bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investment Decision and Market Value of Nigerian Listed Deposit Money Banks
Authors: Ajiboye Oyewole Oladunni , Olagunju Adebayo
Published: February 2024

This study considered the influence of investment decision on the market value of Nigerian listed deposit money banks (DMBs). Ex-post facto research design was employed. Secondary sources were used to gather information on market value and investment decisions. These sources included the annual reports of the banks that were sampled from 2010 to 2021. Out of the total population of 14 listed banks as of December 31, 2021, twelve (12) listed DMBs were chosen using the purposive sample technique. For data analysis, panel regression, correlation, and descriptive were tools employed. The outcome stated that return on capital employed recorded positive and significant influence on the Tobin Q and the market share price of listed Nigerian DMBs. The implication of the results is that banks that are able to generate better return on the capital employed in their operation have higher tendency to attract higher valuation in the market. It was concluded that investment decision served as determinant factors that influence the market valuation of Nigerian Deposit Money Banks. The study recommends that strategies to increase investment portfolio should be a priority; and also continue efforts should be made to improve return on capital employed that can enhance market valuation.
Blackness in Black and White: Serra Pelada and Sebastião Salgado
Authors: Rushing Samuel
Published: February 2024

Since their publication in Sunday Times Magazine in 1987, the photographs of the biblically sized Serra Pelada gold mine in northern Brazil by Sebastião Salgado have garnered an emphatically positive reception. In “Blackness in Black and White: Sebastião Salgado and Serra Pelada,” I argue there is a system of racial coding in his photographs of the Serra Pelada gold mine, which has received little attention in the photographic discourse. I examine the photographs in dialogue with visual histories of enslavement and the exploitation of black bodies in 19th century Brazil and the United States, and the complexities of racial identity and hierarchy in late 20th century Brazil. Through this analysis, I also highlight blind spots in the English-language discourse on Salgado’s gold photographs, which seek to both universalize their themes and aestheticize their content, as well as challenge his own characterization of the photographs. My primary objective is not to argue that Salgado’s photographic decisions, which were made manifest in this systemization, were premeditated, but rather to assert its presence within the photographs and in doing so, offer a more politically and culturally nuanced and specific analysis of the photographs.
Analisis Kebangkrutan Model Altman Z-Score pada Perusahaan Ritel yang Terdaftar di BEI
Authors: Ungkari Marti Dewi , Nurlaela Lina , Imam Imam
Published: February 2024

Perkembangan industri ritel akhir-akhir ini menjadi sumber kekhawatiran dalam dunia bisnis, dengan banyak toko dan gerai yang menghadapi penutupan besar-besaran. Terlebih lagi, baru-baru ini seluruh dunia menghadapi COVID-19 yang secara signifikan mempengaruhi ekonomi negara, khususnya sektor ritel. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menilai kemungkinan kebangkrutan pada perusahaan-perusahaan yang beroperasi dalam sektor ritel dan terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia, dengan menggunakan metode Altman Z-Score. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif. Dalam hal sumber data, pengumpulan informasi dilakukan melalui data sekunder, khususnya laporan keuangan tahunan perusahaan ritel yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI). Rentang waktu penelitian mencakup periode 2018 hingga 2022, dengan pemilihan sampel menggunakan metode Purposive Sampling dari populasi 19 perusahaan ritel, yang dijadikan sampel sebanyak 6 perusahaan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia selama periode 2018-2022. Hasil analisis dan pembahasan menyimpulkan bahwa selama lima tahun terakhir, empat perusahaan, yakni PT. Matahari Department Store Tbk, PT. Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk, PT. Ramayana Lestari Sentosa Tbk, dan PT. Supra Boga Lestari Tbk, memiliki nilai rata-rata di atas 2,99. Meskipun mengalami penurunan signifikan pada tahun 2020, mereka berhasil pulih dan menjaga stabilitas kinerja mereka. Sementara itu, dua perusahaan lainnya, yaitu PT. Hero Supermarket Tbk dan PT. Matahari Putra Prima Tbk, menunjukkan nilai rata-rata Z-Score di bawah 1,81 selama lima tahun terakhir, menandakan adanya potensi kebangkrutan.
Relevance of the Development of Dental In situ Implant for Post-resection Therapy (Review)
Authors: Pomytkina M. V. , Bakhrushina E. O. , Sakharova P. S. , Konogorova P. D. , Demina N. B.
Published: February 2024

Introduction. The problem of pain relief after surgery is relevant in modern dentistry, as pain control is an important part of treatment. In addition to anesthesia, there are other problems of post-resection therapy such as bleeding from the wound and inflammation. Modern dental practice does not have a targeted delivery system or a medical product with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic or hemostatic action, which ensures high adherence of patients to the ongoing post-resection therapy.

