bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the QSPR study of odorant molecules in pectin gel using degree based topological indices
Authors: Arumugam Divya , Devasenan S. , Senthilnathan G.
Published: November 2023

This research delves into the intricate exploration of degree-based topological indices pertaining to odorant molecules encapsulated within a pectin gel matrix. Topological indices, sophisticated mathematical descriptors emanating from the realm of molecular graph theory, offer profound insights into the structural and physicochemical attributes of chemical entities. In this particular discourse, our focal point is the odorant molecules, quintessential constituents in the domain of flavor and fragrance, intricately embedded within a matrix of pectin gel. To delineate the structural nuances of these odorant molecules, we employ an array of degree-based topological indices encompassing the Randić index, Zagreb indices, and Atom-Bond Connectivity (ABC) index. Subsequently, we establish correlations between these indices and the behavior exhibited by the odorant molecules within the pectin gel using simple linear regression models. These models furnish a quantitative comprehension of these interrelationships and proffer predictive capabilities for forthcoming research endeavors. This investigation unveils novel perspectives on how molecular architecture influences odorant release and perception, thereby holding potential ramifications in diverse sectors such as food science and perfumery. Our research uncovers intriguing interconnections between these parameters and the odorant molecules, thereby contributing to the existing body of knowledge in this field. Here we used to compute the results with python.
Arsenic-contaminated sludge remediation induced generation of coloured glass using conventional and microwave heating
Authors: Das Biplab , Ghosh Sourja , Majumder Swachchha , Mandal Ashis Kumar
Published: November 2023

The present work incorporates toxic arsenic-contaminated sludge (AsCS) obtained from groundwater filtration into a chemically durable borosilicate glass matrix to overcome the environmental exposure's arsenic (As) toxicity. Upto 25 wt% of AsCS loaded borosilicate system found X-ray amorphous that ensures the successful glass formation. The optical absorption spectra reveal the utilization of AsCS to develop heat absorption property (NIR absorption ~ 1000 nm) into the borosilicate matrix. 3–5 wt% of AsCS was found suitable for developing a green colour glass for various purposes. Furthermore, green colour in glass can be turned yellow with the adoption of novel microwave heating (MW), which reduces energy demand. From a structural viewpoint, the presence of tetrahedral boron (B4) and tetrahedral Fe3+ within the silicate glassy network collectively help to maintain a low thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) and higher characteristic thermal properties (Tg, Td, etc.)Further, the structural integration of iron (major component in AsCS) as bridging network helps to maintain the thermal and chemical durability of the system. Significantly lower leaching rate (7.47 *10− 7 g.cm− 2.h− 1in 42 days) followed by a successful immobilization of toxic As, the glass becomes an alternative and most attractive material for AsCS immobilizing material.
Impact of TLS Overhead with Forward Secrecy on Segmented Network for Multiple Cloud Database Systems
Authors: Kurmi Jitendra , Kannojia Suresh Prasad
Published: November 2023

Cloud database serves flexible, affordable, and versatile database frameworks. Indeed, even the cloud database is secure with Transport Layer Security (TLS). However, the performance overhead that TLS presents while executing procedures on the five major No SQL databases: Mongo DB, Apache Cassandra DB, Amazon Dynamo DB, Redis DB, and Couch DB regarding dormancy. We proposed a Multiple Replica Database Architecture (MRD-ARC) to investigate TLS execution overhead with forward secrecy for five NoSql databases, we performed two tests mimicking average database utilization designs with TLS cipher suite ECDHE-prime256v1. We examined connection pooling, where an application involves a solitary connection for some databases activities. Then, we considered one request for each connection. An application opens a connection, executes an interaction, and quickly shuts the connection in the wake of finishing the activity based on read-only throughput, read-only response, and connection throughput. Our experimental result shows that applications that cannot persevere through tremendous overhead execution should be sent inside an appropriately portioned network instead of empowering TLS with forward secrecy. Applications utilizing TLS should utilize a connection pool instead of a connection for each request. We also compare the TLS overhead with forward secrecy in terms of latency of five databases and found that Mongo DB is the best cloud database system with less overhead.
Understanding the effects of mammalian sex hormones in the in vitro regeneration of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) using machine learning techniques
Authors: Haliloğlu Kamil , Turkoglu Aras , Pour-Aboughadareh Alireza , Işık Muhammet İslam , Demirel Fatih , Bujak Henryk , Aydin Murat , Elkoca Erdal , Bocianowski Jan , Nowosad Kamila
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of certain mammalian sex hormones (MSH) as an alternative to synthetic hormones in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) tissue culture using mathematical models. In this research four different types of explants, including embryo, hypocotyl, plumule and radicle, were treated with four different concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.001 and 0.00001 µM) of four mammalian sex hormones (17β-estradiol, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone). It was found that different explants, MSH and their concentrations had a significant effect on the formation of morphogenesis. The type of explant significantly affected shoot and root formation, and the effect of MSH concentration on root formation. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that it would be expedient to use plumula as a source of explants in chickpea tissue culture. As a result, the use of 0.001 µM progesterone showed positive effects in chickpea in vitro culture medium. The XGBoost model outperformed in predicting all variables based on high R-squared values, low mean square error, and mean absolute deviation. Sensitivity analysis within the XGBoost model revealed that plumule was the most influential variable for predicting the number of explants undergoing morphogenesis (40.29%) and the number of shoots–forming explants (33.83%), while concentration 0.001 µM played a significant role in determining the number of roots–forming explants (47.49%). Consequently, it was shown that mammalian sex hormones have the potential for use in the in vitro cultivation of chickpeas. Additionally, the utilization of the XGBoost model was found to be effective in forecasting outcomes and facilitating optimization in this context.
F5332SFLFST_YOLOv5s:an improved lightweight aerial photography small target detection algorithm based on YOLOv5s
Authors: Jia Bin , Ao Naixiang , Wang Xinyi , Guo Rui , Zhao Xueyi , Xiong Bingbing , Cai Wenna
Published: November 2023

