bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined TCBS and CHROMagar Analyses Allow for Basic Identification of Vibrio vulnificus within a 48 h Incubation Period in the Coastal Baltic Sea
Authors: Glackin Conor Christopher , Dupke Susann , Chandra Thota Sharath , Riedinger David , Labrenz Matthias
Published: March 2024

With rising infection rates in recent years, Vibrio vulnificus poses an increasing threat to public safety in the coastal brackish Baltic Sea. It is therefore important to monitor this organism and assess the V. vulnificus infection risk on a more regular basis. However, as the coastline of the Baltic Sea is 8000 km long and shared by nine nations, a convenient, fast, inexpensive, yet efficient V. vulnificus identification method is essential. We evaluated the effectiveness of a two-step agar-based approach consisting of successive Vibrio isolation and cultivation on thiosulphate-citrate-bile salt sucrose (TCBS) agar and CHROMagar™ Vibrio for V. vulnificus in comparison with V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. alginolyticus. Our study contains isolates from water and sediment across a broad expanse of the Baltic Sea including 13 locations and two different summers, the time of year during which Vibrio infections are usually much more frequent. Confirmation of isolate species identity was carried out using molecular analyses. The two-step agar plating method performed well across different locations and timeframes in correctly identifying V. vulnificus by more than 80%, but the sensitivity in other Vibrio species varied. Thus, our approach yielded promising results as a potential tool for early V. vulnificus detection across a broad timeframe and transect of the Baltic Sea and potentially other brackish environments.
CO2/CH4 Separation in Amino Acid Ionic Liquids, Polymerized Ionic Liquids, and Mixed Matrix Membranes
Authors: Selvaraj Gowri , Wilfred Cecilia Devi
Published: March 2024

The ability to efficiently separate CO2 from other light gases using membrane technology has received a great deal of attention due to its importance in applications such as improving the efficiency of natural gas and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A wide range of materials has been employed for the fabrication of membranes. This paper highlights the work carried out to develop novel advanced membranes with improved separation performance. We integrated a polymerizable and amino acid ionic liquid (AAIL) with zeolite to fabricate mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The MMMs were prepared with (vinylbenzyl)trimethylammonium chloride [VBTMA][Cl] and (vinylbenzyl)trimethylammonium glycine [VBTMA][Gly] as the polymeric support with 5 wt% zeolite particles, and varying concentrations of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium glycine, [BMIM][Gly] (5–20 wt%) blended together. The membranes were fabricated through photopolymerization. The extent of polymerization was confirmed using FTIR. FESEM confirmed the membranes formed are dense in structure. The thermal properties of the membranes were measured using TGA and DSC. CO2 and CH4 permeation was studied at room temperature and with a feed side pressure of 2 bar. [VBTMA][Gly]-based membranes recorded higher CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 selectivity compared to [VBTMA][Cl]-based membranes due to the facilitated transport of CO2. The best performing membrane Gly-Gly-20 recorded permeance of 4.17 GPU and ideal selectivity of 5.49.
Plant-Derived Phenolic Acids Limit the Pathogenesis of Salmonella Typhimurium and Protect Intestinal Epithelial Cells during Their Interactions
Authors: Alvarado-Martinez Zabdiel , Tabashsum Zajeba , Aditya Arpita , Hshieh Katherine , Suh Grace , Wall Matthew , Scriba Aaron , Sellers George , Canagarajah Christa , Kapadia Sarika , Biswas Debabrata
Published: March 2024

The incidence of gastrointestinal illness attributable to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST) remains a concern for public health worldwide, as it can progress into systemic infections mediated by the type-three secretion system (T3SS), which allows for adherence and invasion to intestinal epithelial cells. The current study evaluates the ability of gallic acid (GA), protocatechuic acid (PA), and vanillic acid (VA) to impair the adhesion and invasion abilities of ST to a human epithelial (INT-407) cell monolayer while also assessing their cytotoxicity. GA, PA, and VA inhibited detectable ST growth at specific concentrations but showed cytotoxicity against INT-407 cells (>20% reduction in viability) after 3 h of treatments. Adjusting the pH of the solutions had a neutralizing effect on cytotoxicity, though it did reduce their antimicrobial potency. Adhesion of ST was reduced significantly when the cells were treated with 4.0 mg/mL of VA, whereas invasion was reduced in all treatments, with GA requiring the lowest concentration (0.5 mg/mL). Relative gene expression of virulence genes after treatment with GA showed downregulation in the T3SS regulator and effector hilA and sipA, respectively. These findings suggest further use of phenolic acids in reducing the activity of key virulence factors critical during ST infection.
Dietary Amino Acid Composition and Glycemic Biomarkers in Japanese Adolescents
Authors: Okuda Masayuki , Sasaki Satoshi
Published: March 2024

