bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ensemble learning paradigms for flow rate prediction boosting
Authors: Kouadio Laurent Kouao , Liu Jianxin , Kouamelan Serge Kouamelan , Liu Rong
Published: February 2023

In developing countries, climate change has considerably affected population welfare by increasing drinking water scarcity. Global organizations and governments have initiated many drinking water supply projects to fight against this issue. Most of these projects are led by geophysical companies in partnership with drilling ventures to locate drillings expected to give the recommended flow rate (FR). Known as cheap methods, electrical resistivity profiling (ERP) and vertical electrical sounding (VES) were the most preferred. Unfortunately, the project objective was not achieved due to numerous unsuccessful drillings, thereby creating a huge loss of investments. To reduce the repercussion of unsuccessful drillings, we introduced the ensemble machine learning (EML) paradigms composed of four base learners. The aim is to predict at least 80% of correct FR in the validation set before any drilling operations. Geo-electrical features were defined from the ERP and VES and combined with the collected boreholes data to compose the binary dataset ( FR ≤ 1m3/hrandFR>1m3/hr) for unproductive and productive boreholes respectively). Then, the dataset is transformed before feeding to the EMLs. As a result, the benchmark and the pasting EMLs performed 85% of good predictions on the validation set whereas the extreme gradient boosting and the stacking performed 86% and 87% respectively. Finally, the correct prediction of FRs will reduce the losses in investment beneficial for funders and state governments, and geophysical and drilling ventures.
Assessment of Health Risks Associated with Contaminants in Groundwater in the Catchment Area of Selected Dumpsites in Abuja, North Central Nigeria
Authors: Omali Aurelius , arogundade johnson , Snow Daniel
Published: February 2023

The human health risk assessment associated with heavy metals contained in sources of drinking water within the catchment area of some dumpsites in Federal Capital Territory Abuja were carried out. Surface and groundwater samples obtained from the study area were subjected to analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in order to obtain the required analytes for the assessment. Health Risk Index (HI) was computed for non-carcinogenic risk assessment while carcinogenic Risk Index (CR) was computed for carcinogenic risk assessment. The computed HI for adults via ingestion across all the investigated dumpsites, ranges from 2.38 to 11.6. The computed HI for adults via dermal absorption across all the investigated dumpsites, ranges from 0.026 to 0.07, which is interpreted to be acceptable. The computed HI for children via ingestion across all the investigated dumpsites, ranges from 8.051 to 29.868, which is interpreted to be unacceptable. The computed HI for Children via dermal absorption across all the investigated dumpsites, ranges from 0.3820 to 1.237 in which about 80% are considered acceptable. The CR ranges from 0.0021 to 0.0109 and 0.004940 to 0.026 for adults and children respectively. This result indicates that both children and adults taking the investigated water via ingestion, are at high risk of contracting cancer.
An extract from the frass of swallowtail butterfly (Papilio machaon) larvae inhibits HCT116 colon cancer cell proliferation but not other cancer cell types
Authors: Nakano Miho , Sakamoto Takuma , Kitano Yoshikazu , Bono Hidemasa , Simpson Richard J. , Tabunoki Hiroko
Published: February 2023

Background
The frass of several herbivorous insect species has been utilised as natural medicines in Asia; however, the metabolite makeup and pharmaceutical activities of insect frass have yet to be investigated. Oligophagous Papilionidae insects utilise specific kinds of plants, and it has been suggested that the biochemicals from the plants may be metabolised by cytochrome P450 (CYP) in Papilionidae insects. In this study, we extracted the components of the frass of Papilio machaon larvae reared on Angelica keiskei, Oenanthe javanica or Foeniculum vulgare and examined the biological activity of each component. Then, we explored the expression of CYP genes in the midgut of P. machaon larvae and predicted the characteristics of their metabolic system.
Results
The components that were extracted using hexane, chloroform or methanol were biochemically different between larval frass and the host plants on which the larvae had fed. Furthermore, a fraction obtained from the chloroform extract from frass of A. keiskei-fed larvae specifically inhibited the cell proliferation of the human colon cancer cell line HCT116, whereas fractions obtained from the chloroform extracts of O. javanica- or F. vulgare-fed larval frass did not affect HCT116 cell viability. The metabolites from the chloroform extract from frass of A. keiskei-fed larvae prevented cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells. Next, we examined the metabolic system in A. keiskei-fed larvae by RNA-seq analysis and found that the A. keiskei-fed larval midgut had different characteristics from the O. javanica- or F. vulgare-fed larval metabolic systems. We found that the CYP6B2 transcript was highly expressed in the A. keiskei-fed larval midgut.
Conclusions
These findings indicate that P. machaon metabolites might be useful as pharmaceutical agents against human colon cancer subtypes. Importantly, our findings show that it might be possible to use insect metabolic enzymes for the chemical structural conversion of plant-derived compounds with complex structures.
Canis MitoSNP Database: a Functional Tool Useful for Comparative Analyses of Human and Canine Mitochondrial Genomes
Authors: Kowal Krzysztof , Tkaczyk-Wlizło Angelika , Jusiak Marcin , Grzybowska-Szatkowska Ludmiła , Slaska Brygida
Published: February 2023

