bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zein-Based Nanoparticles as Active Platforms for Sustainable Applications: Recent Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Oleandro Emilia , Stanzione Mariamelia , Buonocore Giovanna Giuliana , Lavorgna Marino
Published: February 2024

Nanomaterials, due to their unique structural and functional features, are widely investigated for potential applications in a wide range of industrial sectors. In this context, protein-based nanoparticles, given proteins’ abundance, non-toxicity, and stability, offer a promising and sustainable methodology for encapsulation and protection, and can be used in engineered nanocarriers that are capable of releasing active compounds on demand. Zein is a plant-based protein extracted from corn, and it is biocompatible, biodegradable, and amphiphilic. Several approaches and technologies are currently involved in zein-based nanoparticle preparation, such as antisolvent precipitation, spray drying, supercritical processes, coacervation, and emulsion procedures. Thanks to their peculiar characteristics, zein-based nanoparticles are widely used as nanocarriers of active compounds in targeted application fields such as drug delivery, bioimaging, or soft tissue engineering, as reported by others. The main goal of this review is to investigate the use of zein-based nanocarriers for different advanced applications including food/food packaging, cosmetics, and agriculture, which are attracting researchers’ efforts, and to exploit the future potential development of zein NPs in the field of cultural heritage, which is still relatively unexplored. Moreover, the presented overview focuses on several preparation methods (i.e., antisolvent processes, spry drying), correlating the different analyzed methodologies to NPs’ structural and functional properties and their capability to act as carriers of bioactive compounds, both to preserve their activity and to tune their release in specific working conditions.
Oral Microbiome Stamp in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Issilbayeva Argul , Kaiyrlykyzy Aiym , Vinogradova Elizaveta , Jarmukhanov Zharkyn , Kozhakhmetov Samat , Kassenova Aliya , Nurgaziyev Madiyar , Mukhanbetzhanov Nurislam , Alzhanova Dinara , Zholdasbekova Gulnaz , Askarova Sholpan , Kushugulova Almagul R.
Published: February 2024

Recent studies have suggested that periodontal disease and alterations in the oral microbiome may be associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) development. Here, we report a case-control study of oral microbiota diversity in AD patients compared to healthy seniors from Central Asia. We have characterized the bacterial taxonomic composition of the oral microbiome from AD patients (n = 64) compared to the healthy group (n = 71) using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. According to our results, the oral microbiome of AD has a higher microbial diversity, with an increase in Firmicutes and a decrease in Bacteroidetes in the AD group. LEfSe analysis showed specific differences at the genus level in both study groups. A region-based analysis of the oral microbiome compartment in AD was also performed, and specific differences were identified, along with the absence of differences in bacterial richness and on the functional side. Noteworthy findings demonstrated the decrease in periodontitis-associated bacteria in the AD group. Distinct differences were revealed in the distribution of metabolic pathways between the two study groups. Our study confirms that the oral microbiome is altered in AD. However, a comprehensive picture of the complete composition of the oral microbiome in patients with AD requires further investigation.
Types and Mechanisms of Efflux Pump Systems and the Potential of Efflux Pump Inhibitors in the Restoration of Antimicrobial Susceptibility, with a Special Reference to Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Zack Kira M. , Sorenson Trent , Joshi Suresh G.
Published: February 2024

Bacteria express a plethora of efflux pumps that can transport structurally varied molecules, including antimicrobial agents and antibiotics, out of cells. Thus, efflux pump systems participate in lowering intracellular concentrations of antibiotics, which allows phenotypic multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria to survive effectively amid higher concentrations of antibiotics. Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the classic examples of pathogens that can carry multiple efflux pump systems, which allows these bacteria to be MDR-to-pan-drug resistant and is now considered a public health threat. Therefore, efflux pumps in A. baumannii have gained major attention worldwide, and there has been increased interest in studying their mechanism of action, substrates, and potential efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs). Efflux pump inhibitors are molecules that can inhibit efflux pumps, rendering pathogens susceptible to antimicrobial agents, and are thus considered potential therapeutic agents for use in conjunction with antibiotics. This review focuses on the types of various efflux pumps detected in A. baumannii, their molecular mechanisms of action, the substrates they transport, and the challenges in developing EPIs that can be clinically useful in reference to A. baumannii.
Prenatal Maternal Immunization for Infant Protection: A Review of the Vaccines Recommended, Infant Immunity and Future Research Directions
Authors: Quincer Elizabeth M. , Cranmer Lisa M. , Kamidani Satoshi
Published: February 2024