To address challenges in detecting small targets from aerial imagery and deploying models on edge devices for real-time detection, we propose the lightweight improvement, F5332SFLFST_YOLOv5s, based on YOLOv5s. The algorithm leverages the latest FasterNet network as an image feature extractor to enhance detection efficiency by reducing computational complexity. The native "1-2-8-2" structure is replaced with the explored "5-3-3-2" Backbone structure, incorporating more basic blocks early to extract shallow feature information. Streamlining the parameter passing of the FasterNet network further enhances the Backbone network's performance. By embracing the lightweight concept of FasterNet, a FasterC3 module is introduced at the end of the Backbone network to acquire more substantial high-level semantic information.additionally, combining the large selective kernel network, LSKNet, with the bottleneck structure simulates various ranging contexts in remote sensing scenarios by dynamically adjusting the spatial receptive field, thereby improving detection accuracy and efficiency within limited computational and memory resources. The Focal-αEIoU1.5 loss function is proposed, replacing the original CIoU loss function, adaptively improving IoU object loss and bbox regression accuracy through Power transform. Soft-NMS(Non-maximum suppression) is introduced as a substitute for traditional NMS, addressing information loss issues caused by the direct discarding of overlapping frames. Lastly, a three-level feature fusion structure, TriNeck, fuses neighboring shallow feature layers in the Backbone, obtaining more accurate shallow location features for precise target localization.experimental results on the VisDrone 2019 dataset show that compared to the YOLOv5s benchmark, our optimized lightweight model improves inference speed by 3%, with a 37.3% reduction in model parameters and a 37.5% reduction in computational load. Additionally, mAP@0.5 and mAP@0.5:0.95 increase by 13.5% and 43.0%, respectively, indicating significant potential for real-time detection deployment on edge devices.
The proteolytic cleavage of TLR8 Z-loop by furin protease - molecular recognition, reaction mechanism and role of water molecules
Authors: Bzówka Maria , Szleper Katarzyna , Stańczak Agnieszka , Borowski Tomasz , Góra Artur
Published: November 2023

Understanding the mechanisms underlying the immune response is crucial for advancing our knowledge of an organism’s defence. One such mechanism is the proteolytic cleavage of the Z-loop in some members of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family. This process is essential for several reasons: it allows proper receptor dimerisation, facilitates its activation, and introduces a control mechanism by preventing inappropriate or excessive immune reactions.
In our study, we focused on investigating the proteolytic cleavage of TLR8 by furin protease, for which the mechanism of this process has not been widely investigated. We employed various computational methods not only to propose the reaction pathway but also to explore the role of water molecules within the reaction site. Those included AI-based structure prediction, molecular dynamics simulations, quantum mechanics and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations, as well as small-molecule tracking combined with local-distribution methods.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles From Pineapple (Ananas Comosus) Peel Extract: Physical-chemical Characterization and in Vitro Biological Activities
Authors: Azevedo Márcia Mourão Ramos , Bressan Cléo Rodrigo , Ferreira Lorena Pereira , Torres Carla Beatriz dos Santos , Oliveira Yan Vitor Silva , Nakazato Gerson , Souza Lucas Marcelino dos Santos , Lima Alan Kelbis Oliveira , Garcia Mônica Pereira , Gul Kashif , Taube Paulo Sérgio
Published: November 2023

