bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational insights on the hydride and proton transfer mechanisms of L-proline dehydrogenase
Authors: Yildiz Ibrahim
Published: November 2023

L-Proline dehydrogenase (ProDH) is a flavin-dependent oxidoreductase, which catalyzes the oxidation of L-proline to (S)-1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate. Based on the experimental studies, a stepwise proton and hydride transfer mechanism is supported. According to this mechanism, the amino group of L-proline is deprotonated by a nearby Lys residue, which is followed by the hydride transfer process from C5 position of L-proline to N5 position of isoalloxazine ring of FAD. It was concluded that the hydride transfer step is rate limiting in the reductive half-reaction, however, in the overall reaction, the oxidation of FAD is the rate limiting step. In this study, we performed a computational mechanistic investigation based on ONIOM method to elucidate the mechanism of the reductive half-reaction corresponding to the oxidation of L-proline into iminoproline. Our calculations support the stepwise mechanism in which the deprotonation occurs initially as a fast step as result of a proton transfer from L-proline to the Lys residue. Subsequently, a hydride ion transfers from L-proline to FAD with a higher activation barrier. The enzyme-product complex showed a strong interaction between reduced FAD and iminoproline, which might help to explain why a step in the oxidative half-reaction is rate-limiting.
Deleveraging and decapacity: A comparative analysis of corporate capital allocation based on asset reversibility
Authors: Jia Songbo , Sang Chenying , Su Shiwei , Xu Jianxiang
Published: November 2023

China’s stimulus policies have caused overleveraging and overcapacity for the sustainable development of most industries (particularly high-pollution and energy-intensive industries). Thus, deleveraging and decapacity have become the two best options for the above industries to achieve long-term sustainable development. Based on China’s A-share listed companies from 2009 to 2019, this study investigated the effect of deleveraging and decapacity on corporate capital allocation using fixed effects, propensity score matching (PSM) and difference-in-differences (DID). A homogeneity analysis of geographical and firm characteristics was also conducted. The results show that: (1) Deleveraging and decapacity can significantly increase financial capital allocation by 3.67%, and decapacity can increase investment-related capital allocation by 0.63%. This indicates asset allocation optimization for sustainable development. (2) High asset reversibility can weaken the effect of deleveraging on financial capital allocation while strengthening the effect of decapacity on capital investment. (3) The impact of deleveraging and decapacity may vary among companies due to heterogeneous asset reversibility resulting from geographical locations and technological intensities. Given the current global energy crisis, optimizing capital allocation has become essential in addressing resource shortages and achieving long-term sustainable development. This study may provide a reference for alleviating corporate capital misallocation.
Randomised controlled trial to compare efficacy of standard care alone and in combination with homoeopathic treatment of moderate/severe COVID-19 cases
Authors: Kaur Harleen , Bawaskar Ramesh , Khobragade Akash , Kalra Dhiraj , Packiam Vedati , Khan Mohammed Yamin , Kaur Twinkle , Sharma Manish , Verma Naval Kumar , Kaushik Subhash , Khurana Anil
Published: November 2023

Background & objectives

No definite treatment is known for COVID-19 till date. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of customized Homoeopathic medicines, when used as an add-on treatment to Standard of Care (SOC), in patients suffering from moderate to severe COVID-19 infection.

Methods

This was a randomized, controlled, single-blind, parallel-group trial where 214 COVID19-positive patients were screened for moderate and severe cases of COVID-19. Adjuvant homoeopathic medicines were given in the treatment group and SOC was given to both groups. The duration of oxygen support was compared as the primary outcome. Subjects were followed for 28 days or till the end-point of mechanical ventilation/ death.

Results

Of 129 subjects included, 57 and 55 were severe; and 8 and 9 were moderate cases in Homoeopathy and SOC arms, respectively. In all, 9 (15.2%) participants in Homoeopathy and 20 (32.2%) participants in SOC arms eventually expired (p<0.05). Oxygen support was required for 9.84±7.00 and 14.92±7.549 days in Homoeopathy and SOC arms, respectively (p<0.005). Subjects receiving Homoeopathy (12.9±6.days) had a shorter hospitalization stay than in SOC (14.9±7.5 days). Homoeopathy arm (10.6±5.7 days) also showed statistically significant mean conversion time of of Realtime-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) from positive to negative than the SOC arm (12.9±5.6 days). The mean score of Clinical Outcome Ordinal Scale (COOS) was lower in the Homoeopathy arm. Laboratory markers [Interleukins (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), Neutrophils-Lymphocytes ratio (NLR)]were normalized earlier in Homoeopathy arm.

Conclusion

Homoeopathy, as add-on therapy with SOC for COVID-19 management, demonstrates a reduction in mortality and morbidity, by reduced requirement of oxygen and hospitalization. Some laboratory markers are normalized at an earlier time. Hence, there is overall control over the disease.

