bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-genetic differences underlie variability in proliferation among esophageal epithelial clones
Authors: Reyes Hueros Raúl A. , Gier Rodrigo A. , Shaffer Sydney M.
Published: October 2024

Individual cells grown in culture exhibit remarkable differences in their growth, with some cells capable of forming large clusters, while others are limited or fail to grow at all. While these differences have been observed across cell lines and human samples, the growth dynamics and associated cell states remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed clonal tracing through imaging and cellular barcoding of an in vitro model of esophageal epithelial cells (EPC2-hTERT). We found that about 10% of clones grow exponentially, while the remaining have cells that become non-proliferative leading to a halt in the growth rate. Using mathematical models, we demonstrate two distinct growth behaviors: exponential and logistic. Further, we discovered that the propensity to grow exponentially is largely heritable through four doublings and that the less proliferative clones can become highly proliferative through increasing plating density. Combining barcoding with single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), we identified the cellular states associated with the highly proliferative clones, which include genes in the WNT and PI3K pathways. Finally, we identified an enrichment of cells resembling the highly proliferative cell state in the proliferating healthy human esophageal epithelium.
Mcadet: A feature selection method for fine-resolution single-cell RNA-seq data based on multiple correspondence analysis and community detection
Authors: Cui Saishi , Nassiri Sina , Zakeri Issa
Published: October 2024

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data analysis faces numerous challenges, including high sparsity, a high-dimensional feature space, and biological noise. These challenges hinder downstream analysis, necessitating the use of feature selection methods to identify informative genes, and reduce data dimensionality. However, existing methods for selecting highly variable genes (HVGs) exhibit limited overlap and inconsistent clustering performance across benchmark datasets. Moreover, these methods often struggle to accurately select HVGs from fine-resolution scRNA-seq datasets and minority cell types, which are more difficult to distinguish, raising concerns about the reliability of their results. To overcome these limitations, we propose a novel feature selection framework for scRNA-seq data called Mcadet. Mcadet integrates Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), graph-based community detection, and a novel statistical testing approach. To assess the effectiveness of Mcadet, we conducted extensive evaluations using both simulated and real-world data, employing unbiased metrics for comparison. Our results demonstrate the superior performance of Mcadet in the selection of HVGs in scenarios involving fine-resolution scRNA-seq datasets and datasets containing minority cell populations. Overall, we demonstrate that Mcadet enhances the reliability of selected HVGs, although the impact of HVG selection on various downstream analyses varies and needs to be further investigated.
A drug repurposing screen reveals dopamine signaling as a critical pathway underlying potential therapeutics for the rare disease DPAGT1-CDG
Authors: Dalton Hans M. , Young Naomi J. , Berman Alexys R. , Evans Heather D. , Peterson Sydney J. , Patterson Kaylee A. , Chow Clement Y.
Published: October 2024

DPAGT1-CDG is a Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation (CDG) that lacks effective therapies. It is caused by mutations in the gene DPAGT1 which encodes the first enzyme in N-linked glycosylation. We used a Drosophila rough eye model of DPAGT1-CDG with an improperly developed, small eye phenotype. We performed a drug repurposing screen on this model using 1,520 small molecules that are 98% FDA/EMA-approved to find drugs that improved its eye. We identified 42 candidate drugs that improved the DPAGT1-CDG model. Notably from this screen, we found that pharmacological and genetic inhibition of the dopamine D2 receptor partially rescued the DPAGT1-CDG model. Loss of both dopamine synthesis and recycling partially rescued the model, suggesting that dopaminergic flux and subsequent binding to D2 receptors is detrimental under DPAGT1 deficiency. This links dopamine signaling to N-glycosylation and represents a new potential therapeutic target for treating DPAGT1-CDG. We also genetically validate other top drug categories including acetylcholine-related drugs, COX inhibitors, and an inhibitor of NKCC1. These drugs and subsequent analyses reveal novel biology in DPAGT1 mechanisms, and they may represent new therapeutic options for DPAGT1-CDG.
Economic cost of a case of diarrhoea in Uvira, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A cost of illness study
Authors: Katana Patrick V. , Malembaka Espoir Bwenge , Bugeme Patrick Musole , Saidi Jaime Mufitini , Cumming Oliver , Gallandat Karin , Ross Ian
Published: October 2024

Background

Diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) among children below five years, though the proportion of the burden occurring amongst those aged over 70 is increasing. The cost of treating and managing diarrhoea can place a burden on individuals, their households, and society in general. The cost can be high but is often undocumented, and many studies focus on children or hospitalised patients only. This study aimed to estimate the economic cost per case of diarrhoea amongst individuals of any age in Uvira, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Methods

The study was cross-sectional and retrospective, and based on a household survey approximately representative of the city undertaken in September 2021. Data on quantities and prices of resources were collected in the survey, as well as from interviews with staff at the Cholera Treatment Centre in the Uvira general hospital and their records on resource use and patient numbers. Direct and indirect costs were measured from the societal perspective, and generalised linear regression used to identify factors associated with higher costs.

