bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explainable Learning-Based Timeout Optimization for Accurate and Efficient Elephant Flow Prediction in SDNs
Authors: Liao Ling Xia , Zhao Changqing , Lai Roy Xiaorong , Chao Han-Chieh
Published: February 2024

Accurately and efficiently predicting elephant flows (elephants) is crucial for optimizing network performance and resource utilization. Current prediction approaches for software-defined networks (SDNs) typically rely on complete traffic and statistics moving from switches to controllers. This leads to an extra control channel bandwidth occupation and network delay. To address this issue, this paper proposes a prediction strategy based on incomplete traffic that is sampled by the timeouts for the installation or reactivation of flow entries. The strategy involves assigning a very short hard timeout (Tinitial) to flow entries and then increasing it at a rate of r until flows are identified as elephants or out of their lifespans. Predicted elephants are switched to an idle timeout of 5 s. Logistic regression is used to model elephants based on a complete dataset. Bayesian optimization is then used to tune the trained model Tinitial and r over the incomplete dataset. The process of feature selection, model learning, and optimization is explained. An extensive evaluation shows that the proposed approach can achieve over 90% generalization accuracy over 7 different datasets, including campus, backbone, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Elephants can be correctly predicted for about half of their lifetime. The proposed approach can significantly reduce the controller–switch interaction in campus and IoT networks, although packet completion approaches may need to be applied in networks with a short mean packet inter-arrival time.
“Just lmk When You Want to Have Sex”: An Exploratory–Descriptive Qualitative Analysis of Sexting in Emerging Adult Couples
Authors: Montanaro Erika , Temple Jasmine , Ersoff Mia , Jules Bridget , Jaliawala Mariam , Kinkopf Dara , Webb Samantha , Moxie Jessamyn
Published: February 2024

Background: An essential component of new relationship development is sexual communication between partners. The rise of technology has allowed couples to use text messaging to facilitate these conversations. The current study examines how emerging adults (18–25 years) in new relationships communicate about sex through text messages. Methods: We conducted inductive thematic analyses of text messages between different-gender couples in the first six months of their relationship (20 couples, N = 40) in which the women were between 18 and 25 years of age. We used the Dedoose qualitative analysis software and a coding team of 16 coders. Reliability was established through the “test” function of Dedoose, with codes of Kappas less than 0.70 discussed and refined in the codebook. Results: Primary themes of how couples communicate about sex emerged, which included the use of humor, discussing previous sexual experiences and partners, and sharing interests around future sexual encounters. During thematic analyses, secondary themes of motivations for sexual communication emerged, including learning, bonding, and enhancement. Conclusions: Addressing the varied motivations emerging adult couples may use in text messages can be leveraged for improving sexual health. Theories related to relationship development may not fully capture how couples discuss sex, particularly via text messages.
A Comparison of Leg Muscle Oxygenation, Cardiorespiratory Responses, and Blood Lactate between Walking and Running at the Same Speed
Authors: Stathopoulos Alexandros , Petridou Anatoli , Kantouris Nikolaos , Mougios Vassilis
Published: February 2024

It is not known whether different gait modes, or movement patterns, at the same speed elicit differences in muscle oxygen oxygenation, expressed as muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2). Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the oxygenation of two leg muscles (vastus lateralis and gastrocnemius medialis), as well as the heart rate, respiratory gases, and blood lactate between two gait modes (walking and running) of the same speed and duration. Ten men walked and ran for 30 min each at 7 km/h in a random, counterbalanced order. SmO2, heart rate, and respiratory gases were monitored continuously. Blood lactate was measured at rest, at the end of each exercise, and after 15 min of recovery. Data were analyzed by two-way (gait mode × time) or three-way (gait mode × muscle × time) ANOVA, as applicable. Heart rate and oxygen consumption were higher when running compared to walking. SmO2 was lower during exercise compared to rest and recovery, in gastrocnemius medialis compared to vastus lateralis, and in running compared to walking. Blood lactate increased during exercise but did not differ between gait modes. In conclusion, running caused higher deoxygenation in leg muscles (accompanied by higher whole-body oxygen uptake and heart rate) than walking at the same speed (one that was comfortable for both gait modes), thus pointing to a higher internal load despite equal external load. Thus, preferring running over walking at the same speed causes higher local muscle deoxygenation, which may be beneficial in inducing favorable training adaptations.
A Study on Green Agricultural Production Decision-Making by Agricultural Cooperatives under Government Subsidies
Authors: Xin Yinglong , Xu Yaoqun , Zheng Yi
Published: February 2024

