bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF PARENTS OF YOUNG WOMEN WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS IN IRAN
Authors: Panahi Marzieh , Tazakori Zahra , Karimollahi Mansoureh
Published: July 2023

Chronic illness in children causes more mental health risks for parents than for other family members. Therefore, exploring the experiences of parents who have a daughter with multiple sclerosis (MS) and presenting them to health care planners and managers can have a positive impact on community health. This phenomenological study involving 12 participants in Iran aimed to explore the experiences of parents of young women (aged 17 to 40) with MS. The data collected from semi-structured interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method. Open coding resulted in 450 codes, and after several stages of analysis and integration of similar codes, five main themes containing 21 subthemes were produced. The main themes were mental distress, feeling trapped, adaptation issues, reaction to the disease, and coming to terms with the disease. This study showed that having a daughter with MS affects all dimensions of the parents’ life, and can lead to experiences that are new to them and may confuse them. These findings provide a path towards improving effective parental care for their daughters with MS, and ultimately reducing the burden of disease on the family, the health system, and the community.
СОЦІАЛЬНА ВІДПОВІДАЛЬНІСТЬ У СИСТЕМІ «ЛЮДИНА – ПРИРОДА» ЯК СОЦІАЛЬНА ЦІННІСТЬ У ВИХОВАННІ МОЛОДІ
Authors: Ашиток Надія
Published: July 2023

У вирішенні глобальних екологічних проблем людство має спиратися не лише на практичне виробництво танаукові розробки, а й на зміни у духовній сфері. У зв’язку із цим питання виховання, зміни цінностей, формуваннявідповідального ставлення людини до природи мають першочергове значення. Через це актуалізується екологічне виховання, що має будуватися на системі моральних цінностей, до яких належить соціальна відповідальність людини за збереження природного середовища, його охорони. У статті формування цієї цінності вивчається не лише в рамках екологічного, а й морального і нормативно-правового аспектів.
АКСІОЛОГІЧНИЙ ВИМІР ЧЕТВЕРТОЇ ПРОМИСЛОВОЇ РЕВОЛЮЦІЇ
Authors: Броннікова Лариса
Published: July 2023

У статті розглядається трансформація ціннісних орієнтацій людей за інформаційної доби. Осмисленняінтелектуальних і культурних наслідків впровадження інформаційно-комунікаційних технологій і пов’язану із цимпроблему зміни аксіологічної складової індивідуального та суспільного буття людей, є завданням сучасної філософії.Оптимістичні прогнози щодо змін усіх аспектів життєдіяльності соціуму завдяки початку четвертої промисловоїреволюції співіснують у філософській літературі разом із сумними передбаченнями впливу інформаційного середовища наособистість, соціальні шари і, навіть, покоління людей.
Women Participation in the Labor Force: The Case of Albania
Authors: Sulejmani Loredana
Published: July 2023

Despite the increase in the labour force of women and the focus given of gender equality, women still do not have the same opportunity as men to participate in economic activity. Yet, after 7 years where 193 countries pledged to achieve SDG goals, including gender equality goal, there are still 20 percent less women than men participating in the work force on average globally, and there are major disparities between genders in pay and educational opportunities. These disparities are particularly high in developing countries such as Albania, where even though statistics on women's employment have improved recently, they still fall short of the average for EU nations. The findings suggest that the most important factors determining the labor force participation of women are social norms, social support, and education. In this aspect, the economy of Albania has much potential to further increase economic development by empowering women. The aim of this paper is to assess the extent of gender inequality and estimate the determinants of labor force participation of women, as it is fundamental for policymakers in developing successful and sustainable fiscal policies that tackle down these differences. An important limitation of this paper is the insufficiency of gender-disaggregated data.
The informative value of noninvasive tools for assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients under antiviral treatment with nucleoside and nucleotide analogues
Authors: Nguyen Thi  Hanh , Ilchenko Liudmila Yu. , Melnikova Lubov I. , Kyuregyan Karen K. , Gordeychuk Ilya V.
Published: July 2023

