bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow Clotometry: Measuring Amyloid Microclots in ME/CFS, Long COVID, and Healthy Samples with Imaging Flow Cytometry
Authors: Pretorius Etheresia , Nunes Massimo , pretorius Jan , Kell Douglas
Published: June 2024

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) has received more attention since the characterization of Long COVID (LC), a condition somewhat similar in symptom presentation and, to some extent, pathophysiological mechanisms. A prominent feature of LC pathology is amyloid, fibrinolysis-resistant fibrin(ogen) fragments, termed microclots. Despite prior identification of microclots in ME/CFS, quantitative analysis has remained challenging due to the reliance on representative micrographs and software processing for estimations. Addressing this gap, the present study uses a cell-free imaging flow cytometry approach, optimized for the quantitative analysis of Thioflavin T-stained microclots, to precisely measure microclot concentration and size distribution across ME/CFS, LC, and healthy cohorts. We refer to our cell-free flow cytometry technique for detecting microclots as 'flow clotometry'. We demonstrate significant microclot prevalence in ME/CFS and LC, with LC patients exhibiting the highest concentration (18- and 3-fold greater than the healthy and ME/CFS groups, respectively). This finding underscores a common pathology across both conditions, emphasizing a dysregulated coagulation system. Moreover, relating to microclot size distribution, the ME/CFS group exhibited a significantly higher prevalence across all area ranges when compared to the controls, but demonstrated a significant difference for only a single area range when compared to the LC group. This suggests a partially overlapping microclot profile in ME/CFS relative to LC, despite the overall higher concentration in the latter. The present study paves the way for prospective clinical application that aims to efficiently detect, measure and treat microclots.
Improvement of deformation stability of Al2O3 moisture-barrier layer by insertion of 4-bipyridine organic monolayers
Authors: Lee Wooin , Cho Sung Min
Published: June 2024

Flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays are protected from external moisture using an organic-inorganic thin film encapsulation (TFE) structure. The inorganic thin films used in TFE are excellent moisture barriers, but because they are fragile, thick organic thin films must be used together. In this study, 4,4'-bipyridine (4-BP), a small organic molecule, was inserted into the Al2O3 inorganic thin film as monomolecular layers to improve the moisture barrier and flexibility properties of the Al2O3. The 30 nm-thick Al2O3 layer without the 4-BP monomolecular layers cracked after 1,000 repeated bendings at a bending radius of 1 mm, but when these organic molecular layers were introduced, cracking occurred delayed to a radius of 0.7 mm. The effect of improving flexibility due to the introduction of these 4-BP monomolecular layers was verified through optical Ca tests before and after repeated bending and rolling. In this way, it was shown that small organic molecules such as 4-BP can be effectively used to improve the moisture barrier and flexibility properties of TFE for flexible OLED displays.
The Efficiency of Two Different Synthetic Bone Graft Materials on Alveolar Ridge Preservation after tooth extraction: a split-mouth study
Authors: Ozzo Sameer , Kheirallah‬‏ ‪Mouetaz
Published: June 2024

Background
Alveolar Bone loss occurs frequently during the first six months after tooth extraction. Various studies have proposed different methods to reduce as much as possible the atrophy of the alveolar ridge after tooth extraction. Filling the socket with biomaterials after extraction can reduce the resorption of the alveolar ridge. We compared the volumetric resorption rate after the application of HA/β-TCP or synthetic co-polymer polyglycolic - polylactic acid PLGA mixed with blood to prevent socket resorption immediately and after tooth extraction.
Methods
The study was conducted on 24 extraction sockets of impacted mandibular third molars bilaterally, vertically, and completely covered, with a thin bony layer. HA/β-TCP was inserted into 12 of the dental sockets immediately after extraction, and the synthetic polymer PLGA was inserted into 12 of the dental sockets. All sockets were covered completely with a full-thickness envelope flap. Follow-up was performed for one year after extraction, using radiographs and stents for the vertical alveolar ridge measurements.
Results
The mean volume reduction in the HA/β-TCP and PLGA groups was ± 1.23mm and ± 0.1mm, respectively. A minimal alveolar bone height reduction of HA/β-TCP was observed after 9 months, the reduction showed a slight decrease to 0.93mm, while this rate was 0.04mm after 9 months in the PLGA group. Moreover, the bone height was maintained after three months, indicating a good HA/β-TCP graft performance in preserving alveolar bone (1.04mm) while this rate was (0.08mm) for PLGA (Table 1).
Conclusion
The PLGA graft demonstrated adequate safety and efficacy in dental socket preservation following tooth extraction. However, HA/β-TCP causes greater resorption at augmented sites than PLGA, which clinicians should consider during treatment planning.
GIS and Remote sensing based land use land cover change classification map, interlinked with population growth dynamics in Awash River Basin (ARB), Ethiopia.
Authors: Abayneh Tilahun Gebremichael , Ephrem Gebremariam , Hayal Desta
Published: June 2024

