bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution Characteristics and Ecological Risk Assessment of Organophosphate Esters in Surface Soils of China
Authors: Zhou Guorui , Zhang Yizhang , Wang Ziye , Li Mingrui , Li Haiming , Shen Chen
Published: September 2024

The chemical flame retardants represented by organophosphate esters (OPEs) are widely used and have a serious impact on the environment. In this study, we collected data on the exposure levels of ten OPEs in Chinese soils in recent years and performed an ecological risk assessment. The results showed that the levels of OPEs varied considerably throughout different regions of China, with high exposure levels in highly urbanized or industrialized areas such as Guangdong Province and Northeast China, where the mean value was >200 ng/g. The content of OPEs in the soil in industrial and commercial areas was significantly higher than in other regions, indicating that the concentration of OPEs in the soil is closely related to local economic development and the degree of industrialization. Meanwhile, the number of studies reporting on OPEs and their exposure concentrations have increased significantly since 2018. Through the ecological risk assessment, it was found that TCP, EHDPP and TEHP pose high ecological risks. Although some OPEs, such as TCIPP, have low ecological risk levels overall, their high exposure concentrations are still worthy of attention. This study details the general status of OPE contamination in Chinese soils, which can serve as a reference for ecological environmental supervision.
Effect of Temperature, Relative Humidity, and Incubation Time on the Mycotoxin Production by Fusarium spp. Responsible for Dry Rot in Potato Tubers
Authors: Gutiérrez-Pozo Maria , Verheecke-Vaessen Carol , Kourmpetli Sofia , Terry Leon A. , Medina Angel
Published: September 2024

Potato is the fourth most consumed crop in the world. More than half of the crop is stored for three to nine months at cold temperatures (3–10 °C) for the fresh and seed market. One of the main causes of fresh potato waste in the retail supply chain is the processing of fungal and bacterial rots during storage. Dry rot is a fungal disease that mainly affects the potato crop during storage and is responsible for 1% of tuber losses in the UK. It is produced by Fusarium spp., such as Fusarium sambucinum and F. oxysporum, which can lead to the accumulation of mycotoxins in the potato tuber. Little is known about the impact of environmental factors on the accumulation of mycotoxins in potato tubers. Understanding the ecophysiology of these fungi is key to mitigating their occurrence under commercial storage conditions. Therefore, this work aimed to elucidate the effect of three different temperatures (5, 10, and 15 °C) and two different water activities (aw; 0.97, 0.99) on the ecophysiology and mycotoxin accumulation of F. sambucinum and F. oxysporum in a potato-based semi-synthetic medium. The mycotoxin accumulation was then studied in vivo, in potato tubers cultivated under organic farming conditions, stored for 40 days at 8.5 °C. Results showed that higher temperatures and aw enhanced fungal growth, lag time, and mycotoxin accumulation in vitro. Growth rate was 2 and 3.6 times higher when the temperature increased from 5 to 10 and 15 °C, respectively. Six different mycotoxins (T-2, HT-2, diacetoxyscirpenol, 15-acetoxyscirpenol, neosolaniol, and beauvericin) were detected in vitro and in vivo. T-2 was the most abundant mycotoxin detected in vitro, observing 106 ng of T-2/g media after 21 days of incubation at 10 °C and 0.99 aw. Due to the long period of time that potato tubers spend in storage, the fluctuations of environmental factors, such as temperature and relative humidity, could promote the development of fungal rot, as well as mycotoxin accumulation. This could result in important food and economic losses for the potato market and a threat to food safety.
Geospatial Analysis of Abiotic and Biotic Conditions Associated with Leptospirosis in the Klaten Regency, Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Sutiningsih Dwi , Sari Dewi Puspito , Permatasari Cintya Dipta , Azzahra Nur Azizah , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J. , Yuliawati Sri , Maharani Nine Elissa
Published: September 2024

The Klaten Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia, is a leptospirosis endemic area. The purpose of this study is to spatially describe the abiotic and biotic environmental factors that contributed to the incidence of leptospirosis in the Klaten Regency in 2018. This was a descriptive observational with a cross-sectional approach conducted in the Klaten Regency, Central Java, in 2019 with 59 respondents. The results revealed that the percentage of abiotic environmental factors such as poor waste disposal facilities, poor gutter conditions, rivers < 200 m, and flooding history, namely 35.6%, 41.2%, 54.2%, and 6.8%, respectively. The highest leptospirosis cases occurred in April 2018, with 325 mm of rainfall, an average temperature of 27 °C, an average humidity of 82.3%, and an altitude of 100–200 MASL (79.7%). Meanwhile, biotic factors included rat nest existence (100%), having pets at risk (32.2%), and ≥three types of vegetation (79.7%). The main result confirmed that all leptospirosis cases had rat nests throughout the respondent’s house. This finding emphasizes the importance of rat pest control programs by establishing cross-sectoral collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and educating the public to also play a role in environmental cleanliness in controlling rats.
On the Euler–Type Gravitomagnetic Orbital Effects in the Field of a Precessing Body
Authors: Iorio Lorenzo
Published: September 2024

