bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tick-Borne-Agents Detection in Patients with Acute Febrile Syndrome and Ticks from Magdalena Medio, Colombia
Authors: Cabrera Ruth , Mendoza Willington , López-Mosquera Loreth , Cano Miguel Angel , Ortiz Nicolas , Campo Valentina , Keynan Yoav , López Lucelly , Rueda Zulma Vanessa , Gutiérrez Lina Andrea
Published: September 2022

Acute febrile illness (AFI) is a morbid condition with a sudden onset of fever with at least seven days of evolution, where no signs or symptoms related to an apparent infection have been identified. In Latin America, a high proportion of disease is typically due to malaria and arboviruses. However, among the infectious etiologies, tick-borne diseases (TBDs) should also be considered, especially in areas where people come into direct contact with these arthropods. This study aims to describe the etiology and epidemiology related to tick-borne agents in patients with AFI and the tick’s natural infection by agents of TBD in the rural tropical Magdalena Medio region in Colombia, and explore the factors associated with the presence of Coxiella burnetii infection. We conduct a cohort study enrolling 271 patients with AFI to detect the bacteria of the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Coxiella, Rickettsia, Borrelia, and Francisella through molecular techniques, and additionally evaluate the presence of IgG antibodies with commercially available kits. We also conduct tick collection in the patient’s households or workplaces for the molecular screening of the same bacterial genera. Seropositivity to IgG antibodies was obtained for all the bacteria analyzed, with Francisella being the most common at 39.5% (107/271), followed by R. rickettsii at 31.4% (85/271), Ehrlichia at 26.9% (73/271), R. typhi at 15.5% (42/271), Anaplasma at 14.4% (39/271), and Borrelia at 6.6% (18/271). However, these bacteria were not detected by the molecular techniques used. Coxiella burnetii infection was detected in 39.5% of the patients: 49.5% only by phase I and II IgG antibodies, 33.6% only by real-time PCR, and 16.8% had a concordant positive result for both techniques. A total of 191 adult ticks, 111 females and 80 males, were collected and identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. and Rhipicephalus microplus. In the 169 adult ticks in which natural infection was evaluated, Ehrlichia spp. was detected in 21.3% (36/169), Coxiella spp. in 11.8% (20/169), and Anaplasma spp. in 4.7% (8/169). In conclusion, we identified the prior exposition to Francisella, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, Borrelia, and Coxiella in patients through serological tests. We also detected the infection of C. burnetii using molecular techniques. In the ticks, we identified bacteria of the genera Coxiella, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia. These results suggest the importance of these zoonotic agents as possible causes of AFI in this region.
Tuberculosis in an Aging World
Authors: Olmo-Fontánez Angélica M. , Turner Joanne
Published: September 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death due to its being an infectious disease, caused by the airborne pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). Approximately one-fourth of the world’s population is infected with latent M.tb, and TB is considered a global threat killing over 4000 people every day. The risk of TB susceptibility and mortality is significantly increased in individuals aged 65 and older, confirming that the elderly represent one of the largest reservoirs for M.tb infection. The elderly population faces many challenges that increase their risk of developing respiratory diseases, including TB. The challenges the elderly face in this regard include the following: decreased lung function, immuno-senescence, inflammaging, adverse drug effects, low tolerance to anti-TB drugs, lack of suitable diagnoses/interventions, and age-associated comorbidities. In order to find new therapeutic strategies to maintain lung homeostasis and resistance to respiratory infections as we age, it is necessary to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind natural lung aging. This review focuses primarily on why the elderly are more susceptible to TB disease and death, with a focus on pulmonary function and comorbidities.
Important Factors in Remote Experiential Education
Authors: Prisco Jennifer L. , Goldman Jennifer D. , Eguale Tewodros , Carace Nicole
Published: September 2022

Onsite and in-person experiential education has been well established to prepare practice-ready healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists. From COVID-19, the integration of remote educational delivery has occurred. As healthcare disciplines adjust to new experiential styles and innovate traditional methods, this paper highlights key areas for remote experiential education that can influence student experiences. Factors that are of importance to continuous quality improvement are described. A survey, utilizing the cloud-based software platform Qualtrics® headquartered in the United States, was developed to evaluate whether remote rotation delivery was comparable to traditional onsite experiential education, to assist with quality improvement for virtual experiential education, and to ensure the redesigned educational model meets accreditation standards for two schools of pharmacy. Numerous factors including work, time zone, Office of Experiential Education and preceptor responsiveness, and technology, were examined. Chi-Square test, t-test for proportions and odds ratios were utilized to evaluate results. Students with technology concerns throughout a remote rotation had a more than two-fold increase in identifying the virtual experience as worse than most/all other in-person rotations (p = 0.01). Preceptor responsiveness to questions and concerns significantly impact student perceptions of educational quality (p < 0.05). The majority of students perceived remote experiential education is equal to onsite experiences. Since continuous quality improvement is required by pharmacy accreditors and many other healthcare programs offering clinical opportunities, identifying factors is of importance to make future interventions in the remote experiential education delivery. This type of experiential learning became essential with COVID-19 impacting onsite clinical placements, and information can be used across health science disciplines at large.
Global Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccine: Mine First
Authors: Hortal-Carmona Joaquín , Díaz-Cobacho Gonzalo
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic dealt a severe blow to society as a whole and required countries to confront a situation that exceeded the limits of their borders. In this paper, we analyze how these countries as well as supranational organizations responded to this unprepared global emergency. We also explore what alternative models have been proposed in the wake of this crisis and propose some changes—other ways of acting—so that in future pandemics or global emergencies, we can deal with the situation more effectively.
Instantaneous Frequency Measurement with Reasonable Resolution and Simple Structure
Authors: Ding Qing-An , Li Junkai , Liu Huixin , Cheng Xudong , Liang Anhui , Du Liuge , Zheng Li , Dai Zhenfei , Yang Qunying , Li Jun
Published: September 2022

