bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ВПЛИВ ОПОРУ СЕЛЯНСТВА ЧАСІВ СУЦІЛЬНОЇ КОЛЕКТИВІЗАЦІЇ І ГОЛОДОМОРУ НА ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЮ БІЛЬШОВИЦЬКОГО ПРОЕКТУ ПОБУДОВИ КОМУНІЗМУ
Authors: Водотика Сергій Григорович
Published: November 2024

Мета дослідження: аналіз впливу масового опору селянства в роки суцільної колективізації і Голодомору 1932–1933 років на трансформацію марксистсько-сталінського (більшовицького) проекту комуністичного штурму і сутності самого комуністичного проекту. І хоча в радянській літературі радянсько-компартійний устрій звався соціалізмом, але в сталінські часи йшлося про будівництво саме комунізму. Методи дослідження: багатофакторний аналіз чинників (ідеологічних, політичних, соціально-економічних, морально-психологічних), які впливали на політику сталінського керівництва та опір селянства сталінщині у 1929–1933 роках. Саме багатофакторний аналіз став ключем до розуміння впливу наслідків компромісу між владою і селянством на характер подальшого розвитку України в совєтську добу. Результати дослідження: доведено факт значного впливу наслідків масового спротиву селянства на сталінський проект комуністичного штурму. Українське селянство, позбавлене лідерів, зброї та політичного керівництва, відчайдушно боролося за себе, своїх дітей і нащадків з безжальною репресивною машиною радянського тоталітаризму. Селянство боролось впродовж багатьох років, використовувало активні та пасивні форми, боролось завзято і понесло мільйонні втрати. Формально сталінська колективізація перемогла, а селянство було затиснуте у лещата адміністративно-командної системи, упокорене Голодомором 1932–1933 років і злиднями реального соціалізму. Проте селяни зуміли відстояти право особистої власності на присадибне господарство, відстояли сільгоспартіль як менше зло порівняно з комунами, панування яких прагнули нав’язати селянам більшовики. Паралельно у містах робітники вибороли право на вибір місця роботи. Висновки: наголошено, що ці острівці «недокомунізму» привели до збереження, нехай у гібридних формах, приватної власності, ринку і товарно-грошових відносин. Приватна власність і ринок дозволили комуністично-радянському режиму проіснувати ще 60 років, але саме вони кінець кінцем відправили совєтський режим і реальний соціалізм на смітник історії.
The pivotal role of the employee social mobility during the war
Authors: Stozhok Alina
Published: November 2024

The article describes the factors that served as the basis for changes in the processes of social mobility of employees, such as crises, revolutions, political changes, pandemics, and war. The article analyses Ukraine’s indicators in the context of the components of the Global Social Mobility Index, which gives grounds for the need to consider the social mobility of personnel as one of the components of the country’s development, which is currently relevant in connection with the Russian invasion. The article substantiates the peculiarities of social mobility for able-bodied persons, taking into account the gender component in the structure of the internally displaced Ukrainian population. The factors influencing the social mobility of the working population in several temporal dimensions are considered, namely: during the pre-war and pre-pandemic development of the country, which was characterised by economic instability and political changes, during the COVID-19 pandemic and during the full-scale war on the territory of Ukraine. A thorough analysis of new labour market actors is carried out, and levers of influence on the social mobility of new labour market actors are identified, depending on their category of vulnerability. The author examines in detail the components of the factors of social mobility of internally displaced persons of working age, both abroad and within Ukraine, highlighting among them the devaluation of human capital, language barriers, obstacles to employment, psychological fatigue, difficulties of social and psychological adaptation, shortage of «male» labour force, interruption of labour and insurance record, deterioration of physical and mental health, financial situation, and the risk of family breakdown. The factors influencing the social mobility of workers who lost their ability to work as a result of hostilities are investigated, with a focus on the likelihood of social isolation, the impossibility of full or no employment in general, disruption of social support between generations, difficulties in accepting the situation, deterioration of physical and mental health, and loss of social capital. The article highlights the advantages and disadvantages of social mobility of the working population and emphasises the importance of its role in rebuilding the country and preserving future generations through social inclusion of the entire population and support for those in need.
Design, synthesis and molecular docking of new spiro heterocyclic coumarin as antibacterial agents
Authors:   University of Mosul, College of Education for Pure Science, Department of Chemistry, Mosul, Ninava, Iraq, FATHI-AL-BURGUS Abdallah , THANOON-ALI Omar ,   University of Mosul, College of Education for Pure Science, Department of Chemistry, Mosul, Ninava, Iraq, YOUNIS AL-ABBASY Omar ,   University of Mosul, College of Education for Pure Science, Department of Chemistry, Mosul, Ninava, Iraq
Published: November 2024

