bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Olive Mill Wastewater Extract: In Vitro Genotoxicity/Antigenotoxicity Assessment on HepaRG Cells
Authors: Rondini Tommaso , Branciari Raffaella , Franceschini Edoardo , Acito Mattia , Fatigoni Cristina , Roila Rossana , Ranucci David , Villarini Milena , Galarini Roberta , Moretti Massimo
Published: August 2024

Olive mill wastewater (OMWW), with its high level of phenolic compounds, simultaneously represents a serious environmental challenge and a great resource with potential nutraceutical activities. To increase the knowledge of OMWW’s biological effects, with an aim to developing a food supplement, we performed a chemical characterisation of the extract using the Liquid Chromatography–Quadrupole Time-of-flight spectrometry (LC–QTOF) and an in vitro genotoxicity/antigenotoxicity assessment on HepaRG ™ cells. Chemical analysis revealed that the most abundant phenolic compound was hydroxytyrosol. Biological tests showed that the extract was not cytotoxic at the lowest tested concentrations (from 0.25 to 2.5 mg/mL), unlike the highest concentrations (from 5 to 20 mg/mL). Regarding genotoxic activity, when tested at non-cytotoxic concentrations, the extract did not display any effect. Additionally, the lowest tested OMWW concentrations showed antigenotoxic activity (J-shaped dose–response effect) against a known mutagenic substance, reducing the extent of DNA damage in the co-exposure treatment. The antigenotoxic effect was also obtained in the post-exposure procedure, although only at the extract concentrations of 0.015625 and 0.03125 mg/mL. This behaviour was not confirmed in the pre-exposure protocol. In conclusion, the present study established a maximum non-toxic OMWW extract dose for the HepaRG cell model, smoothing the path for future research.
Dysfunctional Parvalbumin Neurons in Schizophrenia and the Pathway to the Clinical Application of Kv3 Channel Modulators
Authors: Yanagi Masaya , Hashimoto Mamoru
Published: August 2024

Based on the pathophysiological changes observed in schizophrenia, the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) hypothesis may facilitate the development of targeted treatments for this disease. This hypothesis, mainly derived from postmortem brain results, postulates dysfunctions in a subset of GABAergic neurons, particularly parvalbumin-containing interneurons. In the cerebral cortex, the fast spike firing of parvalbumin-positive GABAergic interneurons is regulated by the Kv3.1 and Kv3.2 channels, which belong to a potassium channel subfamily. Decreased Kv3.1 levels have been observed in the prefrontal cortex of patients with schizophrenia, prompting the investigation of Kv3 channel modulators for the treatment of schizophrenia. However, biomarkers that capture the dysfunction of parvalbumin neurons are required for these modulators to be effective in the pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia. Electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography studies have demonstrated impairments in evoked gamma oscillations in patients with schizophrenia, which may reflect the dysfunction of cortical parvalbumin neurons. This review summarizes these topics and provides an overview of how the development of therapeutics that incorporate biomarkers could innovate the treatment of schizophrenia and potentially change the targets of pharmacotherapy.
The Association between IL-1β and IL-18 Levels, Gut Barrier Disruption, and Monocyte Activation during Chronic Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Long-Term Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Thirugnanam Siva , Wang Chenxiao , Zheng Chen , Grasperge Brooke F. , Datta Prasun K. , Rappaport Jay , Qin Xuebin , Rout Namita
Published: August 2024

HIV-induced persistent immune activation is a key mediator of inflammatory comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and neurocognitive disorders. While a preponderance of data indicate that gut barrier disruption and microbial translocation are drivers of chronic immune activation, the molecular mechanisms of this persistent inflammatory state remain poorly understood. Here, utilizing the nonhuman primate model of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection with suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART), we investigated activation of inflammasome pathways and their association with intestinal epithelial barrier disruption (IEBD). Longitudinal blood samples obtained from rhesus macaques with chronic SIV infection and long-term suppressive ART were evaluated for IEBD biomarkers, inflammasome activation (IL-1β and IL-18), inflammatory cytokines, and triglyceride (TG) levels. Activated monocyte subpopulations and glycolytic potential were investigated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). During the chronic phase of treated SIV infection, elevated levels of plasma IL-1β and IL-18 were observed following the hallmark increase in IEBD biomarkers, intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (IFABP) and LPS-binding protein (LBP). Further, significant correlations of plasma IFABP levels with IL-1β and IL-18 were observed between 10 and 12 months of ART. Higher levels of sCD14, IL-6, and GM-CSF, among other inflammatory mediators, were also observed only during the long-term SIV + ART phase along with a trend of increase in the frequencies of activated CD14+CD16+ intermediate monocyte subpopulations. Lastly, we found elevated levels of blood TG and higher glycolytic capacity in PBMCs of chronic SIV-infected macaques with long-term ART. The increase in circulating IL-18 and IL-1β following IEBD and their significant positive correlation with IFABP suggest a connection between gut barrier disruption and inflammasome activation during chronic SIV infection, despite viral suppression with ART. Additionally, the increase in markers of monocyte activation, along with elevated TG and enhanced glycolytic pathway activity, indicates metabolic remodeling that could fuel metabolic syndrome. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which gut dysfunction and inflammasome activation contribute to HIV-associated metabolic complications, enabling targeted interventions in people with HIV.
Assessment of Function in Patients after Calcaneal Fracture Treatment with the Ilizarov Method
Authors: Pelc Marcin , Hryniuk Władysław , Bobiński Andrzej , Kochańska-Bieri Joanna , Tomczyk Łukasz , Pili Daniele , Urbański Wiktor , Lech Marcin , Morasiewicz Piotr
Published: August 2024

