bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementación del plan de marketing digital en la microempresa Zafali Boutique 2022
Authors:   , Vera Delgado Nayely Lizet , Blanco Montiveros Herbert Howard , Solis Barrientos Luzmaria Yussty , Hidalgo Cruz Madavi Zarina
Published: January 2023

El actual estudio tiene como objetivo principal el implementar un plan de marketing digital para el posicionamiento de la microempresa Zafali Boutique en Chosica, Lima -2022. Así mismo, se quiere proponer estrategias del marketing digital para su aplicación en el rubro textil, para poder cumplir con esto el tiempo plazado de los objetivos. Bricio, Calle y Zambrano (2018), autores del artículo “El marketing Digital” define sobre su tema “Se ha vuelto una herramienta eficaz y un facilitador de procesos para el comercio nacional e internacional, utilizando diversas técnicas se pueden idear modelos de negocios y estrategias orientadas a detectar oportunidades en los mercados globales” (p.104). Por ende, la tienda, Zafali Boutique, se debe y necesita empezar a incluir las tendencias mundiales, innovar modelos de negocios, como son lo digital: las redes sociales, las páginas web, seo, etc; para poder obtener un mayor alcance de su clientela, es por ello, que la empresa ofrecerá un servicio más personalizado con los clientes, mediante un entorno digital al momento de interactuar con los clientes, por lo que, se van aplicar estrategias del marketing para poder adaptarse a las herramientas como: diseño gráfico, community manager, publicidad pagada, WhatsApp Business, las 4P del marketing, entre otros.
Energy Efficient Multi-criterion Binary Grey Wolf Optimizer based Clustering for Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Pal Raju , Saraswat Mukesh , Poonia Sandeep , Nayyar Anand , Rajput Pushpendra Kumar
Published: January 2023

Wireless sensor network has several constraints. The major constraint is the limited energy resource of the sensor nodes, limiting the overall efficiency and lifetime of the network system. Clustering is a widely used strategy that arranges the network into smaller groups called clusters for improving the performance and longevity of the network. The majority of swarm-based clustering algorithms focus on a single objective for optimization to find optimal cluster centers. However, in many practical situations, there is a need for simultaneous optimization of many objectives to get the promising cluster centers. Here, a multi-objective binary Grey wolf optimizer is used for finding Pareto optimal clustering centers to achieve five objectives, namely maximize overall CH energy, minimize compactness, minimize CH count, minimize energy from nonCH to CH transmission, and maximize separation. The stability period of the network with proposed approach is increased by 56%. Moreover simulation outcomes show the improved performance of the proposed method in terms of total residual energy, number of elected cluster heads, and network lifetime as compared to other state-of-the-art evolutionary clustering protocols such as SEP, IHCR, ERP, and BEECP.
Using Machine Learning Models for Predicting Culex Mosquito Habitats and Breeding Patterns in Washington D.C.
Authors: Xia Iona , Singirikonda Neha , Hellman Landon , Watson Jasmine , Hanna Marvel
Published: January 2023

Culex mosquitoes pose a significant threat to humans and other species due to their ability to carry deadly viruses such as the West Nile and Zika. Washington D.C., in particular, has a humid subtropical climate that makes it ideal as a habitat for mosquito breeding. Thus, tracking mosquitoes’ habitats and breeding patterns in Washington D.C. is crucial for addressing local public health concerns. Although fieldwork techniques have improved over the years, monitoring and analyzing mosquitoes is still difficult, dangerous, and time-consuming. In this work, we propose a solution by creating a Culex mosquito abundance predictor using machine learning techniques to determine under which conditions Culex mosquitoes thrive and reproduce. We used four environmental variables to conduct this experiment: precipitation, specific humidity, enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and surface skin temperature. We obtained sample data of these variables in the Washington D.C. areas from the NASA Giovanni Earth Science Data system, as well as mosquito abundance data collected by the D.C. government. Using these data, we created and compared four machine learning regression models: Random Forest, Decision Tree, Support Vector Machine, and Multi-Layer Perceptron. We searched for the optimal configurations for each model to get the best fitting possible. Random Forest Regressor produced the most accurate prediction of mosquito abundance in an area with the four environment variables, achieving a mean average error of 3.3. EVI was the most significant factor in determining mosquito abundance. Models and findings from this research can be utilized by public health programs for mosquito-related disease observations and predictions.
UV-Visible-NIR Camouflage Textiles with Natural Plant Based Natural Dyes on Natural Fibre against Woodland Combat Background for Defence Protection
Authors: Hossain Md. Anowar
Published: January 2023