The objective of this work was to synthesize, characterize and evaluate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) obtained from the aqueous extract of pineapple peel. After optimizing the synthesis of AgNPs, colloidal solutions of AgNPs showed maximum absorbance around 460 nm. The AgNPs in the final concentration of 1, 3 and 5 mmol L-1 showed average values of Z-average of 142.3, 127.0, 135.6 and, 153.2, 117.0 131.8 synthesized by water bath and ultrasound, respectively. Regarding PdI, all AgNPs showed low to moderate polydispersity. Zeta potential values ranged from -21.4 to -10.1. Images obtained by TEM for AgNPs prepared both by the water bath method and by the ultrasound method show particles with predominantly spherical morphologies, smooth and irregular edges. The synthesized AgNPs showed higher concentrations of total phenolic compounds (159.92 to 326.9 mg AG 100 g-1) when compared to the aqueous extract of pineapple peel (132.0 mg AG 100 g-1). The pineapple peel extract showed a higher ABTS radical inhibition value (88.16%) in relation to the value referring to AgNPs (19.11% to 77.90%). By the iron reduction method (FRAP), it was verified that the ability of AgNPs to reduce Fe3+ to Fe2+ was greater (4.49 to 6.83 mM of FeSO4 for 10% solution) than that of the aqueous extract of the bark of pineapple (3.72 mM FeSO4 for 10% solution). The AgNPs synthesized from the aqueous extract of pineapple peel were effective against Gram-negative bacteria E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and against Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus. The MIC varied between 2.6 and 21.25 mg.mL-1 for Gram-negative bacteria and from 21.25 to 42.25 mg.mL-1 for Gram-positive bacteria, pointing to Gram-negative bacteria as being the bacteria more susceptible to inhibitory and bactericidal actions after exposure to AgNPs. The results of the present study infer that the AgNPs obtained by water bath or ultrasound, regardless of the concentration, showed significant cytotoxic activity when tested in human breast cancer cells of the MCF-7 lineage and B16F10 murine melanoma cancer cells. IC50 values were similar for AgNPs obtained from different energy sources (water bath or ultrasound), but with the same AgNO3 concentration, indicating that there is no difference between using AgNPs obtained by water bath or ultrasound. These results suggest that the AgNPs synthesized from the aqueous extract of pineapple peel have potential and can be used in several areas, mainly in biomedical applications.
In-silico classification and antigen library expression of Plasmodium falciparum STEVOR hypervariable infected erythrocyte surface-expressed multivariant protein family
Authors: Vasileva Hristina , Benavente Ernest Diez , Last Anna , Tetteh Kevin KA
Published: November 2023

Background
Malaria pathogenesis is dependent on complex interactions between host and parasite factors, where variant surface antigens such as the PfEMP1 protein family play a critical role in disease severity through various mechanisms, including immune evasion, cytoadherence and sequestration. The under characterised infected erythrocytes variant surface-expressed antigens of the STEVOR protein family are also implicated in cytoadherence and rosette formation exhibiting high antigenic variability, potentially contributing to parasite immune evasion. This study describes a novel approach for the construction of a comprehensive library of STEVOR recombinant antigens.
Methods
This study used all available STEVOR protein sequence data from the PlasmoDB database to classify the variability between STEVOR members within isolates and between isolates. We have used bioinformatic and mathematical approaches to design an in-silico model to study the protein family variability with 100% reproducibility when performed on the same data set. Using information from the model, we have designed constructs and have expressed them with the CyDisCo co-expression plasmid to create the first STEVOR recombinant antigen library in a competent E. coli expression system. Finally, we have proven the recombinants antigenicity using the multiplex magnetic bead-based assay: Luminex.
Results
The large hypervariable domain of STEVOR protein family exhibited the highest variability with a mean diversity of 52.1%, as compared to the semi-conserved and the conserved STEVOR domains. The variability was captured in a library of 13 representative sequences, mostly derived from West African isolates. Those variants were expressed as recombinant proteins in BL21(DE3) E. coli competent cells together with the CyDisCo co-expression plasmid. The recombinants varied in expression levels, but not in antigenicity. Three semi-conserved recombinant antigens were also expressed as controls and those although with smaller size, demonstrated higher reactivity as compared to the variable domain recombinants.
Conclusions
This study presents an in-silico model that effectively elucidates the spatial relationship between amino acid sequences, applicable to sequence data from any organism. Moreover, it presents the first library of STEVOR hypervariable domain recombinant antigens. Expressed antigens have potential applications in serological studies as indicators of exposure to infection and to further dissect STEVOR variants associated with severe malarial disease outcome.
Can ICT-enabled knowledge acquisition bridge the gap in enhancing the adoption of multipurpose agroforestry tree species (MPTS) in Malawi?
Authors: Haswell Chisomo , Khataza Robertson
Published: November 2023

Low adoption of agroforestry and other sustainable agriculture practices presents a pressing issue for both policy makers and practitioners in Sub-Saharan Africa. The inefficiency of extension advisory services partly contributes to low adoption of these practices in this region. Using survey data collected from Mzimba and Dedza districts in Malawi, this study applies an Ordered Probit model to assess the effect of ICT-enabled knowledge acquisition on the adoption of multipurpose tree species (MPTS). The results show that radio, television and WhatsApp messenger are key ICT-based platforms facilitating MPTS adoption. On the other hand, community-based farmer advisors (CBFAs) are an important form of face-to-face extension approach for promoting the adoption of MPTS. From a gender perspective, the results show that women farmers are more likely to adopt MPTS than their male counterparts. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening ICT-enabled extension advisory services to complement in-person extension services in an era when the number of extension agents is dwindling and the available extension officers are constrained to reach millions of farmers. Additionally, there is a need to scale digital extension services by developing appropriate content suitable for specific digital platforms and the type of agroforestry practices being promoted.
Direct and indirect impacts of urbanization on ecosystem health based on PLS-SEM in Xiangyang, China
Authors: Yao ZHOU
Published: November 2023

