bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Environmental Regulation Promote Eco-Innovation Performance of Manufacturing Firms?—Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Jieqiong , Hu Shichao , Zhang Ziyi
Published: March 2023

As the world becomes more concerned about carbon emissions, the Chinese government, which is a large contributor to carbon emissions, has also begun to pay attention to the issue of carbon emissions. Environmental regulatory policies have been implemented to improve the environment, but are these policies really conducive to improving firms’ eco-innovation performance? This paper empirically investigates the relationship between environmental regulation policies and firms’ eco-innovation performance in China and finds that: firstly, environmental regulation in China is inadequate and that manufacturing eco-innovation performance is generally low; secondly, there is a U-shaped relationship between environmental regulation policies and firms’ eco-innovation performance; thirdly, there is significant industry and regional heterogeneity in the induced effects of environmental regulation tools; and fourthly, there is a mediating effect of industrial agglomeration on the promotion of firms’ eco-innovation performance. The conclusions of this paper are: firstly, that the Chinese government should continue to improve environmental regulations and strictly enforce them so that green becomes the colour of ‘economic recovery’; secondly, that the Chinese government should develop scientific and reasonable environmental regulatory policies according to local conditions; thirdly, that Chinese companies should increase their spending on research and development; and fourthly, that the Chinese government needs to optimise the industrial layout and support mechanisms. The Chinese government should play an active role in industrial agglomeration in technological innovation.
Role of Geothermal Energy in Sustainable Water Desalination—A Review on Current Status, Parameters, and Challenges
Authors: Shelare Sagar , Kumar Ravinder , Gajbhiye Trupti , Kanchan Sumit
Published: March 2023

The availability of fresh water in many parts of the world has been dwindling as a result of both climate change and population increase. The worldwide transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources is driven by the rising need for energy. As freshwater supplies dwindle worldwide, many desalination facilities will have to be built. One such energy source that is being investigated is geothermal energy. Conventional procedures are increasing in efficiency and decreasing in cost, while new desalination technologies are emerging. This article gives an outline of the global applications of geothermal energy. It offers a particular scenario for desalination using a geothermal source, which has the potential to be both energy- and pollution-free. Discussed in depth are the advantages of geothermal desalination over other methods, the current state of geothermal desalination across the world, the process of selecting desalination technologies, and the difficulties inherent in implementing desalination systems powered by geothermal sources.
Design and Implementation of a Paralleled Discrete SiC MOSFET Half-Bridge Circuit with an Improved Symmetric Layout and Unique Laminated Busbar
Authors: Ataseven Ismail , Sahin Ilker , Ozturk Salih Baris
Published: March 2023

Silicon carbide (SiC) metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) have many advantages compared to silicon (Si) MOSFETs: low drain-source resistance, high thermal conductivity, low leakage current, and high switching frequency. As a result, Si MOSFETs are replaced with SiC MOSFETs in many industrial applications. However, there are still not as many SiC modules to customize for each application. To meet the high-power requirement for custom applications, paralleling discrete SiC MOSFETs is an essential solution. However, it comes with many technical challenges; inequality in current sharing, different switching losses, different transient characteristics, and so forth. In this paper, the detailed MATLAB®/Simulink® Simpscape model of the SiC MOSFET from the datasheet and the simulation of the half-bridge circuit are investigated. Furthermore, this paper proposes the implementation of the four-paralleled SiC MOSFET half-bridge circuit with an improved symmetric gate driver layout. Moreover, a unique laminated busbar connected directly to the printed circuit board (PCB) is proposed to increase current and thermal capacity and decrease parasitic effects. Finally, the experimental and simulation results are presented using a 650 V SiC MOSFET (CREE) double-pulse test (DPT) circuit. The voltage overshoot problems and applied solutions are also presented.
The Concept and Understanding of Synchronous Stability in Power Electronic-Based Power Systems
Authors: Zhang Yayao , Han Miao , Zhan Meng
Published: March 2023

Synchronous stability in power systems is of essential importance for system safety and operation. For the phase-locked loop (PLL)-based synchronous stability in power electronic-based power systems, which has recently stimulated interest in researchers in the field of electrical power engineering, but is still controversial, this paper divides the topic into two aspects, including the PLL device stability and the system stability. It is found that the PLL device is always stable and the error between the PLL output angle θpll and the terminal voltage angle θt is always finite. Therefore, the synchronization of power electronic-based power systems should be understood as the output synchronization between the electrical rotation vectors (θt or θpll) from each item of grid-tied equipment, rather than the synchronization of the PLL device itself. In addition, it is found that θpll plays an active role in the system synchronization dynamics not only in electromagnetic timescales but also electromechanical timescales and it could be selected as a dominant observable. In this paper, the concept of synchronous stability is well clarified. These findings are well supported by theoretical analyses and MATLAB/Simulink simulations, and thus could provide insights on the synchronous stability mechanism.
Transcriptome Sequencing and Analysis of Genes Related to Disease Resistance in Pinus thunbergii
Authors: Zhang Yu , Du Guicai , Guo Qunqun , Dong Guosong , Wang Min , Zhang Tingting , Li Ronggui
Published: March 2023

