bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socio-Technical Perspective in Determining the Factors and Components for Minimizing Cybersecurity Threat
Authors: Haryadi Eko , Karim Abdul , Salahuddin Lizawati
Published: August 2023

Smart city development necessitates careful planning and control. Many factors contribute to failures in smart cities, such as the lack of attention in dealing with cyber security threats, misappropriation of internet facilities, and limitedness of awareness and knowledge of basic-level cybersecurity to safely perform daily activities. Numerous studies have discovered that procrastinating, impulsive, forward-thinking, and risk-taking behaviours vary across organizations, which may help to explain why different organizations adhere to security policies. This research aims to analyse the socio-technical structural relationship of socio-technical perspective in determining the factors and components for minimizing security threat. The research uses a mixed-methods study while the results regarding the contribution of socio-technical components to the improvement of work behaviour in minimizing cybersecurity threats and proposes new analysis result of the contribution work behaviours as contribution and a positive influence for minimizing cybersecurity threat toward successful smart city.
E-Business as Catalyst for Global Transformation of SMEs: A Middle East Perspective
Authors: Selaković Marko , Ljepava Nikolina , Tarabasz Anna , Stojanović Ilija
Published: August 2023

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are carriers of the economic development on local, regional, and national level. With high levels of flexibility, agility and adaptability, small and medium enterprises have the ability to transform and embrace new emerging technologies and opportunities. In the Industry 4.0 world, characterized by the intensive development and integration of digital solutions into all levels of operations, SMEs are among early adopters of such solutions. The purpose of the paper is to examine how small and medium enterprises in the Middle East are increasing their competitiveness, using innovative digital and e-business solutions as key transformative tools. Within the research, a systematic review of support ecosystem for development of the sector in the Middle East has been performed. Based on the systematic review and literature findings, the 5I framework, consisting of internationalization, innovation, integration, implementation, and intensifying, has been suggested as the model for transformative development of small and medium enterprises. In the future research, it is possible to examine how fast-growing economies that create supportive environment for the development of small and medium enterprises, simultaneously recognizing digital and e-business solutions as important pillar of increasing competitiveness and innovativeness, might benefit from successful implementation of 5I framework for successful global transformation.
ESG Performance and Disclosure: National Composite Indicators for Monitoring Sustainable Growth Conditions in the EU-27
Authors: Jílková Petra , Kotěšovcová Jana
Published: August 2023

Sustainable growth is a major global concern due to environmental challenges, social and corporate governance matters. Identifying and analyzing key indicators can provide valuable insights into the critical factors affecting sustainability in the EU-27 countries. This paper analyzes environmental, social and governance national composite indicators for monitoring sustainable growth conditions in the EU-27. The authors develop a simplified algorithm based on the ESG index methodology and composite indicators theory. The three pillars of the ESG methodology are examined with a focus on the ten most valuable indicators in each pillar. A sub-objective is to verify what percentage of the results are consistent with the original approach. The data were collected for the EU-27 countries for 2020–2021. The study's main outcome is a simplified approach to measuring sustainability that is 81% consistent with previous calculations. In line with previous studies, Norway, Sweden, and Finland rank highest on the ESG index, while Cyprus, Bulgaria, Lithuania, and Greece rank the lowest.
Tensiones y posibilidades de las editoriales universitarias en Colombia
Authors: Vélez Medina Bibiana
Published: August 2023

En un mundo en constante transformación, las editoriales universitarias en Colombia enfrentan una serie de desafíos que ponen a prueba su capacidad para adaptarse y evolucionar. Como componentes esenciales de la industria cultural, estas editoriales están íntimamente ligadas a la producción y difusión del contenido científico y académico. Sin embargo, en medio de una serie de obstáculos como la baja recepción de obras culturales, reducción presupuestal y la alteración de las formas tradicionales de publicación y difusión, las editoriales deben encontrar formas de mantener su relevancia y calidad.
Reflexiones sobre las Publicaciones Científicas en Colombia
Authors: Vélez Medina Bibiana
Published: August 2023

En Colombia, la divulgación de la actividad científica encuentra su principal expresión en libros y revistas de investigación. La entidad nacional reguladora a través de modelos de medición de esta dinámica es el Ministerio de la Ciencia Tecnología e Innovación, Minciencias, el organismo que promueve la labor investigativa en el país. Universidades, centros de investigación y empresas acceden, a través de convocatorias, a los recursos destinados por el Estado para impulsar la investigación en diversas áreas del conocimiento. Por supuesto, esta es una dentro de las múltiples formas de financiamiento que ocurren en el país, sea desde el ámbito público como desde el privado.
COMPUTATION OF DISPERSION CURVES OF RAYLEIGH-LAMB WAVES BY NEWTON-RAPHSON METHOD
Authors: Pušenjak RUDOLF
Published: August 2023

The paper treats the numerical construction of dispersion curves which belong to the propagation of Rayleigh-Lamb waves in isotropic elastic media. The Newton-Raphson method.is applied for computation of real, imaginary and complex wavenumbers in dependence on the frequency of the wave. Due to multivaluedness, unexpected jumps between modes of dispersion curves occur in branch tracing, which prevents successful direct application of the method. This shortcoming is eliminated in the article by introducing the arc-length continuation method. The efficiency of this supplement to the Newton-Raphson method is shown on the example of an aluminum plate with constructions of dispersion curves for real, imaginary and complex wave numbers.
Memória jornalística e protagonismo feminino
Authors: Del Vecchio de Lima Myrian Regina , Silva Santos Claudia , Cordeiro Rasera Rafaela
Published: August 2023

