bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
More than the SRY: The Non-Coding Landscape of the Y Chromosome and Its Importance in Human Disease
Authors: Westemeier-Rice Emily S. , Winters Michael T. , Rawson Travis W. , Martinez Ivan
Published: April 2024

Historically, the Y chromosome has presented challenges to classical methodology and philosophy of understanding the differences between males and females. A genetic unsolved puzzle, the Y chromosome was the last chromosome to be fully sequenced. With the advent of the Human Genome Project came a realization that the human genome is more than just genes encoding proteins, and an entire universe of RNA was discovered. This dark matter of biology and the black box surrounding the Y chromosome have collided over the last few years, as increasing numbers of non-coding RNAs have been identified across the length of the Y chromosome, many of which have played significant roles in disease. In this review, we will uncover what is known about the connections between the Y chromosome and the non-coding RNA universe that originates from it, particularly as it relates to long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs and circular RNAs.
Prevalence of Malnutrition in a Group of Institutionalized Psychogeriatric Patients Using Different Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: de Mateo Silleras Beatriz , Barrera Ortega Sara , Carreño Enciso Laura , de la Cruz Marcos Sandra , Redondo del Río Paz
Published: April 2024

Malnutrition (MN) is a highly prevalent condition in the elderly. It is associated with functional impairment, disability, frailty, and sarcopenia. The aim was to analyze the capacity of GLIM and ESPEN criteria to diagnose MN in a sample of institutionalized psychogeriatric patients. Clinical and anthropometric data were collected in a cross-sectional study. Patients’ frailty, dependence, functional capacity, MNA, hand-grip strength (HS), and sarcopenia were evaluated. Body composition (BC) was estimated by conventional bioimpedance analysis. MN diagnosis was established using the ESPEN and the GLIM criteria based on fat-free mass index (GLIM-FFMI), appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (GLIM-ASMMI), skeletal muscle mass index (GLIM-SMMI), and HS (mGLIM). Ninety-two patients (57.6% men; mean age: 79.4 years) were studied. Depending on the diagnosis criteria, MN prevalence was between 25% (ESPEN) and 41.3% (GLIM-SMMI). Agreement between ESPEN and all GLIM criteria was poor, but it was excellent between all GLIM criteria (kappa > 0.8). Phenotypic criteria carried more weight in the diagnosis of MN than etiological ones. Depending on the parameter used, the prevalence of reduced muscle mass was notably different. Differences in BMI, BC, inflammation, and albumin are detected by the GLIM-FFMI criteria in the MN and non-MN subjects. Also, this criterion is the only one that identified differences in phase angle (PhA) between these groups. In the elderly, PhA can be very useful to monitor nutritional status.
Intraepithelial Lymphogram in the Diagnosis of Celiac Disease in Adult Patients: A Validation Cohort
Authors: García-Hoz Carlota , Crespo Laura , Pariente Roberto , De Andrés Ana , Rodríguez-Ramos Rafael , Roy Garbiñe
Published: April 2024

Background: Celiac disease is a gluten-related pathology, highly prevalent and heterogeneous in its clinical presentation, which leads to delays in diagnosis and misdiagnosis. The analysis of duodenal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) by flow cytometry (lymphogram) is emerging as a discriminative tool in the diagnosis of various forms of celiac disease (CD). Aims: The aim of this study was to validate IEL lymphogram performance in the largest adult series to our knowledge, in support of its use as a diagnostic tool and as a biomarker of the dynamic celiac process. Methods: This was a retrospective study including 768 adult patients (217 with active CD, 195 on a gluten-free diet, 15 potential CD patients, and 411 non-celiac controls). The IEL subset cut-off values were established to calculate the diagnostic accuracy of the lymphogram. Results: A complete celiac lymphogram profile (≥14% increase in T cell receptor [TCR]γδ IELs and simultaneous ≤4% decrease in surface-negative CD3 [sCD3−] IELs) was strongly associated with active and potential forms in over 80% of the confirmed patients with CD, whereas the remaining patients with CD had partial lymphogram profiles (≥14% increase in TCRγδ or ≤4% decrease in sCD3− IELs), with lower diagnostic certainty. None of these patients had a non-celiac lymphogram. Quantifying the TCRγδ versus sCD3− imbalance as a ratio (≥5) is a discriminative index to discard or suspect CD at diagnosis. Conclusions: We have validated the IEL lymphogram’s diagnostic efficiency (79% sensitivity, 98% specificity), with an LR+ accuracy of 36.2. As expected, the increase in TCRγδ IELs is a reliable marker for celiac enteropathy, while changes in sCD3− IEL levels throughout the dynamic CD process are useful biomarkers of mucosal lesions.
The Impact of Sociodemographic Factors on Job Satisfaction and Professional Burnout among Nurses in Urology Departments
Authors: Jarosz Katarzyna , Młynarska Agnieszka
Published: April 2024

