bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of bacteriophages Salmonella spp.
Authors: Vasylkiv O. , Kukhtyn M.
Published: October 2023

Against the background of reduced immunity of the body, the role of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms, which usually circulate in poultry farms in various associations, among the causative agents of poultry bacteriosis, is sharply increasing. Salmonella is one of the main bacteria affecting poultry and the most essential zoonotic pathogen causing foodborne illness. The work aimed to search and isolate lytic phages active in museum strains of Salmonella from the environment of poultry farms. The presence of lytic phages in museum strains of salmonella (Salmonella typhimurium 144 and Salmonella adobraco 1) was determined in the poultry houses samples according to Oliver and Grazia's standard method. It was established that the frequency of isolation of bacteriophages to the strain Salmonella typhimurium 144 from poultry farms was from 17.6 to 30.8 %, and the strain Salmonella adobraco 1 was 1.5 to 3.0 times less. In contrast, most often, lytic bacteriophages were isolated from sewage poultry houses. The size of negative colonies was larger in bacteriophages against Salmonella typhimurium 144 strain and was 2.8 ± 0.3 mm, which is 1.4 times larger, compared with colonies of bacteriophages lytic against Salmonella adobraco 1 strain. According to the degree of transparency, bacteriophages of Salmonella typhimurium 144 strain were primarily transparent. At the same time, the colonies of Salmonella adobraco 1 phages were translucent in most cases. Therefore, isolated bacteriophages for the Salmonella typhimurium 144 strain are better suited for developing a biological preparation for industrial poultry farming.
Helminthiasis of wild ungulates: helminth fauna. Spread and features of prevention
Authors: Hunchak Yu. R. , Gutyj B. V. , Hunchak A. V. , Soltys M. P.
Published: October 2023

Ensuring the veterinary and sanitary welfare of animals is essential. Parasitic diseases are especially dangerous for deer. Helminths cause considerable material damage to deer farms, mainly decreasing the productive, trophy, and marketable qualities of animals. This article studies the distribution and features of preventing helminthiasis of wild ungulates. In ungulate populations settled in new ecological conditions, helminth fauna formation depends on many factors. In particular, this process is influenced by the correct selection of the settlement area, the physiological state of animals, the organization of animal feeding, medical and preventive measures, etc. Among the main measures for preventing helminthiasis in deer in the conditions of their semi-free keeping (farms, aviaries), those that reduce the possibility of infection of animals with parasites common to domestic animals are also vital. Wild animals are much more often infected with helminths of domestic animals, and the most dangerous parasitosis for them are fasciolosis, parafasciolopsosis, cysticercosis, trichostrongylidosis of ruminants. Infection with nematodes Capillaria spp. is characteristic exclusively for red deer, and the intensity of infestation is higher for this species of ruminant ungulates in free-range conditions. According to some researchers, mecystocirosis and strongyloidosis are among the most common helminthiasis in deer, the infection with pathogens of which is 74.5 and 73.3 %, respectively. Parafasciolopsoses (IE – 5.9 %), nematodirus (IE – 5.9 %), and paramphistomatids (IE – 2.8 %) are found somewhat less often. Thus, the study of helminth fauna, the development and implementation of adequate means, and methods of prevention of parasites in wild animals acquire considerable relevance. There are several ways to prevent helminthiasis in hunting and aviary deer farms; when examining the land and choosing an area for aviaries for deer, a helminthological assessment should be taken into account; it is mandatory to examine animals for helminthiasis (parasitocenoses) and carry out deworming of all imported animals; carry out annual disinfestation of feeders, watering holes, places for feeding, protective structures for animals; it is crucial to rationally place biotechnical facilities in areas safe from parasitosis; infected animals with characteristic clinical signs of the disease must be culled. There is quite a lot of information in the available literature regarding the group method of using anthelmintics for deer.
Research on the incidence of infectious urocystitis in dogs and cats and their main causative agents
Authors: Martyniv Yu. V. , Kisera Ya. V. , Kashliak N. O.
Published: October 2023

Urocystitis is the most common disease of the urinary tract, which has different etiology and can be complicated by bacterial microflora. There are many factors that can contribute to the occurrence of bacterial urocystitis in small animals: chronic inflammatory processes of non-infectious origin, urolithiasis, localization of the bacterial focus in the organs and tissues adjacent to the urethra. Often, during the course of urocystitis, bacteria play the role of a complicating factor or are the main cause of infectious urocystitis in dogs and cats. Therefore, microorganisms that penetrate through the urethra into the bladder can be both gram-positive or gram-negative, highly pathogenic or conditionally pathogenic, which, under favorable conditions created during the course of inflammation, begin to pose a danger to a sick animal. Their identification and determination of resistance to antibiotics is the key to quality treatment and quick recovery during the course of bacterial urocystitis. While the differentiation of infectious from non-infectious urocystitis makes it possible to prevent the irrational use of antibiotics in veterinary practice and to prevent the formation of multiresistant bacterias to different groups of antibiotics. In order to find out the percentage ratio of infectious and non-infectious urocystitis, to determine the species composition of the microflora and its sensitivity to antibiotics of different groups, an aseptic urine sample was taken from animals with urocystitis. Initially, after obtaining the material for examination, urine was subjected to microscopy, followed by cultivation and determination of sensitivity to antibiotics of all obtained cultures of microorganisms. The study was conducted on 82 sick cats and dogs. Of all tested samples, 70.7 % had no growth on nutrient media during the cultivation, while 29.3 % had bacterial growth on meat peptone agar, meat peptone broth, and blood agar. This indicates that almost every third animal under study has bacterial urocystitis, which requires treatment with antibiotics. During cultivation was found the largest number of cultures of Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli, which show sensitivity to fluoroquinolone antibiotics (enrofloxacin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin) and cephalosporins (cefazalin, cephalexin, and ceftriaxone).
Los impactos del Covid-19 en la transformación digital del sector automovilístico brasileño desde la perspectiva del consumidor y de los ejecutivos de la industria
Authors: Silva Bruno Campos Pinto
Published: October 2023