Text. To solve this problem, it can be proposed to develop an in situ implant – a dosage form that is formed directly at the injection site, in the alveolar socket. Targeted delivery system has advantages: no need to use a medical dressing material; no risk of secondary contamination; dosing accuracy and target delivery to the lesion locus; high mucoadhesion to the site of application; the duration of the active ingredient release and others. The purpose of the review is to substantiate the possibility and relevance of developing a new in situ implant system for use in dental post-resection practice. The study was conducted on the main databases of publications (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and others), and patent search database on materials published from 2000 to the present. The study describes the currently existing in situ systems for dental problems, which could be a prototype of systems for delivering an anesthetic directly to the tooth socket, the polymers used to create them and the possibility of releasing drugs, and also characterizes existing drugs for the pain relief (applied both locally and for systemic action), in comparison with in situ systems, which have certain advantages and great potential for development.

Conclusion. Based on the results of the work, a conclusion about the possibility of pharmaceutical development of dental in situ implants was made, and the most promising polymers for phase transition in the alveolar socket were identified.
A influência do estresse na manifestação de acne vulgar, dermatite atópica e dermatite seborreica em acadêmicos dos cursos de saúde em Manaus - Amazonas (AM)
Authors: Lima Jéssica Yasmin Badr de , Caires Nely Cristina Medeiros
Published: February 2024

O objetivo do presente artigo consiste em apresentar um estudo sobre a avaliação da influência do estresse autoavaliado nas manifestações das seguintes doenças dermatológicas diagnosticadas: acne vulgar, dermatite atópica e dermatite seborreica. Os dados epidemiológicos foram coletados em dois momentos, primeiro com o preenchimento do questionário “Escala de percepção de estresse-10 (EPS-10)", e no segundo momento, aplicação do "Índice de qualidade de vida em dermatologia - DLQI-BRA", por ambiente virtual, mediante utilização da plataforma "Google Formulários". Os dados adquiridos a partir da conversão dos questionários foram transcritos para planilhas, e posteriormente processados pelo Software GraphPad Prism 9 versão 9.5.1 (528), que permitiu a análise de correlação das variáveis estudadas e elaboração do Diagrama de Dispersão. No total, 54 questionários foram enviados, sendo 40 respondido por mulheres, e 14 por homens. Dermatite atópica como diagnóstico dermatológico isolado foi relatado por 10 indivíduos, a acne vulgar, por 21 indivíduos, e a dermatite seborreica, por 9. A partir da análise estatística dos dados coletados, concluiu-se que não há relação significativa entre as variáveis "Estresse autoavaliado" e "Afecção de pele" contempladas pelo estudo.
Characterization Approach for Compression Molded Discontinuous Fiber Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Tomblin John S. , Andrulonis Rachael M. , Lovingfoss Royal S. , Saathoff Brandon L. , Ashforth Cindy , Davies Curtis
Published: February 2024

Thermoplastic composites show potential in increasing the manufacturing production rate of composite aerospace structures. This is largely due to their ability to be consolidated quickly using automated processes. A variety of reinforced thermoplastic material forms are offered that can be processed multiple ways in order to meet structural performance requirements at the necessary production volumes without substantial compromise. Intrinsically, this requires generating a significant amount of statistically-based material property data for each unique material and process combination. Currently, the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are developing a material qualification framework for compression molded discontinuous fiber thermoplastic composites in consensus with industry experts. To aid in the development of the qualification framework, a screening test matrix was formed to identify the key processing parameters and evaluate the appropriate test methods and specimen sizes. Three main variables were considered in the trial testing: reinforcement size, material flow behavior and panel thickness. The effect of these key processing parameters on the mechanical properties are discussed along with guidelines for testing and characterization.
Automated Manufacturing of Grid Stiffened Panels with Radically Reduced Tooling
Authors: Ratkai Harry , Tanu Sumaiya S. , Radford Donald W.
Published: February 2024

Grid stiffened continuous fiber reinforced composite panels are an attractive option for creating lightweight structures due to the tailorability for various applications and the resulting high specific properties. However, the panel stiffeners and stiffener intersections result in high tooling complexity and correspondingly high cost of implementation. These factors have limited the impact of such structures in the composites industry. Previous research has demonstrated the ability to produce high quality, high aspect ratio beams, representative of individual grid stiffeners, using E-glass/PET comingled tow via direct digital manufacturing. Further, prior preliminary efforts have demonstrated the potential to use the same approach to manufacture grid intersections that have continuous fiber in both directions. To expand on the previous efforts in grid stiffeners produced by direct digital manufacture with radically reduced tooling requirements, this effort compares two methods of providing positioning and consolidation, nozzle vs. roller. Both processes are based on a commingled yarn feedstock. The extrusion through a nozzle has been shown to enable grid intersection control through local variations in applied consolidation and serves as the baseline process. However, this approach requires a continuous placement path to create the complete grid stiffened panel as no mechanism for cutting and restarting has been implemented. Alternatively, a newly developed placement head incorporating cut and refeed, mounted to a 6-axis robot, offers the potential of improved path placement efficiency. The two techniques are used to produce similar grid composite stiffeners to evaluate the effectiveness of producing the grid intersections. Rate of deposition of the two end effectors are compared and the quality of the associated grid stiffeners, and intersections, are determined through measurement of geometry, fiber volume fraction and void fraction.
Modulating the Electrical Properties of Lithium-Doped Zinc Oxide: Interplay of Lithium Content, Oxygen Pressure, and Temperature
Authors: Park Byoungnam
Published: February 2024