Canis MitoSNP is a tool allowing assignment of each mitochondrial genomic position a corresponding position in the mitochondrial gene and in the structure of tRNA, rRNA, and protein. The main aim of this bioinformatic tool was to use data from other bioinformatic tools (TMHMM, SOPMA, trna-scan, RNAfold, ConSurf) for dog and human mitochondrial genes in order to shorten the time necessary for the analysis of the whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) as well as amino acid and protein analyses. Each position in the canine mitochondrial genome is assigned a position in genes, in codons, an amino acid position in proteins, or a position in tRNA or rRNA molecules. Therefore, a user analysing changes in the canine and human mitochondrial genome does not need to extract the sequences of individual genes from the mitochondrial genome for analysis and there is no need to rewrite them into amino acid sequences to assess whether the change is synonymous or nonsynonymous. Canis mitoSNP allows the comparison between the human and canine mitochondrial genomes as well. The Clustal W alignment of the dog and human mitochondrial DNA reference sequences for each gene obtained from GenBank (NC_002008.4 dog, NC_012920.1 human) was performed in order to determine which position in the canine mitochondrial genome corresponds to the position in the human mitochondrial genome. This function may be useful for the comparative analyses. The tool is available at: https://canismitosnp.pl.
Identification of key genes and lncRNAs based on M6A methylation regulators and Ferroptosis related genes for the slow flow/no reflow phenomenon
Authors: Zhang Chaoyue , Hu Zhao , Yang Ruijun , Shi Yunke , Ma Yiming , Cao Xingyu , Luo Xiang , Wang Jincheng , Lin Fanru , Li Xianbin , Lun Jinping , Tao Jifa , Cai Hongyan
Published: February 2023

Differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELncs) between treat (STEMI-A and STEMI-B groups) and control group and between STEMI-A (used as control group) and STEMI-B group were obtained by differential analysis. 29 common DELncs were obtained using Venn diagram by intersecting the two DELncs sets. Subsequently, four key lncRNAs based on the treat and control group (ABC-KLncs) with the highest correlation degree (|cor| > 0.8 and p < 0.05) with MMRs and FRGs were obtained, including FAM230B, lnc-EVI2A-3, lnc-PZP-6, and lnc-PLGLB2-5. Through differential analysis and correlation analysis, and 544 DEGs between the treat and control groups with |cor| > 0.3 were identified, and a PPI network was further constructed. MCODE algrithm and Cytohubba algrithm were applied and sifted out four key genes based on the treat and control group (ABC-KGs), consisting of ATP2B3, SUMO2, PPIA, and DNM1. Differential analysis, correlation analysis, PPI network, MCODE algrithm, and Cytohubba algrithm were also performed on the STEMI-A and STEMI-B groups. Moreover, four 4 key lncRNAs based on STEMI-A and STEMI-B groups (AB-KLncs) consisting of LINC00907, lnc-ZNF583-4, RP11-566J3.4, and lnc-USP28-6, and three key genes based the STEMI-A and STEMI-B groups (AB-KGs) consisting of TXN, ASPM, and MYLK were filtered out. In conclusion, this study obtained four ABC-KLncs, four ABC-KGs, four AB-KLncs, and three AB-KGs, these can inform the diagnosis and further study of STEMI as well as the phenomenon of slow flow/no reflow.
New high-throughput screening method for Chinese hamster ovary cell lines expressing low reduced monoclonal antibody levels: Application of a system controlling the gas phase over cell lysates in miniature bioreactors and facilitating multiple sample setup
Authors: Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Fukuda Mie , Matsumoto Yuichi , Mori Takaaki , Kikuchi Shinsuke , Nagano Ryuma , Yamamoto Koichi , Wakamatsu Kaori
Published: February 2023

Interchain disulfide bonds in monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) may be reduced during large-scale mAb production using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. This reaction lowers the mAb product yield and purity; however, it may be prevented by screening cell lines that are unsusceptible to reduction and using them in mAb production. Antibody reduction susceptibility may be cell line-dependent. To the best of our knowledge, however, an efficient method of screening reduction-unsusceptible CHO cell lines has not been previously reported. Here, we report a novel screening method that can simultaneously detect and identify mAb reduction susceptibility in lysates containing ≤ 48 CHO cell lines. This evaluation system was equally effective and generated similar results at all culture scales, including 250 mL, 3 L, and 1,000 L. Furthermore, we discovered that reduction-susceptible cell lines contained higher total intracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and NADP+ concentrations than reduction-unsusceptible cell lines, regardless of whether they expressed immunoglobulin (Ig)G4 or IgG1. NADPH or NADP+ supplementation in the lysate of reduction-unsusceptible cells resulted in mAb reduction. Application of the innovative CHO cell line screening approach could mitigate or prevent reductions in large-scale mAb generation from CHO cells.
Plant Disease Recognition Using Residual Convolutional Enlightened Swin Transformer Networks
Authors: Ponugoti Kalpana , R Anandan , Abualigah Laith
Published: February 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Rational Design of Disulfide Bonds Increases Thermostability of a β-1,3-1,4-Glucanase from Paenibacillus
Authors: Wang Guo-Dong , Lu Jie , liang Xiao-Li , Cui Quan , Fan Han , Wang Rui-Ming , Li Pi-Wu , Wang Jun-Qing
Published: February 2023

