bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Plan to Improve the Brand Image of Cafes without Signs
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Choi Yemi , Kim Byoungjin
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to propose a realistic improvement plan specialized in the business area based on the problems derived from the survey results to improve the brand image of cafes without signs. As there is a lack of prior research related to the absence of signboards, this study was conducted on all cafe brands without signboards without clearly selecting a specific cafe brand. As a result of the survey, most of the consumers who visit cafes without signboards receive brand-related information such as cafe photos, reviews, and locations through social media, and social media compensates for the inconvenience that may arise due to the absence of signboards. In particular, social media showed the possibility of being used as an effective tool to effectively deliver brand images to various customers, including the younger generation. However, the result of the satisfaction survey of cafes without signboards showed a rather low score of 3.06 (5-point Likert scale, 1-very low, 5-very high), and it was found that improvement was needed in various aspects. Accordingly, an additional survey was conducted to identify shortcomings and suggest five improvement plans to improve the brand image.
The Effect of Entrepreneurial Characteristics on Tourism Startup Performance: Entrepreneurship as a Modulator
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Oh Sungbum
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyze how “entrepreneurship” affects tourism start-ups by setting entrepreneurship, that is, entrepreneurship, as a regulatory variable. To analyze this study, a total of 616 subjects were set up, and the research period was conducted from June 5, 2023, to June 20, and statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS 22.0 program. The following is an analysis for hypothesis verification, and principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted for each variable, and Verimax, a rotation method, was used. The hypothesis showed significant results. The theory and statistical analysis of this study showed that entrepreneurship is very important in the performance of tourism start-ups, and it is expected to be good to combine the factors presented in this study to start tourism start-ups.
A Phenomenological Study on the Career Mentoring Experience of Counseling Major Undergraduate Students
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Junga , Cheon Seongmoon , Yu Jihye
Published: September 2023

This study was carried out to explore the thoughts and emotions towards the experience and meaning of career mentoring activity, the experience of career mentoring activity and the changes after the career mentoring activity for the undergraduate student who were major in counseling and participated in a career mentoring program. The participant group consisted of eight students. This interview utilized the Colaizzi analysis method, which is one of the phenomenological methods, to analyze the content of the interviews. The analysis resulted in 23 subjects and three categories. Qualitative analysis revealed ten subjects and three categories, with ten subjects being categorized into ‘expectations of the activity/ tension towards the activity/ education related to the activity/ effort in the interaction/ responsibility in the activity/ resources and environments of career mentoring/ ability in managing the program/ self-confrontation and introspection/ career clarification/ and sense of achievement and growth. The three categories identified were ‘original intention’, ‘procedure’ and ‘meaning.’ This research results are expected to assist a better understanding of the experience of participating career mentoring and serve as a fundamental basis for invigoration of career mentoring program for undergraduate students.
Busan’s University Ballet from the Genealogical Perspective: Focused on Police and Gevernmentality
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Jung Doosoon
Published: September 2023

This research evaluates significant histories of Busan’s University ballet on the basis of Foucault’s genealogical method, using Busan from 1979 to the present as a spatiotemporal range. Not only does the main analytic framework rest upon Foucault's concept of power-knowledge but is also instantaneously interwoven with Lacan’s theory of desire and Bourdieu’s notion of power to make it far more enhanced. By doing so, Chapter 2 explains the hegemony reorganization of domestic university ballet according to the discourse of the times and state-led as the effect of “police”. The next one analyzes the power-knowledge that drives the formation and decline of Busan university ballet as the following three aspects: first, it is explained as the ‘paradox of exclusion’ composed of the context of both center-phallus-governmentality and multi-layered distinction and habitus, second, pyramid structure and closedness, and third, neoliberal governmentality. Finally, what is suggested is that now is the time for university ballet in Busan to reflect on the feasible 'ballet as learning' away from the impossible network of knowledge that can cultivate talents needed in all areas of ballet.
A Study on the Convergence of New Technologies and Architecture according to the 4th Industrial Revolution
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Taehyun
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine the convergence of new technologies and architecture according to the 4th industrial revolution, and to explore how architecture respond to convergence through examples. Through theoretical considerations, the development process of the 4th industrial revolution, major technologies and architecture, and the paradigm of convergence were investigated to prepare an analysis framework. The convergence aspects can be classified into four categories: Design, Construction, Spatial Experience, and Sustainability, and the convergence characteristics can be classified into five categories: Creativity, Problem Solving, Complementarity, Diversity, and Connectivity. The convergence according to the 4th Industrial Revolution is breaking the boundaries between areas and overcoming the limits of architecture. Convergence makes what architects have imagined into reality and allows them to create architecture in an expanded way. Architects should actively deal with technology and think in integration with various elements of architecture. The convergence of new technologies and architecture is expected to create aesthetically and technologically advanced architecture.
Development of a Metaverse-based CBT Program to Improve Internet Gaming Literacy for Elementary School Students
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Doyeon , Chung Yeoju
Published: September 2023