El objetivo de este artículo es proporcionar un análisis de la situación de los posibles impactos causados por la pandemia del nuevo coronavirus en el proceso de transformación digital de la industria automotriz, desde la perspectiva del consumidor y los ejecutivos. Se utilizó un enfoque cualitativo con una investigación exploratoria, haciendo uso de una base teórica sobre los temas de disrupción, transformación digital, especialmente centrada en el sector estudiado, desk research con datos recopilados en estudios de mercado y una investigación exploratoria a través de una encuesta en línea realizada a 67 ejecutivos del sector. Se analizaron los factores convergentes y divergentes del desk research y la investigación exploratoria con el fin de comprender si los ejecutivos tenían la misma percepción que se había explorado y descubierto en la base teórica y los datos secundarios. Uno de los problemas principales en la investigación social, incluyendo estudios recientes sobre innovación, es la complejidad de las relaciones humanas y de liderazgo en las organizaciones en general. La dificultad para reducir la complejidad sistémica se ha manifestado repetidamente cuando los investigadores en el campo de la Administración e Innovación intentan comprender el proceso de percepción de la realidad desde la perspectiva del consumidor y los ejecutivos de un sector específico. Queda claro que, a pesar de la falta de correlación estadística entre variables, los líderes perciben realidades que los llevan a actuar y reaccionar en su entorno. Los estudios sobre este tema se han utilizado poco en Brasil, tanto en el ámbito práctico como en el teórico, independientemente del segmento de actividad, el estudio podría aplicarse a cualquier industria considerada tradicional.
Implementation of Additive Ratio Assessment Method in Decision Making on Fertilizer Supplier Selection at BBTPH Banyumas
Authors: Aldo Dasril , Nur Yohani Setiya Rafika , Utami Annisaa
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to solve problems in the selection of fertilizer suppliers at BBTPH Banyumas by proposing a decision support system (DSS). The quality of fertilizer supplier performance that is less than meeting standards can have a direct effect on crop yields, affect the level of efficiency, and decrease the quality of horticultural commodities. Therefore, this study aims to obtain decisions on the most feasible suppliers to be partners in supplying fertilizers. The method used in this study is the Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) method which is a method for alternative ranking based on specified criteria. The criteria used are in the form of criteria data, namely quality, price, service, delivery, product, and warranty. Fertilizer supplier data is obtained from BBTPH Banyumas and processed using the ARAS method. The stages carried out are identifying criteria, weighting, determining alternatives, evaluating alternatives, calculating the score of each alternative and choosing the suggested solution. The results showed that the best fertilizer supplier was supplier A with an ARAS value of 0.421. Supplier A has advantages in price, quality, and reputation criteria. This research can provide recommendations to BBTPH Banyumas in choosing fertilizer suppliers that suit their needs and preferences. The ARAS method is very useful in solving complex problems and involves many factors. By using this approach, the decisions taken become more objective and supported by clear data. Therefore, the ARAS method can be adopted by other organizations to address similar problems.
Design of 5G MIMO 2x2 Broadband Antenna At 26 GHz Frequency Using Double U-Slot Method and Defected Ground Structure
Authors: Ihsan Muhammad , Hikmaturokhman Alfin , Laras Solichah , Alam Syah
Published: October 2023

The 5G technology is a telecommunications innovation that offers incredibly high-speed data transfer. It is expected to outperform its predecessors significantly. In utilizing 5G services, efficient devices are crucial, and solutions like Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) systems play a key role. MIMO is an antenna system with numerous transmitting and receiving elements, enabling simultaneous transmission and reception. A 26 GHz frequency microstrip antenna is modified using a double U-slot, and the Defected Ground Structure (DGS) method is employed to reduce antenna coupling effects and enhance bandwidth. This antenna features a directional radiation pattern that focuses in a specific direction, thereby increasing efficiency. Prior to optimization, the return loss was at around -14.15 dB, VSWR was approximately 1.49 dB, and bandwidth was 0.65 GHz. After optimization, the return loss improved to between -27.06 and -28.09 dB, signifying performance enhancement. Despite a slight increase in VSWR to 1.08 to 1.09 dB, it remains within acceptable limits. The bandwidth increased to 1.06 to 1.13 GHz. These results indicate that optimization successfully boosted antenna performance, resulting in higher data transfer efficiency. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the telecommunications landscape with faster and more reliable services through advanced 5G networks.
An Adlerian Reading of Courage, Life Style and Social Interest in Donoghue’s Room
Authors: Mehrnaz Khoshgam  , Fatemeh Kargar Bardaskan  , Seyed Hadi Momen
Published: October 2023