Natural plant based natural dyes (NPND) is a common source of woodland combat background (CB). Swietenia Macrophylla, Mangifera Indica, Terminalia Arjuna, Corchorus Capsularis, Camellia Sinensis, Azadirachta Indica, Acacia Acuminata, Areca Catechu and Cinnamomum Tamala were powdered/extracted and dyed-coated-printed with leafy design on cotton textiles and tested against woodland CB under the reflection engineering of ultraviolet (UV)-visible (Vis)-near infrared (NIR) spectrum and photographic technique of Vis imaging. The reflection properties of NPND treated and untreated textiles were experimented by UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer from 220 nm to 1400 nm. A field trialling of NPND treated woodland camouflage textiles was also investigated, located at Madhupur forest, Tangail, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The imaging properties such as CIE L*, a*, b* and RGB (red, green, blue) of NPND treated textiles were trialled by digital camera against tree stem/bark, dry leaves and green leaves of woodland CB. Therefore, a colorful matching with woodland CB (natural plant Shorea Robusta Gaertin, a common tree of woodland CB) was verified by Vis camera imaging and UV-Vis-NIR reflection mechanism. UV-protection property of Swietenia Macrophylla treated fabric was also investigated by diffuse reflection for defence clothing. Therefore, simultaneous ‘camouflage textiles in UV-Vis-NIR’ and ‘UV-protective’ property of Swietenia Macrophyllatreated fabric has been investigated for NPND materials-based textiles coloration (dyeing-coating-printing) which is a new concept for camouflage formulation of NPND-dyed-coated-printed textiles in terms of ecofriendly camouflage materials.
Maximizing the influence spread in social networks: a learning automata driven discrete butterfly optimization algorithm
Authors: Tang Jianxin , Zhu Hongyu , Lan Jimao , Zhang Li , Song Shihui
Published: January 2023

Influence maximization aims at the identification of a small group of individuals that could result in the most widely transmission of information in social networks. Although greedy-based algorithms can yield reliable solutions, the computational cost is extreme expensive especially in large-scale networks. Meanwhile, the traditional heuristics such as degree and betweenness centralities tend to suffer from the problem of low accuracy. Locating influential nodes effectively using swarm intelligence algorithms remains a research hotspot in social network analysis. To solve the influence maximization problem in an efficient way, a learning automata driven discrete butterfly optimization algorithm(LA-DBOA) mapped into the network topology is proposed in this paper. According to the LA-DBOA framework, a novel encoding mechanism and discrete evolution rules adapted to network topology are presented. A modified learning automata is adopted to guide the butterfly population towards promising areas. Based on the topological characteristics of the discrete network, a new local search strategy is conceived to enhance the search performance of the butterflies. Extensive experiments are conducted on six real networks under the independent cascade model, and the results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms the state-of-the-art methods when trade-off is made between efficiency and effectiveness.
Study on the mechanical properties of clayey slip zone soil considering montmorillonite content
Authors: Jianhui Long , Zhiqiang Yi , Yuqi Jin , Hongyan Yan , Chenyang Cao , Rui Dong
Published: January 2023

