bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Сравнительные экспериментальные исследования лакокрасочных покрытий корпусов судов в связи с уходом с российского рынка иностранных производителей
Authors: Степанов С.В.
Published: May 2023

В статье рассматривается вопрос замещения импортных лакокрасочных материалов (ЛКМ), используемых для покрытий корпусов судов от коррозии и обрастания, в связи с уходом с российского рынка иностранных производителей ЛКМ в апреле-июне 2022 года. Рассмотрены результаты проведения экспериментальных исследований систем лакокрасочных покрытий корпусов судов, выполненных сотрудниками Сибирского и Поволжского государственных университетов водного транспорта. Обоснована необходимость продолжения проведения сравнительных экспериментальных исследований эффективности различных схем лакокрасочных покрытий корпусов судов на основе лакокрасочной продукции отечественных производителей. Изложен план проведения сравнительных экспериментальных исследований материалов и систем лакокрасочных покрытий корпусов судов трех иностранных и одного отечественного производителя, реализуемый автором статьи.
Формы и средства самостоятельных занятий физической культурой
Authors: Аббасова А.А.
Published: May 2023

Целью данной работы является изучение существующих форм и средств самостоятельных занятий физической культурой, а также их положительного влияния на организм человека
Genetic variability and heritability estimates among nutritional traits of groundnut breeding lines
Authors: Amoah Richard Adu , Asibuo James Yaw , Akromah Richard , Bediako Kwabena Asare , Lamptey Maxwell , Osei Collins Yeboah , Awuah Samuel , Boampong Richard
Published: May 2023

Proximate and mineral composition are noted to be important parameters that determines the nutritional quality of groundnut products. However, low genetic variability has been a major bottleneck in genetic enhancement of these characters in breeding varieties. Hence this study was conducted to determine the level of genetic diversity of the proximate and mineral composition in advance breeding lines and varieties of groundnut. The trial consisted of 12 advance breeding lines and 7 varieties which were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three (3) replications at CSIR-Crop Research Institute, Fumesua, Ghana. The results showed significant genotypic effect recorded for all the traits except oil, moisture, ash and protein. The mean values recorded among the genotype were oil 47.9%, protein 21.06%, carbohydrate 19.47%, fibre 4.22%, moisture 4.79%, ash 2.8%. Whiles mineral concentration analysis revealed that the mean estimates for the genotypes were potassium (K) 1190.37(mg/100g), phosphorus (P) 280.77 (mg/100g), calcium (Ca) 222.92 (mg/100g), magnesium (Mg) 202.00 (mg/100g), iron (Fe) 1.97 (mg/100g), zinc (Zn) 2.11 (mg/100g), sodium (Na) 12.63 (mg/100g). Breeding lines Adepa × Numex 01, Yenyawoso × Numex 02, Yenyawoso × Numex 01 and Adepa Numex 02 showed more promising for protein, fat, potassium and iron. Hence, they can be utilized for selection for breeding purposes. Nonetheless, high heritability accompanied by high genetic advance as percent of mean for zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe), indicated that the heritability of these traits is due to additive gene effect and selection for such traits may be effective and rewarding.
Inelastic Behavior of Steel and Composite Frame Structure Subjected to Earthquake Loading
Authors: Gajbhiye P. D. , Mashaan Nuha S , Bhaiya V. , Wankhadeb Rajan , Vishnu S. P.
Published: May 2023

Steel construction is used more often these days as an alternative to the R.C.C. when light weight, high strength, large-span structures with a faster erection are required. Extensive studies have been done by researchers to study the seismic performance of reinforced concrete and steel structures, both in terms of elastic and inelastic behavior. Composite construction is also a recent advancement in the building industry with similar advantages. However, no emphasis has been given to the comparison between the inelastic behavior of steel and composite structures when subjected to lateral loads. This study compares the inelastic behavior of steel and a composite frame designed to have the same plastic moment capacity for structural members. The responses, such as the formation of hinges, story drifts, story displacements, lateral stiffness, ductility, maximum strength, energy dissipated, joint accelerations, and performance points, are compared with the aid of the building analysis and design software ETABS-18. For this, response spectrum analysis, pushover analysis and nonlinear direct integration time history analysis have been performed on both frames. For design and analysis, international codes such as IS 800-2007, IS 875 (Part I, II, IV), IS 1893-2002, AISC 360 (16 & 10) and FEMA 440 have been used. Part of this study also aims at comparing the response of these frames when subjected to near field and far field earthquakes. It can be concluded from the results that the post yield performance of the composite frame is superior to that of the steel frame when seismically excited.
Coordinated Obstacle Avoidance of Multi-AUV Based on Improved Artificial Potential Field Method and Consistency Protocol
Authors: Yu Haomiao , Ning Luqian
Published: May 2023

