bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer Stem Cells in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Bubin Roman , Uljanovs Romans , Strumfa Ilze
Published: April 2023

The first discovery of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in leukaemia triggered active research on stemness in neoplastic tissues. CSCs represent a subpopulation of malignant cells, defined by unique properties: a dedifferentiated state, self-renewal, pluripotency, an inherent resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy, the presence of certain epigenetic alterations, as well as a higher tumorigenicity in comparison with the general population of cancer cells. A combination of these features highlights CSCs as a high-priority target during cancer treatment. The presence of CSCs has been confirmed in multiple malignancies, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, an entity that is well known for its dismal prognosis. As the aggressive course of pancreatic carcinoma is partly attributable to treatment resistance, CSCs could contribute to adverse outcomes. The aim of this review is to summarize the current information regarding the markers and molecular features of CSCs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and the therapeutic options to remove them.
Editorial to the Special Issue “Molecular Aspects in Catalytic Materials for Pollution Elimination and Green Chemistry”
Authors: Zhu Junjiang
Published: April 2023

The Special Issue on “Molecular Aspects in Catalytic Materials for Pollution Elimination and Green Chemistry” encompasses two aims: one is to remove the pollutants produced in the downstream, and the other is to synthesize chemicals by a green route, avoiding the production of pollutants [...]
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Reduces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, and Increases Growth Factors Favouring the Healing Process of Diabetic Wounds
Authors: Capó Xavier , Monserrat-Mesquida Margalida , Quetglas-Llabrés Magdalena , Batle Juan M. , Tur Josep A. , Pons Antoni , Sureda Antoni , Tejada Silvia
Published: April 2023

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the clinical application of oxygen at pressures higher than atmospheric pressure. HBOT has been effectively used to manage diverse clinical pathologies, such as non-healing diabetic ulcers. The aim of the present study was to analyse the effects of HBOT on the plasma oxidative and inflammation biomarkers and growth factors in patients with chronic diabetic wounds. The participants received 20 HBOT sessions (five sessions/week), and blood samples were obtained at sessions 1, 5 and 20, before and 2 h after the HBOT. An additional (control) blood sample was collected 28 days after wound recovery. No significant differences were evident in haematological parameters, whereas the biochemical parameters progressively decreased, which was significant for creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The pro-inflammatory mediators, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β), progressively decreased throughout the treatments. Biomarkers of oxidative stress––plasma protein levels of catalase, extracellular superoxide dismutase, myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and protein carbonyls––were reduced in accordance with wound healing. Plasma levels of growth factors––platelet-derived growth factor (PDFG), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α)–– were increased as a consequence of HBOT and reduced 28 days after complete wound healing, whereas matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) progressively decreased with the HBOT. In conclusion, HBOT reduced oxidative and pro-inflammatory mediators, and may participate in activating healing, angiogenesis and vascular tone regulation by increasing the release of growth factors.
Analysis of Ku70 S155 Phospho-Specific BioID2 Interactome Identifies Ku Association with TRIP12 in Response to DNA Damage
Authors: Abbasi Sanna , Bayat Laila , Schild-Poulter Caroline
Published: April 2023

The Ku heterodimer, composed of subunits Ku70 and Ku80, is known for its essential role in repairing double-stranded DNA breaks via non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). We previously identified Ku70 S155 as a novel phosphorylation site within the von Willebrand A-like (vWA) domain of Ku70 and documented an altered DNA damage response in cells expressing a Ku70 S155D phosphomimetic mutant. Here, we conducted proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID2) screening using wild-type Ku70, Ku70 S155D mutant, and Ku70 with a phosphoablative substitution (S155A) to identify Ku70 S155D-specific candidate proteins that may rely on this phosphorylation event. Using the BioID2 screen with multiple filtering approaches, we compared the protein interactor candidate lists for Ku70 S155D and S155A. TRIP12 was exclusive to the Ku70 S155D list, considered a high confidence interactor based on SAINTexpress analysis, and appeared in all three biological replicates of the Ku70 S155D-BioID2 mass spectrometry results. Using proximity ligation assays (PLA), we demonstrated a significantly increased association between Ku70 S155D-HA and TRIP12 compared to wild-type Ku70-HA cells. In addition, we were able to demonstrate a robust PLA signal between endogenous Ku70 and TRIP12 in the presence of double-stranded DNA breaks. Finally, co-immunoprecipitation analyses showed an enhanced interaction between TRIP12 and Ku70 upon treatment with ionizing radiation, suggesting a direct or indirect association in response to DNA damage. Altogether, these results suggest an association between Ku70 phospho-S155 and TRIP12.
Sedative-Hypnotic Effects of Glycine max Merr. Extract and Its Active Ingredient Genistein on Electric-Shock-Induced Sleep Disturbances in Rats
Authors: Ye Minsook , Lee SunYoung , Yu Hyo Jeong , Kim Kyu-Ri , Park Hyun-Jung , Kang In-Cheol , Kang Soon Ah , Chung Young-Shin , Shim Insop
Published: April 2023