Land use land cover change (LULCC) is an imperative factor in global environmental change parallel with population growth and global warming. In many developing countries dynamics of land use land cover is significantly increasing, the main factors can be mentioned are prompt economic, and population growth along with globalization. The study area, Awash River Basin (ARB) faces several major challenges, including land degradation, depletion of water resources, rapid population growth, and urbanization. This paper aimed at analyzing the dynamics and correlation of land-use land cover change and population growth with respect to flood hazards in the study area. GIS and RS geospatial techniques was applied to develop a comprehensive supervised land use classification maps and to analyze LULCC disparities. The overall accuracy for the year 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020 classification were 94, 97.6, 99 and 96, whereas the kappa coefficients for the same year were 0.92, 0.97, 0.99 and 0.95 respectively. In general, within three decades of time (1990 to 2020) agricultural land declined by 1.3%, in contrary, bare land is declined significantly by 50%, deep water bodies shows reduction by 43%, forest coverage registered positive value of 13.7%, the Wetland class has shown a significant increase of 191%, whereas urban area has been significantly increased to 121% of change rate. Results of Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated negative r value for bare land, deep water bodies, agricultural land, and forest coverage (-0.75, -0.49, -0.28, & -0.25 correspondingly). In contrary, urban area and wetland are correlated positively along with population growth (0.94 & 0.89) respectively. Moreover, estimated land consumption rate (LCR) is 0.29, 0.28, 0.26, and 0.34 in a year of 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020 respectively. Henceforth, increment of population alongside with built-up area has potentially caused modifications of land use land cover and regularly results in flooding. Considering sustainable nature-based solution to mitigate spontaneous rapid land use change and flood impacts is invaluable.
Six anthropometric indicators and their association with myocardial infarction and death in male Swedish automotive industry workers followed for 28 years
Authors: Ian Lala Joulha , Dimberg Lennart
Published: June 2024

Background: Overweight, Body Mass Index (BMI, kg/m2) 25-30, and obesity (BMI 30+) have historically been associated with risk of myocardial infarction and death.
Several indexes have been introduced to better reflect the abdominal adiposity. The risk for each index does vary in different populations.
This project aimed to determine the correlations between six common different body measurements and their association with cardiovascular disease risk factors, myocardial infarction, and death in middle-aged workers in the Swedish automotive industry.
Methods: In 1993, 1,000 randomly selected Swedish men from the automotive industry were surveyed at a nurse-led health examination. Body measures were recorded together with blood pressure, and a fasting blood test was analyzed. A 28-year follow-up was conducted using the national myocardial infarction register data from the Swedeheart and death data from the Swedish Cause of Death Register. Multiple logistic regression models were used to compare BMI with the other five body measurements. The measure of obesity was calculated for the following risk indexes: Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference, Waist-to-Height Ratio, Waist-to-Hip Ratio, Sagittal Abdominal Diameter, and Sagittal Abdominal diameter-to-height ratio. Outcomes of accumulated first-time myocardial infarction and death were assessed as odds ratios (OR) between the fourth and first quartiles, before and after adjustment for traditional risk factors.
Results: Data were recorded for 959 men. Significant correlations between the six body measurements were shown. All were also associated with CVD risk factors, myocardial infarction, and death. However, when adjusted for traditional risk factors the association with cardiovascular endpoints almost disappeared. Before adjustment the highest odds ratio with myocardial infarction was calculated for sagittal abdominal diameter to height ratio, OR=3.60; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.78-7.29; p=0.0016. Correspondingly, the highest OR with all-cause death was calculated for the sagittal abdominal diameter, OR=1.85; 95% CI=1.17-2.92; p=0.0117.
The predictive ability measured by Nagelkerke’s R2 was comparable for each measure.
Conclusions: For this population, after adjustment for traditional risk factors, no index was significantly preferred as a risk factor for myocardial infarction or death.
Prospection of riverbank filtration feasible areas by electrical resistivity tomography
Authors: Gomes Renata Suzi , Isaac Ricardo de Lima , Elis Vagner Roberto
Published: June 2024

The riverbank filtration (RBF) is a very economic technique, as it utilizes the bank's soil as a filtration media, dismissing the use of chemicals and large constructions in the treatment process. Depending on the quality of the water source RBF is able to produce good quality water, or it can be utilized as pre-treatment for springs with lower quality. This technique's deployment depends on the natural conditions of each place, requiring an area prospection study, to assess the riverbank's hydrogeological conditions and the river's morphological data. Aiming to promote alternative solutions to water scarcity at Salto-SP, the prospection Jundiaí river bank filtration, through the use of a geophysical technique, tomography by electroresistivity, in order to find a feasible area. The method turned out to be efficient for its purpose, as it allowed a detailed investigation of the desired spots, providing data about the hydraulic connection and the aquifer's width.
Geoelectrical evaluation of overburden protective capacity in an Alluvial deposit microenvironment in the vicinity of an industrial district, southwest Nigeria: Insights on aquifer vulnerability and groundwater contamination
Authors: Olatinsu Olawale Babatunde , Abiola Amidu
Published: June 2024

