bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recovering 21cm Monopole Signals Without Smoothness
Authors: Pund Rugved , Slosar Anže , Parsons Aaron
Published: July 2024

We expect the monopole signal at the lowest frequencies below 100MHz to be composed to two components: the deep Rayleigh-Jeans tail of the cosmic microwave background and two distinct features: the dark ages trough at ∼17MHz and the cosmic dawn trough at ∼75Mhz. These are hidden under orders of magnitude brighter foregrounds whose emission is approximately a power-law with a spectral index ≈−2.5. It is usually assumed that monopole signals of interest are separable from foregrounds on the basis of spectral smoothness. We argue that this is a difficult approach and likely impossible for the Dark Ages trough. Instead, we suggest that the fluctuations in the foreground emission around the sky should be used to build a model distribution of possible shapes of foregrounds, which can be used to constrain presence of a monopole signal. We implement this idea using normalizing flows and show that this technique allows for efficient unsupervised detection of the amplitude, width and center of the Dark Ages trough as well as Rayleigh-Jeans tail of the cosmic microwave background for a sufficiently sensitive experiment. We show that achromatic and smooth response significantly helps with foreground separation. We discuss the limitations of the inherent assumptions in this method and the impact on the design of future low-frequency experiments.
Frecuencia de mycobacterium tuberculosis en pacientes del centro de salud infa de la ciudad de macas 2019-2023
Authors: Valdez Montenegro Melany Pamela , Gerardo Ortiz Jonnathan
Published: July 2024

Introducción: La tuberculosis (TB) sigue siendo una preocupación de salud pública a nivel global, causada por la bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Afecta principalmente los pulmones y se transmite a través de gotículas respiratorias. Las personas con enfermedades inmunodeprimidas son más susceptibles. A nivel mundial, la TB es una de las principales causas de muerte, con altas tasas de mortalidad, especialmente en regiones como Asia y África. Objetivo: Describir la frecuencia de Mycobacterium Tuberculosis en muestras tanto pulmonares como extrapulmonares en pacientes que asisten al Centro de Salud INFA de la ciudad de Macas, periodo 2019-2023. Metodología: Se utilizó un diseño descriptivo de corte transversal, con un muestreo no probabilístico de cobertura total. Se analizaron n=28 muestras positivas, mediante pruebas de biología molecular y baciloscopia. Resultados: Se confirmaron 28 casos de TB, con predominio en hombres y en adultos de 21 a 64 años. La muestra mucosa fue la más prevalente. Se observó una marcada variación en la incidencia, destacando el año 2022 con la mayor cantidad de casos registrados. Conclusión: Este estudio destaca la importancia de comprender la epidemiología y la resistencia a medicamentos de la tuberculosis en el Centro de Salud INFA de Macas, subrayando la necesidad de estrategias efectivas de control y prevención para abordar esta enfermedad a nivel local y global. Área de estudio: Microbiología.
Transhumanismo y bioetica en su aplicaciónTranshumanismo y bioetica en su aplicación
Authors: Malla Asmal Alexis Fernando , Bueno León Hernán Patricio
Published: July 2024

Introducción: El transhumanismo es una ideología que ha tomado fuerza en los últimos años ya que con la innovación en biotecnologías se han abierto puertas para llevar a cabo procesos que ayudan a mejorar al ser humano, plantea mejorar características físicas e intelectuales para alcanzar la perfección. Objetivo: Se pretende exponer problemáticas de índole social, biológico, además de describir como la concepción que se tiene sobre el hombre o humanidad puede verse afectado por la implementación de la tecnología y los diversos procesos de transformación.  Metodología: El modelo de investigación se trata de una revisión narrativa que tiene como fin recaudar y analizar el contenido de diversas fuentes bibliográficas como artículos, revistas o bases digitales que estén sujetos a una visión antropológica del transhumanismo y factores que influyan en su aplicación Resultados: Se contrastaron las visiones de diversos autores sobre lo que significa ser humano y las posibles repercusiones a nivel social, además de demostrar que la implementación de tecnologías es un paso natural para la evolución de la humanidad.  Conclusión: Las fuentes usadas durante el estudio apoyan el pensamiento de que las tecnologías deben ser implementadas para mejorar la calidad y cantidad de vida, por lo que tener una base moral sólida para su aplicación es fundamental para evitar atentar contra la integridad de aquellos que se sometan a dichos procedimientos.
Modelo de gestión del turismo rural en la comunidad kichwa de Pandanuque
Authors: Manya Grefa Yessenia Silvana , Erazo Alvarez Guido Olivier , Ormaza Andrade Jorge Edwin
Published: July 2024