Background: Up to 75% of calcaneal fractures are intra-articular fractures, which may severely impair foot function and lead to disability. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 21 patients with intra-articular calcaneal fractures who had been treated with the Ilizarov method in the period 2021–2022. The mean patient age was 47 years (range 25–67 years). We analyzed the following functional parameters: foot function with a revised foot function index (FFI-R) questionnaire and the level of physical activity, with the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale, a visual analog scale (VAS), and a Grimby physical activity level scale; and ankle range of motion. Results: We observed a significant improvement in the UCLA activity scores and Grimby activity score at long-term follow-up. Functional outcomes based on the FFI-R questionnaires showed an improvement, from 292 points prior to surgery to 127 points at follow-up, p = 0.013. The post-treatment follow-up measurements revealed a median dorsiflexion at the treated ankle joint of 20 degrees, whereas that at the intact ankle was 40 degrees, p = 0.007. The plantar flexion showed asymmetry, with a median 15 degrees at the treated ankle and 30 degrees at the intact ankle, p = 0.007. The median range of inversion at the ankle joint was 5 degrees in the treated limb and 15 degrees in the intact limb, p = 0.039. Conclusions: Patients with calcaneal fractures treated with the Ilizarov method are recommended to have a longer and more intensive rehabilitation. The range of ankle motion in the treated limb was limited in comparison with that in the intact limb; however, this did not greatly affect the patients’ return to their earlier, pre-injury level of physical activity.
Optimizing Land Use to Mitigate Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs Using Multi-Scenario Simulation in the Luo River Basin
Authors: Dai Yulong , Qiao Xuning , Yang Yongju , Liu Liang , Chen Yuru , Zhang Jing , Zhao Tongqian
Published: August 2024

For a long time in the past, China has implemented a large number of “Grain for Green” projects (GFGPs) to improve the ecological environment. However, it is still unclear whether excessive GFGPs will exacerbate the trade-off of ecosystem services (ESs). Additionally, it is a great challenge to explore the response mechanism of the trade-off relationship to changes in land use and to mitigate the trade-offs by optimizing land use. Taking a typical GFGP basin in the central Yellow River basin as an example, we identified the trade-off areas and measured the nonlinear trade-offs between ESs under different scenarios. This was carried out based on the synergistic potential of the production possibility frontier (PPF) and the first-order derivative. We also identified the optimal scenario for mitigating the trade-offs of ESs. The results showed that excessive GFGPs have intensified the ES trade-offs. The differences in land use types lead to spatial heterogeneity in the relationship of ESs. When carbon storage (CS) is 9.58 t/km2 and habitat quality (HQ) is 0.4, the relationship with water yield (WY) changes from trade-off to synergy, respectively, and the trade-off area is mainly distributed in cropland and construction land. Compared with 2020, the EP scenario has the highest synergy potential and the lowest trade-off intensity, and can alleviate the ES trade-off to the greatest extent.
Optimizing Spatial Distribution of Retail Shops against Neighborhood Tree Canopy Shade Using Big Data Extracted from Streetscape
Authors: Liu Yifeng , Cao Zhanhua , Wei Hongxu , Guo Peng
Published: August 2024

The visibility of retail frontages is critical for earning profits from spontaneous traffic visits to retail shops located along a street. The urban tree canopy plays a crucial role in enhancing the street-side environment, yet more is not always better when considering the placement of retail shops behind trees with big canopies. Related evidence in the literature is rarely provided, and an unclear relationship has been reported to exist between the number of shops for a specific retail type and the quantified ratio of the canopy shade in a street view. In this study, both big data crawling and deep learning were employed to unravel this relationship for retail shops in Changchun, Northeast China. The entire study area was divided into 6037 grid cells with a side length of ~0.6 km, wherein the number of shops of five retail types (food and beverage, shopping, life services, entertainment, and hotel) were quantified by computer counting their points of interest (POIs). The canopy shade was evaluated using the green view index (GVI) quantified through the ratio of canopy pixels divided by all the pixels in a street view image obtained through an online map API. A neighboring road network was categorized into four classes: class I road density mainly reduced the number of retail shops, and the road densities of classes III and IV accounted for more retail shops. The relationship between the number of retail shops and the GVI could be fitted with positive skewness curves for class II roads, where the critical peak of the GVI was estimated to be about 3.27%. The optimization scheme indicated that more retail shops should be placed along class I and II roads. In conclusion, more retail shops for food and beverage, shopping, and life services should be placed in the landscape neighboring big canopies.
The Role of the Pharmacist in a Patient’s Care for Individuals Undergoing Anticoagulant Therapy: A Case Report
Authors: Sáez-Benito Ana M. , Sáez-Benito Loreto , Salazar María , Magallón Rosa , Berenguer Nuria
Published: August 2024