This paper aims to investigate the notion of Courage, Life Style and Social Interest in dealt with Adler concept of personality development in Emma Donoghue’s Room. Specifically, how these concepts unveil negative emotions encouraged the characters to develop their personality through the novel and how the characters resolve the personality problems in this novel. The protagonist, Jack, is a five-year-old youngster. room is in a whole different circumstance than she has ever been in. Jack grows up alone in a room with his mother. Since she was 19 years old, Ma has been kidnapped. It has been seven years since that time. She is raped and imprisoned in a room until her son, Jack, was born. Life in room, as Jack refers to their zone of imprisonment, is a constant pain for Ma, only alleviated by her desire to protect her son. In their daily lives in Room, they experience horrific events that can be classified as psychological illnesses for Ma and Jack . The focus of this study is on Adler’s most influential concept that is personality development. It is considered as an individual’s interest within their social context.
Demand in the Russian Labor Market
Authors: Vinokurov Evgeny F.
Published: October 2023

The work deals to the construction of the labor demand function in modern Russia. This function is two-factor, with real wages and gross domestic product acting as its factors. The function in question is based on a modified labor demand function, which is a regression equation linking the labor intensity of production with the average real wage. Labor intensity in this case is interpreted as the amount of demand for labor on the part of an average Russian employer in the production of final products worth, for example, 1 million rubles per year. The product of the theoretical value of the modified demand function in a certain year by the value of GDP gives the theoretical number of employed, interpreted as the value of the demand for labor. The article presents the results based on the dynamic series of official Russian statistical information for 2001–2020 calculations that allowed us to determine the type and parameters of the modified labor demand function. The characteristic features of this function are decreasing with deceleration and relatively high elasticity. The relationship between labor intensity and wages can be described as very close. As the calculations have shown, the two-factor demand function also adequately reflects the situation on the Russian labor market.
Labor Productivity and Increasing the Efficiency of National Economic Systems: Cross-Country Comparison
Authors: Minat Valerij N.
Published: October 2023

The problem of measuring the efficiency of social production is inseparable from the problem of measuring labor productivity. The efficiency of the production use of material resources, expressed as the ratio of the useful result of labor directly to its corresponding costs, reflected in the physical volume of GDP of the countries of the world, is presented in the work as labor productivity. The author selected 12 different countries. The necessary statistical indicators was recalculated from material resources to labor. Using factorial and correlation-regression analysis, the problem of quantitative assessment (in weight terms) and its interpretation as a measure of labor productivity impact on the efficiency of the economies of a number of countries in 2011–2020 is solved. The results of the study confirmed the hypotheses, providing increase in the role of labor productivity in achieving the efficiency of using the production resources in national economic systems. It was empirically proven that national economic systems that differ not in the maximum amount of resources, but in the most balanced combination of different types of resources involved, have a relatively greater efficiency. The place of Russia as an economy characterized by the optimal value of the effect of social production equal to one is noted, which contributes to the relatively successful development of its economic system, subject to active structural restructuring of the economy in favor of sectors that increase labor productivity.
PENGEMBANGAN EXCITED MATH GAMES UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PEMAHAMAN KONSEP HIMPUNAN SISWA SMP
Authors: Ramadhani Zahrotul Luthfina , Cipta Dyah Ayu Sulistyaning , Kartika Era Dewi
Published: October 2023

The aim of the research is to develop interactive learning media Excited Math Games on set material for class VII junior high school students. The research method used is development research referring to the ADDIE model. The research instruments were media development sheets and student learning outcomes tests. The results of the research are based on the design carried out (1) analysis: needs analysis which shows that the use of learning media is still limited, and students have not been actively involved in the learning process, technology analysis, a combination of Power Point and iSping Suite 10 used as the main software, and curriculum analysis according to with the 2013 curriculum; (2) design: collecting references, designing material content according to aspects of understanding concepts, preparing stoyboards and flowcharts to make it easier to create learning media; (3) development; creating learning media, expert validation to determine the validity of learning media, and revising phase I products based on validator input; (4) implementation: trial to obtain data on students' level of understanding of concepts after applying learning media; (5) evaluation: analyzing student learning test results to determine the level of understanding of concepts. The quality of the learning media developed meets the very valid criteria based on the assessment of media experts and material experts with scores of 3.8125 and 3.65 respectively. Meanwhile, the level of understanding of students' concepts after applying the Excited Math Games learning media obtained very high criteria based on student learning outcomes tests with a completeness percentage of 86.67% and an average score of 88 or above the students' completeness score, namely > 70.
Fisher insights into rhino ray status, utilisation, and conservation at five major fishing harbours in India
Authors: Karnad D , Barnes A , Mukherji S , Narayani S , Jabado RW
Published: October 2023