Pinus thunbergii (P. thunbergii) is a gymnosperm with important economic and ecological value. In order to investigate the diagnosis and defense mechanism of P. thunbergii against Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (the pinewood nematode, PWN), the needles of P. thunbergii seedlings on the fifth day after being infected by PWN were taken as samples for transcriptome sequencing analysis. Compared with the control group, 647 genes were differentially expressed in the treatment group, of which 277 genes were upregulated and 370 genes were downregulated. Enrichment analysis showed that most of these differentially expressed genes were abundant in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, pathogen interaction and hormone signal transduction. In addition, among the differential genes, NBS-LRR genes, thiamine-metabolizing enzymes, phenylalanine ammonia lyase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase were screened and analyzed. The analysis of the response of P. thunbergii to PWN stress and its disease resistance genes lays a foundation for the breeding of disease-resistant P. thunbergii in the future.
Monitoring Illegal Logging Using Google Earth Engine in Sulawesi Selatan Tropical Forest, Indonesia
Authors: Mujetahid A. , Nursaputra Munajat , Soma Andang Suryana
Published: March 2023

Forest destruction has been found to be the cause of natural disasters in the form of floods, landslides in the rainy season, droughts in the dry season, climate change, and global warming. The high rate of forest destruction is caused by various factors, including weak law enforcement efforts against forestry crimes, such as illegal logging events. However, in Indonesia, illegal logging is only discovered when the perpetrator has distributed the wood products. The lack of monitoring of the overall condition of the forest has an impact on the current high level of forest destruction. Through this research, the problems related to environmental damage due to illegal logging will be described through remote sensing technology, which is currently mainly developed on the basis of artificial intelligence and machine learning, namely Google Earth Engine (GEE). Monitoring of illegal logging events will be analysed using Sentinel 1 and 2 data. Obtaining satellite imagery with relatively small cloud cover for tropical regions, such as Indonesia, is remarkably difficult. This difficulty is due to the presence of a radar sensor on Sentinel 1 images that can penetrate clouds, allowing for observation of the forest condition even in the presence of clouds. Using the random forest classification algorithm of the GEE platform, data on forest conditions in 2021 were obtained, covering an area of 2,843,938.87 ha or 63% of the total area of Sulawesi Selatan Province. An analysis using a map of the function of forest areas revealed that of the current forest area, 38.46% was non-forest estates and 61.54% was forest areas. The continued identification of illegal logging events also found 1971 spots of forest change events in the vulnerable time of the first period (January–April) with the second period (April–August), and 1680 spots of forest change events in the vulnerable period of the second period (April–August) with the third period (September–December), revealing a total incident area of 7599.28 ha.
Recent Progress in Microalgae-Based Technologies for Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Hashmi Zubair , Bilad Muhammad Roil , Fahrurrozi  , Zaini Juliana , Lim Jun Wei , Wibisono Yusuf
Published: March 2023

The water resource crisis and concerns with environmental pollution prompt the necessity to upgrade conventional wastewater treatment processes. The microalgae-based wastewater treatment process has shown many advantages that can fulfill the stricter demands for improved wastewater treatment. Microalgae cultivation can be carried out in different photobioreactors and under different operational conditions. The cultivation of the microalgae biomass provides the bioremediation of some targeted pollutants through uptake/digestion or biosorption, resulting in treated effluent and the production of biomass. This paper reviews the progress in microalgae-biotechnology for industrial wastewater treatment. A brief overview of microalga types/classification, the cultivation photobioreactors type, and conditions was first provided. Next, a comprehensive review of the bioremediation of industrial wastewater, including distillery, heavy metals, textiles, and emerging contaminants, was provided. Finally, perspectives on the potential scale-up of the technology and some critical considerations were also discussed.
Indoor Occupancy Sensing via Networked Nodes (2012–2022): A Review
Authors: Emad-Ud-Din Muhammad , Wang Ya
Published: March 2023

