bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Challenges Faced by Muslim Female Students in Maintaining Appearance and Validity of Wudhu: A Study on the Use of Waterproof Makeup
Authors: Ilmi Maharani Nurul , Rahmani Ridha Ariandini , Dwi Yanti Teni , Faqihuddin Achmad
Published: December 2024

This study examines the challenges faced by Muslim female students in maintaining their physical appearance while ensuring the validity of their ablution (wudhu), specifically regarding the use of waterproof makeup. A qualitative approach was employed, combining a literature review and survey data collected from 23 Muslim female respondents. The results reveal that most respondents prefer regular makeup over waterproof makeup, with 56.5% disliking waterproof makeup and 43.5% using it infrequently. A significant portion of participants expressed inconsistency in removing makeup, particularly mascara, before performing wudhu, with 60.9% uncertain about the implications of not removing makeup. Despite the benefits of waterproof makeup in terms of longevity, most respondents favoured products that are easier to remove for the sake of convenience during wudhu, although they acknowledged the need for touch-ups afterward. Furthermore, 87% of respondents were aware that wudhu is invalid if water does not reach the skin, and 95.7% recognised the importance of removing waterproof makeup to ensure valid wudhu. These findings highlight the difficulties Muslim female students face in balancing appearance with religious obligations.
Abstrak: Studi ini menyoroti tantangan yang dihadapi oleh mahasiswi Muslim dalam menjaga penampilan fisik mereka sambil memastikan keabsahan wudhu, khususnya terkait penggunaan makeup waterproof. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan kajian pustaka dan pengumpulan data melalui survei yang disebarkan menggunakan Google Form. Sebanyak 23 responden yang merupakan mahasiswi Muslimah berpartisipasi dalam survei ini. Hasilnya mengungkapkan bahwa sebagian besar responden lebih menyukai riasan biasa daripada riasan tahan air, dengan 56,5% tidak menyukai riasan tahan air dan 43,5% jarang menggunakannya. Sebagian besar peserta menyatakan ketidakkonsistenan dalam menghapus riasan, terutama maskara, sebelum berwudhu, dengan 60,9% tidak yakin tentang implikasi dari tidak menghapus riasan. Terlepas dari manfaat riasan tahan air dalam hal keawetan, sebagian besar responden lebih menyukai produk yang lebih mudah dihapus demi kenyamanan selama berwudhu, meskipun mereka mengakui perlunya sentuhan ulang setelahnya. Lebih lanjut, 87% responden menyadari bahwa wudhu tidak sah jika air tidak mengenai kulit, dan 95,7% mengakui pentingnya menghapus riasan tahan air untuk memastikan wudhu yang sah. Temuan ini menyoroti kesulitan yang dihadapi siswi Muslim dalam menyeimbangkan penampilan dengan kewajiban agama.
Ovarian tumor microenvironment contributes to tumor progression and chemoresistance
Authors: Ponton-Almodovar Adriana , Sanderson Samuel , Rattan Ramandeep , Bernard Jamie J. , Horibata Sachi
Published: December 2024

Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest gynecologic cancers affecting the female reproductive tract. This is largely attributed to frequent recurrence and development of resistance to the platinum-based drugs cisplatin and carboplatin. One of the major contributing factors to increased cancer progression and resistance to chemotherapy is the tumor microenvironment (TME). Extracellular signaling from cells within the microenvironment heavily influences progression and drug resistance in ovarian cancer. This is frequently done through metabolic reprogramming, the process where cancer cells switch between biochemical pathways to increase their chances of survival and proliferation. Here, we focus on how crosstalk between components of the TME and the tumor promotes resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy. We highlight the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, adipocytes, and endothelial cells in ovarian tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, and chemoresistance. We also highlight recent advancements in targeting components of the TME as a novel therapeutic avenue to combat chemoresistance in ovarian cancer.
Mitochondrial genome variability and metabolic alterations reveal new biomarkers of resistance in testicular germ cell tumors
Authors: Kabelikova Pavlina , Ivovic Danica , Sumbalova Zuzana , Karhanek Miloslav , Tatayova Lucia , Skopkova Martina , Cagalinec Michal , Bruderova Vladimira , Roska Jan , Jurkovicova Dana
Published: December 2024

Aim: Mutations in the mitochondrial (mt) genome contribute to metabolic dysfunction and their accumulation relates to disease progression and resistance development in cancer cells. This study explores the mutational status of the mt genome of cisplatin-resistant vs. -sensitive testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) cells and explores its association with their respiration parameters, expression of respiratory genes, and preferences for metabolic pathways to reveal new markers of therapy resistance in TGCTs.

Methods: Using Illumina sequencing with Twist Enrichment Panel, the mutations of mt genomes of sensitive 2102EP, H12.1, NTERA-2, T-cam and resistant 2102EP Cis, H12.1 ODM, 1411HP, 1777NRpmet, NTERA-2 Cis and T-cam Cis cell lines were identified. The mt respiration of the cells was assessed using high-resolution respirometry method (O2k-respirometer Oroboros) and the differential expression profiles of mt respiratory genes were determined using RT-qPCR. Associated preferences for metabolic pathways were compared using Glycolysis/OXPHOS assay.

