bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Going Above and Beyond: Bridging the Gap Between Equitable Outcomes and Procedural Fairness in Health Policy Administration
Authors: Gadson Danielle N. , Park Seri
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Public health administrators are entrusted to oversee the fair and efficient implementation of public health policy. Professional standards rooted in social justice add an additional ethical standard beyond what is required by procedural equality, reinforcing a service culture of creativity and doing more with less when resources are restrictive. This study explores this phenomenon within the context of government-subsidized opioid use disorder programming in Pennsylvania. Methods: Twenty-three agencies responsible for opioid treatment referrals in Pennsylvania were surveyed about the effects of meeting social equity needs on their operational and procedural outcomes. Univariate frequencies, cross-tabulations, and percentage comparisons were employed in a descriptive–analytic induction approach to analyze the online survey responses. Results: The survey results showed that 91.4% of administrators identified transportation equity as an important programmatic concern, with 91.3% developing transportation support for their clients although not required or funded by the grant program. Conclusions: Equity-focused interventions necessitated operational creativity and sacrifice to maintain compliance while meeting the unique needs of populations, especially when taking geographical differences into account.
Whole-Genome Resequencing and Evolutionary Analysis of Wild Morel Mushroom Morchella sp.
Authors: Ren Rui , Tang Shaojun , Yan Lianlian , Fan Tingting , Lei Xiao , Shao Chenxia , Yang Yi , Zhu Huajun , Yang Di , Xu Jun
Published: December 2024

Morels (Morchella sp.) are important edible fungi cultivated mainly in China. Although the relevant culture technology for Morchella is now fundamentally mature, it is limited to the Elata and Rufobrunnea clades, and the artificial culture technology for the Esculenta clade, which also has economic value, has not been extensively studied. In this study, we selected a wild morel belonging to the Esculenta clade as the research material and performed de novo sequencing and assembly of the Morchella sp. (Mosp) genome using second- and third-generation sequencing. The whole-genome size of Mosp was 55.17 Mb with a contig N50 of 1.89 Mb, and the GC content was 47.49%. A total of 10,896 protein-coding genes were identified. The non-coding RNA prediction results showed that there were 329 tRNAs, 65 rRNAs, and 37 snRNAs in the Mosp genome. The functional annotation of the Mosp genes showed that most of the genes were related to the reproductive and metabolic processes of the cells and participated in nutrient digestion, absorption, utilization, and catabolism in morels. There was a high degree of repetition (21.58%) in the Mosp genome, and the sizes of the DNA transposons and the long terminal repeats were 0.55 Mb and 5.85 Mb, respectively. The phylogeny analysis showed that Mosp clusters together with four other Morchella species: Morchella importuna, Morchella conica, Morchella sextelata, and Morchella snyderi. Molecular dating indicated that the differentiation of Mosp and the black morels group occurred about 147.0 million years ago (MYA). In addition, the evolutionary analysis showed that 296 gene families were contracted and 96 gene families were expanded in Mosp versus the related morel species. The results of this study provide new insights into the genome evolution of Mosp and lay the foundation for future in-depth research into the molecular biology and breeding of the genus Morchella.
Linking Land Use Change and Hydrological Responses: The Role of Agriculture in the Decline of Urmia Lake
Authors: Mirdarsoltany Amirhossein , Dariane Alireza B. , Ghasemi Mahboobeh , Farhoodi Sepehr , Asadi Roza , Moghaddam Akbar
Published: December 2024

The water level and surface area of Urmia Lake, located in the northwest of Iran, has decreased dramatically, presenting significant challenges for hydrological modeling due to complex interactions between surface and groundwater. In this study, the impact of agricultural activities on streamflow within one of the largest sub-basins of Urmia Lake is assessed using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) for hydrological assessments. To have accurate assessments, land use change detections were considered by a novel method, which merges the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) with the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to create a two-band NDVI-DEM image, effectively differentiating between agricultural and rangeland fields. Our findings reveal that agricultural development and irrigation, escalating between 1977 and 2015, resulted in increased annual evapotranspiration (ET) (ranging from 295 mm to 308 mm) and a decrease in yearly streamflow, from 317 million cubic meters to 300 million cubic meters. Overall, our study highlights the significant role that agricultural development and irrigation may play in contributing to the shrinking of Lake Urmia, underscoring the need for improved regional water management strategies to address these challenges, though further analysis across additional basins would be necessary for broader conclusions.
Assessing the Interrelationship Between Microplastics and Polychlorinated Biphenyls Contamination in Chinese Mangrove Sediment
Authors: He Jianqiao , Deng Jun , Zhang Guochao , Yi Guoqiang , Peng Gen , Wei Yihua , Ren Lu , Wang Yinghui
Published: December 2024