Prenatal maternal immunization is an effective tool to protect mothers and infants from poor health outcomes due to infectious diseases. We provide an overview of the rationale for the use of prenatal vaccines, discuss the immunologic environment of the maternal–fetal interface including the impact of maternal vaccines prenatally and subsequently on the infant’s immune response, and review vaccines currently recommended in pregnancy and landscape for the future of maternal vaccination. This review aims to provide an understanding of the recent history and progress made in the field and highlight the importance of continued research and development into new vaccines for pregnant populations.
Transcriptome-Wide Identification and Integrated Analysis of a UGT Gene Involved in Ginsenoside Ro Biosynthesis in Panax ginseng
Authors: Yu Xiaochen , Yu Jinghui , Liu Sizhang , Liu Mingming , Wang Kangyu , Zhao Mingzhu , Wang Yanfang , Chen Ping , Lei Jun , Wang Yi , Zhang Meiping
Published: February 2024

Panax ginseng as a traditional medicinal plant with a long history of medicinal use. Ginsenoside Ro is the only oleanane-type ginsenoside in ginseng, and has various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, detoxification, and antithrombotic activities. UDP-dependent glycosyltransferase (UGT) plays a key role in the synthesis of ginsenoside, and the excavation of UGT genes involved in the biosynthesis of ginsenoside Ro has great significance in enriching ginsenoside genetic resources and further revealing the synthesis mechanism of ginsenoside. In this work, ginsenoside-Ro-synthesis-related genes were mined using the P. ginseng reference-free transcriptome database. Fourteen hub transcripts were identified by differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Phylogenetic and synteny block analyses of PgUGAT252645, a UGT transcript among the hub transcripts, showed that PgUGAT252645 belonged to the UGT73 subfamily and was relatively conserved in ginseng plants. Functional analysis showed that PgUGAT252645 encodes a glucuronosyltransferase that catalyzes the glucuronide modification of the C3 position of oleanolic acid using uridine diphosphate glucuronide as the substrate. Furthermore, the mutation at 622 bp of its open reading frame resulted in amino acid substitutions that may significantly affect the catalytic activity of the enzyme, and, as a consequence, affect the biosynthesis of ginsenoside Ro. Results of the in vitro enzyme activity assay of the heterologous expression product in E. coli of PgUGAT252645 verified the above analyses. The function of PgUGAT252645 was further verified by the result that its overexpression in ginseng adventitious roots significantly increased the content of ginsenoside Ro. The present work identified a new UGT gene involved in the biosynthesis of ginsenoside Ro, which not only enriches the functional genes in the ginsenoside synthesis pathway, but also provides the technical basis and theoretical basis for the in-depth excavation of ginsenoside-synthesis-related genes.
Dysfunction of Chloroplast Protease Activity Mitigates pgr5 Phenotype in the Green Algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Ozawa Shin-Ichiro , Zhang Guoxian , Sakamoto Wataru
Published: February 2024

Researchers have described protection mechanisms against the photoinhibition of photosystems under strong-light stress. Cyclic Electron Flow (CEF) mitigates electron acceptor-side limitation, and thus contributes to Photosystem I (PSI) protection. Chloroplast protease removes damaged protein to assist with protein turn over, which contributes to the quality control of Photosystem II (PSII). The PGR5 protein is involved in PGR5-dependent CEF. The FTSH protein is a chloroplast protease which effectively degrades the damaged PSII reaction center subunit, D1 protein. To investigate how the PSI photoinhibition phenotype in pgr5 would be affected by adding the ftsh mutation, we generated double-mutant pgr5ftsh via crossing, and its phenotype was characterized in the green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The cells underwent high-light incubation as well as low-light incubation after high-light incubation. The time course of Fv/Fm values in pgr5ftsh showed the same phenotype with ftsh1-1. The amplitude of light-induced P700 photo-oxidation absorbance change was measured. The amplitude was maintained at a low value in the control and pgr5ftsh during high-light incubation, but was continuously decreased in pgr5. During the low-light incubation after high-light incubation, amplitude was more rapidly recovered in pgr5ftsh than pgr5. We concluded that the PSI photoinhibition by the pgr5 mutation is mitigated by an additional ftsh1-1 mutation, in which plastoquinone pool would be less reduced due to damaged PSII accumulation.
How Effective Is Environmental Protection for Ensuring the Vitality of Wild Orchid Species? A Case Study of a Protected Area in Italy
Authors: Scramoncin Lisa , Gerdol Renato , Brancaleoni Lisa
Published: February 2024

Orchids are among the plants most threatened by anthropic impact and environmental changes. Therefore, all known orchid species are protected in several countries by regional, national and international legislation. Several studies have cast doubts on the effectiveness of legislation to ensure the protection of wild orchids. We assessed the vitality of four orchid populations in a coastal area in Northern Italy, by monitoring the vegetative and reproductive traits of the orchid populations growing both in the protected sites comprising the Natura 2000 network, and in non-protected sites. We also monitored the level of environmental threat to orchid vitality. The early-flowering deceptive species (Ophrys sphegodes and Anacamptis morio) exhibited high vegetative vitality and experienced similar levels of environmental threat in the protected and non-protected areas. However, their reproductive success was strongly jeopardized, probably by a failed pollination that impeded the fruit set. The late-flowering, partially or totally rewarding species (Anacamptis pyramidalis and Anacamptis coriophora) were more strongly impacted by spring mowing and ungulate herbivory and alien species. Only for A. coriophora were the herbivory and alien species invasions lower at the protected vs. non-protected sites, which ensured a higher population vitality at the protected sites. We conclude that the environmental protection in our study area is ineffective for preserving orchids without targeted actions against specific environmental threats.
The Roles of Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR)-Based Biostimulants for Agricultural Production Systems
Authors: Sun Wenli , Shahrajabian Mohamad Hesam , Soleymani Ali
Published: February 2024

