bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimised Degradation of Lignocelluloses by Edible Filamentous Fungi for the Efficient Biorefinery of Sugar Beet Pulp
Authors: Gaizauskaite Zydrune , Zvirdauskiene Renata , Svazas Mantas , Basinskiene Loreta , Zadeike Daiva
Published: April 2024

The degradation of the complex structure of lignocellulosic biomass is important for its further biorefinery to value-added bioproducts. The use of effective fungal species for the optimised degradation of biomass can promote the effectiveness of the biorefinery of such raw material. In this study, the optimisation of processing parameters (temperature, time, and s/w ratio) for cellulase activity and reducing sugar (RS) production through the hydrolysis of sugar beet pulp (SBP) by edible filamentous fungi of Aspergillus, Fusarium, Botrytis, Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Verticillium spp. was performed. The production of RS was analysed at various solid/water (s/w) ratios (1:10–1:20), different incubation temperatures (20–35 °C), and processing times (60–168 h). The Aspergillus niger CCF 3264 and Penicillium oxalicum CCF 3438 strains showed the most effective carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) degrading activity and also sugar recovery (15.9–44.8%) from SBP biomass in the one-factor experiments. Mathematical data evaluation indicated that the highest RS concentration (39.15 g/100 g d.w.) and cellulolytic activity (6.67 U/g d.w.) could be achieved using A. niger CCF 3264 for the degradation of SBP at 26 °C temperature with 136 h of processing time and a 1:15 solid/water ratio. This study demonstrates the potential of fungal degradation to be used for SBP biorefining.
Pharmaceutical Applications of Biomass Polymers: Review of Current Research and Perspectives
Authors: Bejenaru Cornelia , Radu Antonia , Segneanu Adina-Elena , Biţă Andrei , Ciocîlteu Maria Viorica , Mogoşanu George Dan , Bradu Ionela Amalia , Vlase Titus , Vlase Gabriela , Bejenaru Ludovic Everard
Published: April 2024

Polymers derived from natural biomass have emerged as a valuable resource in the field of biomedicine due to their versatility. Polysaccharides, peptides, proteins, and lignin have demonstrated promising results in various applications, including drug delivery design. However, several challenges need to be addressed to realize the full potential of these polymers. The current paper provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research and perspectives in this area, with a particular focus on developing effective methods and efficient drug delivery systems. This review aims to offer insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of natural polymers in biomedicine and to provide a roadmap for future research in this field.
Cellulose Nitrates-Blended Composites from Bacterial and Plant-Based Celluloses
Authors: Gismatulina Yulia A. , Budaeva Vera V.
Published: April 2024

Cellulose nitrates (CNs)-blended composites based on celluloses of bacterial origin (bacterial cellulose (BC)) and plant origin (oat-hull cellulose (OHC)) were synthesized in this study for the first time. Novel CNs-blended composites made of bacterial and plant-based celluloses with different BC-to-OHC mass ratios of 70/30, 50/50, and 30/70 were developed and fully characterized, and two methods were employed to nitrate the initial BC and OHC, and the three cellulose blends: the first method involved the use of sulfuric–nitric mixed acids (MAs), while the second method utilized concentrated nitric acid in the presence of methylene chloride (NA + MC). The CNs obtained using these two nitration methods were found to differ between each other, most notably, in viscosity: the samples nitrated with NA + MC had an extremely high viscosity of 927 mPa·s through to the formation of an immobile transparent acetonogel. Irrespective of the nitration method, the CN from BC (CN BC) was found to exhibit a higher nitrogen content than the CN from OHC (CN OHC), 12.20–12.32% vs. 11.58–11.60%, respectively. For the starting BC itself, all the cellulose blends of the starting celluloses and their CNs were detected using the SEM technique to have a reticulate fiber nanostructure. The cellulose samples and their CNs were detected using the IR spectroscopy to have basic functional groups. TGA/DTA analyses of the starting cellulose samples and the CNs therefrom demonstrated that the synthesized CN samples were of high purity and had high specific heats of decomposition at 6.14–7.13 kJ/g, corroborating their energy density. The CN BC is an excellent component with in-demand energetic performance; in particular, it has a higher nitrogen content while having a stable nanostructure. The CN BC was discovered to have a positive impact on the stability, structure, and energetic characteristics of the composites. The presence of CN OHC can make CNs-blended composites cheaper. These new CNs-blended composites made of bacterial and plant celluloses are much-needed in advanced, high-performance energetic materials.
Modification of High-Density Polyethylene with a Fibrillar–Porous Structure by Biocompatible Polyvinyl Alcohol via Environmental Crazing
Authors: Yarysheva Alena , Arzhakova Olga
Published: April 2024

Polymer/polymer nanocomposites based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and biocompatible polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were prepared by tensile drawing of HDPE in the PVA solutions via environmental crazing. The mechanism of this phenomenon was described. The HDPE/PVA nanocomposites were studied by the methods of scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, gravimetry, tensile tests, and their composition, properties, and performance were characterized. The content of PVA in the HDPE/PVA nanocomposites (up to 22 wt.%) was controlled by the tensile strain of HDPE and concentration of PVA in the solution. Depending on the content of PVA, the wettability of the HDPE/PVA nanocomposite (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) could be varied in a broad interval from 45 to 98°. The modification of HDPE by the biocompatible PVA offers a beneficial avenue for practical applications of the HDPE/PVA composites as biomedical materials, packaging and protective materials, modern textile articles, breathable materials, membranes and sorbents, etc.
Non-Coagulant Spinning of High-Strength Fibers from Homopolymer Polyacrylonitrile Synthesized via Anionic Polymerisation
Authors: Skvortsov Ivan Yu. , Kuzin Mikhail S. , Gerasimenko Pavel S. , Mironova Maria V. , Golubev Yaroslav V. , Kulichikhin Valery G.
Published: April 2024

