bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling Power Relations: An Analytical Matrix for Territorial Brands
Authors: Almeida Giovana Goretti Feijó
Published: March 2024

Cities are complex entities, reflecting an intricate system of relationships intertwined over time, development processes, and territorial planning, sustainability and management. Within this network of interactions among people and territories, the presence of territorial brands stands out. The central research question focuses on how the construction of an analytical framework can reveal intertwined power relations in a territory represented by territorial brands. The aim of this study is to develop and apply a unique analytical matrix, designed to highlight, and analyze the intricate power relations in a territory defined by territorial brands. Urban-geography and cultural studies approaches were incorporated into the case study methodology. Findings from the study revealed multiple layers of intertwined power relations in the territory, where territorial brands play the role of legitimizing mechanisms for the discourses of social actors in the produced territory. The conclusion emphasizes the effectiveness of the “territorial brand in regional development” matrix (TBRD) in highlighting the layers of power relations, as well as highlighting the contradictions between the local and the global in the space produced and represented by territorial brands. This study not only contributes to more effective territorial management but also enhances the understanding of the interaction between brand and territory, emphasizing the influence of these dynamics on the configuration and representation of urban space, including sustainability issues and their associated challenges.
Intentions to Create Green Start-Ups for Collection of Unwanted Drugs: An Empirical Study
Authors: Njoku Anuli , Mouloudj Kamel , Bouarar Ahmed Chemseddine , Evans Marian A. , Asanza Dachel Martínez , Mouloudj Smail , Bouarar Achouak
Published: March 2024

Drug waste poses a real threat to human health and the environment. Therefore, recycling and sustainability scholars have recently sought practical solutions to the drug waste problem. Furthermore, several governments have made significant efforts to reduce the negative effects of waste, such as establishing programs to take back unwanted drugs (expired and unused) for recycling (i.e., drug reuse or drug redispersing). However, many of these programs have failed to achieve their goals. In this context, it is expected that creating green start-ups to collect unwanted drugs will contribute to solving this problem. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the antecedents of intentions to create green start-ups for collecting unwanted drugs. To this end, the authors integrate start-up self-efficacy and drug waste collection-related knowledge constructs into the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Using a self-administered paper questionnaire and relying on a convenience sample, data were collected from 328 students in six Algerian universities. A hierarchical multiple regression was conducted to test the proposed study model. Theresults revealed that perceived behavioral control (PBC) (β = 0.187, p < 0.001), attitudes (β = 0.182, p = 0.002), start-up self-efficacy (β = 0.169, p = 0.001), drug waste collection-related knowledge (β = 0.161, p < 0.001), and subjective norms (β = 0.088, p < 0.05) have a positive significant effect on the intention to create a start-up to collect unwanted drugs. In conclusion, this paper contributes to reducing drug waste by investigating the drivers of intention to create green start-ups for collecting unwanted drugs. Therefore, our study is expected to provide valuable insights for hospitals, pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, environmental protection associations, and stakeholders interested in reverse logistics.
Development of SynBio Tools for Pseudomonas chlororaphis: A Versatile Non-Pathogenic Bacterium Host
Authors: Bello-González Miguel Angel , Bedoya-Perez Leidy Patricia , Pantoja-Zepeda Miguel Alberto , Utrilla Jose
Published: March 2024

Pseudomonas chlororaphis ATCC 9446 is a non-pathogenic bacterium associated with the rhizosphere. It is commonly used as a biocontrol agent against agricultural pests. This organism can grow on a variety of carbon sources, has a robust secondary metabolism, and produces secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties. This makes it an alternative host organism for synthetic biology applications. However, as a novel host there is a need for well-characterized molecular tools that allow fine control of gene expression and exploration of its metabolic potential. In this work we developed and characterized expression vectors for P. chlororaphis. We used two different promoters: the exogenously induced lac-IPTG promoter, and LuxR-C6-AHL, which we evaluated for its auto-inducible capacities, as well as using an external addition of C6-AHL. The expression response of these vectors to the inducer concentration was characterized by detecting a reporter fluorescent protein (YFP: yellow fluorescent protein). Furthermore, the violacein production operon was evaluated as a model heterologous pathway. We tested violacein production in shake flasks and a 3 L fermenter, showing that P. chlororaphis possesses a vigorous aromatic amino acid metabolism and was able to produce 1 g/L of violacein in a simple batch reactor experiment with minimal medium using only glucose as the carbon source. We compared the experimental results with the predictions of a modified genome scale model. The presented results show the potential of P. chlororaphis as a novel host organism for synthetic biology applications.
Biochar-Derived Persistent Free Radicals: A Plethora of Environmental Applications in a Light and Shadows Scenario
Authors: Alfei Silvana , Pandoli Omar Ginoble
Published: March 2024

