bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curcumins from Curcuma longa Potential Inhibit PTP1B and α-Glucosidase: Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Dinh Thi-Tu , Nguyen Anh-Tuan , Pham Minh-Quan , To Dao-Cuong , Dang Ngoc-Quang , Nguyen The-Hung , Nguyen Huu-Tho , Nguyen Tien-Dung , Tran Manh-Hung , Nguyen Phi-Hung
Published: April 2023

Curcuma longa is only a rich source of curcumin (1) and its major analogues demethoxycurcumin (2) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (3) among the Curcuma species. The content ratio of these three curcumins in turmeric is depended on the varieties and growing environment. Recently, curcumin (1) has been reported as potential inhibitor of hepatic and enzymatic protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and its related disorders such as hypertriglyceridemia, hyperlipidemia and liver steatosis. Thus, we further purified curcumins (1–3) from C. longa and investigated their inhibitory effects against PTP1B and α-glucosidase enzymes. As the result, curcumins (1–3) exhibited potential PTP1B inhibition with IC50 values of 37.8 ± 1.4, 45.3 ± 0.7, and 72.6 ± 1.1 μM, respectively, and α-glucosidase inhibition with similar manner (IC50 values of 78.2 ± 0.2, 82.4 ± 0.6, and 90.6 ± 1.0 μM, respectively). These results reveal a key role of methoxylation in the variation of PTP1B and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity for these curcumins. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) was used accompanying with molecular docking (MD) to analyze the ligand stability and the interaction of curcumins (1–3) with PTP1B and glucoside hydrolase proteins. Assay-based results and the MD data obtained are highly correlation suggesting that the deterioration of the enzyme activity caused by the distortion of structural conformation of PTP1B and glucoside hydrolase may be related to the arrangement of amino acids in protein structure. This reported for the first time that inhibitory effects of curcumins (1–3) against PTP1B and glucoside hydrolase have been examined in vitro and in silico as well.
Using Biostimulants and Soil Additives to Improve Corn Yield in South Texas
Authors: Grichar W. James , Janak Travis W. , Mcginty Joshua A. , Brewer Michael J.
Published: April 2023

Field studies were conducted in 2016, 2017, and 2020 in south-central and the Coastal Bend regions of Texas to determine the effects of various biostimulants and soil additives on corn growth and yield. In south-central Texas, the use of pop-up fertilizer (9-30-0 + Zn) either alone or in combination with either 2% N, bifenthrin, or bifenthrin + pyraclostrobin resulted in the greatest corn vigor but a yield response was only noted with pop-up fertilizer alone at 28062 or 46771 ml ha-1 in one year. In the Coastal Bend region, leaf tissue analysis showed that only Fe was affected with the use of any soil additive. Bacillus licheniformis + bacillus megaterium + bacillus pumilus increased Fe leaf tissue content by 20% over the untreated check. Radicoat seed coating at 438 ml ha-1 reduced corn plant stand by 10% and Pseudomonas brassicaceanum reduced corn height when compared with the untreated check; however, no differences in test weight or yield from the untreated check were noted with any soil additive. Little if any impacts of the use of biostimulants or soil amendments were seen in these studies.
AR Coupled With a Virtual Agent for Educating Towards a Sus-Tainable Way of Living
Authors: Katika Tina , Bolierakis Spyridon Nektarios , Papaioannou Thomas , Karaseitanidis Ioannis , Tsimiklis Georgios , Amditis Angelos
Published: April 2023

Augmented reality (AR) offers an accessible, inexpensive, and rich user experience that has the potential to engage end-users in an immersive environment. Along with vivid visualizations coupled with virtual agents, this technology further develops learning interest in end-users, guides them in various tasks, and boosts motivation and productivity. In this study, we leverage the deep penetration of mobile phones in daily lives and their advanced features to design, develop and demonstrate an AR application (CirculAR) that offers unique user-environment interaction in a gamified way. CirculAR combines learning with enjoyment to help end-users understand fundamental sustainability and circular economy principles. The application has been showcased in a controlled environment to heterogenous audiences and has been shown to improve end-user engagement and motivation. First, participants older than 18 were recruited to showcase the technology acceptance and engagement towards circular economy principles through AR. Then, students aged 5 to 15 years old, along with their parents and educators, were invited to a treasure hunt game where our virtual agent ARis guided them through a map full of virtual experiences. Assessment and evaluation were performed through a survey and a questionnaire. The outcome of their analysis showcased an increase in the dedication and enjoyment of the performed activities, engagement and learning attributes given the AR virtual agent supporting functionalities. Observations during showcasing reported a need for more commitment from the younger audience compared to the older one. This application contributes to the discourse on mobile AR as a tool for the education of novel concepts with a high impact on our daily lives and decisions and aims to shed light on the design principles of educative tools.
Ranking Startups Using DEMATEL-ANP-based Fuzzy PROMETHEE II
Authors: Nguyen Huyen Trang , Chu Ta-Chung
Published: April 2023