Results

Of 2,820 members of the 528 households surveyed, 175 people (6.2%) were reported to have had diarrhoea in the previous seven days. The majority sought care (91%) of which most (64%) visited a pharmacy. The average economic cost of illness (COI) for an episode of diarrhoea was 33,816 Congolese Francs (CDF) (US$ 17.0) in 2021 prices. The median was CDF 14,000 (US$ 7.0). The average out of pocket COI to patients was CDF 15,579 (US$ 7.8), representing 9% of the estimated average monthly income of households. On average caregivers and patients lost 4 days per episode. A concentration index suggested a lower economic COI among poorer households (p=0.099). A regression analysis identified that being older than 5 years (p=0.001) or being water insecure (p=0.032) were associated with higher COI.

Conclusion

Households in Uvira experience many diarrhoeal episodes per year, and the COI is an important burden for them and society. These costs could be avoided if diarrhoea were prevented through public health interventions to reduce prevalence and care-seeking was better managed to avert this public health burden.
Intracranial inoculation rapidly induces Nipah virus encephalitis in Syrian hamsters
Authors: Singh Manmeet , Goldin Kerry , Flagg Meaghan , Williamson Brandi N. , Lutterman Tessa , Smith Brian , de Wit Emmie
Published: October 2024

Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly pathogenic Paramyxovirus associated with outbreaks in Malaysia, Bangladesh, and India with high mortality rates. NiV infection causes fatal respiratory and neurological disease. The majority of survivors suffer from long-term neurological sequelae or late onset and relapsed encephalitis. The pathogenesis of neurological disease is complex and has not been able to be studied in current animal models as they are skewed towards the development of lethal respiratory disease rather than neurological disease. Although NiV neurological disease can be observed in animal models, there is currently no model where the majority of animals consistently develop neurological disease. Here, we developed a new Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) model to mimic neurological disease in humans. Hamsters were inoculated intracranially in the cerebellomedullary cistern with different doses of NiV, strain Malaysia. Intracranial NiV inoculation in the cerebellomedullary cistern resulted in a rapid progression towards severe neurological disease requiring euthanasia. High Nipah viral loads were detected in the brains, and NiV spread from the CNS to the lungs. Histopathologic examination of the brain showed ischemic necrosis, often accompanied by marked edema and hemorrhage. NiV antigen was detected primarily in meninges and cerebellum, but rarely observed in brain parenchyma. These histological lesions were different from the typical lesions observed in NiV-infected humans. Thus, despite the consistent development of neurological disease, intracranial inoculation does not result in a model representative of NiV neurological disease.
Mechanical equipment fault diagnosis method based on improved deep residual shrinkage network
Authors: Qiu Shaoming , Liu Liangyu , Wang Yan , Huang Xinchen , E. Bicong , Ye Jingfeng
Published: October 2024

Fault diagnosis of mechanical equipment can effectively reduce property losses and casualties. Bearing vibration signals, as one of the effective sources of diagnostic information, are often overwhelmed by substantial environmental noise. To address this issue, we present a fault diagnosis method, CCSDRSN, which exhibits strong noise resistance. This method enhances the soft threshold function in the traditional deep residual shrinkage network, allowing it to extract useful information from the fault signal to the maximum extent, thus significantly improving diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, we have developed a novel activation function that can nonlinearly transform the time frequency map across multiple dimensions and the entire region. In pursuit of network optimization and parameter reduction, we have strategically incorporated depthwise separable convolutions, effectively replacing conventional convolutional layers. This architectural innovation streamlines the network. By verifying the effectiveness of the proposed method using Case Western Reserve University datasets, the results demonstrate that the proposed method not only possesses strong noise resistance in high noise environments but also achieves high diagnostic accuracy and good generalization performance under different load conditions.
Taguchi optimization of Wire EDM process parameters for machining LM5 aluminium alloy
Authors: Juliyana Sunder Jebarose , Prakash Jayavelu Udaya , Čep Robert , Rubi Charles Sarla , Salunkhe Sachin , Sadhana Arasumugam Divya , Nasr Emad Abouel
Published: October 2024

LM5 alloy is suitable for metal castings for marine and aesthetic uses due to its admirable resistance to corrosion. In order to make intricate shapes in the LM5 alloy, this study intends to assess the impact of Wire Electric Discharge Machining process variables, like Pulse on Time (Ton), Pulse off Time (Toff), Gap Voltage (GV) and Wire Feed (WF) on responses like Material Removal Rate (MRR), Surface Roughness (SR), and Kerf Width (Kw). The LM5 aluminium alloy plate was produced through stir casting process. SEM, EDAX and XRD images confirm the LM5 Al alloy’s microstructure and crystal structure. WEDM studies were conducted using design of experiments approach based on L9 orthogonal array and analysed using Taguchi’s Signal to Noise Ratio (S/N) analysis. Pulse on Time has the greatest statistical effects on MRR (68.25%), SR (79.46%) and kerf (81.97%). In order to assess the surface integrity of the WEDM machined surfaces, the SEM study on the topography was conducted using the optimum surface roughness process variables: Ton 110 μs, Toff 50 μs, GV 40 V, and WF 9 m/min. SEM images show the recast layer and its thickness. The average absolute error for MRR is 1.69%, SR is 3.89% and kerf is 0.88%, based on mathematical (linear regression) models. The Taguchi’s Signal to Noise ratio analysis is the most appropriate for single objective optimization of responses.
Spinal cord injury and risk of overall and type specific cardiovascular diseases: A meta-analysis
Authors: Luo ShengZhong , Wu Tianlong , Cheng Xigao
Published: October 2024

