bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Efficient EHR Secure Exchange Among Healthcare Servers Using Light Weight Scheme
Authors: Adel Yaseen Aqeel , Patel Kalyani , J. Aldarwish Abdulla , A. Yassin Ali
Published: November 2024

This work addresses the critical need for secure and patient-controlled Electronic Health Records (EHR) migration among healthcare hospitals' cloud servers (HHS). The relevant approaches often lack robust access control and leave data vulnerable during transfer. Our proposed scheme empowers patients to delegate EHR migration to a trusted Third-Party Hospital (TTPH); which is the Certification Authority (CA) while enforcing access control. The system leverages asymmetric encryption utilizing the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA), EEC and ECDSA added robust security and lightness EHR sharing. Patient and user privacy is managed due to anonymity through cryptographic hashing for data protection and utilizes mutual authentication for secure communication. Formal security analysis using the Scyther tool and informal analysis was conducted to validate the system's robustness. The proposed scheme achieved EHR integrity due to the verification of the communicated HHS and ensuring the integrity of the HHS digital certificate during EHR migration. Ultimately, the result achieved in the proposed work demonstrated the scheme's high balance between data security and accuracy of communication, where the best result obtained represented 7.7/ ms as computational cost and 1248 /bits as communication cost compared with the relevant approaches.
PLC/HMI Based Portable Workbench for PLC and Digital Logic Learning and Application Development
Authors: Radhi Mahmood Jawad , Salim Ali Ramzy
Published: November 2024

A Programmable logic controller (PLC) uses the digital logic circuits and their operating concepts in its hardware structure and its programming instructions and algorithms. Therefore, the deep understanding of these two items is staple for the development of control applications using the PLC. This target is only possible through the practical sensing of the various components or instructions of these two items and their applications. In this work, a user-friendly and re-configurable ladder, digital logic learning and application development design and testing platform has been designed and implemented using a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Human Machine Interface panel (HMI), four magnetic contactors, one Single-phase power line controller and one Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) unit. The PLC role is to implement the ladder and digital logic functions. The HMI role is to establish the virtual circuit wiring and also to drive and monitor the developed application in real time mode of application. The magnetic contactors are to play the role of industrial field actuators or to link the developed application control circuit to another field actuator like three phase induction motor. The Single -phase power line controller is to support an application like that of the soft starter. The VFD is to support induction motor driven applications like that of cut-to-length process in which steel coils are uncoiled and passed through cutting blade to be cut into required lengths. The proposed platform has been tested through the development of 14 application examples. The test results proved the validity of the proposed platform.
AI-Powered Digital Marketing: Elevating Brand Perception in the Event Industry
Authors: Ja’afar Nor Safura , Khan Nasreen , Oh Vincent Kim Seng , Obreja Serban Georgica
Published: November 2024

In the evolving landscape of business, digital technologies are reshaping human relationships, interactions and experiences. Despite widespread predictions about the immense potential of artificial intelligence (AI) which encompasses Big Data and Machine Learning in service industries, the tangible impact of AI on brand loyalty remains inadequately understood. AI is actively redefining the dynamics between brands and users, revolutionizing the nature of their interactions. This study aims to formulate a framework guiding the transformative influence of integrated AI on sustainable digital marketing within the event industry, with a specific emphasis on moulding brand perception and cultivating brand loyalty. The research outcomes present a conceptualization of sustainable digital marketing, delineating green customer behaviour and brand loyalty as crucial elements for creating value in events. This paper makes a theoretical contribution by bridging the realms of sustainable marketing, technology and brand literature, focusing on AI as a non-human actor shaping the future experience in the event industry. Furthermore, it offers practical guidance for event planners on effectively integrating AI across various touchpoints. Additionally, it furnishes valuable insights to aid businesses, governments and marketers in gaining a deeper understanding of AI's role in brand management, providing practical advice for navigating the swiftly evolving terrain of integrated artificial intelligence in marketing.
ПРОБЛЕМЫ АДАПТАЦИИ ЗАКОНОДАТЕЛЬСТВА РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ К УСЛОВИЯМ ЦИФРОВОЙ ЭКОНОМИКИ
Authors: Екатерина Борисовна Абакумова
Published: November 2024

В статье анализируется вопрос законодательного закрепления термина «цифровые права» в ГК РФ и его использование для именования специального объекта гражданских прав. Автором делается вывод, что законодатель нормативно формулирует цифровые права, как особую форму фиксации имущественных прав, но не как разновидность субъективных прав и уж тем более не как новый объект гражданских прав. Кроме того, в противоречие нормам гражданского законодательства, ГК РФ устанавливает, что содержание и условия
Maintaining Integrity and Confidentiality of Patients’ Records Using an Enhanced Security Technique
Authors: Chamberlyn C. Ononiwu , Ike J. Mgbeafulike
Published: November 2024