The rheological properties, spinnability, and thermal–oxidative stabilization of high-molecular-weight linear polyacrylonitrile (PAN) homopolymers (molecular weights Mη = 90–500 kg/mol), synthesized via a novel metal-free anionic polymerization method, were investigated to reduce coagulant use, enable solvent recycling, and increase the carbon yield of the resulting carbon fibers. This approach enabled the application of the mechanotropic (non-coagulating) spinning method for homopolymer PAN solutions in a wide range of molecular weights and demonstrated the possibility of achieving a high degree of fiber orientation and reasonable mechanical properties. Rheological analysis revealed a significant increase in solution elasticity (G′) with increasing molecular weight, facilitating the choice of optimal deformation rates for effective chain stretching prior to strain-induced phase separation during the eco-friendly spinning of concentrated solutions without using coagulation baths. The possibility of collecting ~80 wt% of the solvent at the first stage of spinning from the as-spun fibers was shown. Transparent, defect-free fibers with a tensile strength of up to 800 MPa and elongation at break of about 20% were spun. Thermal treatment up to 1500 °C yielded carbon fibers with a carbon residue of ~50 wt%, in contrast to ~35 wt% for industrial radically polymerized PAN carbonized under the same conditions.
The Evangelical Aim in the History of the Great and Mighty Kingdom of China by Juan González de Mendoza, a 16th Century European Work on China
Authors: Gao Bo
Published: April 2024

For over five centuries, the History of the Great and Mighty Kingdom of China, written by Spanish missionary Juan González de Mendoza and published in 1585 in Rome, has captured the interest of the international academic community. However, scholarship has primarily focused on Mendoza’s depiction of China as rich and powerful, potentially overlooking the evangelical purpose of his narrative and failing to explain the correlation between the positive Chinese image and the author’s evangelical intention. This study aims to clarify the image of China presented by the Spanish author through a detailed textual analysis, concluding that Mendoza portrayed China as a rich and great nation that also had misguided beliefs and was open to evangelization. The Spanish author’s identity as an Augustinian preacher and ambassador of King Philip II of Spain to the Ming dynasty of China, as well as the global and evangelistic social context in which he lived, significantly influenced his perceptions of China. Furthermore, his hybrid profile of China was accepted in Europe at the time and became a collective memory because it embodied the spiritual context shared by the European community in the 16th century. This spiritual purpose was achieved through the idealized imagination, which serves as an affective medium in the formation of collective memory.
Decolonizing the Gospel of Love in Africa
Authors: Orbih William I.
Published: April 2024

The violence of missionary agents on Africans contradicted the gospel of Christ’s redemptive love, which they preached. In response to the contemporary manifestations of the violence and dehumanization of “colonial love”, this article proposes the decolonization of the gospel of love, both as theological hermeneutic and a moral imperative in the African Church. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus commands us to recognize every human being as a neighbor. Within a colonial context, this means rejecting the dualistic logic of colonial love, its segregation, dehumanization, and violence.
M-SKSNet: Multi-Scale Spatial Kernel Selection for Image Segmentation of Damaged Road Markings
Authors: Wang Junwei , Liao Xiaohan , Wang Yong , Zeng Xiangqiang , Ren Xiang , Yue Huanyin , Qu Wenqiu
Published: April 2024

It is a challenging task to accurately segment damaged road markings from images, mainly due to their fragmented, dense, small-scale, and blurry nature. This study proposes a multi-scale spatial kernel selection net named M-SKSNet, a novel model that integrates a transformer and a multi-dilated large kernel convolutional neural network (MLKC) block to address these issues. Through integrating multiple scales of information, the model can extract high-quality and semantically rich features while generating damage-specific representations. This is achieved by leveraging both the local and global contexts, as well as self-attention mechanisms. The performance of M-SKSNet is evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively, and the results show that M-SKSNet achieved the highest improvement in F1 by 3.77% and in IOU by 4.6%, when compared to existing models. Additionally, the effectiveness of M-SKSNet in accurately extracting damaged road markings from images in various complex scenarios (including city roads and highways) is demonstrated. Furthermore, M-SKSNet is found to outperform existing alternatives in terms of both robustness and accuracy.
Toward a More Robust Estimation of Forest Biomass Carbon Stock and Carbon Sink in Mountainous Region: A Case Study in Tibet, China
Authors: Lyu Guanting , Wang Xiaoyi , Huang Xieqin , Xu Jinfeng , Li Siyu , Cui Guishan , Huang Huabing
Published: April 2024