Results: In resistant TGCT cells, new mutations in mt genes MT-ND1-6, MT-RNR, MT-CO1-3, MT-ATP6 , and MT-CYB were recognized. The respiratory rates of the 1777NRpmet cell line were the highest, while those of the 1411HP line the lowest; rates of the control and all other TGCT cell lines fell between these two lines. The statistically significant differences in gene expression of the respiratory genes were recorded only in NTERA-2 Cis and T-cam Cis cell lines. Sensitive cell lines NTERA-2 and 2102EP preferred oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), while glycolysis was typical for resistant NTERA-2 Cis, 2102EP Cis and 1411HP cell lines. Metastatic 1777NRpmet cells seem to utilize both. An isogenic pair of cell lines H12.1 and H12.1ODM showed the opposite dependence, sensitive H12.1 preferring glycolysis, while resistant H12.1ODM OXPHOS.

Conclusion: In summary, our study identified new mutations in mt genes of resistant TGCT cell lines that are associated with different mt respiration parameters, gene expression patterns and preferences for metabolic pathways, providing potential novel molecular biomarkers that distinguish the resistant TGCT phenotype or specify its histological classification.
Galacto-oligosaccharides alone and combined with lactoferrin impact the Kenyan infant gut microbiota and epithelial barrier integrity during iron supplementation in vitro
Authors: Rachmühl Carole , Lacroix Christophe , Ferragamo Adele , Giorgetti Ambra , Stoffel Nicole U. , Zimmermann Michael B. , Brittenham Gary M. , Geirnaert Annelies
Published: December 2024

Aim: Iron supplementation to African weaning infants was associated with increased enteropathogen levels. While cohort studies demonstrated that specific prebiotics inhibit enteropathogens during iron supplementation, their mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we investigated the in vitro impact of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and iron-sequestering bovine lactoferrin (bLF) alone and combined on the gut microbiota of Kenyan infants during low-dose iron supplementation.

Methods: Different doses of iron, GOS, and bLF were first screened during batch fermentations (n = 3), and the effect of these factors was studied on microbiota community structure and activity in the new Kenyan infant continuous intestinal PolyFermS model. The impact of different fermentation treatments on barrier integrity, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection, and inflammatory response was assessed using a transwell co-culture of epithelial and immune cells.

Results: A dose-dependent increase in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus /Leuconostoc /Pediococcus (LLP) growth was detected with GOS alone and combined with bLF during iron supplementation in batches. This was confirmed in the continuous PolyFermS model, which also showed a treatment-induced inhibition of opportunistic pathogens C. difficile and C. perfringens . In all tests, supplementation of iron alone and combined with bLF did not have a significant effect on microbiota composition and activity. We observed a strengthening of the epithelial barrier and a decrease in cell death and pro-inflammatory response during ETEC infection with microbiota fermentation supernatants from iron + GOS, iron + bLF, and iron + GOS + bLF treatments compared to iron alone.

Conclusion: Overall, beneficial effects on infant gut microbiota were shown using advanced in vitro models for GOS alone and combined with bLF during low-dose iron supplementation.
Effect of Acids on Biomass Growth and Development of Chlorella vulgaris Culture
Authors: Vdovychenko Alona , Golub Nataliia , Zieliński Marcin , Levtun Igor
Published: December 2024

Background. Influence of dissolved nitrogen and sulfur oxides, as components of flue gases, on the cultivation of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris.
Objective. To study biomass production and changes in cells of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris with the introduction of nitrogen and sulfate acids tor simulate the effects of dissolved nitrogen and sulfur oxides, aiming to develop biotechnology for the utilization of gas emissions by microalgae.
Methods. The effect of the constant introduction of small concentrations of nitrogen (up to 0.47%) and sulfate (up to 1.5%) acids on the development of Chlorella vulgaris cultures, pH changes in the cultural envi­ronment, and biomass growth were studied.
Results. The utilization of gaseous emissions by Chlorella vulgaris depends on the content of nitrogen and sulfur oxides that are constantly supplied to the cultivation medium, the initial biomass concentration, and pH. It was determined that for an initial cells concentration of (85 ± 5)×104 cells/ml in the culture medium, the threshold values of acids that do not cause significant changes in the cultivation process are 0.1% H₂SO₄ and 0.19% HNO₃. At a sulfuric acid concentration of 0.2%, the culture cells become discolored.
Conclusions. It is shown that with a constant supply of sulfuric or nitric acids above the threshold values of 0.1% H2SO4 and 0.19% HNO3, the pH of the culture medium decreases, leading to the suspension of deve­lopment and the death of the Chlorella vulgaris culture. Therefore, controling these parameters will improve the ecological state of the environment and form the basis for developing biotechnology for the utilization of gas emissions by microalgae.
Public Service Motivation and Attrition: Studying Individual-Level Turnover Behavior in the Public Sector Using Panel Data
Authors: Bednarczuk Michael
Published: December 2024