Formation avoidance is one of the critical technologies for autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) formations. To this end, a cooperative obstacle avoidance algorithm based on an improved artificial potential field and a consistency protocol is proposed in this paper. A cooperative obstacle avoidance algorithm based on the improved artificial potential field method and consistency protocol is proposed for the local obstacle avoidance problem of AUV formation. Firstly, for the disadvantage that the traditional artificial potential field method is easy to fall into local minima, an auxiliary potential field perpendicular to the AUV moving direction is designed to solve the problem that AUVs are easy to have zero combined force in the potential field and local minima. Secondly, the control law of AUV formation that keeps the speed and position consistent is designed for the problem that the formation will change during the local obstacle avoidance of the formation system. The control conflict problem of the combined algorithm of the artificial potential field law and the consistency protocol is solved by adjusting the desired formation of the consistency protocol through the potential field force. Finally, the bounded energy function demonstrates system convergence's stability. The simulation verification confirmed that the AUV formation could achieve the convergence of the formation state under local obstacle avoidance.
Spergularia hanoverensis (Caryophyllaceae): Validation and Re-Circumscription of a Misinterpreted Species From South Africa
Authors: Alonso Mª Ángeles , Crespo Manuel B. , Martínez-Azorín Mario , Mucina Ladislav
Published: May 2023

The name “Spergularia hanoverensis Simon” has been misapplied for an endemic taxon confined to inland semi-desert ecosystems in central-western South Africa. It is commonly accepted to be a small annual species occurring in saline habitats in a wide elevation range, but its real identity still remains obscure. In the context of a taxonomic and phylogenetic research on the African species of Spergularia, we found that the name apparently was never validly published still. After revision of herbarium material housed in the South African herbaria, a voucher collected from Hanover was found at PRE bearing some labels handwritten by E. Simon that suggest it might be an intended type for the name. Additional herbarium material and wild populations from Karoo region were identified that matched the samples in that voucher, and taxonomic research was conducted to clarify their identity. Those Karoo plants show a woody dense compact habit, woody perennial at base; stems prostrate to ascendent; leaves entirely glabrous, somewhat glaucous; with large white-hyaline conspicuous stipules; inflorescence glanduliferous, many-flowered subdichasial cyme, with minute bracts; flowers small, with white petals about equalling sepals, stamens 78, and styles free from base; capsule small, with seeds dimorphic, unwinged to broadly winged, with testa always densely tuberculate, among other characters. Molecular analyses of plastid (trnL-trnF region) and nuclear ribosomal (5.8S-ITS2 region) DNA sequence data support morphological differentiation of the Karoo plants, for which the name S. hanoverensis is here effectively published. A full morphological description, as well as data on ecology, habitat, distribution, and taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships of S. hanoverensis are compared to other members of the “South African group”, namely S. glandulosa. S. namaquensis, and S. quartzicola, from which the new species considerably differs. Adaptative significance of dimorphic seeds of S. hanoverensis is briefly commented in context to habitat preference of the species. An identification key is presented for the South African related taxa.
Combined Inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad Pathway by Prevotella copri And Lactobacillus murinus to Reduce Inflammation And Fibrosis in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Shen Yu , Jiang Baorong , Zhang Chenchen , Wu Qian , Li Lei , Jiang Ping
Published: May 2023

Background: primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the bile ducts. Cholestasis may lead to hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, and amelioration of cholestasis may allow recovery from inflammatory and fibrotic pathological damage. Prevotella copri (P. copri) intervention have been reported could significantly improve cholestasis and liver fibrosis in DDC-induced PSC mice model. Despite alone P. copri treatment could not recover DDC-induced inflammation, it increased the abundance of Lactobacillus murinus (L. murinus) compared to DDC treatment, which has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. The abundance of L. murinus still not recover to normal level may underlie hepatic inflammation in P. copri+DDC mice. Method: alone or in combination interventions of P. copri and L. murinus were used to investigate the molecular mechanism of improvement of PSC inflammation and fibrosis. Results: P. copri and L. murinus significantly reduced the hepatic inflammatory cell aggregation and inflammatory factor expression, as well as the hepatic collagen content and fibrin factor expression in PSC mice. Further analysis of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation levels revealed that P. copri and L. murinus combined intervention in PSC mice inhibited the activity of DDC-activated TGF-β1/Smad pathway, thereby reducing liver inflammation and fibrosis. Conclusion: combination of P. copri and L. murinus inhibits the TGF-β1/Smad pathway and reduces inflammation and fibrosis in PSC.
A Novel High Isolation 4-Port Compact MIMO Antenna with DGS for 5G Applications
Authors: Güler Cem , Bayer Keskin Sena Esen
Published: May 2023

This paper presents the design and realization of a simple and low-profile, 4-port Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) antenna operating in the mm-wave band supporting 5G communication technologies. As part of the design methodology, the initial stage involved the development of a conventional monopole patch antenna optimized for operation at 26 GHz, which is matched to 50 Ω stepped feed line. Afterward, a square-shaped Defected Ground Structure (DGS) with semi-circles slots on the edges is placed on the ground to improve the isolation and the circular and rectangular slots are incorporated as DGS to optimize the antenna impedance bandwidth. Etching semi-circular shaped slots on the ground plane achieved more then 34.2 dB isolation in the 26 GHz operating band. In addition, an arrangement of four symmetrical radiating elements is positioned orthogonally to minimize the antenna’s physical size and to improve the isolation. The proposed MIMO antenna overall dimension is 25 × 25 mm2, which is printed on Rogers 5880 substrate with a width of 0.787 mm and εr = 2.2. The proposed antenna covers the 5G mm-wave band with a 10 dB bandwidth ranging from 25.28 - 28.02 GHz, whereas the maximum gain attained for the purposed structure is 8.72 dBi. Moreover, the proposed design, simulated and measured with advantages such as high isolation, low ECC, simple and compact design, is a good candidate for usage areas such as smart devices, mobile phones, and sensors in 5G applications.
Analytical solution of mixed problems for one-dimensional ionization equations in the case of constant velocities of atoms and ions
Authors: Gavrikov Mikhail Borisovich , Tayurskiy Aleksei Aleksandrovich
Published: May 2023