Medical record storage on paper is currently being phased out and replaced by more sophisticated Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. However, the ease of access to data and the digitization of medical records also come with the potential of misuse of personally identifiable information and healthcare data breaches. How technology will protect patient privacy is one of the primary concerns about EHRs. Network connectivity is another major issue, therefore keeping private health information online may expose it to major information leaks to external parties. Around the world, data management and privacy are major concerns. The main concerns that prevent businesses from using cloud computing are security and information authenticity, as they fear that data may be lost to unauthorized parties. The quantity of patient-oriented data in the healthcare system is continuously increasing, and the current medical systems are confronted with security issues such as weak access control, data breaches or unauthorized disclosure, and insufficient authorization and authentication. An Enhanced Security Model was created in this study to secure and protect Electronic Health Records. The records were encrypted for security and privacy utilizing the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), One Time Password (OTP), and National Identity Number (NIN). The system was designed using Object Oriented Analysis and Design Methodology (OOADM). The New System improved patient record security by utilizing NIN for cloud identity management, OTP for authentication, and AES for privacy and security. While the MySQL server was used to implement the database, HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript were used to program the system. Comparing the new system to the old system, the results of the performance assessment analysis based on security, user-friendliness, dependability, and privacy show that the new system has very good performance efficiency and integrity.
Centenary Paper: Rafael Alberti, de la vanguardia como compromiso al compromiso como vanguardia
Authors: ABRIL JUAN CARLOS
Published: November 2024

Más que ningún otro poeta español del siglo XX, Rafael Alberti (1902–1999) encarna aquello que Octavio Paz denominó como ‘tradición de la ruptura’ para caracterizar la lírica de su siglo. Su particular peregrinación de estilos desembocará en el compromiso político, desde una óptica civil, concibiéndose en nuestro poeta como vanguardia. Irá transitando de un estilo a otro y de una tradición a otra, convirtiéndose en un devorador de formas estéticas, y haciendo de ese nomadismo su propia concepción vanguardista de su obra. Toda su primera época de cambios, géneros e hibridación se condensan no obstante en
Sobre los ángeles
(1929), para asumir finalmente esa mirada dialéctica de la vanguardia como compromiso en el compromiso como vanguardia, una solución literaria vital que le acompañará, a partir de entonces, en sus continuas evoluciones, y que seguirá recorriendo estilísticamente durante toda su proteica, extensa e intensa trayectoria.
Idiopyrgus Pilsbry, 1911 (Gastropoda, Tomichiidae): a relict genus radiating into subterranean environments
Authors: Salvador Rodrigo Brincalepe , Bichuette Maria Elina
Published: November 2024

The freshwater gastropod fauna in Brazil presently consists of circa 180 known species, though this is deemed an underestimate. The little-studied cavern faunas have been considered a potential source of undescribed species, particularly regarding the Truncatelloidea. Here, based on new collection efforts in caves in Bahia state, Brazil, we describe two new troglobitic species of Idiopyrgus (Tomichiidae): Idiopyrgus eowynaesp. nov. and Idiopyrgus meriadocisp. nov. We improve upon the previous molecular phylogeny of this genus and take the opportunity to reclassify Spiripockia umbraticola Simone & Salvador, 2021, as Idiopyrgus umbraticola (Simone & Salvador, 2021), comb. nov. The genus Idiopyrgus now contains ten species, reinforcing the presence of Tomichiidae in Brazil as a relict lineage that largely radiated into cave environments. Furthermore, considering that so far only snapshots of their biology are known, we have collated all the information currently available from the literature and field observations on the cavernicolous species of Idiopyrgus. Notably, due to human action in the area where the two new species have been found, they can already be considered vulnerable.
Essential Features for Mobile Applications to Assist Early Childhood Educators
Authors: Boude Oscar , Vargas Sanchez Ana , Choconta Johanna
Published: November 2024

The integration of early childhood applications is increasingly common. However, in this process, educators often use academic apps from Apple and Android stores, believing they will enhance children’s training. However, most of these apps, not designed by preschool educators, fail to enhance the training processes in early childhood education. This paper aims to identify the essential features those mobile applications must possess to enhance childhood education processes. To achieve this, we conducted a qualitative study with a descriptive scope and involved teachers of childhood education from the Universidad de La Sabana in the development of the mobile application. It is also based on the Mobile-D agile development methodology. The results have enabled the development of an intuitive mobile application for early childhood children, which strengthens children’s development of cognitive, body, communicative, and aesthetic dimensions and identifies the essential elements that mobile applications should have in early childhood. The findings indicate that it is critical to involve early childhood education teachers in the development of mobile applications and that mobile applications must strike a balance between entertainment and educational content, as well as strengthen cognitive processes rather than disciplinary content.
Optimizing Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure through Machine Learning: A Study of Charging Patterns and Energy Consumption
Authors: Alsarhan Ayoub , Alnatsheh Athari , Aljaidi Mohammad , AL Makkawi Tuqa , Aljamal Mahmoud , Alsarhan Tamam
Published: November 2024

