bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioactive Molecules from the Innate Immunity of Ascidians and Innovative Methods of Drug Discovery: A Computational Approach Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: La Paglia Laura , Vazzana Mirella , Mauro Manuela , Urso Alfonso , Arizza Vincenzo , Vizzini Aiti
Published: December 2023

The study of bioactive molecules of marine origin has created an important bridge between biological knowledge and its applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. Current studies in different research fields, such as biomedicine, aim to discover marine molecules characterized by biological activities that can be used to produce potential drugs for human use. In recent decades, increasing attention has been paid to a particular group of marine invertebrates, the Ascidians, as they are a source of bioactive products. We describe omics data and computational methods relevant to identifying the mechanisms and processes of innate immunity underlying the biosynthesis of bioactive molecules, focusing on innovative computational approaches based on Artificial Intelligence. Since there is increasing attention on finding new solutions for a sustainable supply of bioactive compounds, we propose that a possible improvement in the biodiscovery pipeline might also come from the study and utilization of marine invertebrates’ innate immunity.
Comparative Review of Instrumental Techniques and Methods for the Analysis of Microplastics in Agricultural Matrices
Authors: Adelugba Adeola , Emenike Chijioke
Published: December 2023

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous and evasive in nature. They can be found in complex agricultural matrices like soil and compost. In the literature, extracting MPs from soil is more prevalent; nonetheless, the same instruments in extraction in soil samples can also be used to assess MPs in compost despite the high levels of organic material. MPs in agricultural environments have recently become a focus of research due to their status as emerging pollutants. However, the lack of standardized instruments and techniques for analysis is a major challenge in assessing MPs. Despite this limitation, this review article identified and suggested some important factors to consider when selecting suitable methods or instruments for MP analysis. This article also categorized instrumental analysis in MP studies as destructive and non-destructive and highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of methods and instruments such as visual inspection, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy (RS), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). These highlights will provide researchers with a useful guide to help them choose the most appropriate method and instrumentation technique for their MP analytical research. Additionally, the article discusses the combination of two or more of these analytical instruments to improve efficiency.
Functional Sol-Gel Composites: Preparation and Applications
Authors: Gutzov Stoyan
Published: December 2023

Introduction [...]
The Impact of Diet and Physical Activity on Fat-to-Lean Mass Ratio
Authors: Padua Elvira , Caprio Massimiliano , Feraco Alessandra , Camajani Elisabetta , Gorini Stefania , Armani Andrea , Ruscello Bruno , Bellia Alfonso , Strollo Rocky , Lombardo Mauro
Published: December 2023

In this retrospective study, we evaluated the efficacy of a personalised low-calorie Mediterranean Diet (MD) in promoting fat mass (FM) reduction while preserving fat-free mass (FFM). This study involved 100 Caucasian adults aged 18–65 years who followed a tailored low-calorie MD for two months. The total energy expenditure was assessed using a multi-sensor armband. The change in body composition (BC) was evaluated using the Δ% FM-to-FFM ratio, calculated as the difference in the FM to FFM ratio before and after the diet, divided by the ratio before the diet, and multiplied by 100. A negative value indicates a greater decrease in FM than FFM, while a positive value suggests a greater increase in FM than FFM. This study demonstrated a significant FM reduction, with an average decrease of 5% (p < 0.001). However, the relationship between caloric reduction and the Δ% FM-to-FFM ratio showed a weak negative correlation (r = −0.03, p > 0.05). This suggests that the calorie deficit had a minimal direct impact on the BC changes. Subjects over the age of 30 showed an increase in muscle mass, while younger subjects showed no significant changes. Moreover, a direct correlation was observed between the changes in MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) values and the Δ% FM-to-FFM ratio, indicating that improved average physical activity intensity positively influences BC. In the female subgroup, high protein intake, exercise intensity, and the duration of physical activity were positively correlated with an improvement in the Δ% FM-to-FFM ratio. However, for individuals with BMI 20–25 kg/m2, high fibre intake was surprisingly negatively correlated with the Δ% FM-to-FFM ratio. This study underscores the intricate interplay between calorie restriction, physical activity intensity, and BC changes. It also suggests that individual factors, including age, gender, and BMI, may influence the response to a low-calorie MD. However, further prospective studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm and expand upon these findings.
Identification of a New Integration Site and Study on Site-Specific Integration in CHO-K1 Cells
Authors: Liu Hong , Zhang Wei , Xie Liping , Hu Youjia
Published: December 2023

Site-specific integration is an important approach used to address the problem of unstable cell lines in industry. In this study, we observed a reduction in the gene copy number and antibody production in a CHOK1 cell line BA03 capable of high antibody expression. We identified a new integration site named locus 7 in the intron region of the parva gene through sequencing, FISH, and genome walking. We demonstrate that the integration of the exogenous gene at this locus does not affect the transcription of the parva and, therefore, has a minimal impact on cell growth. We designed sgRNA and donor vectors to integrate the etanercept-coding gene into locus 7 and obtained a cell line, SSI-4. We performed a passaged stability study on SSI-4 and proved the possibility of the stable, site-specific integration of exogenous genes at this locus in terms of integration site, copy number, expression level, and cell growth. In summary, our study has identified a new integration site suitable for site-specific integration, which lays the foundation for the subsequent development of site-specific integration cell lines.
Deep Learning for Integrated Speckle Reduction and Super-Resolution in Multi-Temporal SAR
Authors: Bu Lijing , Zhang Jiayu , Zhang Zhengpeng , Yang Yin , Deng Mingjun
Published: December 2023