As a result of the ongoing development and advancement of green agriculture in China, consumers have benefited in numerous ways from green agricultural products. Consumers are increasingly attempting to purchase green agricultural products. However, there are still some problems in relation to green agricultural products, such as the inability of agricultural co-operatives to meet consumers’ demands due to the low return on investment of green agricultural products. To solve the above problems, this paper constructs an evolutionary game model involving the government, agricultural co-operatives, and consumers. In addition, simulation experiments were conducted to simulate and analyze the stakeholders’ strategic decisions in different situations. The results of this study show that government subsidies are effective in promoting the production of green agricultural products by agricultural cooperatives. The yield of green agricultural products, the degree of greenness of agricultural products, and the additional branding benefits of government subsidies for agricultural cooperatives can significantly influence the willingness of agricultural cooperatives to produce green agricultural products and the willingness of consumers to consume green agricultural products. Finally, some suggestions are given to solve the above problems. The findings of this study can provide a valuable reference for government subsidy strategy makers and valuable insights into the sustainable development of the green produce industry.
The Impact of Using Collaborative Online International Learning during the Design of Maker Educational Practices by Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Quintana-Ordorika Amaia , Garay-Ruiz Urtza , Camino-Esturo Edorta , Portillo-Berasaluce Javier
Published: February 2024

The main purpose of this study is to measure the effect of COIL when implementing the maker methodological approach in teacher training in relation to motivation and the technology acceptance level. The sample consisted of 44 primary education pre-service teachers from the University of The Basque Country (UPV/EHU). The motivation level was measured using a post survey that included the Reduced Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (RIMMS) and the perception in relation to the acceptance of the technology using items from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Quantitative data were collected at the end of the training to analyse the differences among the two groups, the EHU control group and the EHU-COIL experimental group. Results show that the EHU-COIL experimental group showed higher levels of motivation and technology acceptance in all of the subscales compared to the EHU control group after completion of the experience of being trained on maker education and designing collaboratively sustainable maker educational teaching and learning plans. The differences were particularly significant in the perceived usefulness subscale. In light of these findings, it seems that participation in COIL in teacher training adds value to maker-based educational practices.
ChatGPT: Challenges and Benefits in Software Programming for Higher Education
Authors: Silva Carlos Alexandre Gouvea da , Ramos Felipe Negrelle , de Moraes Rafael Veiga , Santos Edson Leonardo dos
Published: February 2024

ChatGPT is a substantial language model developed by OpenAI, rooted in the GPT-3.5 architecture, with the capacity to generate human-like responses to text-based inputs. ChatGPT serves various purposes, encompassing chatbots, customer service, and personal assistants, which can significantly contribute to sustainability initiatives. Its applications range from language translation and content creation to text summarization. Utilizing ChatGPT offers several advantages, notably its rapid response generation, high accuracy, and its capacity to evolve and improve over time, aligning with sustainability goals for efficiency and innovation. In an educational context, ChatGPT can provide invaluable support to students and educators, aiding in tasks such as generating summaries for extensive texts and addressing subject-related queries. For programming education, ChatGPT can assist students with coding assignments by offering suggestions, hints, and even generating code snippets, fostering sustainable coding practices. Nevertheless, employing ChatGPT in coding education presents challenges, particularly the risk of students becoming overly dependent on AI-generated code and failing to grasp fundamental concepts, which can hinder long-term sustainability in the field. To gauge the viability of ChatGPT in programming education and sustainability, we conducted a Likert scale questionnaire with a group of 40 Brazilian students from March to April 2023. Our primary goal was to assess students’ interest in utilizing ChatGPT as a tool to face programming challenges and problems. Specifically, we aimed to determine their level of inclination towards relying exclusively on ChatGPT during programming classes. In addition to these objectives, we sought to discern not only the positive and beneficial perceptions of using ChatGPT in the classroom but also to investigate its potential impact on learning outcomes and student engagement. Furthermore, we aimed to explore whether participants would consider transitioning to exclusive reliance on ChatGPT in the context of their programming education. Our study revealed that students recognized ChatGPT as an innovative set of AI tools applicable to various classroom contexts, including programming and computer languages, thereby fostering sustainability in the adoption of AI technology for educational purposes. Notably, a majority of students participating in the study expressed a keen interest in employing this tool as a supplementary educational resource in the classroom, promoting sustainable and enhanced learning experiences.
Research on Coupling Coordination of China’s Urban Resilience and Tourism Economy—Taking Yangtze River Delta City Cluster as an Example
Authors: Pan Huali , Yang Yuxin , Zhang Wei , Xu Mingzhi
Published: February 2024

Urban resilience provides the foundation and guarantee for the tourism economy, and the development of the tourism industry provides new opportunities and impetus for urban resilience. The coordinated development of urban resilience (UR) and the tourism economy (TE) contributes to the high-quality development of the regional economy. This study takes 27 cities in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) urban agglomeration as an example. Various analytical techniques, including the entropy method, coupling coordination degree model (CCDM), kernel density estimation, Theil index, and obstacle degree model, are employed to investigate the spatiotemporal evolution patterns and influencing factors that affect the coupling coordination degree (CCD) between UR and TE. The findings indicate that: (1) The urban resilience and tourism economy exhibited an increasing trend denoted by “N” and “M”, respectively. (2) The coupling coordination level has undergone a development phase of “Moderate disorder–Bare coordination–Moderate disorder”. (3) The level of coordination has been enhanced, with intra-regional differences identified as the primary source of variation. (4) The number of Internet users, the number of students in institutions of higher learning, per capita public financial expenditure, science and technology expenditures as a share of fiscal expenditures, urban per capita disposable income, foreign exchange earnings from tourism, and the number of inbound tourists is the main factors affecting the CCD of urban resilience and tourism economy.
The Impact of Non-Point Source (NPS) Management on Non-Point Source Reduction and Water Cycle Improvement in an Urban Area
Authors: Kim Jinsun , Lee Jimin , Park Minji , Min Joong-Hyuk , Lee Jong Mun , Jang Heeseon , Na Eun Hye
Published: February 2024

