bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Potential of Urinary Volatilomic Patterns of COVID-19 Patients Infected With SARS-CoV-2 for Disease Diagnosis. An Exploratory Study
Authors: Riccio Giulia , Neto Joana , Berenguer Cristina V. , Ornelas Cristina P. , Greco Viviana , Pereira Jorge , Perestrelo Rosa , Câmara José S.
Published: April 2024

To assess if SARS-CoV-2 infection induces changes in the urinary volatilomic fingerprint able to be used in the non-invasive COVID-19 diagnosis and management, urine samples of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients (62), recovered COVID-19 patients (30), and non-infected individuals (41) were analysed using solid-phase microextraction technique in headspace mode, combined with gas chromatography hyphenated with mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). In total, 101 volatile organic metabolites (VOMs) from 13 chemical families were identified, being terpenes, phenolic compounds, norisoprenoids, and ketones the most represented groups. Overall, a decrease in the levels of terpenes and phenolic compounds was observed in the control group, whereas norisoprenoids and ketones showed a significant increase. In turn, a remarkable increase was noticed in norisoprenoids and ketones and a milder increase in alcohols, furanic, and sulfur compounds in the recovery group than in the COVID-19 group. Multivariate statistical analysis identified sets of VOMs with the potential to constitute volatile signatures for COVID-19 development and progression. These signatures are composed of D-carvone, 3-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)aniline (MTA), 1,1,6-trimethyl-dihydronaphthalene (TDN), 2-heptanone, and 2,5,5,8a-tetramethyl-1,2,3,5,6,7,8,8-octahydro-1-naphthalenyl ester acetate (TONEA) for COVID-19 infection and nonanoic acid, α-terpinene, β-damascenone, α-isophorone, and trans-furan linalool for patients recovering from the disease. This study provides evidence that changes in the urinary volatilomic profile triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection constitute a promising and valuable screening and/or diagnostic and management tool for COVID-19 in clinical environment.
Functional Characterization of a Spectrum of Genetic Variants in a Family With Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency
Authors: Didiasova Miroslava , Cesaro Samuele , Feldhoff Simon , Bettin Ilaria , Tiegel Nana , Füssgen Vera , Bertoldi Mariarita , Tikkanen Ritva
Published: April 2024

Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) is a mitochondrial enzyme involved in the catabolism of the neurotransmitter γ-amino butyric acid. Pathogenic variants in the gene encoding this enzyme cause SSADH deficiency, a developmental disease manifesting as hypotonia, autism and epilepsy. SSADH deficiency patients usually have family-specific gene variants. Here, we describe a family exhibiting four different SSADH variants, Val90Ala, Cys93Phe, and His180Tyr/Asn255Asp (a double variant). We provide a structural and functional characterization of these variants and show that Cys93Phe and Asn255Asp are pathogenic variants that affect the stability of the SSADH protein. Due to impairment of the cofactor NAD+ binding, these variants show a highly reduced enzyme activity. However, Val90Ala and His180Tyr exhibit normal activity and expression. The His180Tyr/Asn255Asp variant exhibits a highly reduced activity as a recombinant species, is inactive and shows a very low expression in eukaryotic cells. A treatment with substances that support protein folding by either increasing chaperone protein expression or by chemical means was not capable of increasing the expression of the pathogenic variants of the SSADH deficiency patient. However, stabilization of the folding of pathogenic SSADH variants by other substances may provide a treatment option for this disease.
Papillary Thyroid Cancer Remodels the Genomic Fabrics of DNA Replication, Repair and Transcription
Authors: Iacobas Dumitru A , Iacobas Sanda
Published: April 2024

The genetic causes of the differentiated, highly treatable and mostly non-fatal papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) are not yet fully known. The widely accepted PTC etiology blames altered sequence or/and expression level of certain biomarker genes. However, our previous studies found that the PTC biomarkers played significantly lower roles than the personalized PTC Gene Master Regulators. Our publicly accessible gene expression data from the cancer nodule and the surrounding normal tissue of surgically removed PTC tumor were re-analyzed to determine the transcriptomic effects on the genomic fabrics responsible for the DNA replication, repair and transcription. Tumor results were compared to the gene expression profiles of the papillary (BCPAP) and the anaplastic (8505C) human thyroid cancer cell lines. The analyses were carried out from the Genomic Fabric Paradigm (GFP) perspective that provides the most theoretically possible comprehensive characterization of the transcriptome and its alterations in disease. The study indicated that, in addition to regulating numerous genes, changes in the homeostatic control of transcript abundances and remodeling of the gene networks had major contributions to the PTC occurrence, resilience and proliferation. Therefore, the molecular mechanisms responsible for gene expression control and inter-coordination should also be considered when designing personalized anti-cancer gene therapies.
Knowledge and Beliefs of Clinical Trials Among Adults in Poland
Authors: Cięszczyk Natalia Daria , Czech Marcin , Gujski Mariusz , Pronicki Łukasz
Published: April 2024