Mountainous forests are pivotal in the global carbon cycle, serving as substantial reservoirs and sinks of carbon. However, generating a reliable estimate remains a considerable challenge, primarily due to the lack of representative in situ measurements and proper methods capable of addressing their complex spatial variation. Here, we proposed a deep learning-based method that combines Residual convolutional neural networks (ResNet) with in situ measurements, microwave (Sentinel-1 and VOD), and optical data (Sentinel-2 and Landsat) to estimate forest biomass and track its change over the mountainous regions. Our approach, integrating in situ measurements across representative elevations with multi-source remote sensing images, significantly improves the accuracy of biomass estimation in Tibet’s complex mountainous forests (R2 = 0.80, root mean squared error = 15.8 MgC ha−1). Moreover, ResNet, which addresses the vanishing gradient problem in deep neural networks by introducing skip connections, enables the extraction of complex spatial patterns from limited datasets, outperforming traditional optical-based or pixel-based methods. The mean value of forest biomass was estimated as 162.8 ± 21.3 MgC ha−1, notably higher than that of forests at comparable latitudes or flat regions in China. Additionally, our findings revealed a substantial forest biomass carbon sink of 3.35 TgC year−1 during 2015–2020, which is largely underestimated by previous estimates, mainly due to the underestimation of mountainous carbon stock. The significant carbon density, combined with the underestimated carbon sink in mountainous regions, emphasizes the urgent need to reassess mountain forests to better approximate the global carbon budget.
Research on Automatic Wavelength Calibration of Passive DOAS Observations Based on Sequence Matching Method
Authors: Zheng Jiangyi , Xie Pinhua , Tian Xin , Xu Jin , Qin Min , Hu Feng , Lv Yinsheng , Zhang Zhidong , Zhang Qiang , Liu Wenqing
Published: April 2024

Passive differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) is widely used to monitor the three-dimensional distribution of atmospheric pollutants. However, the observational and retrieval accuracy of this technique is significantly influenced by the precise wavelength calibration of solar spectra. Current calibration methods face challenges in automation when dealing with complex remote-sensing conditions. We introduce a novel automatic wavelength calibration algorithm for passive DOAS based on sequence-matching technology to estimate the spectral parameters of the spectrometer channels, integrating advanced processing measures such as feature structure enhancement and sub-pixel interpolation. These measures significantly reduce the dependency on reference spectrum resolution and accurately correct even minor spectral shifts. We perform sensitivity experiments using synthetic spectra to determine optimal retrieval configurations, followed by field tests at four cities on the Yangtze River Delta, China, to calibrate and compare passive DOAS instruments of various resolutions. Comparative verification in these field studies demonstrated that our algorithm was suitable for rapid spectral calibration within a wider resolution range of 0.03 nm to 0.1 nm with a wavelength inversion error < 0.01 nm. This highlights the applicability and calibration precision of our algorithm.
If Some Critical Regions Achieve Carbon Neutrality, How Will the Global Atmospheric CO2 Concentration Change?
Authors: Li Jiaying , Zhang Xiaoye , Guo Lifeng , Zhong Junting , Wang Deying , Wu Chongyuan , Jiang Lifeng
Published: April 2024

Due to anthropogenic emissions, the global CO2 concentration increases at a rate of approximately 2 ppm per year. With over 130 countries and regions committing to carbon neutrality goals and continuously reducing anthropogenic CO2 emissions, understanding how atmospheric CO2 concentrations will change globally and in other regions has become an intriguing question. Examining different regions’ efforts to reduce anthropogenic CO2 emissions through atmospheric CO2 observations is also meaningful. We used prior and posterior fluxes to drive the TM5 model. The posterior fluxes were based on the China Carbon Monitoring, Verification and Support System for Global (CCMVS-G), which assimilated the atmospheric CO2 concentration data from ground-based observation and satellite observation. We found that the CO2 concentration obtained using the posterior fluxes was more in line with the actual situation. Then, we presented some experiments to estimate how global and regional CO2 concentrations would change if certain key regions and the whole world achieved net zero emissions of anthropogenic CO2. After removing carbon fluxes from China, North America, and Europe, global CO2 concentrations decreased by around 0.58 ppm, 0.22 ppm, and 0.10 ppm, respectively. The most significant decrease occurred in the regions where fluxes were removed, followed by other areas at the same latitude affected by westerly winds. This indicates that fossil fuel flux is the main factor affecting CO2 concentrations, and that meteorological-driven transportation also significantly impacts CO2 concentrations. Most importantly, using this method, it is possible to quantitatively estimate the impact of achieving carbon neutrality in one region on CO2 concentrations in local regions as well as globally.
A Long-Duration Glacier Change Analysis for the Urumqi River Valley, a Representative Region of Central Asia
Authors: Wang Lin , Yang Shujing , Chen Kangning , Liu Shuangshuang , Jin Xiang , Xie Yida
Published: April 2024