Suwon, the capital and largest city of Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, was designated as a non-point source management area in 2010. The management period ended in 2020, so follow-up measures are needed. In this study, we investigated several projects implemented in Suwon for urban water cycle improvement and non-point source pollution reduction, and the long-term management effects were analyzed to suggest policy directions such as the revision of designation notices. During the 10-year management period in Suwon, the population and lot area continued to increase, and the non-point source-based annual Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) discharge loads also increased by approximately 25% at the half sub-basins Hwangguji-cheon and Woncheonri-cheon in 2020 compared to 2010. Even under these conditions, statistical analyses show that the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Phosphorus (TP) concentrations monitored at the outlet of basin were decreased due to the promotion of a large-scale sewer management project as well as non-point source pollution reduction projects. Also, the field monitoring data-based Load Duration Curve (LDC) analysis results indicate that the loads decreased in the high-flow period of 2020 compared to 2015. Also, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values calculated using satellite images since 2017 tended to increase slightly during the period when the impervious area estimated using the land registration map increased. It is assumed that using the current calculation method for impervious areas has limitations regarding its ability to reflect changes in the small-scale Low-Impact Development (LID) facility and in ecological/landscape areas. On the other hand, the annual variation in direct runoff estimated at the outlet using three hydrograph separation methods did not show any improvement with regard to storm water retention during the management period. These results reveal that the effects on urban water cycle improvement, such as peak flow reduction and base flow increase, may not be noticeable despite some progress in reducing non-point source pollution and increasing green area. Therefore, additional efforts directed towards non-point source pollution management focused on water cycle improvement are required in the city, especially in the sub-basins with higher pollution loads such as Hwangguji-cheon and Seoho-cheon.
Valorisation of Pulp and Paper Industry Wastes—Incorporation in Bituminous Mixtures for Road Construction
Authors: Martins Sara , Capitão Silvino , Santos Luís Araújo , Rodrigues Carla
Published: February 2024

Some wastes from the paper pulp production process are still sent to a controlled waste landfill. These materials can constitute alternative resources for constructing road pavements. The study aimed to characterize and explore the sustainable application of two inorganic wastes resulting from the paper pulp process, the dregs (green liquor wastes) and the grits (slaker wastes), in the production of bituminous mixtures by the analysis of samples prepared with 5 and 10% of dregs and 5 and 10% of grits on the baseline reference bituminous mixture AC 14 surf 35/50. Some relevant mechanical properties of the blends were assessed based on Marshall compression, sensitivity to water and wheel-tracking tests. Additionally, water poured on the loose asphalt and compacted slabs’ surface was analysed to determine the portion of harmful chemical compounds leached from the asphalt material. The results show that using dregs presented some technical limitations related to mechanical performance and that the incorporation of grits has an acceptable mechanical behaviour. Moreover, the study shows that the measured leachate resulting from water flow in a reference asphalt mixture and the blends with grits are insignificant. It can be concluded that using grits in asphalt mixtures is a promising technique regarding mechanical behaviour and environmental impacts that need further studies.
The Effect of Vertex and Edge Removal on Sombor Index
Authors: Yurttas Gunes Aysun , Ozden Ayna Hacer , Cangul Ismail Naci
Published: February 2024

A vertex degree based topological index called the Sombor index was recently defined in 2021 by Gutman and has been very popular amongst chemists and mathematicians. We determine the amount of change of the Sombor index when some elements are removed from a graph. This is done for several graph elements, including a vertex, an edge, a cut vertex, a pendant edge, a pendant path, and a bridge in a simple graph. Also, pendant and non-pendant cases are studied. Using the obtained formulae successively, one can find the Sombor index of a large graph by means of the Sombor indices of smaller graphs that are just graphs obtained after removal of some vertices or edges. Sometimes, using iteration, one can manage to obtain a property of a really large graph in terms of the same property of many other subgraphs. Here, the calculations are made for a pendant and non-pendant vertex, a pendant and non-pendant edge, a pendant path, a bridge, a bridge path from a simple graph, and, finally, for a loop and a multiple edge from a non-simple graph. Using these results, the Sombor index of cyclic graphs and tadpole graphs are obtained. Finally, some Nordhaus–Gaddum type results are obtained for the Sombor index.
Exploring Authentication Paradigms in the Internet of Things: A Comprehensive Scoping Review
Authors: Kamarudin Nazhatul Hafizah , Suhaimi Nur Hanis Sabrina , Nor Rashid Fadilla Atyka , Khalid Mohd Nor Akmal , Mohd Ali Fazlina
Published: February 2024

