bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Waters to Fish: A Multi-Faceted Analysis of Contaminants’ Pollution Sources, Distribution Patterns, and Ecological and Human Health Consequences
Authors: Damir Nicoleta , Coatu Valentina , Danilov Diana , Lazăr Luminita , Oros Andra
Published: July 2024

This study presents an extensive evaluation of the contamination levels in fish, mollusks, water, and sediments in the Black Sea over eight years, from 2016 to 2023. The primary aim was to determine the concentrations and distribution patterns of heavy metals (HMs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in fish, water, and sediments of the Black Sea, and their implications for marine ecosystem health and human safety. Data were collected through scientific cruises and the methodology involved systematic sampling across different regions of the Romanian Black Sea, followed by rigorous laboratory analyses to identify and quantify the presence of contaminants. The study also examined the temporal trends of these pollutants, providing insights into their sources, pathways, and persistence in the marine environment. Additionally, the research assessed the bioaccumulation of contaminants in various biota, offering a critical perspective on food safety and potential risks to human consumers. The findings revealed significant spatial insights, highlighting areas of concern that require immediate attention and action. Notably, industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and historical pollution hotspots were identified as major sources of contamination. This research underscores the need for enhanced monitoring and regulatory frameworks to mitigate pollution sources and safeguard the Black Sea ecosystem, advocating for sustainable practices and effective management strategies to preserve marine resources in the Black Sea.
Effects of Rewilding Aquaculture Time on Nutritional Quality and Flavor Characteristics of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)
Authors: Han Qianyun , Hu Jiajie , Pan Weicong , Yu Jin , Ying Xiaoguo , Weng Jinpeng , Li Weiye , Weng Xudong
Published: July 2024

Wild fish are preferred by consumers primarily for their superior sensorial qualities, including taste and texture. However, their limited availability often results in higher prices. Considering this, we explored the possibility of enhancing the quality of earthen pond aquaculture fish by transferring them to a near wild environment. This study investigated how rewilding time affects the physical properties, nutritional composition, and volatile profile of grass carp muscle. The results showed that compared to the 0M group, the crude protein content in grass carp muscle did not change significantly (p > 0.05) as the rewilding time increased to 6 months. Meanwhile, the significant increase in hardness and springiness (p < 0.05) indicated that the textural characteristics of muscle, which were key sensory and physical indices of muscle quality, were improved. Although the 6M group showed a 58.93% reduction in crude fat content compared to the 0M group, it retained the highest docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content. Sensory evaluation demonstrated that as the rewilding time increased, the fishy and grassy odors of the rewilding grass carp diminished. Furthermore, cluster heatmaps and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed that cultured grass carp and rewilding grass carp at three time points exhibited differences in various indicators. The variable importance in projection (VIP) showed that volatile flavor compounds (acetone, propionaldehyde-D, 1-penten-3-ol) and hardness were key factors in distinguishing between them. Therefore, extending the rewilding time can potentially enhance the acceptability of cultured grass carp by improving the physical properties, nutritional quality, and volatile profile of the muscle. This approach may provide a new pathway for fish aquaculture.
Cationic Gas-Permeable Mold Fabrication Using Sol–Gel Polymerization for Nano-Injection Molding
Authors: Miura Sayaka , Yamagishi Rio , Ando Mano , Teramae Arisa , Hachikubo Yuna , Yokoyama Yoshiyuki , Takei Satoshi
Published: July 2024

Cationic gas-permeable molds fabricated via sol–gel polymerization undergo cationic polymerization using epoxide, resulting in gas permeability owing to their cross-linked structures. By applying this cationic gas-permeable mold to nano-injection molding, which is used for the mass production of resins, nano-protrusion structures with a height of approximately 300 nm and a pitch of approximately 400 nm were produced. The molding defects caused by gas entrapment in the air and cavities when using conventional gas-impermeable metal molds were improved, and the cationic gas-permeable mold could be continuously fabricated for 3000 shots under non-vacuum conditions. The results of the mechanical evaluations showed improved thermal stability and Martens hardness, which is expected to lead to the advanced production of resin nano-structures. Furthermore, the surface roughness of the nano-protrusion structures fabricated using injection molding improved the water contact angle by approximately 46°, contributing to the development of various hydrophobic materials in the future.
Exploring the Role of Social Factors in Cognitive Frailty among South Korean Older Adults
Authors: Ko Young , Choi Kyungwon
Published: July 2024