This research aims to develop a Metaverse-based CBT program that can enhance the Gaming Literacy of elementary school students. The program is designed and proposed through this study. After that, Mixed between(experimental, comparison, control groups)–within(pre, post, follow-up) subjects ANOVA is conducted to validate the effectiveness of the program. The research target is the higher-grade students of elementary school. Total of 84 students are involved in this research; 26 and 28 students are experimental and comparison groups respectively, remaining 30 students are considered as a control group. The research findings revealed that the experimental group exhibited significant effects in overall Gaming Literacy scores compared to the comparison and control groups. This study provides a valuable opportunity that can expand psychoeducational counseling to digital space by suggesting a new digital-based way of adolescent counseling.
Relationship between Gender Role Attitude and Spouse Satisfaction in the Family: Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Stress
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Shin haewon
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of gender role attitudes at home on spouse satisfaction through stress parameters. To this end, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family's family status survey data were used to analyze married women. As a result of the study, hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to verify the mediating effect of psychological and external stress on the effect of gender role attitudes in the family recognized by married women on spouse satisfaction. Psychological and external stress, which is a parameter, was found to completely mediate the relationship between married women's gender role attitudes and spouse satisfaction in the family. Based on these results, practical implications can be drawn that strategic measures of gender role attitudes in the family that can improve spouse satisfaction of married women can be effectively and efficiently sought when they aim to reduce psychological and external stress in their daily lives.
Analysis of Play in Walks and Outdoor Play in Early Childhood Educational Institutions: Focusing on the Ecology Friendly Daycare Center in District Y
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Youngja , Shin Geunyeong
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to present measures to revitalize outdoor play in infant education institutions by classifying and analyzing outdoor play by season through basic data on walk and outdoor play actually operated in eco-friendly daycare centers. The subjects of the study were 182 teachers from 16 ecologically friendly daycare centers in District Y. A total of 116 questions analyzed by a group of experts were used as the research method, and the reliability coefficient of the items analyzed by the SPSS 27 statistical program was high at .913. According to the results of this study, a total of 70 outdoor activities were analyzed, including 24 in spring, 20 in summer, 17 in autumn, and 9 in winter, which are considered easy to use in actual institutions. As a follow-up study of this study, first, since the types of play frequently used for outdoor play by infants and toddlers are limited to a specific area, it is necessary to expand the scope of research. Second, it is necessary to conduct more detailed research on the interests and fields of interest of infants and toddlers along with the changes of the four seasons.
Effects of Stacking Number on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties for Cold Roll Bonding Process of Dissimilar Aluminum Alloy Sheets
Authors: Lee Seong-Hee
Published: September 2023

A cold roll-bonding (CRB) process is applied to study the effects of stacking number on the microstructure and mechanical properties of roll-bonded and age-treated Al sheets. Commercial AA1050 and AA6061 sheets with a thickness of 2 mm were stacked alternately on each other to two and four layers, and roll-bonded by multi-pass cold rolling. The roll-bonded Al sheets were then subjected to natural aging (T4) and artificial aging (T6) treatments. The as roll-bonded Al sheets showed a typical deformation structure, where the grains are elongated in the rolling direction regardless of the stacking number. However, after the T4 and T6 aging treatments, the Al sheets had a recrystallization structure consisting of coarse grains in both the AA5052 and AA6061 regions with different grain sizes in each. In addition, the sheets showed an inhomogeneous hardness distribution in the thickness direction, with higher hardness in AA6061 than in AA1050 after the T4 and T6 age treatments. The tensile strength of the T6-treated specimen was higher than that of the T4-treated one for both the 2 and 4-layer CRBs. In addition, both the tensile strength and elongation of the specimens processed by the 4-layer stack CRB were higher than those of the 2-layer stack CRB for all experimental conditions.
The Effects of Post-Weld Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 9% Ni Steel Weld Joint with Fe-Based Filler Material
Authors: Choi Kwangsu , Jung Hyo Yun
Published: September 2023

A Fe-based filler material with the composition of Fe-20Ni-5Co-2.5Mn-0.2C was used for welding 9% Ni steel, and the effect of post-weld heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the welded joints was investigated. Post-weld heat treatment of the welded joint was performed in the temperature range of 200 to 600 ℃. After the experimental selection, the microstructure changes of the weld metal and base metal were investigated in detail at heat treatment temperatures of 350 and 600 ℃. Grain morphology, size, and the location of precipitated cementite were studied using SEM and EBSD phase maps. The mechanical properties of the weld joint were characterized by tensile properties and micro-hardness. Based on the experimental results, this study provides key insights into the applicability of post-weld heat treatment to weld joints of 9% Ni steel prepared using Fe-based filler material to improve the mechanical properties, toughness and ductility of the weld joints.
Development of Wet Chemical Analysis Technique for Tramp Elements (M = As, Pb, Sb, and Sn) in Silver-M Alloys
Authors: Park Won-Bum , Kim Yong-Woo , Kim Sun-Joong , Kang Youn-Bae
Published: September 2023