Microwave signals carry important intelligence information in electronic warfare. Hence, the measurement of microwave signals plays a very important role. Traditional electronic microwave measurement systems are not appropriate for the instantaneous frequency measurement (IFM) of high-speed signals. A simple and low-cost photonic approach to the IFM based on frequency-to-power mapping is proposed and demonstrated with a reasonable resolution. The measurement is performed on account of a double Mach–Zehnder modulator (MZM), single-mode fiber (SMF), photodetector (PD), and signal processing. The scheme using four wavelengths achieves resolutions of ±0.1 and ±0.09 GHz respectively for the 15.8–18.4 and 18.4−21.2 GHz frequency measurement ranges. Therefore, the scheme is a broad prospects method for high-resolution IFM. Moreover, it is of great importance for applications in electronic warfare and high-resolution sensor systems.
Light as a Cure in COVID-19: A Challenge for Medicine
Authors: Ailioaie Laura Marinela , Ailioaie Constantin , Litscher Gerhard
Published: September 2022

Light and lasers, as high-tech devices whose medical potential has yet to be fully discovered, have made important contributions to medicine, even in the current pandemic. The main aim of this review was to investigate how light was applied as a therapeutic tool during a crisis triggered by COVID-19. Another goal was to encourage scientists and industry to quickly design new at-home photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and/or antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) easy to use systems to end this pandemic, especially for those who believe in high-tech but would never get vaccinated. This review revealed that PBMT has been successfully applied as adjunct therapy, in combination with conventional medical treatment, and as a pioneering action in SARS-CoV-2 infection, demonstrating significant improvements in airway inflammation and general clinical condition of patients, a faster recovery, avoiding intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, mortality, and overcoming long-term sequelae. Application in only a limited number of cases strongly suggests the need for future randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials to objectively determine the action and effects of PBMT in COVID-19. Implementation of unparalleled theragnostics methods and light-based techniques for disinfection of spaces, air, skin, mucosae, and textures to decrease the load of SARS-CoV-2 virus would save lives, time, and money. In this ongoing and challenging search for the seemingly intangible end of this pandemic, a non-invasive, easily accessible, safe, and side-effect-free adjuvant method appears to be PBMT, alone or in synergistic combination with aPDT, which has been shown to work in COVID-19 and opens unprecedented potential for use as home self-treatment to end the pandemic.
Research Progress on Singlet Fission in Acenes and Their Derivatives
Authors: Li Jingjing , Cao He , Zhang Zhibin , Liu Shuo , Xia Yuanqin
Published: September 2022

Solar energy is widely used as a renewable and clean energy, and how to improve the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of solar devices has always been a hot topic. Singlet fission (SF), which converts one singlet exciton into two triplet excitons, is an exciton multiplication generation process in organic semiconductors and is expected to be integrated into solar cells. Moreover, acenes are currently one of the most widely used and popular SF materials. We review recent research on novel acene materials and their developments in the field of solar cells, aiming to provide researchers with ideas for applying the SF process to solar cells.
Optimization of Multi-Layer Data Recording and Reading in an Optical Disc
Authors: Jain Ashish , Rahimian Mitra G. , Bhardwaj V. R.
Published: September 2022

Storage capacity of a conventional optical disc can be enhanced significantly by recording data within the three-dimensional volume. However, spherical aberrations and light-scattering limit the number of layers that can be efficiently recorded and retrieved. In this paper, we show that by optimizing the multi-layer data recording and reading parameters, the number of fabricated layers could be tripled to 60 in commercial grade poly-methyl-methacrylate polycarbonate and reduce the read laser power by a factor of 7 by the 20th layer. Influence of spherical aberration on write laser spot size was studied by using vector diffraction theory and compared with experimental values obtained by monitoring the threshold energy of the write laser with depth. Scattering losses of the read laser were studied by simulating the propagation of light through multi-layered micro-structured material. The main advantage of our technique is its practical implementation, as it refrains from the use of index-matching liquids and specialized optics during the read–write process.
Excitation-Dependent Fluorescence Helps to Indicate Fungal Contamination of Aquatic Environments and to Differentiate Filamentous Fungi
Authors: Fedoseeva Elena , Patsaeva Svetlana , Stom Devard , Terekhova Vera
Published: September 2022