In this study, coumarin derivatives were synthesized from coumarin 3-carbohydrazide (1) and 4-(pyrimidin-2-yl diazenyl)-antipyrine (2), leading to the intermediate compound (3). The final compounds were synthesized through the cyclocondensation of compound (3) with mercaptoacetic acid, acetic anhydride, sodium azide, 2-aminobenzoic acid, and maleic anhydride. This process resulted in the formation of five spiro heterocyclic coumarins (4a-e) respectively. The novel compounds were purified by column chromatography, and were identified by FT-IR,1H, and 13C-NMR. The antibacterial activity of the prepared compounds was evaluated in vitro using the disk diffusion method against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Compound (4b) showed significant antibacterial activity, among others. Furthermore, the docking study of (4b) with DNA gyrase for both bacterial strains was investigated using (Auto Dock Vina), and (Discovery Studio software), which revealed vital interactions and binding conformations.
Tralokinumab in the Era of Disruption in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Humphry Nicola
Published: November 2024

While for some individuals with atopic dermatitis (AD), the disease can be controlled with topical treatments, those with moderate-to-severe AD often require systemic therapy for long-term disease control. Systemic treatments for AD include conventional systemic agents, small molecule inhibitors, and biologics, each with its own risks and benefits. For example, conventional systemic agents carry significant risks with long-term use, and small molecule inhibitors require frequent dosing. Melinda Gooderham, SkiN Centre for Dermatology, Probity Medical Research, Queen’s University, Peterborough, Canada; Marjolein de Bruin-Weller, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands; and April Armstrong, University of California, Los Angeles, USA, are internationally renowned specialists in AD. Here, they discuss how the advent of biologic therapy for AD has changed clinical practice. One of the more recent biologic therapies to become available is tralokinumab. This is administered as a single injection every 2 or 4 weeks, is well-tolerated, and can be used over the long term without diminishing efficacy. Biologics such as tralokinumab are at the forefront of a change from flare-driven treatment to the management of AD on a stable, long-term basis, with associated improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for patients.
Thomas Percy’s Translation of Ovid’s Epistles: Introduction and Text
Authors: Gillespie Stuart
Published: November 2024

By the time he published the Reliques of Ancient English Poetry, for which he is chiefly known today, in 1765, Thomas Percy had a record of diverse literary and linguistic interests, in many cases in the role of a translator. Inasmuch as they lack connections with the Reliques these tend to be downplayed or overlooked. One of his numerous unpublished projects, belonging to 1758, was a translation of Ovid’s Epistles in a verse form he thought of as an English equivalent for Latin elegiac couplets. First discussing some of the implications for our understanding of Percy’s place in literary history, this contribution presents a text of the five epistles Percy completed (Ovid’s Epistles 1–5) as they appear, uniquely, in autograph in Bodleian MS Percy e. 6.
THE WORLD OF SERVICES AND THINGS IN THE SOVIET PRESS OF THE 1920S - 1930S
Authors:   Institute of History and Archeology of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, KLINOVA M.A. , TROFIMOV A.V. ,   Ural State University of Economics, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation,   Syktyvkar State University named after Pitirim Sorokina, Syktyvkar, Russian Federation
Published: November 2024

The purpose of the study. The article attempts to reconstruct the figurative series of standards of material consumption of the urban population of the USSR, presented in the Soviet press of the 1920s-1930s. Conclusions. The content of the standards of material consumption was determined by the ideological vector (building socialism"), directly depended on the dynamics of socio-economic development, the success of modernization processes. In the USSR in the 1920s-1930s, significant transformations took place in the specifics and content of the standards of material consumption of the population. In the 1920s, the content of the Soviet press was dominated by an emphasis on breaking with the pre-revolutionary past, proclaiming simplicity and the absence of material fetishism. In the 1930s, priorities changed. The world of things is recognized as a necessary component of the Soviet man. Fashion and advertising in the second half of the 1930s formed a fairly high standard of material consumption, although the real level of provision of goods to the population was significantly inferior
MACHIAVELLIAN RELATIONSHIP MODEL, LOVE OF MONEY, RELIGIOSITY AND TAX EVASION: MULTI-GROUP ANALYSIS BASED ON GENDER
Authors: Sunarsih Uun , Nurdiana Lila
Published: November 2024

