bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Authentic Construction Learning Experiences to Enable Accurate Consideration of Cost-effective Alternatives
Authors: Patil Karan R , Ayer Steven K , McCord Kieren H , Perry Logan A , Wu Wei , London Jeremi
Published: August 2023

Authentic learning opportunities that simulate full scale design and construction experiences using real materials offer ideal experiential learning environments for construction and civil engineering students by challenging students to apply building concepts in practical settings. However, the excessive cost of real building materials required for this mode of education limits access to the vast majority of students. As a result, educational researchers have explored potential alternatives to provide cost-effective experiential learning through activities using mock-up materials (e.g., plastic straws, popsicle sticks) and simulation of experiences using immersive technologies (e.g., virtual reality or augmented reality). While some of these alternatives approximate the environment and others provide physical interaction with mock-up materials, the lack of authenticity in the building materials used introduces some apparent differences between the “authentic” learning environments and their cost-effective approximations. Therefore, this research aims to identify the learning processes reported by students and faculty who participated in authentic learning experiences to understand the ways in which this mode of education offers unique value to construction education. Their interview responses illustrated characteristics of authentic learning experiences that were believed to be critical to the learning process, some of which included: working in groups; interdisciplinary participants; and use of real construction materials. Although some of these characteristics are intrinsically linked to the use of real materials, others do not explicitly refer to interaction with real materials. This may indicate to aspects of the authentic learning processes that educational researchers can strategically target through more cost-effective learning environments like virtual and augmented reality. The contribution of this paper is in identifying the characteristics of authentic learning experiences that may guide educational investment and research innovations that aim to replicate some of these learning experiences through more accessible learning environments.
The Impact of Using Internal Reinforcement or/and External Strengthening around the Openings for Hybrid Steel-BFRP Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Yehia Sameh , Faihan Bader , M. A. Ibrahim Arafa
Published: August 2023

The opened beams always confused the designers due to the guidelines missing. In this research, six hybrid reinforced beams reinforced with mixed steel and basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars had constant cross-sections of 150mm x 300mm and a clear span of 1800mm. Generally, five beams have symmetrical rectangular openings with dimensions of 150mm x 250mm located at a distance of 250mm (equivalent to the beam effective depth) from the beam support in addition to a solid beam that is served as a control reference. The studied parameters included the effect of using internal reinforcement (steel or BFRP bars) provided along the opening or by incorporating an external BFRP sheet around the opening corners. Also, the conduction of double enhancement with internal steel reinforcement bars further external strengthening BFRP sheet was investigated. The relevant results showed that the opened beam without enhancement lost almost 74.66% of the maximum load compared with the solid beam. Placing internal steel or BFRP bars around the openings increased the maximum load by 62.07% and 59.68%, respectively in comparison to the non-enhanced opened beams. Using an external BFRP sheet to strengthen the opening corners of the beam enhanced the maximum load by 76.39% compared with the non-enhanced opened beam. Therefore, if the beam double enhancement with an external BFRP sheet and internal steel reinforcement around the openings, the maximum load increased by 137.40% compared with the non-enhanced opened beam. Ultimately to further analyze the experimental results and confirm their findings, the study was extended to include the numerical analysis using three dimensional finite element modeling and the results correlated very well with the experimental ones.
Unravelling the Glioblastoma Tumour Microenvironment: Can Aptamer Targeted Delivery Emerge Successful in Treating Brain Cancers?
Authors: Giles Breanna , Nakhjavani Maryam , Wiesa Andrew , Knight Tareeque , Shigdar Sarah , Samarasinghe Rasika M
Published: August 2023

The key challenges to treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are the heterogenous and complex nature of the GBM tumour microenvironment (TME) and difficulty of drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The TME is composed of various neuronal and immune cells, as well as non-cellular components including metabolic products, cellular interactions, and chemical compositions, all of which play a critical role in GBM development and therapeutic resistance. In this review, we aim to unravel the complexity of the GBM TME, evaluate current therapeutics targeting this microenvironment, and lastly identify potential targets and therapeutic delivery vehicles for the treatment of GBM. Specifically, we explore the potential of aptamer-targeted delivery as a successful approach to treating brain cancers. Aptamers have emerged as promising therapeutic drug delivery vehicles with the potential to cross the BBB and deliver payloads to GBM and brain metastases. By targeting specific ligands within the TME, aptamers could potentially improve treatment outcomes and overcome the challenges associated with larger therapies such as antibodies.
Flood Perception from Local Perspective of Rural Community vs Geomorphological Control of Fluvial Processes in Large Alluvial Valley (the Middle Vistula River, Poland)
Authors: Krasiewicz Daria Wiesława , Wierzbicki Grzegorz
Published: August 2023