Registry: The study was registered on the http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials website under identifier number: CTRI/2020/12/029668 on 9th December 2020.
State equity participation and financing constraints of private enterprises in China: Based on the competitive pressure perspective
Authors: Xiao Qian
Published: November 2023

This study examines the impact of state participation on the alleviation of financing constraints faced by private Chinese enterprises. The analysis is based on data collected from a sample of 2,256 private Chinese enterprises surveyed by the World Bank in 2011 and 2013, and a sample of 3,197 listed enterprises in China from 2009 to 2020. The empirical findings demonstrate that (1) State equity participation can effectively alleviate the financial constraints faced by enterprises, and its approach is to alleviate financing constraints by lessening the competitive pressure on mixed-equity enterprises. (2) Anxiety related to survival and development that arises from competitive pressures compels private enterprises to seek competitive advantages through new investments. Consequently, private enterprises’ demand for external capital has increased. However, the conversion of capital requirements into external financing applications has become increasingly challenging due to deficiencies in enterprises’ internal cognitive processes regarding financial information. (3) Heterogeneity analysis reveals that state equity participation has a more pronounced impact on alleviating the financing constraints faced by emerging, non-group, and non-listed enterprises.
Investigating the role of the relaxin-3/RXFP3 system in neuropsychiatric disorders and metabolic phenotypes: A candidate gene approach
Authors: Wong Win Lee Edwin , Arathimos Ryan , Lewis Cathryn M. , Young Allan H. , Dawe Gavin S.
Published: November 2023

The relaxin-3/RXFP3 system has been implicated in the modulation of depressive- and anxiety-like behaviour in the animal literature; however, there is a lack of human studies investigating this signalling system. We seek to bridge this gap by leveraging the large UK Biobank study to retrospectively assess genetic risk variants linked with this neuropeptidergic system. Specifically, we conducted a candidate gene study in the UK Biobank to test for potential associations between a set of functional, candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) pertinent to relaxin-3 signalling, determined using in silico tools, and several outcomes, including depression, atypical depression, anxiety and metabolic syndrome. For each outcome, we used several rigorously defined phenotypes, culminating in subsample sizes ranging from 85,881 to 386,769 participants. Across all outcomes, there were no associations between any candidate SNP and any outcome phenotype, following corrections for multiple testing burden. Regression models comprising several SNPs per relevant candidate gene as exploratory variables further exhibited no prediction of outcome. Our findings corroborate conclusions from previous literature about the limitations of candidate gene approaches, even when based on firm biological hypotheses, in the domain of genetic research for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Molecular characterization of G6PD mutations identifies new mutations and a high frequency of intronic variants in Thai females
Authors: Chamchoy Kamonwan , Sudsumrit Sirapapha , Wongwigkan Jutamas , Petmitr Songsak , Songdej Duantida , Adams Emily R. , Edwards Thomas , Leartsakulpanich Ubolsree , Boonyuen Usa
Published: November 2023

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked enzymopathy caused by mutations in the G6PD gene. A medical concern associated with G6PD deficiency is acute hemolytic anemia induced by certain foods, drugs, and infections. Although phenotypic tests can correctly identify hemizygous males, as well as homozygous and compound heterozygous females, heterozygous females with a wide range of G6PD activity may be misclassified as normal. This study aimed to develop multiplex high-resolution melting (HRM) analyses to enable the accurate detection of G6PD mutations, especially among females with heterozygous deficiency. Multiplex HRM assays were developed to detect six G6PD variants, i.e., G6PD Gaohe (c.95A>G), G6PD Chinese-4 (c.392G>T), G6PD Mahidol (c.487G>A), G6PD Viangchan (c.871G>A), G6PD Chinese-5 (c.1024C>T), and G6PD Union (c.1360C>T) in two reactions. The assays were validated and then applied to genotype G6PD mutations in 248 Thai females. The sensitivity of the HRM assays developed was 100% [95% confidence interval (CI): 94.40%–100%] with a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 88.78%–100%) for detecting these six mutations. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency was estimated as 3.63% (9/248) for G6PD deficiency and 31.05% (77/248) for intermediate deficiency by phenotypic assay. The developed HRM assays identified three participants with normal enzyme activity as heterozygous for G6PD Viangchan. Interestingly, a deletion in intron 5 nucleotide position 637/638 (c.486-34delT) was also detected by the developed HRM assays. G6PD genotyping revealed a total of 12 G6PD genotypes, with a high prevalence of intronic variants. Our results suggested that HRM analysis-based genotyping is a simple and reliable approach for detecting G6PD mutations, and could be used to prevent the misdiagnosis of heterozygous females by phenotypic assay. This study also sheds light on the possibility of overlooking intronic variants, which could affect G6PD expression and contribute to enzyme deficiency.
Transcultural adaptation and validation of the Serbian version of Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Treatment Satisfaction—Patient Satisfaction (FACIT-TS-PS) questionnaire
Authors: Radovic Ivana , Krdzic Igor , Jovanovic Ana , Vukasinovic Danka , Soldatovic Ivan , Petrovic Masa , Tomic Ana , Jesic-Petrovic Tanja , Matejic Aleksandar , Salovic Bojana , Jelena Ilic-Zivojinovic
Published: November 2023

Objective

Transcultural adaptation and validation of FACIT-TS-PS questionnaire to Serbian language.

Methods

Standard forward and backward translation from English to Serbian language was performed. Pilot testing of FACIT-TS-PS was conducted on 12 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of malignant tumor. The study included 154 patients with malignant disease. The Questionnaire of Patient Satisfaction was used as a validated tool to evaluate concurrent validity of FACIT-TS-PS questionnaire. Reproducibility was tested on 30 subjects who answered the questionnaire for the second time two weeks later.

