bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic Predictions of Genetic Variances and Correlations Among Traits: Empirical Validation within the Soybean Nested Association Mapping Population
Authors: Lorenz Aaron , Wartha Cleiton Antonio
Published: September 2023

Parental selection is perhaps the most critical decision a breeder makes, establishing the foundation of the entire program for years to come. Cross selection based on predicted mean and genetic variance can be further expanded to multiple-trait improvement by predicting the genetic correlation (r_G) between pairs of traits. Genetic correlation among traits is caused by pleiotropy or linkage. Unfavorable correlations due to linkage can be disrupted by successive recombination events. Increased multi-trait genetic gain could be obtained by selecting parental combinations with a desirable mean, greater genetic variance, and more favorable r_G. The accuracy of predicting r_G of soybean breeding crosses using genome-wide markers remains unexplored. Our objective was to empirically measure the ability to predict the family mean, genetic variance, superior progeny mean and genetic correlation. Thirty-nine validation families that differed in their estimated mean and variance were evaluated for days to maturity, lodging, oil, plant height, protein, seed size, and seed yield in multi-environment trials. Training population composition followed a leave-one-family-out cross-validation scheme, with the validation family genetic parameters predicted using the remaining families as the training set. The predictive abilities for family mean and superior progeny mean were significant for all traits while predictive ability of genetic variance was significant for four traits. We were able to validate significant predictive abilities of r_G for 17 out of 21 (80%) pairwise trait combinations (P < 0.05; bootstrapping). The findings from this study support the use of genome-wide marker effects for predicting r_G in soybean biparental crosses.
Clinical classification of far lateral lumbar disc herniation under 3D-DESS imaging technology: guidance for PTED operation
Authors: Zheng Junwen , Liu Wei , Zhu Qing , Li Guangsheng , Wu Gang , Li Haijun
Published: September 2023

Backgroud:Many far lateral lumbar disc herniation (FLLDH) classifications utilize image technology to describe the size, shape, and location of disc herniation. However, these approaches are fail in illustrating the spatial relationship between disc herniation and nerve roots. Their utility in offering guidance for the clinical execution of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) is limited and isgenerally more suited for open surgery. The aim of this study was to propose a clinical classification for FLLDH based on three-dimensional double-echo steady-state (3D-DESS) imaging technology and to provide guidance with precise cannula placement and surgical operation for PTED.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the images of 178 FLLDH patients diagnosed by 3D-DESS. Based on the positional relationship between nerve roots and disc herniation, FLLDH patients were classified into 3 types: type I, axillary tennis type; type II, axillary elevated type; and type III, shoulder type. Among these, 68 patients underwent PTED treatment. The clinical results were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) leg pain score, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, and the modified Macnab criteria.
Results: The average age of the patients was 61.29 ± 11.60 years, with a male/female ratio of 42:26. According to the 3D-DESS classification, there were I=25, II=40 and III=3. The average operation time was 66.91 ± 18.87 minutes, the average follow-up was 24.27±4.66 months, and the recurrence rate was 6%. The VAS leg pain score improved from 7.63 ± 0.91 to 0.69 ± 1.37. The ODI score improved from 51.27 ± 9.09 to 3.87 ± 5.75. The modified Macnab criteria results showed that 35 patients (51%) were excellent, 25 patients (37%) were good, 4 patients (6%) were fair and 4 patients (6%) were poor. No complications, such as infection or nerve or vascular injury, occurred in the patients.
Conclusions: Using 3D-DESS to classify FLLDH patients can provide clinical guidance with precise puncture and treatment for PTED. It helps operators remove disc herniation, decompress nerve roots, shorten operation time, and improve the success rate of PTED.
Caloric restriction promotes beta cell longevity and delays aging and senescence signatures.
Authors: Drigo Rafael Arrojo e , Santos Cristiane dos , Shrestha Shristi , Cottam Matthew , Perkins Guy , Lev-Ram Varda , Roy Birbickram , Acree Christopher , Kim Keun-Young , Deerinck Thomas , Cutler Melanie , Dean Danielle , Cartailler Jean-Philippe , MacDonald Patrick , Hetzer Martin , Ellisman Mark
Published: September 2023

Caloric restriction (CR) extends organismal lifespan and health span by improving glucose homeostasis mechanisms. How CR affects organellar structure and function of pancreatic beta cells over the lifetime of the animal remains unknown. Here, we used single nucleus transcriptomics to show that CR increases the expression of genes for beta cell identity, protein processing, and organelle homeostasis. Gene regulatory network analysis link this transcriptional phenotype to transcription factors involved in beta cell identity (Mafa) and homeostasis (Atf6). Imaging metabolomics further demonstrates that CR beta cells are more energetically competent. In fact, high-resolution light and electron microscopy indicates that CR reduces beta cell mitophagy and increases mitochondria mass, increasing mitochondrial ATP generation. Finally, we show that long-term CR delays the onset of beta cell aging and senescence to promote longevity by reducing beta cell turnover. Therefore, CR could be a feasible approach to preserve compromised beta cells during aging and diabetes.
RETRACTED: Investigations on Electric Discharge Machining Performances of AA8011-10wt.% TiO2 Composite using MCDM Approach
Authors: S Balaji , Ravi Samraj , Sivasamy Alagarsamy , Singh Ravindra Pratap , Srini Yandra , Kannan Sathish , Usmani Yusuf Siraj
Published: September 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Profiles of free surfaces in revolved containers under microgravity
Authors: Chen Shuyang , Duan Li , Li Wen , Chen Shangtong , Kang Qi
Published: September 2023