(1) Background: Job satisfaction and professional burnout directly impact human life, depending on various professional, non-professional, and private determinants. Nurses, in particular, are highly susceptible to experiencing professional burnout, which, when combined with job satisfaction, significantly affects the quality of their services. This study aimed to assess the level of job satisfaction and job burnout among nurses working in urology departments, as well as the impact of sociodemographic factors. (2) Methods: The study involved 130 nurses working in urology departments in Poland. Researchers conducted an anonymous questionnaire comprising a sociodemographic section and two standardized questionnaires: the Link Burnout Questionnaire (LBQ) and the Scale of Job Satisfaction (SSP). (3) Results: The study group demonstrated an average level of job satisfaction (17.23 points) and an average level of professional burnout, indicating potential symptoms of professional burnout such as psychophysical exhaustion (22.29 points), lack of commitment to patient relationships (20.02 points), feelings of professional ineffectiveness (17.37 points), and disappointment (19.66 points). (4) Conclusions: The levels of job satisfaction and professional burnout among nurses in urology departments are comparable to those in other departments and countries. Medical facilities should take into account factors influencing job satisfaction and the risk of professional burnout when addressing employment conditions.
Progress in the Use of Hydrogels for Antioxidant Delivery in Skin Wounds
Authors: Maeso Lidia , Antezana Pablo Edmundo , Hvozda Arana Ailen Gala , Evelson Pablo Andrés , Orive Gorka , Desimone Martín Federico
Published: April 2024

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it acts as a protective barrier against external factors. Chronic wounds affect millions of people worldwide and are associated with significant morbidity and reduced quality of life. One of the main factors involved in delayed wound healing is oxidative injury, which is triggered by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic wounds, where it is known to impair wound healing by causing damage to cellular components, delaying the inflammatory phase of healing, and inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels. Thereby, the treatment of chronic wounds requires a multidisciplinary approach that addresses the underlying causes of the wound, provides optimal wound care, and promotes wound healing. Among the promising approaches to taking care of chronic wounds, antioxidants are gaining interest since they offer multiple benefits related to skin health. Therefore, in this review, we will highlight the latest advances in the use of natural polymers with antioxidants to generate tissue regeneration microenvironments for skin wound healing.
Magnetic Field Sensing via Acoustic Sensing Fiber with Metglas® 2605SC Cladding Wires
Authors: Dejneka Zach , Homa Daniel , Buontempo Joshua , Crawford Gideon , Martin Eileen , Theis Logan , Wang Anbo , Pickrell Gary
Published: April 2024

Magnetic field sensing has the potential to become necessary as a critical tool for long-term subsurface geophysical monitoring. The success of distributed fiber optic sensing for geophysical characterization provides a template for the development of next generation downhole magnetic sensors. In this study, Sentek Instrument’s picoDAS is coupled with a multi-material single mode optical fiber with Metglas® 2605SC cladding wire inclusions for magnetic field detection. The response of acoustic sensing fibers with one and two Metglas® 2605SC cladding wires was evaluated upon exposure to lateral AC magnetic fields. An improved response was demonstrated for a sensing fiber with in-cladding wire following thermal magnetic annealing (~400 °C) under a constant static transverse magnetic field (~200 μT). A minimal detectable magnetic field of ~500 nT was confirmed for a sensing fiber with two 10 μm cladding wires. The successful demonstration of a magnetic field sensing fiber with Metglas® cladding wires fabricated via traditional draw processes sets the stage for distributed measurements and joint inversion as a compliment to distributed fiber optic acoustic sensors.
Integrated Wavefront Sensing and Processing Method Utilizing Optical Neural Network
Authors: Luo Gang , Geng Yuanchao , Wang Deen , Yuan Qiang , Hu Dongxia , Zheng Wanguo
Published: April 2024

Wavefront sensors and processors are vital components of adaptive optical (AO) systems, directly impacting the operating bandwidth. As application scenarios become increasingly complex, AO systems are confronted with more extreme atmospheric turbulence. Additionally, as optical systems scale up, the data processing demands of AO systems increase exponentially. These challenges necessitate advancements in wavefront sensing and processing capabilities. To address this, this paper proposes an integrated wavefront sensing and processing method based on the optical neural network architecture, capable of directly providing control coefficients for the wavefront corrector. Through simulation and experimentation, this method demonstrates high sensing precision and processing speed, promising to realize large-scale, high-bandwidth AO systems.
Carotenoid Accumulation in the Rhododendron chrysanthum Is Mediated by Abscisic Acid Production Driven by UV-B Stress
Authors: Gong Fushuai , Zhou Xiangru , Yu Wang , Xu Hongwei , Zhou Xiaofu
Published: April 2024