To the first post–Newtonian order, the gravitational action of mass–energy currents is encoded by the off–diagonal gravitomagnetic components of the spacetime metric tensor. If they are time–dependent, a further acceleration enters the equations of motion of a moving test particle. Let the source of the gravitational field be an isolated, massive body rigidly rotating whose spin angular momentum experiences a slow precessional motion. The impact of the aforementioned acceleration on the orbital motion of a test particle is analytically worked out in full generality. The resulting averaged rates of change are valid for any orbital configuration of the satellite; furthermore, they hold for an arbitrary orientation of the precessional velocity vector of the spin of the central object. In general, all the orbital elements, with the exception of the mean anomaly at epoch, undergo nonvanishing long–term variations which, in the case of the Juno spacecraft currently orbiting Jupiter and the double pulsar PSR J0737–3039 A/B turn out to be quite small. Such effects might become much more relevant in a star–supermassive black hole scenario; as an example, the relative change of the semimajor axis of a putative test particle orbiting a Kerr black hole as massive as the one at the Galactic Centre at, say, 100 Schwarzschild radii may amount up to about 7% per year if the hole’s spin precessional frequency is 10% of the particle’s orbital one.
Sgr A* Shadow Study with KTN Space Time and Investigation of NUT Charge Existence
Authors: Ghasemi-Nodehi Masoumeh
Published: September 2024

In this paper, I investigate the existence of the NUT charge through the KTN spacetime using shadow observations of Sgr A*. I report that the range of my constraint for the NUT charge is between −0.5 and 0.5 for Schwarzschild-like and very slowly rotating KTN black holes. This range extends to 1.5 for spins up to −2 and −1.5 for spins up to 2 based on Keck observations for both 40° and 10° viewing angles. For VLTI observations, Schwarzschild-like and very slowly rotating KTN black holes are excluded for a 40° viewing angle, and the NUT charge is constrained to a very narrow range for a 10° viewing angle. I report that the possibility of having KTN naked singularities in Sgr A* is small, considering the uncertainties in the shadow size.
Preclinical Profile of the HIV-1 Maturation Inhibitor VH3739937
Authors: McAuliffe Brian , Falk Paul , Chen Jie , Chen Yan , Sit Sing-Yuen , Swidorski Jacob , Hartz Richard A. , Xu Li , Venables Brian , Sin Ny , Meanwell Nicholas A. , Regueiro-Ren Alicia , Wensel David , Hanumegowda Umesh , Krystal Mark
Published: September 2024

The HIV-1 maturation inhibitor (MI) VH3739937 (VH-937) inhibits cleavage between capsid and spacer peptide 1 and exhibits an oral half-life in humans compatible with once-weekly dosing. Here, the antiviral properties of VH-937 are described. VH-937 exhibited potent antiviral activity against all HIV-1 laboratory strains, clinical isolates, and recombinant viruses examined, with half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) values ≤ 5.0 nM. In multiple-cycle assays, viruses less susceptible to other MIs, including A364V, were inhibited at EC50 values ≤ 8.0 nM and maximal percent inhibition (MPI) values ≥ 92%. However, VH-937 was less potent against A364V in single-cycle assays (EC50, 32.0 nM; MPI, 57%) and A364V emerged in one of four resistance selection cultures. Other substitutions were selected by VH-937, although re-engineered viruses with these sequences were non-functional in multiple-cycle assays. Measured dissociation rates from wild-type and A364V-containing VLPs help explain resistance to the A364V mutation. Overall, the in vitro antiviral activity of VH-937 supports its continued development as a treatment for HIV-1.
Chlorine Dioxide: Antiviral That Reduces the Spread of ToBRFV in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Plants
Authors: Gutiérrez Ubilfrido Vásquez , Treviño Gustavo Alberto Frías , Ortiz Juan Carlos Delgado , Uribe Luis Alberto Aguirre , Olivas Alberto Flores , Beache Mariana Beltrán , Castillo Francisco Daniel Hernández
Published: September 2024

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), being a mechanically transmitted disease, is usually difficult to control; therefore, an effective alternative to reduce transmission and replication in the crop is by spraying with chlorine dioxide (ClO2) during routine crop management. In this research, the efficacy of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) for ToBRFV management in a greenhouse and open field was determined. The phytotoxicity of ClO2 and its effective concentration against ToBRFV in Nicotiana longiflora plants were evaluated. Subsequently, the effect of ClO2 on ToBRFV was evaluated in tomato plants grown in an open field. Finally, the effectiveness of ClO2 on plants inoculated with ToBRFV under greenhouse conditions was evaluated and the number of necrotic local lesions (NLLs) was quantified. The results revealed that ClO2 at 760 mg L−1 did not show phytotoxicity and reduced the number of NLLs in N. longiflora plants. It also decreased ToBRFV transmission and replication in field- and greenhouse-grown tomato plants, improving agronomic parameters. ClO2 reduced replication in plants inoculated with different amounts of ToBRFV inoculum in a greenhouse. N. longiflora leaves expressed lower numbers of NLLs when inoculated with ClO2-treated tomato plant extracts. Finally, the results demonstrate that ClO2 represents an effective management alternative when used by direct application to plants. To our knowledge, this is the first study where the use of an antiviral compound is carried out under field and greenhouse conditions.
Formulation Attributes Impact Immune Profile of an Oral and Thermostable COVID-19 Subunit Vaccine
Authors: Burlet Elodie , Thomas Nissy , Carwell Shanna , Gershman Brett W. , Morefield Garry L.
Published: September 2024