One of the foundational claims of public service motivation (PSM) is that it should influence an individual's willingness to join and remain in public organizations. However, the evidence in support of the “attrition hypothesis” is nuanced, and there is a lack of research examining actual turnover behavior. This study addresses this gap by using longitudinal data from the Youth-Parent Socialization Study to examine the relationship between pre-employment PSM-related values and long-term turnover behavior in the public sector. A multinomial logit model finds that those with higher PSM-related values in childhood are more likely to remain employed in the public sector over time. These results have practical implications for public sector retention strategies, as fostering the development of PSM-related values could lead to reduced employee churn and their related costs.
Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Tools for Cardiac Amyloidosis Detection
Authors: Bashir Zubair , Khan Bilal , Bukhari Syed
Published: December 2024

The prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis (CA), especially as a cause of heart failure, has significantly increased in recent years. Early detection and accurate assessment of the disease burden are crucial for initiating timely treatment and ensuring precise prognosis. CA primarily results from the infiltration of the myocardium by either immunoglobulin light chain fibrils (AL) or transthyretin fibrils (ATTR), leading to restrictive cardiomyopathy and eventual death if untreated. Over the past decade, advancements in diagnostic imaging and heightened clinical awareness have revealed a substantial presence of CA, particularly ATTR, among the elderly. These diagnostic improvements encompass echocardiography, cardiac computerized tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, and radionuclide scintigraphy with bone-avid tracers. Concurrently, significant progress has been made in therapeutic options, with new disease-modifying treatments now available that can dramatically alter the disease trajectory and improve survival rates when administered early. However, despite these advancements, there remains an urgent need for the early and accurate detection of CA to ensure that patients can fully benefit from these emerging therapies.
Advanced Delivery of Curcumin and Nicotinamide: Promising Solutions for Skin Infections and Melanoma
Authors: Markab Omar , Lafi Zainab , Shalan Naeem , Al Daghistani Hala , Fahadawi Ali , Madi Razan
Published: December 2024

The interest in natural remedies in modern medicine has revealed potent disease-fighting agents, such asCUR(CUR) and nicotinamide (NIC), known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. This study explores the antibacterial and antimelanoma potential of a CUR-NIC combination and its liposomal formulation. The antibacterial efficacy was assessed against skin infection-causing bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, while cytotoxicity and migration assays were conducted on the melanoma B16 cancer cell line. The CUR-NIC combination (1:1) demonstrated an inhibition zone of 18±0.8 mm against S. aureus and a MIC of 31.25 µg/ml, outperforming CUR alone. Whereas Lip-CUR-NIC showed an inhibition zone of 12±0.8 mm against S. aureus and a MIC of 37.5 µg/ml. Notably, the cytotoxicity assay revealed that the CUR-NIC duo synergistically inhibited melanoma cell proliferation (CI<1). Liposomal preparations further enhanced this effect, with Lip-CUR-NIC showing a remarkably low IC50 of 8.5 ± 0.3 µM compared to CUR (IC50= 9.8 ± 2.2 µM) and NIC (IC50=135.95 ± 10.2 µM). These findings highlight the synergistic potential of CUR and NIC, especially in their liposomal form, offering a promising strategy for more effective cancer treatment.
Predictive Analysis of Causal Factors Influencing Occupational Accidents in Construction Workplaces Using a Machine Learning Unified Data Model
Authors: Lamkademe Hajar Ait , Naddami Ahmed , Choukri Karim
Published: December 2024

Occupational incidents in construction workplaces present a persistent challenge, with severe consequences for both workers and project outcomes. This study aims to examine the specific causal factors contributing to these incidents, focusing on the interaction between worker-related, environmental, and procedural factors. The objective is to identify key contributors to workplace accidents and develop a unified predictive model to mitigate future risks. To achieve this, we employed a machine learning approach on a comprehensive accidentology dataset collected from contractors across multiple construction sites. The dataset includes variables such as worker ex-perience, environmental conditions, adherence to safety protocols, and more. By analyzing direct, indirect, and root causes, the methodology uncovers hidden patterns and interdependencies that traditional analysis might overlook. The study’s findings indicate that worker experience and environmental factors are the most significant contributors to incident occurrence, with a clear interaction effect between these variables. The results not only confirm previous research but also offer enhanced predictive capabilities for future safety measures. This research demonstrates the value of machine learning in generating data-driven insights, ultimately aiding in the develop-ment of targeted interventions to improve safety standards in the construction industry.
Analysis of 26 Studies of the Impact of Coconut Oil on Lipid Parameters: Beyond Total- and LDL-Cholesterol
Authors: Newport Mary T. , Dayrit Fabian M.
Published: December 2024

