bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO NO ENSINO DE FÍSICA NA EDUCAÇÃO DO CAMPO: CONCEPÇÕES DE PROFESSORES EM FORMAÇÃO
Authors: Sousa Maria Irisleila de , Silva Alexandre Leite dos Santos
Published: August 2023

As concepções são elaborações que as pessoas constroem sob a influência do meio e das pessoas que as cercam. Na formação de professores podem ter impacto tanto no planejamento como nas práticas pedagógicas. O objetivo deste trabalho é compreender e discutir sobre as concepções dos estudantes de um Curso de Licenciatura em Educação do Campo com enfoque em Ciências da Natureza, da Universidade Federal do Piauí, sobre a contextualização no ensino de Física. A pesquisa foi realizada por meio de entrevistas. Os dados foram analisados com as etapas da Análise de Conteúdo. Os resultados indicaram que os estudantes possuem uma visão simplista da contextualização, vista apenas como relacionar o conhecimento escolar com o cotidiano. Constatou-se que reconhecem possuir dificuldades em contextualizar o ensino de Física na Educação do Campo.
Quantum and Quantum-Inspired Stereographic K Nearest-Neighbour Clustering
Authors: Modi Ark Kumar , Viladomat Jasso Alonso , Ferrara Roberto , Noetzel Janis , Deppe Christian , Schädler Maximilian , Fung Fred
Published: August 2023

Nearest-neighbour clustering is a simple yet powerful machine learning algorithm that finds natural application in the decoding of signals in classical optical fibre communication systems. Quantum nearest-neighbour clustering promises a speed-up over the classical algorithms, but the current embedding of classical data introduces inaccuracies, insurmountable slowdowns, or undesired effects. This work proposes the generalised inverse stereographic projection into the Bloch sphere as an encoding for quantum distance estimation in k nearest-neighbour clustering, develops an analogous classical counterpart, and benchmarks its accuracy, runtime and convergence. Our proposed algorithm provides an improvement in both the accuracy and the convergence rate of the algorithm. We detail an experimental optic fibre setup as well, from which we collect 64-Quadrature Amplitude Modulation data. This is the dataset upon which the algorithms are benchmarked. Through experiments, we demonstrate the numerous benefits and practicality of using the 'quantum-inspired' stereographic k nearest-neighbour for clustering real-world optical-fibre data. This work also proves that one can achieve a greater advantage by optimising the radius of the inverse stereographic projection.
Risk Factors for Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Non-HIV Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Viceconte Giulio , Buonomo Antonio Riccardo , D'Agostino Alessia , Foggia Maria , Di Fusco Antonio , Pinchera Biagio , Scotto Riccardo , Iacovazzo Carmine , Fanasca Luca , Messina Gaetana , Cacciatore Francesco , Salvatore Paola , Gentile Ivan
Published: August 2023

Background
Very few cases of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) have been reported in COVID-19 so far, mostly in patients with concomitant HIV infection or in solid organ transplant recipients. Despite COVID-19 is associated with lymphopenia and use of steroids, there are no studies specifically aimed to investigate risk factors for PCP in COVID-19

Methods
retrospective case-control study in a cohort of patients with confirmed COVID-19. Direct immunofluorescence assay on respiratory samples was used to diagnose PCP.

Results
We enrolled 54 patients. Patients with PCP had significant lower median lymphocyte values (p=0.033), longer COVID-19 disease duration (p=0.014), higher cumulative dose of steroid received (p=0.026), higher CRP values (p=0.005) and lower SARS-CoV-2 vaccination rate than controls (p=0.029). Cumulative steroid dose (p=0.042) and the highest CRP value during the stay (p=0.012) were identified as risk factor for PCP, while SARS-CoV-2 vaccination with one (p=0.029) and two doses (p=0.049) as a protective factor for PCP, although not independently associated.

Conclusions
PCP develops in COVID-19 patients regardless of immunosuppressive conditions. However, a higher rate of PCP is significantly associated with the cumulative steroidal dose, high CRP values and lack of vaccination.
Contingent Valuation Machine Learning (CVML): A Novel Method for Estimating Citizens’ Willingness- to- Pay for Safer and Cleaner Environment
Authors: Khuc Van Quy , Tran Duc Trung
Published: August 2023