Background: Antiviral therapy (AVT) with nucleoside and nucleotide analogues (NAs) for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is aimed at prevention of the development and progression of fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, monitoring of changes in liver fibrosis over time with noninvasive tests is a necessary prerequisite for the assessment of treatment efficacy. However, there are very few studies on changes of transient elastometry (TE) over time, the calculated indices APRI and FIB-4 under AVT in patients with CHB.
Aim: To assess changes in noninvasive tests (TE, APRI, FIB-4) over time and to identify factors influencing the fibrosis severity in CHB patients treated with NAs.
Materials and methods: This retrospective study was performed in 42 CHB patients, in whom noninvasive methods (TE, APRI and FIB-4) were used before and during NA-based AVT. The patients were divided into two groups: those with a significant reduction in liver density (SRLD, at least by 25% from their baseline TE) and those without a significant reduction ( 25%).
Results: Virological response was achieved in 38/42 patients after NA-based AVT (mean duration, 21 months). TE values decreased significantly in the patients with severe fibrosis/cirrhosis (F3/F4) (from 14.2 to 8.3 kPa, p = 0.001), with minimal/moderate fibrosis (F1/F2) (from 5.9 to 5.1 kPa, p = 0.009), and in HBeAg-negative patients (from 6.9 to 5.2 kPa, p 0.001). The F3/F4, F1/F2, HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients demonstrated a significant reduction in APRI and FIB-4 indices (all p 0.05). Higher baseline TE values were independently associated with SRLD (odds ratio 1.324; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0291.702; p = 0.029). Baseline TE, APRI, and FIB-4 values positively correlated with their values on treatment (all p 0.05). The AUROC values of APRI and FIB-4 reduction as SRLD predictors were 0.632 (95% CI 0.4570.807; p = 0.160) and 0.578 (95% CI 0.3910.764; p = 0.408), respectively.
Conclusion: NA-based AVT promoted the regression of fibrosis in CHB patients. A high baseline TE value was identified as an independent SRLD predictor. At the same time, despite moderate positive correlations between TE, APRI and FIB-4 parameters, the calculated indexes APRI and FIB-4 cannot be used to predict SRLD. The decrease in liver tissue density by at least 25% correlated only with TE parameters, which makes it possible to recommend TE for monitoring liver fibrosis in CHB patients treated with NA.
Coronavirus Disease Pandemic and Insects: A Historical Overview
Authors: Sharawi Somia Eissa
Published: July 2023

Coronaviruses have significantly changed 21st century medicine, healthcare systems, education, and the global economy by driving the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 in humans is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, from asymptomatic to mild or severe illnesses, including death. The existing literature shows the roles of insect vectors in aiding the transmission of viral pathogens and the possible roles of some insects in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission. In this study, we briefly review the possibility of biological or mechanical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by insects in the environment.
Disparities in Neonatal Outcomes: Past, Present, and Our Future?
Authors: McClaskey Barbara
Published: July 2023

Neonatal outcomes and infant mortality rates have improved significantly in the past century. However, the disparities in outcomes linked to racial and ethnic variations have persisted and actually increased. Those differences in outcomes have been acknowledged for years as care providers strive to improve care for all of our most vulnerable and youngest individuals. Trends in neonatal outcomes are summarized.
Introduction of Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalography (aEEG) Monitoring in a Level 2 NICU: Improving the Quality of Care for Neurologically At-Risk Newborns
Authors: Feldman Kayla , Baisie Judith , El Shahed Amr I. , Whyte Hilary , Culjat Marko
Published: July 2023

Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) is a bedside tool for continuous monitoring of brain activity with the possibility of real-time interpretation. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography is routinely used in Canadian tertiary NICUs; however, its use in Level 2 NICUs has been limited. A bedside aEEG program was introduced in a Level 2 NICU in order to help facilitate the timely transfer of neurologically compromised infants and keep mother–infant dyads together where reassurance of appropriate neurological status could be attained. A monitoring guideline and educational program were developed. The introduction of aEEG monitoring enhanced the care provided to neurologically at-risk newborns. This experience can be used as a framework for other Level 2 NICUs who may wish to embark upon a similar initiative.
Racial and Health Equity: What One NICU Parent Leader’s Experience Teaches Us
Authors: Discenza Deb
Published: July 2023

This column interviews Ashley Randolph, a Black NICU Parent Leader, and delves into her three pregnancies and the resulting preterm deliveries. Throughout it all, she worked hard to advocate for herself and her infants despite barriers to access to appropriate health care. Her interview should be distributed to NICU teams across the United States.
Leucopenia in Trypanosoma vivax  infection of sheep
Authors: Igbokwe I.O. , Anosa V.O.
Published: July 2023

L'infection expérimentale par Trypanosoma vivax a provoqué chez les moutons une leucopénie modérée associée à une lymphopénie et une éosinopénie. Les numérations totales des leucocytes des souris adultes n'ont pas significativement diminué lors de l'inoculation avec le plasma de mouton infecté par T. vivax. Ces observations suggèrent que le plasma des moutons infectés ne possède pas un facteur capable de réduire la leucopoïèse in vivo.
Régime alimentaire des ruminants domestiques (bovins, ovins, caprins) exploitant des parcours naturels sahéliens et soudano-sahéliens. III. Caractères épidermiques des principales espèces végétales consommées au pâturage : constitution d'un atlas de référence en vue de l'étude du régime alimentaire
Authors: Mandret Gilles
Published: July 2023

L'analyse microscopique des débris végétaux contenus dans les fèces ou les bols oesophagiens est une méthode d'étude du régime alimentaire des animaux au pâturage. Ce travail est mené dans le cadre d'une étude du système d'alimentation des ruminants sur parcours sahéliens et soudano-sahéliens au Sénégal. L'auteur décrit les caractères épidermiques des principales plantes (28 espèces) consommées au pâturage en vue de la constitution d'un atlas de référence. Il montre un exemple de clé d'identification de 19 dicotylédones à partir de leurs caractères épidermiques. Cette clé devra être complétée et pourra servir à la reconnaissance des débris végétaux contenus dans les fèces ou les bols oesophagiens.
Problems related to the operation of autonomous vehicles in adverse weather conditions
Authors: Brzozowski Michał , Parczewski Krzysztof
Published: July 2023

