bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Approaches to Determining the D/H Ratio in Aqueous Media Based on Diffuse Laser Light Scattering for Promising Application in Deuterium-Depleted Water Analysis in Antitumor Therapy
Authors: Syroeshkin Anton V. , Uspenskaya Elena V. , Levitskaya Olga V. , Kuzmina Ekaterina S. , Kazimova Ilaha V. , Quynh Hoang Thi Ngoc , Pleteneva Tatiana V.
Published: December 2024

The development of affordable and reliable methods for quantitative determination of stable atomic nuclei in aqueous solutions and adjuvant agents used in tumor chemotherapy is an important task in modern pharmaceutical chemistry. This work quantified the deuterium/prothium isotope ratio in aqueous solutions through an original two-dimensional diffuse laser scattering (2D-DLS) software and hardware system based on chemometric processing of discrete interference patterns (dynamic speckle patterns). For this purpose, 10 mathematical descriptors (di), similar to QSAR descriptors, were used. Correlation analysis of bivariate “log di—D/H” plots shows an individual set of multi-descriptors for a given sample with a given D/H ratio (ppm). A diagnostic sign (DS) of differentiation was established: the samples were considered homeomorphic if 6 out of 10 descriptors differed by less than 15% (n ≥ 180). The analytical range (r = 0.987) between the upper (D/H ≤ 2 ppm) and lower (D/H = 180 ppm) limits for the quantification of stable hydrogen nuclei in water and aqueous solutions were established. Using the Spirotox method, a «safe zone» for protozoan survival was determined between 50 and 130 ppm D/H. Here, we discuss the dispersive (DLS, LALLS) and optical properties (refractive index, optical rotation angle) of the solutions with different D/H ratios that define the diffuse laser radiation due to surface density inhomogeneities. The obtained findings may pave the way for the future use of a portable, in situ diffuse laser light scattering instrument to determine deuterium in water and aqueous adjuvants.
Intervention with Women Victims of Gender-Based Violence: A Comparative Study on the Perception of Personal Well-Being in Burgos (Spain)
Authors: Pérez de la Varga Laura , García Rodríguez Mara , Fernández Malanda Mª , Pérez Conde María
Published: December 2024

Choosing between the variety of existing intervention approaches in favor of victims of gender violence inhibits focusing on research concerning support for women to get out of violent situations, rebuild their lives, or minimize the consequences of violence. The aim of this paper is to collect information that allows the intervention to be adapted to the specific needs that women perceive they have, so that it has a positive impact on their lives and establishes through a response comparison whether the intervention has been really successful in terms of well-being parameters. The homeostatic theory of subjective well-being and the personal well-being index were used to evaluate the level of satisfaction that the participating women had with their lives at the beginning and end of the intervention, which results in an index of well-being in each person measured through the answer to questions that start from the generality. The main result of the intervention was the acquisition of skills by the women that allowed the valuation of what they have and the importance of not clinging to or idealizing certain things that can have a negative impact on other areas of well-being.
Safe Spaces to Discuss Wicked Problems: A Staff and Student Co-Creation Project on Addressing the Awarding Gap
Authors: Shakir Syra
Published: December 2024

This article discusses the impact of a staff and student co-creation project embedded within a core module, which worked to both explore and seek ways to address the awarding gap. The project established safe spaces for students to share difficult lived experiences at the university, spanning an academic year, and included students in their final year of undergraduate study from a range of disciplines. Student experiences were gathered to inform policy and, with staff, co-created resources were developed and delivered for universities (at both our institution and two external universities) to address the awarding gap, adopting a decolonised and anti-racist approach. The project was vast and, therefore, this article presents only one part of the conducted research, which explored the project’s impact on co-creation students through a participatory evaluation approach known as the world café. The findings highlighted the positive effect of co-creation on students’ sense of belonging, friendships, and connection with faculty, and for the co-creation project to be embedded in the curriculum at all levels of study. Additionally, the students provided clear actionable recommendations for universities to improve student outcomes and address the wickedness of the awarding gap.
“It Is My Responsibility to Escort My Child to School …” Factors Influencing Parental Involvement in Educating Children with Disabilities in Malawi
Authors: Musendo David John , Zuurmond Maria , Nkhonjera Thomas Andrea , Polack Sarah , Patel Daksha
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to explore the factors that influence parental involvement in supporting the education of children with disabilities in Malawi, thereby generating insights into the barriers and facilitators they face. We conducted focus groups and in-depth interviews with 25 participants from Nkhata Bay District: teachers, parents, and children with disabilities. We used the COM-B model to analyse how parents’ capabilities, opportunities, and behaviours influence their involvement in their children’s education. This study revealed that parents of children with disabilities showed willingness, optimism regarding their children’s future, and a strong sense of responsibility for their education. However, factors such as the limited knowledge of children’s learning needs, time, low confidence, and financial challenges have constrained their involvement. Schools and communities frequently limit participation opportunities by not consistently practising or championing parental involvement in policies and actions. This study sheds light on the complex interplay between knowledge, practical constraints, and external support systems that shape parental involvement in the education of children with disabilities. Further research aimed at creating tailored and context-relevant interventions to improve parental involvement in the education of children with disabilities in low-income settings is required.
Gender Differences in Anxiety-Induced Sleep Disturbance: A Survey Among In-School Adolescents in the Republic of Benin
Authors: Sarfo Jacob Owusu , Gbordzoe Newton Isaac , Commey Valda Deide , Tawiah Esther Doe-Yo , Hagan John Elvis
Published: December 2024