Achieving clinical effectiveness with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) requires a Time in Therapeutic Range (TTR) above 65%. TTR is influenced by genetics (CYP2C9, VKORC1, CYP4F2), treatment adherence, and knowledge. The SAMe-TT2R2 algorithm is used to assess VKA treatment suitability. In this case report, SAMe-TT2R2 and pharmacogenetic analysis were used to improve oral anticoagulant management in a patient with poor control of INR. An 84-year-old, obese male with atrial fibrillation, undergoing acenocoumarol therapy, had a suboptimal TTR. An assessment with the SAMe-TT2R2 algorithm indicated a favorable profile for VKA use. An educational intervention on vitamin K-rich foods was conducted, and his physician was informed about the interaction between omeprazole and acenocoumarol, recommending its replacement with pantoprazole. This intervention was accepted by the physician and, three months post-intervention, the patient’s TTR improved to 100%. Poor adherence and limited knowledge contributed to treatment failures in patients with a good VKA profile. Pharmaceutical interventions significantly improved TTR management. Patients with favorable genetic and clinical profiles could achieve adequate control of their anticoagulant medication through these interventions. Predictive tools may help select patients who can effectively and safely use VKAs through pharmaceutical interventions.
Spinal Metastases of the Vertebrae: Three Main Categories of Pain
Authors: Van den Brande Ruben , Billiet Charlotte , Peeters Marc , Van de Kelft Erik
Published: August 2024

Oncologic back pain, infection, inflammation, and trauma are the only specific etiologies of chronic low back pain (CLBP) in contrast to most patients who have non-specific CLBP. In oncologic patients developing CLBP, it is critically important to perform further investigation to exclude spinal metastases (SM).The incidence of cancer is increasing, with 15.7–30% developing SM. In the case of symptomatic SM, we can distinguish three main categories: tumor pain; mechanical pain due to instability, with or without pathologic fractures; and metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) or radicular compression. Treatment of SM-related pain is dependent on these categories and consists of symptomatic treatment, target therapy to the bone, radiotherapy, systemic oncologic treatment, and surgery. The care for SM is a multidisciplinary concern, with rapid evolutions in all specialties involved. It is of primordial importance to incorporate the knowledge of specialists in all participating disciplines, such as oncology, radiotherapy, and spinal surgery, to determine the adequate treatment to preserve ambulatory function and quality of life while limiting the burden of treatment if possible. Awareness of potential SM is the first and most important step in the treatment of SM-related pain. Early diagnosis and timely treatment could prevent further deterioration. In this review, we explore the pathophysiology and symptomatology of SM and the treatment options for SM-related pain: tumor pain; mechanical pain due to instability, with or without pathologic fractures; and MESCC or radicular compression.
Non-Debye Behavior of the Néel and Brown Relaxation in Interacting Magnetic Nanoparticle Ensembles
Authors: Botez Cristian E. , Knoop Jeffrey
Published: August 2024

We used ac-susceptibility measurements to study the superspin relaxation in Fe3O4/Isopar M nanomagnetic fluids of different concentrations. Temperature-resolved data collected at different frequencies, χ″ vs. T|f, reveal magnetic events both below and above the freezing point of the carrier fluid (TF = 197 K): χ″ shows peaks at temperatures Tp1 and Tp2 around 75 K and 225 K, respectively. Below TF, the Néel mechanism is entirely responsible for the superspin relaxation (as the carrier fluid is frozen), and we found that the temperature dependence of the relaxation time, τN(Tp1), is well described by the Dorman–Bessais–Fiorani (DBF) model: τNT=τrexp⁡EB+EadkB T. Above TF, both the internal (Néel) and the Brownian superspin relaxation mechanisms are active. Yet, we found evidence that the effective relaxation times, τeff, corresponding to the Tp2 peaks observed in the denser samples do not follow the typical Debye behavior described by the Rosensweig formula 1τeff=1τN+1τB. First, τeff is 5 × 10−5 s at 225 K, almost three orders of magnitude more that its Néel counterpart, τN~8 × 10−8 s, estimated by extrapolating the above-mentioned DBF analysis. Thus, 1τN≫1τeff, which is clearly not consistent with the Rosensweig formula. Second, the observed temperature dependence of the effective relaxation time, τeff(Tp2), is excellently described by τB−1T=Tγ0exp⁡−E′kBT−T0′, a model solely based on the hydrodynamic Brown relaxation, τB(T)=3ηTVHkBT, combined with an activation law for the temperature variation of the viscosity, ηT=η0exp⁡E′/kB(T−T0′. The best fit yields γ0=3ηVHkB = 1.6 × 10−5 s·K, E′/kB = 312 K, and T0′ = 178 K. Finally, the higher temperature Tp2 peaks vanish in the more diluted samples (δ ≤ 0.02). This indicates that the formation of larger hydrodynamic particles via aggregation, which is responsible for the observed Brownian relaxation in dense samples, is inhibited by dilution. Our findings, corroborating previous results from Monte Carlo calculations, are important because they might lead to new strategies to synthesize functional magnetic ferrofluids for biomedical applications.
A Comparison of the Effectiveness of the McCoy Laryngoscope and the C-MAC D-Blade Video Laryngoscope in Obese Patients
Authors: Lee Jung-Min , Lee Soo-Kyung , Jang Minsoo , Oh Minho , Park Eun-Young
Published: August 2024