Cognitive frailty, which is characterized by the co-occurrence of physical frailty and cognitive impairment, poses significant risks to the well-being and independence of elderly individuals. Previous research has established that demographic, health-related, and social factors contribute to both physical frailty and cognitive decline. However, the role of social factors in influencing cognitive frailty remains unclear. This study aims to identify the relationship between social factors and cognitive frailty among Korean older adults living in the community. We performed secondary analyses of data from the 2020 Survey on Older Adults. After entering demographic factors and health-related factors into the logistic model as covariates, this study explored the association between cognitive frailty and social factors, including living arrangements, social support, the frequency of engagement in social activities per week, and satisfaction with friends and community. Among participants, approximately 2.9% had cognitive frailty, 3.2% had only physical frailty, and 21.9% had only cognitive decline. Lower levels of satisfaction with friends and the community and infrequent participation in social activities were strongly correlated with cognitive frailty. These findings emphasize the necessity of public health programs that encourage older individuals’ social involvement. A supportive social environment can be fostered through initiatives that promote community events, group activities, and volunteerism. Public health policies should prioritize the development and maintenance of social activity centers that offer various programs to prevent progression to cognitive frailty in older adults.
Discordant Prenatal Cell-Free DNA Screening vs. Diagnostic Results of Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies: Implications for Newborn Screening and Genetic Counseling
Authors: Howell Susan , Davis Shanlee M. , Carstens Billie , Haag Mary , Ross Judith L. , Tartaglia Nicole R.
Published: July 2024

Sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) collectively occur in 1 in 500 livebirths, and diagnoses in the neonatal period are increasing with advancements in prenatal and early genetic testing. Inevitably, SCA will be identified on either routine prenatal or newborn screening in the near future. Tetrasomy SCAs are rare, manifesting more significant phenotypes compared to trisomies. Prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening has been demonstrated to have relatively poor positive predictive values (PPV) in SCAs, directing genetic counseling discussions towards false-positive likelihood rather than thoroughly addressing all possible outcomes and phenotypes, respectively. The eXtraordinarY Babies study is a natural history study of children prenatally identified with SCAs, and it developed a longitudinal data resource and common data elements with the Newborn Screening Translational Research Network (NBSTRN). A review of cfDNA and diagnostic reports from participants identified a higher than anticipated rate of discordance. The aims of this project are to (1) compare our findings to outcomes from a regional clinical cytogenetic laboratory and (2) describe discordant outcomes from both samples. Twenty-one (10%), and seven (8.3%) cases were found to be discordant between cfDNA (result or indication reported to lab) and diagnosis for the Babies Study and regional laboratory, respectively. Discordant results represented six distinct discordance categories when comparing cfDNA to diagnostic results, with the largest groups being Trisomy cfDNA vs. Tetrasomy diagnosis (66.7% of discordance in eXtraordinarY Babies study) and Mosaicism (57.1% in regional laboratory). Traditional genetic counseling for SCA-related cfDNA results is inadequate given a high degree of discordance that jeopardizes the accuracy of the information discussed and informed decision making following prenatal genetic counseling.
GPTs or Grim Position Threats? The Potential Impacts of Large Language Models on Non-Managerial Jobs and Certifications in Cybersecurity
Authors: Nowrozy Raza
Published: July 2024

ChatGPT, a Large Language Model (LLM) utilizing Natural Language Processing (NLP), has caused concerns about its impact on job sectors, including cybersecurity. This study assesses ChatGPT’s impacts in non-managerial cybersecurity roles using the NICE Framework and Technological Displacement theory. It also explores its potential to pass top cybersecurity certification exams. Findings reveal ChatGPT’s promise to streamline some jobs, especially those requiring memorization. Moreover, this paper highlights ChatGPT’s challenges and limitations, such as ethical implications, LLM limitations, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) security. The study suggests that LLMs like ChatGPT could transform the cybersecurity landscape, causing job losses, skill obsolescence, labor market shifts, and mixed socioeconomic impacts. A shift in focus from memorization to critical thinking, and collaboration between LLM developers and cybersecurity professionals, is recommended.
Advanced Echocardiography Assessment in the Management of Alcapa Syndrome: Case Report
Authors: Hagău Asmaa Carla , Suciu Horațiu , Popoiu Anca Voichița , Muntean Iolanda
Published: July 2024

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition affecting infants that requires immediate corrective surgery to restore blood flow to the myocardium. We present a case of an infant with ALCAPA and severe heart failure. What sets this case apart is the utilization of speckle-tracking echocardiography as a non-invasive method for assessing global and regional myocardial function before and after surgical intervention. Our preoperative analysis revealed compromised contraction in specific areas of the left ventricle (LV), in the regions that were supplied by both the left coronary artery (LCA) and the right coronary artery (RCA). Interestingly, despite an increase in ejection fraction (EF) measured by conventional echocardiography, the postoperative speckle-tracking analysis revealed persistent impairment in the anterior territories supplied by LCA, highlighting the potential of this technique in identifying myocardial abnormalities during postoperative follow-up. In conclusion, speckle-tracking echocardiography may be a valuable tool for identifying subtle myocardial changes in ALCAPA patients with a higher sensitivity in detecting regional left ventricular (LV) dysfunction compared to conventional echocardiography.
High-Temperature Synthesis of Superconducting MgB2 Materials in a Centrifuge
Authors: Tolendiuly Sanat , Nur-Akasyah Jaafar , Fomenko Sergey , Turan Ahmet , Assylkhan Sharafhan , Abisheva Aigul
Published: July 2024