The strength property of slip zone soil determines the evolution mechanism and deformation damage of landslides. When the slip zone soil contains a certain amount of hydrophilic minerals, it, therefore, has swelling properties. These swelling properties cause the mechanical property of cohesive slip zone soils to differ from those of conventional-type of slip zone soils. Thus, four cases of typical landslide cohesive slip zone soils in the Shanxi Province of the Yellow River Basin were used as research objects to study the mechanism of hydrophilic minerals on the mechanical properties of cohesive slip zone soils. The mineral fractions of the cohesive slip zone soils were analyzed using X-ray diffraction tests, followed by direct shear tests to analyze the pattern of the shear strength parameters of cohesive slip zone soils under different hydrophilic mineral contents with water content. Finally, the free swelling rate test was used to verify that montmorillonite minerals are the main hydrophilic minerals affecting the swelling characteristics of cohesive slip zone soils. The results were as follows. The cohesion and internal friction angle of clayey slipband soils exhibited two patterns (negative exponential/negative correlation) with the variation of water content, and the critical values of the pattern of the variation of the shear strength parameters with water content were affected by montmorillonite content ranging from 17.65% to 34.52%. The shear strength attenuation of clayey slip zone soils showed a positive correlation with the change in montmorillonite content, and the swelling property caused by montmorillonite minerals was the intrinsic reason for the shear strength attenuation of clayey slip zone soils under different water content conditions. The research results explain the shear strength decay law of cohesive slip zone soils from the perspective of mineral composition and reveal the unique strength properties of these slip zone soils.
Detecting Long-term Characteristics of Marine Heatwaves (1982–2021) in the Indonesian Waters
Authors: Beliyana Erlin , Ningsih Nining Sari , Gunawan Sekar Ramdanira , Tarya Ayi
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we investigate the characteristics of marine heatwaves (MHWs) (i.e. frequency, maximum intensity, and duration of occurrences) in Indonesian waters and the mechanisms underlying the formation of MHWs generated by local forcing. The study utilizes the remote sensing data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature (OISST) dataset for SST and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalysis data (ERA5) for net surface heat flux components (shortwave radiation, longwave radiation, sensible heat flux, and latent heat flux), wind speed, and total cloud cover. The data covered a period within the last 40 years (1982–2021) during the warm (1982–2007) and cold (2008–2021) phases of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and were processed by statistical analysis methods. This study clearly reveals the highest average frequency and duration of MHWs in the Indonesian waters which were around 3–5 times a year and 10–20 days, respectively, occurring during the cold phase of PDO. Meanwhile, the highest maximum intensity of MHWs in the Indonesian waters was around > 1.5°C during the warm phase of PDO (El Niño dominated in Indonesia) generated by the local net surface heat flux. The most dominant contributors of net surface heat flux were high shortwave radiation (heat gain) and low latent heat flux (heat loss) through the evaporation process, thus keeping the ocean warm. Moreover, this study highlights the highest maximum intensity of MHWs which could reach > 3°C along western Sumatra to southern Java and waters around Papua when El Niño and positive Indian Ocean Dipole (pIOD) occur together. In contrast, the lowest maximum intensity of MHWs in the Indonesian waters occurred when La Niña was happening simultaneously with negative IOD (nIOD).
A pediatric mechanical ventilation educational initiative in two intensive care units
Authors: Mehrzai Pazun , Höfeler Thormen , Ebenebe Chinedu Ulrich , Moll-Khosrawi Parisa , Demirakça Süha , Vettorazzi Eik , Bergers Marlies , Lange Mandy , Dreger Sabine , Maruhn Hanna , Singer Dominique , Deindl Philipp
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Inappropriate ventilator settings, non-adherence to a lung-protective ventilation strategy, and inadequate patient monitoring during mechanical ventilation can potentially expose critically ill children to additional risks. We set out to improve team theoretical knowledge and practical skills regarding pediatric mechanical ventilation and to increase compliance with treatment goals.
Methods: An educational initiative was conducted from August 2019 to July 2021 in a neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit of the University Children's Hospital, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany. We tested baseline theoretical knowledge using a multiple choice theory test (TT) and practical skills using a practical skill test (PST), consisting of four sequential Objective Structured Clinical Examinations of physicians and nurses. We then implemented an educational bundle that included video self-training, checklists, pocket cards, and reevaluated team performance. Ventilators and monitor settings were randomly checked in all ventilated patients. We used a process control chart and a mixed-effects model to analyze the primary outcome.
Results: Staff members took part in 183 theory tests (TT) and 169 practical skill tests (PST). The initiative was associated with a substantial increase in staff TT and PST performance (CI) (TT: 80 [77.2–82.9]% vs. 86 [83.1–88.0]%, PST: 73 [69.7–75.5]% vs. 95 [93.8–97.1]%), self-confidence, and compliance with mechanical ventilation treatment goals (87.8% vs. 94.5%).
Discussion: Implementing a pediatric mechanical ventilation education bundle improved theoretical knowledge and practical skills among multi-professional pediatric intensive care staff and increased treatment goal compliance in ventilated children.
Cryo-electron microscopy structures of capsids and in situ portals of DNA-devoid capsids of human cytomegalovirus
Authors: Li Zhihai , Pang Jingjing , Gao Rongchao , Wang Qingxia , Yu Xuekui , Zhang Maoyan
Published: January 2023

The portal-scaffold complex is believed to nucleate the assembly of procapsids of herpesviruses. During capsid maturation process, two events occur: expulsion of the scaffold and the incorporation of DNA. The portal-scaffold interaction and the conformational changes to the portal during the different stages of capsid assembly and maturation have yet to be elucidated structurally. Here, we present high-resolution structures of the A- and B-capsids and in-situ portals of human cytomegalovirus. We show that scaffolds bind to the hydrophobic cavities formed by the dimerization and Johnson-fold domains of the major capsid proteins. We further show that 12 loop-helix-loop fragments, presumably from the scaffold domain of the scaffold, insert into the hydrophobic pocket of the portal crown domain. The portal also undergoes significant changes both positionally and conformationally accompanying DNA packaging. These findings not only provide insights into how the portal interacts with the scaffold proteins to nucleate capsid assembly but further our understanding of the mechanism of scaffold expulsion and DNA incorporation during maturation.
Generation mechanisms of strange nonchaotic attractors and multistable dynamics in a class of nonlinear economic systems
Authors: Li Gaolei , Duan Jicheng , Li Denghui , Wang Na
Published: January 2023

In this paper we study strange nonchaotic attractors (SNAs) and multistable dynamics in a class of nonlinear economic systems. For quasiperiodically forced case, the generation and evolution mechanisms of SNAs are discussed. The fractal, Heagy–Hammel, torus doubling, and intermittency routes to SNAs are identified. The Lyapunov exponent, phase sensitive function and power spectrum are used to characterize the dynamical and geometrical properties of SNAs. Moreover, when multistable phenomenon occur in the system, the boundaries of the basin of attraction may become intertwined, which leads to the economic unpredictability in the long run.
Health aid displacement during a decade of conflict (2011-19) in Syria:
An exploratory analysis
Authors: Alkhalil Munzer , Alaref Maher , Ekzayez Abdulkarim , Mkhallalati Hala , Achi Nassim El , Alzoubi Zedoun , Fouad Fouad , Alatraş Muhammed Mansur , Ramadan Abdulhakim , Mazumdar Sumit , Borghi Josephine , Patel Preeti
Published: January 2023