Background: Clinical trials, by contributing to the development of diagnostics and to the search for modern, more effective, and safer therapies, have become one of the most important elements of the healthcare system. The aim of this study was to assess Poles' knowledge and beliefs about clinical trials. Methods: The survey was conducted among Poles aged 18 and over with the help of external company. The questionnaire contained 22 questions, of which 13 questions concerned beliefs and attitudes towards clinical trials. Results: Data were obtained from 1079 Poles (52.6% women). Among the respondents, 86.5% were aware of clinical trials. The main source of information about clinical trials was the media (53.8%) including the Internet (32.9%) and TV (16.2%). 43.2% of respondents reported little knowledge of clinical trials, while more than three quarters (75.2%) said they would like to learn more about clinical trials. Most respondents (81.4%) agreed with the statement that participation in a clinical trial is completely voluntary, and more than half (53.7%) agreed with the statement that hospitals participating in clinical trials provide better healthcare. The statement that the results of clinical trials are made available to the public was disagreed with by 37.2% of participants. Only 30.3% of participants agreed that clinical trials should be conducted with children. Conclusions: Poles rate their knowledge of clinical trials as low and would like to learn more. To reach the largest possible group of Polish patients, parallel educational activities on multiple levels may have the best effect. Poles' knowledge of clinical trials is mainly based on commercial sources. Further studies in different groups, i.e., clinical trial patients and investigators, are needed.
Supervised Statistical Optimization of Interfaced Geophysical–Geotechnical Datasets for Holistic Surface–Subsurface Modeling
Authors: Akingboye Adedibu Sunny , Bery Andy Anderson , Aminu Muslim Babatunde , Dick Mbuotidem David , Bala Gabriel Abraham , Ale Temitayo Olamide
Published: April 2024

Surface–subsurface soil-rock modeling is crucial for infrastructure design and groundwater yield optimization, especially in the complex crystalline basement terrains of Penang Island, Malaysia. This study conducted large-scale characterization of soil-rock profiles using ERT, SRT, rock quality designation, and soil penetration test (SPT N-values) data, optimized through regression modeling. The approach effectively identified soil-rock structures and their suitability to prevent structural failures and enhance groundwater productivity. Correlations between borehole lithologic logs and velocity–resistivity models revealed distinct soil compositions across the study area. The results highlighted thick, saturated, and loose silty to sandy bodies in the eastern to northern sections, contrasting with sandy compositions and penetrative fractures in the southern part. The study also found good correlations between rock mass quality and N-values for different soil types. Depths of intra-bedrock weathered/fractured units varied between 12 and >35 m. This has significant implications for determining optimal foundation depths in the study area. Groundwater productivity was associated with intra-bedrock planes of weakness at depths exceeding 40 m. Overall, this study developed empirical relations between geophysical and geotechnical parameters for wet tropical granitic terrains, filling critical gaps in understanding subsurface characteristics.
In Vitro Effects of Fentanyl on Aortic Viscoelasticity in a Rat Model of Melatonin Deficiency
Authors: Georgiev Andreyan , Kaneva Maria , Shikova Lyudmila , Mateeva Polina , Tchekalarova Jana , Antonova Maria
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Melatonin influences arterial biomechanics, and its absence could cause remodeling of the arterial wall, leading to increased stiffness. Direct effects of fentanyl on the aortic wall have also been observed previously. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the effects of fentanyl on aortic viscoelasticity in a rat model of melatonin deficiency. It also aimed to test the hypothesis that melatonin deficiency leads to increased arterial wall stiffness. The viscoelasticity of the aortic wall was estimated in strip preparations from pinealectomised and sham-operated adult rats using the forced oscillations method. We found that melatonin deficiency in the untreated aortic wall did not significantly alter viscoelasticity. However, combined with 10-9 M fentanyl, melatonin deficiency increased the natural frequency and arterial stiffness compared to the sham-operated. Independently, fentanyl treatment decreased the natural frequency and arterial stiffness compared separately to untreated normal and melatonin-deficient preparations. The observed effects of fentanyl were neither dose-dependent nor affected by naloxone, suggesting a non-opioid mechanism. Furthermore, an independent effect of naloxone was also detected in the normal rat aortic wall, resulting in reduced arterial stiffness. Further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms, which may improve the clinical decisions for pain management and anesthesia.
Verifying the Accuracy of 3D-Printed Objects Using an Image Processing System
Authors: Okamoto Takuya , Ura Sharifu
Published: April 2024

Verifying the accuracy of a 3D-printed object involves using an image processing system. This system compares images of the CAD model of the object to be printed with its 3D-printed counterparts to identify any discrepancies. It is important to note that the integrity of the accuracy measurement is heavily dependent on the image processing settings chosen. This study focuses on this issue by developing a customized image processing system. The system generates binary images of a given CAD model and its 3D-printed counterparts and then compares them pixel-by-pixel to determine the accuracy. Users can experiment with various image processing settings, such as grayscale to binary image conversion threshold, noise reduction parameters, masking parameters, and pixel-fineness adjustment parameters, to see how they affect accuracy. The study concludes that the grayscale to binary image conversion threshold has the most significant impact on accuracy and that the optimal threshold varies depending on the color of the 3D-printed object. The system can also effectively eliminate noise (filament marks) during image processing, ensuring accurate measurements. Additionally, the system can measure the accuracy of highly complex porous structures where the pores size, depth, and distribution are random. The insights gained from this study can be used to develop intelligent systems for the metrology of additive manufacturing.
Access, Readiness, and Willingness to Engage in Allied Health Telerehabilitation Services for Adults: Does Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Make a Difference?
Authors: Tang Clarice Y , Bastani Andisheh , Sidhu Balwinder , Saberi Golsa , Baker Elise
Published: April 2024