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a growing concern among people with spinal cord injury (SCI). This meta-analysis aims to explore the risk of overall CVD and specific types of cardiovascular events among SCI patients.

Methods

This meta-analysis is registered on PROSPERO (CRD CRD42024537888). The data sources comprised PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and reference lists of the included studies. The literature collection span is from database establishment until April 17, 2024. This meta-analysis encompassed observational studies investigating the association between SCI and the risk of overall types of CVD or specific CVD types. Risk of bias was evaluated utilizing the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Scale. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were aggregated using a random-effects model.

Results

Our initial search generated 5357 relevant records form these international databases. This meta-analysis encompassed 9 observational studies involving 2,282,691 individuals, comprising 193,045 patients with SCI and 2,209,646 controls. We observed a 1.56-fold [OR = 1.56, 95% CI (1.43, 1.70), I2 = 91.3%, P < 0.001] rise in the risk of overall types of CVD among SCI patients, with a 1.82-fold increase in males and a 1.76-fold increase in females. SCI patients without comorbidities exhibited a 2.10-fold elevated risk of overall CVD types, while those with comorbidities had a 1.48-fold increased risk. Concerning specific CVD types, SCI patients showed a 1.58-fold [OR = 1.57, 95% CI (1.22, 2.03), I2 = 92.4%] higher risk of myocardial infarction, a 1.52-fold [OR = 1.52, 95% CI (1.07, 2.16), I2 = 88.7%] increase in atrial fibrillation, a 1.64-fold [OR = 1.64, 95% CI (1.22, 2.20), I2 = 95.5%] elevation in heart failure risk, and 2.38-fold [OR = 2.38, 95% CI (1.29, 4.40), I2 = 92.5%] increments in stroke risk. But there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of hypertension [OR = 1.54, 95% CI (0.98, 2.42), I2 = 96.6%].

Conclusions

The risk of overall CVD in SCI patients surpassed that of the non-SCI control group, with elevated risks of specific cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke. Clinicians should prioritize awareness of CVD risks in SCI patients.
Research on the relationship between physical literacy and demographic variables and interpersonal support for physical exercise among adolescents in China
Authors: Chen Weisong , Zhou Bowei , Wang Xuan , Li Lin
Published: October 2024

In recent decades, the concept of "Physical Literacy" has emerged as a significant breakthrough in enhancing the physical health of children and adolescents. This concept has become the guiding principle and future direction for physical education reform in Western countries. As China’s economic and social development enters a new phase, the negative impact of insufficient physical activity on adolescent health remains a significant challenge to the strategies of "Healthy China" and "A Leading Sports Nation." The unique value of physical literacy, which emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity, aligns perfectly with the developmental needs of the nation, the era, and individuals. Given the crucial role of interpersonal support in the development of adolescents’ physical literacy, this study employs questionnaire surveys and statistical analysis to investigate the current state of physical literacy among Chinese adolescents. It explores the predictive relationship between parental support, teacher support, and peer support on physical literacy, aiming to provide guidance for the future development of adolescents’ physical literacy. The research findings indicate significant differences in the five dimensions of physical literacy (attitude, sports knowledge, emotion, athletic ability, and physical fitness) among adolescents of different grades and residence type. Additionally, there are notable gender differences in the dimensions of sports knowledge, emotion, and athletic ability. The interaction effect of gender and grade is particularly evident in the emotional and physical fitness dimensions. There is a significant correlation between interpersonal support and all dimensions of physical literacy. After controlling for variables such as gender, grade, and family background, interpersonal support for adolescent physical exercise was found to have a significant impact on all dimensions of physical literacy. Among the forms of support, peer support was identified as a more powerful predictor of physical literacy compared to parental and teacher support.
The effects of fresh embryo transfer and frozen-thawed embryo transfer on the perinatal outcomes of single fetuses from mothers with PCOS
Authors: Li Huizhen , Xu Lihua , Niu Yanru , Zhu Xia , Gao Xiaomei , Ma Tianzhong
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To investigate the effects of fresh embryo transfer and frozen-thawed embryo transfer on perinatal outcomes among patients with PCOS.

Method

Patients who underwent in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer at the reproductive medicine center of the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University from February 2013 to March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the fresh embryo transfer group and frozen-thawed embryo transfer group according to whether fresh embryo transfer was performed. According to their conditions, patients were further classified into the ET-PCOS group (group A, n = 104), ET-non-PCOS group (group B, n = 212), FET-PCOS group (group C, n = 102), or FET-non-PCOS group (group D, n = 148); the general data, laboratory indicators and pregnancy outcomes of the patients were statistically analyzed, and the perinatal outcomes and related factors between the groups were compared and analyzed.