Rhino rays (order Rhinopristiformes) are among the most threatened marine species. India is one of the world’s top shark and ray fishing nations and harbours a high diversity of these species, but research on them has been limited. This study provides insights on rhino ray status, utilisation, and conservation across 5 large fishing harbours in India (Porbandar, Mumbai, Chennai, Ganjam, and Digha) by describing fishers’ ecological knowledge of fisheries interactions, patterns of catches and utilisation, and perceptions and attitudes towards rhino ray conservation. Interviews (n = 161) revealed that rhino rays are considered bycatch (99.3% of respondents), with catch declines of up to 95% in the last decade (85%, n = 137) and unsustainable fishing noted as the leading cause of declines. Primary use was for local consumption (71%, n = 114), mostly as fresh meat. Large-bodied individuals (>1 m total length [TL]) could reportedly be sold for the fin trade or locally consumed. Small-bodied individuals (<1 m TL) were reportedly discarded at sea, consumed, or considered trash fish. Knowledge of products, prices, and trends in utilisation was mostly anecdotal, and it was evident that respondents’ concern for rhino ray conservation was very low. The lack of ecological knowledge was assessed to be due to population declines. Overall, 78% of respondents (n = 126) had higher use-oriented attitudes towards rhino rays than conservation-oriented attitudes. Hence, conservation actions need to be complemented with policies to protect rhino ray species and critical habitats. Our findings demonstrate the urgency of immediate conservation actions for and recording ecological knowledge of these species.
Image Encryption using Half-Inverted Cascading Chaos Cipheration
Authors: Setiadi De Rosal Ignatius Moses , Robet Robet , Pribadi Octara , Widiono Suyud , Sarker Md Kamruzzaman
Published: October 2023

This research introduces an image encryption scheme combining several permutations and substitution-based chaotic techniques, such as Arnold Chaotic Map, 2D-SLMM, 2D-LICM, and 1D-MLM. The proposed method is called Half-Inverted Cascading Chaos Cipheration (HIC3), designed to increase digital image security and confidentiality. The main problem solved is the image's degree of confusion and diffusion. Extensive testing included chi-square analysis, information entropy, NCPCR, UACI, adjacent pixel correlation, key sensitivity and space analysis, NIST randomness testing, robustness testing, and visual analysis. The results show that HIC3 effectively protects digital images from various attacks and maintains their integrity. Thus, this method successfully achieves its goal of increasing security in digital image encryption
Relations Between the Ottoman Empire and the Comoros
Authors: ÖZKAN Aydın , YILMAZ Tuğrul Oğuzhan
Published: October 2023

Comoros, one of the smallest countries in Africa, is located in the Indian Ocean. Consisting of the Grande Comore, Anjouan, Mwaliand, Mayotte islands, the first three of the Comoros Islands form an independent state, while the other is an overseas colony of France. Almost all of the people in this island state in East Africa are Muslims. One of the states that the Comoros, which has been closely interested by European states for many years due to its geopolitical position, has established relations throughout history is the OttomanEmpire. The Comoros, which witnessed the struggle for influence between the British and the French in the 19th century, tried to establish mutual relations through Muslim scholars and notables who applied to the Ottoman Empire. Accordingly, Comoros, which specifically asked for help from the Ottoman Empire, will try to establish a main stay against foreign occupation for the community. On theotherhand, theSublime Porte wouldtakevariousmeasurestoprotectthe Comoros Muslims against the Western colonialists. In this study, the multifaceted relations between the Ottoman Empire and the Comoros Islands will be examined and evaluated through archival documents and specific sources.
Hypertonic treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Li Weiyu , Martini Judith , Intaglietta Marcos , Tartakovsky Daniel M.
Published: October 2023

Many viral infections, including the COVID-19 infection, are associated with the hindrance of blood oxygenation due to the accumulation of fluid, inflammatory cells, and cell debris in the lung alveoli. This condition is similar to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Mechanical positive-pressure ventilation is often used to treat this condition, even though it might collapse pulmonary capillaries, trapping red blood cells and lowering the lung’s functional capillary density. We posit that the hyperosmotic-hyperoncotic infusion should be explored as a supportive treatment for ARDS. As a first step in verifying the feasibility of this ARDS treatment, we model the dynamics of alveolar fluid extraction by osmotic effects. These are induced by increasing blood plasma osmotic pressure in response to the increase of blood NaCl concentration. Our analysis of fluid drainage from a plasma-filled pulmonary alveolus, in response to the intravenous infusion of 100 ml of 1.28 molar NaCl solution, shows that alveoli empty of fluid in approximately 15 min. These modeling results are in accordance with available experimental and clinical data; no new data were collected. They are used to calculate the temporal change of blood oxygenation, as oxygen diffusion hindrance decreases upon absorption of the alveolar fluid into the pulmonary circulation. Our study suggests the extraordinary speed with which beneficial effects of the proposed ARDS treatment are obtained and highlight its practicality, cost-efficiency, and avoidance of side effects of mechanical origin.
Analysis of factors influencing crash injury severities at highway–rail grade crossings accommodating for unobserved heterogeneity
Authors: Se Chamroeun , Champahom Thanapong , Laphrom Wimon , Jomnonkwao Sajjakaj , Ratanavaraha Vatanavongs
Published: October 2023

Introduction: This research aims to identify and understand the risk factors associated with injury severities in accidents occurring at highway–rail grade crossings in the context of the developing country, Thailand.

