bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Oral or Intravenous Vitamin C Supplementation with Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Chongxi , Yi Tong , Tan Siwen , Xu Hui , Hu Yu , Ma Junpeng , Xu Jianguo
Published: April 2023

Mortality is the most clinically serious outcome, and its prevention remains a constant struggle. This study was to assess whether intravenous or oral vitamin C (Vit-C) therapy is related to reduced mortality in adults. Data from Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register databases were acquired from their inception to 26 October 2022. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving intravenous or oral Vit-C against a placebo or no therapy for mortality were selected. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were sepsis, COVID-19, cardiac surgery, noncardiac surgery, cancer, and other mortalities. Forty-four trials with 26540 participants were selected. Although a substantial statistical difference was observed in all-cause mortality between the control and the Vit-C-supplemented groups (p = 0.009, RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.97, I2 = 36%), the result was not validated by sequential trial analysis. In the subgroup analysis, mortality was markedly reduced in Vit-C trials with the sepsis patients (p = 0.005, RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.91, I2 = 47%), and this result was confirmed by trial sequential analysis. In addition, a substantial statistical difference was revealed in COVID-19 patient mortality between the Vit-C monotherapy and the control groups (p = 0.03, RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.98, I2 = 0%). However, the trial sequential analysis suggested the need for more trials to confirm its efficacy. Overall, Vit-C monotherapy does decrease the risk of death by sepsis by 26%. To confirm Vit-C is associated with reduced COVID-19 mortality, additional clinical random control trials are required.
Emerging Roles of Gut Microbial Modulation of Bile Acid Composition in the Etiology of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Yntema Tess , Koonen Debby P. Y. , Kuipers Folkert
Published: April 2023

Despite advances in preventive measures and treatment options, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the number one cause of death globally. Recent research has challenged the traditional risk factor profile and highlights the potential contribution of non-traditional factors in CVD, such as the gut microbiota and its metabolites. Disturbances in the gut microbiota have been repeatedly associated with CVD, including atherosclerosis and hypertension. Mechanistic studies support a causal role of microbiota-derived metabolites in disease development, such as short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine-N-oxide, and bile acids, with the latter being elaborately discussed in this review. Bile acids represent a class of cholesterol derivatives that is essential for intestinal absorption of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins, plays an important role in cholesterol turnover and, as more recently discovered, acts as a group of signaling molecules that exerts hormonal functions throughout the body. Studies have shown mediating roles of bile acids in the control of lipid metabolism, immunity, and heart function. Consequently, a picture has emerged of bile acids acting as integrators and modulators of cardiometabolic pathways, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets in CVD. In this review, we provide an overview of alterations in the gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism found in CVD patients, describe the molecular mechanisms through which bile acids may modulate CVD risk, and discuss potential bile-acid-based treatment strategies in relation to CVD.
Synthesis, In Silico and In Vitro Characterization of Novel N,N-Substituted Pyrazolopyrimidine Acetamide Derivatives for the 18KDa Translocator Protein (TSPO)
Authors: Park Jaekyung , Wasim Sobia , Jung Jae Ho , Kim Mi-hyun , Lee Byung Chul , Alam Mohammad Maqusood , Lee Sang-Yoon
Published: April 2023

The translocator protein (TSPO) is an interesting biological target for molecular imaging and therapy because the overexpression of TSPO is associated with microglial activation caused by neuronal damage or neuroinflammation, and these activated microglia are involved in various central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The TSPO is a target for neuroprotective treatment, which is used with the aim of reducing microglial cell activation. The novel N,N-disubstituted pyrazolopyrimidine acetamides scaffold (GMA 7–17), which bears a fluorine atom and is directly linked to the phenyl moiety, was synthesized, and each of the novel ligands was characterized in vitro. All of the newly synthesized ligands displayed picomolar to nanomolar affinity for the TSPO. Particularly, an in vitro affinity study led to the discovery of 2-(5,7-diethyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazolo [1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl)-N-ethyl-N-phenylacetamide GMA 15 (Ki = 60 pM), a novel TSPO ligand that exhibits a 61-fold enhancement in affinity compared to the reference standard DPA-714 (Ki = 3.66 nM). Molecular dynamic (MD) studies of the highest affinity binder, GMA 15, were carried out to check its time-dependent stability with the receptor compared to DPA-714 and PK11195. The hydrogen bond plot also indicated that GMA 15 formed higher hydrogen bonds compared to DPA-714 and PK11195. We anticipate that further optimization to enhance the potency in a cellular assay needs to be followed, but our strategy of identifying potential TSPO binding novel scaffolds may open up a new avenue to develop novel TSPO ligands suited for potential molecular imaging and a wide range of therapeutic applications.
Polysaccharide-Based Carriers for Pulmonary Insulin Delivery: The Potential of Coffee as an Unconventional Source
Authors: Valente Sara A. , Lopes Guido R. , Ferreira Isabel , Galrinho Miguel F. , Almeida Margarida , Ferreira Paula , Cruz Maria T. , Coimbra Manuel A. , Passos Cláudia P.
Published: April 2023

