bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Awareness and Practices of Sun Exposure and Sunscreen Use Among College Students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aldhafiri Mahdi , Almulhim Nasser A , Alsuliman Mudhawi , Ashram Saif Yaseer , Asiri Faisal M , Alshanbari Sara , Alshreef Salma , Gommosani Rahaf , Fadel Maha , Alfajih Hanin A
Published: August 2024

Background: Excessive sun exposure is a significant risk factor for various skin conditions, including sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. This study aims to assess the awareness, attitudes, and practices regarding sun exposure and sunscreen use among college students in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 388 college students from various disciplines. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic information, knowledge, and practices related to sun exposure and sunscreen use. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were employed to analyze the data. Results: The study comprised 53.9% females, with the majority aged 18-23 years. Formal education on sun exposure dangers was lacking for 43.0% of participants. The most recognized consequences of excessive sun exposure were sunburn (80.6%) and skin cancer (74.4%). Intermediate knowledge of sun exposure effects was most common (40.7%). Sunscreen use was inconsistent, with 27.3% never using it during peak sunlight hours. Factors influencing sunscreen use included weather conditions and healthcare provider recommendations. Males were significantly less likely to use sunscreen. First-year students and participants without formal education on sun exposure were less likely to use sunscreen regularly. Conclusion: Despite awareness of the risks associated with excessive sun exposure, sunscreen use among college students in Saudi Arabia is inconsistent and influenced by various factors, including gender and education level. These findings highlight the need for enhanced educational initiatives to promote regular sunscreen use and other sun protection behaviors to mitigate the risk of skin conditions associated with sun exposure.
Innovative Waste Management Solutions: A Global Perspective Challenges and Opportunities and the Bangladesh Context
Authors: Ahmed Rashed
Published: August 2024

Waste management is a critical issue globally, and Bangladesh is no exception, facing significant challenges due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and inadequate infrastructure. This article explores comprehensive waste management strategies, including waste segregation, recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy technologies, emphasizing their environmental and health benefits. It examines the past and present waste management conditions in Bangladesh, highlighting the progress made and the persistent challenges. The article also compares waste management practices in neighboring countries like India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, offering insights into potential improvements for Bangladesh. Emphasizing the need for public awareness, community involvement, and modern infrastructure, it calls for collaborative efforts to achieve sustainable waste management and environmental preservation in Bangladesh. This article examines the critical issue of waste management, emphasizing its importance in mitigating environmental pollution, conserving resources, and protecting public health. It provides a detailed analysis of various waste management strategies, including waste segregation, recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy technologies, highlighting their benefits and implementation challenges. Focusing on Bangladesh, the article traces the evolution of the country's waste management system, from past inadequacies to recent improvements, while acknowledging persistent issues such as rapid urbanization and insufficient infrastructure. Comparisons with waste management practices in neighboring countries like India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal offer valuable insights and potential strategies for Bangladesh to adopt. The article underscores the necessity of public awareness, community involvement, and robust infrastructure to achieve effective waste management. It calls for a collaborative approach involving government, private sector, NGOs, and local communities to develop sustainable solutions. By investing in modern waste management technologies and fostering responsible consumption and disposal habits, Bangladesh can address its waste management challenges, ensuring environmental preservation, public health, and overall national well-being.
Ensuring Operational Performance and Environmental Sustainability of Marine Diesel Engines through the Use of Biodiesel Fuel
Authors: Sagin Sergii , Kuropyatnyk Oleksiy , Matieiko Oleksii , Razinkin Roman , Stoliaryk Tymur , Volkov Oleksandr
Published: August 2024

The article considers the issues of ensuring operational performance and environmental sustainability of marine diesel engines by using biodiesel fuel. The research was conducted on 5S60ME-C8 MAN-B&W Diesel Group and 6DL-16 Daihatsu Diesel marine diesel engines, which were operated using RMG380 petroleum fuel and B10 and B30 biodiesel fuels. The efficiency of biofuel usage was assessed based on environmental (reduced nitrogen oxide concentration in exhaust gases) and economic (increased specific effective fuel consumption) criteria. It was found out that the use of B10 and B30 biofuels provides reduction of nitrogen oxides concentration in exhaust gases by 14.71–25.13 %, but at the same time increases specific effective fuel consumption by 1.55–6.01 %. Optimum fuel injection advance angles were determined that ensure the best thermal energy, economic and environmental performance of diesel engines. The optimum angle of biofuel supply advance is determined experimentally and should correspond to the limits recommended by the diesel engine operating instructions. It has been proven experimentally that the use of biofuel increases the environmental sustainability of marine diesel engines by 13.75–29.42 %. It increases the diesel engines environmental safety in case of emergency situations, as well as accidental and short-term emissions of exhaust gases with an increased content of nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere - phenomena that are possible in starting modes of diesel engine operation, as well as in modes of sudden load changes. It is the increase in the environmental friendliness of marine diesel engines in the case of using biofuel that is the most positive criterion and contributes to the intensity of biofuel use in power plants of sea vessels.
Genomic Insights into Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis through Whole Exome Sequencing: A Case Report of Eight Patients
Authors: Ong Seeu Si , Ho Peh Joo , Khng Alexis Jiaying , Tan Benita Kiat Tee , Tan Qing Ting , Tan Ern Yu , Tan Su-Ming , Putti Thomas Choudary , Lim Swee Ho , Tang Ee Ling Serene , Li Jingmei , Hartman Mikael
Published: August 2024