Results

The level of E2 on the HCG test day in the ET group was lower than that in the FET group. The natural birth rate of group D was lower than that of group A and group B, and the cesarean section rate was higher than that of group A and group B; the clinical pregnancy rate of group A was higher than that of group B and group D, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the total abortion rate, early abortion rate or late abortion rate between the groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in gestational age, neonatal sex or neonatal weight between the groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of placenta previa in Group B was significantly lower than that in Group D, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). The incidence of fetal distress in Group B was significantly lower than that in Groups C and D, and the incidence of neonatal jaundice in Group D was significantly higher than that in Groups A and B (P < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, the number of high-quality embryos was independent factors affecting clinical pregnancy, and the embryo transfer method was an independent factor affecting fetal distress and neonatal jaundice.

Conclusion

Young PCOS patients without risk of OHSS have a high clinical pregnancy rate with fresh transplant cycles. PCOS disease itself has no significant effect on the perinatal outcomes of the mother or singleton infant. Frozen-thawed embryo transfer may increase the incidence of low placenta, fetal distress and neonatal jaundice.
Antibacterial effects of Kampo products against pneumonia causative bacteria
Authors: Akahori Yukiko , Hashimoto Yusuke , Shizuno Kenichi , Nagasawa Mitsuaki
Published: October 2024

Community-acquired pneumonia is caused primarily by bacterial infection. For years, antibiotic treatment has been the standard of care for patients with bacterial pneumonia, although the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains is recognized as a global health issue. The traditional herbal medicine Kampo has a long history of clinical use and is relatively safe in treating various diseases. However, the antimicrobial effects of Kampo products against pneumonia-causative bacteria remain largely uncharacterized. In this study, we investigated the bacteriological efficacy of 11 Kampo products against bacteria commonly associated with pneumonia. Sho-saiko-To (9), Sho-seiryu-To (19), Chikujo-untan-To (91) and Shin’i-seihai-To (104) inhibited the growth of S. pneumoniae serotype 3, a highly virulent strain that causes severe pneumonia. Also, the growth of S. pneumoniae serotype 1, another highly virulent strain, was suppressed by treatment with Sho-saiko-To (9), Chikujo-untan-To (91), and Shin’i-seihai-To (104). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against these strains ranged from 6.25–50 mg/mL and 12.5–25 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, Sho-saiko-To (9), Chikujo-untan-To (91), and Shin’i-seihai-To (104) suppressed the growth of antibiotic-resistant S. pneumoniae isolates. Additionally, Sho-saiko-To (9) and Shin’i-seihai-To (104) showed growth inhibition activity against Staphylococcus aureus, another causative agent for pneumonia, with MIC ranging from 6.25–12.5 mg/mL. These results suggest that some Kampo products have antimicrobial effects against S. pneumoniae and S. aureus, and that Sho-saiko-To (9) and Shin’i-seihai-To (104) are promising medicines for treating pneumonia caused by S. pneumoniae and S. aureus infection.
Overlapping community detection in weighted networks via hierarchical clustering
Authors: Prokop Petr , Dráždilová Pavla , Platoš Jan
Published: October 2024

In real-world networks, community structures often appear as tightly connected clusters of nodes, with recent studies suggesting a hierarchical organization where larger groups subdivide into smaller ones across different levels. This hierarchical structure is particularly complex in trade networks, where actors typically belong to multiple communities due to diverse business relationships and contracts. To address this complexity, we present a novel algorithm for detecting hierarchical structures of overlapping communities in weighted networks, focusing on the interdependency between internal and external quality metrics for evaluating the detected communities. The proposed Graph Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering (GHAC) approach utilizes maximal cliques as the basis units for hierarchical clustering. The algorithm measures dissimilarities between clusters using the minimal closed trail distance (CT−distance) and the size of maximal cliques within overlaps, capturing the density and connectivity of nodes. Through extensive experiments on synthetic networks with known ground truth, we demonstrate that the adjusted Silhouette index is the most reliable internal metric for determining the optimal cut in the dendrogram. Experimental results indicate that the GHAC method is competitive with widely used community detection techniques, particularly in networks with highly overlapping communities. The method effectively reveals the hierarchical structure of communities in weighted networks, as demonstrated by its application to the OECD weighted trade network, which describes the balanced trade value of bilateral trade relations.
Exploring demographic, healthcare, and socio-economic factors as predictors of COVID-19 incidence rate: A spatial regression analysis
Authors: Sornlorm Kittipong , U Ei Sandar , Laohasiriwong Wongsa , Thi Wor Mi
Published: October 2024