Telerehabilitation is an appealing service delivery option for optimising recovering. Internationally, the equity of telerehabilitation services for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds has been questioned. Using a 31-item survey, our study explored the access, readiness, and willingness of 260 patients to use allied health telerehabilitation services for adults receiving interventions from a large tertiary health service located in Sydney, Australia. Overall, 72% patients reported having access to technology, 38% met our readiness criteria, and 53% reported willingness to engage in telerehabilitation. There were no difference in access, readiness and willingness to engage in telerehabilitation between patients from CALD and non-CALD backgrounds. Age was the only factor that influenced access, readiness and willingness to engage in telerehabilitation. Past experience of telerehabilitation was related to willingness, but not access or readiness. Findings highlight the importance of ensuring positive patient experiences to promote ongoing willingness to use telerehabilitation. Efforts are needed to improve patients’ digital health literacy, especially patients from older age groups, to ensure equitable access to telerehabilitation services.
Upaya Meningkatkan Kompetensi Guru Menggunakan Media Pembelajaran ICT melalui Supervisi dengan Teknik Individual di Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Rusmiyati S
Published: April 2024

Abstract. The  of this study was to improve teacher competence in SD Negeri 
Kalinanas in using ICT learning media. The study was conducted in SD Negeri 1
Kalinanas for ± 5 months starting Friday, July 22, 2016 until Saturday, November 19,
2016. The subjects of this study were 9 teachers. Data collection is done through
interviews, observation and documentation. From the interviews, the results show that it is important to use ICT learning media very well. The study was conducted in 2 cycles. In the pre cycle, the average score was 78 with a percentage of 53% achievement of all teachers in the research indicators for the use of ICT learning media, in the first cycle 88 average values were obtained with 69% achievement of all teachers in the research indicators of ICT learning media use, and in cycle II obtained an average value of 97 with a percentage of 88% achievement of all teachers in the research indicators of the use of ICT learning media. There has been an increase in teacher competency in the use of ICT learning media after being supervised with individual techniques by the principal of SD Negeri 1 Kalinanas.
PENERAPAN MODEL STUDENT TEAMS ACHIEVEMENT DIVISION DAN MEDIA GAMBAR WAYANG UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN MEMBACA AKSARA JAWA
Authors: Romadhoni Ahmad Dwi , Anindyarini Atikah , Rahadini Astiana Ajeng
Published: April 2024

The author made this study with the aim of explaining a learning process using the student teams achievement division method and wayang image media. This research is subject to students in class VIII A of SMP Negeri 1 Widodaren. This research was applied in 2 cycles, where each cycle of application consisted of action planning, action implementation, observation or observation, analysis and reflection. The technique used in the collection is document study through tests in cycle 1 and cycle 2. The results of this study can be seen that the application of the student teams achievement division method and wayang image media to class VIII A students of SMP Negeri 1 Widodaren in the 2018/2019 academic year can improve students' ability to read Javanese script in 2 cycles. In the pre-action stage, students who achieved 38% completeness increased in cycle 1 to 51.61% in cycle 2 increased to 87.1%. This study has results that can be used as a reference for teachers to use the student teams achievement division method and puppet image media in Javanese language learning in class VIII to improve reading skills in Javanese script.
ANALISIS CERITA RAKYAT MISTERI PERI WADUK LALUNG DAN MBAH BAYI NANGKA
Authors: Sadewa Alvin Yuda , Sasmita Chamelia Martha , Aulia Hidayah Rahma Fida , Inafiani Dayah Fika
Published: April 2024

Sastra lisan merupakan segala wacana yang diucapkan atau disampaikan secara turun-temurun meliputi yang lisan dan yang beraksara. Pada penelitian ini, kami mengangkat sastra lisan mengenai cerita Misteri Peri Waduk Lalung dan Mbah Bayi Nangka. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan struktur cerita rakyat Misteri Peri Waduk Lalung dan Mbah Bayi Nangka. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu penelitian deskriptif kualitatif melalui metode pendekatan strukturalisme Robet Stanton. Peneliti melakukan analisis data dengan observasi, wawancara, rekaman, dan catatan untuk mengumpulkan data. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dalam cerita rakyat Misteri Peri Waduk Lalung dan Mbah Bayi Nangka terdapat unsur-unsur pembangun berupa tema, alur, tokoh dan penokohan, latar, sudut pandang, gaya bahasa, dan amanat yang saling berkaitan dan membentuk satu kesatuan cerita yang utuh.
 