Glycine max Merr. (GM) is a functional food that provides many beneficial phytochemicals. However, scientific evidence of its antidepressive and sedative activities is scarce. The present study was designed to investigate the antidepressive and calmative effects of GM and its biologically active compound, genistein (GE), using electroencephalography (EEG) analysis in an electric foot shock (EFS)-stressed rat. The underlying neural mechanisms of their beneficial effects were determined by assessing corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), serotonin (5-HT), and c-Fos immunoreactivity in the brain using immunohistochemical methods. In addition, the 5-HT2C receptor binding assay was performed because it is considered a major target of antidepressants and sleep aids. In the binding assay, GM displayed binding affinity to the 5-HT2C receptor (IC50 value of 14.25 ± 11.02 µg/mL). GE exhibited concentration-dependent binding affinity, resulting in the binding of GE to the 5-HT2C receptor (IC50, 77.28 ± 26.57 mg/mL). Administration of GM (400 mg/kg) increased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep time. Administration of GE (30 mg/kg) decreased wake time and increased rapid eye movement (REM) and NREM sleep in EPS-stressed rats. In addition, treatment with GM and GE significantly decreased c-Fos and CRF expression in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and increased 5-HT levels in the dorsal raphe in the brain. Overall, these results suggest that GM and GE have antidepressant-like effects and are effective in sleep maintenance. These results will benefit researchers in developing alternatives to decrease depression and prevent sleep disorders.
CIGB-258 Exerts Potent Anti-Inflammatory Activity against Carboxymethyllysine-Induced Acute Inflammation in Hyperlipidemic Zebrafish via the Protection of Apolipoprotein A-I
Authors: Cho Kyung-Hyun , Nam Hyo-Seon , Kim Ji-Eun , Na Hye-Jee , del Carmen Dominguez-Horta Maria , Martinez-Donato Gillian
Published: April 2023

Inflammation and atherosclerosis are intimately associated via the production of dysfunctional high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and modification of apolipoprotein (apo) A-I. A putative interaction between CIGB-258 and apoA-I was investigated to provide mechanistic insight into the protection of HDL. The protective activity of CIGB-258 was tested in the CML-mediated glycation of apoA-I. The in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy was compared in paralyzed hyperlipidemic zebrafish and its embryo in the presence of CML. Treatment of CML induced greater glycation extent of HDL/apoA-I and proteolytic degradation of apoA-I. In the presence of CML, however, co-treatment of CIGB-258 inhibited the glycation of apoA-I and protected the degradation of apoA-I, exerting enhanced ferric ion reduction ability. Microinjection of CML (500 ng) into zebrafish embryos resulted in acute death with the lowest survivability with severe developmental defects with interleukin (IL)-6 production. Conversely, a co-injection of CIGB-258 or Tocilizumab produced the highest survivability with a normal development speed and morphology. In hyperlipidemic zebrafish, intraperitoneal injection of CML (500 μg) caused the complete loss of swimming ability and severe acute death with only 13% survivability 3 h post-injection. A co-injection of the CIGB-258 resulted in a 2.2-fold faster recovery of swimming ability than CML alone, with higher survivability of approximately 57%. These results suggest that CIGB-258 protected hyperlipidemic zebrafish from the acute neurotoxicity of CML. Histological analysis showed that the CIGB-258 group had 37% lower infiltration of neutrophils in hepatic tissue and 70% lower fatty liver changes than those of the CML-alone group. The CIGB-258 group exhibited the smallest IL-6 expression in the liver and the lowest blood triglyceride level. CIGB-258 displayed potent anti-inflammatory activity in hyperlipidemic zebrafish by inhibiting apoA-I glycation, promoting rapid recovery from the paralysis of CML toxicity and suppression of IL-6, and lowering fatty liver changes.
Effect of Roller Levelling on Tensile Properties of Aluminum Sheets
Authors: Harangozó Dóra , Czinege Imre
Published: April 2023

The straightening of sheets, bars and profiles plays an important role in many machining processes. The aim of sheet straightening in the rolling mill is to ensure that the deviation of sheets from flatness is within the tolerances specified in the standards or delivery conditions. There is a wide range of information available on the roller levelling process used to meet these quality requirements. However, little attention has been paid to the effects of levelling, namely the change in properties of the sheets before and after roller levelling. The aim of the present publication is to investigate how the levelling process affects tensile test results. The experiments have shown that levelling increases the yield strength of the sheet by 14–18%, while it decreases its elongation by 1–3% and hardening exponent by 15%. The mechanical model developed allows changes to be predicted, so that a plan can be made regarding roller levelling technology that has the least effect on the properties of the sheet while maintaining the desired dimensional accuracy.
Magnesium Ortho-Vanadate/Magnesium Oxide/Graphene Oxide Embedded through Cellulose Acetate-Based Films for Wound Healing Applications
Authors: Taher Fatemah A. , Gouda Mohamed , Khalaf Mai M. , Shaaban Saad , Al Bosager Alnoor Y. A. , Algafly Dania A. A. , Mahfouz Metwally K. , Abou Taleb Manal F. , Abd El-Lateef Hany M.
Published: April 2023

