bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF THE SCIENCEREADY PREPARATORY SHORT COURSE ON STUDENT ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Authors:   Ph.D., Lecturer, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia, Lousberg Erin , Lagiseti Rajini ,   Honors, Tutor, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia, Thalluri Jyothi ,   Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
Published: November 2023

Starting university can be a daunting experience representing a big adjustment for first year students. Facilitating a smooth transition to university sets students up for successful degree completion; however, if students struggle or become disengaged, they can underperform or drop out completely. An early support system, the 'ScienceReady' short course has been designed to assist with the transition to university study for nursing and midwifery students. It has been designed to provide essential academic skills and foundational science knowledge, reduce anxiety, and assist in the formation of early friendship groups, with the overall aim to improve student success. As well as improving background knowledge, the course also allows students to visit laboratories, meet staff and interact with their peers. Despite its scope, we knew little about the impact of attending ScienceReady on later academic outcomes. This study assessed the impact of ScienceReady attendance on first-year academic success, providing evidence for the importance of early support systems in tertiary success.
Effects on smartphone addiction, mental health, parenting attitude, and college life adaptation of college students
Authors:   The Association of Korea Counseling Psychology Education Welfare, JANG Sung-Hwa
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine college students' smartphone addiction, mentalhealth, parenting, and adjustment to college life. Among 556 college students in S and Dregions, 82 copies that did not respond to the questionnaire were selected, and a total of 474copies were analyzed for correlation and regression analysis using the SPSS 20 program. Theresults of this study are as follows. First, it was found that there was a correlation betweensmartphone addiction, mental health, parenting, and college life adaptation of college students. Second, a study examining how college students' smartphone addiction, mental health, andparental care affect college life adaptation showed that college students' smartphone addiction,mental health, and parental care affect college life adaptation. Accordingly, in order to increasecollege students' satisfaction with school life, policies such as various educational programs andindividual and group counseling that can help them use smartphones, mental health, andparent-child communication and parenting attitudes need to be developed.
The Mediating Role of Resilience in the Relationship between Calling and Psychological Burnout among Pre-Service Early Childhood Teachers
Authors:   The Association of Korea Counseling Psychology Education Welfare, MENG Xiao-Man , KIM Suk-Su
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study is to verify the mediating effect of resilience in the relationshipbetween calling consciousness and psychological exhaustion of college students majoring inearly childhood education. To this end, a survey was investigated targeting 445 students ofeducational university in eastern China. As for the analysis method, one-way ANOVA andcorrelation analysis was performed to find out the difference and correlation between thevariables, and hierarchical regression analysis was conducted using the three-step procedure ofBaron & Kenny's mediating effect verification theory by SPSS 27.0 statistical program. As aresult, first, it was found that three variables were significant differences according to the regionof origin, grade, and social economic status of the students. Second, the sense of callingconsciousness and resilience had a negative(-) effect on psychological exhaustion. Third, it wasconfirmed that the resilience partially affects psychological exhaustion in the relationshipbetween calling consciousness and psychological exhaustion. Finally, the limitations andsuggestions for future study were discussed.
The Mediating Effect of Emotional Intelligence in the Relationship between Perceiving a Calling and Service Quality of Personal Assistants for People with Disabilities
Authors:   The Association of Korea Counseling Psychology Education Welfare, KIM Jae-Doo , HWANG In-Ok
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating effect of emotional intelligence in therelationship between perceiving a calling and service quality of personal assistants for peoplewith disabilities. The subjects of this study were personal assistants for people with disabilitiesbelonging to four disability activity support organizations in K-city, Gyeongsangnam-do, and atotal of 308 questionnaires were used for the final analysis. The results of this study are asfollows. First, there was a significant positive correlation between all variables among perceivinga calling, emotional intelligence, and service quality of personal assistants for people withdisabilities. Second, the partial mediating effect of emotional intelligence was confirmed in therelationship between perceiving a calling and service quality of personal assistants for peoplewith disabilities. That is, both the direct path from perceiving a calling to service quality andthe indirect path from perceiving a calling to service quality through emotional intelligence weresignificant. These results suggest that it is necessary to increase perceiving a calling andemotional intelligence in order to improve the service quality of personal assistants for peoplewith disabilities.
Protection against oxygen in the vinification of the red grape Nerello Mascalese affects volatile organic compounds profile
Authors: Taglieri Isabella , Landi Lorenzo , D'Onofrio Claudio , Fiorino Fabrizio Onofrio , Figoli Gabriele , Thibon Cecile , Redon Pascaline , Sanmartin Chiara , Darriet Philippe , Bellincontro Andrea , Mencarelli Fabio
Published: November 2023