There is a wide variety of superconducting materials, but only a few of them are suitable for practical industrial use, and one of the most promising superconductors is MgB2. Its main advantages are a critical temperature close to 40 K, which allows for operation in a cryogenic environment, low cost of precursors, and the ease of manufacture. In this paper, we attempted to obtain superconducting materials based on magnesium diboride in a new way by using a high-temperature centrifuge and then investigated how centrifugal acceleration could affect the superconducting characteristics of the materials in a greater way during combustion synthesis. As a brief result of this research, it was found that the value of centrifugal acceleration affected the critical current density (Jc = 1.4 A/cm2) of the MgB2 composites, although it did not considerably impact the critical transition temperature of the MgB2 materials (remained at around 37.5–38 K).
The Study of Functional Glass Fiber Veils for Composites Protection: Flame Resistance and Mechanical Performance
Authors: Zhu Chenkai , Qiao Zhiwei , Wang Hongwei , Huang Changyong
Published: July 2024

The flame-retardant performance of carbon fiber-reinforced composites is crucial for ensuring structural stability. Traditional additive flame-retardant methods often struggle to balance structural integrity with fire resistance. Herein, Ni(OH)2 and 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) were used as flame-retardant agents and mixed with glass fibers to construct the flame-retardant functional fiber veil which was used as the skin layer on the composite surface for fire protection. The structure performance and flame retardancy of composites were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and a cone calorimeter test. The results confirmed that a flame-retardant glass fiber mat could effectively improve the flame-retardant and smoke-suppressive properties of the composite material. Due to the synergistic flame-retardant mechanism of Ni(OH)2 and DOPO, the C-N3-D2 composite with the highest LOI value of 32.3% has shown significant reduction in peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total smoke production (TSP) by 31.3% and 19.5%, respectively. In addition, due to flame-retardant agents only being employed in the skin layer of the composite, the core layer of a carbon fiber-reinforced structure could be protected without structure disruption. This approach maintained consistent interlayer shear strength, highlighting the effectiveness of using a flame-retardant fiber veil as a protective skin layer. This strategy could offer a viable solution for safeguarding high-performance composite materials from fire hazards without compromising their structural integrity.
UIDF-Net: Unsupervised Image Dehazing and Fusion Utilizing GAN and Encoder–Decoder
Authors: Zhao Anxin , Li Liang , Liu Shuai
Published: July 2024

Haze weather deteriorates image quality, causing images to become blurry with reduced contrast. This makes object edges and features unclear, leading to lower detection accuracy and reliability. To enhance haze removal effectiveness, we propose an image dehazing and fusion network based on the encoder–decoder paradigm (UIDF-Net). This network leverages the Image Fusion Module (MDL-IFM) to fuse the features of dehazed images, producing clearer results. Additionally, to better extract haze information, we introduce a haze encoder (Mist-Encode) that effectively processes different frequency features of images, improving the model’s performance in image dehazing tasks. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model achieves superior dehazing performance compared to existing algorithms on outdoor datasets.
The Conceptual, Social, and Intellectual Structure of the Financial Information/Accounting Manipulation Literature: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Kıllı Mustafa , Evci Samet , Kefe İlker
Published: July 2024

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of studies on financial information/accounting manipulation. The dataset of research includes 1.266 studies from the Web of Science database for the period 1991–2023. All studies included in the research contain either the term ‘financial information manipulation’ or ‘accounting manipulation’ in the topic (title, abstract, or keywords). The bibliometric network mapping technique was used for the analysis of the data. The analysis was conducted utilizing the Biblioshiny interface of the R package programs Bibliometrix and Vosviewer. The results pointed out a notable upward trend in the publication and citation rates of financial information/accounting manipulation studies over the last two decades. Several key findings were identified. Firstly, a substantial rise in research output on financial information/accounting manipulation was observed, particularly after 2000, driven by global financial scandals. Secondly, prolific contributors to this field include authors such as Valaskova and Durana. Thirdly, the United States leads in research output, with significant contributions from institutions like the State University System of Florida and the State University System of Ohio. Lastly, The Accounting Review was identified as the most prolific journal in this domain, with the Journal of Accounting Economics being the most impactful based on citations. The most frequently used keywords indicate that the research topics focus on earnings management as a method of manipulation, fraudulent financial reporting, and the relationship with corporate governance. The comprehensiveness of the bibliometric data lends itself to a further examination of how financial information/accounting manipulation has progressed as a subject in the literature since the 2000s. In addition, this study reveals the social and intellectual structures of the issue, the key research streams, and potential research directions for future research.
Comparative Assessment of the Adhesion Forces of Soft Silicone Materials to the Denture Base Material (PMMA) Conditioned with Sandblasting
Authors: Kuźniarski Amadeusz , Huss Weronika , Dąbrowa Tomasz , Kijak Edward
Published: July 2024