A multifunctional nano-films of cellulose acetate (CA)/magnesium ortho-vanadate (MOV)/magnesium oxide/graphene oxide wound coverage was fabricated. Through fabrication, different weights of the previously mentioned ingredients were selected to receive a certain morphological appearance. The composition was confirmed by XRD, FTIR, and EDX techniques. SEM micrograph of Mg3(VO4)2/MgO/GO@CA film depicted that there was a porous surface with flattened rounded MgO grains with an average size of 0.31 µm was observed. Regarding wettability, the binary composition of Mg3(VO4)2@CA occupied the lowest contact angle of 30.15 ± 0.8o, while pure CA represents the highest one at 47.35 ± 0.4°. The cell viability % amongst the usage of 4.9 µg/mL of Mg3(VO4)2/MgO/GO@CA is 95.77 ± 3.2%, while 2.4 µg/mL showed 101.54 ± 2.9%. The higher concentration of 5000 µg/mL exhibited a viability of 19.23%. According to optical results, the refractive index jumped from 1.73 for CA to 1.81 for Mg3(VO4)2/MgO/GO@CA film. The thermogravimetric analysis showed three main stages of degradation. The initial temperature started from room temperature to 289 °C with a weight loss of 13%. On the other hand, the second stage started from the final temperature of the first stage and end at 375 °C with a weight loss of 52%. Finally, the last stage was from 375 to 472 °C with 19% weight loss. The obtained results, such as high hydrophilic behavior, high cell viability, surface roughness, and porosity due to the addition of nanoparticles to the CA membrane, all played a significant role in enhancing the biocompatibility and biological activity of the CA membrane. The enhancements in the CA membrane suggest that it can be utilized in drug delivery and wound healing applications.
Physicochemical Properties of Gold Nanoparticles for Skin Care Creams
Authors: Majerič Peter , Jović Zorana , Švarc Tilen , Jelen Žiga , Horvat Andrej , Koruga Djuro , Rudolf Rebeka
Published: April 2023

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have now been used in skin care creams for several years, with marketed anti-aging, moisturizing, and regenerative properties. Information on the harmful effects of these nanoparticles is lacking, a concern for the use of AuNPs as cosmetic ingredients. Testing AuNPs without the medium of a cosmetic product is a typical method for obtaining this information, which is mainly dependent on their size, shape, surface charge, and dose. As these properties depend on the surrounding medium, nanoparticles should be characterized in a skin cream without extraction from the cream’s complex medium as it may alter their physicochemical properties. The current study compares the sizes, morphology, and surface changes of produced dried AuNPs with a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) stabilizer and AuNPs embedded in a cosmetic cream using a variety of characterization techniques (TEM, SEM, DLS, zeta potential, BET, UV–vis). The results show no observable differences in their shapes and sizes (spherical and irregular, average size of 28 nm) while their surface charges changed in the cream, indicating no major modification of their primary sizes, morphology, and the corresponding functional properties. They were present as individually dispersed nanoparticles and as groups or clusters of physically separated primary nanoparticles in both dry form and cream medium, showing suitable stability. Examination of AuNPs in a cosmetic cream is challenging due to the required conditions of various characterization techniques but necessary for obtaining a clear understanding of the AuNPs’ properties in cosmetic products as the surrounding medium is a critical factor for determining their beneficial or harmful effects in cosmetic products.
Adsorption Studies on the Removal of Anionic and Cationic Dyes from Aqueous Solutions Using Discarded Masks and Lignin
Authors: Li Penghui , Yang Chi , Wang Yanting , Su Wanting , Wei Yumeng , Wu Wenjuan
Published: April 2023

The carbon materials derived from discarded masks and lignin are used as adsorbent to remove two types of reactive dyes present in textile wastewater: anionic and cationic. This paper introduces the results of batch experiments where Congo red (CR) and Malachite green (MG) are removed from wastewater onto the carbon material. The relationship between adsorption time, initial concentration, temperature and pH value of reactive dyes was investigated by batch experiments. It is discovered that pH 5.0–7.0 leads to the maximum effectiveness of CR and MG removal. The equilibrium adsorption capacities of CR and MG are found to be 232.02 and 352.11 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption processes of CR and MG are consistent with the Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption models, respectively. The thermodynamic processing of the adsorption data reveals the exothermic properties of the adsorption of both dyes. The results show that the dye uptake processes follow secondary kinetics. The primary adsorption mechanisms of MG and CR dyes on sulfonated discarded masks and alkaline lignin (DMAL) include pore filling, electrostatic attraction, π-π interactions and the synergistic interactions between the sulphate and the dyes. The synthesized DMAL with high adsorption efficiency is promising as an effective recyclable adsorbent for adsorbing dyes, especially MG dyes, from wastewater.
Fast Detection of Heavy Metal Content in Fritillaria thunbergii by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy with PSO-BP and SSA-BP Analysis
Authors: Luo Xinmeng , Chen Rongqin , Kabir Muhammad Hilal , Liu Fei , Tao Zhengyu , Liu Lijuan , Kong Wenwen
Published: April 2023

