bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Microstructure, Optical Properties, and Mechanical Behavior of a Temporary 3D Printing Resin: Impact of Post-Processing Curing Time
Authors: Siqueira Joyce Roma Correia dos Santos , Rodriguez Rita Maria Morejon , Campos Tiago Moreira Bastos , Ribeiro Nathalia de Carvalho Ramos , Bottino Marco Antonio , Tribst João Paulo Mendes
Published: January 2024

The present study aimed to characterize the microstructure of a temporary 3D printing resin (Resilab Temp), evaluating the optical properties and mechanical behavior according to different post-processing curing times. For the analysis of the surface microstructure and establishment of the best printing pattern, samples in bar format following ISO 4049 (25 x 10 x 3 mm) were designed in CAD software (Rhinoceros 6.0), printed on the W3D printer (Wilcos), and light-cured in Anycubic Photon at different times (without curing, 16 minutes, 32 minutes, and 1 hour). For the structural characterization, analyses were carried out in FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The mechanical behavior of the resin was based on flexural strength tests and Knoop microhardness. Color and translucency analysis were performed with a spectrophotometer (VITA Easy Shade Advanced 4.0), which was evaluated following CIELab, using gray, black, and white backgrounds. All analyses were performed immediately after making the samples and repeated after thermal aging with 2 thousand cycles (5-55 °C). The results obtained were statistically analyzed with a significance level of 5%. FT-IR analysis showed about a 46% degree of conversion on the surface and 37% in the center of the resin sample. The flexural strength was higher for the groups polymerized for 32 min and 1h, while the Knoop microhardness did not show a statistical difference between the groups. Color and translucency analysis also did not show statistical differences between groups. According to all the analyses carried out in this study, for the evaluated material, the post-polymerization time of 1 hour can be suggested to improve the mechanical performance of 3D-printed devices.
Landscape-Scale Mining and Water Management in a Hyper-Arid Catchment: The Cuajone Mine, Moquegua, Southern Peru
Authors: Hunter Morag , Perera D. H. Nimalika , Barnes Eustace , Lepage Hugo Vincent , Escobedo-Pacheco Elías , Idros Noorhayati , Arvidsson-Shukur David R. M. , Newton Peter James , De Los Santos Valladares Luis , Byrne Patrick , Barnes Crispin Henry William
Published: January 2024

The expansion of copper mining on the hyper-arid pacific slope of southern Peru has precipitated growing concern for scarce water resources in the region. Located in the headwaters of the Torata river, in the department of Moquegua, the Cuajone mine, owned by Southern Copper, provides a unique opportunity, in a little-studied region, to examine the relative impact of the landscape-scale mining on water resources in the region. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis of the water chemistry data from 16 sites, collected over three seasons during 2017 and 2018, show distinct statistical groupings indicating that, above the settlement of Torata, water geochemistry is a function of chemical weathering processes acting upon underlying geological units, and confirming that the Cuajone mine does not significantly affect water quality in the Torata river. Impact mitigation strategies that firstly divert channel flow around the mine and secondly divert mine waste to the Toquepala river and tailings dam at Quebrada Honda, below the Toquepala mine, in the department of Tacna, secure water quality in the Torata river for the foreseeable future. In the greater Moquegua river catchment, our results further suggest that water quality has been more significantly impacted by urban effluents and agricultural runoff than the Cuajone mine. The increase in total dissolved solids in the waters of the lower catchment reflects the cumulative addition of dissolved ions through chemical weathering of the underlying geological units, supplemented by rapid recharge of surface waters contaminated by residues associated with agricultural and urban runoff through the porous alluvial aquifer. Concentrations in some of the major ions exceeded internationally recommended maxima for agricultural use, especially in the coastal region. Occasionally, arsenic and manganese contamination also reached unsafe levels for domestic consumption. In the lower catchment, below the Cuajone mine, data and multivariate analyses point to urban effluents and agricultural run-off rather than weathering of exposed rock units, natural or otherwise, as the main cause of contamination.
Performance of An Energy Production System Consisting of Solar Collector, Biogas Dry Reforming Reactor and Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Nishimura Akira , Sato Ryotaro , Hu Eric
Published: January 2024

This paper aims to study the performance of solar collectors with various sizes under different weather conditions of different Japanese cities, i.e. Kofu city, Nagoya city and Yamagata city. The heat generated from the solar collector was used to conduct a biogas dry reforming reactor in order to produce H2 to feed a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). This study has revealed that the output temperature of solar collector, Tfb in April and July was higher than that in January and October irrespective of city. The optimum length of absorber (dx) of the collector was 4 m irrespective of city. It was clarified that Tfb in Yamagata city in January and October, i.e. winter and autumn is lower than that in Kofu city and Nagoya city especially, which is influenced by the tendency of a solar intensity (I) strongly, not velocity of surrounding air (ua). On the other hand, Tfb is almost the same in April and July, i.e. spring and summer, irrespective of city. The amount of produced H2 from the biogas dry reforming reactor and the power generated by SOFC using H2 in spring and summer were higher compared to the other seasons irrespective of city. This study has revealed that the highest available households number per month was 4.7 according to the investigation in this study.
Changes in Social Media Big Data on Healing Forests : A Time-series Analysis on the Use Behavior of Healing Forests Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea
Authors: Kim Sangwook , Youn Juyeong
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to identify changes in visitor behavior and visitor interest in healing forests before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The study used text mining analysis techniques to identify changes in visitation behavior over time, divided into three periods: pre-COVID-19 (January 1 to December 31, 2019), during the COVID-19 pandemic (November 1, 2020 to October 31, 2022), and post-COVID-19 (November 1, 2022 to October 31, 2023 ). After the COVID-19 outbreak, healing forest use behavior did not regress to pre-COVID-19 levels. Activity-based keywords such as "hiking," "trekking," and "walking" stood out as the main drivers of this change in behavior. Therefore, related authorities must examine the scalability of the functions, services, and programs of healing forests from a general healing space to a space for leisure and tourism. These findings will contribute to the development of future marketing strategies and programs for healing forests.
Titanium-Doped Diamond-Like Carbon Layers as a Promising Coating for Joint Replacements Supporting Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Travnickova Martina , Filova Elena , Slepicka Petr , Kasalkova Slepickova Nikola , Kocourek Tomas , Zaloudkova Margit , Suchy Tomas , Bacakova Lucie
Published: January 2024