Non-invasive routes for insulin delivery are emerging as alternatives to currently painful subcutaneous injections. For pulmonary delivery, formulations may be in powdered particle form, using carriers such as polysaccharides to stabilise the active principle. Roasted coffee beans and spent coffee grounds (SCG) are rich in polysaccharides, namely galactomannans and arabinogalactans. In this work, the polysaccharides were obtained from roasted coffee and SCG for the preparation of insulin-loaded microparticles. The galactomannan and arabinogalactan-rich fractions of coffee beverages were purified by ultrafiltration and separated by graded ethanol precipitations at 50% and 75%, respectively. For SCG, galactomannan-rich and arabinogalactan-rich fractions were recovered by microwave-assisted extraction at 150 °C and at 180 °C, followed by ultrafiltration. Each extract was spray-dried with insulin 10% (w/w). All microparticles had a raisin-like morphology and average diameters of 1–5 µm, which are appropriate for pulmonary delivery. Galactomannan-based microparticles, independently of their source, released insulin in a gradual manner, while arabinogalactan-based ones presented a burst release. The microparticles were seen to be non-cytotoxic for cells representative of the lung, specifically lung epithelial cells (A549) and macrophages (Raw 264.7) up to 1 mg/mL. This work shows how coffee can be a sustainable source of polysaccharide carriers for insulin delivery via the pulmonary route.
Dual-Drug Delivery by Anisotropic and Uniform Hybrid Nanostructures: A Comparative Study of the Function and Substrate–Drug Interaction Properties
Authors: Kargari Aghmiouni Delaram , Khoee Sepideh
Published: April 2023

By utilizing nanoparticles to upload and interact with several pharmaceuticals in varying methods, the primary obstacles associated with loading two or more medications or cargos with different characteristics may be addressed. Therefore, it is feasible to evaluate the benefits provided by co-delivery systems utilizing nanoparticles by investigating the properties and functions of the commonly used structures, such as multi- or simultaneous-stage controlled release, synergic effect, enhanced targetability, and internalization. However, due to the unique surface or core features of each hybrid design, the eventual drug–carrier interactions, release, and penetration processes may vary. Our review article focused on the drug’s loading, binding interactions, release, physiochemical, and surface functionalization features, as well as the varying internalization and cytotoxicity of each structure that may aid in the selection of an appropriate design. This was achieved by comparing the actions of uniform-surfaced hybrid particles (such as core–shell particles) to those of anisotropic, asymmetrical hybrid particles (such as Janus, multicompartment, or patchy particles). Information is provided on the use of homogeneous or heterogeneous particles with specified characteristics for the simultaneous delivery of various cargos, possibly enhancing the efficacy of treatment techniques for illnesses such as cancer.
Stimuli-Responsive Double Single-Atom Catalysts for Parallel Catalytic Therapy
Authors: Li Tushuai , Gu Yue , Yu Lisha , Zhu Shenglong , Zhang Jie , Chen Yongquan
Published: April 2023

Tumor microenvironment (TME)-induced nanocatalytic therapy is a trending strategy for tumor-targeting therapy, but the low catalytic efficiency remains to limit its therapeutic effect. The single-atom catalysts (SACs) appear as a novel type of nanozymes that possesses incredible catalytic activity. Here, we developed PEGylated manganese/iron-based SACs (Mn/Fe PSACs) by coordinating single-atom Mn/Fe to nitrogen atoms in hollow zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs). Mn/Fe PSACs catalyze cellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) converting to hydroxyl radical (•OH) through a Fenton-like reaction; it also enhances the decomposition of H2O2 to O2 that continuously converts to cytotoxic superoxide ion (•O2−) via oxidase-like activity. Mn/Fe PSACs can reduce the depletion of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by consuming glutathione (GSH). Here, we demonstrated the Mn/Fe PSACs-mediated synergistic antitumor efficacy among in vitro and in vivo experiments. This study proposes new promising single-atom nanozymes with highly efficient biocatalytic sites and synergistic therapeutic effects, which will give birth to abundant inspirations in ROS-related biological applications in broad biomedical fields.
3D Printing Technology Based on Versatile Gelatin-Carrageenan Gel System for Drug Formulations
Authors: Liang En , Wang Zengming , Li Xiang , Wang Shanshan , Han Xiaolu , Chen Daquan , Zheng Aiping
Published: April 2023

Currently, there is a shortage of pediatric medicines on the market, and 3D printing technology can more flexibly produce personalized medicines to meet individual needs. The study developed a child-friendly composite gel ink (carrageenan-gelatin), created 3D models by computer-aided design technology, then produced personalized medicines using 3D printing to improve the safety and accuracy of medication for pediatric patients. An in-depth understanding of the printability of different formulations was obtained by analyzing the rheological and textural properties of different gel inks and observing the microstructure of different gel inks, which guided the formulation optimization. Through formulation optimization, the printability and thermal stability of gel ink were improved, and F6 formulation (carrageenan: 0.65%; gelatin: 12%) was selected as the 3D printing inks. Additionally, a personalized dose linear model was established with the F6 formulation for the production of 3D printed personalized tablets. Moreover, the dissolution tests showed that the 3D printed tablets were able to dissolve more than 85% within 30 min and had similar dissolution profiles to the commercially available tablets. This study demonstrates that 3D printing is an effective manufacturing technique that allows for flexible, rapid, and automated production of personalized formulations.
Microbubble-Assisted Ultrasound for Drug Delivery to the Retina in an Ex Vivo Eye Model
Authors: Rousou Charis , van Kronenburg Nicky , Sonnen Andreas F. P. , van Dijk Marijke , Moonen Chrit , Storm Gert , Mastrobattista Enrico , Deckers Roel
Published: April 2023