Nowadays a propellant residual gauging method based on the thermal response of the tanks’ wall is developed. And the liquid distribution and meniscus height have great effects on the thermal response. Profiles of liquid free surfaces in revolved containers under microgravity are studied through theoretical analysis and numerical simulation in this paper. The analytical formula for the static profile of the liquid surface in the spherical tank is established. It shows that the profile is a section of a circle cut off by the tank wall. For given the geometry of the tank, liquid volume and contact angle, the profile of the free surfaces under microgravity can be obtained by using the Shooting method based on the theoretical model. Numerical simulation is carried out with the Volume of Fluid method, and it is verified that the static profiles at different contact angles and liquid filling rates fit the theoretical descriptions. It is concluded that the meniscus height increases slowly as the filling rate increases, and the smaller the contact angle, the more obvious this trend. Then the theory is extended to the tanks of arbitrary shapes, and the critical position of the profile is derived. Below the critical position the propellant may accumulate in some corners or pits, which makes it unable to be fully utilized. The critical position is related to the shape of the tank and the contact angle. This research is of great value for the prediction of the static profiles of liquid surfaces in tanks and the propellant residual gauging.
Kidney biopsy findings in children with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Weerasooriya Lasanthi , Howie Alexander J , Wakeman Matthew P , Cavanagh Susan , Milford David V
Published: September 2023

Background
Diabetic glomerulopathy may begin in childhood, but clinical kidney disease ascribable to this is uncommon in children with type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus.
Methods
We reviewed our experience of kidney biopsies in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Results
Between 1995 and 2022, there were biopsies in 17 children, with various clinical indications for biopsy, making this the largest series of biopsies in diabetic children with clinical kidney abnormalities. Four biopsies showed diabetic glomerulopathy, three showed diabetic glomerulopathy and IgA nephropathy, and ten showed a variety of conditions other than diabetic glomerulopathy: minimal change nephropathy (2), membranous nephropathy (2), thin glomerular basement membrane disease (2), non-glomerular chronic damage in Wolcott-Rallison syndrome (2), acute vasculitic glomerulonephritis (1), and IgA nephropathy (1). Clinical clues of something other than diabetic glomerulopathy included acute kidney injury, microscopic haematuria or chronic kidney impairment with little or no proteinuria, and the nephrotic syndrome after a short duration of diabetes. In addition, there were biopsies in two children with cystic fibrosis that showed changes identical with diabetic glomerulopathy, although the children were not shown to have diabetes mellitus.
Conclusions
We confirm that changes better known in adults with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus can occur in children with type 1: overt diabetic glomerulopathy either on its own or combined with other conditions, and kidney disorders other than diabetic glomerulopathy. Also, changes resembling diabetic glomerulopathy can be found in children with cystic fibrosis who are not diagnosed to have diabetes mellitus.
Pythium Survey Europe provides deep insights
into the genetic and structural diversity of Pythium communities and their disease potential in Europe
Authors: Cai Daguang , Boie Wilken , Schemmel Markus , Ye Wanzhi , Hasler Mario , Goll Melanie , Verreet Joseph
Published: September 2023

Pythium spp. poses a serious threat to agricultural production worldwide, but its severity is often neglected because little knowledge about it is available. Using an ITS amplicon metagenomics approach, we investigated the occurrence, abundance, and diversity of Pythium spp. in 127 corn fields of 11 European countries over three years. As a result, we identified 69 Pythium species, with up to 19 species in a single soil sample. We identified also highly prevalent and distributed species in most countries, with significant genetic diversity and varying disease potential, demonstrating a dynamic sharpening process of Pythium communities in Europe corn fields. Infection experiments with isolated isolates indicate that Pythium species differ strongly in their infection progression and disease potential, where an effective interference with plant hormone networks to suppress JA (jasmonate)-mediated defenses seems to be a crucial part of the virulence mechanism of pathogenic Pythium species. This study provides for the first time a valuable data set to gain deep insights into the structural and genetic diversity of Pythium communities in European corn fields and to better understand plant-Pythium interactions and, in particular, the evolution of virulence and pathogenicity, thus facilitating the development of an effective strategy to cope with this pathogen.
COVID-19-related Health Outcomes during Delivery Hospitalization During Pre-delta, Delta, and Omicron Periods
Authors: Carlson Jeffrey , Simeone Regina , Ellington Sascha , Galang Romeo , DeSisto Carla , Fleming-Dutra Katherine , Riley Laura , Meaney-Delman Dana , Tong Van
Published: September 2023