Anxiety-induced sleep disturbance is a common phenomenon that affects the overall well-being and quality of life of school-going adolescents. Nonetheless, evidence on anxiety-induced sleep disturbance among adolescents in Benin is scarce. This study examined the gender differences in the prevalence and correlates of anxiety-induced sleep disturbance among in-school adolescents in the Republic of Benin. We conducted a secondary analysis of Benin’s 2016 Global School-Based Health Survey dataset involving 2496 in-school adolescents aged 13 years and above. The proportion of male and female students who reported anxiety-induced sleep disturbance was computed. The multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors associated with anxiety-induced sleep disturbance. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated with corresponding confidence intervals at a 0.05 significance level. The overall prevalence of anxiety-induced sleep disturbance among adolescents was 21.3%. The prevalence of anxiety-induced sleep disturbance was 22.4% and 19.9% among the male and female participants, respectively. Among male in-school adolescents, hunger (aOR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.37–0.71), loneliness (aOR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.20–0.41), suicide ideation (aOR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.22–0.61), suicide attempt (aOR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.12–2.87), ever having sex (aOR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.48–0.91), and having understanding parents (aOR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.47–0.87) were significantly associated with anxiety-induced sleep disturbance. On the other hand, hunger (aOR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.42–0.94), loneliness (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.28–0.61), and suicide ideation (aOR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.33–0.83) were significantly associated with anxiety-induced sleep disturbance among the female in-school adolescents. The prevalence of anxiety-induced sleep disturbance among in-school adolescents in Benin poses a great concern for their mental health and well-being. Collaborative efforts between schools, parents, and healthcare professionals should focus on culturally appropriate, gender-specific factors that may contribute to a reduction in anxiety-induced sleep disturbance among in-school adolescents in Benin.
Understanding Speech-Language Pathology from the Standpoint of Families: A Systemic Analysis
Authors: Underwood Kathryn , Balter Alice-Simone , Duvage Thanya , Kollar Catriona , van Rhijn Tricia , Jones Michelle
Published: December 2024

The Inclusive Early Childhood Service System (IECSS) project is a longitudinal institutional ethnography that studies disability services in early childhood, and the interactions between these services and other systems, from the standpoint of families. In this paper, we examine speech-language services as part of a system of services and a site of participation for disabled children. We use longitudinal data from annual interviews with 117 informants to map Speech and Language services over the first six years of children’s lives. We report that speech and language pathology (SLP) as a professional discourse holds cultural significance and influences the organization of disabled children and their families. The analysis of the data illustrates the pervasiveness, organizational structure, and governance of speech and language pathology (SLP) in early childhood, leading to professional discourses of childhood and disability in early intervention, preschool, and school-based services which reinforce individualized pathology as the dominant way of understanding development. We discuss how the professional practices of SLP-related services could help to disrupt disabling constructs of childhood development and colonial practices in early childhood disability services. We emphasize how speech and language development emerges in relationship with individuals and socio-political contexts. We suggest possibilities for SLP to operate within community contexts where speech and language services contribute to reducing family workload, increasing the participation of all children, and disrupting ableism in practice.
Influence of Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) as Cover Crop on Soil Water Dynamics in Fragipan Soils of Southern Illinois, USA
Authors: Chatterjee Amitava , Dinnes Dana L. , Olk Daniel C. , O’Brien Peter L.
Published: December 2024