Introducción. El modelo de gestión del turismo rural en la comunidad Kichwa de Pandanuque es de vital importancia para mejorar las actividades turísticas y promover el desarrollo económico. El turismo rural, que se ha consolidado en Ecuador en las últimas décadas, es una importante fuente de desarrollo económico y social. La comunidad Kichwa de Pandanuque, situada en un entorno rico cultural y naturalmente, es un potencial destino turístico que podría beneficiarse de un modelo de gestión eficaz para optimizar el bienestar de sus habitantes. Objetivo. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo general diseñar un modelo de gestión integral para el turismo rural en la comunidad kichwa de Pandanuque que promueva el desarrollo sostenible y mejore la calidad de vida de los habitantes. Metodología. La investigación se enfoca en la población económicamente activa de la comunidad kichwa de Pandanuque, es de carácter no experimental y transversal. Se recopilaron datos a través de encuestas a 86 personas, utilizando técnicas cuantitativas y cualitativas. Se analizaron las respuestas para identificar la percepción sobre el modelo de gestión y el turismo rural. Resultados. Los resultados muestran que la mayoría de los encuestados considera que el turismo rural es crucial para el desarrollo económico de Pandanuque. La artesanía se destaca como la principal oportunidad de desarrollo económico, seguida por el turismo sostenible. En cuanto a las atracciones turísticas, el turismo gastronómico es el más relevante. La comunidad apoya fuertemente la implementación de un modelo de gestión eficaz para maximizar los beneficios del turismo rural y asegurar su sostenibilidad. Conclusión.  La comunidad Kichwa de Pandanuque posee un gran potencial turístico que, con un modelo de gestión adecuado, puede ser desarrollado para impulsar el desarrollo económico y potenciar las condiciones vitales de sus habitantes. El turismo gastronómico y comunitario se presentan como las principales atracciones, y la artesanía se destaca como una oportunidad viable de progreso económico. Área de estudio general: Administración de Empresas. Área de estudio específica: Gestión de proyectos.
Panicle and Fruit Characteristics Influenced by Plant Age In Litchi cv. Rose Scented
Authors: Lal Narayan , Kumar Abhay
Published: July 2024

An experiment was conducted during the cropping season of 2018 and 2019 to determine how plant ages affect flowering, fruit quality and incidence of sunburn and fruit cracking in litchi cv. Rose Scented. In a lot consisting of litchi plants aged between 1 and 30 years, 25-30- years-older plants initiated panicle emergence earlier with larger-sized panicles (42.35 cm length and 28.65 cm spread) and thicker peduncle (>6 mm). Fruit retention per panicle was also more in number (15.68) in 25-30- years older plants as compared to 1-5 year younger plants (4.76). An important observation involved fruits being borne closer to leaf in 25-30- years-older plants, which ultimately resulted in lesser incidence of sun burn and fruit cracking. Older plants (25-30-years) produced bigger fruit than 1-5 year-younger ones and highest fruit weight (22.58g) was recorded in 15–20-year-old plant. The time taken for fruit borne in older trees (25-30-years) to attain optimum fruit maturity was extended or delayed by 5 days as compared to younger plants (1-5-year). Total soluble solids was also higher in fruits borne on 25-30 years older litchi plants, while titratable acidity and ascorbic acid contents was more in fruits borne on 1-5 year younger plants. Total phenolics and antioxidant activity of pulp were the highest in young plants and least in older plants. we conclude that heavy bunches and proximity of fruit to leaf are important traits in litchi for consideration in breeding programmes to identify clones or variants tolerant to sun burn and fruit cracking.
Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(2): 279-285, 2024 (June)
An Exact Multiplicity Result for Singular Subcritical Elliptic Problems
Authors: Godoy Tomas
Published: July 2024

For a bounded and smooth enough domain $\Omega$ in $\mathbb{R}^{n}$, with $n\geq2,$ we consider the problem $-\Delta u=au^{-\beta}+\lambda h\left( .,u\right) $ in $\Omega,$ $u=0$ on $\partial\Omega,$ $u>0$ in $\Omega,$ where $\lambda>0,$ $0<\beta<3,$ $a\in L^{\infty}\left( \Omega\right) ,$ $ess\,inf\,\,(a)>0,$ and with $h=h\left( x,s\right) \in C\left( \overline{\Omega}\times\left[ 0,\infty\right) \right) $ positive on $\Omega\times\left( 0,\infty\right) $ and such that, for any $x\in\Omega,$ $h\left( x,.\right) $ is strictly convex on $\left( 0,\infty\right) $, nondecreasing, belongs to $C^{2}\left( 0,\infty\right) ,$ and satisfies, for some $p\in\left( 1,\frac{n+2}{n-2}\right) ,$ that $\lim_{s\rightarrow\infty }\frac{h_{s}\left( x,s\right) }{s^{p}}=0$ and $\lim_{s\rightarrow\infty }\frac{h\left( x,s\right) }{s^{p}}=k\left( x\right) ,$ in both limits uniformly respect to $x\in\overline{\Omega}$, and with $k\in C\left( \overline{\Omega}\right)$ such that $\min_{\overline{\Omega}}k>0.$ Under these assumptions it is known the existence of $\Sigma > 0 $ such that for $ \lambda =0 $ and $ \lambda = \Sigma $ the above problem has exactly a weak solution, whereas for $ \lambda \in \left( 0, \Sigma \right) $ it has at least two weak solutions, and no weak solutions exist if $ \lambda > \Sigma $. For such a $ \Sigma $ we prove that for $ \lambda \in \left( 0, \Sigma \right) $ the considered problem has it has exactly two weak solutions.
Faithful Representation, Productivity, and Profitability of SRA Accredited Block Farms in Negros Island
Authors: Causing Noreza A.
Published: July 2024