Wet chemical analysis techniques for four elements (M = As, Pb, Sb, and Sn) in Ag – M binary alloys were investigated with emphasis on the choice of solvent acid and the characteristic wavelength used in the ICP-AES (Inductively-Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer) analysis. The elements are representative tramp elements in ferrous scrap. The activity of these elements needs to be increased to remove them efficiently during the molten scrap refining process. The activity of these elements in the molten scrap (molten iron alloy) is usually measured by a chemical equilibration technique with molten Ag. Therefore, performing an accurate and reliable chemical analysis of these elements in the molten iron alloy and the molten Ag alloy is important. Preliminary tests using conventional acids (hydrochloric acid, nitric acid) resulted in unreliable results. In the present study, the proper choice of acids as solvents was investigated for each element M in the Ag-M alloys. Several synthesized Ag-M alloys of known compositions were analyzed using two ICP-AES systems independently, for cross-checking. As and Pb in Ag alloys could be successfully dissolved in the nitric acid-based solution. On the other hand, Sb and Sn in Ag alloys did not dissolve in the nitric acid-based solution completely, leaving some precipitates. It was found that the addition of hydrofluoric acid could resolve this problem. In addition to this, the effect of the mass of the Ag-M alloy and wavelength selection during ICP-AES analysis on the accuracy and the reproducibility were investigated. An optimized procedure for the wet chemical analysis of these elements in Ag-M alloys is reported.
ANALISIS FAKTOR PROJECT BASED LEARNING MELALUI GRAND TEORI S-O-R PADA MANAJEMEN PEMASARAN
Authors: Suryadi  , Samboro Joko , Rizky Yunianto Dika
Published: September 2023

Changes in the Independent Curriculum Free Learning in the Industrial Revolution Era 4.0 is a challenge for changing the learning paradigm, communicating the affective domain in the Gradation of Attitudes, Knowledge and skills that require the concept of Stimulus Organism Response. Implementation of this learning is a continuation of Blended in type discovery and problem base learning (Suryadi, et al 2020) which shows a very effective impact for project tasks according to industry needs. Project based learning is a scientific learning model that emphasizes students to learn to find and discover for themselves an incomplete concept or principle. The research objective is to analyze the dominant factors of the Marketing Management project base learning model. This research method is "Four-D", the sampling technique uses probability sampling techniques and data collection techniques using observation methods, learning (Project Based Learning), pretest & post test methods, and questionnaire methods. Factor analysis data analysis techniques. Findings of social attitudes, motivation and activity as determinants of achievement for which 75 statements in order of importance (1) Social attitudes of 25 questions with a factor loading value of 0.5 to 0.89 (2) Motivation a number of 12 questions with a loading factor value of between 0.60 to 0.80 (3) The activity of a number of 4 question items with a loading factor value between 0.56 to 0.63. Project Based Learning is suitable for vocational.
PENGARUH IMPLEMENTASI CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT CLOUD CALL CENTER SEBAGAI STRATEGI DALAM MENINGKATKAN KEPUASAN PELANGGAN DAN LOYALITAS PELANGGAN
Authors: Permatasari Ita Rifiani , Arjo Tri Ramadani , Permatasari Kartika Indah
Published: September 2023

Through the Cloud Call Center page, PT Telkom has a customer service that is aimed at providing services to customers. The quality of CRM Cloud Call center services needs to be improved to solve customer complaints. This research aims to increase the number of customer satisfaction and loyalty through communicative interactions between cloud call center systems and customers. Several tools are used to build automated machines as applications for conducting Cloud Call Center training connected to data based via a server. The methodology in this research is to use path analysis. The results of the study indicate that there is a direct influence between the CRM Cloud Call center service system on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. The indirect effect shows that there is a significant positive relationship between the cloud call center service system and customer loyalty through customer satisfaction.
ANALISIS PENERAPAN AKUNTANSI MANAJEMEN LINGKUNGAN PADA PENGELOLAAN SAMPAH DI PT PERKEBUNAN NUSANTARA X PABRIK GULA MERITJAN
Authors: Ulhaq Nabila Dhiya , Eltivia Nurafni , Oktavia Fathimatus Zahro Fazda
Published: September 2023

This study was intended to investigate the implementation of Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) on waste management at PT Perkebunan Nusantara X Sugar Factory Meritjan Kediri East Java. This study was descriptive-qualitative, uses qualitative method and collects data by interviews and documentation from relevant parties, such as Financial and General Division and Engineering and Processing Division of PG Meritjan. PG Meritjan generates three types of waste, namely liquid, solid, air, and hazardous and toxic waste. EMA has two approaches, PEMA (Physical Environmental Management Accounting) and MEMA (Monetary Environmental Management Accounting). According to PEMA, PG Meritjan manage the Liquid waste by WWTP system, solid waste is managed by the Engineering and Processing Division to be reused and the rest is managed by a third party, air waste is managed by Dust Collector system, and hazardous and toxic waste is collected and managed by third party. In MEMA, PG Meritjan allocates environmental costs as Reconditioning and Environmental Management account but still be associated with a company's financial statements. This study suggests the company to make a separate financial report related with the waste cost allocation in order to inform the quality of waste management.
Beyond the Advanced Therapies Skills Training Network: An Instrumental Case Study of Life Sciences Skills Development for Biomedical Science Graduates in Scotland
Authors: Garden Claire L. P.
Published: September 2023