While approved vaccines for COVID-19 provide protection against severe disease and death, they have limited efficacy in the prevention of infection and virus transmission. Mucosal immunity is preferred over systemic immunity to provide protection at the point of entry against pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. VaxForm has developed an oral vaccine delivery platform that elicits mucosal and systemic immune responses by targeting immune cells in the gut through C-type lectin receptors. The technology consists of microencapsulating the vaccine with an enteric polymer, which also results in enhanced thermostability. This article describes the formulation development and in vivo testing of a novel protein-based oral COVID-19 vaccine using this technology. Results demonstrate successful induction of immune response in mice and showed that the particle size of the vaccines following administration can impact the ratio of mucosal to systemic response. Immunogenicity and thermostability of liquid suspension and dry powder versions of the vaccine were compared in mice. The liquid suspension vaccine showed excellent heat resistance by maintaining immunogenicity after 14 days of storage at 60 °C. While further investigation is needed to determine correlates of protection and duration of response for mucosal immunity, this study demonstrates the vaccine’s potential as a COVID-19 booster to enhance mucosal protection in humans and improve global access by lowering the cost of production, removing cold-chain requirements, and allowing self-administration.
Navigating the Landscape of B Cell Mediated Immunity and Antibody Monitoring in SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Efficacy: Tools, Strategies and Clinical Trial Insights
Authors: O’Reilly Sophie , Byrne Joanne , Feeney Eoin R. , Mallon Patrick W. G. , Gautier Virginie
Published: September 2024

Correlates of Protection (CoP) are biomarkers above a defined threshold that can replace clinical outcomes as primary endpoints, predicting vaccine effectiveness to support the approval of new vaccines or follow up studies. In the context of COVID-19 vaccination, CoPs can help address challenges such as demonstrating vaccine effectiveness in special populations, against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants or determining the durability of vaccine-elicited immunity. While anti-spike IgG titres and viral neutralising capacity have been characterised as CoPs for COVID-19 vaccination, the contribution of other components of the humoral immune response to immediate and long-term protective immunity is less well characterised. This review examines the evidence supporting the use of CoPs in COVID-19 clinical vaccine trials, and how they can be used to define a protective threshold of immunity. It also highlights alternative humoral immune biomarkers, including Fc effector function, mucosal immunity, and the generation of long-lived plasma and memory B cells and discuss how these can be applied to clinical studies and the tools available to study them.
Intraluminal Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography Application in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Chhoey Saran , Kim Soyeon , Kim Eunjee , Lee Dongjae , Kang Kroesna , Keo Sath , Acorda Jezie Alix , Yoon Junghee , Choi Jihye
Published: September 2024

Administering intraluminal fluid can improve the acoustic window for the visualization of the lumen and wall layers in the cavitary organs. Microbubbles in ultrasound contrast agents can also be used for intracavitary applications to enhance visualization of the lesion in human patients. However, there was no literature extending the clinical application of intraluminal contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) to patients with naturally occurring diseases in veterinary medicine. This case series aims to describe the detailed application and diagnostic value of intraluminal CEUS in six clinical cases with naturally occurring gastrointestinal (GI) and urinary tract diseases.
Saliva as a Potential Source of Biomarkers in Cows with Metritis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Vallejo-Mateo Pedro J. , Contreras-Aguilar María D. , Muñoz-Prieto Alberto , Botia María , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Rubio Camila Peres , Zelvyte Rasa , Cerón José J. , Franco-Martínez Lorena
Published: September 2024

Metritis affects 5–20% of cows after parturition, negatively impacting animal welfare and the profitability of dairy farms, increasing culling rates and costs, and decreasing productivity and reproduction rates. This study compared the results of a comprehensive biochemical panel consisting of 25 salivary and 31 serum analytes between healthy cows (n = 16) and cows with metritis (n = 12). Descriptive parameters such as depression, rectal temperature, body condition score (BCS), heart rate, respiratory rate, mucous color, ruminal motility, vaginal discharge, milk production, and complete hematology analyses were also assessed for comparative purposes. The biochemistry analytes comprised five analytes related to stress, five to inflammation, five to oxidative status, and nineteen to general metabolism. The two-way ANOVA analysis revealed that, in saliva, eight biomarkers (lipase, adenosine deaminase (ADA), haptoglobin (Hp), total proteins, g-glutamyl transferase (gGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and creatine kinase (CK)) were significant higher in cows with metritis. In serum, eight biomarkers (ADA, Hp, serum amyloid A (SAA), fibrinogen, ferritin, AOPPs/albumin ratio, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and bilirubin) were significantly higher in cows with metritis, whereas six (total esterase (TEA), albumin, urea, lactate, phosphorus, and calcium) were lower. Of the total number of 23 biomarkers that were measured in both saliva and serum, significant positive correlations between the two biofluids were found for six of them (Hp, FRAP, CUPRAC, AOPPs, urea, and phosphorus). Urea showed an R = 0.7, and the correlations of the other analytes were weak (R < 0.4). In conclusion, cows with metritis exhibited differences in biomarkers of stress, inflammation, cellular immune system, and general metabolism in both salivary and serum biochemistry profiles. These changes were of different magnitudes in the two biofluids. In addition, with the exception of ADA and Hp, the analytes that showed changes in the saliva and serum profiles of cows affected by metritis were different. Overall, this report opens a new window for the use of saliva as potential source of biomarkers in cows with metritis.
Analytical Validation of Two Point-of-Care Assays for Hematological Analysis in the Miranda Donkey
Authors: Costa Céline , Sousa Ana Patrícia , Silva Grasiene , Queiroga Felisbina , Martins Ângela , Andrade Daniela , Silvestre-Ferreira Ana C.
Published: September 2024