The block farm program of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has 59 enrollees from 2016 and 2017 in Negros Island. The block farms’ degree of compliance to faithful representation as qualitative characteristics of financial information were determined in this study. Faithful representation was measured through a compliance index (TCI) with a summation of three significant indicators of completeness, neutrality, and free from error. Results indicated a Total Compliance Index (TCI) of 0.26, interpreted as low compliance to faithful representation. The results revealed a significant relationship between production cost and productivity, revenue and cane yield, and revenue from sugar and productivity. Compliance with faithful representation and profit also showed a significant relationship, while compliance and productivity showed no significant relationship. Farms should adopt appropriate and generally acceptable accounting practices to enhance the quality of financial information. A practical and uniform bookkeeping system with proper training and support should be available. There is a need to develop practical courses on agricultural technology, farm management, farm accounting, and labor management.
Pre-Packaged Insolvency Resolution Process (Why Slow Progress?)
Authors: Siva Rama Prasad P.
Published: July 2024

The Indian Government has introduced a significant economic and legislative reform known as the Pre-Packaged Insolvency Resolution Process (PPIRP) to bolster corporate MSMEs, which plays a vital role in the Indian economy. This particular process offers a comprehensive framework for the revival and resolution of MSMEs, yet unfortunately, its significance has not been widely recognized. Consequently, the implementation of this process has faced challenges in its current phase. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) are governed by the MSMED Act. Sections 15 to 23 of the Act outline a specialized mechanism for resolving disputes and enforcing specific business and contractual terms.
The Amendment Ordinance of 2021 to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code introduced the novel concept of "Pre-Packaged Insolvency Resolution Process" within the framework of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code of 2016. The primary aim of PPIRP is to offer an alternative resolution mechanism for MSMEs, ensuring expeditious, cost-effective, and value-optimizing results for all stakeholders. Nevertheless, the utilization of the PPIRP procedure is hindered by inadequate dissemination and comprehension within the industry in comparison to the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP).
A Study on Impact of Goods & Services Tax in India
Authors: Rawat Nitesh , Shukla Anamika , Saini Shweta , Aggarwal Shubham
Published: July 2024

Goods and services tax introduced from July 1, 2017, is India’s biggest change in its tax system. Goods and services tax (GST) has been defined as a tax, based on consumption that is collected from the people who make, sell, and use goods and services. This tax also helps to turn the country into a single integrated market. After it was put into place, there were several vague arguments about it. This study is intended to help people understand what GST is and its benefits. Also, it examines how GST affects the Indian economy.
Analysis of the Relationship between Subjective Perception on Oral Health and Taste Thresholds: A Study on Individuals with COVID-19 Experience
Authors: Lee Sun-Mi , Hwangbo Na-Kyung ,   The Korean Society of Oral Health Science
Published: July 2024

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to confirm the analysis of taste threshold and evaluate the relationship between taste threshold and changes in taste according to oral factors and COVID-19 disease.
Methods: In this study, a total of 203 female college students participated. Taste thresholds for five tastes were measured. Information on subjective oral environment and potential COVID-19 effects on taste thresholds was gathered through a questionnaire.
Results: Sweetness stood out with the highest sensitivity at 4.19 among the five basic tastes. Subjects occasionally experiencing subjective bad breath showed significant sensitivity to sour taste (sometimes 3.12, never 2.47). Individuals frequently perceiving a subjective dry mouth exhibited heightened sensitivity to bitter taste, scoring 4.13, significantly higher than the 3.38 observed when there was no dryness. While taste thresholds did not significantly differ for those with confirmed coronavirus cases, there was a general tendency for elevated thresholds across all tastes. Subjects with altered smell during COVID-19 diagnosis were notably more sensitive to sour tastes, with a statistically significant difference. Changes in taste and smell correlated positively, with most correlations showing significant positive associations.
Conclusions: This study COVID-19 infection led to taste and smell changes, but post-recovery taste thresholds remained unaffected. These findings contribute to understanding the epidemiological aspects of taste and serve as foundational data for exploring taste changes, significant as oral-related clinical symptoms of COVID-19, a classified class 4 infectious disease.
Верификация расчетной модели железобетонной рамы при расчете на устойчивость к прогрессирующему обрушению
Authors: САФАРОВ Азиз Рамизович , ДОРОЖИНСКИЙ Владимир Богданович , АНДРЕЕВ Владимир Игоревич
Published: July 2024

Вопрос расчета строительных конструкций на устойчивость к прогрессирующему обрушению становится актуальнее с каждым годом, учитывая аварии и обрушения, которые происходят в мире, в том числе недавние катастрофы в Турции и Сирии. Исходя из масштабов и сложности реальных зданий и сооружений при проведении подобных расчетов применяют численные методы. При этом в каждом программном комплексе могут быть различные расчетные предпосылки и особенности, поэтому результаты моделирования не всегда соответствуют действительной работе конструктивной системы. Рассматривается программный комплекс LS-DYNA, который использует явные схемы интегрирования уравнений движения, что для такого высоконелинейного и быстропротекающего процесса, как прогрессирующее обрушение строительных конструкций, является целесообразным. Важным аспектом численного моделирования является учет всевозможных видов нелинейности конструктивной системы, в том числе физической. Используемые математические модели CSCM и PLP в программном комплексе LS-DYNA реализуют нелинейное деформирование железобетона. Приводятся результаты и сведения численного моделирования, которые сопоставляются с экспериментальными данными и указывают на возможность применения данной методики для решения различных задач.
Напряженно-деформированное состояние стальной башни с учетом коррозионных повреждений элементов и соединений
Authors: САМОХВАЛОВ Иван Александрович , ТРЯНИНА Надежда Юрьевна , ОБЛЕТОВ Евгений Николаевич
Published: July 2024