Biomedical sciences graduates are employed in a variety of different settings and form a significant part of the Life Sciences sector workforce in Scotland. Their degrees should equip them with the skills and knowledge to not only enter the workplace, but be adaptable in an environment that will inevitably change over the course of their careers. Industry and student feedback continue to identify perceived skills gaps, necessitating regular government-backed upskilling initiatives together with industry concerns about graduate readiness. For more than a decade, this Scottish Modern University has worked in partnership with industry and Scottish Government agencies to provide upskilling courses and incorporate relevant skills into the biomedical sciences curriculum, from problem solving and reflection to more applied, practical skills. Using the recent Advanced Therapies Skills Training Network collaboration as an instrumental case study this paper describes current best practice which has significantly impacted teaching and workplace training, ensuring biomedical sciences graduates have the knowledge and skills required for employment within the Life Science sector. Limits to the current life science skills model in Scotland are also identified (availability of placements, ad-hoc and inefficient collaborative structures, incompatible provider strategies) and recommendations made to ensure that biomedical sciences degrees continue to be part of a more sustainable, scalable solution to the skills gap. Recommendations include: better industry acknowledgement of accreditation, and more coherent, authentic and strategic collaboration which should improve skills advice and training, through a supported alliance between Industry and University Life Science Skills Committees and the establishment of regional training Centres of Excellence that would provide a focus for pooled resources and a simulated industry experience.
AnnexinA6: a potential therapeutic target gene for extracellular matrix mineralization
Authors: Yang Jie , Pei Tong , Su Guanyue , Duan Peiyan , Liu Xiaoheng
Published: September 2023

The mineralization of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is an essential and crucial process for physiological bone formation and pathological calcification. The abnormal function of ECM mineralization contributes to the worldwide risk of developing mineralization-related diseases; for instance, vascular calcification is attributed to the hyperfunction of ECM mineralization, while osteoporosis is due to hypofunction. AnnexinA6 (AnxA6), a Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding protein, has been extensively reported as an essential target in mineralization-related diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, osteosarcoma, and calcific aortic valve disease. To date, AnxA6, as the largest member of the Annexin family, has attracted much attention due to its significant contribution to matrix vesicles (MVs) production and release, MVs-ECM interaction, cytoplasmic Ca2+ influx, and maturation of hydroxyapatite, making it an essential target in ECM mineralization. In this review, we outlined the recent advancements in the role of AnxA6 in mineralization-related diseases and the potential mechanisms of AnxA6 under normal and mineralization-related pathological conditions. AnxA6 could promote ECM mineralization for bone regeneration in the manner described previously. Therefore, AnxA6 may be a potential osteogenic target for ECM mineralization.
Exploring ascomycete diversity in Yunnan, China I: resolving ambiguous taxa in Phaeothecoidiellaceae and investigating conservation implications of fungi
Authors: Hongsanan Sinang , Phookamsak Rungtiwa , Bhat Darbhe Jayarama , Wanasinghe Dhanushka N. , Promputtha Itthayakorn , Suwannarach Nakarin , Sandamali Diana , Lumyong Saisamorn , Xu Jianchu , Xie Ning
Published: September 2023

Yunnan, located in southwestern China, is known for its high fungal diversity, and many of which are endemic to the region. As part of our ongoing studies on fungi in Yunnan, we introduce two new genera in Phaeothecoidiellaceae (Mycosphaerellales), to accommodate one Repetophragma-like and another Stomiopeltis-like taxa. Pseudorepetophragma gen. nov. is introduced herein as a monotypic genus to accommodate P. zygopetali comb. nov.(≡ Repetophragma zygopetali), whereas Pseudostomiopeltis gen. nov. is introduced to accommodate Ps. xishuangbannaensis gen. et sp. nov. and Ps. phyllanthi comb. nov.(≡ Stomiopeltis phyllanthi), based on a new collection from Yunnan. In addition, Stomiopeltis sinensis is transferred to Exopassalora as E. sinensis comb. nov. due to its phylogenetic affinity and grouped with E. zambiae, the generic type of Exopassalora. This study provides new insights into the biodiversity of fungal species in this region and adds to our understanding of their ecological roles, as well as the resolution to ambiguous taxa in Phaeothecoidiellaceae.
Multidisciplinary analysis of 3D seismotectonic modelling: a case study of Serre and Cittanova faults in the southern Calabrian Arc (Italy)
Authors: Giuffrida S. , Brighenti F. , Cannavò F. , Carnemolla F. , De Guidi G. , Barreca G. , Gambino S. , Barberi G. , Scarfì L. , Monaco C.
Published: September 2023