Background and Objective: Obesity is associated with difficult or failed intubation attempts, making general anesthesia challenging for anesthesiologists to perform. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of a McCoy laryngoscope and a C-MAC D-blade video laryngoscope for intubation in obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2. Methods: In total, 104 patients were randomly assigned to be intubated with a McCoy (McCoy group) or C-MAC D-blade video laryngoscope (C-MAC group). The primary outcome was intubation time. The secondary outcomes were vocal cord exposure time, vocal cord passage time, proportion of successful intubation, mask ventilation scale, intubation difficulty scale (IDS), percentage of glottis opening (POGO) score, and hemodynamic variables. Results: Although the intubation time did not significantly differ, the C-MAC group showed shorter vocal cord exposure times and a higher rate of successful vocal cord exposure within 5 s. The IDS value was significantly lower in the C-MAC group than in the McCoy group. The proportion of patients who required an increase in lifting force during laryngoscopy was higher in the McCoy group than in the C-MAC group, which may explain the difference in MAP between the groups. Conclusions: Both the McCoy laryngoscope and the C-MAC D-blade video laryngoscope were useful during the intubation of obese patients. The C-MAC D-blade video laryngoscope might be more useful for obese patients in terms of hemodynamic stability.
Dietary Intake of 14–15-Year-Old Faroese Adolescents by an Online Assessment Tool and Associations with Wellbeing and Health Behaviour
Authors: Thomsen Unn , Veyhe Anna Sofía , Strøm Marin
Published: August 2024

There is robust evidence linking diet and physical activity to major public health concerns such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. Dietary habits of children and adolescents are frequently discussed in health policy debates due to their modifiability, making them viable targets for prevention and health promotion initiatives. This study aimed to assess the dietary habits of 14–15-year-old Faroese adolescents using an online 24 h recall tool, examining their intake relative to public recommendations and exploring associations with health behaviour and wellbeing. A total of 78 participants (45 girls, 33 boys), with a mean age of 14.3 years, recorded their food intake and completed a questionnaire. Results indicated a higher intake of saturated fats and sugar and a lower intake of dietary fibre, n-3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables compared to recommendations. Healthier food intake was associated with better health behaviour and wellbeing. This very first study of Faroese adolescents’ overall diet underscores the need for health-promoting interventions, and suggests the feasibility of using an online 24 h recall tool for dietary assessment in this age group, albeit with necessary adjustments for Faroese language and traditional foods.
Cell Death of P. vivax Blood Stages Occurs in Absence of Classical Apoptotic Events and Induces Eryptosis of Parasitized Host Cells
Authors: Blanco Carolina Moreira , de Souza Hugo Amorim dos Santos , Martins Priscilla da Costa , Almeida-Silva Juliana , Suarez-Fontes Ana Marcia , Chaves Yury Oliveira , Vannier-Santos Marcos André , Pratt-Riccio Lilian Rose , Daniel-Ribeiro Cláudio Tadeu , Lopes Stefanie Costa Pinto , Totino Paulo Renato Rivas
Published: August 2024

Elucidation of pathways regulating parasite cell death is believed to contribute to identification of novel therapeutic targets for protozoan diseases, and in this context, apoptosis-like cell death has been reported in different groups of protozoa, in which metacaspases seem to play a role. In the genus Plasmodium, apoptotic markers have been detected in P. falciparum and P. berghei, and no study focusing on P. vivax cell death has been reported so far. In the present study, we investigated the susceptibility of P. vivax to undergo apoptotic cell death after incubating mature trophozoites with the classical apoptosis inducer staurosporine. As assessed by flow cytometry assays, staurosporine inhibited parasite intraerythrocytic development, which was accompanied by a decrease in cell viability, evidenced by reduced plasmodial mitochondrial activity. However, typical signs of apoptosis, such as DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation, and nuclear segregation, were not detected in the parasites induced to cell death, and no significant alteration in metacaspase gene expression (PvMCA1) was observed under cell death stimulus. Interestingly, dying parasites positively modulated cell death (eryptosis) of host erythrocytes, which was marked by externalization of phosphatidylserine and cell shrinkage. Our study shows for the time that P. vivax blood stages may not be susceptible to apoptosis-like processes, while they could trigger eryptosis of parasitized cells by undergoing cell death. Further studies are required to elucidate the cellular machinery involved in cell death of P. vivax parasites as well as in the modulation of host cell death.
Antioxidative and Antiglycative Stress Activities of Selenoglutathione Diselenide
Authors: Kanamori Akiko , Egawa Nana , Yamasaki Suyako , Ikeda Takehito , da Rocha Marcia Juciele , Bortolatto Cristiani Folharini , Savegnago Lucielli , Brüning César Augusto , Iwaoka Michio
Published: August 2024