Biochar (BC) is a carbonaceous material obtained by pyrolysis at 200–1000 °C in the limited presence of O2 from different vegetable and animal biomass feedstocks. BC has demonstrated great potential, mainly in environmental applications, due to its high sorption ability and persistent free radicals (PFRs) content. These characteristics enable BC to carry out the direct and PFRs-mediated removal/degradation of environmental organic and inorganic contaminants. The types of PFRs that are possibly present in BC depend mainly on the pyrolysis temperature and the kind of pristine biomass. Since they can also cause ecological and human damage, a systematic evaluation of the environmental behavior, risks, or management techniques of BC-derived PFRs is urgent. PFRs generally consist of a mixture of carbon- and oxygen-centered radicals and of oxygenated carbon-centered radicals, depending on the pyrolytic conditions. Here, to promote the more productive and beneficial use of BC and the related PFRs and to stimulate further studies to make them environmentally safer and less hazardous to humans, we have first reviewed the most common methods used to produce BC, its main environmental applications, and the primary mechanisms by which BC remove xenobiotics, as well as the reported mechanisms for PFR formation in BC. Secondly, we have discussed the environmental migration and transformation of PFRs; we have reported the main PFR-mediated application of BC to degrade inorganic and organic pollutants, the potential correlated environmental risks, and the possible strategies to limit them.
Asteroseismology of Compact Stars
Authors: Li Hong-Bo , Gao Yong , Shao Lijing , Xu Ren-Xin
Published: March 2024

Compact stars have been perceived as natural laboratories of matter at an extremely high density. The uncertainties of the equation of state (EOS) of matter can be constrained by observing compact stars. In this review, we investigate the EOSs, global structure, and elastic properties of compact stars. We focus in detail on how to constrain the above properties of compact stars via asteroseismology. Observations that include studies of quasi-periodic oscillations from giant flares of soft gamma-ray repeaters and gravitational waves provide information about the elastic properties and internal compositions of compact stars.
Development and Validation of a Genotypic Assay to Quantify CXCR4- and CCR5-Tropic Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 (HIV-1) Populations and a Comparison to Trofile®
Authors: Ko Daisy , McLaughlin Sherry , Deng Wenjie , Mullins James I. , Dragavon Joan , Harb Socorro , Coombs Robert W. , Frenkel Lisa M.
Published: March 2024

HIV-1 typically infects cells via the CD4 receptor and CCR5 or CXCR4 co-receptors. Maraviroc is a CCR5-specific viral entry inhibitor; knowledge of viral co-receptor specificity is important prior to usage. We developed and validated an economical V3-env Illumina-based assay to detect and quantify the frequency of viruses utilizing each co-receptor. Plasma from 54 HIV+ participants (subtype B) was tested. The viral template cDNA was generated from plasma RNA with unique molecular identifiers (UMIs). The sequences were aligned and collapsed by the UMIs with a custom bioinformatics pipeline. Co-receptor usage, determined by codon analysis and online phenotype predictors PSSM and Geno2pheno, were compared to existing Trofile® data. The cost of V3-UMI was tallied. The sequences interpreted by Geno2pheno using the most conservative cut-off, a 2% false-positive-rate (FPR), predicted CXCR4 usage with the greatest sensitivity (76%) and specificity (100%); PSSM and codon analysis had similar sensitivity and lower specificity. Discordant Trofile® and genotypic results were more common when participants had specimens from different dates analyzed by either assay. V3-UMI reagents cost USD$62/specimen. A batch of ≤20 specimens required 5 h of technical time across 1.5 days. V3-UMI predicts HIV tropism at a sensitivity and specificity similar to those of Trofile®, is relatively inexpensive, and could be performed by most central laboratories. The adoption of V3-UMI could expand HIV drug therapeutic options in lower-resource settings that currently do not have access to phenotypic HIV tropism testing.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals a Diverse Range of Novel Viruses in Australian Sugarcane Soldier Fly (Inopus flavus) Larvae
Authors: Divekar Gayatri , Colmant Agathe M. G. , Furlong Michael J. , Etebari Kayvan
Published: March 2024

In Australia, Soldier flies (Inopus spp.) are economically significant pests of sugarcane that currently lack a viable management strategy. Despite various research efforts, the mechanisms underlying the damage caused by soldier fly larvae remain poorly understood. Our study aims to explore whether this damage is associated with the transmission of plant viruses during larval feeding. We also explore the larval transcriptome to identify any entomopathogenic viruses with the potential to be used as biocontrol agents in future pest management programs. Seven novel virus sequences are identified and characterised using de novo assembly of RNA-Seq data obtained from salivary glands of larvae. The novel virus sequences belong to different virus families and are tentatively named SF-associated anphevirus (SFaAV), SF-associated orthomyxo-like virus (SFaOV), SF-associated narna-like virus (SFaNV), SF-associated partiti-like virus (SFaPV), SF-associated toti-like virus (SFaTV-1 and SFaTV-2) and SF-associated densovirus (SFaDV). These newly identified viruses are more likely insect-associated viruses, as phylogenetic analyses show that they cluster with other insect-specific viruses. Small RNA analysis indicates prominent peaks at both 21 nt and 26–29 nt, suggesting the activation of host siRNA and piwiRNA pathways. Our study helps to improve understanding of the virome of soldier flies and could identify insect viruses for deployment in novel pest management strategies.
Sudden Infant Death Associated with Rhinovirus Infection
Authors: Auvray Christelle , Perez-Martin Stéphanie , Schuffenecker Isabelle , Pitoiset Cécile , Tarris Georges , Ambert-Balay Katia , Martin Laurent , Dullier-Taillefumier Nathalie , Bour Jean-Baptiste , Manoha Catherine
Published: March 2024

