bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXPLORING THE DRIVERS FOR HOUSEHOLD COOKING ENERGY TRANSITION IN GOMBE METROPOLIS, NIGERIA
Authors: Ahmed A. , Isma’il M. , Mohammed H. , Zubairu S. M. , Salim A. A. , Hassan A. W. , Umar J. H. , Ibrahim N. M. , Balarabe A. , Yusuf S. S. , Umar K. S.
Published: September 2023

Transition to sustainable energy in the household sector is a one-way solution to significantly reducing the contending problem of forest exploitation on one hand and on the other hand an important effort to minimizing the challenging subject of climate change. This study aimed at exploring the drivers for household cooking energy transition in Gombe metropolis with a view to providing detailed information on the transition pathways in the area for policy implications. The study used quantitative research method with structured questionnaire as the instrument for data collection, while secondary data was obtained from the Gombe State Bureau of Statistics. For data collection, systematic sampling strategy was used to select sampling locations and the households to be administered the questionnaire. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression analysis. Result from descriptive analysis revealed that household size (69.5%), households’ level of income (65.5%) and public influence (65.5%) were the major factors influencing modern energy choice in the study area on one hand and on the hand environmental consequences (35.8%), health risks (34%) and seasonal changes (49.5%) has no significant influence on household modern energy choice for cooking. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed the likelihood of respondent’s socio-demographics and modern energy adoption (p-value <0.05). The study recommends conducting public awareness campaigns on the benefits of modern energy services for cooking through media and public gatherings. It also suggests providing adequate access to affordable modern energy to encourage households to adopt and shift to modern energy consumption for cooking.
SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF FRUITS EXTRACTS OF Balanites aeqyptiaca AND Adansonia digitata ON LIPIDERMIC PARAMETERS OF DIABETICS ALBINO RAT
Authors: Gabi Baba , Umar Hauwa , Haruna Hauwa , Ado Aminu
Published: September 2023

Lipidemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, particularly in people with diabetes mellitus. High plasma triglyceride concentration, low HDL cholesterol concentration, and elevated concentration of tiny dense LDL cholesterol particles are some of its distinguishing features. Fruits from Balanites aeqyptiaca and Adansonia digitata have the ability to decrease blood pressure. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the combined effects of the two fruits on the lipidemia of alloxan-induced albino rats. Utilizing the glucose dehydrogenase method, glucometer accu-check was used for the evaluation of blood glucose levels. Investigations were also conducted on alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats to measure total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein (LDL). According to the results, B. aegyptiaca and A. digitata fruit extracts significantly reduced the lipid profiles of the treated groups when used at concentrations of 80:20, 160:40, and 240:60 mg/Kg body weight, respectively. While the lipid profiles were significantly reduced in groups that received treatment at dosages of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight. However, the groups treated with the highest doses of the extracts demonstrated the most significant effects on the levels of triglycerides (47mg/dl), HDL (79mg/dl), and LDL (40mg/dl). The fruits have shown cumulative effects on their potential to lower the lipid profile of diabetic rats, validating their folkloric usage in the management of cardiovascular illnesses.
EFFICIENCY EVALUATION: EPOXYURETHANE DAMPING INSERTS IN VIBRATION PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Authors: Skripinets A. , Saienko N. , Blazhko V. , Saienko L.
Published: September 2023

The article contains experimental studies of the efficiency of the developed epoxyurethane compositions, which are designed to minimize vibration acceleration transmission coefficients in vibration protection and impact protection systems in the range frequencies from 20 to 2000 Hz. Determined that they have a high damping capacity and shorter technological cycle for preparing the composition.
Keywords: epoxyurethane insert, vibration protection and impact protection systems, amplitude and frequency characteristics.
AN ADAPTIVE DECISION-MAKING SUPPORT MODEL IN THE MANAGEMETN OF ENGINEERING INFRASTRUCTURE RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS
Authors: Khudiakov I. , Sukhonos M.
Published: September 2023