We hypothesised that the protection against oxygen (PAO) of must and wine during vinification by avoiding contact with air can preserve the primary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of Nerello Mascalese. PAO was performed in two seasons (2020 and 2021) using carbon dioxide pellets (CO2,s) and gas (CO2,g), inactivated yeasts and ascorbic acid during fermentation; the control wine was made via traditional vinification without adding the aforementioned components. During fermentation, the two winemaking processes mainly differed in terms of the application of aeration during maceration/fermentation in the pump-over and délestage activities, and the care taken to avoid contact with oxygen during racking. In both years, higher concentrations of polyphenols and total anthocyanins were found in the PAO wine (about 16 % and 20 % respectively). The concentrations of nerol, citronellol and geraniol were significantly higher in the PAO wine in both seasons, albeit with small differences which affected the sensory evaluation. The free/bound terpenes ratio was 0.35 (PAO) and 0.55 (Control). Bound C13-norisoprenoids contents were higher than the free ones; in the PAO wine, free 3-oxo-α-ionol and bound vomifoliol concentrations were slightly higher than in the control wine. Thiols were measured in Nerello for the first time. In 2020 in particular, sulfanylhexan-1-ol was present in larger amounts in the PAO wine. Applying PAO in the production of Nerello Mascalese modified certain VOCs, as well as the overall free/bound ratio due to the increase in bound VOCs, thus influencing the aroma of the wine.
Front Matter
Authors: Ramadhani Rafian
Published: November 2023

Front Matter
Back Matter
Authors: Ramadhani Rafian
Published: November 2023

Back Matter
MENTAL SPACES OF MANIPULATIVE IMPACT IN MEDIA DISCOURSE
Authors:   Russian State University for the Humanities, Zabotkina V.I. , Pozdnyakova E.M. ,   Russian State University for the Humanities
Published: November 2023

The article examines the mental processes of both the creators of manipulative impact and the recipients of influence. An integral space of manipulation is considered a set of mental spaces and their representations, formed in the process of designing and implementing manipulation. The methods applied are frame and conceptual space analyses. The article aims at identifying manipulation techniques in the discourse of radio broadcasts and viewing these techniques from the perspective of what mental (cognitive) models were used to form a cognitive bias. As a result of the study, the authors draw a conclusion under what conditions cognitive errors occur in people being manipulated. It is revealed that the audience tends to turn off the argumentative validity of the message, activating to a greater extent the emotional filters of cognitive processing. The proposed frame analysis of the mental space of manipulative impact can be successfully applied to identify manipulations in media discourse within a broad social context.
ROSSICA V. BELAROSSICA: UNIVERSAL AND CULTURE-SPECIFIC FEATURES OF RUSSIA- AND BELARUS-CENTERED DISCOURSES
Authors:   Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, Beloglazova E.V. , Genidze N.K. ,   St. Petersburg State University of Economics
Published: November 2023

The paper focuses on the comparison of two variations of foreign-culture-oriented discourse - the English-language descriptions of Russia and Belarus based on ad hoc corpora of titles Rossica-T and Belarossica-T. The research aims at identifying both universal and culture-specific markers of foreign-culture-oriented discourse. The methodology employed combines automatic processing of the textual data with the AntConc corpus manager tools, as well as the deep analysis and manual annotation of the data. The particular foci of the research are the corpora keywords, key clusters, collocates analysis, semantic prosody, and key concepts. The research allowed to confirm the hypothesis on universal linguistic mechanisms of language adaptation to external culture and on culturally non-specific markers of a foreign-culture-oriented discourse - the xenonyms of the target culture. Yet, it also allowed to identify the specific features of the Russia- and Belarus-centered discourses both on the surface and deep levels - the culture-specific keywords, clusters, and constructions, corresponding to the key concepts of the discourses under observation. The research established the presence of a discourse canon regulating both the contents and the specific ideological lens of the given cultures’ description.
THE COGNITIVE-COMMUNICATIVE PERSPECTIVE OF EVENT CONSTRUAL IN PUBLIC PLAY-READING
Authors:   Ryazan State University named for S. Yesenin, Loginova E.G.
Published: November 2023

The paper presents a study of the interplay of speech and co-speech gestures which emerges during the public play-reading. The research issue is to identify the specific features and functions of gestures in co-occurring verbal and gestural conceptualizations exemplified by a public reading of D. Danilov’s “A Man from Podolsk”. We assume that gestural features and functions are related to the peculiarities of the public play-reading as a separate type of theatrical discourse. The data obtained were annotated in ELAN program followed by functional annotation with the help of functional annotation of the Russian Emotion Corpus (REC). The results of the quantitative and qualitative analyses prove the hypothesis stated and as such reveal the specificity of meaning construal process. It is demonstrated that the functions exhibit certain correlations between the types of gestures; the activity indicators are the highest for referent construal; then come state construal and salient effect. The most frequent are pragmatic gestures (56%) followed by representative and deictic gestures (18% and 12% respectively). Therefore, the data provide evidence to support the role of gestures accompanying speech under the guidance of a single communicative intention in the process of event construal.
ASPECTUAL NARRATIVE MODELS IN RUSSIAN AND CZECH: DOMINANTS AND DISCURSIVE VARIANTS OF LINGUISTIC INTERPRETATION
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Petrukhina E.V.
Published: November 2023