Background: In patients undergoing surgery for oral cancer, soft support materials are used to minimise trauma to the soft tissues. Silicone-based liners are widely used in prosthetic dentistry. A prerequisite for long-term Adhesion of the liner to the denture base is largely dependent on the surface preparation of the denture material. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether surface preparation of the acrylic material by sandblasting increases the adhesion of the silicone support material to the acrylic denture plate. Material and Methods: The study included adhesion testing of four silicone-based soft cushioning materials (Silagum Comfort, Elite Soft Re-lining, Ufi Gel SC, Mucopren Soft) on a total of 270 samples. Each material was tested on 15 samples. Three subgroups with different surfaces were separated: 1 raw—standard surface treatment with a cutter, and 2 sandblasted, with 100 and 350 µm alumina grain at 90°. The samples were subjected to seasoning: 24 h and six weeks. The adhesion force of silicone to acrylic was measured by performing a tensile test using a universal two-column testing machine. Results: The highest bond strength was recorded for Silagum on the surface prepared using 100 µm abrasive and seasoned for 6 weeks (291.5 N). The smallest among the maximum forces was recorded for the Mucopren material (81.1 N). For the Mucopren system with a raw and sand-blasted surface (350 µm), the adhesion strength increased after six weeks. In contrast, the durability of the joint decreased for the 100 µm sandblasted surface. The Elite material exhibited similar values for maximum forces (271.8 N) and minimum forces (21.1 N). The highest strength (226.1 N) was recorded for the sample from the group prepared with 350 µm abrasive and seasoned for 24 h. The lowest value (72.6 N) occurred for the sample from the group with 100 µm abrasive and seasoned for 6 weeks. Conclusions: Sandblasting of acrylic plastic improves adhesion to selected relining silicones. 2. The size of the abrasive employed has an impact on the adhesion between the acrylic plastic and the bedding silicone. 3. In the case of some relining systems (Mucopren), an increase in roughness through sandblasting has the effect of reducing the durability of the bonded joint.
Insights into Antisite Defect Complex Induced High Ferro-Piezoelectric Properties in KNbO3 Perovskite: First-Principles Study
Authors: Li Bei , Zhang Yilun , Wang Meng , Zhang Xu , Zhang Xiaofeng , Liu Kai
Published: July 2024

Improving ferro-piezoelectric properties of niobate-based perovskites is highly desirable for developing eco-friendly high-performance sensors and actuators. Although electro-strain coupling is usually obtained by constructing multiphase boundaries via complex chemical compositions, defect engineering can also create opportunities for novel property and functionality advancements. In this work, a representative tetragonal niobate-based perovskite, i.e., KNbO3, is studied by using first-principles calculations. Two intrinsic types of Nb antisite defect complexes are selected to mimic alkali-deficiency induced excess Nb antisites in experiments. The formation energy, electronic profiles, polarization, and piezoelectric constants are systematically analyzed. It is shown that the structural distortion and chemical heterogeneity around the energetically favorable antisite pair defects, i.e., (NbK4·+KNb4′), lower the crystal symmetry of KNbO3 from tetragonal to triclinic phase, and facilitate polarization emergence and reorientation to substantially enhance intrinsic ferro-piezoelectricity (i.e., spontaneous polarization Ps of 68.2 μC/cm2 and piezoelectric strain constant d33 of 228.3 pC/N) without complicated doping and alloying.
The Association between Patient Characteristics and Biochemical Recurrence after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Siech Carolin , Wenzel Mike , Lange Carsten , Cano Garcia Cristina , Humke Clara , Tian Zhe , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Traumann Miriam , Kluth Luis A. , Chun Felix K. H. , Hoeh Benedikt , Mandel Philipp
Published: July 2024

Background: Biochemical recurrence (BCR) represents the rise of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels after treatment with curative radical prostatectomy (RP) or radiation for prostate cancer. The objective of the current study was to test for the association between patient characteristics, namely age, body mass index (BMI), as well as prostate volume at surgery, and BCR after RP. Material and Methods: Within a tertiary care database, patients with prostate cancer treated with RP between January 2014 and June 2023 were included. Kaplan–Meier survival analyses and Cox regression models addressed BCR after RP according to patient characteristics. Results: Of 821 patients, the median age was 66 years (interquartile range [IQR] 61–71 years), BMI was 26.2 kg/m2 (IQR 24.3–28.8 kg/m2), and prostate volume was 40 cm3 (IQR 30–55 cm3). Median follow-up was 20 months. In survival analyses, the three-year BCR-free survival rates were 81 vs. 84 vs. 81% in patients aged ≤60 vs. 61–69 vs. 70 years (p = 0.1). In patients with BMI < 25.0 vs. 25.0–29.9 vs. ≥30.0 kg/m2, the three-year BCR-free survival rates were 84 vs. 81 vs. 84% (p = 0.7). In patients with prostate volume ≤40 vs. >40 cm3, the three-year BCR-free survival rates were 85 vs. 80% (p = 0.004). In multivariable Cox regression models accounting for patient and pathologic tumor characteristics and adjuvant radiation therapy, a higher prostate volume independently predicted BCR as continuous (hazard ratio 1.012, 95% confidence interval 1.005–1.019; p < 0.001), as well as categorized the variable based on the median (hazard ratio 1.66, 95% confidence interval 1.17–2.36; p = 0.005). Conversely, neither age nor BMI were significantly associated with BCR after RP. Conclusions: The higher prostate volume independently predicted BCR after RP, but not age or BMI at surgery. Consequently, patients with an elevated prostate volume should be considered for closer postoperative follow-up.
Antibacterial, Antibiofilm, and Antioxidant Activities of Aqueous Crude Gymnema inodorum Leaf Extract against Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Ounjaijean Sakaewan , Somsak Voravuth , Saki Morteza , Mitsuwan Watcharapong , Romyasamit Chonticha
Published: July 2024