The main initial-boundary (mixed) problems are considered for a nonlinear system of equations for one-dimensional gas ionization in the case of constant velocities of gas atoms and ions arising as a result of ionization. The unknowns in this system are the concentrations of atoms and ions. A general formula is found for a sufficiently smooth solution of this system depending on time and spatial coordinate. It is shown that mixed problems for the system of one-dimensional ionization equations admit integration in the form of explicit analytical expressions. In the case of a mixed problem for a finite segment, an analytical solution is constructed using recursive formulas, each of which is defined in a triangle belonging to some domain of definition of unknown functions indicated in the triangulation work.
Inovasi Pembukuan Keuangan Secara Digital pada UMKM Jahit Melalui Aplikasi BukuKas di Ngawi
Authors: Anggraini Yulia , Prastika Wafik Azizah
Published: May 2023

Hidayah Sewing House (Rumah Jahit Hidayah) is a Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which is a services industry.  The location of SMEs is in Mojomanis Village, Kwadungan District, Ngawi Regency and has been running since 2012. Hidayah Sewing House continues to grow and experience significant additional consumers.  So that it can help the family economy during the Covid-19 Pandemic.  But besides that, these SMEs still have not implemented an important process in a business, namely the process of financial bookkeeping. Therefore, it is important to have training to implement the financial bookkeeping process. To be efficient and in line with technological developments, financial records can be made digitally through the BukuKas application.  This training activity aims to make it easier for SMEs actors to record their financial statements.  The method used is ABCD, to find out the assets owned by the community and optimize them into an empowered program.  The results obtained are that the financial training activities carried out have succeeded in helping Sewing SMEs in Mojomanis Village to carry out the financial bookkeeping process for their business easily, effectively, and efficiently.
PEMBERDAYAAN EKONOMI DISABILITAS MELALUI BATIK CIPRAT
Authors: Hanik Fitriani
Published: May 2023

One of the poor people in Simbatan Village, Nguntoronadi Magetan, is dominated by persons with disabilities who are considered marginal people, so empowerment assistance is needed, especially in the economic field so that people with disabilities are able to be independent. The research method in this research is qualitative research that relies on economic effectiveness in the community, in this case, disability in Simbatan Village, Nguntoronadi District, Magetan, with a field research approach. The data in this study are 25 disabilities who are members of the SW. Kontakroso as the object under study. The results in this study were that persons with disabilities who were considered not independent were given training and assistance in making splashed batik and sewing through the stages of briefing, batik training, sewing training, implementation, marketing training and finally monitoring and evaluation. The conclusion from this study is that the economic condition of disabled people in Simbatan Village belongs to the category of poor people, so empowerment assistance is needed as an effort to make people with disabilities independent and productive, not dependent on normal society. b). The empowerment strategy is carried out by providing training on sprinkling batik and sewing as well as providing assistance in the field of marketing with an online marketing strategy through social media that does not yet exist, so that products with disabilities can be recognized by local, national and international markets.
Energy Management and Regression Analysis With Risky Inflow Data From the Basin in Multi-reservoir Systems
Authors: Bacaksız Efsun , Opan Mücahit , Kara Elif , Karadeniz Murat
Published: May 2023

In a multi-reservoir system, the stochastic nature of basin data resulting from rainfall introduces risk into water management operations. Effective management that accounts for these risks can obtain maximum benefits for the system. This study presents a description of a multi-reservoir water resources system with hydroelectric power plants, utilizing the energy optimization model developed by OPAN in 2007. Specifically, the model was applied to reservoirs located successively on the Lower Kızılırmak River in the Kızılırmak Basin, with the objective function being the maximization of firm power and total energy. The study considered three scenarios: deterministic, probabilistic, and risky, with probabilities of inflows from the basin being determined for the latter. Monthly inflows with determined probabilities were used to obtain data for the risky case. Optimum operating levels were determined based on this data to maximize firm power and total energy. The values obtained from the optimization were then used in multivariate regression analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS), a statistical analysis program. The analysis explored the effects of monthly operating levels in the reservoirs, the amount of inflow released from the spillway, the amount of inflow released for energy production, the monthly average inflow to the reservoirs, and firm power values on energy production.
Immunogenicity and pre-clinical efficacy of an OMV-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine
Authors: Grandi Alberto , Tomasi Michele , Ullah Irfan , Bertelli Cinzia , Vanzo Teresa , Accordini Silvia , Gagliardi Assunta , Zanella Ilaria , Benedet Mattia , Corbellari Riccardo , Lascio Gabriele Di , Tamburini Silvia , Caproni Elena , Croia Lorenzo , Ravà Micol , Fumagalli Valeria , Lucia Pietro Di , Marotta Davide , Sala Eleonora , Iannacone Matteo , Kumar Priti , Mothes Walther , Uchil Pradeep , Cherepanov Peter , Bolognesi Martino , Pizzato Massimo , Grandi Guido
Published: May 2023

