bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Profiling of Inflammatory and Coagulation Responses in COVID-19 via RNA-Seq
Authors: Chhabra Varun
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has emerged as an unparalleled global public health crisis. Despite extensive research efforts, the precise etiology of this disease remains enigmatic. In this study, we employ in-silico methods to analyze publicly available gene expression datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), aiming to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms. Gene expression datasets were retrieved from GEO, and differential gene expression patterns were identified using the GEO2R pipeline. Subsequent analyses included the generation of heatmaps, principal component analysis (PCA), construction of protein-protein interaction networks (PPIs), and KEGG pathway predictions through NetworkAnalyst and DAVID. We also examined key hub genes, microRNA targets, and potential drug targets to elucidate the molecular intricacies involved. Our analysis revealed pivotal hub genes, such as VWF, TNF, E2F1, IL1B, IL10, IL-12A, ITGB-5, ELANE, and PLK1, alongside significant microRNAs like hsa-mir193b-3p, hsa-mir-92a-3p, hsa-mir-16-5p, hsa-mir-1925p, hsa-let-7b-5p, hsa-mir26a-5p, hsa-mir1865p, hsa-mir243a-5p, and hsa-mir-34a-5p. Pathways linked to inflammation, including neutrophil extracellular trap formation, systemic lupus erythematous, complement and coagulation cascades, and the coronavirus disease-COVID-19 pathway, played crucial roles in COVID-19 pathogenesis. Additionally, these identified genes and microRNAs hold promise as potential drug targets and biomarkers. In summary, this research offers valuable insights into the pathways, biomarkers, including gene targets and microRNA targets, as well as potential drug targets associated with the inflammatory and coagulation aspects of COVID-19. These discoveries enhance our understanding of the disease's molecular intricacies and open doors to the development of precisely targeted therapeutic interventions.
Building National Patient Registries in Mexico: Insights from the MexOMICS Consortium.
Authors: Reyes-Pérez Paula , Hernández-Ledesma Ana Laura , Román-López Talía V. , García-Vilchis Brisa , Ramírez-González Diego , Lázaro-Figueroa Alejandra , Martínez Domingo , Flores-Ocampo Victor , Espinosa-Méndez Ian M. , Tinajero-Nieto Lizbet , Peña-Ayala Angélica , Morelos-Figaredo Eugenia , Guerra-Galicia Carlos M. , Torres-Valdez Estefania , Gordillo-Huerta María Vanessa , Gandarilla-Martínez Nadia A. , Salinas-Barboza Karla , Félix-Rodríguez Guillermo , Frontana-Vázquez Gabriel , Matuk-Pérez Yamil , Estrada-Bellmann Ingrid , Alpízar-Rodríguez Deshiré , Rodríguez-Violante Mayela , Rentería Miguel E. , Ruíz-Contreras Alejandra E. , Alcauter Sarael , Medina-Rivera Alejandra
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE
To introduce MexOMICS, a Mexican Consortium focused on establishing electronic databases to collect, cross-reference, and share health-related and omics data on the Mexican population.
METHODS
The Mexican Twin Registry (TwinsMX), Mexican Lupus Registry (LupusRGMX) and the Mexican Parkinson’s Research Network (Mex-PD) were designed and implemented using Research Electronic Data Capture web-based application. Registries were compiled through voluntary participation and on-site engagement with medical specialists. In some instances, DNA samples and Magnetic Resonance Imaging images were also acquired.
RESULTS
Since 2019, the MexOMICS Consortium has successfully established three electronic-based registries: TwinsMX (n = 2915), LupusRGMX (n = 1761) and Mex-PD (n = 750). In addition to sociodemographic, psychosocial, and clinical data, MexOMICS has collected samples for genetic determinations across the three registries. Cognitive function assessments, conducted using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, have been administered to a subsample of 376 Mex-PD participants. Furthermore, a subset of 267 twins underwent measurements of structural, functional, and spectroscopy brain images; comparable evaluations are projected for LupusRGMX and Mex-PD.
CONCLUSIONS
The MexOMICS registries offer a valuable repository of information concerning the potential interplay of genetic and environmental factors in health conditions among the Mexican population.
Using Torsional Wave Elastography to Evaluate Spring Pot Parameters In Skin Tumor Mimicking Phantoms
Authors: Almashakbeh Yousef saleh , Shamimi Hirad , Callejas Antonio , Rus Guillermo
Published: October 2023