In the rapidly expanding domain of the Internet of Things (IoT), ensuring the implementation of robust security measures such as authentication has become paramount to safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of connected devices. Symmetry in the IoT commonly denotes the uniformity or equilibrium in data distribution and processing across devices or nodes in a network. Leveraging symmetric patterns can enhance the robustness and scalability of IoT authentication. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent developments in authentication techniques within the IoT paradigm. It subsequently presents recent research on various IoT authentication schemes, organized around several key research questions. The objective is to decipher the intricacies associated with authentication in the IoT by employing a multi-criteria classification approach. This involves a comprehensive analysis of existing authentication protocols, delineating their respective advantages and disadvantages, and gaining insights into the associated security concerns. The research questions highlighted in the review aim to probe the present scenario of authentication systems utilized in IoT, with a focus on identifying trends and discerning shifts. This review synthesizes insights from scholarly articles to provide a roadmap for future research in IoT authentication. It functions as a valuable resource for establishing theoretical foundations and provides practical implications applicable to practitioners, policymakers, and researchers alike. By elucidating the intricacies of IoT authentication, this review cultivates a profound understanding of the transformative potential and the multifaceted challenges. It establishes the foundation for resilient security measures essential for the sustainable growth of the Internet of Things.
Molecular Discrimination for Two Anadenanthera Species of Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest Remnants in Brazil
Authors: Bonifácio-Anacleto Fernando , Moraes Filho Rômulo Maciel , Borges Leonardo Maurici , Martinez Carlos Alberto , Alzate-Marin Ana Lilia
Published: February 2024

Anadenanthera colubrina (Acol) and Anadenanthera peregrina (Aper) (Fabaceae) are two species popularly known as “angicos” that occur in seasonally dry tropical forest (SDTR) remnants in Brazil. Since many of the morphological characteristics of Anadenanthera species are superimposed and species-specific characteristics are difficult to observe, their identification is complex. Therefore, in this research, a set of ISSR (Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat Polymorphic DNA) molecular markers was standardized, aiming to characterize A. colubrina and A. peregrina species and study the genetic diversity of three populations of each species located within a fragmented landscape in São Paulo State, southeastern Brazil. Seven ISSR markers (UBC 2, 820, 851, 858, 864, 866, and 886) that show polymorphism for both species were used. The Bayesian cluster, PCoA and dendrogram analysis show that the total sample divides into two groups corresponding to each species. Also, a genetic divergence (Gst = 0.143) and a high number of migrants per generation (Nm = 3.0) were detected between them. The Acol populations showed significantly higher values for mean genetic diversity (h = 0.30) than Aper (h = 0.25) (p < 0.05). The ISSR marker UBC2250bp showed species-specific electrophoretic fingerprints for both species. The molecular tools generated herein support the conservation of Anadenanthera sp. and the restoration of vegetation where the species naturally occurs.
Underlay Loosely Coupled Model for Public Safety Networks Based on Device-to-Device Communication
Authors: Elleuch Wajdi
Published: February 2024

In several emergency situations, during natural or human-caused disasters, frontline responders need to be able to communicate and collaborate to properly carry out relief missions. Some countries build their national Public Safety Mobile Broadband based on cellular LTE technology to provide fast, safe, and secure emergency services. However, in several emergency situations, cellular antennas can be overloaded or partially damaged in a manner that affects group communication services. In the last few years, direct device-to-device (D2D) communications have been proposed by the 3GPP as an underlay of long-term evolution (LTE) networks based on proximity, reuse, and hop gains. This paper focuses on a loosely coupled model based on direct D2D communication in a public safety context. Many scenarios related to user membership and network management are detailed. Both the “less cost” and “optimized tree” approaches are proposed and implemented, and their performance is evaluated in terms of the network update number and the resulting average Channel Quality Indicator (CQI). Other optimization approaches, with different CQI thresholds and optimization interval parameters, are simulated to compare their performance with the “optimized tree” approach. By conducting simulations that combine a CQI threshold = 1 and optimization interval = 2 s, it becomes possible to keep an average CQI level close to the “optimized tree” approach, while the costs related to network updates significantly decrease by almost 35%. Other simulations are also carried out to measure the bandwidth required by the control messages between the server and active users. It was found that both inbound and outbound traffic on the server side can be well supported with LTE and 5G networks.
MicroRNA in the Exosomes Mediated by Resveratrol to Activate Neuronal Cells
Authors: Zhang Zhendong , Tao Qi , Bai Lixia , Qin Zhe , Liu Xiwang , Li Shihong , Yang Yajun , Ge Wenbo , Li Jianyong
Published: February 2024

Resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenol, is known to have a wide range of pharmacological properties in vitro. RSV may have therapeutic value for various neurodegenerative diseases via neuroprotective effects. However, it is not yet clear whether RSV can induce intestinal–brain interactions. It is assumed that the intestinal cells may secrete some factors after being stimulated by other substances. These secreted factors may activate nerve cells through gut–brain interaction, such as exosomes. In this study, it was discovered that Caco-2 cells treated with RSV secrete exosomes to activate SH-SY5Y neuronal cells. The results showed that secreted factors from RSV-treated Caco-2 cells activated SH-SY5Y. The exosomes of RSV-treated Caco-2 cells activated SH-SY5Y cells, which was manifested in the lengthening of the nerve filaments of SH-SY5Y cells. The exosomes were characterized using transmission electron microscopy and sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencer. The results showed that the miRNA expression profile of exosomes after RSV treatment changed, and twenty-six kinds of miRNAs were identified which expressed differentially between the control group and the RSV-treated group. Among them, three miRNAs were selected as candidate genes for inducing SH-SY5Y neural cell activation. Three miRNA mimics could activate SH-SY5Y neurons. These results suggested that the miRNA in intestinal exocrine cells treated with RSV may play an important role in the activation of SH-SY5Y neurons.
Impact of Short-Term Exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Ozone (O3) on Hospital Admissions for Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Rus Andreea-Alexandra , Pescariu Silvius-Alexandru , Zus Adrian-Sebastian , Gaiţă Dan , Mornoş Cristian
Published: February 2024

In the context of recent climate change, global warming, industrial growth, and population expansion, air pollution has emerged as a significant environmental and human health risk. This study employed a multivariable Poisson regression analysis to examine the association between short-term exposure to atmospheric pollutants (nitrogen dioxide—NO2, sulfur dioxide -SO2, ozone—O3, and particulate matter with a diameter less than 10 μm-PM10) and hospital admissions for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). Daily data on NSTE-ACS admissions, air pollutants, and meteorological variables were collected from January 2019 to December 2021. Elevated NO2 concentrations were associated with a higher risk of NSTE-ACS hospitalization, notably in spring (OR: 1.426; 95% CI: 1.196–1.701). Hypertensive individuals (OR: 1.101; 95% CI: 1.007–1.204) and those diagnosed with unstable angina (OR: 1.107; 95%CI: 1.010–1.213) exhibited heightened susceptibility to elevated NO2 concentrations. A 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2 during spring at lag 07 (OR: 1.013; 95% CI: 1.001–1.025) and O3 in winter at lag 05 (OR: 1.007; 95% CI: 1.001–1.014) was correlated with an elevated daily occurrence of NSTE-ACS admissions. Short-term exposure to various air pollutants posed an increased risk of NSTE-ACS hospitalization, with heightened sensitivity observed in hypertensive patients and those with unstable angina. Addressing emerging environmental risk factors is crucial to mitigate substantial impacts on human health and the environment.
RETRACTED: Systematic Review of Fatal Sodium Nitrite Ingestion Cases: Toxicological and Forensic Implications
Authors: Albano Giuseppe , La Spina Corinne , Buscemi Roberto , Palmeri Mattia , Malandrino Giuliana , Licciardello Fausto , Midiri Mauro , Argo Antonina , Zerbo Stefania
Published: February 2024

Documented cases of sodium nitrite toxicity are almost exclusively caused by accidental ingestion; however, self-poisoning with sodium nitrite represents an increasing trend in nitrate-related deaths. This systematic review summarizes the most crucial evidence regarding the fatal toxicity of sodium nitrite. It identifies gaps and differences in the diagnostic forensic approaches and the detection methods of sodium nitrite intoxication. A total of eleven research articles were selected for qualitative and quantitative data. Most of the studies (6/11) were case reports. Fifty-three cases of fatal intoxication with sodium nitrite were chosen for the review. More research is required to develop cost-effective techniques and uniform cutoffs for blood nitrite and nitrate levels in the event of deadly sodium nitrite poisoning. There is still a lack of critical information on other matrices and the impact of time since death on toxicological results in such situations. The available evidence provides useful recommendations for forensic pathologists and health practitioners engaged in instances of sodium nitrite poisoning or death. The data should also set off alarm bells in the public health system, in prosecutor’s offices, and for policymakers so that they may undertake preventative measures to stop and restrict the unregulated market for these substances.
Mitochondrial Cytochrome bc1 Complex as Validated Drug Target: A Structural Perspective
Authors: Esser Lothar , Xia Di
Published: February 2024

Mitochondrial respiratory chain Complex III, also known as cytochrome bc1 complex or cyt bc1, is a validated target not only for antibiotics but also for pesticides and anti-parasitic drugs. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of cyt bc1 function and inhibition by using various natural and synthetic compounds, important issues remain in overcoming drug resistance in agriculture and in evading cytotoxicity in medicine. In this review, we look at these issues from a structural perspective. After a brief description of the essential and common structural features, we point out the differences among various cyt bc1 complexes of different organisms, whose structures have been determined to atomic resolution. We use a few examples of cyt bc1 structures determined via bound inhibitors to illustrate both conformational changes observed and implications to the Q-cycle mechanism of cyt bc1 function. These structures not only offer views of atomic interactions between cyt bc1 complexes and inhibitors, but they also provide explanations for drug resistance when structural details are coupled to sequence changes. Examples are provided for exploiting structural differences in evolutionarily conserved enzymes to develop antifungal drugs for selectivity enhancement, which offer a unique perspective on differential interactions that can be exploited to overcome cytotoxicity in treating human infections.
New Indication from Quantum Chromodynamics Calling for beyond the Standard Model
Authors: Cui Chuan-Xin , Li Jin-Yang , Ishida Hiroyuki , Kawaguchi Mamiya , Matsuzaki Shinya , Tomiya Akio
Published: February 2024