Mangrove ecosystems, critical intertidal zones at the land–ocean interface, are increasingly recognized for their role in microplastic (MP) pollution dynamics. Despite extensive research on the interaction of MPs with various chemical contaminants, the specific contamination levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) associated with MPs in mangroves remain poorly understood. In this study, we quantified the concentrations of PCBs on MPs extracted from representative mangrove sediment samples across China, revealing values ranging from 9.80 to 13.91 ng/g. In contrast, PCB concentrations in sediment samples were found to vary between 25.67 and 69.85 ng/g. Our findings indicate a consistent level of PCB contamination on MPs across different sites, although these levels were marginally elevated compared to those in the surrounding sediments. Notably, Penta-PCBs were detected with the highest frequency across all samples analyzed. This study provides crucial insights into the occurrence and distribution of PCBs on MPs within the mangrove ecosystem, highlighting their significance in environmental contamination assessments.
Inflation Targeting with an Optimal Nonlinear Monetary Rule—The Case Study of Colombia
Authors: Misas Martha , Villa Edgar , Giraldo Andres
Published: December 2024

This article examines whether Banco de la República (Banrep), Colombia’s central bank, has operated under a dual-regime policy framework—one for recessionary periods and another for periods of economic overheating—since adopting inflation targeting (IT) from Q4 2000 to Q4 2019. We modify the canonical New Keynesian inflation model to accommodate an optimal nonlinear monetary rule aligned with a two-regime policy framework. Using a LSTAR model estimated over the study period, with the output gap lagged by three periods as the transition variable, we identify two distinct monetary regimes. Our findings reveal that the smooth transitions between regimes were driven by shifts in Banrep’s preferences related to its loss function, alongside adjustments in the parameters of the aggregate demand and supply curves within the Colombian economy. Notably, we observe that a modified Taylor principle is not met in either identified monetary regime. This suggests that, in this context, IT has been a successful policy framework even without requiring the policy interest rate to respond aggressively to inflation gaps, as the Taylor principle would otherwise dictate.
Greek as a Heritage Language in Germany
Authors: Golegos Angelika , Marinis Theodoros
Published: December 2024

Research on heritage languages (HLs) has expanded considerably within the last 10 years worldwide. Despite the large waves of migration from Greece to other countries in Europe, the Americas, and Australia within the 20th century, research on Greek as an HL is still in its infancy. The present paper focuses on Greek as an HL in Germany. It starts with demographic information on the basis of official census data about the number of Greeks with a migration background who currently live in Germany. Then, it thematically presents 18 published studies to date that report on how Greek develops as an HL in children and adults in Germany and the acquisition of phonetics/phonology, morphosyntax, syntactic complexity, and narrative production. Several studies address the role of internal and external factors, the role of literacy, and the role of language proficiency and language dominance, as well as the effects of cross-linguistic influence between German and Greek. The paper concludes with a critical discussion of the literature and a reflection about open questions and directions for future research.
Dynamic Modeling of 5-DOF Aerostatic Bearing Rotor System with Adjustable Gas Film Gap
Authors: Jia Shuo , Jia Chenhui , Lu Yanhui
Published: December 2024

In the application of an aerostatic motorized spindle, given the different requirements for the optimal gas film thickness of gas bearing under various processing conditions, this paper puts forward the tapered aerostatic bearing as the radial support element of the spindle and realizes the adjustability of gas film gap in a particular range through the axial fine-tuning mechanism. A 5-DOF dynamic model of the bearing rotor system is established, and the transient Reynolds equation is solved using the finite difference method to obtain the pressure distribution characteristics of the gas film. Based on this, the spindle’s translation and angular displacement responses are determined by solving the spindle’s motion equation. The simulation results show that the tilting motion of the spindle significantly affects the pressure distribution of the gas film, and the nonlinear gas film force will lead to nonlinear severe vibration of the spindle. The study also reveals that reducing the gas film thickness under low-speed and heavy-load conditions effectively decreases the amplitude and offset of the spindle. However, increasing the gas film thickness enhances the system’s speed and stability under high-speed and light-load conditions.
Tribological Properties of Polydimethylsiloxane Grafted with Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Methyl Ether Methacrylate Under Water Lubrication
Authors: Kim Tae-Hyeong , Kim Dae-Eun
Published: December 2024

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a polymer material characterized by its flexibility, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, excellent stability, and high transparency. It is also easy to process and allows for control over its physical properties. However, its inherent hydrophobicity limits its application in certain fields. To address this limitation, research is being conducted to modify the surface properties of PDMS through polymer grafting. In this work, poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (mPEG-MA) was grafted onto the PDMS surface to convert its hydrophobic characteristics to hydrophilicity. The tribological properties of the modified PDMS were then evaluated under conditions of hydrophilicity and water lubrication. Polymer grafting was performed by generating radicals on the surface of PDMS through ultraviolet (UV) irradiation using a photoinitiator, followed by grafting with mPEG-MA. The water contact angle, which serves as an indicator of hydrophilicity, was measured and revealed a decrease in the contact angle as the conditions for mPEG-MA grafting were intensified, signifying an increase in hydrophilicity. Additionally, the tribological properties under water lubrication improved with a higher degree of mPEG-MA grafting. Notably, PDMS grafted with a 20 wt.% mPEG-MA aqueous solution via UV irradiation for 12 h consistently maintained a coefficient of friction (COF) of less than 0.02 under water lubrication. Surface damage was observed locally in the dimples only under a load of 3 N.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Friction Stir Processing Tool with Composite Material Parameters
Authors: Nargundkar Aniket , Kumar Satish , Bongale Arunkumar
Published: December 2024