Estimating the tissue parameters of skin tumors is crucial for diagnosis and effective therapy in dermatology and related fields. However, identifying the most sensitive biomarkers require an optimal rheological model for simulating skin behavior this remains an ongoing research endeavor. Additionally, the multi-layered structure of the skin introduces further complexity to this task. In order to surmount these challenges, an inverse problem methodology, in conjunction with signal analysis techniques, is being employed. In this study, a fractional rheological model is presented to enhance the precision of skin tissue parameter estimation from the acquired signal from torsional wave elastography technique (TWE) on skin tumor-mimicking phantoms for lab validation and the estimation of the thickness of the cancerous layer. An exhaustive analysis of the spring-pot model (SP) solved by the finite difference time domain (FDTD) is conducted. The results of experiments performed using a TWE probe designed and prototyped in the laboratory were validated against ultrafast imaging carried out by the Verasonics Research System. Twelve tissue-mimicking phantoms, which precisely simulated the characteristics of skin tissue, were prepared for our experimental setting. The experimental data from these bi-layer phantoms were measured using a TWE probe, and the parameters of the skin tissue were estimated using inverse problem-solving. The agreement between the two datasets was evaluated by comparing the experimental data obtained from the TWE technique with simulated data from the spring-pot FDTD model using Pearson correlation, dynamic time warping (DTW), and time-frequency representation. Our findings show that the spring-pot FDTD model and TWE are capable of determining the mechanical properties of both layers in a bilayer phantom, using a single signal and an inverse problem approach. The ultrafast imaging and the validation of TWE results further demonstrate the robustness and reliability of our technology for a realistic range of phantoms. This fusion of the spring-pot FDTD model and TWE, as well as inverse problem-solving methods has the potential to have a considerable impact on diagnoses and treatments in dermatology and related fields.
The expression of macropinocytosis-related genes in ovarian cancer and their relationships with prognosis
Authors: Shao Ying , Huang Shuai , He Zhaochun
Published: October 2023

Background: The mechanism of macropinocytosis has been reported in receptor sorting used by motile cells. Besides, the role of macropinocytosis was previously recognized in cancer progression. We evaluated the prognostic value of macropinocytosis gene expression in ovarian cancer (OC).
Method: Ten candidate genes were selected in the intersection between 134 macropinocytosis-related genes from Genecards database and 2925 OC prognostic genes using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Heat map showed ten candidate genes expression. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis was conducted on the ten candidate genes. Protein–protein interactions were constructed using the STRING database. Hub genes were identified based on PPI networks. The key hub genes were selected both in differential expression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Then we identified transcription factor-gene interaction. The relationships between clinical characteristics and the key hub genes expression were performed with T test. Clinicopathologic factors correlated with overall survival (OS) conducting univariate, multivariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses. Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases were utilized to verify the results. Furthermore, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) identified the potential key pathways that dominate macropinocytosis in OC.
Result:Elevated EZR, HSPG2 and SLC9A1 expression was significantly associated with OC poor survival and clinical features. Transcription factor-gene interaction and GSEA analysis reported many key regulators and signaling pathways that were enriched in OC with varying degrees of macropinocytosis-related genes expression.
Conclusions: The three macropinocytosis-related genes might be utilized as new candidate prognostic biomarkers for OC.
NUP98-BPTF promotes oncogenic transformation through PIM1 upregulation
Authors: Noura Mina , Tomita Sakura , Yasuda Takahiko , Tsuzuki Shinobu , Kiyoi Hitoshi , Hayakawa Fumihiko
Published: October 2023

Nucleoporin 98 (NUP98) fusion proteins are recurrently found in leukemia and are associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. They are distributed to the nucleus and contribute to leukemogenesis by aberrant transcriptional regulation. We previously identified NUP98-BPTF (NB) fusion in patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia using next-generation sequencing. The FG-repeat of NUP98 and the PHD finger and bromodomain of BPTF are retained in the fusion. Like other NUP98 fusion proteins, NB is considered to regulate genes that are essential for leukemogenesis. However, its target genes or pathways remain unknown. In the present study, we showed that NB promoted cell transformation of mouse NIH3T3 fibroblasts by upregulating the proto-oncogene Pim1, which encodes a serine/threonine kinase. NB transcriptionally regulated Pim1 expression by binding to its promoter and activated MYC and mTORC1 signaling. Knockdown of PIM1 or pharmacological inhibition of mTORC1 signaling suppressed NB-induced NIH3T3 cell transformation. Furthermore, NB enhanced the survival of human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells by inactivating the pro-apoptotic protein BAD. Taken together, we demonstrated the pivotal role of NB in cell transformation and survival and identified PIM1 as a key downstream target of NB. These findings propose a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with NB fusion-positive leukemia.
Observing the prevalence of pebrine disease in silkworms and climate change: a case study in South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Nuraeni Sitti , Soma Andang Suryana , Sadapotto Andi , Mujetahid Andi , Baharuddin Baharuddin , Nur Ryza Jazid Baharuddin , Huda Nurul , Fattah Abdul , Daud M , Maulany Risma Illa
Published: October 2023