This paper introduces an advanced method that integrates contingent valuation and machine learning (CVML) to estimate residents’ demand for reducing or mitigating environmental pollutions and climate change. To be precise, CVML is an innovative hybrid machine-learning model, and it can leverage a limited amount of survey data for prediction and data enrichment purposes. The model comprises of two interconnected modules: Module I, an unsupervised learning algorithm, and Module II, a supervised learning algorithm. Module I is responsible for grouping the data into groups based on common characteristics, thereby grouping the corresponding dependent variable, whereas Module II is in charge of demonstrating the ability to predict and the capacity to appropriately assign new samples to their respective category based on input attributes. Take a survey on the topic of air pollution in Hanoi in 2019 as an example, we found that CVML can predict households’ willingness– to– pay for polluted air mitigation at a high degree of accuracy (i.e., 98%). We found that CVML can help users reduce costs or save resources because it makes use of secondary data that is available on many open data sources. These findings suggest that CVML is a sound and practical method that could be widely applied in a wide range of fields, particularly environmental economics and sustainability science. In practice, CVML could be used to support decision-makers in improving the financial resources to maintain and/or further support many environmental programs in years to come.
Novel Therapeutic Opportunities for Neurodegenerative Diseases with Mesenchymal Stem Cells: The Focus on Modulating the Blood-Brain Barrier
Authors: Vargas-Rodríguez Pablo , Cuenca-Martagón Alejandro , Castillo-González Julia , Serrano-Martínez Ignacio , Luque Raúl M , Delgado Mario , González-Rey Elena
Published: August 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases encompass a broad spectrum of profoundly disabling disorders that impact millions of individuals globally. While their underlying causes and pathophysiol-ogy display considerable diversity and remain incompletely understood, a mounting body of evidence indicates that the disruption of blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, resulting in brain damage and neuroinflammation, constitutes a shared characteristic among them. Con-sequently, targeting the BBB has emerged as an innovative therapeutic strategy for address-ing neurological diseases. Within this review, we not only explore the neuroprotective, neu-rotrophic, and immunomodulatory benefits of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in combating neurodegeneration but also delve into their recent role in modulating the BBB. We will delve into the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which MSC treatment impacts primary age-related neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke as well as immune-mediated conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Our focus will center on how MSCs participate in the modulation of cell transporters, matrix remodeling, stabilization of cell-junction components, and restoration of BBB network integrity in these pathological con-texts.
Ectoine Globally Hypomethylates DNA in Skin Cells and Suppresses Cancer Proliferation
Authors: Qaria Majjid A , Xu Chunyan , Ran Hu , Alsubki Roua A. , Ali Mohamed Yassin , Sivasamy Sethupathy , Attia Kotb A. , Zhu Daochen
Published: August 2023

Epigenetic modifications, mainly aberrant DNA methylation, have been shown to silence the ex-pression of genes involved in epigenetic diseases, including cancer suppression genes. Almost all conventional cancer therapeutic agents, such as the DNA hypomethylation drug, 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine, have insurmountable side effects. To investigate the role of ectoine in skin cell DNA methylation and cancer cell proliferation, comprehensive methylome sequence analysis, 5-methyl cytosine (5mC) analysis, proliferation and tumorigenicity assays, and DNA methyla-tion-related gene and marker analysis were performed. The results showed that ectoine hypo-methylation in skin cells, especially in the CpG island (CGIs) element and 5mC, was significantly reduced. Moreover, ectoine mildly inhibited skin cell proliferation, but did not induce tumorigenicity in HaCaT cells injected into athymic nude mice. HaCaT cells treated with ectoine for 24 weeks modulated the mRNA expression levels of Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, Dnmt3i, Hdac1, Hdac2, Kdm3a, Mettl3, Mettl14, Igf2, Snrpn, and Mest. Overall, ectoine, an excellent DNA protectant, mildly de-methylates DNA in skin cells, modulates the expression of methylation-related genes, and reduces cell proliferation. This evidence suggests that ectoine is a potential anti-aging agent that prevents DNA hypermethylation and subsequently activates cancer-suppressing genes.
Relationship between CT Derived Bone Mineral Density and UTE-MR Derived Porosity Index in Equine Third Metacarpal and Metatarsal Bones
Authors: Daniel Carola , Taylor Sarah Elizabeth , McPhee Sam , Wolfram Uwe , Schwarz Tobias , Sommer Stefan , Kershaw Lucy
Published: August 2023

Fatigue-related subchondral bone injury of the third metacarpal/ metatarsal (McIII/ MtIII) bone is a common cause of wastage and welfare concern in racehorses. Better understanding of bone health and strength would improve animal welfare and be of benefit for the racing industry. Porosity index (PI) of bone is an indirect measure of osseous pore size and number and is therefore an interesting indicator of bone strength. MRI of compact bone using traditional methods even with short echo times fails to generate enough signal to assess bone architecture as the water protons are tightly bound. Ultrashort echo time (UTE) sequences aim to increase the amount of signal detected in the equine McIII/MtIII condyle. Cadaver specimens were imaged using a novel dual-echo UTE MRI technique and PI was calculated and validated against quantitative CT-derived bone mineral density (BMD). BMD and PI are inversely correlated in the equine distal Mc/ MtIII with a mean r value of -0.29. The r value is significantly different between fore- and hindlimbs. Further work is needed to assess how correlation patterns behave in different areas of the bone and to evaluate PI in horses with and without clinically relevant stress injury.
Sustainable Social Systems: Innovative Service Implications in the Restaurant Business in the Post-COVID Era with Digital Transformation Strategies
Authors: Fainshtein Elizaveta , Chkoniya Valentina , Serova Elena , Vorobyev Pavel
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 led to changes modifying the role of digital transformation and unleashing unparalleled opportunities to improve business production processes in all three dimensions of sustainability - economic, social, and environmental through data-driven innovative service implications that significantly impact restaurant business, resulting in an increased competitive advantage. This paper identifies the innovative service implications and summarizes sustainable social systems measures in the context of strategic management in the restaurant industry triggered by COVID-19. Based on in-depth interviews with sixteen key experts in the restaurant industry, the paper clarifies and concretizes the rapidly transforming problem of identifying the main changes in the restaurant business, using three dimensions: consumer demand, corporate strategy optimization, and the use of the company's innovative potential. The findings reveal how companies need to expand their digital strategies and adapt their management approach to all stakeholders bringing sustainable business development in the post-pandemic period into focus. This paper serves as a framework for understanding the digital transformation role in resilient business management within restaurant social systems, with friction occurring along the workflow from kitchen to customer.
Towards Understanding the Factors behind the Limited Integration of Multispecies Ecotoxicity Assessment in Environmental Risk Characterisation of Graphene Family Materials - A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Fekete-Kertész Ildikó , László Krisztina , Molnár Mónika
Published: August 2023