Coconut oil (CNO) is often characterized as an “artery clogging fat” because it is a predominantly saturated fat that ostensibly raises total cholesterol (TChol) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C). Whereas previous analyses assessed CNO based on relative effects on lipid parameters against other fats and oils, this analysis focuses on the effects of CNO itself. Here, we review the literature on CNO and analyze 984 lipid profile data sets from 26 CNO studies conducted over the past 40 years. This analysis found considerable heterogeneity among CNO studies regarding participant selection, amount consumed, and study duration. The analysis reveals that, overall, CNO consumption gives variable TChol and LDL-C values, but that HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) values increase and triglycerides (TG) decrease. This holistic lipid assessment, together with consideration of lipid ratios, shows that CNO does not pose a health risk for heart disease. Because the predominantly medium-chain fatty acid profile of CNO is significantly different from lard and palm oil, studies using these as reference materials do not apply to CNO. This paper concludes that the recommendation to avoid consuming coconut oil due to the risk of heart disease is not justified.
A Comparative Analysis of Air Quality and Respiratory Health in Under-Five Children from Crude Oil-impacted Communities
Authors: Abereton Pearl , Ordinioha Best , Mensah-Attipoe Jacob , Toyinbo Oluyemi
Published: December 2024

Crude oil spills create environmental hazards, leading to air pollution and respiratory health risks in under-five children due to their developing organs. This study compares ambient air quality (AAQ) and respiratory health (RH) of under-five children in crude oil-impacted and less-impacted communities.
The study involved 450 under-five children (mean age: 3 years) from three Niger Delta communities. AAQ was measured using sensors, and RH was assessed through interviewer-administered questionnaires between July and October 2022.
Crude oil-related pollutants were significantly higher in oil-impacted communities: Bodo (PM2.5: 21.26 µg/m³; PM10: 38.86 µg/m³; TVOC: 0.76 µg/m³) and Kegbara Dere (PM2.5: 14.60 µg/m³; PM10: 38.52 µg/m³; TVOC: 0.02 µg/m³) compared to the less-impacted Beeri (PM2.5: 6.47 µg/m³; PM10: 11.95 µg/m³; TVOC: 0.00 µg/m³). Respiratory symptoms were more common in impacted areas, with cough prevalence at 75.33% in Bodo, 73.33% in K-Dere, and 54.67% in Beeri. Other symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, and frequent sneezing were also more prevalent (p ≤ 0.05). Fever prevalence showed no significant regional difference.
Elevated air pollution from crude oil spills correlates with a higher prevalence of respiratory conditions in children from impacted communities, underscoring the need for public health interventions in these areas.
Action Recognition in Basketball with Inertial Measurement Unit Supported Vest
Authors: Sonalcan Hamza , Bilen Enes , Ateş Bahar , Seçkin Ahmet Çağdaş
Published: December 2024

In this study, an action recognition system was developed to identify fundamental basketball movements using a single Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor embedded in a wearable vest. The study aims to enhance basketball training by providing a high-performance, low-cost solution that minimizes discomfort for athletes. Data were collected from 21 collegiate basketball players, and movements such as dribbling, passing, shooting, lay-ups, and idle stance were recorded. The collected IMU data underwent preprocessing and feature extraction, followed by the application of machine learning algorithms including KNN, Decision Tree, Random Forest, AdaBoost, and XGBoost. Among these, the XGBoost algorithm with a window size of 250 and a 75% overlap yielded the highest accuracy of 96.6%. The system demonstrated superior performance compared to other single-sensor systems, achieving an overall classification accuracy of 96.9%. This research contributes to the field by presenting a new dataset of basketball movements, comparing the effectiveness of various feature extraction and machine learning methods, and offering a scalable, efficient, and accurate action recognition system for basketball.
Theoretical and Experimental Determination of the Thickness of a Metal Film Grown by Magnetron Sputtering at High Discharge Power
Authors: Tumarkin Andrey , Karamov Artem , Serdobintsev Alexey , Sakharov Valentin , Volkovoinova Larisa , Sapego Eugeny , Bogdan Alexey
Published: December 2024

A theoretical model is proposed that allows us to describe the processes of formation of the sputtered atom flow, transport of this flow in the target-substrate space and deposition of the substance onto the substrate during magnetron sputtering. The main difference between the presented model and the existing ones is the combined consideration of the spatial distribution of sputtered atoms and the temperature gradient in the working chamber during magnetron sputtering at high power. To verify the model, real technological parameters of deposition of metal films by magnetron sputtering were used, optimized to achieve a high film growth rate. The agreement between the calculated film thicknesses obtained as a result of modeling and the experimental data was no worse than 5% at discharge powers in the range of 100 – 700 W. Comparison of the experimental data with the simulation results showed that the model adequately describes the sputtering processes at high discharge powers and low pressures, in contrast to approaches that do not take into account the temperature gradient in the working space.
Validity of a New Portable Sensor to Measure Velocity-Based Resistance Training
Authors: Justo-Álvarez Alejandro , García-López Juan , Sabido Rafael , García-Valverde Adrián
Published: December 2024