Este trabalho investigou o protagonismo das jornalistas mulheres durante um período da história da Gazeta do Povo, jornal paranaense centenário, que foi o último do estado a contratar mulheres para trabalhar na redação. O objetivo foi salientar, como memória jornalística, os marcos que essas mulheres  deixaram no jornal. Uma pesquisa exploratória permitiu ter como premissa que, de forma muito gradativa, jornalistas pioneiras modificaram a estrutura do jornal, ao introduzir inovações editoriais e alcançar cargos de gestão na redação. A seguir foram coletados depoimentos de dez jornalistas que tiveram papeis protagonistas no jornal, para verificar se elas se reconheciam como parte desses feitos. A pesquisa, de caráter qualitativo, foi realizada por meio de revisões bibliográficas e entrevistas em profundidade com as jornalistas, com as informações recolhidas analisadas de forma interpretativa, a partir de duas categorias: protagonismo e desigualdades de gênero na redação. Os resultados mostram mulheres que provocaram mudanças importantes no jornal, mas com dificuldades em perceber seu protagonismo. Concluímos ainda que essas jornalistas vivenciaram algumas condições de desigualdade de gênero no trabalho.
Per Capita Consumption Function For China- An Empirical Exercise
Authors: Yang Wang
Published: August 2023

An attempt is made in the present exercise to examine the empirical validity of the Keynesian consumption function for the Chinese economy for the period from 1978 to 2009 by fitting both linear and log linear per capita consumption functions underlying the assumption that there is one way causation between per capita consumption expenditure and per capita disposable income. The empirical results show that the Per capita Marginal propensity to consume is less than unity showing the pretence of marginal propensity to save. Further the results show that the Per capita elasticity of consumption expenditure with respect per capita disposable income is found to be unity both in linear and log linear per capita consumption functions in China
Is Disparity of State Domestic Product Stationary in Twenty Indian States?
Authors: Pandey Alok Kumar , Dixit Annapurna
Published: August 2023

In this paper an attempt has been made to detect stationarity as well as disparity for the State Domestic Product as well as per capita state domestic product for time series data. Data for the purpose has been taken from Handbook of Statistics on Indian Economy (RBI) for the period 1980-2006. The results based on ADF and PP tests reveal that State Domestic Product and per capita SDP on the basis of new series among twenty states are nonstationarity at level and first & second lag. The results here are not consistent with DFGLS (1996) who used detrend time series â€“based unit root tests and determined that the SDP and per capita SDP for is stationary for the states like Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Tripura and West Bengal. Disparity in term of SDP and per capita SDP for the twenty states under the study period, Gini coefficient and Theils index reveal higher values for per capita SDP. And also stationarity of all the measures of disparity reveals the presence of unit root at level and zero lag.
Prevalence of Malnutrition in India: A Disturbing Phenomenon
Authors: Ojha Ruby
Published: August 2023

The level of economic development or even the adequacy of food at household levels, are no guarantees for a stable and satisfactory nutritional status. This emphasizes the complexity of the problem and the need for tackling the Nutrition Policy consciously and at several levels simultaneously and also in terms of fitting it in the overall development strategy of the country.Â  There is no doubt that impressive gains of green revolution have resulted in national food security and have brought the country out of the situations of extreme hunger and starvation but the extent of malnutrition in the country also cannot be ignored. Economic growth alone, though impressive, will not reduce malnutrition sufficiently to meet the nutrition target. It is important to tackle the problem of nutrition both through direct nutrition intervention for especially vulnerable groups as well as through various development policy instruments which will create conditions for improved nutrition.Classification-JEL:I115
he Worldwide Expansion of Education the Past Half-Century and its Impact upon the Global Economy
Authors: NICOLAU Irina , Musetescu Adina
Published: August 2023

Education is considered to be a major component of culture, with an important role in transmitting knowledge, ideas and beliefs from generation to generation, especially nowadays, when information is vital for our society. At the same time, education can highly influence the strategic orientation of any company which activates on a global market, by forcing it to adapt its strategies accordingly to some educational indicators such as: the level of alphabetisation, the role of women in that society (are them accepted or not), the general state of the educational system or the adoption of the concept of lifelong learning. It is well known that the educational system of a country largely reflects its cultural development. Thatâ€™s why the aim of this article is to highlight the defining role of education on the economic development, the consumer behaviour and, furthermore, on the strategic orientations of companies that activate on the Single European Market.
Development of interactive virtual trainer of car inspector in Unity environment on SteamVR platform
Authors:   Rostov State Transport University (RSTU), Vedernikova Olga Gennadyevna , Ignatyeva Olesya Vladimirovna ,   Rostov State Transport University (RSTU)
Published: August 2023