The vaccination campaign against SARS-CoV-2 relies on the world-wide availability of effective vaccines, with a potential need of 20 billion vaccine doses to fully vaccinate the world population. To reach this goal, the manufacturing and logistic processes should be affordable to all countries, irrespectively of economical and climatic conditions.
Outer membrane vesicles (OMV) are bacterial-derived vesicles that can be engineered to incorporate heterologous antigens. Given the inherent adjuvanticity, such modified OMV can be used as vaccine to induce potent immune responses against the associated protein. Here we show that OMVs engineered to incorporate peptides derived from the receptor binding motif (RBM) of the spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 elicit an effective immune response in immunized mice, resulting in the production of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs). The immunity induced by the vaccine is sufficient to protect the animals from intranasal challenge with SARS-CoV-2, preventing both virus replication in the lungs and the pathology associated with virus infection. Furthermore, we show that OMVs can be effectively decorated with the RBM of the Omicron BA.1 variant and that such engineered OMVs induced nAbs against Omicron BA.1 and BA.5, as judged by pseudovirus infectivity assay. Importantly, we show that the RBM 438-509 ancestral-OMVs elicited antibodies which efficiently neutralized in vitro both the homologous ancestral strain, the Omicron BA.1 and BA.5 variants, suggesting its potential use as a pan Coronavirus vaccine.
Altogether, given the convenience associated with ease of engineering, production and distribution, our results demonstrate that OMV-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines can be a crucial addition to the vaccines currently available.
Prenatal Genetic Analysis of Fetal 17q12 Microdeletion Syndrome and Relation to Kidney Abnormalities
Authors: Shen Yongmei , Li Yaqi , Zhao Xiaomin , Li Wen , Zhang Lei , Yao Liying , Cao Jiasong , Li Shanshan , Wei Zhuo , Chang Ying
Published: May 2023

Objective: To systematically analyze the genetic features of fetal renal abnormalities and the prenatal characteristics of 17q12 microdeletion syndrome.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed fetuses diagnosed with renal abnormalities between January 2016 to August 2022 using CNV-Seq and SNP. The pregnancy outcomes were followed up for 2 months after birth. All results have been descriptively analyzed.
Results: Among a total of 141 patients (4.5%) with renal dysplasia, 26 patients (26/141) had enhanced renal echo (hyperechogenic kidney; HCK), of which 10 were isolated HCK and 16 were non-isolated HCK. It was found that results of chromosome examination were abnormal in 14 (14/26) patients, of which 12 were diagnosed with 17q12 microdeletion syndrome. Moreover, there were 14 cases of 17q12 microdeletion syndrome in all patients with renal dysplasia, including 12 cases with HCK and 2 cases with other renal abnormalities. Chromosome family verification revealed that 5 fetuses had new mutations and 2 fetuses had inherited mutations. After excluding HCK patients, the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in patients with polycystic kidneys was higher than that in patients with polycystic kidney dysplasia and renal dysplasia. The chromosomes in patients with isolated horseshoe kidney, hydronephrosis, ectopic kidney, and unilateral kidney were usually normal. Nevertheless, the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities increases when combined with other abnormalities. Most patients with normal chromosomes or uncertain clinical significance choose to give birth and had a good prognosis, but adverse pregnancy outcomes could not be ruled out.
Conclusion: It was found that HCK was closely related to 17q12 microdeletion syndrome. Chromosomal examinations of patients with other renal abnormalities (isolated polycystic kidney dysplasia, renal dysplasia, horseshoe kidney, hydronephrosis, renal deficiency, ectopic kidney) were mostly normal. In combination with abnormal results, prenatal diagnosis is recommended. This study provides more evidential data that supports the relationship between fetal kidney and chromosomal abnormalities.
High urinary DNA damage in wild chimpanzees ranging in proximity of agricultural fields in Sebitoli area, Uganda.
Authors: Krief Sabrina , Spirhanzlova Petra , Masi Shelly , Couturier Chloé , Okwir Eric , Asalu Edward , Bustamante Paco , Costantini David
Published: May 2023