Fungal contamination of aquatic environments can lead to an adverse impact on the environment and human health. (1) The search for fast, inexpensive and appropriate methods for detection of fungi is very moving rapidly due to their significant impact on ecosystem functions and human health. (2) We focused on examination of fluorescence proxies able to distinguish chromophoric matter occurring in different fungi. Spectroscopic studies were performed on five strains of filamentous fungi: Trichoderma harzianum, Fusarium solani, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides and Aspergillus terreus. (3) The results showed that most of the fungal autofluorescence was emitted by amino acids, melanin-like compounds, NAD(P)H and flavins. The spectra of five fungal species cultivated as planktonic or surface-associated forms turned out to be different. Protein fluorescence can be used to detect general microbial contamination. Presence of excitation wavelength dependent mode and the “blue shift” of fluorescence (emission bands 400–500 nm) can be suggested as specific feature of fluorescence of fungal melanin-containing samples. (4) The determination based on fluorescence spectra obtained at a certain excitation/emission wavelengths pair and at whole excitation-emission matrices (EEMs) coupled to principal component analysis (PCA) algorithms as a tool of improving detection capabilities can be suggested to enable fast and inexpensive monitoring of fungal contamination of aquatic environments.
Effect of Relative Humidity on the Population Dynamics of the Predator Amblyseius swirskii and Its Prey Carpoglyphus lactis in the Context of Slow-Release Sachets for Use in Biological Control in Greenhouses
Authors: Solano-Rojas Yohan , Gallego Juan R. , Gamez Manuel , Lopez Inmaculada , Castillo Patricia , Cabello Tomas
Published: September 2022

Amblyseius swirskii is a predatory mite that is widely used for biological control in greenhouses. One way this predator is released is in a formulation in slow-release sachets. These sachets are prepared with the predatory mite, the factitious prey mite Carpoglyphus lactis, and a food substrate for the latter. The objective of the present study was to study the effects of microclimatic conditions in this type of formulation on the population dynamics of mites inside the sachets and on the release of predatory mites. These experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions in two trials. The ambient relative humidity affected the water content of the food substrate of the prey mite inside the sachets, with an initial value of 21.49 ± 0.42%, which was reduced to values of 4.7 ± 0.25%, 10.87 ± 1.03% and 17.27 ± 0.82% after 21 days of trials when they were exposed to low, medium and high ambient relative humidity levels, respectively. Relative humidity significantly altered the dynamics of the populations of both species inside the sachets and the exits of the predator from the sachets to the external environment.
Seed Priming with Glass Waste Microparticles and Red Light Irradiation Mitigates Thermal and Water Stresses in Seedlings of Moringa oleifera
Authors: Costa Patrícia da Silva , Ferraz Rener Luciano de Souza , Dantas Neto José , Bonou Semako Ibrahim , Cavalcante Igor Eneas , Alencar Rayanne Silva de , Melo Yuri Lima , Magalhães Ivomberg Dourado , Ndhlala Ashwell Rungano , Schneider Ricardo , Azevedo Carlos Alberto Vieira de , Melo Alberto Soares de
Published: September 2022

The association between population increase and the exploitation of natural resources and climate change influences the demand for food, especially in semi-arid regions, highlighting the need for technologies that could provide cultivated species with better adaptation to agroecosystems. Additionally, developing cultivation technologies that employ waste materials is highly desirable for sustainable development. From this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate whether seed priming with glass waste microparticles used as a silicon source under red light irradiation mitigates the effects of thermal and water stress on seedlings of Moringa oleifera. The experimental design was set up in randomized blocks using a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement consisting of seed priming (NSP—no seed priming, and SPSi—seed priming with glass microparticles under red light irradiation), soil water replenishment (W50—50%, and W100—100% of crop evapotranspiration—ETc), and temperature change (TC30°—30 °C day/25 °C night and TC40°—40 °C day/35 °C night). Seed priming with glass microparticles under red light irradiation mitigated the effects of thermal and water stress on seedlings of Moringa oleifera seedlings through the homeostasis of gas exchange, leaf water status, osmotic adjustment, and the antioxidant mechanism.
Application of High Pressure Processing on Ultrasonically Treated Extract from Wild Bitter Gourd
Authors: Huang Chang-Yi , Chen Su-Der
Published: September 2022