Drug delivery to the retina is one of the major challenges in ophthalmology due to the biological barriers that protect it from harmful substances in the body. Despite the advancement in ocular therapeutics, there are many unmet needs for the treatment of retinal diseases. Ultrasound combined with microbubbles (USMB) was proposed as a minimally invasive method for improving delivery of drugs in the retina from the blood circulation. This study aimed to investigate the applicability of USMB for the delivery of model drugs (molecular weight varying from 600 Da to 20 kDa) in the retina of ex vivo porcine eyes. A clinical ultrasound system, in combination with microbubbles approved for clinical ultrasound imaging, was used for the treatment. Intracellular accumulation of model drugs was observed in the cells lining blood vessels in the retina and choroid of eyes treated with USMB but not in eyes that received ultrasound only. Specifically, 25.6 ± 2.9% of cells had intracellular uptake at mechanical index (MI) 0.2 and 34.5 ± 6.0% at MI 0.4. Histological examination of retinal and choroid tissues revealed that at these USMB conditions, no irreversible alterations were induced at the USMB conditions used. These results indicate that USMB can be used as a minimally invasive targeted means to induce intracellular accumulation of drugs for the treatment of retinal diseases.
New Hybrid Scaffolds Based on 5-FU/Curcumin: Synthesis, Cytotoxic, Antiproliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Effect
Authors: Moreno-Quintero Gustavo , Betancur-Zapata Emmanuel , Herrera-Ramírez Angie , Cardona-Galeano Wilson
Published: April 2023

A series of 5-FU-Curcumin hybrids were synthesized, and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. The synthesized hybrid compounds were evaluated in different colorectal cancer cell lines (SW480 and SW620) and in non-malignant cells (HaCaT and CHO-K1), to determine their chemopreventive potential. Hybrids 6a and 6d presented the best IC50 value against the SW480 cell line with results of 17.37 ± 1.16 µM and 2.43 ± 0.33 µM, respectively. Similarly, compounds 6d and 6e presented IC50 results of 7.51 ± 1.47 µM and 14.52 ± 1.31 µM, respectively, against the SW620 cell line. These compounds were more cytotoxic and selective than curcumin alone, the reference drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and the equimolar mixture of curcumin and 5-FU. In addition, hybrids 6a and 6d (in SW480) and compounds 6d and 6e (in SW620) induced cell cycle arrest in S-phase, and, compounds 6d and 6e caused a significant increase in the sub-G0/G1 phase population in both cell lines. Hybrid 6e was also observed to induce apoptosis of SW620 cells with a respective increase in executioner caspases 3 and 7. Taken together, these results suggest that the hybrids could actively act on a colorectal cancer model, making them a privileged scaffold that could be used in future research.
A Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model to Predict Determinants of Variability in Epirubicin Exposure and Tissue Distribution
Authors: Ansaar Radwan , Meech Robyn , Rowland Andrew
Published: April 2023

Background: Epirubicin is an anthracycline antineoplastic drug that is primarily used in combination therapies for the treatment of breast, gastric, lung and ovarian cancers and lymphomas. Epirubicin is administered intravenously (IV) over 3 to 5 min once every 21 days with dosing based on body surface area (BSA; mg/m2). Despite accounting for BSA, marked inter-subject variability in circulating epirubicin plasma concentration has been reported. Methods: In vitro experiments were conducted to determine the kinetics of epirubicin glucuronidation by human liver microsomes in the presence and absence of validated UGT2B7 inhibitors. A full physiologically based pharmacokinetic model was built and validated using Simcyp® (version 19.1, Certara, Princeton, NJ, USA). The model was used to simulate epirubicin exposure in 2000 Sim-Cancer subjects over 158 h following a single intravenous dose of epirubicin. A multivariable linear regression model was built using simulated demographic and enzyme abundance data to determine the key drivers of variability in systemic epirubicin exposure. Results: Multivariable linear regression modelling demonstrated that variability in simulated systemic epirubicin exposure following intravenous injection was primarily driven by differences in hepatic and renal UGT2B7 expression, plasma albumin concentration, age, BSA, GFR, haematocrit and sex. By accounting for these factors, it was possible to explain 87% of the variability in epirubicin in a simulated cohort of 2000 oncology patients. Conclusions: The present study describes the development and evaluation of a full-body PBPK model to assess systemic and individual organ exposure to epirubicin. Variability in epirubicin exposure was primarily driven by hepatic and renal UGT2B7 expression, plasma albumin concentration, age, BSA, GFR, haematocrit and sex.
Evaluation of the Deterioration of Untreated Commercial Polystyrene by Psychrotrophic Antarctic Bacterium
Authors: Tang Pui Mun , Habib Syahir , Shukor Mohd Yunus Abd , Alias Siti Aisyah , Smykla Jerzy , Yasid Nur Adeela
Published: April 2023