The damage caused by oxidative and glycative stress to cells accumulates on a daily basis and accelerates aging. Glutathione (GSH), a major antioxidant molecule in living organisms, plays a crucial role in detoxifying the stress-causing substances inherent in cells, such as H2O2 and methylglyoxal (MG), an important intermediate of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). In this study, we focused on the enhanced antioxidant capacity of the selenium analog of GSH, i.e., selenoglutathione (GSeH), compared to GSH, and examined its effects on the detoxification of stress-causing substances and improvement in cell viability. In cell-free systems, GSeH (1 mM) generated in situ from GSeSeG in the presence of NADPH and glutathione reductase (GR) rapidly reduced more than 80% of 0.1 mM H2O2, indicating the significant glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-like antioxidant activity of GSeSeG. Similarly, around 50% of 0.5 mM MG was degraded by 0.5 mM GSeH within 30 min through a non-enzymatic mechanism. It was also found that GSeSeG (0.05–0.5 mM) showed glutathione S-transferase (GST)-like activity against 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), a model substance of oxidative stress-causing toxic materials in cells. Meanwhile, HeLa cells that had been pre-treated with GSeSeG exhibited increased viability against 1.2 mM H2O2 (at [GSeSeG] = 0.5–50 μM) and 4 mM MG (at [GSeSeG] = 3 μM), and the latter effect was maintained for two days. Thus, GSeSeG is a potential antioxidant and antiglycative stress agent for cells.
Starch-Based Functional Films Enhanced with Bacterial Nanocellulose for Smart Packaging: Physicochemical Properties, pH Sensitivity and Colorimetric Response
Authors: Mahović Poljaček Sanja , Tomašegović Tamara , Strižić Jakovljević Maja , Jamnicki Hanzer Sonja , Murković Steinberg Ivana , Žuvić Iva , Leskovac Mirela , Lavrič Gregor , Kavčič Urška , Karlovits Igor
Published: August 2024

Starch-based pH-sensing films with bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) and red cabbage anthocyanins (RCA) as active components were investigated in this research. Their structural, physical, surface and colorimetric properties were analyzed, mainly as a function of BNC concentration. The aim of the research was to relate the changes in the intermolecular interactions between the components of the films (starch, anthocyanins and BNC) to the physical, surface and colorimetric properties that are important for the primary intended application of the produced films as pH indicators in smart packaging. The results showed that maize starch (MS) was more suitable as a matrix for the stabilization of anthocyanins compared to potato starch (PS). PS-based films showed a lower value of water contact angle than MS-based films, indicating stronger hydrophilicity. The swelling behavior results indicate that the concentrations of BNC in MS-based films (cca 10%) and the concentration of about 50% BNC in PS-based films are required if satisfactory properties of the indicator in terms of stability in a wet environment are to be achieved. The surface free energy results of PS-based films with BNC were between 62 and 68 mJ/m2 and with BNC and RCA between 64 and 68 mJ/m2; for MS-based films, the value was about 65 mJ/m2 for all samples with BNC and about 68 mJ/m2 for all samples with BNC and RCA. The visual color changes after immersion in different buffer solutions (pH 2.0–10.5) showed a gradual transition from red/pink to purple, blue and green for the observed samples. Films immersed in different buffers showed lower values of 2 to 10 lightness points (CIE L*) for PS-based films and 10 to 30 lightness points for MS-based films after the addition of BNC. The results of this research can make an important contribution to defining the influence of intermolecular interactions and structural changes on the physical, surface and colorimetric properties of bio-based pH indicators used in smart packaging applications.
The Doctrine of Faith, Doubt, and Assurance: A Historical, Philosophical, and Theological Analysis
Authors: Strehle Stephen
Published: August 2024

How do individuals find assurance of their personal standing before God? This article discusses the way different traditions of the Christian faith tried to answer the question—some leaving room for doubt in the process and others demanding absolute certainty from the believer. All fellowships experienced some problems with the issue due to the very nature of the question. Assurance required a reflexive act that turned the eyes of the believer away from the good things of God and the promises of the gospel toward an inspection of one’s inner man and motives that were difficult to discern. Those fellowships that emphasized a human condition in the process of salvation or assurance often struggled with their depravity before God and unworthiness to claim the promises of divine grace. This paper particularly focuses upon the struggles of the so-called Calvinists, who were more enamored with the question than the other fellowships and had difficulty developing a coherent or definitive answer, caught as they were between tensions in their theology, between the Christocentric vision of John Calvin that led toward assurance and the synergistic tendences of Theodore Beza and Heinrich Bullinger that led toward doubt. The paper provides some criticism of their theology but sympathizes with their struggle and finds faith and doubt inevitable parts of the Christian life here on earth.
Tribological Performance of ZnO Green Particles as Lubricating Oil Additives
Authors: Gautier di Confiengo Giovanna , Malusà Eligio , Guaita Massimo , Motta Silvia , Di Maro Mattia , Faga Maria Giulia
Published: August 2024