Active normal faulting and uplifting, consistent with a WNW-ESE-oriented regional extension, dominate the Quaternary tectonics of the southern Calabrian Arc. The main tectonic structures of this extensional domain are considered to be the source of numerous historical and recent strong earthquakes, among which the 1783 seismic sequence (M 6.5–7) was one of the most destructive earthquakes ever recorded in Southern Italy. Previous works on the seismotectonic of the Calabrian Arc indicate a disagreement on the attitude (E-dipping vs W-dipping) of the main seismogenic sources slicing across southern Calabria, whereby the seismotectonic framework is still debated. Following a multidisciplinary approach, based on morpho-structural and seismological data, the geometry at depth of the most reliable sources (i.e., Cittanova and Serre faults) was first modelled in a 3D environment to retrieve information about their seismic potential. The GNSS data from the permanent stations of RING/RDN and TopNETlive Italy networks have been processed in order to estimate the velocity field affecting this area. Then, data inversion allowed us to document a predominant WNW-ESE active extensional strain orthogonally to the modelled faults, consistent with the regional dynamics. The reliability of the model was tested using empirical relationships and fault response modelling simulation. Furthermore, slip tendency analysis revealed the propensity to slip of the modelled planes by applying a remote stress state derived from the kinematic-structural survey on fault planes.
The protein architecture and allosteric landscape of HNF4α
Authors: Rastinejad Fraydoon
Published: September 2023

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) is a multi-faceted nuclear receptor responsible for governing the development and proper functioning of liver and pancreatic islet cells. Its transcriptional functions encompass the regulation of vital metabolic processes including cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism, and glucose sensing and control. Various genetic mutations and alterations in HNF4α are associated with diabetes, metabolic disorders, and cancers. From a structural perspective, HNF4α is one of the most comprehensively understood nuclear receptors due to its crystallographically observed architecture revealing interconnected DNA binding domains (DBDs) and ligand binding domains (LBDs). This review discusses key properties of HNF4α, including its mode of homodimerization, its binding to fatty acid ligands, the importance of post-translational modifications, and the mechanistic basis for allosteric functions. The surfaces linking HNF4α’s DBDs and LBDs create a convergence zone that allows signals originating from any one domain to influence distant domains. The HNF4α-DNA complex serves as a prime illustration of how nuclear receptors utilize individual domains for specific functions, while also integrating these domains to create cohesive higher-order architectures that allow signal responsive functions.
An alternative method to measure electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) in salt-affected soil extracts
Authors: Álvarez Torres Beverly , Sotomayor Ramírez David R. , Castro Chacón José Pablo , Martínez Rodríguez Gustavo , Pérez Alegría Luis R. , DeSutter Thomas M.
Published: September 2023

Soil degradation due to salts affects over 100 countries, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where salts migrate to the plant root zone via capillary action when evapotranspiration exceeds rainfall. Soil salinity reduces germination, growth, and root development, impacting crop yields, while excess sodium decreases water movement into the soil. Soil properties, namely, electrical conductivity (ECe), sodium adsorption ratio (SARe), and pH (pHe), affected by sparingly and soluble salts, are typically analyzed using soil saturated paste (SP). However, a simpler and cost-effective alternative is assessing soil salinity using soil:water solutions at ratio 1:5 (SW). This study developed empirical models between EC1:5-ECe, SAR1:5-SARe, and pH1:5-pHe to monitor soil salinity and sodicity in Lajas Valley, Puerto Rico, an agricultural reserve with 1,140 mm of mean annual rainfall and soils classified as saline and/or sodic. The ECe Sampling, Assessment, and Prediction software for Response Surface Sampling Design (ESAP-RSSD) optimized soil sampling with 48 points. Measurements of EC, pH, cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+), and SAR were conducted using SP and 1:5 SW extracts. Simple linear regression models estimated ECe (R2 > 0.93, p < 0.0001) and SARe (R2 > 0.98, p < 0.0001) from 1:5 extracts. The pHe models varied with depth, showing a strong correlation (R2 > 0.62, p < 0.0001) from 0 to 30 cm and weakening (R2 > 0.27, p < 0.0022) from 90 to 120 cm. The simple linear regression models generally perform well for EC and pH variables, with better performance observed at shallower depths. SW proves to be a practical, cost-effective, and efficient method for assessing salt-affected soils in Lajas Valley. By enabling regular soil salinity analysis, the developed estimation models combined with SW extraction could improve soil management practices and agricultural productivity.
Landslide displacement prediction from on-site deformation data based on time series ARIMA model
Authors: Wang Zhao , Tang Jiakui , Hou Shengshan , Wang Yanjiao , Zhang Anan , Wang Jiru , Wang Wuhua , Feng Zhen , Li Ang , Han Bing
Published: September 2023