In the domain of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image processing, a prevalent issue persists wherein research predominantly focuses on single-task learning, often neglecting the concurrent impact of speckle noise and low resolution on SAR images. Currently, there are two main processing strategies. The first strategy involves conducting speckle reduction and super-resolution processing step by step. The second strategy involves performing speckle reduction as an auxiliary step, with a focus on enhancing the primary task of super-resolution processing. However, both of these strategies exhibit clear deficiencies. Nevertheless, both tasks jointly focus on two key aspects, enhancing SAR quality and restoring details. The fusion of these tasks can effectively leverage their task correlation, leading to a significant improvement in processing effectiveness. Additionally, multi-temporal SAR images covering imaging information from different time periods exhibit high correlation, providing deep learning models with a more diverse feature expression space, greatly enhancing the model’s ability to address complex issues. Therefore, this study proposes a deep learning network for integrated speckle reduction and super-resolution in multi-temporal SAR (ISSMSAR). The network aims to reduce speckle in multi-temporal SAR while significantly improving the image resolution. Specifically, it consists of two subnetworks, each taking the SAR image at time 1 and the SAR image at time 2 as inputs. Each subnetwork includes a primary feature extraction block (PFE), a high-level feature extraction block (HFE), a multi-temporal feature fusion block (FFB), and an image reconstruction block (REC). Following experiments on diverse data sources, the results demonstrate that ISSMSAR surpasses speckle reduction and super-resolution methods based on a single task in terms of both subjective perception and objective evaluation metrics regarding the quality of image restoration.
Spatiotemporal Analysis and Prediction of Carbon Emissions from Energy Consumption in China through Nighttime Light Remote Sensing
Authors: Zhang Zhaoxu , Fu Shihong , Li Jiayi , Qiu Yuchen , Shi Zhenwei , Sun Yuanheng
Published: December 2023

With burgeoning economic development, a surging influx of greenhouse gases, notably carbon dioxide (CO2), has precipitated global warming, thus accentuating the critical imperatives of monitoring and predicting carbon emissions. Conventional approaches employed in the examination of carbon emissions predominantly rely on energy statistics procured from the National Bureau of Statistics and local statistical bureaus. However, these conventional data sources, often encapsulated in statistical yearbooks, exclusively furnish insights into energy consumption at the national and provincial levels, so the assessment at a more granular scale, such as the municipal and county levels, poses a formidable challenge. This study, using nighttime light data and statistics records spanning from 2000 to 2019, undertook a comparative analysis, scrutinizing various modeling methodologies, encompassing linear, exponential, and logarithmic models, with the aim of assessing carbon emissions across diverse spatial scales. A multifaceted analysis unfolded, delving into the key attributes of China’s carbon emissions, spanning total carbon emissions, per capita carbon emissions, and carbon emission intensity. Spatial considerations were also paramount, encompassing an examination of carbon emissions across provincial, municipal, and county scales, as well as an intricate exploration of spatial patterns, including the displacement of the center of gravity and the application of trend analyses. These multifaceted analyses collectively contributed to the endeavor of predicting China’s future carbon emission trajectory. The findings of the study revealed that at the national scale, total carbon emissions exhibited an annual increment throughout the period spanning 2000 to 2019. Secondly, upon an in-depth evaluation of model fitting, it was evident that the logarithmic model emerged as the most adept in terms of fitting, presenting a mean R2 value of 0.83. Thirdly, the gravity center of carbon emissions in China was situated within Henan Province, and there was a discernible overall shift towards the southwest. In 2025 and 2030, it is anticipated that the average quantum of China’s carbon emissions will reach 7.82 × 102 million and 25.61 × 102 million metric tons, with Shandong Province emerging as the foremost contributor. In summary, this research serves as a robust factual underpinning and an indispensable reference point for advancing the scientific underpinnings of China’s transition to a low-carbon economy and the judicious formulation of policies governing carbon emissions.
An Efficient Rep-Style Gaussian–Wasserstein Network: Improved UAV Infrared Small Object Detection for Urban Road Surveillance and Safety
Authors: Aibibu Tuerniyazi , Lan Jinhui , Zeng Yiliang , Lu Weijian , Gu Naiwei
Published: December 2023

Owing to the significant application potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and infrared imaging technologies, researchers from different fields have conducted numerous experiments on aerial infrared image processing. To continuously detect small road objects 24 h/day, this study proposes an efficient Rep-style Gaussian–Wasserstein network (ERGW-net) for small road object detection in infrared aerial images. This method aims to resolve problems of small object size, low contrast, few object features, and occlusions. The ERGW-net adopts the advantages of ResNet, Inception net, and YOLOv8 networks to improve object detection efficiency and accuracy by improving the structure of the backbone, neck, and loss function. The ERGW-net was tested on a DroneVehicle dataset with a large sample size and the HIT-UAV dataset with a relatively small sample size. The results show that the detection accuracy of different road targets (e.g., pedestrians, cars, buses, and trucks) is greater than 80%, which is higher than the existing methods.
A Space-Time Variational Method for Retrieving Upper-Level Vortex Winds from GOES-16 Rapid Scans over Hurricanes
Authors: Xu Qin , Wei Li , Nai Kang , Zhang Huanhuan , Rabin Robert
Published: December 2023