This study proposes a framework for investigating the direct and indirect impacts of urbanization on ecosystem health by introducing partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM), the method is then applied to Xiangyang, Hubei Province, China. The validity and reliability evaluation show that PLS-SEM model is reasonable. The results showed that the level of ecosystem health in Xiangyang decreased significantly in 2010–2020. Only spatial urbanization (SU) had a direct impact on ecosystem health (-0.251/-0.262), showing a negative correlation. Population urbanization (PU) had an impact on economic urbanization (EU) (0.687/0.662), and economic urbanization (EU) had an impact on spatial urbanization (SU) (0.634/0.702). Population urbanization (PU) and economic urbanization (EU) have indirect effects on ecosystem health index (EHI). This study provides a quantitative method to determine the causes of the decline in ecosystem health, which is essential for more effective measures to maintain ecosystem health. The two objectives of this study are: (1) To establish a framework for analyzing the impacts of urbanization on ecosystem health; (2) To quantify the direct and indirect impacts and interactions of urbanization on ecosystem health.
Concerning Trends in the Mental Health of Emerging Adults: 2011 to 2022
Authors: Barile John , Meyer Monet , Masuda Akihiko
Published: November 2023

This study examined emerging adults’ health across age cohorts and year of assessment (2011-2022). We found an 82% increase in the number of mentally unhealthy days among emerging adults was observed between 2011 and 2022, with evidence of smaller but increasing rates among adults through mid-life. Minimal changes were observed for emerging adults in the number of physically unhealthy days over the same period. Emerging adults have experienced a drastic increase in the number of mentally unhealthy days over the past decade, while minimal changes in physically unhealthy days for any age group were observed over this same period.
Marriage and couples' well-being in Togo
Authors: DONI Pikabe , EDORH Adanmadogbé Jules , DOTO Agbessi Augustin , NUTSUGAN Ciriaque
Published: November 2023

Marriage is considered in the literature as a means of pooling risks and improving the well-being of couples. Thus, the aim of this article is to analyze the relationship between marriage and the well-being of couples in Togo. To do so, we apply the ordinary least squares (OLS) method. Using data from the Enquête Harmonisée sur les Conditions de Vie des Ménages (EHCVM) Togo 2018. We arrive at the results that, marriage positively affects the well-being of married women under monogamy and polygamy, but the well-being of women in common-law unions decreases. However, our results show that marriage negatively affects the well-being of married men in Togo, regardless of their marital status. Furthermore, we find that marriage is a decreasing function of education level in Togo, but that marriage contributes to improved household well-being in the Togolese context. Our results suggest that the provision of social assistance, such as affordable healthcare or employment assistance programs, could help improve the well-being of married men. Further policy implications are proposed in the light of our results.
JEL codes : J12, D60, D01
Projection of the combination of land use and climate change impacts on runoff in the Bojnourd catchment under CMIP6 Scenarios
Authors: Hossainzadeh Ahmad , Kashki Abdolreza , Karami Mokhtar , Sabbaghian Reza Javidi
Published: November 2023

Climate change and land use changes have a significant impact on the hydrological cycle in river basins and water resources in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Evaluating these changes is necessary to reduce their effects on the basin and develop a suitable strategy to minimize their impacts. Using the LARS-WG and SWAT combined model, this study evaluated the simultaneous effects of land use changes and climate change on the hydrological response of the catchment in the Bojnourd catchment in North Khorasan province, Iran. First, the changes in climate parameters during the years 2049-2020 in the two synoptic stations of Bojnourd and Asadli were investigated in the conditions of climate change using SSP245 scenarios as the medium scenario and SSP585 (pessimistic scenario) from the sixth IPCC CMIP6 report. SUFI2 algorithm is used in SWAT-CUP software to validate and confirm the SWAT model. In the calibration stage, the Nash-Sutcliffe index (NS) coefficient for the basin was 0.59 and in the confirmation stage, this index was 0.50 percent. In this research, land use changes were analyzed and predicted using ENVI software and the CA-Markov model for the years 2001, 2019, and 2040. The Kappa coefficient has been used to determine the accuracy of the land use map and its value for 2001 and 2001. 2019 are 0.91 and 0.95 percent respectively. Human-made land use changes accounted for the most land use changes between 2001 and 2040, which almost tripled in about 40 years. Also, the ratio of pasture has decreased from 61% to about 50%. On the other hand, the share of barren land will increase from 22% to about 27% by 2040. However, the precipitation will be different in Asadli and Bojnourd stations because the first shows a decrease and the second shows a very small amount of increase. The results of the SWAT model showed that the combined effect of both climate change factors and land use changes will reduce the runoff of the basin during the coming period so that the average monthly discharge at the outlet of the basin from 1.26 cubic meters per second in the base period to about 1.04 cubic meters per second (17.5 percent) will decrease in the coming period. The biggest decrease in the ssp585 scenario, as a pessimistic scenario without calculating the effect of land use changes in 2040 and only examining the effect of climate changes in the future period, the basin runoff will decrease by 0.9 cubic meters per second (28.5%). In fact, in both scenarios, the watershed runoff decreases, while the effect of land use change increases the watershed runoff, and this increase is less than the effect of climate change in the watershed.
Optimizing DevOps Enablers for Quantum Software Development
Authors: AlSanad Abeer , Akbar Muhammad
Published: November 2023