In the past decade, different sensing mechanisms and algorithms have been developed to detect or estimate indoor occupancy. One of the most recent advancements is using networked sensor nodes to create a more comprehensive occupancy detection system where multiple sensors can identify human presence within more expansive areas while delivering enhanced accuracy compared to a system that relies on stand-alone sensor nodes. The present work reviews the studies from 2012 to 2022 that use networked sensor nodes to detect indoor occupancy, focusing on PIR-based sensors. Methods are compared based on pivotal ADPs that play a significant role in selecting an occupancy detection system for applications such as Health and Safety or occupant comfort. These parameters include accuracy, information requirement, maximum sensor failure and minimum observation rate, and feasible detection area. We briefly describe the overview of occupancy detection criteria used by each study and introduce a metric called “sensor node deployment density” through our analysis. This metric captures the strength of network-level data filtering and fusion algorithms found in the literature. It is hinged on the fact that a robust occupancy estimation algorithm requires a minimal number of nodes to estimate occupancy. This review only focuses on the occupancy estimation models for networked sensor nodes. It thus provides a standardized insight into networked nodes’ occupancy sensing pipelines, which employ data fusion strategies, network-level machine learning algorithms, and occupancy estimation algorithms. This review thus helps determine the suitability of the reviewed methods to a standard set of application areas by analyzing their gaps.
Effect of Nano- and Microzinc Supplementation on the Mineral Composition of Bones of Rats with Induced Mammary Gland Cancer
Authors: Skrajnowska Dorota , Idkowiak Jakub , Szterk Arkadiusz , Ofiara Karol , Augustyniak Kinga , Bobrowska-Korczak Barbara
Published: March 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to determine changes in the mineral composition of the bones of rats with chemically induced mammary gland cancer and to attempt to establish whether a specific diet modification involving the inclusion of zinc ions in two forms—nano and micro—will affect the mineral composition of the bones. Methods: Female Sprague–Dawley rats were used for the research. The animals were randomly assigned to three experimental groups. All animals were fed a standard diet (Labofeed H), and selected groups additionally received zinc nanoparticles or microparticles in the amount of 4.6 mg/mL. To induce mammary cancer, the animals were given 7,12-dimethyl-1,2-benz[a]anthracene. The content of Ag, As, B, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Sr, Tl, U, and V was determined using ICP-MS, while that of Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, and Zn was determined using FAAS. Results: The use of a diet enriched with zinc nano- or microparticles significantly influenced the content of the elements tested. In the bones of rats fed a diet with zinc nanoparticles, changes were found in the content of Ca, Mg, Zn, Cd, U, V, and Tl, while in the case of the diet supplemented with zinc microparticles, there were differences in six elements—Ca, Mg, B, Cd, Ag, and Pb—compared to animals receiving an unsupplemented diet. Conclusions: The content of elements in the bone tissue of rats in the experimental model indicates disturbances of mineral metabolism in the tissue at an early stage of mammary cancer.
Impact of Apricot Pulp Concentration on Cylindrical Gel 3D Printing
Authors: Molina-Montero Carmen , Matas Adrián , Igual Marta , Martínez-Monzó Javier , García-Segovia Purificación
Published: March 2023

The process of 3D food printing is a rapidly growing field that involves the use of specialized 3D printers to produce food items with complex shapes and textures. This technology allows the creation of customized, nutritionally balanced meals on demand. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of apricot pulp content on printability. Additionally, the degradation of bioactive compounds of gels before and after printing was evaluated to analyze the effect of the process. For this proposal, physicochemical properties, extrudability, rheology, image analysis, Texture Profile Analysis (TPA), and bioactive compounds content were evaluated. The rheological parameters lead to higher mechanical strength and, thus, a decrease in elastic behavior before and after 3D printing as the pulp content increases. An increase in strength was observed when the pulp content increased; thus, sample gels with 70% apricot pulp were more rigid and presented better buildability (were more stable in their dimensions). On the other hand, a significant (p < 0.05) degradation of total carotenoid content after printing was observed in all samples. From the results obtained, it can be said that the gel with 70% apricot pulp food ink was the best sample in terms of printability and stability.
Optimization of the Extraction of Chitosan and Fish Gelatin from Fishery Waste and Their Antimicrobial Potential as Active Biopolymers
Authors: Rocha-Pimienta Javier , Navajas-Preciado Bruno , Barraso-Gil Carmen , Martillanes Sara , Delgado-Adámez Jonathan
Published: March 2023

Fishery residues are abundant raw materials that also provide numerous metabolites with high added value. Their classic valorization includes energy recovery, composting, animal feed, and direct deposits in landfills or oceans along with the environmental impacts that this entails. However, through extraction processes, they can be transformed into new compounds with high added value, offering a more sustainable solution. The aim of this study was to optimize the extraction process of chitosan and fish gelatin from fishery waste and their revalorization as active biopolymers. We successfully optimized the chitosan extraction process, achieving a yield of 20.45% and a deacetylation degree of 69.25%. For the fish gelatin extraction process, yields of 11.82% for the skin and 2.31% for the bone residues were achieved. In addition, it was demonstrated that simple purification steps using activated carbon improve the gelatin’s quality significantly. Finally, biopolymers based on fish gelatin and chitosan showed excellent bactericidal capabilities against Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua. For this reason, these active biopolymers can stop or decrease bacterial growth in their potential food packaging applications. In view of the low technological transfer and the lack of information about the revalorization of fishery waste, this work offers extraction conditions with good yields that can be easily implemented in the existing industrial fabric, reducing costs and supporting the economic development of the fish processing sector and the creation of value from its waste.
Consolidation and Forced Elasticity in Double-Network Hydrogels
Authors: Shams Es-haghi S. , Weiss R. A.
Published: March 2023