The application of biostimulants has been proven to be an advantageous tool and an appropriate form of management towards the effective use of natural resources, food security, and the beneficial effects on plant growth and yield. Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are microbes connected with plant roots that can increase plant growth by different methods such as producing plant hormones and molecules to improve plant growth or providing increased mineral nutrition. They can colonize all ecological niches of roots to all stages of crop development, and they can affect plant growth and development directly by modulating plant hormone levels and enhancing nutrient acquisition such as of potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen, and essential minerals, or indirectly via reducing the inhibitory impacts of different pathogens in the forms of biocontrol parameters. Many plant-associated species such as Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Streptomyces, Serratia, Arthrobacter, and Rhodococcus can increase plant growth by improving plant disease resistance, synthesizing growth-stimulating plant hormones, and suppressing pathogenic microorganisms. The application of biostimulants is both an environmentally friendly practice and a promising method that can enhance the sustainability of horticultural and agricultural production systems as well as promote the quantity and quality of foods. They can also reduce the global dependence on hazardous agricultural chemicals. Science Direct, Google Scholar, Springer Link, CAB Direct, Scopus, Springer Link, Taylor and Francis, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library were checked, and the search was conducted on all manuscript sections in accordance with the terms Acinetobacter, Arthrobacter, Enterobacter, Ochrobactrum, Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, Serratia, Streptomyces, Biostimulants, Plant growth promoting rhizobactera, and Stenotrophomonas. The aim of this manuscript is to survey the effects of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria by presenting case studies and successful paradigms in various agricultural and horticultural crops.
Interaction of Biochar Addition and Nitrogen Fertilizers on Wheat Production and Nutrient Status in Soil Profiles
Authors: Liu Jiale , Chen Zirui , Wu Si , Sun Haijun , Xing Jincheng , Zhang Zhenhua
Published: February 2024

To investigate the responses of crop production and soil profile nutrient status to biochar (BC) application, we conducted a soil column experiment considering two BC addition rates (0.5 and 1.5 wt% of the weight of 0–20 cm topsoil) combined with two nitrogen (N) input levels (low N: 144 kg ha−1, LN; high N: 240 kg ha−1, HN). The results showed that BC application increased the soil pH. The soil pH of the 0–10 cm profile under LN and the 20–40 cm profile under HN were both significantly increased by 0.1–0.2 units after BC addition. Under LN, BC addition significantly increased NH4+-N (17.8–46.9%), total N (15.4–38.4%), and soil organic carbon (19.9–24.0%) in the 0–10 cm profile, but decreased NH4+-N in the 20–30 cm soil profile and NO3−-N in the 10–30 cm profile by 13.8–28.5% and 13.0–34.9%, respectively. BC had an increasing effect on the available phosphorus, the contents of which in the 10–20 and 30–40 cm soil profiles under LN and 20–30 cm profile under HN were significantly elevated by 14.1%, 24.0%, and 23.27%, respectively. However, BC exerted no effect on the available potassium in the soil profile. BC had a strong improving effect (15.3%) on the wheat yield, especially the N144 + BC0.5% treatment, which could be compared to the HN treatment, but there was no yield-increasing effect when high N fertilizer was supplied. In summary, BC improved the fertility of agriculture soil (0–20 cm) with wheat. In particular, low N inputs together with an appropriate rate of BC (0.5 wt%) could not only achieve the low inputs but also the high outputs in wheat production. In future study, we will compare the effects of multiple doses of N and BC on soil fertility and crop production.
Therapeutic Application of Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook for Retinopathy Caused by Ultraviolet Radiation and Chemotherapy Using ARPE-19 Cells and Mouse Retina
Authors: Cheng Chi-Feng , Wang Sheue-Er , Lu Chen-Wen , Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan , Shen Szu-Chuan , Lien Chia-Ying , Chuang Wu-Chang , Lee Ming-Chung , Wu Chung-Hsin
Published: February 2024