Agriculture expansion is a major cause of habitat loss and exposure to phytochemical pollution for non-human primates. In addition to endocrine disruption, exposure to pesticides may have other sublethal physiological consequences for animals, such as generation of oxidative damage to macromolecules. In this study, we analysed the pesticides that occur in the river water across the home range of wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in Sebitoli area located the northern part of Kibale National Park (Uganda). We tested whether levels of three urinary markers of oxidative damage vary among individuals in relation to their ranging patterns, as a proxy for pesticide exposure intensity. To better characterize the foraging habitat use, the trophic level and the energetic status of study individuals, we also quantified urinary levels of carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios and of C-peptide. Among the 511 pesticides screened, 18 compounds including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides were found in the water sampled in the western part of the chimpanzee home range where chimpanzees used to feed on maize crops while only seven were found in the Eastern part where no crop feeding is observed. According to their ranging patterns and thus crop feeding frequency, the 139 urine samples collected from 43 Sebitoli chimpanzees were categorized as belonging to low, medium, and high exposure level. Chimpanzees from the high exposure zone had higher oxidative DNA damage than chimpanzees from both the low and medium exposition groups, whose levels of DNA damage were similar. In addition, individuals with higher C-peptide tended to have significantly higher oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxides. Levels of urinary 8-isoprostanes and of urinary lipid peroxides were similar across the three exposition groups. These results were robust for any potential confounding effect of other variables because neither age category nor sex or isotope levels were significantly associated with markers of oxidative damage. Our study points to genotoxic effects as one potential sublethal consequence of ranging in proximity of agricultural fields owing to exposure to pesticides or other unidentified sources of stress. This may be relevant for the conservation of this endangered primate species, which given our phylogenetic proximity, may also serve as sentinel for human health.
Effect of short-term exposure to air pollution on daily cardio- and cerebro-vascular hospitalisations in areas with a low level of air pollution.
Authors: Hasnain Md Golam , Garcia-Esperon Carlos , Tomari Yumi , Walker Rhonda , Saluja Tarunpreet , Rahman Md Mijanur , Boyle Andrew , Levi Christopher R , Naidu Ravi , Filippelli Gabriel , Spratt Neil J
Published: May 2023

Exposure to air pollution is associated with increased cardio- and cerebro-vascular diseases. However, the evidence regarding the short-term effect of air pollution on cardio- and cerebro-vascular hospitalisations in areas with relatively low air pollution levels is limited. This study aims to examine the effect of short-term exposure to different air pollutants on hospital admissions due to cardio- and cerebro-vascular diseases in rural and regional Australia with low air pollution. The study was conducted in five local Government areas of Hunter New England Local Health District (HNE-LHD). Hospitalisation data from January 2018 to February 2020 (820 days) were accessed from the HNE-LHD admitted patients’ dataset. Poisson regression model was used to examine the association between the exposure (air pollutants) and outcome variables (hospitalisation due to cardio- and cerebrovascular disease). The concentrations of gaseous air pollutants, Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Ozone (O3), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Ammonia (NH3) were below national benchmark concentrations for every day of the study period. In single pollutant models, SO2 and NO2 significantly increased the daily number of cardio and cerebrovascular hospitalisations. The highest cumulative effect for SO2 was observed across lag 0-3 days (Incidence Rate Ratio, IRR: 1.77; 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 1.18-2.65; p-value: 0.01), and for NO2, it was across lag 0-2 days (IRR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.02-1.25; p-value: 0.02). In contrast, higher O3 was associated with decreased cardio- and cerebro-vascular hospitalisations, with the largest effect observed at lag 0 (IRR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.89-0.98; p-value: 0.02). In the multi-pollutant model, the effect of NO2 remained significant at lag 0 and corresponded to a 21% increase in cardio- and cerebro-vascular hospitalisation (95% CI: 1%-44%; p-value = 0.04). Thus, the study revealed that gaseous air pollutants, specifically NO2, were positively related to increased cardio- and cerebro-vascular hospitalisations, even at concentrations below the national standards.
Effect of decarbonization of high carbon fly ash on workability, mechanical properties and durability of concrete
Authors: Zhu Yaguang , Fu Hua , Feng Jiarun , Wang Penggang , Zhu Haiyu , Xu Peizhen , Gao YiZhi
Published: May 2023

The carbon content of fly ash (FA) influences the performance of concrete. In this paper, the flotation decarburization treatment was carried out on high carbon fly ash (HCFA) to obtain flotation decarburized fly ash (FDFA). The effects of flotation decarbonization treatment of fly ash on workability, mechanical properties, chloride penetration, carbonation, and water/sulfate frost damage to concrete were systemically studied. The results indicated that flotation decarbonization treatment could remarkably reduce the water demand ratio and increase the intensity activity index of fly ash. Moreover, compared with HCFA, FDFA could better enhance the workability and increase the compressive strength of concrete. When the water-cement ratio is 0.43, and the fly ash content is 35%, the slump and 56 d compressive strength of concrete with FDFA were 60% and 23% greater than that of concrete with HCFA, respectively. Furthermore, FDFA could better improve the microstructure and the resistance to chloride penetration, carbonation, and freeze-thaw of concrete. When the water-cement ratio was 0.43 and fly ash content was 35%, the carbonation depth and chloride migration coefficient of concrete with FDFA were 69.95% and 17.24% lower than those of concrete with HCFA, respectively. In comparison to water freeze-thaw cycles, sulfate freeze-thaw cycles caused more damage to concrete. The critical value of the pore diameter for pore solution freezing (i.e., 14 nm) was proposed to illustrate the damage degree of freeze-thaw to concrete. A "frost-heaving-corrosion" composite failure theory was employed to explain the failure mechanism of concrete exposed to the sulfate freeze-thaw cycles.
Multivariate Soil Monitoring and Crop Prediction Model Based on AAD-ARIMA and LCV-OXGBOOST Techniques
Authors: Shenbagavadivu S , M Senthil Kumar. , B Chidhambarajan. B
Published: May 2023

