bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Evidence on Cost Sharing and Alternative Insurance Designs to Address Moral and Behavioral Hazards in High-Income Health Care Systems: A Systematic Review
Authors: Graf Marlon , Baumgardner James R. , Neumann Ulrich , Brewer Iris P. , Chou Jacquelyn W. , Fendrick A. Mark
Published: November 2024

In health insurance, “moral hazard” describes the concept that coverage without an out-of-pocket cost to consumers could result in health care utilization beyond economically efficient levels. In response, payers in the United States (US) have designed pharmaceutical benefit plans with significant cost exposure (e.g., co-pays, co-insurance, or deductibles). While substantial evidence links patient cost exposure to reduced drug spending, it remains unclear to what degree this translates into greater efficiency or an indiscriminate drop in overall consumption also reducing needed utilization. We conducted a systematic literature review to understand whether commonly implemented utilization management (UM) strategies and insurance designs with a behavioral or value-based (BID/VBID) component have been explored as tools to mitigate moral hazard and to assess how cost-sharing policies and innovative insurance designs impact consumer spending. Eligible studies compared conventional cost-exposure policies to BID/VBID, including tiered cost-sharing and other UM strategies. We found that broad implementation of patient cost exposure is not well supported by empirical evidence assessing efficiency—defined as the use of clinically appropriate services with value at or above the marginal cost of health care utilization in the contemporary US setting. As a result, payers and policy makers alike ought to explore insurance alternatives that more closely align health care consumption incentives to value of care.
Study on CO2-Enhanced Oil Recovery and Storage in Near-Depleted Edge–Bottom Water Reservoirs
Authors: Xu Jianchun , Wan Hai , Wu Yizhi , Liu Shuyang , Yan Bicheng
Published: November 2024

The geological storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) is a crucial technology for mitigating global temperature rise. Near-depleted edge–bottom water reservoirs are attractive targets for CO2 storage, as they can not only enhance oil recovery (EOR) but also provide important potential candidates for geological storage. This study investigated CO2-enhanced oil recovery and storage for a typical near-depleted edge–bottom water reservoir that had been developed for a long time with a recovery factor of 51.93%. To improve the oil recovery and CO2 storage, new production scenarios were explored. At the near-depleted stage, by comparing the four different scenarios of water injection, gas injection, water-alternating-gas injection, and bi-directional injection, the highest additional recovery of 3.62% was achieved via the bi-directional injection scenario. Increasing the injection pressure led to a higher gas–oil ratio and liquid production rate. After shifting from the near-depleted to the depleted stage, the most effective approach to improving CO2 storage capacity was to increase reservoir pressure. At 1.4 times the initial reservoir pressure, the maximum storage capacity was 6.52 × 108 m3. However, excessive pressure boosting posed potential storage and leakage risks. Therefore, lower injection rates and longer intermittent injections were expected to achieve a larger amount of long-term CO2 storage. Through the numerical simulation study, a gas injection rate of 80,000 m3/day and a schedule of 4–6 years injection with 1 year shut-in were shown to be effective for the case considered. During 31 years of CO2 injection, the percentage of dissolved CO2 increased from 5.46% to 6.23% during the near-depleted period, and to 7.76% during the depleted period. This study acts as a guide for the CO2 geological storage of typical near-depleted edge–bottom water reservoirs.
Thermoanalytical and Kinetic Studies for the Thermal Stability of Emerging Pharmaceutical Pollutants Under Different Heating Rates
Authors: Enyoh Christian Ebere , Maduka Tochukwu Oluwatosin , Suzuki Miho , Lu Senlin , Wang Qingyue
Published: November 2024

Emerging pharmaceutical pollutants like ciprofloxacin (CIP) and ibuprofen (IBU) are frequently detected in aquatic environments, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. Since pollutants rarely exist alone in the environment, understanding the thermal stability and degradation kinetics of these compounds, especially in mixtures, is crucial for developing effective removal strategies. This study therefore investigates the thermal stability and degradation kinetics of CIP and IBU, under different heating rates. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) were employed to examine the thermal behavior of these compounds individually and in mixture (CIP + IBU) at heating rates of 10, 20, and 30 °C/min. The kinetics of thermal degradation were analyzed using both model-fitting (Coats–Redfern (CR)) and model-free (Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), and Friedman (FR)) methods. The results showed distinct degradation patterns, with CIP decomposing between 280 and 550 °C and IBU between 152 and 350 °C, while the mixture exhibited multistep decomposition in the 157–500 °C range. The CR model indicated first-order kinetics as a better fit for the degradation (except for IBU). Furthermore, CIP exhibits higher thermal stability and activation energy compared to IBU, with the KAS model yielding activation energies of 58.09 kJ/mol for CIP, 11.37 kJ/mol for IBU, and 41.09 kJ/mol for CIP + IBU mixture. The CIP + IBU mixture generally showed intermediate thermal properties, suggesting synergistic and antagonistic interactions between the compounds. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔH°, ΔG°, ΔS°) were calculated, revealing non-spontaneous, endothermic processes for all samples (except in the FWO method) with a decrease in molecular disorder and positive ΔG° values across all models and heating rates. The study found that higher heating rates led to less thermodynamically favorable conditions for degradation. These findings provide important information concerning the thermal behavior of these pharmaceutical pollutants, which can inform strategies for their removal from the environment and the development of more effective waste-treatment processes.
Efficient Zero-Knowledge Proofs for Set Membership in Blockchain-Based Sensor Networks: A Novel OR-Aggregation Approach
Authors: Kuznetsov Oleksandr , Frontoni Emanuele , Arnesano Marco , Kuznetsova Kateryna
Published: November 2024