Приведены результаты исследования напряженно-деформированного состояния металлической решетчатой конструкции башенного типа при наличии коррозионных поражений отдельных элементов и соединений опоры в условиях агрессивной среды. На примере эксплуатируемой башни сотовой связи проанализировано влияние коррозии на изменение геометрических размеров элементов, несущую способность, деформативность и частоту собственных колебаний конструкции. Рассмотрено влияние толщины сечения на изменение горизонтальных перемещений конструкции, а также на несущую способность отдельных стержней. Подход к оценке коррозионного износа конструкции выполняли с учетом коэффициентов, определяющих интенсивность износа и скорость коррозии. В работе учитывали угол наклона к горизонту элемента, подверженного коррозионному износу. Показано, что наиболее уязвимы для потери несущей способности раскосы первых трех секций башни. Выявлено снижение частот собственных колебаний по мере увеличения глубины коррозии. Проведенные натурные обследования подтвердили, что в узлах конструкции происходит скопление и застой влаги, которые обусловили интенсивное развитие коррозионных процессов.
Способы армирования конструкций при строительной 3D-печати зданий и сооружений
Authors: ИЩЕНКО Александр Владимирович , МОЛОТКОВА Полина Александровна
Published: July 2024

Рассмотрена одна из наиболее перспективных технологий возведения зданий и сооружений, заключающаяся в 3D-печати несущих конструкций. Исследуется проблема устройства армирования в элементах, напечатанных в результате экструзии бетонного раствора по координатам, заданным цифровым устройством. Проведен анализ известных на сегодняшний день способов укладки арматуры при возведении зданий с помощью аддитивных технологий: армирование после 3D-печати, во время 3D-печати, непрерывным волокном и фиброй. Выявлены достоинства и недостатки, а также приведены особенности применения данных способов армирования. Рассмотрены технологические решения повышения прочности межслоевого соединения бетона, позволяющие значительно повысить устойчивость возводимого здания и сооружения. Сформирована сводная таблица, в которой представлены отличительные характеристики методов укладки арматуры при возведении зданий и сооружений 3D-печатью. Составлена блок-схема, содержащая информацию о выборе подходящего способа армирования напечатанных несущих конструкций здания. Определен наиболее выгодный метод устройства арматуры для обеспечения возводимой конструкции достаточной прочности.
Влияние сульфоалюмоферритного клинкера на раннюю прочность композиционного вяжущего
Authors: САМЧЕНКО Светлана Васильевна , ТОБОЛЕВ Павел Дмитриевич
Published: July 2024

Применение специальных видов вяжущих, стойких при постоянном воздействии агрессивных вод и способствующих обеспечению высокой долговечности, обусловливает разработку новых составов, которые не уступают по свойствам сульфатостойкости, а также позволяют регулировать их прочностные характеристики и влиять на раннее структурообразование. Приведены данные об исследовании прочностных свойств композиционного вяжущего, состоящего преимущественно из портландцемента и сульфоалюмоферритного клинкера, в начальные сроки твердения. Установлено, что прочность композиционного вяжущего при сжатии в возрасте двух суток значительно превышает прочность портландцемента. Показано влияние сульфоалюмоферритного клинкера на начальное структурообразование. Исследован фазовый состав продуктов гидратации композиционного вяжущего в начальные сроки твердения. Установлено, что введение добавки на основе сульфоалюмоферритов ускоряет образование кристаллической структуры, что отражается на окончании сроков схватывания. Введение в состав композиционного вяжущего на основе портландцемента оптимального количества сульфоалюмоферритного клинкера для получения бетонов гидротехнических сооружений позволит регулировать их прочностные свойства в начальные сроки твердения. Это дает возможность производить распалубку конструкций в более ранние сроки и повысить темпы строительства конструкций.
Early Jurassic A-type granite and monzodiorite from the Baoji batholith: Implication for tectonic transition from post-collision to post-orogenic extension in the Qinling Orogenic Belt, China
Authors: Gong Xiangkuan , Abuduxun Nijiati , Jia Xiaoliang , Cheng Yuanfeng , Cai Hongming , Wu Xueqian , Yang Haodong
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The early Jurassic granitoids in the Qinling Orogenic Belt (QOB) play a crucial role in understanding the tectonic implications for the geological evolution of China. To elucidate the early Jurassic tectonic setting of QOB, we performed a comprehensive analysis of zircon U-Pb ages, whole-rock geochemistry, and in situ zircon Lu-Hf isotopes from early Jurassic monzodiorite and Kfeldspar granite within the Baoji batholith in western QOB.

Geochronology Method and Results: The intrusions yielded zircon U-Pb ages of 186 ± 2 Ma and 188 ± 2 Ma, respectively.