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) causes nosocomial infections with high mortality and morbidity rates. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of aqueous crude Gymnema inodorum leaf extract (GIE) against the VREF ATCC 700221 strain. The antimicrobial activity of GIE against VREF was performed using disk diffusion and broth microdilution. The antibiofilm activities were evaluated using the crystal violet staining assay. The antioxidant potential was evaluated. Preliminary screening of the antimicrobial activity of 50 and 100 µg/disk of GIE against VREF revealed inhibition zones of 8.33 ± 0.58 mm and 8.67 ± 0.29 mm, respectively. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values against VREF were 125 and ≥ 250 mg/mL, respectively. SEM analysis showed that treatment with GIE caused morphological changes, including incomplete cell division, damaged cell walls, and cell content leakage, suggesting a disruption of bacterial cells. GIE also inhibited and eradicated biofilms formed by VREF. The extract exhibited antioxidant activities in the DPPH and ABTS assays. While GIE shows potential as an antibacterial and antibiofilm agent, further studies are necessary to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize its use for therapeutic applications.
Establishment of a Protocol for Viability qPCR in Dental Hard Tissues
Authors: Sterzenbach Torsten , Neumann Vanessa , Trips Evelyn , Basche Sabine , Hannig Christian , Kühne Marie-Theres
Published: July 2024

The aim of the study was to establish a live/dead qPCR with propidium monoazide (PMA) that can quantitatively differentiate between viable/non-viable microorganisms in dental hard tissues. Human premolars (n = 88) were prepared with nickel–titanium instruments and incubated with E. faecalis (21 d). Subsequently, the bacteria in half of the teeth were devitalized by heat inactivation (100 °C, 2 h). The following parameters were tested: PMA concentrations at 0 µmol (control), 50 µmol, 100 µmol, and 200 µmol; PMA incubation times of 30 min and 60 min, and blue light treatment for 30 min and 60 min. The teeth were ground using a cryomill and the bacterial DNA was quantified using qPCR, ANOVA, and p = 0.05. The qPCR of the control group detected a similar number of avital 9.94 × 106 and vital 1.61 × 107 bacterial cells. The use of PMA inhibited the amplification of DNA from non-viable cells during qPCR. As a result, the best detection of avital bacteria was achieved with the following PMA parameters: (concentration, incubation time, blue light treatment) 200-30-30; 5.53 × 104 (avital) and 1.21 × 100.7 (vital). The live/dead qPCR method using PMA treatment is suitable for the differentiation and quantification of viable/non-viable microorganisms in dentin, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of different preparation procedures and antimicrobial irrigants in other biological hard substances.
Intermediate Disturbances Enhance Microbial Enzyme Activities in Soil Ecosystems
Authors: Kang Hojeong , Kim Sunghyun , Song Keunyea , Kwon Min-Jung , Lee Jaehyun
Published: July 2024

The Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH) posits that maximal plant biodiversity is attained in environments characterized by moderate ecological disturbances. Although the applicability of the IDH to microbial diversity has been explored in a limited number of studies, there is a notable absence of experimental reports on whether soil microbial ‘activity’ demonstrates a similar response to the frequency or intensity of environmental disturbances. In this investigation, we conducted five distinct experiments employing soils or wetland sediments exposed to varying intensities or frequencies of disturbances, with a specific emphasis on disturbances associated with human activity, such as chemical contamination, hydrologic changes, and forest thinning. Specifically, we examined the effects of bactericide and heavy metal contamination, long-term drainage, tidal flow, and thinning management on microbial enzyme activities in soils. Our findings revealed that microbial enzyme activities were highest at intermediate disturbance levels. Despite the diversity in experiment conditions, each trial consistently demonstrated analogous patterns, suggesting the robustness of the IDH in elucidating microbial activities alongside diversity in soils. These outcomes bear significant implications for ecological restoration and management, as intermediate disturbance may expedite organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycles, crucial for sustaining ecosystem services in soils.
The Challenge of a Recall Program from a Community-Based Hepatitis C Screening Campaign: The Effectiveness in HCV Microelimination
Authors: Chien Cheng-Hung , Chou Tien-Shin , Chen Li-Wei , Lin Chih-Lang , Chang Jia-Jang , Liu Ching-Jung , Chen Shuo-Wei , Hu Ching-Chih , Chien Rong-Nan
Published: July 2024