The origin and dynamics of a- 2010 pluvial flood in the valley of a large European river are described. In order to study how local people perceive this catastrophic event a small administrative unit (rural municipality) within Holocene floodplain (thus flooded to 90%) was chosen. Using a questionnaire a human-research survey was performed in the field among 287 people living on flood-prone area. Almost half of the interviewees feel safe and do not expect a flood recurrence (interpreted as a levee effect). 17% believe the levee was intentionally breached due to political issues. 6% of interviewees link the breach with small mammals using leeves as a habitat, eg. beavers, moles, foxes. Spatial distribution of the survey results are analyzed. Maps presenting: inundation height, economic loss, attitude to geohazards and perception of possible flood recurrence were drawn. Causes of the flood as viewed by local inhabitants and in the context of the riverine geological setting and its processes are discussed. Particular attention is paid to processes linking the levee breach location with specific geomorpic features of the Holocene floodplain. A wide perspective of fluvial geomorphology where erosive landforms of crevasse channels (and associated depositional crevasse splays) are indicators of geohazards was adopted. This distinct geomorphological imprint left by overbank flow is considered as natural flood marks. Such an approach is completely neglected by interviewees who overestimate a role of hydraulic structures.
Resilient Behaviours in Music Students: Relationship with Perfectionism and Self-Efficacy
Authors: Arbinaga Félix
Published: August 2023

Self-efficacy and perfectionism play an important role in high-performance activities. This cross-sectional study analyses the relationship between these constructs and resilience in a sample of 145 music students (57.9% female) with a mean age of 27.77 years. Perfectionism was assessed using the Multidimensional Inventory of Perfectionism in Sport, resilience using the Resilience Scale, and self-efficacy using the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Compared to those with low resilience, students with high resilience score higher on self-efficacy and lower on dysfunctional perfectionism. No differences were observed in the total perfectionism score or adaptive perfectionism. Self-efficacy shows significant predictive power for resilience (β = .525, p < .001). Although functional perfectionism did not significantly predict resilience, a marginal negative relationship was found between dysfunctional perfectionism and resilience (β = - .156, p = .063). The results are discussed concerning their implications for music pedagogy and teacher intervention.
Chicken interleukin-18 as a vaccine adjuvant in a recombinant Fowlpoxvirus vaccine for the protection against infectious bursal disease virus
Authors: Eldaghayes Ibrahim , Rothwell Lisa , Skinner Michael , Kaiser Pete
Published: August 2023

In mammals, the role of interleukin-18 (IL-18) in the immune response is to drive inflammatory and, normally therefore, anti-viral responses. IL-18 also shows promise as a vaccine adjuvant in mammals. Chicken IL-18 (chIL-18) has been cloned. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of chIL-18 to act as a vaccine adjuvant in the context of a live recombinant Fowlpox virus vaccine (fpIBD1) against Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). fpIBD1 protects against mortality, but not against damage to the bursa of Fabricius caused by IBDV infection. The Fowlpox virus genome itself contains several candidate immunomodulatory genes, including potential IL-18 binding proteins (IL-18bp). We have knocked out (Δ) the potential IL-18bp genes in fpIBD1 and inserted (::) the cDNA encoding chIL-18 into fpIBD1 in the non-essential ORF030, generating five new viral constructs –fpIBD1::chIL-18, fpIBD1ΔORF073, fpIBD1ΔORF073::chIL-18, fpIBD1ΔORF214 and fpIBD1ΔORF214::chIL-18. The subsequent protection from challenge with virulent IBDV, as measured by viral load and bursal damage, given by these altered fpIBD1 strains, was compared to that given by the original fpIBD1. The results show that chIL-18 can act as a vaccine adjuvant, giving complete protection against challenge, with no detectable virus or damage in the bursa of Fabricius.
Application of Biomineralization Technology in the Stabilization of Electric Arc Furnace Reducing Slag
Authors: Chen How-Ji , Lin You-Ren , Tang Chao-Wei , Hung Yi-Chun
Published: August 2023

Most of the current methods for stabilizing electric arc furnace (EAF) slag are time-consuming and cannot be completely stabilized. In view of this, this study aimed to apply microbial‑induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology in the stabilization of EAF reducing slag, and this was to be achieved by using the reaction between carbonate ions and free calcium oxide (f-CaO) in reducing slag to form a more stable calcium carbonate to achieve the purpose of stabilization. The test results showed that, when the EAF reducing slag aggregates (ERSAs) were immersed in Bacillus pasteurii bacteria solution or water, the f-CaO contained in it would react such that stabilization was achieved. The titration test results showed that the f-CaO content of the ERSAs immersed in the bacterial solution and water decreased. The expansion test results of the ERSAs that were subjected to hydration showed that the seven-day expansion of ERSAs after biomineralization could meet the Taiwan regulation requirement of a less than 0.5% expansion rate. The thermogravimetric analysis showed that both the experimental group and the control group might contain calcium carbonate compounds. The results of the X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the CaCO3 content in the ERSAs that were immersed in the bacterial solution was significantly higher than those that were immersed in water. Moreover, the compressive strength test results of concrete prepared with ERSAs showed that the compressive strength of the control group concrete began to decline after 28 days. In contrast, the experimental group concrete had a good stabilization effect, and there was no decline in compressive strength until the age of 180 days. At the age of 240 days, the surface cracks of the experimental group were particularly small, while the surface of the control group showed obvious cracks. These results confirmed that a mineralization reaction with B. pasteurii bacteria could be used as a stabilization technology for ERSAs.
Study on the Painting Process and thermal Properties of Waterborne Acrylic Paint on Bamboo-Laminated Lumber for Furniture
Authors: Chen Jie , Yuan Shaofei , Zhang Jian , Wang Hongyan , Li Qin
Published: August 2023