Accelerators play a critical role in fostering innovative ecosystems and nurturing startups. The evaluation and selection of startups, particularly technology-based startups, for acceleration programs are essential in accelerator economy and management. Assessment of startups requires consideration of numerical and qualitative criteria such as sales, prior startup experience, demand validation, and product maturity. Startups must be ranked based on the varying importance of criteria, which can be identified as a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. MCDM methods have proven effective in managing complex problems. However, the use of MCDM techniques in startup selection and evaluation of criteria interrelationships from the accelerator perspective is yet to be researched. This study proposes a hybrid DEMATEL-ANP-based fuzzy PROMETHEE II model to rank startups and examine the interrelationships between factors. The final preference values are fuzzy numbers, making a fuzzy ranking method necessary for decision-making. An extension of ranking fuzzy numbers using a spread area-based relative maximizing and minimizing set is suggested to improve the flexibility of existing ranking MCDM methods. Algorithms and formulas are derived and a comparison demonstrates the merits of the proposed method. Finally, a numerical experiment is designed to address the viability of the hybrid DEMATEL-ANP-based fuzzy PROMETHEE II model.
Aqueous Binary Mixtures of Stearic Acid and Its Hydroxylated Counterpart 12-Hydroxystearic Acid: Cascade of Morphological Transitions at Room Temperature
Authors: FERREIRA ALMEIDA MAEVA , DUDZINSKI Daniel , AMIEL Catherine , GUIGNER Jean-Michel , PREVOST Sylvain , LE COEUR Clémence , COUSIN Fabrice
Published: April 2023

We describe the behavior of mixtures of stearic acid (SA) and its hydroxylated counterpart 12-hydroxystearic acid (12-HSA) in aqueous mixtures at room temperature, as function of the 12-HSA/(fatty acid) mole ratio R. The morphologies of the self-assembled aggregates are obtained by a multi-structural approach that combines confocal and cryo-TEM microscopies with Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) and Wide-Angle X-Rays Scattering (WAXS) measurements, coupled with rheology measurements. Fatty acids are solubilized by an excess of ethanolamine counterions, so that their heads are negatively charged. The behavior is driven by the competition between mixing entropy and enthalpic effects. A clear trend towards partitioning between the two types of fatty acids is observed, presumably driven by the favorable formation of a H-bond network between hydroxyl OH function on the 12th carbon.
For all R, the self-assembled structures are locally lamellar, with bilayers composed of crystallized and strongly interdigitated fatty acids. At high R, multi-lamellar tubes are formed, similarly as for pure aqueous solutions of 12-HSA. The doping by a low amount of SA molecules only slightly modify the dimensions of the tubes (radius and length), and slightly decreases the bilayers rigidity. The solutions have a gel-like behavior originating from entanglements between tubes and show a yield stress. At intermediate R, a partial local partitioning occurs between the two types of fatty acids. The tubes coexist in solution with helical ribbons. The two structures possibly merge to form very long snaky objects with straight and curved parts. The rigidity of the bilayers and the rheological behavior of the solutions are very similar to those of the high R case. At low R, local partitioning also occurs, and the architecture of the self-assemblies associates the two morphologies of the pure fatty acids systems, respectively 2-D planar bilayers for SA and the tubes describe above for the 12-HSA molecules: they are facetted objects with planar domains enriched in SA molecules, capped with curved domains enriched in 12-HSA molecules. The rigidity of the bilayers is strongly increased, as well their storage modulus, compared to systems with larger R. The solutions remain however viscous fluids in this regime of low R.
The Implication of ATP Scavenging Behaviour and Upregulation of Immune Regulatory Receptor by Intracellular Porphyromonas gingivalis Based on In-Vitro Models on the Prognosis of Digestive Tract Cancers Regarding the Oral Cancer Patients
Authors: Perera Manosha , Perera Irosha
Published: April 2023

At present there is a huge demand for experimental periodontal models to expand the knowledge in periodontal health related to Microbiome Medicine. Thus far none of the periodontal pathogens or cocktail of pathogens reported as aetiological agents of infectious chronic periodontitis to link with oral squamous cell carcinoma as the way Helicobactor pyroli linked with gastric carcinoma and other related gastric malignancies. Nevertheless, invasive pathogenic mechanisms of virulent strains of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum singly as well as a duo demonstrated the progression and devastation of oral, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers in different study populations. Periodontal disease may be an inevitable consequence or complication of oral cancer patients who comprise a section of digestive tract cancers, due to suboptimal or poor oral hygiene practices due to unbearable pain and other complications of stage four oral cancer. Periodontitis is a reversible oral condition when it is treated properly at the correct stage and good oral hygiene practices and treating chronic periodontitis showed successful interventions in the prognosis of oral cancer. In the light of these scientifically proven epidemiological, laboratory, and clinical evidence this communication highlights the implication of ATP scavenging behavior and upregulation of immune regulatory receptors by intracellular Porphyromonas gingivalis based on in-vitro models on the prognosis of digestive tract cancers regarding the oral cancer patients.
Neutrophils in Cancer and Potential Therapeutic Strategies using Neutrophil-derived Exosomes
Authors: Dutta Abhishek , Bhagat Shrikrishna , Paul Swastika , Katz Jonathan P , Sengupta Debomita , Bhargava Dharmendra
Published: April 2023