This paper discusses two observations that are unique with respect to the mechanics of double network (DN) hydrogels, forced elasticity driven by water diffusion and consolidation, which are analogous to the so-called Gough–Joule effects in rubbers. A series of DN hydrogels were synthesized from 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfuric acid (AMPS), 3-sulfopropyl acrylate potassium salt (SAPS) and acrylamide (AAm). Drying of AMPS/AAm DN hydrogels was monitored by extending the gel specimens to different stretch ratios and holding them until all the water evaporated. At high extension ratios, the gels underwent plastic deformation. Water diffusion measurements performed on AMPS/AAm DN hydrogels that were dried at different stretch ratios indicated that the diffusion mechanism deviated from Fickian behavior at extension ratios greater than two. Study of the mechanical behavior of AMPS/AAm and SAPS/AAm DN hydrogels during tensile and confined compression tests showed that despite their large water content, DN hydrogels can retain water during large-strain tensile or compression deformations.
Modeling the Phase Transition in Hydrophobic Weak Polyelectrolyte Gels under Compression
Authors: Kazakov Alexander D. , Prokacheva Varvara M. , Rud Oleg V. , Nová Lucie , Uhlík Filip
Published: March 2023

One of the emerging water desalination techniques relies on the compression of a polyelectrolyte gel. The pressures needed reach tens of bars, which are too high for many applications, damage the gel and prevent its reuse. Here, we study the process by means of coarse-grained simulations of hydrophobic weak polyelectrolyte gels and show that the necessary pressures can be lowered to only a few bars. We show that the dependence of applied pressure on the gel density contains a plateau indicating a phase separation. The phase separation was also confirmed by an analytical mean-field theory. The results of our study show that changes in the pH or salinity can induce the phase transition in the gel. We also found that ionization of the gel enhances its ion capacity, whereas increasing the gel hydrophobicity lowers the pressure required for gel compression. Therefore, combining both strategies enables the optimization of polyelectrolyte gel compression for water desalination purposes.
Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the DGAT1 Gene with the Fatty Acid Composition of Cows Milked Once and Twice a Day
Authors: Sanjayaranj Inthujaa , MacGibbon Alastair K. H. , Holroyd Stephen E. , Janssen Patrick W. M. , Blair Hugh T. , Lopez-Villalobos Nicolas
Published: March 2023

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs109421300 of the diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) on bovine chromosome 14 is associated with fat yield, fat percentage, and protein percentage. This study aimed to investigate the effect of SNP rs109421300 on production traits and the fatty acid composition of milk from cows milked once a day (OAD) and twice a day (TAD) under New Zealand grazing conditions. Between September 2020 and March 2021, 232 cows from a OAD herd and 182 cows from a TAD herd were genotyped. The CC genotype of SNP rs109421300 was associated with significantly (p < 0.05) higher fat yield, fat percentage, and protein percentage, and lower milk and protein yields in both milking frequencies. The CC genotype was also associated with significantly (p < 0.05) higher proportions of C16:0 and C18:0, higher predicted solid fat content at 10 °C (SFC10), and lower proportions of C4:0 and C18:1 cis-9 in both milking frequencies. The association of SNP with fatty acids was similar in both milking frequencies, with differences in magnitudes. The SFC10 of cows milked OAD was lower than cows milked TAD for all three SNP genotypes suggesting the suitability of OAD milk for producing easily spreadable butter. These results demonstrate that selecting cows with the CC genotype is beneficial for New Zealand dairy farmers with the current payment system, however, this would likely result in less spreadable butter.
Improving Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Molecular Diagnosis: A Referral Center Experience
Authors: Aguilera Cinthia , Padró-Miquel Ariadna , Esteve-Garcia Anna , Cerdà Pau , Torres-Iglesias Raquel , Llecha Núria , Riera-Mestre Antoni
Published: March 2023

Background: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare vascular disease inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Disease-causing variants in endoglin (ENG) and activin A receptor type II-like 1 (ACVRL1) genes are detected in more than 90% of the patients undergoing molecular testing. The identification of variants of unknown significance is often seen as a challenge in clinical practice that makes family screening and genetic counseling difficult. Here, we show that the implementation of cDNA analysis to assess the effect of splice site variants on mRNA splicing is a powerful tool. Methods: Gene panel sequencing of genes associated with HHT and other arteriovenous malformation-related syndromes was performed. To evaluate the effect of the splice site variants, cDNA analysis of ENG and ACVRL1 genes was carried out. Results: three novel splice site variants were identified in ENG (c.68-2A > T and c.1311+4_1311+8del) and ACVLR1 (c.526-6C > G) genes correspondingly in three individuals with HHT that met ≥ 3 Curaçao criteria. All three variants led to an aberrant splicing inducing exon skipping (ENG:c.68-2A > T and ACVRL1:c.526-6C > G) or intron retention (ENG:c.1311+4_1311+8del) allowing the confirmation of the predicted effect on splicing and the reclassification from unknown significance to pathogenic/likely pathogenic of two of them. Conclusions: RNA analysis should be performed to assess and/or confirm the impact of variants on splicing. The molecular diagnosis of HHT patients is crucial to allow family screening and accurate genetic counseling. A multidisciplinary approach including clinicians and geneticists is crucial when dealing with patients with rare diseases.
A Wide-Area Deep Ocean Floor Mapping System: Design and Sea Tests
Authors: Ryu Paul , Brown David , Arsenault Kevin , Cho Byunggu , March Andrew , Ali Wael H. , Charous Aaron , Lermusiaux Pierre F. J.
Published: March 2023