Polystyrene (PS) and microplastic production pose persistent threats to the ecosystem. Even the pristine Antarctic, which is widely believed to be pollution-free, was also affected by the presence of microplastics. Therefore, it is important to comprehend the extent to which biological agents such as bacteria utilise PS microplastics as a carbon source. In this study, four soil bacteria from Greenwich Island, Antarctica, were isolated. A preliminary screening of the isolates for PS microplastics utilisation in the Bushnell Haas broth was conducted with the shake-flask method. The isolate AYDL1 identified as Brevundimonas sp. was found to be the most efficient in utilising PS microplastics. An assay on PS microplastics utilisation showed that the strain AYDL1 tolerated PS microplastics well under prolonged exposure with a weight loss percentage of 19.3% after the first interval (10 days of incubation). Infrared spectroscopy showed that the bacteria altered the chemical structure of PS while a deformation of the surface morphology of PS microplastics was observed via scanning electron microscopy after being incubated for 40 days. The obtained results may essentially indicate the utilisation of liable polymer additives or “leachates” and thus, validate the mechanistic approach for a typical initiation process of PS microplastics biodeterioration by the bacteria (AYDL1)—the biotic process.
Thermal Behavior of Poly(vinyl alcohol) in the Form of Physically Crosslinked Film
Authors: Tsioptsias Costas , Fardis Dimitrios , Ntampou Xanthi , Tsivintzelis Ioannis , Panayiotou Costas
Published: April 2023

Evaluation and understanding of the thermal behavior of polymers is crucial for many applications, e.g., polymer processing at relatively high temperatures, and for evaluating polymer-polymer miscibility. In this study, the differences in the thermal behavior of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) raw powder and physically crosslinked films were investigated using various methods, such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and derivative TGA (DTGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Various strategies were adopted, e.g., film casting from PVA solutions in H2O and D2O and heating of samples at carefully selected temperatures, in order to provide insights about the structure-properties relationship. It was found that the physically crosslinked PVA film presents an increased number of hydrogen bonds and increased thermal stability/slower decomposition rate compared to the PVA raw powder. This is also depicted in the estimated values of specific heat of thermochemical transition. The first thermochemical transition (glass transition) of PVA film, as for the raw powder, overlaps with mass loss from multiple origins. Evidence for minor decomposition that occurs along with impurities removal is presented. The overlapping of various effects (softening, decomposition, and evaporation of impurities) has led to confusion and apparent consistencies, e.g., from the XRD, it is derived that the film has decreased crystallinity, and apparently this is in agreement with the lower value of heat of fusion. However, the heat of fusion in this particular case has a questionable meaning.
Anionic Polysaccharide Cryogels: Interaction and In Vitro Behavior of Alginate–Gum Arabic Composites
Authors: Feraru Alexandra , Tóth Zsejke-Réka , Mureșan-Pop Marieta , Baia Monica , Gyulavári Tamás , Páll Emőke , Turcu Romulus V. F. , Magyari Klára , Baia Lucian
Published: April 2023

In the present study, polysaccharide-based cryogels demonstrate their potential to mimic a synthetic extracellular matrix. Alginate-based cryogel composites with different gum arabic ratios were synthesized by an external ionic cross-linking protocol, and the interaction between the anionic polysaccharides was investigated. The structural features provided by FT-IR, Raman, and MAS NMR spectra analysis indicated that a chelation mechanism is the main process linking the two biopolymers. In addition, SEM investigations revealed a porous, interconnected, and well-defined structure suitable as a scaffold in tissue engineering. The in vitro tests confirmed the bioactive character of the cryogels through the development of the apatite layer on the surface of the samples after immersion in simulated body fluid, identifying the formation of a stable phase of calcium phosphate and a small amount of calcium oxalate. Cytotoxicity tests performed on fibroblast cells demonstrated the non-toxic effect of alginate–gum arabic cryogel composites. In addition, an increase in flexibility was noted for samples with a high gum arabic content, which determines an appropriate environment to promote tissue regeneration. The newly obtained biomaterials that exhibit all these properties can be successfully involved in the regeneration of soft tissues, wound management, or controlled drug release systems.
Can Novel Synthetic Disperse Dyes for Polyester Fabric Dyeing Provide Added Value?
Authors: Al-Etaibi Alya M. , El-Apasery Morsy Ahmed
Published: April 2023