The subject of research in this article is narrative texts in Russian and Czech, which are compared in order to determine the specifics of the aspectual models of narrative in each language and the regularities of integration of interpretive mechanisms in artistic discourse. The comparison is carried out with the help of the Czech-Russian parallel subcorpus of the Czech National Corpus. In both languages, the dominant forms here are the perfective past tense forms, but significant differences in the combination of aspect forms have also been identified. In Czech, more often than in Russian, one or more resultant actions included in the narrative are represented as an ongoing process by means of non-perfective verbs. Our study confirms the assumptions of cognitive linguistics about the dual role of grammatical categorization, simultaneously directed at the world around us and the world of language, and allows us to clarify the mechanism of alignment and interaction of these aspects of categorization. On the one hand, the categorical semantics of the verb aspect and perfective and non-perfective forms fixes the cultural-historical specificity of perceiving the denoted elements of the dynamic world by the speech community. On the other hand, the grammatical conceptualization is influenced by the intrasystemic relations between verb categories and forms. Besides, differences in national discourse traditions have been revealed between the compared languages, namely the influence of the style of old epic poems on the pragmatic potential of preterit forms in modern Russian.
Parameterization of Quantum Interactions
Authors: Ingber Lester
Published: November 2023

Background: Previous papers have developed a statistical mechanics of neocortical interactions (SMNI) fit to short-term memory and EEG data (Ingber, 2018). Adaptive Simulated Annealing (ASA) was used for all fits to data. A numerical path-integral for quantum systems, qPATHINT, was used. Objective: The quantum path-integral for Calcium ions was used to derive a closed-form analytic solution at arbitrary time. The quantum effects is parameterized here, whereas the previous 2018 paper applied a nominal ratio of 1/2 to these effects. Method: Methods of mathematical-physics for optimization and for path integrals in classical and quantum spaces are used. The quantum path-integral is used to derive a closed-form analytic solution at arbitrary time, and is used to calculate interactions with classical-physics SMNI interactions among scales. Results: The mathematical-physics and computer parts of the study are successful, in that three cases with Subjects (blind to this author) after 1,000,000 visits to the cost function gave: Subject-07 = 0.04, Subject-08 = 0.55, and Subject-09 = 1.00. All other 9 Subjects gave 0.
Efficient Hydroxyapatite Extraction from Salmon Bone Waste: An Improved Lab-Scaled Physico-Chemico-Biological Process
Authors: Muñoz Francisco , Guerra Ignacio , Garcia Maria José , Enrione Javier , Ortega Nicole , Haidar Ziyad S.
Published: November 2023

Salmon aquaculture generates a substantial volume of waste material, offering potential for biomaterial production. This industry produces significant waste, which can be repurposed for various biological applications, particularly in biomaterial production for tissue engineering with pertinent applications in osteo-conduction, osteo-induction, and clinical/surgical bone regeneration and repair. The process involves a standardized pre-treatment stage aimed at minimizing biological waste content. Subsequently, the treatment stage, contingent on the chosen methodology, facilitates the removal of proteins, lipids, and other compounds, leaving the mineral phase as a valuable substrate. The selection of the optimal method, whether alkaline hydrolysis, calcination, or NaOH hydrolysis, for obtaining this substrate necessitates thorough examination through chemical, physical, and biological assessments, including Raman Spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction. This study aims to identify the most efficient approach for hydroxyapatite production derived from salmon waste.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone as Endocrine and Molecular Marker Associated with Reproductive Performance in Holstein Dairy Cows Exposed to Heat Stress
Authors: Contreras-Méndez Luis A. , Medrano Juan F. , Thomas Milton G. , Enns R. Mark , Speidel Scott E. , Luna-Nevárez Guillermo , López-Castro Pedro A. , Rivera-Acuña Fernando , Luna-Nevárez Pablo
Published: November 2023

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has been proposed as biomarker for fertility in cattle, yet this associative relationship appears to be influenced by heat stress. Objective was to test serum AMH and AMH-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as markers potentially predictive of reproductive traits in heat-stressed dairy cows. The study included 300 Holstein cows that were genotyped using BovineSNP50 (54,000 SNP) after blood samples were collected and DNA extracted. A genome wide association study was then executed. Nine intragenic SNPs within the pathways that influence the AMH gene were found important with multiple comparisons adjustment test (p<1.09x10-6). A further validation study was performed in an independent Holstein cattle population, which was divided into moderate (MH; n=152) and severe heat-stressed (SH; n=128) groups, and subjected to a summer reproductive management program. Serum AMH was confirmed as a predictor of fertility measures (p<0.05) in MH but not in SH group. Cows were genotyped using the TaqMan allelic discrimination method and qPCR, which revealed four SNPs as predictive markers for serum AMH (p<0.01), reproductive traits (p<0.01) and physiological variables (p<0.05). These SNPs were in the genes AMH, IGFBP1, LGR5 and TLR4. In conclusion, both serum AMH concentrations and AMH-related SNPs appear to be associated with fertility traits in dairy cows managed during summer.
Characterization of Sr1-xYxCoO3- (X= 0.1, 0.2) Perovskites as Plausible Cathode Materials in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Li Yan , Troncoso Loreto , Fernández Maria Teresa , Alonso José Antonio
Published: November 2023