This research elucidates the intricate interplay of lithium content, oxygen pressure, and temperature and their influence on the electrical properties of Lithium-doped zinc oxide (LZO). The electrical behavior of zinc oxide (ZnO), a prominent semiconductor material, can be modulated when doped with lithium (Li). Through systematic experimentation, we demonstrate that varying lithium content in the ZnO matrix leads to notable shifts in carrier concentration and mobility, which in turn impacts the material's conductivity and overall electrical performance. Furthermore, oxygen pressure during synthesis plays a pivotal role in defect formation, especially oxygen vacancies, which interact dynamically with lithium dopants to further modulate electrical behavior. Introducing the variable of temperature, our study reveals a synergistic effect, where temperature not only affects intrinsic carrier concentration but also the interactions between lithium dopants and inherent defects in ZnO. Under optimized conditions of oxygen pressure and temperature, the influence of Li content on crystallinity was pronounced, consequently impacting mobility. In contrast, under unoptimized conditions, as Li concentration increased, particularly beyond optimal levels (0.75 mol%), introduced Li atoms assumed the role of compensating centers by capturing or neutralizing carriers, reducing mobility. The findings presented herein provide a comprehensive understanding of how these factors collectively determine the electrical properties of LZO, paving the way for tailored applications in optoelectronic devices, sensors, and more.
Effect of Molybdenum on the Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Ti-xMo-2Fe Beta Alloys
Authors: Park Jeong-Yeon , Lee Jae-Gwan , Lee Yong-Jae , Lee Dong-Geun
Published: February 2024

Titanium alloys are currently used in offshore industries. The titanium alloys used in offshore plants need to have excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties because offshore plants are exposed to harsh corrosive environments. At this time, the Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy is mainly used in offshore plants because it has excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. However, Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy has the disadvantage of poor formability. To improve this, studies on metastable beta-Titanium alloys with a BCC structure are being actively conducted. In this study, a metastable beta-titanium alloy was fabricated using Mo, which is inexpensive and improves corrosion resistance, and Fe, which improves strength, among the titanium beta stabilizer elements. After the Ti-6Al-4V ELI and Ti-xMo-2Fe alloys solution treatments, electrochemical corrosion experiments were conducted to analyze corrosion characteristics, and mechanical properties were also analyzed through compression tests at room temperature and Vickers hardness measurement. Corrosion properties and the mechanical properties of Ti-xMo-2Fe alloy were considered in connect experiments such as microstructure analysis and hardness measurement. It was confirmed that the corrosion resistance of the Ti-xMo-2Fe alloy was better than that of the Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy, and it was confirmed that the compressive strength and elongation rate of Ti-xMo-2Fe with its BCC structure get higher than Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy.
Effect of Solution Temperature and Quench Delay on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of an Extruded Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Mn alloy
Authors: Kim Jisu , Jung Jeki , Cheon Hyun-Seok , Kim Byung-joo , Lim Cha-Yong , Kim Su-Hyeon , Choi Yoon Suk
Published: February 2024

The effect of solution temperature and quench delay on the microstructure and mechanical properties of an extruded Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Mn alloy was investigated by employing differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, hardness test, and tensile test. The extruded specimens were held at 500 and 540 oC, respectively, for 80 min for solutionizing and then immediately quenched in water or exposed to air for 30 sec before water quenching. Each specimen was further heat treated at 180 oC for 6 hr for artificial aging. Quantitative analysis of the precipitates in the artificially aged specimens was performed using high-angle annular dark field-scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and fast Fourier transforms (FFT) analysis. Solution treatment at 540 oC led to higher number density of precipitates and higher strengths after artificial aging, compared with solution treatment at 500 oC. Quench delay resulted in a lower number density of precipitates and lower strengths after artificial aging. The specimen solution treated at 540 oC with no quench delay showed the largest peak area of precipitate formation in the differential scanning calorimetry, and concurrently exhibited the highest strengths after artificial aging. Strength reduction by quench delay was higher in the specimen solution treated at 500 oC than that treated at 540 oC; this was consistent with the results of higher reduction in the number density of precipitates.
Recent Research Trends for Metal Oxide Nanostructures Based Chemoresistive Gas Sensors
Authors: Ko Jae-Kwon , Park In-Hyeok , Shim Young-Seok , Hong Kootak , Kwon Ki Chang
Published: February 2024

In the modern era, advanced industrial and process technologies in various fields are known to produce harmful gases. These gases typically leak at low concentrations, but continuous exposure can cause serious harm to health and safety. Since human sensory organs cannot detect these risks or leaking hazardous gases, there has been significant interest in developing high-performance gas sensors capable of rapidly detecting harmful and hazardous gas leaks. Metal oxides possess several advantages for such applications, including ease of manufacturing, affordability, and high sensitivity to harmful gases. In this review, we highlight recent progress in the field of chemo-resistive gas sensors based on metal-oxide nanostructures. It begins by discussing the features of various nanostructure morphologies such as 0-dimensional nanospheres to nanocomposites of nanowires. It then describes methods for fabricating metal-oxide nanostructures. Finally, we describe recent advances in the design and fabrication of nanostructures for metal-oxide gas sensors using four different morphologies: 0-dimensional (0 D, nanosphere and nanoparticle), 1-dimensional (1 D, nanowire and nanorod), 3-dimensional (3 D, nanoflower and nanocomposite), and heterojunctions. Based on their morphology-dependent sensing properties, there are various fields of application for gas sensors, with different target gases. This review can serve as an overview of recent research trends and offer insights into the future development of next-generation high-performance gas sensors.
Considerations for prevention of and emergency response to tularemia outbreaks in Ukraine: vaccine involvement
Authors: Saunders David L. , Pierson Benjamin C. , Zlenko Oksana , Gelhaus H. Carl
Published: February 2024