Compared to base aluminum alloys, the surface composites of aluminum alloys are more widely used in the automotive, aerospace, and other industries. The ability to yield enhanced physical properties and a smoother microstructure has made friction stir processing (FSP) the method of choice for developing aluminum-based surface composites in recent times. In this work, the Goal Programming (GP) approach is adopted for the Multi-Objective Optimization of FSP processes with three Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based metaheuristics, viz., Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Teaching–Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO). Three parameters, copper percentage (Cu%), graphite percentage (Gr%), and number of passes, are considered, and multi-factor non-linear regression prediction models are developed for the three responses, Tool Vibrations, Power Consumption, and Cutting Force. The TLBO algorithm outperformed the ABC and PSO algorithms in terms of solution quality and robustness, yielding significant improvements in tool life. The results with TLBO were improved by 20% and 14% compared to the PSO and ABC algorithms, respectively. This proves that the TLBO algorithm performed better compared with the ABC and PSO algorithms. However, the computation time required for the TLBO algorithm is higher compared to the ABC and PSO algorithms. This work has opened new avenues towards applying the GP approach for the Multi-Objective Optimization of FSP tools with composite parameters. This is a significant step towards toll life improvement for the FSP of composite alloys, contributing to sustainable manufacturing.
Unveiling Antibiotic Resistance: Genome Sequencing of Streptomycin-Resistant Erwinia amylovora Isolate
Authors: He Lin , Kim Yuna , Kim Seohyun , Lee Mi-Hyun , Yu Jun Myoung
Published: December 2024

Erwinia amylovora, the causal agent of fire blight, poses a serious threat to several rosaceous plants, especially apples and pears. In this study, a spontaneous streptomycin-resistant E. amylovora strain (EaSmR) was isolated under laboratory conditions. Compared with the parental strain TS3128, the EaSmR strain exhibited high resistance to streptomycin (>100,000 µg/mL) and showed a significant reduction in both swimming and swarming motility. To investigate the mechanisms underlying streptomycin resistance, the genome of EaSmR was sequenced, and four single nucleotide variants (SNVs) were identified in comparison with the EaSmR genome with TS3128. Two genes in EaSmR were found to contain SNVs relative to TS3128, including a point mutation at codon 43 in the rpsL gene, the primary target of streptomycin, which was identified as the cause of the resistance. Additionally, three other point mutations were detected within the gene encoding type I methionyl aminopeptidase (MetAP1), resulting in an amino acid substitution from serine to valine (S76V). Furthermore, we analyzed the nonsynonymous single nucleotide variants (nsSNVs) between the EaSmR isolate and the reference type strain, CFBP1430. A total of 111 nsSNVs were found in EaSmR, including three stop-gain mutations, across 102 genes, which likely account for potential differences between the Korean strain TS3128 (EaSmR) and the reference strain CFBP1430. Whole-genome sequencing of EaSmR reveals significant genetic changes and provides valuable insights into the role of single nucleotide variants in antibiotic resistance and altered physiological traits. As the first report of a laboratory-induced, streptomycin-resistant E. amylovora strain from South Korea, this study provides essential insights into resistance mechanisms and highlights key genomic differences that may contribute to the unique characteristics of the Korean strain, establishing a valuable foundation for future disease management strategies.
Synergistic Effects of Pyrrosia lingua Caffeoylquinic Acid Compounds with Levofloxacin Against Uropathogenic Escherichia coli: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Antibiofilm, and Antimicrobial Assessments
Authors: Zhang Yan , Jiao Fangfang , Zeng Derong , Yu Xiang , Zhou Yongqiang , Xue Juan , Yang Wude , Guo Jingjing
Published: December 2024

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), primarily caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), have high morbidity and recurrence rates. Resistance to levofloxacin hydrochloride (LEV), a commonly used treatment for UTIs, is increasingly problematic, exacerbated by biofilm formation mediated by interactions between cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP or CDG) and YcgR. In this study, we identified three caffeoylquinic acid compounds from Pyrrosia lingua—chlorogenic acid (CGA), sibiricose A5 (Si-A5), and 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid methyl ester (CAM)—that target YcgR through molecular docking. Biological assays revealed that combining these compounds with levofloxacin hydrochloride significantly enhanced antibacterial activity against standard UPEC strains in a concentration-dependent manner and clinically isolated UPEC strains. Notably, chlorogenic acid and sibiricose A5, when used with levofloxacin hydrochloride, enhanced intracellular c-di-GMP levels and swimming motility, significantly reduced YcgR gene expression, and effectively inhibited biofilm formation of UPEC at multiple time points. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations elucidated the strong binding of these compounds to YcgR, underscoring the critical roles of residues, such as Arg118 and Asp145. This research serves as a foundation for tackling antibiotic resistance and developing innovative therapeutics for UTIs.
Bifunctional Azido(thio)ureas from an O-Protected 2-Amino-2-deoxy-d-glucopyranose: Synthesis and Structural Analyses
Authors: Sosa-Gil Concepción , Matamoros Esther , Cintas Pedro , Palacios Juan C.
Published: December 2024