Herein, bamboo-laminated lumber for furniture was coated with waterborne acrylic paint. The effects of different painting techniques and quantities on the drying rate, smoothness, hardness, adhesion and wear resistance of the paint film were investigated. Then, the thermal properties of the paint were analysed using thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimeter to examine the film-forming mechanism. The results showed that painting technique had no effect on the drying time, flatness, hardness and adhesion of the paint film, but it influenced the wear resistance. Herein, the films’ flatness showed little variation with different painting methods (one-layer primer one-layer topcoat, one-layer primer two-layer topcoat, two-layer primer one-layer topcoat and two-layer primer two-layer topcoat). The drying time for primer surfaces/solids was 8min/8.5 min, while it was 6.5/7 min for topcoats. The paint films exhibited grade B hardness and grade 0 adhesion and the better wear resistance when using one-layer primer one-layer topcoat at 51.24 mg·100 r−1. The amount of paint applied significantly affected the drying time and flatness of the paint film. As the quantity increased, the drying time of the paint’s surfaces and solids also increased, whereas the film’s flatness initially increased before decreasing. The film’s optimal adhesion, hardness and wear resistance values were grade 0, grade B and 51.24 mg·100 r−1, respectively, when 80 g/m2 of paint was applied. Thermal analysis of the primer and topcoat showed that water decomposition occurred at 100℃ and thermal decomposition of organic components occurred at 350℃. The primer and topcoat exhibited the same weight loss, but primer’s thermal loss rate was higher than that of topcoat. Consequently, the topcoat displayed better thermal stability than the primer.
Nonextensive Entropy Application On Detrended Force Sensor Data to Feature Balance Disorder of Patients with Vestibular System Dysfunction
Authors: Köse Harun Yaşar , İkizoğlu Serhat
Published: August 2023

The healthy function of the vestibular system (VS) is of vital importance for individuals to carry out their daily activities independently and safely. This study carries out Tsallis entropy (TE)-based analysis on insole force sensor data in order to extract features to differentiate between healthy and VS-diseased individuals. Using a specifically developed algorithm, we detrend the acquired data to examine the fluctuation around the trend curve in order to consider the individual’s walking habit and thus increase the accuracy in diagnosis. It is observed that the TE-value increases for diseased people as an indicator of the problem of maintaining balance. As one of the main contributions of this study, in contrast to studies in the literature that focus on gait dynamics requiring extensive walking time, we directly process the instantaneous pressure values, enabling to reduce the data acquisition period significantly. The extracted feature set is then inputted into fundamental classification algorithms, with the Support-Vector-Machine (SVM) demonstrating the highest performance, achieving an average accuracy of 95%. This study constitutes a significant step of a large project aiming to identify specific VS disease together with its stage. The performance achieved in this study provides a strong motivation to further explore this topic.
Psychometric Properties of the Greek Version of the Connor- Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10) in a Sample of Nurses
Authors: Galanis Petros , Psomiadi Maria Elissavet , Karagkounis Chrysovalantis , Liamopoulou P , Manomenidis Georgios , Panayiotou George , Bellali Thalia
Published: August 2023

Resilience has been defined as one's competence to maintain a mental health state and overall well-being when undergoing grave stress or facing significant adversities. Numerous resili-ence-investigating research tools were developed over the years, with the Connor-Davidson Re-silience Scale (CD-RISC), a self-rated tool presenting valuable psychometric properties, remaining one of the most prominent. We aimed to translate and validate the brief CD-RISC-10 in a convenient sample of 584 nurses in Greece's secondary and tertiary health care system. We conducted a con-firmatory factor analysis and known-groups validity and estimated the reliability of the CD-RISC-10. Our confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the scale had a unifactorial structure since all the model fit indices were very good. Moreover, the reliability of the CD-RISC-10 was very good since Cronbach's alpha was 0.924 and McDonald's omega was 0.925. Therefore, the Greek version of the CD-RISC-10 confirmed the factor structure of the original one and had very good validity and reliability.
A High-Throughput Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Assay to Determine the Conformational Change of Plasminogen
Authors: Quek Adam J , Cowieson Nathan P , Caradoc-Davies Tom T , Conroy Paul J , Whisstock James C , Law Ruby HP
Published: August 2023