In this review, we present preparation methods for a series of new disperse dyes that we have synthesized over the past thirteen years in an environmentally safe and economical way using innovative methods, conventional methods, or using microwave technology as a safe and uniform method of heating. The results showed that in many of the synthetic reactions we carried out, the use of the microwave strategy provides us with the product in minutes and with higher productivity compared to the conventional methods. This strategy provides or may dispense with the use of harmful organic solvents. As an environmentally friendly approach, we used microwave technology in dyeing polyester fabrics at 130 degrees Celsius, and then, we also introduced ultrasound technology in dyeing polyester fabrics at 80 degrees Celsius as an alternative to dyeing methods at the boiling point of water. Here, the goal was not only to save energy, but also to obtain a color depth higher than the color depth that can be obtained by traditional dyeing methods. It is worth noting that obtaining a higher color depth and using less energy means that the amount of dye remaining in the dyeing bath is less, which facilitates the processing of dyeing baths and therefore does not cause harm to the environment. It is necessary after obtaining dyed polyester fabrics to show their fastness properties, so we explained that these dyes have high fastness properties. The next thought was to use nano-metal oxides to treat polyester fabrics in order to provide these fabrics with important properties. Therefore, we present the strategy for treating polyester fabrics with titanium dioxide nano-particles (TiO2 NPs) or zinc oxide nano-particles (ZnO NPs) in order to enhance their anti-microbial properties, increase their UV protection, increase their light fastness, and enhance their self-cleaning properties. We reviewed the biological activity of all of the newly prepared dyes and showed that most of these dyes possess strong biological activity.
Unravelling the Drug Encapsulation Ability of Functional DNA Origami Nanostructures: Current Understanding and Future Prospects on Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Ghosal Souvik , Bag Sagar , Bhowmik Sudipta
Published: April 2023

Rapid breakthroughs in nucleic acid nanotechnology have always driven the creation of nano-assemblies with programmable design, potent functionality, good biocompatibility, and remarkable biosafety during the last few decades. Researchers are constantly looking for more powerful techniques that provide enhanced accuracy with greater resolution. The self-assembly of rationally designed nanostructures is now possible because of bottom-up structural nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) nanotechnology, notably DNA origami. Because DNA origami nanostructures can be organized precisely with nanoscale accuracy, they serve as a solid foundation for the exact arrangement of other functional materials for use in a number of applications in structural biology, biophysics, renewable energy, photonics, electronics, medicine, etc. DNA origami facilitates the creation of next-generation drug vectors to help in the solving of the rising demand on disease detection and therapy, as well as other biomedicine-related strategies in the real world. These DNA nanostructures, generated using Watson–Crick base pairing, exhibit a wide variety of properties, including great adaptability, precise programmability, and exceptionally low cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. This paper summarizes the synthesis of DNA origami and the drug encapsulation ability of functionalized DNA origami nanostructures. Finally, the remaining obstacles and prospects for DNA origami nanostructures in biomedical sciences are also highlighted.
Experimental Correlation of the Role of Synthesized Biochar on Thermal, Morphological, and Crystalline Properties of Coagulation Processed Poly(1,4-phenylene sulfide) Nanocomposites
Authors: Nisa Zaib Un , Chuan Lee Kean , Guan Beh Hoe , Ahmad Faiz , Ayub Saba
Published: April 2023

This work aimed to study the thermal and crystalline properties of poly (1,4-phenylene sulfide)@carbon char nanocomposites. Coagulation-processed nanocomposites of polyphenylene sulfide were prepared using the synthesized mesoporous nanocarbon of coconut shells as reinforcement. The mesoporous reinforcement was synthesized using a facile carbonization method. The investigation of the properties of nanocarbon was completed using SAP, XRD, and FESEM analysis. The research was further propagated via the synthesis of nanocomposites through the addition of characterized nanofiller into poly (1,4-phenylene sulfide) at five different combinations. The coagulation method was utilized for the nanocomposite formation. The obtained nanocomposite was analyzed using FTIR, TGA, DSC, and FESEM analysis. The BET surface area and average pore volume of the bio-carbon prepared from coconut shell residue were calculated to be 1517 m2/g and 2.51 nm, respectively. The addition of nanocarbon to poly (1,4-phenylene sulfide) led to an increase in thermal stability and crystallinity up to 6% loading of the filler. The lowest glass transition temperature was achieved at 6% doping of the filler into the polymer matrix. It was established that the thermal, morphological, and crystalline properties were tailored by synthesizing their nanocomposites with the mesoporous bio-nanocarbon obtained from coconut shells. There is a decline in the glass transition temperature from 126 °C to 117 °C using 6% filler. The measured crystallinity was decreased continuously, with the mixing of the filler exhibiting the incorporation of flexibility in the polymer. So, the loading of the filler into poly (1,4-phenylene sulfide) can be optimized to enhance its thermoplastic properties for surface applications.
The Sacralization of Politics? A Case Study of Hungary and Poland
Authors: Kulska Joanna
Published: April 2023

Religion influencing politics and politics impacting religion to achieve its own, very non-religious, goals are determining the reality of contemporary states and of global politics. Mutual relations between religion and nationalism have proven to be one of the most complex and unequivocal challenges shaping contemporary states in the areas of both their domestic and their foreign policies. This article is an attempt to compare two cases which are often wrongly perceived as twin models of links between religion and politics, namely Poland and Hungary. In both states, based either on actually present or on “constructed” Christian values, myths and symbols religious–national narratives have been developed by leading politicians (Jarosław Kaczyński in Poland and Viktor Orbán in Hungary) linked directly to the sacralization of ethnos (nation) and the ethnicization of religion. The conducted analysis has a theoretical character. The sacralization of nation and the ethnicization of religion occurring in Poland and Hungary are presented against quite different historical and cultural backgrounds and levels of religiosity/secularization in both countries. In order to explain this specificity, an analysis is performed upon a broader historical and cultural context and upon a specific understanding of religion and nationalism in Central and Eastern Europe.
Underwriting Cycles in Property-Casualty Insurance: The Impact of Catastrophic Events
Authors: Hofmann Annette , Sattarhoff Cristina
Published: April 2023