Reconstruction of engineering infrastructure has become an important topic for Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of russian federation in 2022. Standard approach to implementation of programs and projects is inefficient for turbulent environments and therefore the use adaptive approach is relevant.
The concept of adaptive management has been analyzed. Means and instruments of adaptive management were analyzed. It was defined that different means and instruments of adaptive management are relevant for different program implementation phases. For the delivery phase these are learning and forecasting, for the closure phase – analysis of obtained experience for more efficient implementation of the next programs, for the definition phase – instruments that can ensure the further implementation of adaptivity to the management processes.
An adaptive decision-making support model concept is proposed for adaptive engineering infrastructure reconstruction programs and projects management. The model is based on machine learning methods and can be used for program architecture and project work structure development and management. In this case the decision-making consists in choosing the optimal composition and configuration of the system that is the reconstruction object from among the available alternatives by predicting the values of the parameters of its elements in order to minimize the costs of implementing the program or the project.
The model is created with Microsoft Azure Machine Learning Studio, the user interface is created in Microsoft Excel.
The distinguishing features of the model are adaptivity due to the use of machine learning methods, possibility of scaling of the model to ensure its application to different system levels and presence of post-processing instruments for different use cases including calculation of additional parameter values, parameter values dependency graphs construction etc.
The dataset for the model consists of several parameter categories that characterize the system modelled: technical and technological parameters, environmental parameters, energy efficiency parameters, energy security parameters, economic parameters, operational safety parameters.
Keywords: adaptive program management, adaptive project management, decision support systems, machine learning.
COMPLEX SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF INNOVATIVE DECISIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Authors: Teliura N. , Plyasulya S. , Krupytska D. , Virchenko V.
Published: September 2023

Systematic approaches to the selection of innovative technologies for environmental protection are investigated. The features and directions of ensuring environmental safety are considered by means of a substantiated method of selecting innovative technologies. A method is used that substantiates the procedure for determining the relative importance of criteria and indicators of environmental protection technologies and methods using the program-analytical method. The basic and fundamental principles of project activities are well developed by specialists, but the practical orientation, application of aspects and algorithms for the implementation of these innovative decision support systems at the level of project activities at the regional level need further development. Decision support systems in the design of innovative environmental protection technologies will increase the complexity and effectiveness of solutions to improve environmental safety.
According to the developed approach, criteria formulated as influencing groups of factors. Relevant experts, relying on various types of information on the specific purpose and innovative ecological solutions, give their own judgments regarding the priority of the advantages of the specified criteria. Expert judgments are processed according to the formal procedure of the MAI, which is implemented on a computer, and is the basis for decision-making when choosing the innovative ecological solutions in specific conditions. The criteria hierarchical structure of innovative ecological solutions is represented by a sequence of actions that include the following stages: development of elements of a methodical approach; verification of the consistency of the proposed hierarchical structure for determining priority technologies based on the input data of several objects of settlements; obtaining data on the priority of innovative ecological solutions for implementation on these objects. The advantages of the proposed methodical approach should include the possibility to link to a single algorithm for the justification of the required decision data that differ both in their content and in the form of presentation. Implementation of complex support systems for making innovative decisions in nature protection activities will increase the complexity and effectiveness of decisions to ensure environmental safety.
Keywords: environmental safety, system analysis, innovative solutions, environmental protection tools and technologies, sustainable development.
RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT OF STONE STRUCTURES
Authors: Semko O. , Pinchuk N. , Usenko D.
Published: September 2023

The article provides valuable information on methods for assessing the reliability of stone structures. The authors draw attention to the issues of diagnostics and calculation of the reliability of existing masonry structures, and also offer methods for determining the compressive strength of masonry using the theory of reliability. The destructive and non-destructive tests underlying the determination of strength masonry are also described.
The authors emphasize the importance of structural safety and reliability, which depend on many factors, including the type and magnitude of loads and the bearing capacity of structural elements. A sufficient state of safety is ensured by compliance with the relevant standards and regulations.
The article draws attention to the importance of carrying out tests and calculations in the reconstruction and repair of buildings in order to guarantee their safe operation. The authors note that the safety and reliability of the design also depends on compliance with the rules and regulations that take into account the social, economic and environmental consequences of failure.
The emphasis on the probabilistic approach to assessing the reliability of a design is an important aspect of the article. Taking into account the probability of failure allows us to develop a rational approach to the repair and reconstruction of buildings, ensuring their normal operation. The authors also draw attention to the importance of determining the probability of failure (Pf) as a fundamental parameter for its assessment.
Keywords: reliability assessment, masonry structures, masonry strength, structural safety, safety factors, deformations, fire resistance, reliability theory, failure probability.
T-STUB COMPONENT BEHAVIOR OF THE BEAM TO COLUMN BOLTED FLANGE CONNECTION BASED ON A NUMERICAL ANALYSIS AND EN 1993-1-8 DESIGN CODES
Authors: Solodovnyk Y. , Riumin V.
Published: September 2023