Fragipans are dense subsurface soil layers that severely restrict root penetration and water movement. The presence of shallow fragipan horizons limits row crop production. We hypothesized that the roots of cover crop might improve soil physiochemical properties and biological activity, facilitating drainage and increasing effective soil depth for greater long-term soil water storage. To evaluate annual ryegrass as one component of a cover crop (CC) mix for promoting the characteristics and distribution of soil water, on-farm studies were conducted at Marion and Springerton in southern Illinois, USA. Soil samples were collected at 15 cm increments to 60 cm (Marion) and 90 cm (Springerton) depths during the fall of 2022. Both sites had low total soil carbon and nitrogen contents and acidic soil pH (≤6.4). A soil water retention curve was fitted using the van Genuchten equation. At Springerton, the CC treatment increased saturated (thetaS) and residual (thetaR) soil water contents above those of the no cover crop (NCC) at the 60–75 cm and 75–90 cm depths. Changes in volumetric soil water content were measured using a multi-depth soil water sensor for the Springerton site during late July to early August of the soybean growing phase of 2022; NCC had higher soil water than CC within the 0–15 cm depth, but CC had higher soil water than NCC at the 30–45 cm depth. These findings indicate that cover crop mix has the potential to improve soil water movement for soils with restrictive subsoil horizon, possibly through reducing the soil hydraulic gradient between the surface and restrictive subsurface soil layers.
The Impact of Exogenous Organic Matter on the Properties of Humus Compounds of Soils Developing on a Reclaimed Fly Ash Landfill
Authors: Żukowska Grażyna , Myszura-Dymek Magdalena , Durczyńska Zofia
Published: December 2024

Fly ash does not contain organic matter to initiate soil-forming processes and the proper development of plant cover. Therefore, in the reclamation of fly ash landfills, an integrated approach is required, including the introduction of exogenous organic matter into the top layer of ash. This study assessed changes in the content and quality of organic matter in soils developing on a reclaimed fly ash landfill. This study included reclaimed areas without the introduction of EOM (RV_1—the direct introduction of plants) and with the introduction of EOM (RV_2—surface humus and RV_3—sewage sludge). In samples taken 15 years after reclamation, the contents of total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN), the fractional composition of organic matter, the susceptibility of organic matter to oxidation, and soil carbon management indices (carbon pool index (CPI), C lability (L), lability index (LI), and carbon management index (CMI)) were determined. The study results showed that the use of EOM in the reclamation of the ash dump significantly increased the content and improved the quality parameters of organic matter and thus influenced the initiation of the process of organic matter accumulation. In RV_1 soil, the accumulation of carbon resources was only found in the topsoil. An increase in carbon resources in the 15–40 cm layer was only noted in the variants in which EOM was introduced (RV_2 and RV_3). Carbon management indices showed that organic matter transformations covered only the top layers of these soils and were closely related to the EOM inflow. The interdependence of the CPI and L was most beneficial in the soil reclaimed with sewage sludge. In the soil of this reclaiming variant, the CMI had a value above 100, which indicates the initiation of the soil-forming process. Significant differences between the assessed reclamation variants were confirmed by means of PCA based on organic matter quality indicators. The organic matter content and quality indicators were the most favorable in the soil of variant RV_3. The obtained results confirmed that the introduction of EOM into the top layer of fly ash has a beneficial effect on the accumulation and quality indicators of organic matter and thus on the development of the soil-forming process in Technosols developing on a reclaimed fly ash landfill.
Correction: Huan et al. A Frugal Eco-Innovation Policy? Ecological Poverty Alleviation in Contemporary China from a Perspective of Eco-Civilization Progress. Sustainability 2022, 14, 4570
Authors: Huan Qingzhi , Chen Yiwen , Huan Xincong
Published: December 2024

The authors would like to make a correction to the published paper [...]
The Effectiveness of Operational Residual Risk Assessment: The Case of General Aviation Organizations in Enhancing Flight Safety in Alignment with Sustainability
Authors: Ewertowski Tomasz , Berlik Marcin , Sławińska Małgorzata
Published: December 2024

Operational risk management (ORM) is crucial for every aviation organization. The assessment of operational risk (OR) is a critical area of study, as organizations must continuously evaluate and mitigate potential risks to maintain high levels of performance and safety. The motivation for writing this paper was to address the cognitive gap identified through literature analysis. The aim of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of operational residual risk assessment in general aviation (GA) organizations, with a specific focus on its role within the decision-making process to enhance flight safety in line with sustainability. By addressing a cognitive gap identified in the literature, this study seeks to determine whether current risk management practices adequately assess and mitigate residual risks, especially in organizations where operational risk is inherently high. Based on a literature review, the authors present adopted concepts of ORM and OR. The survey methodology involved a questionnaire on OR assessment, consisting of 32 questions completed by respondents twice—before and after 63 series of flights. The survey was carried out across two groups with significantly varying levels of flying experience (students and instructor pilots), with a particular focus on the influence of human factors. The conclusions are based on a comparative analysis of the difference in the results obtained after and before the series of flights in both surveyed groups. The survey was conducted in three selected general aviation organizations in Poland using nonprobability convenience sampling. The results demonstrate an overall significant underestimation of OR in both student and instructor groups. Therefore, it can be concluded that operational risk assessment in the selected organizations was not sufficiently effective. Additionally, it was shown that staff experience affected the effectiveness of OR assessment. Moreover, this study identified specific aspects of operational risk that were most underestimated. By addressing the cognitive gap, this study enhances both the theoretical and practical understanding of residual risk management, particularly in relation to safety and efficient resource use in aviation. It also offers the Operational Residual Risk Underestimation Index (ORRUI) as an actionable parameter developed to quantify and standardize the level of underestimation of operational residual risks in civil aviation.
Research on Sustainable Intelligent Drying Wardrobe Design Strategy Based on Importance–Performance Analysis
Authors: Huang Yi , Li Xiang , Gan Feng , Gu Tianwei
Published: December 2024