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare condition characterised by chronic inflammation and granuloma formation in the breast. The aetiology of IGM is unclear. By focusing on the protein-coding regions of the genome, where most disease-related mutations often occur, whole-exome sequencing (WES) is a powerful approach for investigating rare and complex conditions, like IGM. We report WES results on paired blood and tissue samples from eight IGM patients. Samples were processed using standard genomic protocols. Somatic variants were called with two analytical pipelines: nf-core/sarek with Strelka2 and GATK4 with Mutect2. Our WES study of eight patients did not find evidence supporting a clear genetic component. The discrepancies between variant calling algorithms, along with the considerable genetic heterogeneity observed amongst the eight IGM cases, indicate that common genetic drivers are not readily identifiable. With only three genes, CHIT1, CEP170, and CTR9, recurrently altered in multiple cases, the genetic basis of IGM remains uncertain. The absence of validation for somatic variants by Sanger sequencing raises further questions about the role of genetic mutations in the disease. These observations suggest that IGM may be influenced by non-genetic factors, such as environmental triggers or immune system dysregulation, rather than being primarily a genetic disorder.
A Literature Survey on Performance Enhancement for Very-High-Cycle Fatigue of Additively Manufactured Titanium Alloys
Authors: Gao Chun , Zhang Yang , Jiang JingJiang , Fu Rui , Du Leiming , Pan Xiangnan
Published: August 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing is a promising industrial technology that enables rapid prototyping of complex configurations. Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) is one of the most popular AM techniques for metallic materials. Until today, only a few metals and alloys are available for AM, e.g. titanium alloys, the most common of which is Ti-6Al-4V. After optimization of the PBF parameters, with or without post processing such as heat treatment or hot isostatic pressing, the printed titanium alloy can easily reach tensile strengths of over 1100 MPa due to the quickly cooling of AM process. However, attributed to the unique features of metallurgical defects and microstructure introduced by this AM process, their fatigue strength has been low, often only not less than 30% of the tensile strength, especially in very-high-cycle regime, i.e. failure life beyond 107 cycles. Here, we have reviewed the current state of research on the very-high-cycle fatigue (VHCF) of additively manufactured (AMed) titanium alloys, refined the basic quantities of AMed microstructure and metallurgical defects, summarized the main factors limiting their VHCF strengths, and suggested possible ways to improve VHCF performance.
Detection of Dengue Virus 1 and Mammalian Orthoreovirus 3, with Novel Reassortments, in a South African Family Returning from Thailand, 2017
Authors: Jansen van Vuren Petrus , Parry Rhys H. , Paweska Janusz T.
Published: August 2024

In July 2017, a family of three members; a 46-year-old male, a 45-year-old female and their 8-year-old daughter, returned to South Africa from Thailand. They presented symptoms consistent with mosquito-borne diseases, including fever, headaches, severe body aches and nausea. Mosquito bites in all family members suggested recent exposure to arthropod-borne viruses. Dengue virus 1 (Genus Orthoflavivirus) was isolated (isolate no. SA397) from the serum of the 45-year-old female via intracerebral injection in neonatal mice and subsequent passage in VeroE6 cells. Phylogenetic analysis of this strain indicated close genetic identity with cosmopolitan genotype 1 DENV1 strains from Southeast Asia, assigned to major lineage K, minor lineage 1 (DENV1I_K.1), such as GZ8H (99.92%) collected in November 2018 from China and DV1I-TM19-74 isolate (99.72%) identified in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2019. Serum samples from the 46-year-old male yielded a virus isolate that could not be confirmed as DENV1, prompting unbiased metagenomic sequencing for virus identification and characterization. Illumina sequencing identified multiple segments of a Mammalian orthoreovirus (MRV), designated Human/SA395/SA/2017. Genomic and phylogenetic analysis classified Human/SA395/SA/2017 as MRV-3 and assigned a tentative genotype MRV-3d based on the S1 segment. Genomic analyses suggested Human/SA395/SA/2017 may have originated from reassortments of segments among swine, bat, and human MRVs. The closest identity of the viral attachment protein σ1 (S1) was related to a human isolate identified from Tahiti, French Polynesia, in 1960. This indicates ongoing circulation and cocirculation of Southeast Asian and Polynesian strains, but detailed knowledge is hampered by limited availability of genomic surveillance. This case represents a rare concurrent importation of two distinct viruses with different transmission routes in the same family with similar clinical presentations. It highlights the complexities of diagnosing diseases with similar sequelae in travellers returning from tropical areas.
Prevalence of Cancer Predisposition Syndromes (CPSs) in Children with a Neoplasm – A Cohort Study in a Central and Eastern European Population
Authors: Telman-Kołodziejczyk Gabriela , Strauss Ewa , Sosnowska-Sienkiewicz Patrycja , Januszkiewicz-Lewandowska Danuta
Published: August 2024