Retinopathy caused by ultraviolet radiation and cancer chemotherapy has increased dramatically in humans due to rapid environmental and social changes. Therefore, it is very important to develop therapeutic strategies to effectively alleviate retinopathy. In China, people often choose dendrobium to improve their eyesight. In this study, we explored how Dendrobium fimbriatum extract (DFE) protects ARPE-19 cells and mouse retinal tissue from damage of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and chemotherapy. We evaluated the antioxidant capacity of DFE using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitophenylhydrazine (DPPH) assay. The protective effects of DEF from UV- and oxaliplatin (OXA)-induced damage were examined in ARPE-19 cells using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and immunofluorescence (IF) stains, and in mouse retinal tissue using immunohistochemistry (IHC) stains. Our results show that DFE has excellent antioxidant capacity. The ARPE-19 cell viability was decreased and the F-actin cytoskeleton structure was damaged by UV radiation and OXA chemotherapy, but both were alleviated after the DFE treatment. Furthermore, DFE treatment can alleviate OXA chemotherapy-induced reduced expressions of rhodopsin and SOD2 and increased expressions of TNF-α and caspase 3 in mouse retinal tissue. Thus, we suggest that DFE can act as suitable treatment for retinopathy through reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.
Evaluating Generalization, Bias, and Fairness in Deep Learning for Metal Surface Defect Detection: A Comparative Study
Authors: Rattanaphan Singharat , Briassouli Alexia
Published: February 2024

In recent years, deep learning models have led to improved accuracy in industrial defect detection, often using variants of YOLO (You Only Look Once), due to its high performance at a low cost. However, the generalizability, fairness and bias of their outcomes have not been examined, which may lead to overconfident predictions. Additionally, the complexity added by co-occurring defects, single and multi-class defects, and the effect on training, is not taken into consideration. This study addresses these critical gaps by introducing new methodologies for analyzing dataset complexity and evaluating model fairness. It introduces the novel approach of co-occurrence impact analysis, examining how the co-occurrence of defects in sample images affects performance, and introducing new dimensions to dataset preparation and training. Its aim is to increase model robustness in the face of real-world scenarios where multiple defects often appear together. Our study also innovates in the evaluation of model fairness by adapting the disparate impact ratio (DIR) to consider the true positive rate (TPR) across different groups and modifying the predictive parity difference (PPD) metric to focus on biases present in industrial quality control. Experiments demonstrate by cross-validation that the model trained on combined datasets significantly outperforms others in accuracy without overfitting and results in increased fairness, as validated by our novel fairness metrics. Explainability also provides valuable insights on the effects of different training regimes, notably absent in prior works. This work not only advances the field of deep learning for defect detection but also provides a strategic framework for future advancements, emphasizing the need for balanced datasets and considerations of ethics, fairness, bias and generalizability in the deployment of artificial intelligence in industry.
The Impact of Changing Collaborative Workplace Parameters on Assembly Operation Efficiency
Authors: Kovič Klemen , Javernik Aljaž , Ojsteršek Robert , Palčič Iztok
Published: February 2024

Human–robot collaborative systems bring several benefits in using human and robot capabilities simultaneously. One of the critical questions is the impact of these systems on production process efficiency. The search for high-level efficiency is severely dependent on collaborative robot characteristics and motion parameters, and the ability of humans to adjust to changing circumstances. Therefore, our research analyzes the effect of the changing collaborative robot motion parameters, acoustic parameters and visual factors in a specific assembly operation, where efficiency is measured through operation times. To conduct our study, we designed a digital twin-based model and a laboratory environment experiment in the form of a collaborative workplace. The results show that changing the motion, acoustic and visual parameters of the collaborative workplace impact the assembly process efficiency significantly.
Connected Art Practice: Transformative Learning Environments for Transdisciplinary Competences
Authors: Norton Dan , Norton Frances-Ann , Veciana Stella
Published: February 2024

This article explores the implementation of Connected Art Practice in diverse learning environments, serving as an immersive entry point for students and researchers to develop collaborative transdisciplinary skills. This innovative approach integrates audio, educational, and sustainability research, employing sound-interaction methods applied to tangible objects. Participants engage in exploring the interplay between objects representing interests or values, fostering the creation of a visual and linguistic network of interconnectedness. Inspired by artistic research, particularly Dérive, the practice provides experiences of connectedness to others and the environment, intertwined with reflections and discussions that foster a community of inquiry. This community collaboratively designs shared practices or projects, encouraging a holistic approach to transformative learning, addressing heterogeneity, complexity, authenticity, critical awareness, and emotional connectedness. All three case studies utilized qualitative analysis in artistic and academic settings. Datasets were collected in case study two from group discussion, participant observation, press releases and documentary photographs. In case studies one and three, audio–visual recordings, participant observation, field notes, and photo-documentation were collected. This study demonstrates that “Connected Art Practice” enhances competences in artistic expression, communication, and collaboration across disciplinary, social, and cultural boundaries. Specifically, it contributes to creative reinvention, personal sharing, self-reflection, and the capacity to co-design diverse projects. The paper concludes by discussing findings and pointing out the essential qualities of Connected Art, providing insights and resources for educational and research institutions seeking to foster transdisciplinary engagement and transformative learning in their curricular activities.
A Detailed Exploration of the Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment Procedure with Center-Specific Advancements
Authors: Domínguez-Moreno Marta , Chimenea Ángel , Viegas-González María Remedios , Morales-Muñoz Clara , García-Díaz Lutgardo , Antiñolo Guillermo
Published: February 2024

The Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) procedure has long been an invaluable tool in managing complex fetal conditions requiring airway interventions during the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life. This technical note offers an in-depth examination of the EXIT procedure, emphasizing the refinements and innovations introduced at our center. The technique focuses on meticulous preoperative assessment and uses distinctive techniques and anesthetic methodologies. A multidisciplinary team assembles to plan the EXIT procedure, emphasizing patient communication and risk discussion. Our technique involves atraumatic access to the uterine cavity, achieved through the application of a uterine progressive distractor developed for this purpose. Following the use of this distractor, vascular clamps and a stapling device (Premium Poly Cs-57 Autosuture®, Medtronic) are employed. Our anesthetic approach employs general anesthesia with epidural catheter placement. Maternal operation involves low transverse laparotomy and intraoperative ultrasonography-guided hysterotomy. Fetal exposure includes gentle extraction or external version, ensuring airway access. After securing fetal airway access, umbilical cord clamping and maternal abdominal closure conclude the procedure. By revisiting the core principles of EXIT and incorporating center-specific advancements, we enhance our understanding and technical expertise. To our knowledge, this is the first time a detailed description of the technique has been published.
A Synergetic Effect of the Integration of Lean, Sustainable Construction Practices and Alliance Contract on Operation Performance in the Indian Construction Industry
Authors: Thaloor Ramesh Praveenkumar , Nattanmai Swaminathan Elangovan
Published: February 2024

By pioneering a comprehensive analysis of lean integration within the construction sector, this research provides novel insights into optimizing project outcomes. The construction industry is generally known for its frequent deadline slip-ups, budget overruns, and issues with upholding proper quality. It is usual practice to integrate different management techniques which are successful in the production industry in order to avoid such issues. Several researchers adopted sustainable construction management, lean management and alliance contract practices individually on construction sites to improve the profit, productivity, quality and transparency of the project. In this study, the synergetic integration of sustainable construction management, lean management and alliance contract practices have been studied. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 345 practitioners, resulting in 309 responses after screening. These respondents, comprising various roles in the AEC sector, provided insights into their experience, project involvement, and business sectors. The study identified 23 factors associated with lean practices, sustainable construction, and alliance contracts, examining their relationships and benefits through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results demonstrate significant effects of lean practice, sustainable construction, and alliance contract factors on the benefits derived from their integration. Measures of reliability and validity affirm the robustness of these relationships. The discussion underscores the benefits of integration, including enhanced efficiency, reduced environmental impact, improved collaboration, shared risk and reward, superior project outcomes, and competitive advantage. Overall, this research elucidates the potential advantages of integrating these methodologies within construction projects.
Dual-Energy CT in Oncologic Imaging
Authors: Foti Giovanni , Ascenti Giorgio , Agostini Andrea , Longo Chiara , Lombardo Fabio , Inno Alessandro , Modena Alessandra , Gori Stefania
Published: February 2024

Dual-energy CT (DECT) is an innovative technology that is increasingly widespread in clinical practice. DECT allows for tissue characterization beyond that of conventional CT as imaging is performed using different energy spectra that can help differentiate tissues based on their specific attenuation properties at different X-ray energies. The most employed post-processing applications of DECT include virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs), iodine density maps, virtual non-contrast images (VNC), and virtual non-calcium (VNCa) for bone marrow edema (BME) detection. The diverse array of images obtained through DECT acquisitions offers numerous benefits, including enhanced lesion detection and characterization, precise determination of material composition, decreased iodine dose, and reduced artifacts. These versatile applications play an increasingly significant role in tumor assessment and oncologic imaging, encompassing the diagnosis of primary tumors, local and metastatic staging, post-therapy evaluation, and complication management. This article provides a comprehensive review of the principal applications and post-processing techniques of DECT, with a specific focus on its utility in managing oncologic patients.
Ecology and Infection Status of Sand Flies in Rural and Urban Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Endemic Areas in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Jemberie Wondmeneh , Animut Abebe , Dugassa Sisay , Gebresilassie Araya , Melkamu Roma , Aklilu Esayas , Aemero Mulugeta , van Griensven Johan , Pareyn Myrthe
Published: February 2024