In the context of quantum software development, DevOps for quantum software development for quantum software development emerges as a crucial set of collaborative practices geared towards automating the seamless delivery of software updates, all while reducing development cycles and ensuring high-quality products. Yet, the integration of development and operational teams poses unique challenges, demanding the amalgamation of diverse processes, tools, and skill sets. This study undertakes the task of crafting a taxonomy of quantum DevOps for quantum software development for quantum software development best practices using a multicriteria decision process. Through a systematic literature review, we identify and document these best practices, complemented by industry insights gathered via a questionnaire survey. Employing the fuzzy-AHP technique, we prioritize these practices to empower organizations to assess and enhance their quantum DevOps for quantum software development for quantum software development operations, paving the way for more efficient and quality-focused quantum software development.
A docência universitária no contexto da formação inicial: Desafios acadêmico-pedagógicos em evidência
Authors: Silva Vera Lúcia Reis da , Menezes Cristiane Cruz de Oliveira , Alves Josiliana Abreu
Published: November 2023

A pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar os desafios acadêmico-pedagógicos no processo do ensinar e do aprender no contexto da docência universitária exercida por docentes do Instituto de Educação, Agricultura e Ambiente (IEAA/UFAM). O estudo, de abordagem qualitativa, teve a entrevista semiestruturada como técnica de coleta de dados, analisados à luz do método da análise de conteúdo. Os dados evidenciaram que os desafios acadêmico-pedagógicos perpassam pela falta de recursos e espaços adequados para a interligação da teoria com a prática ao interesse adormecido dos estudantes em prol da própria formação. Contudo, o incentivo e atitudes conscientizadoras fizeram a diferença em prol do êxito dos estudantes, somadas às estratégias das práticas pedagógicas visualizadas como possibilidades de superação dos desafios, bem como o trabalho em parceria com os pares e a socialização de experiências que foi salutar nesse contexto.
Práticas de letramento em uma escola do campo: Uma análise na disciplina de língua portuguesa
Authors: De Carvalho Elizabete Aparecida , Antunes-Rocha Maria Isabel
Published: November 2023

O objetivo da pesquisa foi descrever e analisar as práticas de letramento utilizadas nas aulas de Língua Portuguesa. A pesquisa de cunho qualitativo caracterizou-se por uma metodologia que enfatiza a observação participante e a entrevista narrativa. Os resultados apontaram para a presença de práticas de letramento que garantem aos estudantes a aprendizagem dos conteúdos específicos referentes aos aspectos linguísticos, valorizam a cultura e saberes do campo, contribuindo assim para a formação de um sujeito letrado, capaz de compreender os conhecimentos formais, históricos, tecnológicos e que saiba valorizar o meio onde vive, seus saberes e a cultura de seu povo.
Promoção de saúde na escola para educação de jovens e adultos: Uma pesquisa-ação diferenciando notícias de Fake News
Authors: Acosta Maria Alice Moreira , Coutinho Cadidja
Published: November 2023

O presente estudo teve como intuito investigar como uma pesquisa-ação utilizando notícias e/ou Fake News sobre saúde em redes sociais pode mediar e promover a educação científica de Jovens e Adultos. O espaço alvo da pesquisa trata-se de uma escola estadual da rede básica de ensino, onde a professora-pesquisadora é regente na disciplina de Biologia e realizou a pesquisa-ação de forma totalmente remota. A temática surgiu da percepção docente e dos estudantes que ainda vivenciavam a pandemia de COVID-19. A proposta está estruturada em sete etapas, sendo que a última contempla a construção de áudios sobre notícias relacionadas à saúde, transformados em episódios de um Podcast, corroborando com a ideia inicial de promover o Letramento em Saúde para os alunos da Educação de Jovens e Adultos.
Acidic and Basic Functionalized Biochar from Licuri Nutshell for Methylene Blue Removal: A More Sustainable Solution for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Bitencourt Gustavo , Machado Letícia , Peixoto Bruno , de Castro Laís , Veloso Márcia Cristina , Romeiro Gilberto , Lima Thiago
Published: November 2023