Blockchain-based sensor networks offer promising solutions for secure and transparent data management in IoT ecosystems. However, efficient set membership proofs remain a critical challenge, particularly in resource-constrained environments. This paper introduces a novel OR-aggregation approach (where “OR” refers to proving that an element equals at least one member of a set without revealing which one) for zero-knowledge set membership proofs, tailored specifically for blockchain-based sensor networks. We provide a comprehensive theoretical foundation, detailed protocol specification, and rigorous security analysis. Our implementation incorporates optimization techniques for resource-constrained devices and strategies for integration with prominent blockchain platforms. Extensive experimental evaluation demonstrates the superiority of our approach over existing methods, particularly for large-scale deployments. Results show significant improvements in proof size, generation time, and verification efficiency. The proposed OR-aggregation technique offers a scalable and privacy-preserving solution for set membership verification in blockchain-based IoT applications, addressing key limitations of current approaches. Our work contributes to the advancement of efficient and secure data management in large-scale sensor networks, paving the way for wider adoption of blockchain technology in IoT ecosystems.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Game Charger in the Field?
Authors: Doumani Georgia , Theofilis Panagiotis , Tsimihodimos Vasilis , Kalaitzidis Rigas G.
Published: November 2024

Kidney disease is a public health epidemic affecting 10% of the population worldwide with a constantly rising incidence, and it is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic complex condition with a rising incidence worldwide. T2DM remains the principal cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is related to a high risk for cardiovascular (CV) events, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and, overall, considerable morbidity and mortality. In the past few decades, various therapeutic treatments have targeted the culprit pathways for slowing CKD progression, with partial success. Thus, despite new advances in patients’ treatment, progressive loss of kidney function or death from T2DM and CKD complications compel new therapeutic pathways. Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone-system-blocking agents have been the only treatment until recently. On top of this, sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors along with finerenone showed an impressive ability to reduce the progression of kidney disease and cardiovascular events in diabetic patients with CKD. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) can play a special role and could be a game changer in this field. The latest FLOW trial confirmed multiple favorable clinical effects on renal, cardiovascular, and survival outcomes among high-risk patients treated with semaglutide and supports a significant therapeutic role for GLP-1RAs in this population, although larger-scale evaluation of their risks is needed, given their increasing use.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Ameliorates Olanzapine-Induced Hypolocomotion in a Rat Model
Authors: Altarifi Ahmad , Arab Linah , Al-Azaizeh Rasha , Khataybeh Batool , Al-Ghadi Muath Q. , Khalifeh Mohammad
Published: November 2024

Olanzapine (OLZ) is a commonly prescribed drug for the treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders. However, OLZ use is associated with several adverse effects, including decreased locomotor activity and increased body weight. While the majority of studies have directed their focus towards managing the metabolic side effects of OLZ, there has been limited attention given to the effects on locomotor activity. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in alleviating OLZ-induced locomotor impairment in female Sprague Dawley rats. Subjects were divided into four groups: control rats (CR), HBOT, OLZ, and HBOT + OLZ. In addition to behavioral effects, we also evaluated the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of rats’ brain tissue to demonstrate the maintenance of OLZ effectiveness in improving antioxidant status during the intervention using a rotarod device to measure locomotor activity and coordination. Results showed that HBOT effectively counteracted the hypolocomotion produced after OLZ administration. Moreover, HBOT did not result in a decrease in TAC in brain tissue, which is linked to OLZ treatment effectiveness. Therefore, our results suggest that HBOT may represent a promising non-pharmacological approach to improving locomotor and motor coordination impairments associated with OLZ treatment.
Influence of Oil Injection Lubrication Parameters of High-Speed Internal Meshing Gear Based on the Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Tang Peixun , Li Zhengminqing , Hou Xiangying , Li Letian , Xi Rongsheng , Chen Yiyan
Published: November 2024

High-speed gears are crucial transmission components found in airplanes and other systems, and they are maintained primarily through oil injection. However, due to their high operating speeds and the influence of oil injection settings, gear surface lubrication efficacy is frequently insufficient, compromising the transmission system’s precision, durability, and safety. Currently, the parameter choices for oil injection in high-speed gears mostly rely on empirical judgment, which results in significant time and resource expenses. This study focuses on one pair of internal meshing gears within a specific aircraft gearbox, establishing an oil injection lubrication model for high-speed internal meshing gears using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. This research provides insights and references for optimizing oil injection parameters and improving lubrication efficiency in high-speed internal meshing gear systems by examining the dynamic characteristics of internal meshing wind resistance in addition to the effects of injection tube position, angle, and speed on lubrication performance.
Passenger Flow Prediction for Rail Transit Stations Based on an Improved SSA-LSTM Model
Authors: Zhao Xing , Li Chenxi , Zou Xueting , Du Xiwang , Ismail Ahmed
Published: November 2024