Geochemistry Results: The monzodiorites are characterized by relatively high MgO, Rb, Th, U, and LREE contents, as well as low P, Ti, and HREE contents. They also exhibit high Nb/Ta ratios (20.6–23.4). The zircon εHf(t) values for the monzodiorite sample range from −4.36 to 6.47, indicating significant contributions from a fertile continental lithospheric mantle with the involvement of crustal components. The K-feldspar granites are enriched in K2O+ Na2O, Rb, Zr, Hf, and Nb, and lower Ba, Sr, Ti, and P. They exhibit high Nb/Ta and Ga/Al ratios but low Y/Nb and Yb/Ta ratios. Their geochemical characteristics reveal an A-type granite affinity with elevated zircon saturation temperatures (848°C–900 °C). Additionally, the K-feldspar granite exhibits REE and trace element patterns similar to those observed in the monzodiorite. However, a wide range of zircon εHf(t) values (−4.72 to 3.98), differing from those of the monzodiorite, indicate that the parental magma of the K-feldspar granite experienced magma mixing between a monzodioritic magma and a crustal-derived felsic magma.

Discussion: These findings suggest that both A-type K-feldspar granite and monzodiorite likely formed during post-orogenic processes. Additionally, the QOB commenced its postorogenic evolution as an extensional tectonic environment during the early Jurassic period.
Consequence simulation of cyber attacks on key smart grid business cases
Authors: Abraham Doney , Toftegaard Øyvind , D. R. Binu Ben Jose , Gebremedhin Alemayehu , Yildirim Yayilgan Sule
Published: July 2024

The increasing threat of cyber-attacks on modern power systems highlights the need for a comprehensive examination through simulations. This study conducts an in-depth simulation of cyber-attacks on critical smart grid components, including smart meters, substation automation, and battery management systems, to expose and analyze potential disruptions to power system operations. We identify vulnerabilities that can lead to severe grid instabilities, such as voltage variations, system collapses, and inverter failures. Our analysis underscores the complex interactions between cyber threats and grid components, revealing how disruptions extend beyond mere load interruptions to affect the core infrastructure. We advocate for integrating established cybersecurity frameworks like NIST, ISO/IEC 27001, and IEC 62443, essential in fortifying grid stability against these dynamic threats. Our findings highlight the urgent need for continuous adaptation and enforcement of these frameworks to enhance resilience and ensure the reliability of modern power grids against cyber-attacks.
Enhancing the efficiency of photovoltaic cells through the usage of dye concentrators
Authors: Brągoszewska Ewa , Bogacka Magdalena , Wajda Agata , Milewicz Bartłomiej
Published: July 2024

Over the past few years, there has been a growing interest in renewable energy sources. Among them, photovoltaic (PV) technology is advancing rapidly. Solar insolation is the most crucial factor for PV installations. Various solutions, such as tracking mechanisms, hybrid systems, and new materials, can enhance the efficiency of PV systems. Concentrators focus solar light onto the surface of solar modules, increasing production of electricity. Implementing such solutions can reduce the number of silicon cells in installations, leading to a decrease in waste generated during production. Dye concentrators have a positive impact on the performance of silicon systems. A two-stage study on the effect of dye concentrator application on PV cell efficiency is carried out. In the first stage, specific types of dye concentrators are tested for their interaction with the silicon system. Tinted and luminescent acrylic glass (polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA) in yellow and red are used as dye concentrators. The experiment included multiple measurement calibrations, such as the temperature of the tested silicon cell and the intensity of illuminance. Results showed absolute increase of efficiency in solar cells ranging from 0.05% to 1.42%, depending on the type of concentrator used. The most significant improvements were observed with luminescent red PMMA, averaging at 1.21%. The potential of this concentrator was further explored in the second stage of the study, investigating the relationship between the surface involvement of the silicon cell and the dye concentrator. Test results indicated the potential of dye concentrators for integrating luminescent dye concentrator technology into PV systems. The effect of this integration is increase in the efficiency of the PV cell. On the other hand, it should be noted that replacing the PV cell with a dye concentrator reduces the efficiency of the entire photovoltaic system. Hence, the use of a PV cell and concentrator system is recommended especially for photovoltaic systems with a large area. As dye concentrators have the ability to operate without direct irradiance, they are also recommended for regions where natural light is dispersed.
The impact of the digital economy on environmental pollution: a perspective on collaborative governance between government and Public
Authors: Liu Kai , Ma Fanglin
Published: July 2024

The rapid development of the digital economy is driving transformative changes in a multifaceted collaborative environmental governance system. From the perspective of collaborative governance between government and the public, this study employs double fixed-effects models, spatial econometric models, and instrumental variables methods to empirically explore how the digital economy influences environmental pollution, using panel data from 30 provinces in China spanning 2011 to 2022. The results demonstrate that the digital economy significantly lowers environmental pollution. The primary mechanism is through the government’s environmental governance behaviors, which are positively moderated by public environmental concerns, enhancing effectiveness. Additionally, the digital economy induces a spatial spillover effect on environmental pollution. This promotion of collaborative management between the government and the public is poised to become a pivotal direction in future environmental governance.
Key co-expressed genes correlated with blood serum parameters of pigs fed with different fatty acid profile diets
Authors: Fanalli Simara Larissa , Gomes Júlia Dezen , de Novais Francisco José , Gervásio Izally Carvalho , Fukumasu Heidge , Moreira Gabriel Costa Monteiro , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann , Koltes James , Amaral Andreia J. , Cesar Aline Silva Mello
Published: July 2024