Rhododendron chrysanthum (R. chrysanthum) development is hampered by UV-B sunlight because it damages the photosynthetic system and encourages the buildup of carotenoids. Nevertheless, it is still unclear how R. chrysanthum repairs the photosynthetic system to encourage the formation of carotenoid pigments. The carotenoid and abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations of the R. chrysanthum were ascertained in this investigation. Following UV-B stress, the level of carotenoids was markedly increased, and there was a strong correlation between carotenoids and ABA. The modifications of R. chrysanthum’s OJIP transient curves were examined in order to verify the regulatory effect of ABA on carotenoid accumulation. It was discovered that external application of ABA lessened the degree of damage on the donor side and lessened the damage caused by UV-B stress on R. chrysanthum. Additionally, integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics were used to examine the changes in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differential metabolites (DMs) in R. chrysanthum in order to have a better understanding of the role that ABA plays in carotenoid accumulation. The findings indicated that the majority of DEGs were connected to carotenoid accumulation and ABA signaling sensing. To sum up, we proposed a method for R. chrysanthum carotenoid accumulation. UV-B stress activates ABA production, which then interacts with transcription factors to limit photosynthesis and accumulate carotenoids, such as MYB-enhanced carotenoid biosynthesis. This study showed that R. chrysanthum’s damage from UV-B exposure was lessened by carotenoid accumulation, and it also offered helpful suggestions for raising the carotenoid content of plants.
Herbal Spices as Food and Medicine: Microscopic Authentication of Commercial Herbal Spices
Authors: Khan Amjad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Sultan Amir , Khan Raees , Raza Jamil , Ul Abidin Sheikh Zain , Khan Siraj , Zafar Muhammad , Uddin Mohammad N. , Kazi Mohsin
Published: April 2024

Herbal spices are an agricultural commodity, economically very important and beneficial in primary healthcare in the food and medicine sectors. Herbal spices are used as food flavoring agents as well as in phytotherapies throughout the world and have nutritive benefits. The food and medicine industries widely employ artificial or natural adulteration to retard the deterioration and utilization of these adulterants in food and medicine products has given rise to significant apprehension among consumers, primarily stemming from the potential health risks that they pose. Thus, their characterization for the purpose of identification, origin, and quality assurance is mandatory for safe human consumption. Here, we studied 22 samples of commonly traded herbal spices that belong to 20 different genera and 21 species comprising 14 families, investigated macroscopically or organoleptically as well as histologically under microscopic examination. In this study, we provide details on organoleptic features including appearance, taste, odor, color, shape, size, fractures, types of trichomes, and the presence of lenticels among the examined herbal spices and these features have great significance in the detection of both natural as well as artificial deterioration. In terms of microscopic characterization, each examined plant part comprising different anatomical characteristics has taxonomic importance and also provides useful information for authentication from natural adulterants. Furthermore, the studied taxa were also described with nutritive and therapeutic properties. For condiments, herbal beverages and medicinal purposes, different herbal parts such as leaves, floral buds, seeds, fruit, and accessory parts like mericarp, rhizome, bulbs, and bark were used and commercially traded. Similarly, in this study, the leaves of Cinnamomum tamala and Mentha spicata, the floral buds of Syzygium aromaticum, the seeds of Amomum subulatum, Brassica nigra, Punica granatum, Myristica fragrans, Phyllanthus emblica, and Elettaria cardamomum, the mericarp of Coriandrum sativum, and Cuminum cyminum were observed. As a result, we show the potential of herbal spices as a source of many valuable phytochemicals and essential nutrients for food, nutraceutical, and homoeopathic medicine.
Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/Polylactic Acid/Tetrapod-Zinc Oxide Whisker Composite Films with Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Zhao Zhibo , Balu Rajkamal , Gangadoo Sheeana , Duta Naba Kumar , Choudhury Namita Roy
Published: April 2024

Biodegradable composite films comprising of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), polylactic acid (PLA), and tetrapod-zinc oxide (T-ZnO) whisker were prepared by a melt-extrusion and blow molding process. The effect of the incorporation of the T-ZnO whisker (1 to 7 wt.%) in the PBAT/PLA blend film was studied systematically. The composite films with an optimal T-ZnO whisker concentration of 3 wt.% exhibited the highest mechanical (tensile strength ~32 MPa), rheological (complex viscosity~1200 Pa.s at 1 rad/s angular frequency), and gas barrier (oxygen permeability~20 cc/m2·day) properties, whereas the composite films with 7 wt.% T-ZnO whiskers exhibited the highest antibacterial properties. The developed composite films can find potential application as antibacterial food packaging materials.
Energy Consumption for Furniture Joints during Drilling in Birch Plywood
Authors: Pakuła Weronika , Prałat Barbara , Potok Zbigniew , Wiaderek Krzysztof , Rogoziński Tomasz
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study is to support eco-design ideas and sustainable manufacturing techniques by examining the energy consumption related to drilling holes for different furniture connections. The experimental model is a simple piece of furniture made from birch plywood with three different types of joints. Eccentric joints, confirmat screws, and dowel measurements of energy consumption with a CNC drilling and milling machine show different values for every kind of connector. The energy consumption was measured using a portable power quality analyzer, specifically the PQ-box 150 manufactured by A:Eberle GmbH & Co. KG Nürnberg, Germany. This device likely adheres to industry standards for energy measurement, ensuring accurate and reliable results. The measurement process involved recording energy consumption at different stages of the machining process, allowing for the analysis of specific cutting work and total energy consumption for various joint types. Dowels exhibit the lowest energy consumption at 0.105 Wh for one furniture joint, confirmat screws at 0.127 Wh, while eccentric joints, despite their higher energy consumption (0.173 Wh), offer enhanced transportability and assembly flexibility of a piece of furniture. Specific cutting power for one selected piece of furniture was 227.89 J/mm3 for dowels, 190.63 J/mm3 for eccentric joints and 261.68 J/mm3 for confirmat screws.
Antimicrobial Efficacy of a Vegetable Oil Plasticizer in PVC Matrices
Authors: Bajetto Greta , Scutera Sara , Menotti Francesca , Banche Giuliana , Chiaradia Giuseppe , Turesso Caterina , De Andrea Marco , Vallino Marta , Van Es Daan S. , Biolatti Matteo , Dell’Oste Valentina , Musso Tiziana
Published: April 2024