In this study, electrical resistivity techniques were employed in the evaluation of overburden protective capacity at a location designated for industrial activities in southwest Nigeria. 40 VES stations and 6 resistivity imaging traverses were occupied using Schlumberger and Wenner configurations respectively. Results indicate the presence of typical multi-layered aquifer and aquitard system, presumably composed of sand, clayey sand, clay and hard clay. Predominant phreatic (unconfined) sand/clayey sand aquifers mapped at shallow depth (< 5m) are not suitable for long term sustainable groundwater development, since volume and quality of groundwater vary with seasons. 70% of surveyed locations are underlain by much deeper (5.0-68.0 m) sand/clayey sand aquifer. The occurrence of impermeable clay with resistivity range 29-71 Ωm and thickness range 2.5-10.0 m and/or hard clay with resistivity in the range 818-2557 Ωm and thickness range 1.4-52.4 m is depicted across 20 VES locations. Clay materials are lithological barriers to pollutants infiltration into the aquifer zone. However, fractures in hard compacted and consolidated clay can serve as pathways for rapid movement of water and dissolved contaminants into aquifer systems. The overburden protective capacity rating at the locations exhibits abysmally poor rating (0.0027-0.0813 S) in 27 (67.5%) l; weak (0.1044-0.1824 S) in 9 (22.5%) and moderate rating (0.348-0.472 S) in 4 (10%). These values suggest high probability of pollutants migration into groundwater resources. This is also supported by high values of transverse resistance (filtration coefficient).
Social Determinants of Health and Biological Age among Diverse U.S. Adults, NHANES 2011-2018
Authors: Mesa Robert , Llabre Maria , Lee David , Rundek Tatjana , Kezios Katrina , Hazzouri Adina Zeki Al , Elfassy Tali
Published: June 2024

We examined the sex-specific association between education and income with biological age (BA) and by race/ethnicity. The Klemera-Doubal method was used to calculate BA among 6,213 females and 5,938 males aged 30-75 years who were Hispanic, non-Hispanic (NH) White, NH Black (NHB), or NH Asian (NHA). Compared with a college education, less than a high school education was associated with greater BA by 3.06 years (95% CI: 1.58, 4.54) among females only; associations were strongest among NHB, Hispanic, and NHA females. Compared with an annual income of ≥$75,000, an income <$25,000 was associated with greater BA by 4.95 years (95% CI: 3.42, 6.48) among males and 2.76 years among females (95% CI: 1.51, 4.01); associations were strongest among NHW and NHA adults, and Hispanic males. Targeting upstream sources of structural disadvantage among racial/ethnic minority groups, in conjunction with improvements in income and education, may promote healthy aging in these populations.
Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Visually Induced Motion Sickness: An eLORETA Study
Authors: Molefi Emmanuel , McLoughlin Ian , Palaniappan Ramaswamy
Published: June 2024

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), a non-invasive form of electrical brain stimulation, has shown potent therapeutic potential for a wide spectrum of conditions. How taVNS influences the characterization of motion sickness - a long mysterious syndrome with a polysymptomatic onset - remains unclear. Here, to examine taVNS-induced effects on brain function in response to motion-induced nausea, 64-channel electroencephalography (EEG) was analyzed from 42 healthy participants collected during nauseogenic visual stimulation concurrent with taVNS administration, in a crossover randomized sham-controlled study. Cortical neuronal generators were estimated from the obtained EEG using exact low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA). While both sham and taVNS increased insula activation during electrical stimulation, compared to baseline, taVNS additionally augmented middle frontal gyrus neuronal activity. Following taVNS, brain regions including the supramarginal, parahippocampal, and precentral gyri were activated. Contrasting sham, taVNS markedly increased activity in the middle occipital gyrus during stimulation. A repeated-measures ANOVA showed that taVNS decreases motion sickness symptoms. This reduction in symptoms correlated with taVNS-induced neural activation. Our findings provide new insights into taVNS-induced brain changes, during and after nauseogenic stimuli exposure, including accompanying behavioral response. Together, these findings suggest that taVNS has promise as an effective neurostimulation tool for motion sickness management.
Success and Opportunities of the American Academy of Pediatrics Marshall Klaus Research Grant Program in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Authors: Lingappan Krithika , Lee Albertina , Weitkamp Jörn-Hendrik , Tune Angie , Couto Jim
Published: June 2024

Physician-scientists play a pivotal role in the biomedical workforce as a crucial link between clinical practice and research. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Section on Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, initiated the Marshall Klaus Perinatal Research Award to enhance the development of research skills among physicians training in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. In this study, we sought to identify trends in funding along with geographical and demographic variables of the applicants and mentees and assess the applicants' scholarly productivity and funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We found that basic science applications had a higher funding likelihood than clinical/translational applications. Female applicants comprised most awardees, and the geographical distribution of awardees is skewed towards top research-oriented academic divisions. There was significant association between awardee status and K08 or K23 funding attainment. These findings inform future efforts for more equitable academic career opportunities and a more diverse research landscape in neonatal medicine.
Lithium-Ion batteries cooling system performance improvement with liquid and phase change materials
Authors: Mirmohammadi Ali
Published: June 2024

Battery cooling is essential to prevent battery damage. Lithium-Ion batteries do not perform well at high temperatures ;thus, by designing thermal management systems, the temperature of the batteries remains within the permissible range. In this paper, a Lithium-Ion battery is modeled electrically and thermally. The purpose is to investigate the temperature rise and the voltage drop of the battery and manage temperature rising by the cooling system. The results show that when the battery is discharged at a rate of 1c, the battery temperature reaches 318K and at a rate of 2c, the battery temperature reaches 335K which can cause damage. To overcome this problem, a cooling system is designed. In this system, temperature decreases to 303K for 0.01 m/s flow velocity in discharge rate of 2c. In addition, the battery cooling is investigated by using octadecane and nonadecane phase change materials. When octadecane and nonadecane are used, the battery temperature decreasesto 308K and 310K, respectively. The results show that octadecane material has a better cooling performance for the battery.
The impact of heat stress on the human plasma lipidome
Authors: Estevao Igor L. , Kazman Josh B. , Bramer Lisa M. , Nicora Carrie , Ren Ming Qiang , Sambuughin Nyamkhishig , Munoz Nathalie , Kim Young-Mo , Bloodsworth Kent , Richert Maile , Teeguarden Justin , Burnum-Johnson Kristin , Deuster Patricia A. , Nakayasu Ernesto S. , Many Gina
Published: June 2024