Article introduces and discusses the sensors used in autonomous cars. The reliability of these devices is crucial for the proper operation of autonomous driving systems. The research works related to the issue of the performance of autonomous sensors in adverse weather conditions is discussed and critically analysed. The negative effects caused by bad weather conditions are characterised. The paper presents the result of author's own research concern on the effects of rain, snow and fog on lidar measurments. The results obtained are presented, detailing the most important threats from each weather phenomenon. Attempts currently being made to address these issues are presented as well. The paper concludes with a summary of the research results, the current state of knowledge and suggestions for future developments.
Peculiarities of educational policy and regulatory framework of the education system of the soviet state (from 1917 to the collapse of the Soviet Union)
Authors:   North-Eastern State University, Magadan, Tretyak Irina G.
Published: July 2023

Article provides a detailed analysis of the formation and development of the regulatory framework of the education system of the soviet state (from 1917 to the collapse of the Soviet Union), highlights the features of the national educational policy during the specified period. The materials of the article are based on a scientific research conducted over a period of 5 years within the framework of R&D “The formation of the system of regulatory support for education in Russia (on the example of secondary and higher education)” in the direction “Development of the regional education system, innovations in education” (FGBOU VO “NESU”).
Psychological training for future police officers as a measure to prevent deviations
Authors:   East-Siberian Institute of the Ministry of internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, Shatskaya Ekaterina A. , Senina Inna V. ,   Irkutsk National Research Technical University
Published: July 2023

In the article, the authors note not only the importance of the formation of professional competence, but also highlight the role of psychological training in the training of police officers. In particular, psychological factors contributing to deviation in police officers and preventive measures that can be implemented to reduce the effects of the identified factors are considered. The authors emphasize the importance of early identification of employees at risk and providing them with appropriate support and training to prevent escalation of their behavior. The article also highlights the need for police services to develop a culture of accountability and transparency to prevent misconduct and ensure public trust. In general, the article gives a practice-oriented view on the prevention of deviant states.
Geographical spreading and causes of arouse scientific supervising of dissertation defense
Authors:   Glazov State Pedagogical Institute n.a. V.G. Korolenko, Ershteyn Leonid B. ,   Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University
Published: July 2023

The article considered a problem of origin scientific supervising of dissertation defense. The article revealed why are scientific supervising appeared. At the same time article researched actual expansion of this phenomena around all of the world. The paper showed the scientific supervising was appeared due of needs a society in the new information. At the starting these needs were realized by the social institute of religion. But by the time religion was not be able to satisfied the growing demands of the society for getting the new information. As answer for it based on the methods of natural researches arose the social institute of science. The article proved the origin оf scientific supervising from institutionalizations of science. The paper stated the arising of scientific management from the necessity to confirm by junior researchers their capability to do complicated science research at the one hand and needs to transfer their scientific knowledge and skills by the experienced researchers to their students at the other hand. The article asserted the scientific supervising as action of esoterically paradigm of social development which have been intruded into rational and technological paradigms of modern society. The paper attempted to estimate the geographical spreading of scientific supervising. Based on analyses of quantity people who have been working in the science, quantity of scientific publications and expenses for science has made a conclusion the scientific management is very extendible phenomena of society which could be found there the postgraduation studies is. At the same time the article stated difficulties to estimate of spreading the formal scientific supervising around the world because directly this kind of statistics do not keep.
Experience of creation and development of Innovative startup project “Creative waste transformation”
Authors:   Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, Ziamlianskaya Natallia V. , Apiakun Alena V. , Zhukovski Viachаslav Е.
Published: July 2023

The article describes the experience of design and development of the innovative start-up project “Creative Waste Transformation”, which is realized at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno and is aimed at development of innovative educational activity within the framework of school-workshop and focused on solving urgent social problems. Target audience: students, teachers and employees of universities, focused on the creation and implementation of their own project, social or commercial orientation.
The statality and passivity of participles in -n/-t in Russian
Authors:   Beijing Normal University, Bono Zhang
Published: July 2023

The question of participles on -n/-t, which in terms of the pledge category turn out to be marked members and in their morphological form constantly express a passive meaning, is considered. But the pledge in the Russian language is a morphological and syntactic category. It reflects the opposite both at the level of morphological forms and at the level of syntactic structures. From this position, the definition of collateral values is not scientifically justified only from the point of view of morphological features. The purpose of this article is to establish the differences between short forms of participles on -n/-t, which have a passive meaning, and short forms of participles on -n/-t, which have a static meaning. The materials of this article bring a certain theoretical significance to the category of the pledge of the Russian language.
On the question of the originality of assessments of the behavior of heroes in modern Russian prose (based on the stories of V. Pietsukh “I and Perestroika” and Yu. Koval “Teapot”)
Authors:   Baku Slavic University, Yusifova Khadija
Published: July 2023