This study investigated the relationship between demographic, healthcare, and socio-economic factors, and COVID-19 incidence rate per 100,000 population in Thailand at the province level between January 2020 and March 2022, using a five-phase approach by spatial analysis. OLS models were initially used with significant variables: household, hospital, and industry density, nighttime light index (NTLI). Spatial dependency led to spatial error (SEM) and spatial lag models (SLM), performing better with similar significant variables being applied. SEM explains 58, 65 and, 70 percent in Wave 1, 4 and 5 of COVID-19 variation. SLM explains 25 and 76 percent in Wave 2 and 3 of incidence rate. Positive associations were found between incidence and household density, hospital/medical establishments with beds, Nighttime Light Index (NTLI), and negative with population, hospital, and industry density. Wave 5 showed significant changes with negative for household, hospital, and industry density, urban population; positive for hospital/medical establishments with beds, internet access, NTLI. The study showed that significant predictors of COVID-19 incidence rate vary across waves. Population, household and hospital density, urbanization, access to medical facilities, industrialization, internet access, and NTLI all play a role. The study suggests SEM and SLM models are more appropriate, providing useful information for policymakers and health officials in managing pandemic in Thailand.
Venom immunization: IgG/IgE titers, safety, risk, and methods of the VIPRBITEM cohort
Authors: P. Hanley Brian , Gross Gustavo
Published: October 2024

Background: This is the first study to examine a cohort that engages in the practice of immunization with snake venoms. In this practice, either fresh wet venom or venom reconstituted from freeze-dried form is used in vaccination protocols to produce hyper-immunity to venom. Methods: This is a retrospective community-initiated collaborative research (CICR) project that collated the records of venom immunization. Records of schedules, formulations, photographs, medical records, and diaries were collated from existing practitioners and evaluated by inspection and interviews. One accidental bite was observed over 3 days, with vital signs, and photographic records of swelling taken to verify reality of the bite. Over 74 snake-genera man-years, and 24 man-years of injection data from 8 participants, for 22 species of venomous snakes from Elapidae and Viperidae are represented. Six of those participants had detailed records of date, dose and effects. Results: IgG titers to 6 venoms for 4 cohort members tested of 8 included 2 with clear hyper-immune status. IgE titers were elevated for some. In 861 injections, records showed a rate of atopy/anaphylaxis of 4.3% , an infection rate of 0.58% and an abscess rate of 1.51% . Serious adverse reactions were rare and these appeared to be linked to overly aggressive immunization schedules and formulation accidents. We note that greater cross-immunity of IgE over IgG is suggested. Two basic protocols were followed, one was an approximate one month interval, the other was one or more injection(s) per week. In 176 envenomations, 175 were without antivenom treatment, two hospitalizations occurred, and one received full antivenom treatment. Dry bites were not included in our dataset. Envenomations showed a 1.14% rate of atopy/anaphylaxis, a 0.57% rate of infection and a 1.7% rate of abscess. Conclusions: Immunization of humans to snakebite is effective, and reasonably safe with care. Injection records suggest immune cross-reactivity between ophidians within the same family, and better cross-reactivity within the same genera. A cohort participant was pronounced dead based on EEG, and then recovered without treatment. A neurotoxin case with “brain death” EEG should stay on life support for 6 weeks to allow time for the immune system to clear venom.
Propuesta de modelo para la implementación de herramientas logísticas en las empresas del Área Metropolitana de Centro Occidente (Risaralda, Colombia)
Authors: Losada Agudelo Mariana , Bernal Loaiza María Elena , Ordoñez Rosero Diego Fernando
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: Proponer un modelo para la implementación de herramientas logísticas que permitan mejorar la competitividad en las empresas del Área Metropolitana Centro Occidente (AMCO), Risaralda (Colombia).
Metodología: Se presenta un tipo de investigación descriptiva con un muestreo no probabilístico a conveniencia con once empresas ubicadas en el AMCO, en Risaralda. Para proponer el modelo de implementación de herramientas logísticas, este trabajo está dividido en tres etapas: en la primera se analizan modelos que incluyen herramientas o variables logísticas que permitan mejorar la competitividad de las empresas; en la segunda se elabora un instrumento para determinar las herramientas logísticas utilizadas por las empresas, y en la tercera, se analiza la información y se presentan las características del modelo.
Resultados: Las empresas tienen claro la importancia de las herramientas logísticas en sus procesos; sin embargo, se evidencia que la utilización de estas es de forma independiente entre los procesos de las compañías (como planeación, aprovisionamiento/compras, producción, distribución y devolución), lo que puede influir en la optimización de la cadena de suministro. Por lo anterior, se propone un modelo integrador que permita sincronizar los procesos y responder a las demandas de los clientes con cantidades, tiempos y calidad adecuados, lo cual contribuirá a la mejora en la competitividad de las organizaciones.
Conclusiones: Para responder a las demandas de los clientes cada vez más exigentes, las empresas deben involucrar e integrar todos los procesos desde la planeación hasta la distribución del producto bajo unas mismas directrices; además, tienen que efectuar un seguimiento continuo de la información para así identificar factores que afectan el costo del bien producido. En esta investigación, de las 11 empresas analizadas, solamente el 36,4 % utiliza las herramientas en sus procesos de forma integral.
Aspectos tectónicos en la génesis de la Formación La Quinta y su relación con los depósitos minerales de cobre en la serranía del Perijá, Colombia
Authors: Tamara Roncancio Deyvid , Rojas Martínez Elías , Quintero López Luis , Lascarro Navarro Frank , Manco Jaraba Dino Carmelo
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: Esta investigación tiene como objetivo determinar la relación genética y tectónica de la Formación La Quinta y las mineralizaciones de cobre que hospeda.
Metodología: Se efectuó un muestreo aleatorio simple probabilístico al segmento volcánico de la Formación La Quinta, del que se seleccionaron 14 especímenes que fueron analizados por la técnica geoquímica ICP-MS.
Resultados: Se evidenció que las rocas de la Formación La Quinta presentan una afinidad calcoalcalina, que varían de metaluminosas a peraluminosas, con enriquecimiento de elementos de tierras raras, característicos de ambiente genético de arco continental.
Conclusiones: Las rocas volcánicas de la Formación La Quinta contienen tendencias negativas de hierro-titanio y positiva de sodio-potasio al incrementar el SiO2, lo que sugiere que provienen de un mismo pulso magmático con cristalización fraccionada. Las anomalías negativas de niobio, itrio, titanio, rubidio, lantano, torio y estroncio, indican procesos de fusión parcial de magmas en márgenes convergentes.
Understanding and addressing the water footprint in the textile sector: A review
Authors: Mikucioniene Daiva , Mínguez-García David , Repon Md. Reazuddin , Milašius Rimvydas , Priniotakis Georgios , Chronis Ioannis , Kiskira Kyriaki , Hogeboom Rick , Belda-Anaya Raquel , Díaz-García Pablo
Published: October 2024