β-1,3 − 1,4-gluconases can specifically hydrolyze the adjacent β-1,4 glycoside bond of β-1,3 in β-glucan, which is widely used in food, brewing and feed industries. Its sources include bacteria, fungi, and plant endosperm cell walls, most β-1,3 − 1,4-glucanases lose their activity when the temperature exceeds 65 ℃. In this study, we selected and modified the β-1,3 − 1,4-glucanase (PlicA) gene from Paenibacillus and expressed it in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Adding disulfide bonds by rational design increased the optimal temperature of the enzyme from 55 ℃ to 80 ℃, and temperature stability was also improved. The optimum pH of the modified β-1,3 − 1,4-gluconanase (Eccsl69) was 9.0–10.0. The enzyme activity in 16.9 U/mL of Eccsl69 was measured at 540 nm with 0.8% gluan as the substrate, and a nickel column purified specific enzyme activity of 320 U/mg was determined. The Km and Vmax values of Eccsl69 using barley β-glucan as substrate were 1.5 mg/ml and 8.3 mol/min·mg. The structure of the β-1,3 − 1,4-glucanase Eccsl69 tended to be stable after molecular dynamics simulation for approximately 20 ns. The enzyme was successfully applied in the pulping and papermaking field for the first time, and the pulp freeness was adjusted from 55.0 °SR to 47 °SR, which enhanced water filtration. This study provides a successful strategy for improving the heat resistance of Eccsl69, which is promising for its application in pulping and paper making industries.
Experimental study of MICP low pH mixed grout curing sand
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Zhang Zhao , Feng Zhongshuai , Zhu Rui
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the bacterial solution was mixed with cementing solution and the generation time of calcium carbonate precipitation was delayed during microbial curing. The optimal pH value and the concentration of cementing solution were determined. The reinforcement effect of pH-adjusted mixed grouting method on sandy soil was analyzed by the unconfined compressive strength, the generation amount and distribution of calcium carbonate precipitation. The results show that the strength of the specimen by low pH mixed grouting method is 235% higher and more calcium carbonate precipitates is generated than other. The utilization rate of cementing fluid and the distribution of calcium carbonate are better.
Osteocyte-derived exosomes confer multiple myeloma resistance to chemotherapy through acquisition of cancer stem cell-like features
Authors: Cheng Feifei , Wang Zhiming , You Gichun , Liu Yuhong , He Jin , Yang Jing
Published: February 2023

Therapeutic resistance is a major challenge in multiple myeloma treatment. Understanding the underlying mechanisms is required to develop effective strategies against drug resistance and improve the prognosis of myeloma patients. Here, we identify osteocytes, the major cellular component of bone tissue, as key regulators of myeloma therapeutic resistance. Osteocyte-derived exosomes can be efficiently taken up by myeloma cells and exert a protective effect against chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Mechanistic studies further reveal that osteocyte-derived exosomal miR-483-3p and miR-513a-5p promote cancer stem cell-like features in myeloma cells by regulating HIF-1α stabilization, thus conferring myeloma cells resistance to chemotherapy. Strikingly, combination treatment of miR-483-3p and miR-513a-5p inhibitors significantly reduces tumor burden and potentiates the therapeutic efficacy of bortezomib in the myeloma mouse model. Our findings, therefore, demonstrate the functional impact of osteocytes on myeloma therapeutic resistance, and suggest that osteocyte-derived exosomal miRNAs may serve as potential therapeutic targets for overcoming drug resistance in multiple myeloma.
Bufalin targets the SRC-3/c-Myc pathway in chemoresistant cells to regulate metastasis induced by chemoresistance in colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Jinbao , Wu Chenqi , Yu Kun , Tang Xiaoxia , Xu Ke , Chen Yi , Li Wei
Published: February 2023

Metastasis and chemoresistance are often major challenges in advanced-stage colorectal cancer. Recent studies have found extensive crosstalk between them. Previous studies have shown that bufalin has a therapeutic effect on both metastasis and drug resistance, but how bufalin affects chemoresistance-mediated metastasis remains unclear. In our study, we found that bufalin inhibited resistance-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis, which in turn inhibited the resulting metastasis. In addition, we demonstrated that targeting of the SRC-3 protein by bufalin reduced the expression level of c-Myc and inhibited the prometastatic effect mediated by chemoresistance. Overexpression of SRC-3 or c-Myc reversed the inhibitory effect of bufalin on chemotherapeutic resistance, promoting metastasis. More interestingly, we also found that the clinical drug cinobufacini and its main active monomer bufalin reduced liver metastasis of colorectal cancer caused by chemoresistance in vivo. In conclusion, bufalin can target the SRC-3/c-Myc signaling pathway to affect the prometastatic effect of chemoresistant cells, suggesting that bufalin may be used as a new adjuvant antimetastatic therapy for colorectal cancer.
Association between gastrointestinal perforation and patent ductus arteriosus in extremely-low-birth-weight infants: A retrospective study of our decade- long experience
Authors: Muto Mitsuru , Sugita Koshiro , Murakami Masakazu , Ikoma Shinichiro , Kawano Masato , Masuya Ryuta , Matsukubo Makoto , Kawano Takafumi , Machigashira Seiro , Nakame Kazuhiko , Torikai Motofumi , Ikee Takamasa , Noguchi Hiroyuki , Ibara Satoshi , Ieiri Satoshi
Published: February 2023