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has created a pressing need for efficient charging infrastructure. but challenges such as inconsistent demand and poor placement remain. An effective distribution of sufficient EV charging stations (CSs) is one of the major obstacles preventing the market penetration of EVs and the realization of a sustainable transportation system in urban areas. In this paper, a new machine learning technique is proposed in order to optimize the placement of EV charging stations (EVCSs) in metropolitan areas based on an energy consumption prediction model. A dataset from 148,136 charging transactions in Boulder, Colorado, is used with the proposed model. Key algorithms such as KNeighborsRegressor and RandomForestRegressor were incorporated to solve the placement problem. The analysis revealed significant demand fluctuations during peak commute hours, with the KNeighborsRegressor model demonstrating superior prediction accuracy. These insights can guide more effective infrastructure planning and resource allocation, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and user experience of EV charging networks and promoting sustainable urban transportation.
Blockchain Technology in Mobile Payments: A Systematic Review of Security Enhancements in Mobile Commerce
Authors: Vichayanan Rattanawiboonsom  , Nohman Khan
Published: November 2024

This systematic review aims to examine how blockchain technology enhances security and trust in mobile commerce transactions, focusing on its application in mobile payments. The study employs a comprehensive methodology, utilizing the Scopus database to gather relevant literature published between 2018 and 2024. Using carefully selected keywords related to blockchain, mobile payments, and security, the initial search yielded 229 records, which were subsequently filtered using the PRISMA framework. After thorough screening, 86 studies were selected for in-depth analysis. The study utilizes VOS viewer software for bibliometric analysis, revealing a significant annual growth rate of 49.13% in publications, indicating rapidly increasing interest in this field. The results highlight four main thematic clusters: wallets, financial, blockchain, and mobile, with the blockchain cluster showing the highest centrality and frequency. Key findings demonstrate that blockchain technology addresses critical issues in mobile payments, such as high storage costs and processing latency, while significantly improving transaction throughput and security. Blockchain-based self-sovereign identity (SSI) systems are revolutionizing identity management and know your customer (KYC) processes, enhancing both efficiency and privacy. The development of secure lightweight wallets and the implementation of advanced cryptographic techniques have markedly improved the security and speed of mobile transactions. Furthermore, blockchain technology shows promise in combating financial crimes and enabling offline transactions in areas with poor connectivity. The study concludes that blockchain technology is transforming mobile commerce security, but also identifies areas for future research, including scalability solutions, regulatory frameworks, and user-friendly interfaces to encourage wider adoption.
Les essais contrôlés randomisés au Royaume-Uni : évaluer les interventions efficaces pour favoriser l’apprentissage des mathématiques
Authors: Roques Nathalie
Published: November 2024

Depuis sa création en 2011, Education Endowment Foudation (EEF) a réalisé une centaine d’essais contrôlés randomisés (ECR) dans les établissements scolaires britanniques. Il s’agit pour cette fondation d’évaluer de façon scientifique l’impact d’interventions ciblées sur les apprentissages des élèves et de permettre aux acteurs en charge de l’enseignement de définir les actions à mettre en œuvre afin d’élever le niveau scolaire. Les évaluations de l’impact d’une intervention d’une part et de sa mise en œuvre d’autre part, sont encadrées par des procédures clairement définies par EEF et s’appuient sur le cadre plus vaste des études par comparaison de groupes. Leurs études d’efficacité en conditions réelles montrent que les élèves ont progressé en mathématiques au mieux de 3 mois (ce qui correspond à une taille d’effet égale à 0,26). Enfin, d’après les conclusions d’une méta-analyse conduite sur 48 résultats en mathématiques, les élèves de milieux socio-économiques défavorisés n’ont pas plus profité de ces interventions que les autres élèves. L’intérêt porté à ce type d’analyse par le Conseil Scientifique de l’Éducation nationale (CSEN) souligne que ce pan de la recherche est probablement amené à prendre de l’importance en France dans le domaine des Sciences de l’Éducation.
Arte, ecología y emociones como intersección entre museo, sociedad y territorio
Authors: Martínez María Soledad González-Reforma
Published: November 2024

La exposición de arte y ecología Ceniza y Raíces la realicé como artista en colaboración con el Servicio de Medio Ambiente de la ciudad de Hellín (Albacete, España). Se trató de un proyecto transdisciplinar de museología social desarrollado desde principios de enero a finales de febrero de 2023 en dos localizaciones: el MUSS (Museo de la Semana Santa de Hellín), el principal museo de la localidad y el bosque del que trata dicho proyecto. Esta muestra surgió como respuesta a una importante pérdida del patrimonio natural del municipio tras un incendio forestal que arrasó 1977 hectáreas y, a su vez, a la demanda social que esta provocó. Los incendios forestales, que son cada vez más frecuentes y severos, son un indicativo palpable de los efectos adversos del cambio climático. El proyecto mediante el diseño e implementación de talleres invitaba a los asistentes a interactuar con las obras, compartir sus perspectivas y contribuir a la restauración de las áreas dañadas por el incendio. Este tipo de iniciativas potencia el interés de la población sobre el tema abordado y un acercamiento a la cultura. Los datos obtenidos de los talleres realizados evidencian las relaciones entre la pérdida de la naturaleza y las emociones, así como la capacidad del arte para fortalecer la eficacia de la educación ambiental. Para lograr estos resultados, se establecieron una serie de objetivos que iremos analizando a lo largo del presente artículo: usar el arte como herramienta para la educación ambiental, convertir el museo en un espacio de laboratorio y diálogo entre los participantes, destacar la importancia de enfoques transdisciplinarios y evidenciar la relación entre la pérdida de biodiversidad y las emociones.
Pasiegos en el foco. El Museo Etnográfico de las Tres Villas Pasiegas
Authors: Acha Rosario Antón
Published: November 2024