Results

Three FACIT-TS-PS subscales (Physician Communication, Treatment Staff Communication and Nurse Communication) demonstrated satisfactory construct validity using Cronbach’s alpha, the remaining two subscales (Technical Competence and Confidence & Trust) showed high ceiling effect. Treatment Staff Communication subscale showed large floor effect. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by correlation with the two dimensions of the Questionnaire of Patient Satisfaction. Satisfactory reproducibility was demonstrated on 30 patients who filled the questionnaire for the second time two weeks after initial interview.

Conclusion

The Serbian version of FACIT-TS-PS with the omission of Treatment Staff Communication subscale could be used as a valid instrument to assess patient and treatment satisfaction in chronically ill patients in the Serbian population. Omission of Treatment Staff Communication subscale is necessary because it contains questions not relevant for patients in Serbian healthcare system.
Process-based ecosystem models to support management of drained peatland forests
Authors:   University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, School of Forest Sciences, Urzainki Iñaki
Published: November 2023

Forested peatlands are globally significant carbon pools, important forest resources and areas for other bioproduction. Management of drained peatland forests has partly contradictory targets, such as economic profit, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and water protection. Balancing between these targets by comparing different management options requires a thorough understanding of the ecosystem processes, as well as modelling tools that are able to represent their complexity. This thesis presents three such tools, which are based on process-based models, and their applications to concrete water table management scenarios in drained peatlands. All three works are built upon a common peat hydrological model. Two of the studies analyze the effect of canal-blocking restoration practices on the water table and carbon dioxide emissions in tropical peatlands. The first work shows that using optimization algorithms to choose the location of a fixed number of canal blocks can lead to sizeable improvements on the amount of peat they rewet. The second work systematically analyzes the impact of canal blocks on tropical peatland water tables, and provides insights about their performance for different weather conditions and peat types. The third study presents a peatland ecosystem model focused on the effect of drainage on nutrient dynamics and forest growth in boreal peatlands. By connecting the relevant hydrological and biogeochemical processes, this ecosystem model enables the study of interconnected phenomena such as the identification of the stand growth limiting factor, and the impact of typical ditch network management operations on the nutrient balance and forest productivity.
“aMorales” en dictadura. Vertiente material de las violencias hacia las disidencias sexo-genéricas a través del estudio de caso de la Policía de la provincia de Buenos Aires (1976-1983) (Primera Parte)
Authors: Solari Paz Ana Cecilia
Published: November 2023

Esta investigación es un aporte a la construcción de conocimiento sobre la última dictadura argentina (1976-1983) que estudia el accionar de una Fuerza represiva entendida como tecnología de poder. Analizar a la Policía de la provincia de Buenos Aires desde una perspectiva sexo genérica disidente, haciendo hincapié en las prácticas utilizadas y las áreas encargadas de ponerlas en funcionamiento contribuye a pensar qué quedó fuera de la mira de este gran proceso represivo que produjo muertes, desapariciones, secuestros, torturas y de esta forma poder pensar en otrxs sujetxs que fueron reprimidos mucho menos visiblemente.Este proyecto se inserta en el campo de los estudios de Historia Reciente Argentina y estudios de Terrorismo de Estado, enfocados desde una perspectiva sexo genero disidente, mirando desde el presente cosas que no se han visto desde ese lugar, que no aparecen en las historias dominantes.Mi propósito consiste en reconstruir la estructura y el funcionamiento de la Policía de la provincia de Buenos Aires durante el periodo, para poder identificar, a posteriori, las áreas encargadas de la represión hacia las disidencias sexo genéricas y sus múltiples y diversas prácticas desplegadas en el territorio. Este trabajo se enmarca en un momento particular de la historia argentina, en el que el Proceso de Reorganización Nacional (PRN) puso en funcionamiento una maquinaria del terror, un accionar represivo inédito en sus características, dispositivos y escalas, con el objetivo de “realizar, como señala Videla, un escarmiento histórico a quien subvierta la norma”, proponiendo “exterminar al enemigo”, al “terrorista”, que “es cualquiera que difunde ideas que son contrarias a la civilización occidental y cristiana”, que es quien produce un “trastocamiento de los valores tradicionales; es decir, subversión. Porque subversión no es ni más ni menos que eso: subversión de los valores esenciales del ser nacional”, “subversivos” que “apuntan a destruir la familia, la sociedad y los pilares fundamentales de la República”
El arte de parir: prácticas audiovisuales y narrativas colectivas de la gestación y el parto
Authors: Pilar Koc Góngora Gabriela del
Published: November 2023

A través de este artículo buscamos reflexionar sobre el proceso de “Creadoras: el arte de parir”, un proyecto peruano de prácticas audiovisuales y narrativas colectivas en defensa del parto respetado, la partería tradicional y la prevención de la violencia obstétrica. Esta experiencia entrelaza los saberes y conocimientos de parteras, madres, dibujantes, animadoras, realizadoras audiovisuales, artistas sonoros, antropólogos, psicólogas y programadoras web. La convergencia colaborativa y transdisciplinar de las colectividades e individualidades anteriormente mencionadas, ha hecho posible la realización de cuatro cortometrajes animados y la narrativa transmedia «www.elartedeparir.com ,donde se alojan historias de parto y partería basados en los testimonios compartidos por mujeres de Áncash, Lima, Cusco y Moquegua.
La escucha del museo, un giro aural y tecnológico
Authors: Cortés Lezama Alma Angélica
Published: November 2023