Method: The mixed logit model was employed by analyzing crash data over 10 years, from 2012 to 2022.

Results: The analysis revealed a number of significant factors associated with severe or fatal crashes. These included accidents that occurred between midnight and 6 a.m., collisions involving pickup cars or heavy trucks, roads with a “no overtaking zone” sign, intersections classified as Type B1 (defined by the presence of only warning posts and horizontal crossing barriers), and intersections without adequate traffic control devices. In contrast, hazard markers on pavements and traverse rumble strips were positively correlated with property damage only crashes, where no injuries were reported.

Discussion: This study provides insights into contributory factors to accidents at highway–rail grade crossing. Based on these key findings, the study recommends increasing nighttime visibility at railway grade crossings, developing targeted education and training programs for pickup car and truck drivers, installing hazard markers and traverse rumble strips, and considering physical barriers, such as bollards or delineators, to discourage overtaking maneuvers near the railway crossing.
Native lamin A/C proteomes and novel partners from heart and skeletal muscle in a mouse chronic inflammation model of human frailty
Authors: Elzamzami Fatima D. , Samal Arushi , Arun Adith S. , Dharmaraj Tejas , Prasad Neeti R. , Rendon-Jonguitud Alex , DeVine Lauren , Walston Jeremy D. , Cole Robert N. , Wilson Katherine L.
Published: October 2023

Clinical frailty affects ∼10% of people over age 65 and is studied in a chronically inflamed (Interleukin-10 knockout; “IL10-KO”) mouse model. Frailty phenotypes overlap the spectrum of diseases (“laminopathies”) caused by mutations in LMNA. LMNA encodes nuclear intermediate filament proteins lamin A and lamin C (“lamin A/C”), important for tissue-specific signaling, metabolism and chromatin regulation. We hypothesized that wildtype lamin A/C associations with tissue-specific partners are perturbed by chronic inflammation, potentially contributing to dysfunction in frailty. To test this idea we immunoprecipitated native lamin A/C and associated proteins from skeletal muscle, hearts and brains of old (21–22 months) IL10-KO versus control C57Bl/6 female mice, and labeled with Tandem Mass Tags for identification and quantitation by mass spectrometry. We identified 502 candidate lamin-binding proteins from skeletal muscle, and 340 from heart, including 62 proteins identified in both tissues. Candidates included frailty phenotype-relevant proteins Perm1 and Fam210a, and nuclear membrane protein Tmem38a, required for muscle-specific genome organization. These and most other candidates were unaffected by IL10-KO, but still important as potential lamin A/C-binding proteins in native heart or muscle. A subset of candidates (21 in skeletal muscle, 30 in heart) showed significantly different lamin A/C-association in an IL10-KO tissue (p < 0.05), including AldoA and Gins3 affected in heart, and Lmcd1 and Fabp4 affected in skeletal muscle. To screen for binding, eleven candidates plus prelamin A and emerin controls were arrayed as synthetic 20-mer peptides (7-residue stagger) and incubated with recombinant purified lamin A “tail” residues 385–646 under relatively stringent conditions. We detected strong lamin A binding to peptides solvent exposed in Lmcd1, AldoA, Perm1, and Tmem38a, and plausible binding to Csrp3 (muscle LIM protein). These results validated both proteomes as sources for native lamin A/C-binding proteins in heart and muscle, identified four candidate genes for Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (CSRP3, LMCD1, ALDOA, and PERM1), support a lamin A-interactive molecular role for Tmem38A, and supported the hypothesis that lamin A/C interactions with at least two partners (AldoA in heart, transcription factor Lmcd1 in muscle) are altered in the IL10-KO model of frailty.
The effect of synthesis conditions and process parameters on aerogel properties
Authors: Payanda Konuk Ozge , Alsuhile Ala A. A. M. , Yousefzadeh Hamed , Ulker Zeynep , Bozbag Selmi E. , García-González C. A. , Smirnova I. , Erkey Can
Published: October 2023

Aerogels are remarkable nanoporous materials with unique properties such as low density, high porosity, high specific surface area, and interconnected pore networks. In addition, their ability to be synthesized from various precursors such as inorganics, organics, or hybrid, and the tunability of their properties make them very attractive for many applications such as adsorption, thermal insulation, catalysts, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. The physical and chemical properties and pore structure of aerogels are crucial in determining their application areas. Moreover, it is possible to tailor the aerogel properties to meet the specific requirements of each application. This review presents a comprehensive review of synthesis conditions and process parameters in tailoring aerogel properties. The effective parameters from the dissolution of the precursor step to the supercritical drying step, including the carbonization process for carbon aerogels, are investigated from the studies reported in the literature.
KiData: simple data visualization tool for future data scientists
Authors: Hamouda Sally , Kancharla Sahith , Singh Gurkirat , Yang Lin , Wang Zhuoqun , Zhang Siliang , Nirjhar Raseen , Golden John
Published: October 2023