The causes of pediatric cancers often remain unknown; however, due to the development of medicine and technology, genetic disorders may play a crucial role in the genesis of neoplasms. Over time, the number of cancer predisposition syndromes (CPS) and awareness of them are increasing, providing the possibility of cancer prevention and early detection. In this study, we presented data concerning the number and type of oncological cases and their correlation with CPS occurrence in a cohort of Central and Eastern European pediatric population. The data were collected between 2000 and 2019 at the Karol Jonscher Clinical Hospital of Poznan University of Medical Sciences, resulting in a cohort of 2,190 cases in total, of which 193 children (8.81%) were confirmed to have CPS. CPS occurred most frequently in infancy (22.90% of all children suffering from any diagnosed cancer during the first year of life, p < 0.0001), accounting for more than a quarter of all CPS cases in our cohort. CPS were least likely to be observed in patients aged 14 and 15 years (2.17% and 2.44% of children diagnosed with any of the listed cancers at the exact age, respectively, p < 0.05). Among CPS, the most common were neurofibromatosis type I (NF1), Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), and Down syndrome (DS). To conclude, it is important to emphasize the need for personalized treatment for each patient affected by both CPS and subsequent cancer in order to reduce the toxicity of therapy and improve quality of life by reducing the risk of side effect.
Applying Circular Thermoeconomics for Sustainable Metal Recovery in PCB Recycling
Authors: Torrubia Jorge , Torres Cuadra César , Valero-Delgado Alicia , Valero-Capilla Antonio , Mahmud Parvez Ashak , Sajjad Mohsin , Garcia Paz Felipe
Published: August 2024

The impulse of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is triggering the demand for few specific metals. These include copper, silver, gold, and platinum group metals (PGMs), with important applications in renewable energies, green hydrogen, and electronic products. However, the continuous extraction of these metals is leading to a rapid decline in their ore grades and, consequently, increasing the environmental impact of extraction. Hence, obtaining metals from secondary sources, such as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), becomes imperative for both environmental sustainability and ensuring availability. This recovery entails few problems such as allocation due to the simultaneous production of several metals, the use of non-renewable resources, and the exergy destruction during the life cycle of the metals. Therefore, this work analyses the waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) recycling process by proposing different exergy-based cost allocations for the mentioned metals, disaggregating the exergy cost into non-renewable and renewable, and considering the complete life cycle of metals with the Circular Thermoeconomics methodology. The results show a significant saving of non-renewable energy by using renewable energies in primary extraction (67-87%), recycling (97.6-98.5%), and renewable energies in recycling (98.7%, 99.0%), compared to conventional primary extraction. However, when considering the entire life cycle, between 47% and 53% of the non-renewable exergy is destroyed during recycling. Therefore, delaying recycling as much as possible would be the most desirable option for maximizing the use of non-renewable resources, which nature cannot replace in a short time.
Exploring Antibiotics Use in Community: A Household-Based Survey Using the Drug Bag Method in Rural Burkina Faso
Authors: Compaoré Adélaïde , Toussaint ROUAMBA , Kaboré Bérenger , Jacobs Jan , Peeters Grietens Koen , Sariola Salla
Published: August 2024

In Burkina Faso, there is lack of awareness of antibiotics use at community level. In this study, we generate information on the commonly used antibiotics along with the reasons for which they have been used, in rural Burkina Faso. The ‘drug bag’ method, was employed to collect information from 423 households, in the health district of Nanoro. Descriptive analyses were performed using R software version 4.2.1. The number of self-reported antibiotic use on a regular basis was estimated at 3401 of which amoxicillin was reported 367 times (10.8 %), oxytetracycline was reported 288 times (8.5 %), ampicillin, 245 times (7.2 %), metronidazole, 239 times (7 %), and norfloxacin 223 times (6.6 %). Among the health complaints for which amoxicillin was used, wounds accounted for 28.5% (88/309) and gastrointestinal disorders 17.1% (53/309). For oxytetracycline, gastrointestinal disorders accounted for 57.1% (121/212) and wounds 22.64% (48/212). The study highlights the use of antibiotics for a range of health problems within the community, as well as antibiotics that appeared to of importance in people’s life. Further research is essential to elucidating the rationalities and logic reasoning underlying such use of antibiotics.
Ensuring Quality Medicine: A Comprehensive Overview of EMA and DGDA's History, Structure, and Functions.
Authors: Ahmed Rashed
Published: August 2024