This study aims to test whether there is an influence of Machiavellian, love of money, and religiosity on tax evasion with gender as a moderating variable. The method in this study is quantitative explanatory type with a correlational approach. The data used is primary data by distributing questionnaires to taxpayers throughout Indonesia using purposive sampling and using the Issac and Michael formula so that 350 respondents were obtained. The analysis technique uses the Partial Least Square Multi-Group Analysis technique (PLS-MGA). The results of the study prove that, first, Machiavellian influences tax evasion, the higher the Machiavellian attitude, the greater the likelihood of tax evasion; Second, love of money influences tax evasion, the higher a person's love of money, tax evasion is considered reasonable. Third, religiosity has no effect. The high or low level of a person's religiosity has not been able to suppress tax evasion. Fourth, Machiavellian influences tax evasion moderated by gender. Machiavellian owned by the male gender is greater than that of the female gender. Love of money owned by men does not affect tax evasion, but becomes a motivation to pursue a career while love of money affects embezzlement moderated by female gender because women have very high needs compared to men. Religiosity affects tax evasion moderated by gender. This means that the higher the level of religiosity of a person, both men and women, are able to suppress tax evasion and people who are more religious tend to be more against tax evasion.
Construction of middle-phase microemulsion system and its micro-mechanism on displacing residual oil in low-permeability porous media
Authors: Wu Tianjiang , Wang Teng , Hu Yingxue , Chen Jiajun , Su Junwei
Published: November 2024

The application of medium-phase microemulsion in enhancing oil recovery technology represents a significant area of research, particularly for improving production in low-permeability reservoirs. The oil recovery can be increased to 80%~90%. In order to further improve the recovery rate of low-permeability reservoirs in the late stage of water flooding, a medium-phase microemulsion flooding system was constructed in this paper. The micro-displacement mechanism of the medium-phase microemulsion flooding system was clarified by experimental methods such as phase change and micro-remaining oil distribution. The ability of enhancing oil recovery and the mechanism of increasing oil production were discussed, which provided a basis for establishing a new method of enhancing oil recovery. This study utilizes a mixed surfactant system composed of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate and coconut oil fatty acid lipopolyoxyethylene betaine at a mass ratio of 1:3, with n-butanol serving as the cosurfactant. The fish phase diagram was instrumental in determining the critical concentration range for alcohol (1.3%–3.7%) necessary for the formation of middle-phase microemulsions, along with a corresponding surfactant mass concentration of 0.3%–0.7%. Key salinity thresholds for middle-phase formation and disappearance were identified at 1.5% and 6.0%, respectively. Optimal solubilization effects were observed at approximately 4.8% NaCl mass concentration, which effectively reduced interfacial tension to 10–3 mN/m. Under specific kinetic conditions, in-situ formation of middle-phase microemulsions occurs as surfactants interact with crude oil within reservoir pores. In comparison to traditional water flooding, middle-phase microemulsions enhance viscosity and create an oil wall at the forefront of displacement. This mechanism facilitates the aggregation and movement of residual oil, which is crucial for enhancing crude oil recovery. Moreover, middle-phase microemulsions exhibit strong solubilization capabilities, making them particularly effective for mobilizing oil in blind-end and unswept areas. The ultra-low interfacial tension achieved between the microemulsion and crude oil promotes the elongation and fragmentation of pore-trapped oil into smaller droplets, ultimately aiding in their displacement and recovery via micro-pore outlets. This unique interaction underscores the potential of middle-phase microemulsion flooding to optimize oil recovery processes, especially in challenging reservoir environments such as those encountered in the Changqing Oilfield formations.
Behavior, hormone, and gut microbiota change by YYNS intervention in an OVX mouse model
Authors: Lei Huajuan , Liu Jian , Deng Juan , Zou Pan , Zou Zixiang , Li Ziou , Li Honghui , Luo Lin , Tan Zhoujin
Published: November 2024

Object

Perimenopause depression disorder (PDD) is a very common problem in clinical practice and is characterized by depression and autonomic nervous symptoms, including hot flashes, palpitation, and night sweating. In addition, the comorbidity of menopause depression has long been an integral component of the estradiol (E2) shortage. Previous studies have suggested that the mechanisms underlying this comorbidity involved overlap of endocrine and cerebellar networks. Emerging evidence has shown that the endocrine–brain–gut–microbiota axis plays a key role in the regulation of affective disorders. Yangyin-ningshen formula (YYNS) is a traditional Chinese decoction tailored by Yijintang for menopausal depression intervention. Thus, we hypothesized that the YYNS may be involved in the menopause depression alleviation through the endocrine–brain–gut–microbiota axis.