Protein intake reportedly increases the risk of diabetes; however, the results have been inconsistent. Diabetes in adulthood may be attributed to early life dietary amino acid composition. This study aimed to investigate the association between amino acid composition and glycemic biomarkers in adolescents. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and fasting glucose and insulin levels were measured in 1238 eighth graders. The homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) indices (insulin resistance and β-cell function) were calculated. Anthropometrics were measured and other covariates were obtained from a questionnaire. Amino acid composition was isometric log transformed according to the compositional data analysis, which was used as explanatory variables in multivariate linear regression models for glucose, insulin, and HOMA indices. Only the association between glucose and leucine was significant. In replacement of other amino acids with leucine, an increase of 0.1% of total amino acids correlated with a lower glucose level (−1.02 mg/dL). One-to-one substitution of leucine for isoleucine or methionine decreased glucose (−2.98 and −2.28 mg/dL, respectively). Associations with other biomarkers were not observed. In conclusion, compositional data analysis of amino acids revealed an association only with glucose in adolescents; however, the results of this study should be verified in other populations.
Differences in Socioeconomic, Dietary Choice, and Nutrition Environment Explanatory Variables for Food and Nutrition Security among Households with and without Children
Authors: Thomson Jessica , Landry Alicia , Walls Tameka
Published: March 2024

This study’s purpose was to compare socioeconomic, dietary choice, and nutrition environment variables associated with food and nutrition security in USA households with and without children. Data were collected in 2021 and consisted of households at risk of or experiencing food insecurity. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify significant explanatory variables for food and nutrition security by household type—with or without children (<18 years of age). Food insecurity rates were 74% and 64% in households with and without children, respectively. Nutrition insecurity rates were 38% and 30% in households with and without children, respectively. For both household types, greater dietary choice increased odds (4–15 times) of food and nutrition security. In households with children, more fast-food meals increased the odds (60%) of food security, while more processed meals and greater utilization barriers to healthful meals decreased the odds (40–50%). Greater utilization barriers also decreased the odds (20%) of food security in households without children. In households with children, higher income and greater healthfulness choice increased the odds (20% and 3 times) of nutrition security, while low (vs. high) perceived limited availability of foods doubled the odds in households without children. Dietary choice is an influential and crucial factor of food and nutrition security.
Persistent Barriers of the Gluten-Free Basic Food Basket: Availability, Cost, and Nutritional Composition Assessment
Authors: Estévez Virginia , Rodríguez Juan Manuel , Schlack Pía , Navarrete Pedro , Bascuñán Karla A. , Núñez Victoria , Oyarce Camila , Flores Catalina , Ayala Jimena , Araya Magdalena
Published: March 2024

Gluten-related disorders are treated with a gluten-free diet. The “basic food basket” (BFB) consists of a list of basic foods consumed by low-income groups in society, including those lowest-cost versions within each food category. To evaluate the cost, availability, and nutritional quality of the BFB and gluten-free BFB (GF-BFB), foods were photographed, registering their cost, availability, and nutritional characteristics, in high quality and mid-range supermarkets, wholesalers, health shops, and corner shops, matching each regular BFB product with a gluten-free equivalent. Of the 1177 potential products, the selection of lowest-cost foods yielded 55 and 47 products (BFB and GF-BFB, respectively). Breads/cereals and drinks showed the highest differences (279% and 146%, respectively) while meats and sausages showed the lowest ones (18.6%). The GF-BFB cost represents 30.1% of the minimum wage, which covers the cost of 5.2 and 3.3 of the BFB and GF-BFB per month, respectively. Availability ranged between 22.7 and 42.4%. Lower availability was associated with poorer nutritional quality in the GF-BFB, which provides 5% less energy, 26% more fat, and 25% less protein than the BFB. Only 47% of gluten-free products declared their “gluten-free” condition. The results strongly suggest that the GF-BFB must be redesigned to be both gluten-free and nutritionally adequate.
Potential Complementary Effect of Zinc and Alkalihalobacillus clausii on Gut Health and Immunity: A Narrative Review
Authors: Wong-Chew Rosa María , Nguyen Thi Viet Ha , Rogacion Jossie M. , Herve Maxime , Pouteau Etienne
Published: March 2024

A balanced microbiota—microorganisms that live in the gut—is crucial in the early years of a child’s life, while dysbiosis—altered microbiota—has been linked to the development of various diseases. Probiotics, such as Alkalihalobacillus clausii, are commonly used to restore the balance of gut microbiota and have shown additional antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. Intake of micronutrients can affect the structure and function of the gut barrier and of the microbiota by having multiple effects on cellular metabolism (e.g., immunomodulation, gene expression, and support structure proteins). An inadequate zinc intake increases the risk of deficiency and associated immune dysfunctions; it is responsible for an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory infections, and stunting. Paediatric zinc deficiency is a public health concern in many countries, especially in low-income areas. Currently, zinc supplementation is used to treat childhood diarrhoea. This review examines how combining A. clausii and zinc could improve dysbiosis, gut health, and immunity. It suggests that this combination could be used to prevent and treat infectious diseases and diarrhoea in children up to adolescence.
Novel Fluorescent Strategy for Discriminating T and B Lymphocytes Using Transport System
Authors: Cho Heewon , Hong Na-Kyeong , Chang Young-Tae
Published: March 2024