This publication reports a facile and convenient preparation of tri-O-acetyl-glucopyranoses, derived from the corresponding 2-deoxyaminosugar, where the vicinal anomeric and C2 positions are decorated by azido and (thio)ureido groups, respectively. This double functionalization leads to an inherently chiral core incorporating the versatile azido and (thio)ureido linkages prone to further manipulation. The latter also provides a structural element for hydrogen-bonded donor-acceptor (HB-DA) sites, which are of immense value in organocatalytic pursuits. A computation-aided conformational analysis unveils the landscape of available conformers and their relative stability. N-aryl (thio)ureas bearing substituents at ortho positions exist as mixtures of M- and P-atropisomeric conformers.
Advancements on Single-Atom Catalysts-Mediated Persulfate Activation: Generating Reactive Species for Contaminants Elimination in Water
Authors: Yu Wan , Xu Yin
Published: December 2024

The single-atom catalyst (SAC) activated persulfate process has emerged as a highly efficient technology for eliminating refractory organic compounds in aqueous environments. This review delves into the intricacies of utilizing SACs for the effective removal of various contaminants in water. The common supports and the preparation procedures of SACs are summarized at first. The synthesis methods of SACs (i.e., wet chemical method, one-pot hydrothermal method, and high-temperature pyrolysis method) are also described. Then, a comprehensive overview of the diverse reaction mechanisms in SAC-activated persulfate systems is presented, including a radical oxidation process via sulfate or hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals, or a nonradical process via single oxygen, surface active complex, and high-valent metal-oxo species oxidation. The impact of key factors such as peroxides concentration, SAC dosage, reaction pH, inorganic anions, organic matter, operando stability, and real water is also delved. The removal of various pollutants (i.e., azo dyes, phenolic compounds, pharmaceuticals, and bacteria) by this process is further summarized. Finally, the challenges and perspectives in the field of water treatment utilizing SACs are discussed.
In Silico Prediction of Alkaline Phosphatase Interaction with the Natural Inhibitory 5-Azaindoles Guitarrin C and D
Authors: Seitkalieva Aleksandra , Noskova Yulia , Isaeva Marina , Guzii Alla , Makarieva Tatyana N. , Fedorov Sergey , Balabanova Larissa
Published: December 2024

The natural 5-azaindoles, marine sponge guitarrin C and D, were observed to exert inhibitory activity against a highly active alkaline phosphatase (ALP) CmAP of the PhoA family from the marine bacterium Cobetia amphilecti, with IC50 values of 8.5 and 110 µM, respectively. The superimposition of CmAP complexes with p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP), a commonly used chromogenic aryl substrate for ALP, and the inhibitory guitarrins C, D, and the non-inhibitory guitarrins A, B, and E revealed that the presence of a carboxyl group at C6 together with a hydroxyl group at C8 is a prerequisite for the inhibitory effect of 5-azaindoles on ALP activity. The 10-fold more active guitarrin C could compete with pNPP for binding sites in the ALP active site due to similarities in size, three-dimensional structure, and the orientation of the COOH group along the phosphate group. However, the inhibition of CmAP and calf intestinal ALP (CIAP) by guitarrin C was observed to occur via a non-competitive mode of action, as evidenced by a twofold decrease in Vmax and an unchanged Km. In contrast, the kinetic model with guitarrin D, with an additional OH group at C7, reflected a mixed type of inhibition, with a decrease in both values. The sensitivity of CIAP to guitarrins C and D was shown to be slightly lower than that of CmAP, with IC50 values of 195 and 230 µM, respectively. Nevertheless, these findings prompted the prediction of complexes of human ALP isoenzymes with guitarrins C and D.
Silver CVD and ALD Precursors: Synthesis, Properties, and Application in Deposition Processes
Authors: Vikulova Evgeniia S. , Dorovskikh Svetlana I. , Basova Tamara V. , Zheravin Aleksander A. , Morozova Natalya B.
Published: December 2024

This review summarized the developments in the field of volatile silver complexes, which can serve as precursors in gas-transport reactions for the production of thin films and metal nanoparticles via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD). Silver-based films and nanoparticles are widely used in various high-tech fields, including medicine. For effective use in CVD and ALD processes, the properties of silver precursors must be balanced in terms of volatility, thermal stability, and reactivity. In this review, we focus on the synthesis and comprehensive analysis of structural and thermal characteristics for the most promising classes of volatile silver complexes, as well as organometallic compounds. Following the specifics of silver chemistry, some features of the use of precursors and their selection, as well as several key directions to improving the efficiency of silver material deposition processes, are also discussed.
Recent Progress in the Synthesis of Benzoxazin-4-Ones, Applications in N-Directed Ortho-Functionalizations, and Biological Significance
Authors: Moussa Ziad , Ramanathan Mani , Al-Masri Harbi Tomah , Ahmed Saleh A.
Published: December 2024