Purpose
Management of persistently patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in extremely-low-birth-weight infants (ELBWIs) requires attention due to the risk of tissue hypoperfusion. We investigated the association between PDA and gastrointestinal perforation.
Methods
We performed a retrospective chart review from 2012 to 2021. Preterm (≤ 32 weeks) ELBWIs with PDA after birth who developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), focal intestinal perforation (FIP), and idiopathic gastric perforation were included; ELBWIs with congenital heart disease were excluded. Data were analyzed using chi-squared tests with Yates' correction, and Student's t-test.
Results
Five hundred thirty-five preterm ELBWIs were analyzed, including 20 with NEC, 22 with FIP, and 1 with gastric perforation. In NEC and FIP, the ductus arteriosus remained open in 40% (4/10) and 63.6% (14/22) of cases, respectively, and cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor treatment showed poor efficacy (p = 0.492 and 0.240). The incidence of perforation in NEC (4/9 vs. 6/11, p = 0.653), mortality in NEC (3/4 vs. 3/6, p = 0.895) and FIP (6/14 vs. 3/8, p = 0.838) did not differ according to whether the PDA persisted or resolved.
Conclusion
The presentation of PDA did not affect mortality or morbidity of ELBWIs. However, it is essential to consider the possibility of gastrointestinal perforation due to decreased organ blood flow caused by ductal steal.
Exploring Exploration – How to Look for Deep- Sea Minerals
Authors: Trellevik Lars-Kristian
Published: February 2023

In the spring of 2023, the subsea industry in Norway is gearing up for an opening of the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) for deep-sea mineral exploration and extraction. Existing research indicates that the profitability of deep-sea mining with today's technology heavily depends on high ore grades. This study explores the potential for emerging techno-operational concepts for exploration to affect the profitability of Seafloor Massive Sulfides (SMS) Industry on the NCS. By way of computer simulation, the study analyzes technologies currently, or soon, poised to enter the subsea market, with regard to their advantage or disadvantage for the SMS industry on the NCS. The study indicates that there is significant advantage in developing geophysical sampling technology for assessing mineral resources and some advantage in developing unmanned surface vessels for regional surveys. It further indicates that developing fleet operated autonomous underwater vehicle concepts for high-resolution surveys is not only moot, but possibly counterproductive. The study thereby contributes techno-operational insight for a budding industry currently looking for technology to improve commercial prospects.
Modeling of Water-invaded Horizontal Well With Inflow Control Device's at Gulf of Suez Area
Authors: Mohamed abdalla , Al-Fakharany Taher , Khalid Samir
Published: February 2023

The Gulf of Suez contains a lot of fields most of these fields suffering from water invasion. Inflow control technology is used to manacle the unfavorable effects of water coning that delay water breakthrough. It balances the inflow between well bore and completion by adding more pressure drop between the reservoir and the well bore. This paper describes the first models of using inflow control devices in Gulf of Suez wells and such technique in Egypt and also compare this modeling of prediction data with the actual data for horizontal well already completed and produced from long time suffered from water infringement. The analysis was done for heterogeneity reservoir with different models using ICD and AICV that assumed three different cases and compared to actual open hole well. The results showed that the well completed with ICD and AICV significantly higher oil production performance, meanwhile ICD is somewhat getting better than autonomous ICV. Inflow control device technique would be able to delay water production for long time than the actual perforated open hole well.
Cobalt nanostructures electrochemical nucleation from a type-IV deep eutectic solvent based on CoCl 2 ·6H 2 O and ethylene glycol
Authors: Hoang Thi Thanh Thuy , Ho Nang Xuan , Duy Vinh Nguyen , Thi Thuy Cao , Anh Tuan Pham , Morales-Gil Perla , Palomar-Pardave Manuel , Hieu Nguyen , Chu Thi-Xuan , Manh Tu Le
Published: February 2023

In the present work, electrodeposition and electronucleation of cobalt on a glassy carbon electrode from a type-IV deep eutectic solvent, mixture of CoCl2·6H2O and ethylene glycol, were studied. It was found, by cyclic voltammetry, that cathodic efficiencies of Co electrodeposition were high for both cases without and with supporting electrolyte, yielding their values of 95 % and 96 %, respectively, which helped to consider negligible contribution of side reaction during the electrodeposition process. The selection of used supporting electrolyte concentration was based on Gibbs free energy for nucleation criterion. The presence of supporting electrolyte improved the voltammogram’s shape and reduction current density by controlling the system under diffusional regime. From chronoamperometry, it was established that the instantaneous nucleation was confirmed to be predominant at lower deposition potentials (i.e., E < -0.90 V), while progressive nucleation was governed at higher potentials (i.e., E > -0.92 V) during the Co electrodeposition. Current density transients of the Co(II) system could be analyzed by the three-dimensional nucleation and diffusion-controlled growth model of Co metallic nuclei, to derive kinetic parameters such as frequency of nucleation, A, number of active sites, N0, and diffusion coefficient, D, of the Co (II) in type-IV DES system. Moreover, excellent quality of Co electrodeposits with different morphological features was obtained from the type-IV eutectic mixture and it was even better without the use of the supporting electrolyte, for the same applied potential and electrodeposition time. Surface characterization methods, including scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, have revealed the presence of high purity electrodeposited Co nanoparticles on the electrode surfaces. Both cases, with and without supporting electrolyte, produced cobalt electrodeposited nanostructures with the hexagon-close-packed crystal lattice, which was verified by X-ray measurements.
Hydrogen sulfide promotes the stemness of liver cancer stem cells through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Bihan , Wang Shanshan , Sun Rui , Ding Huiguo , Li Lei
Published: February 2023