Plasminogen (Plg) is the inactive form of plasmin (Plm) that exists in two major glycoforms, referred to as glycoforms I and II (GI and GII). In the circulation, Plg assumes an activation-resistant 'closed' conformation via interdomain interactions and is mediated by the lysine binding site (LBS) on the kringle (KR) domains. These inter-domain interactions can be readily disrupted when Plg binds to lysine/arginine residues on protein targets or free L-lysine and analogues. This causes Plg to convert into an 'open' form which is crucial for activation by host activators. In this study, we investigated how various ligands affect the kinetics of Plg conformational change using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). We began by examining the open and closed conformations of Plg using size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled with SAXS. Next, we developed a high throughput (HTP) 96-well SAXS assay setup. This method enables us to determine the Kopen value, which is used to compare ligands’ effect on Plg conformation directly. Based on our analysis using Plg GII, we have found that the Kopen for ε-aminocaproic acid (EACA) is approximately three times greater than that of Tranexamic acid (TXA), which is widely recognized as a highly effective ligand. We demonstrated further that Plg undergoes a conformational change when it binds to the C-terminal peptides of the inhibitor α2-antiplasmin and receptor Plg‑RKT. Our findings suggest that, besides the C-terminal lysine, internal lysine(s) are also necessary for the formation of open Plg. Finally, we compared the conformational changes of Plg GI and GII directly and found that the closed form of GI, which has an N-linked glycosylation, is less stable. To summarize, we have successfully determined the response of Plg to various ligand/receptor peptides by directly measuring the kinetics of its conformational changes.
Ultrahigh Nonlinear Optical Absorption in 2D MXene Films
Authors: Moss David
Published: August 2023

As a rapidly expanding family of two-dimensional (2D) materials, MXenes have recently gained considerable attention due to their appealing properties. Here, by developing a solution-based coating method that enables transfer-free and layer-by-layer film coating, we investigate the layer-dependent nonlinear optical absorption of Ti3C2Tx films ‒ an important member of the MXene family. By using the Z-scan technique, we characterize the nonlinear absorption of the prepared MXene films consisting of different numbers of monolayers. The results show that there is a strong and layer-dependent nonlinear absorption behavior, transitioning from revisable saturable absorption (RSA) to saturable absorption (SA) as the layer number increases from 5 to 30. Notably, the nonlinear absorption coefficient β varies significantly within this range, changing from ~7.13 × 102 cm/GW to ~-2.69 × 102 cm/GW. We also characterize the power-dependent nonlinear absorption of the MXene films at various incident laser intensities, and a decreasing trend in β is observed for increasing laser intensity. These results reveal the intriguing layer-dependent nonlinear optical properties of 2D MXene films, highlighting their versatility and potential for implementing high-performance nonlinear photonic devices.
Modeling Paratuberculosis in Laboratory Animals, Cells or Tissues: Focus on Their Applications for Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Vaccines and Therapies Studies
Authors: Jolly Ana , Fernández Bárbara , Mundo Silvia Leonor , Elguezabal Natalia
Published: August 2023

Paratuberculosis (PTB) is a chronic granulomatous enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) that affects a wide variety of domestic and wild animals. It is considered as one of the diseases with the highest economic impact in the ruminant industry. Despite many efforts and intensive research, PTB control is still controversially discussed and diagnostic and immunoprophylactic tools lack great limitations. Thus, models play a crucial role in understanding the pathogenesis of infection and disease, and in testing novel vaccine candidates. Here, we review the potential and limitations of different experimental approaches currently used in PTB research, focusing on laboratory animals and cell based models. The aim of this review is to offer a vision of the models that have been used and what has been achieved or discovered with each one so that the reader can choose the best model to answer their scientific questions and prove their hypotheses. Also, we bring forward new approaches that we consider worth exploring in the near future.
Fabrication of an Optical Energy Spectroscopy-Based Device for Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Authors: Mai Huu Thuan , Ngo Quan Duc , Nguyen Hong Phuong Thi , La Duong Duc
Published: August 2023

This work presented the design and fabrication of blood vessel and breast tumor detection device (BKA-06) based on optical energy spectroscopy. The BKA-06 device uses red-to-near-infrared light-emitting diodes that allow physicians or physicians to visualize blood vessels and surface structures such as breast tumors with the naked eye. The device consisted of built-in current control circuit to have the appropriate brightness (maximum illuminance of 98592 lux) for the examination of superficial tumors deep under the skin, with a scan time of 3-5 minutes. The device BKA-06 could facilely observe each layer of blood vessels at the depth of the skin. For breast tumors, the location, size and invasive areas around the tumor can also be visualized with the naked eye using the BKA-06 sensor. The results show that the BKA-06 sensor can provide clear breast tumor and vascular images with a penetration of up to 15 cm in the skin and tissue layers of the breast. The breast tumor scanning tests with the BKA-06 sensor gave patients quick results and compared them through cell biopsy and MRI respectively. The device has the advantage of being simple, easy to use, providing potential practical applications in the medical field, reducing costs for patients when taking MRI or CT scans. Therefore, the BKA-06 device is expected to help doctors and medical staff overcome difficulties in infusion as well as identify breast tumors to support early breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Change in Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Moderates Clinical Trial Outcomes in Depression: A Secondary Analysis of the SMILES Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Lane Melissa M , Lotfaliany Mojtaba , Machado Priscila , Jacka Felice N , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , O’Neil Adrienne , Werneck André O , Monteiro Carlos , Loughman Amy , Rocks Tetyana , Travica Nikolaj , Berk Michael , Opie Rachelle S , Marx Wolfgang
Published: August 2023