Textile industry has a significant water footprint (WF), leading to various sustainability challenges. This article discusses key findings on the WF and outlines potential solutions. The industry’s WF includes three types: green, blue, and grey. Textile manufacturing is water-intensive, with stages like pretreatment, dyeing, printing, and finishing. This can contribute to water scarcity in some regions. Water pollution is another critical challenge, as the industry generates considerable wastewater containing diverse pollutants which can harm ecosystems and pose risks to public health. Different treatments to reduce the pollutants in water are studied. We have grouped innovations into five major categories for water conservation efforts in the textile industry: To address these sustainability challenges, several solutions are proposed. Each category offers a pathway to reduce its environmental footprint through water conservation. The adoption of water-efficient technologies, such as low-water dyeing and wastewater recycling, can reduce water consumption. Stricter policies for pollution control, along with incentives for sustainable practices, can encourage industry-wide change. Collaboration among stakeholders, including industry, government, and environmental groups, is also crucial for promoting sustainability and reducing the industry’s environmental impact. These approaches can help the textile industry move toward a more sustainable future. Further research needed is suggested.
Quality changes of durian pulp (Durio ziberhinus Murr.) in cold storage
Authors: Hoang Quang Binh , Le Hoang Phuc , Ha Huu Quy , Truong Ba Hoang , Nguyen Thanh Viet , Duong Diep Ngoc Thi , Nguyen Phu Thuong Nhan , Van Chi Khang
Published: October 2024

In this study, the effects of four types of polystyrene (PS) plastic box with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) lid (PSPET), PS tray with polyethylene (PE) bag (PSPE), PS tray with a vacuumed PE bag (PSVPE), and PET box with a sealed lid (PET) on the quality of durian fruit during storage at 10°C were investigated. The analysis results showed that in all four types of packaging, the total aerobic bacteria count in the durian pulp ranged from 101 to 105 CFU/mL after storage. However, total yeast and mold count was not detected. During the same survey period, PET packaging for the product had the lowest weight loss of 0.58–3.07%. Next, the impact of temperature, at 0 and 10°C, on the quality stability of durian fruit during storage was also studied and evaluated. Durian pulp preserved in PET at two different cold temperatures did not show any significant difference in microbial content and phytochemical composition. Total aerobic bacteria count in the samples was recorded at about 104 CFU/g after storage; total yeast and mold count was not detected, and the weight loss reached 1.82 and 1.72% at temperatures of 0 and 10°C, respectively.
An innovative multilayered material fabricated through additive manufacturing for structural applications: method and mechanical properties
Authors: Veeman Dhinakaran , Subramaniyan Mohan Kumar , Guo Lei , Elumalai Vijayaragavan , Browne Micheal Agnelo
Published: October 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a cost-effective method for fabricating structurally sound components. Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is a popular AM technique known for its design flexibility, minimal material wastage, and recyclability. Poly lactic acid (PLA) is a thermoplastic widely used in aerospace, biomedical, and automobile industries. Wood-PLA, incorporating wood fillers into PLA, finds applications in several industries. This research explores multilayered materials (MLM) for enhanced performance in various sectors such as aircraft, energy, and biomedical. Mechanical properties of MLM were investigated under different load conditions (tensile, bend, compressive). Properties simulated through Finite Element Method (FEM) showed minimal error (less than 1 %). Microscopic analysis, aided by scanning electron microscope (SEM) fractography, reveals a brittle mode of failure in the specimens. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanical behaviour of MLM, offering potential applications in diverse industries.
The Merchant Scene of Biblical Drama: Rehabilitating the Female Input
Authors: Katritzky M A
Published: October 2024