This paper challenges the question of existence and predictability of underwriting cycles in the U.S. property and casualty insurance industry. Using an approach in the frequency domain, we demonstrate the existence of a hidden periodic component in annual aggregated loss ratios. The data support an underwriting cycle length of 8–9 years. Going beyond previous research and studying almost 30 years of quarterly underwriting data, we can improve forecasting performance by (dis)connecting cycles and catastrophic events. Superior out-of-sample forecast results from models with intervention variables flagging the time point of catastrophic outbreaks is achieved in terms of mean squared/absolute forecast errors. We evaluate model confidence sets containing the most accurate model with a certain confidence level. The analysis suggests that reliable forecasts can be achieved net of the irregular major peaks in loss distributions that arise from natural catastrophes as well as unusual “black swan” events.
Incorporation of Fused Remote Sensing Imagery to Enhance Soil Organic Carbon Spatial Prediction in an Agricultural Area in Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Xu Yiming , Tan Youquan , Abd-Elrahman Amr , Fan Tengfei , Wang Qingpu
Published: April 2023

To overcome spatial, spectral and temporal constraints of different remote sensing products, data fusion is a good technique to improve the prediction capability of soil prediction models. However, few studies have analyzed the effects of image fusion on digital soil mapping (DSM) models. This research fused multispectral (MS) and panchromatic Landsat 8 (L8) bands, and MS Sentinel 2 (S2) and panchromatic L8 bands using the Brovey, Intensity–Hue–Saturation and Gram–Schmidt methods in an agricultural area in Yellow River Basin, China. To analyze the effects of image fusion on DSM models, various SOC prediction models derived from remote sensing image datasets were established by the random forest method. Soil salinity indices and spectral reflectance from all the remote sensing data had relatively strong negative correlations with SOC, and vegetation indices and water indices from all the remote sensing data had relatively strong positive correlations with SOC. Soil moisture and vegetation were the main controlling factors of the SOC spatial pattern in the study area. More spectral indices derived from pansharpened L8 and fused S2–L8 images by all three image fusion methods had stronger relationships with SOC compared with those from MS L8 and MS S2, respectively. All the SOC models established by pansharpened L8 and fused S2–L8 images had higher prediction accuracy than those established by MS L8 and MS S2, respectively. The fusion between S2 and L8 bands had stronger effects on enhancing the prediction accuracy of SOC models compared with the fusion between panchromatic and MS L8 bands. It is concluded that digital soil mapping and image fusion can be utilized to increase the prediction performance of SOC spatial prediction models.
PolSAR Image Classification Based on Relation Network with SWANet
Authors: Hua Wenqiang , Zhang Yurong , Zhang Cong , Jin Xiaomin
Published: April 2023

Deep learning and convolutional neural networks (CNN) have been widely applied in polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) image classification, and satisfactory results have been obtained. However, there is one crucial issue that still has not been solved. These methods require abundant labeled samples and obtaining the labeled samples of PolSAR images is usually time-consuming and labor-intensive. To obtain better classification results with fewer labeled samples, a new attention-based 3D residual relation network (3D-ARRN) is proposed for PolSAR image. Firstly, a multilayer CNN with residual structure is used to extract depth polarimetric features. Secondly, to extract more important feature information and improve the classification results, a spatial weighted attention network (SWANet) is introduced to concentrate the feature information, which is more favorable for a classification task. Then, the features of training and test samples are integrated and CNN is utilized to compute the score of similarity between training and test samples. Finally, the similarity score is used to determine the category of test samples. Studies on four different PolSAR datasets illustrate that the proposed 3D-ARRN model can achieve higher classification results than other comparison methods with few labeled data.
Water Balance Analysis of Hulun Lake, a Semi-Arid UNESCO Wetland, Using Multi-Source Data
Authors: Sun Biao , Yang Zhiyan , Zhao Shengnan , Shi Xiaohong , Liu Yu , Ji Guodong , Huotari Jussi
Published: April 2023

Hulun Lake is the largest lake in northeastern China, and its basin is located in China and Mongolia. This research aims to analyze the dynamic changes in the water volume of Hulun Lake and to estimate the groundwater recharge of the lake during the past 60 years. Multi-source data were used, and water-level-data-interpolation extrapolation, water-balance equations, and other methods were applied. The proportion of the contribution of each component to the quantity of water in Hulun Lake during the last 60 years was accurately calculated. Evaporation loss was the main component in the water loss in Hulun Lake. In the last 60 years, the average annual runoff into the lake was about 1.202 billion m3, and it was the factor with the largest variation range and the leading factor affecting the changes in the quantity of water in Hulun Lake. There was groundwater recharge in Hulun Lake for a long period, and the average annual groundwater recharge was about 776 million m3 (excluding leakage). The contribution ratio of the river water, groundwater, and precipitation to the recharging of Hulun Lake was about 5:3:2. The changes in the quantity of water in Hulun Lake are affected by climate change and human activities in China and Mongolia, especially those in Mongolia.
Community Structure and Growth Rate of Korean Quercus mongolica Forests by Vegetation Climate Zone
Authors: Cho Eun-Suk , Yang Geon-Seok , Kim Yong-Suk , Cho Dong-Gil
Published: April 2023