The increasing global warming trend has resulted in the mass loss of most glaciers. The Urumqi Vally, located in the dry and cold zone of China, and its widely dispersed glaciers are significant to the regional ecological environment, oasis economic development, and industrial and agricultural production. This is representative of glaciers in Middle Asia and represents one of the world’s longest observed time series of glaciers, beginning in 1959. The Urumqi Headwater Glacier No. 1 (UHG-1) has a dominant presence in the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS). This paper supplies a comprehensive analysis of past studies and future modeling of glacier changes in the Urumqi Valley. It has received insufficient attention in the past, and the mass balance of UHG-1 was used to verify that the geodetic results and the OGGM model simulation results are convincing. The main conclusions are: The area of 48.68 ± 4.59 km2 delineated by 150 glaciers in 1958 decreased to 21.61 ± 0.27 km2 delineated by 108 glaciers in 2022, with a reduction of 0.47 ± 0.04 km2·a−1 (0.96% a−1 in 1958–2022). The glacier mass balance by geodesy is −0.69 ± 0.11 m w.e.a−1 in 2000–2022, which is just deviating from the measured result (−0.66 m w.e.a−1), but the geodetic result in this paper can be enough to reflect the glacier changes (−0.65 ± 0.11 m w.e.a−1) of the URB in 2000–2022. The future loss rate of area and volume will undergo a rapid and then decelerating process, with the fastest and slowest inflection points occurring around 2035 and 2070, respectively. High temperatures and large precipitation in summer accelerate glacier loss, and the corresponding lag period of glacier change to climate is about 2–3 years.
Structures of Oppression or Inclusion: What Systemic Factors Impact Inclusion in Disability and Rehabilitation Research?
Authors: Layton Natasha , Martin Rachelle A. , Bourke John A. , Kayes Nicola M.
Published: April 2024

This manuscript considers the drivers towards inclusive research in the field of disability and rehabilitation; including some of the tools and frameworks that may support its realisation. We, a group of researchers engaged in rehabilitation research from lived experience and ‘conventional’ (non-lived experience) positions, reflect on our collective endeavours to bring about inclusion in research and specify the systemic factors constraining inclusion in research. We conclude by asking the following: how might we reimagine systems where the mechanisms of research production are in the hands of those impacted by the research, and where are intersectionalities both sought and valued?
Towards a Sustainable Digital Ecosystem: Exploring New Frontiers in Information Systems
Authors: Sohaib Osama
Published: April 2024

The digital revolution has undeniably propelled us forward, but not without a hidden cost [...]
CO2 Emission Compensation by Tree Species in Some Urban Green Areas
Authors: Fornaciari Marco , Muscas Desirée , Rossi Federico , Filipponi Mirko , Castellani Beatrice , Di Giuseppe Alessia , Proietti Chiara , Ruga Luigia , Orlandi Fabio
Published: April 2024

Mitigating the negative impacts of climate change in urban areas has recently become essential to improving citizens’ living conditions. Trees are one of the most effective ways to attenuate the Heat Island phenomenon in cities, and numerous projects have been carried out to calculate tree ecosystem services (ES) provisioning. Among these, the Clivut European project (LIFE 18 GIC/IT/001217) developed a web app to allow citizens and the public administration to quantify the ES provided by the most common tree species. The present study aims to consider a new model to calculate the tree evapotranspiration cooling effect in the urban environment in terms of CO2-compensated emissions. The model directly converts the surface temperature change produced by tree evapotranspiration into the corresponding CO2 offset in four urban parks in two Italian cities (Bologna and Perugia). The considered parks stored 1100 t of CO2 at the time of the study, while the CO2 compensated is 860 t, showing the significance of this interpretation. As a result of the study, it can be concluded that the presented model will allow a better estimation of the potential trees’ climate change compensation and also add further functionality to the web app.
A Multi-Objective Optimization Method for Single Intersection Signals Considering Low Emissions
Authors: Wang Shan , Zhao Yu , Zhang Shaoqi , Wang Dongbo , Wang Chao , Gong Bowen
Published: April 2024

The exponential growth of urban centers has exacerbated the prevalence of traffic-related issues. This surge has amplified the conflict between the escalating need for travel among individuals and the constricted availability of road infrastructure. Consequently, the escalation of traffic accidents and the exacerbation of environmental pollution have emerged as increasingly pressing concerns. Urban road intersections, serving as pivotal junctures for vehicle convergence and dispersal, have remained a focal point for scholarly inquiry regarding enhanced operational efficacy and safety. Concurrently, vehicles navigating intersections are subject to external influences, such as pedestrian crossings and signal controls, causing frequent fluctuations in their operational dynamics. These fluctuations contribute to heightened exhaust emissions, exacerbating air pollution and posing health risks to pedestrians frequenting these intersections. A reasonable signal timing scheme can enable more vehicles to pass through the intersection safely and smoothly and reduce the pollutants generated by transportation. Therefore, optimizing signal timing schemes at intersections to alleviate traffic problems is a topic that needs to be studied urgently. In this paper, the emission model based on specific power is analyzed. Through an analysis of the correlation between specific power distribution intervals and the emission rates of individual pollutants, it has been observed that vehicle emission rates are at their lowest during idle speed, progressively increasing with rising vehicle speeds. Investigation into specific power distribution based on variables, such as vehicle type, frequency of stops, and varying delays, has led to the deduction that the peak specific power of vehicles at intersections consistently occurs within the (0, 1) interval. Furthermore, it has been established that high-saturation intersections exhibit higher peak specific power compared to low-saturation intersections.
An Integrative Investigation of Travel Satisfaction, Streetscape Perception, and Mental Health in Urban Environments
Authors: Iamtrakul Pawinee , Chayphong Sararad , Hayashi Yoshitsugu
Published: April 2024