Data and visualizations are powerful tools that provide insights, analysis, and conclusions in a logical and easy-to-understand manner. However, the current school curriculum lacks adequate preparation for students to understand, analyze, interpret, or create complex data visualizations, which can hinder their potential careers in data science. To address this gap, our project aimed to develop a user-friendly web-based tool that provides interactive lessons on data and visualizations for elementary school children. The website consists of 12 lessons, categorized by grade levels (1st–2nd grade, 3rd–4th grade, and 5th–6th grade), and includes an interactive question-answer section. Users can scroll down after reading the lessons and practice questions based on the visualizations. The website also has the potential to incorporate games related to data and visualization. The lessons are implemented using React.js and Java with the Spring framework, and new lessons can easily be added by storing them in a markdown folder. The website features a navigation bar with tabs for Home, Lessons, Games, About, and Contact. Additionally, a feedback form is included to gather user feedback for further improvements. The website is currently in the testing stage, and future surveys for teachers and elementary school students will be added to enhance the features provided. Our study presents preliminary findings and serves as a foundational exploration. We acknowledge that further research and experimentation are required to validate and expand upon the results discussed herein.
Case Report: Identification of microduplication in the chromosomal 2p16.1p15 region in an infant suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Wang Xun , Zhang Zeying , Zuo Wanyun , Wang Dan , Yang Fan , Liu Qiming , Xiao Yunbin
Published: October 2023

This study reports the first case of a patient with chromosomal 2p16.1p15 microduplication syndrome complicated by pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). A female infant was admitted to the hospital suffering from dyskinesia and developmental delay, and conventional echocardiography revealed an atrial septal defect (ASD), which was not taken seriously or treated at that time. Two years later, preoperative right heart catheterization for ASD closure revealed a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) of 45 mmHg. The mPAP was reduced, and the condition was stabilized after drug therapy. A genomic copy number duplication (3×) of at least 2.58 Mb in the 2p16.1p15 region on the paternal chromosome was revealed. Multiple Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) genes are involved in this genomic region, such as BCL11A, EHBP1, FAM161A, PEX13, and REL. EHBP1 promotes a molecular phenotypic transformation of pulmonary vascular endothelial cells and is thought to be involved in the rapidly developing PAH of this infant. Collectively, our findings contribute to the knowledge of the genes involved and the clinical manifestations of the 2p16.1p15 microduplication syndrome. Moreover, clinicians should be alert to the possibility of PAH and take early drug intervention when facing patients with 2p16.1p15 microduplications.
Trends in exercise for hypertension: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Lou Yan , Sun Ning , Zhang Min , Qiu Yongzhen , Wang Jie , Chen Jiajia
Published: October 2023

Objective

To investigate development trends and research hotspots of exercise for hypertension research and provide researchers with fresh perspectives for further studies.

Materials and methods

Articles and reviews regarding exercise and hypertension spanning May 1st 2003 to May 18th 2023 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database. VOSviewer and Citespace were mainly used to perform and visualize co-authorship, co-citation, and co-occurrence analysis of countries, institutions, authors, references and keywords in this field.

Results

A total of 1,643 peer-reviewed papers were identified, displaying a consistent increasing trend over time. The most prolific country and institution were Brazil and University of Sao Paulo, respectively. And we identified the most productive author was lrigoyen, Maria Claudia C, while Pescatello Linda S was the most co-cited author. Journal of hypertension was the most prominent journal, and Hypertension was the journal which was the most co-cited. And this field can be divided into 3 research themes: exercise interventions for hypertension, age-specific relevance of exercise for hypertension, and the global burden of hypertension and the role of exercise. According to the result of keywords analysis, epidemiological information, types of exercise, target population, mechanism, and study design are significant research areas. “Resistance training”, “adults”, and “heart rate variability” were identified as the major future research foci.

Conclusions

The findings offer a scientific insight into exercise for hypertension research, presenting researchers with valuable information to understand the current research status, hotspots, and emerging trends for future investigation.
Higher waist circumference is associated with increased likelihood of female infertility: NHANES 2017-2020 results
Authors: Yin Ying-Hua , Zhou Su-Yu , Lu Dong-Fang , Chen Xiu-Ping , Liu Bo , Lu Shan , Han Xiao-Dong , Wu Ai-Hua
Published: October 2023

Background

Waist circumference can be used as an anthropometric measure to assess central obesity and is easier and more convenient than the waist-to-hip ratio in identifying the risk of obesity and medical problems. Most studies showing an association between obesity and infertility in women have used BMI to measure obesity. Our goal was to examine any potential association between waist circumference and infertility.