Cómo los recursos sonoros tecnológicos del museo influyen en la caracterización de un cuerpo escucha del museo, un cuerpo vibrátil y sensorio? El uso creciente del sonido digital por parte del museo sirve como marco para problematizar el giro aural en una institución de tradición visual asimilada a un lugar donde se convoca al silencio para la apreciación. Este texto aborda recientes implicaciones conceptuales multidisciplinares sobre el sonido y su recepción para aproximarse a las siguientes agencias epistémicas: el valor instrumental de los materiales sonoros realizados por las áreas educativa y comunicativa del museo dirigidos exclusivamente al sentido auditivo permiten, por un lado, subjetivar al escucha museal apoyado por un giro aural, donde el sonido figura como agente de conocimiento, que no pretende fraccionar los sentidos del cuerpo humano para la experiencia, por el contrario, reactiva la escucha en constelación con los otros sentidos. Por otro lado, se aprecia un giro tecnológico, complejo de herramientas sonoras, como es el caso del pódcast o la radio de museo, que ofrece continentes otros de discusión y experimentación propiciando ubicuidad y movilidad del propósito museístico.
Corporalidad y Performance en la danza folclórica Caporales. Un estudio sobre la fraternidad “Caporales Corazón de América” en Argentina
Authors: Handl Lucía Grisel
Published: November 2023

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo principal analizar cómo las corporalidades constituyen formas intersubjetivas de vivir, sentir y significar la experiencia del bailar en la performance de la danza folclórica Caporales, tomando como caso la fraternidad “Caporales Corazón de América” (CCA) en Argentina, integrada por jóvenes provenientes del Gran Buenos Aires, en su mayoría descendientes de familias bolivianas. Mi principal hipótesis es que los participantes de la performance, entendida como una práctica reiterada, pero siempre distinta y vivida, generan eficazmente modos creativos que actúan en sus cuerpos, así como nuevas formas de percibir sus corporalidades, y en estos procesos de resignificación, se reafirman o se transforman sus experiencias en-el-mundo. Este estudio será abordado desde la antropología de la performance, junto a las teorías del embodiment/corporalidad y desde la perspectiva fenomenológica de Merleau-Ponty. Mi metodología implica mi rol como bailarina en mi experiencia etnográfica, comprendiendo el cuerpo como herramienta de conocimiento.
Comparison Test of Sensitivity Between Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Hotspot Panel and Droplet Digital PCR of KRAS G12 / G13 Mutation
Authors: Hajdarevic Azra , Salihefendic Lana , Konjhodzic Rijad , Kandic Adis , Ceko Ivana , Pecar Dino , Curic Muhamed , Kurtovic - Kozaric Amina
Published: November 2023

Cancer is an abnormal proliferation of cells that is characterized by the presence of genomic alterations including DNA mutations, deletions, insertions, translocations, inversions, and others. KRAS gene is one of the most mutated genes across different cancer types. The most common mutations in KRAS are found in codons 12 and 13 of KRAS protein, which are associated with a lack of response to anti- epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody therapy. This study assessed and compared the performance between two diagnostic methods: droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and next generation sequencing (NGS). The main goal was to determine KRAS G12 / G13 mutant allele fraction using NGS and to compare the accuracy toddPCR. A total of 28 samples of non – small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) were analyzed using ddPCR and NGS methods. Our results show that even though both methods exhibited high rate of concordance and correlation, the study proved that ddPCR is more superior when it comes to detecting low frequency mutations. Even though strong correlation was observed, based on the values obtained, we concluded that ddPCR is more accurate, reliable, and sensitive in comparison with NGS.
Corrosion Inhibition Behavior of DL-Methionine and L-Tryptophan on Carbon Steel
Authors: Rochliadi Achmad , Patah Aep , Claudia Claudia , Ramadhan Dadang
Published: November 2023

The cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors have become increasingly significant within the oil and gas sector. Consequently, this research was conducted to evaluate the corrosion inhibition behavior of the amino acids DL-Met and L-Tryp on carbon steel in acidic (0.05 M HCl), alkaline (0.05 M NH4OH), and neutral (3% NaCl) environments. This study used Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Potentiodynamic Polarization (PDP) to assess the performance of amino acids as corrosion inhibitors. The EIS and PDP measurements revealed that DL-Met and L-Tryp exhibited corrosion inhibition effects exclusively in acidic conditions. In this environment, DL-Met demonstrated a corrosion inhibition efficiency (η) of 49.7% at a concentration of 525 ppm, while L-Tryp reached an efficiency of 87.08% at a concentration of 25 ppm. Under the same conditions, DL-Met reduced the corrosion rate from 10 mm/year to 4.468 mm/year, and L-Tryp reduced it from 10.95 mm/year to 5.003 mm/year. However, the corrosion inhibition activity of DL-Met and L-Tryp in neutral and alkaline conditions did not yield positive results according to EIS measurements. In neutral conditions, 100 ppm DL-Met exhibited -22.46% inhibitory activity. Meanwhile, in alkaline conditions, 150 ppm DL-Met and 5 ppm L-Tryp exhibited inhibition efficiencies of -72.39% and -81.9%, respectively. This research aims to provide the oil and gas industry with a natural-based corrosion inhibitor alternative, offering a solution to corrosion-related challenges in acidic conditions.
The Effect of Adding Pine Tar Oil and Petrosin as Tackifier Ingredients on The Quality of Liquid Rubber Compound-based Adhesives
Authors: Anggraini Umi Alma , Sutanto Teja Dwi , Gustian Irfan , Adfa Morina , Maryanti Evi
Published: November 2023