Tularemia is a highly dangerous, febrile zoonotic bacterial infection, endemic to many regions of the Northern hemisphere including Eastern Europe. The current war in Ukraine raises the risk for both natural outbreaks of tularemia resulting from destroyed infrastructure, and potential use as a weapon of war or bioterrorism. There has been a substantial history of outbreaks in prior wars in the region, and tularemia has been previously weaponized and stockpiled as an offensive agent. There are current reports of “mouse fever”, where Russian soldiers are affected with a high fever associated with mice in the battlefield. While antibiotic countermeasures to naturally occurring forms of tularemia are available, these may not be appropriate for long-term risks on the battlefield and could contribute to antibiotic resistance. At this time, there are no FDA or EMA approved tularemia vaccines, which are an ideal alternative to antibiotic prophylaxis. Vaccines have advantages in not requiring diagnosis, are generally safe and effective, leading to long-lasting prophylaxis with little impact to the patient and little need for future medical intervention. The potential for engineered forms of the disease for deliberate use may limit the effectiveness of existing countermeasures. The sporadic nature of outbreaks, and likely outcomes following deliberate use raise a number of complexities in a potential emergency response. Means to optimize potential countermeasure assessment, including responsible and effective vaccine candidate testing are discussed.
Fabrication of cellulose nanocrystals/carboxymethyl cellulose/zeolite membranes for methylene blue dye removal: understanding factors, adsorption kinetics, and thermodynamic isotherms
Authors: Ibrahim Mostafa Ahmed , Salama Ahmed , Zahran Fouad , Abdelfattah Mohamed Saleh , Alsalme Ali , Bechelany Mikhael , Barhoum Ahmed
Published: February 2024

This study introduces environmentally-friendly nanocellulose-based membranes for AZO dye (methylene blue, MB) removal from wastewater. These membranes, made of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), zeolite, and citric acid, aim to offer eco-friendly water treatment solutions. CNCs, obtained from sugarcane bagasse, act as the foundational material for the membranes. The study aims to investigate both the composition of the membranes (CMC/CNC/zeolite/citric acid) and the critical adsorption factors (initial MB concentration, contact time, temperature, and pH) that impact the removal of the dye. After systematic experimentation, the optimal membrane composition is identified as 60% CNC, 15% CMC, 20% zeolites, and 5% citric acid. This composition achieved a 79.9% dye removal efficiency and a 38.3 mg/g adsorption capacity at pH 7. The optimized membrane exhibited enhanced MB dye removal under specific conditions, including a 50 mg adsorbent mass, 50 ppm dye concentration, 50 mL solution volume, 120-min contact time, and a temperature of 25°C. Increasing pH from neutral to alkaline enhances MB dye removal efficiency from 79.9% to 94.5%, with the adsorption capacity rising from 38.3 mg/g to 76.5 mg/g. The study extended to study the MB adsorption mechanisms, revealing the chemisorption of MB dye with pseudo-second-order kinetics. Chemical thermodynamic experiments determine the Freundlich isotherm as the apt model for MB dye adsorption on the membrane surface. In conclusion, this study successfully develops nanocellulose-based membranes for efficient AZO dye removal, contributing to sustainable water treatment technologies and environmental preservation efforts.
Growth disorders caused by variants in epigenetic regulators: progress and prospects
Authors: Lui Julian C.
Published: February 2024

Epigenetic modifications play an important role in regulation of transcription and gene expression. The molecular machinery governing epigenetic modifications, also known as epigenetic regulators, include non-coding RNA, chromatin remodelers, and enzymes or proteins responsible for binding, reading, writing and erasing DNA and histone modifications. Recent advancement in human genetics and high throughput sequencing technology have allowed the identification of causative variants, many of which are epigenetic regulators, for a wide variety of childhood growth disorders that include skeletal dysplasias, idiopathic short stature, and generalized overgrowth syndromes. In this review, we highlight the connection between epigenetic modifications, genetic variants in epigenetic regulators and childhood growth disorders being established over the past decade, discuss their insights into skeletal biology, and the potential of epidrugs as a new type of therapeutic intervention.
A review of China’s resources of lithium in coal seams
Authors: Liu Chao , Zhao Ting , Wang Gaoshang , Chen Da
Published: February 2024