Accurate and timely passenger flow prediction is important for the successful deployment of rail transit intelligent operation. The Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) has been applied to the parameter optimization of a Long-Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model. To solve the inherent weaknesses of SSA, this paper proposes an improved SSA-LSTM model with optimization strategies including Tent Map and Levy Flight to practice the short-term prediction of boarding passenger flow at rail transit stations. Aimed at the passenger flow at four rail transit stations in Nanjing, China, it is found that the day of a week and rainfall are the influencing factors with the highest correlation. On this basis, we apply the proposed SSA-LSTM and four baseline models to realize the short-term prediction, and carry out the prediction experiments with different time granularities. According to the experimental results, the proposed SSA-LSTM model has a more effective performance than the Support Vector Regression (SVR) method, the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model, the traditional LSTM model, and the improved LSTM model with the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA-LSTM) in the passenger flow prediction. In addition, for most stations, the prediction accuracy of the proposed SSA-LSTM model is greater at a larger time granularity, but there are still exceptions.
Differential Equations of Fourth-Order with p-Laplacian-like Operator: Oscillation Theorems
Authors: Bazighifan Omar , Alshammari Nawa , Al-Ghafri Khalil S. , Iambor Loredana Florentina
Published: November 2024

In this work, we find new oscillation criteria for fourth-order advanced differential equations with a p-Laplace-type operator. We established our results through a comparison method with integral averaging and Riccati techniques to obtain new oscillatory properties for the considered equation. Our criteria substantially simplify and complement a number of existing ones. We give some examples to illustrate the significance of the obtained results.
Breaking Through Resistance: Carbapenem-Resistant Nocardia?!—A Case Report
Authors: Ivan Vlad-Sabin , Ciubotaru Paul-Gabriel , Cirin Liviu , Giru Florin , Costachescu Dan , Lighezan Daniel-Florin , Buzas Roxana
Published: November 2024

Nocardia is an emerging bacterial disease that often affects patients with compromised immune systems. As the number of patients undergoing solid organ transplants continues to rise, and as more cancer survivors are treated with long-term immune-modifying agents, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive medications, organisms that typically pose no harm are becoming a public health concern. Carbapenems are usually a second-line therapy in the setting of Nocardia infections. We present the case of a patient who had an immunocompromised status and was diagnosed with Nocardia farcinica, which showed in vitro resistance to carbapenems. The symptoms were non-specific and had a common presentation with headache, fatigue, and a nonresponsive cough to usual cough drugs, although the infection was disseminated and had severe CNS and ocular involvement. The clinical course worsened when the carbapenem was withdrawn and markedly improved when it was re-administered, although the initial antibiogram showed resistance to carbapenems. Despite the observed in vitro resistance in the laboratory, the re-administration of carbapenems was beneficial, as both inflammatory markers and clinical status showed improvement. This was based on clinical judgment, which carefully evaluated the associated risks and benefits. Also, this raises the question of potential risks to develop real resistance to carbapenems of some Nocardia species, which could pose a significant challenge to healthcare. It could become a serious healthcare problem in the future and should prompt active environmental testing.
Defunctioning Ileostomy After Low Anterior Resection of Rectum: Morbidity Related to Fashioning and Closure
Authors: Gouvas Nikolaos , Manatakis Dimitrios , Agalianos Christos , Dimitriou Nikoletta , Baloyiannis Ioannis , Tzovaras George , Xynos Evangelos
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess any predisposing factors to the morbidity of fashioning and reversal of diverting ileostomy in a prospective cohort of patients who have undergone TME and low colo-rectal or colo-anal anastomosis for rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients with rectal cancer undergoing low anterior resection and a defunctioning loop ileostomy in three surgical units from 2016 to 2020 were included in the study and retrospectively analyzed. Results: One hundred eighty-two patients from three centres were included. Ileostomy-related mortality was 0.5%, attributed to renal failure.. Ileostomy-related morbidity was 46%. Postoperative ileus was seen in 37.4%, and dehydration in 18.8% of the patients. The readmission rate for ileostomy-related reasons was 15.4%. Stoma care was problematic in 15.7% or poor in 7% of the cases. Advanced age, male gender and obesity were independent risk factors for ileostomy-related morbidity. Ileostomy was reversed in 165 patients. The morbidity in 165 patients was 16%. Ileus was seen in 10.3%, anastomotic leak in 4.8% and wound infection in 12.7% of the cases. One patient died because of an anastomotic leak. No predisposing factors that affect the outcomes of ileostomy closure were identified. Conclusions: Diverting ileostomy-related morbidity is high. Life threatening dehydration and renal failure from ileus is more commonly seen in elderly, male and obese patients and should be anticipated. Ileostomy closure-related morbidity is low.
Preparation of Titanium Metal by Deoxygenation Under KCl-NaCl-YCl3 System Using Soluble Anode
Authors: Mu Tianzhu , Zhu Fuxing , Zhao Yan , Fang Haoyu , Ji Haohang , Gao Lei
Published: November 2024