Nodal joints uniting separate elements of steel structures are the most important parts of the whole structure. For the tensile zone of a connection, the study of its stress-strain state up to the limit of exhaustion of its bearing capacity is of greatest interest. There exist different design approaches to obtain the ultimate capacity of a tension-zone of a steel joint, both numerical and analytical methods. In the presented paper this has been realized using a general-purpose finite element analysis package. The application of numerical methods for modelling the tensile performance of the T-component makes it possible to compensate for the lack of data on full-scale experimental studies.
Despite the widespread use of finite element analysis packages, there are still no clear guidelines for creating numerical models of such connections.
Numerical analysis has taken into account important effects such as the nonlinear behavior of the material and the contact interaction of its individual elements.
Finite element analyses should represent the reality in an accurate way while not being too time consuming to be set up and run. That means appropriate parameters and phenomena, such as element types or loading procedure, should be compiled in a way suitable to the problem at hand, so that the discrepancy between reality and model is sufficiently small.
A FE-model with wrong representation of reality can be solved correctly with FEA, but will thereby provide inaccurate results. Therefore, one needs understanding about FE parameters and their influence on time to execute the procedure effectively. When these conditions are met, the possibility to analyze larger number of T-stubs with less user modification opens up.
The analytical method for the calculation of the properties of a bolted joint established by the structural Eurocodes proposes the T-stub as a component for the characterization of the tension and compression zones in moment joints. Using the component method, which is the basis for the calculation of joints according to the EN 1993-1-8 design codes, the value of the ultimate tensile force for the T-shaped component of the dimensions adopted in the work was obtained; the obtained values of the ultimate forces were further used in the numerical experiment.
Keywords: end-plate connection, numerical model, T-stub component, bolt connection.
A Randomised Controlled Trial of Early Vitrectomy and Intravitreal Antibiotics for Post-operative Exogenous Endophthalmitis (EVIAN study): study protocol for a feasibility trial
Authors: Muqit Mahiul Muhammed Khan , Pavesio Carlos , Boston Hayley , Sriharan Keerththika , Wang Yanzhong , Pizzo Elena , Cobb Stephen , Spink Christopher , Bainbridge James
Published: September 2023

Postoperative bacterial endophthalmitis is an infection of the eye's internal tissues resulting from an intraocular procedure. The condition is uncommon but can cause severe and irreversible impairment of sight. Standard management involves administration of antibiotics with or without subsequent removal of the infected vitreous gel by vitrectomy surgery. Surgical intervention is typically reserved for infections that persist despite a period of medical management alone. We aim to determine whether outcomes can be improved by performing surgery without delay. To explore the feasibility of a definitive randomised controlled trial and to determine the number of participants required, we will conduct a multicentre feasibility trial. This trial will include 40 affected individuals, allocated randomly to either standard of care, being intravitreal antibiotic administration alone, or to early vitrectomy surgery in addition to antibiotic administration. We will determine the feasibility and size of a definitive trial by evaluating the participants and the outcomes for their sight. Research Ethics Committee approval (REC 20/WM/0264). Here we describe the trial protocol. Trial registration number:ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04522661
Profiling the activity of the para-caspase MALT1 in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia for potential targeted therapeutic application
Authors: Safa Firas M. , Rasmussen Terri , Fontan Lorena , Xia Min , Melnick Ari , Wiestner Adrian , Lobelle-Rich Patricia , Burger Jan A. , Mouawad Yara , Safah Hana , Flemington Erik K , Saba Nakhle S.
Published: September 2023

B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) remains a hard-to-treat disease with a poor prognosis in adults. Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT1) is a para-caspase required for B-cell receptor (BCR)-mediated NF-κB activation. Inhibition of MALT1 in preclinical models has proven efficacious in many B-cell malignancies including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, mantle cell lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. We sought to examine the role of MALT1 in B-ALL and determine the biological consequences of its inhibition. Targeting MALT1 with both Z-VRPR-fmk and MI-2 efficiently kills B-ALL cells independent of the cell-of-origin (pro, pre, mature) or the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome, and spares normal B-cells. The mechanism of cell death was through apoptotic induction, mostly in cycling cells. The proteolytic activity of MALT1 can be studied by measuring its ability to cleave its substrates. Surprisingly, with the exception of mature B-ALL, we did not detect cleavage of MALT1 substrates at baseline, nor after proteasomal inhibition or following activation of pre-BCR. To explore the possibility of a distinct role for MALT1 in B-ALL, independent of signaling through BCR, we studied the changes in gene expression profiling following a 24-hour treatment with MI-2 in 12 B-ALL cell lines. Our transcriptome analysis revealed a strong inhibitory effect on MYC-regulated gene signatures, further confirmed by Myc protein downregulation, concomitant with an increase in the Myc degrader FBXW7. In conclusion, our evidence suggests a novel role for MALT1 in B-ALL through Myc regulation and provides support for clinical testing of MALT1 inhibitors in B-ALL.
Oryantalist Literatürde İslâmî Rivayetlerin ‘Kurgusallığı’ Meselesi
Authors: YÜKSEL ÇAMUR Fatma
Published: September 2023