Background
SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy has been associated with several adverse maternal health and pregnancy outcomes; however, few studies have included pregnancies occurring during the time period of Omicron variant predominance (January 2022–present) in the evaluation of pregnancy outcomes. We examined the relationship between COVID-19 diagnosis at delivery and adverse maternal and pregnancy outcomes for each variant period, with a focus on Omicron.
Methods
Data on delivery hospitalizations from the Premier Healthcare Database during February 2020 –August 2023 were analyzed as a cross-sectional observational study. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were calculated to compare the risks of adverse outcomes between women with and without a COVID-19 diagnosis at the time of delivery for each variant period.
Results
Among 2,990,973 women with a delivery hospitalization, 1.9% (n = 56,618) had a COVID-19 diagnosis noted on discharge, including 26,053 during the Omicron period. In adjusted models, COVID-19 during the Omicron period was associated with a significant increased risk for maternal sepsis (COVID-19: 0.4% vs No COVID-19: 0.1%) (aPR: 3.32 [95%CI: 2.70, 4.08]), acute respiratory distress syndrome (0.6% vs 0.1%) (6.19 [5.26, 7.29]), shock (0.2% vs 0.1%) (2.14 [1.62, 2.84]), renal failure (0.5% vs 0.2%) (2.08 [1.73, 2.49]), ICU admission (2.7% vs 1.7%) (1.64 [1.53, 1.77]), mechanical ventilation (0.3% vs 0.1%) (3.15 [2.52, 3.93]), in-hospital death (0.0% vs 0.0%)(5.00 [2.30, 10.90]), stillbirth (0.7% vs 0.6%) (1.17 [1.01, 1.36]), and preterm birth (12.3% vs 9.6%) (1.34 [1.27, 1.42]).
Conclusions
During the Omicron variant period, risks of adverse outcomes associated with COVID-19 diagnosis at delivery remain elevated, despite the possibility of some level of immunity due to previous SARS-COV-2 infection or vaccination. It remains important for pregnant people, and those planning pregnancy, to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.
Caspase-11 mediated inflammasome activation in macrophages by systemic infection of A. actinomycetemcomitans exacerbates arthritis.
Authors: Okano Tokuju , Ashida Hiroshi , Komatsu Noriko , Tsukasaki Masayuki , Iida Tamako , Iwasawa Marie , Takahashi Yuto , Takeuchi Yasuo , Iwata Takanori , Sasai Miwa , Yamamoto Masahiro , Takayanagi Hiroshi , Suzuki Toshihiko
Published: September 2023

Clinical studies have shown that Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans) is associated with aggressive periodontitis and can potentially trigger or exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we show that systemic infection with A. actinomycetemcomitans triggers the progression of arthritis in mice anti-collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) model following IL-1β secretion and cell infiltration in paws in a manner that is dependent on caspase-11-mediated inflammasome activation in macrophages. The administration of polymyxin B (PMB), chloroquine, and anti-CD11b antibody suppressed inflammasome activation in macrophages and arthritis in mice, suggesting that the recognition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the cytosol after bacterial degradation by lysosomes and invasion via CD11b are needed to trigger arthritis following inflammasome activation in macrophages. These data reveal that the inhibition of caspase-11-mediated inflammasome activation potentiates the aggravation of RA induced by infection with A. actinomycetemcomitans. This work highlights how RA can be progressed by inflammasome activation as a result of periodontitis-associated bacterial infection and discusses the mechanism of inflammasome activation in response to infection with A. actinomycetemcomitans.
Management of pain in cancer patients— Lessons from practices during the COVID-19: A qualitative study of cancer care providers’ perspectives
Authors: Cornall Georgina , Zhao Emma , Luckett Tim , Erciyas Ertugrul , Monck David , Glare Paul , Wang Andy , Lee Yi-Ching
Published: September 2023

Background
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted health systems globally and affected managing many chronic conditions, including cancer. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of multi-disciplinary cancer care providers on how cancer pain management was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
People were eligible if they were cancer care providers of any specialty and discipline from two tertiary hospitals in Australia. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews exploring their perceptions of how COVID-19 has affected cancer pain management. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts used an integrated approach that started with inductive coding before coding deductively against a framework for behaviour change called the COM-B Model which proposes that ‘capability’, ‘motivation’ and ‘opportunity’ are requisites for any behaviour.
Results
Twenty-three providers participated. Five themes were developed and interpreted from the analysis of data, namely: “Telehealth enables remote access to cancer pain management but also created a digital divide”, “Access to cancer pain management in the community is compromised due to the pandemic”, “COVID-19 negatively impacts hospital resource allocation”, “Patients were required to trade off cancer pain management against other health priorities” and “Hospital restrictions result in decreased social and psychological support for patients with cancer pain”.
Conclusions
The landscape of the cancer pain management health system in Australia underwent substantial shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic, with lasting impacts. This study identifies unique challenges faced by patients with cancer that were not well studied amongst ample literature on pandemic pain management.
Impaired binding affinity of YTHDC1 with METTL3/METTL14 results in R-loop accumulation in myelodysplastic neoplasms with DDX41 mutation
Authors: kim hongtae , Hwang Won Chan , Park Kibeom , Park Silvia , Cheon Na Young , Lee Ja Yil , Lee Jong-Mi , Ju Min Kyung , Lee Joo Rak , Kwon Yong-Rim , Jo Woo-Lam , Kim Myungshin , Kim Yoo-Jin
Published: September 2023