Fluorescent bioprobes are invaluable tools for visualizing live cells and deciphering complex biological processes by targeting intracellular biomarkers without disrupting cellular functions. In addition to protein-binding concepts, fluorescent probes utilize various mechanisms, including membrane, metabolism, and gating-oriented strategies. This study introduces a novel fluorescent mechanism distinct from existing ways. Here, we developed a B cell selective probe, CDrB, with unique transport mechanisms. Through SLC-CRISPRa screening, we identified two transporters, SLCO1B3 and SLC25A41, by sorting out populations exhibiting higher and lower fluorescence intensities, respectively, demonstrating contrasting activities. We confirmed that SLCO1B3, with comparable expression levels in T and B cells, facilitates the transport of CDrB into cells, while SLC25A41, overexpressed in T lymphocytes, actively exports CDrB. This observation suggests that SLC25A41 plays a crucial role in discriminating between T and B lymphocytes. Furthermore, it reveals the potential for the reversible localization of SLC25A41 to demonstrate its distinct activity. This study is the first report to unveil a novel strategy of SLC by exporting the probe. We anticipate that this research will open up new avenues for developing fluorescent probes.
Influence of Thiol-Functionalized Polysilsesquioxane/Phosphorus Flame-Retardant Blends on the Flammability and Thermal, Mechanical, and Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emission Properties of Epoxy Resins
Authors: Kim Young-Hun , Baek Jeong Ju , Chang Ki Cheol , Lim Ho Sun , Choi Myung-Seok , Koh Won-Gun , Shin Gyojic
Published: March 2024

In this study, thiol-functionalized ladder-like polysesquioxanes end-capped with methyl and phenyl groups were synthesized via a simple sol-gel method and characterized through gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Additionally, epoxy blends of different formulations were prepared. Their structural, flame-retardant, thermal, and mechanical properties, as well as volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, were determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), TGA, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), limiting oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimetry, and a VOC analyzer. Compared to epoxy blends with flame retardants containing elemental phosphorus alone, those with flame retardants containing elemental phosphorus combined with silicon and sulfur exhibited superior thermal, flame-retardant, and mechanical properties with low VOC emissions. SEM of the residual char revealed a dense and continuous morphology without holes or cracks. In particular, LOI values for the combustion of methyl and phenyl end-capped polysilsesquioxane mixtures were 32.3 and 33.7, respectively, compared to 28.4% of the LOI value for the blends containing only phosphorus compounds. The silicon–sulfur–phosphorus-containing blends displayed reduced flammability concerning the blends using a flame retardant containing only phosphorus. This reflects the cooperative effects of various flame-retardant moieties.
Polymer-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Ding Ling , Agrawal Prachi , Singh Sandeep K. , Chhonker Yashpal S. , Sun Jingjing , Murry Daryl J.
Published: March 2024

Chemotherapy together with surgery and/or radiotherapy are the most common therapeutic methods for treating cancer. However, the off-target effects of chemotherapy are known to produce side effects and dose-limiting toxicities. Novel delivery platforms based on natural and synthetic polymers with enhanced pharmacokinetic and therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancer have grown tremendously over the past 10 years. Polymers can facilitate selective targeting, enhance and prolong circulation, improve delivery, and provide the controlled release of cargos through various mechanisms, including physical adsorption, chemical conjugation, and/or internal loading. Notably, polymers that are biodegradable, biocompatible, and physicochemically stable are considered to be ideal delivery carriers. This biomimetic and bio-inspired system offers a bright future for effective drug delivery with the potential to overcome the obstacles encountered. This review focuses on the barriers that impact the success of chemotherapy drug delivery as well as the recent developments based on natural and synthetic polymers as platforms for improving drug delivery for treating cancer.
Thomas Aquinas and the Qualification of Monastic Labor
Authors: Hanson Jeffrey
Published: March 2024

Early monastic communities in Egypt were veritable laboratories for the practice of Christian virtue; perhaps surprisingly, they were also large-scale coordinated communities of labor. That manual labor should have been part of anchoritic life is not obvious; given that hermits were leaving the cities and the usual occupations of life in the world, there might be a question as to why they would seemingly return to such occupations having sought the purity of living alone in the desert. Combining Platonic thought with radical Christianity, the monks found a way to make the maximally spiritual life also a worker’s life. The architects of this form of life saw manual labor as a means for achieving self-sustenance, an effective weapon against temptation, a resource for the support of the needy, and a vital component in the monks’ ascetic program. The argument of this paper is that this powerful cultural consensus on the centrality of work to monastic life endured for almost a thousand years before it came to be qualified, by Thomas Aquinas among others. When Thomas Aquinas writes on the purposes of manual labor he is entirely traditional. However, Aquinas ends up diminishing the extent to which the pursuit of the traditional goods gained by the practice of manual labor is obligatory for monastics. Aquinas’s discussion of manual labor as an element of monastic life is a definite departure from the tradition. In the typically polite fashion of a scholastic theologian, Aquinas shifts away from Augustine and re-interprets St. Paul in unprecedented fashion. His argument is influenced by his own commitment to a new form of monastic life, which was changing not just theologically but as a result of the evolving backdrop of the social and economic realities with which religious life necessarily interacted.
ADF-Net: An Attention-Guided Dual-Branch Fusion Network for Building Change Detection near the Shanghai Metro Line Using Sequences of TerraSAR-X Images
Authors: Chen Peng , Lin Jinxin , Zhao Qing , Zhou Lei , Yang Tianliang , Huang Xinlei , Wu Jianzhong
Published: March 2024