On the basis of two stories that have not been the subject of a special scientific study until now, the essence of non-traditional Russian prose is revealed. The article focuses all attention on such a trend that has spun off from this literature as the “ironic avant-garde”. In the 21st century, it becomes a panacea for the work of many Russian word artists, whose names are given in the work. The essence of this trend in the presented article is that, in general and in general, the realistic picture of the facts and events described by the author is invariably presented in a mockingly ironic light. The two compared stories parody the slogan of the general happiness of people, provided by the authorities of society with the help of the ideology of social equality, fraternity and even redistribution of material wealth among them. In reality, in the story of V. Pietsukh, the institution of the family, love and marriage is debunked (the key phrase from the lips of the hero sounds like this: “we are going through a period of an antediluvian form of family and marriage”); Y. Koval’s dream of a talented artist to break out into the people, but living below the poverty line, is being thrown off the pedestal (almost according to Dostoevsky). In both stories, thus, the difficult, or rather, hopeless life of a balabol and hard worker with collapsed hopes for the improvement of society is shown.
Ivan Bunin’s “Easter” story “Non-urgent Spring” (the image of the hero, prototype, fairy-tale discourse)
Authors:   Herzen Russian State Pedagogical University, Bogdanova Olga V. , Minjie Liu ,   Far Eastern Federal University
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyze Ivan Bunin’s short story “The Non-urgent Spring” (1923) in an attempt to comprehend the origin of the Easter pathos that appears in the text and which was not peculiar to the prose writer of the 1920s, who tragically experienced forced emigration to the West. The study solves the question of the type of the main character of the narrative: his singleness or combination, independence or duality, since the critics considers the hero/heroes of Bunin’s story from different angles. The scientific novelty of the work consists in the fact that during the analysis the author of the work offers a justification not only for the pairing of independent heroes, but also expresses a hypothesis about a possible prototype of the central character. Revealing on a number of historical details allows the researcher to assume that this prototype could be Bunin’s nephew N. Pusheshnikov. As shown in the work, the epistolary strategy of narration (the form of writing) allows the artist to differentiate the positions of the heroes and, relying on the fabulous folklore and literature discourse, on the one hand, to debunk the idea of humility and the possibility of existence in Soviet Russia, on the other (as a “dear friend”) — to try to justify the Easter revival intentions of the hero (a Soviet citizen) who was forced to remain in the USSR.
Chinese scientist about V.S. Makanine
Authors:   Moscow Polytechnic University, Davydova Tatiana T.
Published: July 2023

A review of the monograph “Author’s Consciousness and Forms of Its Expression in V.S. Makanin in the 1970– 1980s.” Gong Qingqing (Zhejiang University). For the first time, a Chinese Slavist studies in depth the works of V.S. Makanin in the 1970–1980s, when he became one of the leading prose writers of the 40s. Makanin’s prose is analyzed in terms of the author’s consciousness and artistic forms of its expression, narration and style. Observations on the social psychotypes of a “small” and “average” person, a Don Juan, that have changed in Makanin in new historical дand social conditions, are scientifically productive. Thus, Gong Qingqing also revealed the realistic and innovative essence of his work.
Rua da Carioca
Authors: Silva Telma Domingues da
Published: July 2023

O fato é que piorou muito desde janeiro – disse o motorista do uber, um rapaz novo preto com um carrinho meio ruinzinho. “Piorou muito” significa a violência piorou no Rio/ Brasil. “Desde janeiro” significa desde que assumiram os eleitos na última eleição. A sabedoria de uma realidade vista a olho nu? Será por acaso a dança dos camburões pelas ruas, com policiais apoiando seus fuzis nas janelas abertas dos carros? Essa é uma imagem de segurança ou é a insegurança? ...
Yerli ve Milli Markalar Konusunda Tüketicilerin Etnosentrik Eğilimlerinin Marka Evangelizmi, Marka Sadakati ve Marka Bağlılığı Üzerindeki Etkisi
Authors: GÖKTAŞ Bora
Published: July 2023

Yerli ve milli markalar son zamanlarda Türkiye’de gündeme gelen bir konudur ve dolayısıyla tüketiciler bu kavramla sık sık karşılaşmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, etnosentrik düşüncedeki tüketicilerin yerli ve milli markalara karşı tutumlarının bağlılık, sadakat veya evangelist eğilimlere sahiplik seviyelerini ve tüketici etnosentrizminin marka bağlılığı, marka sadakati ve marka evangelizmi üzerindeki etkilerini incelemektir. Alanyazın tarandığında tüketici etnosentrizminin; marka bağlılığı, marka sadakati ve marka evangelizmi üzerindeki etkisi konularının tümünü bir arada sınayan bir çalışma sayısının oldukça sınırlı olduğu, yeterince çalışma yapılmadığı görülmektedir. Bu çalışmada Kolayda Örnekleme Yöntemi kullanılarak 654 katılımcıdan çevrim içi anket tekniği ile veriler toplanmıştır ve hipotezlerin test edilmesinde regresyon analizi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın bulgularına göre; tüketici etnosentrizminin, marka bağlılığı, marka sadakati ve marka evangelizmi üzerinde anlamlı ve pozitif doğrusal yönde bir etkisinin olduğu sonucu bulunmuştur. Ayrıca etnosentrik eğilimlere sahip olan katılımcıların; marka evangelizminin “olumlu marka yönlendirmesi”, marka sadakatinin “bilişsel sadakat” ve marka bağlılığının “duygusal bağlılık” elementlerine yönelik tutumlarının daha yüksek olduğu görülmüştür.
#BlackLivesMatter (BLM) Was Never About Officer Race
Authors: Houston Brittany , Kinch Abby
Published: July 2023