İslâm kültüründe isnad sistemi ile rivayet, söz ve yazı vasıtasıyla bilginin nesilden nesle aktarılma ortamıdır. Öncelikleri ve sıhhat kriterleri farklı olsa da hadis, siyer ve tarih rivayetleri geçmişten haber verme yönüyle ortaktır. Aktarım süreçlerinde rivayetin yeniden tahkiye edilmesi sebebiyle olay anlatımlarında edebî üslup, detaylı ve abartılı tasvirler veya tarihî vakıayla uyumsuzluk görülebilir. Bu durumu yansıtan örnekler, oryantalist literatürde İslâmî rivayetleri edebî kurgu gibi ele alan bir dizi çalışmaya konu olmuştur. Rivayetlerde ‘muhtevanın gerçek dışılığının üsluptan anlaşılabileceği’ne dair araştırmalar teması 20. yüzyılın başlarında tarihsel eleştiri yöntemleri çerçevesinde yürütülürken, 60’lı yıllarda motif-tema kavramları, 90’lardan itibaren ise kurgu kavramı çerçevesinde ele alınmıştır. Bu makalede, bu temanın oryantalist literatürde isnad zinciri benzeri bir devamlılıkla nasıl geliştiği incelenmiştir. İslâmî rivayetleri kurgu/sallık çerçevesinde ele almanın gerek kavramın muhtevası gerekse hadis, siyer ve tarih literatürünün mahiyeti açısından uygun olmadığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
“Semantic Dualism” and the Role of the Body in Emotional Experience
Authors: Maiese Michelle
Published: September 2023

Mun’s proposed taxonomy of theories of emotions highlights important commonalities and differences among a wide range of philosophical and psychological accounts and provides an astute mapping of the theoretical landscape. My critical comments focus primarily on the metaphysical account of the mind-body relation that Mun presents, and the implications of this “semantic dualist” account for three of the book’s central topics: (1) conscious experience, (2) underived intentionality, and (3) what it means to provide an embodied cognitive theory of emotions.
MODULAR CONSTRUCTION: A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION FOR CARBON EMISSION REDUCTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Authors:   s Department of Engineering UCK, Sullcapuma Morales Matteo Antonio
Published: September 2023

This research focuses on modular construction as a sustainable solution for reducing carbon emissions in the construction industry. The study examines the environmental benefits of modular construction and its potential to mitigate the carbon footprint associated with traditional construction methods. Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis of case studies, the research explores the use of modular construction techniques, including off-site fabrication and assembly, eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and renewable energy technologies, to minimize carbon emissions throughout the building lifecycle. The findings highlight the advantages of modular construction in terms of reduced construction time, improved resource efficiency, and lower energy consumption, resulting in significant carbon emission reductions. The research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by emphasizing the importance of adopting sustainable practices in the construction industry and provides valuable insights into the role of modular construction as a sustainable solution for carbon emission reduction.
Усиление несущих стен из каменной кладки поврежденных многоэтажных зданий
Authors: КАБАНЦЕВ Олег Васильевич , СИМАКОВ Олег Александрович , НЕЩАДИМОВ Виктор Александрович , ШТЫРЛОВ Дмитрий Александрович
Published: September 2023

Изложены результаты анализа восстановления поврежденных несущих конструкций зданий и сооружений, расположенных на присоединенных территориях. В качестве основного объекта исследования рассмотрены многоэтажные здания с несущими стенами из каменной кладки. Выполнена оценка характерных повреждений кладки несущих стен в результате минно-взрывных воздействий, описаны особенности таких повреждений, требующих специальных методов усиления. Разработана методика восстановления и усиления с применением односторонних аппликаций из торкрет-бетона, предполагающая проведение работ по наружной поверхности несущих стен и восстановление несущей способности вертикальных каменных конструкций. В рамках разработки методики усиления проведены лабораторные испытания образцов кладки с усилением из торкрет-бетона, определены основные физико-механические характеристики торкрет-бетона, включая модуль упругости, необходимые для численного моделирования и расчетного обоснования. На основе многоэтапного расчета, выполненного в соответствии с действующими нормативными документами, теоретически обоснована надежность усиленной односторонними аппликациями из торкрет-бетона стен из каменной кладки.
Физико-механические свойства бетона из механоактивированных минеральных компонентов
Authors: ИБРАГИМОВ Руслан Абдирашитович , КОРОЛЕВ Евгений Валерьевич
Published: September 2023