A space-time variational method is developed for retrieving upper-level vortex winds from geostationary satellite rapid infrared scans over hurricanes. In this method, new vortex-flow-dependent correlation functions are formulated for the radial and tangential components of the vortex wind. These correlation functions are used to construct the background error covariance matrix and its square root matrix. The resulting square root matrix is then employed to precondition the cost function, constrained by an advection equation formulated for rapidly scanned infrared image movements. This newly formulated and preconditioned cost function is more suitable for deriving upper-level vortex winds from GOES-16 rapid infrared scans over hurricanes than the cost function in the recently adopted optical flow technique. The new method was applied to band-13 (10.3 µm) brightness temperature images scanned every min from GOES-16 over Hurricanes Laura on 27 August 2020 and Hurricanes Ida on 29 August 2021. The retrieved vortex winds were shown to not only be much denser than operationally produced atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs) but also more rotational and better organized around the eyewall than the super-high-resolution AMVs derived from optical-flow technique. By comparing their component velocities (projected along radar beams) with limited radar velocity observations available near the cloud top, the vortex winds retrieved using the new method were also shown to be more accurate than the super-high-resolution AMVs derived from the optical-flow technique. The new method is computationally efficient for real-time applications and potentially useful for hurricane wind nowcasts. Furthermore, the combined use of VF-dependent covariance functions and imagery advection equation is not only novel but was also found to be critically important for the improved performance of the method. This finding implies that similar combined approaches can be developed with improved performance for retrieving vortex flows rapidly scanned using other types of remote sensing on different scales, such as tornadic mesocyclones rapidly scanned by phased-array radars.
Learning and Reusing Quadruped Robot Movement Skills from Biological Dogs for Higher-Level Tasks
Authors: Wan Qifeng , Luo Aocheng , Meng Yan , Zhang Chong , Chi Wanchao , Zhang Shenghao , Liu Yuzhen , Zhu Qiuguo , Kong Shihan , Yu Junzhi
Published: December 2023

In the field of quadruped robots, the most classic motion control algorithm is based on model prediction control (MPC). However, this method poses challenges as it necessitates the precise construction of the robot’s dynamics model, making it difficult to achieve agile movements similar to those of a biological dog. Due to these limitations, researchers are increasingly turning to model-free learning methods, which significantly reduce the difficulty of modeling and engineering debugging and simultaneously reduce real-time optimization computational burden. Inspired by the growth process of humans and animals, from learning to walk to fluent movements, this article proposes a hierarchical reinforcement learning framework for the motion controller to learn some higher-level tasks. First, some basic motion skills can be learned from motion data captured from a biological dog. Then, with these learned basic motion skills as a foundation, the quadruped robot can focus on learning higher-level tasks without starting from low-level kinematics, which saves redundant training time. By utilizing domain randomization techniques during the training process, the trained policy function can be directly transferred to a physical robot without modification, and the resulting controller can perform more biomimetic movements. By implementing the method proposed in this article, the agility and adaptability of the quadruped robot can be maximally utilized to achieve efficient operations in complex terrains.
0.5-V 281-nW Versatile Mixed-Mode Filter Using Multiple-Input/Output Differential Difference Transconductance Amplifiers
Authors: Khateb Fabian , Kumngern Montree , Kulej Tomasz
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a new low-voltage versatile mixed-mode filter which uses a multiple-input/output differential difference transconductance amplifier (MIMO-DDTA). The multiple-input of the DDTA is realized using a multiple-input bulk-driven MOS transistor (MI-BD-MOST) technique to maintain a single differential pair, thereby achieving simple structure with minimal power consumption. In a single topology, the proposed filter can provide five standard filtering functions (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, band-stop, and all-pass) in four modes: voltage (VM), current (CM), transadmittance (TAM), and transimpedance (TIM). This provides the full capability of a mixed-mode filter (i.e., twenty filter functions). Moreover, the VM filter offers high-input and low-output impedances and the CM filter offers high-output impedance; therefore, no buffer circuit is needed. The natural frequency of all filtering functions can be electronically controlled by a setting current. The voltage supply is 0.5 V and for a 4 nA setting current, the power consumption of the filter was 281 nW. The filter is suitable for low-frequency biomedical and sensor applications that require extremely low supply voltages and nano-watt power consumption. For the VM low-pass filter, the dynamic range was 58.23 dB @ 1% total harmonic distortion. The proposed filter was designed and simulated in the Cadence Virtuoso System Design Platform using the 0.18 µm TSMC CMOS technology.
Alcohol Vapor Sensor Based on Quasi-2D Nb2O5 Derived from Oxidized Nb2CTz MXenes
Authors: Pazniak Hanna , Plugin Ilya A. , Sheverdyaeva Polina M. , Rapenne Laetitia , Varezhnikov Alexey S. , Agresti Antonio , Pescetelli Sara , Moras Paolo , Kostin Konstantin B. , Gorokhovsky Alexander V. , Ouisse Thierry , Sysoev Victor V.
Published: December 2023