ANALISIS MALE FEMINIS DAN KONTRA MALE FEMINIS NOVEL ANA CRITA ING PINGGIRE TEBON KARYA TULUS SETIYADI
Authors: Rifani Fitria Ida , Sulaksono Djoko , Fitriana Tya Resta
Published: April 2024

This study is a descriptive qualitative research that’s aims to analysis male feminists and counter male feminists in the novel Ana Crita ing Pinggire Tebon by Tulus Setiyadi. Based on the content of the story that tells the life of the life of the character Wiyani is influenced by male characters, the novel is suitable to be studied with the study of feminism, espeially male feminists and counter male feminists. The data in the research are words, phrases, and sentences that are excerpts from the novel Ana Crita ing Pinggire Tebon. This research uses purposive sampling techniwue, data collection by means of document analysis. The validity test technique was carried out with theoritical triangulation and data source triangulation. The data analysis technique used was interactive analysis, with the sequence of data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of the analysis in the study can be concluded that the caracters classified as male feminists are Pak Dali, Kicuk, Somad, Kumagrenks, and Kondektur. While those classified as counter male feminists are Sulinggo, Togut, Pak Bentu, Ko Bien, Sastropedo, and Ahmad.
Hantavirus Infections: Review of the Epidemiological Situation around the World. Analysis of the Epidemiological Situation on Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome in the Russian Federation in 2023 and Forecast of Its Development for 2024
Authors: Savitskaya T. A. , Ivanova A. V. , Zubova A. A. , Reshetnikova I. D. , Isaeva G. Sh. , Trifonov V. A. , Magerramov Sh. V. , Martsokha K. S. , Trankvilevsky D. V.
Published: April 2024

The paper describes the epidemiological situation in the countries of the world in terms of the incidence of Hantavirus diseases. The results of an epidemiological analysis of the incidence of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in the Russian Federation in 2023 by federal districts are presented and a forecast for 2024 is made. In 2023, 5 093 cases of HFRS were registered in the Russian Federation (3.47 per 100 thousand population). The incidence was reported in 7 out of 8 federal districts of the country. The age structure was dominated by people in the 30–59 age category (65.7 %); 247 cases of the disease were noted among children under 17 years of age. The proportion of the male population was 70.3 %. 63.2 % of the total number of cases was registered among the urban residents. The mortality rate was at the level of 0.49 % – 25 lethal outcomes. Analysis of the data has revealed a decrease in the incidence of HFRS in Russia by 27.2 % as compared to the previous year. However, the data from epizootiological monitoring and the results of laboratory research of field material indicate a continuing tense situation in the country as a whole. In a number of regions, a high risk of complications of the epidemiological situation is predicted (mainly, in the constituent entities of the Volga and Central Federal Districts). Moderate risks of developing local complications of the epidemiological situation at the level of long-term average morbidity are expected to be realized in the entities of the Northwestern, Ural and Far Eastern Federal Districts. Sporadic cases of the disease in the territory of the Southern Federal District are not excluded. The aggravation of the situation on HFRS in the territory of the North-Caucasian and Siberian Federal Districts is not anticipated in 2024.
The Experience in Using the MaxEnt Model to Rank the Territory of the Caspian Sandy Natural Plague Focus (43) according to the Risk of Epizooty Registration
Authors: Ashibokov U. M. , Dubyansky V. M. , Semenko O. V. , Gazieva A. Yu. , Belova O. A. , Kes’yan A. A. , Khalidov A. Kh. , Vetoshkin A. A. , Viktorova N. V. , Kulik A. A.
Published: April 2024

The aim of this work was to rank the territory of the Caspian sandy natural plague focus (43) by the risk of epizooty emergence using the MaxEnt model.

Materials and methods. The archival data on epizootic manifestations of plague over the past 35 years, aggregated by the Stavropol Anti-Plague Institute of the Rospotrebnadzor, the Dagestan, Elista, Astrakhan PCSs of the Rospotrebnadzor, were used for model design. 615 archive plague detection points were converted into the coordinate system (1980–2015). 87 publicly available bioclimatic variables BioClim were deployed to construct the MaxEnt model. Applied weather and climatic factors of the BioClim database are averaged over a multiyear period.

Results and discussion. The MaxEnt model has a very high degree of reliability (AUC=0.975), with a sufficiently high predictive ability (AUC=0.973). According to the generated model, the Caspian sandy natural plague focus has a heterogeneous structure in terms of the probability of epizooty registration and can be divided into five zones. The most significant factors for the model are the following indicators: the average temperature of the wettest quarter, solar radiation in November, the average temperature of the driest quarter, the amount of precipitation in the coldest quarter, wind speed in May, the amount of precipitation in the wettest quarter, and the average air temperature in September. The data obtained allow for targeted search for plague epizootics and can be used to adjust boundaries of a surveyed natural focus in the future.
On Microflora of Entomoparasitic Nematodes from Long-Tailed Souslik Fleas in Tuva Mountain Natural Plague Focus
Authors: Tokmakova E. G. , Galatsevich N. F. , Bazanova L. P. , Balgan O. L. , Ponomareva A. S. , Ostyak A. S. , Akimova I. S. , Balakhonov S. V.
Published: April 2024

Entomoparasitic nematodes have a specific role to play in the persistence of Yersinia pestis in natural foci, however their natural microbial environment has not been studied.