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania aethiopica is transmitted by Phlebotomus longipes in northern Ethiopia. No studies have been conducted to investigate the transmission dynamics of CL, despite its high endemicity in both rural and urban settings. Evidence on the ecology and behavior of the vector from this area are required to develop integrated disease control strategies. Sand flies were collected in the dry and wet seasons in 2021 in CL-endemic rural Gindmeteaye and urban Addis-Alem in northwest Ethiopia. Trapping was performed with sticky and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps in three habitats, including inside patients’ houses, peridomestic areasand in caves/rocky areas. Sand flies were morphologically identified to species level. Female Phlebotomus species were categorized according to blood feeding status and tested by spliced-leader (SL-) ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to screen for Leishmania infection. Of 1161 sand flies, the majority (77%) were P. longipes, six (0.5%) were P. orientalis and the remaining were Sergentomyia. The abundance of the 430 female P. longipes was significantly linked to seasonality (p < 0.001), with the majority in the dry season occurring in the outdoor rocky (37%) and peridomestic (34%) sites, while, in the wet season, most (62%) were captured indoors. This seasonality was more pronounced in rural Gindmeteaye, where housing construction is poor. The number of blood-fed and gravid P. longipes was significantly higher in the wet (31%; 22%), compared to the dry season (13%; 8%), and their proportion was highest indoors. Eighteen (4%) female P. longipes were Leishmania positive, with highest infection prevalence in caves (7% compared to 3% indoors, p = 0.022), and in the dry season (6%, p < 0.001). Phlebotomus orientalis specimens were all captured in May in rural Gindmeteaye, five indoors and one in a peridomestic site. Further research should be conducted to investigate the absolute contribution of humans and indoor transmission to the transmission cycle of CL. Inhabitants of endemic villages should be made aware that evening outdoor activities near caves may increase their exposure to infectious sand flies. Whether P. orientalis can breed and become infected at high altitudes should be further studied.
Calcium Chloride Treatment Enhances Antigen Production in Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccines for Serotypes SAT1 and SAT3
Authors: Kim Dohyun , Park Sun Young , Lee Gyeongmin , Kim Eun-Sol , Jin Jong-Sook , Kim Jae Young , Lee SooAh , Park Jong-Hyeon , Ko Young-Joon
Published: February 2024

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral infection causing acute and severe vesicular lesions in cattle and pigs, which has prompted global vaccination policies. This study presents a technique for enhancing antigen yield in SAT1 BOT and SAT3 ZIM by treatment with calcium chloride (CaCl2). We tested changes in cell viability in BHK-21 suspension cells treated with varying concentrations of CaCl2. The optimal CaCl2 concentration was determined based on antigen yield. The timing of CaCl2 supplementation relative to FMD virus inoculation was tested. Finally, the optimal medium for antigen production was identified. We observed a concentration-dependent decrease in BHK-21 cell viability at >7.5 mM CaCl2. A CaCl2 concentration of 3 mM yielded the most antigens. CaCl2 supplementation relative to FMD virus infection was optimal 2 h before or with viral inoculation. CD-BHK 21 medium supplemented with CaCl2 was the most productive medium. Specifically, SAT1 BOT and SAT3 ZIM showed improved antigen production in CD-BHK 21 medium with 3 mM CaCl2, while Provero-1 and Cellvento BHK-200 media showed no significant enhancement. Overall, CaCl2 supplementation enhanced FMD antigen productivity. This study provides a useful framework for enhancing antigen production efficiently in the FMD vaccine industry.
Low Temperature Interface Modification: Electrochemical Dissolution Mechanism of Typical Iron and Nickel Base Alloys
Authors: Lu Jiangwei , Xu Zhengyang , Geng Tianyu
Published: February 2024

Due to its unique advantages, electrochemical machining (ECM) is playing an increasingly significant role in the manufacture of difficult-to-machine materials. Most of the current ECM research is conducted at room temperature, with studies on ECM in a cryogenic environment not having been reported to date. This study is focused on the electrochemical dissolution characteristics of typical iron and nickel base alloys in NaNO3 solution at low temperature (−10°C). The polarization behaviors and passive film properties were studied by various electrochemical test methods. The results indicated that a higher voltage is required for decomposition and more pronounced pitting of their structures occurs in the passive zone in a cryogenic environment. A more in-depth study of the composition and structure of the passive films by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the passive films of the alloys are modified at low temperature, and their capacitance characteristics are more prominent, which makes corrosion of the alloys more likely to occur uniformly. These modified passive films have a huge impact on the surface morphologies of the alloys, with non-uniform corrosion suppressed and an improvement in their surface finish, indicating that lowering the temperature improves the localization of ECM. Together with the cryogenic impact of electron energy state compression, the accuracy of ECM can be further improved.
Study of the Vibration Characteristics of Rotating Shafts using Experimental and Finite Element Techniques
Authors:   University of Basrah, M. Hassan Luay , Khalaf Ali Jaafar ,   University of Basrah
Published: February 2024

The rotor unbalances and misalignment in rotary machines are two major sources of vibration. rotor unbalance and misalignment is omnipresent in all rotating machinery widely used in many industrial applications, posing a serious threat to machine life and operation. The present work is an attempt to investigate the vibration characteristics (Amplitude, FFT, and time waveform) of a rotating mechanical system, which has an unbalanced rotor and misalignment. Vibration signals are acquired using an accelerometer mounted on the bearing housing nearer to the rotor. The FFT analysis of the acquired data revealed the response of an unbalanced rotor under operating conditions. Numerical analysis of the system using ANSYS portrayed the modal frequencies and mode shapes. Transient Structural analysis illustrates the response of the system to different mass unbalances. The results revealed that the magnitude of vibration characteristics significantly increases with excitation frequency and exciting force.
Improvement of Wastewater Treatment Using Lagoons Technology
Authors:   University of Basrah, Mohamad Awad Ameera , T. Ibrahim Husham ,   University of Basrah, H. Al-Aboodi Ali ,   University of Basrah
Published: February 2024