Methods

This cross-sectional study, which formed part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), comprised women ages 18 to 45 between 2017 and 2020. Participants without waist circumference data or information on infertility were removed from the study. The independent relationship between waist circumference and infertility was investigated using weighted binary logistic regression and subgroup analysis.

Results

We investigated 1509 participants and discovered that the prevalence of infertility rose as the WC trisection rose. (tertile 1, 7.55%; tertile 2, 10.56%; tertile 3, 15.28%; trend < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression showed that after total adjustment, higher WC levels were associated with an increased likelihood of infertility in women (OR1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.03), and There was a 2% rise in the incidence of infertility for every unit (cm) increased WC. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests showed no significant dependence of the effects of marital status, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol on the association between WC and infertility (p for all interaction tests > 0.05). The inflection point of the positive non-linear relationship between WC and infertility was 116.6 cm.

Conclusion

Excessive waist circumference assessment may increase the probability of infertility, and more attention should be paid to the management of waist circumference should be given more attention.
Mitochondrial regulation in human pluripotent stem cells during reprogramming and β cell differentiation
Authors: Jasra Ila Tewari , Cuesta-Gomez Nerea , Verhoeff Kevin , Marfil-Garza Braulio A. , Dadheech Nidheesh , Shapiro A. M. James
Published: October 2023

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell and dynamically control fundamental biological processes including cell reprogramming, pluripotency, and lineage specification. Although remarkable progress in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cell therapies has been made, very little is known about the role of mitochondria and the mechanisms involved in somatic cell reprogramming into iPSC and directed reprogramming of iPSCs in terminally differentiated cells. Reprogramming requires changes in cellular characteristics, genomic and epigenetic regulation, as well as major mitochondrial metabolic changes to sustain iPSC self-renewal, pluripotency, and proliferation. Differentiation of autologous iPSC into terminally differentiated β-like cells requires further metabolic adaptation. Many studies have characterized these alterations in signaling pathways required for the generation and differentiation of iPSC; however, very little is known regarding the metabolic shifts that govern pluripotency transition to tissue-specific lineage differentiation. Understanding such metabolic transitions and how to modulate them is essential for the optimization of differentiation processes to ensure safe iPSC-derived cell therapies. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of mitochondrial metabolism during somatic cell reprogramming to iPSCs and the metabolic shift that occurs during directed differentiation into pancreatic β-like cells.
Why don’t we consume energy more efficiently? a Lisbon Parish council case study
Authors: Barreto Ana Margarida , Correia de Brito Nuno , Boechat Anna Carolina , Oliveira Martins Luís , Martins Fernando
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Almost 50% of the European Union’s final energy consumption is used for heating and cooling, 80% of which in buildings. The European Commission recently issued the “Efficiency Energy First Principle,” a formal recommendation to EU countries prioritizing energy efficiency measures over other energy-related investments. Decarbonizing the aging housing stock represents a significant challenge to Southern Europe and the remaining Member States. This exploratory research aims to understand why Portuguese people fail to increase their energy efficiency; it then proposes potential interventions. Several studies have looked into the effect of technology-based and behavior-based strategies (individual, socioeconomic and demographic, as well as contextual factors) regarding residential energy consumption. Few, however, have brought all these factors together in one project as in this case.

Methods: We used the integrative COM-B model to investigate three core influences of behavior, namely, capability, opportunity, and motivation in a qualitative analysis of a sample of citizens of one specific Lisbon, Portugal community. The Behavior Change Wheel model was then used to propose interventions that might promote energy-responsible behavior.

Results: Our finding suggests that investments in structural strategies, and, above all, in behavioral strategies are needed to achieve efficient residential electricity consumption. Specifically, we found a lack of capability (i.e., people’s physical skills and strength, knowledge, and regulation skills) represented the greatest barrier to energy consumption efficiency. A lack of motivation (involving habits and self-conscious intentions or beliefs) was the least decisive factor in the adoption of efficient energy consumption behaviors.

Discussion: We therefore recommend the following interventions: 1) training and enablement addressing residents’ physical capability (primarily the replacement of high consumption equipment); 2) training, restriction, environmental restructuring, and enablement would increase residents’ physical opportunity (arising from poor home insulation and citizens’ lack of financial resources to invest in energy solutions); and 3) education, training, and enablement to change psychological capability (regarding insufficient or confusing energy use information).
Deep learning and IoT enabled digital twin framework for monitoring open-pit coal mines
Authors: Yu Rui , Yang Xiuyu , Cheng Kai
Published: October 2023