Time series Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model is often used in landslide prediction and forecasting. However, few conditions have been suggested for the application of ARIMA models in landslide displacement prediction. This paper summarizes the distribution law of the tangential angle in different time periods and analyzes the landslide displacement data by combining wavelet transform. It proposes an applicable condition for the ARIMA model in the field of landslide prediction: when the landslide deformation is in the initial deformation to initial acceleration stage, i.e., the tangential angle of landslide displacement is less than 80°, the ARIMA model has higher prediction accuracy for 24-h landslide displacement data. The prediction results are RMSE = 4.52 mm and MAPE = 2.39%, and the prediction error increases gradually with time. Meanwhile, the ARIMA model was used to predict the 24-h displacements from initial deformation to initial acceleration deformation for the landslide in Guangna Township and the landslide in Libian Gully, and the prediction results were RMSE = 1.24 mm, MAPE = 1.34% and RMSE = 5.43 mm, MAPE = 1.67%, which still maintained high accuracy and thus verified this applicable condition. At the same time, taking the landslide of Libian Gully as an example, the ARIMA model was used to test the displacement prediction effect of the landslide in the Medium-term acceleration stage and the Imminent sliding stage (the tangential angle of landslide displacement is 80° and 85°, respectively). The relative error of displacement data prediction in the Medium-term acceleration stage is within 3%, while the relative error of the prediction value in the Imminent sliding stage is more than 3%, and the error gradually increases with time. This demonstrates that the relative error of the ARIMA model in landslide prediction and forecasting is within 3%. The relative error of the prediction value in the Imminent sliding stage is above 3%, and the error increases gradually with time. Meanwhile, the prediction results are analyzed and it is concluded that the increase in prediction time and tangential angles are the main reasons for the increase in error. The applicable conditions proposed in this study can provide a reference for the application of ARIMA model in landslide prediction and forecast.
Asgard: Are NoSQL databases suitable for ephemeral data in serverless workloads?
Authors: Shankar Karthick , Mahgoub Ashraf , Zhou Zihan , Priyam Utkarsh , Chaterji Somali
Published: September 2023

Serverless computing platforms are becoming increasingly popular for data analytics applications due to their low management overhead and granular billing strategies. Such analytics frameworks use a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) structure, in which serverless functions, which are fine-grained tasks, are represented as nodes and data-dependencies between the functions are represented as edges. Passing intermediate (ephemeral) data from one function to another has been receiving attention of late, with works proposing various storage systems and methods of optimization for them. The state-of-practice method is to pass the ephemeral data through remote storage, either disk-based (e.g., Amazon S3), which is slow, or memory-based (e.g., ElastiCache Redis), which is expensive. Despite the potential of some prominent NoSQL databases, like Apache Cassandra and ScyllaDB, which utilize both memory and disk, prevailing opinions suggest they are ill-suited for ephemeral data, being tailored more for long-term storage. In our study, titled Asgard, we rigorously examine this assumption. Using Amazon Web Services (AWS) as a testbed with two popular serverless applications, we explore scenarios like fanout and varying workloads, gauging the performance benefits of configuring NoSQL databases in a DAG-aware way. Surprisingly, we found that, per end-to-end latency normalized by $ cost, Apache Cassandra's default setup surpassed Redis by up to 326% and S3 by up to 189%. When optimized with Asgard, Cassandra outdid its own default configuration by up to 47%. This underscores specific instances where NoSQL databases can outshine the current state-of-practice.
Novel engineered B lymphocytes targeting islet-specific T cells inhibit the development of type 1 diabetes in non-obese diabetic Scid mice
Authors: Chen Dawei , Kakabadse Dimitri , Fishman Sigal , Weinstein-Marom Hadas , Davies Joanne , Boldison Joanne , Thayer Terri C. , Wen Li , Gross Gideon , Wong F. Susan
Published: September 2023

Introduction

In this study, we report a novel therapeutic approach using B lymphocytes to attract islet-specific T cells in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model and prevent the development of autoimmune diabetes. Rather than using the antibody receptor of B cells, this approach utilizes their properties as antigen-presenting cells to T cells.

Methods

Purified splenic B cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide, which increases regulatory B (Breg) cell function, then electroporated with mRNA encoding either chimeric MHC-I or MHC-II molecules covalently linked to antigenic peptides. Immunoregulatory functions of these engineered B cells (e-B cells) were tested by in vitro assays and in vivo co-transfer experiments with beta-cell-antigen-specific CD8+ or CD4+ T cells in NOD.Scid mice, respectively.

Results

The e-B cells expressing chimeric MHC-I-peptide inhibited antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity in vitro. The e-B cells expressing chimeric MHC-II-peptide induced antigen-specific CD4+ T cells to express the regulatory markers, PD-1, ICOS, CTLA-4, Lag3, and Nrp1. Furthermore, e-B cells encoding the chimeric MHC-I and MHC-II peptide constructs protected NOD.Scid mice from autoimmune diabetes induced by transfer of antigen-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells.