The research article provides an in-depth analysis of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), focusing on their historical development, organizational structures, and functional roles in ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceuticals. The study highlights the origins of drug regulation, tracing back to the early 19th century in the United States with the establishment of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and discusses the evolution and significance of drug regulatory bodies worldwide. The EMA and DGDA are scrutinized for their efforts in maintaining high standards for drug approval, monitoring clinical trials, and managing post-marketing surveillance to prevent adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The EMA’s role in coordinating with EU member states on pharmacovigilance and the DGDA’s initiatives in Bangladesh, including the implementation of a nationwide drug database and pharmacovigilance system, are explored in detail. The article concludes by emphasizing the essential role of these regulatory bodies in safeguarding public health through stringent regulation and continuous monitoring of pharmaceuticals, thereby ensuring that only safe and effective medicines are available to consumers . It also provides an in-depth analysis of the roles, structures, and historical contexts of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA). It outlines how these regulatory bodies ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of medicinal products. The EMA, serving the European Union, and the DGDA, operating in Bangladesh, play critical roles in drug approval processes, pharmacovigilance, and maintaining public health standards. By setting rigorous guidelines and monitoring compliance, these agencies help safeguard the health of millions, ensuring that only safe and effective medications are available in the market. The paper underscores the importance of these regulatory bodies in promoting public health and supporting the pharmaceutical industry's development and innovation.
A Review of Studies on HIV Pre-exposure prophylaxis in Community Pharmacies in States with Restrictive Pharmacist Prescription Authority in the United States
Authors: Wang Hongmei , Guinn Dominique , Ramisetty Xavier Roshitha , Giordano Thomas P , Poon Ivy O
Published: August 2024

Background: Community pharmacies have unparalleled potential to increase access to pre-exposure prophylaxis medications (PrEP) for HIV prevention; however, only 17 out of 50 states in the United States have statewide authority for pharmacists to provide PrEP at community pharmacies. Few studies have reported on how pharmacists overcome the legislative barrier and provide PrEP services in restrictive pharmacy prescription states. The objective of this article is to identify the existing primary literature describing pharmacist PrEP service in the community in states with restrictive prescription authority. Methods: A systemic literature review was conducted to identify primary literature that involved community pharmacy service and PrEP conducted in states that do not have expanded pharmacist prescriptive authority between 2000 and 2024. Results: Ten publications were identified describing nine studies, including four interview and survey studies, three intervention reports, and two ongoing clinical trials. None of these studies have a control group. Most pharmacists provide PrEP service in the community through a collaborative practice agreement with a primary care provider. Conclusions: Future clinical studies with randomized controlled designs are required to test novel strategies in the education and implementation of pharmacy-led PrEP services in a community pharmacy setting to increase PrEP access.
Investigating The Applicability Of The Peak Density Thickness Parameter Over The Equatorial Region- A One-Day Case Study
Authors: Shammat Mohamed , Reinisch Bodo , Galkin Ivan , Erickson Philip , Rideout Bill , Weitzen Jay
Published: August 2024

This research builds on the previously established Peak Density Thickness (PDT) concept for midlatitudes at Millstone Hill by examining its applicability at equatorial latitudes using data from the Jicamarca Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) in Lima, Peru. An 18-hour dataset was meticulously analyzed to capture the F2 layer's PDT parameter with high spatial resolution. This study aims to confirm the presence of the PDT phenomenon at equatorial latitudes, utilizing Jicamarca ISR and the co-located Digisonde station. The results indicate that the PDT parameter reaches its peak value around solar noon, consistent with observations at Millstone Hill and high latitudes. Additionally, the Nsumei et al. Vary-Chap topside model was employed to reconstruct the topside ionospheric profile, validating its utility across different latitudes. These findings suggest that incorporating the Peak Density Thickness χ into ionospheric models can enhance the accuracy of topside specifications derived from ground-based ionosonde measurements. This research highlights the significance of the PDT parameter in understanding ionospheric plasma dynamics and improving predictive models of ionospheric behavior.
Current Role of CT Pulmonary Angiography in Pulmonary Embolism: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Diaz-Lorenzo Ignacio , Alonso-Burgos Alberto , Pacios Blanco Ruben Eduardo , de Benavides de Bernaldo Quiros Maria del Carmen , Gallardo-Madueño Guillermo
Published: August 2024

In the last decade, the role of Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) in diagnosing and managing pulmonary embolism (PE) has significantly evolved. Once a purely diagnostic tool, CTPA now plays a crucial role in initial emergency department assessments and treatment planning tailored to the patient’s condition. Advances in CTPA technology, including image quality enhancements and artificial intelligence (AI) applications, necessitate a reassessment of its current utility. This narrative review updates on new CTPA tools and techniques and focuses on data extraction challenges in emergency settings. CTPA studies, often conducted with multidetector scanners, provide essential information for risk stratification and treatment planning. The quantification of thrombotic burden using CTPA is vital for predicting mortality and determining appropriate treatments. Classical scoring systems, such as those developed by Qanadli, Mastora, and Ghanima, convert CTPA findings into quantifiable data to assist clinical decision-making. Despite CTPA not being a standard mortality predictor, significant research suggests including CTPA data, especially RV dysfunction indicators, for prognostic purposes. Recent studies highlight automated techniques for quantifying pulmonary perfusion and thrombus composition, enhancing the accuracy of PE severity assessment. The integration of AI in CTPA, particularly through deep learning algorithms, shows promise in automating thrombus load assessment and improving risk stratification. The continuous development of imaging techniques positions CTPA as a potential tool for comprehensive PE management, aiding in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment decisions.
Challenges and Advances on Explainable Artificial Intelligence (AI): Diagnosing and Treating Tumors of the Female Reproductive Systems
Authors: Gao Xin , Li Haoyu , You Chunxia , Zhou Lala , Shi Qinxuan , Yang Zhanglong , Shao Sicong , Zhang Yudong
Published: August 2024