Of course, #BlackLivesMatter (BLM) is about race. However, the ‘B’ in BLM refers to the victim’s race, not that of the officer involved in the interaction. Still, the discourse has primarily been framed as White law enforcement versus Black citizenry. The BLM social movement for racial justice began as a hashtag following the 2012 death of Trayvon Martin. In the following years, #BlackLivesMatter was used to bring attention to inequitable police interactions experienced by Black people, disproportionately resulting in death. The George Floyd case acted as a focusing event for the movement, where a Black victim was killed by a White police officer but calls for #BlackLivesMatter were not because the officer was White. In this essay, we argue that the police system is embedded with institutional racism at the organizational level (e.g., policies, procedures, climate) and that public trust in police is positional, not racial, indicating that systemic changes are required at the organizational level to improve police outcome equity.
Duality Principles and Numerical Procedures for a Large Class of Non-convex Models in the Calculus of Variations
Authors: Botelho Fabio
Published: July 2023

This article develops duality principles and numerical results for a large class of non-convex variational models. The main results are based on fundamental tools of convex analysis, duality theory and calculus of variations. More specifically the approach is established for a class of non-convex functionals similar as those found in some models in phase transition. Finally, in the last section we present a concerning numerical example and the respective software.
Development, Analytical Characterization, and Bioactivity Evaluation of Boswellia Serrata Extract-Layered Double Hydroxide Hybrid Composites
Authors: Cometa Stefania , Busto Francesco , Castellaneta Andrea , Cochis Andrea , Najmi Ziba , Rizzi Rosanna , Losito Ilario , De Giglio Elvira
Published: July 2023

New hybrid composites based on the inclusion of a vegetal extract, i.e., Boswellia Serrata extract (BSE), rich in boswellic acids, well known as a potent anti-inflammatory natural drug, in a lamellar solid layered double hydroxide (LDH), i.e. a Magnesium Aluminum Carbonate, were developed and characterized in the present work. The adopted LDH exhibits a layered crystal structure, comprised of positively charged hydroxide layers and interlayers composed of carbonate anions and water molecules, thus it was expected to embed negatively charged boswellic acids. In the present case, a calcination process was also adopted on LDH to increase organic acids loading, based on the replacement of original inorganic anions. An accurate investigation was carried out by TGA, PXRD, FT-IR/ATR, XPS and LC-MS to ascertain the nature, interaction, and quantifica-tion of the active molecules of the vegetal extract loaded in the developed hybrid materials. As a result, a significant disruption of the original layered structure was observed in LDH subjected to calcination (LDHc), and this material was able to include a higher amount of organic acids when its composite with BSE was prepared. However, in vitro tests on composites bioactivity, expressed in terms of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, evidenced LDH-BSE as a better material compared to BSE and to LDHc-BSE, thus suggesting that, though the embedded organic acids amount was lower, they could be more available since not firmly bound to the clay. The composite was able to significantly decrease the number of viable pathogens such as Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as the internalization of toxic active species into human cells imposed to oxidative stress in comparison to the BSE.
Lactic Acid Production from Steam-Exploded Sugarcane Bagasse Using Bacillus coagulans DSM2314
Authors: Alves William Rodrigues , Da Silva Thiago Alessandre , Zandoná Filho Arion , Pereira Ramos Luiz
Published: July 2023

This work aimed at producing lactic acid (LA) from sugarcane bagasse after steam explosion at 195 ºC for 7.5 and 15 min. Enzymatic hydrolysis was carried out with Novozymes’ Cellic CTec3 and/or Cellic HTec3, whereas fermentation was performed with Bacillus coagulans DSM2314. Water-washing of pretreated solids before enzymatic hydrolysis improved both hydrolysis and fermentation yields. The presence of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) in substrate hydrolysates reduced hydrolysis efficiency, but their effect on fermentation was negligible. The presence of fermentation inhibitors in C5 streams was circumvented by adsorption on activated carbon powder with no detectable sugar losses. High carbohydrates-to-LA conversions (Yp/s) of 0.88 g·g-1 were obtained from enzymatic hydrolysates of water-washed steam-exploded materials that were produced at 195°C, 7.5 min and the use of centrifuged-but-never-washed pretreated solids decreased Yp/s by 16%. However, when the detoxified C5 stream was added at a 10% ratio, Yp/s was raised to 0.93 g·g-1 for an LA productivity of 2.55 g·L-1·h-1. Doubling the pretreatment time caused a decrease in Yp/s to 0.78 g·g-1, but LA productivity was the highest (3.20 g·L-1·h-1). For pretreatment at 195°C for 7.5 min, elimination of water washing seemed feasible, but the use of longer pretreatment times made it mandatory to eliminate fermentation inhibitors.
Evaluation of Synergistic Effect of Heteroaryl-Ethylene Molecules in Combination with Antibiotics: A Preliminary Study on Control Strains
Authors: Bonomo Carmelo , Bonacci Paolo Giuseppe , Bivona Dalida Angela , Mirabile Alessia , Bongiorno Dafne , Nicitra Emanuele , Marino Andrea , Bonaccorso Carmela , Consiglio Giuseppe , Fortuna Cosimo Gianluca , Stefani Stefania , Musso Nicolò
Published: July 2023