En las últimas décadas se ha experimentado un creciente interés respecto al patrimonio etnográfico, no solo en la comunidad académica, sino entre las comunidades, que busca entender el devenir de los espacios que habita y sus propias raíces. En este contexto, surgen numerosas iniciativas en el entorno rural para divulgar los aspectos más característicos de las poblaciones que modelaron esos territorios, como es el caso del Museo Etnográfico de las Tres Villas Pasiegas, fundado en 1988, en Vega de Pas (Cantabria, España). La finalidad del museo cubre un espectro importante en el proceso de protección del patrimonio: la divulgación, además de ser un foco de atracción turística, ya que permite realizar una lectura de la acción humana en este paisaje cultural. El principal objetivo de este artículo es analizar el Museo desde la perspectiva de la investigación etnográfica, para saber en qué medida se adaptan los contenidos sobre la pasieguería, y de qué manera lo ponen en relación con el territorio concreto que ocupan. Para ello, el artículo presenta y analiza al espacio del museo y su museografía. También proponemos un análisis siguiendo el modelo DAFO, que recoge los aspectos positivos y mejorables del museo en relación con el espacio y los contenidos. Este refleja una cuidada selección de objetos y adaptación al medio, pero pone de manifiesto una inexistente estrategia didáctica que adapte la información a un público variado, lo que denota la complicada situación de los museos locales de pequeño alcance y sostenibilidad, donde los recursos son limitados.
Bioconversion of Waste Materials for the Production of Polylactic Acid to Alleviate Carbon Footprint
Authors: Dominic Debbie , Abu Bakar Nurul Alia Syufina , Baidurah Siti
Published: November 2024

This chapter presents a comprehensive study on the utilization of various waste sources as feedstocks for the production of polylactic acid (PLA), that is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer with versatile applications. In the case of PLA, food products containing mainly starch are sources, so that the development of utilizing waste materials instead of relying on such plant resources contributes to securing food resources. This waste approach is discussed in depth in this chapter, including PLA chemical structure, thermal, mechanical, and rheological behaviours and biodegradability. In addition, processing methods of the PLA obtained by bioconversion, as well as its multifaced properties and its applications across various industries are highlighted. Since integration of sustainable waste-PLA strategies provides a deep understanding of PLA, sheds light on its strengths, and identifies its limitations and future prospects, this approach can contribute highly to both environmental protection and a circular economy.
ERS Vacuum Fermentation and Drying Bioreactor Contributing to Recycling of Organic Containing Wastes
Authors: Shimose Shinichi , Katayama Tomoyuki
Published: November 2024

ERS (Environmental Recycling System), a bioreactor in which microbial fermentation conducts organic waste treatment under mild-temperature heating and vacuum conditions, and in which high-speed fermentation and dehydration drying of wet wastes are carried out in a single reactor unit. The volume and weight reduction of waste containing organic materials and the conversion of the waste into compost, fertilizer, feed, livestock bedding, or biomass fuel are possible. Main features of ERS processing include that there is no emission of drain or bad odors through its processing, that the microorganisms used for fermentation in ERS are those inhabiting the surroundings of the installation site, preventing any disruption to the local microbial environment, and that there is no need to supplement ERS with microorganisms, and that unsorted general waste can be directly introduced into the ERS without sorting. This chapter introduces the current status of organic-containing waste treatment with examples of ERS implementation and also the practical applications.
Extracting Technology Upcycling Toward Useful Metallic Materials From Mineral Wastes and Pollutant Soil by Ultrasound Washing
Authors: Phan Tri Phuoc
Published: November 2024

The increasing of industrial waste and soil contamination has raised so many concerns for the environment and the sustainable development of society. Recently, ultrasound (US) technology has emerged as the new tool for enhancing the recovery process of mineral waste and also for the soil washing process, making US highly efficient cleaning soil or extracting pollutants from waste soils. The unique and highly efficient US action is attributed to acoustic cavitation phenomena in ultrasound circumstance, cleaning and extraction can be more efficient than usual one. This chapter reviews the application of high-power US for eliminating pollutants from contaminant soil and US-extracting valuable metals from mineral　wastes. Since US washing technology enhances the recovery process from unusual wastes, this also describes an upcycle technology that uses US cleaning to convert them into valuable resources.
Rapid and Easy Colorimetric Detection for Specific Heavy Metal Ions Contaminated in Environmental Soil
Authors: Wakasugi Reiko , Shoji Ryo , Fukaura Hitomi , Takaki Yasunori , Kono Hiroyuki
Published: November 2024