A less than one-month-old infant with symptoms of rhinitis died unexpectedly in his sleep. He was not born prematurely and had no known underlying disease. Cerebrospinal fluid, nasopharyngeal and lung samples, and rectal swab were found to be positive for subgroup A rhinovirus, while the blood was negative. This case highlights the important finding that the rhinovirus, a common pathogen associated with upper respiratory tract infections, can sometimes, as the only pathogen, lead to complications such as a cerebrospinal infection and be involved in the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Vigilance is necessary in case of viral infections in the infant’s environment, and measures of hygiene and protection must be encouraged in order to reduce the risk of the SIDS.
Association between Gut Microbiota Composition and Long-Term Vaccine Immunogenicity following Three Doses of CoronaVac
Authors: Zhang Li-Na , Tan Jing-Tong , Ng Ho-Yu , Liao Yun-Shi , Zhang Rui-Qi , Chan Kwok-Hung , Hung Ivan Fan-Ngai , Lam Tommy Tsan-Yuk , Cheung Ka-Shing
Published: March 2024

Background: Neutralizing antibody level wanes with time after COVID-19 vaccination. We aimed to study the relationship between baseline gut microbiota and immunogenicity after three doses of CoronaVac. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study recruiting three-dose CoronaVac recipients from two centers in Hong Kong. Blood samples were collected at baseline and one year post-first dose for virus microneutralization (vMN) assays to determine neutralization titers. The primary outcome was high immune response (defined as with vMN titer ≥ 40). Shotgun DNA metagenomic sequencing of baseline fecal samples identified potential bacterial species and metabolic pathways using Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify high response predictors. Results: In total, 36 subjects were recruited (median age: 52.7 years [IQR: 47.9–56.4]; male: 14 [38.9%]), and 18 had low immune response at one year post-first dose vaccination. Eubacterium rectale (log10LDA score = 4.15, p = 0.001; relative abundance of 1.4% vs. 0, p = 0.002), Collinsella aerofaciens (log10LDA score = 3.31, p = 0.037; 0.39% vs. 0.18%, p = 0.038), and Streptococcus salivarius (log10LDA score = 2.79, p = 0.021; 0.05% vs. 0.02%, p = 0.022) were enriched in low responders. The aOR of high immune response with E. rectale, C. aerofaciens, and S. salivarius was 0.03 (95% CI: 9.56 × 10−4–0.32), 0.03 (95% CI: 4.47 × 10−4–0.59), and 10.19 (95% CI: 0.81–323.88), respectively. S. salivarius had a positive correlation with pathways enriched in high responders like incomplete reductive TCA cycle (log10LDA score = 2.23). C. aerofaciens similarly correlated with amino acid biosynthesis-related pathways. These pathways all showed anti-inflammation functions. Conclusion: E. rectale,C. aerofaciens, and S. salivarius correlated with poorer long-term immunogenicity following three doses of CoronaVac.
Correction: Atuahene et al. A Supplement with Bromelain, Lentinula edodes, and Quercetin: Antioxidant Capacity and Effects on Morphofunctional and Fecal Parameters (Calprotectin, Cortisol, and Intestinal Fermentation Products) in Kennel Dogs. Vet. Sci. 2023, 10, 486
Authors: Atuahene David , Costale Annalisa , Martello Elisa , Mannelli Alessandro , Radice Elisabetta , Ribaldone Davide Giuseppe , Chiofalo Biagina , Stefanon Bruno , Meineri Giorgia
Published: March 2024

There was an error in the original publication [...]
Uranium and Nickel Partitioning in a Contaminated Riparian Wetland
Authors: Lin Peng , Boyanov Maxim I. , O’Loughlin Edward J. , Xing Wei , Kemner Kenneth M. , Seaman John , Simner Steven P. , Kaplan Daniel I.
Published: March 2024

Uranium (U) and nickel (Ni) released 50 years ago have been immobilized in the Tims Branch wetlands located on the Savannah River Site in the United States. Sediments were collected from seven locations to identify the factors responsible for this attenuation. Ni and U contents in the solids were significantly correlated, suggesting that depositional as opposed to chemical processes contributed to their spatial distribution. Based on sequential extractions, 63 ± 16% of the U was partitioned into the organic fraction, whereas Ni was distributed between several sediment fractions. An inverse pH-organic matter (OM) correlation and positive correlations of OM with total U and organic-bound U/Ni suggest that increased OM preservation and binding to the mineral surfaces were likely responsible for Ni- and especially U-sediment retention (Tims Branch pH = 4.84 ± 0.68). EXAFS analysis indicated the predominance of U(VI) coordinated with clay minerals (~65%), together with ~35% coordinated to either OM (in areas with elevated OM levels) or iron oxides. The desorption-Kd coefficients of U (3972 ± 1370 L/kg) and Ni (30 ± 8 L/kg) indicate that dissolved Ni poses a greater long-term risk than dissolved U for migrating downstream. This study suggests that a delicate balance of geochemical properties controls whether wetlands behave as sinks or sources of contaminants.
Enhanced Separation Performance of Graphene Oxide Membrane through Modification with Graphitic Carbon Nitride
Authors: Luo Zhen , Hu Yong , Cao Linyuan , Li Shen , Liu Xin , Fan Ruizhi
Published: March 2024