The growing prevalence of bacterial and viral infections, highlighted by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, urgently calls for new antimicrobial strategies. To this end, we have synthesized and characterized a novel fatty acid epoxy-ester plasticizer for polymers, named GDE. GDE is not only sustainable and user-friendly but also demonstrates superior plasticizing properties, while its epoxy components improve the heat stability of PVC-based matrices. A key feature of GDE is its ability to confer antimicrobial properties to surfaces. Indeed, upon contact, this material can effectively kill enveloped viruses, such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and the β-coronavirus prototype HCoV-OC43, but it is ineffective against nonenveloped viruses like human adenovirus (HAdV). Further analysis using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on HSV-1 virions exposed to GDE showed significant structural damage, indicating that GDE can interfere with the viral envelope, potentially causing leakage. Moreover, GDE demonstrates antibacterial activity, albeit to a lesser extent, against notorious pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Overall, this newly developed plasticizer shows significant potential as an antimicrobial agent suitable for use in both community and healthcare settings to curb the spread of infections caused by microorganisms contaminating physical surfaces.
Development of a Molecular Dynamics Model to Assess the Possibility of Type II/III Porous Liquid Formation
Authors: Faramarzi Hamed , Rahimi Masoud , Mahdavi Hamidreza , Niazi Saber
Published: April 2024

The study of porous liquids (PLs) using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is one of the most interesting and attractive research topics. The possibility of creating permanent porosity in a solvent and increasing its adsorption capacity is very practical. The purpose of the present study is to examine how an MD model can be developed to evaluate the possibility of PL formation. Additionally, the validation of the model was conducted by simulations using two metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) including zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology-1 (HKUST-1) as porogens and water (H2O) and triethylene glycol (TEG) as solvents. The results revealed that H2O and TEG are incapable of penetrating the ZIF-8 pores due to their small size and unfavorable thermodynamics; however, both solvents easily penetrate through the large HKUST-1 pores. These observations aligned with findings from experimental literature studies, thus confirming the validity of the model. In order to expand the model’s scope, the developed model was used to assess the possibility of PL formation using ZIF-8 and HKUST-1 with different pore and window sizes and shapes, and a wide range of hydrocarbon liquids with different molecular sizes and shapes as solvents. It was found that ZIF-8 can form PLs with a more extensive range of sterically hindered solvents due to its smaller apertures and incompatible shape. In addition, only a few solvents (e.g., n-pentane, benzene, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene, 1,3,5-triisopropylcyclohexane, and 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene) can partially penetrate its ZIF-8 pores without steric hindrance. These privileged solvents typically have an aspect ratio far from 1, indicating a more elongated shape, and/or more linear branches. In contrast, HKUST-1, which has larger apertures and a compatible shape, allows for complete penetration of specific solvents (e.g., benzene, iso-octane, n-pentane), thereby preventing PL formation with such combinations. In addition, cyclohexane has the ability to partially penetrate the pores of HKUST-1. Therefore, in addition to the size of the solvent molecule, one of the most important properties for penetration is the compatibility of the shape of the porogen pore window with the shape of the solvent molecule. This research provides important new information on how PLs come to be by illuminating the role that solvent molecules and porogen play in promoting penetration and, in the end, impacting the process of PL formation.
Antifungal Capacity of Microcapsules Containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TEP15 or Lactiplantibacillus pentosus TEJ4
Authors: Pérez-Ruiz Yeni , Mejía-Reyes David , Rosas-Quijano Raymundo , Gálvez-López Didiana , Salvador-Figueroa Miguel , Vázquez-Ovando Alfredo
Published: April 2024

The use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for the biocontrol of fungi that cause fruit and vegetable deterioration is a highly promising strategy. However, one of the main challenges lies in maintaining both viability and antifungal activity even in conditions that are unfavorable for LAB. The microencapsulation of LAB can minimize the impact of environmental conditions, helping to maintain viability, but there is still little information on what occurs with respect to antifungal activity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of microencapsulation with several polymer blends on the viability and antifungal activity of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TEP15 and L. pentosus TEJ4. Sodium alginate (2%), sodium alginate–gum arabic (2%:1%), sodium alginate–k-carrageenan (2%:0.05%), and sodium alginate–whey protein (0.75%:1.5%) were used as encapsulating polymers. After processing (day 0), as well as after 14 and 28 days of storage, the encapsulation efficiency, moisture content, bead size, and survival were evaluated. Likewise, the encapsulated bacteria were subjected to in vitro tests against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Penicillium AT21H10, and Fusarium sp. Capsules with sizes ranging from 1.47 mm to 1.88 mm were obtained, and all the wall materials tested had more than 85% encapsulation efficiency and allowed survival rates greater than 90% and 80% to be maintained after 14 and 28 days of storage, respectively. The encapsulated LAB inhibited the growth of mycelia by up to 100%, but, against spores, the greatest inhibition was 22.08% for all the fungi tested.
Enhancing Sea Level Rise Estimation and Uncertainty Assessment from Satellite Altimetry through Spatiotemporal Noise Modeling
Authors: Huang Jiahui , He Xiaoxing , Montillet Jean-Philippe , Bos Machiel Simon , Hu Shunqiang
Published: April 2024