This study evaluated the concurrent validity of the Vitruve linear encoder compared to the T-Force device for measuring mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and peak velocity (PV) during the free-weight bench exercise. Twelve resistance-trained men participated in three sessions, during which MPV and PV were recorded sim-ultaneously by both devices. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, Bland-Altman analysis, and effect size calculations, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. The results showed discrepancies between the Vitruve and T-Force devices across different intensity levels. Specifically, the Vitruve device generally reported higher MPV and lower PV values, particularly at moderate and low in-tensities. Vitruve was deemed useful for MPV measurements, especially at velocities below 0.65 m/s during free-weight bench press exercises. In conclusion, the Vitruve device overestimated MPV and underestimated PV at moderate and low loads (> 0.65 m·s⁻¹), with the discrepancies increasing as velocity rose. It can provide valuable data for monitoring and assessing resistance training programs focused on MPV at heavier loads (< 0.65 m·s⁻¹). Researchers and practitioners should take these findings into account when incorporating the Vi-truve into velocity-based strength training protocols.
Charting Sustainable Marine Environmental Conservation in Pakistan Legal & Regulatory Shortcomings and Aligning’s with Goals of SDG 14
Authors: Mingfei Ma , Talha Ahmad , Noor Sehla
Published: December 2024

Pakistan’s marine ecosystem confronts increasing threats from pollution, erosion of the coastline, and global warming, which are endangering its overall ecological and economic viability. The paper systematically analyzes the relationship between marine pollution, regulatory shortcomings, and the effects of climate change on Pakistan’s waters, emphasizing the alignment of policies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Data indicates concerning trends: untreated wastewater release, waste from industries, contamination by plastics, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, significantly affecting the marine environment and fisheries. Furthermore, increasing water levels and upstream damming in the Indus Delta contribute to coastal erosion, rendering mangrove forests significant for biodiversity and erosion mitigation. The warming of the Arabian Sea has strengthened storms, heightening risks to coastal communities. This study applies a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative research of legislative documents and international frameworks with quantitative data from governmental publications and internationally environmental organizations. Comparative case studies illustrate effective regulatory approaches. Graphical assessments of changes in the marine ecosystem, pollution levels, and SDG 14 indicators provide visual insights into Pakistan’s advancements and areas needing enhancement. The findings address severe deficiencies in Pakistan’s compliance with regulations and infrastructure, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive policy modifications, enhanced infrastructure investment, and fortified regional and international cooperation for achieving the objectives of SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Suggestions encompass the enhancement of waste treatment facilities, stronger enforcement of environmental regulations, and the strengthening of public-private collaborations. This study underlines the necessity for efficient, data-informed responses to safeguard Pakistan’s marine ecosystems and reduce climate-related threats, therefore guaranteeing sustainable development for coastal populations and biodiversity.
Cost Implication of Renovation Uncertainties in Conservation of Historic Buildings—The Heritage Stone Town of Zanzibar
Authors: Salim Faki , Amour Khalfan
Published: December 2024

Renovation costs for heritage buildings seem uncertain compared to those for new construction. Different approaches and processes need to be adopted to handle conservation heritage projects. Many have reported that conservation projects frequently fail to meet the delivery goals of time, quality, and budget, which leads to contractual disputes during the renovation stage.
Research on the Spatial Characteristics and Impact Mechanism of Carbon Emission Efficiency of Chinese Road Freight Transport Enterprises
Authors: Wei Xinyue , Lin Chenggong , Li Hehua
Published: December 2024

The highway transportation industry is an important component of the transportation industry and one of the key industries causing global climate change. Studying the carbon emission efficiency and influencing factors of enterprises in this industry is of great significance. To identify the carbon emission level of highway transportation enterprises, this article uses a set of table data from China's highway and waterway transportation enterprises to calculate the emissions of carbon sources from the movement of trucks in highway freight transportation enterprises using the "top-down" method. Based on this, the RAM model is used to calculate the economic efficiency, carbon emission efficiency, and unified efficiency of road freight transportation enterprises, and the characteristics of the three types of efficiency are analyzed to further explore the factors that affect the carbon emission efficiency of enterprises. The research results indicate that: (1) both economic efficiency and carbon emission efficiency exhibit spatial agglomeration characteristics, but in 2021, the degree of spatial agglomeration has decreased. (2) From 2020 to 2021, the carbon emission efficiency rankings of various regions remained relatively stable, with the western region, eastern region, central region, and northeastern region ranking in order of carbon emission efficiency; Due to the impact of the epidemic, the economic efficiency of various regions has fluctuated to some extent in 2020-2021, and the fluctuation of unified efficiency is closer to the fluctuation of economic efficiency. (3) The analysis results of the impact on carbon emission efficiency are as follows: the faster the Internet develops, the more stringent the urban environmental requirements are, the higher the carbon emission efficiency of road transport enterprises will be; The more diversified the business model and the longer the transportation distance, the higher the carbon emission efficiency of the enterprise.
Serious Games for Enhancing Socio-Emotional Skills in Children and Adolescents: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Gil-Gómez José-Antonio , Guerola-Navarro Vicente , Oltra-Badenes Raul , Pérez-Marín Marián , Gil-Gómez Hermenegildo
Published: December 2024