The treatment of tritiated nuclear wastewater is facing greater challenges with the continuous expansion of the nuclear industry. The key to solving the issue of detritium in low-abundance tritium water lies in developing highly efficient and cost-effective hydrogen isotope separation technology. Graphene oxide (GO) membrane separation method exhibits greater potential compared to other existing energy-intensive technologies for the challenging task of hydrogen isotope separation in nuclear wastewater. In recent years, researchers have explored few strategies to enhance the performance of graphene oxide (GO) membranes in hydrogen isotope water treatment, recognizing the current limitations in separation efficiency. In this study, the GO/g-C3N4 composite membrane has been successfully employed for the first time in the separation of hydrogen isotopes in water. A series of GO membranes were prepared and their performances were tested by a self-made experimental device. As a result, the separation performance of the GO membrane was enhanced by the modification with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). The permeation rate of the GO/g-C3N4 membrane was higher than that of the GO membrane, while maintaining a high separation factor. Our study also demonstrated that this phenomenon can be attributed to the changes in membrane structure at the microscopic scale. The H/D separation factor and the permeate flux of the composite membrane containing g-C3N4 of 6.7% by mass were 1.10 and 7.2 × 10−5 g·min−1·cm−2 are both higher than that of the GO membrane under the same experimental conditions, which is promising for the isotope treatment.
Water Quality of Lake Erhai in Southwest China and Its Projected Status in the near Future
Authors: Xu Tianbao , Ma Wei , Chen Jun , Duan Lizeng , Li Huayu , Zhang Hucai
Published: March 2024

The water quality of Lake Erhai has deteriorated in recent decades due to socioeconomic development in the lake basin. After the massive implementation of water environmental protection measures in Lake Erhai in 2016, the trend of water quality deterioration has been curbed and the intensity and frequency of algal blooms has decreased. However, water quality monitoring data show that pollutant concentrations in Lake Erhai still exceed acceptable values, and there is a risk of water quality standard limits being further exceeded in the future. Therefore, it is urgent to systematically study the variability characteristics of water quality in Lake Erhai to provide practical methods to predict the future evolution of water quality. Based on water quality monitoring data from 2009 to 2019, the current water quality characteristics of Lake Erhai were analyzed, and a two-dimensional hydrodynamic and water quality mathematical model was built to predict the water quality in 2025. The results showed that the total phosphorus (TP) concentration declined after 2016, mainly due to the significant reduction of TP entering the lake due to pollution interception. However, the concentrations of the potassium permanganate index (CODMn) and total nitrogen (TN) increased after 2016, demonstrating that the pollution control measures have had little effect on the improvement of CODMn and TN. The spatial and temporal distribution of pollutants showed that the water quality in winter and spring was better than in summer and autumn, and the water quality in the southern lake was better than in the northern lake. This analysis indicates that non-point source pollution remains the main source of pollution in Lake Erhai, and that rainfall is the main driving force of pollutants exceeding the water quality standard. According to the water quality predictions, without additional pollution control measures, pollutant concentrations in Lake Erhai will exceed the Class II water quality standard by 2025. This study analyzes the water quality characteristics, predicts the direction of future water quality changes, and provides a theoretical basis for the future water quality protection of Lake Erhai.
A Comprehensive Assessment of the Ecological State of the Transboundary Irtysh River (Kazakhstan, Central Asia)
Authors: Krupa Elena , Romanova Sophia , Serikova Aizada , Shakhvorostova Larisa
Published: March 2024

The diverse anthropogenic load on the transboundary Irtysh River necessitates an assessment of its ecological state, which was the goal of this work. We conducted this research in July 2023 in the upper and lower reaches of the Kazakh part of the Irtysh basin. We determined transparency; temperature; pH; salinity (TDS); oxygen, N-NO3, N-NO2, N-NH4, PO4, Mn, Fe, Si, Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Co, and Hg contents; permanganate index; and zooplankton variables at 27 stations. We assessed the ecological state of the river by comparing the contents of pollutants with their maximum permissible concentrations (MPCfw), Classification Scales, and bioindications. An excess of MPCfw was detected for N-NO2, Cu, and Fe and locally for Cr and Zn. According to the Classification Scales, most analysed variables corresponded to slightly polluted waters; N-NO2, Cr, and Zn corresponded to moderately and heavily polluted waters. Zooplankton was represented by 82 species, with an average abundance of 6728 individuals/m3, biomass of 2.81 mg/m3, Shannon index of 1.99–2.08 bit, ∆-Shannon of 0.09, and average individual mass of 0.0019 mg. The spatial distribution of abiotic and biotic variables indicated increased organic and toxic pollution downstream in the Irtysh. Potential sources of pollution of the Irtysh basin are discussed.
Supporters with Vantage Position: The Role of Youth Work in the Online Lifeworld from the Perspective of Adolescents and Youth Work’s Partners
Authors: Todorović Dejan , van der Linden Josje , Sieckelinck Stijn , Timmerman Margaretha Christina
Published: March 2024