Mapping the seafloor in the deep ocean is currently performed using sonar systems on surface vessels (low-resolution maps) or undersea vessels (high-resolution maps). Surface-based mapping can cover a much wider search area and is not burdened by the complex logistics required for deploying undersea vessels. However, practical size constraints for a towbody or hull-mounted sonar array result in limits in beamforming and imaging resolution. For cost-effective high-resolution mapping of the deep ocean floor from the surface, a mobile wide-aperture sparse array with subarrays distributed across multiple autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) has been designed. Such a system could enable a surface-based sensor to cover a wide area while achieving high-resolution bathymetry, with resolution cells on the order of 1 m2 at a 6 km depth. For coherent 3D imaging, such a system must dynamically track the precise relative position of each boat’s sonar subarray through ocean-induced motions, estimate water column and bottom reflection properties, and mitigate interference from the array sidelobes. Sea testing of this core sparse acoustic array technology has been conducted, and planning is underway for relative navigation testing with ASVs capable of hosting an acoustic subarray.
Use of Webcams in Support of Operational Snow Monitoring
Authors: Tanis Cemal Melih , Lindgren Elisa , Frey Anna , Latva Lasse , Arslan Ali Nadir , Luojus Kari
Published: March 2023

Ultrasonic sensors are one of the most common automatic monitoring methods in operational snow depth monitoring with reliable results. On the other hand, there is significant uncertainty when measuring small snow depths (<2 cm), thus it cannot provide binary snow presence (on/off) information. The use of webcams in monitoring snow cover has proven to be successful in recent studies and applications. In this study, we applied an adaptive thresholding technique on images from webcams to obtain reliable snow on/off information to complement the ultrasonic snow depth measurements. Camera and ultrasonic sensor data from two weather stations in Finland were studied. The webcam data was processed using FMIPROT (Finnish Meteorological Institute Image Processing Tool) software, operating in a cloud computing environment, which can generate near real-time data. Our results indicate that webcam-derived data can be successfully used for quality control or as auxiliary data to support operational ultrasonic sensor measurements and provide a cost-effective improvement to operational monitoring capabilities. Webcam monitoring is especially useful during the melting season when the snow depth is below 15 mm, with accuracy values between 72% and 94%.
Diagnostic Yield of Neuroimaging for Headache in a Pediatric Emergency Department: A Single Tertiary Centre Experience
Authors: Almuqbil Mohammed , Alsayed Saud Abdulaziz , Almutairi Amer Mohammed , Aladhadh Khalid Mohammed , Alghannami Abdullah Omar , Almutairi Mohammed
Published: March 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to examine headache neuroimaging findings among the pediatric population visiting the emergency department in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional retrospective study of pediatric patients who presented to the emergency department with a headache as their primary complaint. Data were extracted from the electronic medical files of the patients at King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital (KASCH) between 2015 and 2020. The diagnosis of headache was confirmed using a computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) upon the patients’ presentation. Results: A total of 263 patients met the inclusion criteria, and their data were extracted. The CT scans were abnormal in 50% of the patients. The MRI showed abnormal findings for 26% of the patients. CT scans and MRI identified that abnormalities were predominantly among patients with the secondary type of headache. The most common abnormal findings on CT were sinusitis (16%), masses (7%), and hydrocephalus (7%). The most common abnormal findings on MRI were masses (8%), cysts (5%), and hydrocephalus (3%). Of all patients with headaches, 10% had a prior diagnosis of headache, and 12% had a family history of headache. A significantly higher percentage of patients with secondary headache were prescribed NSAID and required admission compared to patients with primary headache (p ≤ 0.05). There was no statistically significant differences in the proportion of patients diagnosed with primary and secondary headache in terms of their neurological examination and headache types (p = 0.43). Conclusions: Neuroimaging is essential for diagnosing headaches in children. Headaches were associated with sinusitis in children. The secondary type was more likely to have abnormal CT and MRI results. Primary type headaches were more common in those with a family history. CT scans and MRIs are needed when a headache is accompanied by an abnormal clinical evaluation. Neuroimaging and mild CT usage may be explored if there are clinical abnormalities or family history.
The Art of Barniz de Pasto and Its Appropriation of Other Cultures
Authors: Kawamura Yayoi
Published: March 2023