The increasing adoption of digital technologies by young people (opens the door to a field of development of tools that can be used for different purposes and applications at the same time. This coexistence of applications and objectives, known as ambidexterity, allows a larger objective to be pursued through the hook that represents the smaller objective and that is more evident to the user. In the case of the use of young people, the use of serious games, with the obvious primary purpose of entertaining the user, gives the option to promote and develop the socio-emotional skills. In order to contextualize the field of knowledge, the studies registered in the Web Of Science (WOS) have been quantified since its first appearance in 2012 until the third quarter of 2024. The bibliometric methodology followed to carry out this study has provided tabulated information on the quantification of the productivity and the level of influence of the different actors who have generated content in this area of knowledge. The main conclusion is the relative youth of the subject within the field of scientific research, the high potential for development that it has, and the relevance of Spanish universities (specifically the Universitat Politècnica de València and the Universitat de València) and their affiliated researchers.
Impact of Various Land Cover Transformations on Climate Change: Insights from a Spatial Panel Analysis
Authors: Khezri Mohsen
Published: December 2024

This study introduces an innovative empirical methodology by integrating spatial panel models with satellite imagery data spanning from 1970 to 2019. This innovative approach illuminates the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and various global variables on regional temperature shifts and the environmental repercussions of land-use alterations, establishing a substantial empirical basis for climate change. The results revealed that global variables such as sunspot activity, the length of day (LOD), and the Global Mean Sea Level (GMSL) have negligible impacts on global temperature variations. This model uncovers the nuanced effect of deforestation on global temperatures, highlighting a decrease in temperature following deforestation above 40°N latitude, contrary to the warming effect observed in lower latitudes. Exceptionally, deforestation within the 10°N to 10°S tropical bands results in a temperature decrease, challenging established theories. The results suggest that converting forests to grass/shrublands and croplands plays a significant role in these temperature dynamics.
Role of Environmental Factors in Legume-Rhizobium Symbiosis. A review
Authors: Yeremko Liudmyla , Czopek Katarzyna , Staniak Mariola , Marenych Mykola , Hanhur Volodymyr
Published: December 2024

Legumes play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges of food and nutrition security by offering a sustainable source of protein and bioactive compounds. The capacity of legumes to establish symbiotic relationships with Rhizobium bacteria enables biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers while enhancing soil health. However, the efficiency of this symbiosis is significantly influenced by environmental factors, such as soil acidity, salinity, temperature, moisture content, light intensity, and nutrient availability. These factors affect key processes, including rhizobia survival, nodule formation, and nitrogenase activity, ultimately determining the growth and productivity of legumes. This review synthesizes current knowledge on legume-rhizobium interactions under varying abiotic conditions. It highlights the impact of salinity and acidity in limiting nodule development, soil temperature in regulating microbial community dynamics, and moisture availability in modulating metabolic and hormonal responses during drought and waterlogging. Moreover, the role of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements such as iron, molybdenum, and boron, in optimizing symbiosis is critically analyzed.
Calponin 3 Regulates Myoblast Proliferation and Differentiation Through Actin Cytoskeleton Remodeling and YAP1-Mediated Signaling in Myoblasts
Authors: Ly Quoc Kiet , Nguyen Mai Thi , Lee Wan
Published: December 2024

Calponin 3 (CNN3) is an actin-binding protein that modulates actin cytoskeleton dynamics, which are vital processes for maintaining skeletal muscle homeostasis. Although the function of CNN3 in actin dynamics has been established, its biological significance in myogenic differentiation of pro-genitor cells remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the role of CNN3 in myogenic differentiation and its impact on actin cytoskeletal dynamics and mechanosensitive signaling in C2C12 myoblasts. CNN3 knockdown led to a marked increase in F-actin accumulation, which promoted the nuclear translocation of YAP1, a mechanosensitive transcriptional coactivator re-quired for response to mechanical cues that drive cell proliferation. CNN3 depletion enhanced myoblast proliferation and increased the expressions of YAP1 target genes involved in cell cycle progression, including PCNA, cyclin B1, and cyclin D1. Flow cytometry revealed that CNN3-deficient cells displayed higher S and G2/M phase fractions, which concurred with elevated proliferation rates. Furthermore, CNN3 knockdown impaired myogenic differentiation, as evi-denced by reduced levels of MyoD, MyoG, and MyHC, key markers of myogenic commitment and maturation, and immunocytochemistry showed myotube formation was diminished in CNN3-suppressed cells, which was supported by lower differentiation and fusion indices. These findings suggest that CNN3 is essential for myogenic differentiation and that it functions by regu-lating actin remodeling and YAP1 signaling to direct progenitor cells toward proliferation rather than differentiation. This study demonstrates CNN3 as a critical factor in skeletal myogenesis and a potential therapeutic target in muscle-wasting conditions.
Assessing Security Vulnerabilities in Large Code Bases Using Open Source Software
Authors: Walcott Dr. Kristen , Vaszary Mark , Hastings Dr. Thomas
Published: December 2024