Titanium metal is primarily produced via the Kroll process, which is characterized by a semi-continuous production flow and a lengthy process cycle, resulting in high production costs. Researchers have explored alternative methods for titanium production, including molten salt electrolysis, such as the Fray–Farthing–Chen (FFC), Ono Suzuki (OS), and University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) processes, aiming to achieve more economical production. Among these, the USTB process, a representative of soluble anode electrolysis, has shown significant promise. However, controlling oxygen concentration in titanium produced by soluble anode electrolysis remains a challenge. This study proposes a novel approach to enhance deoxidation efficiency in soluble anode electrolysis for titanium production by introducing yttrium chloride (YCl3) into the molten salt electrolyte. Thermodynamic analysis and experimental validation demonstrate that the theoretical deoxidation limit for titanium can reach below 100 ppm under Y/YOCl/YCl3 equilibrium. We report the successful synthesis of titanium powder with an oxygen concentration of 6000 ppm from titanium-carbon-oxygen solid solution. Under optimized conditions, the purity of the titanium powder reached 99.42%, demonstrating a new approach for producing high-purity titanium. This method, based on soluble anode electrolysis, offers a potential alternative to the conventional Kroll process. The research elucidates the fabrication process and analytical methods for titanium-carbon-oxygen solid solution, and employs a combination of analytical techniques, including XRD, SEM-EDS, and ONH Analyzer, for characterization of the electrolytic product, encompassing phase analysis, microstructure, and oxygen concentration testing.
The Effects of Straw-Returning Processes on the Formation of Fe-Mn (Hydr)oxide Colloids and Arsenic Bioavailability
Authors: Zheng Junhao , Jiang Mei , Li Qingzhu , Yang Zhihui , Liao Qi , Si Mengying , Yang Weichun
Published: November 2024

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of straw return on the formation of Fe-Mn colloids in arsenic-contaminated soils and its subsequent influence on arsenic behavior. It was observed that organic matter (SD) resulting from straw decomposition interacted with iron/manganese (hydr)oxides (Fe/Mn (hydr)oxides) present in the soil, leading to the formation of colloidal particles. These particles significantly influenced the fixation and release of arsenic. The experimental results indicated that an increase in SD content facilitated the formation of colloidal particles. The highest concentration of colloidal particles was observed at a C/Fe-Mn ratio of 2.2, which significantly reduced the bioavailability and mobility of arsenic in the soil. The increase in SD content also diminished the depositional attachment efficiency of SD/Fe-Mn, thereby enhancing its migration through the soil. The actual field soil-filled column experiments further demonstrated that the content of SD significantly influenced arsenic bioavailability and mobility. Specifically, at a C/Fe-Mn ratio of 2.2, the inhibition of arsenic migration and bioavailability was found to be 1.46 times more effective compared to a C/Fe-Mn ratio of 0.4. Therefore, the return of straw to the field represents an effective soil remediation strategy for mitigating the bioavailability of arsenic by modulating the C/Fe-Mn ratio. This approach offers a novel perspective on strategies for heavy metal remediation.
Damage Effect and Injury Range of Shock Waves in Mine Methane Explosion
Authors: Jia Zhenzhen , Ye Qing , Xiong Wei , Liu Jialin
Published: November 2024

During the process of mining underground coal, the coal emits a large amount of methane into the mining space, which may lead to methane accumulation and exceed explosion safety limits When the methane encounters a fire source, a methane explosion may occur. The forceful impact caused by a methane explosion in an underground roadway can cause serious damage to the roadway structures and even lead to the collapse of the ventilation system. At the same time, the explosion impact may result in the death of workers and cause physical injury to the surviving workers. Therefore, it is necessary to study the damage effect and injury range of methane explosions. On the basis of the damage criteria and damage characteristics of methane explosions, according to the overpressure distribution of shock waves in the propagation process of a methane explosion, the explosion hazard range is divided into four ranges (from inside to outside): death range, serious injury range, minor injury range, and safety range. Four injury degrees of shock wave overpressure to personal body (slight, medium, serious injury, death), and seven damage degrees of overpressure to structures are also analyzed. The thresholds of their damage (destruction) are determined. On this basis, an experimental system and numerical simulation are constructed to measure damage characteristics, the overpressure value, and the range distance of a methane explosion with different initial explosion intensities. According to the experimental and numerical results, the attenuation formula of a methane explosion shock wave in the propagation process is derived. The research results show that the overpressure and impulse of shock waves are selected as the damage criteria for comprehensive evaluation, and the overpressure criterion is suitable of determining the injury (failure) range over long distances. The four injury ranges are in line with the actual situation and are reasonable. The injury degree also conforms to the medical results, which can be used to guide the injury degree of mine methane explosions. The injury range caused by methane explosions with different initial explosion intensities is reasonable and is basically consistent with the on-site situation. The derived attenuation formula and calculated safety distance are in good agreement with the experimental and numerical results. The research results can provide guidance and help in the escape, rescue, and protection of coal mine underground person.
SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Variants and Their Relationship with the Expressional and Genomic Profile of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2)
Authors: Grisard Henrique Borges da Silva , Schörner Marcos André , Barazzetti Fernando Hartmann , Wachter Julia Kinetz , Filho Vilmar Benetti , Martinez Rafael Emmanuel Godoy , Venturi Christinni Machado , Fongaro Gislaine , Bazzo Maria Luiza , Wagner Glauber
Published: November 2024