ZnO particles, synthesized using a green method, were used as additives to enhance the tribological properties of lubricants. Polyphenolic extracts obtained from by-products of the winemaking process from two grape varieties, Barbera (red berry) and Moscato (white berry), were utilized as reducing agents in the synthesis of ZnO starting from two Zn salts (nitrate and acetate). The grape extracts were analysed for their polyphenolic profile. The ZnO particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, SEM, FESEM, and FTIR. A ball-on-disk tribometer was used to study the tribological behaviour of the ZnO particles as oil additives in comparison to a reference base oil. Electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterise wear scars. Polyphenolic compounds were more abundant in the Moscato extracts than in the Barbera extracts. Although FTIR analyses evidenced differences in the region related to the stretching of carbonyl bonds, all kinds of ZnO particles were crystallised in their pure phase, as shown by the XRD patterns. Morphological analysis revealed that precursors significantly influenced particle size and shape, with acetate producing regular-shaped nanoparticles (50–200 nm) while nitrate produced pyramid-like particles (10–20 μm). Addition of ZnO to oil resulted in a more stable friction coefficient (COF) than the reference oil, with lower values obtained using ZnO particles obtained from acetate compared to nitrate. The addition of the ZnO particles derived from Barbera by-products lowered on average wear values compared to the pure lubricant oil.
Analysis of the Convergence of Environmental Sustainability and Its Main Determinants: The Case of the Americas (1990–2022)
Authors: Gómez Mario , Rodríguez José Carlos
Published: August 2024

This paper studies the convergence of environmental sustainability and its main determinants in selected American countries. In addition, it studies the impact of economic activity, income inequality, trade openness, and innovative activity on the sustainability of these countries. Convergence tests such as unit root and club convergence are applied. Furthermore, cointegration and causality tests are used, and long-term parameters are estimated using methods robust for cross-sectional dependence. The results show evidence of stochastic convergence with the univariate unit root tests in the five indicators (energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, ecological footprint, energy intensity, and load capacity factor) used, while with the panel data unit root tests only in four (carbon dioxide emissions, ecological footprint, energy intensity, and load capacity factor). There is no evidence of convergence towards a single club considering the complete sample, but there is evidence of convergence towards several clubs. The variables are integrated of order one and are cointegrated. Moreover, using robust estimators in the presence of cross-sectional dependence in long-term economic activity, income inequality, trade openness, and innovative activity deteriorate sustainability, while renewable energy improves it in these countries.
A Novel Accident Duration Prediction Method Based on a Conditional Table Generative Adversarial Network and Transformer
Authors: Wang Yongdong , Zhai Haonan , Cao Xianghong , Geng Xin
Published: August 2024

The accurate duration prediction of road traffic accident is crucial for ensuring the safe and efficiency of transportation within social road networks. Such predictive capabilities provide significant support for informed decision-making by transportation administrators while also offering new technological support for the sustainable development of modern road networks. This study introduced a novel predictive model for road traffic accident duration, integrating a Conditional Table Generative Adversarial Network (CTGAN) with a transformer architecture. We initially utilized CTGAN to augment and refine the historical accident dataset. Subsequently, we implemented a wavelet denoising technique to cleanse the expanded dataset. The core of our model lies in the application of the transformer mechanism, which was trained to forecast the accident duration with high precision. To prove the effectiveness of our proposed model, a series of comparative experiments were designed and executed. The experimental results show that the prediction error of CTGAN-Tr for accident duration in the accident area could reach below 0.8. Compared with other models, the MAE of CTGAN-Tr was reduced by 0.31 compared with GRU, and the correlation coefficient was increased by 0.2 compared with TCN. At the same time, the model can show excellent performance in the other two accident areas. The results of these experiments not only substantiate the performance of our model but also demonstrate its robustness and generalizability when applied to traffic accident data from other regions.
Natural Dyeing and Antimicrobial Functionalization of Wool Fabrics Dyed with Chinese Dragon Fruit Extract to Enhance Sustainable Textiles
Authors: Sadannavar Mohmadarslan Kutubuddin , Periyasamy Aravin , Islam Syed Rashedul , Shafiq Faizan , Dong Xue , Zhao Tao
Published: August 2024

Recently, the natural dyeing process has achieved great importance in the textile wet processing industry due to its clean dyeing, eco-friendliness, and nontoxicity in nature. In the above research project, a unique natural dye extracted from dragon fruit was applied to wool fabric using various mordanting agents to encourage the use of natural dyes and lessen the negative environmental effects caused by synthetic dyeing. The color characteristics (K/S), fastness properties, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), absorption spectra, and thermal and ultraviolet (UV) resistance of the extracted dye and dyed wool samples were tested and characterized. The K/S values of the dyed wool fabrics were between 5.75 and 13.29. The color fastness ratings obtained from the dyed wool fabric were found to be between good and excellent. Hence, the overall results proved that the novel natural dye obtained from dragon fruit can be utilized for dyeing wool material for the production of eco-friendly and sustainable antimicrobial textiles.
Environmental Regulation, Green Technology Innovation, and Industrial Green Transformation: Empirical Evidence from a Developing Economy
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Hou Yuling , Geng Kaiwen
Published: August 2024