Large software applications typically use open source software (OSS) to implement key pieces of functionality. Often only the functionality is considered, and the non-functional requirements, such as security, are ignored or not fully taken into account prior to the release of the software application. This leads to issues in two different areas: 1) evaluating the OSS used in our current software, 2) evaluating OSS that our developers may be considering using. This research focuses on providing a mechanism to examine third-party components, focusing on security vulnerabilities. Both current and future software face similar security issues. We develop an approach to minimize risk when adding in OSS to an application, and we provide an assessment of how exploitable new/existing software applications may be if not secured with other layers of defense. We have analyzed two case studies of known compromised open source components. The developed controls identified high levels of risk immediately.
Advances in Recycling Process Modeling for CFRPs: A Literature Review
Authors: Tourkantoni Ilektra , Tserpes Konstantinos
Published: December 2024

Managing large volumes of waste poses a critical environmental challenge, exacerbated by pollu-tion from landfilling and the substantial energy consumption and costs associated with manufac-turing specialized materials. Efficient recycling methods play a crucial role in mitigating this im-pact by facilitating the reuse of components from materials that have not yet reached the end of their life cycle. This challenge is particularly pressing for carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs), widely used in aerospace applications, for which traditional recycling methods fre-quently fail to effectively separate composite components or produce recycled materials that meet the stringent specifications required for reuse. This review centers on the theoretical foundations of advanced recycling methods, with a particular focus on the analytical approaches of pyrolysis and solvolysis—two promising techniques for recycling CFRPs. It delves into the dissolution mechanisms of thermosetting matrices, emphasizing fundamental theoretical concepts, kinetic analysis equations, and the role of modeling through various simulation software. The review also highlights critical kinetic parameters such as activation energy and reaction rate constants, which are instrumental in optimizing these recycling processes. Through an integration of analytical calculations, simulation models, and experimental data from the literature, the review evaluates the efficiency and quality of products derived from pyrolysis and solvolysis. This comprehensive approach underscores the importance of modeling in improving the sustainability of CFRP recy-cling and advancing the development of high-quality, reusable materials.
Highly Active Carbonic Anhydrase of the Thylakoid Lumen of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Terentyev Vasily V. , Trubitsina Liubov I. , Shukshina Anna K. , Trubitsin Ivan V. , Rudenko Natalia N.
Published: December 2024

The green unicellular algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii contains 12–13 carbonic anhydrases (CAs). For a long time, the two closely related α-CAs of the periplasmic membrane CAH1 and CAH2 were considered to be the CAs with the highest CO2 hydration activity. The recombinant protein α-CA CAH3 (rCAH3) from the thylakoid lumen obtained in the present study showed more than three times higher activity compared to CAH1 and more than 11 times higher compared to previous studies with rCAH3. Long-term sustainability of the enzyme was observed at alkaline pH (>8), with maintenance of half of its activity at 4 °C up to 50 days. Thermostability of rCAH3 indicated the retention of the activity at 20 °C for one hour at pH 9–10 with its ~50% decrease at pH 6–7. However, the residual activity of rCAH3 after incubation at extremely high temperature (75 °C) for 15 min led to formation of the double-hump graph with maxima at pH 6 and 9. The enzyme demonstrated high sensitivity to ethoxyzolamide and acetazolamide at nM concentrations, to Zn2+ and Cu2+ cations at 1 mM concentrations, and L-cysteine was able to completely inhibit CA activity of rCAH3 through reduction of sulfhydryl groups. Esterase activity of rCAH3 was well detected with values comparable to those of bovine CAII, but with a maximum at pH 8 instead of pH 9, which is usual for bovine CAII. The results indicated that CAH3 may be the most active CA of C. reinhardtii and that its role in the photosynthetic apparatus function could have been underestimated in previous works.
First Use of UV-Light-Sensitive Biomaterial in Hernia Repair
Authors: Prowans Piotr , Goszczynska Agata , Demirci Gokhan , Czapla Norbert , Bargiel Piotr , Samad Rabi , El Fray Miroslawa
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Surgical mesh is the standard for hernia repair, however, suture fixation can cause chronic pain and tissue irritation. Alternative atraumatic fixations using fibrin or cyanoacrylate glue, have some limitations. This study presents the feasibility of using new, UV-curable biodegradable PhotoBioCure biomaterial for anastomosis of surgical mesh incisions in treating inguinal hernia, concentrating on short- and long-term outcomes.Materials and Methods: Five men (aged 20-40 years) with unilateral inguinal hernias participated in the study. The mesh was fixed with PhotoBioCure biomaterial, which was UV-cured in 3 minutes. Follow-up lasted 24 months, with regular clinical supervision including ultrasonography, thermal imaging, and assessment of VAS, CCS, EuraHS QoL, and SF-36.Results: Using PhotoBioCure reduced surgical time compared to suture fixation. VAS pain scores decreased from 2.6 (± 0.55) on the first day after surgery to 0.8 (± 0.84) after 8 days, with complete pain resolution after 6 weeks. The Carolinas Comfort Scale showed a gradual decline in foreign body sensation, from 54.08% on the first day post-surgery to 30.38% after 6 weeks. No recurrence or complications, like hematomas or infections, occurred over 24 months. Patients reported improved quality of life, with SF-36 questionnaire scores increasing from 77.8 pre-surgery to 92.4 after 24 months.Conclusions: PhotoBioCure is an innovative biomaterial for effective and efficient anastomosis of surgical mesh incisions in inguinal hernia repair, reducing procedure duration and surgical complexity without increasing the risk of post-operative complications.
Studying the Oncolytic Activity of Streptococcus Pyogenes Strains against Hepatoma, Glioma, and Pancreatic Cancer in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Tsapieva Anna N. , Chernov Alexander N. , Duplik Nadezhda V. , Morozova Anastasiya O. , Filatenkova Tatiana А. , Suvorova Mariia A. , Egidarova Elena , Galimova Elvira S. , Bogatireva Kseniya , Suvorov Alexander N.
Published: December 2024