Farmers must adjust to the rising environment while producing more food with better nutrition. To boost crop production and growth, the farm worker must be knowledgeable of the soil conditions, which will aid in selecting the best crop to sow in the given conditions. By continuously monitoring the land, IoT-based smart farming enhances the agricultural industry as a whole. It maintains numerous variables, including sediment, temperature, and moisture. According to them, the project intends to assist farmers in making wise decisions by forecasting the crops and simultaneously monitoring the soil. Based on AAD-ARIMA and LCV-OXGBOOST, a multivariate soil monitoring and crop prediction model has been created. First, the data has been normalized, which helps to determine the likelihood of inaccuracy for the data. Missing values are handled based on the results of the preprocessing, which includes categorization the missing value using SD-CCC. After that, +-shift-ROS is used to manage the data's unequal distribution before LE-PT scaling. After that, this research has created an MLE-CFO strategy that offers the correlation between the materials by thinking about the causality and maintains an ideal working length as well as correctness in order to acquire data knowledge. Following that, the characteristics are divided using MIC-DBSCAN for crop prediction and soil monitoring. The selected characteristic was then tested against by the LCV-OXGBOOST for crop prediction and the AAD-ARIMA for monitoring. The suggested method works more effectively and dependably while reducing false alarm rates (FARs) and inaccuracy rates based on the dataset collected from Soil of Chengalpattu. Additionally, the work controls the stochastic and unpredictable behavior of uncertain data and yields a suitable outcome. When compared to the current top-notch system, empirical testing shows that the work delivers superior accuracy, reaction rate, and is significantly more expandable and safe.
Understanding the social determinants of child mortality in Latin America over the last two decades: a machine learning approach
Authors: Chivardi Carlos , Sosa Alejandro Zamudio , Cavalcanti Daniella Medeiros , Ordoñez José Alejandro , Diaz Juan Felipe , Zuluaga Daniela , Almeida Cristina , Serván-Mori Edson , Hessel Philipp , Moncayo Ana L. , Rasella Davide
Published: May 2023

The reduction of child mortality rates remains a significant global public health challenge, particularly in regions with high levels of inequality such as Latin America. We used machine learning (ML) algorithms to explore the relationship between social determinants and child under-5 mortality rates (U5MR) in Brazil, Ecuador, and Mexico over two decades. We created a municipal-level cohort from 2000 to 2019 and trained a random forest model (RF) to estimate the relative importance of social determinants in predicting U5MR. We conducted a sensitivity analysis training two more ML models and presenting the mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), and median absolute deviation (MAD). Our findings indicate that poverty, illiteracy, and the Gini index were the most important variables for predicting U5MR according to the RF. Furthermore, non-linear relationships were found mainly for Gini index and U5MR. Our study suggests that long-term public policies to reduce U5MR in Latin America should focus on reducing poverty, illiteracy, and socioeconomic inequalities. This research provides important insights into the relationships between social determinants and child mortality rates in Latin America. The use of ML algorithms, combined with large longitudinal data, allowed us to evaluate the effects of social determinants on health more carefully than traditional models.
Cav3.2 deletion attenuates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice
Authors: Li Xue , Hu Chengyun , Dai Feibiao , Zhang Zhetao , Li Chuanyao , Zhou Wanjun , Wang Jiawu , Chen Hao , Long Tengfei , Jiang Lai , Tang Chaoliang
Published: May 2023

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases and also the main cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Cav3.2 channel is an important member of T-type calcium channel and plays a vital role in energy and metabolic balance. However, the effects of Cav3.2 on NFALD remain unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the function of Cav3.2 channel in the development and progression of NAFLD. After 16 weeks on a high-fat diets (HFD), Cav3.2 knockout (Cav3.2 KO) improves hepatic steatosis, liver injury and metabolic syndrome in NAFLD mice model. We provided evidence that Cav3.2 KO inhibited HFD-induced hepatic oxidative damage, inflammation and hepatocyte apoptosis. In addition, Cav3.2 KO also attenuated the hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative damage, inflammation and hepatocyte apoptosis in palmitic acid/oleic acid (PAOA)-treated primary hepatocytes. Further, Cav3.2 KO-mediated liver protection function were dependent on its interaction with CaMKII signaling. These results suggest that therapeutic approaches targeting Cav3.2 provide effective approaches for treating NAFLD.
Hydrogen Sulfide Suppresses H2O2-induced Proliferation and Migration of HepG2 Cells Through Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhao Hongzhi , Zhao Liang , Wu Lin , Hu Sheng , Huang Yangmei , Zhao Wei
Published: May 2023