We find that a big gap between indicators for the breaking strengths of the global chiral SU(2) and U(1) axial symmetries in the QCD of the standard model (SM) can be interpreted as a new fine-tuning problem. This may thus imply calling for a class beyond the SM, which turns out to favor having a new chiral symmetry, and the associated massless new quark is insensitive to the chiral SU(2) symmetry for the lightest up and down quarks so that the fine-tuning is relaxed. Our statistical estimate shows that QCD of the SM is by more than 300 standard deviations off the parameter space free from fine-tuning, and the significance will be greater as the lattice measurements on the QCD hadron observables become more accurate. We briefly address a dark QCD model with massless new quarks as one viable candidate.
Assessing Peri-Urbanisation and Urban Transitions between 2010 and 2020 in Ho Chi Minh City using an Urban Structure Type Approach
Authors: Downes Nigel K. , Storch Harry , Viet Pham Quoc , Diem Nguyen Kieu , Dinh Le Canh
Published: February 2024

This paper contributes to the understanding of the recent urban development of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Previous studies have aimed at quantifying the city’s spatial growth yet have disregarded its inherent morphological and socio-economic heterogeneity. To overcome this knowledge gap, we employ an urban structure type approach for the spatially explicit quantification of urbanisation patterns for the period 2010–⁠2020, categorising 77,000 blocks across the entire administrative area of 2095 km2. The approach allows us to understand the basic underlying processes of urbanisation, both quantitatively and qualitatively, and the main growth corridors along the rural–urban gradient. By contextualizing and combining our findings within current literature and official planning reports, we discern between traditional urban growth and the contemporary new town development patterns, highlighting their driving forces and policy implications. Incremental plot-by-plot development along the northwest development corridor is observed as the principal mode of urban development, whilst bypass urbanisation is seen along both the eastern and southern development corridors. Our block-based results highlight the city’s key growth challenges and provide insights on a scale that is meaningful for official spatial and infrastructure planning, and periodic analysis and monitoring. As far as the authors are aware, this is the first time that an urban structure type approach was applied to understand the rapid urban growth dynamics of an emerging megacity in Southeast Asia.
Unveiling CRESS DNA Virus Diversity in Oysters by Virome
Authors: Zhu Peng , Liu Chang , Liu Guang-Feng , Liu Hong , Xie Ke-Ming , Zhang Hong-Sai , Xu Xin , Xiao Jian , Jiang Jing-Zhe
Published: February 2024

Oysters that filter feed can accumulate numerous pathogens, including viruses, which can serve as a valuable viral repository. As oyster farming becomes more prevalent, concerns are mounting about diseases that can harm both cultivated and wild oysters. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research on the viruses and other factors that can cause illness in shellfish. This means that it is harder to find ways to prevent these diseases and protect the oysters. This is part of a previously started project, the Dataset of Oyster Virome, in which we further study 30 almost complete genomes of oyster-associated CRESS DNA viruses. The replication-associated proteins and capsid proteins found in CRESS DNA viruses display varying evolutionary rates and frequently undergo recombination. Additionally, some CRESS DNA viruses have the capability for cross-species transmission. A plethora of unclassified CRESS DNA viruses are detectable in transcriptome libraries, exhibiting higher levels of transcriptional activity than those found in metagenome libraries. The study significantly enhances our understanding of the diversity of oyster-associated CRESS DNA viruses, emphasizing the widespread presence of CRESS DNA viruses in the natural environment and the substantial portion of CRESS DNA viruses that remain unidentified. This study’s findings provide a basis for further research on the biological and ecological roles of viruses in oysters and their environment.
Isolation and Characterization of Yunnan Variants of the Pseudorabies Virus and Their Pathogenicity in Rats
Authors: Song Chunlian , Ye Hua , Zhang Xue , Zhang Yalun , Li Yonghui , Yao Jun , Gao Lin , Wang Shanqiang , Yu Yougeng , Shu Xianghua
Published: February 2024

Porcine pseudorabies has long existed in China and is a serious threat to the Chinese farming industry. To understand the prevalence and genetic variation of the porcine pseudorabies virus (PRV) and its pathogenicity in Yunnan Province, China, we collected 560 serum samples across seven Yunnan Province regions from 2020 to 2021 and detected anti-gE antibodies in these samples. Sixty-one clinical tissue samples were also collected from pigs with suspected PRV that were vaccinated with Bartha-K61. PRV-gE antibodies were found in 29.6% (166/560) of the serum samples. The PRV positivity rate in clinical tissue samples was 13.1% (8/61). Two isolates, PRV-KM and PRV-QJ, were obtained. The identity of the gB, gD, and gE genes between these isolates and the Chinese mutants exceeded 99.5%. These isolates and the classical Fa strain were used to infect 4-week-old rats intranasally to assess their pathogenicity. All infected rats showed the typical clinical and pathological features of PRV two days post-infection. The viral loads in the organs differed significantly among the infected groups. Viruses were detected in the saliva and feces at 12 h. Significant dynamic changes in total white blood cell counts (WBC), lymphocyte counts (Lym), and neutrophil counts (Gran) occurred in the blood of the infected groups at 24 and 48 h. These results show that mutant PRV strains are prevalent in Bartha-K61-vaccinated pigs in Yunnan Province, China. Moreover, rats shed PRV in their saliva and feces during early infection, indicating the need for rodent control in combatting PRV infections in Yunnan Province, China.
Unveiling the Multifaceted Roles of ISG15: From Immunomodulation to Therapeutic Frontiers
Authors: Álvarez Enrique , Falqui Michela , Sin Laura , McGrail Joseph Patrick , Perdiguero Beatriz , Coloma Rocío , Marcos-Villar Laura , Tárrega Céline , Esteban Mariano , Gómez Carmen Elena , Guerra Susana
Published: February 2024