Miranda donkeys are an endangered autochthonous breed of Portugal. The HemoCue WBC DIFF and HemoCue Hb 201 portable analyzers, developed as a simplified alternative method for total and differential WBC count and hemoglobin measurement, respectively, may be relevant tools in veterinary practice. This study aimed to validate these instruments using Miranda donkey blood samples. For the HemoCue WBC DIFF, most parameters showed acceptable intra- and inter-assay precision with coefficients of variation (CV) below 5%, except for monocytes and eosinophils with higher CVs. The HemoCue Hb 201 showed CVs of 1.98% and 4.07%. Linearity correlation coefficients (r) ranged from 0.53 to 0.99 for HemoCue WBC DIFF and 0.99 for HemoCue Hb 201. Significant levels for neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and Hb measurements varied. Comparisons with ProCyte Dx showed an excellent correlation for WBC (rs = 0.96), neutrophils (rs = 0.91), lymphocytes (rs = 0.94), and eosinophils (rs = 0.90) but a poor correlation for monocytes and basophils. The HemoCue Hb 201 showed a correlation of rs = 0.96 with ProCyte Dx. In conclusion, both analyzers provided reliable results and are suitable for use in Miranda’s donkey breed for WBC counts and Hb measurements.
Discourses on Positive Animal Welfare by Sheep Farmers and Industry Actors: Implications for Science and Communication
Authors: Muhammad Mukhtar , Stokes Jessica Elizabeth , Manning Louise , Huang Iona Yuelu
Published: September 2024

This research examines how sheep farmers and industry actors in the United Kingdom (UK) understand and conceptualize what animal welfare scientists term ‘positive animal welfare’. It explores their awareness of the concept, and how they interpret it using a qualitative approach. Participants were recruited using a snowballing, purposive sample approach, resulting in 25 sheep farmers and 11 industry actors (veterinarians, farming organizations, advisors, and supply chain) being interviewed. To collect data, a combined approach involving semi-structured interviews and a facilitated workshop were used between April 2021 and March 2022. Data were then thematically analyzed using a hybrid of inductive and deductive coding process. The findings suggested that the perceptions of farmers and industry actors in the study regarding positive welfare differ from contemporary academic discourses. Overall, around 7 of the farmers equated positive welfare with “positive stockmanship”, while six of them expressed “good animal welfare” definitions associated with the Five Freedoms. In contrast, most industry actors (6) expressed interpretations associated with high welfare standards (going above minimum recommended practices) and positive mental experiences (3). Emerging discourses revealed the link between self-identity, social identity and what positive welfare is, the importance of knowledge exchange, and the need for practical indicators through language rephrasing. There is a clear need to enhance and improve knowledge dissemination strategies, particularly in the UK, where much research is being conducted on positive animal welfare.
A Coupled River–Overland (1D-2D) Model for Fluvial Flooding Assessment with Cellular Automata
Authors: Yu Hsiang-Lin , Chang Tsang-Jung , Wang Chia-Ho , Maa Shyh-Yuan
Published: September 2024

To provide accurate and efficient forecasting of fluvial flooding assessment in the river basin, the present study links the well-known CA-based urban inundation modeling (2D-OFM-CA) with a one-dimensional river flow model (1D-RFM) as a coupled 1D-2D river–overland modeling. Rules to delineate the geometric linking between the 1D-RFM and 2D-OFM-CA along embankments are developed. The corresponding exchanged water volume across an embankment is then computed by using the free and submerged weir flow formulas. The applicability of the proposed coupled model on fluvial flooding assessment is then assessed and compared with a well-recognized commercial software (HEC-RAS model) through an idealized fluvial case and an extensively studied real-scale fluvial case in the Severn River Basin. Based on the simulated results concerning the numerical accuracy, the coupled model is found to give similar results in the aspects of the river flow and overland flow modeling in both two study cases, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the linking methodology between the 1D-RFM and 2D-OFM-CA. From the viewpoint of numerical efficiency, the coupled model is 47% and 41% faster than the HEC-RAS model in the two cases, respectively. The above results indicate that the coupled model can reach almost the same accuracy as the HEC-RAS model with an obvious reduction in its computational time. Hence, it is concluded that the coupled model has considerable potential to be an effective alternative for fluvial flooding assessment in the river basin.
Optimizing Well Placement for Sustainable Irrigation: A Two-Stage Stochastic Mixed Integer Programming Approach
Authors: Li Wanru , Finsa Mekuanent Muluneh , Laskey Kathryn Blackmond , Houser Paul , Douglas-Bate Rupert , Verner Kryštof
Published: September 2024