Methods

To verify this, we constructed a bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) mouse model to simulate menopausal-related depression. Subsequently, behavioral tests including the open field test (OFT) and the forced swimming test (FST) were conducted to examine the depression state post-OVX. With YYNS or E2 intervention, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the serum sex hormones level. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were used to analyze the microbiome of the colon samples collected from mice in the sham surgery group (CSH), the OVX model group (CMD), the OVX with E2 hormone intervention group (CHM), and the OVX with YYNS intervention group (CYYNS). One week after OVX, CMD, CHM, and CYYNS showed depression in OFT, FST. Three weeks post-OVX, CHM and CYYNS showed a notable relief of depression; CMD shaped the OTUs shrinkage; and OTUs were raised in the sham, CHM, and CYYNS group. The CMD group showed that the abundance of Actinobiota decreased but that of Bacteriodia increased. The relative abundance of the genus varied in each group. Moreover, functional correlation of changes in sex hormone and gut microbes between different groups showed that the PRL level was negatively correlated with Odoribacter. T level was positively correlated with Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group and Odoribacter abundance (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results not only offer novel insights into the sex hormones and depression with OVX mice but also build an important basis for E2 or YYNS therapeutic efficacy on PDD, which provide for future research on this etiology through the endocrine–brain–gut–microbiota network.
Modified fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair with short bridging stent to treat complex aortic dissection
Authors: Zhao Zihe , Han Yuexue , Keyoumu Reyaguli , Zhang Shuai , Gao Xia , Liu Zhao
Published: November 2024

Objectives

This study aims to improve fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair (F/B EVAR) through fabricating physician-modified stent grafts (PMSG) with short bridging stent to treat complex aortic dissection.

Methods

From November 2018 to January 2024, a total of 82 aortic dissection patients were treated by F/B EVAR combined with short bridging stents, including 19 aortic arch dissection patients and 63 thoracoabdominal aortic dissection patients. Inner or outer short bridging stents were applied to fabricate PMSG with the help of 3D-printing models intraoperatively. All patients underwent postoperative evaluation by enhanced computed tomography in follow-up.

Results

All aortic dissections were successfully repaired. In aortic arch group, the average operative time was 289.2 ± 88.8 min. The perioperative mortality rate was 5.3%. The total reintervention rate was 5.3%. The average follow-up duration of 36.2 ± 9.5 months. The total incidence of endoleak after surgery was 15.8%. In thoracoabdominal aorta group, the average operative time was 345.5 ± 112.0 min. The perioperative mortality rate was 1.6%. The total reintervention rate was 1.6%. The average follow-up duration of 32.4 ± 19.2 months. The total incidence of endoleak after surgery was 11.1%.

Discussion

The application of short bridging stents has shown promising results in reducing endoleak rates after F/B EVAR. 3D-printing is a feasible way to assist the precise fenestration and design of short bridging stents. However, the safety and reliability of this method need to be further validated.
Study on the water–salt migration law of salinized frozen soil based on the capillary model
Authors: Bao Dejun , Zhang Zhilong , Yue Zheng , Zhang Ao , Liu Guang
Published: November 2024

Salt expansion and frost heave are the main diseases of salted frozen soil roadbeds. Salt swelling and frost heave disease are closely related to the salted soil water–salt migration, temperature variation, and salt crystallization amount change. This article establishes a coupled model of water, heat, and salt fields based on the capillary model and the unfrozen water characteristic curve. The study shows that the different initial moisture contents have minimal effects on the location of soil salt migration and aggregation. The different initial salt concentrations have a substantial effect on the soil water–salt migration aggregation position; when the concentration of sodium sulfate increases, different from chloride saline soils, the position of the freezing front fluctuates up and down over time. The water–salt migration and aggregation are smaller in the closed condition, where they are reduced by 38% and 20%, respectively.
Initial teacher preparation program in Saudi Arabia: history and framework for transformation toward a new era
Authors: Alharbi Mashael S. , Albidewi Ibrahim A.
Published: November 2024

Teacher quality is one of the most significant factors influencing the overall effectiveness of an education system. In this process, educators emphasize that teachers play the most crucial role in the educational process. Highlighting the importance of teachers draws attention to the value of their education, training, and readiness. This article discusses the history of initial teacher preparation (ITP) and its development within the context of Saudi Arabia. Drawing on the relevant literature, this review paper explores the fundamental elements that (ITP) education should include to achieve Vision 2030 goals for preparing future teachers. The paper also provides a proposed organizational framework for initial teacher preparation (ITP) in Saudi Arabia. The point in focusing on this topic lies in its academic contribution to the background context of initial teacher preparation (ITP), where little research has been published over the past years.
Perceived service quality and student satisfaction: a case study at Khoja Akhmet Yassawi University, Kazakhstan
Authors: Seitova Meruyert , Temirbekova Zhanar , Kazykhankyzy Lazura , Khalmatova Ziyoda , Çelik H. Eray
Published: November 2024