The aim of the study was to search for bacteria associated with nematodes parasitizing fleas-vectors of plague in the Tuva natural focus.

Materials and methods. Fleas were collected during the planned epizootiological surveillance in May, 2017 and 2018. During the taxonomic identification of insects, the presence of parasitic nematodes was recorded. In 2017, bacteriological examination of fleas affected by nematodes and those free from them was carried out separately without dissection. The presence and number of bacteria colonies on the agar plates were taken into account. The results were evaluated by conventional methods using the Excel program. The t-criterion, one-factor analysis of variance were employed. In 2018, 84 invaded fleas were dissected. Extracted nematodes were suspended in Hottinger’s broth, followed by cultivation of grown bacteria on Hottinger’s agar. Systematic position of isolated cultures was determined through mass spectrometric analysis (MALDI-TOF) and partial sequencing of 16S rRNA.

Results and discussion. In 2017, 30 samples of fleas with helminthes and 276 without helminthes were bacteriologically examined, including 23 samples infested and 145 non-infested specimens of the main vector, Citellophilus tesquorum. Statistical differences in the proportion of samples contaminated by unpretentious bacteria and effect of flea abundance in the sample on the number of colonies grown have not been revealed. In 2018, 26 cultures of bacteria of the genera Serratia, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Macrococcus, and Bacillus were isolated from 23 samples of entomoparasitic nematodes. Possible ways of their penetration into flea imagoes are discussed.
Assessment of the Adsorption Activity of Bacterial Cells Using Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Model
Authors: Salikhov R. R. , Kuznetsova E. M. , Volokh O. A.
Published: April 2024

Currently, the Russian Anti-Plague Institute “Microbe” produces diagnostic immunoglobulins used in laboratory diagnostics of plague pathogen. One of the important stages in obtaining this category of drugs is the process of adsorption and removal of cross-reacting antibodies to increase the specificity of the drug. For this purpose, inactivated cells of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis strains are used.

The aim of the work was to assess the possibility of using immunochemical methods to analyze the adsorption properties of bacterial cells, followed by an assessment of the impact of cultivation method and conditions, and the variant of the strain used on the adsorption properties of bacterial cells.

Materials and methods. Cultivation was carried out on solid and liquid nutrient media; cells were inactivated by temperature and chemical exposure. Adsorption activity was assessed using immunoblotting and inhibitory enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical processing of the results was performed using two-factor analysis of variance.

Results and discussion. The suitability of immunoblotting and inhibitory ELISA methods for qualitative and quantitative assessment of the adsorption properties of bacterial cells has been demonstrated. It has been established that the adsorption properties of bacterial cells are influenced by the method of inactivation and the application of substrate feeding; the method of cultivation does not affect the adsorption properties of cells.
Evolution of Yersinia pestis as the Causative Agent of a Vector-Borne Disease Transmitted by Arthropods
Authors: Eroshenko G. A. , Kukleva L. M.
Published: April 2024

The review summarizes the data of modern domestic and foreign studies on the mechanisms of evolutionary adaptation of the plague pathogen to transmissive spread by arthropods. The data on the molecular basis of the rapid formation of a highly pathogenic bacterium due to the acquisition of new genetic information; structural and functional changes in the genome, causing the disruption of functionality of some genes that prevent survival in the vector are presented. The stage of the complex life cycle of the pathogen associated with the peculiarities of its stay in the vector’s organism and its tactics of evasion from the action of antibacterial substances formed by the flea is considered. The importance of biofilm formation for effective transmission of the pathogen is discussed. A complex cascade of transcriptional regulators of biofilm in Yersinia pestis is considered, which includes activators and repressors of biofilm formation, as well as regulators of synthesis or modification/transport of exopolysaccharide. The hms-dependent mechanism of biofilm formation in Y. pestis is described in detail, as well as the impact on biofilm formation through the regulation of LPS-related genes and its role in the modification and transport of biofilm exopolysaccharide. The data from our own studies on the variability of genes involved in biofilm formation in the main subspecies of the plague pathogen in comparison with non-main subspecies of the plague pathogen, as well as on the ability of strains of different subspecies to form biofilm not only in the proventriculus of the flea, but also on the cuticle of soil nematodes of the Tylenchida and Rhabditida orders and the genus Panagrolaimus are presented. The latter allows us to assume the possible participation of soil and entomoparasitic nematodes in the removal of Y. pestis biofilms from the soil to the above-ground biocoenosis of the natural plague focus.
Распространение вариантов вируса SARS-COV-2, вызывающих интерес (VOI) и находящихся под наблюдением (VUM), на основе количества их геномов, депонированных в базу данных GISAID за неделю с 30 марта по 5 апреля 2024 г.
Authors: Дмитриева Людмила , Краснов Ярослав , Чумачкова Елена , Осина Наталья , Зимирова Анастасия , Иванова Александра , Карнаухов Игорь , Караваева Татьяна , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: April 2024