This study investigated how gene expression is affected by dietary fatty acids (FA) by using pigs as a reliable model for studying human diseases that involve lipid metabolism. This includes changes in FA composition in the liver, blood serum parameters and overall metabolic pathways. RNA-Seq data from 32 pigs were analyzed using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). Our aim was to identify changes in blood serum parameters and gene expression between diets containing 3% soybean oil (SOY3.0) and a standard pig production diet containing 1.5% soybean oil (SOY1.5). Significantly, both the SOY1.5 and SOY3.0 groups showed significant modules, with a higher number of co-expressed modules identified in the SOY3.0 group. Correlated modules and specific features were identified, including enriched terms and pathways such as the histone acetyltransferase complex, type I diabetes mellitus pathway, cholesterol metabolism, and metabolic pathways in SOY1.5, and pathways related to neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease in SOY3.0. The variation in co-expression observed for HDL in the groups analyzed suggests different regulatory patterns in response to the higher concentration of soybean oil. Key genes co-expressed with metabolic processes indicative of diseases such as Alzheimer’s was also identified, as well as genes related to lipid transport and energy metabolism, including CCL5, PNISR, DEGS1. These findings are important for understanding the genetic and metabolic responses to dietary variation and contribute to the development of more precise nutritional strategies.
A non-invasive nanobody probe for high precision mapping of Lck spatial distribution
Authors: Tyritidis Ioannis , Tsioupros Evangelos , Christou Pantelis , Koutras Nikolaos , Morfos Vasileios , Nika Konstantina
Published: July 2024

The tyrosine kinase Lck is mandatory for initiating signaling responses downstream the antigenic T cell receptor (TCR). Numerous studies have shown that a prerequisite for efficient and well-balanced Lck regulation and function is its finely orchestrated spatial distribution pattern, especially at the plane of the plasma membrane. There is a wealth of knowledge on Lck localization sites, preference for specialized lipid microenvironments and colocalization partners. However, several questions concerning the spatial organization of its differentially phosphorylated conformers and the dynamics of their juxtaposition in relation to ligated and non-ligated TCRs remain elusive. In this brief report we introduce a non-invasive nanobody-based approach for mapping Lck subcellular allocation with high precision. Our initial data using this methodology, provide insight into the topology of Lck in resting T cells and its confined localization in a strictly delimited environment within the plane of the plasma membrane.
Divergence in spatial patterns of leaf stoichiometry between native and non-native plants across coastal wetlands
Authors: Zhang Youzheng , Guo Yaolin , Wang Hui , Li Niu , Xu Hengtao , Zhang Dongrong , Qian Jian , Hu Yukun
Published: July 2024

The spatial pattern of leaf stoichiometry is critical in predicting plant palatability and ecosystem productivity and nutrient cycling rates and thus is a major focus of community ecological research. Coastal wetlands as vital blue carbon ecosystems, with high possibility to be vulnerable to plant invasion, studies focused on stoichiometry and its pattern are important to unveil the elements cycling process. However, previous studies have mainly focused on stoichiometry in terrestrial ecosystems, there are few studies conducted on coastal wetland ecosystems, especially the studies that compare leaf stoichiometry between native and non-native plants in coastal wetlands. In this study, we compared the latitudinal patterns of leaf nutrient contents and their stoichiometric ratios between native and non-native plant species across coastal wetland ecosystems and investigated whether leaf stoichiometric patterns were driven by climatic factors. We used a compiled global data set of 954 records to conduct a systematic meta-analysis. The results showed that there were significant differences in latitudinal patterns of leaf carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) contents and C:N ratio between native and non-native species, as well as significant differences in leaf C, N, and phosphorus (P) contents. For native species, we found significant latitudinal patterns in leaf C, N, and P contents and C:N and C:P ratios, whereas for non-native species, we found significant latitudinal patterns in leaf N content and C:P and N:P ratios. Mean annual temperature of the data collection site was a significant predictor of leaf stoichiometry of native plants but only of leaf N content and C:P ratio of non-native plants. Thus, we demonstrated spatial heterogeneity in leaf stoichiometries between native and non-native plants in coastal wetlands, indicating that such differences should be emphasized in future biogeochemical models and plant-herbivore interaction studies owing to the important role of wetland plants in global C, N, and P cycles. Our findings increase understanding of plant-related nutrient and elements cycling in coastal wetlands, as well as improve predictions of plant growth rates and vegetation productivity across large scales under plant invasion scenarios.
Case report: A rare cause of intestinal perforation in a third-trimester pregnant woman
Authors: Stiegler Clemens , Kapitza Christopher , Weber Florian , Patalakh Wladimir , Schäfer Claus
Published: July 2024

Background

An acute abdomen is a medical emergency that requires early diagnosis and treatment. In pregnancy, this process is significantly more challenging, and radiological findings are sometimes unclear due to the enlarged uterus displacing other structures. Moreover, endometriosis-related complications are rare, and the disease is often undiagnosed.