Background: Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality globally. Conventional treatment modalities, includ-ing radiation and chemotherapy, often fall short of achieving complete remission, highlighting the critical need for novel therapeutic strategies. One promising approach involves the oncolytic potential of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) strains for tumor treatment. This study aimed to investigate the oncolytic efficacy of S. pyogenes GUR and its M protein knockout mutant, S. pyogenes strain GURSA1, which has been genetically con-structed to minimize overall toxicity, against mouse hepatoma 22A, pancreatic cancer PANC02, and human glioma U251 cells, both in vitro and in vivo, using the C57BL/6 mouse model.
Methods: The in vitro oncolytic cytotoxic activity of GAS strains was studied against human glioma U251, pancreatic cancer PANC02, murine hepatoma 22a, and normal skin fibroblast cells using the MTT assay and the real-time xCELLigence system. A syngeneic mouse model of hepatoma and pancreatic cancer was used to evaluate the in vivo oncolytic effect of GAS strains. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test with GraphPad Prism software.
Results: The in vitro model showed that the live S. pyogenes GUR strain had a strong cytotoxic effect (67.4±1.9%) against pancreatic cancer PANC02 cells. This strain exhibited moderate (38.0±1.8%) and weak (16.3±5.4%) oncolytic activities against glioma and hepatoma cells, respectively. In contrast, the S. pyogenes GURSA1 strain demonstrated strong (86.5±1.6%) and moderate (36.5±1.8%) oncolytic activities against glioma and hepatoma cells. Additionally, the S. pyogenes GURSA1 strain did not exhibit cytotoxic activity against healthy skin fibroblast cells (cell viability 104.2±1.3%, p=0.2542). We demonstrated that tumor treatment with S. pyogenes GURSA1 significantly increased the lifespan of C57BL/6 mice with hepatoma (34 days, p=0.040) and pancreatic cancer (32 days, p=0.039) relative to the control groups (24 and 28 days, respectively). Increased lifespan was accompanied by a slowdown in tumor progression, as evidenced by a reduction in the growth of hepatoma and pancreatic cancer tumors under treatment with GAS strains in mice
Conclusions: Both S. pyogenes GUR and S. pyogenes GURSA1 strains demonstrated strong oncolytic activity against murine hepatoma 22a, pancreatic cancer PANC02 and human U251 glioma cells in vitro. In contrast, S. pyogenes GUR and GURSA1 didn`t show a toxicity against human normal skin fibroblasts. The overall survival rate and lifespan of mice treated with S. pyogenes GURSA1, a strain lacking the M protein on its surface, were significantly higher compared to the control and S. pyogenes GUR strain groups.
Distributed Consensus Gossip-based Data Fusion for Suppressing Incorrect Sensor Readings in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kenyeres Martin , Kenyeres Jozef , Hassankhani Dolatabadi Sepideh
Published: December 2024

Incorrect sensor readings can cause serious problems in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), potentially disrupting the operation of the entire system. As shown in the literature, they can arise from various reasons; therefore, addressing this issue has been a significant challenge for the scientific community over the past few decades. In this paper, we examine the applicability of five distributed consensus gossip-based algorithms for sensor fusion (namely, the Randomized Gossip algorithm (RG), the Geographic Gossip algorithm (GG), the Broadcast Gossip algorithm (BG), the Push-Sum protocol (PS), and the Push-Pull protocol (PP)) to compensate for incorrect data in WSNs. More specifically, we consider a scenario where the sensor-measured data (measured by a set of independent sensor nodes) are skewed due to Gaussian noise with a various standard deviation, resulting in discrepancies between the measured values and the true value of observed physical quantities. Subsequently, the aforementioned algorithms are employed to mitigate this skewness in order to improve the accuracy of the measured data. In this paper, WSNs are modelled as random geometric graphs (RGGs) with various connectivity, and the performance of the algorithms is evaluated using two metrics (specifically, the mean square error (MSE) and the number of sent messages required for an algorithm to be completed). Based on the presented results, it is identified that all the examined algorithms can significantly suppress incorrect sensor readings, and the best performance is achieved by PS in dense graphs and by GG in sparse graphs. Additionally, the performance of the analyzed distributed consensus gossip algorithms is compared to the best deterministic consensus algorithm applied for the same purpose.