Cathode materials based on SrCoO3- perovskite-type oxides hold great potential, given the huge oxygen permeability exhibited by the cubic phase of this oxide, which must be stabilized though suitable cationic substitutions. We present here two novel materials of the series Sr1-xYxCoO3- (x= 0.1, 0.2), prepared by solid state reactions. The crystalline structure was explored by neutron powder diffraction. At RT, we identified a subtle tetragonal superstructure, yet preserving the wanted framework of vertex-sharing CoO6 octahedra. A noteworthy result of the neutron analysis is the presence of conspicuous amounts of oxygen vacancies, ordered in layers and responsible for the formation of the mentioned superstructure. The stability was investigated by thermal analysis, using thermogravimetry (TGA). The electrical conductivity gave a maximum value of 800 °C of 122 S·cm–1. To determine the resistance associated with the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as a function of temperature was carried out, finding a value for the activation energy of Ea= 0.82 eV. This is a much lower value than that usually obtained for cathodes with a high catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction. In single-cell tests, the materials generated a power density up to 0.25 Wcm−2 at 800ºC, using pure H2 as fuel. All these features make this perovskite a suitable candidate as cathode material in intermediate-temperature SOFCs
Status of Routine Immunization Coverage in the World Health Organization African Region Three Years into the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mboussou Franck , Kada Sarah , Danovaro-Holliday M. Carolina , Farham Bridget , Gacic-Dobo Marta , Shearer Jessica C , BWAKA Ado , Amani Adidaja , Ngom Roland , Vuo-Masembe Yolande , Wiysonge Charles S. , Impouma Benido
Published: November 2023

Data from the WHO and UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC) 2022 revision were analyzed to assess the status of routine immunization in the WHO African Region, disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the coverage with the first and third dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis containing vaccine (DTP1 and DTP3 respectively) and with the first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV1), in the region, was estimated at 80%, 72% and 69%, respectively (all below the 2019 level). Only 13 of the 47 countries (28%) achieved the global target coverage of 90% or above with DTP3 in 2022. From 2019 to 2022, 28.7 million zero-dose were recorded (19.0% of target population). Ten countries of the region accounted for 80.3% of all zero-dose children including the four most populous countries (Nigeria, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, United Republic of Tanzania). Reported administrative coverage greater than WUENIC was found in 19 countries, highlighting routine immunization data quality issues. The WHO African region has not yet recovered from COVID-19 disruptions to routine immunization. It is critical for Governments to ensure that processes are in place to prioritize investments for restoring immunization services, catching-up on vaccination of zero-dose and un-der-vaccinated children and improving data quality.
Pollution and Heritage Metals
Authors: Thickett David , Batool Tayba
Published: November 2023

Metals are particularly sensitive to some pollutant gases. Many museum showcases and store rooms present atmospheres that can corrode cultural heritage artefacts containing metals. Whilst numerous strategies have been reported to mitigate such situations, avoiding them is preferable. Several approaches to testing materials used in construction, fitting out or dressing are used. The relative merits and drawbacks will be discussed. Several parameters of the most widely used, the accelerated corrosion ‘Oddy’ test have been investigated. The influence of abrasive on subsequent corrosion of lead and copper coupons have been assessed. Quantification methods for tested coupons are reviewed. The influence of test duration and temperature were assessed through comparison with real life, long term experience of materials behaviour. Direct contact tests with the material tested touching the test material has been investigated. Several materials present in artefacts are known to potentially cause corrosion when enclosed with metals in other artefacts. A number of situations have been investigated with pollution and RH and some corrosion rate measurements. Ways to isolate artefacts or mitigate are explored and a decision support model has been developed.
Nurse Honey Bee Behavior and Sensorial-Related Genes are Altered by Deformed Wing Virus Variant A
Authors: Diego Silva , Nolberto Arismendi , Pablo Alveal Juan , Ricardo Ceballos , Nelson Zapata , Marisol Vargas
Published: November 2023

Insect behavior is coordinated mainly by smell, through the diverse odor-binding proteins (OBP) that allow them to identify and recognize their environment. Sensory information collected through smell is then analyzed and interpreted in the brain, allowing for correct insect functioning. The behavior of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) can be affected by different pathogens, such as deformed wing virus (DWV). In particular, DWV variant A (DWV-A) is capable of altering olfactory sensitivity, reducing the gene expression of different OBPs, including those associated with nursing behavior. DWV is also capable of replicating itself in the sensory lobes of the brain, further compromising the processing of sensory information. This study evaluated the behavioral response of nurse honey bees exposed to a pheromone compound and the alterations in the gene expression of pre- and post-synaptic neuronal genes neuroxins-1 and neurogilin-1 in the bee heads and OBP proteins in antennae of nurse bees inoculated with DWV-A. The behavioral response of nurse bees exposed to the larval pheromone compounds benzyl alcohol was analyzed using a Y-tube olfactometer. The viral load, gene expression of OBP5 and OBP11 in antennae and the neuroxins-1 and neurogilin-1 in the bee heads were analyzed by qPCR. High viral loads significantly reduced the ability of 10- and 15-day-old nurse honey bees to choose the correct pheromone compound. Also, the gene expression of OBP5, OBP11, neuroxin-1 and neurogilin-1 in nurse honey bees decreased when they were highly infected with DWV-A. These results suggest that a DWV-A infection can disturb information processing and cause nurse honey bees to reduce their activity inside the hive, altering internal cohesion.
Machine Learning Application to Brain Diseases Detection
Authors: Simović Aleksandar , Lutovac-Banduka Maja , Davidović Kristina , Lekić Snežana
Published: November 2023