MXenes are two-dimensional (2D) materials with a great potential for sensor applications due to their high aspect ratio and fully functionalized surface that can be tuned for specific gas adsorption. Here, we demonstrate that the Nb2CTz-based sensor exhibits high performance towards alcohol vapors at temperatures up to 300–350 °C, with the best sensitivity towards ethanol. We attribute the observed remarkable chemiresistive effect of this material to the formation of quasi-2D Nb2O5 sheets as the result of the oxidation of Nb-based MXenes. These findings are supported by synchrotron X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies together with X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy observations. For analyte selectivity, we employ a multisensor approach where the gas recognition is achieved by linear discriminant analysis of the vector response of the on-chip sensor array. The reported protocol demonstrates that MXene layers are efficient precursors for the derivation of 2D oxide architectures, which are suitable for developing gas sensors and sensor arrays.
Electrochemical Properties of PEDOT:PSS/Graphene Conductive Layers in Artificial Sweat
Authors: Tzaneva Boriana , Aleksandrova Mariya , Mateev Valentin , Stefanov Bozhidar , Iliev Ivo
Published: December 2023

Electrodes based on PEDOT:PSS are gaining increasing importance as conductive electrodes and functional layers in various sensors and biosensors due to their easy processing and biocompatibility. This study investigates PEDOT:PSS/graphene layers deposited via spray coating on flexible PET substrates. The layers are characterized in terms of their morphology, roughness (via AFM and SEM), and electrochemical properties in artificial sweat using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The layers exhibit dominant capacitive behavior at low frequencies, with cut-off frequencies determined for thicker layers at 1 kHz. The equivalent circuit used to fit the EIS data reveals a resistance of about three orders of magnitude higher inside the layer compared to the charge transfer resistance at the solid/liquid interface. The capacitance values determined from the CV curves range from 54.3 to 122.0 mF m−2. After 500 CV cycles in a potential window of 1 V (from −0.3 to 0.7 V), capacitance retention for most layers is around 94%, with minimal surface changes being observed in the layers. The results suggest practical applications for PEDOT:PSS/graphene layers, both for high-frequency impedance measurements related to the functioning of individual organs and systems, such as impedance electrocardiography, impedance plethysmography, and respiratory monitoring, and as capacitive electrodes in the low-frequency range, realized as layered PEDOT:PSS/graphene conductive structures for biosignal recording.
CMID: Crossmodal Image Denoising via Pixel-Wise Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Guo Yi , Gao Yuanhang , Hu Bingliang , Qian Xueming , Liang Dong
Published: December 2023

Removing noise from acquired images is a crucial step in various image processing and computer vision tasks. However, the existing methods primarily focus on removing specific noise and ignore the ability to work across modalities, resulting in limited generalization performance. Inspired by the iterative procedure of image processing used by professionals, we propose a pixel-wise crossmodal image-denoising method based on deep reinforcement learning to effectively handle noise across modalities. We proposed a similarity reward to help teach an optimal action sequence to model the step-wise nature of the human processing process explicitly. In addition, We designed an action set capable of handling multiple types of noise to construct the action space, thereby achieving successful crossmodal denoising. Extensive experiments against state-of-the-art methods on publicly available RGB, infrared, and terahertz datasets demonstrate the superiority of our method in crossmodal image denoising.
The Impact of Purchasing New Agricultural Machinery on Fuel Consumption on Farms
Authors: Kuboń Maciej , Cupiał Michał , Szeląg-Sikora Anna , Kobuszewski Marcin
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to see how purchases of new agricultural machinery affected fuel consumption on farms. This study, conducted in the Małopolska region in Poland, covered two reporting periods (before and after the purchase of machinery). The analysis included factors relevant to the indicators analyzed, including changes in fuel consumption, changes in the area of agrotechnical treatments, changes in working time, and changes in installed power. To study how fuel consumption evolves under different conditions, the following variables were used as grouping variables: area of farms, power of the largest tractor, index of technological modernization (ITM), groups of crops, groups of agrotechnical treatments, and groups of machinery. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the analyzed groups. The research showed that the purchases of new agricultural machinery increased fuel consumption on farms. In the population studied, the volume increased by 8% compared to the initial period. The increase in consumption after modernization was mainly due to the purchase of more powerful tractors, while the increase in productivity and the changes in technology due to more modern ones did not compensate for the increase in power demand.
Brazil’s Formal E-Waste Recycling System: From Disposal to Reverse Manufacturing
Authors: Vargas Danieli Braun , Campos Lucila Maria de Souza , Luna Mônica Maria Mendes
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the post-regulation scenario of waste electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste) reverse logistics in Florianópolis, an island in southern Brazil, following Decree N° 10240/2020. Employing a case study approach, involving observation and semi-structured interviews, the research explores key stakeholders’ roles. The results indicate collaborative efforts among the municipal cleaning service provider, recycler, and manager entity, supporting effective e-waste take-back systems. This cooperation not only strengthens the formal recycling market but also yields socio-environmental benefits. The study reveals that optimal outcomes arise from the collaboration between the public cleaning service provider and the business sector, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. Concerning e-waste value recovery, there is a notable inclination to extend the life cycle of small equipment, emphasizing reuse and remanufacture cycles, while larger electrical and electronic items follow to recycling and recovery cycles. In summary, this research contributes to aligning stakeholders in e-waste reverse logistics, emphasizing compliance with legislation and fostering a deeper understanding of roles, functions, and alliances. The study provides a strategic and structured perspective on e-waste management in a city renowned for selective waste collection and considered a national benchmark for reverse logistics, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
Paving Paths to 2050: Mapping the Mexican Power Sector’s Potential to Build Sustainable Futures
Authors: Martínez Manuel , Castro Juan Carlos , Leal-Fulgencio Carlos David , Álvarez-Herrero Santiago , Cedano-Villavicencio Karla Graciela
Published: December 2023