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) layers are known for their high corrosion and wear resistance, low friction, and high biocompatibility. However, it is often necessary to dope DLC layers with additional chemical elements to strengthen their adhesion to the substrate. Ti-DLC layers (doped with 0.4, 2.1, 3.7, 6.6, 12.8 at.% of Ti) were prepared by dual pulsed laser deposition, and pure DLC, glass, and polystyrene (PS) were used as controls. In vitro cell-material interactions were investigated with an emphasis on cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. We observed slightly increasing roughness and contact angle and decreasing surface free energy on Ti-DLC layers with increasing Ti content. Three-week biological experiments were performed using adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bmM-SCs) in vitro. The cell proliferation activity was similar or slightly higher on the Ti-doped materials than on glass and PS. Osteogenic cell differentiation on all materials was proved by collagen and osteocalcin production, ALP activity, and Ca deposition. The bmMSCs exhibited greater initial proliferation potential and an earlier onset of osteogenic differentiation than the ADSCs. The ADSCs showed a slightly higher formation of focal adhesions, higher metabolic activity, and Ca deposition with increasing Ti content.
When an Unsuspected Crystallinity Can Ruin Your Biological Testing in Early Discovery: An Example Case
Authors: De Rocafiguera Claudi , Belsa Blanca , Font-Bardia Mercé , Puigjaner Cristina , Serra Eduard , Cuartero-Albesa Ana M. , Puig de la Bellacasa Raimon , Borrell José I.
Published: January 2024

The impact of the crystalline or amorphous structure of a solid on the solubility and pharmacokinetic properties of a drug candidate is always considered by the pharmaceutical industry during the development of a new drug, however, it is not so frequently considered during the early discovery process by organic and medicinal chemists, particularly working at the academia. We want to share, as an example case, the false negative obtained in the biological testing of a solid sample of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor due to an unexpected crystallinity with respect to a solid amorphous batch of the same compound and the experimentation carried out to establish the origin of such inconsistency.
Surface Water Resources Accessibility Assessment of Rural Settlement in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Li Heying , Ma Huiling , Zhang Jianchen , Chen Xueye , Hong Xuefei
Published: January 2024

Under the extreme shortage of water resources in the Yellow River Basin, it is of great signifi-cance to analyze the spatial distribution relationship between rural settlement and water re-sources for the coordinated development of human and water resources in the Yellow River Ba-sin. However, the water allocation scheme depended on statistical data in the previous work, not on rural settlements in space. Furthermore, previous researches seldom focus on the evaluation of surface water resources accessibility according to the spatial distribution characteristics of ru-ral settlements and water resources, especially, in the Yellow River Basin and using rural set-tlement as unit. Therefore, a quantitative evaluation model of surface water resources accessibil-ity is constructed by using the GIS network analysis method, taking rural settlement as the re-search unit, based on three dimensions of topography, distance, and surface water resources, at the Yellow River basin scale. The results show that: (1) The surface runoff of rural settlement in the Yellow River basin is mostly less than 0.05 km/m2, reaching 99.83%. In other words, the Yel-low River Basin is extremely short of water resources. The surface water resources accessibility is affected by distance, topography, and surface water resources. The evaluation results show that the range of surface water resources accessibility is 0.13~0.88, with an average value of 0.47 and a standard deviation of 0.05. The High surface water resources accessibility value in the Yel-low River Basin is in the east and west, and the low value is mainly distributed in the middle. (2) The range from low to high of surface water resources accessibility in 12 catchments is Sanmen-xia station, Lanzhou station, Shizuishan station, Longmen station, Tongguan station, Toudaoguai station, Xiaolangdi station, Huayuankou station, Lijin station, Gaocun station, Ai Shan station and Tangnaihai station. (3) The value of surface water resources accessibility at the city scale is higher in the east of 10 cities and in the west of 1 city. However, it is lower in the west of 9 cities. And the values of the other cities are at a medium level. The correlation coefficient with primary industry GDP and surface water resources accessibility is 0.271 (N=56, Sig=0.043, in 0.05 level, the correlation is significant), which verifies the rationality of surface water resources accessibility model to some extent.
Practice of a Load Shifting Algorithm for Enhancing Community-Scale RES Utilization in an Island Context
Authors: Tzanes Georgios T. , Zafirakis Dimitrios P. , Kaldellis John K.
Published: January 2024