The paper presents an interactive trainer of a car inspector (on the example of a four-axle open-box car) that uses possibilities of virtual reality. The trainer allows selecting an overview mode (training or testing) and studying car design and training inspection skills. Development of virtual reality was carried out in Unity with the use of Virtual Samples on Steam VR platform with the use of VR-helmets. 3-D models are created in Blender environment, subsequent texturing is made in Substance Painter. At realization of a trainer the authors have developed a script for lighting and blinking of a studied part with the use of a dynamic material and shaders for two-sided materials.
Analysis of ways to increase traffic capacity of railways
Authors:   Ural state university of railway transport (USURT), Bushuev Sergey Valentinovich , Golochalov Nikolay Sergeevich ,   Ural state university of railway transport (USURT)
Published: August 2023

The paper presents an overview of existing and perspective ways to increase a traffic capacity of railways. The authors have analysed studies, papers and monographs dedicated to this question. They have generalized ways to increase the traffic capacity in the form of a chart. The authors have considered organizational, technical and reconstructive measures that allow using and widening existing reserves of traffic capacity of railways, as well as perspective technologies that allow creating new reserves of traffic capacity.
The use of a transfer scheme for organization of bus routes in intermunicipal and interregional transportation
Authors:   Ural state university of railway transport (USURT), Nevolin Dmitry G. , Tsarikov Aleksey A. ,   Ural state university of railway transport (USURT), Bondarenko Viktor G. ,   Ural state university of railway transport (USURT), Sklyannyy Alexander V. ,   Ural state forestry university (USFU)
Published: August 2023

The article proposes a new scheme for organization of routes of inter-municipal and interregional traffic by road transport. This scheme involves organization of two separate routes, which are changed by passengers in the middle of the route. Such a scheme makes it possible to organize the work of drivers more efficiently, improve the maintenance of road transport fleet, and reduce the probability of a traffic accident.
Stages of creating transport models and their construction in PTV Visum
Authors:   Ural state university of railway transport (USURT), Shevtsov Alexander A. , Timofeeva Galina A. ,   Ural state university of railway transport (USURT)
Published: August 2023

The article analyzes various aspects of the use of computer modeling for the development of transport infrastructure. The levels of modeling, the main stages of preparation and creation of transport models of systems are considered. The overview of specialized software for modeling transport processes is given. The advantages of the PTV Visum software product, which is widely used in transport planning and analysis to build accurate and detailed models of transport systems, are specified.
Load-bearing platforms for rolling stock derailment control devices in the form of sleepers of a rail-sleeper grid
Authors:   branch of Samara State Transport University in Nizhny Novgorod, Krasilnikov Vladimir S.
Published: August 2023

The immediate challenge in operation of rolling stock derailment control devices (RSDCD) is occurrence of microcracks and loss of electrical contact due to insufficient protection of the control circuit from dynamic influences which are transmitted to the sensors through attachment points on the platform. This will result in a false alarm. The objective of the study is to find technical solutions for the use of load-bearing platforms aimed at eliminating the influence of vibrations of the rail-sleeper grid on performance of monitoring sensors. The article discusses various types of platforms, advantages and disadvantages of their designs. A technical solution is proposed for building a more reliable design of the carrier platform.
Microbiota-gut-brain axis and ketogenic diet: how close are we to tackling epilepsy?
Authors: Mengoli Mariachiara , Conti Gabriele , Fabbrini Marco , Candela Marco , Brigidi Patrizia , Turroni Silvia , Barone Monica
Published: August 2023

The microbiota-gut-brain axis refers to the intricate bidirectional communication between commensal microorganisms residing in the digestive tract and the central nervous system, along neuroendocrine, metabolic, immune, and inflammatory pathways. This axis has been suggested to play a role in several neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy, paving the way for microbiome-based intervention strategies for the mitigation and treatment of symptoms. Epilepsy is a multifaceted neurological condition affecting more than 50 million individuals worldwide, 30% of whom do not respond to conventional pharmacological therapies. Among the first-hand microbiota modulation strategies, nutritional interventions represent an easily applicable option in both clinical and home settings. In this narrative review, we summarize the mechanisms underlying the microbiota-gut-brain axis involvement in epilepsy, discuss the impact of antiepileptic drugs on the gut microbiome, and then the impact of a particular dietary pattern, the ketogenic diet, on the microbiota-gut-brain axis in epileptic patients. The investigation of the microbiota response to non-pharmacological therapies is an ever-expanding field with the potential to allow the design of increasingly accessible and successful intervention strategies.
PESQUISAS EM CLIMATOLOGIA NA UFT (CAMPUS DE PORTO NACIONAL)
Authors: Souza Lucas Barbosa e
Published: August 2023

Este artigo busca traçar um panorama a respeito do desenvolvimento das pesquisas em Climatologia no âmbito da UFT – Campus de Porto Nacional, notadamente vinculadas ao Laboratório de Análises Geoambientais (LGA). Ao longo do texto, são elencadas as principais linhas e questões de investigação, além dos produtos obtidos em cerca de uma década e meia, considerando seus enquadramentos junto à graduação em Geografia (Licenciatura e Bacharelado) e aos cursos de pós-graduação em Geografia e em Ciências do Ambiente. Em primeiro lugar, trata-se de uma espécie de inventário, com o propósito de agregar e de dar visibilidade às produções existentes em termos de trabalhos de conclusão de curso, relatórios de iniciação científica, dissertações de mestrado, teses de doutorado, artigos e capítulos publicados. Secundariamente, se almeja um balanço, com vistas a contribuir para a continuidade das pesquisas, à indicação de questões emergentes e ao estabelecimento de novas abordagens sobre o clima tocantinense, por meio de sua leitura geográfica e ambiental.
TURISMO REGENERATIVO
Authors: Flemming Renata Marcondes Bastos Pereira , Moreira Jasmine Cardozo , Albach Valéria de Meira , Forbeck Guilherme
Published: August 2023