The expected acceleration in sea level rise (SLR) throughout this century poses significant threats to coastal cities and low-lying regions. Since the early 1990s, high-precision multi-mission satellite altimetry (SA) has enabled the routine measurement of sea levels, providing a continuous 30-year record from which the mean sea level rise (global and regional) and its variability can be computed. The latest reprocessed product from CMEMS span the period from 1993 to 2020, and have enabled the acquisition of accurate sea level data within the coastal range of 0–20 km. In order to fully utilize this new dataset, we establish a global virtual network consisting of 184 virtual SA stations. We evaluate the impact of different stochastic noises on the estimation of the velocity of the sea surface height (SSH) time series using BIC_tp information criterion. In the second step, the principal component analysis (PCA) allows the common mode noise in the SSH time series to be mitigated. Finally, we analyzed the spatiotemporal characteristics and accuracy of sea level change derived from SA. Our results suggest that the stochasticity of the SSH time series is not well described by a combination of random, flicker, and white noise, but is best described by an ARFIM/ARMA/GGM process. After removing the common mode noise with PCA, about 96.7% of the times series’ RMS decreased, and most of the uncertainty associated with the computed SLR decreased. We confirm that the spatiotemporal correlations should be accounted for to yield trustworthy trends and reliable uncertainties. Our estimated SLR is 2.75 ± 0.89 mm/yr, which aligns closely with recent studies, emphasizing the robustness and consistency of our method using virtual SA stations. We additionally introduce open-source software (SA_Tool V1.0) to process the SA data and reduce noise in surface height time series to the community.
Giftedness and Twice-Exceptionality in Children Suspected of ADHD or Specific Learning Disorders: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Romano Sara , Esposito Dario , Aricò Miriam , Arigliani Elena , Cavalli Gioia , Vigliante Miriam , Penge Roberta , Sogos Carla , Pisani Francesco , Romani Maria
Published: April 2024

The expression “twice-exceptionality” has been used to describe conditions in which giftedness and specific disorders coexist. Our study offers a retrospective analysis of clinical reports of gifted children evaluated for suspected specific learning disorders (SLD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The initial sample included 456 school-aged children referred to our clinic for suspected SLD and/or ADHD over a two-year interval. The inclusion criteria were: a General Ability Index score above 120 in the cognitive assessment; age 6–18 years; and not satisfying diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Forty children were selected for the study. We grouped patients according to the final diagnosis: neurodevelopmental disorder (SLD and/or ADHD) (n = 15), psychopathological disorder (n = 8), mixed neurodevelopmental and psychopathological (n = 13), no emerging disorder (n = 4). The study included 36 (90%) males. Mean age was 9.3 years (SD 1.62). Mean Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient was 121.7 (SD 7.77), mean General Ability Index was 130.2 (SD 6.79). Furthermore, the cognitive assessment of the different groups highlighted a non-homogeneous profile in all groups, with lower scores on working memory and processing speed indexes. Our results support the hypothesis that difficulties in gifted children’s adaptation to scholastic and social settings could be misinterpreted as a manifestation of a clear disease.
Sustainable Fashion in New Era: Exploring Consumer Resilience and Goals in the Post-Pandemic
Authors: Hwang Joohye , Sun Xun , Zhao Li , Youn Song-yi
Published: April 2024

This study examines the underlying mechanisms that lead to sustainable fashion consumption in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. Particularly, this study explores the complex relations between resilient coping mechanisms, consumer life goals, and sustainable fashion consumption, combining Goal Content Theory and the Consumer Sustainability Orientation framework. The findings obtained from partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis using 503 responses confirm that resilient coping positively influenced both intrinsic and extrinsic life goals. While intrinsic goals reinforce all aspects of sustainability orientation (ecological, social, and economic), extrinsic goals show a contrasting effect—positively affecting economic orientation but negatively impacting ecological and social dimensions. Among sustainability orientations, the ecological dimension had a significant positive effect on sustainable fashion consumption behavior. The research also reveals that resilient coping directly improves social and economic dimensions of sustainability orientations, but it does not significantly influence ecological orientation. This study offers insight into differentiated marketing communication strategies for retailers depending on consumers’ goals—intrinsic or extrinsic—and implies the importance of the dynamic impact of each dimension of sustainability orientation on consumers’ sustainable fashion consumption choices.
Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Two Types of Flexible Plastic Packaging under a Sustainable Circular Economy Approach
Authors: Tunçok-Çeşme Börçe , Yıldız-Geyhan Eren , Çiftçioğlu Gökçen Alev
Published: April 2024