The year of 2023 displayed the highest average global temperatures since it has been recorded—the duration and severity of extreme heat are projected to increase. Rising global temperatures represent a major public health threat, especially to occupations exposed to hot environments, such as construction and agricultural workers, and first responders. Despite efforts of the scientific community, there is still a need to characterize the pathophysiological processes leading to heat related illness and develop biomarkers that can predict its onset. Here, we performed a plasma lipidomic analysis on male and female subjects who underwent heat tolerance testing (HTT), consisting of a 2-h treadmill walk at 5 km/h with 2% inclination at a controlled temperature of 40ºC. We identified 995 lipids from 27 classes, with nearly half of all detected lipids being responsive to HTT. Lipid classes related to substrate utilization were predominantly affected by HTT, with a downregulation of triacylglycerols and upregulation of free fatty acids and acyl-carnitines (CARs). We additionally examined correlations between changes in plasma lipids by using the physiological strain index (PSI). Here, even chain CAR 4:0, 14:0 and 16:1, suggested by-products of incomplete beta oxidation, and diacylglycerols displayed the highest correlation to PSI. PSI did not correlate with plasma lactate levels, suggesting that correlations between even chain CARs and PSI is related to metabolic efficiency versus physical exertion. Overall, our results show that HTT has a strong impact on the plasma lipidome and that metabolic inefficiencies may underlie heat intolerance.
Thermodynamics of the $\alpha$-FeOOH (goethite)-ScOOH solid solution
Authors: Majzlan Juraj
Published: June 2024

Scandium (Sc) is a rare element that finds uses in modern technologies. Thermodynamic properties of Sc phases could help in the development of innovative technologies to extract Sc from mining waste. In this work, we investigated the FeOOH-ScOOH solid solution with the goethite structure. The end members and five intermediate compositions were synthesized and characterized. The lattice parameters show that the solid solution is non-ideal, with complex behavior induced by the Fe-Sc substitution. The excess unit-cell volume deviates negatively for the Sc-rich region, and positively for the Fe-rich region from the ideal behavior (Vegard's law). Enthalpies of dissolution were determined by acid-solution calorimetry in 5 mol \(\cdot\) dm \(^{-3}\) HCl at T = 343.15 K. Enthalpies of mixing ($\Delta_{mix}H$), calculated from the experimental data, are small and positive. The available data allow for fitting the data as $\Delta_{mix}H = W x (1-x)$, with the mixing parameter $W = 15.2\pm$1.0 kJ$\cdot$mol$^{-1}$. Using $\Delta_fG^o$ of ScOOH from earlier literature, we calculated a Lippmann diagram that shows that Sc should strongly partition into the aqueous phase upon goethite precipitation. The thermodynamic conclusions disagree with field observations that Sc is primarily harbored by goethite in lateritic profiles. It seems that under weathering conditions, adsorption of Sc$^{3+}$ and kinetic hindrance to exsolution prevail over thermodynamic driving forces.
Corporate ESG Performance and Investor attention:Evidence from China’s new energy industry
Authors: Tian Zhong , Wang Ying , Song Haohao , Mao Xiangyu
Published: June 2024

Against the backdrop of the development of "dual carbon" and "new quality productivity", in-depth exploration of how companies' adherence to ESG concepts affects investors' choices is particularly important for promoting high-quality and sustainable development of companies. To compensate for the lack of existing research on corporate ESG performance and investor attention at the strategic level of analysis, this paper proposes a research paradigm based on GMCR-AHP-TOPSIS, constructs a conflict analysis graph model and does an arithmetic case analysis. The study found that if companies choose to follow the concept of ESG development and take the initiative to do a good job of ESG information disclosure, it is easier to win the attention of investors, and the better the ESG performance of the company, the easier it is to win the investment of investors. At the same time, along with the high quality and sustainable development of typical Chinese new energy companies with good ESG performance, the industry's new quality productivity improvement will help promote the implementation of China's "dual carbon" goal in the long run. The findings of this paper may be of great value to investors in making ESG investment decisions.
Development of a Pre-Operational Coastal Ocean Model for Mississippi Sound and Bight
Authors: Cambazoglu M. Kemal , Armstrong Brandy , Wiggert Jerry
Published: June 2024