This paper examines a ground-breaking innovation to medieval Easter plays: the creation of the extra-biblical merchant scene, in which the Marys purchase spices prior to their Visitatio Sepulchri. The patron of its earliest known representation was the female religious leader Uta von Kirchberg. An illuminated roundel in the Uta Codex she commissioned towards the end of her term as abbess of Niedermünster (1002–25), depicts the Holy women purchasing spices from a spice merchant. Until the twelfth century, this remained the only representation of an Easter merchant scene, visual or textual. The only textual Easter merchant scene predating the thirteenth century is within the twelfth-century Latin/Catalan Ludus Paschalis of Vic Cathedral, near Barcelona, a highly influential Easter text whose transnational impact has been traced in numerous later Easter texts across Europe, including many with merchant scenes. Around 2000, musicologists David Wulstan and Constant Mews suggested the renowned composer and poet Heloise (c. 1090s–1164) as its author. Widely accepted by musicologists, their attribution’s significance for the female impact on the merchant scene is barely acknowledged. Here, I ask: ‘how did women influence the creation, promotion and development of the merchant scene’s visual, textual and performative manifestations?’ By repeatedly reattributing responsibility for decisive input into the development of the merchant scene from anonymous male scribes to identified female religious leaders, my interdisciplinary analysis moves women to the centre of this creative process.
CBD’s potential impact on Parkinson’s disease: An updated overview
Authors: Hafida El Ghachi , Rachid Soulimani , Halima Gamrani , Najib Kissani
Published: October 2024

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is primarily known as a motor disorder; however, its debilitating non-motor symptoms have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. The current standard treatment, l-DOPA, is used to relieve motor symptoms, but prolonged use is often associated with severe side effects. This creates an urgent need for effective alternatives targeting both motor and non-motor symptoms.

Objectives

Over the past decade, Cannabis sativa and its cannabinoids have been widely studied across various health conditions. Among these compounds, cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component, is garnering growing interest due to its multi-targeted pleiotropic properties. This work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of CBD’s efficacy in PD.

Methods

This review compiles data on both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD, integrating results from preclinical animal studies and available clinical trials.

Results

Preclinical research has demonstrated promising results regarding CBD’s potential benefits in PD; however, the total number of clinical trials is limited (with only seven studies to date), making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions on its efficacy.

Conclusions

While preclinical findings suggest that CBD may have therapeutic potential in PD, the limited number of clinical trials highlights the need for further research. This review emphasizes the gaps that need to be addressed in future studies to fully understand CBD’s role in treating both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD.
The crystal structure of dichlorido-[(E)-N′,N″-bis((2E,3E)-3-(hydroxyimino)butan-2-ylidene)-2-((E)-3-(hydroxyimino)butan-2-ylidene)hydrazine-1-carbohydrazonhydrazide-κ
4
N
4]cobalt(II), C13H22N9O3Cl2Co
Authors: Zhai Zhi-Wei , Yang Shuang-Hua
Published: October 2024

C13H22N9O3Cl2Co, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 7.7939(4) Å, b = 23.1095(11) Å, c = 11.7358(7) Å, β = 108.179(6)°, V = 2008.3 (2) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0485, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1002, T = 293(2) K.
Graphs whose Laplacian eigenvalues are almost all 1 or 2
Authors: Mohammadian Ali , Xu Shanshan
Published: October 2024

We explicitly determine all connected graphs whose Laplacian matrices have at most four eigenvalues different from 1 and 2.
Effect of Testing Mechanisms on the Load-Strain-Time Behavior of Geosynthetic Reinforcements
Authors: Plácido Rafael Ribeiro , Portelinha Fernando Henrique Martins , Futai Marcos Massao , Souza Tiago de Jesus
Published: October 2024

This study compares how geosynthetics behave under load, under strain, and over time when subjected to confined tensile tests in soil, employing two commonly used mechanisms in research. One test type simulates a reinforced layer, where tensile loads are indirectly applied to the geosynthetic via stresses transferred from the soil. In contrast, the other test applies tensile loads directly to the geosynthetic material using clamps while under soil confinement. The objective is to elucidate how these testing mechanisms might yield differing in-soil tensile characteristics for different geosynthetics. The study involved conducting load-strain-time tests on samples of nonwoven and woven geotextiles, as well as a geogrid, under varying sustained loads over a 120-h period within a sand clay soil providing soil confinement to geosynthetics at different surcharge levels. The results suggest that soil confinement plays a significant role in shaping the load-strain-time behavior of geosynthetics. Furthermore, it was noted that the impact of testing mechanisms on this behavior is contingent upon the type and stiffness of the geosynthetics, as well as their interaction with the confining soil. In general, in-soil tests in which tensile loads are mobilized by geosynthetics and transferred from the soil provide more confident results for better simulating operation conditions. Tests that directly apply tensile loads to the geosynthetic while maintaining stationary soil confinement may yield misleading results, especially for geosynthetics that have poor interaction with the soil.
Direct Shear Testing Apparatus for Saturated Rock Joints
Authors: Han Kyungsoo , Pyrak-Nolte Laura J. , Bobet Antonio
Published: October 2024