Sustainable design concepts are design concepts that the United Nations and China have been promoting that aim to achieve environmental sustainability, social sustainability, and economic sustainability. In recent years, with the rise of intelligent drying wardrobes, more and more scholars have applied the concept of sustainable design to the theoretical research and design practices of intelligent drying wardrobes. But most of them focus on the research and practice of a certain functional module, while less focus on end users. This study examines users’ perceptions of the functional modules of intelligent drying wardrobes through a questionnaire. It focuses on environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The research also measures users’ satisfaction and the importance of these modules using IPA. From the perspective of end users, the results show that social sustainability is the best option, followed by economic sustainability and environmental sustainability. From the enterprise point of view, the high priority of social sustainability in terms of user’s needs is highlighted. However, in response to sustainable development policy, environmental sustainability is taken as the second most important guiding factor for the development of intelligent drying wardrobe functional modules. This paper fills the current research gap on the differences in users’ perceptions of intelligent drying wardrobe design modules and prioritizes users’ perception decisions on functional modules from the perspective of sustainability, so as to provide some reference for enterprise production.
The Urban Park Green Spaces Landscape Premium Functional Value Accounting System: Construction and Application
Authors: Duan Lingling , Niu Xiang , Wang Bing
Published: December 2024

Urban park green spaces have the functions of improving the urban ecological environment and providing recreational services, and at the same time, they have a certain effect on the value of the surrounding residential property. To quantitatively assess the value of the landscape premium function of park green space, many scholars have carried out research exploration and adopted a variety of methods (such as the contingent valuation method (CVM), travel cost method (TCM) and hedonic price method (HPM)), which have developed from simple theoretical models with single factors to complex empirical models with multiple factors. Among them, the hedonic price method has become the mainstream research method, and in recent years, it has been widely adopted in combination with GIS technology. In terms of research objects, single park green space or multiple park green spaces in large cities are the main focus, while there are fewer studies on park green spaces in built-up areas of small and medium-sized cities. In terms of research content, there are more studies on the value-added coefficient of landscape premium and influence distance, and there are fewer studies on the total value of landscape premium. This article aims to calculate the total landscape premium value of all park green spaces in the built-up areas of small and medium-sized cities, proposing a complete and operable accounting system for the functional value of park green space landscape premiums by combining GIS with a hedonic pricing model and remote sensing image interpretation methods. For the first time, a method for interpreting the height of residential buildings within the benefit range of landscape premium through remote sensing images is proposed, and then the floor area ratio of residential plots is estimated, so as to estimate the total area of actual beneficial buildings. Therefore, this paper takes Chifeng City, a small and medium-sized city, as a case study, and empirically demonstrates the assessment of the landscape premium function of parks and green spaces in the built-up area of Chifeng City by using this accounting system. Research shows that this method has certain feasibility, not only calculating the total value of landscape premium but also addressing the issue in existing studies where all areas within the potential range of landscape premium function are counted as appreciated areas, leading to an overestimation of the premium. It further advances the accuracy of accounting for the value of landscape premium function of urban park green space and provides theoretical reference for the planning and construction of urban park green space.
Analysing Rural Development Models Based on Intangible Assets and Socio-Economic Development
Authors: Miroshnichenko Inna V. , Doroshenko Olga V. , Tereshina Maria V. , Rakachev Vadim N. , Morozova Elena V. , Golub Mikhail V. , Shpiro Laura A.
Published: December 2024

Despite the existence of a variety of conceptual approaches to rural development, there is a lack of methods that take into account intangible assets, such as, for example, social capital, leadership, and local identity. A more effective design of the rural development strategy may be achieved by uncovering knowledge regarding the manifestation of various intangible resources. Territorial development policies, both in terms of the level of socio-economic development and the presence of intangible resources in rural areas, are investigated in this study. The main objective is to determine how intangible resources manifest in specific empirical models of development policy for rural settlements. A novel ensemble of indices and indicators of socio-economic development and the manifestation of intangible resources, calculated based on the method of analytical hierarchies and frequency analysis, are provided. These allow for a comprehensive study of the development of rural areas by clustering settlements with a similar level of development. Patterns and deficits of resources in rural settlements are analysed according to empirical models. Verification of the empirical models is carried out by assessing the level of socio-economic development and indicators of intangible resources for 12 rural settlements in the south of Russia. Therefore, several groups of factors of intangible resources splitting the factors related (reflect the current state) and unrelated (reflect the development potential) to the socio-economic development of rural settlements have been specified.
Study on the Selection of Takeaway Operating Modes from a Restaurant Perspective
Authors: Liu Hao , Luo Rui , Li Luxin , Shao Shizhe , Liu Yan , Zhang Chen , Yang Yanhua
Published: December 2024