Among the environmental pollution, soil is making it not only easy for analysis of contamination to remain, but also difficult to clean up. It is therefore necessary to develop a tool that can be used to easily and quickly determine the necessity of soil contamination at the on sites. In this chapter, a method developed to quickly detect soil pollutant species due to four specific types of heavy metals as hexavalent chromium, fluorine, boron, and lead. The detection kit has a sensitivity achieved to the elution standard value stipulated by Japan's Soil Contamination Countermeasures Law. The detection agent consists of a composite of water-absorbing polymer and coloring reagent that specifically reacts with such pollutant. This kit has already been sold under the trade name OCTES® (OCTES, 2014) and can now be used at soil contaminated sites without requiring any particularly difficult operations or electric power sources. This OCTES is expected to be used as a screening method to easily determine the need for detailed soil contamination assessment and purification.
Integrating Computational Thinking and AI in Early Childhood Education Using Holistic Stem Framework
Authors: Adu Ifedayo Emmanuel
Published: November 2024

The rapid advancement of technology necessitates integrating computational thinking (CT) and artificial intelligence (AI) from the earliest stages of education. As researchers navigate through the digital age, it becomes increasingly important to prepare young learners to understand and engage with these technologies, which are reshaping human lives. Early childhood education (ECE) is critical for laying the foundation for lifelong learning and cognitive development. During these formative years, children are especially receptive to new concepts and ways of thinking, making it an ideal period to introduce CT and AI. Early childhood education not only shapes academic skills but also fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Integrating CT and AI into ECE can provide children with the tools learners need to navigate and thrive in a technology-driven world. By introducing these concepts early, researchers can demystify technology and encourage a generation of learners that are not just consumers of technology but also creators and innovators.
Wealth and Geographical Inequalities in Access to Early Childhood Education
Authors: Zubayer Sayed Arafat , Ahmed Md. Tuhin , Sadekin Md Nazmus
Published: November 2024

The chapter analyzes how wealth and geographical differences affect access to early childhood education (ECE) and their implications for STEM education in Bangladesh. Using data from the 2019 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), the authors employed a multivariate logit model to examine the factors influencing ECE access. The findings show that access to ECE increases with wealth. They also found evidence of urban bias and that higher maternal education positively influences children's access to ECE. The underdeveloped educational system in rural areas, coupled with urban bias, was identified as a significant barrier to the expansion of STEM education in the country. The authors recommend implementing targeted initiatives that consider the socioeconomic and geographical diversity of Bangladesh. Moreover, public-private partnerships can be established to enhance access to both ECE and STEM education.
Touch, Tap, Learn
Authors: Asrifan Andi , Arqam Arqam , Syawal Syawal , Widodo Slamet , Syafryadin Syafryadin
Published: November 2024

Touch-based learning technologies in early STEM education affect young children's learning and engagement, as this chapter shows. Five-year-olds planned, programmed, and implemented four touch-based instructional activities during a summer camp in a qualitative study. Key findings show that touch-based gadgets encourage active involvement, multimodal learning, and STEM comprehension. The chapter emphasizes the benefits of touch-based learning in early childhood using HCI and educational psychology theories. It also emphasizes how these tools can assist varied educational contexts and intuitive and exploratory learning. The results imply that touch-based tools can improve STEM learning outcomes, allowing educators and policymakers to improve early education. This research helps harness technology for effective and interesting STEM education for kids.
Fostering Young Computational Thinkers
Authors: Liu Zhichun , Shi Xuechun , Wang Jing
Published: November 2024

Computational tools are becoming prevalent nowadays and are increasingly part of young children's lives. However, there are open questions around effective ways to incorporate the learning of computational thinking (CT) into early childhood education. This chapter explores how computational thinking learning can be integrated into early learning through co-design. In this chapter, the authors first outline a conceptual framework for designing integrated computational thinking learning experiences in early childhood learning through developmentally appropriate, situated, and engaging ways. This chapter then presents an early childhood computing project co-designed with a community of early childhood educators. Emphasizing authentic learning experiences developed via educator partnerships, this chapter argues a community-based model can empower young learners as innovative and socially aware participants in an increasingly digital world.
Enhancing Wastewater Treatment Efficiency through Photosynthetic Bacteria Activation
Authors: Chotchuangchutchaval Thana , Inthakesorn Thanakorn , Ruemchatskul Aditep , Limrungruengrat Sittichai
Published: November 2024

This study presents a novel wastewater treatment method that combines Photosynthetic Bacteria (PSB), chicken egg nutrients, and a fibre-optic light-guided system in a partially transparent tank. The mixture of water, wastewater, and PSB was created and left to develop for 72 hours. The dissolved oxygen levels were recorded in real-time, and it was found that an excess of dissolved oxygen is necessary for efficient wastewater treatment. The optimal light intensity was determined using optical filters, with a 34% VLT filter being used to achieve the ideal light intensity. The temperature changes in the tanks were closely linked to the amount of light received, with direct sunlight causing the highest temperature increase. The research also highlighted the competitive ability of algae to absorb light, resulting in a significant decrease in relative dissolved oxygen levels when exposed to direct sunlight. The study also highlighted the potential of LED light as an additional or substitute light source, improving the system's adaptability to different environmental conditions. Future research will focus on integrating LED light, light condensers, and natural sunlight to optimize wastewater treatment effectiveness, especially in environments with limited illumination.
Structure and Properties of AlCrCo(1-x)Fe(1+x)Ni2 High Entropy Alloy
Authors: Abbas Syed Zameer , Sandhu Rashid Ali , Khalid Fazal Ahmad
Published: November 2024