Background: Ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers stand as fatal health killers for women's mental and physical health, especially affecting female reproductive systems. Exploiting weakly supervised learning and explainable AI techniques are crucial for fast, accurate, and robust automatic marker detection, efficient prevention, and primary treatment of gynecological tumors. Methods: Weakly supervised learning and deep learning-based schemes, are investigated in the cross-subject fields of clinical diagnostic imaging and explainable AI technology. Related methods, opening research problems and challenging subjects are explored on the screening and treatment of gynecological tumors and performing cancer image diagnosis in the latest study. Results: Keynote approaches combining ultrasound medicine, AI, and clinical imaging technology are summarized. Combining learning-based schemes with medical imaging, prospective insights are put forward for refreshed concepts on treatments in the area of gynecological oncology, with a feasible range of applications for their corresponding AI techniques. Conclusions: Explainable AI and deep learning-based approaches are capable of performing accurate classification between benign and malignant tumors, yielding a pathway to care for women's health, improving the survival rate of patients, pacing with disease prediction, and matching the strategic goal of "Healthy China 2030".
An Acid Responsive Fluorescent Molecule for Erasable Anti-Counterfeiting
Authors: Liu Jiabao , Gao Xiangyu , Niu Qingyu , Jin Mingyuan , Wang Yijin , Alshahrani Thamraa , Sun He-Lue , Chen Banglin , Li Zhiqiang , Li Peng
Published: August 2024

A tetraphenylethylene-derived compound, TPEPhDAT, has been prepared by successive Suzuki-Miyaura coupling and ring-closing reactions. This compound exhibits aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties in the DMSO/MeOH system, with a fluorescence emission intensity in the aggregated state that is 5-fold higher than that of its counterpart in a dilute solution. Moreover, the diaminotriazine structure of the molecule is a good acceptor of protons, and thus the TPEPhDAT molecule exhibits acid-responsive fluorescence. TPEPhDAT was protonated by trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), leading to a fluorescence quenching, which was reversibly restored by treatment with ammonia (On-Off switch). Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) computational studies have shown that protonation enhances the electron-withdrawing capacity of the triazine nucleus and reduces the bandgap, producing a more intense intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), thus leading to fluorescence quenching. MeOH can easily remove the protonated TPEPhDAT, and this acid-induced discolouration and erasable property can be applied in anti-counterfeiting.
Effects of Continuous Prenatal Low Dose Rate Irradiation on Neurobehavior, Hippocampal Cellularity,
mRNA and miRNA Expression on B6C3F1 Mice
Authors: Tang FengRu , Tanaka Ignacia Braga , Wang Hong , Lau Salihah , Tanaka Satoshi , Tan Amanda , Takai Daisaku , Abe Akiko
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Epidemiological, experimental, and ecological data have indicated the controversial effect of in utero chronic low dose rate (100 mGy) dose radiation exposure. Our main goal of this study was to examine if different low dose rates of chronic pre- or/and post-natal radiation exposure with accumulative high doses could induce hippocampal cellular, mRNA, and miRNA changes leading to neuropsychiatric disorders. The comprehensive mouse phenotypic traits, organ weight pathological, blood mRNA and miRNA changes were also studied. Using different approaches including SmithKline, Harwell, Imperial College, Royal Hospital, Phenotype Assessment (SHIRPA), neurobehavioral tests, pathological examination, immunohistochemistry, mRNA and miRNA sequencing, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction ( qRT-PCR) validation, we found that in prenatally irradiated (100 mGy/d for 18 days with an accumulative dose of 1.8 Gy) 1-year-old mice, no cellular changes including neurogenesis, mature neurons and glial cells in the hilus of the dentate gyrus and development of cognitive impairment, neuropsychiatric disorders occurred. However, a significant reduction in body weight and mass index (BMI) was indicated by the SHIRPA test. A reduced exploratory behavior was shown by an open field test. Organ weight measurement showed a significant reduction of the testes, kidneys, heart, liver, and epididymides although no abnormal changes from pathological examination. mRNA and miRNA sequencing and qRT-PCR validation revealed the upregulation of Rubcnl, Abhd14b and downregulation of Hspa1b, P4ha1, and Banp genes in both hippocampus and blood of mice prenatally irradiated with 100 mGy/d. Meanwhile, downregulation of miR-448-3p, miR1298-5p in the hippocampus, miR-320-3p, miR-423-5p, miR-486b-5p, miR-486b-3p, miR-423-3p, miR-652-3p, miR-324-3p, miR-181b-5p, miR-let-7b and miR-6904-5p in the blood was induced. The target scan revealed that Rubcnl is one of the miR-181b-5p targets in the blood. We, therefore, concluded that prenatal chronic irradiation with a low dose rate of 100 mGy/d and accumulative dose of 1.8Gy or below may not induce significant adverse health effects on the offspring. Further study of different low dose rate radiation exposure with accumulative high doses may provide threshold doses for authorities or regulators to set new radiation safety guidelines to replace those extrapolated from acute high dose/dose rate irradiation to reduce unnecessary emergency evacuation or expanding once a nuclear accident or leakage occurs.
Highly Specific Polyphenolic Colloids as Alternatives to Antimicrobials in Livestock Productions
Authors: Laconi Andrea , Cecconello Alessandro , Molinari Simone , Rilievo Graziano , Cencini Aura , Tonolo Federica , Krystofova Antonie , Majethia Hardik Nilesh , Tolosi Roberta , Schiavon Eliana , Nicoletto Carlo , Piccirillo Alessandra , Vianello Fabio , Magro Massimiliano
Published: August 2024