Case presentation

We report a case of acute perforation of the cecum and appendix during pregnancy (35 weeks of gestation) caused by a previously unknown, deep infiltrating endometriosis with focal ulceration of the affected bowel wall, which sonographically seemed to be acute appendicitis.

Conclusion

Despite the relatively low risk, clinicians should be aware of possible endometriosis-associated complications in pregnancy with potentially life-threatening events, even in previously unknown endometriosis. Further studies should evaluate intestinal complications during pregnancy in relation to previous treatment of intestinal endometriosis (conservative vs. surgical).
Serum from patients with cirrhosis undergoing liver transplantation induces permeability in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells ex vivo
Authors: Bokoch Michael P. , Xu Fengyun , Govindaraju Krishna , Lloyd Elliot , Tsutsui Kyle , Kothari Rishi P. , Adelmann Dieter , Joffre Jérémie , Hellman Judith
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Patients with cirrhosis undergoing liver transplantation frequently exhibit systemic inflammation, coagulation derangements, and edema, indicating endothelial dysfunction. This syndrome may worsen after ischemia–reperfusion injury of the liver graft, coincident with organ dysfunction that worsens patient outcomes. Little is known about changes in endothelial permeability during liver transplantation. We hypothesized that sera from these patients would increase permeability in cultured human endothelial cells ex vivo.

Methods

Adults with cirrhosis presenting for liver transplantation provided consent for blood collection during surgery. Sera were prepared at five time points spanning the entire operation. The barrier function of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells in culture was assessed by transendothelial resistance measured using the ECIS ZΘ system. Confluent cells from two different endothelial cell donors were stimulated with human serum from liver transplant patients. Pooled serum from healthy men and purified inflammatory agonists served as controls. The permeability response to serum was quantified as the area under the normalized resistance curve. Responses were compared between time points and analyzed for associations with clinical characteristics of liver transplant patients and their grafts.

Results

Liver transplant sera from all time points during surgery-induced permeability in both endothelial cell lines. The magnitude of permeability change was heterogeneous between patients, and there were differences in the effects of sera on the two endothelial cell lines. In one of the cell lines, the severity of liver disease was associated with greater permeability at the start of surgery. In the same cell line, serum collected 15 min after liver reperfusion induced significantly more permeability as compared to that collected at the start of surgery. Early postreperfusion sera from patients undergoing living donor transplants induced more permeability than sera from deceased donor transplants. Sera from two exemplary cases of patients on preoperative dialysis, and one patient with an unexpectedly long warm ischemia time of the liver graft, induced exaggerated and prolonged endothelial permeability.

Discussion

Serum from patients with cirrhosis undergoing liver transplantation induces permeability of cultured human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells. Increased endothelial permeability during liver transplantation may contribute to organ injury and present a target for future therapeutics.
Circulating free DNA as a diagnostic marker for echinococcosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Luo Xiaoqin , Jiang Ping , Ma Jideng , Li Zian , Zhou Jianwu , Wei Xiaoxing , A Jide , Chai Jinping , Lv Yanke , Cheng Peng , Cao Chunhua , A Xiangren
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Echinococcosis is a chronic zoonotic disease caused by tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified encapsulated disease as one of 17 neglected diseases to be controlled or eliminated by 2050. There is no accurate, early, non-invasive molecular diagnostic method to detect echinococcosis. The feasibility of circulating free DNA as a diagnostic method for echinococcosis has yielded inconclusive results in a number of published studies. However, there has been no systematic evaluation to date assessing the overall performance of these assays. We report here the first meta-analysis assessing the diagnostic accuracy of cfDNA in plasma, serum, and urine for echinococcosis.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and WeiPu databases up to 17 January 2024, for relevant studies. All analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3, Meta-DiSc 1.4, Stata 17.0, and R 4.3.1 software. The sensitivity, specificity, and other accuracy indicators of circulating free DNA for the diagnosis of echinococcosis were summarized. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to identify sources of heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 7 studies included 218 patients with echinococcosis and 214 controls (156 healthy controls, 32 other disease controls (non-hydatid patients), and 26 non-study-targeted echinococcosis controls were included). Summary estimates of the diagnostic accuracy of cfDNA in the diagnosis of echinococcosis were as follows: sensitivity (SEN) of 0.51 (95% CI: 0.45–0.56); specificity (SPE) of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.97–0.99); positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of 11.82 (95% CI: 6.74–20.74); negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of 0.57 (95% CI: 0.41–0.80); diagnostic ratio (DOR) of 36.63 (95% CI: 13.75–97.59); and area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96–1.00).

Conclusion

Existing evidence indicates that the combined specificity of circulating cfDNA for echinococcosis is high. However, the combined sensitivity performance is unsatisfactory due to significant inter-study heterogeneity. To strengthen the validity and accuracy of our findings, further large-scale prospective studies are required.