The development of efficient synthetic procedures to access fused N, O-heterocyclic skeletons has been a pivotal research topic in organic synthesis for several years. Owing to the applications of N, O-fused heterocycles in organic synthesis, material sciences, and medicinal chemistry, significant efforts have been dedicated to design novel methods for their construction. To this end, 1,3-benzoxazin-4-ones are privileged candidates for N, O-heterocyclic molecules often found in natural products, agrochemicals, and materials science applications. In this review, we aim to summarize the existing literature on the synthesis of 1,3-benzoxazin-4-ones from 2010 onwards. Moreover, 1,3-benzoxazin-4-ones have also been identified as an excellent native directing group for the ortho-functionalization via C-H activation, which is often a strenuous task requiring pre-functionalized substrates. In the latter part of this report, we compiled several interesting examples of N-directed functionalizations of 1,3-benzoxazin-4-ones. Additionally, to emphasize biological importance, recent developments on the anticancer evaluations of benzoxazine-4-one core are included. We believe that by harnessing the methodologies discussed herein, new possibilities could be unlocked for the synthesis of fused N, O-heterocycles, leading to the development of novel biologically active compounds and functional materials.
Behavioral and Biochemical Effects of an Arylhydrazone Derivative of 5-Methoxyindole-2-Carboxylic Acid in a Scopolamine-Induced Model of Alzheimer’s Type Dementia in Rats
Authors: Petkova-Kirova Polina , Anastassova Neda , Minchev Borislav , Uzunova Diamara , Grigorova Valya , Tsvetanova Elina , Georgieva Almira , Alexandrova Albena , Stefanova Miroslava , Yancheva Denitsa , Kalfin Reni , Tancheva Lyubka
Published: December 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has long proven to be a complex neurodegenerative disorder, with cholinergic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation being just a few of its pathological features. The complexity of the disease requires a multitargeted treatment covering its many aspects. In the present investigation, an arylhydrazone derivative of 5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (5MeO), with in vitro strong antioxidant, neuroprotective and monoamine oxidase B-inhibiting effects, was studied in a scopolamine-induced Alzheimer-type dementia in rats. Using behavioral and biochemical methods, we evaluated the effects of 5MeO on learning and memory, and elucidated the mechanisms of these effects. Our experiments demonstrated that 5MeO had a beneficial effect on different types of memory as assessed by the step-through and the Barnes maze tasks. It efficiently restored the decreased by scopolamine brain-derived neurotrophic factor and acetylcholine levels and normalized the increased by scopolamine acetylcholine esterase activity in hippocampus. Most effective 5MeO was in counteracting the induced by scopolamine oxidative stress by decreasing the increased by scopolamine levels of lipid peroxidation and by increasing the reduced by scopolamine catalase activity. Blood biochemical analyses demonstrated a favorable safety profile of 5MeO, prompting further pharmacological studies suggesting 5MeO as a safe and efficient candidate in a multitargeted treatment of AD.
Genistein and Aphid Probing Behavior: Case Studies on Polyphagous Aphid Species
Authors: Wróblewska-Kurdyk Anna , Kordan Bożena , Stec Katarzyna , Bocianowski Jan , Gabryś Beata
Published: December 2024

(1) Background: Genistein is a naturally occurring flavonoid with a rich spectrum of biological activities, including plant-herbivore interactions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous application of genistein on aphid behavior during probing in plant tissues. (2) Methods: Vicia faba, Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis, and Avena sativa were treated transepidermally with a 0.1% ethanolic solution of genistein, and the probing behavior of generalist aphid species Aphis fabae, Myzus persicae, and Rhopalosiphum padi was monitored on their respective treated and untreated host plants using electropenetrography (=electrical penetration graph technique, EPG); (3) Results: Genistein did not deter aphid probing activities in non-phloem tissues. In A. fabae and R. padi, a trend towards reduction and in M. persicae a trend towards increase in phloem sap ingestion occurred on genistein-treated plants, but these trends were not statistically significant. (4) Conclusions: Genistein is not a deterrent chemical against generalist aphid species studied; therefore, it is not recommended for practical application.
Simultaneous Recovery of Vivianite and Humic Acids from Waste Activated Sludge via Ferric Trichloride Flocculation and Enzymatic Hydrolysis Co-Treatment
Authors: Cheng Qingli , Niu Bochao , Li Yuhao
Published: December 2024

Synchronously recovering phosphorus as vivianite and humic acids (HAs) from waste activated sludge (WAS) is of great significance for the carbon neutralization of wastewater. In this study, flocculation, enzyme degradation (lysozyme/protease/amylase/cellulase in a 1:1:1:1 ratio), and pH adjustment were used to reclaim vivianite and HAs. After FeCl3 coagulation–precipitation and enzymatic hydrolysis of the sludge for 11 h, the supernatant was enriched with Fe2+ and PO43−, with the molar ratio of Fe2+:PO43− of 2.21. To improve the purity of the vivianite, the crude protein was separated at pI 6.0. The purity of the crystals reached a peak of 97.44 ± 0.04% at pH 7.5. HAs extracted from the residuals had a high affinity for metal adsorption, and the adsorption process was both endothermic and efficient. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the joint reclaiming of vivianite and HAs, providing new insights into multiple resource recovery from WAS.
Experimental Study on Seasonal Ground-Coupled Heat Storage and Harvesting in Cold Regions
Authors: Xu Chen , Zhang Xinrong , Liu Jia , Guo Shijiang , Feng Shuai , Bian Xiaoyu , Zhang Yiyang
Published: December 2024