Dispersion of antibiotic in livestock farming represents a health concern worldwide, contributing to the spread of antimicrobial resistant bacteria through animals, the environment, and humans. Phenolic compounds could be alternatives to antibiotics, once drawbacks such as low water solubility, bioavailability, and reduced stability are overcome. Although nano- or microsized formulations could respond to these shortcomings they do not represent cost-effective options. Here, three phenolic compounds, obtained from wood processing manufacturers, were characterized, revealing suitable features such as antioxidant activity, size, and chemical and colloidal stability for in-field applications. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of these colloidal suspensions was measured against six bacterial strains isolated from livestock. These particles showed different inhibition behaviors: Colloidal chestnut was effective against one of the most threatening antibiotic resistant pathogens such as S. aureus but was ineffective toward E. coli. On the other hand, colloidal pine showed a weak effect on S. aureus but specificity toward E. coli. The present proof-of-concept points at colloidal polyphenols as valuable alternatives for antimicrobial substitutes in the livestock context.
Sustainable Production of Lactic Acid Using Lolium perenne as Feedstock—A Comparative Study of Fermentation at Bench- and Reactor-Scale, and Ensiling
Authors: Varriale Ludovica , Hengsbach Jan-Niklas , Guo Tianyi , Kuka Katrin , Tippkötter Nils , Ulber Roland
Published: August 2024

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is an underutilized lignocellulosic biomass that has several benefits such as high availability, renewability, and biomass yield. The grass press-juice obtained from the mechanical pretreatment can be used for the bio-based production of chemicals. Lactic acid is a platform chemical that has attracted consideration due to the broad area of applications. For this reason, a more sustainable production of lactic acid is expected to increase. In this work, lactic acid was produced using complex medium at bench- and reactor scale, and the results were compared to those obtained using an optimized press-juice medium. Bench-scale fermentations were carried out in a pH-control system and lactic acid production reached about 22 g/L in com-plex medium, and 26.61 ± 1.2 g/L in press-juice medium. In bioreactor, the production yield was 0.91 ± 0.07 g/g, corresponding to 1.4-fold increase respect to the complex medium with fructose. As comparison to the traditional ensiling process, whole grass fractions of different varieties har-vested in summer and autumn was performed. Ensiling showed variations in lactic acid yields, with a yield up to 15.2% dry mass for the late-harvested samples, surpassing typical silage yields of 6-10% dry mass.
A Survey of Quantitative Techniques in Electricity Consumption – A Global Perspective
Authors: Khan Atif Maqbool , Wyrwa Artur
Published: August 2024

This study uses the Scopus and Web of Science databases to review the forecast of electricity consumption from 2015 to 2024. Based on the keywords used in the article title, which are associated with electricity consumption forecasts, the study retrieved 821 docu-ments for additional analysis using various techniques. For frequency analysis, we used Mi-crosoft Excel; for data visualisation, we used VOSviewer; and for citation metrics and analysis, we used Harzing's Publish or Perish. Standard bibliometric variables, including publication growth, authorship patterns, collaboration, prolific authors, national contribution, most active institutions, favourite journals, and highly cited articles, are used in this study's reporting of the findings. Our analysis indicates that over ten years, starting in 2015, publications on the forecasting of electricity consumption have continued to increase. China was the country that contributed the most to research on electricity consumption. Most of the research publications on electricity consumption were published in the Journal of Energy.
Literature Review on Thermodynamic and Kinetic Limitations of Thermal Decomposition of Methane
Authors: Mianowski Andrzej , Szul Mateusz , Radko Tomasz , Sobolewski Aleksander , Iluk Tomasz
Published: August 2024