Q. mongolica forests are representative forest types in Korea, belonging to the intermediate succession stage with the highest species diversity. Identifying the community structure and growth rate of Q. mongolica forests by the vegetation climate zone can help in planning efficient forest restoration strategies for each vegetation climate zone. The proportions of major communities based on the vegetation climate zones newly adjusted by the Korea National Arboretum in 2020 were determined. Major dominant species were identified in Quercus mongolica forests in which Q. mongolica dominates by more than 50% by analyzing the importance based on the basal area of the trees using data from the 7th National Forest Inventory Survey. The basal area growth rate was analyzed for permanent sample plots from the 5th to 7th National Forest Inventory Surveys. The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the basal area growth rate by vegetation climate zone over a 10-year period. However, it should be noted that Q. mongolica forests with younger age classes were more abundant in the warm southern temperate zone; thus, it is likely that age class has a greater effect on the rate of basal area increase than the vegetation climate zone.
A Probe into the Mutual Enhancement between Tertiary Education of Art and Intangible Cultural Heritage in China: A Case Study of Xiamen Bead Embroidery Course by Xiamen Academy of Arts and Design, Fuzhou University
Authors: Li Zhaoqing , Xie Lin
Published: April 2023

Higher education has recently become an essential path to inheriting ICH in China. This research shows consideration about the protection of ICH. Using the ICH inheriting Xiamen d embroidery class undertaken at the Xiamen Academy of Arts and Design, Fuzhou University, as the evidence and example, this study may present the latest status of China’s ICH protection from the perspective of higher art education. This research contains two parts, one consisting of a general outline of ICH protection and status, in China and globally. Another part discusses the details of a class teaching the ICH art form of Xiamen bead embroidery. In this part, a questionnaire survey on social awareness, higher education, and basic understanding of ICH was conducted. Meanwhile, a scientific model was developed, and, with it, public sense was examined precisely by data correlation analysis according to the questionnaire’s distribution. The R language was used as the technical method for all statistical collation and summary. This research attempts to prove the correctness of the ICH inheriting class, which could be used as a model of an advanced and sustainable educational system featuring the scientific integration of ICH inheritance and higher education in the near future.
Analysis of Interprovincial Differences in CO2 Emissions and Peak Prediction in the Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Zhu Siyu , Ding Ying , Pan Run , Ding Aifang
Published: April 2023

The Yangtze River Delta is the most populous and economically active region in China. Studying the reduction in CO2 emissions in this region is of great significance in achieving the goal of “peak carbon and carbon neutrality” in China. In this study, the Tapio decoupling and extended STIRPAT models were used to study the differences in provincial CO2 emissions characteristics and influencing factors in the Yangtze River Delta from 2001 to 2019. The results show that the growth rate of CO2 emissions was slower than that of economic development, which means that CO2 emissions and economic growth were in a state of weak decoupling. As found by ridge regression, the same factor has different impacts on CO2 emissions among provinces. The differences in these influencing factors were mainly caused by the imbalance of development in the Yangtze River Delta. Nine development scenarios were set out to predict the future trend of CO2 emissions based on economic development and carbon emissions technology using the extended STIRPAT model. It was found that low-carbon-emissions technology is conducive to controlling CO2 emissions in the Yangtze River Delta. In that case, the CO2 emissions would peak in 2029 at 1895.78~1908.25 Mt. Compared with the low-carbon-emissions scenarios, both the medium- and high-carbon-emissions scenarios are not conducive to achieving a carbon peak, with a 2~5-year delay in peak time and increasing emissions by 3.69~7.68%. In order to reduce the Yangtze River Delta’s CO2 emissions and pass the peak emissions as soon as possible, it is essential to not only optimize the energy structure, upgrade industries and promote the coordinated development of low-carbon technologies, but also promote emissions reduction in the transportation and construction fields and advocate for a low-carbon lifestyle among the public.
Classification and Zoning of Improved Materials of Weathered Redbed Soil in China Based on the Integrity of Mud Skin
Authors: Gao Yi , Liu Zhen , Zhou Cuiying
Published: April 2023

Natural redbeds are widely distributed throughout China. Ecological restoration entails implementing measures according to the local conditions and obtaining local materials, ensuring ecological environment conservation and restoration in a scientific manner. The mud skin of weathered redbed soil is often used to control soil desertification and repair slope, and its integrity is important to measure the repairing effect. However, most of the materials used for the improvement of weathered redbed soil contain harmful chemicals, bear high costs, and aggravate environmental pollution. At present, the knowledge about different kinds of improvement materials for Chinese different zones is unclear. To solve this problem, we considered naturally weathered redbed soil as the raw material, selected 77 kinds of improved materials, and tested the integrity of the natural redbed weathered soil after adding the improved material; then, we compared it with the natural redbed weathered soil with no added materials. Then, we put forth a classification standard for the materials, discussed the driving environmental factors, formulated the suitable zoning of the materials, and defined the improvement effects of different materials on the weathered redbed soil in different regions of China. The results suggested that, for weathered redbed soil, nano water-based adhesives were most suitable for the south-western, north-western, south-eastern, north-eastern, and northern regions of China and can be widely used in other regions as well. Starch was the least suitable material for the north-western, north-eastern, and northern regions of China. The most unsuitable material for South-West China was larch tannin extract; wormwood straw was the most unsuitable for South-East China. The modified material that was not suitable for use in most zones was starch. Thus, our study provides a concrete scientific basis regarding the effectiveness of different materials in addressing natural hazards caused by weathered redbed soil in China.
Time Discounting and Hand-Sanitization Behavior: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Lal Sumeet , Nguyen Trinh Xuan Thi , Sulemana Abdul-Salam , Khan Mostafa Saidur Rahim , Kadoya Yoshihiko
Published: April 2023