Fast detection of heavy metals is important to ensure the quality and safety of herbal medicines. In this study, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied to detect the heavy metal content (Cd, Cu, and Pb) in Fritillaria thunbergii. Quantitative prediction models were established using a back-propagation neural network (BPNN) optimized using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and sparrow search algorithm (SSA), called PSO-BP and SSA-BP, respectively. The results revealed that the BPNN models optimized by PSO and SSA had better accuracy than the BPNN model without optimization. The performance evaluation metrics of the PSO-BP and SSA-BP models were similar. However, the SSA-BP model had two advantages: it was faster and had higher prediction accuracy at low concentrations. For the three heavy metals Cd, Cu and Pb, the prediction correlation coefficient (Rp2) values for the SSA-BP model were 0.972, 0.991 and 0.956; the prediction root mean square error (RMSEP) values were 5.553, 7.810 and 12.906 mg/kg; and the prediction relative percent deviation (RPD) values were 6.04, 10.34 and 4.94, respectively. Therefore, LIBS could be considered a constructive tool for the quantification of Cd, Cu and Pb contents in Fritillaria thunbergii.
Changes in Hematological Parameters of Iron Status and Total Iron Concentrations in Different Biological Matrices during a Sports Season in Women’s Soccer Players
Authors: Toro-Román Víctor , Robles-Gil María C. , Bartolomé Ignacio , Grijota Francisco J. , Muñoz Diego , Maynar-Mariño Marcos
Published: April 2023

Iron (Fe) metabolism and concentrations change during a sports season. Fe deficiency affects a significant number of women athletes. The aims of the present study were: (i) to analyze changes in hematological parameters of Fe status and (ii) to analyze changes in Fe concentrations in different biological matrices (serum, plasma, urine, erythrocytes, and platelets) during a sports season. Twenty-four Spanish semi-professional women’s soccer players (23.37 ± 3.95 years) participated in the present study. Three assessments were performed throughout the sports season (beginning, middle and end of the season). Nutritional intake was evaluated and female hormones, hematological parameters of Fe status and Fe concentrations in plasma, serum, urine, erythrocytes and platelets were determined. There were no differences in Fe intake. Hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations increased at the end of the season compared to initial values (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in extracellular Fe concentrations (plasma, serum, and urine). However, erythrocyte Fe concentrations were lower at the end of the season (p < 0.05). Hematological parameters of Fe status and intracellular Fe concentrations change throughout the sports season in women’s soccer players.
A Systematic Review of Aminaphtone from Pathophysiology to Clinical Applications: Focus on New Rheumatological Acquisitions
Authors: Gotelli Emanuele , Soldano Stefano , Hysa Elvis , Pacini Greta , Pizzorni Carmen , Paolino Sabrina , Cutolo Maurizio , Sulli Alberto
Published: April 2023

Aminaphtone is a chemical drug that has been used for more than thirty years to treat a variety of vascular disorders, with good clinical results and a satisfying safety profile. In the last two decades, multiple clinical studies have reported the efficacy of the drug in different clinical scenarios of altered microvascular reactivity, describing the downregulation of adhesion molecules (i.e., VCAM, ICAM, Selectins), vasoconstrictor peptides (i.e., Endothelin-1), and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (i.e., IL-6, IL-10, VEGF, TGF-beta) by Aminaphtone. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge concerning Aminaphtone, with particular attention to rheumatological conditions in which microvascular disfunction plays a pivotal role, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon and systemic sclerosis. These latter conditions may represent a promising field of application for Aminaphtone, due to the growing pre-clinical, clinical, and instrumental reports of efficacy. However, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials are lacking and are desirable.
Insights into Exosome Transport through the Blood–Brain Barrier and the Potential Therapeutical Applications in Brain Diseases
Authors: Abdelsalam Manal , Ahmed Munazza , Osaid Zaynab , Hamoudi Rifat , Harati Rania
Published: April 2023

Drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) is limited due to the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), a selective physiological barrier located at the brain microvessels that regulates the flow of cells, molecules and ions between the blood and the brain. Exosomes are nanosized extracellular vesicles expressed by all cell types and that function as cargos, allowing for communication between the cells. The exosomes were shown to cross or regulate the BBB in healthy and disease conditions. However, the mechanistic pathways by which exosomes cross the BBB have not been fully elucidated yet. In this review, we explore the transport mechanisms of exosomes through the BBB. A large body of evidence suggests that exosome transport through the BBB occurs primarily through transcytosis. The transcytosis mechanisms are influenced by several regulators. Inflammation and metastasis also enhance exosome trafficking across the BBB. We also shed light on the therapeutical applications of exosomes for treating brain diseases. Further investigations are essential to provide clearer insights related to trafficking of exosomes across the BBB and disease treatment.
Revolutionizing Drug Delivery and Therapeutics: The Biomedical Applications of Conductive Polymers and Composites-Based Systems
Authors: Paramshetti Sharanya , Angolkar Mohit , Al Fatease Adel , Alshahrani Sultan M. , Hani Umme , Garg Ankitha , Ravi Gundawar , Osmani Riyaz Ali M.
Published: April 2023