This research is focused on the development of adhesives through the utilization of different types of tackifiers. The primary raw materials employed comprise 60% concentrated latex, which is subsequently blended with additives that have been dispersed, including KOH as a stabilizing agent, stearic acid and ZnO as activators, BHT as an antioxidant, CaCO3 as a filler, MBTS (Mercaptobenzothiazole disulfide) and TMTD (Tetramethyl Thiuram Disulphide) as accelerators, and sulfur as a vulcanizing agent. This research explored two specific variations of tackifiers: pine tar oil and petrosin. The characterization of the adhesives encompasses an analysis of acidity (pH), viscosity, adhesive strength, functional group analysis using FTIR, thermal properties, and XRD. The research findings showed that the optimal conditions were achieved in the third variation of the adhesive, with the same ratio of pine tar oil tackifier and petrosin of 4 grams each. In this particular variation, adhesives conforming to the SNI 12- 7195-2006 standards were produced, displaying an adhesion strength of 1.506 N/mm, a viscosity of 1075 cP, and a pH level of 4.6. Furthermore, thermal testing results reveal that the adhesive created with tackifier (V3) exhibits thermal resistance up to 350°C, a glass transition temperature of 354°C, and a melting point of 378°C.
Pilot Projects of The University of Maribor for A Green and Resilient Transition to Society 5.0
Authors: Tekavc Joanna , Presker Robert
Published: November 2023

In 2022, the University of Maribor has successfully acquired 23 pilot projects for a green and resilient transition to Society 5.0 as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Slovenia, which will be implemented in the period 2022-25. The aim of the pilot projects is thus to achieve curricular renewal and changes for a green, resilient, sustainable, and digitally connected university. We strive for sustainable, socially responsible, and high-quality development of scientific sciences and artistic disciplines as well as research fields and subfields developed by UM, considering the principles of smart specialization with an emphasis on solving social challenges. The pilot projects of the University of Maribor thus relate to the reduction of the mismatch between the knowledge of graduates and the needs of the labor market, as they address the harmonization of expectations regarding the knowledge of graduates on the part of the labor market and future professions on the one hand, and the creation of competences that the graduate should acquire through higher education studies on the other side. In this way, the study programs will be coordinated with the needs of the economy and society, and in addition to the competences dictated by the labor market, they will also acquire digital knowledge and competences for the green transition. With the planned contents of the pilot projects, we are thus linked to the sustainable development goals of the United Nations, which call on all learners to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to promote sustainable development by 2030, also by including environmental and climate issues in higher education, which while simultaneously using digital technologies as additional powerful enablers of the green transition, promote sustainable behavior in the development and use of digital solutions. Recognizing that universities are the key stakeholders in dealing with major social challenges, in the proposed pilot projects we fully address the objectives of the Guidelines for the renewal of higher education professional education with the proposal of an implementation plan, namely the green transition, the digital transition and the area of lifelong education and micro-evidence.
CHULA Beyond Leading Changes: a Capacity Building Program for Campus Sustainability at Chulalongkorn University
Authors: Inkarojrit Vorapat , Chanchamroen Supaporn , Hirunsuthikul Narin , Stitmannaithum Boonchai , Limsuwan Korb
Published: November 2023

Capacity building for campus sustainability has been recognized as a process of strengthening the university stakeholders’ skills to minimize the negative impacts of current crises and emerging challenges. While many universities emphasize capacity building through research and education activities, most, if not all, neglect activities for non-academic staff. Without the necessary capacity, the universities might not be able to realize their development plans. To address this issue, Chulalongkorn University developed a capacity building program called “Beyond Leading Changes” in 2021 which consists of three modules. The first aims to provide SDGs knowledge and raise awareness on the local and global challenges. The second focuses on the design thinking process in which participants were asked to empathize, define, and ideate potential solutions to sustainability problems. The last module utilizes the project-based leaning approach in which the skills were developed through engaging projects set around real-world problems. 70 supporting staff from various units completed the program which resulted in many interesting pilot projects that cover a wide range of issues. Nevertheless, the challenge remains to make the program more accessible and inclusive.
Culture and Environment as Pillars in the Formation of Sustainable Education
Authors: Ramírez Mónica Sofía Rico
Published: November 2023