A tropical country like Indonesia is highly susceptible to fluctuations in daily, monthly, and decadal climate factors. The gradual or sudden accumulation of climate change can affect all living creatures, including silkworms and their pathogens. This research investigates the relationship between the prevalence of pebrine disease and climate factors, climate anomalies, and climate change. Pebrine disease data is obtained from the seed certification documents of the seed producer and verified by the seed certification agency. Climate components, including temperature, humidity, and rainfall, were acquired from satellite data records and verified at local climatology stations. The research results indicate that fluctuations in the prevalence of pebrine disease correlate with climate factors such as rainfall, temperature, and humidity. The epidemic may occur if, in the initial conditions, extended and immediate droughts alternate with high intensity and frequency of rains or if the events of El Nino precede the phenomenon of La Nina. Implications for insect conservation The more worrying impact of climate change on the high and long-lasting prevalence of pebrine disease is the extinction of silkworm strains that are not resilient to climate change. Monitoring climate factors is crucial for predicting the likelihood of pebrine disease outbreaks and implementing preventive measures.
AESI-PLC: Architecture for Enhancing the Security and Integrity of PLC RUNTIME
Authors: Xinxin Li
Published: October 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Gut-derived metabolite 3-methylxanthine enhances cisplatin-induced apoptosis via dopamine receptor D1 in a mouse model of ovarian cancer
Authors: Mai Zhensheng , Han Yubin , Liang Dong , Mai Fei-hong , Zheng Hui-min , Li Pan , Li Yuan , Ma Cong , Chen Yunqing , Li Weifeng , Zhang Siyou , Feng Yinglin , Chen Xia , Wang Yifeng
Published: October 2023

Background
Platinum-based chemotherapy failure represents a significant challenge in the management of ovarian cancer (OC) and contributes to disease recurrence and poor prognosis. Recent studies have shed light on the involvement of the gut microbiota in modulating anticancer treatments. However, the precise underlying mechanisms by which the gut microbiota regulates the response to platinum-based therapy remain unclear.
Methods
To investigate the influence of gut microbiota on the anticancer response, we conducted a study to examine whether antibiotic-induced disruption of gut microbiota affected the efficacy of cisplatin. 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomic analysis were performed to analyze the alteration in the gut microbiota and fecal metabolism. OC-bearing mice and OC cell lines were used to examine the effect of 3-methylxanthine.
Results
Our results demonstrate a substantial improvement in the anticancer efficacy of cisplatin following antibiotic-induced perturbation of the gut microbiota. Through metabolomic analysis, we identified distinct metabolic profiles in the antibiotic treated group, with a notable enrichment of the gut-derived metabolite 3-methylxanthine in antibiotic-treated mice. Next, we employed a strategy combining transcriptome analysis and protein-protein interaction network databases. We identified metabolites that shared structural similarity with 3-methylxanthine, which interacted with genes enriched in cancer-related pathways. 3-methylxanthine, that significantly enhances the effectiveness of cisplatin by promoting apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, through integrative multiomics analyses, we elucidated the mechanistic basis of this enhanced apoptosis, revealing a dopamine receptor D1-dependent pathway mediated by 3-methylxanthine.
Conclusions
This study elucidated the mechanism by which gut-derived metabolite 3-methylxanthine mediateds cisplaitn induced apoptosis. Our findings highlight the potential translational significance of 3-methylxanthine as an adjuvant in conjunction with cisplatin, aiming to improve treatment outcomes for OC patients.
Purification and use of crude Green Glycerol from the transesterification of triglycerides in the formulation of analcohol gel hand sanitizer
Authors: Barbosa Sandro L. , Mazala Tassio Trindade , Viana Mateus Costa , Carneiro Guilherme , Nelson David Lee , de Freitas-Marques Maria B. , De Martinis Bruno Spinosa , Florêncio Jacques
Published: October 2023