Background: In this secondary analysis of the Supporting the Modification of Lifestyle In Lowered Emotional States (SMILES) randomised controlled trial, we investigated if the beneficial effects of a dietary intervention on clinical depression were driven, in part, by reducing the consumption of foods classified as ultra-processed.Methods: The SMILES trial enrolled 67 adults with major depressive disorder, randomly assigning them to either a 12-week modified Mediterranean dietary intervention or a social support control. Our analysis included 44 participants with non-missing dietary data and at least one valid Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) assessment at 12 weeks of follow-up. The Nova food classification system was used to estimate the proportion of ultra-processed foods in the overall diet (percentage of grams) based on data from seven-day food diaries. We fitted linear regression models under blinded conditions to determine whether ultra-processed food intake-change from baseline to 12 weeks moderated the dietary intervention effects on depressive symptoms. We estimated mean differences in depressive symptoms along with ninety-five per cent confidence intervals (95%CIs).Results: For participants in the dietary intervention, there was an additional 2.5-point improvement in MADRS scores for each 10% reduction in the dietary share of ultra-processed foods compared to participants in the control group (between-group mean differences in depressive symptoms: −2.46, 95%CIs −4.71 to −0.20, p=0.039, η p 2 of 0.10).Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that the therapeutic benefit of a dietary intervention for depression may stem, at least in part, from reductions in the dietary share of ultra-processed foods.
Advances in Suicide Prevention in the UK
Authors: Arowosegbe Abayomi , Oyelade Tope
Published: August 2023

Suicide is a global public health concern that has enormous social and psychological 1 implications for individuals, families, and communities affected. While the rate of suicide in the 2 UK has remained steady over the years mainly due to the various approaches to detection and 3 management of suicidal ideation, it is still one of the main causes of mortality amongst people 4 between the age of 20 – 34 years. The recent global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, global 5 warming, war, and various environmental catastrophes means that suicide and suicidal ideation 6 is expected to increase especially among younger people. Thus, evidence-based, population-wide 7 preventative approach will be needed to ameliorate the predicted increase in suicide. Also, to 8 understand the effects of some of the suicide prevention approaches, objective and universal risk 9 assessment approach is required. However, there is no universally accepted preventative approach 10 or tools of assessment. This review examines current advances in suicide prevention in the United 11 Kingdom. It examines the epidemiology, risk factors, as well as the strengths and limitations of 12 the various suicide risk assessment and prevention tools currently in use. We hope to obtain a 13 deeper understanding of how these approaches have evolved and their impact on enhancing mental 14 health and preventing suicide ideation in the UK. We present an in-depth review of existing suicide 15 prevention research and policies, while proposing areas for future research and improvement.16
Phloem-Mobile MYB44 Negatively Regulates Expression of PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER 1 in Arabidopsis Roots
Authors: Olukayode Toluwase , Chen Jieyu , Zhao Yang , Quan Chuanhezi , Kochian Leon V. , Ham Byung-Kook
Published: August 2023

Phosphorus (P) is an essential plant macronutrient; however, its availability is often limited in soils. Plants have evolved complex mechanisms for efficient phosphate (Pi) absorption, which are responsive to changes in external and internal Pi concentration, and orchestrated through local and systemic responses. To explore these systemic Pi responses, here, we identified AtMYB44 as a phloem-mobile mRNA, an Arabidopsis homolog of Cucumis sativus MYB44, that is responsive to the Pi-starvation stress. qRT-PCR assays revealed that AtMYB44 was up-regulated and expressed in both shoot and root in response to Pi-starvation stress. The atmyb44 mutant displayed higher shoot and root biomass, compared to wild-type plants, under Pi-starvation conditions. Interestingly, the expression of PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER1;2 (PHT1;2) and PHT1;4 was enhanced in atmyb44 in response to a Pi-starvation treatment. A split-root assay showed that AtMYB44 expression was systemically regulated, under Pi-starvation conditions and, in atmyb44, systemic controls on PHT1;2 and PHT1;4 expression were moderately disrupted. Heterografting assays confirmed graft transmission of AtMYB44 transcripts, and PHT1;2 and PHT1;4 expression was decreased in heterografted atmyb44 rootstocks. Taken together, our findings support the hypothesis that mobile AtMYB44 mRNA serves as a long-distance Pi response signal, which negatively regulates Pi transport and utilization in Arabidopsis.
Thermal and Acoustic Performance of Gypsum Plasters Mixed with Different Additives: Influence of Bio-Based, Synthetic, and Mineral Fillers
Authors: Merli Francesca , Bouzit Said , Buratti Cinzia
Published: August 2023