While it is of great importance to evaluate plastic waste within the framework of a circular economy today, it is also of great importance to evaluate flexible plastic packaging, which is increasingly used in order to prevent environmental problems. To avoid the disadvantages experienced in recycling due to its multilayer nature, in this study, a life cycle assessment was made for flexible packages consisting of PET/metallized PET/PE and PP/metallized PP/PP with the data provided by the R&D Center of Elif Plastik Ambalaj Sanayi ve Tic. A.Ş.-Huhtamaki Flexibles Istanbul. Within the scope of this evaluation, two types of flexible packaging were analyzed, and an optimal flexible packaging structure for Türkiye was revealed by comparing different scenarios based on different methods in SimaPro 8.1.1.16. LCA was performed for both packages with cumulative energy demand (CED) and CML-IA methods. Four scenarios with different amounts of recycled raw materials were compared against the existing system and a fifth scenario, where electricity is assumed to be obtained from solar energy. Overall, we found that the largest environmental impact was in the existing system. However, despite being a renewable energy source, we observed that the solar energy scenario had almost as significant an impact as the existing system. When scenarios involving recycled raw materials were examined, we clearly observed that as the amount of recycled raw materials increased, the environmental impact decreased. Therefore, it emerged that the scenario with the highest amount of recycled raw materials is the most optimal scenario in many respects. There are clear differences in the results due to differences in plastic types. This study, conducted with real data, is highly important for the flexible packaging literature. A table has been provided for changing the type of plastic, changing the source of electricity generation, and reducing waste by using recycled raw materials in order to make flexible packaging more environmentally beneficial.
The Adoption of Renewable Energy Technologies by Oil-Producing Countries: An Inevitable Outcome at a Time of Global Challenges and Demand for Sustainable Development
Authors: Mohamed Nashwa Mostafa Ali , Kamal Karima Mohamed Magdy , Binsuwadan Jawaher
Published: April 2024

This paper addresses the necessity of adopting renewable energy technologies in order to achieve sustainable development goals in light of increasing global challenges, with a particular focus on the current generation’s well-being. It addresses the potential impacts of global crises, such as energy and food crises, on the transition to renewable energy. Using a descriptive and analytical approach, this paper examines the environmental and economic costs and benefits of renewable energy as well as the commitment of oil-producing countries to international environmental treaties. The research utilises an econometric model to analyse the relationship between sustainable development goals and global challenges. Data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the International Renewable Energy Agency are used to inform the analysis. The findings showed that the rights and well-being of current generations are currently maintained by the persistent use of fossil fuels in oil-producing nations. Fossil fuels continue to be, and may likely remain, the primary energy source in various sectors of development, despite their significant contribution to environmental and climate issues. The paper offers insights and recommendations for policymakers seeking to determine when government spending should best be allocated to renewable energy technologies, balancing national economic interests with international agreements.
Enhancing Pavement Sustainability: Prediction of the Pavement Condition Index in Arid Urban Climates Using the International Roughness Index
Authors: Radwan Mostafa M. , Mousa Ahmad , Zahran Elsaid Mamdouh Mahmoud
Published: April 2024

Municipalities and transportation departments worldwide are striving to keep road pavement conditions acceptable, thus enhancing pavement sustainability. Although the pavement condition index (PCI) is widely used to assess distress conditions, traditional visual surveys used for PCI estimation can be laborious, expensive, and time-consuming. The international roughness index (IRI) can be measured more economically and conveniently than PCI; however, it does not directly indicate the surface condition of the pavement. In this study, a PCI–IRI correlation is proposed for urban roads located in the New Beni-Suef region, Egypt. For this purpose, a total of 44 km of urban roads was divided into homogenous sections. A visual distress survey was conducted to measure PCI considering typical distress patterns. The IRI values for the same sections were measured using an ultrasonic distance sensor mounted on an automobile. An exponential model was proposed to capture the relationship between IRI and PCI. With a coefficient of determination of 0.82, the exponential model seems to outperform reported IRI-PCI correlations. Model validation, along with a comparison to the existing models, supports its applicability to a wide range of roads. The proposed model provides a cost-effective means for accurately predicting PCI based on IRI, which is particularly useful for pavement maintenance management programs on limited budgets.
Innovating the Local Plan through Co-Creation and the Public Sociology Approach toward Urban Regeneration: An Italian Case Study
Authors: Polci Valentina , Pierantoni Ilenia
Published: April 2024