В обзоре представлена информация по циркулирующим в настоящее время вариантам вируса SARS-COV-2 Omicron вызывающих интерес (VOI) и находящихся под наблюдением (VUM), геномные последовательности которых размещены в международной базе данных GISAID за неделю с 30 марта по 5 апреля 2024 г.
Use of sediment tracers to evaluate sediment plume at Cape Fear River Inlet and Adjacent Beaches, North Carolina
Authors: Li Honghai , Rucker Carter , Lin Lihwa , Conner Kevin
Published: April 2024

This report documents a numerical modeling investigation on the transport of sediment material placed on designated disposal sites adjacent to Cape Fear River Inlet, North Carolina. Historical and newly collected wave and hydrodynamic data around the inlet are assembled and analyzed. The data sets are used to calibrate and validate a coastal wave, hydrodynamic, and sediment transport model, the Coastal Modeling System. Model alternatives are developed corresponding to different material placement sites. Sediment transport and sediment plume distribution are evaluated within and around the immediate vicinity of Cape Fear River Inlet estuarine system for a representative summer and a winter month. Results of model simulations show that high flows occur along navigation channels and low flows occur outside the inlet in open ocean area. Sand materials placed in disposal sites tend to be trapped in and move along navigation channel and in these offshore placement sites sediment plume shows slow spreading and no significant sand migration from its release locations. Simulations for the summer and winter month present similar distribution patterns of sediments originating from placement sites.
The Internet Usage Rate in Turkey: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: İncekara Mustafa , Öztürk Cemal
Published: April 2024

Most studies on measuring coverage bias in internet surveys use internet access as a critical measurement variable. However, access to the internet does not mean that individuals are using it. Therefore, using the internet usage rate as a key variable is crucial to get an accurate overview of the internet coverage of a population. This study closes these gaps by using a better indicator for measuring the internet usage rate. It is the first study measuring the internet usage rate in Turkey by using the real internet usage rate of the population and applying a machine learning algorithm. The results exposed significant differences in socio-demographic characteristics when internet users were compared with non-users. Furthermore, the coverage bias associated with internet users remained different for several demographic categories. The results of web-based surveys based on the actual internet usage rate are crucial for the scientific community and marketers.
Determining Consumer Perceptions of Sales Promotion Tools by Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Avcılar Mutlu Yüksel , Acem Ahmet
Published: April 2024

It is argued that promotion-focused consumers are inclined to products with emphasis on hedonic benefit, while prevention-focused consumers are oriented towards products with emphasis on utilitarian benefit. According to the Regulatory Focus Theory, some people need to approach situations with positive consequences, while others prefer to avoid situations with negative consequences. Sales promotion tools provide a number of hedonic and utilitarian benefits in addition to monetary savings through some motivations according to the promotion and prevention focus of individuals. The aim of this study is to tendencies of individuals to the products they buy with sales promotion tools were tried to be determined by the latent class analysis. The data required for the analysis were obtained by face-to-face survey method with 1006 consumers who voluntarily participated in the research with convenience sampling. According to the results of the analysis, it has been understood that there are 3 classes sensitive to price discount sales promotion tools in cleaning products, while there are 4 classes that are sensitive to buy-one-get-one-free sales promotion tools. It has been understood that there are 3 classes sensitive to price discount sales promotion tools in cosmetic products, while there are 3 classes sensitive to buy-one-get-one-free sales promotion tools.
The Determinants of Prices of Fan Tokens as a New Sports Finance Tool
Authors: Kanat Ersin , Öget Emrah , Kaya Ferudun
Published: April 2024

In the Covid-19 era, the income sources of sports clubs decreased, but the importance of fan tokens as new communication, management, and income source for sports clubs increased with Blockchain technology. For this reason, the relationships between fan token prices and club success, transaction volume, and attractiveness factors were examined and the important determinants of fan token prices were tried to be revealed. To determine the most suitable methods for panel data model, first of all, cross-section dependence, homogeneity, and unit root tests were carried out. Then the durbin test was performed and it was concluded that the variables were cointegrated. Finally, the coefficients were examined with the PMG/ARDL test and it was observed that the most important determinants of fan token prices were club success and transaction volume, respectively. While these factors affect fan token prices positively, the effect of the attractiveness factor is seen as less important and negative compared to other factors. In addition, in the error correction model established, the existence of a long-term equilibrium relationship between the variables was confirmed. It was concluded that the short-term deviations returned to the equilibrium after approximately 21 days.
Valoración patrimonial del paisaje y su arquitectura hidráulica: aplicación metodológica en Mula (Región de Murcia, España)
Authors: López Fernández José Antonio
Published: April 2024