Due to the high impact of the building sector on the environment, a growing interest focuses on insulating materials able to ensure good thermo-acoustic performance for the building envelope, in a sustainable and circular economy perspective. In this context, Moroccan natural gypsum was mixed with natural waste local materials. Thermal and acoustic properties of the samples were measured; they were compared to those of synthetic- and mineral-based gypsum plasters, manufactured with the same technique. A Small Hot Box apparatus was used for thermal characterization, whereas acoustic performance was investigated by means of a Kundt’s Tube. Natural and synthetic additives involved a reduction in density and an improvement in thermal performance. Conductivity values in the 0.181 – 0.238 W/mK range were obtained, depending on the type of natural additive, with respect to 0.275 – 0.323 W/mK of mineral-based gypsum plasters. The acoustic measurements showed that all the composites have similar performance in terms of acoustic absorption, whereas high Transmission Loss values were obtained for the natural additives (TL = 35 – 59 dB). Petiol of Palm and Stipa Tenacissima were found as the materials able to improve both thermal and acoustic properties.
Evidence-based nutritional patterns for type 2 diabetes prevention and treatment
Authors:   Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation, Sharafetdinov Kh.Kh. ,   Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russian Federation,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Plotnikova O.A. ,   Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation, Alekseeva R.I. ,   Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation, Pilipenko V.V. ,   Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation, Alekseev V.A. ,   Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: August 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common carbohydrate metabolism disorders worldwide. Despite individual predisposition to T2DM due to non-modifiable risk factors (ethnicity and family history/genetic predisposition), epidemiological evidence suggests that many cases of T2DM can be prevented by modifying underlying risk factors (obesity, low physical activity, unhealthy diet). In a state of overnutrition leading to hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation, pancreatic β-cells are exposed to toxic effects, and conditions of inflammation and metabolic/oxidative stress result in obesity, insulin resistance, and the development of T2DM. The global impact of T2DM on the health care system requires early detection of carbohydrate metabolism disorders and preventive measures including lifestyle changes and dietary recommendations. This review considers the effect of different patterns (models) of nutritional intervention as an effective, safe, and low-cost method for the prevention and treatment of T2DM. Key words: therapeutic nutrition, nutritional patterns, type 2 diabetes mellitus, nutritional intervention
Parametric Evaluation of Chip Formation in Peripheral Milling of Single Crystal Ni-based Superalloy
Authors: Rahul Akula , Gururaja Sethurao , Nandam Srinivasa Rao , Singh Kundan Kumar
Published: August 2023

In the present work, peripheral milling of CMSX-4 has been carried out at different machining conditions. Three levels of cutting velocity, feed rate and axial depth of cut have been selected to analyse the cutting forces and surface roughness during machining of CMSX-4. Full-factorial design (L27) has been considered for the machining. Furthermore, the analysis of variance has been carried out to find out the most influencing machining process parameters, which affect the cutting force and the surface roughness. The feed rate and depth of cut have been found to be the most influencing process conditions affecting the cutting force while cutting velocity and feed rate have been found to affect the surface roughness. A cross-interaction between the machining process parameters has also been found to affect both cutting force and surface roughness during machining. The chip formation analysis has been carried out to analyse the effect of process parameters on the severity of localized shearing induced during the machining process. An increase in spindle speed beyond 3000 rpm has been found to be facilitating the formation of segmented chip. A segmented chip has also been formed at combination of high feed rate and axial depth of cut. The low feed rate up to 0.04 mm/flute and axial depth of cut up to 0.1 mm accelerates the formation of continuous chip.
Pearl Farming Micro-nanoplastics Affect Oyster Physiology and Pearl Quality
Authors: Gardon Tony , Luyer Jérémy Le , Moullac Gilles Le , Soyez Claude , Lagarde Fabienne , Dehaut Alexandre , Paul-Pont Ika , Huvet Arnaud
Published: August 2023

Pearl farming is crucial for the economy of French Polynesia. Nonetheless, rearing structures contribute significantly to plastic waste, and the widespread contamination of pearl farming lagoons by microplastics has raised concerns about risks to the pearl industry. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of micro-nanoplastics (MNPs) on the pearl oyster (Pinctada margaritifera) over a 5-month pearl production cycle by closely mimicking ecological scenarios. MNPs were produced from plastic pearl farming gear and tested at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.025 and 1 µg L–1 ) to decipher biological and functional responses through integrative approaches. MNP exposure altered energy metabolism, primarily driven by lower assimilation efficiency of microalgae, causing shifts in gene expression patterns. A gene expression module was strongly correlated with physiological parameters impaired by MNP conditions, and key genes were identified as potential environmental proxies to assess nutritional-MNP stress conditions in cultured oysters. Pearl biomineralization was also affected, resulting in thinner aragonite crystals, and harvests were marked by abnormal biomineral concretions, known as keshi pearls. Ecological approaches are now necessary to assess the overall impact of MNPs on population maintenance and sustainability within the Polynesian pearl industry, considering the context of the exposome and global climate change.
An inverted U-shaped relationship between haze pollution and rural migrants' long-term residence intentions: Theoretical mechanisms and China’s evidence
Authors: Zhao Qingjun , Wang Yue
Published: August 2023