Wastewater lagoons have proven to be an economically and environmentally beneficial alternative to traditional methods for treating sewage because of their unique properties, which include simplicity of use and inexpensive construction, energy, and maintenance costs. It is a natural wastewater treatment process that exploits the interactions between bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms and their surroundings to remove pathogens, organic matter, suspended particles, phosphates, ammonia, and nitrates. Stabilization lagoons are widely used throughout the world as they have proved to be a perfectly acceptable and satisfactory treatment system, the effluents produced in tertiary lagoons have been used for irrigation and aquaculture in many countries, indicating the high quality achieved during treatment in these units. This aim of this research is to overview the literature on lagoons' classification, design, and historical development. It also includes a set of relevant pilot and laboratory-scale experiments. As well as a comprehensive review of factors affecting lagoon performance, including sun's light, DO, pH, temperature, and nutrients. The relationship between these factors and their use in efficient contaminant removal is also discussed.
Automatic Feature Extraction Based on Envelope Analysis and its Application in Rolling-Element Bearing Fault Detection
Authors:   University of Basrah, Suhail Najim Haider
Published: February 2024

Bearing fault diagnosis is essential for the maintenance, durability, and reliability of rotating machines. It can minimize economic losses by removing unplanned downtime in the industry due to the failure of rotary machines. In bearing fault detection, developing fault features extraction techniques that can successfully applicable for various fault severity and different operating conditions is still a critical issue. In the current work, the feature extraction technique is a combination between pre-processing algorithms and envelope analysis method. In the pre-processing stage, the autoregressive (AR) model is used to filter the original signal and remove the deterministic vibration sources, as well as maintain the signal representing the condition of the bearing without contaminating noises. Then, the most suitable frequency band is selected based on the spectral kurtosis (SK) analysis. This band contains the signature frequencies of the roller bearing. After that, envelope analysis is employed for detecting faults at different severity. Finally, the features represented the peaks at fundamental fault frequencies are automatically selected from the envelope spectrum. By analyzing all diagnoses results, it is found that the presented method effectively extracts the features at calculated resonance bearing frequencies and proves the significance of the enhancements in a pre-filtering stage in the overall detection performance. Also, it can benefit from these features in the fault classification fields at different speeds because it is independent of speed variation.
Experimental Study of the Effect of Wire Electrical Discharge Machining on Crack tip Opening Displacement for Compact Tension Specimens of Low Carbon Steel
Authors:   University of Basrah, A. Khudair Sara , H. Taha Atheed ,   University of Basrah, A. Nassar Ameen ,   University of Basrah
Published: February 2024

Fracture mechanics approach is important for all mechanical and civil projects that might involve cracks in metallic materials the purpose of this paper is to determine a crack tip opening displacement fracture toughness experimentally, also study the effect of thickness on CTOD fracture toughness of low carbon steel and study the effect of Wire Electrical Discharge Machine (WEDM) to have a pre-crack, instead of fatigue pre-crack by using a CT specimen of low carbon steel with a thickness of (8,10, and15 mm), a width of 30mm, crack length of 15mm, and pre-crack of 1.3mm for all samples, this dimension according to ASTM-E399-13, by pulling the specimen in a 100 KN universal testing machine at a slow speed rate of 0.5 mm/min, the load applied on the specimen is generally a tension load. The crack tip plastically deforms until a critical point PC at this moment a crack is initiated. The computer-controlled universal testing machine gives the value of the load and the displacement transducer gives a crack mouth opening displacement. Critical crack tip opening displacement CTOD is found with the plastic hinge model (PHM) method. The result showed the stress intensity factor KI increases with increased loading in the elastic region and the thickness effect refers to the effect of the plastic zone at the crack tip on the stress intensity factor, In a thin specimen, a plastic zone is large at the fracture tip leads to a high-stress intensity factor at the fracture tip but in the thick specimen, on the other hand, has a small a plastic zone and a low-stress intensity factor around the crack tip. The fracture toughness is found to increase with an increase in the thickness of specimens.
A lealdade policial-militar: uma reflexão a partir de Alfonso López Quintas
Authors: Beckert Rodrigo Giovani , De Lima Marcelo Vieira
Published: February 2024