: Introduction: Discovering compounds with antibacterial activity is crucial in the current fight against antibiotic-resistance. Material and Methods: We generate two QSAR model to design six new heteroaryl drug candidates; we assessed the antibacterial properties of the compounds against nine ATCC strains, the majority being part of the ESKAPE group, that include Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and also Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli. We performed a synergic assay in which we combined PB4, a compound that we have previously tested in published studies, with GC-VI-70, one of the new compounds with the best cytotoxicity/MIC profile. We tested sub-MIC concentrations of PB4 with five antibiotics (linezolid, gentamycin, ampicillin, erythromycin, rifampin and imipenem) to examine the synergic effect on the ATCC strains. To evaluate compounds’ cytotoxicity, we performed a 24-hour and 48-hour 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on Colorectal Adenocarcinoma (CaCo-2) cells. The antibiotics were tested, alone and in combination with PB4. Results: PB4 lowered the MIC measured for GC-VI-70 and for the various antibiotics employed in clinical use, and all the compounds presented in this study have cytotoxic activity against cells. Conclusions: These compounds show promising use in combination with antibiotics to improve their effectiveness at low concentrations, to prevent unwanted cytotoxic effects.
Fungi extracellular vesicles: extraction, cargo, and the immune system response
Authors: Ikeda Marcelo Augusto Kazuo , Campos Renato Massis Souza , Da Silva Jennifer Lacerda , Ferreira Karen Spadari
Published: July 2023

Like other organisms, fungi produce extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are involved in various biological processes, including intercellular communication and the transport of molecules between cells. These EVs can be applied in fungal pathogenesis, virulence, and interactions with other organisms, including host cells, in the case of fungal infections. While some types of mycoses are relatively common and easily treatable, certain neglected mycoses pose significant public health challenges, such as sporotrichosis, chromoblastomycosis, and paracoccidioidomycosis. These infectious diseases can cause significant morbidity and disability, leading to a reduced quality of life for the patients. So, research about the virulence factor is essential to understand how fungi escape the immune system. In this context, this manuscript reviews the study of fungi EVs, their cargo, their obtaining, and their role during the infectious process, which is extremely important for understanding this neglected mycosis.
Can Local Infiltration Analgesia Supplement Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Blood Loss for Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Authors: Wiktor Łukasz , Osadnik Bartłomiej , Damps Maria
Published: July 2023

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the efficacy of TXA supplemented with local infiltration analgesia (LIA) in reducing blood loss in patients undergoing total knee replacement.
Materials: A retrospective study on 530 individuals with a mean age of 71,44 years after posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty was evaluated. Patients were divided into three groups, corresponding to the method of bleeding control: I - patients without additional bleeding protocol (control group); II - patients with iV TXA administration (TXA group); III - patients with exact TXA protocol combined with intraoperative local infiltration analgesia (TXA + LIA group). Blood loss was measured as a substitute for blood loss by maximal Hb drop compared to preoperative Hb level.
Results: The mean hospitalization for patients from the control group was 7.02 (SD 1.34) days, 6.08 (SD 1.06) days for the TXA group, and 5.56 (SD 0.79) for the TXA + LIA group. The most significant hemoglobin drop was found in the control group, which amounted to an average of 30.08% output value. In the TXA group, the decrease in hemoglobin was, on average, 25.17% (p<0.001), and in the TXA + LIA group, it was 23.67% (p<0.001). A decrease in the rate of allogeneic blood transfusions was observed, which was 24.4% in the control group, 9.9% in the TXA group, and 8% in TXA + LIA group (p<0.01).
Conclusions: Compared to the separate administration of tranexamic acid, the combination of perioperative administration with local infiltration analgesia statistically significantly reduces blood loss in patients after total knee replacement.
Energy Consumption Forecasting in Commercial Buildings during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Multivariate Multilayered Long-Short Term Memory Time-series Model with Knowledge Injection
Authors: Dinh Tan Ngoc , Thirunavukkarasu Gokul Sidarth , Seyedmahmoudian Mehdi , Mekhilef Saad , Stojcevski Alex
Published: July 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent implementation of lockdown measures have significantly impacted global electricity consumption, necessitating accurate energy consumption forecasts for optimal energy generation and distribution during a pandemic. In this study, we propose a new forecasting model called the Multivariate Multilayered LSTM with Covid-19 case injection ($\proposedModel$) for improved energy forecast during the next occurrence of a similar pandemic. We utilize data from commercial buildings in Melbourne, Australia during the Covid-19 pandemic to predict energy consumption and evaluate the model's performance against commonly used methods such as LSTM, Bi-LSTM, Linear Regression, Support Vector Machine and the previously published work of Multilayered LSTM (M-LSTM). The proposed forecasting model was analyzed using the following metrics of mean percent absolute error (MPAE), normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), and $R^2$ score values. The model $\proposedModel$ demonstrates superior performance, achieving the lowest MPAE values of 0.061, 0.093, and 0.158 for data sets from 3 different buildings, respectively. Our results highlight the improved precision and accuracy of the model, providing valuable information for energy management and decision-making during the challenges posed by the occurrence of a pandemic like Covid-19 in the future.
Classifying a Highly Polymorphic Tree Species across Landscapes Using Airborne Imaging Spectroscopy
Authors: Seeley Megan M. , Vaughn Nicholas R. , Shanks Brennon L. , Martin Roberta E. , König Marcel , Asner Gregory P.
Published: July 2023