Разработка технологии использования промышленных отходов - актуальная задача строительного материаловедения. Проведена оценка эффективности применения аппаратов вихревого слоя для механоактивации золы-уноса, используемой в качестве активной минеральной добавки. Количественно такая оценка проводилась путем сопоставления данных по параметрам структуры и физико-механическим свойствам тяжелого бетона. Установлено, что механоактивация золы-уноса приводит к аморфизации поверхности и повышению ее дисперсности. Это закономерно интенсифицирует пуццолановую реакцию по двум механизмам ее реализации - взаимодействие на поверхности золы-уноса и взаимодействие в растворе с продуктами поликонденсации ортокремниевой кислоты. Изучено влияние режима механоактивации на распределение частиц золы-уноса по размерам пор, исследована ее химическая активность по отношению к гидроксиду кальция, прочности бетона и другим свойствам. Выявлено, что частицы механоактивированной золы-уноса в цементном камне покрываются низкоосновными гидросиликатами кальция.
Обеспечение кадровой составляющей развития цифровых направлений в строительной отрасли
Authors: АЛЕКСАНИН Александр Вячеславович
Published: September 2023

Переход строительной отрасли в цифровую среду невозможен без высококвалифицированных специалистов, удовлетворяющих критериям потенциальных работодателей. Для подготовки конкурентоспособного в сфере технологий информационного моделирования выпускника образовательная организация должна на основе запросов предприятий отрасли успешно решать задачи, связанные с разработкой актуальных образовательных программ, повышать компетенции преподавателей в вопросах цифровизации строительства, обеспечивать обучающихся необходимыми материально-техническими ресурсами и программными комплексами. Строительная отрасль нуждается в специалистах, которые будут выполнять работу в цифровой информационной среде в течение всего жизненного цикла объекта капитального строительства. Цель исследования - определение направлений строительной отрасли, эффективность реализации которых может быть повышена благодаря внедрению цифрового подхода высококвалифицированными кадрами. В статье приведены нормативные документы, которые способствуют внедрению цифровизации в строительство, а также показана взаимосвязь актуализации учебных дисциплин в образовательных организациях с национальной программой "Цифровая экономика Российской Федерации". На примере дисциплин организационно-технологической направленности рассмотрена разработка технологических карт с использованием информационного моделирования.
‘Good Cause for Living’: Environmental Justice in Virginia Hamilton’s M. C. Higgins, the Great
Authors: Rizzuto Lauren
Published: September 2023

This article offers an ecocritical reading of Virginia Hamilton’s celebrated novel M. C. Higgins, the Great (1974) to reposition it as a milestone of environmental writing for children. Arriving concurrently with the first Earth Day in the United States in 1970, the novel exposes the generational effects of environmental racism toward Black Americans in the steel industry and condemns the ongoing injustices of strip-mining in Appalachia. However, the novel remains neglected in the primarily white space of ecocriticism. Rereading it as a text for environmental justice recentres Hamilton’s contribution to environmental writing for children and prompts reflection amongst scholars about whose stories occupy which spaces in critical study.
Happy Families?: Scottish Presbyterian Missionary Children’s Homes, 1900s–1950s
Authors: Morrison Hugh
Published: September 2023

This article focuses on two residential institutions in Edinburgh – Home House and Cunningham House – established in the first half of the twentieth century by various branches of Scottish Presbyterianism, to cater for the children of their missionaries operating overseas. These homes served to mitigate the common Protestant practice of family separation, whereby children often returned to countries of origin for all or some of their education. These Scottish homes replicated other Protestant institutions for missionary children. At the same time, they were smaller and more intimate in scale, and Presbyterians played on this to accentuate the homes' role in providing a substitute family for the residents. It argues that the Edinburgh homes can be understood from two equally important vantage points, drawing on insights from the history of emotions and the history of childhood. On the one hand, adult narratives played up notions of happiness and domestic stability for the children. On the other hand, children's narratives indicate considerable emotional ambiguity and navigation. As such, Cunningham House and Home House acted as important sites of emotional management perceived and experienced variously by children and adults.
Non-reducing End of Heparin Tri-saccharide is a Scavenger Tool to Detoxify the Glucose Toxicity in Diabetes
Authors: Wang Andrew Jun , Wang Aimin , Hascall Vincent Charles
Published: September 2023