During a multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) examination, it is crucial to efficiently organize, store, and transmit medical images in DICOM standard, which requires significant hardware resources and memory. Our project processed large amounts of DICOM images by classifying them based on cross-section views that may carry important information about a possible diagnosis. We ensured that images were retained and saved in PNG format to optimize hardware resources while preserving patient confidentiality. Furthermore, we have developed a graphical, user-friendly interface that allows physicians to visualize specific regions of interest in a patient's brain where changes may indicate disease. Our proposed method enables quick classification of medical images into predefined classes of confirmed diseases of brain parenchyma, contributing to swift decision-making for further diagnosis for more precisely evaluating and characterizing brain changes, and it can lead to the rapid application of adequate therapy, which may result in better outcomes.
An Exosome-Rich Conditioned Medium from Human Amniotic Membrane Stem Cells Facilitates Wound Healing via Increased Reepithelization, Collagen Synthesis, and Angiogenesis
Authors: Noh Chan Ho , Park Sangryong , Seong Hye-Rim , Lee Ah-young , Tsolmon Khan-Erdene , Geum Dong Ho , Hong Soon-Cheol , Kim Tae Myoung , Choi Ehn-Kyoung , Kim Yun-Bae
Published: November 2023

Tissue regeneration is an essential requirement for wound healing and recovery of organs’ function. It has been demonstrated that wound healing can be facilitated by activating paracrine signaling mediated by exosomes secreted from stem cells, since exosomes deliver many functional molecules including growth factors (GFs) and neurotrophic factors (NFs) effective for tissue regeneration. In this study, an exosome-rich conditioned medium (ERCM) was collected from human amniotic membrane stem cells (AMSCs) by cultivating the cells under a low oxygen tension (2% O2 and 5% CO2). The contents of GFs and NFs including keratinocyte growth factor, epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 1, transforming growth factor-β, and vascular endothelial growth factor responsible for skin regeneration were much higher (10-30 folds) in the ERCM than in normal conditioned medium (NCM). In was found that CM-DiI-labeled exosomes readily entered keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and that ERCM not only facilitated the proliferation of keratinocytes in normal condition, but also protected against H2O2 cytotoxicity. In cell-migration assay, the scratch wound in keratinocyte culture dish was rapidly closed by treatment with ERCM. Such wound-healing effects of ERCM were confirmed in a rat whole skin-excision model: i.e., the wound closure was significantly accelerated, remaining minimal crusts, by topical application of ERCM solution (4 x 109 exosome particles/100 μL) at 4-day intervals. In the wounded skin, the deposition of collagens was enhanced by treatment with ERCM, which was supported by the increased production of collagen-1 and collagen-3. In addition, enhanced angiogenesis in ERCM-treated wounds was confirmed by increased von Willebrand factor (vWF)-positive endothelial cells. The results indicate that ERCM from AMSCs with high concentrations of GFs and NFs improves wound healing through tissue regeneration not only by facilitating keratinocyte proliferation for skin repair, but also activating fibroblasts for extracellular matrix production, in addition to the regulation of angiogenesis and scar tissue formation.
Assessment of the physicochemical, antioxidant, microbial, and sensory attributes of yogurt-style products enriched with probiotic-fermented Aronia melanocarpa berry juice
Authors: Plessas* Stavros , Mantzourani Ioanna , Terpou Antonia , Bekatorou Argyro
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to create yogurts enriched with freeze-dried probiotic culture and freeze-dried fermented black chokeberry juice, in conjunction with a commercial starter culture. This approach was adopted to boost functionality and optimize the nutritional content of the yogurt. The study specifically investigated the impact of supplements, which included (i) freeze-dried probiotic culture Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 14917 and (ii) freeze-dried fermented chokeberry juice Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 14917, as adjuncts in different formulations of yogurt. These formulations were then compared with commercially produced yogurt. All the products exhibited favorable physicochemical properties, and the probiotic strain consistently maintained levels exceeding 7 log cfu/g throughout the entire storage period. The highest lactic acid production was observed in yogurts produced with the proposed adjuncts (1.44 g/100 g yogurt at the 28th days of storage). Levels of syneresis were observed in lower values in yogurt produced with freeze-dried fermented chokeberry juice. Yogurts prepared with the supplement derived from fermented juice displayed elevated total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (25.74 µg GAE/g and 69.05 µmol TE/100g respectively). Moreover, sensory tests indicated an exceptional aroma and fruit flavor. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of dried probiotic-fermented chokeberry juice as an adjunct in yogurt production enhances both the antioxidant capacity and the growth of beneficial bacteria. Furthermore, the dried form of this product makes it a significant candidate for industrialization potential due to its stability and ease of application.
Urban Logistics as a Service (ULaaS) Platform: Proposing a Sustainable Digital Business Model for Logistic Services
Authors: Fioravanti Reinaldo , Fontes Lima Jr Orlando , Montoya Moreno Giset Natalia , Antonino Pinto Janaina
Published: November 2023

The increase in online orders following the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened consumer ex-pectations regarding prompt deliveries. However, this phenomenon has subsequently triggered a substantial increase in the number of vehicles navigating through urban areas, highly affecting the overall quality of life within cities. Capitalizing on the complexities posed by urban logistics, this paper proposes an innovative digital business model for logistics services. In this context, we introduce “Urban Logistics as a Service (ULaaS), platform”, a concept rooted in the principals of circular economy and harnessed through the application of the Canvas methodology. The con-ceptual framework outlines the ULaaS ecosystem and explores potential user-functionality com-binations.