There are three operational modes for restaurant takeaway services: a takeaway platform combined with restaurant delivery (mode A), a takeaway platform paired with platform delivery (mode B), and a self-established platform with delivery (mode C). In the face of intense market competition, determining how restaurants can select appropriate operational delivery modes to maintain competitiveness and profitability has emerged as a pressing issue. In this paper, we develop game models that encompass a restaurant and food delivery platform to investigate the optimal operational mode for restaurants. Our analysis indicates that when the market size is small, mode B results in the lowest ordering costs, the highest sales volume, and the maximum profit. Conversely, in the context of a large market size, if the commission rate is low, mode A minimizes the ordering costs and maximizes sales volume; if the commission rate is high, mode C minimizes the ordering costs while also achieving the highest sales volume. Notably, we find that as long as the market size is sufficiently large, mode C consistently yields the highest restaurant profits. The outcomes of this study contribute to the theoretical framework surrounding the operation and management of food delivery platforms and offer theoretical guidance and decision-making support for selecting restaurant food delivery operational modes.
Adjacency List Algorithm for Traffic Light Control Systems in Urban Networks
Authors: Rojas-Blanco Sergio , Cerezo-Narváez Alberto , Otero-Mateo Manuel , Sáez-Martínez Sol
Published: December 2024

The increasing complexity of urban road networks has driven the development of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to optimize vehicle flow. To address this challenge, this paper presents an algorithm and MATLAB function that generates an adjacency list of traffic signals to provide detailed information about the relationships between all signals within a network. This list is based on stable structural road and traffic lights data and offers a crucial global perspective for signal coordination, especially in managing multiple intersections. An adjacency list is more efficient than matrices in terms of space and computational cost, allowing for the identification of critical signals before applying advanced optimization techniques such as neural networks or hypergraphs. We successfully tested the proposed method on three networks of varying complexity extracted from VISSIM and VISUM, demonstrating its effectiveness even in networks with up to 8372 links and 547 traffic lights. This tool provides a solid foundation for improving urban traffic management and coordinating signals across intersections.
Effects of Culture Systems and Nutrients on the Growth and Toxin Production of Karenia selliformis
Authors: Wu Xizhen , Wang Guixiang , Qiu Jiangbing , Li Aifeng , Hess Philipp
Published: December 2024

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) formed by toxic microalgae have seriously threatened marine ecosystems and food safety and security in recent years. Among them, Karenia selliformis has attracted the attention of scientists and society due to its acute and rapid neurotoxicity in mice. Herein, the growth and gymnodimine A (GYM-A) production of K. selliformis were investigated in diverse culture systems with different surface-to-volume (S/V) ratios and nitrogen/phosphorus concentrations. The results showed that the specific growth rates (μ), maximal cell yields, and GYM-A production levels of K. selliformis increased with higher S/V, but no significant differences were observed under different culture volumes with the same S/V, which indicated that light penetration and gas exchange in the seawater culture systems actually influenced the growth and GYM-A production of K. selliformis. The maximum cell density and photosynthetic efficiency of K. selliformis decreased under nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deficiency, suggesting that the growth of K. selliformis was significantly inhibited by the deficiency in N or P. Both N and P limitation conditions, especially P deficiency, promoted the cellular GYM-A quotas of K. selliformis. In this study, a scientific basis is provided for understanding the effects of culture systems and nutrient concentrations on the growth and toxin production of K. selliformis.
First Report of Accumulation of Lyngbyatoxin-A in Edible Shellfish in Aotearoa New Zealand from Marine Benthic Cyanobacteria
Authors: Biessy Laura , Puddick Jonathan , Wood Susanna A. , Selwood Andrew I. , Carbines Megan , Smith Kirsty F.
Published: December 2024

This study reports the first documented accumulation of lyngbyatoxin-a (LTA), a cyanotoxin produced by marine benthic cyanobacteria, in edible shellfish in Aotearoa New Zealand. The study investigates two bloom events in 2022 and 2023 on Waiheke Island, where hundreds of tonnes of marine benthic cyanobacterial mats (mBCMs) washed ashore each summer. Genetic analysis identified the cyanobacterium responsible for the blooms as Okeania sp., a genus typically found in tropical marine ecosystems. Analysis by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry indicated that the cyanobacteria produced a potent dermatoxin, lyngbyatoxin-a (LTA), and that LTA had accumulated in marine snails, rock oysters and cockles collected near the mats. Snails contained the highest levels of LTA (up to 10,500 µg kg−1). The study also demonstrated that the LTA concentration was stable in composted mats for several months. The presence of LTA in edible species and its stability over time raise concerns about the potential health risks to humans consuming LTA-contaminated seafood. This underlines the need for further studies assessing the risks of human exposure to LTA through seafood consumption, particularly as climate change and eutrophication are expected to increase the frequency of mBCM blooms. The study highlights the need to develop public health risk management strategies for mBCMs.
Bicistronic Vector Expression of Recombinant Jararhagin-C and Its Effects on Endothelial Cells
Authors: Ferraz Karla Fernanda , De Lucca Caetano Lhiri Hanna , Orefice Daniele Pereira , Calabria Paula Andreia Lucas , Della-Casa Maisa Splendore , Freitas-de-Sousa Luciana Aparecida , Beraldo-Neto Emidio , Sanabani Sabri Saeed , Magalhães Geraldo Santana , Clissa Patricia Bianca
Published: December 2024