This paper examines the role of social research and communication methodologies in fostering substantive democratic participation and policy co-production within the context of urban regeneration initiatives anchored in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This research critically analyzes the “becoming public” of sociology and social research in participatory design processes related to traditional urban planning instruments at the local scale (Regulatory Plans) in the Italian context, specifically through the case study of the Municipality of Appignano. It questions the role of sociology in activating a competent public sphere and promoting deliberative democracy at urban and territorial design levels and whether we can identify the traits of public sociology in facilitating the different stages of these processes. This paper details a participatory process in Appignano that sought to innovate urban regeneration within complex legislative frameworks, emphasizing community engagement and interdisciplinary approaches. The findings reveal a community actively participating in the regeneration process, demonstrating a high level of agreement on various urban development strategies aimed at sustainability. This study underscores the capacity of public sociology to facilitate public debate and democratic dialogue and suggests that such participatory approaches can significantly contribute to sustainable and resilient urban development, highlighting the potential of sociology as a moral and political force in urban planning.
Integrating Framing Approaches as a Tool for Managing Complex Transitioning to Renewable Energy (TRE) Projects: The Yatir Wind Farm Case Study
Authors: Parush Debi , Shmueli Deborah F.
Published: April 2024

Transitioning to renewable energy is an urgent global goal. Wind energy is a promising renewable source with contentious obstacles. Using the Yatir Wind Farm project in Israel as a case study, we explore the potential of framing in identifying and mitigating obstacles in a wind farm project. The cognitive and strategic frames employed by stakeholders were elicited through 18 semi-structured interviews and more than 100 documents. This analysis highlights three conflicting issues: potential or perceived harm to neighboring residents, protecting birds and bats, and adapting to changing regulations throughout the process. Regarding residents’ opposition to feared harm from the project, initial cautious curiosity was followed by distrust and deep disappointment due to a lack of transparency and a sense of abandonment facing perceived existential threats to their health and homes. This led residents to conduct legal battles, which resulted in their claims being rejected. It also led to the breakdown of relationships among neighbors opposing and promoting the wind farms. In the case of bird and bat protection, stakeholders initially framed concerns emotionally until the dialogue shifted to scientific discourse, resulting in the successful refinement of mutually agreed upon regulatory guidelines. The structural appeal mechanisms effectively addressed evolving regulations, overcoming the lack of mutual understanding and resulting in the adoption of the majority of the new regulatory requirements. The analysis underscores the importance of understanding stakeholders’ frames for effectively working through the complex and transdisciplinary nature of sustainability transitions and achieving successful outcomes. It also reveals the need for formal mechanisms to validate stakeholder needs and integrate them into decision-making processes. Recommendations include early and meaningful public involvement, process improvement for stakeholder engagement, and enhanced transparency in decision-making processes.
Tetrodotoxins in Tissues and Cells of Different Body Regions of Ribbon Worms Kulikovia alborostrata and K. manchenkoi from Spokoynaya Bay, Sea of Japan
Authors: Vlasenko Anna E. , Pereverzeva Alexandra O. , Velansky Peter V. , Magarlamov Timur Yu.
Published: April 2024

Nemerteans, or ribbon worms, possess tetrodotoxin and its analogues (TTXs), neurotoxins of bacterial origin, which they presumably use for capturing prey and self-defense. Most TTXs-containing nemertean species have low levels of these toxins and, therefore, have usually been neglected in studies of TTXs functions and accumulation. In the present study, Kulikovia alborostrata and K. manchenkoi, two closely related species, were analyzed for TTXs distribution in the body using the HPLC–MS/MS and fluorescence microscopy methods. The abundance of TTXs-positive cells was determined in the proboscis, integument, and digestive system epithelium. As a result, six TTXs-positive cell types were identified in each species; however, only four were common. Moreover, the proportions of the toxins in different body parts were estimated. According to the HPLC–MS/MS analysis, the TTXs concentrations in K. alborostrata varied from 0.91 ng/g in the proboscis to 5.52 ng/g in the precerebral region; in K. manchenkoi, the concentrations ranged from 7.47 ng/g in the proboscis to 72.32 ng/g in the posterior body region. The differences observed between the two nemerteans in the distribution of the TTXs were consistent with the differences in the localization of TTXs-positive cells. In addition, TTXs-positive glandular cell types were found in the intestine and characterized for the first time. TTXs in the new cell types were assumed to play a unique physiological role for nemerteans.
Cardiometabolic Differences in People Living with HIV Receiving Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors Compared to Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors: Implications for Current ART Strategies
Authors: Vos Wilhelm A. J. W. , Vadaq Nadira , Matzaraki Vasiliki , Otten Twan , Groenendijk Albert L. , Blaauw Marc J. T. , van Eekeren Louise E. , Brinkman Kees , de Mast Quirijn , Riksen Niels P. , Stalenhoef Anton F. H. , van Lunzen Jan , van der Ven Andre J. A. M. , Blok Willem L. , Stalenhoef Janneke E.
Published: April 2024