The right to clean water is one of the Sustainable Development Goals from the United Nations Agenda 2030. Industrial activity produces several tons of wastewater daily contaminated with dyes that must be treated. In this sense, the adsorption employing carbon-based materials as adsorbents is one of the most used and efficient processes. In this study, we developed a more sustainable biochar derived from a licuri nutshell (LN), a typical Brazilian lignocellulosic residue, for methylene blue (MB) removal. The chemical treatment of this biochar with sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide created a functional structure with acid and basic sites. The licuri nutshell modified biochar (LNMB) presented a maximum adsorption capacity of MB of 826.45 mg g-1, while the non-modified biochar and the commercial activated carbon presented only 5.27 and 142.86 mg g-1, respectively. The recyclability of the adsorbents was evaluated, and there was a loss of efficiency in each cycle for every material. However, it is remarkable that LNMB presented in only one adsorption cycle almost six times more MB removal than the commercial material, thus proving its promising feature as a greener adsorbent derived from lignocellulosic waste.
Gratitud en estudiantes y trabajadores de la ciudad de Arequipa: análisis psicométrico y comparativo
Authors: Arias Gallegos Walter , Huamani Cahua Julio Cesar
Published: November 2023

En la presente investigación se hace un análisis teórico de la gratitud, para, a partir de allí, realizar un análisis psicométrico de la Escala de Gratitud y valorar los resultados obtenidos de forma comparativa, en una muestra de estudiantes y trabajadores de la ciudad de Arequipa, al sur de Perú. Para ello, se tomó una muestra de 413 personas, 49.6% varones y 50.4% mujeres con una edad promedio de 20.83 años dentro de un rango de 16 a 36 años. Se aplicó la Escala de Gratitud, creada y validada por Alarcón en Perú, que consta de las dimensiones de Reciprocidad, Obligación moral y Cualidad sentimental. Se realizaron análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio para estudiar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala, mientras que las comparaciones se efectuaron mediante estadísticos paramétricos. Los resultados sugieren que la Escala presenta una estructura de tres dimensiones, con adecuados índices de confiabilidad; aunque fue necesario eliminar el ítem 18 y la distribución de los ítems en las tres dimensiones varía ligeramente, con respecto a la versión original. Finalmente, no se registraron diferencias en el comportamiento de la gratitud en función del sexo, pero sí entre los estudiantes y los trabajadores, tanto en las correlaciones interfactoriales como en la edad.
¿Todos los grupos felices son productivos? Interacción entre el afecto positivo grupal y el desempeño laboral grupal: estudio exploratorio
Authors: Peñalver Jonathan , Salanova Marisa , Martínez Isabel M.
Published: November 2023

La comprensión de la relación entre las emociones positivas (como la satisfacción laboral) y el desempeño laboral, ha generado variedad de estudios y tesis como la del trabajador feliz-productivo. No obstante, aún se requiere ampliar y profundizar en aspectos como el desarrollo de una perspectiva multinivel que permita identificar variables que componen grupos felices y productivos en las organizaciones. A partir del concepto de sinergia del bienestar-productivo sostenible (SBPS) y su propuesta de cuatro tipos de interacción entre el bienestar y el desempeño laboral: 1) Grupo feliz-productivo, 2) Grupo infeliz-improductivo, 3) Grupo feliz-improductivo, y 4) Grupo infeliz-productivo, el objetivo principal de este trabajo es analizar la relación entre el afecto positivo grupal (entusiasmo, optimismo, satisfacción, comodidad, relajación) y el desempeño grupal (intra-rol, extra-rol). La muestra está compuesta por 584 trabajadores/as (63.6% mujeres), agregados en 91 equipos de trabajo pertenecientes a 14 Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas (PyMEs) españolas. Mediante un análisis de conglomerados, los resultados determinaron la existencia de cuatro tipos de interacción o patrones entre el afecto positivo grupal y el desempeño grupal: Feliz-productivo (41.8%), Infeliz-improductivo (20.9%), Feliz-improductivo (29.7%), e Infeliz-productivo (7.7 %). Los resultados pueden ayudar a las organizaciones a tomar acciones respecto a la evaluación de riesgos psicosociales, gestión del desempeño y rediseño de grupos.
Designing water policy in India as adaptive governance for sustainability
Authors: Rajan Sudhir Chella , Woiwode Christoph
Published: November 2023

India's governance regimes for water have always been important, given its vast size, development challenges, and administrative and ecological complexity. Their effective and legitimate implementation has a new urgency in the context of climate change, leading to widespread interest in ‘adaptive governance’. The term ‘adaptive water governance’ clearly takes on different meanings across contexts, ranging from transboundary institutions and riverine institutions, through national-level wetlands coastal, groundwater and wastewater policy to state-level, metropolitan and village-level institutions. These diverse governance constellations are crucial for managing natural hazards such as floods and storm surges, irrigation, industrial uses, drinking water supply, wastewater and local water bodies and their hydrology. Furthermore, in addition to formal (governmental) forms of regulation and management, there are many other non-formal or semi-formal collective forms of water management involving non-governmental organizations, farmer groups, water user associations, corporations, and self-help groups.
Function-led design of porous organic materials for water treatment
Authors: Giri Arkaprabha , Shreeraj G. , Sahoo Aniket , Patra Abhijit
Published: November 2023