This article is about Regenerative Tourism, which deals with the relations of human beings with themselves, with others and with nature in a holistic and sustainable way. This is a case study about the Refúgio das Curucacas, Ponta Grossa/PR, in order to analyze if this is regenerative tourism example. The methodology includes the use of bibliographical references, field trips, interview with the owner, and a comparison was made between the paradigms of regenerative tourism and the characteristics currently present at  Refúgio das Curucacas. It can be concluded that there is the adequacy of the five items presented as pillars of regenerative planning: ethics and aesthetics, regenerative relationships, sense of place, organic identity and design. Standing out, in camping and tour operator activities, is the design of regenerative experiences such as the Forest Bath, Yoga and Permaculture. Results show that there is regenerative tourism at Refúgio das Curucacas.
CAMINHOS DE MEMÓRIA EM UM SÓ LUGAR
Authors: Balsan Rosane , Nascimento Núbia Nogueira do , Vulcão Kirk Patrick da Cruz
Published: August 2023

Os dez anos do Programa de Mestrado em Geografia da Universidade Federal do Tocantins, em Porto Nacional/TO, são comemorados por meio de doze dissertações e referenciais bibliográficos, publicações científicas, participações em eventos e demais participações em encontros relevantes da comunidade científica. Este artigo tem a pretensão de narrar a trajetória profissional da professora Rosane Balsan, atuante na área da Geografia da Universidade Federal do Tocantins, e destacar sua relevância sem exageros ou autopromoção e, ao mesmo tempo, despertar a alegria em rememorar trabalhos defendidos de caráter geográfico-histórico que contribuíram com a cientificidade local e global. Nessa caminhada, a professora esteve acompanhada por seus orientandos Núbia Nogueira do Nascimento, no pós-doutoramento, e Kirk Patrick da Cruz Vulcão, ex-orientando do mestrado. Ambos os acadêmicos prontamente embarcaram nessa história e memória em um só lugar, até o momento atual, em que a Professora Associada quatro está lotada no Colegiado de Geografia e no Programa de Mestrado em Geografia da Universidade Federal do Tocantins.
APRENDENDO E ENSINANDO
Authors: Bispo Marcileia Oliveira
Published: August 2023

Este artigo é resultado de uma pesquisa realizada no Programa de Pós-graduação em Geografia da Universidade Federal do Tocantins, campus de Porto Nacional, no período de 2015 a 2023, relacionada as dissertações de mestrado por mim orientadas, que se encontram num período de dez (10) anos do programa.  Este trabalho tem como objetivos: apresentar as pesquisas de mestrado e pós-doutoramento realizadas no PPGG-UFT em Geografia sob minha orientação; destacar as temáticas das pesquisas apresentadas nas dissertações; indicar as áreas de abrangência geográfica das pesquisas e indicar a importância das pesquisas no âmbito profissional, pessoal e acadêmico. Trata-se de um estudo narrativo, do qual fizemos opção pelo uso da pesquisa bibliográfica, consultando as dissertações descritas no texto. Este estudo permitiu um retorno às temáticas defendidas num passado próximo, cujos temas são e permanecem contemporâneos, e também possibilitou olhar as temáticas defendidas recentemente que continuam atuais.
IMPASSES PARA A GESTÃO DA ECONOMIA CIRCULAR NA AGROPECUÁRIA E NA SAÚDE DOS SOLOS NA CIDADE DE BOA VISTA –PARAÍBA
Authors: Borges Igo Marinho , Silva Jéssica Araújo , Virginio Laryssa kelly de Almeida , Silva Viviane Farias
Published: August 2023

Com o crescente aumento populacional as práticas econômicas também ganham significativo crescimentos, os meios de produção agrícola rural, pecuário e industrial tem aumentado significativamente. Nesse sentido, o uso dos recursos naturais tem sido cada vez mais explorados e utilizados de forma prejudicial ao ecossistema e consequentemente ao meio ambiente. Portanto, essa pesquisa objetiva-se em analisar e discutir quais as práticas adotadas na agropecuária e seu impacto ambiental, além disso os impasses para a gestão do ciclo biológico da economia circular na agropecuária e na saúde dos solos de forma sustentável. Para tanto, se faz necessário o uso da metodologia de estudo de caso exploratório, revisão teórica metodológica para solução dos conflitos. Além de utilizar o método in loco e subsequente a análise mais precisa dos dados encontrados, podendo ser mensurado possíveis problemas descobertos e suas formas de solução. Através do que foi discutido na pesquisa, os resultados apontam que são necessárias intervenções urgentes na região, acessíveis e adequadas à realidade local que busca otimizar a utilização da terra para promover o uso sustentável dos recursos naturais, diminuindo a degradação ambiental, melhoria da economia da região de Boa Vista-PB e a preservação do meio ambiente.
ANÁLISE DA QUALIDADE DAS ÁGUAS SUBTERRÂNEAS NA CIDADE DE SAPEZAL, MATO GROSSO, BRASIL
Authors: Fabio Silva Fernando , Dos Santos Pinheiro Suêla , Araujo Adilson Ribeiro de
Published: August 2023