When we talk about education, those traces of memory that have remained in us come to mind, this is due to complex processes that generate changes in the person and these transformations that impact life and society. You could not talk about education without training. Education is fundamental from the first years and it is essential that it be taught from the family, through which teaching is articulated, knowledge is acquired and consolidated, and virtues for life are formed. One of the biggest challenges in this time of education is to return to comprehensive training, one that leaves individualized teachings and allows learning to be achieved that integrates systems, such as the environment, culture, society and, above all, work. As a team that promotes a more balanced and fairer world, this will be the challenge that makes the difference.
The Plan for Energy Saving and Efficiency as an Example of the University of Valladolid's Commitment to Sustainability
Authors: Garcia-Ochoa Eduardo , Villarejo-Galende Helena , Gonzalez-Gonzalez Sergio Lorenzo
Published: November 2023

This paper presents the University of Valladolid's Plan for Energy Saving and Efficiency (February 2023) and focuses on the keys developed in relation to the sustainable design and use of university buildings and the promotion of sustainable mobility, as well as on the objectives pursued by the Plan: to reduce the environmental impact and the associated energy costs, eliminate fossil fuels and seek self-consumption. The University of Valladolid has been working for years to improve its energy and environmental performance, using biomass as the main energy resource for heating and sanitary hot water systems in most of its facilities, for the construction of sustainable and efficient buildings, for carrying out energy renovations and continuous actions to improve energy efficiency in existing buildings, and for promoting sustainable mobility models among the university community. With these actions, the University of Valladolid has managed to reduce emissions of thousands of tons of CO2 into the atmosphere each year, improving conditions in university spaces and keeping energy consumption stable. This reduction in energy consumption has made it possible to contain energy costs in global scenarios of rising prices, as well as to minimize the application of harsh measures to reduce energy consumption (closing buildings, turning off air conditioning, etc.) that most higher education institutions in our country have been forced to apply.
ZBEU'S Greenmetric Perspective
Authors: Yildirim Yılmaz , Karaelmas Deniz
Published: November 2023

Environmental and sustainability issues are becoming increasingly important as rapidly advancing technology damages the environment and a growing world population depletes natural resources. UI GreenMetric draws attention to environmental and sustainability issues in higher education institutions, which are expected to provide research solutions to important global challenges. As a result of sustainability studies, sustainable and green campuses Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, which plans and manages its formation, aims to be a university that contributes to sustainable life as an "Exemplary Sustainable Green Campus" with environmentally sustainable education and training practices on national and international platforms. ZBEU is one of the most environmentally friendly universities in Turkey
The Activities of Eszterházy Károly Catholic University in the Field of Sustainability
Authors: Dr Pajtókné Tari Dr Ilona , Váczy Dr Kálmán , Ruszkai Dr Csaba , Patkós Dr Csaba , Piskóti-Kovács Dr Zsuzsa
Published: November 2023

The Eszterházy Károly Catholic University is an innovative, service-oriented university that responds to the needs of regional economy and labor force. The University considers the sustainability as core value, the element of sustainability appears in the field of its educational, research and third mission activities.The Sustainable Development Strategy of the University was accepted in 2021, however the principles of sustainability have been appeared in the Organizational and Operational Regulations of the University dated 2016. The Sustainable Development Strategy provides the framework of activities which are contributing to reach the sustainability goals of the university. The main objective of the Article is to present these activities.
Innovation, Impacts and Future Direction of Sustainable Universities: The Case of the University of Minho - Portugal (Braga-Guimarães)
Authors: Miguel Sopas M Bandeira , Ricardo J.A.S Lobão
Published: November 2023

Human wellbeing is closely linked to the health of the environment. Around the world, 24% of deaths can be traced back to avoidable environmental factors, according to the World Health Organization. People need clean air to breathe, fresh water to drink, and places to live that are free of toxic substances and hazards. As we begin to experience the long-term consequences of exponential industrial growth and energy use, we must act to reverse these effects and prevent further damage, ensuring we have healthy places to live for generations to come. Objectives of this work are to show the implementation in our University of methods of water and waste management, since early 2017.
Stochastic inactivation evaluation of foodborne pathogens during ohmic heating of poultry meat
Authors: Turgut Sebahattin Serhat , Feyissa Aberham Hailu
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study is to stochastically assess the inactivation probabilities of four common foodborne pathogens (Listeria, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter) in chicken meat during ohmic heating (OH) in a salt solution. A mechanistic model was used to accomplish this, coupling heat transfer, laminar fluid flow, and the electric field, and solved numerically using COMSOL Multiphysics® v5.6. The 3D model represented 1000 particles randomly placed on the meat’s surface to determine the 7-log reduction of bacterial load probability. These particles are virtual representatives of bacterial colonies in the model. The influence of uncertain input parameters (specific heat capacity and electrical conductivity) and OH conditions (salt concentration of the heating medium, applied voltage, and heating time) was explained using logistic regression. The same analysis was repeated for the slowest heating point of chicken meat, as well. According to the findings, cold spots are observed at the corners of the meat piece during OH, requiring additional attention to the meat surface temperature to prevent under-processing. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the applied voltage and brine concentration are the main factors affecting the inactivation probabilities of pathogenic bacterial cells on the chicken meat surface. Salmonella and Listeria may require higher electrical conductivity of chicken meat and longer processing times. The developed model enables predicting inactivation probabilities of microorganisms that can be found on the outer surface by measuring the core temperature of the meat. However, especially for bacteria with higher heat resistance, it is better to consider the cold spot temperature found in the corners of the food material during OH.
Study on deformation characteristics of multi-pass continuous drawing of micro copper wire based on crystal plasticity finite element method
Authors: Wu Hanjiang , Huang Tao , Song Kexing , Zhang Yanmin , Zhou Yanjun , Li Shaolin , Li Xin
Published: November 2023