The Mississippi Sound and Bight is a complex coastal system with shallow estuarine waters that are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and anthropogenic influences. In order to further our understanding of the system and provide natural resource managers and decision-makers with science-based guidance, a pre-operational coastal ocean forecast system has been developed using the Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Wave Sediment Transport Modeling System (COAWST). The COAWST application for Mississippi Bight (msbCOAWST) can be run in hindcast mode, pre-operational daily mode, or forecast mode and relies on other operational models including the National Water Model (NWM) for river forcing, the High Resolution Rapid Refresh model (HRRR) for atmospheric forcing, and the Navy Coastal Ocean Model (NCOM) for open boundary forcing. msbCOAWST is being validated using data from a variety of in situ measurements that quantify coastal processes, including tides, and water quality (i.e. temperature and salinity). The highest model skill is obtained for temperature followed by water levels and salinity. msbCOAWST has been used to provide guidance for quantifying how freshwater influences derived from river diversion operations impact habitat suitability for oysters. The model is currently being extended to include waves, sediment transport, and biogeochemistry and in the future will be linked with ecological models so as to comprehensively reveal consequential environmental concerns such as harmful algal blooms and the onset and persistence of hypoxia, with their associated impacts on the region’s fisheries and shellfisheries.
On bridge graphs with local antimagic chromatic number 3
Authors: Shiu Wai Chee , Lau Gee-Choon , Zhang Ruixue
Published: June 2024

Let $G=(V, E)$ be a connected graph. A bijection $f: E\to \{1, \ldots, |E|\}$ is called a local antimagic labeling if for any two adjacent vertices $x$ and $y$, $f^+(x)\neq f^+(y)$, where $f^+(x)=\sum_{e\in E(x)}f(e)$ and $E(x)$ is the set of edges incident to $x$. Thus a local antimagic labeling induces a proper vertex coloring of $G$, where the vertex $x$ is assigned the color $f^+(x)$. The local antimagic chromatic number $\chi_{la}(G)$ is the minimum number of colors taken over all colorings induced by local antimagic labelings of $G$. In this paper, we present some families of bridge graphs with $\chi_{la}(G)=3$ and give several ways to construct bridge graphs with $\chi_{la}(G)=3$.
2010 AMS Subject Classifications: 05C78, 05C69.
Waterborne Polyurethane Modified with the Hydroxy Silicone Oil for Improving its Thermal, Water Resistance, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Liu Chao , Wang Yujie , Li Wenli , Luo Yingchun , Yan Wei , Zhou Guoyong
Published: June 2024

Hydroxy silicone oil were employed to modify waterborne polyurethane (WPU) by copolymerization reaction. Their structures and properties of Si-WPU were characterized by FTIR, DLS, TEM, TG-DSC, XPS, SEM, AFM and so on, respectively. The results showed that the WPU was successfully modified with hydroxy silicone oil. The surface roughness of the Si-WPU film was significantly improved. The Si-WPU film of the initial decomposition temperature was increased by 62–70°C, the glass transition temperature (Tg) was enhanced by about 60°C, the crosslinking density of the WPU and the tensile strength gradually were also significantly enhanced. The performance of WPU modified with 25000 molecular weight hydroxyl silicone oil(13%,w/w) is by far the best, and the tensile strength properties of the Si-WPU film were significantly enhanced by 2.63MPa. The contact angles of Si-WPU film were improved by 93.95°, 98.67°, and 103.95°, respectively. The water absorption rates were enhanced by 4.17%, 5.21%, and 7.41%, respectively. The corresponding surface energy was also reduced to as low as 13%. It is shown that water resistance, heat resistance, and the microphase separation of the Si-WPU was notablely enhanced, respectively.
Enhancing LED modeling accuracy to extract practical parameters and compare simulation
Authors: Elsharkawy Hoda , Khalaf Ashraf A.M. , M.El-Dakroury Mohamed
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of parameters required for accurate modeling of Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and their subsequent use in simulator software for comparing practical and simulation results. The focus of the study is on parameter extraction from the LED model, including key variables such as LED capacitance value, saturation current, emission coefficient, shunt resistance, and series resistance. The research showcases a practical methodology for parameter extraction that yields results closely aligned with simulation outcomes when the extracted parameters are incorporated into the simulation framework. This study is better than previous studies from the point of extracting the five parameters for LED modeling through the use of several experiments which their practical results has been verified by implement simulation approaches.
2024 UK General Election manifesto commitments: implications for the economy, environment, and society
Authors: Stafford Richard , Alexander Jenny , Axon Stephen , Boakes Zach , Cantarello Elena , Croker Abigail , Cvitanović Marin , Almela Victoria Dominguez , Ginige Tilak , Harris Natalie , Jones Ellie-Anne , Kountouris Yiannis , Lilleker Darren , Russell Freya , Sokolnicki James , Upson Sarah , Vincent Ellie
Published: June 2024

In July 2024, the UK will have a general election and elect a new government. The election campaign is filled with claims and counterclaims about what different parties will do. The promises made in political manifestos are a key part of this claim-making, and the wider electoral processes which aid voters in making their decisions. Manifestos can be an important part of people’s decision making and are one way in which the elected government is then held to account. However, the level of detail varies across manifestos, and the accuracy of costings and other information is hotly contested. This work assesses the pledges made in manifestos using a complex system modelling approach, identifying how different pledges interact to predict how each party’s policies would change the political, economic, environmental, and social landscapes of the UK. The outcomes show that more radical ideas are proposed by the smaller parties. The Greens and Liberal Democrats deliver better environmental, social and public services outcomes. Reform UK are predicted to cut average living standards (despite tax cuts) and perform poorly on the environment and many public services such as the NHS, but likely to reduce crime. The Labour and Conservative parties have policies which mainly are predicted not to deliver to the same magnitude as the Greens, Liberal Democrats and Reform (as indicated above). However, Labour are more aligned in most cases to publicly favourable outcomes than the Conservatives. While no party is a clear ‘winner’ in terms of policies, this work compares outcomes across the different parties and may result in better informed decisions being made at the ballot box.
Root exudates simultaneously form and disrupt soil organo-mineral associations
Authors: Shabtai Itamar , Hafner Benjamin , Schweizer Steffen , Hoeschen Carmen , Possinger Angela , Lehmann Johannes , Bauerle Taryn
Published: June 2024