Vegetation classifications on large geographic scales are necessary to inform conservation decisions and monitor keystone, invasive, and endangered species. These classifications are often effectively achieved by applying models to imaging spectroscopy, a type of remote sensing, data, but such undertakings are often limited in spatial extent. Here we provide accurate, high-resolution spatial data on the keystone species Metrosideros polymorpha, a highly polymorphic tree species distributed across bioclimatic zones and environmental gradients on Hawai'i island, using airborne imaging spectroscopy and LiDAR. We compare two tree species classification techniques, support vector machine (SVM) and spectral mixture analysis (SMA), to assess their ability to map M. polymorpha over 28,000 square kilometers where differences in topography, background vegetation, sun angle relative to the aircraft, and day of data collection, among others, challenge accurate classification. To capture spatial variability in model performance, we applied gaussian process classification (GPC) to estimate the spatial probability density of M. polymorpha occurrence using only training sample locations. We found that, while SVM and SMA models exhibit similar raw score accuracy over the test set (96.0% and 93.4%, respectively), SVM better reproduces the spatial distribution of M. polymorpha than SMA. We developed a final 2 m x 2 m M. polymorpha presence dataset and a 30 m x 30 m M. polymorpha density dataset using SVM classifications that have been made publicly available for use in conservation applications. Accurate, large-scale species classifications are achievable, but metrics for model performance assessments must account for spatial variation of model accuracy.
Application of Polymer Inclusion Membranes with Tetrabutyl Ammonium Bromide (TBAB) as an Ion Carrier for Separation of Metal Ions from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Pospiech Beata
Published: July 2023

The selective extraction of metals from aqueous solutions is very important stage in hydrometallurgical processing of metallic waste. Leach solutions are usually a multi-component mixture. The main impurity of aqueous solutions obtained after leaching using inorganic acids is iron. In this work, the membrane separation of iron(III) from nickel(II), cobalt(II) and lithium(II) was studied. The facilitated transport of metal ion using the polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) with tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) as an ion carrier under various conditions was analyzed in detail. The several factors such as the ion carrier concentration in the membrane as well as the effect of the inorganic acids concentration in the source/receiving phases on the kinetic parameters were investigated. The results show that ionic liquid TBAB is a very selective ion carrier of Fe(III) towards Ni(II), Co(II) and Li(I) .
Replicative Senescence in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: PURPL and NEAT1 Long Non-Coding RNAs as New Senescence-Associated Biomarkers
Authors: Rossi Clara , Venturin Marco , Gubala Jakub , Frasca Angelisa , Corsini Alberto , Battaglia Cristina , Bellosta Stefano
Published: July 2023

Cellular senescence is characterized by permanent proliferation and migration arrest, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and oxidative stress. Senescent vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contribute to cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerotic plaque instability. To establish and characterize a model of replicative senescence (RS), human aortic VSMCs were serially passaged to represent different stages of RS such as young proliferating cells and old/senescent non-proliferating cells. More than 50% of old cells stained positive for the senescence-associated β-galactosidase compared to 20% of young cells. Old cells have a slower proliferation rate, a migratory activity reduced by 50%, but increased levels of TP53 and of cell cycle inhibitors p21/p16 expression, and accumulate in the G1 phase. Old cells showed a flattened appearance and enlarged and regular nuclei, and downregulation of the expression of LMNB1 and HMGB1. Old cells showed also an increased expression of SASP molecules (IL1β, IL6, IL8, and MMP3). Moreover, among a set of 12 manually selected long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), we detected significant upregulation of PURPL and NEAT1. We observed also increased levels of RRAD mRNA. The detection of novel molecular markers of senescence, such as RRAD, PURPL, and NEAT1, could be helpful for future studies on potential anti-aging factors.
Numerical Simulation and Field Test of PDC Bit with Mixed Cutter Arrangement to Break Non-Homogeneous Granite
Authors: Wu Zebing , Yuan Ruofei , Zhang Wenxi , Hu Shiyao , Jiang Wen
Published: July 2023