The optimal strategy for the microelimination of HCV within community settings remains ambiguous. We evaluated the percentage of participants who achieved linkage to care (LTC) following the conclusion of a screening campaign and examined the diverse factors influencing LTC among these individuals. The effectiveness of recall intervention for the non-LTC population and its barriers were analyzed. We initiated an HCV patient recall program to identify HCV participants who might not be treated after the HCV screening campaign. The program staff recalled HCV participants who were lost to follow-up via telephone from March 2019 to June 2019. They were informed of HCV treatment’s importance, efficacy, availability, and safety. Among 185 participants infected with HCV, 109 (58.9%) obtained LTC. Compared with those who had LTC, those without LTC were older, had lower education levels, were less aware of their HCV infection, less frequently lived in urban areas, and had less health insurance. At the end of the recall program, 125 (67.6%) persons had linkage to care. The proportion of LTC increased by 8.7%. In total, 119 persons had an HCV RNA test, and 82 (68.9%) had viremia. Of the 82 patients with viremia, 78 (95.1%) received antiviral therapy, and 76 (97.4%) achieved a sustained virological response. After a community screening campaign, 59% of participants with anti-HCV-positive tests had LTC. The recall program increased this by 9%. However, 32% of HCV participants still could not be linked to care. Outreach care for non-LTC patients is a method worth trying in order to achieve the microelimination of HCV in rural communities.
Revolutionizing Firefighting: UAV-Based Optical Communication Systems for Wildfires
Authors: Ali Mohammad Furqan , Jayakody Dushantha Nalin K. , Muthuchidambaranathan P.
Published: July 2024

Wildfires are one of the most devastating natural disasters in the world. This study proposes an innovative optical wildfire communication system (OWC) that leverages advanced optical technologies for wildfire monitoring and seamless communication towards the 5G and beyond (5GB) wireless networks. The multi-input–multi-output (MIMO) optical link among communication nodes is designed by gamma–gamma (GG) distribution under consideration of intensity modulation and direct-detection (IM/DD) following an on–off-keying (OOK) scheme. In this study, the performance metrics of the proposed MIMO link that enables unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are analytically derived. The end-to-end (E2E) performance metrics and the novel closed-form expressions for the average BER (ABER) and outage probability (Pout) are investigated for the proposed system models. Furthermore, the simulation results are obtained based on the real experimental data. The obtained results in this study are improved spatial resolution and accuracy, enabling the detection by communication of even small-scale wildfires at their inception stages. In the further perspective of this research, the development of the proposed system holds the potential to revolutionize wildfire prevention and control efforts, making a substantial impact on safeguarding ecosystems, communities, and economies from the devastating effects of fires.
The Effect of Yinchenhao Decoction on the Pharmacokinetic Profile of Futibatinib by HPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Wang Chunfu , Liang Songmao , Xu Jiachen , Zhai Yingfan , Chen Jianghui , Qiu Xiangjun
Published: July 2024

Futibatinib is an excellent fibroblast growth factor receptor 1–4 (FGFR 1–4) inhibitor that exhibits selective anti-tumor activeness against FGFR-deregulated tumors. A new high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) technique for the quantitative analysis of futibatinib in beagle dog plasma was developed, and the effect of Yinchenhao decoction (YCHD) on the pharmacokinetics of futibatinib was evaluated. After processing plasma samples with ethyl acetate extraction in the alkaline condition of sodium carbonate, a C18 column (4.6 mm × 150, 5 μm) was used to accomplish the separation of futibatinib and ripretinib (internal standard, ISTD), with the mobile phase consisting of methanol and 0.1% formic acid in water (60:40). The scanning method adopted a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with positive ion detection through the triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The ion transitions for futibatinib and IS were m/z 419.20 → 296.15 and m/z 510.36 → 417.00, respectively. Futibatinib displayed excellent linearity in the range of 1–200 ng/mL. Neither inter-day nor intra-day precision exceeded 6.3%. The %RE values for accuracy ranged from −3.1% to 0.9%. The recovery, stability, and matrix effect of futibatinib also complied with the guidelines for the validation of quantitative analysis methods for biological samples in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. In combination with YCHD, the Cmax of futibatinib increased by 40.84% compared to futibatinib dosage alone., and the AUC(0–t) and AUC(0–∞) of futibatinib increased by 78.06% and 82.71%, respectively. The Vd and CL of futibatinib were reduced by 20.05% and 40.85%, respectively. T1/2 was extended from 3.88 h to 5.26 h. The results indicated that YCHD could affect the pharmacokinetics of futibatinib and increase the plasma exposure of futibatinib. If YCHD is administered along with futibatinib, this study gives a first impression how pharmacokinetics and toxicokinetics would change.
Looking for Environmental Scoring: A Case Study of a Portuguese Cotton White T-Shirt Made with Recycled Fiber
Authors: Gonçalves Anabela , Baêta Mariana , Nagy Miklós , Silva Carla
Published: July 2024