Lithium gains an increasing importance in new energy vehicles and stationary energy storage, and development and utilization of lithium mines has attracted great attention around the world. In addition to the traditional lithium resources, lithium resources in coal seams have great potential in industrial application. Therefore, how to develop and utilize them is strategically significant for guaranteeing supply of lithium resources in China and promoting clean energy transformation. This paper summarizes the metallogenic ages, occurrence, enrichment factors, availability of lithium resources in coal seams in China. Conclusion are obtained as follows. i. coal-hosted lithium deposits discovered in China so far mainly occur in the Carboniferous-Permian strata of North China. They are less concentrated in smaller range in the Permian strata of Qilian-Qinling. ii. In China, coal-hosted lithium is mainly enriched in aluminum-bearing minerals. Lithium in coal seams mainly occurs in the inorganic matter, and some occurs in the organic matter. iii. Lithium enrichment in coal seams is caused by stable supply of aluminum and lithium-bearing minerals and special structural and geological factors. iv. According to China’s national standards on grades of lithium content in coal seams, the metallogenic belts of lithium in coal seams at the southern foothill of Yin Shan and in Qilian-Qinling have the potential of lithium development and extraction, covering Junger mining area in Inner Mongolia, and Pingshuo and Ningwu mining areas in Shanxi.
Study on flow and heat transfer characteristics of liquid metal flow in narrow rectangular channels under high heat flux
Authors: Zhang Xue , Feng Wenpei , Yu Hongxing , Deng Jian , Du Sijia , Wang Xiaoyu
Published: February 2024

In order to improve the core power density of liquid metal reactors, narrow rectangular fuel assemblies are typically used, which have obvious advantages in heat transfer capacity. However, the flow and heat transfer characteristics in coolant passage need to be studied. In this article, the numerical simulation analysis model obtained earlier was applied to calculate the Nusselt number, friction factor, with different Reynolds number, Prandtl number, or Peclet number of lead bismuth flow in a narrow rectangular channel under high heat flux. A heating correction factor was proposed and a flow resistance model was established for high heat flux. The influencing factors of ultra-high flux reactor core, such as gap size, flow direction, single and double sided heating conditions, on the flow and heat transfer in narrow rectangular channels were explored. The results showed that gap size and aspect ratio have a certain impact on the Nu and f of narrow rectangular channels, but the influence is relatively small within the narrow rectangular channel condition range. The influence of flow direction on flow and heat transfer is minimal, the single and double sided heating conditions will bring about a difference of about 20% in Nu and a difference of about 2.5% in f. In addition, the type of liquid metal will also affect the results. The research can provide reference for the thermal design and optimization of ultra-high flux reactor cores.
Study on the degradation and metabolic mechanism of four quinolone antibiotics by mixed strains
Authors: Wang Hongdan , Wang Qiaoning , Lv Min , Song Zhihua , Yu Jialuo , Wang Xiaoyan , Li Jinhua , Chen Lingxin
Published: February 2024

Quinolone antibiotics are a common class of antibiotics in the environment and have received considerable attention. In this study, three groups of mixed degradation strains targeting mixed quinolone antibiotics, norfloxacin (NOR), and enrofloxacin (ENR) were selected through screening, enrichment, and microbial diversity detection experiments. The strains screened in this study are divided into two categories through degradation efficiency experiments, community composition detection and functional enrichment analysis. In groups mix and ENR, the resistant bacteria are the main microorganisms and the degrading bacteria are the secondary ones, while in group NOR, the strains with degradation effects are the main ones, and the strains with resistance effects are the secondary ones. What’s more, that carbon sources have little effect on the community composition of the quinolone antibiotic degrading and tolerant bacteria, the difference between groups is mainly controlled by the type of antibiotics. On this basis, we found the key to NOR degradation is the cleavage of carbon nitrogen bonds on the piperazine ring, followed by oxygenation and deethylation. Preliminary studies have confirmed that the optimal degradation conditions for NOR degrading strains, and also found that environmental factors did not significantly affect the degradation efficiency of the Mix and NOR degrading strains, which indicating that the mixed bacteria can degrade NOR in different real environments effectively such as tap water, seawater, river water, and lake water. This manuscript is the first report on a mixed strain of quinolone antibiotic microbial degradation, and it is also the study with the highest NOR degradation efficiency among known reports. It has great research value for the co-metabolism and biodegradation of quinolone antibiotics in the environment.
Deforestation detection using deep learning-based semantic segmentation techniques: a systematic review
Authors: Md Jelas Imran , Zulkifley Mohd Asyraf , Abdullah Mardina , Spraggon Martin
Published: February 2024