This study analyzes the techniques and decorative motifs of several works made using barniz de Pasto, highlighting their characteristics in order to establish comparisons with artistic phenomena of Asia and Europe. A possible link can be observed between barniz de Pasto and the Namban and Pictorial style Japanese export lacquer works of the 17th and 18th centuries. A search for similarity is justified by the documentary and material evidence of Japanese works created in these styles being transported from Japan to the Viceroyalty of New Spain by Manila galleons via the trade route between Acapulco and Callao. Additionally, traces of the Spanish culture have been recognized in barniz de Pasto. For example, printed images that circulated in the Viceroyalty of Peru have been observed on a coffer. This appropriation, also observed in the mural painting of a Central Andean church, and the presence of the image of Amaru, a Quechua deity, on the same coffer, marks the Central Andes as one of the possible places where the practice of barniz de Pasto could have been established. All of this points to Central and South America’s great ability to appropriate foreign cultures and fuse them with their own during the viceregal period, as manifested in the art of barniz de Pasto.
Contribution to Controlled Method of Varnish Removal from Easel Paintings by ns Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser
Authors: Lopez Maxime , Bai Xueshi , Wilkie-Chancellier Nicolas , Detalle Vincent
Published: March 2023

Varnish removal from easel paintings is a restoration procedure that is regularly undertaken by cultural heritage conservators. In very few cases, traditional methods (chemical and mechanical) do not allow them to reach the goal of a perfectly controlled and selective cleaning. UV laser ablation has been considered since the 1990s to overcome these limitations, but its application to real cases is far from common practice. This study proposes a calibrated procedure based on ablation by an ns UV Nd:YAG laser at 266 nm combined with optical coherence tomography for micrometric laser varnish removal from inhomogeneous and highly photosensitive pictorial layers. The use of this wavelength for varnish removal, not adapted according to the literature, is discussed again after the beam shaping leading to a homogeneous and controlled intensity distribution. The innocuity is controlled by laser-induced luminescence, and some solutions for the transparency loss of the residual varnish following ablation are proposed.
The Effect of Drip Irrigation on the Length and Distribution of Apple Tree Roots
Authors: Svoboda Pavel , Haberle Jan , Moulik Michal , Raimanová Ivana , Kurešová Gabriela , Mészáros Martin
Published: March 2023

In a three-year experiment (2019–2021), the roots of 7-year-old apple trees (Malus domestica cv. ‘Red Jonaprince’) grown under drip irrigation were studied. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of irrigation on root density at different depths and distances from the trunk. The working hypothesis assumed that irrigation significantly affects the total length of apple roots. The irrigation treatments corresponding to the calculated water evapotranspiration (ET100), 50% of the calculated ET (ET50), a control (ET0, no irrigation, under rainfed conditions), and a treatment using double-drip lines (2Drops) were monitored. Soil cores were collected in spring and autumn. The total length of the roots (TRLt) and the length of new vital roots (TRLv) to a depth of 80 cm were evaluated. The effects of treatments were mostly insignificant for the TRLt; only in the dry season in 2019 were the TRLt values of the irrigated treatments (ET50 and ET100) significantly higher, 18.67 km·m−2 and 17.45 km·m−2, in comparison to 11.16 km·m−2 for the ET0, at a 10 cm distance from the tree trunk. The irrigation treatments had a statistically significant effect on the TRLv values near the trunk in 2019 and 2020, while in autumn 2020 and 2021, irrigation significantly affected the TRLv at greater distances from the tree trunk. In summary, the irrigation treatments mostly had no significant effect on the total root length. However, an effect of irrigation on the root length of new vital roots was observed at certain sampling dates and distances from the trunk.
Assessing the Impacts of Land Use and Land Cover Changes on the Water Quality of River Hooghly, West Bengal, India: A Case Study
Authors: Goswami Ghritartha , Mandal Sameer , Basack Sudip , Mukherjee Rishika , Karakouzian Moses
Published: March 2023

Rivers are crucial components of human civilization, as they provide water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use. Additionally, they transport domestic and industrial waste to the sea. The Ganga River is a major river in India, originating from Gangotri in the north, flowing through five provinces, and discharging into the Bay of Bengal. This study examined the impact of land use and land cover changes (LULC) on water quality along the River Hooghly in India. The research involved collecting water samples from different locations and analyzing them in the laboratory to estimate various parameters. The findings indicate that the expansion of built-up and agricultural lands is causing a reduction in tree cover and water bodies, leading to deteriorating water quality. The study highlights the need for sustainable land use practices and improved water management to preserve the river’s ecosystem and maintain water quality. Specifically, the study identified localities in the vicinity of Dakshineshwar, Shibpur, and Garden Reach as particularly vulnerable to water quality deterioration due to LULC changes and population growth. The study’s results provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in implementing strategies to address the challenges posed by land use changes and population growth.
A Mixed Methods, Quasi-Experimental Evaluation Exploring the Impact of a Secondary School Universal Free School Meals Intervention Pilot
Authors: Carlisle Victoria R. , Jessiman Patricia E. , Breheny Katie , Campbell Rona , Jago Russell , Leonard Naomi , Robinson Marcus , Strong Steve , Kidger Judi
Published: March 2023