Over the past four years, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) have been extensively studied, given their important role in SARS-CoV-2 replication; however, most studies have failed to compare their behavior in the face of different SARS-CoV-2 genomic variants. Therefore, this study evaluated the influence of different variants in ACE2/TMPRSS2 expressional and genomic profiles. To achieve this, 160 nasopharyngeal samples, previously detected with SARS-CoV-2 via RT-qPCR (June 2020–July 2022), were quantified for ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression levels, also using RT-qPCR; SARS-CoV-2 genomic variants, along with polymorphisms in the ACE2/TMPRSS2 coding genes, were identified using nanopore sequencing. In order of appearance, the B.1.1.28, Zeta, Gamma, and Omicron variants were identified in this study. The ACE2 levels were higher when B.1.1.28 was present, possibly due to the ACE2/spike binding affinity; the TMPRSS2 levels were also higher in the presence of B.1.1.28, probably attributable to inefficient usage of the TMPRSS2 pathway by the other variants, as well as to the decrease in protease transcription factors when in the presence of Omicron. The rs2285666 (ACE2) polymorphism was less frequent when B.1.1.28 was present, which is befitting, since rs2285666 increases ACE2/spike binding affinity. In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 genomic variants appear to exhibit varying impacts in regards to ACE2/TMPRSS2 genomic and expressional behavior.
Challenges in the Management of Infectious Complications in Neutropenic Cancer Patients
Authors: Gudiol Carlota
Published: November 2024

Febrile neutropenia is a very common complication in cancer patients, especially in hematologic patients and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients, and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality [...]
Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Coupled with Reverse Line Blot Hybridization for the Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ferrusca Bernal Daniel , Mosqueda Juan , Pérez-Sánchez Gilberto , Chávez José Antonio Cervantes , Neri Martínez Mónica , Rodríguez Angelina , Carvajal-Gamez Bertha
Published: November 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogen of critical priority importance according to the WHO. Due to its multi-resistance and expression of various virulence factors, it is the causal agent of severe healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). Effective strategies to control infections caused by P. aeruginosa must include early and specific detection of the pathogen for early and timely antibiotic prescription. The need to develop a specific and reproducible diagnostic technique is urgent, which must often be more sensitive and faster than current clinical diagnostic methods. In this study, we implement and standardize the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique, coupled with the reverse line blot hybridization (RLBH) technique for the detection of P. aeruginosa. A set of primers and probes was designed to amplify a specific region of the P. aeruginosa 16s rRNA gene. The sensitivity of the LAMP-RLBH method was 3 × 10−4 ng/μL, 1000 times more sensitive than the PCR and LAMP technique (this work), with a sensitivity of 3 × 10−3 ng/μL. The LAMP-RLBH and LAMP techniques showed specific amplification and no cross-reaction with members of the ESKAPE group and other Pseudomonas species. The present investigation provides a technique that can be easily performed in less time, achieving a faster and more reliable alternative compared to traditional microbial diagnostic methods for the detection of P. aeruginosa.
An Overview of Lsr2 Repressor Effect in Streptomyces spp. Secondary Metabolism
Authors: Cuervo Lorena , Malmierca Mónica G. , Olano Carlos
Published: November 2024

The genus Streptomyces is one of the largest producers of secondary metabolites with bioactive properties of interest. However, many of the genes involved in synthesizing these compounds are silenced under laboratory conditions. One of the strategies used to activate these metabolic pathways is the elimination of repressor genes, which prevent the transcription of other genes. In this work, the lsr2 gene has been selected for study since it is a repressor with a preference for binding to AT-rich regions, which makes it exert its effect especially on those horizontally transferred gene sequences that have a very different GC content to the core Streptomyces spp. genome. Therefore, the effects of the deletion of this gene are observed, and, in addition, a mapping of the potential binding sites of Lsr2 in Streptomyces spp. genomes is proposed. As a result of this gene knockout, the production of various secondary metabolites is overproduced and/or activated, which suggests that the study of this regulator can be interesting in the field of natural product discovery.
Mode-Adaptive Surface Pattern Design for Enhanced Triboelectric Nanogenerator Performance
Authors: Kisomi Masoumeh Karimi , Roomi Muhammad Sohaib , Mahmud M. A. Parvez
Published: November 2024