El uso del agua y su gestión ha sido siempre un elemento articulador del territorio. Sin embargo, no son abundantes los trabajos de catalogación de estas infraestructuras. El objeto de la investigación es el diseño y desarrollo de una propuesta metodológica de caracterización y valoración del patrimonio hidráulico. Se propone una metodológica aplicada al paisaje y la arquitectura hidráulica tradicional en el municipio de Mula (Región de Murcia), donde existen construcciones como azudes, acequias, partidores, norias o galerías drenantes. Los resultados muestran la importancia del patrimonio hidráulico en la configuración del paisaje. Sin embargo, se ha comprobado que este patrimonio tiene un menor reconocimiento social. Dentro de este conjunto se evidencia que las infraestructuras funcionales muestran una consideración patrimonial más elevada. Al contrario, la falta de uso de las construcciones, a pesar de que tengan alguna figura de protección, aboca al deterioro y al olvido. Desde el análisis geográfico es necesario poner en valor este tipo de patrimonio, hoy relegado por nuevos usos del agua.
Shifting Narratives to Value Unpaid and Informal Work in Kenya
Authors: Ojha Alina , Nosakhare Nosariemen , Amwoma Janeth , Kabeer Morgan , Bobson Blandina
Published: April 2024

Unpaid Care and Domestic Work (UCDW) and Paid Domestic Work (PDW) are essential to societal wellbeing. However, these activities often carry negative perceptions, attitudes and beliefs when performed by men and boys. As a result, women and girls typically shoulder the primary responsibility for performing UCDW. Similarly, society often undervalues PDW by perceiving it as low-skilled work, as demonstrated through low remuneration and unfair employment practices. The narratives many cultures embrace concerning UCDW and PDW partly explain why these essential activities frequently fall on women and girls, and why society often undervalues PDW. This report documents a collaborative research project between Busara Center for Behavioral Economics and Oxfam to investigate existing narratives on UCDW and PDW in Kenya, and test potentially transformative narratives that could shift societal attitudes.
Robust Multi-Response Optimization of Productivity and Product Quality in Injection Molding using Taguchi Grey Technique
Authors: Simiyu Laura Wambani , Mutua James M. , Muiruri Patrick I. , Ikua Bernard W. , Ngigi Simon G.
Published: April 2024

There is a popular use and demand of plastic products worldwide. Therefore, their quality and production rate ought to be high. Injection molding has gained populace in the manufacture of plastics because it is economical, repeatable and can manufacture complex shaped products. However, straight cooling channels characterize most injection mold tools which leads to slow and non-uniform cooling consequently resulting in low production rate and defective products. This study deals with optimization of circular cross-section conformal cooling channel design. Design of experiments is based on Taguchi method with the variable design factors being diameter, depth and pitch. Solidworks is used for 3D design, numerical simulation is conducted using Solidworks Plastics and grey relational analysis is used for multi-response optimization. Grey relational grade results showed that the optimal design was characterized by a minimum diameter (D), depth and pitch of 8 mm, 1.5 D and 2 D respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) findings depicted the diameter as the only and most significant factor that contributed to all the responses concurrently. The performance of all CCC designs were superior to that of SCC. Overall, Grey relational analysis sufficed multi-response optimization in injection molding process through CCC design. The methodology adopted can be used to optimize the designs of injection mold tool components for efficiency in the production process.
Seasonal short-term load forecasting for power systems based on modal decomposition and feature fusion multi-algorithm hybrid neural network model
Authors: Liu Jiachang , Huang Zhengwei , Xiang Junfeng , Liu Lu , Hu Manlin
Published: April 2024

To enhance the level of refined load decomposition of the power system and make full use of seasonal change information to improve the prediction performance further, this paper proposes a seasonal short-term load combination prediction model of the power system based on modal decomposition and feature fusion multi-algorithm hybrid neural network model, i.e., the characteristics of load components are analysed for different seasons, and the corresponding models are established respectively. Firstly, The ICEEMDAN (Improved complete ensemble EMD) method decomposes the four-season load, and a new sequence is obtained based on the RCMFE (refined composite multiscale fuzzy entropy) reconstruction of each decomposition component. Secondly, the correlation between different decomposition components and different features is measured using the mRMR (Max-Relevance and Min-Redundancy) method to filter out the subset of features with high correlation and low redundancy. Finally, the BiLSTM (Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory) model based on the Bayesian optimisation algorithm is used to predict different components of different seasonal loads separately, and the predicted values are accumulated to obtain the final results. According to the experimental findings, the proposed method can successfully balance the issues of prediction accuracy and prediction time while having a higher level of prediction accuracy than the current prediction methods. It is confirmed that the proposed method can effectively address the load power variation brought on by seasonal differences in different regions.
Intelligent Scene Design of Digital Media Art Based on Blockchain and Application of AR Technology
Authors: Chen Peng , Huang Yujiao
Published: April 2024