Neutrophils are the most abundant immune cells and make up about 70% of white blood cells in human blood and play a critical role as the first line of defense in the innate immune response. They also help regulate the inflammatory environment to promote tissue repair. However, in cancer, neutrophils can be manipulated by tumors to either promote or hinder tumor growth depending on the cytokine pool. Studies have shown that tumor-bearing mice have increased levels of neutrophils in peripheral circulation, and that neutrophil-derived exosomes can deliver various cargos, including lncRNA and miRNA, which contribute to tumor growth and degradation of extracellular matrix. Exosomes derived from immune cells generally possess anti-tumor activities and induce tumor-cell apoptosis by delivering cytotoxic proteins, ROS generation, H2O2 or activation of Fas-mediated apoptosis in target cells. Engineered exosome-like nanovesicles have been developed to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs precisely to tumor cells. However, tumor-derived exosomes can aggravate cancer-associated thrombosis through the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps. Despite the advancements in neutrophil-related research, a detailed understanding of tumor-neutrophil crosstalk is still lacking and remains a major barrier in developing neutrophil-based or targeted therapy. This review will focus on the communication pathways between tumors and neutrophils, and the role of neutrophil-derived exosomes (NDEs) in tumor growth. Additionally, potential strategies to manipulate NDEs for therapeutic purposes will be discussed.
Proof the Collatz Conjecture in Binary Strings
Authors: Feng Jishe
Published: April 2023

The following is the Collatz Conjecture: Suppose we begin with a positive number, multiply it by 3 and add 1 if it is odd, and divide it by 2 if it is even. Then continue doing this as long as you can. Will it matter where you start, whether you end up at the number 1? The Collatz conjecture has been studied for around 85 years. We transform the Collatz function from decimal to binary, then use the binary string's character to prove the Collatz conjecture. In addition, we use mathematics to give another interpretation to chaos, which is the ultimately periodic positive integer sequence.
Web-Based Management of Public Buildings: A Workflow Based on BIM and IoT Sensors Integration with a Web-GIS Portal
Authors: Congiu Eleonora , Desogus Giuseppe , Frau Caterina , Gatto Gianluca , Pili Stefano
Published: April 2023

The paper presents the final results from the research project “Urban Abacus of Building Energy performances (Abaco Urbano Energeticodegli Edifci – AUREE)” aimed at supporting the renovation and energy efficiency enhancement of urban building heritage financed by the “Ricerca Sistema Elettrico (MISE) program”. The crux of AUREE project is a Web – GIS GeoBlog portal with customized semantic dashboards aimed at sharing information on urban built environment and promoting the participation of local stakeholders to its improvement. As the latest development of this research, a workflow integrating the AUREE portal with BIM authoring and an open source IoT platform has been implemented and applied to an experimental case study concerning a public building in Carbonia (Italy). The headquarters of the sustainable energy research center Sotacarbo was selected as case study. The presented results proved that it was possible to create an open system, which could be easily consulted by "non-expert" users as well, to make available real-time monitoring data obtained from IoT sensors measuring the energy consumption, the indoor environmental conditions and the usage profiles of public buildings. The proposed open system could also be suitable to be later used as an effective tool to support the rising “energy communities”.
Cyclodextrins Inclusion Complexes Improving Antibacterial Drug Profiles: An Update Systematic Review
Authors: Santos Anamaria Mendonça , Do Nascimento Júnior José Adão Carvalho , Cézar Silvia Vitória Silva , Quintans Júnior Lucindo José , Araújo Adriano Antunes de Souza , Aragón Diana Marcela , Serafini Mairim Russo
Published: April 2023

Antibiotics have become a widely used drug classes worldwide. Its indiscriminate use in the clini-cal-hospital environment ended up causing antibiotic-resistance genes. Pharmaceutical technology is an essential ally for new formulation development in the antibacterial field. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are ap-proaches that can potentially improve the effectiveness of antibacterial drugs. Thus, this study aimed to review experimental models using CDs as inclusion complexes to improve antibacterial drugs’ physi-cochemical characteristics and biological activities. The review was carried out using the three online journals database PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, limited to Medical Subjects Headings Index. The search protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework database. The following terms and their com-binations were used: cyclodextrins and antibacterial agents in title or abstract, and a total of 1580 studies were identified in a period up to October 2022. Finally, 27 articles were selected for discussion in this review. The biological results reveal that the antibacterial effect of the compounds, complexed with CDs, was extensively improved when compared to the free drugs. CDs can improve the therapeutic effects of antibiotics, already existing on the market, natural products, and synthetic molecules. Therefore, these inclusion complexes using CDs increase the new pharmaceutical products development for clinical ap-plication.
Propagation Law of Hydraulic Fracture across the Coal-Rock Interface under the Co-Effect of Natural Fractures and Tectonic Stress
Authors: Zhu Dijie , Li Wenda , Niu Dong , Xiao Hecheng , Song Xiaoxia
Published: April 2023