Plant root exudates can form organo-mineral associations (OMAs) through physico-chemical interactions with soil mineral surfaces but can disrupt existing OMAs by increasing microbial decomposition and dissolution of OMAs. The controls on these seemingly opposing processes are not well understood, nor are OMA chemical and spatial characteristics that may explain net soil organic matter (SOM) gain or loss at the root-soil interface termed the rhizosphere. By labeling maize plants with 13CO2, we found that exudates caused a net SOM gain in the rhizosphere’s clay size fraction which contained high-activity minerals. The OMAs formed on rhizosphere clay particles were linked to microbial metabolism of exudates and were more spatially and chemically heterogeneous than non-rhizosphere OMAs. In contrast, we found a net SOM loss in the rhizosphere’s silt size fraction which contained low-activity minerals and that dry soil conditions mitigated this rhizosphere SOM loss. Our findings show that root exudates can simultaneously form and disrupt OMAs, mediated by mineral composition and soil moisture.
Ethische Implikationen des kritischen Posthumanismus
Authors: Brown Anna-Lena , Bettinger Patrick
Published: June 2024

Der Beitrag nimmt ethische Implikationen ausgewählter Ansätze des kritischen Posthumanismus in den Blick und verfolgt dabei das Ziel, Anregungspotenziale für die Medienpädagogik aufzuzeigen. Ausgangsposition stellt die mehrfach anzutreffende Diagnose dar, derzufolge klassische Subjektkonzeptionen, die vor allem auf im Humanismus verankerte Ideale und Werte rekurrieren, zunehmend unzulänglich erscheinen, um Agencies postdigitaler und posthumaner Kulturen adäquat zu fassen. Davon ausgehend werden divergente Haltungen in der Medienpädagogik ausgelotet: es wird deutlich, dass die dargestellten Entwicklungen einerseits ein Wiederaufleben humanistischer Ideale zur Folge haben, wobei diese auf das digitale Zeitalter projiziert werden und eine – vor allem moralische – Sonderstellung des Menschen in Anbetracht anthropologischer Ungewissheit bekräftigen. Andererseits lässt sich ein zunehmendes Unbehagen angesichts des Festhaltens an vielfach als unzeitgemäss wahrgenommenen Subjektkonzeptionen als Fluchtpunkt pädagogischer Tätigkeit erkennen. Als mögliche Alternative wird eine Abkehr vom Humanismus, wie sie beispielsweise in den Positionen des kritischen Posthumanismus angestrebt wird, vorgeschlagen. Mögliche Spielarten sollen exemplarisch anhand der Positionen von drei Vertreter:innen des kritischen Posthumanismus aufgezeigt werden, wobei ethische Aspekte im Fokus stehen. Der Beitrag diskutiert abschliessend, worin die Stärken und Schwächen möglicher alternativer Subjektkonstruktionen und deren ethische Implikationen liegen. Damit soll der Beitrag, ausgehend von der Gegenüberstellung der Positionen, als Eröffnung einer Diskussion dienen.
Unpacking the relationship between ethical leadership and innovative work behavior: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Bunkaewsuk Peerasut , Uppathampracha Rachadatip , Peng Bangxin , Anwar Muhammad
Published: June 2024

This study delves into the significant role of innovative work behavior among bankers in achieving competitive superiority and addressing contemporary business needs. It uncovers a research gap in understanding the influence of bankers’ innovative work behaviors and the factors driving these behaviors. This study proposes to examine ethical leadership’s direct and indirect effects on innovative work behavior through the mediating role of bankers’ resilience and the moderating role of a manager’s gender. The study collected perceptual cross-sectional data from employees across Thailand’s ten largest commercial banks via self-administered questionnaires, analyzing 960 responses using structural equation modeling. Anchored in social learning theory, the study’s regression analysis found significant positive effects of ethical leadership on bankers’ innovative work behavior (B = 0.197, p < 0.001), ethical leadership on bankers’ resilience (B = 0.388, p < 0.001), and bankers’ resilience on their innovative work behavior (B = 0.649, p < 0.001). Furthermore, it identified that bankers’ resilience mediates the relationship between ethical leadership and innovative work behavior (B = 0.240, p < 0.05), with the gender of leaders moderating the impact of ethical leadership on innovation. These findings suggest that banks can enhance their competitive edge by fostering ethical leadership and resilience, highlighting the strategic importance of these factors in promoting innovation within the banking sector.
Cobertura vacinal geral antes e durante a pandemia de covid-19 no território brasileiro: Um estudo transversal
Authors: Manoel Poliana  Zanotto , Da Costa Lindemberg Barreto Mota , Dos Santos Priscila Antão , Silva Anita de Souza , Bezerra Antônio Diego Costa
Published: June 2024