DEAD box helicase 41 (DDX41) mutations are the most prevalent predisposition to familial myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). However, the precise roles of these variants in the pathogenesis of MDS have yet to be elucidated. Here, we discovered a novel mechanism by which DDX41 contributes to R-loop-induced DNA damage responses (DDR) in cooperation with the m6A-METTL complex (MAC) and YTHDC1 usingDDX41knockout (KO) andDDX41knock-in (KI, R525H, Y259C) cell lines as well as primary samples from MDS patients. Compared to wild type (WT),DDX41KO and KI led to increased levels of m6A RNA methylated R-loop and increased DNA damage. Interestingly, we found that DDX41 regulates m6A/R-loop levels by interacting with MAC components. Further, DDX41 promoted the recruitment of YTHDC1 to R-loops by promoting the binding between METTL3 and YTHDC1, which was dysregulated inDDX41-deficient cells. Collectively, we demonstrated that DDX41 plays a key role in the physiological control of R-loops in cooperation with MAC and YTHDC1. These findings provide novel insights into how defects in DDX41 influence MDS pathogenesis and suggest potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of MDS.
Opportunities to address employee voice in health care providers: A scoping review
Authors: Kepplinger Anja , Braun Alexander , Fringer André , Roes Martina
Published: September 2023

Background: Employees’ decision to speak up or to stay silent can have implications for health care providers, employees and people who need care. As a result, a shift is needed from blindly following guidelines to implementing a sustainable proactive organizational culture in which employees can evaluate their work environment and take advantage of growth opportunities. Employee voice refers to all organizational structures, mechanisms or practices in which employees participate and through which they try to influence their work and the performance of their organization.
Aims and objective: This scoping review aims to provide an overview of the literature and research on opportunities to address employee voice in health care providers. The review will provide insights into what research already exists in health care related to employee voice and discuss the described opportunities in an attempt to improve employee voice. The results will also form the basis of the interview guide for a case study, ADVICE.
Methods: The search was conducted from September 2022 to April 2023 in the following databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, CINHAL via EBSCO, Scopus via Elsevier, Wiley/Web of Science and Cochrane Library. The search results were imported into the COVIDENCE program and screened by two researchers separately. We used the following search terms: employee voice, employee participation, employee engagement, speaking up, opportunities and health-care provider. Furthermore, the search terms and their synonyms are linked to search strings using Boolean operators dependent on the databases, as well as Mesh terms. The review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
Results: We identified 951 studies in five databases and via citation tracking. After we removed 102 duplicates and screening 839 titles and abstracts, 23 full texts were assessed. According to our inclusion and exclusion criteria, we included 10 studies.
Conclusions: Opportunities to address employee voice are not effective on their own, they need to be seen in a wider context. Employees need to learn how to raise their concerns, and managers need to learn how to empower employees to speak up and use the improvements to change the work environment and improve patient outcomes.
Discovery of a novel FLT3 agonist for the treatment of thrombocytopenia using AI-based virtual screening
Authors: Wang Long , Zhang Ting , Yang Xin , Mo Qi , Ran Mei , Li Rong , Yang Bo , Shen Hongping , Jiang Nan , Zeng Jing , Li Qinyao , Li Zhichao , Xie Xiang , He Siyu , Huang Feihong , Zhang Chunxiang , Luo Jiesi , Wu Jianming
Published: September 2023