The online environment, where the boundaries between the domains of home, school, work, and leisure are blurred, poses new challenges for youth work practice. Due to limited research on this subject matter, the theoretical underpinnings of the online youth work practice are constrained. The fulfilment of youth work’s aims online, the position it can take in the online context, and its relation to its partners in the online lifeworld need a theoretical base. This paper seeks to analyse the role of youth work in the online lifeworld according to adolescents and youth work’s partners. The research was conducted in the Netherlands in collaboration with 14 youth work organisations. A qualitative research design was used: group conversations with young people and semi-structured interviews with youth work’s partners (i.e., parents, schools, informal networks, neighbourhood support teams, police, and municipal officials). The findings indicate that youth work in the online lifeworld, according to the respondents, is part of the general youth work practice, with a primary role of addressing the developmental needs of young people and creating new developmental opportunities. This role is expected to be fulfilled by engaging and connecting with young people in the online lifeworld and providing them instrumental, informational, socioemotional, and cognitive support. To do so, according to the partners, youth workers can make use of their vantage position in the online relationship with adolescents in order to access online information relevant for support and prudent prevention aimed at adolescents’ development. This vantage position may potentially encourage a collaboration between young people and partners, and between the online and offline youth work practice.
SELF-TRAINING OF FUTURE SKILLED WORKERS USING INNOVATIVE LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS
Authors: Golovach L.
Published: March 2024

The article considers the importance and methods of self-training in the educational process of future skilled workers, emphasizing the importance of using innovative learning technologies, developing personal thinking and the ability to innovatively apply knowledge in practical activities. Modern approaches to self-training in the educational process of educational institutions are analyzed, including the use of active and interactive methods of self-development, the involvement of future qualified workers in the self-improvement of professional skills. The key role of the implementation of self-training in the educational process of training future qualified workers is emphasized, the importance of this aspect for the development of professional competences in the information and technological environment is emphasized. The role of active and interactive learning methods in attracting students to a deep understanding of self-development and practical application of knowledge in professional activities is determined. The importance of self-training for the development of professional skills and abilities, which determines the preparation of future qualified workers for independent work, is clarified. The need to provide access to modern resources and improve the qualifications of future skilled workers for the effective implementation of self-improvement in the educational process is emphasized. A comprehensive approach to reforming educational programs and teaching methods is proposed, which is crucial for the formation of highly qualified future skilled workers ready for innovative learning technologies. Such systematic training for self-development will contribute to the formation of professional competence in future qualified workers with the use of innovative technologies. A conclusion was made about the need for self-training in the educational process to ensure a high level of preparedness of future qualified workers, given the dynamically changing requirements of the modern educational environment.
Three-Dimensional Cultured Human Dermal Papilla Cells in HGC-Coated Environments Enhance Hair Regeneration and Artificial Skin Integration
Authors: Truong Thuy Trang , Park Heejin , Park Kyoung Hwan , Song Jin Jung , Lee Byoung-Seok , Huh Kang Moo , Kang Sun-Woong
Published: March 2024

The rapid development of biomimetic materials in the field of regenerative medicine has made it possible to mimic natural cellular environments and allow in vitro systems to replace in vivo systems. In particular, the emergence of hexanoyl glycol chitosan (HGC) is playing an important role the development of 3-dimensional (3D) cell culture and tissue engineering. We employed HGC-coated dishes to cultivate human hair follicle dermal papilla (HDP) cells in 3D spheroids, assessing their ability to form hair-like structures. The study also tested the effect of minoxidil on these spheroids and explored their integration into artificial skin models. HDP cell spheroids successfully formed hair-like structures within the 3D culture. Minoxidil treatment showed enhanced hair growth in spheroids cocultured with keratinocytes. In addition, transplantation of these spheroids into artificial skin led to the formation of functional papilla structures, suggesting a closer mimicry of human skin. Hair-like structure formation and successful integration into artificial skin models pave the way for innovative approaches in hair loss treatment research, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical evaluations and skin restoration therapies.
Engineered Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Specifically Bonded with Injectable Extracellular Matrix Hydrogel for the Functional Restoration of Cerebral Ischemia in Rats
Authors: Shi Chunying , Liu Qi , Sun Feng , Zhang Guangyu , Deng Mingru , Xu Bo , Yuan Haicheng
Published: March 2024