The first conductive polymers (CPs) were developed during the 1970s as a unique class of organic substances with properties that are electrically and optically comparable to those of inorganic semiconductors and metals while also exhibiting the desirable traits of conventional polymers. CPs have become a subject of intensive research due to their exceptional qualities, such as high mechanical and optical properties, tunable electrical characteristics, ease of synthesis and fabrication, and higher environmental stability than traditional inorganic materials. Although conducting polymers have several limitations in their pure state, coupling with other materials helps overcome these drawbacks. Owing to the fact that various types of tissues are responsive to stimuli and electrical fields has made these smart biomaterials attractive for a range of medical and biological applications. For various applications, including the delivery of drugs, biosensors, biomedical implants, and tissue engineering, electrical CPs and composites have attracted significant interest in both research and industry. These bimodalities can be programmed to respond to both internal and external stimuli. Additionally, these smart biomaterials have the ability to deliver drugs in various concentrations and at an extensive range. This review briefly discusses the commonly used CPs, composites, and their synthesis processes. Further highlights the importance of these materials in drug delivery along with their applicability in various delivery systems.
Semifluorinated Alkanes as New Drug Carriers—An Overview of Potential Medical and Clinical Applications
Authors: Tsagogiorgas Charalambos , Otto Matthias
Published: April 2023

Fluorinated compounds have been used in clinical and biomedical applications for years. The newer class of semifluorinated alkanes (SFAs) has very interesting physicochemical properties including high gas solubility (e.g., for oxygen) and low surface tensions, such as the well-known perfluorocarbons (PFC). Due to their high propensity to assemble to interfaces, they can be used to formulate a variety of multiphase colloidal systems, including direct and reverse fluorocarbon emulsions, microbubbles and nanoemulsions, gels, dispersions, suspensions and aerosols. In addition, SFAs can dissolve lipophilic drugs and thus be used as new drug carriers or in new formulations. In vitreoretinal surgery and as eye drops, SFAs have become part of daily clinical practice. This review provides brief background information on the fluorinated compounds used in medicine and discusses the physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of SFAs. The clinically established use in vitreoretinal surgery and new developments in drug delivery as eye drops are described. The potential clinical applications for oxygen transport by SFAs as pure fluids into the lungs or as intravenous applications of SFA emulsions are presented. Finally, aspects of drug delivery with SFAs as topical, oral, intravenous (systemic) and pulmonary applications as well as protein delivery are covered. This manuscript provides an overview of the (potential) medical applications of semifluorinated alkanes. The databases of PubMed and Medline were searched until January 2023.
Ionic Liquids Facilitate the Dispersion of Branched Polyethylenimine Grafted ZIF-8 for Reinforced Epoxy Composites
Authors: Ma Junchi , Zhou Shihao , Lai Yuanchang , Wang Zhaodi , Ni Nannan , Dai Feng , Xu Yahong , Yang Xin
Published: April 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been previously shown as an emerging modified class of epoxy resin. In this work, we report a simple strategy for preventing zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) nanoparticles from agglomerating in epoxy resin (EP). Branched polyethylenimine grafted ZIF-8 in ionic liquid (BPEI-ZIF-8) nanofluid with good dispersion was prepared successfully using an ionic liquid as both the dispersant and curing agent. Results indicated that the thermogravimetric curve of the composite material had no noticeable change with increasing BPEI-ZIF-8/IL content. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the epoxy composite was reduced with the addition of BPEI-ZIF-8/IL. The addition of 2 wt% BPEI-ZIF-8/IL into EP effectively improved the flexural strength to about 21.7%, and the inclusion of 0.5 wt% of BPEI-ZIF-8/IL EP composites increased the impact strength by about 83% compared to pure EP. The effect of adding BPEI-ZIF-8/IL on the Tg of epoxy resin was explored, and its toughening mechanism was analyzed in combination with SEM images showing fractures in the EP composites. Moreover, the damping and dielectric properties of the composites were improved by adding BPEI-ZIF-8/IL.
Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Silk Fibroin/Ag-NPs Composite Nanofibers as a Substrate for MG-63 Cells’ Growth
Authors: Mejía Suaza Monica L. , Leos Rivera Jennifer C. , Rodríguez Padilla Maria C. , Moncada Acevedo Maria E. , Ossa Orozco Claudia P. , Zarate Triviño Diana G.
Published: April 2023

Nanofiber scaffolds of polyvinyl alcohol, silk fibroin from Bombyx mori cocoons, and silver nanoparticles were developed as a substrate for MG-63 growth. The fiber morphology, mechanical properties, thermal degradation, chemical composition, and water contact angle were investigated. In vitro tests were performed by the cell viability MTS test of MG-63 cells on electrospun PVA scaffolds, mineralization was analyzed by alizarin red, and the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay was evaluated. At higher PVA concentrations, Young’s modulus (E) increased. The addition of fibroin and silver nanoparticles improved the thermal stability of PVA scaffolds. FTIR spectra indicated characteristic absorption peaks related to the chemical structures of PVA, fibroin, and Ag-NPs, demonstrating good interactions between them. The contact angle of the PVA scaffolds decreased with the incorporation of fibroin and showed hydrophilic characteristics. In all concentrations, MG-63 cells on PVA/fibroin/Ag-NPs scaffolds had higher cell viability than PVA pristine. On day ten of culture, PVA18/SF/Ag-NPs showed the highest mineralization, observed by the alizarin red test. PVA10/SF/Ag-NPs presented the highest alkaline phosphatase activity after an incubation time of 37 h. The achievements indicate the potential of the nanofibers of PVA18/SF/Ag-NPs as a possible substitute for bone tissue engineering (BTE).
Cooperative Navigation for Heterogeneous Air-Ground Vehicles Based on Interoperation Strategy
Authors: Shi Chenfa , Xiong Zhi , Chen Mingxing , Wang Rong , Xiong Jun
Published: April 2023