Indirect fracturing from roof rock to coal using a horizontal well is a new and promising technology for coalbed methane surface exploitation in soft and low-permeability coal seams. In order to study the propagation law of hydraulic fracture across the coal-rock interface, a pore pressure cohesive element is used to establish a numerical model for indirect fracturing. Combined with practical engineering in 3# coal seam in Xinjing mine in China, the propagation behavior of hydraulic fracture across the coal-rock interface was researched, and the range of horizontal well position for indirect fracturing was determined. The results show that: (1) the pore pressure cohesive element can be used to simulate accurately the interaction between hydraulic fracture and natural fracture, and the propagation of hydraulic fracture across the coal-rock interface. (2) As the vertical distance between the horizontal well and coal-rock interface decreases, the breakdown pressure of perforation decreases; while the injection pressure increases when the hydraulic fracture crosses the coal-rock interface. (3) For the indirect fracturing engineering in 3# coal seam in Xinjing mine, the vertical distance between the horizontal well and coal-rock interface should not be larger than 2.0m to make the hydraulic fracture propagate into the coal seams.
Strategic Development and Internationalization of Cultural Industry with Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Technologies
Authors: Kargas Antonios , Loumos Georgios
Published: April 2023

Internationalization and alternative ways for strategic management have been an objective for stakeholders in cultural industry, especially after COVID-19 pandemic crisis. During the past years “internationalization” has been almost exclusively related with promoting creation or content to larger audiences. Such a strategy seemed sufficient, even if empirical data did not always support such a belief. Technological progress and costs reduction in developing Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications, provides to cultural industry the opportunity to reach global audiences and to enrich their experience.
Current research provides evidence about developing VR and AR tools that can act as internationalization facilitators when it comes to cultural industry. Research conducted during “VARSOCUL” project funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the Greek National Scope Action entitled "RESEARCH-CREATE-INNOVATE". The project’s main result, alongside with VR and AR tools developed are presented.
Semantic Interoperability of EHRs: Review of Approaches for Enhancing the Goals of European Health Data Space
Authors: Palojoki Sari , Vuokko Riikka
Published: April 2023

Semantic interoperability facilitates exchange and access of health data that is being documented in EHRs with various semantic features. In the EU, the regulation proposal of European health data space requires development of semantic interoperability. To achieve a fully integrated EHDS ecosystem leveraging the value of health data, stakeholders need to overcome challenges of implementing common standards and other semantic interoperability features. We aimed to research what scientific evidence is available on developing semantic interoperability. Our research questions focused specifically on key features and approaches for semantic interoperability and on possible benefits of these choices. For that purpose, we performed a systematic literature review by defining our study framework based on previous research. Our results consisted of 10 studies where data models, ontologies, terminologies, classifications, and standards were applied for building interoperability. Through increased access to interoperable patient information, a better quality and outcomes in care can be achieved. Better communication based on easily accessible data is facilitated between health professionals and between clinicians and the patients. When heading towards semantic harmonization as outlined in the EHDS proposal, more experiences and analyses are needed to assess how applicable the chosen solutions are for semantic interoperability of European health care data.
Luminescence properties of epitaxial Cu2O thin films electrodeposited on metallic substrates and Cu2O single crystals
Authors: Trinkler Laima , Dai Dajin , Chang Liuwen , Chou Mitch Ming Chi , Wu Tzu-Ying , Gabrusenoks Jevgenijs , Nilova Dace , Ruska Rihards , Berzina Baiba , Nedzinskas Ramunas
Published: April 2023

Luminescent properties of epitaxial Cu2O thin films were studied in 10-300 K temperature range and compared with luminescent properties of Cu2O single crystals. Cu2O thin films were deposited epitaxially by the electrodeposition method on either Cu or Ag substrates at different processing parameters, which determined the epitaxial orientation relationships and encapsulated surface. Cu2O (100) and (111) single crystal samples were cut from a crystal rod grown by the floating zone method. Luminescence spectra of thin films contain the same emission bands as single crystals around 720, 810 and 910 nm, characterizing VO2+, VO+ and VCu defects, correspondingly. Additional emission bands, whose origin is under discussion, are observed around 650-680 nm, while the exciton features are negligibly small. The relative mutual contribution of the emission bands varies depending on the particular thin film sample. Existence of the domains of crystallites with different orientation determines the polarization of luminescence. PL of both Cu2O thin films and single crystals is characterized with negative thermal quenching in the low temperature region, the reason of this phenomenon is discussed.
Landfill Biogas Recovery and Its Contribution to Greenhouse Gas Mitigation
Authors: Pheakdey Dek Vimean , Quan Nguyen Van , Noudeng Vongdala , Xuan Tran Dang
Published: April 2023