Even though, graphene family materials (GFMs) hold great promise for various applications, there are still significant knowledge gaps in ecotoxicology and environmental risk assessment associated with their potential environmental impacts. Here, we provide a critical perspective on published ecotoxicity studies of GFMs based on a meticulous bibliometric research. Analysis of the available data revealed that to date, ecotoxicity studies with GFMs have been carried out predominantly using freshwater species (82%), while their effects on marine or terrestrial or-ganisms are understudied. Three groups of organisms were found dominating ecotoxicological research: fish (39%), algae (20%) and arthropoda (20%) predominantly applying small, planktonic crustaceans. It was also revealed that despite their widespread detection in different environ-mental compartments the potential impacts of GFMs in complex test systems with hierarchical trophic organisation or in trophic transfer studies are significantly under-represented. One of the main causes was identified as the difficulties in the physicochemical characterisation of GFMs in complex terrestrial test systems or in aquatic micro- and mesocosm studies containing a sediment phase. The lack of tools for adequate characterisation of GFMs in these complex test systems may discourage researchers from conducting experiments under environmentally relevant test condi-tions.
However, in the coming years, fundamental research about these complex test systems will con-tinue to better understand the mechanism behind GFMs toxicity affecting organisms in different environmental compartments and to ensure their safe and sustainable use in the future.
Synthesis under Normal Conditions, Morphology and Composition of AlF3 Nanowires
Authors: Dautov Albert , Kotlyar Konstantin , Butusov Denis , Novikov Ivan , Khafizova Aliya , Karimov Artur
Published: August 2023

: AlF3 has interesting electrophysical parameters, due to which the material is promising for applications in supercapacitors, UV coatings with low refractive index, excimer laser mirrors, and photolithography. The formation of AlF3-based nano- and micro-wires can bring new functionalities to AlF3 material. AlF3 nanowires be used, for example, in functionally modified microprobes for scanning probe microscopy. In this work, we investigate the AlF3 samples obtained by the reaction of initial aluminum with aqueous hydrofluoric acid solution of different concentrations. All the samples were obtained under normal conditions. The morphology of the nanowire samples is studied by scanning electron microscopy. Quantitative energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectra are obtained and analyzed with respect to the feedstock and each other.
Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity of Measles and Rubella Vaccine Delivered with a High-Density Microarray Patch: Results from a Randomized, Partially Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Phase I Clinical Trial
Authors: Baker S. Ben , Bermingham Imogen , Leelasena Indika , Hickling Julian , Young Paul R. , Muller David A. , Forster Angus H.
Published: August 2023

Microarray patches (MAPs) have the potential to be a safer, more acceptable, easier to use, and more cost-effective means for the administration of vaccines than injection by needle and syringe. Here, we report findings from a randomized, partially double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase I trial using the Vaxxas high-density MAP (HD-MAP) to deliver a measles rubella (MR) vaccine. Healthy adults (N = 63, age 18–50 years) were randomly assigned 1:1:1:1 to four groups: uncoated (placebo) HD-MAPs, low-dose MR HD-MAPs (~3,100 median cell-culture infectious dose [CCID50] measles, ~4,300 CCID50 rubella); high dose MR-HD-MAPs (~9,300 CCID50 measles, ~12,900 CCID50 rubella); or a sub-cutaneous (SC) injection of an approved MR vaccine, MR-Vac (≥1,000 CCID50 per virus). The MR vaccines were stable and remained viable on HD-MAPs when stored at 2–8°C for at least 24 months. When MR HD-MAPs stored at 2–8°C for 24 months were transferred to 40°C for 3 days in a controlled temperature excursion, loss of potency was minimal, and MR HD-MAPs still met World Health Organisation (WHO) specifications. MR HD-MAP vaccination was safe and well-tolerated; any systemic or local adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate. Similar levels of binding and neutralizing antibodies to measles and rubella were induced by low-dose and high-dose MR HD-MAPs and MR-Vac. The neutralizing antibody seroconversion rates at day 28 after vaccination for the low-dose HD-MAP, high-dose HD-MAP and MR-Vac groups were 37.5%, 18.8% and 35.7% respectively for measles and 37.5%, 25.0% and 35.7% respectively for rubella. Most participants were seropositive for measles and rubella antibodies at baseline, which appeared to negatively impact the number of participants that seroconverted to vaccines delivered by either route. The data reported here suggest HD-MAPs could be a valuable means for delivering MR-vaccine to hard-to-reach populations and support further development. Clinical trial registry number: ACTRN12621000820808.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Real-World Experience from a Canadian Comprehensive Cancer Centre
Authors: Koch Hein Erica Cristina , Vilbert Maysa , Hirsch Ian , Ribeiro Mauricio Fernando , Muniz Thiago Pimentel , Fournier Cynthia , Abdulalem Khaled , Figueiredo Saldanha Erick , Martinez Erika , Spreafico Anna , Hogg David Hartwick , Butler Marcus Otho , Saibil Samuel David
Published: August 2023