Background
Radiation-induced thrombocytopenia (RIT) poses a significant risk to cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, leading to hemorrhage and mortality. Unfortunately, effective treatment options for RIT are currently limited.
Methods
We assessed the effectiveness of Fructus Psoraleae, a popular traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) known for its hemostatic properties, in treating thrombocytopenia through the application of network pharmacology. Utilizing a naive Bayes algorithm, we built a drug screening model to determine the effective compounds present in Fructus Psoraleae. Giemsa staining and flow cytometry were employed to evaluate the effects of the potential active compound, Bavachinin A, on the differentiation of megakaryocytes (MK) in K562 and Meg-01 cells. Furthermore, we conducted experiments using RIT mice and c-MPL knock-out (c-MPL−/−) mice to assess the therapeutic efficacy of Bavachinin A in mitigating thrombocytopenia. Additionally, Tg (cd41:eGFP) transgenic zebrafish were utilized to investigate the impact of Bavachinin A on thrombopoiesis. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of Bavachinin A against thrombocytopenia, we employed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking simulations, molecular dynamics simulations, drug affinity responsive target stability assay (DARTS), and biolayer interferometry (BLI).
Results
Bavachinin A emerged as the most promising candidate from our investigations. In vitro experiments demonstrated the significant ability of Bavachinin A to induce MK differentiation. In vivo experiments revealed that Bavachinin A had the capacity to augment platelet levels and improve coagulation in RIT mice, facilitated megakaryopoiesis and platelet level in c-MPL−/− mice, and accelerated thrombopoiesis in zebrafish. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis revealed that the core signaling pathway regulated by Bavachinin A was PI3K/Akt. Molecular docking simulation, molecular dynamics simulation, DARTS and BLI demonstrated that Bavachinin A directly bound to FLT3. Notably, blocking FLT3 or PI3K/Akt hindered Bavachinin A-induced MK differentiation, but repressing TPO/c-MPL signaling pathway had no significant effect.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that Bavachinin A promotes MK differentiation and thrombopoiesis by binding directly to FLT3 and activating the PI3K/Akt signaling. Importantly, this effect is not contingent upon the conventional TPO/c-MPL signaling pathway. Our study highlights translational potential of Bavachinin A as a novel therapeutic agent for thrombocytopenia, and presents a novel strategy for drug discovery using multimodal and multiscale methods.
The Determinants of the Financial Distress of Italian Municipalities: How Much Is It Due to Inadequate Resources?
Authors: Padovani Emanuele , Porcelli Francesco , Zanardi Alberto
Published: September 2023

The key question of this paper is whether the conditions of financial distress recently experienced by Italian municipalities can be at least partially imputed to the inadequacy of financial resources some municipalities suffer compared to the needs of their populations and territories. Starting from a multidimensional definition of financial distress, we investigate this issue by exploiting the new mechanism of equalization transfers recently implemented in Italy at municipal level which provides an exogenous measure of the resource gap possibly suffered by each municipality compared to their needs assessed on a standardized basis. The estimation results show that the Italian municipalities suffering from a level of resources below what is necessary to provide public services at standard levels are, ceteris paribus, more prone to run into financial difficulties. By the same token, large cuts in central government transfers have a statistically significant effect on financial vulnerability at municipal level. JEL: H70, H72, H77
Pharmacoinformatics-based investigation of phytochemicals against HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase
Authors: Tabani Usmangani
Published: September 2023

Purpose
The goal of this study was to examine some anti-HIV phytochemicals that were found in the database and determine how they work. Because some phytochemicals can inhibit more than one target, two reverse transcriptases with PDB IDs 1REV and 1RT1 were used.
Methods
The Dr. Duke Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Database was used to obtain phytochemicals. ADMET lab 2.0 is used to study in-silico analysis of druglike characteristics and toxicity, to study molecular docking, PyRx virtual screening software, and Biovia Discovery Studio were employed. SiBioLead is an online tool that was used to study molecular dynamics simulation.
Result
23 Phytochemicals with anti-HIV activity were chosen for the current study from Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. Using the ADMET lab2.0 in-silico method, 23 phytochemicals were studied for their druglike properties and toxicity. The six phytochemicals with druglike properties and low toxicity chosen for further research were Chlorogenic acid, Colchicine, Curcumin, Ellagic acid, Myricetin, and Papaverine. These six phytochemicals were docked with two HIV-1 reverse transcriptase proteins with PDB ID: 1REV and 1RT1, using PyRx, and the docking results were analyzed using Biovia Discovery Studio. The docking results of these six phytochemicals were compared to FDA-approved drugs Zidovudine and Nevirapine and found to have better anti-HIV activity. All six phytochemicals had stable interactions with HIV proteins when studied using the online molecular dynamics simulation tool SiBioLead.
Conclusion
According to the findings, the above six chemicals could be promising lead molecules for the treatment of HIV infection.
Tracing two decades of carbon emissions using a network approach
Authors: Mastrandrea Rossana , Guidi Gianluca , Facchini Angelo , Squartini Tiziano , Kennedy Christopher
Published: September 2023

Carbon emissions are currently attributed to producers although a consumption-aware accounting is advocated. After constructing the Carbon Trade Network, we trace the flow of emissions over the past two decades. Our analysis reveals the presence of an unexpected, positive feedback: despite individual exchanges have become less carbon-intensive, the increase in trading activity has ultimately risen the amount of emissions directed from 'net exporters' towards 'net importers'. Adopting a consumption-aware accounting would re-distribute responsibility between the two groups, possibly reducing disparities.
Modification of the Traditional Half Schlumberger Arrays and its Efficiency for Subsurface Exploration
Authors: Abdullahi Diya’ulhaq , Nagoda Nura Muhammad , Jaiyeoba Emmanuel , Musa Salisu , Muhammad Abubakar , Mahamood Muhammad Ridwan , Musa Aliyu Usman
Published: September 2023