Systematic review registrationThe systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews PROSPERO [CRD42023454158]. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/.
Research progress on microbial adsorption of radioactive nuclides in deep geological environments
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Zhang Qichao , Qiao Yanxin , Jiang Yishan , Xiao Feng , Duan Jizhou , Zhao Xin
Published: July 2024

Due to the development and utilization of nuclear energy, the safe disposal of nuclear waste needs to be urgently addressed. In recent years, the utilization of microorganisms’ adsorption capacity to dispose of radioactive waste has received increasing attention. When compared with conventional disposal methods, microbial adsorption exhibits the characteristics of high efficiency, low cost, and no secondary pollution. In the long term, microbial biomass shows significant promise as specific chemical-binding agents. Optimization of biosorption conditions, identification of rare earth element binding sites, and studies on the sorption capacities of immobilized cells provide compelling reasons to consider biosorption for industrial applications in heavy metal removal from solutions. However, the interaction mechanism between microorganisms and radioactive nuclides is very complex. This mini-review briefly provides an overview of the preparation methods, factors affecting the adsorption capacity, and the mechanisms of microbial adsorbents.
Age-related reduction in anxiety and neural encoding of negative emotional memory
Authors: Chaudhary Shefali , Zhang Sheng , Chen Yu , Dominguez Jacqueline C. , Chao Herta H. , Li Chiang-Shan R.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Older adults experience less anxiety. We examined how memory of negative emotional images varied with age and may reflect age-related differences in anxiety.

Methods

Fifty-one adults, age 22-80 years, underwent imaging with a memory task where negative and neutral images were displayed pseudo-randomly. They were queried post-scan about the images inter-mixed with an equal number of images never displayed. Sensitivity (d’) and reporting bias (Z-score of false alarm rate; Z[FAR]) were quantified with signal detection theory.

Results

Age was negatively correlated with both Spielberg State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) state score and d’ (negative – neutral) and positively with Z[FAR] (negative – neutral). However, STAI score and d’ or Z[FAR] (negative – neutral) were not significantly correlated. In whole-brain regression, STAI score was correlated with higher activity of the right middle/superior temporal gyri/temporal parietal junction (MTG/STG/TPJ) for “negative correct – incorrect” – “neutral correct – incorrect” trials. Further, the MTG/STG/TPJ activity (β) was also negatively correlated with age. Mediation analyses supported a complete mediation model of age → less anxiety → less MTG/STG/TPJ β.

Discussion

Together, the findings demonstrated age-related changes in negative emotional memory and how age-related reduction in anxiety is reflected in diminished temporoparietal cortical activities during encoding of negative emotional memory.
The emerging role of brain neuroinflammatory responses in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Amelimojarad Mandana , Amelimojarad Melika , Cui Xiaonan
Published: July 2024

As the most common cause of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by neurodegeneration and synaptic loss with an increasing prevalence in the elderly. Increased inflammatory responses triggers brain cells to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and accelerates the Aβ accumulation, tau protein hyper-phosphorylation leading to neurodegeneration. Therefore, in this paper, we discuss the current understanding of how inflammation affects brain activity to induce AD pathology, the inflammatory biomarkers and possible therapies that combat inflammation for AD.
Exploring the association of physical activity on cognitive function in older adults from observational and genetic insights: a combined NHANES and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Hai-yan , Zhang Yi-Jing , Zhang Wen-you
Published: July 2024

Background

Cognitive function (CF) deterioration is a pressing concern in geriatric research. This study aimed to explore the relationship between physical activity (PA) and CF in older adults.

Methods

This study adopted a dual approach, employing both observational and genetic approaches through data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014 and Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis. For the NHANES component, PA levels were evaluated using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, and CF was assessed via standardized tests. Multivariate regression, threshold effect analysis, smoothing curve fitting, and subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the association between PA and CF. In parallel, MR methods, using genetic variants as instrumental variables, assessed the causal impact of PA on CF and related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Results

Observational findings from NHANES demonstrated a positive correlation between PA and CF, notably among female participants. The detailed analysis identified specific thresholds of PA that correlate with cognitive enhancements. However, MR results did not support a significant causal relationship between PA and CF or dementia-related outcomes, indicating an absence of a direct genetic basis for the observational associations.

Conclusion

Although observational data from NHANES suggest that PA is positively associated with CF in older adults, particularly among women, MR analysis did not confirm these findings as causally related. The discrepancy highlights the complexity of the PA-CF relationship and underscores the need for further research. These results emphasize the potential of PA as a modifiable risk factor for CF, though causal effects remain to be definitively established.
The complement system in neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system
Authors: Negro-Demontel Luciana , Maleki Adam F. , Reich Daniel S. , Kemper Claudia
Published: July 2024

Neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, affect millions of people globally. As aging is a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, the continuous increase in the elderly population across Western societies is also associated with a rising prevalence of these debilitating conditions. The complement system, a crucial component of the innate immune response, has gained increasing attention for its multifaceted involvement in the normal development of the central nervous system (CNS) and the brain but also as a pathogenic driver in several neuroinflammatory disease states. Although complement is generally understood as a liver-derived and blood or interstitial fluid operative system protecting against bloodborne pathogens or threats, recent research, particularly on the role of complement in the healthy and diseased CNS, has demonstrated the importance of locally produced and activated complement components. Here, we provide a succinct overview over the known beneficial and pathological roles of complement in the CNS with focus on local sources of complement, including a discussion on the potential importance of the recently discovered intracellularly active complement system for CNS biology and on infection-triggered neurodegeneration.