The higher education sector is a dynamic and competitive environment where service quality plays a crucial role. Higher education institutions must continuously enhance their service quality in the current competitive landscape. This quantitative study examines perceived service quality’s effect on student satisfaction at Khoja Akhmet Yassawi University in Kazakhstan. The study data were collected with SERVQUAL, and Covariance Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) was employed to test the research hypotheses. The CB-SEM findings confirmed the impact of perceived service quality on student satisfaction. It was found that students were generally satisfied with the university facilities. The findings could assist the university, and by extension, the entire higher education industry, in improving its strategic plans to increase student satisfaction and overall institutional performance. Thus, service quality significantly impacts student satisfaction in higher education, and higher education institutions, including yours, should be aware of the dimensions of service quality that affect student satisfaction.
Osteocytes contribute to sex-specific differences in osteoarthritic pain
Authors: Jones Ryan , Gilbert Sophie J. , Christofides Sarah R. , Mason Deborah J.
Published: November 2024

Osteoarthritic (OA) pain affects 18% of females and 9.6% of males aged over 60 worldwide, with 62% of all OA patients being women. The molecular drivers of sex-based differences in OA are unknown. Bone is intricately coupled with the sensory nervous system and one of the only joint tissues known to show changes that correlate with patient pain in OA. There are fundamental sex differences in pain sensation and bone biology which may be intrinsic to OA disease progression, however these differences are vastly under researched. We have utilised three data sets to investigate the hypothesis that potential mediators responsible for sex dependent pain mechanisms displayed in OA are derived from mechanically stimulated osteocytes. Our published dataset of the in vitro human osteocyte mechanosome was independently compared with published data from, sex-based gene expression differences in human long bone, the sex-based gene expression differences during the skeletal maturation of the mouse osteocyte transcriptome and sex specific OA risk factors and effector genes in a large human GWAS. 80 of the 377 sex-specific genes identified in the mouse osteocyte transcriptome were mechanically regulated in osteocytes with enrichment associated with neural crest migration and axon extension, and DISEASES analysis enrichment for the rheumatoid arthritis pathway. 3861 mechanically regulated osteocytic genes displayed sex-specific differences in human long bone with enrichment for genes associated with the synapse, sensory perception of pain, axon guidance, immune responses, distal peripheral sensory neuropathy, sensory neuropathy, and poor wound healing. 32 of 77 effector genes and 1 of 3 female specific OA risk factor genes identified in the human GWAS were differentially expressed in the osteocyte mechanosome and male and female bone. This analysis lends support to the hypothesis that mechanically regulated genes in osteocytes could influence sex specific differences in osteoarthritic pain and highlights pain pathways with approved drugs that could potentially treat elevated pain susceptibility in females with OA.
Which rules to follow? how differences in renewable fuel standards obscure the potential climate impact of transportation fuels
Authors: Roux Megan , Ekvall Tomas , Schmidt Jannick , Croxatto Vega Giovanna
Published: November 2024

Various regional and international standards have been developed to measure the environmental impacts of transportation fuels and minimize greenwashing and misinformation regarding their sustainability. These frameworks offer standardized methods and calculation guidelines for fuel producers to be able to verify compliance with predefined sustainability criteria and to achieve greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. However, significant inconsistencies exist among these standards in terms of methods, calculation rules, and default values assigned to specific fuels. This study reviews and analyses five fuel standards, namely the European Renewable Energy Directive, the United Nation’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard, the United States Renewable Fuel Standard, and the UK Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation. A qualitative analysis of the different schemes’ methods identified several discrepancies. These were found to be primarily related to the modelling approach used, the burdens and credits arising from different feedstock types and co-products, and the modelling of electricity and land use changes. An example of this is that different standards provide credits for certain waste types, such as animal manure in the RED and RTFO, or municipal solid waste in CORSIA. In addition to the qualitative analysis, the carbon intensity was calculated – according to the rules set out by these frameworks – for case studies of eight fuel types, including biofuels and electrolysis-based fuels. These calculations further highlighted how the use of different fuel standards can lead to conflicting assessments of a fuel’s environmental impact. Overall, our findings demonstrate substantial variations in the methods and calculation rules prescribed by the five standards, often resulting in markedly different carbon intensity scores for the same fuel. Based on this analysis, we propose specific changes to the calculation rules to enhance harmonization and improve the accuracy in reflecting the environmental consequences of fuel production and use. These recommendations include that indirect land use changes are always included, and more transparency regarding the methods for calculating the fuel carbon footprint.
A two-phase robust comprehensive optimal scheduling strategy for regional distribution network based on multiple scenarios
Authors: Ma Hongde , Zhang Weiqi , Wang Aoxuan
Published: November 2024