Background
Syria has been in continuous conflict since 2011, resulting in more than 874000 deaths and 13.7 million internally displaced people (IDPs) and refugees. The health and humanitarian sectors have been severely affected by the protracted, complex conflict and have relied heavily on donor aid in the last decade. This study examines the extent and implications of health aid displacement in Syria during acute humanitarian health crises from 2011 to 2019.
Methods
We analysed data on humanitarian and health aid for Syria between 2011 and 2019 from the OECD’s Creditor Reporting System. We linked the data obtained for health aid displacement to four key dimensions of the Syrian conflict. The data were compared with other fragile states. We conducted a workshop in Turkey with a panel of experts and key informants with experts, policy makers and aid practitioners involved in the humanitarian and health response in Syria between August and October 2021 to corroborate the quantitative data obtained by analysing aid repository data.
Results
The findings suggest that there was health aid displacement in Syria during key periods of crisis by a few key donors, such as the EU, Germany, Norway and Canada supporting responses to certain humanitarian crises. However, considering that the value of humanitarian aid is 50 times that of health aid, this displacement cannot be considered as critical. Also, there was unclear evidence of health displacement across all donors.
The results also showed that the value of health aid as a proportion of aggregate health and humanitarian aid is only 2% in Syria, compared to 22% for the combined average of fragile states, which further indicates the predominance of humanitarian aid over health aid in the Syrian crisis context.
Conclusion
This study highlights that in very complex conflict-affected contexts such as Syria, it is difficult to suggest the use of health aid displacement as an effective tool for aid-effectiveness for donors as it does not reflect domestic needs and priorities. Yet there seems to be evidence of slight displacement for individual donors. However, we can suggest that donors vastly prefer to focus their investment in the humanitarian sector rather than the health sector in conflict-affected areas. There is an urgent need to increase donors’ focus on Syria’s health development aid and adopt the humanitarian-development-peace nexus to improve aid effectiveness that aligns with the increasing health needs of local communities, including IDPs, in this protracted conflict.
HIF-dependent induction of alveolar miR-147 dampens SARS-CoV-2 immune evasion
Authors: Eltzschig Holger , Yuan Xiaoyi , Kim Jieun , Wang Yanyu , Mangala Lingegowda , Rodriguez-Aguayo Cristian , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel , Sood Anil , Ruan Wei , Weng Tingting , Karmouty-Quintana Harry , Chang Cheng-Yen , Xie Xuping , Polverino Francesca , Williams George , Kheradmand Farrah , Shi Pei-Yong
Published: January 2023

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) causes significant morbidity and mortality during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections1,2. Nevertheless, most patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recover seamlessly without developing ARDS3, suggesting the existence of endogenous pathways to protect the lungs. Since many microRNAs (miRNAs) serve important roles in endogenous regulatory pathways, we pursued functional roles of miRNAs in COVID-19-ARDS. A screen of miRNAs in human alveolar epithelia or mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 identified miR-147 as a lead candidate. Transcriptional analysis implicated hypoxia-inducible factor 1A (HIF1A) in miR-147 induction during alveolar injury or SARS-CoV-2 infection. Functionally, mice with alveolar epithelial deletion of miR-147 showed increased lung injury in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. mRNA sequencing and subsequent in silico miR-147-target analysis revealed reduced antiviral responses and identified SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 as a direct miR-147 target. Moreover, mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 and treated with miR-147 packaged in DOPC nanoliposomes showed significant protection with enhanced antiviral responses and improved survival. Finally, proof-of-principle studies in patients with COVID-19 highlighted this pathway in human SARS-CoV-2-associated ARDS. Together, our findings identify a previously unrecognized role of miR-147 in lung protection during viral pneumonia by attenuating immune evasion of SARS-CoV-2.
Energy-Efficient Data Transmission with Proportional Rate Fairness for NANs of Smart Grid Communication Network
Authors: Wang Xiaocheng , Han Qiaoni , Yin Yuan , Ma Haogang
Published: January 2023

In smart grid, the neighborhood area network (NAN) serves as a bridge connecting smart meters and meter data management system (MDMS) and is one of the most important components of the smart grid communication network. In this work, we study the energy-efficient data transmissions from NAN gateways (i.e., routers) to the concentrator that connects the MDMS. Particularly, to assure that each router associated with diverse number of associated smart meters can achieve a required data rate, a set of proportional rate fairness constraints are imposed into the optimization problem. In this case, an optimization problem that balances energy efficiency and fairness is formulated. Due to the fractional form of objective function, the combinatorial constraints on channel allocation variables, and the proportional rate fairness requirements, the formulated energy-efficient data transmission problem is non-convex and extremely computationally complex. In order to solve the problem efficiently, firstly, a subtractive transformation is introduced to handle the objective function, and an iterative algorithm based on Dinkelbach method is proposed; then for the inner loop optimization problem in each iteration, a low-complexity suboptimal algorithm that separates channel allocation and power distribution is developed. Finally, numerical results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm converges in a few steps and achieves a near-optimal energy efficiency performance.
Behavior and mechanisms of ciprofloxacin adsorption on aged Polylactic Acid and Polyethylene microplastics
Authors: Liang Jinni , Wu Jiahui , Zeng zhi , Li Manzhi , Liu Weizhen , Zhang Taiping
Published: January 2023

Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics are emerging pollutants in aquatic environments. MPs can absorb antibiotics in the environment, resulting in compound pollution. The relationship between the physicochemical properties of aged microplastics and the adsorption of CIP was investigated to assess the control on the fate and transport of CIP in the environment. The adsorption capacity decreased in the following sequence: aged PLA > PLA > aged PE > PE. The experiment data matched the pseudo-secondary dynamics and the Langmuir isotherm model well, implying that adsorption was primarily governed by monolayer chemisorption. When the solution's pH was close to the dissociation constant (pKa) of CIP, the sorption capacity of MPs increased. The greater the concentration of Na+ and fulvic acid, the stronger the inhibition of adsorption. The adsorption effect of microplastics on CIP was more strongly inhibited by norfloxacin (NOR) at lower concentrations (CNOR＜CCIP). Based on the adsorption data, FTIR, and XPS spectra, we demonstrated that the adsorption process was a non-spontaneous heat absorption reaction, with chemical and physical mechanisms including hydrogen bonding, π-π conjugation, ion exchange, and electrostatic interactions controlling it. This study's discovery of the mechanism of interaction between MPs and CIP serves as a foundation for assessing the environmental risk of MPs and antibiotic complex contamination.
A new approach to the solution of a modified single item continuous production inventory problem
Authors: Dey Debopriya , Kar Samarjit , Bhattacharya Dilip Kumar
Published: January 2023

The paper studies critically different types of single item continuous Production Inventory models with regard to the existence of their solutions. The aim is to calculate the minimum value of the objective function based on the total cost involved in the whole process. As the problems are solved by Pontryagin’s maximum principle, so the solution reduces to the solution of a pair of ordinary differential equations. One corresponds to the state dynamics and the other one corresponds to the co-state dynamics; the latter one is to be solved in reverse time. Therefore, the solution is not possible to obtain, in general. But it is known that the models of standard continuous linear quadratic regulators are almost similar to those of continuous production inventory models and at the same time they can be solved completely under a proper choice of the transition matrix. So, the present paper first finds out the production inventory model, which is the most general amongst all such existing inventory models. Next it makes suitable modifications of this general existing model of continuous production inventory in the exact form of linear quadratic regulator in order to assure the existence of its solutions. Once the solution is assured, the paper tries to solve the model completely in the form of obtaining the optimal production rate and optimal inventory level. In this connection, some additional restrictions are imposed on the model, so that the necessary transition matrix be available to get the final solution. Finally, the whole analysis is subjected to some special choice of the parametric functions involved in the system. The resulting solutions in the form of optimal production rate and optimal inventory level are shown graphically and they are interpreted properly from their graphs.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Quinohelicenes through a Sequential Organocatalyzed Povarov Reaction/Oxidative Aromatization
Authors: Li Chengwen , Gao Xi , Ren Zhiyuan , Guo Chenhao , Li Meng , Li Xin
Published: January 2023

Heterohelicenes are of increasing importance to the field of material science, molecular recognition, and asymmetric catalysis. However, the enantioselective construction of heterohelicenes, especially by organocatalytic method, remains rare and challenging. Herein, enantioenriched 1-(3-indol)-quino[5]helicenes have been synthesized through chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed Povarov reaction, followed by an oxidative central-to-helical chirality conversion process. The reaction has a broad scope and offers rapid access to an array of chiral quinohelicene derivatives with pretty enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee). Furthermore, optical properties of the studied quinohelicenes have been disclosed.
Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus influences the aggregation pheromones of western flower thrips
Authors: Hussain Sabir , Shah Liaqat , Qambrani Jahansher , Shah Syed Mushtaq Ahmed , Iftikhar Ayesha , Ahmad Sagheer , Khan Khalid Ali
Published: January 2023

The male-produced aggregation pheromones of the western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis(Pergande), are seductive to both female and male conspecifics. In order to increase virus transmission, the Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus(TSWV) has changed every aspect of its vector behaviour. Prior to this, our findings demonstrated that TSWV changed the mating habits of F. occidentalis. Here, we examined the impact of TSWV on female F. occidentalis pheromone production and sensitivity to male scents. On solid-phase microextraction fibers, headspace volatiles were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The findings revealed that there were three main constituents: (R)-lavandulyl acetate, neryl (S)-2-methylbutanoate, and two additional constituents, n-Hexadecane and n-Heneicosane. However, there were no appreciable differences in the amount of these chemicals produced in the volatiles between the susceptible and resistant strains with TSWV infectious status. Because of their pathogenic character, female predilection for male odours has diminished according to a Y-olfactometer study. The production of pheromones and the behaviour of viruliferous females toward male odours were both affected by TSWV infection, it can be concluded.
A Newly Established Cuproptosis-Related Long Non-Coding RNA Signature for Predicting Prognosis and Immune Microenvironment in Stomach Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xiao Yaodong , Shi Yiheng , Li Bowen , Zhang Cheng , Fei Sujuan , Zhao Yanchao
Published: January 2023