Deforestation poses a critical global threat to Earth’s ecosystem and biodiversity, necessitating effective monitoring and mitigation strategies. The integration of deep learning with remote sensing offers a promising solution for precise deforestation segmentation and detection. This paper provides a comprehensive review of deep learning methodologies applied to deforestation analysis through satellite imagery. In the face of deforestation’s ecological repercussions, the need for advanced monitoring and surveillance tools becomes evident. Remote sensing, with its capacity to capture extensive spatial data, combined with deep learning’s prowess in recognizing complex patterns to enable precise deforestation assessment. Integration of these technologies through state-of-the-art models, including U-Net, DeepLab V3, ResNet, SegNet, and FCN, has enhanced the accuracy and efficiency in detecting deforestation patterns. The review underscores the pivotal role of satellite imagery in capturing spatial information and highlights the strengths of various deep learning architectures in deforestation analysis. Multiscale feature learning and fusion emerge as critical strategies enabling deep networks to comprehend contextual nuances across various scales. Additionally, attention mechanisms combat overfitting, while group and shuffle convolutions further enhance accuracy by reducing dominant filters’ contribution. These strategies collectively fortify the robustness of deep learning models in deforestation analysis. The integration of deep learning techniques into remote sensing applications serves as an excellent tool for deforestation identification and monitoring. The synergy between these fields, exemplified by the reviewed models, presents hope for preserving invaluable forests. As technology advances, insights from this review will drive the development of more accurate, efficient, and accessible deforestation detection methods, contributing to the sustainable management of the planet’s vital resources.
Development of early maturing salt-tolerant rice variety KKL(R) 3 using a combination of conventional and molecular breeding approaches
Authors: Saminadane Thirumeni , Geddam Sathyadevi , Krishnaswamy Paramasivam , Jothiganapathy Karthick , Tamilselvan Anandhan , Ramadoss Bharathi Raja , Sri Hari Reddy Patil , Singh Uma Shankar , Singh Rakesh Kumar , Platten John Damien , Gregorio Glenn B. , Singh Nagendra Kumar , Bisht Deepak Singh , Kota Suneetha , Ponnuvel Senguttuvel , Guntupalli Padmavathi
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Soil salinity poses a severe threat to rice production, resulting in stunted growth, leaf damage, and substantial yield losses. This study focuses on developing an early maturing seedling stage salinity tolerant rice variety by integrating conventional breeding methods with marker assisted breeding (MAB) approaches.

Methods: Seedling-stage salinity tolerance Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) “Saltol” from the salt-tolerant parent FL478 was introduced into the high-yielding but salt-sensitive rice variety ADT 45. This was achieved through a combination of conventional breeding and MAB. The breeding process involved rigorous selection, screening, and physiological parameter assessments.

Results: KKL(R) 3 (KR 15066) identified as the top performing Recombinant Inbred Line (RIL), consistently demonstrating maximum mean grain yields under both salinity (3435.6 kg/ha) and normal (6421.8 kg/ha) conditions. In comparison to the early maturing, salt-tolerant national check variety CSR 10, KKL(R) 3 exhibited a substantial yield increase over 50%.

Discussion: The notable improvement observed in KKL(R) 3 positions it as a promising variety for release, offering a reliable solution to maximize yields, ensure food security, and promote agricultural sustainability in both saline and non-saline environments. The study highlights the effectiveness of MAB in developing salt-tolerant rice varieties and emphasizes the significance of the Saltol QTL in enhancing seedling stage salinity tolerance. The potential release of KKL(R) 3 has the capacity to revolutionize rice production in salt affected regions, providing farmers with a reliable solution to maximize yields and contribute to food security while ensuring agricultural sustainability.
Data reusability for migration research: a use case from SoDaNet data repository
Authors: Kondyli Dimitra , Nisiotis Constantinos-Symeon , Klironomos Nicolas
Published: February 2024

This study highlights the role of Research Data Repositories (RDRs) in the concept of data reuse by examining a use case on migration research, a domain that requires up-to-date and accurate data for research and policy purposes. The survey from which the data for the use case was derived aimed to investigate the alignment of humanitarian assistance and social protection in Greece during the post-2015 refugee crisis. Through our analysis, we try to formulate a new corpus of variables and information that can create a value chain for research and policy purposes related to migration research, as well as to draw useful conclusions from this use case study in relation to the concept of data reuse. We address several issues related to data reuse, such as its definition, the role of research data repositories and research infrastructures in data reuse, as well as the limitations and advantages of reuse. We also present some specific features of the SoDaNet RDR, which hosts the primary data. We argue that comprehensive documentation of data adds value to the data and, through reuse, this value can be recycled to the RDR and, therefore, to potential new reusers.
Cytotoxic CD8+ Temra cells show loss of chromatin accessibility at genes associated with T cell activation
Authors: Türk Lehte , Filippov Igor , Arnold Christian , Zaugg Judith , Tserel Liina , Kisand Kai , Peterson Pärt
Published: February 2024