With the increasing integration of renewable energy sources, the optimization of distribution networks has become a critical challenge to ensure sustainable and reliable energy supply. In this paper, a robust comprehensive optimization (RCO) strategy based on multi-scenarios is proposed to manage the uncertainty of distributed power supply and load in regional distribution networks, for making up for the shortcomings of existing methods in multi-scenario integrated energy optimization of distribution networks. Firstly, the development of a holistic model that concurrently considers constraints related to wind power, photovoltaics (PVs), gas turbines (GTs), energy storage systems, reactive power compensation, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to network management. Then, the application of Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) for scenario generation, combined with an adaptive K-means clustering approach using the elbow method (EM), which results in the creation of highly representative prototypical scenarios. In addition, the imposition of 1-norm and ∞-norm constraints on the probability confidence intervals for scenario distribution, provides a rigorous framework for addressing uncertainty in energy scenarios. Furthermore, a novel two-phase decomposition model based on the box decomposition algorithm will be introduced to handle the temporal dependencies between energy storage and unit commitment, optimizing both operational costs and system flexibility. Using the column and constraint generation (C&CG) algorithm, the proposed complex optimization problem has been solved comprehensively. Finally, the validation of the model using the IEEE 33-note system based on the Matlab/Simulink platform from four regional distribution networks, demonstrates that the proposed method can effectively improve the practicability, reduce the clustering error, enhance the robustness, and have better scene representation.
Spatio-temporal variations of black soil erosion under the scenario of soil organic carbon change based on RUSLE and random forest
Authors: Chen Chaoqun , Yang Ze , Liu Kai , Dai Huimin
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The Northeast black soil area is an important marketable grain base in China. However, due to soil erosion, the black soil layer has been gradually thinning and its quality deteriorating. Therefore, accurately assessing the extent of soil erosion in this region is essential for the protection and sustainable utilization of black soil resources.

Methods

In this study, linear and nonlinear models were compared combined with remote sensing images to invert soil organic carbon (SOC). In the scenario of SOC change, temporally variable soil erodibility factor were obtained. Then based on the RUSLE model and GIS technology, land use, rainfall, soil texture and digital elevation model (DEM) were used to evaluate the temporal and spatial variation characteristics of soil erosion in black soil region from 1995 to 2020 in Hulan River Basin. The main influencing factors were explored by random forest model and analyzes in combination with eco-geological.

Results

The findings are as follows: The random forest (RF) model was optimal for SOC inversion (2020: R2 = 0.64, RMSE = 0.70, 2010: R2 = 0.66, RMSE = 0.35). The erosion intensity was mainly slight or mild while mean annual soil loss firstly decreased then increased from 1995 to 2020 reaching a rate of 1020.16 t km−2 y−1 by 2020. Rainfall and topography were the main driving factors of soil conservation changes, and soil erosion was more likely to occur in the eco-geological environment of the neutral rock hilly woodland area.

Discussion

The results provide insights into spatial distribution characteristics of black soils erosion which are crucial for preventing further degradation and ensuring national food security.
Impact assessment framework of just energy transition: based on the justice principles
Authors: Shangguan Chenyue , Shangguan Ziheng , Sun Wen
Published: November 2024

The concept of a Just Energy Transition (JET) has gained prominence in sustainable development discussion, with impact assessment serving as a key foundation for advancing global energy justice. Currently, the primary assessment frameworks encompass distributional justice, procedural justice, and restorative justice. However, these dimensions exhibit a certain degree of overlap, and a standardized set of metrics for their evaluation remains conspicuously lacking. To address this research gap, this study employs a literature review and logical reasoning to construct a comprehensive framework consisting of four distinct assessment dimensions: cognitive justice, distributional justice, procedural justice, and redistributive justice. The framework delineation the boundaries and logical relationships among these dimensions. This study emphasizes the foundational role of cognitive justice, positioning it as the cornerstone upon which other dimensions of justice rely. Moreover, it puts forth a constructive argument that future generations, as direct beneficiaries, should bear additional responsibility to uphold intergenerational justice. This multi-dimensional framework deepens our understanding of the complexities of JET and encourage critical discourse on the subject.
Alcohol consumption and its association with cancer, cardiovascular, liver and brain diseases: a systematic review of Mendelian randomization studies
Authors: Bouajila Naouras , Domenighetti Cloé , Aubin Henri-Jean , Naassila Mickael
Published: November 2024

Background

The health effects of alcohol consumption, particularly regarding potential protective benefits of light to moderate intake compared to abstinence, remain a subject of ongoing debate. However, epidemiological studies face limitations due to imprecise exposure measurements and the potential for bias through residual confounding and reverse causation. To address these limitations, we conducted a systematic review of Mendelian Randomization (MR) studies examining the causal relationship between alcohol consumption and cancers, cardiovascular, liver, and neurological diseases.

Methodology

We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect and Embase and Europe PMC up to 05/2024 for MR studies investigating the association of genetically predicted alcohol consumption with cancers, cardiovascular, liver and neurological diseases. We assessed methodological quality based on key elements of the MR design a genetic association studies tool.