This paper focuses on the cooperative navigation of heterogeneous air-ground vehicle formations in a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) challenged environment and proposes a cooperative navigation method based on motion estimation and a regionally optimal path planning strategy. In air-ground vehicle formations, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) are equipped with low-precision inertial navigation measurement units and wireless range sensors, which interact with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with high-precision navigation equipment for cooperative measurement information and use the UAVs as aerial benchmarks for cooperative navigation. Firstly, the Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) algorithm is used to predict the next moment’s motion position of the UGVs. Then regional real-time path optimization algorithms are introduced to design the motion position of the high-precision UAVs so as to improve the formation’s configuration and reduce the geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) of the configuration. Simulation results show that the Dynamic Optimal Configuration Cooperative Navigation (DOC-CN) algorithm can reduce the GDOP of heterogeneous air-ground vehicle formations and effectively improve the overall navigation accuracy of the whole formation. The method is suitable for the cooperative navigation environment of heterogeneous air-ground vehicle formations under GNSS-challenged conditions.
Application of mmWave Radar Sensor for People Identification and Classification
Authors: Huang Xu , Patel Nitish , Tsoi Kit P.
Published: April 2023

Device-free indoor identification of people with high accuracy is the key to providing personalized services. Visual methods are the solution but they require a clear view and good lighting conditions. Additionally, the intrusive nature leads to privacy concerns. A robust identification and classification system using the mmWave radar and an improved density-based clustering algorithm along with LSTM are proposed in this paper. The system leverages mmWave radar technology to overcome challenges posed by varying environmental conditions on object detection and recognition. The point cloud data are processed using a refined density-based clustering algorithm to extract ground truth in a 3D space accurately. A bi-directional LSTM network is employed for individual user identification and intruder detection. The system achieved an overall identification accuracy of 93.9% and an intruder detection rate of 82.87% for groups of 10 individuals, demonstrating its effectiveness.
Evaluation of DEM Accuracy Improvement Methods Based on Multi-Source Data Fusion in Typical Gully Areas of Loess Plateau
Authors: Huang Jin , Wei Lan , Chen Tao , Luo Mingliang , Yang Hui , Sang Yunyun
Published: April 2023

Improving the accuracy of DEMs is a critical goal in digital terrain analysis. The combination of multi-source data can be used to increase DEM accuracy. Five typical geomorphic study areas in the Loess Plateau in Shaanxi were selected for a case study and a 5 m DEM unit was used as the basic data input. Data from three open-source databases of DEM images, the ALOS, SRTM and ASTER, were obtained and processed uniformly through a previously geographical registration process. Three methods, Gram–Schmidt pan sharpening (GS), weighted fusion and feature-point-embedding fusion, were used for mutual enhancement of the three kinds of data. We combined the effect of these three fusion methods in the five sample areas and compared the eigenvalues taken before and after the fusion. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The GS fusion method is convenient and simple, and the three combined fusion methods can be improved. Generally speaking, the fusion of ALOS and SRTM data led to the best performance, but was greatly affected by the original data. (2) By embedding feature points into three publicly available types of DEM data, the errors and extreme error value of the data obtained through fusion were significantly improved. Overall, ALOS fusion resulted in the best performance because it had the best raw data quality. The original eigenvalues of the ASTER were all inferior and the improvement in the error and the error extreme value after fusion was evident. (3) By dividing the sample area into different areas and fusing them separately according to the weights of each area, the accuracy of the data obtained was significantly improved. In comparing the improvement in accuracy in each region, it was observed that the fusion of ALOS and SRTM data relies on a gentle area. A high accuracy of these two data will lead to a better fusion. Merging ALOS and ASTER data led to the greatest increase in accuracy, especially in the areas with a steep slope. Additionally, when SRTM and ASTER data were merged, the observed improvement was relatively stable with little difference.
Fostering Chemistry Students’ Scientific Literacy for Responsible Citizenship through Socio-Scientific Inquiry-Based Learning (SSIBL)
Authors: Georgiou Yiannis , Kyza Eleni A.
Published: April 2023