Background
LCSCs is a key factor in the occurrence and development of HCC. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is the third gas signalling molecule after carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen monoxide (NO). Exogenous H2S has been shown to inhibit the progression of HCC by increasing apoptosis and autophagy. However, whether H2S can affect LCSCs in HCC microenvironment still remains poorly understand.
Methods
In vitro, Flow cytometry (FCM), imaging quantitive flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing, and Tumor sphere-forming assay were carried out in the HCC cells and LCSCs to investigate the effect of H2S on biological functions and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Data was analyzed using unpaired Student's t-test and nonlinear regression. P < 0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference.
Results
Based on the FCM, we found that exogenous H2S were able to induce HCC cells apoptosis and promote stemness in HCC cells. RNA-sequencing, imaging quantitive flow cytometry showed that 23 genes was regulated in NaHS group, and NaHS can activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in HCC cell lines. Treatment with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitor ICRT3 alleviated the NaHS-induced stemness increase in HepG2 and Hep3B cells. Furthermore, the tumor sphere-forming assay show that the number of sphere-forming cells was significantly increased in NaHS treated group and was inhibited significantly in ICRT3 treated group.
Conclusion
Exogenous H2S increased the expression of CD133, CD44 and β-catenin and promoted the stemness in LCSCs by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signalling, which strongly clarify the relationship between Exogenous H2S and LCSC stemness and may provide theoretical guidance and potential therapeutic approaches for liver cancer.
Curtailing environmental impact assessment unlikely to speed implementation of natural resource management
Authors: Struthers Cory , Murenbeeld Kathryn , Williamson Matthew
Published: February 2023

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a central procedure that governments use to evaluate the merits and risks of natural resource management decisions and is often labeled red tape. Increasingly, decisionmakers from across the political spectrum are exempting EIA in order to expedite implementation of necessary actions for climate resilience and clean energy. Yet few studies have quantified the extent that EIA is the main barrier to efficient implementation of government priorities. We gather administrative data from the US Forest Service (USFS) on more than 4,500 silviculture, fuels, and invasive species management actions initiated 2009–2021 and use survival analysis to compare the time it takes agency offices to comply with the 1970 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) relative to other implementation tasks. Results indicate that for most actions the USFS takes as long or longer to award first contracts and rollout first on-the-ground activities than to complete NEPA processes, and that the NEPA process accounts for one-fifth of planned implementation time. Results call attention toward efficiency barriers that slow implementation after EIA and away from exemption strategies that deliver short-term political benefits at the expense of public trust and sound decision-making under a shifting climate.
Age and sex variation of SARS-CoV-2 cycle threshold value during prevalence of Omicron BA.5 sublineage
Authors: Pighi Laura , Henry Brandon M. , De Nitto Simone , Gianfilippi Gianluca , Salvagno Gian Luca , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: February 2023

Background: In this work we explore the possibility that age and sex may have an impact on the nasopharyngeal viral load of subjects infected by the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 sublineage.
Methods: The study population was a cohort of outpatients who initially presented to the COVID-19 diagnostic facility of Hospital Pederzoli (Peschiera del Garda, Verona, Italy) ≤3 days from onset of suggestive symptoms, and subsequently tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The study took place when the local prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 sublineage was >90%. A nasopharyngeal swab was collected and immediately transported to the local diagnostic laboratory, where it was used for SARS-CoV-2 testing with Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2.
Results: The final study population consisted in 112 subjects, with median age of 45 years (77 females). In univariate analysis, no significant correlation was found between Ct value and sex (r= 0.02; p=0.817) or age (r= 0.02; p=0.798). the mean Ct value did not differ between males (24.7; IQR, 21.7-29.3) and females (25.2; IQR, 21.1-30.4; p=0.389). In multivariate analysis, the mean Ct values was not associated with sex (p=0.779) or age (p=0.979).
Conclusion: The viral load in patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 infection is not dependent on age and sex.
Spectral simulation and materials design for camouflage textiles coloration against materials of multidimensional combat backgrounds in visible and near infrared spectrum
Authors: Hossain Md. Anowar
Published: February 2023