: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) cemiplimab and pembrolizumab have revolutionized the treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ICI in a real-world cSCC population, including patients with conditions which would exclude clinical trial participation. In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, we included all non-trial patients with advanced cSCC treated with ICI between 2017 and 2022. We evaluated investigator-assessed best overall response (BOR) and immune-related adverse events (irAEs). We correlated survival outcomes with age, performance status, immune status and irAEs. For the 36 patients identified, best overall response (BOR) to ICI was partial response (PR) in 41.7%, complete response (CR) in 27.8%, and stable disease in (SD) 13.9% of patients. The PFS rate at 1 year was 63%; median PFS was not reached (NR). The median OS was 38.6 months (95% CI 25.4-NR). Immune compromised patients, ECOG performance 2-3, and age ≥75 years were not significantly associated with PFS or OS. IrAE grade 3-4 were seen in 13.9% of patients. In our Canadian experience with real-world patients, ICI was an effective and safe treatment for advanced cSCC patients. Patients achieved great benefit with ICI regardless of age, immune status or ECOG performance status.
Selected miRNA and Psoriasis—Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)—Overweight/Obesity Network
Authors: Michalak-Stoma Anna , Walczak Katarzyna , Adamczyk Michał , Kowal Małgorzata , Krasowska Dorota
Published: August 2023

Psoriasis is nowadays recognized as a multifactorial systemic disease with complex and still not fully understood pathogenesis. In psoriatic patients the increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and frequent comorbidities like obesity are observed. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in miRNA (miR-22-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-369-3p and Let-7b-5p) involved in CVD risk among psoriatic patients with overweight/obesity and with normal weight. The study comprised 28 male psoriatic patients and 16 male healthy controls. miRNA isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells was reverse-transcribed and RT-qPCR was performed. We have found the decreased levels of miR-22, miR-133a, miR-146a, and miR-369 among the psoriatic patients. There was a statistically significant difference in miR-22 and miR-146a levels between psoriatic patients with overweight/obesity and with normal weight. There were positive correlations between miR-22 and miR-146a levels and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in psoriatic patients with normal weight and between miR-133a level and PsA in the overweight/obese patients. The decreased levels of selected miRNA are consistent with their levels observed in CVD indicating their impact in the CVD risk in psoriatic patients. miR-22 and miR-146 may be recognized as one of the contributing factors in the obesity-CVD-psoriasis network.
PLLA Nanosheets for Wound Healing: Embedding with Iron-Ion-Containing Nanoparticles
Authors: Mussin Aslan , Al-Julaih Ali , Mintcheva Neli , Aman Delvin , Iwamori Satoru , Gurbatov Stanislav O. , Bhardwaj Abhishek , Kulinich Sergei A.
Published: August 2023

: This article reports on polymer (PLLA, poly(L-lactic acid)) nanosheets incorporated with Fe-ion nanoparticles, aiming at using the latter nanoparticles as source to release Fe ions to facilitate burn wound healing when such nanosheets are applied on skin as biomedical tissue. Laser ablation in liquid phase was used to produce Fe-containing nanoparticles that after incorporation into PLLA nanosheets would release Fe ions when in immersed in water. Such nanoparticles prepared in chloroform are shown by XPS to be based on iron chloride and oxide phases. After incorporation into PLLA nanosheets, the ion –release test demonstrated that Fe ions could be released successfully into water at pH 7.4, which implies that such polymer nanosheets show promise for biomedical applications as potential patches for healing burn wounds. Incorporation with two different metal ions (Fe and Zn) is shown to be efficient and both types of ions were demonstrated to be released simultaneously and with comparable release rates.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Structural and Functional Changes Induced by SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Mutations
Authors: Mushebenge Aganze Gloire-Aimé , Ugbaja Samuel Chima , Mbatha Nonkululeko Avril , Khan Rene M. , Kumalo Hezekiel M.
Published: August 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic which emerged and spread, has sparked intense research on its spike protein, which is essential for viral entrance into host cells. Viral reproduction and transmission, host immune response regulation, receptor recognition and host cell entrance mechanisms, as well as structural and functional effects have all been linked to mutations in the spike protein. Spike protein mutations can also result in immune evasion mechanisms that impair vaccine effectiveness and escape, and they are linked to illness severity and clinical consequences. Numerous studies have been conducted to determine the effects of these mutations on the spike protein structure and how it interacts with host factors. These results have important implications for the design and development of medicines and vaccines based on spike proteins as well as for the assessment of those products' efficiency against newly discovered spike protein mutations. The paper gives a general overview of how spike protein mutations are categorized and named, as well as the genomic and phylogenetic techniques that have been used to track their genesis and dissemination. Additionally, it looks at the links between spike protein mutations and clinical outcomes, illness severity, unanswered problems, and future research prospects. Additionally, explored are the effects of these mutations on vaccine effectiveness as well as the possible therapeutic targeting of spike protein mutations.
Case Reports From Women Using a Quantitative Hormone Monitor to Track the Perimenopause Transition
Authors: Meyers Maria , Fehring Richard Jerome , Schneider Mary
Published: August 2023