Wild bitter gourd extracts, such as saponins, polysaccharides, and peptides, could be used to adjust blood sugar. The objective of this research was to explore the use of high pressure processing (HPP) for sterilization and acceleration of enzyme hydrolysis in the ultrasonic preparation of peptide extracts from wild bitter gourd. The results showed that the wild bitter gourd powder could be extracted via ultrasonic processing with water at 70 °C for only 20 min with a solid to liquid ratio of 1:20 to obtain the total protein content of 1.514 mg/g. The two sterilization methods for wild bitter gourd extract treated with papaya enzyme—for 2 h in the traditional autoclave at 121 °C for 15 min, or under HPP 300 MPa for 5 min—showed no significant effect on protein content, and both sterilization methods were effective. However, the extract sterilized with HPP had a significantly higher ability to scavenge DPPH free radicals. In addition, HPP (300 MPa for 5 min), combined with papaya enzyme to hydrolyze the wild bitter gourd extract, simultaneously pasteurized the extract and acquired the peptides from the wild bitter gourd extract Therefore, the ultrasonic extraction of wild bitter gourd, combined with HPP and enzyme hydrolysis, could greatly shorten the operation time (to only 5 min) for extracting the active peptides.
Application of the Analogy between Momentum and Heat Flux in Turbulent Flow of a Straight Tube to a Spiral Tube
Authors: Lee Kye-Bock , Song Eui-Hyeok , Lee Ji-Su , Rhi Seok-Ho
Published: September 2022

A theory-based prediction method was used to estimate the friction factor and heat transfer rate in the turbulent flow of a helically coiled tube. The secondary flow produced by a centrifugal force improves heat and mass transfer; therefore, spiral coil pipes are widely used in a variety of industrial applications. The law of the wall and the Reynolds analogy, which states that momentum transfer in a turbulent flow is equivalent to heat transfer, were used in this theoretical method. The logarithmic law was used to characterize the velocity profile in the turbulence-dominated region, and the local wall shear stress variation throughout the circumference of the helical tube wall was considered. The friction factor and heat transfer in the turbulent flow of the helically coiled tube were accurately predicted by the model. Using the Reynolds analogy, the local Nusselt number in the circumferential direction of the helical tube wall was determined. The effect of decreasing local heat transfer within the tube while increasing heat transfer outside the tube was quantified. The analogy between the momentum flux and the heat flux in the turbulent flow of the straight tube was also proven to be applicable to the spiral tube.
Large Eddy Simulation of Conjugate Heat Transfer in a Ribbed Channel: Reynolds Number Effect
Authors: Ahn Joon , Song Jeong Chul , Lee Joon Sik
Published: September 2022

Large eddy simulations were performed for the conjugate heat transfer in a ribbed channel with a geometry, that mimics the internal cooling passage of a gas turbine, using 566, 100, 10, and 1 as the solid and fluid thermal conductivity ratios (K*) and 30,000, 7000 (turbulent flow), and 1000 (laminar flow) as the Reynolds numbers. A fully coupled simulation was conducted using the immersed boundary method (IBM) and a dynamic sub-grid-scale (SGS) model. In pure convection, a decrease in the Reynolds number from 30,000 to 7000 increased the heat transfer on the channel wall by 5% but decreased that on the rib by 20%. When K* > 10, the Reynolds number effect is stronger in the rib than in the wall. In the laminar flow, the effect of conduction appears at a low K*, and the heat transfer promotion is poor in the typical ribbed channel geometry. In the turbulent flow, if K* ≥ 100, then a heat transfer promotion is expected in the ribbed channel even at a low Reynolds number. For K* < 10, the thermal performance in the turbulent flow is worse than that in the laminar flow, and thus, no rib effect is expected.
To the Theory of Grain Motion in an Uneven Air Flow in a Vertical Pneumatic Separation Channel with an Annular Cross Section
Authors: Stepanenko Serhii , Kotov Borys , Kuzmych Alvian , Shvydia Viktor , Kalinichenko Roman , Kharchenko Serhii , Shchur Taras , Kocira Sławomir , Kwaśniewski Dariusz , Dziki Dariusz
Published: September 2022

The possibilities of the action of uneven air flows on the grain material in the separating channels are still not used enough. The reason for this is the insufficient knowledge of the processes of interaction of the components of the grain material with an uneven air flow. The purpose of the research is to increase the efficiency of grain material separation according to aerodynamic properties by purposefully changing the diagram of air velocities in the channel sections using the actions of lateral and aerodynamic forces. The separation efficiency of grain material components was determined by trajectory analysis. The different geometry of the pneumatic separation channel was studied. The study of the distribution of air velocity and air pressure vectors in a vertical annular channel was carried out using the FlowVision software. It has been established that a change in the air velocity diagram can be implemented both by changing the geometric parameters of the channel and by additional distributed air supply through the perforation in the side walls of the pneumatic channel. Based on the analysis of the velocity field, an improved scheme of a pneumatic gravitational separator is proposed for separating grain material into three fractions according to aerodynamic characteristics.
The Use of Novel, Rapid Analytical Tools in the Assessment of the Stability of Tablets—A Pilot Analysis of Expired and Unexpired Tablets Containing Nifuroxazide
Authors: Sarecka-Hujar Beata , Szulc-Musioł Beata , Meisner Michał , Duda Piotr
Published: September 2022