Geophysical investigation of the earth’s subsurface is vital for engineering and environmental surveys. Application of the basic methods of geophysics to detect and study subsurface anomalies for engineering and environmental problems. This study modified the existing Half Schlumberger arrays after evaluating the efficiency of the existing Half Schlumberger array. The Modified Half Schlumberger (SMH) relatively produces a better result for a deeper geophysical investigation where there is a limited space than the existing Half Schlumberger (SH). The results of the investigated nine (9) VES stations were presented in tables and graphs, which shows that the two arrays are nearly the same (about 94% in similarity). The SMH array shows an interesting result. It was noted that the S_MH probes were deeper than the usual SF arrays with an average extension of about 2.4 m depth in terms of overburden thickness. In addition, the two arrays produce identical curve types, subsurface parameters, and soil depth section sequences across all the VES stations. The identical results confirmed the efficiency and reliability of the SMH array. Consequently, SMH can be adopted as a practicable alternative array to the traditional SH and the conventional Full Schlumberger (SF) array for any geophysical survey, where the usual SF array is applicable, most especially when deeper subsurface information is required and the available space is highly limited.
Machine Learning Prediction Of Organic Moieties From The IR Spectra, Enhanced By Additionally Using The Derivative IR Data
Authors: Krzyżanowski Maurycy , Matyszczak Grzegorz
Published: September 2023

Infrared spectroscopy is a crucial analytical tool in organic chemistry, but interpreting IR data can be challenging. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of five machine learning models: Logistic Regression, KNN (k-nearest neighbors), SVM (support vector machine), Random Forest, and MLP (multilayer perceptron), and their effectiveness in interpreting IR spectra. The simple KNN model outperformed the more complex SVM model in execution time and F1 score, proving the potential of simpler models in interpreting the IR data. The combination of original spectra with its corresponding derivatives, improved the performance of all models with a minimal increase in execution time. Denoising of the IR data was investigated but did not significantly improve performance. Although the MLP model showed better performance than the KNN model, its longer execution time is substantial. Ultimately, KNN is recommended for rapid results with minimal performance compromise, while MLP is suggested for projects prioritizing accuracy despite longer execution time.
Diminished Adolescent Social Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Furlong Michael J. , Chan Meiki , Dowdy Erin , Gibson Karen Nylund
Published: September 2023

Managing the COVID-19 pandemic involved implementing public health policies that disrupted students’ lives, creating conditions that substantially influenced their mental health and well-being. Subsequently, research focused on the mental health sequelae of increased depression and anxiety, but the possible impacts on adolescents’ social well-being have been largely unexamined. Social well-being is essential to youth’s overall mental health and can be diminished even without symptoms of depression and anxiety. This study explored heterogeneities in changes in adolescents’ social well-being from pre-COVID-19 to post-restrictions using longitudinal data from adolescents attending middle and high schools in California (N = 1,299; 49.9% female). Data collection involved four observations. Participants completed a school-based mental health wellness check-in survey annually from 2019 to 2022. A latent profile analysis identified five profiles demonstrating distinctive social well-being trajectories. Two ordered profiles included Stable-High (28%) and Stable-Low (26%) patterns. The other three groups represented nonordered profiles labeled as Succumbing (20%), Languishing (14%), and Recovering (12%). Pervasive decreases in social well-being among adolescents were observed, and a significant portion did not recover to their pre-COVID-19 level in 2022. Adolescents in the Stable-High and Recovering profiles showed better psychological well-being, optimism, and school connectedness, and less distress than their counterparts in other profiles. Mental health professionals should be aware of the effects that the pandemic has had on adolescents’ social well-being. Lower levels of social well-being may be a risk factor for adolescents developing generally jaded attitudes about their social networks and diminishing their potential engagement with sources of social support.
Evaluating the Effects of Bacillus subtilis Treatment and Planting Depth on Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Production in a Green Roof System
Authors: Poudel Pradip , Whittinghill Leigh , Kobayashi Hideka , Lucas Shawn
Published: September 2023

Given the current urbanization context and rising interest in green roof systems, growing a high-value crop such as saffron crocus in green roof medium could be an opportunity to use the benefits of both the crop and the green roof system; the drainage, aeration, and sand-like texture of green roof media make it suited for saffron production, and the saffron market price could make green roof production commercially viable. Various factors, including plant diseases and planting depth, could affect saffron production. Therefore, this research was conducted to evaluate the effects of planting depth and biofungicide treatments using Bacillus subtilis on saffron production in a green roof system. A completely randomized factorial block design was used with planting depth (10 cm and 15 cm) and B. subtilis strain QST 713 biofungicide treatments (an untreated control, 15.6 × 109 cfu/L, and 31.2 × 109 cfu/L) as independent variables. In 2019, fresh flower yield, fresh stigma yield, and dry stigma yield were calculated during harvesting, and additional data on flower number, tepal length and width, stigma length, and harvest time were collected in 2020. All variables were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with planting depth and biofungicide treatments as fixed effects using R. Fresh stigma yield and dry stigma yield were higher in the 10-cm planting depth in 2019. Results were opposite in 2020: flower number, fresh flower yield, fresh stigma yield, dry stigma yield, and harvest time were higher in the 15-cm planting depth than the 10-cm planting depth. B. subtilis treatments did not affect any studied variable in 2020, but in 2019, the higher level of fungicide treatment resulted in lower fresh flower yield and dry stigma yield. There was no effect of biofungicide treatment and planting depth on tepal length, tepal width, and stigma length in both years. This study showed that growing saffron crocus on green roofs is feasible and even resulted in higher yield than field production in many saffron-producing regions and countries. In addition, results indicated that shallow planting might be suitable for annual production, whereas deeper planting could be ideal for perennial production based on the objective. Our findings demonstrated the feasibility of saffron production in the green roof system and suggest further research to develop best management practices.
Lepton pair production at NNLO in QED with EW effects
Authors: Kollatzsch Sophie , Ulrich Yannick
Published: September 2023