This study assesses the biomethane (CH4) generation and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from municipal solid waste landfilling in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with a focus on the impact of fugitive CH4 emissions and operation processes in four landfilling scenarios: simple dumping (S1), improved management with leachate treatment (S2), engineered landfill with flaring (S3), and engineered landfill with energy recovery (S4). The study also considered the environmental benefits of carbon sequestration and landfill gas utilization. The LandGEM and IPCC FOD models were used to calculate CH4 generation over the period of 2009-2022, and it was found that approximately 18 and 21 M kg/year of CH4 are released, respectively. The energy potential from CH4 recovery was 51–61 GWh/year. Overall GHG emissions in S2 were the highest, amounting to 409–509 M kg CO2-eq/year, while S1 had lower emissions at 397–496 M kg CO2-eq/year. Flaring captured CH4 in S3 could reduce GHG emissions by at least 55%, and using captured CH4 for electricity production in S4 could mitigate at least 83% of GHG emissions. Electricity recovery (S4) could avoid significant amounts of GHG emissions (˗104.5 kg CO2-eq/tMSW). The study suggests that landfill gas-to-energy could significantly reduce GHG emissions.
High-Performance Wearable Bi2Te3-Based Thermoelectric Generator
Authors: Xing Yubing , Tang Kechen , Wang Jiang , Hu Kai , Xiao Yani , Lyv Jianan , Li Junhao , Liu Yutian , Zhou Peng , Yan Yonggao , Yang Dongwang
Published: April 2023

Wearable thermoelectric generators (w-TEGs) convert thermal energy into electrical energy to realize self-powering of intelligent electronic devices, thus reducing the burden of battery replacement and charging, and improving the usage time and efficiency of electronic devices. Through finite element simulation, this study successfully designed high-performance thermoelectric generator and made it into wearable thermoelectric module by adopting “rigid device - flexible connection” method. It was found that higher convective heat transfer coefficient on cold-end leads to larger effective temperature difference and better power generation performance of device in typical wearable scenario. Meanwhile, at same convective heat transfer coefficient on the cold-end, longer TE leg length leads to larger temperature difference established at both ends of device, larger device output power and open-circuit voltage. However, when the convective heat transfer coefficient increases to a certain level, optimization effect of increasing TE leg length on device power generation performance will gradually diminish. For devices with fixed temperature difference between two ends, longer TE leg length leads to higher resistance of TEG, resulting in lower device output power but slight increase in open-circuit voltage. Finally, sixteen 16×4×2 mm2 TEGs (L=1.38 mm, W=0.6 mm) and two modules were fabricated and tested. At hot end temperature Th=33 ℃ and cold end temperature Tc=30 ℃, the actual maximum output power Pout of TEG is about 0.2 mW, and the actual maximum output power Pout of TEG module is about 1.602 mW, which is highly consistent with the simulated value. This work brings great convenience to research and development of wearable thermoelectric modules and provides new, environmentally friendly and efficient power solution for wearable devices.
Insulin-Degrading Enzyme Targeted to Mitochondria: A Proteomic Study
Authors: Yilmaz Ayse , Guerrera Chiara , Waecke-Enée Emmanuelle , Lipecka Joanna , Bertocci Barbara , Endert Peter van
Published: April 2023

Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) is a highly conserved metalloprotease mainly localized in the cytosol. Although IDE can degrade insulin and some other low molecular weight substrates efficiently, its ubiquitous expression suggests additional functions supported by experimental findings, such as a role in stress responses, cellular protein homeostasis. Translation of full-length (Met1) IDE transcripts has reported to result in targeting to mitochondria but the role of IDE in this compartment is unknown. To obtain initial leads on the function of IDE in mitochondria, here we used a proximity biotinylation approach to identify proteins interacting with wild-type and protease-dead IDE targeted to the mitochondrial matrix. We find that mitochondrial IDE interacts strongly with mitochondrial ribosomes as well as with proteins of the respiratory chain. The mitochondrial interactomes of wild type and mutant IDE are highly similar and do not reveal any proteolytic IDE substrates. We speculate that IDE could adopt similar functions in mitochondria as in the cytosol, acting as a chaperone and contributing to protein homeostasis and stress responses.
MicroRNAs Role in Diagnosis and Treatment of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Hasanpour Segherlou Zahra , Saldarriga Lennon , Azizi Esaan , Vo Kim-Anh , Reddy Ramya , Siyanaki Mohammad Reza Hosseini , Lucke-Wold Brandon
Published: April 2023

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is most commonly seen in patients over 55 years of age and often results in a loss of many productive years. SAH has a high mortality rate, and sur-vivors often suffer from early and secondary brain injuries. Understanding the pathophysiology of the SAH is crucial to identifying potential therapeutic agents. One promising target for diagno-sis and prognosis of SAH is circulating microRNAs, which regulate gene expression and are in-volved in various physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we discuss the poten-tial of microRNAs as a target for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in SAH.
Bikeshare Usage Patterns and Interactions with Other Modes
Authors: Du Jianhe , Rakha Hesham
Published: April 2023