In recent years, global efforts toward sustainable energy have intensified, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and boost energy efficiency. Heating in winter and hot water for hygiene are essential, especially in cold climates where heating demands significantly impact household energy consumption. This study examines a city in western Inner Mongolia, characterized by a severe cold climate and unique geology. A test system with dual U-shaped buried pipes for ground source heat storage and extraction was constructed, utilizing two layout schemes. Drilling tests measured formation parameters, highlighting how pipe layout and soil characteristics influence heat storage. Short-term 5-day cycles and cross-seasonal 60-day cycles were tested. Results showed upper soil suited for frequent short-term storage, while lower soil favored long-term energy retention. Increasing buried pipes raised soil temperature and storage capacity, enhancing thermal stability in short-term cycles. However, while the long-term storage capacity improved, heat loss also rose. Effective ground source heat pump design in cold regions should consider environmental temperatures, pipe optimization, soil characteristics, and heat storage duration to achieve stable, efficient operation.
Formulation and In Vitro Assessment of Tragacanth Gum-Based Hydrogel Loaded with Artemisia vestita Leaf Extract for Wound Healing
Authors: Dogra Shivani , Koul Bhupendra , Singh Joginder , Mishra Meerambika , Rabbee Muhammad Fazle
Published: December 2024

Artemisia vestita Wall. ex Besser, a traditional medicinal plant with healing properties, is receiving significant attention as a potential therapeutic agent for wound healing. In this study, eight Artemisia vestita leaf extract hydrogel formulations (F1–F8) were carefully designed and studied. The hydrogel formulations contained A. vestita leaf extract, tragacanth gum, humectants, preservatives, pH stabilizers, and Milli-Q water. A preformulation study was conducted to ensure safety and efficacy. Moreover, various experiments assessed the potential application and characteristics of A. vestita leaf extract hydrogel (ALEH). Drug release and swelling studies were conducted at different pH levels and temperatures. The best drug release model was identified based on the regression coefficient (R2). Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed using the agar well diffusion method, and wound healing in HaCat cells was assessed using the scratch assay. ALEH exhibited non-Fickian diffusion, with higher drug release noted at pH 6.8 than at pH 4.5, indicating pH-responsive behavior. It exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against various strains and achieved 95% wound closure after 24 h in vitro, indicating strong wound healing properties. It also had a long shelf life; therefore, it could have pharmaceutical and medical applications. Our study is the first to report the potential applications of ALEH in skincare and wound management.
The Shape of the Chameleon Fifth-Force on the Mass Components of Galaxy Clusters
Authors: Pizzuti Lorenzo , Amatori Valentina , Pombo Alexandre M. , Haridasu Sandeep
Published: December 2024

In the context of chameleon gravity, we present a semi-analytical solution of the chameleon field profile in an accurately modelled galaxy cluster’s mass components, namely the stellar mass of the Brightest Cluster Galaxy (BCG), the baryonic mass in galaxies other than the BCG, the mass of the Intra-Cluster Medium (ICM) and the diffuse cold dark matter (CDM). The obtained semi-analytic profile is validated against the numerical solution of the chameleon field equation and implemented in the MG-MAMPOSSt code for kinematic analyses of galaxy clusters in modified gravity scenarios. By means of mock halos, simulated both in GR and in modified gravity, we show that the combination of the velocities and positions of cluster member galaxies, along with the data of the stellar velocity dispersion profile of the BCG, can impose constraints on the parameter space of the chameleon model; for a cluster generated in GR, these constraints are at the same level as a joint lensing+kinematics analysis of a cluster modelled with a single mass profile, without the BCG data.
Effect of a Broiler-Specific Light Spectrum on Growth Performance and Adrenocortical Activity in Chickens: A Pilot Study on a Commercial Farm
Authors: Galosi Livio , Todini Luca , Menchetti Laura , Carbajal Annaïs , Palme Rupert , Ruggiero Nicola , Falconi Roberto , Roncarati Alessandra
Published: December 2024

This study evaluated the effect of a broiler-specific light spectrum on productive performance corticosterone (fCC) and androgen dehydroepiandrosterone (fDHEA) concentrations in feathers, and glucocorticoid (GCMs) and androgen (AMs) metabolites in droppings of broilers. Two groups of female Ross 308 broilers were reared under white LED (WL, n = 9000) and broiler-specific LED (BSL, n = 9000) lights. The body weight (BW) of 150 randomly selected animals/groups was measured weekly. Droppings and feathers were collected at the end of the cycle (29 days) from 20 animals/group. The BSL group showed higher final BW than WL (1407 ± 11 vs. 1341 ± 15 g, respectively; p < 0.001) and higher indices of uniformity (76.8% vs. 61.2% animals in the 10% around the mean, respectively; p < 0.001). No difference between groups was found in fCC and fDHEA concentrations or in the fCC–fDHEA, indicating similar long-term HPA axis activity during the cycle. A higher concentration of GCMs was found in the BSL group, indicating higher glucocorticoid secretion before sampling, with neither a difference in AMs nor in GCMs–AMs. Finally, there was a positive correlation between fCC and fDHEA and between GCMs and AMs (p < 0.01). Our findings suggest that the use of broiler-specific light improved the productivity performances of chickens without long-term consequences on HPA activation. However, the results of this pilot study in a commercial farm setting must be interpreted with caution and need confirmation.
Through the Veil of Alexandra Marinina's Detective “The Illusion of Sin”
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Rozin V.M.
Published: December 2024