In the analysis of finished pharmaceutical products, numerous innovative analytical techniques are often used, i.e., Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, computer microtomography, directional hemispherical reflectance, and hyperspectral analyses. These techniques allow for the identification of changes in solid phases. Many advantages over other techniques can be attributed to these techniques, e.g., they are rapid, non-destructive, and comprehensive. They allow for the identification of changes occurring in solid phases. However, the above-mentioned methods are still not standard procedures in pharmaceutical research. The present study aimed to assess the possible usefulness of total directional hemispherical reflectance (THR), hyperspectral imaging, and computer microtomography to evaluate the stability of tablets containing nifuroxazide during storage. In the study, expired and unexpired coating tablets containing nifuroxazide (n = 10 each) were analyzed. In addition, four unexpired tablets were stored at 40°C over 3 months (stressed tablets). Reflectance was determined with seven wavelength bands from 335 nm to 2500 nm using an SOC-410 Directional Hemispherical Reflectometer (Surface Optics Corporation, San Diego, CA, USA). A Specim IQ hyperspectral camera (Spectral Imaging Ltd., Oulu, Finland) was used with a wavelength range of 400–1030 nm. Tablets were also scanned using X-ray microtomography (Phoenix vǀtomeǀx, GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GmbH, Wunstorf, Germany). The results indicated that total reflectance was lower in expired tablets than in unexpired tablets in all spectral bands, except for 700–1100 nm and 1700–2500 nm. In turn, the stressed tablets showed higher THR values than expired tablets in all spectral bands, except for 1000–1700 nm. In addition, hyperspectral analysis of the homogeneity of the tablets, as well as X-ray microtomographic analysis of tablet density and coating thickness, indicated that these parameters differed significantly between the analyzed tablets.
The Role of Challenge in Talent Development: Understanding Impact in Response to Emotional Disturbance
Authors: Taylor Jamie , Ashford Michael , Collins Dave
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: The pursuit of excellence is central to most development environments, and this is particularly the case in high-performance sport. Accordingly, we examined some mechanisms for development, focusing on the nature and impact of challenge in the experiences of more or less successful high-level rugby players. (2) Methods: Retrospective interviews were conducted with two groups of players. All had been successful on the development pathway (i.e., recruited to high level academies and selected as age group internationals). Only some had progressed to senior contracts and international selection, offering a basis for contrast. (3) Results: Data suggest the importance of negative experiences in the development of performers and performance. Importantly, however, the impact is dependent on both the skills of the individual and the style, timing and context of the challenge. (4) Conclusions: Negative experiences seemed to offer developmental opportunities wider than just learning to cope, at least for those who eventually succeeded. In short, progress was dependent on an interaction between individual skill, interpretation, context and social setting. The need for coaches and others to develop the appropriate attitudes and approach to challenge is a clear implication.
What the Neuroscience and Psychology of Magic Reveal about Misinformation
Authors: Alexander Robert G. , Macknik Stephen L. , Martinez-Conde Susana
Published: September 2022

When we believe misinformation, we have succumbed to an illusion: our perception or interpretation of the world does not match reality. We often trust misinformation for reasons that are unrelated to an objective, critical interpretation of the available data: Key facts go unnoticed or unreported. Overwhelming information prevents the formulation of alternative explanations. Statements become more believable every time they are repeated. Events are reframed or given “spin” to mislead audiences. In magic shows, illusionists apply similar techniques to convince spectators that false and even seemingly impossible events have happened. Yet, many magicians are “honest liars”, asking audiences to suspend their disbelief only during the performance, for the sole purpose of entertainment. Magic misdirection has been studied in the lab for over a century. Psychological research has sought to understand magic from a scientific perspective and to apply the tools of magic to the understanding of cognitive and perceptual processes. More recently, neuroscientific investigations have also explored the relationship between magic illusions and their underlying brain mechanisms. We propose that the insights gained from such studies can be applied to understanding the prevalence and success of misinformation. Here, we review some of the common factors in how people experience magic during a performance and are subject to misinformation in their daily lives. Considering these factors will be important in reducing misinformation and encouraging critical thinking in society.
Design of a Fixed-Bed Column with Vegetal Biomass and Its Recycling for Cr (VI) Treatment
Authors: Carreño Sayago Uriel Fernando , Piñeros Castro Yineth , Conde Rivera Laura Rosa
Published: September 2022

The aim of this work is to design a fixed-bed column with vegetal biomass of Eichhornia crassipes and the process of recycling it for treatment via the adsorption of water loaded with chromium (VI). In the first stage, the relationship between the fixed-bed density and the microparticle density is calculated, giving a model for the design of the fixed bed. Using this model, two systems for the treatment of Cr (VI)-contaminated water were designed and built. The vegetable biomass at three particle diameters of 0.212 mm, 0.30 mm and 0.45 mm was evaluated in the removal of Cr (VI) from water using the designed fixed-bed systems, giving the best removal of Cr (VI) with the lowest size particles and allowing the validation of the proposed model with the Thomas model. The incorporation of iron into the biomass allowed for the treatment of near 2.0 L of polluted solution, removing around 90% of Cr (VI), while it was only possible to treat nearly 1.5 L when using raw biomass, removing around 80% of Cr (VI). The recycling of the biomass was achieved via the elution of Cr (VI) with EDTA, permitting the reuse of the material for more than five treatment cycles.
The Development and Demonstration of a Semi-Automated Regional Hazard Mapping Tool for Tailings Storage Facility Failures
Authors: Innis Sally , Ghahramani Negar , Rana Nahyan , McDougall Scott , Evans Stephen G. , Take W. Andy , Kunz Nadja C.
Published: September 2022