In this study, we use descriptive statistics and data visualization techniques to analyze datasets and identify patterns and relationships between bikeshare and other transportation modes. We also use regression analysis to quantify the impact of various factors on bikeshare usage. Our results indicate that bikeshare trips during the pandemic were much longer compared to pre-pandemic times. Moreover, usage of bikeshare differed by user group, with casual users showing a greater increase in usage compared to subscribers. We plotted bivariate choropleth maps to visualize the spatial distribution of changes in bikeshare usage. Our findings suggest that an increase in bikeshare travel was associated with a reduction in travel by ride-hailing and public transit, especially in the northern part of the city, indicating a potential replacement of other modes of transportation. On the western and southern boundary of the city, bikeshare had a complementary effect with other modes. Overall, the data acquired for this study provides a valuable opportunity to understand the behavior of bikeshare users in Chicago, the intercorrelation of bikeshare with other transportation modes, and the impact of infrastructure on bikeshare usage. The findings of this study can inform the design and implementation of bikeshare systems in other cities and contribute to the development of a more sustainable transportation system.
Histoplasmosis at a Reference Center for Infectious Diseases in Southeast Brazil: Comparison between HIV Positive and HIV Negative Individuals
Authors: Paixão Ariane Gomes , Almeida Marcos Abreu , Correia Roberta Espírito Santo , Kamiensky Beatriz Brittes , Zancopé-Oliveira Rosely Maria , Lazera Marcia dos Santos , Wanke Bodo , Lamas Cristiane da Cruz
Published: April 2023

Background: Histoplasmosis is a systemic mycosis, present globally. We aimed to describe cases of histoplasmosis (Hc) and to establish a risk profile associated to Hc in HIV-infected patients (HIV+). Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients with a clinical-. laboratorial diagnosis of Hc. Data was fed into REDCap and statistical analysis was done with R . Results: We included 99 records, 65 HIV+ and 34 HIV-. Average age was 39 years. Median time from onset to diagnosis was 8 weeks in HIV- and 22 weeks in HIV+. Disseminated histoplasmosis occurred in 79.4% HIV+, vs 36.4% HIV-. Median CD4 count was 70. Co-infection with tuberculosis was present in 20% of HIV+. Blood cultures were positive in 32.3% of HIV+ vs 11.8% of HIV- (p=0.025); bone marrow culture was positive in 36.9% vs 8.8%(p=0.003). Most HIV+ patients (71.4%) were hospitalized. On univariate analysis, anemia, leukopenia, intensive care, use of vasopressors and mechanical ventilation were associated with death in HIV+. Conclusions: Most of our patients with histoplasmosis were HIV+, presenting advanced AIDS. Diagnosis was late in HIV+ patients, and they frequently presented disseminated Hc, required hospitalization, and died. Early screening for Hc in HIV+ and drug induced immunosuppressed patients is crucial.
Exploring Stakeholder Engagement Process as The Success Factor for Infrastructure Projects
Authors: Prebanić Kristijan Robert , Vukomanović Mladen
Published: April 2023

Today, the world is undergoing a major investment cycle in infrastructure, which is vital for the development and prosperity of countries and society. Management deficiencies in infrastructure projects are well known and some of them concerns weak engagement of project stakeholders. Importance of stakeholder engagement as the key success factors for infrastructure projects is recognized. However, the literature gives very few answers how this process manifests in projects. Some scholars concluded that it is a complex and undertheorized management process which necessitates more empirical research. The research questions seek to identify how practitioners perceive the stakeholder engagement, who implements activities and processes related to engagement and in what way, which organizational aspects influence the process and how success is achieved in infrastructural projects. Interviews were conducted with eight experienced experts who participated in a whole series of (complex) infrastructure projects. The interviews examined all aspects of the engagement of stakeholders in detail, and a thematic analysis was carried out. Based on the analysis, success/failure factors related to the stakeholder engagement process were defined. As a result, a framework model for engaging stakeholders and achieving success in infrastructure projects is presented, which is based on three management levels and three levels of project success.
Comparing Different Creative Process Measurement Techniques within a Self-regulated Learning Framework to Enhance the Sustainability of Arts Education Progress
Authors: Wang Churan , Zhang Xiaolin , Pan Younghwan
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Self-regulated Learning has become one of educational psychology's most critical research areas. Contemporary research indicates that student creativity is crucial to the success of arts education. However, there is limited research on creativity in arts education in Self-regulated Learning. Therefore, this study aims to define the creativity characteristics that determine the quality of students’ work. This study implemented a creative competition in painting and composition for first-year undergraduates. It evaluated the characteristics of creativity during the three main phases of the task: planning, execution, and completion. We discovered through semi-open questionnaires (n=178)，and using the content analysis method. According to the competition results, the students with the highest scores in Flow, Inspiration, and Idea Generation in the Performance phase had the best quality work. In the Forethought phase, Analogical Thinking and Idea Generation worked best for most students, while in the Performance phase, Flow Sense, Idea Generation, and Idea Manipulation worked best.Data on creativity characteristics at different work phases and final quality might adequately guide and organize educational procedures. These findings can serve as a theoretical foundation for quantifying the creativity phase in Self-regulated Learning and offer arts educators a reference for creativity instruction.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Travel Behavior and Travel Mode Preferences: The Example of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Čaušević Amra
Published: April 2023