Jararhagin-C (JarC) is a protein from the venom of Bothrops jararaca consisting of disintegrin-like and cysteine-rich domains. JarC shows a modulating effect on angiogenesis and remodeling of extracellular matrix constituents, improving wound healing in a mouse experimental model. JarC is purified from crude venom, and the yield is less than 1%. The aim of this work was to obtain the recombinant form of JarC and to test its biological activity. For this purpose, the bicistronic vector pSUMOUlp1 was used. This vector allowed the expression of the recombinant toxin JarC (rJarC) in fusion with the small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) as well as the SUMO protease Ulp1. After expression, this protease was able to efficiently remove SUMO from rJarC inside the bacteria. rJarC free from SUMO was purified at the expected molecular mass and recognized by polyclonal anti-jararhagin antibodies. In terms of biological activity, both the native and recombinant forms showed no toxicity to the HUVEC cell line CRL1730 and were effective in modulating cell migration activity in the experimental in vitro model. These results demonstrate the successful production of rJarC and the preservation of its biological activity, which may facilitate further investigations into the therapeutic potential of this snake venom-derived protein.
Transitioning Adolescents to Adult HIV Care in the United States: Implementation Lessons from the iTransition Intervention Pilot Trial
Authors: Tanner Amanda E. , Mertus Sulianie , Jibriel Mohammed Sheikh Eldin , Urquhart Rakira , Phillips Keenan , Dowshen Nadia , Dutta Srija , Goldstein Madeleine H. , Lee Susan , Knowles Kayla , Darien Kaja , Rulison Kelly L. , Madden Julia , Hussen Sophia A.
Published: December 2024

Although every youth in pediatric/adolescent HIV care will need to transition to adult-oriented care, there are no existing evidence-based interventions to optimize health through this process. Healthcare transition poses a persistent challenge to the health of youth living with HIV, which may result in gaps in care engagement, medication adherence, and viral suppression. Our process evaluation of iTransition, a multilevel mobile health (mHealth) intervention, included iterative interviews with youth, providers, and Transition Champions. These data, along with team meeting notes, highlight the important role the intervention plays in addressing healthcare transition-related challenges, positioning it to fill a critical gap for both youth and providers. It also highlights important individual (e.g., competing priorities of youth and providers), clinical (e.g., electronic health record integration), and contextual (e.g., clinical policies during COVID-19 pandemic) challenges to intervention reach and implementation. More work is needed to refine interventions to support care continuity for youth living with HIV as they transition to adult-oriented care.
New Horizons in Myopia Management: Bridging Epidemiology and Clinical Innovation
Authors: Erdinest Nir , Morad Yair
Published: December 2024

In 1975, Brit J [...]
Decapod Crustacean Larval Communities in the South Adriatic: Spring Composition, Horizontal and Vertical Distribution Patterns
Authors: Granata Antonia , Bergamasco Alessandro , Celentano Paolo , Guglielmo Letterio , Minutoli Roberta , Vanucci Silvana , Guglielmo Ylenia , Zambianchi Enrico , Belmonte Genuario
Published: December 2024

An oceanographic cruise from the southern Adriatic to the northern Ionian Sea in May 2013 allowed us to describe the spatial abundance and distribution of decapod crustacean larval assemblages with a multidisciplinary approach. Seventeen locations on the Apulian and Albanian shelves and offshore waters, including the Strait of Otranto, were sampled by a BIONESS electronic multinet. A swarm of zoeae (11 Brachyura taxa, mostly at first instar, with Xantho granulicarpus at 87%) was recorded in the neuston of the Italian side. Decapod larvae were concentrated in the first 20–30 m surface layer, strongly linked to the thermocline and generally above the Deep Chlorophyll Maximum (DCM), suggesting that they are carried by surface water circulation. The migratory behavior of decapod larvae in coastal stations is quite regular at between 20 and 60 m depths and independent of the time of day. In offshore stations, migration is compatible with the day–night cycle, where a minimum Weighted Mean Depth (WMD) value is evident at about 20 m at night. The availability of four satellite-tracked surface drifters in the same area and during the period of larvae presence presented a possibility to explore the link between the geographic dispersal of larvae and their surface circulation in successive days. Only one drifter crossed the south Adriatic, passing from the Italian to the Balkan neritic area, taking about 40 days. The actual genetic homogeneity of many Brachyura coastal species populations on opposite sides of the Adriatic Sea suggests the existence of a genetic connection that does not rely exclusively on larvae circulation and appears to be fueled by additional strategies of biological communication.
Identification of the Driving Factors to Algal Biomass in Lake Dianchi: Implications for Eutrophication Control
Authors: Huang Jie , Zhang Jing , Wang Nenghan , Hu Sheng , Duan Youai
Published: December 2024