Amidst the recent energy crisis, the pivotal role of resource efficiency and renewable energy sources (RES) for sustainable development has become apparent. Transition to sustainability involves decentralized energy solutions empowering local communities to generate, store, and utilize their energy, diminishing reliance on centralized systems and potentially transforming them into power flexibility resources. This is particularly crucial in non-interconnected island systems that primarily rely on imported oil for electricity generation. Such reliance not only implies high production costs but also threatens energy security and adds to the environmental footprint of local economic activities. Addressing the above necessitates, amongst other elements, the adoption of advanced energy management with sophisticated forecasting and demand-side management (DSM) strategies. In response, we introduce a versatile algorithm investigating the impact of DSM at the community scale, designed to maximize the utilization of renewable energy produced from local installations. Integrated as an ancillary module in an advanced energy management platform, the algorithm undergoes testing using datasets collected from end-consumers and a small-scale RES installation on the island of Tilos, Greece. This study not only offers insights for energy stakeholders but also establishes theoretical parameters that can inform subsequent decision-making processes.
The Mystery of Homochirality on Earth
Authors: Weller Michael G.
Published: January 2024

Homochirality is an obvious feature of life on Earth. On the other hand, extraterrestrial samples contain largely racemic compounds. The same is true for any common organic synthesis. Therefore, it has been a perplexing puzzle for decades how these racemates could have formed enantiomerically enriched fractions as a basis for the origin of homochiral life forms. Numerous hypotheses have been put forward as to how preferentially homochiral molecules could have formed and accumulated on Earth. In this article, it is shown that homochirality of the abiotic organic pool at the time of formation of the first self-replicating molecules is not necessary and not even probable. It is proposed to abandon the notion of a molecular ensemble and to focus on the level of individual molecules. Although the formation of the first self-replicating, most likely homochiral molecule is a seemingly improbable event, on a closer look, it is almost inevitable that homochiral molecules have formed simply on a statistical basis. In this case, the non-selective leap to homochirality would be one of the first steps in chemical evolution directly out of a racemic “ocean”. Moreover, most studies focus on the chirality of the primordial monomers with respect to an asymmetric carbon atom. However, any polymer with a minimal size that allows folding to a secondary structure, would spontaneously lead to asymmetric higher structures (conformations). Most of the functions of these polymers would be influenced by this inherently asymmetric folding. To summarize, simple and universal mechanisms may have led to homochiral self-replicating systems in the context of chemical evolution. A homochiral monomer pool is deemed unnecessary and probably never existed on primordial Earth.
Алгоритм сегментации многоспектральных изображений
Authors: Nikolaeva Ol'ga Vasil'evna
Published: January 2024

Представлен алгоритм сегментации многоспектральных изображений. В алгоритме
сначала выполняется предварительная оценка числа сегментов, далее изображение разбивается на сегменты безытерационным вариантом метода $k$-средних. Далее выполняется статистический анализ; выявляются и объединяются пары сегментов,
являющиеся реализацией одного случайного вектора.
Приведены результаты тестирования алгоритма на модельных и реальных (сенсор
HYPERION) данных. Показаны разбиения реальных изображений, сегменты которых отвечают различным элементам ландшафта.
Оценка параметров в модели транспортного потока
Authors: Pogrebnyak Maksim Anatol'evich
Published: January 2024

Работа посвящена оценке параметров в модели транспортного потока, которая представляет собой систему дифференциальных уравнений с запаздывающим аргументом. Основным результатом работы является получение диапазона значений для параметров, характеризующих интенсивность разгона и торможения, а также коэффициента, который описывает, насколько плавно преследующий автомобиль подстраивает свою скорость под впередиидущего. Оценка параметров модели производилась с помощью аналитических вычислений и численных экспериментов. Для последних разработана специальная компьютерная программа.
Characterization and Combustion Kinetics of Binderless and Bindered Dry Cow Dung Bio-Pellets
Authors: Wibowo Wusana Agung , Susanti Ari Diana , Paryanto Paryanto
Published: January 2024

The effect of molasses addition as a binder in the manufacturing of cow dung bio-pellets on their characteristics and combustion kinetics have been studied. The bio-pellets characterization included the physical and mechanical properties as well as the proximate analysis and calorific values. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was carried out using a macro-TGA apparatus under a non-isothermal conditions and an oxidative atmosphere to study the thermal decomposition characteristics. Then, the first order Coast and Redfern method was used to determined the kinetic parameters of bio-pellets combustion. It was found that the ash content of bio-pellets were tended to decreased, while the volatile matter and fixed carbon were tended to increase with the addition of molasses. Nevertheless, the density, the axial compressive strength and the calorific values of bindered bio-pellets were decreased due to the higher amounts of water in the raw mixtures. Thermogravimetric analysis provided an information that the combustions of cow dung bio-pellets took place in three stages of decompositions The bindered bio-pellet began to decompose at lower temperatures than the binderless bio-pellet with a higher weight loss percentage. According to the comprehensive combustion characteristic index (S), the combustion performance of both binderless and bindered bio-pellets were similar. The addition of molasses as a binder tended to reduce the ignition temperature and activation energy for all stages of bio-pellets combustion.
TAX AGGRESSIVENESS IS SEEN FROM THE CURRENT RATIO, RETURN ON ASSETS, DEBT TO ASSET RATIO, AND CAPITAL INTENSITY IN THE COMPANY IN THE TOURISM, RESTAURANT AND HOTEL INDUSTRY
Authors: Supriono
Published: January 2024