Based on literature data, an analysis was conducted on the thermodynamic and kinetic dependencies of the thermal decomposition of methane. Course of this process was analysed for both thermal and thermal-catalytic conditions. The elementary reaction, i.e. the synthesis of methane from its elements, including its reversibility, was used as the basis for the for considerations on the kinetic model. The conversion degree was adopted as the kinetic parameter (kinetic variable) since this measure is essential for determining the amount of carbon deposit formed and thus closing the mass balance of this process. Several different kinetic models for the elementary reaction were analysed to determine how do they relate in regard to the constant of the reaction rate. It was determined that regardless of whether the process is catalytic or purely thermal, for temperatures t>900°C, the influence of reversibility of the reaction, has negligible influence on the yield of hydrogen produced, and thus can be omitted from the kinetic models. Special attention was given to iron-based catalysts, analysing the reactivity of Fe/C systems. It was demonstrated that the determined kinetic parameters satisfy the Kinetic Compensation Effect (KCE). Furthermore, by incorporating elements of Transition State Theory (TST), the existence of Entropy-Enthalpy Compensation (EEC) was highlighted. Based on these findings Authors show that through analysis of the changes in activation energy (E=20–421 kJ·mol-1) only an estimate of the optimal process conditions can be found, because the isoconversional temperature is also dependent on the way in which the reaction is conducted (T_{iso}=1200-1450K\ >\ \ T_{eq}). In other words, it was found that strong influences of such factors as T, P, etc. can locally compensate each other. Finally, it was also shown that the relations between KCE and EEC complement each other, which is confirmed by the determined average activation entropy at the isokinetic temperature (∆SB= -275.0 J·(mol·K)-1).
Nutritional Assessment, Body Composition and Low Energy Availability in Sport Climbing Athletes of Different Genders and Categories: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mora-Fernandez Agustin , Argüello-Arbe Andrea , Tojeiro-Iglesias Andrea , Latorre Jose Antonio , Conde-Pipó Javier , Mariscal-Arcas Miguel
Published: August 2024

Climbing is an Olympic discipline in full development and multidisciplinary in nature, in which the influence of body composition and nutritional status on performance has not yet been clarified despite the quest for low weight in anti-gravity disciplines such as climbing. The present study aimed to do a nutritional (3-day dietary diaries) and body composition (ISAK profile) assessment of sport climbing athletes of different genders and sport levels. The mean age of the forty-six Spanish climbers (22 men and 24 women) was 30 years (SD: 9) with 7.66 years of experience (SD: 6.63). The mean somatotype of the athletes was classified as balanced mesomorph. Negative correlations were observed between fat mass variables and climbing level (p<0.01), and positive correlations with forearm circumference (p<0.05). Mean energy availability (EA) was 33.01 kcal-kg FFM1-d1 (SD: 9.02), with 55.6% of athletes in suboptimal EA status and 35.6% in low energy availability (LEA) status. Carbohydrate and protein intakes were below recommendations in 57.8% and 31.1% of athletes, respectively. There were deficient intakes of all micronutrients except phosphorus in males. These findings suggest that climbing athletes are at high risk of developing low energy availability states and concomitant problems. Optimal nutritional monitoring may be advisable in this type of athlete to try to reduce the risk of LEA.
Effects of Light Intensity on the Growth and Nutrient Uptake of the Microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana from Digestate
Authors: Palikrousis Thomas L. , Manolis Christos , Samaras Petros
Published: August 2024

Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganism able to receive light from sunlight and external light sources for their growth. Despite the simplicity of cultivation and their widespread presence, the growth of microalgae is affected by several factors, light intensity being a crucial one as it is linked to external environmental conditions. On the other hand, microalgae cultivation in wastewater with high nitrogen content has become a promising alternative as a low cost nutrients substrate method. However, effluents may contain many compounds, making therefore difficult the assessment of light intensity on cells growth profile and especially on nutrients assimilation rate. The aim of this study was the examination of the effect of intensity of light source on the growth and nutrient uptake rates by a freshwater microalgae, Chlorella sorokiniana in the effluent from an anaerobic digestion plant, with nitrogen content reaching up to 5 g/L. Microalgae were cultivated using three light intensities (1,500, 5,000 and 12,000 lx) in 10% digestate mixtures in water. Samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of microalgae cells, while aqueous phase samples were subjected to the analysis of nitrogen and phosphorous content. Biomass productivity followed the light intensity pattern: the highest the light the highest the cells growth. A similar pattern was observed in the reduction rate of nitrogen and phosphorous concentrations; however, nutrients reduction rate per gram of microalgae were mainly associated to biomass growth rate, indicating that the effect of light intensity was significant for biomass growth, without however changing the main nutrients assimilation pathway. In addition, results indicated that under high light intensity, microalgae might change their metabolism towards formation of lipids against nitrogenous compounds.
Chikungunya Infection Increases Osteoclastogenic Genes Ex-pression in Blood and Chronic Arthralgia May Be Related to Enhanced Osteoclast Survival
Authors: Urbanski Alysson Henrique , Escolano Maso Vanessa , de Mello Martins Felipe , da Costa-Martins Andre Guilherme , Barbosa do Nascimento Oliveira Ana Paula , Nakaya Helder I.
Published: August 2024