Tailings flows resulting from tailings storage facility (TSF) failures can pose major risks to downstream populations, infrastructure and ecosystems, as evidenced by the 2019 Feijão disaster in Brazil. The development of predictive relationships between tailings flow volume and inundation area is a crucial step in risk assessment by enabling the delineation of hazard zones downstream of a TSF site. This study presents a first-order methodology to investigate downstream areas with the potential of being impacted by tailings flows by recalibrating LAHARZ, a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based computer program originally developed for the inundation area mapping of lahars. The updated model, LAHARZ-T, uses empirical equations to predict inundated valley planimetric and cross-sectional areas as a function of the tailings flow volume. A demonstration of a regional application of the LAHARZ-T model is completed for 46 TSFs across Canada. Although the variability in tailings properties and site characteristics cannot be perfectly incorporated or modelled, the LAHARZ-T model offers an efficient method for high-level, regional scale inundation mapping of several potential TSF failure scenarios.
Exploiting User Behavior to Predict Parking Availability through Machine Learning
Authors: Bassetti Enrico , Berti Andrea , Bisante Alba , Magnante Andrea , Panizzi Emanuele
Published: September 2022

Cruising-for-parking in an urban area is a time-consuming and frustrating activity. We present four machine learning-based models to predict the parking availability of street segments in an urban area on a three-level scale, which navigator and smart-parking apps can exploit to ease and reduce the cruising phase. The models were trained with data generated by a cruising-for-parking simulator that we developed, replicating four parking behavior types (workers, residents, buyers, and visitors). The generated data is comparable to that collectible with smartphones’ sensors. We simulated 40 users moving for 200 weeks in the city area of San Giovanni in Rome. We collected information about users’ parking, unparking, and cruising actions over considered road segments at different time slots. Once a significant amount of trips were collected, we extracted ten features for each road segment at a given time slot. With the obtained dataset, which contained 761 samples, we trained and compared four supervised machine learning models that receive the history of a segment and, in return, classify the Parking Availability Level of the segment as Green, Yellow or Red. The four models were further evaluated in a different city area, San Lorenzo, and obtained very accurate results. We can predict parking availability with an accuracy above 97% for all the street segments where we collected 30 or more user actions, confirming the robustness of the simulator in generating synthetic cruising-for-parking data and the suitability of designing a Parking Availability Classifier (PAC) based on data collectible by smartphones.
Which Skills Are the Most Absent among University Graduates in the Labour Market? Evidence from Slovakia
Authors: Lazíková Jarmila , Takáč Ivan , Rumanovská Ľubica , Michalička Tomáš , Palko Michal
Published: September 2022

The most important purposes of Slovakian universities are research and education. The main goal of university education is to prepare highly skilled graduates to be employed in the labour market either at home or abroad. To achieve this goal, universities need to receive feedback from their graduates as to whether they are satisfied with their education and whether their employers are satisfied with their skills. The results obtained in this study show that, except for graduates from technical sciences, most graduates of Slovakian universities are not satisfied with the study programmes they chose. There are various factors affecting the satisfaction of graduates with their study programme; however, the most important ones were related to their employability and their employment in their field of study. Moreover, potential employers have greater expectations in relation to soft skills than graduates have acquired. The greatest differences between the required and acquired skills were seen in soft skills, such as the ability to take responsibility, to communicate with people, to negotiate, and to adapt to change, regardless of the field of study. Other than foreign language skills, the level of required hard skills was only slightly higher than the level acquired. According to these results, we make recommendations for universities, politicians, and potential employers; however, only reasonable cooperation among them can lead to graduates being satisfied with their chosen study programme.
The Impact of Dow Jones Sustainability Index, Exchange Rate and Consumer Sentiment Index on Carbon Emissions
Authors: Karagiannopoulou Sofia , Giannarakis Grigoris , Galariotis Emilios , Zopounidis Constantin , Sariannidis Nikolaos
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study is to examine, over the last 20 years, the short-run and long-run effect on global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of the stock returns, exchange rates and consumer confidence. Stock markets contribute to environmental degradation; as a result, we employed, for the first time, Dow Jones Sustainability World Index to use stock returns of socially responsible companies. The euro to US dollar exchange rate is used, as the forex market is the largest financial market and considers it as the largest major pair. The Consumer Sentiment Index is used as a proxy to consumer confidence, since consumer behavior is, also, considered as a major factor linked to environmental degradation. The basic testing procedures employed include the Augmented Dickey–Fuller stationarity test, cointegration analysis and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). The results establish that stock returns of companies listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index exert a significant negative (positive) impact on the global CO2 emissions in the short (long) term. The inverse, i.e., a significant positive (negative) impact on the short (long) run holds for the both other variables, i.e., US consumers’ confidence and euro to US dollar exchange rates. From the outcomes obtained, policy initiatives that could assist companies to mitigate environmental degradation are recommended.
Physiotherapy impact on the periodontal microcirculation during mild chronic generalized periodontitis treatment
Authors: Potoczkaya A. V. , Kovalevskij A. M. , Zheleznyak V. A. , Komova A. A.
Published: September 2022