Background
Cuproptosis is a form of cell death that is copper-dependent and regulated. It is currently considered as a new direction for future cancer treatment. However, cuproptosis-related long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) have few reported.
Methods
STAD transcriptomic data, genomic mutation data, and clinical data are downloaded from the TCGA website. First, we screened the cuproptosis-related lncRNAs and randomized STAD patients into training and validation groups. Then, cuproptosis-related lncRNA prognostic signatures were identified and a prognostic model was constructed using least absolute shrinkage selection operator Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression. We explored differences in clinical characteristics, tumor immune microenvironment, and tumor mutational burden between the two groups and assessed the ability of risk scores to predict the benefits of immunotherapy. Finally, we verified the differences in the expression of cuproptosis-related prognostic markers in gastric cancer cell lines and normal gastric epithelial cells by qRT-PCR.
Results
Referring to previous literature, we identified 19 cuproptosis-related genes. Through co-expression analysis, 430 cuproptosis-related lncRNAs were identified. A Cox model revealed and constructed 8 LncRNA prognostic signatures associated with cuproptosis (AC005050.3, AC016394.2, AL606970.1, BX890604.1, C5orf66, HAGLR, LINC01094, TDRKH-AS1). Based on median risk scores, STAD patients were categorized as high-risk or low-risk. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed statistically significant differences in overall survival between the high- and low-risk groups. The receiver operating characteristic curves and principal component analysis showed that the model had better predictive ability. A nomogram of the predictive power of prognostic markers was also created using multivariate Cox regression. According to the tumor immune microenvironment, some immune cells were highly infiltrated and had a higher ESTIMATE score in the low-risk group. There was a significant difference in tumor mutation burden between groups at high and low risk. qPT-PCR results suggest that 8 LncRNA prognostic signatures are highly expressed in gastric cancer cells.
Conclusion
We identified eight LncRNAs associated with cuproptosis as prognostic signatures in STAD. They may be potential biological markers for predicting the prognosis of STAD patients and evaluating the effect of immunotherapy and drug sensitivity in the future.
What is the impact of moderate/severe osteoarthritis on patients’ lives? Insights from a Greek cohort (PONOS study)
Authors: Savvari Paraskevi , Skiadas Ioannis , Papadakis Stamatios A , Psychogios Vasilis , Argyropoulou Ourania D. , Pastroudis Alexandros P. , Skarpas George A. , Tsoutsanis Athanasios , Garofalakis Andreas , Katsifis Gikas , Boumpas Dimitrios , Menegas Damianos
Published: January 2023

Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) represents a leading cause of disability in the general population, with limited data available from the Greek OA patients.
Objectives
To evaluate the impact of moderate to severe symptomatic hip/knee OA that is resistant to, cannot tolerate, or is ineligible for paracetamol and/or NSAIDs and/or opioids.
Methods
A non-interventional, cross-sectional, prospective, epidemiological analysis of data from the medical records of patients with moderate to severe OA, recruited in a single visit from 9 sites in Greece. Outcomes included patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as patient reported outcome measures: the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the EuroQol-5-Dimensions 3-levels questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L).
Results
A total of 164 patients were included in the analysis. The majority of participants were females (78.7%), and the mean (SD) age was 70.5 (10.2) years. Presence of comorbidities was reported by 87.2% of patients, with hypertension being the most frequently reported (53.7%), followed by dyslipidemia (31.1%), obesity (24.4%) and diabetes mellitus (23.2%). Paracetamol was the most commonly used analgesic treatment (96%), followed by NSAIDs (systemic) (75%), opioids (50%) and locally applied medications (42.7%). Both hip and knee OA patients showed substantial deterioration in health related QoL and health status as reflected by the HOOS/KOOS (most impaired subscale Function in sport and recreation, followed by Hip- or Knee-related QoL), mean (SD) EQ-5D-3L index score of 0.396 (0.319) and a mean (SE) EQ-VAS score of 52.1 (1.9), respectively.
Conclusion
Our findings confirmed the functional disability and impaired QoL of Greek patients with moderate to severe hip/knee OA, thus emphasizing the need for appropriate intervention to reduce the overall burden of the disease both on patients and on the society.
PM-bound polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in two large-scale petrochemical bases in South China: Spatial variations, sources, and risk assessment
Authors: Li Qiqi , Zeng Yuan , Fan Yun , Fu Siqi , Guan Yufeng , Sun Yuxin , Chen Shejun
Published: January 2023

Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) are potential pollutants emitted from the petrochemical industry, whereas their occurrence and sources in petrochemical regions are still poorly known. The present study revealed the spatial variations, compositional profiles, sources and contributions, and health risks of PM-bound PACs in two large-scale petrochemical bases (GDPB and HNBP) in South China. The concentrations of parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were 7.14 ± 3.16 ng/m3 for ∑18PAHs and 0.608 ± 0.294 ng/m3 for the PAHs with molecular weight of 302 amu (MW302 PAHs) in the GDPB base and 2.55 ± 1.26 ng/m3 and 0.189 ± 0.088 ng/m3 in the HNPB base. Oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs) showed comparable concentrations to the parent PAHs in both the bases and nitrated PAHs (NPAHs) had the lowest mean levels (260 pg/m3 and 59.4 pg/m3 in the two regions). Coronene, 2,8-dinitrodibenzothiophene, and dibenzo[a,e]fluoranthene showed remarkably higher contributions to the PAC and can be PAC markers of the petrochemical industry source. Five sources of PACs were identified respectively in both petrochemical bases by the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. The vehicle (and ship) traffic exhaust was the primary source of PACs (contributed 33% to the ∑PACs), and the sources related to the coking of coal and heavy petroleum and refinery exhaust were identified in both bases, with contributions of 10−20%. PACs in GDPB also contributed from secondary atmospheric reactions (17.3%) and the usage of sulfur-containing fuels (20.9%), while the aromatics industry made a significant contribution (20.1%) to the PACs in the HNPB region. The cumulative incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCRs) induced by inhalation of PM-bound PACs in both petrochemical bases were low (10− 8-10− 6). For the sources related to the petrochemical industry, coking activities and the aromatic industry were the significant contributors to the ∑ILCRs in GDPB and HNPB, respectively.
Aurora kinase inhibitors regulate T memory stem cell phenotype in T cell receptor-engineered T cells with prolonged persistence
Authors: Yi Linglu , Ma Yu , Liang Xiao , Linghu Lingjuan , Zheng Gang
Published: January 2023

Background
Adoptive T cell therapies including T cell receptor-engineered T (TCR-T) cell therapy are limited by poor in-vivo persistence. According to literature, aurora kinase inhibitors elicit glycolysis suppression and fatty acid oxidation enhancement. Less differentiated memory T cells rely more on fatty acid oxidation with better proliferative potency. Therefore, this study aims to determine whether aurora kinase inhibition during TCR-T cell preparation and expansion promote a more long-lived phenotype leading to T cells with increased in vivo persistence and efficacy.
Methods
The study involves preparing TCR-T cells with aurora kinase inhibitors for 7 days with anti-CD3/CD28 beads and IL-2. And the antitumor effects of these TCR-T cells were investigated in vitro and in subcutaneous and metastatic melanoma models.
Results
TCR-T cells cultured with aurora kinase A and B inhibitor generated more effector T cells (~ 79% and ~ 77%) when compared to cells with beads alone (~ 36%) after in-vitro re-stimulation. And aurora kinase B inhibitor-treatment benefits in vivo persistence of TCR-T cells and extends survival in both subcutaneous and metastatic melanoma model. Phenotypic analysis shows an increased percentage of T cells stem cell-like memory properties in terms of aurora kinase inhibition. The stemness of T cells is maintained by delaying proliferation mediated by limitation of mTOR activity.
Conclusion
Taken together, these data suggest that incorporation of aurora kinase inhibitor in TCR-T cells preparation might be a potential method to generate long-live TCR-T cells with potent therapeutic characteristics.
Canopy gaps control litter decomposition and nutrient release in subtropical forests
Authors: Chen Jiajia , Zhu Jing , Wang Ziwei , Xing Cong , Chen Bo , Wang Xuelin , Wei Chensi , Liu Jinfu , He Zhongsheng
Published: January 2023

Aims Forest litter plays a critical role in the nutrient cycle of forest ecosystems, and the changes in the microenvironment brought about by the formation of a canopy gap affect litter decomposition and nutrient release. However, the pathway through which canopy gaps influence litter decomposition and nutrient release remains insufficiently understood, which limits our understanding of the relationship between forest soil material cycling and the environmental heterogeneity of canopy gaps. Methods Here, we collected samples of the leaf and branch litter ofCastanopsis kawakamiinatural forest during decomposition for a whole year, aiming to explore the characteristics of litter mass remaining and nutrient release in canopy gaps and non-gaps. Meanwhile, combined with environmental factors, taxonomic diversity, and soil microbial diversity, we aimed to reveal the primary factors influencing litter decomposition for leaf and branch litter. Results We found that the litter mass remaining of leaves and branches in medium gaps (50–100 m2) was lower than that of other gaps, and the leaf litter decomposition rate was higher than that of branch litter decomposition. Likewise, litter mass remaining, total carbon and nitrogen release, and enrichment were found to be asynchronous. Conclusions We highlight that the environmental heterogeneity caused by gap sizes significantly influenced the soil microbial community activity and taxonomic diversity. Furthermore, the asynchronous nature of taxonomic diversity and soil microbial diversity depending on canopy gap size affected mass remaining and nutrient release for both leaf and branch litter, thus comprehensively influencing litter decomposition and nutrient release in subtropical forests.
The International X-Linked Hypophosphataemia (XLH) Registry: first interim analysis of baseline demographic, genetic and clinical data
Authors: Ariceta Gema , Beck-Nielsen Signe Sparre , Boot Annemieke M , Brandi Maria Luisa , Briot Karine , Collantes Carmen de Lucas , Emma Francesco , Giannini Sandro , Haffner Dieter , Keen Richard , Levtchenko Elena , Mäkitie Outi , Mughal Zulf , Nilsson Ola , Schnabel Dirk , Tripto-Shkolnik Liana , Liu Jonathan , Williams Angela , Wood Sue , Zillikens Carola
Published: January 2023