A prospective analysis of the Mexican power system has been carried out, and the possibilities for complying with the National Determined Contribution (NDC) commitments adopted in the Paris Agreement in the National Climate Change Strategy of the General Law for Climate Change are presented. A hybrid approach was used, inspired by Foresight Frameworks on one side, and using an accounting and scenario-based modeling platform called Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) with economic optimization on the other, to analyze four possible scenarios to 2050: Trend, also known as Business As Usual (BAU), which only looks at the growth rate of the gross domestic product (GDP) and population, along with the country’s proven potential for renewable resources under the policy framework before 2015; Market, which considers the trend of installation of renewable technologies and the policies of the past administration; Sovereignty, which does the same as the previous scenario but for the policies of the current Mexican government; and Sustainable, which together with GDP and population growth takes into account the possible potential of national renewable resources and characteristics that the country should have to foster this. The research question was: Is there a long-term energy policy for the Mexican power sector to accomplish its NDCs? The study concluded that the best scenario is Sustainable, showing that the possible potential of the country’s renewable resources has the capacity to meet the Mexican commitments adopted in the Paris Agreement if, on one side, techno-economic renewable technologies and electricity storage systems are used, and on the other, if the country’s strategic areas evolve into a more holistically sustainable future.
Development of a Replication-Deficient Bacteriophage Reporter Lacking an Essential Baseplate Wedge Subunit
Authors: Gil Jose , Paulson John , Zahn Henriett , Brown Matthew , Nguyen Minh M. , Erickson Stephen
Published: December 2023

Engineered bacteriophages (phages) can be effective diagnostic reporters for detecting a variety of bacterial pathogens. Although a promising biotechnology, the large-scale use of these reporters may result in the unintentional release of genetically modified viruses. In order to limit the potential environmental impact, the ability of these phages to propagate outside the laboratory was targeted. The phage SEA1 has been previously engineered to facilitate food safety as an accurate and sensitive reporter for Salmonella contamination. In this study, homologous recombination was used to replace the expression of an essential baseplate wedge subunit (gp141) in SEA1 with a luciferase, NanoLuc®. This reporter, referred to as SEA1Δgp141.NL, demonstrated a loss of plaque formation and a failure to increase in titer following infection of Salmonella. SEA1Δgp141.NL was thus incapable of producing infectious progeny in the absence of gp141. In contrast, production of high titer stocks was possible when gp141 was artificially supplied in trans during infection. As a reporter, SEA1Δgp141.NL facilitated rapid, sensitive, and robust detection of Salmonella despite an inability to replicate. These results suggest that replication-deficient reporter phages are an effective method to obtain improved containment without sacrificing significant performance or the ease of production associated with many phage-based diagnostic methods.
Viral Zoonoses: Interactions and Factors Driving Virus Transmission
Authors: Ermonval Myriam , Morand Serge
Published: December 2023

The beginning of the 21st century was marked by an increase in the number of emerging/reemerging infectious diseases detected worldwide and by the challenging COVID-19 pandemic [...]
Humoral Immune Responses after an Omicron-Adapted Booster BNT162b2 Vaccination in Patients with Lymphoid Malignancies
Authors: Heftdal Line Dam , Hansen Cecilie Bo , Hamm Sebastian Rask , Pérez-Alós Laura , Fogh Kamille , Pries-Heje Mia , Hasselbalch Rasmus Bo , Møller Dina Leth , Gang Anne Ortved , Ostrowski Sisse Rye , Frikke-Schmidt Ruth , Sørensen Erik , Hilsted Linda , Bundgaard Henning , Garred Peter , Iversen Kasper , Sabin Caroline , Nielsen Susanne Dam , Grønbæk Kirsten
Published: December 2023

To accommodate waning COVID-19 vaccine immunity to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, variant-adapted mRNA vaccines have been introduced. Here, we examine serological responses to the BA.1 and BA.4-5 Omicron variant-adapted BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccines in people with lymphoid malignancies. We included 233 patients with lymphoid malignancies (chronic lymphocytic B-cell leukemia: 73 (31.3%), lymphoma: 89 (38.2%), multiple myeloma/amyloidosis: 71 (30.5%)), who received an Omicron-adapted mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine. IgG and neutralizing antibodies specific for the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 were measured using ELISA-based methods. Differences in antibody concentrations and neutralizing capacity and associations with risk factors were assessed using mixed-effects models. Over the period of vaccination with an Omicron-adapted COVID-19 vaccine, the predicted mean concentration of anti-RBD IgG increased by 0.09 log10 AU/mL/month (95% CI: 0.07; 0.11) in patients with lymphoid malignancies across diagnoses. The predicted mean neutralizing capacity increased by 0.9 percent points/month (95% CI: 0.2; 1.6). We found no associations between the increase in antibody concentration or neutralizing capacity and the variant included in the adapted vaccine. In conclusion, a discrete increase in antibody concentrations and neutralizing capacity was found over the course of Omicron-adapted vaccination in patients with lymphoid malignancies regardless of the adapted vaccine variant, indicating a beneficial effect of Omicron-adapted booster vaccination in this population.
Hydrodynamics and Sediment Transport at Socheongcho Ocean Research Station, Korea, in the Yellow Sea
Authors: Lee Guan-hong , Chang Jongwi , Kang KiRyong , Jeong Jin-Yong
Published: December 2023