Infection with the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) manifests as a febrile illness known as chikungunya fever (CHIKF). CHIKF is characterized by sudden-onset high fever, rash, polyarthritis, and polyarthralgia. Alt-hough the infection typically resolves within two weeks, many patients experience recurrent joint pain and inflammation that can outlast the other symptoms for many months. CHIKF has been previously linked to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) due to similar inflammatory processes. This study aimed to identify molecular markers in the blood of CHIKV-infected individuals associated with joint pain and chronicity of CHIKF. Sequencing of B and T cell receptors (BCR and TCR) revealed that CHIKV infection reduces CDR3 diver-sity. Lower BCR diversity was linked to increased expression of genes involved in osteoclast differentiation and activation through RANK/RANKL signaling. If osteoclast involvement in CHIKF pathogenesis is con-firmed, existing therapeutic approaches could be used as alternative treatments for CHIKF patients.
Post-Pandemic Comparative Analysis of Quality of Life and Declared Physical Activity in Individuals With and Without Osteoarthritis.
Authors: Gallardo-Rodríguez Rodrigo , Poblete-Valderrama Felipe , Rodas-Kürten Viviana , Vilas-Boas Joao Paulo
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to compare the levels of physical activity and quality of life reported by Chileans with and without osteoarthritis (OA). Educational level and monthly income data were collected from eighty-two participants (62 women and 20 men), of whom 41 had OA. Concerning the medical information of the persons suffering from OA, diseases, and date of diagnosis were indicated. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and its Elderly version (IPAQ-E) estimated physical activity levels. The Short Form 36 Questionnaire (SF-36) assessed health-related quality of life. The findings indicate that non-OA subjects scored higher on all dimensions of the SF-36, including physical function, physical role, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social function, emotional role, and mental health. Individuals with OA reported better physical function and role, general health, vitality, social function, and mental health when they walked more. However, no associations were found between any physical activity levels and the degree of pain in people with OA. Our findings underscore the critical role of investigating physical activity in OA patients to enhance their quality of life, particularly in light of the increased sedentary behavior observed post-pandemic.
Cross-Channel Attribution Modeling in the Age of Privacy Regulations
Authors: Bell Chris , Olukemi Ayoolu , Gracias Abram
Published: August 2024

In the evolving landscape of digital marketing, cross-channel attribution modeling plays a crucial role in understanding and optimizing the customer journey across various touchpoints. As consumers interact with brands through multiple channels—such as social media, email, search engines, and display ads—accurately attributing conversions to the right channels is vital for optimizing marketing strategies and budgets. However, the advent of stringent privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), has significantly impacted the data collection and analysis processes in digital marketing. This paper explores the challenges and opportunities presented by cross-channel attribution modeling in the age of heightened privacy awareness. It examines how traditional data-driven attribution models, which often rely on tracking individual user behavior, are being adapted or replaced in response to privacy concerns and regulatory requirements. The paper discusses the emergence of privacy-preserving techniques, such as aggregated data analysis, differential privacy, and the use of anonymized data, which aim to balance the need for accurate attribution with the protection of consumer privacy. Furthermore, the paper highlights the role of first-party data and the growing importance of consent management in the collection and utilization of consumer information. It also investigates how marketers are leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance attribution models in a privacy-conscious world. The study concludes by offering best practices for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of cross-channel attribution in the context of evolving privacy regulations, emphasizing the need for transparency, compliance, and ethical data handling. This research provides valuable insights for marketers, data scientists, and policymakers on how to effectively manage the interplay between accurate attribution and privacy, ensuring that marketing efforts remain effective while respecting consumer rights.
Sonication-Assisted Decellularization of Waste Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Heads for Extracellular Matrix Extraction
Authors: Baclayon Lean , Bual Ronald , Labares Marionilo Jr. , Valle Kit Dominick Don , Pague Job Jr. , Alimasag Johnel , Lumancas Gladine , Arellano Fernan , Nisperos Michael John , Aron Jemwel , Bacosa Hernando
Published: August 2024

Tilapia, the second most extensively farmed fish in the Philippines, generates significant amounts of waste that are often underutilized, leading to environmental concerns. One specific waste material is tilapia heads, which contain a valuable extracellular matrix (ECM) and an abundant source of bioactive materials that have a potential application in various fields, including biomaterials for wound healing and nutraceuticals. This study aims to evaluate the effects of sonication as a viable decellularization method for extracting ECM from tilapia fish heads. Histological analyses, employing H&E staining, revealed a higher reduction in basophilic components in the sonication-assisted (dWS) samples compared to those without sonication (dNS), as confirmed by DNA quantification. Notably, dWS samples subjected to 1% SDS sonication for 10 minutes exhibited the lowest DNA content with a removal rate of 93.7%. However, the same dWS sample also manifested the highest protein removal with a retained protein of 33.86%. The SDS-PAGE analysis of both dWS and dNS samples exhibited a uniform pattern, featuring identical four subunit bands—namely, the β-dimer (225-227 kDa), γ bands (228-230 kDa), and two alpha chains (α1 and α2 chains) (116-120 kDa)—indicating that sonication did not introduce discernible alterations in the helical structure of collagen. ATR-FTIR spectra further confirmed the presence of collagen as indicated by the detection of collagen type I indicators, including amides A, B, I, II, and III, in all decellularized samples. The above findings highlight the potential of sonication to aid in the decellularization of waste tilapia heads with future research targeting practical applications in wound healing, nutraceuticals, and sustainable environmental preservation through waste utilization.