Utilizing groundwater offers a promising solution to alleviate water stress in Ethiopia, providing a dependable and sustainable water source, particularly in regions with limited or unreliable surface water availability. However, effective decision-making regarding well drilling and placement is essential to maximize groundwater resource potential, enhancing agricultural productivity, reducing hunger, and bolstering food security in Ethiopia. This study concentrates on the development of two-stage stochastic mixed integer programming (SMIP) models to optimize well placement for sustainable agricultural irrigation, considering uncertain demand scenarios. Additionally, a deterministic mixed integer programming model is formulated for comparison with the two-stage SMIP. Experiments are conducted to explore various demand scenario distributions, revealing that the optimized total cost for the two-stage SMIP generally exceeds that of a deterministic setting, aligning with the two-stage SMIP’s focus on long-term benefits. Moreover, slight differences are observed in well layouts under different assumption scenarios. The study also examines the impact of selected parameters, such as fixed construction costs, per-meter drilling costs, and demand scenarios. The out-of-sample performance shows that the stochastic model is more flexible and resilient, with 11% and 4% lower costs than deterministic cases 1 and 3, respectively. This flexibility provides a more robust long-term strategy for well placement and resource allocation in groundwater management.
Influence of Dual Air Gaps on Flux–Torque Regulation Hybrid Excitation Machine with Axial–Radial Magnetic Circuit
Authors: Dai Yong , Zheng Yifeng , Yuan Chunwei , Zhang Yuqing , Qiu Hongbo
Published: September 2024

In this paper, a flux–torque regulation hybrid excitation machine (FTRHEM) with axial–radial dual air gaps, which can increase torque and regulate magnetic flux by changing the exciting current, is studied. Dual air gaps have a huge impact on the magnetic flux and additional torque. The effect of the air gap reluctances on the magnetic flux of the machine is obtained by establishing equivalent magnetic network models, which show that the dual air gaps are the key component in the axial–radial magnetic circuit. This study examines the flux regulation ability and the enhanced torque performance of an FTRHEM with dual air gaps. The mechanism by which the dual air gaps affect the machine’s magnetic field is clarified, and the constraints and relationships between the dual air gaps are explained, offering a theoretical foundation for future machine optimization. As the axial air gap decreases from 0.95 mm to 0.35 mm, the flux regulation capability improves from 15.44% to 26.51%, while the additional torque increases by 40.77%. Ultimately, prototypes are manufactured for experimental testing to validate the viability of the structure and the accuracy of the FEA for the FTRHEM featuring an axial–radial magnetic circuit.
A Novel Spotted Hyena Optimizer for the Estimation of Equivalent Circuit Model Parameters in Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Sankarkumar Rayavarapu Srinivasa , Rajasekar Natarajan
Published: September 2024

Li-ion batteries possess significant advantages like large energy density, fast recharge, and high reliability; hence, they are widely adopted in electric vehicles, portable electronics, and military and aerospace applications. Albeit having their merits, accurate battery modeling is subjected to problems like prior information on internal chemical reactions, complexity in problem formulation, a large number of unknown parameters, and the need for extensive experimentation. Hence, this article presents a reliable Spotted Hyena Optimizer (SHO) to determine the equivalent circuit parameters of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The methodology of the SHO is derived from the living and hunting tactics of spotted hyenas, and it is efficiently applied to solve the battery parameter estimation problem. Nine unknown battery model parameters of a Samsung INR 18650-25R are determined using this method. The model parameters estimated are endorsed for five different datasets with various discharge current values. Further, the effect of parameter range and its selection is also emphasized. Secondly, for validation, various performance metrics such as Integral Squared Error, mean best, mean worst, and Standard Deviation are evaluated to authenticate the superiority of the proposed parameter extraction. From the computed results, the SHO algorithm is able to explore the search area up to 89% in the case of larger search ranges. The chosen model and range of the SHO precisely predict the behavior of the proposed Li-ion battery, and the results are in accordance with the catalog data.
Experiences of integrating social prescribing link workers into primary care in England — bolting on, fitting in, or belonging: a realist evaluation
Authors: Tierney Stephanie , Westlake Debra , Wong Geoffrey , Turk Amadea , Markham Steven , Gorenberg Jordan , Reeve Joanne , Mitchell Caroline , Husk Kerryn , Redwood Sabi , Pope Catherine , Baird Beccy , Mahtani Kamal Ram
Published: September 2024

Background

Following the 2019 NHS Long Term Plan, link workers have been employed across primary care in England to deliver social prescribing.

Aim

To understand and explain how the link worker role is being implemented in primary care in England.

Design and setting

This was a realist evaluation undertaken in England, focusing on link workers based in primary care.

Method

The study used focused ethnographies around seven link workers from different parts of England. As part of this, we interviewed 61 patients and 93 professionals from health care and the voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector. We reinterviewed 41 patients, seven link workers, and a link worker manager 9–12 months after their first interview.

Results

We developed four concepts from the codes developed during the project on the topic around how link workers are integrated (or not) within primary care: (or not) within primary care: centralising or diffusing power; forging an identity in general practice; demonstrating effect; and building a facilitative infrastructure. These concepts informed the development of a programme theory around a continuum of integration of link workers into primary care — from being ‘bolted on’ to existing provision, without much consideration, to ‘fitting in’, shaping what is delivered to be accommodating, through to ‘belonging’, whereby they are accepted as a legitimate source of support, making a valued contribution to patients’ broader wellbeing.