Este estudo oferece uma análise abrangente da qualidade das águas subterrâneas e do potencial de contaminação resultante da presença de resíduos provenientes de produtos fitossanitários na cidade de Sapezal, localizada em Mato Grosso. O trabalho objetiva investigar a utilização das águas do lençol freático para o abastecimento de residências, estabelecimentos comerciais e indústrias na localidade, ao passo que também visa identificar os principais agentes contribuintes para a contaminação do aquífero. A coleta e análise dos dados foram realizadas no período de janeiro de 2018 a junho de 2020. Embora as informações colhidas tenham revelado que os valores máximos permitidos, utilizados como parâmetros de avaliação, estivessem em conformidade com as normativas estabelecidas pelo Ministério da Saúde, há uma notável presença de produtos fitossanitários (agrotóxicos). É relevante salientar que Sapezal figura como a segunda maior consumidora de agrotóxicos por tipo de lavoura no estado de Mato Grosso, conforme dados fornecidos pelo IBGE (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística). Essa situação reforça a necessidade de vigilância constante por parte das entidades envolvidas no fornecimento de água, além de exigir uma reflexão sobre a proximidade da aplicação desses produtos em relação às áreas de ocupação humana.
RELAÇÃO DAS DISSERTAÇÕES DEFENDIDAS NO PPGG-UFT, CAMPUS DE PORTO NACIONAL, de 2013 a 2023
Authors: Bessa Kelly , Damacena Poliana Cunha
Published: August 2023

O presente texto apresenta a relação das dissertações defendidas no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Geografia (PPGG), da Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT), no campus de Porto Nacional, nos últimos dez anos (2013 a 2023), com quadros e gráficos ilustrativos da evolução, conforme as três linhas de pesquisa: Análise e Gestão Geo-Ambiental, Estudos Geo-Territoriais e Ensino de Geografia.
Does Omeprazole and Melatonin Enhance Photosynthetic Efficiency in Bean Plants?
Authors: Ramírez-Estrada Carlos Abel , Sánchez Esteban , Flores-Córdova María Antonia , Pérez-Álvarez Sandra , Noperi-Mosqueda Linda Citlalli , Chávez-Mendoza Celia
Published: August 2023

Current environmental conditions have prompted agri-food systems to explore new strategies for improving the production of crops in a sustainable manner. The use of omeprazole (OMP) and melatonin (MEL) have been proposed as innovative strategy for crop improvement when applied as biostimulants. However, although their role in the growth of several species has been studied, the results in photosynthetic efficiency parameters are still scarce. Therefore, the objec-tive of the present study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of OMP and MEL on bi-omass, yield, SPAD values, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), photochemical quenching (qP), Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), quantum yield of photosystem II (PhiPSII) and elec-tron transport rate (ETR) in bean plants. Treatments were applied separately at doses of 1, 10, and 100 µM, plus a control without application. The results obtained indicate that OMP and MEL were able to increase biomass, yield, SPAD values, as well as photochemical quenching, fluores-cence, and PhiPSII coefficients. Finally, it is concluded that foliar application of OMP and MEL at a dose of 1 and 10 µM can increase photosynthetic efficiency and decrease photoinhibition, which is reflected in higher biomass accumulation and yield in green bean plants cv. Strike.
An Update on the Link between COVID-19 Vaccination and Mortality
Authors: Aarstad Jarle
Published: August 2023

This study updates previous research showing that 22 all-cause mortality in 31 European countries increased over time the higher the 21 COVID-19 full vaccination uptake. The update illuminates that a one percentage point increase in 21 full vaccination uptake initially decreased all-cause mortality from Jan to Mar 22 by –0.423 percent (95% CI –0.577, –0.270), but the following 14 months, a one percentage point increase in 21 booster vaccination uptake oppositely increased mortality by 0.366 percent (95% CI 0.250, 0.482). The findings indicate that full vaccination initially prevented mortality, but subsequently, booster vaccination, in particular, detrimentally and consistently induced higher mortality. The effects remained robust when controlling for alternative explanations. Studies have argued that heat waves caused mortality in the 22 summer and energy prices caused mortality in the 22-23 winter. However, the update shows that booster vaccination consistently induced higher mortality when neither heat waves nor energy prices were likely explanations.
Planar Reconstruction of Regular Surfaces’ Three-Dimensional Morphology and Tribology Application
Authors: Xu Xiang , Feng Zekang , Xiao Nengqi , Zhao Xinze , Zhang Zuyue
Published: August 2023