Porous organic polymers (POPs) have received substantial research attention in the last two decades owing to their modular functionality, tailorable pore size, excellent hydrothermal stability, and high specific surface area. Thus, POPs have emerged as potential adsorbent materials for efficiently removing diverse classes of contaminants ranging from organic micropollutants to heavy metal ions from water. Incorporating guest-responsive supramolecular cavitands and cages into the porous polymers enhances their activity and facilitates the selective scavenging of organic micropollutants from water. On the contrary, crystalline covalent organic framework-based thin films/membranes with precise one-dimensional nanochannels are highly suitable for nanofiltration-based water treatment for the size-selective removal of organic micropollutants and metal salts. In this chapter, we focus our discussion on the various types of emerging amorphous and crystalline POPs for wastewater treatment. Additionally, we will discuss the challenges related to the processability of the materials as well as shed light on some of the future avenues of POPs for the removal of emerging persistent micropollutants from water.
Emerging carbon-based nanocomposites for the removal of hazardous materials
Authors: Tewari Chetna , Kumar Sumit , Saha Biswajit , Jung Yong Chae , Sahoo Nanda Gopal
Published: November 2023

Even though water covers 75% of the earth's surface, only 0.0067% of it is available for human use. These figures continue to deteriorate as the world's population grows, resulting in an increase in the amount of waste created every year. Worldwide, the desire for clean and safe water has always been a major concern. The pursuit of efficient materials for environmental remediation is a critical scientific and technological concern. Carbon-based materials (CBM) have unique electrical, mechanical, and physicochemical properties, making them ideal for use as environmental adsorbents, sensors, membranes, and catalysts. Basically, CBM includes activated carbon, carbon nanofibre, biochar, carbon aerogel, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and so on. These materials can easily be engineered and functionalized, depending on the chemical nature of the target contaminants, and shows great efficiency towards the removal of hazardous materials. Carbon-based nanocomposites (CBNC) play a vital role in water treatment and environmental remediation due to their higher adsorption capacity, improved permeation, porous nature, and selectivity towards pollutants. This book chapter discusses the effective employment of CBNCs, including their future prospects in the field of water purification for the removal of textile dyes, volatile organic substances, toxic metals, oil, and biological contaminants.
Conductivity sensors for water quality monitoring: a brief review
Authors: Tejaswini K. K. , George B. , Mukhopadhyay S. C. , Kumar V. J.
Published: November 2023

Conductivity of water is one of the important parameters that can, to some extent, reveal the quality of water. As water quality changes, the ability of water to pass current through it changes. This makes the conductivity measurement important. Some of the conductivity sensors are designed to use for flow-through applications while some others are immersion types. Conductivity can be measured using specially designed sensors or probes; some of those need direct contact with water. There are also sensors with no such restriction. Sensors that need direct contact with water suffer due to contamination of the measurement electrodes. Accuracy of the measurement is affected by the electrode contamination, undefined current path, noise, and non-idealities of the measurement electronics employed. There are non-contact-type conductivity sensors based on inductive techniques and capacitively coupled techniques. They have no electrode contamination problem. Undefined current path in water is a limitation for the inductive-type probe and complexity level of the capacitively coupled sensor is relatively high. To select or design a certain type of conductivity sensor, it will be advantageous if the associated details are available in a concise manner. This chapter presents an overview about the existing conductivity sensors for water. It is focussed on latest developments and a performance comparison is presented by listing the limiting factors. The chapter concludes with a discussion of future opportunities in this field.
Managing floods and droughts in urban environment: case studies from South Korea and India
Authors: Kartheeshwari Mariappan Rinisha , Sadath Puthan Veettil Razi , Kang Boosik , Elango Lakshmanan
Published: November 2023

Floods and droughts are two contrasting extreme events that have become a major concern especially due to climate change and urbanization. These problems are due to distinct causes and effects at various places requiring different mitigation strategies. The risks due to floods and droughts cannot be eliminated but can be reduced or minimized. Transfer of the surplus water to areas of water deficit is a possible way of managing floods and droughts together. This would also help to create additional irrigational potential and promote hydropower generation to overcome regional imbalances. Other measures such as enhancing surface storage, managed aquifer recharge, interlinking of water bodies, and developing green infrastructures are practised globally under different names to combat these two extremes. This chapter presents a detailed insight into the effects and mitigation strategies of floods and droughts in general and with the case studies from the Republic of Korea and India.
Developing an optimal plan to improve irrigation efficiency using a risk-based central force algorithm
Authors: Jiang Junmin , Chen Shi
Published: November 2023