Fostering secondary education students’ responsible citizenship and preparing them to be critically engaged with global socio-environmental challenges are of crucial importance toward achieving sustainability. This paper contributes to the effort to understand how to support students’ scientific literacy for responsible citizenship by reporting on a study evaluating the impact of a learning intervention on biofuels, structured upon Socio-Scientific Inquiry-Based Learning (SSIBL) pedagogy. The participants were 93 students in secondary chemistry education; these students were assigned to the SSIBL group (n = 46) or to the control group (n = 47), which participated in Business-As-Usual (BAU) instruction. Quantitative data were collected with the Global Scientific Literacy Questionnaire (GSLQ) before and after the learning intervention for evaluating students’ perceptions of science as a human endeavor (i.e., nature of science), as well as their personal responsibility and willingness to take action for maintaining a sustainable environment (i.e., values and attitudes). Qualitative data were also collected through video recordings of the SSIBL implementation to examine how the SSIBL instruction was enacted. The findings indicated that, after the implementation, students in the SSIBL condition outperformed their counterparts in the control condition. These findings provide empirical documentation supporting the use of the SSIBL learning intervention to foster students’ scientific literacy for responsible citizenship. The video recordings also shed light on how the SSIBL instruction phases (i.e., Ask, Find out, Act) contributed to the development of students’ responsible citizenship, as a pre-requisite for achieving sustainability.
Uses and Functions of the Territorial Brand over Time: Interdisciplinary Cultural-Historical Mapping
Authors: Almeida Giovana Goretti Feijó de , Almeida Paulo , Cardoso Lucília , Lima Santos Luís
Published: April 2023

Several approaches to the concept of the territorial brand have been given over time, which has generated different contextualizations to and applications of the concept. In order to homogenize and clarify the concept, the present paper aims to present the state-of-the-art of this theme through an interdisciplinary mapping of the uses and functions of the territorial brand. To this end, the study adopts a qualitative analysis approach, integrating content analysis with the historical method encompassing an interdisciplinary cultural-historical mapping. The results point to a clear and fertile body of theory, which, in turn, suggests a fertile path for future studies. The findings reveal more than 15 centuries across four dimensions of analysis: characteristics, uses, functions and discourses of the territorial brand. Different trends and future research agendas for this area are also discussed. The practical value focuses on the application of the four dimensions of analysis as a tool for territorial management and planning for territorial managers and decision-makers.
Urban Agglomeration High-Speed Railway Backbone Network Planning: A Case Study of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region, China
Authors: Zhao Jun , Rong Wenyu , Liu Di
Published: April 2023

In order to optimize the network layout of urban agglomerations, improve the comprehensive benefits of transportation networks and promote the sustainable development of urban agglomerations, this paper studies the main trunk line selection model of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei high-speed railway (HSR). Firstly, the characteristics of cities in urban agglomeration are analyzed, and the economic capacity, transportation capacity, passenger turnover and network characteristics of urban nodes are selected as evaluation indexes. A node importance model and a line urgency model were established to obtain the value of the importance of urban nodes and the urgency of each line in the urban agglomeration. Secondly, the DBSCAN is used to cluster the city nodes, and the city nodes are divided into four grades. With the goal of maximizing the urgency of the lines and considering the constraints of the urban node level, the optimization model of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei backbone network selection is constructed. The backbone lines of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration are obtained, and the selection results of backbone lines are analyzed, which lays a foundation for the design and optimization of the HSR operation scheme in urban agglomeration. The planned backbone network can basically realize the commuting between the important urban nodes in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration to achieve the goal of driving and alleviating the operation of the branch line. It can accelerate the development of the internal traffic of the urban agglomeration. In addition, it has certain practical significance and practical value.
The Environmental Values Play a Role in the Development of Green Entrepreneurship to Achieve Sustainable Entrepreneurial Intention
Authors: Yasir Nosheena , Babar Muhammad , Mehmood Hafiz Shakir , Xie Ruyu , Guo Guanke
Published: April 2023

Business culture is shifting rapidly as a result of discussions emphasizing green entrepreneurship, which emphasizes ecological sustainability. Sustainable entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in predicting economic growth in a world where enterprise is driven by climate change and environmental degradation. Despite the positive contributions of eco-friendly corporate operations, there is still limited knowledge about sustainable entrepreneurial intentions and their environmental value. Current research examines the impact of attitudes toward sustainable entrepreneurship, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms, as well as environmental value on sustainable entrepreneurial intentions. The study uses survey responses from 418 students in Lahore and Faisalabad, Pakistan, and evaluates a revised version of the theory of planned behavior using structural equation modeling. The findings of the study suggest that environmental value has a direct and indirect impact on attitudes towards sustainable entrepreneurship, and perceived behavioral control and environmental value support sustainable entrepreneurial intentions. However, subjective norms were found to be insignificant in influencing sustainable entrepreneurial intentions. Furthermore, this study explores the connection between environmental values, attitudes towards sustainable entrepreneurship, and how perceived behavioral control is moderated by entrepreneurial experience. Entrepreneurs with prior experience might expect a stronger correlation between their environmental values and their desire to launch a sustainable venture. Policymakers and managers need to prioritize the development of ecological values and sustainable entrepreneurial intentions to support the growth of sustainable enterprises. The findings have significant implications for developing effective strategies to foster sustainable development in businesses.
The Spatiotemporal Variations and Potential Causes of Water Quality of Headwaters of Dongjiang River, Southeastern China
Authors: Zeng Jinfeng , Liu Zuwen , Liu Xinggen , Zhang Linan , Zhang Jun , Zeng Yangsong
Published: April 2023