Visible and near infrared spectra of “sixteen materials for textile coloration/ finishing/patterning” such as titanium dioxide, calcium oxide, aluminum, tin metal, tin oxide, iron powder, boron carbide, magnesium powder, carbon black pigment, titanium carbide, isolan black 2S LDN, isolan orange, telon blue A 2R, telon red A 2R, telon violet 3R and telon yellow A 2R; and ‘nine materials of combat backgrounds (CBs) such as dry leaves, green leaves, tree bark-woodland CB; water-marine CB; sand-desertland CB; stone-stoneland CB; snow-snowland CB; sky CB and ice-iceland CB (DGTWSIB) are obtained by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry and colorflex EZ spectrophotometer. A method of ‘Monte Carlo cross validation’ was applied for spectral simulation in visible and near infrared spectrums through experimental data information. The characterized reflection spectra of zero reflection (ZR), low reflection (LR), high reflection (HR) and HR-LR (HLR) materials are coalesced and simulated for camouflage materials design and textile applications against multidimensional CBs, DGTWSIB. The reflections of aluminium, titanium dioxide, calcium oxide, tin metal, tin oxide and iron powder are irradiated as HR materials. Oppositely boron carbide, magnesium powder, carbon black pigment and titanium carbide are illuminated as LR materials. Consequently, the mixing principle of HR and LR materials are also classified as HLR materials. Spectral properties of CB materials are also depicted as ZR materials against selected CBs. Spectral signal of ZR, LR, HR and HLR materials are identified as more expedient camouflage materials for concealment of target signature than six selected synthetic dyes such as Isolan Black 2S LDN, Isolan Orange, Telon Blue A 2R, Telon Red A 2R, Telon Violet 3R and Telon Yellow A 2R. The reflection spectra of ZR, LR, HR and HLR materials are simulated and correlated against DGTWSIB in visible and NIR spectrums. Simulated spectral signals are considered for camouflage materials design and camouflage textiles formulation against DGTWSIB combat location, the CBs are mostly practiced by defence professional. Furthermore, the reflection principle of camouflage textiles coloration/finishing/patterning has been accumulated under spectral signal of DGTWSIB, camouflage materials and synthetic dyes, synthetic dye-metal and synthetic dye-pigment combination. Therefore depth analysis and graphical results of ZR, LR, HR and HLR materials are the potential findings for selection of camouflage materials, right development of camouflage textile products and camouflage assessment of hyperspectral imaging for defence protection in entire spectrums of UV-visible-IR. This optical parameters of ZR, LR, HR and HLR materials have also applications to the materials community of multidimesional branches of material research.
Alternative Non-Portland Binders
Authors: Hanein Theodore , De la Torre Angeles G. , Zhang Zuhua , Provis John L.
Published: February 2023

A background on non-Portland cementitious binders is presented, followed by a review of the key alternative binders that are currently of interest. The mineralogy of these cements is described, along with phases present in the reacted/hardened materials. The similarities and differences between the setting processes, as controlled by reactions at the solid–liquid interface, provide insight into the ways in which different classes of binders develop their performance and thus offer value to society.
THE USE OF FEMALE NOMINA AGENTIS IN JOB ADVERTISEMENTS – A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE SERBIAN AND MODERN GREEK LANGUAGE
Authors: V. Kostić Antonina
Published: February 2023

Language, apart from being a means of communication, is also an important medium for conveying meaning and shaping social and cultural patterns. Additionally, language plays an important role in defining notions such as gender and gender equality (Filipović, 2009; Cameron, 2003). In an era of active participation of women in the labour market, it is important to examine the impact of language on their position in society and their access to various fields (Stout, Dasgupta, 2011). The way in which employers advertise open job positions gives us a great insight into this topic. The aim of this paper is to examine the use of gender-sensitive language in job titles on four search engines in Serbia and Greece. This paper seeks to investigate the extent to which titles of female positions are represented, bearing in mind that the choice of linguistic elements has an impact on the perception of the market reality and the motivation of future employees. Specifically, the focus of the paper lies in the areas of accounting, customer support, translation, insurance, management, marketing, economics and science. Тhe findings are compared within two culturally and socially close contexts, in order to draw conclusions about the position of women in the labour market. The results of the analysis confirm the hypotheses, that is the examined job titles are rarely in line with gender-sensitive language. It was also found that the use of nomina agentis exclusively in the masculine gender is more common in the case of higher positions, especially in the field of management. The paper provides insights into the current situation with which women come into contact when searching for jobs in certain areas. Moreover, the study provides a basis for further research on the relationship between language and gender in the social Serbian and Greek context, respectively.
TWO-VOICE TEXTURE OF EKPHRASIS. FIGURE OF LOVE – EKPHRASTIC FORMS IN THE OEUVRE OF SVETISLAV MANDIĆ
Authors: V. Bjelanovic Nedeljka
Published: February 2023

This paper deals with ekphrasis in the poetry and essays by Svetislav Mandic, in their particular form, method of creation, and function, in relation to the author’s profile and the specific position of his oeuvre in terms of literary history. The ekphrastic nature of Mandic’s oeuvre is discussed using several characteristic examples from his essays and lyrical poetry. At the same time, what is emphasised is the fact that various forms of picturesque and iconic descriptions in Mandic’s oeuvre are not necessarily ekphrastic, which means that particular attention should be paid not to exaggerate about the significance of the ekphrase as regards the overall enterprise of Mandic. The final conclusion about the nature of Mandic’s ekphrasis – that it implies figures of love – is based upon the analysis of the examples presented in the paper.
SPITE AND SOUR CREAM IN THE WONDERLAND
Authors: S. Jelisavčić Marijana
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we will deal with stereotypes that one of the most versatile Serbian artists, Momo Kapor, explains and interprets about his people in the book A Guide to the Serbian Mentality. Since the appearance of the earliest travelogues about the Balkans and its inhabitants, the image that was transmitted further into the world has represented this area as wild and its people as insufficiently civilised. Writing for the review of the national airline in order to interest those who will soon land in Serbia, to better explore the space where they found themselves, Momo Kapor uses previously adopted stereotypes in an interesting way – some deepening and some denying, sometimes establishing new ones. In order to better understand the function of stereotypes in Kapor's painting of Belgrade, we will compare his descriptions of the capital of Serbia with the capital of Bosnia from the Sarajevo trilogy. The subject of our work will be treated with the rules of literary imagology, a science that originated within the framework of comparative literature, and its subject of research is the presentation of the Other in literature.
“LA NAZIONE GIOVINETTA RESISTEVA AL COLOSSO”: FRACCAROLI E L’IMMAGINE DELLA SERBIA NEL LIBRO LA SERBIA NELLA SUA TERZA GUERRA: LETTERE DAL CAMPO SERBO (1915)
Authors: Fornari Čuković Maria
Published: February 2023