Early detection of cracks enables timely mitigation and maintenance actions, ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment within the open-pit coal mine. Monitoring open-pit coal mines and cracks is essential for the safety of workers and for saving national assets. Digital twins (DTs) can be crucial in open-pit coal mine crack detection. DTs enable continuous real-time monitoring of the open-pit mine, including its structures and surrounding environment. Various sensors and internet-of-things devices can be deployed to collect data on factors such as ground movement and strain. Integrating this data into the DT makes it possible to identify and analyze anomalous behavior or changes that may indicate crack formation or propagation. Deep learning-based networks are a crucial factor in detecting open-pit coal mine cracks. In this work, we propose a deep learning-based densely connected lightweight network incorporated into the DT-based framework for detecting cracks and taking predictive maintenance-based decisions by combining historical data, real-time sensor data, and predictive models. The proposed DT-based framework provides insights into the potential crack formation, allowing for proactive maintenance and mitigation measures. We compare the performance of our proposed network on different evaluation measures such as precision, recall, overall accuracy, mean average precision, F1-score, and kappa coefficient, where our proposed lightweight multiscale feature fusion-based network outperformed all other state-of-the-art deep neural networks. We also achieved the best performance on mean average precision by surpassing all other models. Additionally, we also compared the performance of our proposed network with U-Net and recurrent neural network on model training and prediction time benchmarks by outperforming those cutting-edge models.
Fire, volcanism and climate change: the main factors controlling mercury (Hg) accumulation rates in Tropical Lake Lantoa, Sulawesi, Indonesia (∼16,500–540 cal yr BP)
Authors: Nalbant Jalene , Schneider Larissa , Hamilton Rebecca , Connor Simon , Biester Harald , Stuart-Williams Hilary , Bergal-Kuvikas Olga , Jacobsen Geraldine , Stevenson Janelle
Published: October 2023

The effects of climate change on long-term mercury (Hg) cycling are still not well understood, as climate changes are usually gradual and can only be assessed using high-resolution archives. Our study site (a small, lowland tectonic lake in Sulawesi, Indonesia) provides a unique opportunity to further understanding of Hg cycling in the Southeast Asian (SEA) tropics during the transition from the Pleistocene to the Holocene, a period of significant climate variability. We present a high-resolution record of Late Glacial and Holocene Hg deposition within the sediments of tropical Lake Lantoa, Sulawesi. Using a multi-proxy framework (including pollen, charcoal, carbon:nitrogen ratio and high-resolution geochemistry records) we investigate the response of Hg accumulation rates (HgAR) in sediments to shifts in climate between ∼16,488 and 538 cal BP. This period encompasses the Bølling-Allerød (BA) warming, Younger Dryas (YD) cooling and Holocene warming events, providing new insights into the effects of global climatic transitions on HgAR in SEA sediments. The Pleistocene Termination had the highest HgAR and substantial variability (µ = 11.32, 5.38–33.91 μg m−2 yr−1), when drier conditions and high charcoal accumulation rates suggest that fire activity was the main source of Hg to the lake. The Holocene Transition was marked by a decrease in HgAR (µ = 8, 3.50–18.84 μg m−2 yr−1) as humid conditions precluded forest burning, followed by high HgAR (µ = 11.35, 3.30–158.32 μg m−2 yr−1) in the Early Holocene. Mercury accumulation rate in the Late Holocene (µ = 3.80, 1,67–43.65 μg m−2 yr−1) was the lowest in the Lake Lantoa record, marked by the lowest fire events and a stable catchment. An increase in carbon:nitrogen ratios during the Late Holocene, coupled with a decrease in HgAR, suggests that the establishment of lowland forest resulted in suppressed Hg erosion/leaching. Our results demonstrate that forest fires, vegetation change and volcanism are important drivers of Hg inputs to Lake Lantoa, a relationship which is strongly mediated by climate and lake-catchment dynamics.
Solutan echinoderms from the Fezouata Shale Lagerstätte (Lower Ordovician, Morocco): diversity, exceptional preservation, and palaeoecological implications
Authors: Dupichaud Christophe , Lefebvre Bertrand , Milne Claire H. , Mooi Rich , Nohejlová Martina , Roch Renaud , Saleh Farid , Zamora Samuel
Published: October 2023

In the Lower Ordovician of Morocco, solutan echinoderms are relatively common, locally abundant, geographically widespread (Central and Eastern Anti-Atlas), and biostratigraphically long-ranging (late Tremadocian–mid Floian) components of the Fezouata Biota. The lower part of the Fezouata Shale (late Tremadocian) yielded one specimen, here tentatively identified as a Castericystis-like syringocrinid, with exceptionally preserved internal soft parts presumably corresponding to the distal region of the gut. Most solutan remains from the Fezouata Shale are assigned to Plasiacystis mobilis, which was already known from the late Tremadocian of France and the Darriwilian of the Czech Republic and United Kingdom. Several isolated dististeles provisionally identified as Plasiacystis sp. may belong to large individuals of P. mobilis or a new taxon. Several specimens of late Tremadocian solutans from the Fezouata Shale, morphologically intermediate between Minervaecystis vidali (late Tremadocian, France) and Plasiacystis mobilis, are assigned to Nimchacystis agterbosi gen. et sp. nov. The diagnosis of the syringocrinid family Minervaecystidae is modified to include the four genera Minervaecystis, Nimchacystis, Pahvanticystis, and Plasiacystis, all characterised by an ovoid theca, a laterally inserted feeding appendage, and a twisted, flattened dististele. Minervaecystids are interpreted as active epibenthic detritus feeders, using their dististele to crawl on soft substrates. The newly described solutan taxa highlight that the benthic communities of Fezouata Biota are more diverse than what was previously described.