Building change detection (BCD) plays a vital role in city planning and development, ensuring the timely detection of urban changes near metro lines. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) has the advantage of providing continuous image time series with all-weather and all-time capabilities for earth observation compared with optical remote sensors. Deep learning algorithms have extensively been applied for BCD to realize the automatic detection of building changes. However, existing deep learning-based BCD methods with SAR images suffer limited accuracy due to the speckle noise effect and insufficient feature extraction. In this paper, an attention-guided dual-branch fusion network (ADF-Net) is proposed for urban BCD to address this limitation. Specifically, high-resolution SAR images collected by TerraSAR-X have been utilized to detect building changes near metro line 8 in Shanghai with the ADF-Net model. In particular, a dual-branch structure is employed in ADF-Net to extract heterogeneous features from radiometrically calibrated TerraSAR-X images and log ratio images (i.e., difference images (DIs) in dB scale). In addition, the attention-guided cross-layer addition (ACLA) blocks are used to precisely locate the features of changed areas with the transformer-based attention mechanism, and the global attention mechanism with the residual unit (GAM-RU) blocks is introduced to enhance the representation learning capabilities and solve the problems of gradient fading. The effectiveness of ADF-Net is verified using evaluation metrics. The results demonstrate that ADF-Net generates better building change maps than other methods, including U-Net, FC-EF, SNUNet-CD, A2Net, DMINet, USFFCNet, EATDer, and DRPNet. As a result, some building area changes near metro line 8 in Shanghai have been accurately detected by ADF-Net. Furthermore, the prediction results are consistent with the changes derived from high-resolution optical remote sensing images.
Multi-Antenna Global Navigation Satellite System/Inertial Measurement Unit Tight Integration for Measuring Displacement and Vibration in Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Dai Wujiao , Li Xin , Yu Wenkun , Qu Xuanyu , Ding Xiaoli
Published: March 2024

Large-scale engineering structures deform and vibrate under the influence of external forces. Obtaining displacement and vibration is crucial for structural health monitoring (SHM). Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and inertial measurement unit (IMU) are complementary and widely used in SHM. In this paper, we propose an SHM scheme where IMU and multi-antenna GNSS are tightly integrated. The phase centers of multiple GNSS antennas are transformed into the IMU center, which increases the observation redundancy and strengthens the positioning model. To evaluate the performance of tight integration of IMU and multiple GNSS antennas, high-rate vibrational signals are simulated using a shaking table, and the errors of horizontal displacement of different positioning schemes are analyzed using recordings of a high-precision ranging laser as the reference. The results demonstrate that applying triple-antenna GNSS/IMU integration for measuring the displacement can achieve an accuracy of 2.6 mm, which is about 33.0% and 30.3% superior than the accuracy achieved by the conventional single-antenna GNSS-only and GNSS/IMU solutions, respectively.
Three-Dimensional Single Random Phase Encryption
Authors: Cho Byungwoo , Cho Myungjin
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we propose a new optical encryption technique that uses the single random phase mask. In conventional optical encryptions such as double random phase encryption (DRPE), two different random phase masks are required to encrypt the primary data. For decryption, DRPE requires taking the absolute value of the decrypted data because it is complex-valued. In addition, when key information is revealed, the primary data may be reconstructed by attackers. To reduce the number of random phase masks and enhance the security level, in this paper, we propose single random phase encryption (SRPE) with additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and volumetric computational reconstruction (VCR) of integral imaging. In our method, even if key information is known, the primary data may not be reconstructed. To enhance the visual quality of the decrypted data by SRPE, multiple observation is utilized. To reconstruct the primary data, we use VCR of integral imaging because it can remove AWGN by average effect. Thus, since the reconstruction depth can be another key piece of information of SRPE, the security level can be enhanced. In addition, it does not require taking the absolute value of the decrypted data for decryption. To verify the validity of our method, we implement the simulation and calculate performance metrics such as peak sidelobe ratio (PSR) and structural similarity (SSIM). In increasing the number of observations, SSIM for the decrypted data can be improved dramatically. Moreover, even if the number of observations is not enough, three-dimensional (3D) data can be decrypted by SRPE at the correct reconstruction depth.
Assessment of Noise of MEMS IMU Sensors of Different Grades for GNSS/IMU Navigation
Authors: Suvorkin Vladimir , Garcia-Fernandez Miquel , González-Casado Guillermo , Li Mowen , Rovira-Garcia Adria
Published: March 2024

Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are key components of various applications including navigation, robotics, aerospace, and automotive systems. IMU sensor characteristics have a significant impact on the accuracy and reliability of these applications. In particular, noise characteristics and bias stability are critical for proper filter settings to perform a combined GNSS/IMU solution. This paper presents an analysis based on the Allan deviation of different IMU sensors that correspond to different grades of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)-type IMUs in order to evaluate their accuracy and stability over time. The study covers three IMU sensors of different grades (ascending order): Rokubun Argonaut navigator sensor (InvenSense TDK MPU9250), Samsung Galaxy Note10 phone sensor (STMicroelectronics LSM6DSR), and NovAtel PwrPak7 sensor (Epson EG320N). The noise components of the sensors are computed using overlapped Allan deviation analysis on data collected over the course of a week in a static position. The focus of the analysis is to characterize the random walk noise and bias stability, which are the most critical for combined GNSS/IMU navigation and may differ or may not be listed in manufacturers’ specifications. Noise characteristics are calculated for the studied sensors and examples of their use in loosely coupled GNSS/IMU processing are assessed. This work proposes a structured and reproducible approach for working with sensors for their use in navigation tasks in combination with GNSS, and can be used for sensors of different levels to supplement missing or incorrect sensor manufacturers’ data.
Exposure to Environmental Pollution in Schools of Puchuncaví, Chile: Characterization of Heavy Metals, Health Risk Assessment, and Effects on Children’s Academic Performance
Authors: Parra Sonnia , de la Fuente-Mella Hanns , González-Rojas Andrea , Bravo Manuel A.
Published: March 2024

In Chile, Puchuncaví and Quintero face substantial environmental pollution challenges. Industrial and vehicular emissions expose schoolchildren to elevated levels of pollutants, decreasing sustainability and posing risks to both their health and educational advancement. The aim of this study is to determine the distribution of heavy metals (Li, Be, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Tl, Pb, and Cu) in the dust in and around the schools in these cities. We also evaluate the associated carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, as well as whether their concentrations affect the academic performance (AP) of the students. The chemical composition of the collected dust samples is analyzed using positive matrix factorization, and two interpretable factors related to two sources of contamination (industrial and traffic + crustal) are determined. The health risk is assessed using a model including inhalation, dermal contact, and ingestion, and the influence of metal concentration on the AP of students is determined using an econometric model. The metal concentration is found to be related to the distance to the pollution source, and differences are observed between indoor and outdoor samples. The carcinogenic risk is low, while the non-carcinogenic risk is high in Greda School. The levels of heavy metals inside and outside the schools are found to influence AP. In these cities, children are exposed to high levels of environmental pollution, which may pose a risk to their health and impact their AP.
Energy Analysis for Global Berry Fruit Production
Authors: Ertekin Can , Comart Adem , Ekinci Kamil
Published: March 2024

Fruits have a significant impact on human health due to the mineral substances and vitamins that they contain. Among agricultural activities globally and within Türkiye, fruit cultivation is of great importance. In this study, the energy analyses of wolfberries, grapes, pomegranates, and strawberries grown in different countries were evaluated, and the energy efficiency parameters were compared for different countries to improve berry fruit production. The energy parameters in fruit growing include transportation, water, organic fertilizer, farmyard manure, diesel oil/oil, agricultural machinery, animal labor, human labor, electricity, organic chemicals, biocides, chemical fertilizers, seeds, biochemicals, and plastics. Water use, one of the energy analysis parameters, was found to be highest in strawberries grown in greenhouses, with 24,353.30 MJ/ha and the lowest was found in pomegranates, with 35.80 MJ/ha. The highest diesel/oil parameter usage, with an amount of 805,178.20 MJ/ha, was in strawberries grown in greenhouses. The lowest amount was determined in pomegranates, with 1224.90 MJ/ha. The energy input for agricultural machinery was calculated as 18,384.03 MJ/ha in strawberry production in open fields, and the lowest was calculated as 130.48 MJ/ha for the same fruit. In the energy analysis, the highest human labor parameter with an amount of 35,338.86 MJ/ha was found for strawberries produced in greenhouses. The lowest amount was found in grape production, with 205.68 MJ/ha.
From the Ground to the Public: Old and New Fossil Discoveries from Kefalonia–Ithaca UNESCO Global Geopark and Their Value in Research, Education, and Local Palaeontological Heritage
Authors: Iliopoulos George , Golfinopoulos Vasilis , Kalampalika Anastasia , Karanika Konstantina , Kolendrianou Maria , Papadopoulou Penelope , Tsacos Socratis , Tzortzi Marianthi , Valavani Dimitra , Zoumpouli Elena , Bourli Nicolina , Zelilidis Avraam
Published: March 2024