Questo contributo ha come intento quello di presentare il rapporto tra uno dei giornalisti italiani più importanti di inizio Novecento, Arnaldo Fraccaroli, e la Serbia nei primi mesi della Grande Guerra. Fraccaroli viene annoverato dagli studiosi tra quei giornalisti quali Barzini, Civinini, Ojetti e altri che, con il loro lavoro e il loro stile di scrittura, hanno rappresentato un punto di svolta nella storia della carta stampata italiana. Piuttosto noto al grande pubblico durante la lunga carriera, il giornalista veronese, in parte fnito nel dimenticatoio dopo la sua morte, è stato riportato di recente all’attenzione dei lettori da un’accurata biografa scritta nel 2019 da Gian Pietro Olivetto. “La dolce vita di Fraka, cronista del Corriere della Sera” è il titolo dell’opera, da cui questo lavoro attinge parte delle informazioni sull’autore. La riscoperta di Fraccaroli, però, non si limita soltanto al libro di Olivetto, poiché nel 2017 la casa editrice Prometej di Novi Sad ha pubblicato la traduzione del libro “La Serbia nella sua terza guerra: lettere dal campo serbo”, scritto dal cronista italiano nel 1915. Questo testo, una raccolta di osservazioni e impressioni di viaggio annotate dal giornalista durante un viaggio da Salonicco a Belgrado nell’inverno del 1915, oﬀre la possibilità, fnora poco approfondita, di considerare il lavoro di Fraccaroli nella prospettiva di un tramite tra i lettori italiani e la difcile realtà serba in quei primi mesi di guerra.
SPACE AS A MEANS OF (NON)COMMUNICATION IN MICHELANGELO ANTONIONI’S RED DESERT AND TODD HAYNES’ SAFE
Authors: M. Malčić Dejan
Published: February 2023

Two movies from two very diﬀerent movie eras, Michelangelo Antonioni's Red Desert (Il deserto rosso, made in 1964) and Todd Haynes' Safe (made in 1995), can be linked one with the other, based on several conceptual, thematic and stylistic similarities. This paper will be an attempt to highlight some aspects and characteristics of these major cinematic achievements, to show how much their worldviews and their directors' unique visions are comparable, and if so, for what reasons. The paper specifically examines the way these rather hermetic movies try to communicate with their viewers, by employing very specific means to achieve that goal, primarily open and closed spaces that help diminish the non-communicative nature of these works.
ARIADNE’S THREAD BROKEN – THE INVERTED LABYRINTH THEORY
Authors: Г. Рељић Јелена
Published: February 2023

Приказ
CEREMONIAL SPEECH ON THE OCCASION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BANJA LUKA FACULTY OF PHILOLOGY DAY – ST. CYRIL AND METHODIUS, 24 MAY 2022.
Authors: Милорадовић Софија
Published: February 2023

Бесједа
FIGURATIVE USE OF LANGUAGE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: A CORPUS-BASED STUDY
Authors: Bulatović Vesna V. , Prošić-Santovac Danijela M. , Kaurin Tanja P.
Published: February 2023

New technologies have pervaded many aspects of modern life and influenced human communication, emotions and language. This close interaction between people and computers is reflected in language, in the use of computing terms applied to human emotions, relationships and everyday activities. Metaphor plays an important role in the language of information technology and it is widely used in creating new vocabulary. This paper explores conceptual metaphors in order to determine their usage in the information technology research papers, through describing similarities and differences in the conceptualisation of these metaphors within two languages. The aim of the paper is to quantitatively and qualitatively present conceptual metaphors, regarding computers and the Internet, found in ten research papers written in English and in Serbian. These expressions are compared with respect to their frequency in the papers and the degree to which metaphorical vocabulary is present in analysed research papers. The results indicate that all authors have used conceptual metaphors, although papers in Serbian include a slightly larger number of expressions than papers in English. Apart from differences and diversities, the analysis also identifies a remarkably similar structure of the mapping in both languages.
AN ECOCRITICAL READING OF THOMAS HARDY’S JUDE THE OBSCURE
Authors: Ninčetović Nataša V.
Published: February 2023

Jude the Obscure (1895) is traditionally interpreted as Thomas Hardy’s bleakest and most pessimistic novel. From the perspective of ecocriticism, it may be viewed as the author’s endeavour to challenge the dominant anthropocentric attitude of the nineteenth century. Relying on Darwin’s theory of the common origin of species, Hardy believed that people should recognise their connectedness and dependence on the whole living world. The novel implies that man should abandon his self-centeredness and embrace other perspectives. This, however, does not mean that Hardy does not see people as valuable and important. In a world where religion loses its power we should rely on other people. The implication of Jude the Obscure is that the way we treat each other is linked to the way we treat nature. Hardy’s pessimism is the consequence of his realisation that ideas of Darwin were manipulated and (mal)adjusted to society. The character of Jude Fawley is doomed to tragedy due to his hypersensitivity, which is incorrectly perceived as a flaw in the society which promotes autonomy and separateness instead of connectedness and mutual dependence.
TOWARDS DEVELOPING LITERARY ONOMASTICS: THE WORLD OF NAMES IN THE POETRY BY RADOMIR ANDRIĆ
Authors: Стефановић Душан Р.
Published: February 2023