Cerebral ischemia was one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. Extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel held great potential to replace volumetric brain tissue loss following ischemic injury but with limited regenerative effect for functional restoration when implanted alone. In the present study, an engineered basic fibroblast growth factor (EBP-bFGF) was constructed, which fused a specific ECM-binding peptide (EBP peptide) with bFGF. The recombinant EBP-bFGF showed typical binding capacity with ECM without affecting the bioactivity of bFGF both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the EBP-bFGF was used for bioactive modification of ECM hydrogel to repair cerebral ischemia. The combination of EBP-bFGF and ECM hydrogels could realize the sustained release of bFGF in the ischemic brain and improve the regenerative effect of ECM, which protected the survival of neurons, enhanced angiogenesis, and decreased the permeability of blood–brain barrier, ultimately promoted the recovery of motor function. In addition, transcriptome analysis revealed neuregulin-1/AKT pathway involved in this process. Therefore, EBP-bFGF/ECM hydrogel would be a promising therapeutic strategy for cerebral ischemia.
A Standardized Rat Model to Study Peri-implantitis of Transmucosal Osseointegrated Implants
Authors: Liu Xingchen , Deng Shudan , Li Xiyan , Liu Haiwen , Li Zhixin , Wu You , Luo Pu , Zhong Xinyi , Huang Ruoxuan , Liu Runheng , Wu Xiayi , Huang Baoxin , Chen Zetao , Chen Zhuofan , Chen Shoucheng
Published: March 2024

With the high incidence rate, distinctive implant characteristic and unique infection pattern, peri-implantitis (PI) requires a specially designed implant animal model for the researches on the pathogenesis and treatments. Previous small-animal PI models exhibit variability in implant site selection, design, and surgical procedures resulting in unnecessary tissue damage and less effectivity. Herein, a quantitative-analysis-based standardized rat model for transmucosal PI-related research was proposed. After dissecting the anatomic structures of the rat maxilla, we determined that placing the implant anterior to the molars in the rat maxilla streamlined the experimental period and enhanced animal welfare. We standardized the model by controlling the rat strain, gender, and size. The customized implant and a series of matched surgical instruments were appropriately designed. A clear, step-by-step surgical process was established. These designs ensured the success rate, stability, and replicability of the model. Each validation method confirmed the successful construction of the model. This study proposed a quantitative-analysis-based standardized transmucosal PI rat model with improved animal welfare and reliable procedures. This model could provide efficient in vivo insights to study the pathogenesis and treatments of PI and preliminary screening data for further large-animal and clinical trials.
Accurately Controlled Tumor Temperature with Silica-Coated Gold Nanorods for Optimal Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy
Authors: Yun Wan Su , Yang Wonseok , Shim Man Kyu , Song Sukyung , Choi Jiwoong , Kim Jeongrae , Kim Jinseong , Moon Yujeong , Jo SeongHoon , Lim Dong-Kwon , Kim Kwangmeyung
Published: March 2024

Photothermal therapy (PTT) at mild temperatures ranging from 44 to 45 °C holds tremendous promise as a strategy for inducing potent immunogenic cell death (ICD) within tumor tissues, which can reverse the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITM) into an immune-responsive milieu. However, accurately and precisely controlling the tumor temperature remains a formidable challenge. Here, we report the precision photothermal immunotherapy by using silica-coated gold nanorods (AuNR@SiO
2
), and investigating the optimal administration routes and treatment protocols, which enabled to achieve the sustained and controlled mild heating within the tumor tissues. First, the highest photothermal performance of AuNR@SiO
2
with 20-nm silica shell thickness than 5 or 40 nm was confirmed in vitro and in vivo. Then, the optimal conditions for precision immunotherapy were further investigated to produce mild temperature (44 to 45 °C) accurately in tumor tissues. The optimal conditions with AuNR@SiO
2
result in a distinct cell death with high early/late apoptosis and low necrosis, leading to very efficient ICD compared to lower or higher temperatures. In colon tumor-bearing mice, intratumorally injected AuNR@SiO
2
efficiently promotes a mild temperature within the tumor tissues by local irradiation of near-infrared (NIR) laser. This mild PTT substantially increases the population of mature dendritic cells (DCs) and cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) within tumor tissues, ultimately reversing the ITM into an immune-responsive milieu. Furthermore, we found that the combination mild PTT with AuNR@SiO
2
and anti-PD-L1 therapy could lead to the 100% complete regression of primary tumors and immunological memory to prevent tumor recurrence. Collectively, this study demonstrates that AuNR@SiO
2
with a robust methodology capable of continuously inducing mild temperature accurately within the ITM holds promise as an approach to achieve the precision photothermal immunotherapy.
Parameter Precise Estimation Technology of Active Segment of Non-cooperative Targets Based on Long Short-Term Memory
Authors: Xiao Hui , Zhu Chongrui , Sheng Qinghong , Wang Bo , Li Jun , Ling Xiao , Wu Fan , Wu Zhongheng , Yu Ke
Published: March 2024