The three-dimensional morphology of frictional sub-surfaces holds significant importance for studying tribological issues. However, the uniformity of horizontal datum in 3D scanning is limited for curved surfaces, resulting in the inability to obtain accurate contour characterization parameters from the scanning results. This study aims to address this issue by constructing regular surface equations and normalizing the 3D profiler scanning results. By fitting the data, a "plane" surface representative of the surface features is obtained, and the paper demonstrates this approach on the surface morphology of different worn parts in the frictional area of spherical bearings located in the specific environment of the Three Gorges gate. The results indicate that the obtained "plane" effectively reconstructs the three-dimensional morphology map of the regular surface. Moreover, this reconstructed plane not only clearly illustrates the surface characteristics but also provides the foundation for analyzing the wear mechanism.
Dynamic Measurement of Plasma von Willebrand Factor and ADAMTS13 Predicts Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with SARS-CoV2 Infection
Authors: Zhang Quan , Bignotti Antonia , Yada Noritaka , Ye Zhan , Liu Szumam , Han Zhe , Zheng X. Long
Published: August 2023

Background: Plasma levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF) are significantly elevated in patients with COVID-19. However, the dynamic changes and prognostic value of this biomarker in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are not determined. Methods: 124 patients infected with SARS-CoV2 were prospectively recruited for the study. Serial blood samples were obtained at the time of admission (D1), 3-4 days following standard of care treatments (D2), and 1-2 days prior to discharge or death (D3). Plasma VWF antigen, ADAMTS13 antigen and activity, as well as the ratio of VWF/ADAMTS13 were determined, followed by statistical analyses. Results:While admission plasma levels of VWF in COVID-19 patients were significantly elevated, no statistical significance was detected among patients of different disease severity. Plasma ADAMTS13 activity, but not its antigen levels, were significantly lower in patients with severe or critical COVID-19 compared with other groups. Interestingly, the ratios of plasma VWF antigen to ADAMTS13 antigen were significantly higher in patients with severe or critical COVID-19 than in those with mild to moderate disease. More importantly, plasma levels of VWF and VWF/ADAMTS13 ratios were persistently elevated in patients with COVID-19 during hospitalization. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that an increased plasma VWF or ratio of VWF/ADAMTS13 at D2 and D3 associated with an increased mortality rate. Conclusions: Persistent endotheliopathy, marked by an elevated level of plasma VWF or an increased VWF/ADAMTS13 ratio, is present in all hospitalized patients following SARS-CoV2 infection and strongly associated with mortality.
The Genome Assembly of the King Ratsnake Elaphe carinata, Helps Reveal Its Biological Characteristics
Authors: Fan Jiale , Huang Ruyi , Yang Diancheng , Gong Yanan , Cui Zhangbo , Wang Xinge , Su Zicheng , Yu Jing , Zhang Yi , Zhang Tierui , Jiang Zhihao , Lan Tianming , Wang He , Huang Song
Published: August 2023

The king ratsnake (Elaphe carinata) of the genus Elaphe is a common large non-venomous snake that is widely distributed in Southeast and East Asia, and is an economically important farmed snake species. As a non-venomous snake, the king snake that is predatory on venomous snakes such as cobras and pit vipers. The immune mechanisms of which has been unclear. Despite their economic and research importance, genomic resources which will benefit studies in toxicology, phylogeography and immunogenetics are lacking. In this study, we use single-tube long fragment read (stLFR) sequencing to display the first complete genome of a King ratsnake from Huangshan City, Anhui province in China. The genome size is 1.56GB with a scaffold N50 of 6.53M, the total length of the genome is approximately 621Mb, and the repeat content is 38.90%. Additionally, we predicted 22,339 protein-coding genes, of which 22,065 had functional annotations. Our genome is a potentially useful addition to those currently available for snakes.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Spin-Orbit Coupling Analysis for Mono-Scorpionate Eu(III) Complexes
Authors: Vostrikova Kira E. , Sukhikh Taisiya S. , Lavrov Alexander N.
Published: August 2023

Complexes of triply positive europium ion with organic ligands are popular objects for studying photophysical properties. This is related not only to the bright red emission of this 4f element, but also to some spectroscopic peculiarities of its luminescence: the first excited spin-orbit level (7F1) lies only about 300 cm−1 above the ground state (7F0), so that at room temperature its population is around 25–30%. However, such electronic structure of Eu(III) provides its paramagnetism under ordinary conditions. This fact is often ignored by researchers, which is shortsighted from the materials science point of view. A comprehensive and systematic study of the magnetic behavior for the Eu(III) molecular coordination compounds is a challenging task for the development of new polyfunctional materials. The present work presents synthesis, single crystal XRD analysis results, and a magnetic study for the firstly prepared europium(III) complexes with two neutral scorpionate ligands: trispyrazolylmethane (HCPz3) and its methylated analog, tris(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane (HC(PzMe2)3). The values of the spin-orbit coupling parameter obtained for Eu-trication by a theoretical approximation of the experimental magnetic susceptibility data are compared with those known for the scarce amount of the magnetically studied molecular compounds.
A Weighted kNN Based Spatial Framework of Flood Inundation Risk for Coastal Tourism – A Case Study in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Liu Shuang , Tan Nengzhi , Liu Rui
Published: August 2023