Results

We included 70 MR studies that matched our inclusion criteria. Our review showed a significant association of alcohol consumption with multiple cancers such as oral and oropharyngeal, esophageal, colorectal cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma and cutaneous melanoma. While the available studies did not consistently confirm the adverse or protective effects of alcohol on other cancers, such as lung cancer, as suggested by observational studies. Additionally, MR studies confirmed a likely causal effect of alcohol on the risk of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, myocardial infraction and vessels disease. However, there was no evidence to support the protective effects of light to moderate alcohol consumption on cognitive function, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as reported in observational studies while our review revealed an increased risk of epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. The available studies provided limited results on the link between alcohol consumption and liver disease.

Conclusions

Despite the valuable insights into the causal relationship between alcohol consumption and various health outcomes that MR studies provided, it is worth noting that the inconsistent ability of genetic instrumental variables to distinguish between abstainers, light and moderate drinkers makes it difficult to differentiate between U or J-shaped vs. linear relationships between exposure and outcome. Additional research is necessary to establish formal quality assessment tools for MR studies and to conduct more studies in diverse populations, including non-European ancestries.

Systematic Review Registration

www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021246154, Identifier: PROSPERO (CRD42021246154).
Mangrove vulnerability and blue carbon storage in the Coral Triangle Areas, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Analuddin Kangkuso , Helmi Muhammad , Pribadi Rudhi , Adrianto Luky , Jaya L. M. Golok , Iba Wa , Susetyo Adi Novi , Septiana Andi , Nadaoka Kazuo , Nakamura Takashi
Published: November 2024

Mangroves play a vital role in the environment and contribute signific aptly to the well-being of coastal communities by providing goods and services. Unfortunately, the degradation and deforestation of mangroves has frequently occurred. Therefore, it is important to understand the vulnerability of mangroves and its impact on blue carbon storage for effective mangrove management and coastal planning. This study aims to assess the vulnerability of mangroves and its effect on blue carbon storage in the coral triangle region of Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The vulnerability assessment included factors such as exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Blue carbon storage was evaluated based on carbon stock in sediment, biomass, and total carbon stock in mangrove ecosystems in both protected and unprotected areas. The mangrove ecosystem in the protected area of Rawa Aopa Watumohai National (RAWN) Park showed lower vulnerability due to lower exposure, lower sensitivity, and higher adaptive capacity. On the other hand, mangrove ecosystems in unprotected areas such as Tinanggea (TNG), Kendari Bay (KDI), and Staring Bay (STR) exhibited moderate to high vulnerability due to higher exposure, sensitivity, and lower adaptive capacity. Mangroves in RAWN Park, which were less vulnerable, had higher blue carbon storage in sediment (381.64 tons C/ha), biomass (312.65 tons C/ha), and the entire ecosystem (706.76 tons C/ha). These values were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to those in TNG (306.66 tons, 144.15 tons, and 448.37 tons C/ha, respectively), KDI (262.08 tons, 227.73 tons, and 470.76 tons C/ha, respectively), and STR (169.44 tons, 66.66 tons, and 253.27 tons C/ha, respectively). The high vulnerability of mangrove ecosystems resulted in reduced carbon storage in the coastal regions of Southeast Sulawesi. Therefore, efforts such as rehabilitation and restoration, legislation, and conservation should be prioritized to enhance blue carbon storage, and other ecosystem services provided by mangroves in the coral triangle region of Southeast Sulawesi.
Safety, immunogenicity and immune-persistence of a lyophilized human rabies vaccine (Vero cells) under Zagreb and Essen regimens: a randomized, open-label, controlled phase III clinical trial in healthy participants aged 10–60 years in China
Authors: Liang Zhenzhen , Chen Xu , Xing Bo , Hu Xiaosong , Liu Miaomiao , Zhang Xinpei , Shen Yugang , Wang Yan , Chen Yingping , Lv Huakun , Mao Yu
Published: November 2024

Background

Rabies continues to be a significant global public health concern, particularly in the Asia region where it is associated with high mortality rate. The administration of effective vaccination is essential in preventing this potentially fatal viral infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of two rabies vaccination schedules: the Zagreb (2–1–1) and Essen (1–1–1–1–1) regimens, in a cohort of healthy Chinese individuals aged 10-60 years.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, open-label, controlled, non-inferiority phase 3 trial from July 2021 to November 2022, enrolling a total of 1200 participants. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the Zagreb or Essen vaccination regimen. The primary outcomes were safety, immunogenicity, and immune persistence. Safety was monitored through adverse event reporting, while immunogenicity was determined by measuring rabies-virus-neutralizing antibody (RVNA) concentrations using the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT). Immune persistence was evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months post-vaccination.