As humans age, their memory T cell compartment expands due to the lifelong exposure to antigens. This expansion is characterized by terminally differentiated CD8+ T cells (Temra), which possess NK cell-like phenotype and are associated with chronic inflammatory conditions. Temra cells are predominantly driven by the sporadic reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV), yet their epigenomic patterns and cellular heterogeneity remain understudied. To address this gap, we correlated their gene expression profiles with chromatin openness and conducted single-cell transcriptome analysis, comparing them to other CD8+ subsets and CMV-responses. We confirmed that Temra cells exhibit high expression of genes associated with cytotoxicity and lower expression of costimulatory and chemokine genes. The data revealed that CMV-responsive CD8+ T cells (Tcmv) were predominantly derived from a mixed population of Temra and memory cells (Tcm/em) and shared their transcriptomic profiles. Using ATAC-seq analysis, we identified 1449 differentially accessible chromatin regions between CD8+ Temra and Tcm/em cells, of which only 127 sites gained chromatin accessibility in Temra cells. We further identified 51 gene loci, including costimulatory CD27, CD28, and ICOS genes, whose chromatin accessibility correlated with their gene expression. The differential chromatin regions Tcm/em cells were enriched in motifs that bind multiple transcriptional activators, such as Jun/Fos, NFkappaB, and STAT, whereas the open regions in Temra cells mainly contained binding sites of T-box transcription factors. Our single-cell analysis of CD8+CCR7loCD45RAhi sorted Temra population showed several subsets of Temra and NKT-like cells and CMC1+ Temra populations in older individuals that were shifted towards decreased cytotoxicity. Among CD8+CCR7loCD45RAhi sorted cells, we found a decreased proportion of IL7R+ Tcm/em-like and MAIT cells in individuals with high levels of CMV antibodies (CMVhi). These results shed new light on the molecular and cellular heterogeneity of CD8+ Temra cells and their relationship to aging and CMV infection.
A SARS-CoV-2 RBD vaccine fused to the chemokine MIP-3α elicits sustained murine antibody responses over 12 months and enhanced lung T-cell responses
Authors: Gordy James Tristan , Hui Yinan , Schill Courtney , Wang Tianyin , Chen Fengyixin , Fessler Kaitlyn , Meza Jacob , Li Yangchen , Taylor Alannah D. , Bates Rowan E. , Karakousis Petros C. , Pekosz Andrew , Sachithanandham Jaiprasath , Li Maggie , Karanika Styliani , Markham Richard B.
Published: February 2024

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated enhanced efficacy of vaccine formulations that incorporate the chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein 3α (MIP-3α) to direct vaccine antigens to immature dendritic cells. To address the reduction in vaccine efficacy associated with a mutation in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutants, we have examined the ability of receptor-binding domain vaccines incorporating MIP-3α to sustain higher concentrations of antibody when administered intramuscularly (IM) and to more effectively elicit lung T-cell responses when administered intranasally (IN).

Methods

BALB/c mice aged 6–8 weeks were immunized intramuscularly or intranasally with DNA vaccine constructs consisting of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain alone or fused to the chemokine MIP-3α. In a small-scale (n = 3/group) experiment, mice immunized IM with electroporation were followed up for serum antibody concentrations over a period of 1 year and for bronchoalveolar antibody levels at the termination of the study. Following IN immunization with unencapsulated plasmid DNA (n = 6/group), mice were evaluated at 11 weeks for serum antibody concentrations, quantities of T cells in the lungs, and IFN-γ- and TNF-α-expressing antigen-specific T cells in the lungs and spleen.

Results

At 12 months postprimary vaccination, recipients of the IM vaccine incorporating MIP-3α had significantly, approximately threefold, higher serum antibody concentrations than recipients of the vaccine not incorporating MIP-3α. The area-under-the-curve analyses of the 12-month observation interval demonstrated significantly greater antibody concentrations over time in recipients of the MIP-3α vaccine formulation. At 12 months postprimary immunization, only recipients of the fusion vaccine had concentrations of serum-neutralizing activity deemed to be effective. After intranasal immunization, only recipients of the MIP-3α vaccine formulations developed T-cell responses in the lungs significantly above those of PBS controls. Low levels of serum antibody responses were obtained following IN immunization.

Conclusion

Although requiring separate IM and IN immunizations for optimal immunization, incorporating MIP-3α in a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine construct demonstrated the potential of a stable and easily produced vaccine formulation to provide the extended antibody and T-cell responses that may be required for protection in the setting of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Without electroporation, simple, uncoated plasmid DNA incorporating MIP-3α administered intranasally elicited lung T-cell responses.
Molecular and immunological features of TREM1 and its emergence as a prognostic indicator in glioma
Authors: Zhang Lin , Qu Xun , Xu Yangyang
Published: February 2024

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM1), which belongs to the Ig-like superfamily expressed on myeloid cells, is reportedly involved in various diseases but has rarely been studied in glioma. In this study, the prognostic value and functional roles of TREM2 in glioma were analyzed. TERM1 was observed to be significantly upregulated in GBM compared to in other grade gliomas and was associated with poor prognosis. Increased TREM1 accompanied distinct mutation and amplification of driver oncogenes. Moreover, gene ontology and KEGG analyses showed that TREM1 might play a role in immunologic biological processes in glioma. TREM1 was also found to be tightly correlated with immune checkpoint molecules. xCell research revealed a link between TREM1 expression and multiple immune cell types, especially monocytes and macrophages. Single-cell analysis and immunofluorescence results showed that macrophages expressed TREM1. In vitro, inhibition of TREM1 signaling could result in a decrease in tumor-promoting effects of monocytes/TAMs. In summary, TREM1 may be a potential independent prognostic factor and immune target, which might provide new avenues to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in glioma patients.
Human metapneumovirus respiratory infection affects both innate and adaptive intestinal immunity
Authors: Sepúlveda-Alfaro Javiera , Catalán Eduardo A. , Vallejos Omar P. , Ramos-Tapia Ignacio , Madrid-Muñoz Cristóbal , Mendoza-León María J. , Suazo Isidora D. , Rivera-Asin Elizabeth , Silva Pedro H. , Alvarez-Mardones Oscar , Castillo-Godoy Daniela P. , Riedel Claudia A. , Schinnerling Katina , Ugalde Juan A. , Soto Jorge A. , Bueno Susan M. , Kalergis Alexis M. , Melo-Gonzalez Felipe
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Respiratory infections are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, mainly in children, immunocompromised people, and the elderly. Several respiratory viruses can induce intestinal inflammation and alterations in intestinal microbiota composition. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is one of the major respiratory viruses contributing to infant mortality in children under 5 years of age worldwide, and the effect of this infection at the gut level has not been studied.