TOWARDS DEVELOPING LITERARY ONOMASTICS: THE WORLD OF NAMES IN THE POETRY BY RADOMIR ANDRIĆ
Spatial distribution and seasonal profile of parasitic contamination in sewage water samples from the city of Santana do Ipanema, Northeast region of Brazil
Authors: Lima P. D. , Alencar Vitória Jordana Bezerra , Machado João Paulo Vieira , Júnior Aécio Prado Lima , Lima Maria Wilma da Silva , Silva Laryssa Oliveira , Gomes Sheilla Conceição , Bispo Martha Rejane Souza , Silva Ádrian Cabral , Bezerra Letícia Pereira , Cirilo Tatyane Martins , Paz Wandklebson Silva da , Santos Israel Gomes de Amorim , Ramos Rosália Elen Santos
Published: February 2023

Wastewater released into the environment without proper treatment contributes to the high prevalence of parasitic infections. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of parasites in sewage waters in both rainy and dry seasons in the city of Santana do Ipanema, Brazil. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out between the months of June, July (rainy season) and October (dry season) of 2021. A total of 50 streets were selected by a sample calculation in the Epi Info™ program. From each street, two wastewater samples were collected in both climatic periods. In the laboratory, the water samples were submitted to the Bailenger method with some adaptations and analyzed under an optic microscope. In the rainy season, we detected Strongyloides stercoralis (87.6%; 134), Strongylus spp. (4.6%; 7), hookworms (2.0%; 3) and Iodamoeba butschlii (62.5%; 5), and in the dry season, it was detected S. stercoralis (55.0%; 71), Metastrongylids (19.4%; 25), hookworms (12.4%; 16) and I. butschlii (76.5%; 13). The spatial analysis has shown that most hotspots were associated with S. stercoralis, mainly during periods of intense rainfall and close to river areas. Thus, the city population is subject to infections, especially by helminths regardless of seasonality.
ANALYSIS OF COMPETITION IN THE MARKET FOR CELLULAR SERVICES IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Tutarova Natalia V. , Trofimova Elena A. , Bakunova Tatiana V.
Published: February 2023

It is impossible to imagine the modern society without the constant information exchange. In the digitalization age, cellular services have become the most profitable and rapidly developing part of the telecommunications industry. This article analyzes the market for cellular services in the Russian Federation. The authors pay attention to the development of competition in this market. The inter-regional market features the “Big Four” companies (VimpelCom, MegaFon, MTS and T2 Mobile), virtual operators, the number of which has increased in recent years, as well as small operators operating within several regions. However, the shares of virtual and small operators are small when compared to the “big four”. This study presents data on interregional and regional telecom operators from 2016 to 2020. The paper uses industry assessment approaches based on industry market theory: measures of concentration level, market power, and structure analysis. Additionally, the authors consider strategic and non-strategic barriers to entry while estimating the industry’s future development prospects. The Russian cellular market is characterized by a high level of competition. This study has revealed a tendency towards a decrease in concentration, which can be explained by the increase in the number of major players and the entry of newcomers to the market.
TAX COMPETITION IN THE FREE PORTS OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION
Authors: Yeremeeva Viktoria N. , Sinenko Olga A.
Published: February 2023

This article studies international tax competition in the Free Ports of the Asia-Pacific region. The authors analyze the approaches to defining the concept of “tax competition”, highlighting the tools of tax competition used in free ports. The results reveal the specifics of regulating companies’ activities in the free ports of the Asia-Pacific region, followed by a comparative analysis of tax simulation practices of the residents in the free ports under study. Additionally, the authors provide the analysis of the functioning of free ports in the Asia-Pacific region.
TYPES OF CORRUPTION AND ASSESSMENT OF THEIR IMPACT ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROCESSES IN SOCIETY
Authors: Fedotov Dmitry Yu.
Published: February 2023

This article studies the concept of corruption and its individual types. Corruption can be observed in many countries of the world, but its extent differs greatly. The institutional conditions that have formed in different countries have become prerequisites for the differentiation of countries by the corruption level. This article aims to identify the mutual influence between corruption phenomena and socio-economic processes in society. Following the analysis of literature review, three types of corruption have been identified: domestic, business, and political. The hypothesis of the study is the assumption that certain types of corruption can have an uneven impact on socio-economic processes based on the level of development of the country. Studying corruption has required using the methods of induction, deduction, scientific generalization, classification, aspect analysis, and correlation analysis. The empirical data was collected from the following international organizations: the World Bank, Transparency International, Reporters without Borders. The results show that corruption of a certain type involves subjects of certain categories in corruption relations, influencing specific types of public relations. Business corruption has a negative impact on economic development, while domestic corruption has a negative impact on the trends in the development of social relations in society. There was a high direct closeness of the relationship between the level of corruption and GDP per capita, as well as between the level of corruption and the index of press freedom; there is a noticeable inverse closeness of the relationship between the level of corruption and the Gini coefficient.