Food insecurity amongst households with children is a growing concern globally. The impacts in children include poor mental health and reduced educational attainment. Providing universal free school meals is one potential way of addressing these impacts. This paper reports findings on the impact of a universal free school meals pilot in two English secondary schools. We adopted a mixed-methods, quasi-experimental design. The intervention schools were one mainstream school (n = 414) and one school for students with special educational needs (n = 105). Two other schools were used as comparators (n = 619; n = 117). The data collection comprised a cross sectional student survey during the pilot (n = 404); qualitative interviews with students (n = 28), parents (n = 20) and school staff (n = 12); and student observations of lunchtimes (n = 57). Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis, and descriptive analyses and logistic regressions were conducted on the quantitative data. Self-reports of food insecurity were high at both intervention (26.6%) and comparator schools (25.8%). No effects of the intervention were seen in the quantitative findings on either hunger or food insecurity. Qualitative findings indicated that students, families and staff perceived positive impact on a range of outcomes including food insecurity, hunger, school performance, family stress and a reduction in stigma associated with means-tested free school meals. Our research provides promising evidence in support of universal free school meals in secondary schools as a strategy for addressing growing food insecurity. Future research should robustly test the impact of universal free school meals in a larger sample of secondary schools, using before and after measures as well as a comparator group.
Altered Intracellular Signaling Associated with Dopamine D2 Receptor in the Prefrontal Cortex in Wistar Kyoto Rats
Authors: Korlatowicz Agata , Kolasa Magdalena , Pabian Paulina , Solich Joanna , Latocha Katarzyna , Dziedzicka-Wasylewska Marta , Faron-Górecka Agata
Published: March 2023

Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY), compared to Wistar rats, are a well-validated animal model for drug-resistant depression. Thanks to this, they can provide information on the potential mechanisms of treatment-resistant depression. Since deep brain stimulation in the prefrontal cortex has been shown to produce rapid antidepressant effects in WKY rats, we focused our study on the prefrontal cortex. Using quantitative autoradiography, we observed a decrease in the binding of [3H] methylspiperone to the dopamine D2 receptor, specifically in that brain region—but not in the striatum, nor the nucleus accumbens—in WKY rats. Further, we focused our studies on the expression level of several components associated with canonical (G proteins), as well as non-canonical, D2-receptor-associated intracellular pathways (e.g., βarrestin2, glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta—Gsk-3β, and β-catenin). As a result, we observed an increase in the expression of mRNA encoding the regulator of G protein signaling 2-RGS2 protein, which is responsible, among other things, for internalizing the D2 dopamine receptor. The increase in RGS2 expression may therefore account for the decreased binding of the radioligand to the D2 receptor. In addition, WKY rats are characterized by the altered signaling of genes associated with the dopamine D2 receptor and the βarrestin2/AKT/Gsk-3β/β-catenin pathway, which may account for certain behavioral traits of this strain and for the treatment-resistant phenotype.
Preventive Effect of Pharmaceutical Phytochemicals Targeting the Src Family of Protein Tyrosine Kinases and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor on Environmental Stress-Induced Skin Disease
Authors: Paik So Jeong , Kim Dong Joon , Jung Sung Keun
Published: March 2023

The skin protects our body; however, it is directly exposed to the environment and is stimulated by various external factors. Among the various environmental factors that can threaten skin health, the effects of ultraviolet (UV) and particulate matter (PM) are considered the most notable. Repetitive exposure to ultraviolet and particulate matter can cause chronic skin diseases such as skin inflammation, photoaging, and skin cancer. The abnormal activation of the Src family of protein tyrosine kinases (SFKs) and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in response to UV and/or PM exposure are involved in the development and aggravation of skin diseases. Phytochemicals, chemical compounds of natural plants, exert preventive effects on skin diseases through the regulation of various signaling pathways. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the efficacy of phytochemicals as potential nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical materials for the treatment of skin diseases, primarily by targeting SFK and AhR, and to explore the underlying mechanisms of action. Future studies are essential to validate the clinical potential for the prevention and treatment of skin diseases.
Frequencies of an Immunogenic HER-2/neu Epitope of CD8+ T Lymphocytes Predict Favorable Clinical Outcomes in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Goulielmaki Maria , Stokidis Savvas , Anagnostou Theodoros , Voutsas Ioannis F. , Gritzapis Angelos D. , Baxevanis Constantin N. , Fortis Sotirios P.
Published: March 2023

HER-2/neu is the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, which is associated with the progression of prostate cancer (PCa). HER-2/neu-specific T cell immunity has been shown to predict immunologic and clinical responses in PCa patients treated with HER-2/neu peptide vaccines. However, its prognostic role in PCa patients receiving conventional treatment is unknown, and this was addressed in this study. The densities of CD8+ T cells specific for the HER-2/neu(780–788) peptide in the peripheral blood of PCa patients under standard treatments were correlated with TGF-β/IL-8 levels and clinical outcomes. We demonstrated that PCa patients with high frequencies of HER-2/neu(780–788)-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes had better progression-free survival (PFS) as compared with PCa patients with low frequencies. Increased frequencies of HER-2/neu(780–788)-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes were also associated with lower levels of TGF-β and IL-8. Our data provide the first evidence of the predictive role of HER-2/neu-specific T cell immunity in PCa.
Mitochondrial Metabolism and EV Cargo of Endothelial Cells Is Affected in Presence of EVs Derived from MSCs on Which HIF Is Activated
Authors: Zanotti Federica , Zanolla Ilaria , Trentini Martina , Tiengo Elena , Pusceddu Tommaso , Licastro Danilo , Degasperi Margherita , Leo Sara , Tremoli Elena , Ferroni Letizia , Zavan Barbara
Published: March 2023