A significant connection exists between mental health, particularly depression, and travel. This study aims to explore the relationship between travel satisfaction, perception of the streetscape, and depression by comparing non-older adults and older adults. Subjective well-being serves as a concept for measuring mental health derived from travel satisfaction and perception of the streetscape across age groups. Additionally, the Geriatric Depression Scale (15-item GDS) was employed to specifically assess depression. The survey was conducted among respondents residing in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR) with a sample size of 3600 which is segmented into three age groups for the study model: early adulthood (18–34 years), middle adulthood (35–59 years), and later maturity (60 years and above). Multiple regression analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between travel satisfaction, perception of the streetscape, and mental health. The results suggest that both travel satisfaction and perception of the streetscape have a statistically significant impact on mental health, particularly in relation to depression. Additionally, the analysis highlights variations in stressors among different age cohorts. Particularly noteworthy is the finding that ease of access to the city center and openness of the streetscape emerged as statistically significant factors influencing depression within the later maturity age group. Conclusively, the study reveals the variations in stressors across diverse age cohorts, highlighting the imperative for tailored interventions to mitigate mental health concerns throughout different life stages.
Health Monitoring Analysis of an Urban Rail Transit Switch Machine
Authors: Wang Zishuo , Sun Di , Zhou Jin , Guo Kaige , Zhang Jiaxin , Kou Xiangyu
Published: April 2024

This paper discusses the health evaluation of an urban rail transit switch machine. In this paper, the working current data of the S700K switch machine are processed, and four common abnormal operating current curves are obtained through the existing data. Then, the MLP is used as the feature extractor of the action current curve to analyze the input action current data, learn and capture deep features from raw current data as Q-networks, and build MLP-DQN models. The monitoring of the abnormal state operation current of the switch machine is optimized by learning and optimizing the model weight through repeated experience. The experimental results show that the training accuracy of this model is stable at about 96.67%. Finally, the Fréchet distance was used to analyze the abnormal motion current curve, combined with the occurrence frequency and repair complexity of the abnormal type curve, the calculated results were analyzed, and the health of the switch machine was evaluated, which proved the high efficiency and superiority of the MLP-DQN method in the fault diagnosis of the switch machine equipment. The good health evaluation function of the switch machine can effectively support the maintenance of the equipment, and it has an important reference value for the intelligent operation and maintenance of subway signal equipment. The research results mark the maintenance of key equipment of urban rail transit systems, represent a solid step towards intelligent and automated transformation, and provide strong technical support for the safe operation and intelligent management of future rail transit systems.
Efficient Multistep Algorithms for First-Order IVPs with Oscillating Solutions: II Implicit and Predictor–Corrector Algorithms
Authors: Simos Theodore E.
Published: April 2024

This research introduces a fresh methodology for creating efficient numerical algorithms to solve first-order Initial Value Problems (IVPs). The study delves into the theoretical foundations of these methods and demonstrates their application to the Adams–Moulton technique in a five-step process. We focus on developing amplification-fitted algorithms with minimal phase-lagor phase-lag equal to zero (phase-fitted). The request of amplification-fitted (zero dissipation) is to ensure behavior like symmetric multistep methods (symmetric multistep methods are methods with zero dissipation). Additionally, the stability of the innovative algorithms is examined. Comparisons between our new algorithm and traditional methods reveal its superior performance. Numerical tests corroborate that our approach is considerably more effective than standard methods for solving IVPs, especially those with oscillatory solutions.
On Maximum Guaranteed Payoff in a Fuzzy Matrix Decision-Making Problem with a Fuzzy Set of States
Authors: Bekesiene Svajone , Mashchenko Serhii
Published: April 2024

The current study delves into a fuzzy matrix decision-making problem involving fuzzy sets of states. It establishes that a maximum guaranteed payoff constitutes a type-2 fuzzy set defined on the real line. Additionally, it provides the associated type-2 membership function. Moreover, the paper illustrates that the maximum guaranteed payoff type-2 fuzzy set of the decision-making problem can be broken down, based on the secondary membership grades, into a finite collection of fuzzy numbers. Each of these fuzzy numbers represents the maximum guaranteed payoff of the corresponding decision-making problem with a crisp set of states. This set corresponds to a specific cut of the original fuzzy set of states. Some properties of the maximum guaranteed payoff type-2 fuzzy set are investigated, and illustrative examples are provided. Since the problem formulation is symmetrical with respect to alternatives and states of nature, the results obtained can be used in the case of a fuzzy set of alternatives.
Beyond Pain: The Effects of OnabotulinumtoxinA Therapy on Sensitization and Interictal Symptoms in Chronic Migraine
Authors: Alonge Paolo , Brighina Filippo , Maccora Simona , Pilati Laura , Di Marco Salvatore , Ventimiglia Davide , Maggio Bruna , Cutrò Ivana , Camarda Cecilia , Torrente Angelo
Published: April 2024

Chronic migraine is a disease with a high burden on patients from both a working and quality of life point of view. The pathophysiology of this subtype of migraine is due to several factors, such as medication overuse. Nevertheless, the detrimental recurring of headache attacks with central and peripheral sensitization plays a central role and explains some additional symptoms complained about by these patients even in the interictal phase. OnabotulinumtoxinA is a therapy indicated for chronic migraine since it has proven to reduce peripheral sensitization, showing even efficacy on central symptoms. The aim of this narrative review is to present the current evidence regarding the effect of OnabotulinumtoxinA on sensitization and interictal symptoms.
The Changing Detection Rate of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Adults in Western Australia between 2017 and 2023
Authors: Foley David A. , Minney-Smith Cara A. , Tjea Andrew , Nicol Mark P. , Levy Avram , Moore Hannah C. , Blyth Christopher C.
Published: April 2024