Discussion

MHC–peptide chimeric e-B cells interacted with pathogenic T cells, and protected the host from autoimmune diabetes, in a mouse model. Thus, we have successfully expressed MHC–peptide constructs in B cells that selectively targeted antigen-specific cells, raising the possibility that this strategy could be used to endow different protective cell types to specifically regulate/remove pathogenic cells.
Targeting glutamine metabolic reprogramming of SLC7A5 enhances the efficacy of anti-PD-1 in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Huang Renhong , Wang Han , Hong Jin , Wu Jiayi , Huang Ou , He Jianrong , Chen Weiguo , Li Yafen , Chen Xiaosong , Shen Kunwei , Wang Zheng
Published: September 2023

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease that is characterized by metabolic disruption. Metabolic reprogramming and tumor cell immune escape play indispensable roles in the tumorigenesis that leads to TNBC.

Methods

In this study, we constructed and validated two prognostic glutamine metabolic gene models, Clusters A and B, to better discriminate between groups of TNBC patients based on risk. Compared with the risk Cluster A patients, the Cluster B patients tended to exhibit better survival outcomes and higher immune cell infiltration. In addition, we established a scoring system, the glutamine metabolism score (GMS), to assess the pattern of glutamine metabolic modification.

Results

We found that solute carrier family 7 member 5 (SLC7A5), an amino acid transporter, was the most important gene and plays a vital role in glutamine metabolism reprogramming in TNBC cells. Knocking down SLC7A5 significantly inhibited human and mouse TNBC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In addition, downregulation of SLC7A5 increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration. The combination of a SLC7A5 blockade mediated via JPH203 treatment and an anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) antibody synergistically increased the immune cell infiltration rate and inhibited tumor progression.

Conclusions

Hence, our results highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying SLC7A5 effects and lead to a better understanding of the potential benefit of targeting glutamine metabolism in combination with immunotherapy as a new therapy for TNBC.
Early innate immune responses in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) following Tenacibaculum maritimum infection
Authors: Ferreira Inês A. , Peixoto Diogo , Losada Ana Paula , Quiroga María Isabel , Vale Ana do , Costas Benjamín
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The marine aquaculture industry has been witnessing a worldwide emergence of tenacibaculosis, a poorly understood bacterial disease caused by Tenacibaculum maritimum that affects commercially important fish. So far, knowledge on the T. maritimum virulence mechanisms is scarce and the pathogen-host interaction operating in tenacibaculosis remain to be disclosed. This study aimed at contributing to a better understanding of this disease, by evaluating the early innate immune response triggered in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) by a bath-challenge with T. maritimum.

Methods

Groups of sea bass were bath-challenged with T. maritimum (challenged fish) or mock-challenged. Undisturbed fish were used as controls (time 0). Samples of blood, liver and mucosal organs (skin, gills and posterior-intestine) were collected at 0 h (control) and at 6, 24, 48 and 72 h post-challenge (n=12). Mucosal organs were used for analyzing the expression of immune-related genes by RT-qPCR, as well as blood samples for assessing haematological and innate humoral parameters and liver for oxidative stress assessment.

Results

An increased expression of il-1β, il8, mmp9 and hamp1 was detected in all mucosal organs of infected fish when compared with control and mock-challenged fish, suggesting a pro-inflammatory response against T. maritimum transversal to all organs. The faster induction of these pro-inflammatory genes was observed in the gills. Regarding the systemic response, challenged fish presented neutrophilia, monocytosis, signs of anemia, and a decrease of bactericidal and lysozyme activities in plasma. Almost no variations were observed regarding hepatic oxidative stress.

Discussion/Conclusions

The present study suggests that T. maritimum induces a local innate immune response upon bath infection not only in the skin of European sea bass, but also in the gills and posterior-intestine, likely triggered by the T. maritimum’s capacity to adhere, colonize and damage these organs that can function as entry ways to bacteria, leading ultimately to the seen host’s systemic response.
ER stress mediates Angiotensin II-augmented innate immunity memory and facilitates distinct susceptibilities of thoracic from abdominal aorta to aneurysm development
Authors: Lu Yifan , Sun Yu , Saaoud Fatma , Shao Ying , Xu Keman , Jiang Xiaohua , Wu Sheng , Yu Jun , Snyder Nathaniel W. , Yang Ling , Shi Xinghua Mindy , Zhao Huaqing , Wang Hong , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: September 2023