Conclusion

Social prescribing was introduced into primary care to promote greater attention to the full range of factors affecting patients’ health and wellbeing, beyond biomedicine. For that to happen, our analysis highlights the need for a whole-system approach to defining, delivering, and maintaining this new part of practice.
LEVELS OF HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN HSP70 IN NEURONS OF PARIETAL CORTEX AND HIPPOCAMPUS IN RATS WITH VARIOUS STAGES OF CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA
Authors: Bon' Elizaveta Igorevna , Zimatkin Sergey Mikhaylovich , Maksimovich Nataliya Evgen'evna , Belokon' Sergey Sergeevich , Petukhov Zakhar Aleksandrovich , Karnyushko Ol'ga Anatol'evna
Published: September 2024

The paper examines the issue of increasing the body’s resistance to oxygen deficiency and energy deficit under cerebral ischemia. Adaptation to these changes is represented by an increased number of heat shock proteins in brain neurons. Their expression increases with a decrease of oxygen level in the blood.
The aim of the paper is to evaluate HSP70 level in the brain of rats with various stages of cerebral ischemia.
Materials and Methods. The study was conducted on 27 white outbred male rats weighing 267±16 g. The authors used such models as partial cerebral ischemia, step-by-step 90 % blood flow shutdown, one-time 90 % blood flow shutdown, and complete cerebral ischemia.
Results. In the 1st subgroup of step-by-step 90 % blood flow shutdown (7 days between dressings) there was an increase in the HSP70 level by 25 % in the parietal cortex (p<0.05) compared with the control. However, its concentration in the hippocampus did not change (p>0.05). In the 2nd and 3rd subgroups of step-by-step 90 % blood flow shutdown (3 days and 1 day between dressings), the HSP70 level did not change in any of the studied areas (p>0.05) compared with the control. Compared with the 1st subgroup, in the 2nd subgroup HSP70 level in the parietal cortex was lower by 26 % (p<0.05) and in the hippocampus by 20 % (p<0.05), in the 3rd subgroup it was lower by 30 % (p<0.05) and by 23 % (p<0.05), respectively. No differences in HSP70 levels were found between the 2nd and 3rd subgroups (p>0.05). In the group of one-time 90 % blood flow shutdown, the HSP70 level decreased by 29 % in the parietal cortex (p<0.05) and by 18 % in the hippocampus (p<0.05) compared with the control. In group of one-time 90 % blood flow shutdown, the HSP70 level did not differ from those in the 2nd and 3rd subgroups of step-by-step 90 % blood flow shutdown in the hippocampus. In the parietal cortex, the HSP70 level in the 2nd subgroup was 28 % higher (p<0.05), and in the 3rd subgroup by 23 % higher (p<0.05) compared with the group of one-time 90 % blood flow shutdown.
In total cerebral ischemia, the most significant decrease in HSP70 level was observed compared to the control: by 35 % in the parietal cortex (p<0.05) and by 36 % in the hippocampus (p<0.05).
Conclusion. Thus, in the 1st subgroup with the maximum interval between dressings, the HSP70 level increased, indicating the activation of compensation mechanisms during hypoxia by protecting proteins from premature proteolytic breakdown and promoting the correct polypeptide folding into a tertiary structure.
PHYTOREMEDIATION PROSPECTS FOR SOILS CONTAMINATED WITH HEAVY METALS
Authors: Meshcheryakova Viktoriya Yur'evna , D'yakova Nina Alekseevna , Pavlova Yuliya Aleksandrovna
Published: September 2024

Phytoremediation is an effective technique of using plants to restore contaminated soils.
The aim of this work is to review promising hyperaccumulators with regard to phytoremediation.
Different types of plants, genetic and cellular engineering and other techniques that contribute to soil purification from heavy metals are used for phytoremediation. The paper presents an overview of hyperaccumulators that are able to accumulate various contaminants in the tissues of aboveground organs. The literature search was carried out in such databases as eLIBRARY and CyberLeninka. Plants for phytoremediation should meet a large set of specific criteria. However, no plant can satisfy all of them. Therefore, choosing the most effective plant is a difficult task. The paper analyzes plants used for phytoremediation on the territory of the Russian Federation. The list of studies included in the review demonstrates the peculiarities of certain heavy metal accumulation by different plants. At the same time, the majority of plants used for phytoremediant (about 75 %) accumulate nickel. Only a small number of plants are able to accumulate other heavy metals, such as copper, zinc, cadmium, and lead. Some publications presented in the review indicate that for effective phytoremediation, it is also necessary to pay attention to the soil composition and other external factors. This remark is really crucial.
Currently, phytoremediation is an understudied unpredictable technique for cleaning up contaminated soils. It has not received widespread use yet, but it is promising.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SOMNOLOGICAL STATUS AND MELATONIN METABOLISM IN WOMEN IN CLIMACTERIC PERIOD WHO LIVED IN A WAR ZONE FOR A LONG TIME
Authors: Fabrikant Il'ya Mikhaylovich , Botasheva Tat'yana Leonidovna , Gorbaneva Elena Petrovna , Zavodnov Oleg Pavlovich , Zheleznyakova Elena Vasil'evna , Zmienko Vera Andreevna
Published: September 2024