A seasonal variability in flow and sediment flux at the Socheongcho Ocean Research Station (SORS) on the west coast of Korea in 2018 was investigated to elucidate the formation of a two-layered flow structure and changes in sediment transport during stratification. An analysis of SORS data revealed stable temperatures (5–10 °C) in deeper waters, while surface temperatures rose from 6 °C in April to a peak of 30 °C in late August, gradually declining and leading to full water column mixing by late November. This temperature variation induced stratification, influencing the development of a two-layered flow structure. In winter, a singular flow structure was observed, contrasting with the emergence of a two-layered structure as stratification progressed. In the surface layer, residual currents flowed northward in summer and southward in winter, consistent with previous studies. In deeper layers, a southward residual current persisted, irrespective of the season. Sediment flux consistently moved southward, regardless of the season or water depth, with notably higher cumulative sediment flux in the deeper layer (1300 kg·m−2s−1) compared to the surface layer (300 kg·m−2s−1). These findings diverge notably from previous studies, providing new insights into ocean currents and material transport in the Yellow Sea.
Geochemical Evidence Constraining Genesis and Mineral Scaling of the Yangbajing Geothermal Field, Southwestern China
Authors: Yang Hu , Yuan Xingcheng , Chen Yongling , Liu Jiawei , Zhan Chun , Lv Guosen , Hu Junfeng , Sun Minglu , Zhang Yunhui
Published: December 2023

The Yangbajing geothermal field, a renowned high-temperature geothermal resource in Tibet of southwestern China, has been utilized for power generation for several decades. To improve geothermal exploitation in the Yangbajing, genesis and mineral scaling have yet to be further revealed. In this study, hydrochemistry and D-O-Sr isotopy were employed for analyzing genesis and mineral scaling in the Yangbajing geothermal field. The geothermal waters were weakly alkaline and had a high TDS content (1400–2900 mg/L) with the Cl-Na, Cl·HCO3-Na, and HCO3·Cl-Na types. The dissolution of silicate minerals (sodium and potassium feldspars) and positive cation exchange controlled the hydrogeochemical process. The geothermal water was recharged from snow-melted water and meteoric water originating from the Nyainqentanglh Mountains and Tangshan Mountains. The geothermal waters possessed the highest reservoir temperature of 299 °C and the largest circulation depth of 2010 m according to various geothermometers. The geothermal waters can produce CaCO3 and SiO2 scaling during vertical and horizontal transport. These achievements can provide a scientific basis for the sustainable development and conservation of the high-temperature geothermal resources in Yangbajing and elsewhere.
Rapid Removal of Cr(VI) from Wastewater by Surface Ionized Iron-Based MOF: Ion Branching and Domain-Limiting Effects
Authors: Wang Chen , Chen Jiakun , Yang Qi
Published: December 2023

Exploring the ratio of metal centers to organic ligands and the amount of DMF are important to improve the stability and adsorption efficiency of MOF materials as adsorbents. In this work, MIL101(Fe)-Na2CO3 was successfully obtained by modification with formic acid, sodium carbonate, carbon nanotubes, and moieties. The adsorption efficiency of MIL-101(Fe) on Cr(VI) was greatly improved, and the removal efficiency was able to reach 100% in 20 min with a maximum adsorption capacity of 20 mg/g. The inhibition order of the competing anions for the removal of hexavalent chromium was as follows: Cl− < NO3− < SO42−. The analysis of the adsorption thermodynamic model found that the adsorption of MIL101(Fe)-Na2CO3 for Cr(VI) showed spontaneous heat-absorbing and entropy-increasing chemisorption behavior. When using NaOH as the eluent and HCl as the regeneration stabilizer, MIL-101(Fe)-Na2CO3 had good adsorption capacity in multiple cycles.
Transformative Trends in Runoff and Sediment Dynamics and Their Influential Drivers in the Wuding River Basin of the Yellow River: A Comprehensive Analysis from 1960 to 2020
Authors: Yao Jingwei , Li Zhanbin , Zhu Biao , Zhang Pan , Wang Jingshu , Sun Weiying , Mei Shasha , Zhang Yaqiang , Xiao Peiqing
Published: December 2023