Promoting sustainable consumer behavior is now an obligation under new European legislation, requiring life cycle assessment (LCA) for accurate environmental impact evaluation. Portugal is a key textile producer with an edge in competitiveness in sustainable textile production, driven by electricity-reduced carbon footprints and closed-loop manufacturing. Additionally, while simple spreadsheets can estimate a product’s carbon footprint, openLCA v1.11.0 software, combined with the ecoinvent database, greatly enhances environmental footprint calculations by integrating diverse impact categories that are otherwise difficult to estimate. In this study, openLCA is used to evaluate the environmental footprint of a white T-shirt made in Portugal with 50% recycled cotton from post-industrial wastes combined with 50% organic cotton from Turkey to assist in the design of environmental key performance indicators (KPI). The RECIPE and EF methods (adapted) are used to calculate the environmental impacts and allow aggregation into a single score. The KPI related to the global warming impact is validated using a spreadsheet calculator. We propose an “Envi-Score” based on an A-to-E classification for benchmarking and better communication with the buyers. E is set as the normalized environmental impact of the European benchmark for a mixture of material T-shirts encompassing cradle-to-gate boundaries. The introduction of recycled cotton produced in Portugal proves to be environmentally beneficial over organic and conventional cotton. Organic cotton proves to be beneficial in comparison with conventional cotton for most environmental categories, except for the ones affected by the lower production yield, for example, land use. The hotspots for the main impact categories are identified, and finally, a labeling scheme is proposed to clearly inform about the environmental performance of the products and avoid greenwashing with the “Envi-Score” rate, carbon footprint, land use, and water depletion.
Self-Leveling Mortars Produced with Different Types of Cement: Physical–Mechanical Properties and Carbon Emissions
Authors: Alves Brenda Maiara Oliveira , Teixeira Misley da Cruz , Bernardo Karen Suely Martins , Cordeiro Luciana de Nazaré Pinheiro , Possan Edna
Published: July 2024

Self-leveling mortars are a product that stands out in the market for optimizing production. Greater speed of application is achieved due to its high fluidity, and the ability to level without segregation. This paper approaches self-leveling mortars formulated with different types of cement and additions and evaluates these material’s effect on the rheological behavior, physical–mechanical characteristics, and environmental aspects of this type of mortar. The results indicate that rheological aspects can be achieved regardless of the type of cement and addition. With proper proportioning, the normative requirements in terms of mechanical properties are met. When using lower-fineness cement, the risk of cracking and the demand for water and chemicals increases. Mineral additions contributed to the mortars’ cohesion and reduced shrinkage in mixtures with contents of up to 25% metakaolin and 15% silica fume. Regarding the decarbonization process, opting for cement with pozzolanic additions becomes a favorable solution as it presents a reduction in CO2 emissions of around 170 kg per m3 of mortar produced.
Sowing Seeds of Sustainability: Assessing the Effects of a Green Residential Hall Program in Hong Kong
Authors: Liu Xunqian , Liu Xiaoqing , Yang Yi
Published: July 2024

This study assesses the impact of a sustainability-focused residential hall in Hong Kong on the environmental awareness and adoption of sustainable practices of its student residents. The hall provides an immersive learning environment, offering hands-on activities such as eco-gardening, sustainability drives, seminars, and workshops to impart sustainability knowledge and skills. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this study gathered quantitative data through a questionnaire on environmental beliefs and pro-environmental intention, revealing a significant enhancement in environmental awareness among students with more than two semesters of residence in the hall. Qualitative research explored the impact of residential hall experiences on the residents’ environmental mindset, uncovering three themes: immersive experiences, long-term habituation, and the visibility of outcomes. These findings suggest that living in a sustainability-themed residential hall shapes students’ environmental attitudes and behaviors, reinforcing the value of integrating residential education within Environmental Sustainability Education (ESE) frameworks. This study highlights the potential of residential halls or communities as catalysts for fostering a culture of sustainability within academic communities, offering insights for educators and policy-makers in designing effective ESE strategies.
Travel Mode Choice Prediction to Pursue Sustainable Transportation and Enhance Health Parameters Using R
Authors: Ali Mujahid , Macioszek Elżbieta , Ali Nazam
Published: July 2024

Travel mode choice (TMC) prediction, improving health parameters, and promoting sustainable transportation systems are crucial for urban planners and policymakers. Past studies show the influence of health on activities, while several studies use multitasking activities and physical activity intensity to study the association between time use and activity travel participation (TU and ATP) and health outcomes. Limited studies have been conducted on the use of transport modes as intermediate variables to study the influence of TU and ATP on health parameters. Therefore, the current study aims to evaluate urban dependency on different transport modes used for daily activities and its influence on health parameters to promote a greener and healthier society and a sustainable transportation system. Pearson’s Chi-squared test was used for transport mode classification, and multinominal logit models were used for regression using R programming. A total of five models were developed for motorized, non-motorized, public transport, physical, and social health to study the correlation between transport modes and health parameters. The statistical analysis results show that socio-demographic and economic variables have a strong association with TMC in which younger, male, workers and high-income households are more dependent on motorized transport. It was found that a unit rise in high-income causes a 4.5% positive increase in motorized transport, whereas it negatively influences non-motorized and public transport by 4.2% and 2.2%, respectively. These insights might be useful for formulating realistic plans to encourage individuals to use active transport that will promote sustainable transportation systems and a healthier society.
Obtaining Zeolites from Natural Materials of Volcanic Origin for Application in Catalytic Pyrolysis for the Sustainable Chemical Recycling of Polymers
Authors: Valencia-Huaman Angel Gabriel , Fuentes-Mamani Sandro Henry , Mamani-De La Cruz Luis Fernando , Velasco Francisco , Churata Rossibel , Silva-Vela Alejandro , Mamani-Quispe Jose , Almirón Jonathan
Published: July 2024