Copper-based wire has excellent comprehensive performance and is widely used in integrated circuit packaging, electronic communication, connectors, audio and video transmission, and other fields. Based on the crystal plasticity finite element method, the crystal plasticity finite element model of multi-pass continuous drawing deformation of pure copper micro wires was established, and the reliability of the model was proved. The continuous drawing deformation behavior of micro wires under high-speed deformation and micro wire diameter scale effect was studied. The research shows that there is a fracture risk zone under the alternating action of positive and negative stress values in the deformation zone of the drawn wire. The changing drawing force and contact stress during the continuous drawing process of the wire will also reduce the stability and surface quality of the wire during the drawing process. The shear deformation and slip degree of the surface grain of the drawn wire are greater than those of the core grain, and the drawing die has a greater impact on the slip system state of the surface of the wire. With the increase in drawing passes, the mechanical characteristics inside the wire increase accordingly, and the deformation uniformity inside the grains is improved. The established model can demonstrate the deformation history characteristics and structure inheritance of the continuous wire drawing process.
Vergleich zweier Ansätze zur Bekämpfung der kalten Progression: Tarifverschiebung vs. einkommensteuerpflichtige Kopfpauschale
Authors: Broer Michael , Stöwhase Sven
Published: November 2023

Die Bundesregierung hat im Jahr 2022 das Inflationsausgleichsgesetz verabschiedet, das zum Ausgleich der kalten Progression in der Einkommensteuer sowohl den Grundfreibetrag erhöht als auch die übrigen Tarifeckpunkte anpasst. Bei dem in Gesetzentwürfen verpflichtenden Hinweis auf Alternativen steht „keine“. Doch es gibt sehr wohl eine Alternative zur Tarifverschiebung, schreiben Michael Broer und Sven Stöwhase. Sie besteht darin, allein den Grundfreibetrag zu erhöhen, was gemäß höchstrichterlicher Rechtsprechung zwingend notwendig ist. Die fiskalischen Einnahmen, die durch den Verzicht auf eine Anpassung der übrigen Tarifeckpunkte zustande kommen, werden dann über eine steuerpflichtige Kopfpauschale an die Steuerpflichtigen ausgeschüttet, ähnlich wie im Fall der Energiepauschale im Jahr 2022. Es zeigt sich beim Vergleich, dass gerade einkommensschwache Steuerzahler, die von der Inflation aktuell besonders belastet werden, von einer Kopfpauschalenlösung profitieren würden.
Studies on the acidification of carbonate waste stream for separation of di-butyl phosphate and recovery of metal
Authors: Mishra Satyabrata , Pankaj  , Patra Chayan , Ghosh Debojyoti , Desigan Narasimhan , Velavendan Periyakaruppan , Venkatesan Konda Athmaram , Krishnamurthy Ananthasivan
Published: November 2023

The aqueous waste generated during the treatment of Purex lean organic phase with alkaline carbonate solution contains washable degradation products and actinides in the form of carbonate complex. Management of such aqueous waste demands quantitative removal of the main degradation product, dibutyl phosphate (HDBP) and actinides from aqueous solution. In this context, batch studies have been carried out on the separation of HDBP from aqueous solution using n-dodecane (n-DD). For this purpose, the extraction behaviour of HDBP in n-DD was studied after acidification of alkaline carbonate solution with nitric acid. The studies with simulated waste containing HDBP and U(VI) nitrate showed the loss of U(VI) as precipitate during acidification as the uranium–DBP was poorly soluble in aqueous phase. However, the loss of U(VI) decreased with increase of aqueous phase acidity showing that the adjusted acidity of the carbonate waste plays an important role in the recovery of actinides.
I. Medical and Dental Student Skills Development Competition. SkillsRace: Abstract Book
Authors: Hegedus Csaba , Nemeth Norbert , Molnar F. Tamas , Radnai Marta , Marton Krisztina , Erces Daniel , Maroti Peter , Nagy Akos , Nagy Tamas , Rendeki Szilard , Szanto Zalan
Published: November 2023