The correlation between runoff and sediment challenges ecological preservation and sustainable development in the Yellow River Basin. An understanding of the key factors influencing variations in runoff and sediment transport in crucial river basins is essential for effective soil erosion management within the context of ecological and economic development. The Mann–Kendall test, Pettitt test, and Morlet wavelet analysis were employed in the Wuding River Basin to analyze the trends in runoff and sediment changes from 1960 to 2020. We explored the double cumulative curve method to assess the contribution rates of precipitation and human activities to the variability of runoff and sediment transport. We explored the primary factors driving the changes in runoff and sediment transport through random forest regression analysis. (1) From 1960 to 2020, annual precipitation in the Wuding River Basin increased minimally, while annual runoff and sediment transport decreased strongly with abrupt changes. Abrupt changes in annual runoff and sediment transport occurred in 1971 and 1979, respectively. (2) The relationship between runoff and sediment transport changed in approximately 1972 and 2000. The distribution of monthly runoff became more uniform during Periods II (1973–2001) and III (2002–2020) compared to that during the baseline period (1960–1972, Period I), while sediment transport became increasingly concentrated in the flood season. (3) During Period II, the contribution rates of climate and human activities to runoff and sediment transport were 11.94% and −14.5%, respectively, compared to the baseline period. During Period III, the contribution rates of climate and human activities to runoff and sediment transport were −11.9% and −17.7%, respectively. Human activities substantially reduced runoff and sediment, with greater impacts on sediment reduction. Climate weakly influenced basin sediment transport variations. (4) The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and grassland area extent had the greatest impact on runoff, while the NDVI and forest area extent affected sediment transport.
Japan 2040: Dialectics of Transhumanism and Society of the Future
Authors:   Primakov National Research Institute of World ·Economy and International Relations RAS, Yurkov Sergey E.
Published: December 2023

Analysis of the essence, content and forms of the scenario state of Japan in 2040, reflected in the 11th Scientific and Technical Forecast of NISTEP in 2019, revealed a number of conceptual dialectical contradictions. They narrow down to the question of admissibility and expediency of changing a man’s nature in order to ensure his prosperous, safe, meaningful and happy existence. The author proposes for discussion a conclusion on inevitability of the transhumanization of a mankind on the scale of a single country (Japan) and the whole world, given the nature of the great challenges facing it. The possibility of keeping the historical development in a conditionally humanistic direction is noted, given the emphasis of social reforms in Japan, reflected in the 6th Basic Plan for scientific, technical and innovative development of the country, on building a society for the fullest realization and use of human intellectual potential.
H .S. LEVCHENKO’S MUSIC PEDAGOGY
Authors: Haidamaka V.
Published: December 2023

This article combines scientific approaches to understanding the pedagogical work of Professor Hryhorii Semenovych Levchenko with his expressive and emotional memories. The relevance of the article is due to the ongoing interest of researchers in the figure of the contemporary educator, including Professor H. Levchenko.

The author emphasizes the role of song in the education of a nationally conscious and self-aware citizen of Ukraine. She convincingly argues that the aspects of the influence of musical art on the formation of the personality of future teachers have always been the foundation of the teaching and choral work of Hryhorii Levchenko. The Ukrainian folk choir “Kalyna,” created by Hryhorii Semenovych in 1979, became the creative laboratory of the professor, as the researcher believes. Therefore, the goal of the article is to clarify the dominant techniques of Professor H. S. Levchenko’s music pedagogy.

The article establishes that the pedagogue-musician Levchenko paid significant attention to repertoire selection, working with the content of song compositions, and setting an example as a means of influencing the student audience in his educational and upbringing activities. The author relies on original documents, including concert programs, for the analysis of Professor Levchenko’s pedagogy.
Patient experiences of an online consultation system: a qualitative study in English primary care post-COVID-19
Authors: Moschogianis Susan , Darley Sarah , Coulson Tessa , Peek Niels , Cheraghi-Sohi Sudeh , Brown Benjamin C
Published: December 2023

Background

Online consultation systems (OCSs) allow patients to contact their healthcare teams online. Since 2020 they have been rapidly rolled out in primary care following policy initiatives and the COVID-19 pandemic. In-depth research of patients’ experiences using OCSs is lacking.

Aim

Explore patients’ experiences of using an OCS.

Design and setting

Qualitative study in English GP practices using the Patchs OCS (www.Patchs.ai) from March 2020 to July 2022.

Method

Thematic analysis of 25 patient interviews and 21 467 written comments from 11 851 patients who used the OCS from nine and 240 GP practices, respectively.

Results

Patients cited benefits of using the OCS as speed, flexibility, and efficiency. Nevertheless, some patients desired a return to traditional consultation methods. GP practices often did not clearly advertise the OCS or use it as patients expected, which caused frustration. Patients reported advantages of having a written record of consultations and the opportunity to communicate detailed queries in free text. Views differed on how the OCS influenced clinical safety and discussions of sensitive topics. Patients who struggled to communicate in traditional consultations often preferred using the OCS, and male patients reported being more likely to use it.

Conclusion

Globally, this is the largest in-depth study of patient experiences of an OCS. It contributes new knowledge that the patient experience of using OCSs can be influenced by previously unreported patient characteristics and the conditions they consult about. Further, it contributes recommendations on the design and implementation of the OCS in practice.
Pandemide Sağlık Çalışanlarının Bireysel İş Yükü Algısının İşe Bağlı Gerginlik Düzeyine Etkisi
Authors: ESKİCİ İLGİN Vesile , YAYLA Ayşegül , BUDAK Merve , TORAMAN Rumeysa Lale , ÖZER Nadiye
Published: December 2023