The incidence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in adults is inadequately defined and the impact of SARS-CoV-2-related non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) is underexplored. Using laboratory data, we described the detection rate of RSV in adults ≥16 years in Western Australia (WA) between 2017 and 2023. With the exception of 2020, RSV detections rose annually between 2017 and 2023, reaching 50.7 per 100,000 in 2023 (95% confidence interval [CI], 47.9–53.8). RSV testing expanded considerably across the study period, with the testing in 2023 more than five times the 2017 total. The detection rate was highest in adults ≥60 years between 2017 and 2019, particularly those ≥75 years. Following 2020, the detections in all age groups increased, with the highest detection rate in 2023 in those ≥75-years (199.5 per 100,000; 95% CI, 180.5–220). NPIs significantly impacted RSV seasonality; the preceding winter pattern was disrupted, resulting in an absent 2020 winter season and two major summer seasons in 2020/21 and 2021/22. The RSV season began to realign in 2022, reverting to a winter seasonal pattern in 2023 and the largest season in the study period. Ongoing surveillance will be required to understand the stability of these increases and to delineate the impact of new immunisation strategies.
Polymeric Caffeic Acid Acts as an Antigen Delivery Carrier for Mucosal Vaccine Formulation by Forming a Complex with an Antigenic Protein
Authors: Tada Rui , Nagai Yuzuho , Ogasawara Miki , Saito Momoko , Ohshima Akihiro , Yamanaka Daisuke , Kunisawa Jun , Adachi Yoshiyuki , Negishi Yoichi
Published: April 2024

The development of mucosal vaccines, which can generate antigen-specific immune responses in both the systemic and mucosal compartments, has been recognized as an effective strategy for combating infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microbes. Our recent research has focused on creating a nasal vaccine system in mice using enzymatically polymerized caffeic acid (pCA). However, we do not yet understand the molecular mechanisms by which pCA stimulates antigen-specific mucosal immune responses. In this study, we hypothesized that pCA might activate mucosal immunity at the site of administration based on our previous findings that pCA possesses immune-activating properties. However, contrary to our initial hypothesis, the intranasal administration of pCA did not enhance the expression of various genes involved in mucosal immune responses, including the enhancement of IgA responses. Therefore, we investigated whether pCA forms a complex with antigenic proteins and enhances antigen delivery to mucosal dendritic cells located in the lamina propria beneath the mucosal epithelial layer. Data from gel filtration chromatography indicated that pCA forms a complex with the antigenic protein ovalbumin (OVA). Furthermore, we examined the promotion of OVA delivery to nasal mucosal dendritic cells (mDCs) after the intranasal administration of pCA in combination with OVA and found that OVA uptake by mDCs was increased. Therefore, the data from gel filtration chromatography and flow cytometry imply that pCA enhances antigen-specific antibody production in both mucosal and systemic compartments by serving as an antigen-delivery vehicle.
Impacts on Soil and Cowpea Plants Fertigated with Sanitary Sewage through Subsurface Drip Irrigation
Authors: Araújo Edcássio Dias , Ferreira Lucas Borges , Oliveira Job Teixeira de , Borges Alisson Carraro , Cunha Fernando França da
Published: April 2024

The application of sanitary sewage using subsurface drip irrigation can mitigate current challenges related to water availability and food production. However, before implementing these techniques, it is crucial to conduct studies to assess their impacts on soil and plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate chemical changes in the soil and the development of cowpeas subjected to sanitary sewage applied by drippers with different flow rates and installation depths. Drippers were positioned at various depths (0 to 30 cm) and operated with flow rates of 1.6 and 3.8 L h−1. Cowpeas were cultivated in pots with clayey soil, using synthetic sanitary sewage based on the maximum limit of nitrogen fertilization. Irrigation management was controlled in terms of soil moisture, which was monitored using TDR probes. The results indicated that reducing the depth of the drippers positively affected grain production and the development of cowpeas. Fertigation with sanitary sewage at greater depths increased soil phosphorus concentrations and base saturation. Dripper depth also influenced soil concentrations of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, while sodium concentrations decreased with greater depth. It is concluded that dripper flow rates did not impact soil chemical parameters or the agronomic characteristics of cowpeas. However, despite nutrient supply at greater depths, the subsurface drip irrigation system proved unsuitable for cowpea production in clayey soil.
Balkanları İhmâl Ederek Türk Edebiyatı Tarihi Yazılamayacağını Gösteren Bir Kitap: Prof. Dr. Mustafa İsen – Prof. Dr. Tuba Durmuş, Balkanlarda Türk Edebiyatı Tarihi
Authors: Yalçınkaya Şerife
Published: April 2024

PROF. DR. MUSTAFA İSEN – PROF. DR. TUBA DURMUŞ, BALKANLARDA TÜRK EDEBİYATI TARİHi kitabının değerlendirmesidir.
Highly Durable, Stretchable Multielectrode Array for Electro-mechanical Co-stimulation of Cells
Authors: Kim A Ri , Shrivastava Sajal , Lee Han-Byeol , Lee Nae-Eung
Published: April 2024