We present a fully differential calculation of lepton pair production, taking into account the dominant next-to-next-to-leading order QED corrections as well as next-to-leading order electroweak and polarisation effects. We include all lepton masses, hard photon emission, as well as non-perturbative hadronic corrections. The corresponding matrix elements are implemented in the Monte Carlo framework McMule. In order to obtain a numerically stable implementation, we extend next-to-soft stabilisation, a universal technique based on a next-to-leading-power expansion, to calculations with polarised leptons. As an example, we show results tailored to the Belle II detector with the current setup as well as a potential future configuration that
includes polarised beams.
West African Immigration to Sudan: Areas of Settlement, Interaction with Sudanese Tribes and Cultural Characteristics
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Gerasimov Igor V. , Vlasenkova Ekaterina S. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: September 2023

The paper addresses the actual topic of migrations that have been occured for centuries on the African continent. The authors analyze the routes of West African pilgrims who made the hajj to Mecca, the reasons and areas of settlement of these groups in the territory of modern Sudan. It is described in detail about the ethnonyms which sudanic people use for “alien” population, paying special attention to the terms “takrur” and “fellata”. Despite the preservation of their native language, the settlers mastered the Arabic language and culture. West African migrants try to live in compact groups together with their compatriots in various areas of the Sudanese state. Their settlements are located in Jibal Nuba (Kordofan), in Darfur, on the banks of the Blue Nile and even in Eastern Sudan, not to mention the Sudanese capital and other major cities. A large group of Takrur has been living for several centuries on the border of Sudan and Ethiopia, in an area known in Arabic as Ras al-fil (Elephant’s Head). Attention is drawn to their quite peaceful interaction with local Arab tribes, such as, for example, the Dabaina. Natives of West Africa were early involved in the orbit of Sufi orders, as reported in Ibn Daifallah’s large-scale work “Kitab at-Tabaqat”. Some people from Takrur themselves were active propagandists of both official and Sufi Islam in Sudan. Religious and economic factors undoubtedly had a huge impact on the waves of migration to the area of modern Sudan. The authors refer to the works of Western, Russian, Sudanese and Nigerian researchers, the reports of early Arab geographers thereby summarizing the phenomena, information about the regions, resettlement, and people from the observations in Sudan.
Changing the Image of Woman and the Family Model: Rethinking the Traditional Way of Life in the Current Realities of Japanese Society
Authors:   RUDN University, Vorkina Kseniia S.
Published: September 2023

The paper focuses on the study of the image of Japanese mothers in modern Japanese society in the context of rethinking the traditional way of life. In the course of the research, there was made an attempt to establish what underlies the value model of modern Japanese women and to analyze the degree of influence of habitual traditional gender stereotypes. The author considers the phases of the formation of the family institution in Japan and states that the principles of Confucian ethics, manifested in the presence of moral norms of behavior, attitudes and prescriptions, can be traced in the minds of modern Japanese. However, in the conditions of accelerated socialization of women and the ongoing process of atomization of families, the burden of responsibility from traditional expectations put on a woman increases, leading to adverse consequences in the form of “neuroses in the background of raising children”. The article discusses the changes in the structure of female employment over the past decades, in order to identify problems associated with the distribution of gender roles and the changing position of Japanese women in society. As a result of the study, it was suggested that despite the tendency in Japan to shift the value model towards individualism, the features of traditional family ideology are preserved, as evidenced by the presence of numerous proverbs and idioms of the Japanese language dedicated to family relationships and based on Confucian ethics. In such a society, social roles and labor functions are still divided and consolidated, the observance of the hierarchy is maintained, despite the disintegration of traditional ties, social division, separation from the clan and large family groups.
Personality self-representation change in circumstances of “goal — affordance” incongruity and situational opportunities
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Mamaeva-Niles Veronika
Published: September 2023