Este artigo discute, para além da legislação castrense, com foco na filosofia da educação de Alfonso López Quintás, a importância e a forma de se conhecer o valor da lealdade, sobretudo no que se refere à atuação do policial militar inserido na sociedade. Os aspectos legais, éticos e morais fazem parte do estudo que culmina com as reflexões filosóficas de Quintás sobre o conhecimento dos valores e adaptando seus ensinamentos para a seara da segurança pública, tem-se a maneira como o militar estadual deve progredir para alcançar aquela virtude.
The Phenomenological Study on Job Performance of Specialized Vocational High School Principals
Authors:   Korean Technology Education Association, Lee Myung-Hun
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to analysis job performance of specialized vocational high school principals using phenomenological research method. The interview for the research was carried out with 12 specialized vocational high school principals from November 29 to December 30, 2021.
According to the result of the research, 27 themes were extracted from interviews with 12 research participants. And 10 theme clusters were categorized from these.
Based on the finding of the study, major conclusions of this study were as follow:First, specialized vocational high school principals have following attitude for job. ‘to make a commitment to revive vocational education’, ‘to listen intently, to empathize, to feel empathy’, ‘to lower authority and power’, ‘to consider others’, ‘to lead to cooperation’, ‘to suggest right direction and vision’, ‘to consider students first’, ‘to decide reasonably’.
Second, they experience following difficulties when processing job performance. ‘to boost morale’, ‘to encourage teachers’, ‘to mediate generational conflict between teachers’, ‘to execute budget’, ‘to promote various business’.
Third, in order for them to perform job, they need following supports. ‘to complement job training program’, ‘to expand autonomy of specialized vocational high school principal’, ‘to provide institutional support’.
A Study on Perceptions of Vocational High School Restructuring
Authors:   Korean Technology Education Association, Park Jarim
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to derive policy implications by examining the perceptions of managers in national vocational high schools(VHS) for school restructuring. To achieve these objectives, strategic directions and tasks to reorganize the system of VHS were derived from previous research and policy reports. Validity was inspected through reviews of experts and practitioners. Then, a survey was conducted by 45 managers of nation-wide VHS. The survey consists of the strategic directions and tasks for school system restructuring. Collected data were analyzed by following methods: Borich s needs analysis, and IPA matrix. The results through this study were as follows. First, the strategic directions for system restructuring should strengthen distinct identity of VHS, which can be achieved by eliminating stigma of VHS and by establishing an industry-academic cooperation system. Second, the strategic tasks for system restructuring are developing a credit-based and self-directed curriculum. Specifically, they can be achieved by adopting courses in new technology, providing personalized learning for the students, and forming an environment that protects learner’s autonomy. In summary, the directions that VHS should aim for is to establish a differentiation strategy suitable for each unit of VHS; this can be implemented with following stages: designing, implementing and evaluating the innovative and personalized curriculum. The implications derived from this study are as follows. First, follow-up studies are required because national VHS differs between the policies and regulations of the Office of Education in each province. Second, modeling research on the school restructuring should be conducted since systematic innovation is required in constantly changing environment. Third, it is necessary to establish a cooperative system between VHS, industry, and university for the VHS credit-based curriculum.
A Study on the Changes of Primary and Secondary Invention Education Policy in Korea
Authors:   Korean Technology Education Association, Moon Daeyoung
Published: February 2024

This study was conducted to explore the changes of primary and secondary invention education policy in Korea based on the recognition of the invention teachers. To achieve the purpose of this study, 40 major policies of elementary and secondary invention education in Korea were derived and questionnaires were constructed. Invention teachers with more than 10 years of invention education experience were surveyed. The main results of this study are as follows:First, the inflection point of the Korean elementary and secondary invention education policy recognized by the invention teachers is three policies: 1) the establishment of the invention work classroom (invention education center) in 1995, 2) the reflection of invention education in the regular school curriculum in 2007, and 3) the invention education law (the Act on the Activation and Support of Invention Education) in 2017.
Second, the above three policies can be divided into four periods of elementary and secondary invention education policy in Korea: 1) Introduction period (1973∼1994), 2) Growth period (1995∼2006), 3) Diffusion period (2007∼2016), and 4) Maturity period (2017∼).
Estimasi Angkutan Sedimen Total pada Sungai Indulung Kota Tarakan
Authors: Asta Asta , Noni Sepliana Fransisca
Published: February 2024

As the population increases, the water demand is also increasing. The river flow is the dominant water source to fulfill the needs of human life, so the river should always be kept sustainable, the way to keep is by trying the cross-sectional capacity of the river stable from sediment deposits. Indulung River is one of the rivers in Tarakan City which is experiencing siltation due to sedimentation. Total sediment analysis was conducted to obtain the value of sediment transport and to obtain a method that can be used as a benchmark in determining the total sediment discharge in the Indulung River, using the Yang method and Bagnold method. From the research results, the average sediment discharge using the Yang method is 4.34 tons/year and Bagnold's method is 2.01 tons/year. Based on the recapitulation, which produces the largest value is the Yang method, with a value of 4.34 tons/year, the Yang method is used as a benchmark for other sediment transport methods.