Heparin is a highly sulfated, hence highly polyanionic, glycosaminoglycan with a repeating disaccharide that contains a hexuronic acid, and it has been used as an anticoagulant clinically for more than half a century. Daily IP injections of small amounts of heparin in the STZ diabetic rat prevented these pathological responses even though the animals sustained hyperglycemic levels of glucose throughout. However, the structural determinant that mediates this activity is not clear. This paper describes our finding that the responses of hyperglycemic dividing mesangial cells to heparin are mediated by its non-reducing terminal trisaccharide and proposes that the non-reducing end tri-saccharide of heparin acts as a scavenger tool to detoxify the glucose toxicity in diabetes.
Covert dissemination of pLVPK-like virulence plasmid in ST29-K54 Klebsiella pneumoniae: emergence of low virulence phenotype strains
Authors: Qiu Jiehui , Wei Dandan , Ma Jiaxin , Liu Ren , Shi Jianglong , Ren Qun , Wei Chunping , Huo Binghui , Zhu Lanlan , Xiang Tianxin , Liu Yang , Cheng Na
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to explore the epidemic, clinical characteristics, and molecular and virulence attributes of Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype K54 (K54-Kp). A retrospective study was conducted on 328 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae screened in a Chinese hospital from January 2016 to December 2019. The virulence genes and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were detected by PCR, and a drug sensitivity test was adopted to detect drug resistance. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and PFGE were performed to determine the clonal correlation between isolates. Biofilm formation assay, serum complement-mediated killing, and Galleria mellonella infection were used to characterize the virulence potential. Our results showed that thirty strains of K54-Kp were screened from 328 strains of bacteria, with an annual detection rate of 2.29%. K54-Kp had a high resistance rate to antibiotics commonly used in the clinic, and patients with hepatobiliary diseases were prone to K54-Kp infection. MLST typing showed 10 sequence typing, mainly ST29 (11/30), which concentrated in the B2 cluster. K54-Kp primarily carried virulence genes of aerobactin, silS, allS, wcaG, wabG, and mrkD, among which the terW gene was closely related to ST29 (p<0.05). The strains infected by the bloodstream had strong biofilm formation ability (p<0.05). Most strains were sensitive to serum. Still, the virulence of pLVPK-like virulence plasmid in ST29-K54 Klebsiella pneumoniae was lower than that of ST11 type and NTUH-K2044 in the Galleria mellonella model. Therefore, these findings supply a foundation to roundly comprehend K54-Kp, and clinicians should strengthen supervision and attention.
Revealing a causal relationship between gut microbiota and lung cancer: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Yingchen , Wang Ke , Zhang Yuchong , Yang Jitao , Wu Ying , Zhao Mingfang
Published: September 2023

Background

The gut microbiota has been found to be associated with the risk of lung cancer. However, its causal relationship with various types of lung cancer remains unclear.

Methods

We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study using the largest genome-wide association analysis of gut microbiota data to date from the MiBioGen consortium, with pooled statistics for various types of lung cancer from the Transdisciplinary Research in Cancer of the Lung, the International Lung Cancer Consortium, and FinnGen Consortium R7 release data. Inverse variance weighted, weighted model, MR-Egger regression, and weighted median were adapted to assess the causal relationship between gut microbiota and various types of lung cancer. Sensitivity analysis was used to test for the presence of pleiotropy and heterogeneity in instrumental variables. A reverse MR analysis was performed on these bacteria to determine their potential role in causing lung cancer. A reverse MR analysis was performed on these bacteria to determine their potential role in causing lung cancer. Multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) was conducted to assess the direct causal impact of gut microbiota on the risk of various types of lung cancer.

Results

Using IVW as the primary analytical method, we identified a total of 40 groups of gut microbiota with potential causal associations with various subtypes of lung cancer, of which 10 were associated with lung cancer, 10 with lung adenocarcinoma, 9 with squamous cell lung cancer, and 11 groups of bacteria associated with small cell lung cancer. After performing FDR correction, we further found that there was still a significant causal relationship between Peptococcaceae and lung adenocarcinoma. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated the robustness of these results, with no heterogeneity or pleiotropy found.

Conclusions

Our results confirm a causal relationship between specific gut microbiota and lung cancer, providing new insights into the role of gut microbiota in mediating the development of lung cancer.
Digital trends in autism: a scoping review exploring coverage of autism across YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook
Authors: Jawed Aysha , Graham Heather , Smith Jennifer
Published: September 2023

Autism continues to be a leading neurodevelopmental disorder across adult and pediatric populations that transcends racial, ethnic, age, and socioeconomic groups worldwide. Autism care and treatment also exerts immense costs on the healthcare system and lost productivity which are partly attributed to the existing resource limitations globally. Organizations, campaigns, and policies exist worldwide in increasing equity and accessibility of resources and services to individuals with autism. In the context of our digital era, a wealth of information is also more readily available on autism through electronic communication including social media platforms. As YouTube, Twitter and Facebook are ever-growing and among the leading social media platforms in contemporary times, examination of content covered on autism across these communication mediums is timely and warranted. This review consolidates findings from 32 sources on the sources, formats, and nature of content covered on YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook pertaining to a wealth of dimensions surrounding autism. Strengths and limitations of the studies and endeavors are presented. Implications for future campaign development, health equity, health policy, neurodiversity, and patient care are also delineated. Lastly, recommendations for future research and practice are discussed which present directions for tapping into the potential of YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook as health communication mediums across the ever-changing autism landscape.
Evidence of poro-elastic inflation at the onset of the 2021 Vulcano Island (Italy) unrest
Authors: Stissi Santina Chiara , Currenti Gilda , Cannavò Flavio , Napoli Rosalba
Published: September 2023