Methods

Here, we evaluated the distal effects of HMPV infection on intestinal microbiota and inflammation in a murine model, analyzing several post-infection times (days 1, 3, and 5). Six to eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were infected intranasally with HMPV, and mice inoculated with a non-infectious supernatant (Mock) were used as a control group.

Results

We did not detect HMPV viral load in the intestine, but we observed significant changes in the transcription of IFN-γ in the colon, analyzed by qPCR, at day 1 post-infection as compared to the control group. Furthermore, we analyzed the frequencies of different innate and adaptive immune cells in the colonic lamina propria, using flow cytometry. The frequency of monocyte populations was altered in the colon of HMPV -infected mice at days 1 and 3, with no significant difference from control mice at day 5 post-infection. Moreover, colonic CD8+ T cells and memory precursor effector CD8+ T cells were significantly increased in HMPV-infected mice at day 5, suggesting that HMPV may also alter intestinal adaptive immunity. Additionally, we did not find alterations in antimicrobial peptide expression, the frequency of colonic IgA+ plasma cells, and levels of fecal IgA. Some minor alterations in the fecal microbiota composition of HMPV -infected mice were detected using 16s rRNA sequencing. However, no significant differences were found in β-diversity and relative abundance at the genus level.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the alterations in intestinal immunity following respiratory infection with HMPV infection. These effects do not seem to be mediated by direct viral infection in the intestinal tract. Our results indicate that HMPV can affect colonic innate and adaptive immunity but does not significantly alter the microbiota composition, and further research is required to understand the mechanisms inducing these distal effects in the intestine.
Age-dependent acquisition of IgG antibodies to Shigella serotypes—a retrospective analysis of seroprevalence in Kenyan children with implications for infant vaccination
Authors: Kapulu Melissa C. , Muthumbi Esther , Otieno Edward , Rossi Omar , Ferruzzi Pietro , Necchi Francesca , Acquaviva Alessandra , Martin Laura B. , Orindi Benedict , Mwai Kennedy , Kibet Hillary , Mwanzu Alfred , Bigogo Godfrey M. , Verani Jennifer R. , Mbae Cecilia , Nyundo Christopher , Agoti Charles N. , Nakakana Usman Nasir , Conti Valentino , Bejon Philip , Kariuki Samuel , Scott J. Anthony G. , Micoli Francesca , Podda Audino
Published: February 2024

Background

Shigellosis mainly affects children under 5 years of age living in low- and middle-income countries, who are the target population for vaccination. There are, however, limited data available to define the appropriate timing for vaccine administration in this age group. Information on antibody responses following natural infection, proxy for exposure, could help guide vaccination strategies.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective analysis of antibodies to five of the most prevalent Shigella serotypes among children aged <5 years in Kenya. Serum samples from a cross-sectional serosurvey in three Kenyan sites (Nairobi, Siaya, and Kilifi) were analyzed by standardized ELISA to measure IgG against Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri 1b, 2a, 3a, and 6. We identified factors associated with seropositivity to each Shigella serotype, including seropositivity to other Shigella serotypes.

Results

A total of 474 samples, one for each participant, were analyzed: Nairobi (n = 169), Siaya (n = 185), and Kilifi (n = 120). The median age of the participants was 13.4 months (IQR 7.0–35.6), and the male:female ratio was 1:1. Geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) for each serotype increased with age, mostly in the second year of life. The overall seroprevalence of IgG antibodies increased with age except for S. flexneri 6 which was high across all age subgroups. In the second year of life, there was a statistically significant increase of antibody GMCs against all five serotypes (p = 0.01–0.0001) and a significant increase of seroprevalence for S. flexneri 2a (p = 0.006), S. flexneri 3a (p = 0.006), and S. sonnei (p = 0.05) compared with the second part of the first year of life. Among all possible pairwise comparisons of antibody seropositivity, there was a significant association between S. flexneri 1b and 2a (OR = 6.75, 95% CI 3–14, p < 0.001) and between S. flexneri 1b and 3a (OR = 23.85, 95% CI 11–54, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Children living in low- and middle-income settings such as Kenya are exposed to Shigella infection starting from the first year of life and acquire serotype-specific antibodies against multiple serotypes. The data from this study suggest that Shigella vaccination should be targeted to infants, ideally at 6 or at least 9 months of age, to ensure children are protected in the second year of life when exposure significantly increases.