Whether non-compliance with hand sanitization is related to impatience or impulsivity is an unresolved issue. Several studies have argued that not maintaining hand sanitization requirements during a pandemic could relate to impatience or impulsivity. However, the impatience or impulsivity of hand sanitization needs to be investigated in pandemic-free situations, as government requirements for hand sanitization influence subjective preferences. Little research, however, has examined such associations in pandemic-neutral scenarios. To fill this gap, this study assesses the role of two aspects of time discounting—hyperbolic discounting and impatience—in influencing hand-sanitizing behavior in Japan. The study utilized two waves of 2021 and 2018 datasets derived from the Japanese population-based survey of the Preference Parameters Study of Osaka University (N = 725). The probit regression results provide partial support for deviation from hand sanitization as an impulsive decision because the phenomenon is evident only in females. There were no notable impacts of the impatience variable in any of the models or specifications. Our study provides important policy implications. We argue that one-size-fits-all policies may not solve the impulsivity associated with hand-sanitization behavior in Japan because the impulsivity problem is not commonly found among all respondents. Policymakers should consider underlying gender differences when designing future health-promoting measures.
Legacy Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) Pollution in a River Ecosystem: Sediment Contamination and Bioaccumulation in Benthic Invertebrates
Authors: Tasselli Stefano , Marziali Laura , Roscioli Claudio , Guzzella Licia
Published: April 2023

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) contamination in the Toce River in northern Italy was studied by collecting data from 2016 to 2021 upstream and downstream of a production factory which in the past had discharged technical DDT. Analysis of sediments and of bioaccumulation in different benthic invertebrate taxa (Gammaridae, Diptera, Ephemeroptera Baetidae and Heptageniidae) was carried out to assess the transfer of DDT from sediments to benthic invertebrates and the environmental risk of this legacy pollutant for the river ecosystem. DDT and its metabolites dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD), here called DDx, were analyzed by isotope dilution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). DDx values in sediments in upstream stations (1.14–2.25 ng g−1 1% Organic Carbon) were lower than downstream of the industrial site (5.60–7.60 ng g−1 1% Organic Carbon), often exceeding Sediment Quality Guidelines for total DDx. Peak levels derived from new inputs of parental DDT, as confirmed by fingerprint analysis. Bioaccumulation was higher at downstream sites (up to 5107 ng g−1 lipid weight), confirming the bioavailability of residual DDT as well as active metabolism, with the formation of DDD and DDE. The Biota-Sediment Accumulation Factor evidenced the highest values (over 4.2) for Diptera and Gammaridae, highlighting that invertebrates can transfer contamination from sediments to the trophic chain. Linear regression models were developed to estimate DDx concentrations in benthic invertebrates from DDx concentrations in sediments. However, determination coefficients R2 remained in the range of 0.36–0.51, highlighting the necessity of bioaccumulation analysis to fully estimate environmental risk. The results show that DDT contamination, even if residual, may still represent a risk due to its effective transfer to the trophic chain.
Ingestion of Polyvinylchloride Powder Particles Induces Oxidative Stress and Hepatic Histopathological Changes in Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia)—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Jawdhari Abdulhusein , Mihăilescu Dan Florin , Stan Miruna S. , Bălănescu Mihnea-Vlad , Vlăsceanu Raluca-Ioana , Staicu Cristina A. , Crăciun Nicolae , Deák György
Published: April 2023

Plastic debris is considered an emerging aquatic pollutant as an alarming number of reports are indicating the environmental contamination with such agents. Ichthyofauna has been subjected to increasing plastic pollution over the past years, which has led to detrimental effects in the food chain, and consequently to the general health of ecosystems. In this study, we exposed juvenile specimens of Oreochromis niloticus to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in powder form. Specimens and water parameters were closely monitored for 40 days before tissue samples were collected for histological and biochemical analysis. Structural hepatic alterations were observed in specimens from the exposed groups, such as intercellular corridors, dilation of sinusoidal capillaries, hyperchromatic nuclei, nuclear hypertrophy, and cytoplasm vacuolization. Low catalase activity was observed in the case of 1000 mg of PVC/kg feed group, as well as high levels of malondialdehyde compared to the control group, indicating oxidative stress. Glutathione peroxidase activity was also significantly decreased in the 500 and 1000 mg/kg feed group compared to the control group. These findings suggest that a midterm exposure to PVC particles can significantly affect the activity of antioxidative enzymes in O. niloticus specimens and induce changes of hepatic tissue structure.