To determine the roles of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and trained immunity, we performed transcriptome analyses on the thoracic aorta (TA) and abdominal aorta (AA) from the angiotensin II (Ang II)-HFD-ApoE-KO aneurysm model and made significant findings: 1) Ang II bypassed HFD-induced metabolic reprogramming and induced stronger inflammation in AA than in TA; 2) Ang II and HFD upregulated 890 genes in AA versus TA and induced cytokine signaling; 3) Ang II AA and TA upregulated 73 and 68 cytokines, scRNA-Seq identified markers of macrophages and immune cells, cell death regulators, respectively; transdifferentiation markers of neuron, glial, and squamous epithelial cells were upregulated by Ang II-AA and TA; and pyroptosis signaling with IL-1β and caspase-4 were more upregulated in Ang II-AA than in TA; 4) Six upregulated transcriptomes in patients with AAA, Ang II AA, Ang II TA, additional aneurysm models, PPE-AAA and BAPN-Ang II-AAA, were partially overlapped with 10 lists of new ER stress gene sets including 3 interaction protein lists of ER stress regulators ATF6, PERK, and IRE1, HPA ER localization genes, KEGG signal genes, XBP1 transcription targets, ATF4 (PERK) targets, ATF6 targets, thapsigargin ER stress genes, tunicamycin-ER stress genes, respectively; 5) Ang II-AA and TA upregulated ROS regulators, MitoCarta genes, trained immunity genes, and glycolysis genes; and 6) Gene KO transcriptomes indicated that ATF6 and PERK played more significant roles than IRE1 in promoting AAA and trained immunity whereas antioxidant NRF2 inhibited them. Our unprecedented ER-focused transcriptomic analyses have provided novel insights on the roles of ER as an immune organelle in sensing various DAMPs and initiating ER stress that triggers Ang II-accelerated trained immunity and differs susceptibilities of thoracic and abdominal aortas to diseases.
Multi-omics-based approach reveals the effects of microplastics on microbial abundance and function of sediments in Shenzhen coastal waters
Authors: Zhang Rui , Liu Yu
Published: September 2023

In recent years, microplastics (MPs) have received extensive attention due to their bioaccumulation and toxic effects on organisms. However, there are few studies on MPs in coastal waters ecosystem and the relationship between MPs and microorganisms. Thus, to understand the concentration and characteristics of MPs and explore the impact of MPs on microbial community, we collected sediment samples from the coastal waters of Shenzhen, a developed city in southern China, and then analyzed them. The results showed that the concentration of MPs in the sediments of eastern Shenzhen was 119 ± 18 items/kg, while the concentration of MPs in the sediments of western Shenzhen, in which coastal waters were heavily polluted, was as high as 664 ± 197 items/kg. micro-FTIR analysis showed that the copolymers of polystyrene (PS) (39.64%) and polyethylene (PE) (16.26%) were the main types of MPs in Shenzhen coastal waters. According to optical microscopy, MPs (51.52%) with a size range of 0.1-0.5 mm dominated sediments in Shenzhen coastal watershed. Fibrous black plastics and film white plastics were the main forms of MPs in sediment samples studied in eastern and western Shenzhen. Metagenome and metabonomics analysis showed that MPs had an impact on microbial diversity in sediments, the structure and composition of microbial community. What’s more, through a functional prediction analysis, MPs may have different effects on the functions of various microbial communities. The study on the effects of MPs on microorganisms in the sediments of coastal waters ecosystem can provides a basis for further study on the interaction between MPs and microorganisms in similar habitats.
Vertical distribution of suspended particulate matter and its response to river discharge and seawater intrusion: a case study in the Pearl River Estuary during the 2020 dry season
Authors: Deng Lin , Hu Shuibo , Chen Siyu , Zeng Xiyuan , Wang Zuoming , Xu Zhantang , Liu Shuaiwei
Published: September 2023

The vertical distribution of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) during winter has not been widely reported. The aim of this paper is to describe the high-resolution vertical distribution of SPM along the transect based on the in-situ observations (including SPM, attenuation coefficient, and particle backscattering coefficient) from three transects of the winter cruise in the northern South China Sea in 2020. The empirical relationship between SPM and bio-optical parameters with correlation coefficients greater than 0.7 is also established and combined with model data to further discuss the mechanism of river discharge and seawater intrusion effects on the vertical distribution of SPM. In the horizontal distribution, the mass concentration of SPM was high in the nearshore region and was low in the offshore region. In the vertical direction, the mass concentration of SPM in the offshore region was more homogeneous, while the mass concentration of SPM in the nearshore region varied greatly, showing a pattern of high bottom and middle layer or high bottom and surface layer. The difference in the vertical distribution of SPM in the nearshore area is the combined effect of river discharge and seawater intrusion on the resuspension of sediment and the inhibition of the spread of high SPM.
Nanomaterial-based photodynamic therapy for antibacterial applications: a comprehensive review
Authors: Gao Yujie , Lin Hua , Luo Yejiao , Li Jv , Gong Chen , Chen Hu , Gong Renguo
Published: September 2023

Microbial infections continue to pose a significant health challenge, especially with an increase in drug-resistant bacteria. Conventional antibiotic treatments show limited efficacy, prompting researchers to explore alternative treatments. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising alternative that uses reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce oxidative stress, offering the potential for cyclic treatment without fostering new drug resistance mechanisms. The success of PDT relies heavily on the selection of appropriate photosensitizers (PSs). Various nanomaterials are being developed as PSs or carriers to enhance the efficacy of PDT in the antibacterial field. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the four main ROS generated during PDT and outline their corresponding antibacterial mechanisms. Additionally, we highlight the prominent types of nanomaterials used as PSs or carriers in PDT. We analyze the current challenges associated with nanomaterial-based PDT for antibacterial therapy and propose potential strategies for optimizing their applications.