Results

The two vaccination regimens exhibited comparable safety records, with mild and transient adverse events predominantly occurring within 0-3 days post-vaccination. The Zagreb regimen demonstrated non-inferiority in terms of seroconversion rates and geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) of antibodies compared to the Essen regimen at both 14 days post-first vaccination and 14 days post-full vaccination. Additionally, both groups displayed nearly 100% seropositivity rate at 3,6, and 12 months. No serious adverse events associated with vaccination were reported.

Conclusion

The findings of this Phase 3 clinical trial provide compelling evidence that the Zagreb regimen is a feasible alternative when compared to the Essen regimen for rabies vaccination, offering a more pragmatic and cost-efficient approach to rabies prevention and control.

Clinical trial registration

http://www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn, identifier CTR20210426.
Immunotherapy plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in the first-line treatment for advanced gastric cancer/gastroesophageal junction cancer: a real-world retrospective study
Authors: Xu Qian , Yi Dan , Jia Caiyan , Kong Fanming , Jia Yingjie
Published: November 2024

Background

Immunotherapy offers new hope for improved survival in patients with advanced gastric cancer. Although large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to explore the efficacy and safety of first-line immunotherapy plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone for advanced gastric cancer, the results are not completely consistent. And the strict inclusion criteria of RCTs lead to limited extrapolation. Therefore, it is of great significance to continue to conduct real-world studies comparing the clinical efficacy and safety of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in advanced gastric cancer.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with HER-2 negative, unresectable advanced or recurrent gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC/GEJC) who received first-line immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in combination with chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone between January 1, 2018 to May 31, 2023. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and adverse events (AEs) were compared between two groups.

Results

A total of 210 patients were enrolled in the combination treatment group (n=100) and chemotherapy alone group (n=110). After 12 months of follow-up, median PFS (mPFS) was 270 days (95%CI 177.510-362.490) in the chemotherapy alone group and 357 days (95%CI 250.103-463.897) in the combination treatment group (P<0.05). The median OS (mOS) was 14.9 months (95%CI 9.831-17.769) in the chemotherapy alone group and 15 months (95%CI 12.386-17.614) in the combination treatment group (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in ORR between two groups (P=0.050). The DCR was 14.5% in the chemotherapy alone group and 38% in the combination treatment group (P<0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that primary tumor location of GEJC, ECOG PS of 1, without liver metastasis, and chemotherapy plus ICIs were associated with PFS benefit. Cox multivariate analysis showed that only surgery or not was correlated with patients’ prognosis (P<0.05). Most of AEs were grade 1-2 and manageable.

Conclusions

Compared with chemotherapy alone, first-line ICIs combined with chemotherapy in patients with advanced GC/GEJC could greatly prolong PFS, but OS was not significantly improved, and the AEs were manageable.
Developmental programming of tissue-resident macrophages
Authors: Viola Maria Francesca , Franco Taveras Eliana , Mass Elvira
Published: November 2024

Macrophages are integral components of the innate immune system that colonize organs early in development and persist into adulthood through self-renewal. Their fate, whether they are replaced by monocytes or retain their embryonic origin, depends on tissue type and integrity. Macrophages are influenced by their environment, a phenomenon referred to as developmental programming. This influence extends beyond the local tissue microenvironment and includes soluble factors that can reach the macrophage niche. These factors include metabolites, antibodies, growth factors, and cytokines, which may originate from maternal diet, lifestyle, infections, or other developmental triggers and perturbations. These influences can alter macrophage transcriptional, epigenetic, and metabolic profiles, affecting cell-cell communication and tissue integrity. In addition to their crucial role in tissue immunity, macrophages play vital roles in tissue development and homeostasis. Consequently, developmental programming of these long-lived cells can modulate tissue physiology and pathology throughout life. In this review, we discuss the ontogeny of macrophages, the necessity of developmental programming by the niche for macrophage identity and function, and how developmental perturbations can affect the programming of macrophages and their subtissular niches, thereby influencing disease onset and progression in adulthood. Understanding these effects can inform targeted interventions or preventive strategies against diseases. Finally, understanding the consequences of developmental programming will shed light on how maternal health and disease may impact the well-being of future generations.
STAT4 gene polymorphisms in human diseases
Authors: Xia Yan , Xie Yanni , Zhang Hao , Liu Lunzhi
Published: November 2024

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) is a member of the STAT family, which is a group of transcription factors that regulate cytokine signaling. Genetic polymorphisms in STAT4 strongly influence immune responses and disease outcomes, especially in cancer and autoimmune diseases. Several studies have indicated that certain STAT4 gene variants are associated with alterations in STAT4 expression and/or activity and that there is a close relationship between STAT4 polymorphisms and drug efficacy. However, the underlying mechanisms are complex, and the roles of these polymorphisms in disease acquisition, progression, and severity are of widespread concern. Therefore, we provide an overview of the clinical significance of polymorphisms in STAT4 and the mechanisms by which these STAT4 variants are involved in various diseases.