Intelligent scene design schemes have become increasingly important with the development of digital media art and Augmented Reality (AR) technology. At present, the design of this scene is mostly used in urban planning. The development of AR technology makes the constructed scene more realistic and immersive while drawing virtual cities. This paper establishes a virtual city through intelligent scene and AR technology and conducts reasonable urban planning based on the collection of sunshine information. Firstly, the application of blockchain technology is introduced. Secondly, it describes the digital media art intelligent scene and AR technology. Finally, the sunshine information obtained from the intelligent scene is used to optimize the virtual city buildings. The experimental results show that: building groups based on the sunshine information identified by intelligent scene can increase the sunshine time of both residential and commercial building groups and reduce the optimization time, which greatly improves the building planning level of virtual cities. Additionally, the introduction of AR technology makes the virtual city more realistic. Therefore, this study has certain reference significance for planning virtual cities.
Efficient degradation of bisphenol S by ultraviolet/persulfate oxidation in fresh and saline waters: Effects of operating conditions and reaction mechanism
Authors: Liu Guoqiang , Wu Kai , Zhang Cunliang , Ji Yuefei , Lu Junhe , Chen Jing , Kong Deyang
Published: April 2024

Bisphenol S (BPS) is considered an emerging concern as an alternative to bisphenol A. In this study, the degradation of BPS by PS, UV, and UV/PS was comprehensively examined in fresh and saline waters. UV/PS can effectively degrade BPS, and the observed first-order rate constant, kobs, increased from 0.021 to 0.382 s− 1 with increasing PS concentration from 100 to 1000 mΜ. The addition of humic acid (HA) would inhibit the degradation of BPS, and 1/kobs was directly proportional to the concentration of HA. Eighteen degradation products, including β-scission, sulfate addition, quinone type, ring-opening, cross-coupling, were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Two possible pathways were proposed: (i) the initial step was considered to be an electron-transfer reaction from BPS to SO4•−, leading to the formation of a phenyl radical cation R1, and then phenol radical R4, 4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate cation R5, phenoxyl radical R3, resonant-type carbon-centered radical R2, and their secondary products; (ii) another pathway was the sulfate addition and hydroxylation. These primary reaction sites were further verified by theoretical calculation. This study highlights the effectiveness of UV/PS as a promising strategy for the remediation of BPS and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals in fresh and saline waters.
Abnormal analysis of wheel hub of a straddle monorail vehicle
Authors: Zengchuang Zhao , Pingbo Wu , Lihui Ren
Published: April 2024

This article is based on the tire six component force test and wheel hub fatigue test of a certain type of straddle monorail vehicle, and analyzes the reasons for the abnormal phenomenon of the vehicle's wheel hub. Firstly, the vehicle connecting rod was calibrated in the laboratory to obtain the "force strain" coefficient of the connecting rod under tension and compression conditions. The accuracy of this calibration was verified by comparing it with the experimental results; Subsequently, the dynamic displacement of the vehicle and the strain of the connecting rod were obtained by installing displacement sensors at different positions, and the six component force data of the tire was obtained; Finally, based on the IIW standard, the fatigue strength of the wheel hub under AW0 and AW3 operating conditions was evaluated, and the dynamic stress of the wheel hub during emergency braking, the dominant frequency of the dynamic stress of the wheel hub, and the influence of polygonal wear on the dynamic stress of the wheel hub were analyzed. The results show that the maximum dynamic loads of the vertical force of the running wheel, the lateral force of the guide wheel, and the lateral force of the stabilizing wheel are all within the limit load range, and there is a certain safety margin to ensure safe operation; Under the IIW standard, there are 1 point and 3 points on the wheel hub under AW0 and AW3 working conditions that do not meet the fatigue strength criterion requirements, and there are no abnormalities in the other indicators; During emergency braking, there was no abnormal change in the dynamic stress of the wheel hub, and the polygonal wear of the tire shoulder had little effect on the dynamic stress of the wheel hub. This explains the abnormal phenomenon of the vehicle's wheel hub and provides an important reference for subsequent wheel hub design.
The association between maternal amino acids and vitamins status during early pregnancy and preterm birth
Authors: Sun Shurong , Cheng Dan , Dong Wei , Qiu Zhongjuan , Lv Fengjun , Hao Xinyi , Wang Dongping , Zhang Xudong , Ren Zhe , Lin Liang , Wang Yuan
Published: April 2024

To investigate the relationship between the maternal nutritional status of multiple amino acids and vitamins during early pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth, the plasma samples of 7952 pregnant women during the 12~24 gestational weeks were enrolled, and the levels of 20 amino acids and 10 vitamins were measured. The abundance differences of representative nutrients among stratified groups of pregnant women and the potential risk of preterm birth were analyzed and evaluated. The plasma levels of aspartate, methionine, and retinol were significantly higher, and that of 4-pyridoxic acid was significantly lower in the group of preterm birth pregnancy compared to the group of full-term birth pregnancy. The odds ratios of higher levels of methionine and 4-pyridoxic acid (as compared to respective normal levels) were 2.189 (95%CI: 1.247～3.845) and 0.243 (95%CI: 0.059～0.998) in the comparison group of severe preterm birth to full-term birth pregnancy, and that of higher level of retinol (as compared to normal level) was 1.595 (95%CI: 1.162～2.190) in the comparison group of mild preterm birth to full-term birth pregnancy. It was concluded that higher levels of maternal plasma methionine and vitamin A and lower levels of vitamin B6 during early pregnancy might be significantly independent risk factors for preterm birth.