The proposed platform serves as both an on-demand service provider and a control hub for stakeholders such as traffic authorities, policymakers, logistics providers, carriers, and shippers. This platform streamlines citywide logistics to enhance movement efficiency, ease congestion, and reduce emissions. The ULaaS concept was validated through analysis of data collected from interviews in the unique social context of Campinas City, Brazil. The key value-generating mod-ules within the ULaaS ecosystem include parking reservations, shared warehousing, e-commerce deliveries, and comprehensive logistics solutions.

However, implementing Urban Logistics as a Service has challenges. These include defining public and private sector roles, creating effective pricing models, and fairly distributing respon-sibilities among service providers. The paper also elucidates various monetization models and required investments, crucial for fostering potential private sector involvement.
HLA-DQ2/8 and COVID-19 in celiac disease: Boon or Bane
Authors: Lerner Aaron , Benzvi Carina , Vojdani Aristo
Published: November 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to pose a global threat. While its virulence has subsided, it has persisted due to the continual emergence of new mutations. Although many high-risk conditions related to COVID-19 have been identified, the understanding of protective factors remains limited. Intriguingly, epidemiological evidence suggests a low incidence of the COVID-19-infected CD patients. The present study explores whether their genetic background, namely the associated HLA-DQs, offers protection against severe COVID-19 outcomes. We hypothesize that the HLA-DQ 2/8 alleles may shield CD patients from SARS-CoV-2 and its subsequent effects, possibly due to memory CD4 T cells primed by previous exposure to human-associated common cold coronaviruses (CCC) and higher affinity to those allele's groove. In this context, we examined potential cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 epitopes and human-associated CCC and assessed the binding affinity (BA) of these epitopes to HLA-DQ 2/8. Using computational methods, we analyzed sequence similarity between SARS-CoV-2 and four distinct CCC. Of 924 unique immunodominant 15-mer epitopes with at least 67% identity, 37 exhibited significant BA to HLA-DQ 2/8, suggesting a protective effect. We present various mechanisms that might explain the protective role of HLA-DQ2/8 in COVID-19-afflicted CD patients. If substantiated, these insights could enhance our understanding of gene-environment enigma and viral-host relationship, guiding potential therapeutic innovations against the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Evaluation of the Potential of Chitosan Nanoparticles as a Delivery Vehicle for Gentamicin for the treatment of Osteomyelitis
Authors: Simpson Elliot , Sarwar Humera , Lowry Deborah
Published: November 2023

Chitosan nanoparticle delivery systems have potential for enhancing bone healing and addressing osteomyelitis. The objective was to deliver antimicrobial agents capable of preventing or treating osteomyelitis. Each formulation was optimized to achieve desired characteristics in terms of size (ranging from 100 to 400 nm), PDI (less than 0.5), zeta potential (typically negative), and in vitro release profiles for gentamicin. Entrapment percentages varied with gentamicin ranging from 10% to 65%. The chitosan nanoparticles exhibited substantial antimicrobial efficacy, particularly against both P. aeruginosa and MRSA, with zones of inhibition ranging from 13 to 24 mm and complete reduction in colony forming units observed between 3 to 24 hours. These chitosan nanoparticle formulations loaded with antimicrobials hold promise for addressing orthopedic complications.
Current State of Art Therapy for MPM and Future Options Focus on Immunotherapy
Authors: Cedres Susana , Valdivia Augusto , Iranzo Patricia , Callejo Ana , Pardo Nuria , Navarro Alejandro , Martinez-Marti Alex , Assaf-Pastrana Juan David , Felip Enriqueta , Garrido Pilar
Published: November 2023

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a locally aggressive disease related to asbestos exposure with a median survival for untreated patients of 4-8 months. The combination of chemotherapy based in platinum and antifolate is the standard treatment and the addition of bevacizumab adds two months of gain in median survival.
Recently in first-line treatment, immunotherapy combining nivolumab with ipilimumab has been shown to be superior to chemotherapy in the CheckMate-743 study in terms of overall survival (18.1 months), leading to its approval by the FDA and EMA. The positive results of this study represent a new standard of treatment for patients with MPM, however, not all patients will benefit from immunotherapy treatment.
In an effort to improve the selection of patient candidates for immunotherapy in different tumors, biomarkers that have been associated with a greater possibility of response to treatment have been described. MPM is a type of tumor with low mutational load and neo-antigens, making it a relatively non-immunogenic tumor for T cells and possibly less susceptible to responding to immunotherapy. Different retrospective studies have shown that PD-L1 expression occurs in 20-40% of patients and is associated with a poor prognosis; however, the predictive value of PD-L1 in response to immunotherapy has not been confirmed.
The purpose of this work is to review state of art of MPM treatment in the year 2023 focusing in the efficacy results of first-line or subsequent immunotherapy studies in patients with MPM and possible chemo-immunotherapy combination strategies. Additionally, potential biomarkers of response to immunotherapy will be reviewed, such as histology, PD-L1, lymphocyte populations, and TMB.
Optimization of Fungicidal and Acaricidal Metabolite Production by Aspergillus sp. SPH2
Authors: Reyes Castillo Nicolas , Díaz Carmen E. , Andres Maria Fe , Imperial Juan , Varcacel Félix , González Coloma Azucena
Published: November 2023

The endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. SPH2 was isolated from the stems of the endemic plant Bethencourtia palmensis and its extracts were found to have strong fungicidal effects against Botrytis cinerea and ixodicidal effects against Hyalomma lusitanicum at different fermentation times. In this study, the fungus was grown using three different culture media and two methodologies, Microparticulate Enhancement Cultivation (MPEC) and Semi-Solid Fermentation (SSF), to increase the production of secondary metabolites in submerged fermentation. The addition of an inert support to the culture medium (SSF) resulted in a significant increase in extract production. However, when talcum powder was added to different culture media, unexpected results were observed, with a decrease in the production of the biocompounds of interest. Metabolomic analyses showed that the production of aspergillic, neoaspergillic, and neohydroxyaspergillic acids peaked in the first few days of fermentation, with notable differences observed among the methodologies and culture media. Mellein production was particularly affected by the addition of an inert support to the culture medium. These results highlight the importance of surface properties and morphology of spores and mycelia during fermentation by this fungal species.
Stable Sulforaphane Targets Early Stages of Osteoclast Formation to Engender Lasting Functional Blockade of Osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Louka Polymnia , Orriss Isabel , Pitsillides Andrew Anthony
Published: November 2023

Sulforaphane, the native but unstable form of SFX-01, is an antioxidant that activates NRF2 and inhibits NF-KB pathways to achieve its actions. Resolving the mechanism(s) by which SFX-01 serves to control the various osteoclastogenic stages may expose pathways that could be explored for therapeutic use. Here we seek to identify the stage of osteoclastogenesis targeted by SFX-01 and explore whether, like SFN, it exerts its actions via the NRF2 and NF-KB pathways. Osteoclasts generated from the bone marrow (BM) of mice were cultured with SFX-01 at different timepoints to examine each phase of osteoclastogenesis separately. This showed that SFX-01 exerted actions throughout the process of osteoclastogenesis, but had its largest effects in the early osteoclast precursor differentiation stage. Thus, treatment with SFX-01 for the duration of culture, for the initial 3 days differentiation or for as little as the first 24 hours was sufficient for effective inhibition. This aligned with data suggesting that SFX-01 reduced DC-STAMP levels, osteoclast nuclear number and modified cytoskeletal architecture. Pharmacological regulation of NRF2 pathways, via selective inhibitors/activators, supported anti-osteoclastogenic roles for an SFX-01-mediated by NRF2 activation, as well as a need for tight NF-KB pathway regulation in osteoclast formation/function.
Pengenalan dan Penerapan Konsep Pengendalian Hama Penyakit Terpadu (PHPT) kepada Kelompok Wanita Tani “Loh Jinawi” di Desa Waru, Kecamatan Baki, Kabupaten Sukoharjo
Authors: Pancasona Muhammad Garda , Suryanti Venty
Published: November 2023

Penyuluhan konsep Pengendalian Hama Penyakit Terpadu (PHPT) merupakan salah satu kegiatan KKN Tematik UNS Kelompok 216 periode Juli-Agustus 2021 di Desa Waru, Kecamatan Baki, Kabupaten Sukoharjo. Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk mengedukasi anggota Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) “Loh Jinawi” dalam mengendalikan hama dan penyakit tanaman dengan menerapkan konsep pengendalian ramah lingkungan. Kegiatan dilaksanakan dengan memaparkan materi terkait definisi, tujuan, prinsip, komponen, dan bentuk implementasi PHPT di lapangan. Praktik pembuatan alat perangkap hama juga dilaksanakan, yaitu alat perangkap likat kuning dan alat perangkap lalat buah berbahan metil eugenol. Anggota KWT juga diperkenalkan bahan dapur yang dapat berpotensi sebagai pestisida nabati, seperti cabai merah, bawang merah, dan bawang putih. Cara penyemprotan pestisida yang tepat dipraktekkan bersama. Selama keberjalanan kegiatan, anggota KWT “Loh Jinawi” aktif melakukan tanya jawab dan konsultasi terkait HPT bersama mahasiswa KKN Tematik UNS.
Edukasi Pengelolaan Sampah Organik di Yayasan Pendidikan Mutiara Insan Menuju Sekolah Berwawasan Mandiri Energi
Authors: Kusumandari Kusumandari , Suryana Risa , Iriani Yofentina , Nurosyid Fahru , Widiyandari Hendri , Khairuddin Khairuddin
Published: November 2023