Dear participants, Dear guests, We welcome you to Pécs, to the Scientific Section of the I. SkillRace Competition. For the first time, we are organizing this competition in close cooperation with the Medical Skill Development and Innovation Centre of the University of Pécs, the University of Debrecen, the University of Szeged and the Semmelweis University, in order to present the scientific section of the competition. We are honoured to host around 150 colleagues from four universities across the country. An important initiator for the development of skill laboratories at national level has been the fact that in the training of physicians and dentists in Hungary, the methodological issues of teaching methodology and teaching technology have been the subject of scientific achievements that can be measured at international level. We believe that such events can play a key role in deepening cooperation in this area and can be an important tool in the process of joining forces to enable future generations of doctors to develop the highest level of manual skills. One of the main objectives of our meeting is to bring together the professionals - teachers, students, researchers - who work in these facilities on a daily basis and to help build and strengthen collaborations at national level. The openness, the search for innovation and the educational and research values of each university are all factors that give impetus to this sector, which is moving towards multidisciplinarity and requires serious, coordinated teamwork. The sharing of creativity and learning from each other and from more experienced researchers and mentors is essential for the development of our students and the development of their professional competences. We believe that not only the faculty and students of the university, but also the entire innovative and enthusiastic health simulation professional community will benefit from the presentations and professional discussions at the event. We hope that everyone will find some interesting new information, useful lessons or fruitful contacts to take home and continue their professional activities in the service of science and education. We wish you a pleasant stay in Pécs! Sincerely, The Founders Szilard Rendeki, University of Pécs, Hungary Peter Maroti, University of Pécs, Hungary
Birds in the Loop
Authors: Stewart Dustin D.
Published: November 2023

The boundaries of an Anglican parish were ritualistically set by the bodies of people who belonged to it, and by the eighteenth century its edges could be imagined as looping outward to encompass indispensable parishioners wherever they moved in the world. Gilbert White’s Natural History of Selborne (1789) brings nonhuman life into this relational model. In extending belonging to his favorite birds, which from his perspective may or may not be migratory, White uses religious concepts to perform a creative remapping of local space.
“Be sustainable”: EOSC‐Life recommendations for implementation of FAIR principles in life science data handling
Authors: David Romain , Rybina Arina , Burel Jean‐Marie , Heriche Jean‐Karim , Audergon Pauline , Boiten Jan‐Willem , Coppens Frederik , Crockett Sara , Exter Katrina , Fahrner Sven , Fratelli Maddalena , Goble Carole , Gormanns Philipp , Grantner Tobias , Grüning Björn , Gurwitz Kim Tamara , Hancock John M , Harmse Henriette , Holub Petr , Juty Nick , Karnbach Geoffrey , Karoune Emma , Keppler Antje , Klemeier Jessica , Lancelotti Carla , Legras Jean‐Luc , Lister Allyson L , Longo Dario Livio , Ludwig Rebecca , Madon Bénédicte , Massimi Marzia , Matser Vera , Matteoni Rafaele , Mayrhofer Michaela Th , Ohmann Christian , Panagiotopoulou Maria , Parkinson Helen , Perseil Isabelle , Pfander Claudia , Pieruschka Roland , Raess Michael , Rauber Andreas , Richard Audrey S , Romano Paolo , Rosato Antonio , Sánchez‐Pla Alex , Sansone Susanna‐Assunta , Sarkans Ugis , Serrano‐Solano Beatriz , Tang Jing , Tanoli Ziaurrehman , Tedds Jonathan , Wagener Harald , Weise Martin , Westerhoff Hans V , Wittner Rudolf , Ewbank Jonathan , Blomberg Niklas , Gribbon Philip
Published: November 2023

The main goals and challenges for the life science communities in the Open Science framework are to increase reuse and sustainability of data resources, software tools, and workflows, especially in large‐scale data‐driven research and computational analyses. Here, we present key findings, procedures, effective measures and recommendations for generating and establishing sustainable life science resources based on the collaborative, cross‐disciplinary work done within the EOSC‐Life (European Open Science Cloud for Life Sciences) consortium. Bringing together 13 European life science research infrastructures, it has laid the foundation for an open, digital space to support biological and medical research. Using lessons learned from 27 selected projects, we describe the organisational, technical, financial and legal/ethical challenges that represent the main barriers to sustainability in the life sciences. We show how EOSC‐Life provides a model for sustainable data management according to FAIR (findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability) principles, including solutions for sensitive‐ and industry‐related resources, by means of cross‐disciplinary training and best practices sharing. Finally, we illustrate how data harmonisation and collaborative work facilitate interoperability of tools, data, solutions and lead to a better understanding of concepts, semantics and functionalities in the life sciences.
The nucleolar protein GNL3 prevents resection of stalled replication forks
Authors: Lebdy Rana , Canut Marine , Patouillard Julie , Cadoret Jean‐Charles , Letessier Anne , Ammar Josiane , Basbous Jihane , Urbach Serge , Miotto Benoit , Constantinou Angelos , Abou Merhi Raghida , Ribeyre Cyril
Published: November 2023

Faithful DNA replication requires specific proteins that protect replication forks and so prevent the formation of DNA lesions that may damage the genome. Identification of new proteins involved in this process is essential to understand how DNA lesions accumulate in cancer cells and how they tolerate them. Here, we show that human GNL3/nucleostemin, a GTP‐binding protein localized mostly in the nucleolus and highly expressed in cancer cells, prevents nuclease‐dependent resection of nascent DNA in response to replication stress. We demonstrate that inhibiting origin firing reduces resection. This suggests that the heightened replication origin activation observed upon GNL3 depletion largely drives the observed DNA resection probably due to the exhaustion of the available RPA pool. We show that GNL3 and DNA replication initiation factor ORC2 interact in the nucleolus and that the concentration of GNL3 in the nucleolus is required to limit DNA resection. We propose that the control of origin firing by GNL3 through the sequestration of ORC2 in the nucleolus is critical to prevent nascent DNA resection in response to replication stress.