Fossils play a crucial role in geoparks contributing to their scientific, educational and recreational aspects. The purpose of the project “Study and promotion of the palaeontological heritage of Kefalonia–Ithaca UNESCO Global Geopark” is the overall consideration of the palaeontological record of the geopark and its utilization with a holistic approach. Excavations took place in 11 new excavation sites and a total of more than 1000 specimens were recovered belonging to 13 major groups (ammonites, barnacles, belemnitida, bivalves, brachiopods, corals, fish, foraminifera, gastropods, plant leaves, rudists, scaphopods, and sea urchins). After being conserved and identified by the scientific staff, the specimens, along with replicas, were exhibited in two newly developed exhibitions at the Information Centres. The exhibitions were inspired by science labs as spaces of exploration, research, discovery and experience. Moreover, an educational package was prepared consisting of different activities for all ages. It presents how life, landscapes, and climate have changed over time and how living things responded to those changes.
Optimizing Biochar Application Rates to Improve Soil Properties and Crop Growth in Saline–Alkali Soil
Authors: Chen Xin , Liu Li , Yang Qinyan , Xu Huanan , Shen Guoqing , Chen Qincheng
Published: March 2024

There is great demand for the amelioration of saline–alkali soils, which requires efficient and economical amendments. Biochar addition could alleviate the adverse impacts of saline–alkali stress in crops. However, their efficiency and optimal amounts in saline–alkali soil restoration remain contradictory and inconclusive. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of biochar application on the properties of saline–alkali soil and crop growth, as well as to determine the optimal application rate of biochar. We conducted pot experiments with biochar (B) application rates, including 0 (CK), 1% (B-1%), 2.5% (B-2.5%), 5% (B-5%), and 10% (B-10%), studying the impact of biochar on soil water content (SWC), soil salinity, soil electrical conductivity (EC), soil ion content, soil nutrients, soil enzyme activity, and crop growth. A four-parameter Gaussian function was established for the curves depicting the relationship between soil salinity characteristics and the biochar application rates to determine the most optimal application rate. The results indicated that: (1) Compared to the CK, all biochar treatments improved soil water-holding capacity and reduced soil Na+ content and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). (2) B-1%, B-2.5%, and B-5% treatments reduced soil content, EC, Cl−, and SO42− content over CK, while the results were reversed for the B-10% treatment. (3) Compared to the CK, all biochar treatments significantly increased soil fertility, enhanced soil enzyme activity (alkaline phosphatase, catalase, and urease activity), and significantly promoted the growth of maize. (4) The results of the Gaussian model suggested that a biochar application rate of 3.16% is the optimal rate for alleviating soil salinity in saline–alkali soils. This research demonstrated the potential of biochar to improve soil properties and promote crop growth and provided useful information on biochar application rates for ameliorating saline–alkali soils.
Effectiveness of Organizational Change through Employee Involvement: Evidence from Telecommunications and Refinery Companies
Authors: Bah Monhéséa Obrey Patrick , Sun Zehou , Hange Uzapi , Edjoukou Akadje Jean Roland
Published: March 2024

Organizational adaptability is paramount in today’s dynamic landscape, where the emergence of novel technologies, shifts in both internal and external business ecosystems, unexpected crises, and health pandemics remain constant potential challenges. Recent studies have extensively examined employee involvement through empowerment, participation, and teamwork as a pivotal result in facilitating organizational transformation. To ascertain these assumptions, data has been collected through the SurveyMonkey app over a couple of weeks, and then a Likert scale was used to codify the obtained data. Employing structural equation modeling with Smart PLS 4 software, we examine the impact of employee involvement and the intermediary function of humble leadership on the efficacy of organizational change in Côte d’Ivoire, utilizing a dataset comprising 412 employees from the telecommunications and refinery sectors. Our findings revealed positive effects on organizational change when employee involvement and a humble leadership approach were integrated. Additionally, secondary data from O2O interviews was used to draw conclusions and recommendations. Based on results and interviews, the authors have drawn a strategic roadmap to mitigate daily changes more efficiently. Our research identified constraints and suggested directions for future studies in this field.
Influence of the Plan Structural Symmetry on the Non-Linear Seismic Response of Framed Reinforced Concrete Buildings
Authors: Vielma-Quintero Juan Carlos , Diaz-Segura Edgar Giovanny , Vielma Juan Carlos
Published: March 2024

Seismic-resistant design incorporates measures to ensure that structures perform adequately under specific limit states, focusing on seismic forces derived from both the equivalent static and spectral modal methods. This study examined buildings on slopes in densely built urban areas, a common scenario in Latin American cities with high seismic risks. The adjustment of high-rise buildings to sloping terrains induces structural asymmetry, leading to plan and elevation irregularities that significantly impact their seismic response. This paper explores the asymmetry in medium-height reinforced concrete frame buildings on variable inclines (0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°) and its effect on their nonlinear response, assessed via displacements, rotations, and damage. Synthetic accelerograms matched with Chile’s high seismic hazard design spectrum, scaled for different performance states and seismic records from the Chilean subduction zone, were applied. The findings highlight structural asymmetry’s role in influencing nonlinear response parameters such as ductility, transient interstory drifts, and roof rotations, and uncover element demand distributions surpassing conventional analysis and in earthquake-resistant design expectations.
The Hamilton–Waterloo Problem with C16-Factors and Cm-Factors for Odd m
Authors: Wang Li
Published: March 2024