In people living with HIV (PLHIV), integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are part of the first-line combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), while non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based regimens are alternatives. Distinct cART regimens may variably influence the risk for non-AIDS comorbidities. We aimed to compare the metabolome and lipidome of INSTI and NNRTI-based regimens. The 2000HIV study includes asymptomatic PLHIV (n = 1646) on long-term cART, separated into a discovery cohort with 730 INSTI and 617 NNRTI users, and a validation cohort encompassing 209 INSTI and 90 NNRTI users. Baseline plasma samples from INSTI and NNRTI users were compared using mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomic (n = 500) analysis. Perturbed metabolic pathways were identified using MetaboAnalyst software. Subsequently, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used for targeted lipoprotein and lipid (n = 141) analysis. Metabolome homogeneity was observed between the different types of INSTI and NNRTI. In contrast, higher and lower levels of 59 and 45 metabolites, respectively, were found in the INSTI group compared to NNRTI users, of which 77.9% (81/104) had consistent directionality in the validation cohort. Annotated metabolites belonged mainly to ‘lipid and lipid-like molecules’, ‘organic acids and derivatives’ and ‘organoheterocyclic compounds’. In pathway analysis, perturbed ‘vitamin B1 (thiamin) metabolism’, ‘de novo fatty acid biosynthesis’, ‘bile acid biosynthesis’ and ‘pentose phosphate pathway’ were detected, among others. Lipoprotein and lipid levels in NNRTIs were heterogeneous and could not be compared as a group. INSTIs compared to individual NNRTI types showed that HDL cholesterol was lower in INSTIs compared to nevirapine but higher in INSTIs compared to doravirine. In addition, LDL size was lower in INSTIs and nevirapine compared to doravirine. NNRTIs show more heterogeneous cardiometabolic effects than INSTIs, which hampers the comparison between these two classes of drugs. Targeted lipoproteomic and lipid NMR spectroscopy showed that INSTI use was associated with a more unfavorable lipid profile compared to nevirapine, which was shifted to a more favorable profile for INSTI when substituting nevirapine for doravirine, with evidently higher fold changes. The cardiovascular disease risk profile seems more favorable in INSTIs compared to NNRTIs in untargeted metabolomic analysis using mass-spectrometry.
The 23rd Annual Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Virology Association
Authors: Brehm Ali L. , Dunham Tillie J. , Pinto Samantha M. , Williams Kaitlynn A. , Coffin Kathryn L. , Ring Molly E. , Ratnayake Oshani C. , Rovnak Joel , Perera Rushika
Published: April 2024

Located 50 miles west of Fort Collins, Colorado, Colorado State University’s Mountain Campus in Pingree Park hosted the 23rd annual Rocky Mountain Virology Association meeting in 2023 with 116 participants. The 3-day event at the end of September consisted of 28 talks and 43 posters that covered the topics of viral evolution and surveillance, developments in prion research, arboviruses and vector biology, host–virus interactions, and viral immunity and vaccines. This year’s Randall Jay Cohrs keynote presentation covered the topic of One Health and emerging coronaviruses. This timely discussion covered the importance of global disease surveillance, international collaboration, and trans-disciplinary research teams to prevent and control future pandemics. Peak fall colors flanked the campus and glowed along the multiple mountain peaks, allowing for pristine views while discussing science and networking, or engaging in mountain activities like fly fishing and hiking. On behalf of the Rocky Mountain Virology Association, this report summarizes select presentations from the 23rd annual meeting.
The Neural Basis of a Cognitive Function That Suppresses the Generation of Mental Imagery: Evidence from a Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Motoyama Hiroki , Hishitani Shinsuke
Published: April 2024

This study elucidated the brain regions associated with the perception-driven suppression of mental imagery generation by comparing brain activation in a picture observation condition with that in a positive imagery generation condition. The assumption was that mental imagery generation would be suppressed in the former condition but not in the latter. The results show significant activation of the left posterior cingulate gyrus (PCgG) in the former condition compared to in the latter condition. This finding is generally consistent with a previous study showing that the left PCgG suppresses mental imagery generation. Furthermore, correlational analyses showed a significant correlation between the activation of the left PCgG and participants’ subjective richness ratings, which are a measure of the clarity of a presented picture. Increased activity in the PCgG makes it more difficult to generate mental imagery. As visual perceptual processing and visual imagery generation are in competition, the suppression of mental imagery generation leads to enhanced visual perceptual processing. In other words, the greater the suppression of mental imagery, the clearer the presented pictures are perceived. The significant correlation found is consistent with this idea. The current results and previous studies suggest that the left PCgG plays a role in suppressing the generation of mental imagery.
Water Infrastructure System Leakage Analysis: Evaluation of Factors Impacting System Performance and Opportunity Cost
Authors: Horbatuck Keith H. , Beruvides Mario G.
Published: April 2024

Concerns over both water quality and quantity continue to increase globally. As the need for useable and potable water becomes more of a widespread issue, there is an opportunity to review and consider alternatives to how water is used, consumed, and sustained for future use by the world’s population. A review of data across cities within North America shows improvement opportunities in water infrastructure systems. Using water audit and loss control data from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Water Research Foundation (WRF), an analysis is provided to define opportunities for mitigating water losses among select North American Water Infrastructure systems in the U.S. states of Georgia and California. The research methodology used includes statistical analysis data while grouping utility sizes to identify utility cost opportunities. Variables on water loss and customer cost that have a positive impact on overall and long-term water system sustainability are identified. The analysis shows California, while having firm water guidance and higher rates compared to Georgia, also demonstrates less overall water loss. The results of the analysis are presented, showing comparison characteristics and opportunities for additional change to improve utility funding.