A novel shear test apparatus has been designed and built to test saturated jointed rock specimens under normal and shear loading, capable of housing seismic transducers to monitor simultaneously the mechanical and geophysical response of the rock joints during shear. The system comprises a sealed pressure chamber and a biaxial compression frame. The internal dimensions of the chamber are 177.8 mm × 228.6 mm × 381.0 mm to accommodate a rock specimen with dimensions 152.4 mm × 127.0 mm × 50.8 mm. The chamber is made of aluminum to reduce its weight and is designed to sustain a maximum chamber pressure of 10 MPa, which is considered sufficient to be able to saturate a wide number of rocks. Structural calculations of the chamber are performed with the finite element method (FEM) software, ABAQUS, with the criterion of a maximum deflection of 1 mm at maximum chamber pressure, which is small enough to prevent the loss of seal between the loading shafts and the chamber. The rocks used in the study are Indiana limestone and Sierra White granite. B-value tests conducted on cylindrical specimens of the rocks placed inside the chamber show that the back pressures required to achieve saturation are 3.5 MPa for Indiana limestone and 5.0 MPa for Sierra White granite. The chamber performance has been evaluated by comparing the changes of volume of the chamber at different pressures, measured in the laboratory, with those predicted with ABAQUS. The successful completion of a number of repeatable direct shear tests, on tensile-induced rock joints in dry and saturated conditions specimens, has further established the correctness of the chamber design and its operation.
Modified Complex Electrical Resistivity Technique: Applications to Saturated and Unsaturated Soils
Authors: Parr Kyle , Kulesza Stacey E. , Bernhardt-Barry Michelle L.
Published: October 2024

Direct current (DC) electrical resistivity is a common laboratory soil characterization method to support geotechnical infrastructure design and to supplement site investigations. The complex electrical resistivity method has the potential to provide additional electrical soil properties to enhance electrical soil characterization. Both methods are conventionally performed under fully saturated soil conditions; however, many environments exist where soil is not fully saturated, such as ballast structure supporting railways. In this study, a new experimental setup featuring a current enhancing agent (agar) for complex electrical resistivity testing is evaluated by testing five different soil specimens reconstituted at saturated and unsaturated conditions. Results showed that the new experimental setup is valid and can be used to obtain repeat measurements, particularly for specimens reconstituted in the unsaturated conditions where the traditional DC electrical resistivity setup yields results that are unreliable. This is one of the very few studies where tolerances for triplicate specimens are reported to establish differences in measurements from sample preparation versus discernable variability between different geomaterials. Additionally, all results are supported by a Cole-Cole model. The results show that the additional data collected in a complex electrical resistivity test can be used to differentiate different soil types that are ambiguous with the DC electrical resistivity method. The additional data have the potential to more fully characterize the electrical properties of saturated and unsaturated soils, as well as to help distinguish unique geophysical signatures of various geomaterials to enhance a geophysical site investigation for identifying soil variability in the subsurface.
The investigation prospect application of alcohol-water extract of lingonberry as antimicrobial, anti-fungi and antioxidant pharmaceutical
Authors: Maslov Olexander Y. , Komisarenko Mykola A. , Ponomarenko Svitlana V. , Osolodchenko Tetiana P. , Kolisnyk Sergii V. , Golik Mykola Yu.
Published: October 2024

Infection diseases is a worldwide important problem for medicine and pharmacy. Every year 13.7 million people die from bacterial infections in the world. Thus, the search of new compounds with antimicrobial and anti-fungi activity is topical for today. The object of the study was lingonberry leaf 60% extract. The content of phenylpropanoids derivatives was evaluated by spectrophotometric method of analysis, whereas organic acids by alkalimetric method; antioxidant power was found by potentiometric method; antibacterial and antifungal activity was assessed by the method of “wells”.
According to the results of the study, it was shown that the lingonberry leaf extract is inferior to the green tea leaf extract in terms of the content of phenolic compounds, catechins, hydroxycinnamic and organic acids, but flavonoids dominate in the lingonberry extract. The study found that lingonberry leaf extract has a high level of antioxidant activity. When comparing the levels of antioxidant action of lingonberry extract with green tea extract and the «gold standard» – аepigallocatechin-3-O-gallate in one concentration of 0.03 mol/L, it was found that lingonberry extract had the best result. Escherichia coli bacteria was the most sensitive to the extract whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most resistant.
This work shows that 60% ethanolic lingonberry leaf extract has potent antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal effects. According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that 60% V. vitis-idaea leaf extract is promising for the development of new antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant pharmaceutical.