COVID-19 greatly affected the company's financial condition during 2018-2021, having an impact on the creation of huge losses that it tends to cause several factors to carry out tax aggressiveness, especially among companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). Tax aggressiveness or reducing the company's profit income to minimize the tax burden to avoid bankruptcy or maintaining company glory. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors that influence tax aggressiveness from independent variables in the form of the current ratio, return on assets, debt-to-asset ratio, and capital intensity.Quantitative data is used in this study, including data on companies listed on the IDX for the period 2018-2021, including companies in the tourism, restaurant, and hotel industries listed on the IDX during 2018-2021. A total of 108 data or companies from 27 companies became research samples, through the purposive sampling method and using research analysis tools in the form of description analysis, classical assumption test, and hypothesis testing.This study partially shows the results of the current ratio variable have a positive effect, return on assets has a negative effect, debt to asset ratio and capital intensity do not effect on tax aggressiveness during 2018-2021. The current ratio variable, return on assets, debt to asset ratio and capital intensity simultaneously affect tax aggressiveness.
FINANCIAL RATIOS OF PT PURADELTA LESTARI Tbl. UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS IN 2022
Authors: Zhafira Yaziar Rahma  , Gaung Perwira Yustika
Published: January 2024

PT Puradelta Lestari (DMAS) is one of the companies engaged in the property sector and is part of the Sinar Mas Land group. The purpose of this research paper is to analyze the financial ratios of PT DMAS whether the company's shares are still worth buying and holding in the next few years and how PT DMAS's attitude in facing the global economic crisis in early 2023 which makes some of the company's businesses sluggish, one of which is in the property sector. This analysis uses current ratio, quick ratio, cash ratio, GPM, OPM, NPM, ROI, ROA, DAR, DER, EPS, PER, and MBV, most of which calculations use data on net income, total equity, current liabilities, total assets, stock prices and other data in the company's financial statements. The analysis results show that PT DMAS has a current ratio of 4.82, quick ratio of 2.27, cash ratio of 0.97, GPM of 71.16%, OPM of 60.89%, NPM of 63.06%, ROA of 18.70%, ROI of 276.02%, DAR of 13.57%, DER of 15.70%, EPS 25.26, PER 6.29x and MBV 1.34x. These results indicate that PT DMAS shares are still worth holding in the next few years, even though at the beginning of the first trimester report in 2023 PT DMAS experienced a decrease in revenue from the previous year due to various factors, both post-Covid-19 pandemic recovery and the global economic crisis that is sweeping the world.
DIGITAL MARKETING COMMUNICATION ANALYSIS JAWA POS RADAR SOLO
Authors: Rayhan Pahlevi Haggi , Amborowati Agustin
Published: January 2024

Digital marketing communication has a crucial role in the modern marketing era. In this context, digital media is an effective means to reach a wider audience and promote products or services efficiently. This research aims to find out how the implementation of digital marketing communication in Jawa Pos Radar Solo. This research uses a case study research design with descriptive discussion method. By describing data from interviews, observations, and company documents from the object of research, namely the implementation of digital marketing communications at Jawa Pos Radar Solo through various media. So that it can be explained about the implementation of digital marketing communication in Jawa Pos Radar Solo. Jawa Pos Radar Solo has successfully implemented digital marketing communication through various channels, including online public relations, online partnership, interactive advertising, opt-in email marketing, and social media marketing with one-way and two-way communication approaches with full control. Jawa Pos Radar Solo follows the AIDA (Awareness, Interest, Desire, Action) digital marketing communication model in their strategy. The digital marketing communication media used include websites, display ads, email, social media, blogs, word of mouth, and mobile marketing. Despite its success in implementing digital marketing communication, Jawa Pos Radar Solo also faces some obstacles. So to overcome these obstacles, it is necessary to implement several strategies to improve the digital marketing communication of Jawa Pos Radar Solo.
Formulación y aceptabilidad de una barra de granos andinos enriquecida con sangre bovina para niños en edad escolar de Villa El Salvador
Authors:   , Leon Cardenas Eliseo , Meza Taboada Frida Sofia
Published: January 2024

Objetivo: Determinar la aceptabilidad estadísticamente significativa de dos formulaciones con granos andinos y enriquecida con sangre bovina para niños de 7 a 8 años que estudian en el colegio N° 6048 “Jorge Basadre” en el distrito de Villa el Salvador. Materiales y métodos: Este trabajo corresponde a una investigación de tipo experimental aplicada y tecnológica. Realizada en escolares de 7 y 8 años; la aceptabilidad fue determinada por medio de la prueba hedónica de 3 puntos, mientras que las formulaciones a través de análisis fisicoquímico y microbiológico. Resultados: Se realizaron 2 formulaciones de 18 y 24 % de sangre bovina deshidratada y triturada; en la primera formulación, obtuvo 15,0 mg de hierro; y la segunda, 19,6 mg de hierro. Las pruebas fisicoquímicas y microbiológicas indicaron que las barras de cereales andinos eran aptas para el consumo de los escolares. Conclusión: La barra con 24 % de sangre bovina fue la más aceptada por los escolares.
Factores de riesgo de complicaciones intrahospitalarias en pacientes con infarto cerebral agudo: cohorte retrospectiva en un hospital de referencia nacional de Perú
Authors:   , Vences Mijahuanca Miguel Angel
Published: January 2024