Losses in surface irrigation include deep percolation and runoff, which is one of the ways to increase the efficiency of furrow irrigation, using a closed-end mode in irrigation systems. This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of geometrical variables (slope and length of furrow) and flow control (inflow rate and cut-off time) on application efficiency (AE) and the uniformity of water distribution in a closed-end furrow irrigation system. The length, slope, inflow rate, and cut-off time are considered as the decision-making variables for developing the multi-objective genetic algorithm based on the non-dominated sorting. For this purpose, three irrigation furrows with the closed-end system were considered. The optimization algorithm for calculating the objective functions involves maximizing the minimum water depth and minimizing the infiltration depth in a modeling loop. The optimization algorithm was linked to the WinSRFR software to calculate the objective functions. The results showed that the best combination of inflow rate and the cut-off time for 75 mm of required water depth was 1.9 L/s/m and 150 min, respectively, which increased AE and distribution uniformity to 79 and 78%. Furthermore, the AE in the closed-end furrow irrigation system is higher (30–50%) than the open-end method in different scenarios.
Identification of Key Prognostic Alternative Splicing Events of Costimulatory
Molecule-Related Genes in Colon Cancer
Authors: Ding Hao , Shi Huiwen , Chen Weifeng , Liu Zhisheng , Yang Zhi , Li Xiaochuan , Qiu Zhichao , Zhuo Hongqing
Published: November 2023

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the key alternative splicing events in costimulatory
molecule-related genes in colon cancer and to determine their correlation with prognosis.

Methods:

Gene expression RNA-sequencing data, clinical data, and SpliceSeq data of colon
cancer were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Differentially expressed alternative
splicing events in genes were identified, Followed by correlation analysis of genes corresponding
to differentially expressed alternative splicing events with costimulatory molecule-related
genes. Survival analysis was conducted using differentially expressed alternative splicing
events in these genes and a prognostic model was constructed. Functional enrichment, proteinprotein
interaction network, and splicing factor analyses were performed.

Results:

In total, 6504 differentially expressed alternative splicing events in 3949 genes were
identified between tumor and normal tissues. Correlation analysis revealed 3499 differentially
expressed alternative splicing events in 2168 costimulatory molecule-related genes. Moreover,
328 differentially expressed alternative splicing events in 288 costimulatory molecule-related
genes were associated with overall survival. The prognostic models constructed using these
showed considerable power in predicting survival. The ubiquitin A-52 residue ribosomal protein
fusion product 1 and ribosomal protein S9 were the hub nodes in the protein-protein interaction
network. Furthermore, one splicing factor, splicing factor proline and glutamine-rich,
was significantly associated with patient prognosis. Four splicing factor-alternative splicing
pairs were obtained from four alternative splicing events in three genes: TBC1 domain family
member 8 B, complement factor H, and mitochondrial fission 1.

Conclusion:

The identified differentially expressed alternative splicing events of costimulatory
molecule-related genes may be used to predict patient prognosis and immunotherapy responses
in colon cancer.
Neuroimaging Genetics and Network Analysis in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Moon Seok Woo
Published: November 2023

The issue of the genetics in brain imaging phenotypes serves as a crucial link between
two distinct scientific fields: neuroimaging genetics (NG). The articles included here provide solid
proof that this NG link has considerable synergy. There is a suitable collection of articles that offer
a wide range of viewpoints on how genetic variations affect brain structure and function. They
serve as illustrations of several study approaches used in contemporary genetics and neuroscience.
Genome-wide association studies and candidate-gene association are two examples of genetic techniques.
Cortical gray matter structural/volumetric measures from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
are sources of information on brain phenotypes. Together, they show how various scientific
disciplines have benefited from significant technological advances, such as the single-nucleotide
polymorphism array in genetics and the development of increasingly higher-resolution MRI imaging.
Moreover, we discuss NG’s contribution to expanding our knowledge about the heterogeneity
within Alzheimer’s disease as well as the benefits of different network analyses.
Growth Hormone, Atherosclerosis and Peripheral Arterial Disease:
Exploring the Spectrum from Acromegaly to Growth Hormone Deficiency
Authors: R Herman , A Janez , DP Mikhailidis , P Poredos , A Blinc , M Sabovic , K Bajuk Studen , GH Schernthaner , P Anagnostis , PL Antignani , M Jensterle
Published: November 2023

Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are increasingly recognised
for their role in cardiovascular (CV) physiology. The GH-IGF-1 axis plays an essential role in
the development of the CV system as well as in the complex molecular network that regulates cardiac
and endothelial structure and function. A considerable correlation between GH levels and CV mortality
exists even among individuals in the general population without a notable deviation in the GHIGF-
1 axis functioning. In addition, over the last decades, evidence has demonstrated that pathologic
conditions involving the GH-IGF-1 axis, as seen in GH excess to GH deficiency, are associated with
an increased risk for CV morbidity and mortality. A significant part of that risk can be attributed to
several accompanying comorbidities. In both conditions, disease control is associated with a consistent
improvement of CV risk factors, reduction of CV mortality, and achievement of standardised
mortality ratio similar to that of the general population. Data on the prevalence of peripheral arterial
disease in patients with acromegaly or growth hormone deficiency and the effects of GH and IGF-1
levels on the disease progression is limited. In this review, we will consider the pivotal role of the
GH-IGF-1 axis on CV system function, as well as the far-reaching consequences that arise when disorders
within this axis occur, particularly in relation to the atherosclerosis process.