Due to the steep slope and short concentration time of flow in mountainous areas, the water environment of headwaters is easily disturbed by human activities. The spatial-temporal variation of the water environment is a key issue for the implementation of river restoration. This study aims to explore the spatial-temporal characteristics of water quality and its pollution sources of the headwaters of the Dongjiang River. Water quality monitoring data over the past 6 years were collected and analyzed using principal component analysis, equal standard pollution load, and multivariate statistical analysis. The results show that the water quality presents significant spatial heterogeneity, where the water quality in the middle and lower reaches is poor. The concentrations of ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus in the middle and lower reaches were 18.3 and 9.5 times higher than those in the upper reaches, respectively. The water quality has tended to improve recently because of ecological compensation and environmental management. Correlation analysis shows that there were significant positive relationships among major pollutants. Critical source areas were identified, which implies that the most polluted area is located in the middle reaches. Studies have also shown that the water pollution mainly comes from livestock and poultry breeding, industrial sewage discharge, and cultivated land. Controlling the scale of construction land and adjusting the industrial structure is one of the main measures for eradicating water environment problems in headwaters in mountainous areas.
Building a University City Brand: Colombian University Students’ Perceptions
Authors: Duque Oliva Edison Jair , Sánchez-Torres Javier A.
Published: April 2023

Modern city brand trends aim to position cities according to the interests of their stakeholders; in the case of university students, it is necessary to identify the factors that determine their choice of a university city. Consequently, this study applied an exploratory model that allowed researchers to validate the factors and characteristics that influence this process in the major Colombian university cities. The partial least square statistical analysis methodology was used to collect 585 surveys from students from different cities in Colombia. The study found that the factors determining cities’ cognitive or affective image directly or indirectly influenced the university city brand. This paper’s contributions lie in exploring university city branding from students’ perceptions.
Strength Properties and Damage Evolution Mechanism of Single-Flawed Brazilian Discs: An Experimental Study and Particle Flow Simulation
Authors: Bai Yao , Dou Haoyu , Sun Peng , Ma Tiancheng , Wang Yujing , Wang Yuqin
Published: April 2023

Understanding the tensile strength properties and damage evolution mechanism in fissured rock is very important to fundamental research and engineering design. The effects of flaw dip angle on the tensile strength, macroscopic crack propagation and failure mode of symmetrical Brazilian discs of rock-like materials were investigated. A parallel bonding model was proposed to examine the damage of pre-flawed discs under splitting the load. The microscopic parameters of particles and bonds in the model that can characterize rock-like materials’ mechanical and deformation properties were obtained by calibrating against the laboratory test results. The crack development, energy evolution and damage characteristics of Brazil discs containing a single pre-existing flaw were studied at the microscopic scale. The results show that the flaw significantly weakens the strength of the Brazilian disc, and both the peak load and the initial cracking load decrease with increasing flaw angle. The failure modes of the rock-like specimens are mainly divided into three types: wing crack penetration damage mode, tensile-shear penetration damage mode and radial penetration failure mode. Except for the flaw dip angle 0°, the wing cracks generally sprouted at the tip of the pre-flaw, and the wing cracks at both tips of the pre-flaw are centrosymmetric. Crack coalescence was concentrated in the post-peak stage. Based on the particle flow code (PFC) energy partitions, the damage variables characterized by dissipation energy were proposed. The disc specimen’s pre-peak damage variables and peak damage variables decreased with increasing flaw angle, and the damage was concentrated in the post-peak phase.
33rd Brazilian Society for Virology (SBV) 2022 Annual Meeting
Authors: Vaslin Maite Freitas Silva , da Silva Gustavo Peixoto Duarte , Leal Alessandra Alevato , Bueno Larissa Mayumi , Bittar Cíntia , de Souza Gabriela Fabiano , Lourenço Karine , Guedes Maria Isabel Maldonado Coelho , Proença-Módena José Luiz , Araújo Júnior João Pessoa , Ferreira Helena Lage , da Fonseca Flávio Guimarães
Published: April 2023

Each year, the Brazilian Society for Virology promotes a national meeting during the second semester of the year. In October 2022, the 33rd meeting took place at Arraial da Ajuda, Porto Seguro, Bahia, in-person:.this was the first in-person meeting since 2019, as the 2020 and 2021 events occurred online due to the issues imposed by COVID-19. It was a great pleasure for the whole audience to return to an in-person event, which certainly improved the interactions between the attendees in all ways. As usual, the meeting involved massive participation of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoc students, and several noteworthy international researchers were present. During five afternoons and evenings, attendees could discuss and learn about the most recent data presented by distinguished scientists from Brazil and other countries. In addition, young virology researchers from all levels could present their latest results as oral presentations and posters. The meeting covered all virology areas, with conferences and roundtables about human, veterinary, fundamental, environmental, invertebrate, and plant virology. The costs associated with attending the in-person event caused a slight reduction in the number of attendees compared to the two online events. However, even with this issue, the attendance was impressive. The meeting successfully achieved its most important goals: inspiring young and senior scientists and discussing high-quality, up-to-date virology research.