Abstract:

Fertility tracking of menstrual cycles during perimenopause with a quantitative hormone monitor is a novel undertaking. Women in regular menstrual cycles have been tracking their fertility using diﬀerent biomarkers since the 1960’s [1]. Presently, there are newer electronic hormonal devices used to track fertility that provide more exact and objective data to help delineate the fertile time frame of a woman’s cycle. These devices measure quantitative levels of estrogen, luteinizing hormone, progesterone, and follicle stimulating hormone, all of which occur at varying levels during the menstrual cycle. As women advance toward menopause, their cycles vary in length and their hormones ﬂuctuate [2]. In this retrospective analysis, forty-two women aged 40 to 50 tracked their cycles over time and eight of the forty-two women used the quantitative hormonal device. With the use of this device, the perimenopausal period has revealed distinct hormonal cycle characteristics unique to this group of women. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss those cycle characteristics during perimenopause that were found with the use of the quantitative hormonal device.
A Multi-Residue Analytical Method for Assessing the Effects of Stacking Treatment on Anti-microbial and Coccidiostat Degradation in Broiler Litter
Authors: Solomon Efriem , Britzi Malka , Soback Stefan , Sabastian Chris , Mabjeesh Sameer J.
Published: August 2023

Anti-microbial drugs and coccidiostat compounds are commonly used in poultry farming. These compounds are subsequently excreted and released into the environment via broiler litter (BL) and can re-enter the food chain as fertilizer and/or animal feed. Residues of such drugs can encourage the appearance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), as well as toxicity, when found in animal feed. The aim of this study was to develop a multi-residue analytic method for assessing 30 an-ti-microbial drugs and coccidiostats associated with BL and investigate the effects of stacking treatment on anti-microbial and coccidiostat residue degradation in BL used for ruminant feed at the lab-scale. Today, most analytical methods used to identify and quantitate these drug residues are traditional, and may be specific to some antimicrobials. All call for lengthy sample preparation and may present limitations in assessing broiler litter. Such conventional mul-ti-anti-microbial/coccidiostat residue detection assays employ liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and solid phase extraction (SPE) for sample purification. In our research, LLE and SPE were replaced by Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) clean-up steps for 30 an-ti-microbials and coccidiostats used in broiler farming and detection by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS/ MS). Using this method, recoveries were 70-120%, with the exception of norfloxacin and narasin, which showed recoveries of 67 and 68%, respectively. This analytical meth-od results show that eight samples were not detected in 42 samples, while in 34 samples, one or more drugs were present. Eighteen anti-microbial and coccidiostat residues were detected dur-ing one year sample collaction. The most frequently detected residues were narasin, nicarbazin, monensin, robenidine, oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, norfloxacin and sulfachloropyridazine, seen at levels from 0.4 to 8.9 mg•kg-1 (ppm). Nineteen anti-microbials and one coccidiostat were degraded to 95% by the stacking treatment. However, tilmicosin and eight coccidiostats persisted in litter (26-100%). The use of antimicrobials and coccidiostats in animal farming is of paramount concern with respect to human, animal and environmental contamination issues and as a source of resistant pathogenic bacteria. Still, most farmers use BL as ruminant feed and fertilizer without processing. Even though the effects of the stacking treatments on degradation of antimicrobials were significantly high, the degradation of coccidiostats and tilmicosin was limited. Clearly, BL should be treated and supervised before use as feed supplement or for land application. Hence, the present method, designed to support these goals, was optimized in terms of sensitivity and se-lectivity for the analytes addressed.
On the Simplest Entangled Mixed States
Authors: Boyer Michel , Mor Tal
Published: August 2023

Quantum entanglement is a fascinating topic with both theoretical and technological impacts. Yet, even in the simplest scenarios, there are still various open questions involving pure state and mixed state entanglement. Here we present the simplest entangled mixed states. We consider both qubits (quantum bits) and qudits (quantum digits). We first provide our simplest yet most important result for rank-2 bi-partite states, and we then generalize our results to go beyond rank-2 and to go beyond bi-partite states.
Interleukin-23 Involved in Fibrotic Autoimmune Diseases: New Discoveries
Authors: Sisto Margherita , Lisi Sabrina
Published: August 2023