Sampah selalu menjadi permasalahan yang tak kunjung usai dan menjadi perhatian serius pemerintah Indonesia. Kesadaran masyarakat Indonesia dalam pengelolaan sampah masih harus terus ditingkatkan. Secara umum sampah dapat dikategorikan sebagai sampah organik dan non organik. Kedua jenis sampah tersebut sejatinya dapat dimanfaatkan lagi. Sebagai contoh dengan mendaur ulang sampah plastik menjadi barang-barang yang bermanfaat seperti vas bunga, pot, tempat pensil dan lain sebagainya Sedangkan sampah organik dapat dimanfaatkan untuk membuat pupuk kompos atau bahkan untuk sampah organik dalam jumlah banyak dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai sumber energi baru biogas. Oleh karenanya dalam usulan pengabdian ini, akan dilakukan edukasi pengelolaan sampah organik di Yayasan Pendidikan Mutiara Insan Sukoharjo. Yayasan Pendidikan Mutiara Insan membawahi beberapa institusi pendidikan yaitu SMPIT Mutiara Insan, SDIT Mutiara Insan dan TKIT/PAUD Mutiara Insan. Sebagai lembaga Pendidikan dengan kurikulum fullday, yayasan menerapkan kebijakan pemberian katering snack maupun makan siang setiap harinya. Selain berdampak positif, hal tersebut tentunya menimbulkan masalah karena banyaknya sampah organik yang berasal dari potongan sayuran maupun sisa makanan siswa. Berdasarkan latar belakang tersebut, maka diperlukan edukasi untuk membangun kesadaran pengelolaan sampah organik tersebut. Edukasi dengan pemberian materi in class tentang pengelolaan sampah menjadi energi alternatif biogas. Kegiatan diikuti oleh pemangku kebijakan dari Yayasan Mutiara Insan dan juga perwakilan pemerintah setempat. Dari hasil pelatihan, peserta merasa mendapatkan pencerahan mengenai sampah organik sebagai sumber energi alternatif dan siap mendukung penerapannya di Yayasan Mutiara Insan sebagai usaha mewujudkan sekolah yang berwawasan mandiir energi. Dari pengabdian ini diharapkan masyarakat mendapatkan kemanfaatan edukasi dan teknologi tepat guna dalam usaha pengelolaan sampah khususnya sampah organik. 
The Influence of Industrial Digitalization on the Quality Structure of the Labor Force: A Panel Threshold Model Based on Industrial Structure Upgrading
Authors: Hao Zezhong , Zhu Xianrong , Zhang Xiuwu
Published: November 2023

The rapid development of China’s digital economy has promoted industrial structure upgrading and further affected the quality structure of the labor force across industries. This study conducts a theoretical derivation by building a task-based theoretical model and uses panel data of 30 Chinese provinces from 2001 to 2020 to conduct empirical research on the relationship between industrial digitalization, industrial structure upgrading, and structural changes in labor quality. The study results show that industrial digitalization and industrial structure upgrade affect changes in the quality structure of China’s industrial labor. The industrial structure upgrading index plays a mediating role in influencing industrial digitalization on the educational structure of labor employment. When industrial structure upgrading is considered as the threshold variable, the impact of industrial digitalization on the employment and educational structure of different labor forces in China’s industries has diverse threshold characteristics. In the process of digital industrial development, China needs to focus on protecting labor with secondary education at different stages of digital development and accelerate the development of a skilled labor force to drive the high-quality development of China’s industrial economy.
People of a Pandemic
Authors: Kwitny Molly , Richards Quinn , Cann Natalie , Lewis Jasmine , Vaught Kayla , Bejoy Arushi , Gutierrez Matos Fernanda , DiGirolamo Grace , Loving Chloe , Neveldine Teagan , Weekes Sakina , Wenzel Sophie
Published: November 2023

People with marginalized identities were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. There was an increase in overdose-related mortality and an overall higher mortality rate among racial minorities. The pandemic also led to increased isolation among older adults, which has been linked to negative health outcomes. These issues were exacerbated in rural Appalachia when combined with existing health and socioeconomic disparities.
In Spring 2021, interviews were conducted with older adults, Hispanic individuals, African American individuals, and people who use drugs in Virginia’s New River Valley, with the goal of understanding how the pandemic impacted these populations. Sixteen of those stories are presented here. A thematic analysis revealed major themes: 1) financial (in)security and unemployment, 2) access to resources, 3) internet and technology, 4) public health policies, 5) mental health and isolation, and 6) resilience.
Investigation of Source and Reservoir Rock Petroleum Generative Potential of Early Eocene and Paleocene Sequences of the Punjab Platform Basin, Pakistan: A Geochemical and Petrophysical Approach
Authors: Ali Shah Syed Bilawal
Published: November 2023

––Investigating Early Eocene and Paleocene deposits within the Punjab Platform, Pakistan, involved comprehensive analysis using advanced geochemical and petrophysical techniques. This study evaluates the source potential of three formations: Nammal and Sakesar of Early Eocene age and Dungan and Ranikot of Palaeocene age. The Sakesar Formation, a reservoir rock, was evaluated through interpretation of wireline logs to estimate key petrophysical properties—porosity, water saturation, and hydrocarbon saturation. Geochemical investigations focused on total organic carbon content and Rock-Eval pyrolysis of twenty-one cutting samples from a well. These samples displayed TOC values ranging from 0.21 to 2.04 wt.% and S2 values ranging from 0.09 to 2.14 mg HC/g rock. Analysis positioned all samples within the immature window zone with Type II/III and Type III kerogen, suggesting limited generative potential. Findings suggest limited hydrocarbon generation from these formations. Petrophysical analysis indicated average porosity of 11.2%, water saturation of 32.58%, and hydrocarbon saturation of 67.42% for the Sakesar Formation, categorizing it as average to good reservoir potential. This study highlights complex geochemical and petrophysical characteristics of these formations. While Sakesar shows promising reservoir qualities, significant hydrocarbon generation potential from Nammal, Dungan, and Ranikot formations is constrained. Informed decision-making is crucial when considering these formations as hydrocarbon sources.