The aim of the study is to examine the characteristics of somnological status, melatonin metabolism and perimenopause course in women of the Rostov region in comparison with women who lived in the war zone for a long time.
Materials and Methods. The assessment of the somnological status included a questionnaire-based survey on sleep quality parameters, sleep apnea syndrome, daytime sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale) and a polysomnographic study. Enzyme immunoassay was used to determine the level of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin. The severity of the climacteric syndrome was established according to the Kupperman-Uvarova modified menopausal index. The authots examined 121 women aged 40–50: Group 1 consisted of 58 women living in the Rostov region for at least 10 years; Group 2 included 63 women who lived in the war zone in Donbass for at least 8–10 years. Statistical processing was used to calculate the median, interquantile range, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon criteria.
Results. It was found that women who had lived in the war zone (Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics) under chronic stress for a long time, had more pronounced somnological disorders, which caused a decrease in melatonin production and more severe climacteric disorders in comparison with women living in the Rostov Region. The most frequent symptoms of neurovegetative deviations were identified: fluctuating blood pressure, headaches before the menstruation, swelling, dry skin, sweating, increased excitability, hot flashes and sleep disorders.
Conclusion. Long-term influence of stress-potentiating socially conditioned factors of the war zone causes dysfunctional deviations, decrease in melatonin level, neurovegetative, psychoemotional and endocrine-metabolic disorders that reduced the quality of life in perimenopausal women. Thus, it is desirable to develop effective preventive and corrective strategies for women of this age group.
PHYSIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF DIETARY INTAKE OF MAGNESIUM, POTASSIUM, VITAMINS C AND B6 IN HEALTHCARE WORKERS OF KHANTY-MANSIYSK
Authors: Gaykov Maksim Olegovich
Published: September 2024

Increased level of psycho-emotional stress in its most pronounced form is most often observed in healthcare workers. Moreover, half the time their disability is associated with stress. Magnesium, potassium, vitamins B6 and C play a great role in regulating everyone’s psycho-emotional state. In the north of the Russian Federation, healthcare workers are subject to double pressure from negative climatic and geographical conditions.
Objective. The purpose of the study is to assess the dietary intake of magnesium, potassium, vitamins B6 and C in healthcare workers in Khanty-Mansiysk.
Materials and Methods. Using the automated dietary control and intervention system, we studied 3-day dietary intake of magnesium, potassium, vitamins B6 and C in 123 doctors and nurses of the Khanty-Mansiysk District Clinical Hospital (32 (26.0 %) men and 91 (74.0 %) women; 59 (48.0 %) doctors, 64 (52.0 %) nurses). The average age was 37.8±1.5 years. The results were compared with the physiological need (PhN) according to the guideline МР 2.3.1.0253-2.
Results. It is observed that healthcare workers of the northern region have a deficiency of micronutrients that regulate the activity of human psycho-emotional sphere: magnesium – 84.8 % of PhN, potassium – 79.6 % of PhN, vitamin B6 – 78.7 % of PhN, vitamin C – 60.8 % of PhN. Vitamin deficiency may contribute to the development of cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal and other diseases.
Conclusion. Additional intake of magnesium, potassium, vitamins B6 and C, e.g. vitamin-mineral complexes, and vitamin enrichment of food are an effective and safe measures to prevent insufficient supply of the human body with these micronutrients, associated metabolic disorders and disease development.
IMPACT OF HABITUAL SMOKING ON THE ORGANISM OF ADOLESCENTS LIVING IN THE NORTH OF RUSSIA
Authors: Solonin Yuriy Grigor'evich
Published: September 2024

The aim of the work is to analyze the impact of habitual smoking on the physiological systems of adolescents living in the north of Russia (65º N).
Materials and Methods. Using generally accepted methods, morphofunctional, physiometric, physiological and psychological parameters were determined in 34 boys aged 14–15 years (11 smokers for at least 2–3 years and 23 non-smokers). The level of physical health was assessed according to Apanasenko method.
Results. Compared with non-smokers, smoking adolescents have statistically significantly higher body weight, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), mean blood pressure (MBP) during exercise, heart rate (HR) during exercise and its increase while working, HR recovery after exercise (Martine-Kushelevsky test), rate pressure product (RPP), and scores of activity (WAM questionnaire). At the same time, they demonstrated lower strength index (SI), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), vital capacity (VC), vital index (VI), Skibinskaya index (SI), level of physical health (LPH), and WAM parameters. Smokers, compared to 11 non-smokers of the same weight, have statistically significantly lower height, strength and SI, Genchi test time, MEP, VC, VI, SI, LPH, and scores of well-being and mood (WAM parameters). However, they have higher HR during exercise, its increase while working, and HR recovery. Excess body weight in smokers leads to hypertension, while long-term smoking in teenagers living in the north of Russia causes physiological decline and physical health deterioration. In some cases, our results (decrease in strength, Genchi test time, VC, VI, increased HR, hypertensive reactions, and health deterioration in smokers) correlate with the data obtained both in our country and abroad.
ROLE OF THE EMOTIONAL-MOTIVATIONAL COMPONENT IN THE DYNAMICS OF CNS FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Yamanova Galina Aleksandrovna , Kudrin Rodion Aleksandrovich , Antonova Alena Anatol'evna , Sibiryakova Natal'ya Vladimirovna
Published: September 2024