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are a promising technique for harvesting environmental energy that is based on electrostatic induction and contact electrification. This is a method that uses every relative motion between two electrodes to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Several modes of TENGs are designed based on various relative motions between electrode pairs. As TENGs are a surface phenomenon, properties such as the structure of the electrodes are key parameters that affect their performance. In this paper, in order to identify the best pattern designed adapted to the TENG mode, the effect of surface structures in each mode is investigated numerically. To achieve the best performance of the micro-patterned electrode, a comparative study has been conducted on the four TENG modes under the same conditions. To reach this goal, micro-patterned shapes such as pyramid, spherical, and cube structures are designed, and the open circuit voltage is calculated and compared to a flat surface. The results show that surface modification has a significant role in TENG’s performance. Based on this study, by using a cube-patterned electrode instead of a flat electrode, the output voltage increases from 233 V to 384 V in sliding mode. Also, by applying the spherical pattern, the output voltage is 1.7 times higher than a flat electrode in contact-separation mode. In the case of investigating TENG pattern structure, the results show that the electrical outputs of the patterned layer depend on the mode. The spherical pattern has a higher impact in contact-separation mode compared to the cube pattern. Meanwhile, in sliding mode, the cube pattern has a greater effect. This work provides a hint for designing an effective pattern on electrodes for a particular mode to enhance TENG performance.
The Academic Scientist’s Commitment to Epistemic Responsibility
Authors: Tang Bor Luen
Published: November 2024

Questionable research practices (QRPs) and research misconduct (RM) involving university scientists waste resources and erode public trust in science and academia. Theories put forth for the occurrence of these transgressions have ranged conceptually from that of errant individuals (“bad apple”) to an environment/culture which is conducive for, if not promotive of, QRP/RM (“bad barrel”), or a combination of both. These ideas appear to provide explanations for lapses in epistemic responsibility and offer reasons for instances of transgression. Some have even argued that scientific conclusions need not be accurate, justified, or believed by their authors. I take the opposite view and instead argue that academic research should be carried out such that a scientist’s fundamental commitment to their epistemic responsibility triumphs over all reasons and incentives to err. In other words, carrying out and publishing research in which the results are authentic and veracious to the best of the scientist’s knowledge and ability should be a default state of mind, a preferred path of action, or a moral axiom. This is a notion that should permeate any courses on research ethics and integrity.
Burst-Mode 355 nm UV Laser Based on a QCW LD-Side-Pumped Electro-Optical Q-Switched Nd: YAG Laser
Authors: Guo Haowen , Jia Chunyan , Ye Shuai , Yao Yongping , Ma Tiejun , Zhang Jiayu , Bai Meng , Xia Jinbao , Nie Hongkun , Yao Bo , He Jingliang , Zhang Baitao
Published: November 2024

In this paper, a high-repetition-rate, high-peak-power burst-mode nanosecond 355 nm UV laser was demonstrated. A quasi-continuous wave (QCW) laser diode (LD) side-pumped electro-optical (EO) Q-switched burst-mode Nd: YAG laser was performed as the fundamental laser source. Under the pumping duration of 250 μs and a burst repetition rate of 100 Hz, the pulse energy of 20 kHz burst-mode UV laser reached 5.3 mJ with a single pulse energy of 1.325 mJ, pulse width of 68 ns, resulting in a peak power of 19.49 kW. The as-generated millijoule burst-mode UV laser has great potential for high-end processing of laser lift-off, annealing and slicing in display semiconductor fields.
An Efficient In Vitro Regeneration Protocol and the Feature of Root Induction with Phloroglucinol in Paeonia ostii
Authors: Zheng Keyuan , Yao Luming , Xie Yumei , Yu Shuiyan , Hu Yonghong , Zhu Mulan
Published: November 2024

Paeonia ostii, a plant of substantial economic significance, continues to face constraints in achieving large-scale propagation. In vitro propagation offers a promising avenue for the production of disease-free plants and the genetic transformation of peonies to instill novel traits. However, significant challenges persist in tissue culture, particularly with regards to the reproduction coefficient of shoots and the rooting process. This study reports an efficacious protocol for P. ostii micropropagation, focusing on in vitro root development facilitated through the application of phloroglucinol (PG). Furthermore, the study unveils the molecular signature of P. ostii during in vitro root development. The results indicate that the modified Y3 medium (Y3M), supplemented with 1 mg/L 6-benzyladenine (BA) and 0.1 mg/L α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), is optimal for adventitious bud induction, achieving a 96.67% induction rate and an average of 16.03 adventitious shoots per sample. The highest elongation percentage (92.15%) and the longest average shoot length (3.87 cm) were obtained with Y3M containing 0.3 mg/L BA and 0.03 mg/L NAA. Additionally, the optimal medium for inducing root formation in P. ostii was identified as WPM supplemented with 3 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 100 mg/L phloroglucinol (PG). Lignin content detection, microscope inspection, and molecular signature results demonstrated that PG enhanced lignin biosynthesis, thereby promoting in vitro rooting of P. ostii.
Screening and Evaluation of Salt-Tolerant Wheat Germplasm Based on the Main Morphological Indices at the Germination and Seedling Stages
Authors: Xu Yunji , Weng Xuelian , Jiang Liqiu , Huang Yu , Wu Hao , Wang Kangjun , Li Ke , Guo Xiaoqian , Zhu Guanglong , Zhou Guisheng
Published: November 2024