Interleukin (IL)-23 is a central proinflammatory cytokine with a broad range of effects on immune responses. The pathological consequences of excessive IL-23 signaling have been linked to its ability to promote the production of inflammatory mediators such as IL-17, IL-22 by stimulating the differentiation and proliferation of T helper type 17 (Th17 cells). Emerging evidence suggests a potential pro-fibrotic role for IL-23 in the development of chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases characterized by intense fibrosis. In this review, we summarized the biological features of IL-23 and gathered recent research on the role of IL-23 in fibrotic autoimmune conditions, which could provide a theoretical basis for clinical targeting and drug development.
Serum Specific Immunoglubulin E: Major Determinant for Accessing Sensitivity for Various Pediatric Allergies in North India
Authors: Gupta Swati , Gupta Rajiv Kumar , Mishra Vigyan , Prakash Hridayesh
Published: August 2023

High prevalence of allergic disorders in Indian pediatric patients demands early diagnosis of allergens so that appropriate allergen avoidance methods, pharmacotherapy or immunotherapy can be provided in time to avoid the worsening of symptoms due to triggers. In this context, identification of the most prevalent aeroallergens in a given area is critical for diagnosis and treatment of various allergic reactions especially in case of rhino-conjunctivitis and asthma. The specific diagnosis of IgE mediated allergy is usually based on the correlation between the clinical history and signs and symptoms endorsed by the diagnostic tests. Skin prick tests are the gold standard however has some limitation. In view of this, the aim of this study was to assess the significance of ImmunoCAP assay for assessing serum specific IgE levels, available in India, against skin prick test by standardized allergens, for the diagnosis of allergic sensitization. A single-center observational study was conducted at tertiary care corporate hospitals in North India from 2017-2020. Patients with self-reported allergic symptoms or whose symptoms were suspected for allergies were tested for the type of sensitization using skin prick test (SPT) after their consents followed by ImmunoCAP based quantification of serum specific IgE levels. A total of 256 (95.9%) pediatric patients were analyzed in the study and were analysed. The patients were most commonly (30% patients) sensitized to D. farinae (173 [67.6%]), D. pteronyssinus (174 [68.0%]), Acarus siro (93 [36.3%]), Lepidoglyphus destructor (96 [37.5%]), Plantago lanceolata (Engl.). The ROC curve of Bermuda grass shows that the AUC of serum-specific IgE is larger than that of SPT (1.000 / 0.881). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of serum-specific IgE reference method resulted in the largest AUC of all the allergens taken into consideration (0.711 / 1.000) compared to those of SPT (0.589 / 1.000). These results revealed that serum-specific IgE is more reliable method over prick test for accessing the sensitivity of patient for various allergens. This study may be helpful in performing early diagnosis of allergies as well as in taking appropriate preventive measures for managing life threatening allergic reactions
Unravelling the Mystery Inside Cells by Using Single Molecule Imaging
Authors: Sharma Ashutosh , Zalejski Julian , Sun Jiachen
Published: August 2023

Live cell imaging is a powerful technique to study the dynamics and mechanics of various biological molecules like proteins, organelles, DNA, and RNA. With the rapid evolution of optical microscopy, our understanding of how these molecules is implicated in the cells’ most critical physiological roles deepens. Here in this review, we focus on how spatiotemporal nanoscale live cell imaging on a single molecule level allows for profound contributions towards new discoveries in life science. This review will start by summarizing how single molecule tracking has been used to analyze membrane dynamics, receptor ligand interactions, protein-protein interactions, inner- and extracellular transport, gene expression/transcription, and whole organelle tracking. We then move on to how current authors are trying to improve single molecule tracking and overcome current limitations by offering new ways in labeling protein of interests, multi-channel/color detection, improvements in time laps imaging, and new methods and programs to analyze colocalization and movement of targets. We later discuss how single molecule tracking can be a beneficial tool used for medical diagnosis. Finally wrapping up with limitation and future perspective of single molecule tracking and total internal refection microscopy.
Postural instability and risk of falls in patients with Parkinson’s disease treated with deep brain stimulation: a stabilometric platform study
Authors: Leodori Giorgio , Santilli Marco , Modugno Nicola , D’Avino Michele , De Bartolo Maria Ilenia , Fabbrini Andre , Rocchi Lorenzo , Conte Antonella , Fabbrini Giovanni , Belvisi Daniele
Published: August 2023