Flood inundation causes socioeconomic losses for coastal tourism under climate extremes, progressively attracting global attention. Mapping, evaluating, and predicting the flood inundation risk (FIR) is significant for coastal tourism. The study develops a spatial tourism–aimed framework integrating a weighted k-Nearest Neighbors (WkNN), Geographic Information Systems, and flood-related spatially environmental criteria such as precipitation, elevation, soil, and drainage systems. These model inputs were standardized and weighted using distance, and integrated into WkNN to infer regional probability and distribution of FIR. Zhejiang province, China, was selected as a case study. The resulting map was pictured to denote the likelihood of the criteria at various risk categories, which was validated by historical Maximum Inundation Extent (MIE) extracted from World Environment Situation Room. The result indicates 80.59% of WkNN results reasonably confirm the MIE. Precipitation and elevation make a negative contribution to high-medium risk, and drainage systems positively alleviate the regional stress of FIR. The results can help stakeholders make suitable strategies to protect coastal tourism, and also weigh WkNN is superior to kNN in FIR assessment. The framework provides a productive way to yield a reliable assessment of FIR and can also be extended to other risk-related environmental studies under climate change.
A New Land Cover Map of Two Watersheds under Long-Term Environmental Monitoring in the Swedish Arctic Using Sentinel-2 Data
Authors: Auda Yves , Lundin Erik J. , Gustafsson Jonas , Pokrovsky Oleg S. , Cazaurang Simon , Orgogozo Laurent
Published: August 2023

A land cover map of two arctic catchments, nearby the Abisko Scientific Research Station, was obtained from a classification of a Sentinel-2 satellite image and a ground survey performed in July 2022. The two contiguous catchments, Miellajokka and Stordalen, are covered by various ecotypes, from boreal forest to alpine tundra and peatland. Two classification algorithms, support vector machine and random forest, were tested and gave very similar results. The percentage of correctly classified pixels was over 88% in both cases. The developed workflow relies solely on open source software and acquired ground observations. Space organization was directed by the altitude as demonstrated by the intersection of the land cover with the topography. Comparison between this new land cover map and previous ones based on data acquired between 2008 and 2011 shows some trends of vegetation cover evolution in response to climate change in the considered area. This land cover map is key input data for permafrost modeling, and hence for the quantification of climate change impacts in the studied area.
Gene Expression Studies in Down Syndrome; What Do They Tell Us about Disease Phenotypes?
Authors: Chapman Laura Rebecca , Ramnarine Isabela , Zamke Dan , Majid Arshad , Bell Simon
Published: August 2023

Background: Down Syndrome is the most well-studied aneuploidy condition in humans. It is associated with multiple disease phenotypes including cardiovascular, neurological, haemato-logical, and immunological disease processes. In this review paper we aim to discuss the research into gene expression studies performed at the fetal stage of development. Methods: A descriptive review was performed including all papers published on the PubMed database between Septem-ber 1960- September 2022. Results: In the amniotic fluid, genes such as COL6A1 and DSCR1 are affected, causing the phenotypical craniofacial changes. Other genes affected in amniotic fluid in-cluding: GSTT1, CLIC6, ITGB2, C21orf67, C21orf86 and RUNX1. In the placenta, MEST, SNF1LK and LOX were dysregulated, affecting nervous system development. In the brain DYRK1A, DNMT3L, DNMT3B, TBX1, olig2 and AQP4 were found to be dysregulated, affecting the nervous system and intellectual disability. In the cardiac tissues GART, EST2 and ERG found to be dysregulated causing secondary heart field abnormalities. XIST, RUNX1, SON, ERG and STAT1 dysregulated causing myeloproliferative disorders. Conclusions: Differential expression of genes provides clues to the genetic consequences of DS. A better understanding of these processes could eventually to lead to the development of genetic and pharmacological therapies.
What Mothers Know on Newborn Bloodspot Screening and the Sources They Use to Acquire This Knowledge: A Pilot Study in Flanders
Authors: De Gangi Caroline , Hermans Maren , Rayyan Maissa , Eyskens François , Allegaert Karel
Published: August 2023

To learn what mothers know on newborn bloodspot screening (NBS), the procedure, and sources used, a pilot study was performed. An online questionnaire was developed, with a first part fo-cused on characteristics and the NBS procedure, a second on knowledge, information sources, and health care providers (HCP). This questionnaire was accessible until 200 answers were received. Characteristics of respondents were representative for the population. Mothers recalled verbal consent in 69.5%, 12.5% did not, 18% stated that no consent was requested. The ‘knowledge’ part contained 12 closed questions, 5 multiple-choice questions on sources, and assessment (5-point Likert) of the information transfer. The mean knowledge level was 7.2/12. Screening concepts (consequences, likelihood, sensitivity, carrier) and absence of notification of normal findings were well known. The fact that NBS is not compulsory and post-analysis sample handling were poorly known. Key HCPs were midwifes (80.5%) and nurses (38.5%). When the leaflet (44%) was pro-vided, the majority read it. Mean Likert scores were 3.36, 3.38, 3.11 and 3.35 (clarity, timing ap-propriateness, sufficiency, usefulness). The knowledge level and consent practices were reasonable well. Key HCP were midwives and nurses, leaflets were supporting. This should enable a quality improvement program to a sustainable NBS program in Flanders.
Assessing the Accuracy of Air Quality Personal Exposure Monitors
Authors: Aljofi Halah E. , Bannan Thomas J. , Flynn Michael , Evans James Z , Topping David O. , Matthews Emily , Diez Sebastian , Edwards Pete M , Coe Hugh , Brison Daniel R. , Van Tongeren Martie , Johnstone Edward D. , Povey Andrew C.
Published: August 2023