Thermal and pore-pressure variations induced by the circulation of hydrothermal-magmatic fluids in porous and permeable media contribute to ground deformation in volcanic areas. Here, we use solutions for the calculation of the displacements induced by pore-pressure and temperature changes for simplified geometry sources embedded in an elastic half-space with homogeneous mechanical and porous properties. The analytical solution for a spherical source is reviewed, and a semi-analytical approach for the calculation of the displacement for a cylindrical source is presented. Both models were used for the inversion of the daily deformation data recorded on Vulcano Island (Italy) during the 2021 unrest. Starting from September 2021, Vulcano Island experienced an increase in gas emission, seismic activity, and edifice inflation. The deformation pattern evolution from September until mid-October 2021 is indicative of a spatially stationary source. The modeling of the persistent and continuous edifice inflation suggests a deformation source located below the La Fossa crater at a depth of approximately 800 m from the ground surface undergoing a volume change of approximately 105 m3, linked to the rise in fluids from a deeper magmatic source. Corroborated by other sources of geophysical and geochemical evidence, the modeling results support that thermo-poro-elastic processes are sufficient to explain the observed displacement without necessarily invoking the migration of magma to shallow levels. Our findings demonstrate that thermo-poro-elastic solutions may help interpret ground deformation and gain insights into the evolution of the hydrothermal systems, providing useful implications for hazard assessment during volcanic crises.
Assessing the factors of economic and environmental inefficiency of sunflower production in Pakistan: an epsilon-based measure model
Authors: Abbas Adnan , Mushtaq Zulqarnain , Ikram Amir , Yousaf Khurram , Zhao Chengyi
Published: September 2023

Considering the growing pressure of the edible oil imports bill on Pakistan’s national accounts, the significance of sunflower cultivation is gaining more attention to meet the domestic edible oil demand. Given the declining area for sunflower production, this study explored the factors of economic and environmental inefficiencies affecting sunflower growers in Pakistan. The study adopted the epsilon-based measure (EBM) model at the first stage and the Tobit truncated regression model at the second stage to precisely estimate the economic and environmental inefficiencies in the data collected from 240 sunflower growers. Results found that out of 240, 69.9% of the sunflower growers are economically inefficient, while the average environmental inefficiency of sunflower growers is 56.3%. The findings further revealed that farmers’ age, cultivated land, and market distance are the driving factors of farmers’ economic and environmental inefficiencies. However, formal education, farming experience, and access to agricultural extension services decreased the farmer’s inefficiencies. Based on the present study’s findings, diverse policy options are presented to address the problem of contraction of the area under sunflower production.
Revisiting the linkage between green finance and China’s sustainable development: evidence from the pilot zones for green finance reform innovations
Authors: Lin Guochao , Lam Johnny F. I. , Shi Yi , Chen Hongxi , Chen Huangxin
Published: September 2023

Based on the fundamental logic of “green finance – improvement of ecological environment and new kinetic energy of economic development – sustainable development of economy and society”, this paper conducts quasi-natural experiments using panel data from 30 provinces and cities in China between 2013 and 2021. It explores the effects of pilot policies of the green finance reform and innovation pilot zone on the sustainable development of the economy and society through a double difference model. The study reveals that the establishment of the green finance reform and innovation pilot zone has a significant promoting effect on the sustainable development of the economy and society. This conclusion remains valid even after conducting a series of robustness tests. In further analysis, it is found that the promotion effect of the green finance reform and innovation pilot zone on sustainable development exhibits some temporal characteristics. It is particularly significant in regions with lower levels of financial development and industrialization but higher levels of technological innovation. Mechanism analysis indicates that the pathways through which the green finance reform and innovation pilot zone facilitates economic and social sustainable development are relatively singular, primarily revolving around the improvement of the ecological environment. The key contribution of this paper lies in demonstrating the crucial role of pilot policies in the field of sustainable economic and social development. Additionally, it offers new insights for strengthening the implementation effectiveness of green finance pilot policies.
Case report: Noonan syndrome with protein-losing enteropathy
Authors: Ou Yang , Yuan Jun-Chao , Zheng Yao , Zhang Jin-Man , He Tian , Liang Zhi , Zhou Yi-Kun
Published: September 2023

Background: Noonan syndrome (NS) is characterized by typical facial features, short stature, congenital heart defects and other comorbidities. Lymphedema and chylous pleural effusions are also common in NS, but protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is rarely reported.