The purpose of the current work was to study the influence of incongruence of an individual’s goals and situational affordances on the self-representation in everyday situations. In the course of the study, participants (N = 62) first gave a self-assessment of their personality traits, after which they defined relevant goals in six pairs of situational vignettes on the SAAP scale, then selected adjectives from the list describing their state in situations of congruency (CS) and non-congruency (NCS) with their primary goals. Finally, the valence of self-representation in CS and NCS was determined. The results of the study showed that in all six pairs of compared situations there were changes in goals, from complete or partial replacement of goals to important changes in their significance for the respondents. Multiple regression analysis allowed us to conclude that situational determinants as explanatory variables can better explain the manifestations of agreeableness, extraversion, conscientiousness and openness in the NCS, compared to stable traits. However, stable traits explain the manifestations of neuroticism in the NCS better than situational characteristics. The results of the study confirm the assumption that changed goals cause the manifestation of traits and states that differ from stable dispositions. The quantitative analysis of adjectives with positive and negative emotional-evaluative meaning showed that in the NCS respondents were 2.57 times more likely to choose attributes with a negative emotional-evaluative meaning compared to the CS, which confirms the hypothesis of the predominance of negative valence of self-representation in the conditions of goal incongruency. The findings indicate that the change in self-representation in the NCS significantly and in the theoretically expected way were associated with a change in goals as a result of change in situational affordances.
The veneration of the Ostrobram icon of the Mother of God in the context of Lithuanian identity
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Turygina Natalia Valerievna
Published: September 2023

The history of the creation and veneration of the image of Our Lady of Ostrobram is studied as a reflection of the processes of the forming Lithuanian national identity in its dynamics over several centuries. The author analyzes how the icon reflects the main ethnic markers, which include: territory, confessional affiliation, language, historical memory, ideas about the past and the future. Theories of the origin of the image and disputes about its confessional affiliation led to the idea of the formation of interconfessional dialogue and unity in diversity as a marker of the border and frontier zone. Within the framework of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which united the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland, the Ostra Brama was perceived as «Strażniczką Kresów», or the guardian of the eastern borders. The preserved historical songs, psalms and hymns dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Vilna emphasize the regional identity. However, at the same time, powerful integration processes in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth led to the assertion of Polishness, which was reflected in fiction, where until the 1920s and 1930s the Ostrobram image was perceived as an integral symbol not only of Polish culture, but also of Polish history and statehood. As the conducted research has shown, the intensified aspirations of the local population for the rooting, the use of the national language and the political processes of the Lithuanian national revival led to the transformation of ideas about the image, which in the 20th century gradually becomes a symbol of Lithuanian rather than Polish. Nevertheless, it is still uncertain whether the Ostrobram Mother of God has become the state symbol of Lithuania as a nation or it remains the guardian of the local original culture and traditions.
«Bibliographic Sheets» by P. Köppenin the context of the development of international Slavistic periodicals
Authors:   St. Peterburg Branch of the Archive of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Bondar Larisa Dmitriyevna
Published: September 2023

The heyday of European Slavistics in the late 19th — early 20th century was not least due to the active interaction of representatives of various national scientific schools. The science of the Slavs was formed as an international discipline. Cooperation in the research of national Slavic schools was largely ensured by international periodicals published in St. Petersburg, Warsaw, Berlin, Krakow, Prague. The international character of the publications became possible almost exclusively due to the personal scientific contacts of the editors. The role of such contacts was especially great at the stage of the formation of Russian Slavistics. The activity of P. Köppen, who established contacts with European Slavists during his journey in 1821–1824, was of great importance. This made it possible in the future to carry out activities (although not long-term, but quite effective) on the publication of the magazine «Bibliographic Sheets» (1825–1826), reflecting the latest scientific achievements, which had a significant Slavic component and ensured mutual involvement of European and Russian scientists in their research. The magazine played an important role in establishing inter-Slavic scientific ties and attracted the attention of European Slavists. The appendix to the article publishes three documents related to the unfulfilled plans of Köppen to resumesl publication in 1837: an announcement of the resumption of the journal, a draft contract with a potential publisher A. Ph. Smirdin, a note explaining the reasons for refusing to resume publication. The published documents, in addition to being evidence of the events of 1837, allow us to get information about the details of the publishing business.
Case study of hydrogen sulfide release in the sulfate-rich sewage drop structure
Authors: Hamad Namran F. , Nile Basim K. , Alamir Hassan Thoulfikar A. , Faris Ahmed M. , Ismail Hani K. , Hassan Waqed H. , Ahmed Luma M. , Alesary Hasan F. , Barton Stephen
Published: September 2023

H2S is one of the principal odor gases released from sewer networks and understanding the rate of H2S release into sewer air space and ventilation to the atmosphere is crucial for preventing or minimizing odor and corrosion issues in sewer systems. TOXCHEM model was used to simulate the fate of H2S gas in roads for this study. The model was calibrated for the spring and summer seasons and validated for the remainder of the seasons. The predicted behavior showed good correlation to measurements on real samples following statistical analysis, with R2, R, and RMSE results between (0.93–0.97), (0.8–0.82), and (0.000438–0.000838), respectively. A sensitivity study was performed to assess the effect of various pH values, drop heights, tailwater depths, stream widths, and sewer ventilation rate levels. The results showed that the emissions concentrations for winter, spring, summer, and autumn reached 3500, 5044, 6425, and 4045 ppm respectively. All the emissions levels from this DS can be considered hazardous, and this was particularly evident during the summer months. This study has helped to clarify the fate and emission of hydrogen sulfide gas at the DS by simulation using a TOXCHEM model.