The subject of the study is, on the one hand, the artistic reality of Alexandra Marinina's
novel “The Illusion of Sin”, and on the other hand, an analysis of the features of Russian life
in the 1990s, presented through the prism of this novel. The author doubts that this work
can be fully classified as a detective genre, since the background is a description and comprehension
of life in Russia at that time. A comparison of Chekhov's “The Cherry Orchard”
and “The Illusion of Sin” allows us to formulate a hypothesis about the nature of Russian
sociality. As before, two unrelated processes — impersonal, social and unrelated and often
meaningless, marginal actions and deeds of people. From the point of view of this hypothesis,
Marinina's work is considered: she, but naturally as an artist, presents to the reader the
social reality of the 1990s, which in many ways resembles the “bad sociality” that Vasily nkovsky wrote about back in the 20s of the last century. The author identifies four aspects
of this sociality: the attitude of Russians towards law that dates back to past centuries, a
sense of social injustice, the absence of moral and ethical guidelines, and the obsession of
Russians with ideas that M. Bakhtin wrote about.
Mechanisms of self-knowledge and self-presentation of creative personality in the space of culture: towards the formulation of the problem
Authors:   Department of studying the History of music State Institute of Art Studying, Lashchenko S.K.
Published: December 2024

This paper is devoted to the topic of self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-presentation and their
role in memorial literature of creative persons in the first half of 19th century. Using the examples
of the Russian cultural heritage of the first half of the 19th century, the phenomenon of ego-literature
and the genres that represent it (diaries, notes, autobiography, memories, etc.) are analyzed.
An overview is given of the factors that contributed to the formation of the specific approach of
writers, playwriters, artists, musicians to the creation of memories. Attention is drawn to the attitude
of the creative personality to the future of his memories text. It is stipulated that this attention
can be both conscious and subconscious, associated with the characteristics of the author’s
psychotype and the task that the creator of the memories solves. The central phenomenon in this
paper is autofiction. A review of the features of genre varieties of autofiction literature allows us
to clarify the degree of interest of writers and artists in each of them. The creative persons could
write in autofiction about their life as it was, and fiction. In the central attention is the memorial
literature of musicians and, particularly, memorials of M.I. Glinka. The reasons why Russian musical
memoir literature developed after the European literature are analyzed.
Opportunities for Developing Trade and Investment Cooperation in Key Sectors between Brazil and Russia under Sanctions Regime
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Stulov O. V.
Published: December 2024

This paper aims to identify the possibilities of countering the sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation by Western countries through cooperation with neutral BRICS countries, specifi cally Brazil.
A significant number of Russian technological goods, such as cars, trains, airplanes, and agricultural machinery, were produced
within the framework of global technological chains, which have now been severed. Restrictive measures against the Russian
fi nancial system have become one of the most important elements of the Western sanctions package. Manufacturing section is the leading import category, with the value of Brazilian imports from Russia increased significantly. Similarly, mining and quarrying products are important imports, with a steady increase in value over the years. Brazil’s exports to Russia are mainly concentrated on semi-manufactured products such as sugar from sugarcane, fresh, chilled or frozen meat in cuts or carcasses,
and processed fruits and vegetables, as well as agricultural products, notably soybeans. Russia’s trade with Brazil faces several challenges, but however, Russia can explore new areas of cooperation, such as energy, aviation, woodworking, shipbuilding, and veterinary medicine. At the BRICS summit in Kazan the creation of a new payment system that will include the transmission of financial messages and the use of digital fi nancial assets was announced too. The author proposes several strategies to expand
this cooperation and argue in favor of its effectiveness. In conclusion, the author suggests that the cooperation between Russia and Brazil has the potential to mitigate the impact of the imposed sanctions and expand the bottlenecks of the Russian economy.
El realismo en la epistemología de Evandro Agazzi
Authors: Rodríguez López Juan Carlos , Castellanos Muñoz Arjuna Gabriel
Published: December 2024

En la tradición filosófica occidental, los pensadores ligados al realismo clásico han recurrido a dos imágenes para ilustrar la concepción realista: la del objeto que los científicos piensan existente “fuera de ellos” y la del objeto que “no depende de ellos” porque no lo pueden modificar o cambiar a placer. Agazzi ha expuesto en su obra por qué el “adentro”, el “afuera” y la “independencia” no le parecen esquemas útilmente aplicables en la discusión sobre el realismo. El presente artículo presenta una breve síntesis de la carrera intelectual del filósofo y físico italiano Evandro Agazzi, explicando la influencia del objetualismo de Gustavo Bontadini en su propuesta epistemológica; posteriormente, desarrolla la respuesta de Agazzi a la disputa entre el idealismo y el realismo con base en conceptos como resistencia, referencialidad, protocolaridad y operacionalidad. Finalmente, se ofrece una conclusión a manera de cierre.
El enfoque socioformativo en estudiantes universitarios para el desarrollo social sostenible
Authors: Caycho Valencia Felix Alberto , Garay Canales Henry Bernardo , Ricra Echevarría Carmen Rocío , Malaga Davila Candi Pastora
Published: December 2024