The cutter structure and layout scheme of PDC (Polycrystalline Diamond Compact) bits are important factors in improving efficiency. To further improve the drilling efficiency of PDC bits, axe, triangular prism, and cylindrical PDC cutters were used as research objects. Based on the measured granite data, a finite element model of non-homogeneous granite was established and verified by uniaxial compression simulation. The rock-breaking process of different cutter combination schemes was compared using the finite element method, and the parameters in the best scheme were optimized using the Box-Behnken response surface method. The results show that the constructed model of non-homogeneous granite is consistent with the stress-strain relationship of real granite and is reliable. The axe PDC cutter is more aggressive than the other two cutters and is more suitable for the front row of the bit blade tooth arrangement, while the triangular prism cutter is the second most aggressive and is suitable for the rear row of tooth arrangement, and the best combination scheme is the front row of axe cutter and the rear row of triangular prism cutter arranged alternately with the axe cutter. The optimal transverse and longitudinal distances of the optimized triangular prism cutter from the front axe cutter are 10mm and 7mm, and the optimal transverse and longitudinal distances of the rear axe cutter from the front cutter are 10.06mm and 7mm. The drilling speed is more stable during drilling and the PDC bit with mixed tooth arrangement has 16.8% and 16.6% higher rate of penetration(ROP) compared with the bit with single axe cutter and triangular prism cutter, and the drilling speed is more stable during working, which can effectively improve the rock breaking efficiency of the PDC bit. The field application proves that the bit with mixed cutter arrangement is easier to break the complex formations, with more stable ROP and better efficiency. The study can provide theoretical support for the cutter layout of the PDC bit.
Non-coding RNAs as Key Regulators of the Notch Signaling Pathway in Glioblastoma: Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Shahcheraghi Seyed Hossein , Asl Elmira Roshani , Lotfi Malihe , Ayatollahi Jamshid , Khaleghinejad Seyed Hossein , Aljabali Alaa A.A. , Bakshi Hamid , El-Tanani Mohamed , Said-Sadier Najwane , Almutary Abdulmajeed G. , Serrano-Aroca Ángel , Mishra Vijay , Mishra Yachana , Goyal Rohit , Hromić-Jahjefendić Altijana , Uversky Vladimir N. , Lotfi Marzieh , Tambuwala Murtaza M.
Published: July 2023

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly invasive brain malignancy originating from astrocytes, accounting for approximately 30% of central nervous system malignancies. Despite advancements in therapeutic strategies including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiopharmaceutical drugs, the prognosis for GBM patients remains dismal. The aggressive nature of GBM necessitates the identification of molecular targets and the exploration of effective treatments to inhibit its proliferation. The Notch signaling pathway, which plays a critical role in cellular homeostasis, becomes deregulated in GBM, leading to increased expression of pathway target genes such as MYC, Hes1, and Hey1, thereby promoting cellular proliferation and differentiation. Recent research has highlighted the regulatory role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in modulating Notch signaling by targeting critical mRNA expression at the post-transcriptional or transcriptional levels. Specifically, various types of ncRNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), have been shown to control multiple target genes and significantly contribute to the carcinogenesis of GBM. Furthermore, these ncRNAs hold promise as prognostic and predictive markers for GBM. This review aims to summarize the latest studies investigating the regulatory effects of ncRNAs on the Notch signaling pathway in GBM.
Antimicrobial Potential of the Microalgae Extracts
Authors: Lykov Alexander , Salmin Alexei , Gevorgiz Ruslan , Zheleznova Svetlana , Rachkovskaya Lyubov , Surovtseva Maria , Poveshchenko Olga
Published: July 2023

Microalgae are a source of carotenoids, phycocyanin, phenol, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, sulfated polysaccharides, pigments, and other bioactive molecules with antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and fat-burning properties. The increasing incidence of infectious processes, including tuberculosis, caused by antimicrobial resistant strains of microorganisms necessitates the search for alternative sources of compounds with antimicrobial activity, including microalgae. In this study, the antimicrobial properties of marine and freshwater microalgae extracts were evaluated against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus pyogenes) and Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv and Mycobacterium smegmatis. Water, dimethyl sulfoxide, and ethanol were used as extractants. The obtained microalgae extract exhibited cytotoxicity against splenocytes and, to a lesser extent, against peritoneal macrophages of CBA mice. The bacteriostatic effect of the microalgae extracts against bacteria and mycobacteria was demonstrated by MTT test. In addition, activation of bacterial and mycobacterial growth was observed in a number of cases with high levels of microalgae extracts in the medium. In an expression model of tuberculosis in mice, a decrease in mycobacterial load in the lungs and spleen was observed. Thus, microalgae have moderate to weak antimicrobial activity.
Study of Atmospheric Plasma-Based Mass Separation System for High-Level Radioactive Waste Treatment
Authors: A.Gabbar Hossam , Abu Darda Sharif
Published: July 2023

Solid spent nuclear fuel from nuclear power plants has 3.4% fission products (80-160amu), contributing to over 99.8% radioactivity. On the other hand, liquid high-level radioactive waste (HLRW) from spent fuel reprocessing has 98.9% bulk elements (0-60amu) with 0.1% radioactivity. A separation mechanism on the mass categories as groups presents unique opportunities in managing HLRW for the long term with a considerable cost reduction. This paper proposes a thermal plasma-based separation system incorporating atmospheric pressure plasma torches for HLRW mass separation into low-resolution mass groups. Several engineering issues, such as waste preparation, waste injection into the plasma and waste collecting after mass separation, need to be addressed. Using COMSOL Multiphysics simulation, the generic system can be studied using noble gas mass separation and further analyze the mass filter capabilities. This paper provides the history of plasma-based mass separation. Functional modelling of a thermal plasma mass separation system is proposed under atmospheric pressure. Finally, aspects of mass separation simulation using noble gas Argon and Helium inside the plasma mass separation system were studied in COMSOL Multiphysics.