Despite the extensive literature on the effect of air pollution on individual’s well-being, explore the relationship between polluted haze and rural migrants' long-term residence intentions is still limited. The current study fills the gap by investigating the impact of haze pollution on rural migrants' long-term residence intentions in Chinese context. Overall, we find an inverted U-shaped relationship between the level of haze pollutants and rural migrants' long-term residence intentions. The results still hold when different haze quality indicators and using thermal inversion as the endogeneity variable. Specifically, haze pollution plays its role through two opposite mechanisms: income effect and health effect. When the size of income effect is larger than health effect, rural migrants are inclined to settle down in their host cities, vice versa. In addition, we also find that the effect of haze pollution varies across different population groups and regions.
Understanding Genetic Variability: Exploring Copy Number Variants through Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing in European Populations
Authors: Holesova Zuzana , Pös Ondrej , Gazdarica Juraj , Kucharik Marcel , Budis Jaroslav , Hyblova Michaela , Minarik Gabriel , Szemes Tomas
Published: August 2023

CNVs are structural alterations in the genome that involve the duplication or deletion of DNA segments, contributing to genetic diversity and playing a crucial role in evolution and development of various diseases and disorders. Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) has revolutionized the field of genetic analysis and contributed significantly to routine clinical diagnosis and screening. It offers a precise method for detecting copy number variations (CNVs) with exceptional accuracy. In this context, non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) based on the sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from pregnant women's plasma using a low coverage whole genome MPS (WGS) approach represents a valuable source for population studies. Here, we analyzed genomic data of 12 732 pregnant women from the Slovak (9 230), Czech (1 583), and Hungarian (1 919) populations. We identified 5 062 CNVs ranging from 200 kbp and described its basic characteristics and differences between the subject populations. Our results suggest that re-analysis of sequencing data from routine WGS assays has the potential to obtain CNVs population frequencies, and may provide valuable information to support classification and interpretation of this type of genetic variation.
Atypical radio pulsations from magnetar SGR 1935+2154
Authors: Li Di , Wang P. , Li Jian , Ji Long , Hou Xian , Gügercinoğlu Erbil , Li Di , Torres Diego , Chen Yutong , Niu J.R. , Zhu Weiwei , Zhang Bing , Liang En-Wei , Zhang Li , Ge Mingyu , Dai Z.G. , Lin Lin , Han Jinlin , Feng Yi , Niu Chenhui , Zhang Yongkun , Zhou D.J. , Xu Heng , Zhang Chunfeng , Jiang Jinchen , Miao C.C. , Yuan Mao , Wang Weiyang , Yue You-ling , Wu Yunsheng , Wang Yabiao , Wang Chengjie , Gan Zhenye , Li Yuxi , Sun Zhongyi , Chi Mingmin
Published: August 2023

Magnetars are neutron stars with extremely strong magnetic fields, frequently powering high-energy activity in X-rays1. Pulsed radio emission following some X-ray outbursts have been detected2,3, albeit its physical origin is unclear. It has long been speculated that the origin of magnetars’ radio signals is different from those from canonical pulsars, although convincing evidence is still lacking. Five months after magnetar SGR 1935+2154’s X-ray outburst and its associated Fast Radio Burst (FRB) 202004284,5, a radio pulsar phase was discovered6,7. Here we report the discovery of X-ray spectral hardening associated with the emergence of periodic radio pulsations from SGR 1935+2154 and a detailed analysis of the properties of the radio pulses. The complex radio pulse morphology, which contains both narrow-band emission and frequency drifts, has not been seen before in other magnetars, but is similar to those of repeating FRBs – even though the luminosities are many orders of magnitude different. The observations suggest that radio emission originates from the outer magnetosphere of the magnetar, and the surface heating due to the bombardment of inward-going particles from the radio emission region is responsible for the observed X-ray spectral hardening.
Intention to use Silver Diamine Fluoride for dental caries treatment among the elders
Authors: Nakphu Ratchawipa , Urwannachotima Nipaporn , Pisarnturakit Pagaporn Pantuwadee
Published: August 2023

Background: Tooth decay is a leading cause of tooth loss in older adults. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been proven effective for caries prevention and arrest among children and older adults. However, the SDF treatment leaves black staining on the decayed area. While several studies have revealed the acceptance of the staining of SDF treatment in children, very few studies have been conducted on older adults. This study aimed to assess the intention of the elders to use SDF for dental caries treatment.
Methods: The participants consisted of individuals aged 60-90 who can read and understand Thai language. After providing information about the SDF, a theory-guided interview based on the Theory of Reason Action (TRA) consisting of 23 questions covering seven constructs: behavioral belief, evaluation of behavioral outcome, normative belief, motivation to comply, attitude towards behavior, subjective norm, and intention. The participants were asked to rate their agreement with each question on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (Strongly agree) to 4 (Strongly disagree). Characteristics of the participants and score of each TRA question of participants with different intentions were compared using the Chi-square test and t-test. Multiple logistic regression was employed to determine the determinants of the intention to use SDF.
Results: A total of 588 elders with a mean age of 65.3 years (SD= 5.53), 52.7% were women, 58.1% were unemployed/retired, 80.8% lived with family, 63.4% had less than sixth-grade education, 62.9% had a monthly family income of less than 10,000 baht, and 63.6% had underlying diseases. Four hundred eighty-six participants (82.7%) indicated an intention to use SDF for dental caries treatment. An average score (SD) of intention to use SDF to treat dental caries was 2.86 (0.54). Age, family income, underlying disease, dental health problems, and fear of the dentist significantly affected intention. The behavioral belief and the evaluation of behavioral outcomes significantly affect the intention to use SDF treatment.
Conclusion: Most older adults intend to use SDF for dental caries treatment. The different intentions depend on beliefs and the SDF treatment’s outcome evaluation.
Trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR), (TCTR20230308003) Retrospectively registered, Registered March 08, 2023 https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20230308003
Reducing sectoral hard to abate emissions to limit reliance of Carbon Dioxide Removal in 1.5°C scenarios
Authors: Edelenbosch Oreane , Berg Maarten van den , de Boer Harmen Sytze , Chen HsingHsuan , Daioglou Vassilis , Dekker Mark , Doelman Jonathan , Elzen Michel Den , Harmsen Mathijs , Hof Andries , Mikropoulos Efstratios , Sluisveld Mariësse van , Stehfest Elke , Tagomori Isabela S. , Zeist Willem-Jan van , Vuuren Detlef van
Published: August 2023

Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas targets is often achieved by compensating residual greenhouse gas emissions in the hard to abate (HtA) sectors, with carbon dioxide removal (CDR) options. However, large-scale application of CDR may lead to environmental, technical and social concerns. The extent to which residual emissions can be reduced in the industry, agriculture, buildings and transport sector is analysed based on integrated assessment of scenarios with ambitious measures in the HtA sectors. Two scenarios that explore demand and technology-focused approaches show that by reducing residual emissions, the CDR ceiling can be significantly lowered (23-30%) compared to reference in the net-zero year. The agriculture sector plays a critical role in this given the large share of residual emissions. The additional measures allow to create a 1.5°C scenario in which crop-based bioenergy use is limited to 40 EJ/yr, therefore within sustainable limits, and afforestation can be limited to abandoned cropland and grassland.
How can innovations in sustainability education be scaled rapidly? A dynamic analysis
Authors: Rooney-Varga Juliette , Kapmeier Florian , Henderson Charles , Ford David
Published: August 2023

Society faces a ‘critical decade’ to accelerate climate action and transition towards a sustainable future. Doing so demands rapid scaling of innovations in higher education to build capacity. Many high-quality educational tools are freely available and some are known to motivate evidence-based climate and sustainability action. Most efforts to propagate these tools rely on outreach and word-of-mouth diffusion. But these approaches typically achieve little. We develop and analyze a dynamic computational model to understand why and to test other propagation strategies. Our analysis reveals that outreach has limited impact and does little to accelerate word-of-mouth adoption under conditions typical in higher education. Instead, we find that community-based propagation can rapidly accelerate adoption, as is also shown by a small number of successful real-world scaling efforts. Without coordinated, community-based propagation, it is unlikely that we will meet build the capacity needed to address climate and sustainability challenges.
Yes-man agent makes user make risky choices
Authors: Tetsuya Matsui
Published: August 2023

In this paper, I focused on subjective probability in decision-making in HAI. Many virtual agents are used to support users' decision-making; however, few prior works have focused on ambiguous situations. I hypothesize that users are more likely to choose ambiguity after interacting with friendly agents than with unfriendly ones. To verify this hypothesis, I conducted an experiment using the Ellsberg problem. In the task, participants chose either a box that definitely contained 30 winning balls or a box that contained an undefined number of winning balls. The independent variable was agents. I used two agents: a friendly yes-man agent and unfriendly agent. As a result, the hypothesis was supported. The participants who interacted with the friendly yes-man agent tended to make risky choices. This demonstrates the peculiarity and risks associated with friendly yes-man agents.
Machine Learning-driven Fragment-based Discovery of CIB1-directed Anti-Tumor Agents by FRASE-bot
Authors: Kireev Dmitri , An Yi , Lim Jiwoong , Glavatskikh Marta , Wang Xiaowen , Norris Jacqueline , Hardy Paul , Leisner Tina , Pearce Kenneth
Published: August 2023

Chemical probes are an indispensable tool for translating biological discoveries into new therapies, though are increasingly difficult to identify. Novel therapeutic targets are often hard-to-drug proteins, such as messengers or transcription factors. Computational strategies arise as a promising solution to expedite drug discovery for unconventional therapeutic targets. FRASE-bot exploits big data and machine learning (ML) to distill 3D information relevant to the target protein from thousands of protein-ligand complexes to seed it with ligand fragments. The seeded fragments can then inform either (i) de novo design of 3D ligand structures or (ii) ultra-large-scale virtual screening of commercially available compounds. Here, FRASE-bot was applied to identify ligands for Calcium and Integrin Binding protein 1 (CIB1), a promising but ligand-orphan drug target implicated in triple negative breast cancer. The signaling function of CIB1 relies on protein-protein interactions and its structure does not feature any natural ligand-binding pocket. FRASE-based virtual screening identified the first small-molecule CIB1 ligand (with binding confirmed in a TR-FRET assay) showing specific cell-killing activity in CIB1-dependent cancer cells, but not in CIB1-depleted cells.