The Interferon Stimulated Gene 15 (ISG15), a unique Ubiquitin-like (Ubl) modifier exclusive to vertebrates, plays a crucial role in the immune system. Primarily induced by interferon (IFN) type I, ISG15 functions through diverse mechanisms: (i) covalent protein modification (ISGylation); (ii) non-covalent intracellular action; and (iii) exerting extracellular cytokine activity. These various roles highlight its versatility in influencing numerous cellular pathways, encompassing DNA damage response, autophagy, antiviral response, and cancer-related processes, among others. The well-established antiviral effects of ISGylation contrast with its intriguing dual role in cancer, exhibiting both suppressive and promoting effects depending on the tumour type. The multifaceted functions of ISG15 extend beyond intracellular processes to extracellular cytokine signalling, influencing immune response, chemotaxis, and anti-tumour effects. Moreover, ISG15 emerges as a promising adjuvant in vaccine development, enhancing immune responses against viral antigens and demonstrating efficacy in cancer models. As a therapeutic target in cancer treatment, ISG15 exhibits a double-edged nature, promoting or suppressing oncogenesis depending on the tumour context. This review aims to contribute to future studies exploring the role of ISG15 in immune modulation and cancer therapy, potentially paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic interventions, vaccine development, and precision medicine.
High-Throughput Screening for the Prevalence of Neutralizing Antibodies against Human Adenovirus Serotype 5
Authors: Wettengel Jochen M. , Naka Hiroaki , Dissen Gregory A. , Torgerson Jeffrey , Pounder Michelle , Mueller Simon F. , Mueller Elisabeth , Hagen Philipp , Brandt Micah , Protzer Ulrike , Burwitz Benjamin J.
Published: February 2024

Adenoviral vectors based on the human adenovirus species C serotype 5 (HAdV-C5) are commonly used for vector-based gene therapies and vaccines. In the preclinical stages of development, their safety and efficacy are often validated in suitable animal models. However, pre-existing neutralizing antibodies may severely influence study outcomes. Here, we generated a new HAdV-C5-based reporter vector and established a high-throughput screening assay for the multivalent detection of HAdV-C5-neutralizing antibodies in serum. We screened the sera of rhesus macaques at different primate centers, and of rabbits, horses, cats, and dogs, showing that HAdV-C5-neutralizing antibodies can be found in all species, albeit at different frequencies. Our results emphasize the need to prescreen model animals in HAdV-C5-based studies.
Potential Factors Influencing Complete Functional Recovery in Traumatized Unowned Cats with Orthopedic Lesions—A Cohort Study
Authors: Ferrari Francesco , Carnevale Liliana , Brioschi Federica Alessandra , Bassi Jessica , Zani Davide Danilo , Romussi Stefano , Galimberti Luigi , Stefanello Damiano , Rioldi Sara , Auletta Luigi
Published: February 2024

The management of unowned cats is an emerging problem, with public institutions and citizens’ concerns regarding their care and arrangement. Little is known regarding the outcome of traumatic orthopedic injuries in these patients. Indeed, complete functional recovery (CFR) should be the goal of treatment for return to their original location or adoption. The aim was to identify clinical factors influencing CFR in traumatized unowned cats with orthopedic lesions. This category of cats referred by the veterinary public service over three years was enrolled. Various clinical variables were retrospectively collected from the medical records and evaluated by nominal logistic analysis. Forty-eight unowned cats were enrolled, with a median estimated age of 24 (1–180) months and a body weight of 3 (0.7–5) kg. Thirty-four (71%) patients reached CFR. Estimated age, body weight, time from trauma to therapeutic intervention, spine involvement, presence of comorbidities, hospitalization time, and the radiographic score results were significantly associated with CFR. A longer time to therapeutic intervention seemed to be associated with a better outcome. Probably, cats severely traumatized did not live long enough to be evaluated and treated. Lighter cats experienced more severe consequences following blunt trauma. Younger and lighter cats bore a higher risk of panleukopenia-related death.
Pathogens Associated with Bovine Mastitis: The Experience of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Rifatbegović Maid , Nicholas Robin A. J. , Mutevelić Tarik , Hadžiomerović Mithat , Maksimović Zinka
Published: February 2024