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar las características del modelo socioformativo para la construcción y el desarrollo de sociedades sostenibles en la formación universitaria. El artículo señala que en Latinoamérica las universidades necesitan rediseñar su currículo, incluyendo el enfoque socioformativo, para formar individuos capaces de resolver problemáticas emergentes como el daño ambiental y la pérdida de ética. La socioformación promueve la mejora integral del estudiante, la resolución de problemas contextuales y el pensamiento crítico. Además, permite articular distintos campos del saber para abordar problemas interdisciplinariamente; enfatiza competencias emocionales y sociales, la reflexión y la participación del estudiante en su aprendizaje; y promueve la identificación y resolución colaborativa de problemas reales mediante proyectos formativos. El análisis concluye que la socioformación genera resultados en estudiantes y docentes, fortalece el funcionamiento universitario y forma individuos que apliquen sus conocimientos para resolver problemas de manera ética.
Outros olhares para a matemática
Authors: Alves de Oliveira Thays , Franco Neto Vanessa
Published: December 2024

Neste trabalho apresentaremos uma discussão inicial, para as autoras, que tem surgido nos nossos espaços de formação como marcadores das nossas experiências. Um início de debate que consiste na não neutralidade da Matemática e, por consequência, da Educação Matemática numa perspectiva que envolve questões sociais, em específico as questões raciais. Dessa maneira, trazemos para discutir a relação dessas áreas como moldes que os corpos subalternos são submetidos na sociedade. De que forma a Matemática tem sido utilizada, nos mais diversos espaços? A Matemática pode ofertar um espaço acolhedor para mulheres negras? E para a comunidade queer? De quais modos a Matemática tem sido utilizada pelos corpos subalternos? Preocupadas com essas demandas, apresentamos aqui uma breve explanação, e um possível ambiente, para discussões sobre como corpos subalternizados têm se apoiado nas matemática(s) para ocuparem diversos espaços e assim, fugir de opressões e desigualdades que os circulam. Queremos, então, neste artigo apresentar uma demanda inicial nossa, como maneira de questionar o lugar da Matemática e da Educação Matemática para além dos discursos e metanarrativas que são propagadas nessas áreas, que de tanto narrado se torna a única versão quando falamos de(a) Matemática. De modo que as nossas demandas recheadas de angustias possam emergir problemáticas outras nas mais diversas sujeitas.
Depression Symptoms Do Not Worsen Over Time in a Cohort of CKD Patients
Authors: Knapp Christopher D. , Horak Kayla , Roetker Nicholas S. , Fink Abigail , Gao Allan , Johansen Kirsten L. , Murray Anne , Hart Allyson
Published: December 2024

Background:

The prevalence of depression is high in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) (20-40%) and dialysis (30-50%) populations. Less is known about how depressive symptoms change over time in patients with CKD.

Methods:

Participants in the Brain in Kidney Disease (BRINK) cohort study completed a depressive symptom questionnaire (PHQ-9) and serum creatinine testing annually. We used linear mixed effects models to examine changes in PHQ-9 scores over time and compared rates of change between participants with different ranges of eGFR impairment and those with normal eGFR.

Results:

At baseline, 147 participants had normal eGFR, 424 had impaired eGFR without dialysis dependence, and 31% reported a diagnosis of depression, with a mean baseline PHQ-9 score of 4.3. Participants were followed for up to 5 years. After adjustment for factors associated with depression, mean PHQ-9 scores decreased (improved) by 0.25 points per year (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07, 0.42) among participants with normal eGFR (>60 ml/min/1.73m2) and by 0.35 points (95% CI 0.14, 0.56), 0.30 points (95% CI 0.13,0.46) and 0.42 points (95% CI 0.06, 0.77) among participants with eGFR of 45 to 59 ml/min/1.73m2, 30 to 44 ml/min/1.73m2, and participants who developed dialysis dependence, respectively. PHQ-9 scores among participants with eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73m2 did not change significantly. We did not observe any statistically significant differences in mean change in PHQ-9 score between participants with any degree of eGFR impairment and those with normal eGFR, nor between participants with dialysis-dependence and those with eGFR of ≤15 ml/min/1.73m2. Participants with a PHQ-9 score ≥5 had 80% greater odds of immediate study attrition than participants with a PHQ-9 score of 0-4.”

Conclusions:

The mean PHQ-9 scores of participants were largely stable over time, and we observed no differences in the change in PHQ-9 scores between those with impaired eGFR and those with normal eGFR.
PEMETAAN PENERAPAN PENGELOLAAN KEUANGAN UMKM SEKTOR PARIWISATA KAB. PANGANDARAN
Authors: Nurillah Jamil Achmawati Novel  , Suryanto
Published: December 2024

This research discusses mapping the implementation of financial management in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the tourism sector in Cintakarya Village, Pangandaran Regency. This research aims to map financial management practices, with a focus on the implementation of non-cash payments (QRIS), financial recording, and investor needs. The research method used was qualitative with in-depth interviews and direct observation of 31 MSMEs. The results show that only one MSME has implemented QRIS, while the majority of MSMEs have not carried out regular financial records and still use manual methods. Some MSMEs also expressed the need for investors, even though there were limitations in business development capacity. Of the MSMEs involved, 64.5% expressed their willingness to participate in assistance in three main areas: investment applications, non-cash payments and financial recording. In conclusion, comprehensive assistance is needed to increase financial literacy and implement digital technology in managing the finances of MSMEs in the tourism sector, to support the growth and sustainability of their businesses in the future.