Both H2S and H2O2affect many cellular events, such as cell differentiation, cell proliferation and cell death. However, there is some controversy about the roles of H2S and H2O2,since the detailed mechanisms they are involved remain unclear. In this study, low concentration of H2O2(40 µM) increased the viability of hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2, while both H2S and high concentration of H2O2decreased the cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Wound healing assay indicated that 40 µM H2O2promoted migration of HepG2 cells, which was suppressed by exogenous H2S. Further analysis revealed that administration of exogenous H2S and H2O2changed the redox status of Wnt3a in HepG2 cells. Altered expression of proteins including Cyclin D1, TCF-4, and MMP7, which are downstream of the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway, were found after treatment with exogenous H2S and H2O2. Compared with H2S, low concentration of H2O2showed opposite effects on these protein expression levels in HepG2 cells. These results suggest that H2S suppressed H2O2-induced proliferation and migration of HepG2 through regulating Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Frequency of Away-From-Home Meals is Associated with Prevalence of Inflammatory Sinonasal Diseases: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Han Munsoo , Jeong Yujin , Lee Seunghyeok , Lee Sang Hag , Kim Tae Hoon
Published: May 2023

Background
Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, a great number of people had to stay at home due to quarantine, and the food delivery industry has grown significantly. In terms of public health, concerns have been raised regarding the popularity of meals prepared away-from-home (AFH) and their impact on health and nutrition. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between the frequency of away-from-home meals and the prevalence of inflammatory sinonasal diseases including allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), among South Koreans.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, data of participants of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) recruited from 2010 to 2019 were reviewed. The frequency of AFH meals was assessed by asking participants how often they ate AFH meals in an average week. Those who ate AFH meals less than once per week were designated as group 1, those who ate one to four times per week as group 2, and those who ate five times per week or more as group 3. Questionnaires regarding the diagnosis of AR and CRS were administered to each participant, and other factors such as symptoms, endoscopic findings, and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were assessed by referring to the recent clinical guidelines. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.
Results
Among 80,861 participants in the KNHANES 2010–2019, 48,515 were eligible. A total of 6,642 and 3,144 participants had AR and CRS, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis for AR, when compared to group 1, the odds ratio (OR) for diagnosis of AR in the participants of group 2 (OR = 1.226, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.136–1.324) and group 3 (OR = 1.227, 95% CI = 1.126–1.337) were significantly higher (p < 0.0001). For CRS, group 2 (OR = 1.139, 95% CI = 1.029–1.260) and group 3 (OR = 1.210, 95% CI = 1.078–1.358) showed a significantly higher risk than group 1 (p = 0.0044). Additionally, serum specific IgE for house dust mites (p = 0.0173) and endoscopic findings of watery rhinorrhea (p = 0.0359) in patients with AR, and symptoms of olfactory dysfunction for more than 12 weeks (p = 0.0004) in CRS were significantly more prevalent in participants who had AFH meals more frequently.
Conclusion
If individuals who frequently eat away-from-home change their dietary habits, they might lower the risk and severity of AR or CRS.
Evaluation of agricultural and rural pollution under environmental policies in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China
Authors: pang Aiping , Wang Daiwei
Published: May 2023

In this study, material flow and spatial analysis methods were used to evaluate and predict the spatial-temporal pattern evolution of agricultural and rural nitrogen (N) flow in the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China from 1949 to 2050, and to analysis the agricultural and rural pollution control by the environmental policies.The results showed that since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the crop harvest in the Yangtze River Economic Belt showed an overall upward trend, and the period from 1979 to 1997 was the fastest with an average annual growth rate of 3.8%. Since the reform and opening up , N loss (storage) increased from 50.97×108kgN in 1978 to 140.15×108kgN in 2014, an increase of 2.75 times. In 2015, China began to implement measures to prevent and control agricultural and rural pollution, and N loss (storage) decreased year by year. In 2019, the N loss (storage) decreased by 18.22% compared with that in 2015, but it was still at a high level. Each year, 113.44×108 kgN N was still lost to the atmosphere, water and soil, which was 1.53 times of the crop harvest N. The N loss rate is as high as 60%. Before 2014, N discharge into surface water from agricultural and rural areas in the Yangtze River Economic Belt increased year by year, especially after 1978, with an average growth rate of 4.76%, leading to severe non-point source pollution. With the implementation of pollution control policy, the N lost to surface water began to show a downward trend in 2015, but it was still 2.17 times higher than the environmental risk threshold in 2019. According to the prediction, under the scenarios of the business as usual, fertilizer reduction, engineering and rural improvement patterns, the N emissions from the system to surface water in 2050 are expected to be reduced by 25.76%, 45.5%, 30% and 30%, respectively, compared with 2019, but still higher than the environmental risk threshold. Under the integrated pattern, the N emission to surface water is reduced to 4.32×108kgN in 2050, which is lower than the environmental risk threshold and can achieve the goal of non-point source pollution control. Single environmental policy cannot effectively control non-point source pollution. It is necessary to promote integrated pattern to realize green and sustainable development of agriculture in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.
Extracellular vesicles as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and recurrence detection of hepatocellular carcinoma: A pilot study
Authors: Juratli Mazen A. , Roushansarai Nicola S. , Oppermann Elsie , Roy Dhruvajyoti , Schnitzbauer Andreas , Andreou Andreas , Houben Philipp , Katou Shadi , Becker Felix , Hoelzen Jens Peter , Pascher Andreas , Bechstein Wolf O. , Struecker Benjamin , Vogl Thomas , Michalik Sabine
Published: May 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant liver tumor and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. However, current diagnostic tools are often invasive and technically limited. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which play vital roles in HCC growth and metastasis, serving as potential novel biomarkers. Molecular analysis of peripherally EVs could be revolutionary for early tumor diagnosis and detecting tumor recurrence. A prospective single-center cohort study including 37 HCC patients and 20 patients with non-malignant liver disease (NMLD), as a control group, was conducted. Peripherally EVs of both groups were analyzed before and after liver surgery. The study utilized microbead-based magnetic particle sorting and flow cytometry to detect 37 characteristic surface proteins of EVs. Furthermore, HCC patients who experienced tumor recurrence (R-HCC) within 12 months after surgery were compared to HCC patients without recurrence (NR-HCC). R-HCC patients (n = 12/20) showed significantly lower levels of CD31 compared to NR-HCC patients (p = 0.0033). The NMLD-group showed significantly higher expressions of CD41b than the HCC group (p = 0.0286). The study determined significant short-term changes in CD19 dynamics in the NMLD-group, with preoperative values being significantly higher than postoperative values (p = 0.0065). This finding of our pilot study suggests EVs as potential targets for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the early and non-invasive detection of HCC recurrence by monitoring the dynamics of specific EVs markers, such as CD41b and CD31, in HCC patients. Overall, the potential of EVs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for HCC recurrence represents a promising area of research that could have a significant impact on the management of this disease in the future.
Process parameters optimisation for selective laser melting of AlSi10Mg-316L multi-materials using machine learning method
Authors: Miao Huan , Yusof Farazila , Karim Mohd Sayuti Ab , Badruddin Irfan Anjum , Hussien Mohamed , Kamangar Sarfaraz , Zhang Hao
Published: May 2023