Building on the study by Abdullah et al. (2020), this study aims to analyze the perception of travel, especially in this context of the pandemic, when the measures are alleviated, as well as the citizens' intention and preferences for travel methods during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel behavior and travel mode preferences in the example of the residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Five research questions were defined. A quantitative research approach was applied in this study. The data was collected through a questionnaire (online survey) distributed to respondents via e-mail and the social network Facebook. The convenience sample included 265 respondents. Descriptive analysis, as well as quantitative comparative analysis, were carried out on the collected data. The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced a change in travel behavior. The primary purpose of travel before and during the COVID-19 pandemic was social activities. The most significant change in the primary purpose of travel before and during the COVID-19 pandemic is reflected in a decrease in social activities and an increase in recreational sports activities. In contrast, other activities remained proportionally the same before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The average distance traveled for primary outdoor trips before the COVID-19 pandemic is greater than that for primary outdoor trips during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article allows for better organization and planning for the future in the event of another pandemic.
Photocatalytic Activity and Biocide Properties of Ag-TIO2 Composites on Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Chacón-Argaez Uriel , Cedeño-Caero Luis , Cadena-Nava Ruben D. , Ramirez-Acosta Kendra , Moyado Sergio Fuentes , Sánchez-López Perla , Alonso Núñez Gabriel
Published: April 2023

Composites of Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles on cotton fabrics were synthetized in-situ by sono-chemical and hydrothermal methods achieving the successive formation of Ag-NPs and Ti-NPs directly on the fabric. The impregnated fabrics were characterized by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, high resolution microscopy (HREM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with Ener-gy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Raman, photoluminescence, UV-vis and DRS spectroscopies and by tension tests. Results showed the successful formation and impregnation of NPs on the cotton fabric, with a negligible leaching of NPs after several washing cycles. The photocatalytic activity of supported NPs was assessed by the degradation of methyl blue dye (MB) under solar and UV irradiation revealing improved photocatalytic activity of the Ag-TiO2/cotton composites due to a synergy of both Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles. This behavior is attributed to a diminished electron-hole recombination effect in the Ag-TiO2 cotton samples. The biocide activity of these composites on the growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus (Gram+) and Escherichia coli (Gram-) was confirmed, revealing interesting possibilities for the utilization of the functionalized cotton fabric as protective cloth for medical applications.
Traceability of the Micro Scale Pipe Viscometer for Traceable Calibration of Dynamic Viscosity
Authors: Neuhaus Stefanie , Bissig Hugo , Bircher Benjamin A. , De Huu Marc
Published: April 2023

Calibration of flow devices is important in several areas of pharmaceutical, flow chemistry and microfluidic applications where dosage of process liquids or accurate measurement of the flow rate is important. The process-oriented liquid itself might influence the performance of the flow device and the simultaneous determination of the dynamic viscosity under flow conditions might be a valuable information for the process parameters. To offer the simultaneous calibration of the dynamic viscosity of the process-oriented liquid at the corresponding flowrate, METAS has built a pipe viscometer for the traceable in-line measurement of the dynamic viscosity in the current flow facilities for low flow rates from 1 L/min to 150 mL/min and pressure drops up to 10 bar. The traceability of all the measuring quantities as well as the geometrical dimensions of the micro tube guarantee the traceability of the pipe viscometer to SI units. The most challenging part is the traceable determination of the inner diameter of the micro tube. This can be achieved by measuring the pressure drop as a function of flow rate with the pipe viscometer and applying the law of Hagen-Poiseuille with a traceable dynamic viscosity of a reference liquid (water) or perform the measurements with the micro-CT at METAS, which determines the inner diameter by x-ray diffraction. The validation of the stated measurement uncertainty of the pipe viscometer has been performed by means of calibration of the dynamic viscosity of several reference liquids with traceable density and kinematic viscosity. The setup of the facility, the traceability as well as the uncertainty calculation of the pipe viscometer for the in-line measurement of the dynamic viscosity are discussed in this paper.
First Label-Free Carbohydrate-Based Electrochemical Sensor To Detect Escherichia coli Pathogenic Bacteria Using Affinity Between Adhesion FimH and Mannose on the Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Hargol Zadeha Sakineh , Kashanian Soheila , Nazari Maryam
Published: April 2023

Controlling water and food contamination by pathogenic organisms requires quick, simple, and low-cost methods. using affinity between mannose and type I fimbriae in the cell wall of Escherichia coli bacteria as evaluation elements compared to the conventional plate counting technique enables a reliable sensing platform for the detection of bacteria. In this study, a simple new sensor based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for rapid and sensitive detection of Escherichia coli was developed. Biorecognition layer of the sensor was formed by covalent attachment of p-carboxyphenylamino mannose (PCAM) to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) electrodeposited on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The resultant structure of PCAM was characterized and confirmed using FTIR. The developed biosensor demonstrated a linear response with a logarithm of bacterial concentration (R2 = 0.998) in the range of 1.3 × 10 1~ 1.3 × 106 CFU.mL−1with the limit of detection of 2 CFU.mL−1 within 60 min. The sensor did not generate any significant signals with two non-target strains, demonstrating high selectivity of the developed biorecognition chemistry. Selectivity of the sensor and its applicability to analysis of the real samples was investigated in samples of tap water. Overall, the developed sensor has shown to be promising for the detection of E. coli pathogen in water due to its high sensitivity, short detection time, low cost, high specificity, and user-friendliness.
Light Scattering Properties for Aggregates of Atmospheric Ice Crystals Within the Physical Optics Approximation
Authors: Timofeev Dmitriy , Kustova Natalia , Shishko Victor , Konoshonkin Alexander
Published: April 2023