The present investigation studies the use of three natural precursors of volcanic origin (pozzolana, ignimbrite and pumice) in the synthesis of low-cost and environmentally friendly zeolites. The developed zeolites were evaluated as sustainable catalysts for the catalytic pyrolysis process in the chemical recycling of polypropylene. A zeolite was synthesized from each precursor. The hydrothermal treatment was performed with NaOH (3M) at 160 °C for 72 h and NH4Cl (1M) was added to convert it into proton form. The synthesized zeolites were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM and BET. The evaluation of the catalytic ability of the obtained zeolites was carried out with polypropylene mixed with a 4, 6 and 8 wt.% catalyst in a ceramic crucible. Pyrolysis was always carried out at 450 °C and for 30 min in a tubular furnace with a continuous flow rate of 250 L·min−1 of gaseous nitrogen. The gases generated were captured in the cooling system. The characterized zeolites show a resemblance to the ZSM-5 commercial zeolite, especially for the ignimbrite and pozzolan zeolites. Likewise, in pyrolysis, liquid products, gases and waxes were obtained. As the amount of catalyst was increased (from 4 to 8%), the yield of the desired liquid–gas products was also increased. The synthesized zeolites showed similar pyrolytic characteristics to ZSM-5, although they did not reach the same pyrolytic efficiency. Zeolites improved the pyrolysis products, especially at 8 wt.%, when compared to thermal pyrolysis. This study highlights the potential of the developed zeolite catalysts to efficiently convert PP into valuable light olefins, advancing sustainable polyolefin recycling technologies.
Digital Economy and Urban Low-Carbon Transition: Theoretical Model and New Mechanisms
Authors: Ai Kunpeng , Zhang Wenjie , Yan Xiang-Wu
Published: July 2024

Urban areas are at the forefront of economic activity and notably contribute to carbon emissions. Transforming cities to low-carbon models is imperative for addressing climate change. The digital economy (DE) has emerged as a pivotal force in driving global economic progress, offering unique benefits that support urban low-carbon transitions. Despite extensive research on the correlation between DE and urban low-carbon transformation (ULCT), there remains a gap in studies utilizing mathematical models to delve into the intrinsic mechanisms and deeper impacts. This research evaluates the influence of DE on ULCT by examining data from 283 prefecture-level and above cities in China, spanning from 2011 to 2019, through both theoretical frameworks and empirical testing. The analysis reveals that DE substantially fosters ULCT, a conclusion reinforced by rigorous robustness and endogeneity checks. Notably, DE’s impact on ULCT is more significant in southern cities than in northern ones. Interestingly, while DE in the Yangtze River Delta and Chengdu-Chongqing urban clusters showed limited promotion of ULCT, it had the highest impact in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. DE enhances ULCT through several pathways, including scale economy effect, heightened public environmental awareness effects, and increased income effects, contributing 6.64%, 9.84%, and 16.2%, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of public environmental awareness and income are particularly pronounced in southern regions, unlike in northern areas. This study not only expands the theoretical research on the relationship between the digital economy and urban low-carbon transition but also provides specific guidance and support for related policy formulation and implementation. This helps promote cities toward more environmentally friendly and sustainable development. Furthermore, the conclusions of this study have important reference value for other major polluting countries (such as the US, India, and Germany). Different countries and regions should formulate targeted low-carbon transition strategies based on their own DE development, income levels, and public environmental awareness. This will effectively promote urban low-carbon transitions, achieving a win-win situation for economic development and environmental protection.
Can Participation in the Green Standard-Setting Process Promote Green Innovation in Heavy-Pollution Firms? Evidence from China
Authors: Niu Chengzhi , He Hong , Qi Yunfei , Wang Shoujie
Published: July 2024

This study utilizes unique green standard-setting data from the Chinese government to examine the causal effect of heavy-pollution firms’ participation in the process of setting green standards for green innovation. Our research has the following key findings: (1) High-pollution companies engaging in the green standard process have a markedly positive impact on their environmental innovation. Our conclusions hold across multiple rigorous evaluations, including firm fixed effects, instrumental variable methods, placebo analyses, and propensity score-matching techniques. (2) Through our mechanism analysis, we discovered that engaging in the green standard-setting process leads to the creation of a knowledge-sharing network. Within this network, participating in the green standard-setting process effectively enhances green innovation among heavily polluting firms through the knowledge diffusion and enhanced collaboration processes among the participants. (3) In our further analysis, we observed that the positive effect is more significant in companies led by managers with stronger green perceptions and in areas with stricter environmental regulations. Moreover, we demonstrated that involvement in the green standard-setting process can boost the reputation of firms with significant pollution levels. Our study could significantly contribute to the current body of knowledge on the effects of green standardization and the factors driving corporate green innovation. It may also offer additional insights into the implementation of sustainable development practices in emerging economies.