Objetivo: Determinar los factores de riesgo para complicaciones intrahospitalarias. Métodos: Realizamos un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo que incluyó a 192 pacientes con infarto cerebral agudo en un hospital de referencia nacional en Perú de enero a septiembre de 2021. La información demográfica, clínica y paraclínica se registró a partir de las historias clínicas. Se definió como complicación intrahospitalaria todo aquel problema médico durante la estancia hospitalaria sea del tipo infeccioso, neurológico, tromboembólico, inamovilidad o miscelánea. Estimamos los factores de riesgo para presentar alguna complicación intrahospitalaria por medio de riesgo relativo e intervalos de confianza del 95% utilizando modelos de regresión con familia de Poisson y varianza robusta para el modelo bivariado y multivariado, ajustando por edad, sexo y factores de riesgo de ictus. Además, se realizaron análisis secundarios por los tipos de complicaciones intrahospitalarias más frecuentes. Resultados: Ocurrió al menos una complicación intrahospitalaria en el 32,3% de los pacientes. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron infecciosas en un 22,4%, seguidas de un 17,7% de complicaciones neurológicas, siendo mucho menos frecuentes otras complicaciones, como tromboembolismo, inmovilidad y misceláneas. Se reportó una tasa de mortalidad intrahospitalaria del 6.2%. El análisis de regresión mostró que la gravedad del accidente cerebrovascular (RR = 1,76; IC del 95 %: 1,09-2,86) fue un factor de riesgo y la albúmina superior a 3,5 mg/dL (RR=0,53; IC95%: 0,36-0,79) fue un factor protector para la presencia de complicación intrahospitalaria. La Hb (RR=0,86; IC 95%, 0,73-0,99) fue un factor protector para la presencia de complicación neurológica y el antecedente de medicación previa por enfermedad cardiovascular fue un factor de riesgo para presentar complicación infecciosa (RR=2,79; IC 95%, 1,16- 6,71). Conclusiones: Se observó una baja tasa de mortalidad intrahospitalaria y de complicaciones intrahospitalarias, entre las que destacaron las complicaciones infecciosas y neurológicas. Estos resultados pueden servir como punto de partida para establecer sistemas de atención al ictus que consideren flujos diferenciados considerando la presencia de estos factores en los pacientes con infarto cerebral agudo para la prevención de complicaciones intrahospitalarias.
Biodegradation of trimethylamine by a halotolerant strain of Paracoccus sp. PS1 and in silico analysis of trimethylamine degrading enzymes.
Authors: Seth Madhupa , Mondal Priyajit , Ghosh Dhritishree , Biswas Raju , Chatterjee Sumit , Mukhopadhyay Subhra Kanti
Published: January 2024

In recent times, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) a gut metabolite generated by constitutive oxidation and reduction by gut microbial and host enzymes is gaining increased attention of scientists as it has been linked to the development of atherosclerosis and other ailments such as chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus , etc. TMAO which acts as a biomarker for health risk is generated by the oxidation of trimethylamine (TMA), produced by human gut microflora from proteinaceous food material. Microbial degradation of TMA can be a predicted approach towards the reduction of the effect of TMAO on human health. The isolated Paracoccussp. strain PS1 could rapidly grow in mineral salt medium supplemented with TMA as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen. Its TMA degrading capacity was further confirmed through spectrophotometric, Electrospray Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (ESI TOF-MS) and High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. In silico analysis of the TMA/TMAO degrading enzymes were performed using bioinformatics tools.
Alzheimer’s Disease biological PET staging using plasma p217+tau
Authors: Rowe Christopher , Feizpour Azadeh , Doré Vincent , Krishnadas Natasha , Bourgeat Pierrick , Doecke James , Saad Ziad , Triana-Baltzerz Gallen , Laws Simon , Shishegar Rosita , Huang Kun , Fowler Chris , Ward Larry , Masters Colin , Fripp Jurgen , Kolb Hartmuth , Villemagne Victor
Published: January 2024

Background: Plasma phospho-tau biomarkers, such as p217+tau, excel at identifying Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) neuropathology. However, questions remain regarding their capacity to inform AD biological PET stages at group level and maintain the same precision at individual patient level.
Method: Participants included 248 cognitively unimpaired (CU) and 227 cognitively impaired (CI) individuals, with Janssen plasma p217+tau Simoa® assay, 18F-NAV4694 Aβ PET (A) and 18F-MK6240 tau PET (T) data. Biological PET stages were defined based on the draft NIA-AA Revised Criteria (July 2023): Initial (A+T-), Early (A+TMTL+), Intermediate (A+TMOD+), and Advanced (A+THIGH+). We used thresholds for A+ of 25 Centiloid and for THIGH of 80 Centaur (2.68 SUVRtemporo-parietal). Adding an A-T- stage for comparison, we assessed the performance of p217+tau in discriminating between these stages at the group level using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis and at the individual level using logistic regression.
Results: Plasma p217+tau concentrations increased across the stages, with significant differences between them, except for the Initial and Early stages. Screening for Advanced (vs. lower stages), combined Intermediate/Advanced (vs. lower stages), or all stages (vs. A-T-), p217+tau showed good group-level discriminations (AUC 0.91, 0.92 and 0.92; CI only: AUC 0.83, 0.89, 0.93, respectively). At the individual level, the likelihood of PET stage vs. p217+tau level showed good discrimination of A-T- vs any A+ stage and of combined Intermediate/Advanced disease stage vs lower stages in the CI.
Conclusion: In addition to accurately screening for A+ individuals, plasma p217+tau shows promise for separating persons with either Intermediate or Advanced stage AD from those at a lower stage, providing prognostic information and informing better selection for trials and disease modifying therapies.
A Peptidomics Method for Assessing Sex from Modern and Ancient Bovine Tooth Enamel.
Authors: Kotli Paula , Morgenstern David , Horwitz Liora , Khalaily Hamudi , Bocquentin Fanny , Boaretto Elisabetta
Published: January 2024