Electro-mechanical co-stimulation of cells can be a useful cue for tissue engineering. However, reliable co-stimulation platforms still have limitations due to low durability of the components and difficulty in optimizing the stimulation parameters. Although various electro-mechanical co-simulation systems have been explored, integrating materials and components with high durability is still limited. To tackle this problem, we designed an electro-mechanical co-stimulation system that facilitates uniaxial cyclic stretching, electrical stimulation, and optical monitoring. This system utilizes a robust and autoclavable stretchable multielectrode array housed within a compact mini-incubator. To illustrate its effectiveness, we conducted experiments that highlighted how electro-mechanical co-stimulation using this system can enhance the maturation of cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. The results showed great potential of our co-stimulation platform as an effective tool for tissue engineering.
Juncus snowii (Juncaceae), a New Rare Species Endemic to the Altamaha Grit of Georgia, U.S.A.
Authors: Knapp Wesley M. , Carter J. Richard
Published: April 2024

A new species, Juncus snowii W. M. Knapp & R. Carter (Juncaceae), is described from two counties of the Altamaha grit, a sandstone formation in the coastal plain physiographic province of Georgia, U.S.A. This new species resembles other members of Juncus L. sect. Ozophyllum Dumort. but is readily distinguished by a combination of characters including its typically annual life history, diminutive habit, and small capsules and tepals. The type locality is an area of geologic interest that supports a unique assemblage of rare and endemic plant species. Color photographs are provided for the new species, as well as preliminary conservation status assessments using NatureServe criteria (Critically Imperiled with extinction [G1]) and IUCN Red List criteria (Vulnerable [VU D2]).
The influence of the sociology of culture on the design of visual advertisements directed to Saudi society
Authors: Yousef Hawsawi Anhar , Muslim Alsaadi Abeer
Published: April 2024

يهدف البحث إلى وصف وتحليل محتوى الإعلانات البصرية الموجهة للمجتمع السعودي في ضوء سوسيولوجيا الثقافة، لمعرفة موضوعاتها والوقوف على أهم الغايات التي تسعى الاعلانات البصرية لتحقيقها، ومعرفة مكوناتها الثقافية، وتكون مجتمع الدراسة من الاعلانات البصرية الثابتة الموجهة للمجتمع السعودي، وتم اختيار عينة الدراسة بطريقة قصدية عددها (50) إعلانا ثابتا خلال الفترة الزمنية 2016-2022م، واعتمد البحث على المنهج الوصفي التحليلي وصممت بطاقة تحليل محتوى لعينة الدراسة، ونتجت الدراسة أن موضوع الترويج للمنتجات والخدمات التجارية؛ الموضوع الأكثر تداولاً، وأن مضامين عناصر الإعلانات البصرية الأكثر استخداما بنسب مرتفعة هي (استخدام اللغة العربية، تجنب الخداع والتضليل، مراعاة القيم السياسية للمجتمع السعودي- خلو الإعلانات من العبارات والصور الخادشة للمشاعر- توافقها مع التعاليم الدينية)، وتضاءلت النسب من حيث (مراعاة القيم الأسرية للمجتمع السعودي- تناسب الإعلانات مع عادات وتقاليد وأعراف المجتمع السعودي- البُعد عن نقل وترجمة إعلانات مجتمعات أخرى- خلو الإعلانات من المبالغة والتكلف غير الهادف- تلبية رغبات وحاجات المجتمع الثقافية- تعزيز الإعلانات للهوية الثقافية للمجتمع).
ومن أهم التوصيات إعداد دراسات حول تصميم الإعلانات البصرية باستخدام أداة المسح ومعرفة آراء المجتمع من الناحية السوسيولوجية الثقافية، وإعداد دراسات حول أساليب الإعلانات البصرية في المملكة من الناحية الجمالية والتصميمية، وتطوير الأساليب الإعلانية باستخدام أدوات معاصرة تمكن المستخدم من التفاعل مع الإعلان.
COMPORTAMENTO ESPAÇO-TEMPORAL DE CORPO HÍDRICO SUBMETIDO AO AVANÇO DA OCUPAÇÃO URBANA: O LAGO JACAREY NO CONTEXTO DA CIDADE DE FORTALEZA, CEARÁ
Authors: Barbosa Wesley Almeida , Cavalcante Andrea Almeida
Published: April 2024

No entorno das lagoas urbanas das grandes cidades encontram-se diversas formas de urbanização. Os vários ambientes lacustres constituem um importante conjunto de espaços públicos potenciais.  Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho visa realizar uma caracterização espaço-temporal da ocupação urbana nos últimos 50 anos no entorno de um corpo hídrico (Lago Jacarey) da cidade de Fortaleza (CE) a partir do processamento de imagens aéreas. Constatou-se que o entorno do lago passou por uma intensa alteração proveniente da ocupação residencial. O adensamento da urbanização ocasionou a incorporação e ocupação da planície lacustre. Os imóveis de alto padrão e o polo gastronômico formado no entorno fizeram o espaço ser um local amplamente visitado pela população da cidade. Diante disso, tornou-se visado principalmente enquanto espaço público potencial, recebendo uma atenção maior por parte do governo municipal no direcionamento de recursos e na manutenção das estruturas urbanas.
Susceptibility of rubber genotypes [Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae)] to Corynespora Leaf Fall disease in graft wood gardens in southwestern Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: ZELE Bohui Fabien Marc , YAO Kouakou Alban Prosper , BONNY Beket Séverin , ELABO Agnyman Angeline Eliathe , GNAGNE Yedoh Michel , OBOUAYEBA Samuel
Published: April 2024