The present work focuses on process parameters optimisation for selective laser melting (SLM) of AlSi10Mg-316L multi-materials using machine learning method. The mechanical properties of the multi-material samples were measured at different process parameters. These process parameters and properties data were used to train and validate the machine learning model. A multi-output Gaussian process regression (MO-GPR) model was developed to directly predict the multidimensional output to overcome the limitations of the standard Gaussian process regression (GPR) model. Based on the prediction data, process parameter maps were constructed, and the optimal process parameters for different compositions were selected from the process parameter maps. The results showed that the laser power, scan velocity and hatching space have an important influence on the density and surface roughness of the samples. Results also indicated that there is no linear functional relationship between the optimal volumetric energy density (VED) values and the AlSi10Mg-316L compositions.
Fabrication of PVC-based composite films with controlled electrical conductivity via delayed phase separation-induced directional distribution of CNT for effective electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Hu yingmo , Qin Qingqing , Guo Sufang , Yang Yuanyuan , Lei Ting , Cui Zhenyu , Wu Xiao , Qin Shuhao , Altaf Naveed
Published: May 2023

Traditional polymer/carbon nanotubes (CNT) composite films, prepared by non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS), exhibit low electrical conductivity and poor electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) due to the random dispersion of CNT within the polymer matrix. In this work, conductive porous polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/CNT composite films were successfully prepared using the NIPS process. The film formation rate was reduced by increasing the concentration of PVC, the concentrations of N,N-Dimethylacetamide (DMAc) in the coagulation bath, and the CNT content, resulting in a oriented distribution of CNT on the film surface and pore walls. The electrical conductivity and EMI SE performance of the composite films were enhanced with increasing CNT content, exhibiting optimal values at proper PVC concentration in the casting solution and DMAc concentration in the coagulation bath. Meanwhile, the effects of casting film thickness, structure, and casting process on EMI SE performance were also investigated. The results demonstrate that EMI SE performance improved by increasing casting film thickness and achieving a multilayer structure through a 1-layer/2-sided casting process. Finally, a PVC/5 wt% CNT composite film prepared by repeating the 1-layer/2-sided casting process three times had an optimal EMI SE value of 32.3 dB. This work provides guidance for the rational design of high-performance polymer-based composite film EMI shielding materials and has great potential in practical applications.
Rit2 silencing in dopamine neurons drives a progressive Parkinsonian phenotype
Authors: Kearney Patrick , Zhang Yuanxi , Tan Yanglan , Kahuno Elizabeth , Conklin Tucker , Fagan Rita , Pavchinskiy Rebecca , Shaffer Scott , Yue Zhenyu , Melikian Haley
Published: May 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease and arises from dopamine (DA) neuron death selectively in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) . Rit2 is a reported PD risk allele, and recent single cell transcriptomic studies identified a major RIT2 cluster in PD DA neurons, potentially linking Rit2 expression anomalies to a PD patient cohort. However, it is still unknown whether Rit2 loss itself is causative for PD or PD-like symptoms. Here we report that conditional Rit2 silencing in mouse DA neurons drove a progressive motor dysfunction that was more rapid in males than females and was rescued at early stages by either inhibiting the DA transporter (DAT) or with L-DOPA treatment. Motor dysfunction was accompanied by decreases in DA release, striatal DA content, phenotypic DAergic markers, and a loss of DA neurons, with increased pSer129-alpha synuclein expression. These results provide the first evidence that Rit2 loss is causal for SNc cell death and a PD-like phenotype, and reveal key sex-specific differences in the response to Rit2 loss.