The Hamilton–Waterloo problem is a problem of graph factorization. The Hamilton–Waterloo problem HWP(H;m,n;α,β) asks for a two-factorization of a graph H containing α Cm-factors and β Cn-factors. Let Kv* denote the complete graph Kv if v is odd and Kv minus a one-factor if v is even. In this paper, we completely solve the Hamilton–Waterloo problem HWP(Kv*;m,16;α,β) for odd m≥9 and α≥15.
On Generalized t-Transformation of Free Convolution
Authors: Alanzi Ayed. R. A. , Fakhfakh Raouf , Alshahrani Fatimah
Published: March 2024

A notion of generalized (two-parameterized) t-transformation of free convolution, also called (t=(a,b))-deformed free convolution, is introduced for a∈R and b>0. In this article, some results of t-deformed free convolution are given within the theory of Cauchy-Stieltjes Kernel (CSK) families. The variance function is a fundamental concept in CSK families. An expression is provided for the variance function under t-deformed free convolution power. In addition, through the use of the variance function, an approximation is provided for members of the t-deformed free Gaussian CSK family and members of the t-deformed free Poisson CSK family respectively. Furthermore, by involving the free multiplicative convolution, a new limit theorem is provided with respect to t-deformed free convolution.
Setting the Public Sentiment: Examining the Relationship between Social Media and News Sentiments
Authors: Huh Catherine U. , Park Han Woo
Published: March 2024

This study investigates whether news sentiment plays a role in setting social media sentiment to explore the dynamics of sentiment develop and diffusion within the public agenda. Based on the agenda-setting theory, this study analyzed the public and media sentiments towards the 2016 US election and the candidates using data from Twitter, CNN, and Fox News. Focusing on the Twitter messages created by the supporters of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, over 1.3 million Twitter messages were collected associated with the election, employing hashtags as indicators of support. The Granger causality test between social media and news sentiments revealed that there is a mutual influence between social media and news sentiments; CNN’s overall sentiment was influenced by the sentiment of Hillary Clinton’s supporters, whereas Trump supporters’ sentiment was influenced by Fox News’ negative sentiment. The results suggest that public sentiment is formed in response to public agenda and mass media, indicating that sentiment is a critical component in understanding public opinion. Implications for future studies and limitations are also discussed.
Environmental Factors Shape the Differences in Biodiversity-Area Relationships in Riverine Macroinvertebrates of Two Rivers in the Tibetan Plateau in China
Authors: Li Jingting , Chiu Ming-Chih , Lin Xiaowei , Liu Chan , Tian Zhen , Cai Qinghua , Resh Vincent H.
Published: March 2024

The species-area relationship (SAR) is a well-established, globally recognized ecological pattern, and research on SAR has expanded to include the phylogenetic diversity-area relationship (PDAR). However, this research has generally been limited to terrestrial systems. Using data on freshwater macroinvertebrates, the log–log form of the SAR and PDAR power models were compared between the Lhasa River and the Niyang River on the Tibetan Plateau in China. The study reveals that there is a significant difference in the slopes of SAR and PDAR between the two rivers, with the Lhasa River having a considerably higher slope. The beta diversity calculations in these two basins support this pattern, with the Lhasa River exhibiting significantly higher numbers of species and greater total phylogenetic beta diversity than the Niyang River. Regarding species replacement, the turnover component was the primary driver of both species and phylogenetic beta diversity in both rivers. These differences in the beta diversity components were mainly driven by dispersal constraints because spatial distance had a large effect on total beta diversity and turnover fractions. In addition, the nestedness component was more affected by climate and land cover, indicating that highland rivers are subject to the threats of anthropogenic disturbance and climate change. Therefore, spatial factors play a crucial role in determining the distribution of passively dispersed benthic organisms as the scale of change in rivers increases from local to regional effects.
Growth and development of winter wheat when using growth regulators with retardant properties under conditions of the Non-Chernozem belt
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Institution Federal Research Center “Nemchinovka”, Russia, Moscow region, Odintsovo, Novoivanovskoe, Govorkova S. B. , Voronov S. I. ,   Federal State Budgetary Institution Federal Research Center “Nemchinovka”, Russia, Moscow region, Odintsovo, Novoivanovskoe
Published: March 2024