Postural instability (PI) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) exposes patients to increased risk of falls (RF). Although dopaminergic therapy and deep brain stimulation (DBS) improve motor performance in advanced PD patients, their effects on PI and RF are not clear. PI and RF were assessed by a stabilometric platform in 6 advanced PD patients. Patients were evaluated on and off dopaminergic medication and four DBS conditions: bilateral-DBS, DBS of the more- or less-affected side and DBS-off. Dopaminergic medication alone worsened PI and RF, DBS alone worsened RF, and no medication/DBS combination produced an improvement in postural control with respect to the OFF-medication/DBS-off condition. When ON-medication, PI and RF significantly improved after turning the DBS on, regardless of medication condition. Among DBS conditions, bilateral-DBS provided the maximal improvement of PI and RF when ON medication, and minimal worsening of PI and RF when OFF medication, whereas patients performed worse when in most-affected side DBS condition. These results can help in developing the best therapeutic strategy for postural disorders in patients with advanced PD.
Pancreatic Cancer- Secreted Proteins: Targeting Their Functions in Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Cammarota Anna Lisa , Falco Antonia , Basile Anna , Molino Carlo , Chetta Massimiliano , D'Angelo Gianni , Marzullo Liberato , De Marco Margot , Turco Maria Caterina , Rosati Alessandra
Published: August 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a ravaging disease whose poor prognosis requires a more detailed understanding of its biology to foster the development of effective therapies. The unsatisfactory results of treatments targeting cell proliferation and its related mechanisms suggested to rather focus on the inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we discuss the role of cancer secreted proteins in the complex TME tumor-stroma crosstalk, to sched lights on druggable molecular targets for the development of innovative, safer and more efficient therapeutic strategies.
Developing a Management Point of View: Case of Education Sector Problems in a Developing country
Authors: Khaled Moslehuddin Chowdhury
Published: August 2023

This is a case study in the domain of public sector management or management in government, with particular reference to education as a sector as a whole. Bangladesh has shown persistent upward trends in development indicators during the last four decades. In the education sector also, many indicators improved - literacy, the female proportion of literacy, number of educational institutions, etc. Quantity wise investment and indicators increased and improved at all levels and dimensions like primary, secondary, tertiary, technical, and so on. But qualitative improvement remained mysteriously low, despite government intention to increase quality of teaching, learning, and administration. This paper aimed to draw an overall picture of qualitative scenario of the education sector. Analyzing secondary sources like public media, and primary sources like citizen interactions, this qualitative study consolidated the problems of the education sector in a coherent whole. It argues that many problems of education sector are not education problems or budget problems, rather purely and simply ‘management’ problems, and so, can effectively be solved with basic but thorough understanding of the basic technicalities of management as a discipline.
Nfe2l1-mediated proteasome function controls muscle energy metabolism in obesity
Authors: Bartelt Alexander , Lemmer Imke , Willemsen Nienke , Kotschi Stefan , Toksöz Irmak , Gjika Ejona , Khani Sajjad , Haas Daniel , Krahmer Natalie , Rohm Maria , Dyar Kenneth , Herzig Stephan , Diercksen Nick , Nguyen Phong , Menden Michael , Egu Desalegn , Waschke Jens , Larsen Steen , Ma Tao , Gerhart-Hines Zachary
Published: August 2023

Muscle function is an important denominator of energy balance and metabolic health. Adapting the proteome to energetic challenges, in response to diet or fasting, is facilitated by programs of proteostasis, but the adaptive role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in muscle remains unclear. Here, using a multi-omics approach, we uncover that the distinct metabolic condition of obesity is associated with recalibration of the UPS in muscle. Interestingly, obesity is associated with the activation of the transcription factor Nuclear factor, erythroid derived 2,-like 1 (Nfe2l1, also known as Nrf1), and loss of myocyte Nfe2l1 diminishes proteasomal activity and leads to hyperubiquitylation. Mice lacking Nfe2l1 display hormetic energy metabolism and resistance to diet-induced obesity, associated with a lean phenotype and muscle fiber type switching. In conclusion, we define a new adaptive role for UPS in remolding of muscle proteome and function, which is controlled by fine-tuning of proteasome function by Nfe2l1.
Blind Quality Assessment Index of Realistic Nighttime Image via Multi-Scale and Multi-Level Features Aggregation
Authors: Xiao Shuyan , Jiang Ye , Tao Weige , Pan Lingjiao , Wang Yu
Published: August 2023

Realistic nighttime images present a great challenge for accurate quality assessment due to their complex distortion characteristics. To this end, we put forward a novel blind nighttime image quality assessment index that incorporates features at multi-level and multi-scale (BNMM). First, given the distinct scale-dependent perceptual characteristics of the human visual system (HVS), we obtain multiple nighttime images at different scales through down-sampling and then put the sequence of the original image and down-sampling image into a feature extractor. Second, to quantify nighttime image quality, low-level visual features and high-level semantics, are extracted. Texture feature and the contrast feature are used to capture local details in the nighttime images. To explore higher-level semantics, we utilize a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) to analyze the first-grade features. Subsequently, second-grade features are computed by applying statistical functions (mean and variance) to the first-grade features, proving a comprehensive representation of the image distortion and its effects on high-level semantics. Finally, low-level and second-grade high-level features are then aggregated and used as input to partial least squares regression (PLSR) in perceives the nighttime image quality. According to experiments on databases including NNID and SPAQ subset, the proposed BNMM index achieves a higher prediction accuracy and stronger generalization ability compared to existing models.
Computational Analysis Reveals Sensitivity to Contrast in Simple Cells of Primary Visual Cortex
Authors: Chatterjee Subhrasankar , Chhabra Simranjeet Singh , Samanta Debasis
Published: August 2023