In this paper, to facilitate a green transition in developing economies globally, China is utilized as a standard case study. China has proposed the dual objectives of “carbon peaking” and “carbon neutrality”, where industrial green transformation has emerged as a critical avenue for high-quality industrial development. This paper assesses the extent of China’s industrial green transformation utilizing the SBM-ML model based on provincial panel data from 2004 to 2018 and empirically analyzes the intrinsic mechanism of environmental regulation and green technology innovation in China’s industrial green transformation. Three primary research results are drawn in this paper, which are as follows: (1) innovation compensation effects are generated and environmental regulation and industrial green transformation are positively correlated; (2) environmental regulation’s effect on the industrial green transformation is greatly enhanced under the moderating role of green technology innovation; (3) environmental regulations’ effects on the industrial green transformation differ in time and space. This influence is extremely prominent in eastern and western China but minimal in central China. On account of the introduction of inappropriate environmental restraints, China’s inter-regional pollution transfer has been intensified, leading to the general situation of China’s industrial green development being poor. This research seeks to put forward suggestions from the perspectives of policy applicability, green innovation system formation, and regional policy execution precision, so as to give reference methods for China and global industrial green transformation.
Applicability of Fluorine Gas Surface Treatment to Control Liquid Sodium Wettability
Authors: Namie Masanari , Saito Jun-ichi , Ikeda Asuka , Oka Ryotaro , Kim Jae-Ho
Published: August 2024

The iron (Fe) specimens selected as the substrate metal for this study were surface-treated using fluorine gas, and their wettability with liquid sodium (Na) was evaluated using the sliding angle. Additionally, the surface morphology and binding state were analyzed, and the applicability of wettability control with liquid sodium by fluorination was discussed using the analysis results. Fluorination formed a fluoride layer comprising FeF2 and FeF3 bonds on the iron surface. The composition of the fluoride layer varied, depending on the treatment conditions. The surface of the specimen that contains a lot of FeF3 bonds had a small sliding angle for the liquid sodium droplet and was harder to wet than the untreated specimen. In contrast, the surface of the specimen that contains a lot of FeF2 bonds had a large sliding angle for the liquid sodium droplet and was easier to wet than the untreated specimen. These results indicate that fluorination is an effective surface modification technique that can be applied to control the wettability of iron with liquid sodium.
The Impact of the Digital Economy on Carbon Emissions Based on Regional Development Imbalance
Authors: Jia Xiaoxia , Guang Weiyi
Published: August 2024

Digital economy is an important direction of the new round of technological revolution and a key driving force for realizing the “double control of carbon emissions”. This paper utilizes the panel data of 30 provincial-level administrative regions in China from 2011 to 2021 to measure the development level of the digital economy, total carbon emissions, and carbon emission intensity and explores the impact of the digital economy on the dual control of carbon emissions and the mechanism of its effect by applying the mediating and moderating effect models. The results show that the digital economy can play a significant inhibitory effect on total carbon emissions and carbon emissions intensity, and this conclusion is still robust after a series of tests. From the government level, there exists a transmission path of “digital economy → environmental regulation stringency → dual control of carbon emissions”; from the enterprise and research organization level, there also exists a transmission path of “digital economy → R&D intensity → dual control of carbon emissions”. From the perspective of regional imbalance, there are large regional differences in the impact of the digital economy on the dual control of carbon emissions, and there are also large differences in the impact of the various subdivided indicators of the digital economy on the dual control of carbon emissions. In addition, this paper also finds that the positive effect of the digital economy on the dual control of carbon emissions is more obvious in regions with a smaller proportion of SOEs. These findings add new evidence to the study of “the impact of the digital economy on the dual control of carbon emissions” and provide new ideas for accelerating the realization of green and sustainable development.
Potential Ancestral Conoidean Toxins in the Venom Cocktail of the Carnivorous Snail Raphitoma purpurea (Montagu, 1803) (Neogastropoda: Raphitomidae)
Authors: Chiappa Giacomo , Fassio Giulia , Modica Maria Vittoria , Oliverio Marco
Published: August 2024

Venomous marine gastropods of the superfamily Conoidea possess a rich arsenal of toxins, including neuroactive toxins. Venom adaptations might have played a fundamental role in the radiation of conoideans; nevertheless, there is still no knowledge about the venom of the most diversified family of the group: Raphitomidae Bellardi, 1875. In this study, transcriptomes were produced from the carcase, salivary glands, and proximal and distal venom ducts of the northeastern Atlantic species Raphitoma purpurea (Montagu, 1803). Using a gut barcoding approach, we were also able to report, for the first time, molecular evidence of a vermivorous diet for the genus. Transcriptomic analyses revealed over a hundred putative venom components (PVC), including 69 neurotoxins. Twenty novel toxin families, including some with high levels of expansion, were discovered. No significant difference was observed between the distal and proximal venom duct secretions. Peptides related to cone snail toxins (Cerm06, Pgam02, and turritoxin) and other venom-related proteins (disulfide isomerase and elevenin) were retrieved from the salivary glands. These salivary venom components may constitute ancestral adaptations for venom production in conoideans. Although often neglected, salivary gland secretions are of extreme importance for understanding the evolutionary history of conoidean venom.
The Hydrochemical Characteristics and Formation Mechanism of Highly Mineralized Coal Mine Water in Semi-Arid Regions in Northwest China
Authors: Yang Jian , Zhao Wei , Liang Xiangyang , Xu Feng
Published: August 2024