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted growing interest as a possible novel therapeutic agent for the management of different cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Hypoxia significantly enhances the secretion of angiogenic mediators from MSCs as well as sEVs. The iron-chelating deferoxamine mesylate (DFO) is a stabilizer of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 and consequently used as a substitute for environmental hypoxia. The improved regenerative potential of DFO-treated MSCs has been attributed to the increased release of angiogenic factors, but whether this effect is also mediated by the secreted sEVs has not yet been investigated. In this study, we treated adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) with a nontoxic dose of DFO to harvest sEVs (DFO-sEVs). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with DFO-sEVs underwent mRNA sequencing and miRNA profiling of sEV cargo (HUVEC-sEVs). The transcriptomes revealed the upregulation of mitochondrial genes linked to oxidative phosphorylation. Functional enrichment analysis on miRNAs of HUVEC-sEVs showed a connection with the signaling pathways of cell proliferation and angiogenesis. In conclusion, mesenchymal cells treated with DFO release sEVs that induce in the recipient endothelial cells molecular pathways and biological processes strongly linked to proliferation and angiogenesis.
MicroRNA Let-7 Plays an Important Role in the Immunopathology of COVID-19: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pessôa Renato Luís , da Rosa Abreu Gustavo , de Oliveira Ramatis Birnfeld
Published: March 2023

COVID-19 has presented itself as a challenging task to medical teams and researchers throughout the world, since the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 started in the Chinese city of Wuhan. To this day, there are still new variants emerging, and the knowledge about the mechanisms used by the virus to infect cells and perpetuate itself are still not well understood. The scientific community is still trying to catch up with the velocity of new variants and, consequently, the new physiological pathways that appear along with it. It is known that the new coronavirus plays a role in changing many molecular pathways to take control of the infected cells. Many of these pathways are related to control genomic expression of certain genes by epigenetic ways, allowing the virus to modulate immune responses and cytokines production. The let-7 family of microRNAs, for instance, are known to promote increased viral fusion in the target cell through a mechanism involving the transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). It was also demonstrated they are able to increase the inflammatory activity through the NF-κB/IL-6/let-7/LIN-28 axis. In addition, let-7 overexpression led to a reduction in inflammatory cytokines and chemokines expression (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α). Interestingly, the cytokines modulated by the let-7 family are related to COVID-19-induced cytokine storm observed in patients undergoing clinical phase three. Thus, let-7 can be considered a novel and attractive biomarker for therapeutic purpose. Based on that, the present study aims to critically analyze the immunopathological mechanisms of the microRNA let-7 in the infection caused by SARS-CoV-2.
Effect of Training Load on Post-Exercise Cardiac Biomarkers in Healthy Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of the Existing Literature
Authors: Papamichail Adamantia , Androulakis Emmanuel , Xanthopoulos Andrew , Briasoulis Alexandros
Published: March 2023

Background: Postexercise release of cardiac biomarkers (cardiac troponins, cTn, and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide, NT-proBNP) is a well-known phenomenon in adults, although it remains unclear how it manifests in children. The aim of this review is to compare the pre-exercise with the post-exercise measurement of serum cardiac biomarkers, as well as to analyze their post-exercise release based on age, sex, and exercise intensity and duration. Methods: The terms troponin, football, swimmers, marathon, run, and exercise were used in a literature search at National Library of Medicine. The search was further refined by adding the keywords athletes, children, adolescents, and sport. Results: Fifteen pediatric studies and four studies with a mixed population of adults and children totaled 19 studies for the final analysis. In addition to them, some adult studies have been included for comparison. The kinetics of the cTn and NT-proBNP response after exercise have been the subject of our interest. While the impact of sport type, age, and sex has not yet been fully characterized, the existing data points to considerable impacts of sport intensity and duration on post-exercise biomarkers elevation. Most of the findings came from endurance sports, but the evidence is sparse. Furthermore, there is only limited data on women and less on young adults, African Caribbeans, and professional athletes. Conclusions: Both amateur and competitive athletes can exhibit post-exercise release of both cTn and NT-proBNP. This is transient and lacks pathological significance, in contrast with adult population, in which exercise-induced increases in in these biomarker levels may not always be benign. While NT-proBNP release is still primarily driven by activity duration, cTnT release is additionally affected by exercise intensity. To define individual ranges of normality for postexercise cTn and NT-proBNP elevation, the role of several confounders (age, sex, sport type/intensity etc.) remains to be further elucidated.