The visual ventral system needs to be better understood despite recent technological advancements. The primary visual cortex processes edge-based information and contrast patterns in the human brain, which are heavily studied. However, the nature of non-linearity involved in contrast processing still needs to be discovered. This study aims to determine the type of cells involved in contrast processing and the nature of non-linearity involved. Initially, the VOneNet computational model of V1, among other models of V1, was selected for its performance and interpretability. The model was used to verify the shift-invariance property of Complex Cells and classify a dataset of images labeled based on contrast using features similar to simple cells of V1. The results suggest simple cells with rectified linear activation are responsible for contrast processing. These findings have important implications for understanding the primate visual system and may inform the development of future models.
Numerical Investigation of Non-Linear Damping in Lateral Liquid Sloshing inside a Cylindrical Tank with a Ring Device
Authors: Cimini Matteo , Rossetti Francesca , Pirillo Lorenzo , Posta Giacomo Della , Stella Fulvio , Bernardini Matteo
Published: August 2023

This study presents a numerical investigation through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) of the behavior of the lateral liquid sloshing inside a cylindrical tank under normal gravity. The analysis considers the presence of a single baffle ring at different filling levels. A validation analysis is conducted on a cylinder with smooth walls to determine the accuracy of the methodology employed and the mesh convergence level. CFD data are then used to estimate the parameters of a pendulum Reduced Order Model (ROM), which is able to provide results in good agreement with the literature. Moreover, the results suggest the need for a modified model including an additional cubic spring parallel to the dashpot, in order to take into account non-linear damping effects generated by the vortex shedding at the tip of the anti-sloshing device.
Study of specific plant diversity in forest reserves and riparian areas in Benin
Authors: Eben-Ezer APELETE , Kourouma KOURA , Augustin AOUDJI , Cossi GANGLO Jean
Published: August 2023

Benin government is committed to the overall strategy for the sacred forests and protected areas conservation through their integration into the national system of protected areas. This is due to the value of biodiversity and the considerable ethno-cultural and religious importance of the forests and protected areas. The project titled “Project for the Integration of Sacred Forests into the System of Protected Areas of Benin (PIFSAP)” was initiated to preserve the biodiversity of the country by protecting and sustainably managing forest resources, biological and cultural heritage of local populations. Thus, all the sacred forests of Benin have been inventoried. The data were collected in 2013 and provided precise information on the sacred forests of Benin. The Center for Forestry Studies, Research and Training (CERF), a social, cultural and scientific institution, has made available the dataset on the species collected during PIFSAP project for publication on GBIF website. After cleaning and removing duplicates, this first dataset of 8,488 georeferenced plant species occurrences was published on GBIF website by GBIF Benin team. The most represented plant families within the dataset are Combretaceae, Sapotaceae and Fabaceae. This dataset will be used by scientists all over the world in various fields and therefore the results generated will inform decisions on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in Benin and across Africa.
Using Data Mining Techniques to Generate Test Cases from Graph Transformation Systems Specifications
Authors: Araghi Maryam Asgari , Khendek Ferhat , Rafe Vahid
Published: August 2023

Software testing plays a crucial role in enhancing software quality. A significant portion of the time and cost in software development is dedicated to testing. Automation, particularly in generating test cases, can greatly reduce the cost. Model-based testing aims at generating automatically test cases from models. Several model based approaches use model checking tools to automate test case generation. However, this technique faces challenges such as state space explosion and duplication of test cases. This paper introduces a novel solution based on data mining algorithms for systems specified using graph transformation systems. To overcome the aforementioned challenges, the proposed method wisely explores only a portion of the state space based on test objectives. The proposed method is implemented using the GROOVE tool set for model-checking graph transformation systems specifications. Empirical results on widely used case studies in service-oriented architecture as well as a comparison with related state-of-the-art techniques demonstrate the efficiency and superiority of the proposed approach in terms of coverage and test suite size.
Influence of Soil Saturation and Seismic Load on the Post- Landslide Jure Slope, Nepal
Authors: Makaju Prabindra , Luitel Pradip , Panthi Prajwal , Lamsal Sandesh , Tiwari Ram Chandra Tiwari
Published: August 2023

Landslides in Nepal pose a significant threat due to the country's active tectonics, delicate geology, rugged topography, and uncertain climate. The Jure landslide that occurred on August 2, 2014, has garnered particular attention due to the unprecedented loss of life and properties. This paper investigates the influence of soil saturation and seismic load on the post-landslide Jure Slope, Nepal utilizing RocScience Phase2, a finite element analysis software. The study is performed by geomechanical stimulation of the slope model using shear strength reduction method, appropriate boundary conditions and Mohr Column & Hoek-Brown failure criteria. The results shows that higher saturation levels lead to reduced shear strength and increased displacement, while positive horizontal seismic loads decrease the critical strength reduction factor, increasing susceptibility of the slope to failure. Remedial measures developed accordingly can protect the affected region from future landslides during heavy rainfall and earthquakes. By enhancing our understanding of slope behavior, this study helps to improve disaster preparedness and resilience in similar regions facing natural hazards.