Objective: This work to determine the susceptibility of 20 rubber genotypes to leaf fall disease caused by Corynespora cassiicola (CLF) was conducted in the San Pedro Rubber Sector in southwestern Côte d'Ivoire. Methods and Results: These rubber genotypes were selected in large-scale clone fields and tested for susceptibility to CLF disease under natural infection in the transplant garden. In a clonal plot, the rubber plants were planted in line, with a spacing of 1 m x 1 m between the lines. Overall, the results showed that the susceptibility of rubber genotypes fluctuated over the past five years. In addition, some rubber genotypes such as IRCA 430, IRCA 101, IRCA 733, IRCA 321, IRCA 523, IRCA 41, IRCA 230, IRCA 323 and IRCA 229, once resistant or tolerant, showed over time a susceptibility to CLF disease. On the other hand, three genotypes: PB 217, IRCA 101 and IRCA 538 expressed a good level of resistance to C. cassiicola, unlike the sensitive control IRCA 18 which showed a high susceptibility throughout the 5 years of observation. Conclusion and Recommendation: Of the 20 rubber genotypes tested, only three (PB 217, IRCA 101 and IRCA 538) are good candidates for large-scale rubber crop referrals to minimize the impact of CLF disease in the South-West Côte d’Ivoire rubber orchard. Keywords: susceptibility, Corynespora cassiicola, Hevea brasiliensis, graft wood garden, CLF disease, Côte d’Ivoire 18998
TINDAK PIDANA PEMALSUAN SURAT
Authors: Ray Cita  , Arifai  , Kamaruddin
Published: April 2024

Handling criminal acts of letter forgery requires a comprehensive approach through prevention policies, law enforcement, rehabilitation and collaboration between related institutions. Prevention through education, strict supervision, and strengthening document security systems is important to reduce opportunities for counterfeiting. Firm and fair law enforcement provides justice to victims and a deterrent effect for perpetrators. Rehabilitation gives perpetrators the opportunity to change and make positive contributions again. Collaboration between institutions maximizes the effectiveness of treatment, from exchanging information to developing prevention programs. Only with an integrated approach can we tackle mail fraud and protect society.
Meat Meets Machine! Multiscale Competency Enables Causal Learning
Authors: Bennett Michael Timothy
Published: April 2024

Biological intelligence uses a “multiscale competency architecture”
(MCA). It exhibits adaptive, goal directed behaviour at all scales, from
cells to organs to organisms. In contrast, machine intelligence is only
adaptive and goal directed at a high level. Learned policies are
passively interpreted using abstractions (e.g. arithmetic) embodied in
static interpreters (e.g. x86). Biological intelligence excels at causal
learning. Machine intelligence does not. Previous work showed causal
learning follows from weak policy optimisation, which is hindered by
presupposed abstractions in silico. Here we formalise MCAs as nested
“agentic abstraction layers”, to understand how they might learn
causes. We show that weak policy optimisation at low levels enables weak
policy optimisation at high. This facilitates what we call “multiscale
causal learning” and high level goal directed behaviour. We argue that
by engineering human abstractions in silico we disconnect high level
goal directed behaviour from the low level goal directed behaviour that
gave rise to it. This inhibits causal learning, and we speculate this is
one reason why human recall would be accompanied by feeling, and in
silico recall not.
Analysis of the Socio-Health Situation of People in Humanitarian Crisis ″Case of Repressed from Congo-Brazzaville″
Authors: Ndonga Yves Mokili Sambwa , Kabambi Franck , Kabasele Aimé Munanga , Kasau Dieu-Merci Kasau , Mamenepi Pascal Atuba , Kalunda Erick Panzi , Makangu Augustin Tshitadi
Published: April 2024

Context: The returnees from Congo Brazaville were received by the town hall of Kinshasa which brought them to Maluku. From there, those with closer family members went home, but the others and their children settled around the Cardinal Malula stadium for lack of accommodation. Purpose: This study is carried out with the aim of analyzing the socio-sanitary situation of people expelled from Brazzaville based around the municipality of Kinshasa. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey made it possible, by interview and direct observation with the support of an interview guide, to collect information from 321 Congolese from the DRC expelled from the Republic of Congo, living in the commune of Kinshasa. This information was statistically analyzed using SPSS version 21 software. Results: It emerges from the descriptive analysis that the majority of respondents, ie 68.2%, were housed in tents. 84.4% experienced both physical and moral violence. 62.6% had an altered physical state. The most frequent problems include: lack of access to health care (100%); insalubrity (80.9%); malaria associated with other pathologies (80.8%) or alone and lack of access to drinking water (74.7%). From the inferential analysis, it emerges that the factors associated with the state of health of the repressed were: poor bowel management resulting in the use of stage [RR = 3.4 (1.70-6.69); p ˂ 0.000] or open air [RR = 2.93 (1.38 – 6.23); p ˂ 0.005] instead of a latrine; violence [RR = 2.91 (2.07 – 4.08); caring for at least 5 children [RR = 1.71 (1.21–2.41); p ˂ 0.002] as well as divorce [RR = 1.49 (1.16 – 1.92); p ˂ 0.002]. Conclusion: The socio-sanitary situation of those expelled from Brazzaville was not favourable. The direct involvement of the political and health authorities of the DRC with the support of national or international organizations would allow the proper management of humanitarian crises in the country.