OBJETIVO: Analisar a cobertura vacinal geral dos imunobiológicos oferecidos  pelo Programa Nacional de Imunizações (PNI) antes (2018-2019) e durante a pandemia da COVID-19 (2020-2021) no território brasileiro, por região e capital. METODOLOGIA: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, com dados secundários do PNI via Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único    de Saúde (DATASUS). Os dados foram tabulados e submetidos a testes estatísticos, incluindo  o teste de Shapiro-Wilk para verificar a normalidade e os testes de correlação de Pearson e Spearman. RESULTADOS: Foram aplicadas 407.570.811 doses de imunobiológicos no Brasil, a cobertura vacinal média geral do período (2018-2021) foi de 69,4%, exibindo tendência decrescente acentuada, que variou de 75,2% no período pré-pandêmico e 63,7% na pandemia. CONCLUSÃO: Durante a pandemia houve decréscimo da vacinação nacional em relação ao período anterior à mesma, com destaque das regiões Norte e Nordeste. Dessa forma, a pandemia pode ter contribuído para redução das imunizações.
Design of Artificial C-Peptides as Potential Anti-HIV-1 Inhibitors Based
on 6-HB Formation Mechanism
Authors: Luo Hui , Zhao Yan , Ma Yuheng , Liang Guodong , Ga Lu , Meng Zhao
Published: June 2024

Background:

The six-helix bundle (6-HB) is a core structure formed during the membrane
fusion process of viruses with the Class I envelope proteins. Peptide inhibitors, including
the marketed Enfuvirtide, blocking the membrane fusion to exert inhibitory activity were designed
based on the heptads repeat interactions in 6-HB. However, the drawbacks of Enfuvirtide, such as
drug resistance and short half-life in vivo, have been confirmed in clinical applications. Therefore,
novel design strategies are pivotal in the development of next-generation peptide-based fusion inhibitors.

Objective:

The de novo design of α-helical peptides against MERS-CoV and IAVs has successfully
expedited the development of fusion inhibitors. The reported sequences were completely nonhomologous
with natural peptides, which can provide some inspirations for the antiviral design
against other pathogenic viruses with class I fusion proteins. Here, we design a series of artificial
C-peptides based on the similar mechanism of 6-HB formation and general rules of heptads repeat
interaction.

Methods:

The inhibitory activity of peptides against HIV-1 was assessed by HIV-1 Env-mediated
cell-cell fusion assays. Interaction between artificial C-peptides and target peptides was evaluated
by circular dichroism, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, size-exclusion chromatography, and
sedimentation velocity analysis. Molecular docking studies were performed by using Schrödinger
molecular modelling software.

Results:

The best-performing artificial C-peptide, 1SR, was highly active against HIV-1 env-mediated
cell-cell fusion. 1SR binds to the gp41 NHR region, assembling polymer to prevent endogenous
6-HB formation.

Conclusion:

We have found an artificial C-lipopeptide lead compound with inhibitory activity
against HIV-1. Also, this paper enriched both N- and C-teminal heptads repeat interaction rules in
6-HB and provided an effective idea for next-generation peptide-based fusion inhibitors against
HIV-1.
Structural Properties of Rat Intestinal Fatty Acid-Binding Protein with its
Dynamics: Insights into Intrinsic Disorder
Authors: Balli Oyku Irem , Caglayan Sule Irem , Uverksy Vladimir N. , Coskuner-Weber Orkid
Published: June 2024

Background:

The rat intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) is expressed in the
small intestine and is involved in the absorption and transport of dietary fatty acids. It is used as a
marker for intestinal injury and is associated with various gastrointestinal disorders. I-FABP has
been studied extensively using conventional experimental and computational techniques. However,
the detection of intrinsically disordered regions requires the application of special sampling
molecular dynamics simulations along with certain bioinformatics because conventional computational
and experimental studies face challenges in identifying the features of intrinsic disorder.

Methods:

Replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations were conducted along with bioinformatics
studies to gain deeper insights into the structural properties of I-FABP. Specifically, the Cα
and Hα chemical shift values werecalculated, and the findings were compared to the experiments.
Furthermore, secondary and tertiary structure properties were also calculated, and the protein was
clustered using k-means clustering. The end-to-end distance and radius of gyration values were reported
for the protein in an aqueous solution medium. In addition, its disorder tendency was
studied using various bioinformatics tools.

Results and Conclusion:

It was reported that I-FABP is a flexible protein with regions that demonstrate
intrinsic disorder characteristics. This flexibility and intrinsic disorder characteristics of IFABP
may be related to its nature in ligand binding processes.
Current Insights in Murine Models for Breast Cancer: Present, Past and Future
Authors: Jain Mansi , Goel Anjana
Published: June 2024

:

Breast cancer is an intricate disease that is increasing at a fast pace, and numerous heterogeneities
within it further make it difficult to investigate. We have always used animal models to understand cancer
pathology and create an in vivo microenvironment that closely resembles human cancer. They are considered
an indispensable part of any clinical investigation regarding cancer. Animal models have a high potency in
identifying the relevant biomarkers and genetic pathways involved in the course of disease prognosis. Researchers
have previously explored a variety of organisms, including Drosophila melanogaster, zebrafish, and
guinea pigs, to analyse breast cancer, but murine models have proven the most comprehensive due to their homologous
nature with human chromosomes, easy availability, simple gene editing, and high adaptability. The
available models have their pros and cons, and it depends on the researcher to select the one most relevant to
their research question. Chemically induced models are cost-effective and simple to create. Transplantation
models such as allografts and xenografts can mimic the human breast cancer environment reliably. Genetically
engineered mouse models (GEMMs) help to underpin the genetic alterations involved and test novel immunotherapies.
Virus-mediated models and gene knockout models have also provided new findings regarding
breast cancer progression and metastasis. These mouse models have also enabled the visualization of breast
cancer metastases. It is also imperative to consider the cost-effectiveness of these models. Despite loopholes,
mouse models have evolved and are required for disease analysis.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Gastroprotective Polymer Conjugates of
Aceclofenac
Authors: Mishra Monika , Chawla Viney , Chawla Pooja A.
Published: June 2024

:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs account for a sizeable fraction of the drugs
prescribed worldwide. If consumed for a long time, they can cause ulcers and lifethreatening
side effects. Since the acidic group present in NSAIDs is mainly responsible for
these side effects, the scientists try to synthesize polymer drug conjugates that avoid these
side effects but still retain the potency of the parent drug. Macromolecular drug conjugates
of aceclofenac were prepared by employing pectin, β cyclodextrin, deacetylated chitin (chitosan)
and albumin (egg and bovine serum). The prepared conjugates were characterized
and tested for their anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antiulcerogenic activity. Further
experimentation was undertaken to analyze the behavior of compounds and their stability in
hydrolytic conditions. Test compound A1, a pectin conjugate of aceclofenac, exhibited significant
antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity with a significant decrease in ulcer index (4.45±0.24) as
against aceclofenac (8.61±0.40) or vehicle (12.39±0.44) treated group. A novel and safer polymer drug conjugate
of aceclofenac has been synthesized and evaluated.
Harnessing Bioprinting Technologies for Diabetic Wound Regeneration
Authors: Dhankhar Sanchit , Garg Nitika , Chauhan Samrat , Saini Monika , Singh Thakur Gurjeet
Published: June 2024

A chronic metabolic condition, diabetes mellitus (DM), is becoming more common
all over the globe. Diabetic complications include diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Between fifteen
and twenty-five percent of people with diabetes will experience DFU at some point in
their lives. Prolonged hospital stays and amputations are common outcomes of DFUs due to
the absence of targeted therapy and appropriate wound dressings. Specialized DFU wound
care is expected to be in high demand due to the anticipated increase in the prevalence of DM.
Therefore, there is a strong need to enhance and create more effective wound dressings and
therapies that are unique to DFU. Bioengineered tissues, individualised prostheses, and implants
are just a few examples of how 3D bioprinting has revolutionised healthcare in the past
decade. This review delves into the difficulties of wound management and explores how 3D
bioprinting could improve existing treatment approaches and biomanufacturing composite 3D
human skin substitutes as an alternative to skin grafting. To alleviate the healthcare burden
caused by the rising incidence of DM, it will be crucial to co-develop 3D bioprinting technologies
with new therapeutic techniques to address the unique pathophysiological problems of
DFU in the future.
Evaluation of Novel HLM Peptide Activity and Toxicity against Planktonic and Biofilm Bacteria: Comparison to Standard Antibiotics
Authors: Masadeh Majed M. , Alshogran Haneen , Alsaggar Mohammad , Sabi Salsabeel H. , Al Momany Enaam M. , Masadeh Majd M. , Alrabadi Nasr , Alzoubi Karem H.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Antibiotic resistance is one of the main concerns of public health, and the
whole world is trying to overcome such a challenge by finding novel therapeutic modalities and
approaches. This study has applied the sequence hybridization approach to the original sequence
of two cathelicidin natural parent peptides (BMAP-28 and LL-37) to design a novel HLM peptide
with broad antimicrobial activity.

Methods:

The physicochemical characteristics of the newly designed peptide were determined. As
well, the new peptide’s antimicrobial activity (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum
Bacterial Eradication Concentration (MBEC), and antibiofilm activity) was tested on two
control (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922) and two resistant
(Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC BAA41, New Delhi metallo-beta-
lactamase-1 Escherichia coli ATCC BAA-2452) bacterial strains. Furthermore, synergistic
studies have been applied to HLM-hybridized peptides with five conventional antibiotics by
checkerboard assays. Also, the toxicity of HLM-hybridized peptide was studied on Vero cell lines
to obtain the IC50 value. Besides the percentage of hemolysis action, the peptide was tested in
freshly heparinized blood.

Results:

The MIC values for the HLM peptide were obtained as 20, 10, 20, and 20 μM, respectively.
Also, the results showed no hemolysis action, with low to slightly moderate toxicity action
against mammalian cells, with an IC50 value of 10.06. The Biomatik corporate labs, where HLM
was manufactured, determined the stability results of the product by Mass Spectrophotometry (MS)
and High-performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) methods. The HLM-hybridized peptide
exhibited a range of synergistic to additive antimicrobial activities upon combination with
five commercially available different antibiotics. It has demonstrated the biofilm-killing effects in
the same concentration required to eradicate the control strains.

Conclusion:

The results indicated that HLM-hybridized peptide displayed a broad-spectrum activity
toward different bacterial strains in planktonic and biofilm forms. It showed synergistic or additive
antimicrobial activity upon combining with commercially available different antibiotics.