High entropy alloys possess excellent properties and a great deal of research is being carried out on them. AlCrCo(1-x)Fe(1+x)Ni2 (x= 0, 0.5, 1) alloys were arc melted and suction cast in strip form in a controlled atmosphere. The alloys were characterized for crystal structure, phases and Vickers hardness. A two phase vermicular structure was observed for alloys with x = 0 – 0.5 consisting of Ni rich BCC and Cr rich FCC phases while a widmanstatten structure formed in alloy with x = 1 (without Co). An increase in the amount of BCC phase and hardness was noted with the replacement of Co with Fe caused mainly due to increase in Al and decrease of Cr in composition obtained through EDS. Vickers hardness of 251 HV was measured in alloy without Co.
Innovative Lead Removal: Natural Rubber Latex Foam/Coconut Shell-Based Activated Carbon Composite on Flexible Substrates
Authors: Sukhawipat Nathapong , Limrueangamphon Aunpada , Intachai Chonthichar , Aopoom Kritsada , Navanuch Tinnathon , Upan Jantima , Sukkaneewat Benjatham , Wongnongwa Yutthana , Sosa Narongrit
Published: November 2024

The research explored the preparation of natural rubber latex foam (NRLF)/activated carbon for the removal of Lead (II) ion (Pb2+). The study investigated the influence of activated carbon (AC) content, ranging from 0 to 10 part per hundred of rubber (phr) while maintaining a fixed size of 80 mesh. The variation in AC content was observed to impact crosslink density and mechanical properties, with an increase in crosslink density compared to neat NRLF. Additionally, the study found a direct effect of AC content on morphology and Pb2+ adsorption. The highest Pb2+ adsorption efficiency, reaching 1.28 mg/g, was achieved with an AC content of 5 phr. This research contributed to the understanding of the interplay between AC content, material properties, and Pb2+ removal efficiency in the development of an innovative Pb2+ removal system using NRLF and coconut shell-based activated carbon on flexible substrates.
Autoimmune CD4 T cell exhaustion is counteracted by peripheral circulating T cell population with stem-like potential
Authors: Aljobaily Nouf , Allard-Trout Denise , Raugh Arielle , Perkins Bryant , Kolawole Elizabeth , Liu Baoyu , Galland Tessa , Jing Yi , Stephens Zac , Evavold Brian , Hale Scott , Bettini Matthew , Bettini Maria
Published: November 2024

Stem-like antigen specific T cells serve as a reservoir for autoimmune CD8 T cell responses. However, it is unclear whether CD4 T cells depend on a similar population to counteract depletion through terminal differentiation and exhaustion. Single cell RNAseq and flow cytometric analysis of NOD islet-infiltrating T cells revealed the heterogeneity of CD4 cells, with subpopulations displaying features of exhaustion. Blockade of T cell entry with FTY720 reduced T cell numbers in the tissue, and protected NOD mice from diabetes. Moreover, islet CD4 T cells progressively lose TCF1 expression overtime. Transfer experiments and T cell tracking in photoconvertible NOD.KikGR mice showed peripheral circulating T cells with stem-like TCF1+ phenotype as an important source for autoimmune T cells. We observed that islet infiltrating CD62L+ naïve-like T cells include low affinity antigen specific cells, show activation of TCR regulated genes, and exhibit epigenetic signature distinct from lymph node bona fide naïve T cells. Similarly, BDC2.5 islet antigen specific T cells circulating in peripheral non-draining lymphoid organs exhibit phenotypic and epigenetic signature of pre-primed, but largely undifferentiated T cells. Collectively, our data indicates that autoimmune CD4 T cell persistence is sustained through continuous recruitment of new T cells from circulating non-differentiated stem-like compartment.
Activation of APOBEC3B in Self-Inactivating Lentiviral-Based CAR T Cell Production Increases the Mutational Load and Decreases the Killing Efficiency of CAR T Cells
Authors: Swanson Jack , Tonne Jason , Vile Richard
Published: November 2024

Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptides (APOBECs) are a family of cytidine deaminase enzymes well described in anti-retroviral defense which convert cytidines to uracils (C-U), leading to C-T mutations in DNA. We investigated whether activation of APOBEC3B during the process of making chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells via lentiviral vector affects the overall mutational integrity of resulting CAR T cells. To investigate this question, we quantified APOBEC3B expression and APOBEC signature mutations both post transfection in 293T viral producer cells and post transduction in human T cells. We observed abundant APOBEC3B activation and APOBEC3 signature mutations after transfection of plasmids to make lentivirus, but minimal APOBEC3B activation with a few additional APOBEC3 signature mutations after transduction. To test the functional relevance of APOBEC3B activity, we overexpressed APOBEC3B in 293T cells, and produced lentivirus from the 293T cells overexpressing APOBEC3B. The CAR T cells transduced with lentivirus from the 293T cells overexpressing APOBEC3B exhibited reduced killing ability compared to CAR T cells from 293T cells with no transgene. Taken together, these data suggest that APOBEC3B activation during the process of CAR T cell production induces mutations and reduces CAR T cell killing, and that selective ablation of APOBEC enzymes in GMP-grade lentiviral producer cells may enhance the overall quality of CAR T cells for clinical use.
Strategies for Comprehensive Immune Monitoring of Clinical Trials to Advance Human Immunotherapy in Remote Settings
Authors: Watson Jessica , Smith Natalie , Cohen Michael , Alipaz Julie , Loh Christina , King David , Fazekas de St Groth Barbara , McGuire Helen
Published: November 2024

Comprehensive immune monitoring of clinical trials relies on the ability to generate high-quality data to gain insights into disease detection and treatment. Execution of longitudinal clinical trials in flow cytometry is complex due to logistical challenges in high-quality sample collection. Our group has developed a novel blood “immune signature” of cancer nonresponsiveness that predicts failure to make a clinical response to checkpoint immunotherapies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Recent advances in CyTOF™ technology allow us to expand clinical implementation to remote settings with a 50-plus-marker panel. CyTOF is the only technology that allows remote asynchronous sample collection with the largest immunophenotyping panel yielding reproducible results. This approach is uniquely enabled using a stable lyophilized large-scale staining panel and achieving comprehensive marker coverage in one panel minimizes blood sample required. CyTOF enables a simplified workflow including blood collection and processing in remote locations to enable the simplest clinical trial infrastructure complexity and cost, easily implemented in current hospital labs. This study is designed to demonstrate the clinical impact and utility of CyTOF for a highly simplified workflow for multi-site clinical trials. We report on the first phase of this project that implements this simplified workflow across remote clinical collection sites, data integration, and analysis.
Persistent immune shifts: Unveiling the legacy of vasopressin-triggered preeclampsia in offspring
Authors: Bunton Olivia , Brummond Daniel , Mikkelsen Emma , Scroggins Douglas , Scroggins Sabrina
Published: November 2024

Preeclampsia (PreE), a hypertensive disorder in pregnancy, is the global leading cause of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality. Previously, we noted immune cell changes at gestational day 18 (GD18) in offspring of PreE. While offspring cardiovascular and metabolic risks are increasingly studied, there is comparatively less investigation into the persistence of immune cell changes post-PreE in offspring. Our study aims to assess the persistence of immune cell changes observed in PreE-affected offspring on GD18 (term in mice) postnatally into adulthood. PreE was induced in virgin C57BL/6J female mice by infusion of vasopressin (AVP) or saline via subcutaneous infusion throughout gestation. Offspring were euthanized at postnatal week 1, 7, or 12 for experimental outcomes. Offspring body and heart weight were recorded, and total urine protein was quantified. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate immune cell populations. Total T cells, as well as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, were increased in the offspring of PreE postnatally. Surprisingly, there was also an increase in total B cells and isotype-switched B cells, while macrophage populations were decreased in offspring from AVP-induced dams. Our results confirm that immune cell alterations triggered by PreE persist in offspring postnatally. Ongoing research focuses on unraveling the implications of these immune cell changes in potentially shaping responses to pathogens and the development of autoimmune diseases later in life.
Evaluation of cyclin D3 as a transcriptional regulator in a neutrophil differentiation model.
Authors: Powers Sarah , Horvath Kylie , Shamsi Aiysha , Banjo Rachel
Published: November 2024

Cyclin D3 is known to regulate cell cycle entry during the G1 to S transition by associating with its binding partners CDK4/6 upon mitogenic stimulation. Cyclin D3 has also been implicated as a transcriptional regulator, but the indirect mechanism employed is not known. The HL60 cell line was used as a model to investigate cyclin D3’s role in altered gene transcription as DMSO-driven differentiation into neutrophils is induced. We have validated this system by evaluating changes in gene expression indicative of progression to the terminal neutrophil state. Interestingly, ectopic expression of cyclin D3 in undifferentiated HL60 (uHL60) cells causes changes in gene expression to mirror that seen in differentiated (dHL60) cells without the need to treat with DMSO. We have also assessed a cohort of target genes hypothesized to be sensitive to cyclin D3-impacted gene transcription as cells transition from uHL60 to dHL60. For those genes that are differentially expressed between uHL60 and dHL60, many are also sensitive to ectopic expression of cyclin D3. Forced expression of cyclin D3 mutants in uHL60 cells suggests that a C-terminal domain within cyclin D3 is responsible for this observed regulation of gene expression, as three mutations (L215M, Q244R, P278R) abrogate the wild-type cyclin D3-induced differentiation gene signature. Ongoing studies aim to elucidate transcription factor binding partners that interact in complex with cyclin D3 to cause differential gene expression.
Trained Immunity Generated by The Recombinant Zoster Vaccine (RZV)
Authors: Johnson Michael , Crotteau Megan , Ghosh Debashis , Levin Myron , Weinberg Adriana
Published: November 2024

Development of trained immunity after vaccination is of growing interest. We studied innate immune responses to RZV, which is a highly efficacious adjuvanted recombinant glycoprotein E (rgE) zoster vaccine administered in 2 doses.