Traditional algorithms do not fully utilize the timing information of non-cooperative targets, and setting too many motion parameters can lead to complex dynamic model calculations. This paper proposes a long short-term memory (LSTM) network-based method for estimating the parameters of the active segment of the non-cooperative target under single-satellite observation. Based on the simulation training set of the active segment of the non-cooperative target, the network parameters of the LSTM network are designed, the motion characteristics of the active segment of the non-cooperative target are fully excavated through data-driven methods, and the candidate cutting trajectories are screened and predicted to realize the estimation of the motion parameters of the active segment of the non-cooperative target under the condition of single-satellite observation. The experimental results show that the estimation method proposed in this paper can effectively deal with the inaccurate problem with the non-cooperative target’s active segment motion model established under the condition of single-satellite observation, obtain more accurate active segment motion parameters, and provide a feasible new idea and method for the parameter estimation of the active segment of the non-cooperative target under the single-satellite observation.
Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) biosynthesis by Komagataeibacter hansenii RM-03 using agricultural waste as substrates and BNC-silver nanocomposite preparation
Authors: Daud Aini Darwina , Abdul Rahman Nor’Aini , Foo Hooi Ling , Mohamad Rosfarizan
Published: March 2024

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a remarkable biopolymer synthesised by bacterium, exhibiting exceptional properties. However, conventional Hestrin-Schramm (HS) medium, particularly the carbon source, poses challenges of high costs and low productivity. This study explores BNC biosynthesis on a modified HS medium, employing agricultural wastes (sugarcane molasses, banana peel, and pineapple peel) as carbon sources, and compares the overall yield of BNC produced. Sugarcane molasses proved to be the most effective, yielding the highest BNC concentration (8.19 g/L) after 7 days, followed by pineapple peel (2.16 g/L) and banana peel (2.11 g/L). Extensive research was conducted to enhance properties of BNC by an environmentally friendly approach, incorporating silver nanoparticles (AgNP) utilising Momordica charantia fruit extract, resulting in a BNC-Ag nanocomposite. The synthesis involved mixing 1 mM silver nitrate (AgNO3) with 15 mL of M. charantia fruit extract to reduce Ag ions to AgNP, which was confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy with an absorbance peak between 400 and 410 nm. Characterisation using FESEM and TEM on the synthesized BNC showed minimal impact on BNC fiber diameter from waste-derived carbon sources. XRD indicated slight variations in crystallinity index, with the highest (85%) in TSM-derived BNC. FTIR analysis revealed similar chemical profiles across all BNC, indicating cellulose formation. The BNC-Ag nanocomposite exhibited potent antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) through disc diffusion method with inhibition zones up to 16.8 mm. Overall, the findings from this study contribute to the development of environmentally sustainable for the production of functional BNC materials with enhanced properties for diverse applications.
Sexismo ambivalente: la violencia de género adornada
Authors: Terán Castro Bernardette Cristina
Published: March 2024

La presente investigación muestra que las creencias estereotipadas de género aún se mantienen y reproducen en las subjetividades de estudiantes y de docentes, mujeres y varones, en una universidad de la ciudad de La Paz- Bolivia. En base a análisis estadísticos de los datos del Inventario de Sexismo Ambivalente aplicado, se determinó que los varones, sean estudiantes o docentes, son más sexistas que las estudiantes y las docentes y, que la edad y los grados académicos alcanzados, no influyen para que la mujer sea tratada como igual (al varón) y concebida con la libertad de ser y de vivir como desea. Además, se encuentra que estas mujeres, no escapan de ser las reproductoras de la violencia sexista.
Die Universität als Ort des bewussten Widerspruchs
Authors: Doering-Manteuffel Sabine
Published: March 2024

Für die Autorin ist die Wissenschaft für die Universität als „Ort des bewussten Widerspruchs“ der primäre Referenzpunkt. Universitäten sind für sie „Ausbildungsstätten“, in denen dieser „bewusste Widerspruch“ eingeübt werden kann. Die Instrumente und Methoden dafür stellt die Wissenschaft bereit. Nicht zuletzt ist es der Philosoph Karl Popper, auf den Doering-Manteuffel verweist. Gerade heute ist es wichtig, Behauptungen zu prüfen und falsche zu widerlegen. Das Fach „Public Understanding of Science“ sollte Bestandteil dieser Ausbildung werden, weil der bewusste Widerspruch ein gesellschaftspolitisches Projekt ist und als fester Bestandteil universitärer Bildung verstanden werden soll. (DIPF/Orig.)
Die Universität als Ort des bewussten Widerspruchs – auch aus Sicht der jungen Forscherinnen und Forscher?
Authors: Forster-Heinlein Brigitte
Published: March 2024

Die Autorin befragt die „Kultur des bewussten Widerspruchs“ aus der Perspektive des wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchses. Sie stellt fest, dass dies zunächst zwar nur die Wissenschaft betrifft, doch von den personalen Verhältnissen kaum zu trennen ist, einfach deshalb, weil es Abhängigkeitsverhältnisse gibt. Zudem gibt es in der Personalführung aufgrund der herrschenden „trial and error“-Methode eine „große Lücke im deutschen Universitätswesen“. (DIPF/Orig.)
Erfolgreiche Hochschulen brauchen exzellente Rahmenbedingungen
Authors: Sibler Bernd
Published: March 2024