The successful screening and evaluation of salt-tolerant germplasm at the germination and seedling stages is of great importance for promoting the breeding of wheat varieties with salt tolerance. In this study, 70 wheat varieties bred in different regions were evaluated for salt tolerance through hydroponic exposure to different concentrations of salt. The relative water absorption, water absorption rate, dehiscence rate, germination rate, and germination index of seeds, and plant height, root length, stem diameter, and biomass of seedlings were determined at the germination and seedling stages of wheat, and the salt tolerance was identified and evaluated using multivariate statistical analysis. The germination ability and seedling growth potential of wheat germplasms decreased with the aggravation of salt stress. Based on the comprehensive salt tolerance index at the germination stage, our study identified 35 varieties to be salt-tolerant. There were nine varieties further screened for having strong salt tolerance according to the comprehensive salt tolerance index at the germination and seedling stages. SN41, Emam, YN301, and JM262 were superior in salt-tolerance, and YM39, LM30, JM60, YN999, and SD29 were salt-tolerant. Our study suggests that the biomass of seedlings can be used as a key parameter for assessing wheat germplasm’s ability to withstand salt. Our results can provide some basic materials for cultivating new germplasm with salt tolerance and excavating the related genes of wheat.
Studying Characteristics of Hot Fine-Grained Asphalt Concrete with the Addition of Coked Sands from the Pyrolysis of Oil Sands
Authors: Tileuberdi Yerbol , Ongarbayev Yerdos , Mukatayeva Zhazira , Zhanbekov Khairulla , Mukhambetkaliyev Kairat , Akkazin Yerzhan , Shadin Nurgul , Imanbayev Yerzhan
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the potential use of coked sands, a byproduct of the thermal processing (pyrolysis) of oil sands, in asphalt concrete mixtures. After pyrolysis extracts the oil from the oil sand, the remaining mineral part becomes coked and changes color to black as solid waste, resulting in a coating of biochar. The coked sand’s X-ray phase analysis (XRD) shows peaks at 4.2564, 3.6749, 3.3768, 3.2380, 3.1903, 2.4581, 2.2800, and 2.2365. Quartz, aluminosilicates, metal oxides, and possibly even carbonates make up the sand’s mineral makeup, as indicated by these peaks. One way to use them is in road construction. In this study, we substituted sand screenings with coked sand in amounts of 5%, 7%, and 10% to examine its impact on the composition of asphalt concrete. This study used 5% paving bitumen (BND 70/100) as a binder for asphalt mineral materials of varying sizes. It concludes that using coked sand to produce asphalt concrete can save 5–10% of sand screenings. The test results showed that adding 5% and 7% of coked sand increases the compressive strength at 50 °C by 8% and 31%, respectively. Adding 10% of coked sand does not increase the strength and actually makes it weaker. The results of the asphalt concrete samples meet type B grade 1 standards of ST RK 1225-2019.
Optimization of Liquid Phase Catalytic Exchange Process for Hydrogen Isotope Separation Using Orthogonal Experiment Design
Authors: Hou Jingwei , Li Jiamao , Xiao Chengjian , Wang Heyi , Huang Hongwen , Peng Shuming
Published: November 2024

The Liquid Phase Catalytic Exchange (LPCE) process plays a pivotal role in the separation of hydrogen isotopes, particularly in applications such as tritium removal in heavy water reactors. Effective separation is crucial for maintaining reactor safety and efficiency. In this study, the optimal operating conditions for the LPCE process were determined through orthogonal experiments and validated in different hydrogen isotope systems. The experiments investigated key operational parameters, including the filling ratio of catalyst to packing (FR), operating temperature (T), superficial gas velocity (V), and gas-to-liquid flow rate ratio (λ), using a robust L16 orthogonal experiment design. The results indicated that V and FR had the most significant effects on the height equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETP), while λ exhibited the greatest impact on dedeuterization efficiency (DE). The optimal conditions obtained were V = 0.1 m/s, FR = 1:2, T = 70 °C, and λ = 2.5. Furthermore, the reproducibility of the optimal conditions was verified in LPCE columns with varying diameters (1.5 cm, 2.5 cm, 4.5 cm). Additionally, the findings were applied to both H-D and D-T separation systems, demonstrating consistency in mass transfer efficiency and validating the applicability of the optimal conditions in different hydrogen isotope separations. This research provides critical insights for optimizing tritium removal systems in heavy water reactors, contributing to enhanced reactor safety and performance.
Feral Thinking: Religion, Environmental Education, and Rewilding the Humanities
Authors: Mayse Ariel Evan
Published: November 2024