Identification of the sex of fossil and archaeological animal remains offers many insights into their demography, mortality profile and domestication pathways. However, sex determination of fossils is often impossible due to the absence of sex-specific diagnostic features on the remains or ambivalence in extrapolating dimorphism from body size and limited organic material preservation for analysis using aDNA. To counter this, we have developed an innovative protocol employing peptidomic techniques of tooth enamel in bovines. We discovered male-specific amino acid variations in AmelY (Asp44, Leu46, Tyr48 and Val58) unique to modern cattle and then successfully applied this same method to sex bovine tooth enamel from Neolithic sites in the Southern Levant (ca. 9,000 BP). We also compared diagenesis of AmelX using peptide length and site-specific post-translational modifications. Additionally, site-specific post-translational modifications (PTMs) of AmelX were identified and can be used to validate the antiquity of ancient enamel. Since teeth are usually better preserved than bones in the fossil and archaeological record, this innovative protocol has the potential to enable sex-determination is ancient bovine remains that currently cannot be sexed.
Safe and sustainable fish and seafood system and per-and poly-fluorinated substances occurrence: the role of PFAS toxicity in the assessment
Authors: Brambilla Gianfranco
Published: January 2024

Fish and seafood are valuable sources both of nutrients and organic contaminants. The expansion of the analytical per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) panel with a toxicological characterisation necessitates an update of PFAS intake assessment and management within the context of cumulative exposure. Benthic and demersal seafood such as clams, squid, and cuttlefish, are more prone to contamination with C9-C14 perfluoro-carboxylic acids, exhibiting the highest Relative Potency Factors in terms of immuno-toxicity, according to the grid recently proposed by the European Commission Scientific Committee on Health, Environment, and Emerging Risk. Based on the Italian food consumption database referred to demersal and benthic biota such as squid, cuttlefish, crustaceans, and clams, a toxicological-based intake scenario has been drafted to highlight the relevant contribution of such wild species to PFAS intake, well above the provisional health-based guidance value of 4.4 ng/kg body weight per week proposed by the European Food Safety Authority. Ensuring consistency between PFAS reduction and substitution policies, environmental quality standards for water bodies and the issuance of advisories and regulations regarding fish and seafood safe&sustainable intake is crucial. This, to prevent a loss of accountability for institutional bodies, which aim to protect fragile (sensitive and vulnerable) groups from PFAS exposure and simultaneously promote the 'Blue Growth' as sustainable food production system.
Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus nucleocapsid protein antagonizes the IFN response through inhibitng TRIM25 oligomerization and functional activation of RIG-I/TRIM25
Authors: Zhang Jiyu , Shi Hongyan , Zhang Liaoyuan , Feng Tingshuai , Chen Jianfei , Zhang Xin , Ji Zhaoyang , Jing Zhaoyang , Zhu Xiaoyuan , Liu Dakai , Yang Xiaoman , Zeng Miaomiao , Shi Da , Feng Li
Published: January 2024

Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV), an emerging Alpha-coronavirus, brings huge economic loss in swine industry. Interferons (IFNs) participate in a frontline antiviral defense mechanism triggering the activation of numerous downstream antiviral genes. Here, we demonstrated that TRIM25 overexpression significantly inhibited SADS-CoV replication, whereas TRIM25 deficiency markedly increased viral yield. We found that SADS-CoV N protein suppressed IFN production induced by Sendai virus (SeV) or poly(I:C). Moreover, we determined that SADS-CoV N protein interacted with RIG-I tandem caspase activation and recruitment domain and TRIM25 CCD domain. The interaction of SADS-CoV N protein with RIG-I and TRIM25 caused TRIM25 multimerization inhibition, the RIG-I-TRIM25 interaction disruption, and consequent the IRF3 and TBK1 phosphorylation impediment. Overexpression of SADS-CoV N protein facilitated the replication of VSV-GFP by suppressing IFN-I production. Our results demonstrate that SADS-CoV N suppresses the host IFN response, thus highlighting the significant involvement of TRIM25 in regulating antiviral immune defenses.
Effect of metformin on vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels among Sudanese with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Al-Ghaili Sumaia Mohammed Ali , tayrab Eltayeb mohammed ahmed
Published: January 2024

