should be controlled within 2.06° in order to effectively reduce the measurement error. At the same time, the factors affecting the measurement accuracy of the position-sensitive detector are analysed, and the factors leading to the reduction of the measurement accuracy of the position-sensitive detector are mainly the background light, the size of the photosensitive surface, and the change of the temperature of the working environment. For the above factors, we add a narrow-band filter with a bandwidth of 0.9nm in front of the photosensitive surface of the position-sensitive detector during the construction of the measurement system, so as to filter out stray light other than the signal light source. On the premise of ensuring the measuring range of the refractive index of seawater, a position-sensitive detector with a photosensitive surface size of 4 mm×4 mm was selected. In order to reduce the temperature variation of the working environment of the position-sensitive detector, the measurement system was partitioned. In order to validate the testing error range of the optimised test system, standard seawater samples under the same conditions were measured. It can be seen that the jitter signal of the measurement system has been reduced from 0.0022mm before the optimisation to 0.0011mm after the optimisation, and the deviation of the refractive index has been reduced by 1.09×10−8RIU. The experimental results show that the refractive index of seawater has been effectively reduced by adjusting the optical path and the structure of the seawater refractive index measurement system.
Dark Side of Anthocyanin Pigmentation
Authors: Wolff Katharina , Pucker Boas
Published: June 2024

Dark pigmentation can be observed in various parts of the plant, ranging from foliage to petals to berries. The molecular basis of black pigmentation appears to vary among species, with anthocyanins playing a significant role, although specific anthocyanin types and their mechanisms differ. These findings suggest that the development of phenotypes is species-specific or varies between larger taxonomic groups; this is further supported by the polyphyletic nature of dark pigmentation. Additionally, several different regulatory mechanisms have been described for the occurrence of dark pigmentation. Firstly, the repression or knockout of the competing flavone biosynthesis has been shown to lead to darker pigmentation while another mechanism is based on the activation and upregulation of the anthocyanin biosynthesis genes in the presence of MYB transcription factors. Potential ecological functions of dark pigmentation were identified as the protection of the photosynthesis apparatus, camouflage against herbivores, and the attraction of pollinators. Promising industrial applications include microbial factories for the production of natural food colourants, induction of novel phenotypes for the ornamental plant industry and lastly the increase of anthocyanins within agriculturally relevant crops.