The contemporary American university largely operates as an agent of domestication, tasked more with enforcing the social and economic order than with expanding the horizons of possibility. The dawn of the Anthropocene, however, demands that we reconceive of the humanities not as self-sufficient, hierarchical, or divided away from other modes of seeking knowledge but as core to what human being and responsibility ought to mean in the more-than-human world. The present essay makes a case for reworking—and rethinking—the American university along the lines of Mark C. Taylor’s prompt to reconceive of the academy as a multidisciplinary forum for the “comparative analysis of common problems”. I suggest that religious teachings—and religious traditions themselves—can offer models for the intertwining of the humanities (literature, poetry, philosophy, the expressive and applied arts), the social sciences (the study of governance, political thought, the study and formulation of law), and the natural sciences as well as mathematics and engineering. Further, I argue that when faced with radical and unprecedented changes in technological, social, economic, and environmental structures, we must, I believe, engage with these traditional texts in order to enrich and critique the liberal mindset that has neither the values nor the vocabulary to deal with the climate crisis. We must begin to sow new and expansive ways of thinking, and I am calling this work the “rewilding” of our universities. Parallel to the three Cs of rewilding as a conservation paradigm, I suggest the following three core principles for the rewilding of higher education: creativity, curriculum, and collaboration. Though I focus on the interface of religion, ecology, and the study of the environmental, social, and moral challenges of climate change, I suggest that these categories of activity should impact all domains of inquiry to which a university is home.
The Dynamic Impacts of Public Perceptions of Fast-Food Products with Nutrition Facts on Fast-Food Consumption
Authors: Pan Po-Lin , Bhandari Manu , Zeng Li
Published: November 2024

Although most American eat at a fast-food restaurant 1 to 3 times a week, they would realize that fast food consumption is highly associated with chronic diseases and generates negative impacts on their health. As fast-food consumers become more health-conscious, fast-food brands strive to build a more health-oriented image on their fast-food products. Thus, this study proposes a conceptual model that aims to examine direct and indirect impacts of consumers’ BMI, self-efficacy, perceived brand trust, and brand commitment on their fast-food consumption. An online survey using Amazon Mechanical Turk is conducted with a total of 484 female and 380 male participants included in the final analysis. Results show that the mediating effects of self-efficacy, brand trust in, and brand commitment with the fast-food product with nutrition facts are significantly generated on consumers’ fast-food consumption. Moreover, indirect effects are found on consumers’ fast-food consumption via the nexus of their self-efficacy, brand trust, and brand commitment. The study also offers practical insights into the impact of health-conscious consumers’ brand perceptions on their fast-food consumption.
Research on Citizens’ Intentions for Continued Usage of Mobile Government Services from the PPM Perspective
Authors: Zhang Huiying , Zhu Zijian
Published: November 2024

Provincial mobile government service platforms, represented by ‘Zheliban’ and ‘Yueshengshi’, have transformed the traditional way governments provide public services to citizens. Maintaining user engagement with these platforms has become a critical challenge in promoting the digitalization of public services. Despite the widespread adoption of mobile services, the characteristics influencing citizens’ intentions for continued usage of mobile government service platforms have not received sufficient attention in the academic literature. This study, based on the Information Systems Success Model (IS Theory) and Expectation Confirmation Theory (ECT), constructs a Push-Pull-Mooring (PPM) model from a dynamic perspective to examine factors influencing citizens’ continued usage intentions. The research findings indicate that the quality of mobile government service platforms has a significant positive impact on citizens’ continued usage intentions, with citizen satisfaction mediating the relationship between platform quality and continued usage intention. Furthermore, digital exclusion and platform user stickiness negatively moderate the mediating role of satisfaction. This study provides a comprehensive framework for explaining the pathways influencing citizens’ continued usage of mobile government service platforms, extends the theoretical boundaries of the PPM model, and contributes to research in related fields. The findings offer valuable insights for the government in optimizing and promoting mobile government services.
Radioactivity Levels and Heavy Metal Concentration in Mining Areas in Zacatecas, Mexico
Authors: Escareño-Juarez Edmundo , Fernández-Saavedra Rocío , Gómez-Mancebo M. Belén , Barrado Ana I. , Cardona Ana I. , Rucandio Isabel
Published: November 2024

The state of Zacatecas (Mexico) is one of the places most affected by pollution from the mining industry. A total of 21 samples from two areas were collected (6 samples from zone A and 15 samples from zone B) to evaluate the level of radioactivity and the degree of contamination with heavy metals. The activity concentration for 238U and 232Th was within typical values but that of 226Ra exceeded the value of 60 Bq kg−1 in both areas. In some places, the concentration of 40K was higher than the world average according to UNSCEAR. The radium equivalent activity Raeq and outdoor gamma exposure dose (D) indicated that some sites presented a radiological risk for the population. The excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) presented a higher risk than the world average in both sampled areas. Other parameters, such as the radiation index Ri, the external risk index Hex, and the internal risk index Hin, also indicated that there was a greater risk due to radiation exposure in these areas. In the case of heavy metals, some parameters, such as the EF, the Igeo, and the CF, showed that some places in zone A and zone B were contaminated with As and Pb. However, the concentration of selenium obtained by ICP-MS in the sampled soil was higher than the average in the Earth’s crust, both in mine waste dumps and in unaltered soil, which indicated that the background concentration for selenium in these places is higher than the world average.