High efficiency of using growth regulators is achieved only against the backdrop of balanced plant nutrition and a high level of agricultural technology. The use of growth regulators alone without balanced mineral nutrition of agricultural plants does not give the desired results. Thus, due to lodging of plants we can lose from 10 to 50 % of the cultivated products. As a result, in the country as a whole the shortage of grain can reach up to 15 million tons, which negatively aff ects the production of food and feed grain. The introduction of new progressive technologies using retardants is highly relevant, because will allow us to obtain stable grain yields even under unfavorable weather conditions. The purpose of the research was to identify the effectiveness of using growth regulators with retardant properties of a new generation when growing winter wheat with diff erent seeding rates, as one of the elements of agricultural technology under the conditions of the Central region of the Non-Chernozem belt of the Russian Federation. Under the conditions of the Central region of the Non-Chernozem belt of the Russian Federation the infl uence of growth regulators with retardant properties of a new generation on the productivity of winter wheat variety Nemchinovskaya 17 and the degree of plant lodging was studied in a multifactorial experiment. Features of the growth and development of winter wheat plants of Nemchinovskaya 17 variety, the formation of the main structural indicators and yield under the infl uence of growth stimulants with retardant properties were revealed. It was established as a result of the conducted research that when cultivating winter wheat under the conditions of the Central region of the Non-Chernozem belt of the Russian Federation on sod-podzolic, medium loamy soils, it was recommended to use the growth regulator with retardant properties Raggi at a dose of 1,5 l/ha in the tillering phase – the beginning of booting with a working solution consumption of 300 l/ha. When cultivating we recommend to use a sowing rate of viable seeds of 5,5 million/ha.
Screening Behaviours and Awareness of Breast, Cervical and Colon Cancer Among Nurses in an Urban Hospital in The Mediterranean Region
Authors: Poçan Ahmet Gürhan , Çoban Gonca , Gereklioğlu Çiğdem , Asma Süheyl , Kut Altuğ , Topal Kenan
Published: March 2024

Objective: Nurses are the class of health professionals who can give women accurate information about cancer. The study was planned to research the demographic characteristics of the nurses and their knowledge level about screening tests, risk factors of breast, cervical and colorectal cancers and to reveal the state of awareness about symptoms and also their attitudes about screening tests.

Material and Methods: The research was designed as a cross-sectional study among female nurses in a Foundation University Research Center. The data collection tool is the self administered questionnaires. Data was evaluated by the SPSS for Windows. All tests were two-sided and the difference between the results was considered significant when p is
Navigating knowledge: the role and evolution of the Prompt Librarian
Authors: Panda Subhajit
Published: March 2024

This paper delves into the evolving role of Prompt Librarians in the digital age, tracing their transformation from traditional librarians to AI and Machine Learning (ML)-empowered information retrieval specialists. It dissects the responsibilities and expertise expected of them while navigating ethical challenges. The exploration encompasses a comprehensive overview of Prompt Librarianship, drawing parallels between librarians and prompt engineers, elucidating their role, highlighting their influence in information retrieval, contrasting traditional and prompt librarians, assessing the impact of AI and ML, and addressing challenges and ethical dimensions. The findings underscore the transformative impact of AI and ML, showcasing Prompt Librarians as AI-integrated navigators enhancing search capabilities and ethical practices. This study pioneers the recognition of Prompt Librarians as ethical advocates in a tech-driven world, emphasizing their potential for innovation and expansion.
Toward a humanist health and medicine education in Indonesia by reintegration of religion and science
Authors: Harahap Fatma Sylvana Dewi
Published: March 2024

Medical and health education in Indonesia has not been brave to put religion as a concept and principle in actualizing its scholarship. While the profession of social science background (health and medicine) will generate a scientists who come directly contact with human, the creatures of Allah Almighty who is the highest degree in the appeal of His other creatures. After finish their education, both professions will be a leaders in the table of counseling and action. Where they will inspect, palpate and auscult varied complaints. How to integrate religion with applying health and medical education? How does the history of Islam integrate religion with health and medicine education? Is religion as a metaphysical can be integrated health and medical education as a physic? The reintegration of religion and science in health and medicine is one of the methods to restore universal health and medical education. The application of religious and logic in medical and medical theories is the answer to the birth of a generation of health and medicine professions with logical, theological and humanist expertise. Azyumardi (Azra: 1999) states the difference of teaching and education lies in the emphasis of education in shaping the awareness and personality of students in addition to transmitting knowledge and expertise. Azra mentions the process of putting forward this form will produce nations and countries that inherit their generation of cultural values, thought and expertise so that they are ready to welcome life. (Hafhuddin: 2004) states the educational paradigm should row on two corals: namely spirituality and modernity because of the cruel social crisis lately. In the Qur'an An-Nisa Surah 65 is affirmed about education with Islamic principles of bringing people who have the skills and attitudes to be a person capable of realizing Divine skill. This paper describes the urgency of integrating religion with health and medicine education which is a balanced science between physical and metaphysical. The analysis will use Hegel's dialectics of the process to arrive at a truth. Religious science is represented by tawheed, tasawwuf and Islamic philosophy integrated with the science of health and medicine. The approach of religious integration with health and medicine education is one of the methods to balance people and nature. The separation of religion and science in education of health and medicine will only leave a generation who is materialism, anthropomorphism, secularism, exclusivism and other radicalism traits. Islam generate scientists to be the protector and sustainer of human beings, nature and His creatures.