Case presentation: We present the case of a 19-year-old Chinese woman presenting with PLE. Small intestine biopsy showed obvious expansion of lymphatic vessels. The gene mutation results of the patient indicated a c.184T>G missense mutation (p.Tyr62Asp) in the PTPN11 gene (NM_002834.3).

Conclusion: NS accompanied by PLE is not common, but hypoproteinemia attributable to PLE may be more common in patients with NS than previously thought. It remains uncertain whether mutation of the PTPN11 gene is related to PLE, indicating that further research is needed.
Navigating gender dynamics: a male researcher's experiences on conducting feminist HCI research
Authors: Ahmadi Michael
Published: September 2023

In this perspective article, I invite readers to accompany me on a personal journey of self-discovery and transformation as a male researcher within the field of feminist Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). I will delve into the specific topic of gender-opposite research in socio-technical environments and reflect on my experiences, especially the associated challenges and opportunities. My journey exposed me to critical literature and engaged me in long-term fieldwork simultaneously, expanding my understanding of the dynamics that shape our society. My perspectives, sensitization, and awareness of gender-related issues evolved significantly over the course of more than 3 years of being dedicated to a feminist research project. By sharing this narrative, I hope to promote critical discussions about the significance of both, personal growth, and transformation as well as the need for reflexivity in the pursuit of feminist research (with a focus on the specific context of gender-opposite research in socio-technical environments). I will dive into the complexities that I encountered in the settings and compromises I felt obliged to make which were influenced by the embodied nature of my research. As I will furthermore show, there had been an impact on my research practices in terms of planning, observation, analysis, and writing.
“I just try my best to make them happy”: the role of intra-familial relationships of care in the integration of reunited refugee families
Authors: Baillot Helen
Published: September 2023

Migration through managed routes such as spousal and work visas has been conceptualized as being a pragmatic choice driven by the needs of families rather than individuals. In contrast, studies of refugee integration post-migration have tended to analyse integration processes through the perspective of the individual rather than through a family lens. Drawing from data collection using a social connections mapping tool methodology with recently reunited refugee families supported by a third sector integration service in the UK, in this paper the author makes a valuable contribution to addressing this theoretical gap. The author explores the ambivalent ways in which family relationships, and the care that flows between family members, influence emotional, and practical aspects of refugees' integration. Empirically the inclusion of accounts from people occupying different positions within their families, including from children, adds depth to our understanding of integration from a refugee perspective. Conceptually, the paper argues that a focus on familial relationships of care re-positions refugees not as passive recipients of care, but active and agentive subjects who offer care to others. The paper ends with a call for integration to be understood in a family way that fully encompasses the opportunities and limitations offered by familial care.
Hypomethylation-induced regulatory programs in T cells unveiled by transcriptomic analyses
Authors: Lysandrou Memnon , Stamou Panagiota , Kefala Dionysia , Pierides Chryso , Kyriakou Maria , Savvopoulos Nikolaos , Christofi Panayiota , Papadopoulou Anastasia , Yannaki Evangelia , Costeas Paul , Spyridonidis Alexandros
Published: September 2023

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential mediators of tolerance mitigating aberrant immune responses. While naturally occurring Treg (nTreg) development and function are directed by epigenetic events, induced Treg (iTreg) identity and mechanisms of action remain elusive. Mirroring the epigenetic circuits of nTregs, we and others have used hypomethylation agents (HAs) to ex vivo convert T cells into iTregs (HA-iTregs) and further showed that the suppressive properties of the HA-iTregs are predominantly confined in an emergent population, which de novo expresses the immunomodulatory molecule HLA-G, consequently providing a surface marker for isolation of the suppressive HA-iTreg compartment (G+ cells). We isolated the HA-induced G+ cells and their G− counterparts and employed high-throughput RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses to uncover the G+-specific transcriptomic changes guiding T cells toward a regulatory trajectory upon their exposure to HA. We found a distinct transcriptional upregulation of G+ cells accompanied by enrichment of immune-response–related pathways. Although single-cell RNA-seq profiling revealed regulatory G+ cells to have molecular features akin to nTregs, when assessed in conjunction with the comparative transcriptomic analysis and profiling of secreted cytokines against the non-suppressive G− cells, FOXP3 and other T-helper signatures appear to play a minor role in their suppressive phenotype. We found an ectopic expression of IDO-1 and CCL17/22 in G+ cells, denoting that in vitro exposure of T cells to HA may well unlock myeloid suppressor genes. This report provides transcriptional data shaping the molecular identity of a highly purified and potent HA-iTreg population and hints toward ectopic myeloid-specific molecular mechanisms mediating HA-iTreg function.