Relevance. The high incidence of chronic generalized periodontitis indicates the relevance of this disease and its social significance. Treatment of chronic generalized periodontitis requires an integrated approach and should include conservative and surgical methods and elements of dental system rehabilitation. Physiotherapy procedures, which affect tissue blood supply and increase local immunity, form an important component of the complex treatment of chronic generalized periodontitis. Choosing the most effective physiotherapy method is essential for the complex treatment of chronic generalized periodontitis.

Materials and methods. The study examined and treated 104 patients with mild chronic generalized periodontitis. All patients agreed to participate in the study and signed informed voluntary consent. The treatment type determined the allocation of three groups (group 1 – periodontium exposure to d’Arsonval currents, group 2 – the combination of physiotherapy procedures, and the control group – rinsing with antiseptics). The study consisted of the following stages: initial examination, professional controlled oral hygiene, group-dependent course of treatment, follow-up immediately after the treatment, after 3 and 6 months. Each stage included an interview, clinical examination and evaluation of periodontal microcirculation using Doppler ultraso und.

Results. The study revealed a positive effect of physiotherapy procedures on the periodontal microcirculation, i.e., a significant increase in linear and volumetric blood flow rates (linear blood flow velocity – 0.411 (0.393: 0.431; 0.315-0.436) cm/s; volumetric blood flow velocity – 0.024 (0.016: 0.021; 0.015-0.019) cm3/s compared with the data of the control group patients (linear blood flow velocity – 0.305 (0.291: 0.313; 0.203-0.326) cm/s; volumetric blood flow velocity – 0.012 (0.011: 0.015; 0.007-0.090) cm3/s.

Conclusion. Physiotherapy procedures in chronic generalized periodontitis treatment allowed the achievement of not only the significant immediate result but also a prolonged re mission period.
Arresting the pain syndrome after biopsy collection in oral mucosal diseases
Authors: Makedonova Yu. A. , Zhuravlev L. V. , Kabytova M. V. , Dyachenko S. V. , Afanaseva О. Yu. , Gacenko S. M.
Published: September 2022

Relevance. Diagnosis of oral mucosa diseases is very difficult. Heterogeneity of the oral mucosa disease manifestation often requires invasive diagnostic methods, which cause the pain syndrome. Timely and complete pain syndrome relief and the impact on all phases of the w ound healing process allow faster patient rehabilitation. The study aimed to examine the effect of Ketanov MD and Cifran CT on the wound process and the pain syndrome intensity after incisional and excisional biopsies to verify the oral mucosa pathology.

Materials and methods. The study surveyed 30 people with oral mucosal diseases. The patients (30 subjects) formed two groups: excisional (10 people) and incisional biopsy (20 people). In these groups, we clinically evaluated the course of the wound process, the pain syndrome intensity, oedema phenomena, hyperemia, and the exudate presence. We analysed the quality of life of such patients using a validated Russian v ersion of the questionnaire.

Results. On the 3rd day after the biopsy, on top of the generally accepted treatment of oral mucosal diseases and Ketorol MD and Cifran CT intake, the patients noted moderate aching and discomfort when talking and eating. After 14 days, all patients showed an improvement in qualitative and quantitative parameters, the absence of pain and the development of reinfection on therapy with non-steroidal anti-inf lammatory and antibacterial drugs.

Conclusion. These drugs have a positive effect on the course of the phases of the wound process. They help reduce the pain response and contribute to faster patient rehabilitation af ter the biopsies in oral mucosal diseases.
Determination of the effects of oxytocin and carazolol on uterine involution by pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography in Kıvırcık ewes
Authors: ENGİNLER Sinem Özlem , EVKURAN DAL Gamze , ÇETİN Ali Can , SABUNCU Ahmet , BAYKAL Kerem
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of oxytocin and carazolol on uterine involution in postpartum Kıvırcık ewes. Thirty primiparous suckling Kıvırcık ewes were divided into 3 groups: carazolol, oxytocin, and control. The ewes underwent transcutaneous B-mode USG in the 1st week after birth, and the examinations continued via transrectal USG until the 28th day of postpartum (pp). The pulsatility index (PI), resistive index (RI), and systolic/diastolic (S/D) velocity ratio were recorded for uterine artery by Doppler USG. On postpartum 21st day, gravid horn diameter reduction was best achieved in the carazolol group. The PI values were found to be statistically significant (P˂0.001) on days 14 and 21 pp. The mean RI values of uterine artery were statistically higher (P˂0.01) in the oxytocin group. The highest RI value was detected on the 14th day of pp. The carazolol group had statistically higher (P˂0.05) mean S/D values when compared to other groups. In conclusion, the most effective drug used to accelerate involution was found to be carazolol. The drugs used in this study appeared to have a contraction effect on the uterine arteries.
Effects of forskolin and PGE2 on progesterone secretion by goat luteal cells at early and late stages of corpus luteum
Authors: ŞİMŞEK Özkan , KALENDER Hakan
Published: September 2022