Low-cost personal exposure monitors (PEMs) to measure personal exposure to air pollution are potentially promising tools for health research. However, their adoption requires robust validation. This study evaluated the performance of twenty-one Plume Lab Flow2 (PLF) by comparing its air pollutant measurements, particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5), 10 μm or less (PM10), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), against several high-quality air pollution monitors under field conditions (at indoor, outdoor, and roadside locations). Correlation and regression analysis were used to evaluate measurements obtained by different PLFs against reference instrumentation. For all measured pollutants, the overall correlation coefficient between the PLFs and the reference instruments was often weak (r<0.4). Moderate correlation was observed for one PLF unit at indoor location and two units at roadside location, when measuring PM2.5, but not for PM10 and NO2 concentration. During periods of particularly higher pollution, 11 PLF tools showed stronger regression results (R2 values > 0.5) with one-hour and 9 PLF units with one-minute time interval. Results show that the PLF cannot be used robustly to determine high and low exposure to poor air. Therefore, the use of PLFs in research studies should be approached with caution if data quality is important to the research outputs.
Colorectal Cancer: From Risk Factors to Oncogenesis
Authors: Ionescu Vlad Alexandru , Gheorghe Gina , Bacalbasa Nicolae , Chiotoroiu Alexandru Laurentiu , Diaconu Camelia
Published: August 2023

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Numerous pathophysiological mechanisms, such as abnormal cell proliferation, cell differentiation, resistance to apoptosis, invasion of structures adjacent to colorectal tumor cells, and distant metastasis, are involved in colorectal carcinogenesis. These processes are initiated by the complex interaction of a number of genetic and environmental factors, including sedentary lifestyle, obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking or gut microbiota. Despite the significant progress achieved in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with colorectal cancer, there has been recently a noteworthy increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer in individuals below the age of 50 years. Early-onset colorectal cancer has a different frequency of oncogenic mutations, a higher prevalence of mucinous histology, a distinct deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation profile, a more distal location, and lower survival rates. A significant improvement in the prognosis of these patients can be achieved through the detection and removal of modifiable risk factors, along with the implementation of personalized screening strategies for individuals at high risk for this malignancy. Furthermore, gaining comprehension of the pathophysiological mechanisms by which these risk factors contribute to the process of oncogenesis may facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic targets.
Mitigation of Hepatic Impairment with Polysaccharides from Red Alga Alsidium corallinum Supplementation through Promoting the Lipid Profile and Liver Homeostasis in Tebuconazole-Exposed Rats
Authors: Ben Saad Hajer , Frikha dammak Donyez , Bouallegue Amir , Badraoui Riadh , Mellouli Manel , Kallel Hatem , Pujo Jean Marc , Ben Amara Ibtissem
Published: August 2023

Sulfated polysaccharides from seaweed are highly active natural substances having valuable applications. In the present paper, attempts have been made to discuss the physicochemical and structural features of polysaccharides isolated from red marine alga Alsidium corallinum (ACPs) and its protective effect in hepatic impairments induced by tebuconazole (TBZ) in rats. Structural features were determined using High performance liquid chromatography, Fourier transformed infrared, and solid state 1H and 13C-Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. ACPs are found to be hetero-sulfated-anionic polysaccharides that contained carbohydrates, sulfate groups and uronic acids. In vitro biological activities suggested the effective antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities of ACPs. For antioxidant testing in vivo, the biochemical analysis and plasma profiles displayed that oral administration of ACPs could mitigate blood lipid indicators, including total cholesterol, triglyceride, low and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, bilirubin, liver function indexes involving alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, showed that ACPs possessed obvious antioxidant activities. Besides, the intervention of ACPs potentially inhibited lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, key enzymes of lipid metabolism (<0.001) and increased levels and antioxidant status (<0.05). Histomorphological observation confirmed that ACPs intervention could partially repair liver injuries caused by TBZ. The computational results showed that A. corallinum monosaccharides bound 1JIJ, 1HD2 and 1WL4 receptors with acceptable affinities, which together with deep embedding and molecular interactions support the antioxidant, antimicrobial and hypolipidemic outlined effects in the in vitro and in vivo findings. In view of their prominent antioxidant effects, ACPs stand for promising candidates in liver diseases and need be considered in pharmaceutical applications.
Photoaligning Polymeric Command Surfaces: Bind, or Mix?
Authors: Nassrah Ameer R.K. , Batkova Marianna , Tomašovičová Natália , Tóth-Katona Tibor
Published: August 2023

We compare photoaligning properties of polymer layers fabricated from the same constituents: polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) and azo-dye Disperse Red 1 (DR1), either chemically attached to the PMMA main-chain, or physically mixed with it. Photoaligning properties depend on the preparation method drastically. This finding is supported by atomic force microscope (AFM) scans monitoring the light-induced changes at the polymer−air interface, and revealing a photoinduced mass transfer.