Blood mononuclear cells from 10 RZV recipients were stimulated with gE overlapping peptides, rgE or medium. B cell, monocyte and DC responses were measured by PDL1 expression and NK, γδ, and conventional T cell (Tconv) responses by CD25 and CD137 co-expression. Innate and Tconv responses had similar 2-phase kinetics with a transient increase post-dose 1 and persistent increase post-dose 2 for up to 1year. In 14 vaccinees, we verified that DC, NK and monocyte responses to rgE remained higher than pre-vaccination for up to 5 years. Innate and Tconv responses did not correlate with each other ruling out bystander activation. Purified monocytes and NK cells from 10 vaccinees (6 CMV-seropositive) stimulated with rgE, CMV lysate or medium showed increased responses to both rgE and CMV from pre to postvaccination indicating the development of homologous and heterologous trained immunity. Monocyte ATAC-seq analysis showed significant chromatin changes in 16 genes from pre to postvaccination, including decreased chromatin accessibility of the TGFβ pathway postvaccination, which may represent the mechanism underlying the development of trained immunity.

In conclusion, RZV generated robust and lasting trained immunity that may contribute to its high efficacy.
Longitudinal analysis of IAV-specific CD8+ T cell response to the high dose influenza vaccine (Fluzone) in healthy older adults
Authors: Elbahnasawy Mostafa , Lu Jain , Reed Quinton , Hemani Humza , Li Jiangyuan , Cifallo Jeffrey , Li Huifen , Wallace Tonya , Dunn Christopher , Nguyen Cuong , Ruffolo Jeannie , Zukley Linda , Shi Guixin , Fan Jinshui , Liu Yu-Tsueng , De Supriyo , Chia Chee
Published: November 2024

Influenza infection remains a leading cause of death among older adults worldwide. While vaccines offer an effective means of reducing the severity of influenza, their efficacy reduces in this demographic. To gain insight into the adaptive immune response, we conducted an analysis of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells before and after the administration of the high-dose seasonal influenza vaccine (Fluzone) over six seasons (2014, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023) in a cohort of healthy older adults (n=37, M=18, F=19, aged 72-92, spanning visits 1-3). Using the HAI assay, we observed seroconversion (a 4-fold antibody increase post-vaccination) for most strains (>67% of strains) in 46% of donors, for less than half of the strains (25-50% of strains) in 13% of donors, and no seroconversion (0% of strains) occurred in 30% of donors. Notably, there was a twofold higher occurrence of seroconversion for Influenza A virus (IAV) (51%) compared to Influenza B virus (IBV) (25%). As age advanced, 54% of donors exhibited a reduced antibody response, while 23% either experienced no change or saw an increase in their antibody response. Presently, we investigate the frequency and clonotype of influenza A virus (IAV) M1158-166-specific CD8+ T cells, tracking their changes post-vaccination and over a span of 1-5 years. This endeavor aims to uncover new insights into the molecular basis of the reduced antigen-specific CD8+ T cell response observed in certain older adults.
Vaccinia viral-vector vaccine targeting outer surface protein C protects against Lyme disease in mice
Authors: Pfeifle Annabelle , Cao Jingxin , Zhang Wanyue , Thulasi Raman Sathya , Li Sean
Published: November 2024

Lyme disease (LD) is the most common vector-borne illness in North America. The annual incidence of LD has risen drastically over the past decade, nearing an estimated half a million cases last year. LD is caused by infection with the bacteria B. burgdorferi, which is transmitted by a tick vector. Currently, there is no vaccine available for the prevention of LD in humans, emphasizing the need for novel vaccine development strategies. In this study, we engineered a modified Vaccinia virus to express the outer surface protein C (OspC) of B. burgdorferi (VV-OspC). Six-week old C3H/HeN mice were prime and boost vaccinated intramuscularly with the VV-OspC vaccine one month prior to subcutaneous needle challenge with B. burgdorferi. The candidate vaccine was found to elicit high titres of OspC-specific antibodies with a Th1-bias that were capable of inducing phagocytosis of B. Burgdorferi in vitro. VV-OspC was also found to induce a balanced cell-mediated cytokine response in the spleen. Furthermore, qPCR analysis of the bacterial burden revealed that the candidate vaccine afforded complete protection against infection and bacterial dissemination two weeks post-challenge. Vaccinated mice were also protected against clinical signs of Lyme disease, including carditis and lymphadenopathy. Overall, the results of this study provide support for the use of a viral-vector vaccine platform for the development of LD vaccines.