Giriş: İş yükü, bireysel açıdan yüklenen işin normalin üzerinde olduğuna yönelik algıyı göstermektedir. İş yükü, çalışanlar ve örgütler bakımdan çok önemli bir değişkendir. Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, bir devlet hastanesinde çalışan sağlık çalışanlarının bireysel iş yükü algısının işe bağlı gerginlik düzeyine etkisini belirlemektir. Yöntem: Bu araştırmaya 200 sağlık çalışanı dahil edildi. Araştırma verileri kişisel bilgi formu. bireysel iş yükü algısı ölçeği ve işe bağlı gerginlik ölçeği ile toplandı. Verilerin analizinde yüzdelik dağılım, standart sapma, frekans analizi, parametrik ve nonparametrik yöntemler kullanıldı. Bulgular: Çalışmaya katılan sağlık çalışanlarının yaş ortalamaları 30.73 ± 6.30 olup, %56’sı erkek, %53.5’i evli, %58.5’inin çocuğu bulunmamakta ve %65’i lisans mezunudur. Çalışmaya katılan sağlık çalışanlarının %47’si hemşire ve %33.5’i acil serviste çalışmaktadır. Bireysel iş yükü algısı ölçeği puan ortalamaları 100.46 ± 16.03, işe bağlı gerginlik ölçeği puan ortalamaları ise 39.58 ± 5.98’dir. Çalışmaya katılan sağlık çalışanlarının bireysel iş yükü algısı ve işe bağlı gerginlik ölçeği puan ortalamaları arasında negatif yönde orta düzeyde ilişki saptandı. Bireysel iş yükü algı ölçeği alt boyutları ve işe bağlı gerginlik ölçeği puan ortalamaları karşılaştırıldığında; işe bağlı gerginlik ölçeği ile bireysel iş yükü algısı genel toplam, yönetici desteği, meslektaş desteği, birim desteği, çalışma ortamı alt boyutları arasında negatif yönde anlamlı ilişki saptandı. Yönetici desteği, meslektaş desteği, bireysel iş yükü algısı genel toplam arasında orta düzeyde ilişki bulunurken, çalışma ortamı ve birim desteğinde düşük düzeyde ilişki tespit edildi. Sonuç: Sağlık çalışanlarının, işe bağlı gerginlik düzeylerinin orta, bireysel iş yükü algılarının ise olumlu olduğunu yani daha az iş yükü algısına sahip oldukları bulundu, Ölçek puanı arttıkça, bireysel iş yükü algısının olumlu olarak değerlendirildiği düşünüldüğünde meslektaş desteği alt boyutunun en yüksek puan, mevcut işi sürdürme alt boyutunun ise en düşük puan ortalamasına ait olduğu belirlendi.
Otoimmün Özellikler Gösteren İnterstisyel Pnömoninin Klinik Özellikleri: Tek Merkez Deneyimi
Authors: ORUÇOĞLU Nurdan , BALCI Yüksel
Published: December 2023

Giriş ve Amaç: Otoimmün özellikli interstisyel pnömoni (OÖİP), altta yatan otoimmün bir süreci düşündüren klinik veya serolojik özelliklerin mevcut olduğu; ancak bağ doku hastalıkları için tanımlanmış sınıflandırma kriterlerinin karşılanmadığı, yakın zamanda tanımlanmış bir antitedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, OÖİP hastalarının klinik, serolojik ve morfolojik özelliklerini belirlemektir.

Gereç ve Yöntemler: Bu çalışma bir retrospektif kohort çalışmasıdır. Çalışmaya 2015-2022 tarihleri arasında XXX üniversitesi Romatoloji bölümünde OÖİP tanısı ile takip edilen 38 hasta dahil edilmiştir.

Bulgular: Çalışmadaki hastaların yaş ortalamaları 58,26 ± 12,31 idi. Çoğunluğu (n=27, %71) kadın hastalar oluşturmaktaydı. Hastalarda en sık tanımlanan klinik özellikler inflamatuar artrit veya 60 dakikadan uzun süren poliartiküler sabah sertliği (n=9, %23,6) ve Raynaud fenomeniydi (n=9, %23,6). En sık tanımlanan serolojik bulgular antinükleer antikor (ANA) pozitifliği (n=27, %71,1), Anti-Ro/SSA antikor pozitifliği (n=6, %15,8), romatoid faktör (RF) (n=5, %13,2) ve Anti-Siklik sitrüline peptid pozitifliği (Anti-CCP) (n=5, %13,2) idi. Ortalama takip süresi 43,21 ± 23,30 ay olup, takip süresince ex olan 10 hastadan yalnızca biri OÖIP ile ilişkilendirilmiştir. Hastaların 31’i (%81,5) immünsüpresiflerle tedavi edilmiş olup, 29’una (%76,3) steroid tedavisi verilmiştir. Steroidlerle birlikte en çok kullanılan immünsüpresif ilaç siklofosfamid (n=9, %23,6) idi. İmmünsupresif ilaçlara yeterli yanıt alınamayan 4 hastaya (%10,5) ise anti-fibrotik verilmiştir. Morfolojik alanda radyolojik paternler içerisinde en sık nonspesifik interstisyel pnömoni (NSİP) paterni gözlenmiştir (n= 15, %39,5).

Sonuç: Tek merkez deneyimini sunan bu çalışmada OÖİP’nin çoğunlukla kadın hastalardan oluştuğu, sıklıkla eklem bulguları ve Raynaud ile prezente olduğu ve görüntülemede en sık NSİP paterni özelliklerini gösterdikleri belirlenmiştir. Oldukça heterojen özellikler gösteren OÖİP’nin klinik ve morfolojik özelliklerinin iyi belirlenmesi, hastalığın erken tanısı ve tedavisi için önemlidir.