The aim of this research was to examine the effects of forskolin and PGE2 on steroid synthesis in goat luteal cells, cultured at early and late corpus luteum. Therefore, the luteal cells removed from both stages of the corpus luteum were cultured with newborn calf serum for the first 18 h. Then the media was changed and different concentrations of forskolin (10, 100 ng/ml) or PGE2 (10, 100 ng/ml) were added to the fresh media for another 96 h. The culture media was replaced every 48 h and the retrieval media was kept frozen at -20 °C, until hormone analysis. Luteal cells treated with forskolin produced between 1.87-13.17 times higher production of progesterone, in a dose-dependent manner, compared to the control at early and late stages of corpus luteum (P<0.05). Lower dose of PGE2 increased the progesterone secretion between 2.19-3.28 times in luteal cells compared to the control groups at the late stage of corpus luteum (P<0.05), but not at early stage. The cells treated with a higher dose of PGE2 had no significant effect (P>0.05) on progesterone synthesis at the early and late phases of goat corpus luteum, in comparison to control groups. As a result, this study in goat luteal cells shows that forskolin promotes progesterone synthesis at the early and late corpus luteum, but PGE2 is only effective in cells treated with a low dose at the late stage.
Decoy Nanozymes Enable Multitarget Blockade of Proinflammatory Cascades for the Treatment of Multi-Drug-Resistant Bacterial Sepsis
Authors: Du Xuancheng , Zhang Mingzhen , Zhou Huiting , Wang Weijie , Zhang Chengmei , Zhang Lei , Qu Yuanyuan , Li Weifeng , Liu Xiangdong , Zhao Mingwen , Tu Kangsheng , Li Yong-Qiang
Published: September 2022

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction characterized by severe systemic inflammatory response to infection. Effective treatment of bacterial sepsis remains a paramount clinical challenge, due to its astonishingly rapid progression and the prevalence of bacterial drug resistance. Here, we present a decoy nanozyme-enabled intervention strategy for multitarget blockade of proinflammatory cascades to treat multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacterial sepsis. The decoy nanozymes (named MCeC@M
Φ
) consist mesoporous silica nanoparticle cores loaded with CeO
2
nanocatalyst and Ce6 photosensitizer and biomimetic shells of macrophage membrane. By acting as macrophage decoys, MCeC@M
Φ
allow targeted photodynamic eradication of MDR bacteria and realize simultaneous endotoxin/proinflammatory cytokine neutralization. Meanwhile, MCeC@M
Φ
possess intriguing superoxide dismutase and catalase-like activities as well as hydroxyl radical antioxidant capacity and enable catalytic scavenging of multiple reactive oxygen species (ROS). These unique capabilities make MCeC@M
Φ
to collaboratively address the issues of bacterial infection, endotoxin/proinflammatory cytokine secretion, and ROS burst, fully cutting off the path of proinflammatory cascades to reverse the progression of bacterial sepsis.
In vivo
experiments demonstrate that MCeC@M
Φ
considerably attenuate systemic hyperinflammation and rapidly rescue organ damage within 1 day to confer higher survival rates (>75%) to mice with progressive MDR
Escherichia coli
bacteremia. The proposed decoy nanozyme-enabled multitarget collaborative intervention strategy offers a powerful modality for bacterial sepsis management and opens up possibilities for the treatment of cytokine storm in the COVID-19 pandemic and immune-mediated inflammation diseases.
E-Business and the Problems of the World of Work During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Williams Alexander , Sokibi Petrus , Jayanagara Oscar
Published: September 2022

The Covid-19 Pandemic era that has so far been ongoing has had a significant influence on many industries. It also covers other areas including politics, the economics, and the tourism industry. Its interaction with workers' civil rights affects how much money they make or even whether they get fired (Termination of Employment). Prior to the Covid-19 epidemic, the workplace had its own set of concerns relating to workers' rights, including those pertaining to pay, security, health, and even justice-related matters, which were constantly sought because of conflicts of competing interests. On the one hand, business people perceive justice from their perspective, and employees see justice from their perspective as well. E-business, particularly B2C, is a way to help businesses in the present environment and ensure their survival (Business to Consument). E-business is a type of commercial activity that runs automatically across computer networks and the internet. In today's world (during the Covid-19 epidemic), e-business is crucial to the community's economy and microbusinesses. Therefore, in this study, the authors attempt to employ an economic, social, and legal approach.