This paper presents the light scattering matrices of atmospheric aggregated hexagonal ice particles appearing in cirrus clouds. In this work aggregates consist of the same particles with different spatial orientation and number of these particles. Two types of particle shape were studied: (1) hexagonal column; (2) hexagonal plate. For both shapes we study compact and non-compact cases of arrangement of particles in aggregates. As a result, four sets of aggregates were made: (1) compact columns; (2) non-compact columns; (3) compact plates; (4) non-compact plates. Each set consists of eight aggregates with different number of particles from 2 to 9. For practical reason the bullet-rosette and the aggregate of hexagonal columns with different sizes was also calculated. The light scattering matrices were calculated for the case of arbitrary spatial orientation within the geometrical optics approximation for sets of compact and non-compact aggregates and within the physical optics approximation for two additional aggregates. It was found that light scattering matrix elements for aggregates are depend on arrangement of particles they are consisted.
Существовал ли период скрытого развития COVID-19 в Санкт-Петербурге? Результаты математического моделирования и факты
Authors: Колесин Игорь Дмитриевич , Kolesin Igor Dmitrievich , Житкова Екатерина Михайловна , Zhitkova Ekaterina Mikhailovna
Published: April 2023

Проверяется гипотеза о существовании латентного периода развития первой волны COVID-19 в Санкт-Петербурге. Согласно этой гипотезе, появлению первого больного предшествовало скрытое формирование местного варианта возбудителя, вызванное занесением возбудителя извне и протекавшее в массе лиц с бессимптомным течением инфекции. Предложена математическая модель с двумя ветвями развития: бессимптомной и клинически выраженной. Предусмотрена возможность обострения бессимптомной формы либо ее завершения. К числу других особенностей модели относится: учет бессимптомных носителей, учет легкой и тяжелой форм болезни, спада популяционного иммунитета из-за генетического дрейфа возбудителя. Предложен прием последовательной идентификации модели в условиях недостатка данных. Показывается, что верификация математической модели требует наличия достаточно большого числа бессимптомных лиц на момент обнаружения первого больного, что является аргументом в пользу справедливости гипотезы.
Определение скорости испарения с поверхности бассейна при активном волнообразовании
Authors: Воронина Е Б , Voronina E B , Кальясов Павел Сергеевич , Kalyasov Pavel Sergeevich , Кудрявцев Андрей Юрьевич , Kudryavtsev Andrei Yur'evich , Щулепов К В , Shchulepov K V , Брюзгин С Н , Bruzgin S N , Кротов А С , Krotov A S
Published: April 2023

Рассматривается проблема проектирования уникальных строительных объектов в части прогнозирования климатических характеристик помещений. К таким объектам относится Серфинг-центр, который планируется построить в Москве. Составной частью проектной работы является определение влажности в помещении и выбор параметров систем климатического контроля. В рамках решения данной задачи разработана методика моделирования скорости испарения с поверхности бассейна при активном волнении. Методика базируется на использовании методов вычислительной газодинамики в сочетании с калибровкой эмпирических констант моделей по известным экспериментальным данным для скорости испарения на тихой воде. По разработанной методике определен поправочный коэффициент к формуле стандарта VDI2089 для оценки скорости испарения с поверхности бассейна при заданных параметрах волнения.
Stakeholder Power And Sustainability Disclosure: Stakeholder Salience Perspective
Authors:   Universiti Teknologi MARA, Majdi Suria , Saleh Norman Mohd ,   Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Abdullah Maizatulakma , Alias Norazlan
Published: April 2023

Research Aims: This study tests the effects of different stakeholder power (shareholders, employees, customers, business partners, community, government, NGOs, and media) on sustainability disclosure using stakeholder salience theory. Extending from this perspective, this study makes separate assumptions for each stakeholder and determines which one had the most power over sustainability disclosure. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study adopts a journalism (i.e., news framing) approach and observes the element of power in sustainability disclosure using content analysis. The sample comprises of panel data of 140 listed firms in the construction and property sector in Malaysia. Research Findings: The results show that the employees, community and media power are positively related to sustainability disclosure. This study improves our understanding of the factors determining firms' disclosure by demonstrating that market stakeholders (shareholders, employees, customers and business partners) are not perceived as necessary by managers concerning sustainability disclosure. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: Common studies view all stakeholders to be taken homogenously into consideration in business decision making. Few studies focus on the power of stakeholders in influencing disclosure is lacking. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian Context: This study gives insight on which stakeholder is the most important in rank and the finding informs managers to draft a stakeholder management plan and budget, given that such activities can increase firm value. Research Limitation & Implications: This research however did not investigate the dynamics of stakeholder power along with the existence of other salience factors, i.e., the legitimacy and urgency factors. Keywords: Construction, Stakeholder, Power, Salience Theory, Sustainability Disclosure