Background:Metformin is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and hyperglycemia. When taken in high doses or for an extended period, metformin may decrease vitamin B12 (VitB12) level and may increase homocysteine (Hcy) level. There has been no research conducted in Sudan to determine whether metformin has an impact on VitB12 and Hcy levels in individuals withT2DM. The aim of this research isto investigate the effect of metformin on VitB12 and Hcy levels among Sudanese with T2DM.Methods:This cross-sectional study included 98 Sudanese with T2DM who had been taking metformin for at least a year. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS V-26.Results:This study found that 1 patient (1%) had a VitB12 deficiency (< 180 pg/mL), 52 (53.1%) subjects had a normal VitB12 level (180 - 900 pg/mL), and 45 (45.9%) subjects had VitB12 ≥ 900 pg/mL. One patient (2.9%) had an Hcy deficiency (< 3µmol/l) and 34 (97.1%) subjects had a normal Hcy level (3–15 µmol/L). The study showed a, significant negative correlation between VitB12 and vitamin supplements (P = 0.003) and metformin combined with insulin (P = 0.000). Although that belongs to the subgroup that took vitamin supplements, there was a significant positive correlation between VitB12 and metformin alone (P = 0.006) and a significant negative association with metformin combined with insulin (P = 0.000). In the subgroup that did not take vitamin supplements, there was a significant positive correlation between VitB12 and FBS (P = 0.001). There was an insignificant correlation between VitB12 and the metformin dose and use duration. The correlation between VitB12 and Hcy levels was insignificant in the entire group and in both subgroups. The correlation between Hcy levels and metformin use duration was significantly negative (P = 0.015), but the correlation between Hcy levels and metformin dose was insignificant.Conclusions:In Sudanese with T2DM and under metformin treatment,serumVitB12 level was positively and significantly correlated with DM duration and (FBS), was significantly and negatively correlated with vitamin supplements. On the conversely, serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels significantly decreased with metformin use duration.
Sow behavior on the day of farrowing: The main determinant of early piglet growth among maternal ability traits
Authors: Girardie Océane , Laloë Denis , Bonneau Mathieu , Billon Yvon , Bailly Jean , David Ingrid , Canario Laurianne
Published: January 2024

Large White and Meishan sows differ in maternal ability and early piglet growth. We investigated the relationships between piglet growth over three periods after birth (D0-D1, D1-D3 and D3-D7; D0 starting at the onset of farrowing) and 101 maternal traits, grouped into 11 blocks according to the biological function they describe. Within and between breed variation was exploited to account for a maximum of variability. The objective was to quantify the contribution of maternal traits to early piglet growth. The relationships were analyzed with multiblock and triadic partial analyses. Several behavioral traits (standing activity, reactivity, postural) and functional traits (body reserves, teat quality) at farrowing had substantial contributions to piglet growth from D0 to D7. Sow aggressiveness towards piglets and time spent standing at D0 were unfavorably correlated to D1-D3 growth. Time spent lying with udder exposed at D0 was favorably correlated to D1-D3 growth. The farrowing duration was negatively correlated to growth from D0 to D3. Furthermore, D3-D7 growth was positively correlated to feed intake in the same period. Several behavior traits and some functional traits play part in early piglet growth, with a greater contribution of sow behavior in the critical period around farrowing than in later days.
Causal Associations of Epigenetic Age Acceleration with Stroke and Its Functional outcome: A Two-Sample, Two-Step Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Qiu Baizhi , Wen Shuyang , Li Zifan , Cai Yuxin , Zhang Qi , Zeng Yuting , Zheng Shuqi , Lin Zhishan , Xiao Yupeng , Zou Jihua , Huang Guozhi , Zeng Qing
Published: January 2024

Background
Emerging evidence from observational studies suggested that epigenetic age acceleration may result in an increased incidence of stroke and poorer functional outcomes after a stroke. However, the causality of these associations remains controversial and may be confounded by bias. We aimed to investigate the causal effects of epigenetic age on stroke and its functional outcomes.
Methods
We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the causal relationships between epigenetic age and stroke and its outcomes. Additionally, a two-step MR analysis was performed to investigate whether lifestyle factors affect stroke via epigenetic age. Datasets of epigenetic age were obtained from a recent meta-analysis (n = 34710), while those of stroke and its outcomes were sourced from the MEGASTROKE (n = 520000) consortium and Genetics of Ischaemic Stroke Functional Outcome network (n = 6165).
Results
Two-sample MR analysis revealed a causal relationship between PhenoAge and small vessel stroke (OR = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03–1.12; p = 2.01 × 10− 3). Mediation analysis through two-step MR indicated that the increased risk of small vessel stroke due to smoking initiation was partially mediated by PhenoAge, with a mediation proportion of 9.5% (95% CI, 1.6–20.6%). No causal relationships were identified between epigenetic age and stroke outcomes.
Conclusions
Our study confirms a causal relationship between epigenetic age acceleration and stroke, indicating that epigenetic age acceleration may mediate the increased stroke risk due to smoking. Interventions specifically aimed at decelerating epigenetic aging, such as specific lifestyle changes, offer effective strategies for reducing stroke risk.
OptiSelect and EnShap: Integrating Machine Learning and Game Theory for Ischemic stroke prediction
Authors: Chakraborty Pritam , Bandyopadhyay Anjan , Parui Sricheta , Swain Sujata , Banerjee Partha Sarathy , Si Tapas , Mallik Saurav , Alfurhood Badria Sulaiman , Al-Betar Mohammed Azmi , Almomani Ammar
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a novel approach to predictive Ischemic brain stroke analysis using game theory and machine learningtechniques. The study investigates the use of the Shapley value in predictive Ischemic brain stroke analysis. Initially, preferencealgorithms identify the most important features in various machine learning models, including logistic regression, K-nearestneighbor, decision tree, support vector machine (linear kernel), support vector machine (RBF kernel), neural networks, etc. For each sample, the top 3, 4, and 5 features are evaluated and selected to evaluate their performance. The Shapley Valuemethod has been used to rank the models using their best four features based on their predictive capabilities. As a result,better-performing models have been found. Afterward, ensemble machine learning methods were used to find the mostaccurate predictions using the top 5 models ranked by shapely value. The research demonstrates an impressive accuracyof 92.39%, surpassing other proposed models’ performance. This study highlights the utility of combining game theory andmachine learning in Ischemic brain stroke prediction and the potential of ensemble learning methods to increase predictiveaccuracy in Ischemic stroke analysis.
Analysis of unsuccessful GeneXpert MTB/RIF tests and the handling experience in Shanghai
Authors: Wei Jian-Hao , Zhu Zhao-Qin , Wan Yan-Min , Qian Xue-Qin , Zhao Xiao-kai , Zhang Chun-Yan , Guo Wei
Published: January 2024

The GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay is a widely used technology for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) in clinical settings. But limited studies have focused on the failure of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay during routine implementation. This study investigated the reasons for unsuccessful GeneXpert MTB/RIF tests and verified the stability of GeneXpert testing on clinical samples that had been pretreated at 15 minutes, 3 hours, and 6 hours later, as recommended by the instructions from Cepheid. According to our statistics, the failure rate for GeneXpert assay tests in our laboratory is 2.37% (268 out of 11,241). The main reason for these failures was the occurrence of "Error" reports. In the stability tests of prolonged pretreatment homogenates, 85% (102/120) of the cases yielded the same results as the three treatment timelines in GeneXpert tests. However, 2.5% (3/120) of the paucibacillary samples yielded inconsistent results in MTB and rifampicin resistance detection. To address the unsuccessful tests of GeneXpert MTB/RIF, it would be more effective to "resample" to test rather than conduct additional trials with the remaining samples. Above all, we suggest that understanding the reasons for the failures in GeneXpert tests is essential and meaningful for both laboratory quality control and cost reduction in clinical laboratories.
Construction of Salmonella typhimurium sptP mutant and evaluation of its characterization and immunoprotective effect
Authors: Zhou Nanlong , Ding Yonghui , He Ting , Chen Hongfang , Sun Yuling , Huang Meiling , Li Tiansen
Published: January 2024

Salmonella typhimurium is a pathogen that poses a severe health risk to humans and animals. We discussed the feasibility of the Salmonella typhimurium ΔsptP mutant as a live attenuated vaccine, constructed a Salmonella typhimurium ΔsptP mutant by homologous recombination, and evaluated its biological functions, such as growth characteristics, immunogenicity, and protective properties. We found that the ΔsptP gene mutant of Salmonella typhimurium is a safe and effective live attenuated vaccine. The mutation of the sptP gene does not affect the growth and character of bacteria and has genetic stability. Compared with wild-type Salmonella typhimurium, the colonization ability of the mutant in RAW264.7 mouse macrophages and mice was significantly weakened. The median lethal dose (LD50) of the ΔsptP mutant was 39.92 times that of the wild-type strain, indicating that the virulence of the ΔsptP mutant was significantly weakened. After inoculation with 2×104 CFU ΔsptP mutant and one booster immunization, the mice were able to resist 87.5% of the virulent strains compared to the PBS control group, and the level of IgG antibodies produced by the mutant was similar to that of the wild-type strain. These results show that ΔsptP mutants of Salmonella typhimurium are significantly less virulent to mice than wild-type strains. The sptP mutant is immunogenic and protective in mice, and ΔsptP can be used as a live attenuated vaccine for Salmonella typhimurium disease.
Navigating Growth: A Formalized Approach to Small Firm Revenue and Profit Enhancement
Authors: Bari MD Abdul , Khan Arifuzzaman , Khan Ghulam Dastgir , Yoshida Yuichiro
Published: January 2024

Governments often have strong motivation to formalize ever-growing informal firms. However, whether formalization improves the earnings of small firms is a crucial policy question. Firms chose to be formal so the impact evaluation of formalization suffers for self-selection bias. This study aims at examining the impact of the impact of formalization on revenue and profit of informal small firms using Randomized Encouragement Design. Small firms in Malawi, one of the poorest countries, are considered as the units of analysis in the present study. This study uses dataset prepared by Campos et al. (2018) who conducted Randomized Control Trial to examine different ways to formalize small firms in Malawi. Campos et al. (2023) examined the impact of Offer for cost-free business registration, coupled with a bank account opening information session as one of the treatment variables and formalization as one of the outcome variables in their study. In contrast, this study considers the offer for cost-free business registration, coupled with a bank account opening information session as an instrumental variable and formalization as the treatment variable. The result shows that formalization significantly increases revenue and profit of small firms. Heterogeneous impact analysis suggests formalization helps only manufacturing farms to earn more.