The over-exploitation of groundwater and the deterioration of its quality have heightened the importance of non-traditional water resources, such as mine water. The study of the water’s chemical characteristics and the formation mechanism of high-salinity mine water in semi-arid regions holds significant importance for zero discharge and the resource utilization of mine water in Northwest China. In this study, a total of 38 groundwater and mine water samples were collected to examine the hydrogeochemical characteristics of high-salinity mine water using Piper diagrams and Gibbs diagrams, as well as isotope analyses and ion ratio coefficients. Additionally, the corresponding mine water treatment recommendations were put forward. The results show that the TDS content of groundwater increases with hydrographic depth. The average TDS concentration of Quaternary, Luohe, and Anding groundwater is 336.87, 308.67, and 556.29 mg/L, respectively. However, the TDS concentration of Zhiluo groundwater and mine water is 2768.57 and 3826.40 mg/L, respectively, which belong to high-salinity water. The Quaternary, Luohe, and Anding groundwater hydrochemical type is predominantly HCO3-Ca type, and the Zhiluo groundwater and mine water hydrochemical type is predominantly the SO4-Na type. Furthermore, there is minimal difference observed in δD and δ18O values among these waters. It can be inferred that the Zhiluo Formation in groundwater serves as the primary source of mine water supply, primarily influenced by the processes of concentration caused by evaporation. The high salinity of mine water is closely related to the high salinity of Zhiluo groundwater. The high salinity of groundwater has evolved gradually under the control of the concentration caused by evaporation and rock-weathering processes. The dissolution of salt rock, gypsum, along with other minerals, serves as the material basis for high-salinity groundwater formation. In addition, the evolution of major ions is also affected by cation exchange. The TDS concentration of mine water ranges from 3435.4 mg/L to 4414.3 mg/L, and the combined treatment process of nanofiltration and reverse osmosis can be selected to remove the salt. After treatment, mine water can be used for productive, domestic, and ecological demands.
BOTMER GYMNASTICS IN THE SYSTEM OF TRAINING OF FUTURE TEACHERS OF PHYSICAL CULTURE: TEACHING TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: KORNOSENKO O. , DANYSKO O. , HORBENKO K.
Published: August 2024

The urgency of the study is due to the need to search for effective systems of physical and intellectual development of schoolchildren. The article is aimed at studying the health and educational-developing value of Botmer Gymnastics in the system of physical education of pupils of general educational institutions, substantiation of importance of mastering the technologies of Botmer Gymnastics by future teachers of physical education in the process of professional training in universities. The study found that the author of this gymnastics is a German doctor and pediatrician Friedrich Botmer. This system was established to improve the physical development of children, especially those with developmental disorders or physical defects. At present Botmer Gymnastics is widely used in the pedagogical practice of secondary education, since it is based on the basic methodological approaches to teaching differentiated and individual. This gymnastic system promotes the formation of important physical qualities: flexibility, strength, stamina, coordination, meets the principles of an integrated approach to learning, allows you to adapt exercises to the different levels of physical preparation and capabilities of students. Implementation of the system of Botmer Gymnastics in the system of secondary education is possible when studying the technique of its elements, principles and technologies of teaching future teachers of physical culture. The content of recreational and educational-developing types of gymnastics, including Botmer Gymnastics, students learn through the study of such educational components as: «Theory and methods of teaching gymnastics», «Modern physical education and health technologies», «Non-traditional motor activities», as well as educational and industrial practice. Knowledge of the methods of Botmer Gymnastics will allow future teachers of physical culture to expand their arsenal of methods and techniques of teaching and improving schoolchildren, will allow to create individual programs, will help to harmonize the mental state of students, reduce stress.
SCIENTIFIC ASPECTS OF SPORTS SELECTION AND ORIENTATION
Authors: PROSKURNIN A.
Published: August 2024

The relationship between the concepts of «sports selection» and «sports orientation» is determined. The limiting factors of an effective system of sports selection are determined. Peculiarities of the implementation of sports selection tasks at separate stages of an athlete’s training are presented: the basic stage, the stage of children selection according to motor abilities, the stage of gifted athletes selection; stage of talented athletes selection; stage of sports elite selection. The principles of sports selection are characterized: systematicity, scientific foundation, complexity, prolonged dynamic selection, pedagogical value, adaptability of selection criteria, humanism, relevance, profitability, dynamic prediction (monitoring). It is established that the selection system involves the development and experimental testing of the effectiveness of selection models within the framework of organizational measures; at the same time, modeling has a certain effectiveness only when the experimental model reproduces the main characteristics of the planned system of athletes training, corresponds to its purpose, tasks, methods, takes into account the peculiarities of the  multi-year training stages.