Accurate analysis of spatiotemporal variations in algal biomass and their underlying causes is crucial for controlling algal blooms and enhancing aquatic ecological quality. The present study, spanning 2011 to 2020, was conducted across 10 sites in Lake Dianchi, where peak algal biomass levels occur from May to September, with higher concentrations in the lake’s northern zones compared to other areas. Employing Spearman’s correlation analysis, generalized additive models (GAMs), and random forest (RF) techniques, the relationships between algal biomass and water quality indicators were investigated. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between chlorophyll a (Chla) and total phosphorus (TP) across various spatial scales. RF analysis identified TP as the most influential factor on a lake-wide scale; while in localized RF models, organic pollution-related indicators (COD, CODMn, and BOD5) and TP consistently emerged as the primary predictors of Chla at most sites. GAM results indicated spatially variable and nonlinear responses of algal biomass to predictors, reinforcing TP’s significance lake-wide and at many localized scales. This comprehensive analytical approach provides valuable insights into the role of water quality factors and nonlinear dynamics, thereby advancing our understanding of the relationships between algal biomass and environmental conditions. These findings are pivotal for the development of scientifically informed strategies for lake management and conservation.
Control Design of Fractional Multivariable Grey Model-Based Fast Terminal Attractor for High Efficiency Pure Sine Wave Inverters in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Chang En-Chih , Tseng Yuan-Wei , Cheng Chun-An
Published: December 2024

In this paper, a fast and efficient control method is proposed for a pure sine wave inverter used in an electric vehicle system, which can provide better performance under transient and steady-state conditions. The proposed control technique consists of a fast terminal attractor (FTA) and a fractional multivariable grey model (FMGM). The FTA with finite time convergence offers a faster convergence rate of the system state and a singularity-free solution. However, if the uncertain system boundaries are overestimated or underestimated, chatter/steady-state errors can occur during the FTA, which can lead to significant harmonic distortion at the output of the pure sine wave inverter. A computationally efficient FMGM is incorporated into the FTA to solve the chatter/steady-state error problem when an uncertain estimate of the system boundary cannot be satisfied. Simulation results show that the proposed control technique exhibits low total harmonic distortion. Experimental results of a prototype pure sine wave inverter are presented to support the results of the simulation and mathematical analysis. Since the proposed pure sine wave inverter outperforms the classical TA (terminal attractor)-controlled pure sine wave inverter in terms of convergence speed, computational efficiency, and harmonic distortion elimination, this paper will serve as a useful reference for electric vehicle systems.
Protectionism and Sanctions Policy of the USA towards the Gas Industry of the Russian Federation in the Period 2014–2022
Authors:   MGIMO University, Moscow, Panina E. S.
Published: December 2024

We studied the impact of US protectionism and sanctions policy on the Russian gas industry in the period 2014–2022.
Information on global energy production and the level of natural gas production in various countries for 2014–2022 was taken from the database of the international research company Enerdata. Statistical indicators of the activities of PJSC Gazprom were
extracted from the organisation’s annual statistical reports. During the statistical analysis, a database was created, growth rates, total and proportional values were determined, and a correlation and regression analysis was conducted. It was established that the leading countries in gas production in 2014–2022 were the USA and the Russian Federation. The average annual increase in gas production in the above observation period was 4.4 % in the USA and 1.3 % in the Russian Federation Restrictions on the access of Russian natural gas to global markets led to an increase in the share of gas produced in the USA in global energy production by 0.97 % (from 5.05 % in 2014–2018 to 6.02% in 2019–2022), the Russian Federation’s indicators were 4.36 and 4.58 % respectively (an increase of 0.22 %). Diversification of gas imports from the Russian Federation to friendly countries is hampered by insufficient pipeline capabilities, sanctions on the supply of equipment for the development of gas liquefaction capacities, and the growth of their own gas production. In China, the average annual increase in natural gas production in 2014–2022 was 6.8 %. A targeted policy to stimulate domestic gas demand in the Russian Federation as a response to restrictions on foreign markets has made it possible to achieve an average annual increase in gas consumption in our country of 1.2 %. Thus,the US sanctions protectionism slows down the development of the gas industry in the Russian Federation and allows the US to fill the vacant niche in the global gas market.
Rural Development as a Basis for Food Security of The Union State: Methodology of an Integrated Approach
Authors:   All-Russian Research Institute of Agriculture Economics, Moscow, Novikov V. G.
Published: December 2024