Das Bayerische Hochschulinnovationsgesetz ist am 1. Januar 2023 nach langer Diskussion in Kraft getreten. Es setzt den Universitäten für ihr Handeln einen neuen Rahmen, der größere Möglichkeiten eigenständigen Handelns bietet. Bernd Sibler, der damalige bayerische Staatsminister für Wissenschaft und Kunst, wirbt in seinem Beitrag für das neue Gesetz. Er verdeutlicht, dass es dem Gesetzgeber nicht darum geht, den Weg für eine unternehmerische Universität zu bahnen, sondern mehr Agilität und Flexibilität zu fördern. In diesem Sinne kann das Gesetz als Antwort der Bayerischen Staatsregierung nach der angemessenen Organisationsweise der Universität verstanden werden. (DIPF/Orig.)
Die Anfänge der studentischen Vizepräsidentschaft an der Zeppelin Universität
Authors: Pagany Simon
Published: March 2024

Die Zeppelin-Universität in Friedrichshafen ist eine der ganz wenigen Universitäten, die einen studentischen Vizepräsidenten hat. Der Autor berichtet über die Ausgestaltung des Amtes als erster hauptamtlicher Vizepräsident an dieser Privatuniversität. Seine Aufgabe bestand darin, die Verbindung der Universitätsleitung mit den Studierenden, der zahlenmäßig größten Stakeholdergruppe, zu intensivieren. (DIPF/Orig.)
Mitgestaltung auf Augenhöhe: Eine studentische Vizepräsidentschaft für die Universität Passau
Authors: Puqja Lorena , Rockenmaier Sophia
Published: March 2024

In ihrem Beitrag plädieren die Autorinnen für eine studentische Vizepräsidentschaft. Sie entwickeln einen konkreten Vorschlag, wie diese Idee in die Tat umgesetzt und wie die Stimme der Studierenden besser zu Geltung gebracht werden könnte. (DIPF/Orig.)
Die Stadt als Campus
Authors: Schneidewind Uwe
Published: March 2024

Der Beitrag fordert dazu auf, die Third Mission, den Transfer, zu stärken und die Universität noch intensiver mit der Stadt – hier mit Passau – zu verbinden. Sein Ziel ist es, die Wissenschaft als transformative Kraft weiterzuentwickeln. (DIPF/Orig.)
Öffentlichkeitsdynamiken im digitalen Zeitalter
Authors: Schmid-Petri Hannah
Published: March 2024

Die Autorin plädiert dafür, dass die Universität die Schnittstelle zur Gesellschaft durch Wissenschaftskommunikation aktiv gestaltet. Wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse sollen in einer breiteren Öffentlichkeit diskutiert und damit die Informationsbasis für gesellschaftliche Diskurse bereichert werden. (DIPF/Orig.)
Methodological bases for the development of pedagogical system of professional education in educational organisations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia
Authors: Morozov Aleksey
Published: March 2024

Introduction. The problems associated with the development of the pedagogical system of professional education in educational organisations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia are actualised by the current state of techniques and methods aimed at solving the tasks of combating anti-social and criminal manifestations, which are fundamental tools in law enforcement activities. Many basic aspects of the pedagogical system of professional education of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia are revised over time and under the influence of modern methodological tools and are given new content in the conceptual apparatus. In the process of professional training of specialists of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, based on the process of replacement of ineffectiveoutdated methods and techniques, non-traditional pedagogical technologies are formed. In this article the problem of research on the basis of scientific concepts and normative-legal base of target settings for the formation of specialist’s personality is considered. Research vethods. A comparative analysis of scientific works on this issue, scientific and pedagogical analysis of the state of the regulatory and legal framework, the state of practice of the implementation of the educational system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, as well as the principle of scientific modelling was used in this article. In addition, different variants of analysis (historical and retrospective, interpretative, content analysis) were implemented. Results. The results of the research are presented in the form of the author’s model of pedagogical system of professional education of educational organisations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
Attitude of persons with suspended sentence to the punishment and its consequences
Authors: Suchkova Elizaveta
Published: March 2024

ntroduction. By receiving conditional release from actual sentence serving in places of deprivation of liberty, individuals can remain free and demonstrate through their lawabiding behavior that they do not need to be isolated from society. The persons with suspended sentence are not always fully aware of the need to change their lifestyles, assess the results of their unlawful conduct adequately, that makes research and development of how they perceive and evaluate the punishment and its consequences very actual. Research methods. The nonstandard interview method and the free association method were chosen to study emotionally charged perceptions and assessments of punishment and its consequences. Research results. The persons with suspended sentence consider the sentence imposed to them by the court to be just and understand that its main purpose is to give them the opportunity to correct and change their life. Those who have previously served a sentence of deprivation of liberty, in comparison with firsttime convicts, accept positively the fact that they have been given a suspended sentence, but they are more critical to the responsibilities imposed by the court, without no regard to their necessity and reasoning. The emotional component of the attitude towards punishment and its consequences in the case of first-time convicts is connected with the feeling of repentance and shame, but in the case of multiple convicts it is associated primarily with unpleasant legal consequences of the very fact of punishment. Previously convicted persons with suspended sentences are a vulnerable group from the point of view of their internal responsibility rejection for their offences, including such consequences as the performance of duties, restrictions and prohibitions, imposed by the court, which may create favorable conditions for repeat offences during the probation period.