To obtain improved insights into the complex microbial aetiology of bovine mastitis, this study investigated the pathogens involved in cattle mastitis in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A total of 179 milk samples from cows with clinical mastitis (CM) and subclinical mastitis (SCM), as well as eight bulk tank milk (BTM) samples from 48 dairy farms, were analysed by standard bacteriological and mycological methods. Mycoplasma detection and identification were performed using culture techniques and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 88 (49.2%) mastitis samples were positive for known mastitis pathogens at 32 of 47 farms (68.1%). Mycoplasma bovis was a predominant pathogen (25/187; 13.4%) in the majority of herds (14/48; 29.2%) and accounted for 48.9% of positive CM samples. Escherichia coli was the second most dominant CM pathogen (34%), followed by Streptococcus agalactiae (10.6%), whereas Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most common in SCM samples (17.1%). Other mastitis pathogens included Candida spp. and Prototheca zopfii. Two BTM samples were positive for M. bovis only, and one was positive for a mixed culture of S. aureus and Streptococcus uberis. The finding of various causative agents of bovine mastitis, with M. bovis emerging as the main pathogen, emphasizes the significance of comprehensive testing that includes not only common mastitis pathogens but also mycoplasmas, fungi, and algae.
A Field Study to Investigate the Hydrological Characteristics of Newly Established Biochar-Amended Green Roofs
Authors: Nguyen Cuong Ngoc , Chau Hing-Wah , Muttil Nitin
Published: February 2024

Green roofs (GRs) have been researched for decades, yet their implementation remains constrained due to several reasons, including their limited appeal to policymakers and the public. Biochar, a carbon-rich material, has been recently introduced as an amendment to GR substrate to enhance the performance of GRs through reduced runoff volume, improved runoff quality, and increased soil fertility. This paper aims to investigate the impact of biochar amendment on the hydrological performance of newly established GRs. Six 1 m × 1 m GR test beds were constructed, comprising of five biochar-amended GR test beds, and one conventional test bed (without any biochar in its substrate). The water retention capacity and runoff outflow delay of the six test beds were studied with the application of artificial rainfall using a nozzle-based simulator. Biochar was found to increase the water retention capacity and effectively delay runoff outflow in the biochar-amended GRs. After nine artificial rainfall events of 110.7 mm rainfall in total, 39.7 to 58.9 L of runoff was retained by the biochar-amended GRs as compared to 37.9 L of runoff retained by the conventional GR. Additionally, the test bed without biochar quickly started releasing runoff after 300 to 750 s, whereas test beds with fine biochar particles could delay runoff outflow by 700 to 1100 s. The performance of the non-biochar and biochar-amended test beds varies according to the values of biochar-related variables such as biochar particle sizes, amendment rates, and application methods. The observational data illustrated that the GR test bed with medium biochar particles applied to the bottom layer of the GR substrate was the optimal biochar-GR design. This selection was determined by the combined performance of high retention rates, long runoff outflow delays, and few other factors, such as lesser loss of biochar caused by wind and/or water.
Advertising in promotion of hotel services
Authors:   Graduate School of Management, Russian Economic University named after. G. V. Plekhanov, Avgustov A. S.
Published: February 2024

Advertising is an important component in the sale of goods and services. For hotels and restaurants, advertising is especially important because it allows you to stand out from the many similar establishments offering similar services. The advertisement should reflect the establishment’s important competitive advantages and a unique image that would attract the client’s attention. The article reveals the role of advertising in business. It provides an overview of advertising channels and their features.
Hotel revenue management concept
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Russian University of Economics G. V. Plekhanov, Moscow, Steinke A. Yu.
Published: February 2024

The article discusses the problem of building a revenue management system. The author of the article reviewed theoretical approaches to solving this issue.
Memoria de trabajo en los aprendizajes. Una revisión sistemática
Authors: Puma Chombo Jorge Eloy , Melgarejo Valverde José Antonio , Cadenillas Albornoz Violeta
Published: February 2024

La memoria de trabajo u operativa, es un tipo de función cognitiva que permite manipular la información que es recibida para que sea almacenada y duradera en el tiempo. El objetivo fue analizar la memoria de trabajo en los aprendizajes mediante las dimensiones “procesos cognitivos”, “reacciones emocionales”, “problemas asociados”, “Aprendizaje académico” y “estrategias”. Se utilizó metodología de análisis sistemático con el empleo del protocolo PRISMA del 2013 al 2023. Scopus y EBSCOhost fueron las bases de datos empleadas, donde de 39 artículos 18 fueron seleccionados para el estudio, con la palabra clave “Memoria de trabajo”, “Memoria operativa” y “working memory” mediante operadores “OR”, “AND” y “NOT”. Considerando información en inglés y español Conclusión: La memoria de trabajo u operativa presenta una estrecha relación con la atención y la creatividad. El estrés y ansiedad, así como la prematuridad, dislexia y trastornos del neurodesarrollo la afectan.  La memoria de trabajo contribuye al aprendizaje bilingüe, memoria de un segundo idioma, cálculos matemáticos y lenguaje. La gamificación, programas computarizados, actividad física aeróbica y el yoga mejoran su función.