In this article, the author, based on a study of the current situation, systemic problems and regulatory decisions related to the situation of rural areas of the Russian Federation, proposes a number of conceptual points to strengthen the regulatory functions of the Union State institutions in relation to rural development, which could contribute to building up integration processes as part of a large association. The essential point of the article is that rural areas, as the organic basis of agro-industry,
are the most important factor in food security both at the national level and at the level of the Union State. According to the author,
the village today bears the main burden of protecting our Motherland, therefore it is unreasonable to save on the development of rural areas — and state regulation of rural development should be carried out as part of a program-oriented and goal-oriented approach, in the implementation of which a system of standards is used to determine the numerical values of target indicators.
Development of Food Products Export from the Regions of the Far Eastern Federal District as Part of the Implementation of the Principles of Food Security
Authors:   All-Russian Research Institute of Agriculture Economics, Moscow, Novichkov N. V. , Novikov V. G. ,   All-Russian Research Institute of Agriculture Economics, Moscow
Published: December 2024

The article presents the rationale for solving certain issues of developing food exports from the Far Eastern Federal
District regions in the context of ensuring food security in Russia. Based on the analysis of current scientifi c, methodological and
analytical literature, as well as statistical and regulatory information, the paper examines the concepts of agricultural exports
and food security in relation to the development of agriculture and rural areas in the Far East. The article outlines the need to
change the entire range of indicators of self-sufficiency in agricultural products to solve food security problems in Russia at the systemic level. It is noted that import ahead and self-sufficiency of the Far Eastern Federal District regions in basic food products are of significant importance. The paper also substantiates the proposal to take into account as an indicator of the population’s
need for food products, based on the standard diet based on the necessary human consumption of proteins, fats, carbohydrates,
vitamins and drinking water based on the principles of regular, suffi cient and balanced nutrition. The paper analyzes measures
to support the agro-industrial complex and agricultural exports in terms of developing preferential regimes in the Far Eastern
Federal District, in particular, creating international territories of advanced development (TOR). The article presents a number of recommendations for the transformation of the food security system in relation to the development of export sectors of the agroindustrial complex and food industry in the Far Eastern Federal District. In particular, the ideological principles of the existence
and development of international priority development areas in the Far Eastern Federal District are substantiated, based on the priority of supporting enterprises of the agro-industrial complex and food industry that use technologies for deep processing of raw materials and production of high-processed food products for export to friendly countries of the world.
Conversion of Lignocellulosic Amazonian Biomass into Biochar: Applications in Supercapacitors and Catalysts: Review.
Authors: Leonan Leonardo Alves Teixeira  , Valtiane de Jesus Pantoja da gama  , Victória maria ribeiro lima  , Raimundo Ribeiro Passos  , Leandro aparecido pocrifka
Published: December 2024

This article explores the valorization of Amazonian biomass through its conversion into biochar, addressing the main technologies involved and their applications in supercapacitors and catalysts. The conversion of biomass into biochar is highlighted as a sustainable strategy for utilizing agroindustrial waste and generating high-value materials. The article reviews relevant technologies for this conversion, including hydrothermal carbonization, chemical activation, and pyrolysis, emphasizing their impacts on creating biochar with adjustable properties such as high surface area and controlled porosity. It also reviews recent studies investigating the valorization of Amazonian biomass for these specific applications, highlighting the advances made. Finally, future perspectives are discussed, including the exploration of new Amazonian biomass sources and the optimization of conversion techniques to expand biochar applications and promote technological innovation and sustainability in the Amazon region.
A taxonomy of (mathematics) educational opportunity
Authors: Kinder Cassandra
Published: December 2024

Mathematics education research and policy makers lament differences in outcomes related to race and class, treating so called “failures” as obstacles to be eliminated, rather than the outcomes for which it is designed. That is, mathematics education serves an important economic function in society: social selection and economic stratification. Following literature that foregrounds the economic dimension of schools, this analysis offers an examination of how inequalities are created and reinforced through a taxonomy of mathematics educational opportunity. More specifically, it addresses two questions: 1) What are the opportunities that contribute to the creation and reinforcement of social inequality in rural schooling? and 2) In what ways are those opportunities hoarded or leveraged to accomplish stratification? Through an ethnography of a rural, public elementary school in the United States, five opportunities emerged: learning, credentialing, positioning, relating, and networking. The paper offers a conceptualization of each of the types grounded in mathematics education literature and describes how those opportunities were distributed. I suggest that mathematics education’s focus on learning opportunities, while important, fails to account for other dimensions of equity in schools. These other, often invisible, opportunities and the mechanisms by which they are distributed are likely a source of significant inequity.