The main clinical syndromes of chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) are impaired gait and balance disorders, High morbidity level among school children, which has been recorded over the past decade in our country, necessitates a review of the contributing causes, mechanisms and factors.
Objective. The purpose of the study is to assess CNS functional capacity in secondary school students taking into account anxiety and the motivational component.
Materials and Methods. The study enrolled 424 secondary school students aged 10–17, living in Astrakhan. Simple and complex visual-motor reaction test was carried out. To study personality traits, anxiety and motivation levels of the participants, the authors used Junior Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (JEPQ), School Anxiety Test (Phillips Test), and Spielberg-Andreeva motivation questionnaire.
Results. A significant decrease in the level of CNS functional capacity was noted when compared with the age norm. CNS functional level increases with age, while its values in the examined 12–13 and 14–15 year-old participants are below the average age ones. A decrease in the motivation level was revealed among the trial subjects. A positive attitude towards learning and effective motivation was revealed in 53.6 % of secondary school students aged 10–11; 38,6 % aged 12–13; 30,3 % aged 14–15 and 30 % aged 16–17. A high level of general anxiety was revealed in 40.9 % of secondary school students aged 10–11; 63.6 % aged 12–13; 12.8 % aged 14–15 and 6 % aged 16–17.
Conclusion. The parameters of CNS functional capacity in most cases are characterized by below average values. The anxiety level significantly decreases with age, which indicates an adequate influence of learning environment on students. The highest anxiety level was revealed in the trial subjects aged 12–13. Motivation for learning decreases with age, which is probably due to psychological and motivational age-related changes in adolescence.
Image Object and Scene Recognition Based on Improved Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Li Guoyan , Wang Fei
Published: September 2024

In recent years, due to the continuous optimization of network structure and the emergence of large-scale data, Convolutional neural network has made breakthroughs in a series of applications of computer vision. Based on this, the Convolutional neural network is improved and optimized. The improved convolutional neural network is introduced into image Object detection and scene recognition, and image object detection is carried out by combining sliding window fusion and Convolutional neural network. The image scene recognition model is constructed by using potential object area recognition and Convolutional neural network Transfer learning. Using different data sets to verify the algorithm, the research results show that in Group1 and Group2, the error rate of the multi column convolutional neural network fused by sliding window is reduced by about 25% compared with the single column convolutional neural network. As the group with the smallest decrease in error rate, Group3 also achieved a 9% decrease in error rate. The fitness rate of object detection algorithm is gradually stable after 7 runs, reaching about 9.8%, and its operation effect is obviously better than other algorithms. The multi column convolutional neural network fused by sliding window is more adaptive to the training data set, and gets better recognition effect in the algorithm operation. However, the image scene recognition model based on potential object area recognition algorithm and Convolutional neural network has good convergence. The average recognition time for image scenes is 1.5356s. The recognition speed is fast and stable, which can effectively solve the problem of multi-scale image scene recognition.
Os veteranos da Polícia Militar do Paraná (PMPR) após a Emenda Constitucional Estadual nº 53 de 14 de dezembro de 2022
Authors: Dal’Apria George Luiz , Santos Carlos Alberto dos
Published: September 2024

O estudo analisa a separação recente entre a Polícia Militar e o Corpo de Bombeiros do Paraná, que historicamente foram unidos em termos de estrutura e classificação, apesar de suas atividades e organização distintas. A Emenda Constitucional nº 53, de 14 de dezembro de 2022, determinou a desvinculação das duas instituições, restabelecendo a administração e as competências independentes para cada uma. Essa mudança, porém, gerou incertezas sobre a administração sobre os direitos dos bombeiros militares inativos, especialmente quanto a instituição responsável por gerenciar esses direitos: a Polícia Militar, que organizou o concurso de ingresso, ou o Corpo de Bombeiros, onde está a carreira. O estudo destaca a necessidade de definição para evitar a perda de direitos e possíveis disputas jurídicas, afetando diretamente os militares inativos e a administração pública.
Aquafaba de grão-de-bico desidratada por leito de espuma: aplicação como substituto de ovos em bolo
Authors: Santos Anne Caroline Coelho Alves dos , Mançano Leandro Fagundes , Ramos Gaspar Dias Monteiro , Medeiros Mabelle Biancardi Oliveira de , Rodrigues Alba Regina Pereira , Oliveira Miguel Meirelles de , Lima Diana Clara Nunes de
Published: September 2024

A aquafaba de grão-de-bico (Cicer arietnum L.) vem sendo utilizada como uma alternativa à substituição de ovos em formulações. A necessidade por fontes alternativas à proteína animal se evidencia em preparos culinários devido as considerações de saúde, dietas alimentares e preocupações ambientais. o objetivo deste trabalho foi produzir aquafaba desidratada a partir de grão-de-bico, utilizando o método leito de espuma, aplicar a aquafaba líquida e a desidratada como substituto de ovos em bolo e avaliar o impacto na qualidade tecnológica do bolo, comparando a formulação com ovos. Para o preparo da aquafaba, o grão de bico foi passou por remolho e cozimento. Para o processo de desidratação, a aquafaba foi submetida a agitação até a obtenção de espuma e desidratada (70ºC/ 6 horas). Realizou-se análises físico-químicas na aquafaba, impacto tecnológico e sensorial nos bolos. Para a aquafaba desidratada foram encontrados: concentração proteica (20,4%), atividade de água (0,61), ºBrix (6,43) e umidade (6,46%). Os bolos com aquafaba apresentaram caracterísitcas tecnológicas semelhantes ao tradicional. Os resultados da análise sensorial variaram entre “Gostei moderadamente” a “Gostei muito”. O bolo com aquafaba desidratada apresentou características físicas e funcionais muito próximas ao bolo com ovo, indicando ser um ingrediente de origem vegetal que mantém os aspectos sensoriais desejáveis em bolo.