Background: X-linked hypophosphataemia (XLH) is a rare, hereditary, progressive, renal phosphate-wasting disorder characterized by a pathological increase in FGF23 concentration and activity. Due to its rarity, diagnosis may be delayed, which can adversely affect outcomes. As a chronic disease resulting in progressive accumulation of musculoskeletal manifestations, it is important to understand the natural history of XLH over the patient’s lifetime and the impact of drug treatments and other interventions. This multicentre, international patient registry (International XLH Registry) was established to address the paucity of this data. Here we present the findings of the first interim analysis of the registry.
Results: The International XLH Registry was initiated in August 2017 and includes participants of all ages diagnosed with XLH, regardless of their treatment and management. At the database lock for this first interim analysis (29 March 2021), 579 participants had entered the registry before 30 November 2020 and are included in the analysis (360 children [62.2%], 217 adults [37.5%] and 2 whose ages were not recorded [0.3%]; 64.2% were female). Family history data were available for 319/345 (92.5%) children and 145/187 (77.5%) adults; 62.1% had biological parents affected by XLH. Genetic testing data were available for 341 (94.7%) children and 203 (93.5%) adults; 370/546 (67.8%) had genetic test results; 331/370 (89.5%) had a confirmed PHEX mutation. A notably longer time to diagnosis was observed in adults ≥50 years of age (mean [median] duration 9.4 [2.0] years) versus all adults (3.7 [0.1] years) and children (1.0 [0.2] years). Participants presented with normal weight, shorter length or height and elevated body mass index (approximately −2 and +2 Z-scores, respectively) versus the general population. Clinical histories were collected for 349 participants (239 children and 110 adults). General data trends for prevalence of bone, dental, renal and joint conditions in all participants were aligned with expectations for a typical population of people with XLH.
Conclusion: The data collected within the International XLH Registry, the largest XLH registry to date, provide substantial information to address the paucity of natural history data, starting with demographic, family history, genetic testing, diagnosis, auxology and baseline data on clinical presentation.
Trial registration: Clinical Trials, NCT03193476. Registered 20 June 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03193476
COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in KwaZulu-Natal, the reasons thereof and religion as a factor: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Madaran Khadija , Naidoo Panjasaram
Published: January 2023

Background
Acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine is one of the key methods known to control the pandemic. Despite the establishment of multiple vaccines, the virus continues to mutate and spread, resulting in devastating illnesses, while vaccine hesitancy is feared to undermine the vaccines’ efficacy. A recurrent factor in influencing vaccine hesitancy is religion. The aim of this study hence was to ascertain the proportion of vaccine accepting to hesitant individuals in the population, and to determine if religion influenced their behaviours.
Methods
A cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study was undertaken using an anonymous, coded questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed online from July to October 2022 to a sample size of 388 adults, residing in KwaZulu-Natal. Data was captured and statistical analysed using SPSS version 28, where frequency, Pearson’s Chi-square and non-parametric tests, were conducted to obtain the results.
Results
A 68.29% response rate was achieved. Although 78.87% of the sample was vaccinated, 31.32% of these participants hesitated before taking the COVID-19 vaccine. Overall, 21.13% refused the vaccine completely. Religious beliefs as a factor for vaccine hesitancy was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.012). The main reason for acceptance is related to the advice given by healthcare professionals (49.4%), which was also the main source of information for all participants (76.6%). The main reason for hesitancy seemed to be the lack of information supplied to the public and, consequently, the lack of trust in manufacturers and leaders.
Conclusion
The study showed that there was a substantial proportion of individuals who accepted the vaccine, compared to those that were hesitant and refused to take it. Religion was a factor that influenced vaccine hesitancy, including misinformation and conspiracy theories. Healthcare professionals appeared to influence the decision to vaccinate.
Saccharide-bearing macromolecules with melanoidin characteristics from Shanxi aged vinegar exert immunoenhancing effects on macrophage RAW264.7 cells
Authors: Wang Min , Zhang Xianglong , Zhang Xiaodong , Quan Bingyan , Wang Zhisong , Bai Xiaoli , Wu Zihang , Meng Yuan , Wei Zixiang , Xia Ting , Zheng Yu
Published: January 2023

Bioactive macromolecule mining is important for the functional chemome dissection of traditional Chinese vinegar. Here, saccharide-bearing macromolecules in Shanxi aged vinegar (SBMSAV) were isolated, characterized, and their immunomodulatory activity was evaluated. Four sub-fractions were obtained through ethanol precipitation followed by refining and DEAE-650M column chromatography. All sub-fractions had a maximum molecular weight of more than 2,667 kDa, with 10 types of monosaccharides identified. Comparative analysis of these sub-fractions with melanoidins from real food and model systems showed that all four sub-fractions had similarities with both melanoidins in elemental composition, spectral signature, and pyrolytic characteristics. Immunological assays showed that the four sub-fractions significantly improved macrophage cell viability and phagocytic activity, and promoted the secretion of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6. Immunomodulatory mechanism investigation indicated that SBMSAV enhanced aerobic glycolysis in macrophages and were recognized through TLR2, TLR4, MR, SR, and Dectin-1. Additionally, the MyD88/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway was found to be involved in the activation of macrophages.