As a result of the COVID-19 epidemic and the greater demand for alcohol gel sanitizers, the regulatory guidelines on sanitizer quality have been altered. The aim of this study was to produce green glycerol and an alcohol gel hand sanitizer. The ethanol content was measured by headspace (HS) gas chromatography (GC) using a flame ionization detector (FID). The thermal behavior of the gels is influenced by the presence of glycerol, which is an aspect that confirms the possible network interactions formed. The relative densities of the samples were between 0.887–0.890 g/cm³. The incorporation of glycerol did not significantly alter the pH of the final formulation, which was near neutrality. Both alcohol gels exhibited a high average apparent viscosity, greater than 20,000 cP, with no statistically significant difference between them (p > 0.05). The addition of glycerol did not change the in vitro spreadability of the gel alcohol, which remained at 530.6 mm² for both samples.
Understanding the Prevalence and Consequences of Mental Health Disorders among Youths: A Focus on Secondary School Students in Hong Kong.
Authors: Fang Tyler , Oladosu Ayomide
Published: October 2023

Background
Young people are significantly affected by mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress. Mental health education and awareness have been proven effective in preventing these disorders. However, there is evidence that mental health education is lacking or voluntary in local secondary schools in Hong Kong, increasing the vulnerability of young people in local schools compared to their peers in international schools. Therefore, understanding the prevalence of mental health disorders among local secondary school students in Hong Kong is crucial to highlight the necessity of mental health education and support in addressing these challenges effectively.
Objective
The objective of this study is to assess the mental health of young people attending local secondary schools in Hong Kong. By gaining a deeper understanding of the prevalent mental health issues, the study emphasises the need for mental health awareness in local schools in Hong Kong.
Methods
The study utilized a quantitative survey method to collect data on mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress among from 377 local secondary school students in Hong Kong. The survey employed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS 21) to measure the prevalence of mental health disorders. Inferential analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26 to generate the result of this study.
Results
The study findings indicate that 33.3% of local secondary students experienced depression, 41.4% experienced anxiety, and 49% experienced stress. Additionally, there were gender variations across all mental health disorders, with females reporting higher levels of severe depression, anxiety, and stress compared to male students in local secondary schools.
Conclusions
This study emphasizes the high prevalence and severity of mental health conditions among local secondary school students in Hong Kong, highlighting the importance of integrating mental health education into the curriculum of these schools. It reveals a significant proportion of students experiencing poor mental health, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress. Gender disparities are observed, with females experiencing more severe mental health conditions. The study underscores the importance of targeted interventions and support for females, while promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma for all students. Further research is recommended to understand underlying factors and inform evidence-based interventions. Proactive measures are necessary to address mental health concerns and create a supportive environment for young people in Hong Kong, especially in local secondary schools.
Virtual reality-based training may improve visual memory and some aspects of sustained attention among healthy older adults – preliminary results of a randomized controlled study
Authors: Szczepocka Ewa , Mokros Łukasz , Kaźmierski Jakub , Nowakowska Karina , Łucka Anna , Antoszczyk Anna , Oltra-Cucarella Javier , Werzowa Walter , Hellevik Martin , Skouras Stavros , Bagger Karsten
Published: October 2023

Background/Aims
Older age and cognitive inactivity have been associated with cognitive impairment, which in turn is linked to economic and societal burdens due to the high costs of care, especially for care homes and informal care. Emerging non-pharmacological interventions using new technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) delivered on a head-mounted display (HMD), might offer an alternative to maintain or improve cognition. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a VR-based Digital Therapeutics application for improving cognitive functions among healthy older adults.
Methods
Seventy-two healthy seniors (experimental group N = 35, control group N = 37), aged 65–85 years, were recruited by the Medical University of Lodz (Poland). Participants were randomly allocated to the experimental group (a VR-based cognitive training which consists of a warm-up module and three tasks, including one-back and dual-N-back) or to the control group (a regular VR headset app only showing nature videos). The exercises are performed in different 360-degree natural environments while listening to a preferred music genre and delivered on a head-mounted display (HMD). The 12-week intervention of 12 minutes was delivered at least three times per week (36 sessions). Compliance and performance were followed through a web-based application. Primary outcomes included attention and working memory (CNS-Vital Signs computerized cognitive battery). Secondary outcomes comprised other cognitive domains. Mixed linear models were constructed to elucidate the difference in pre- and post-intervention measures between the experimental and control groups.
Results
The users performed, on average, 39.8 sessions (range 1-100), and 60% performed more than 36 sessions. The experimental group achieved higher scores in the visual memory module (B = 7.767, p = 0.011) and in the one-back continuous performance test (in terms of correct responses: B = 2.057, p = 0.003 and omission errors: B=-1.950, p = 0.007) than the control group in the post-test assessment. The results were independent of participants' sex, age, and years of education. The differences in CNS Vital Signs' global score, working memory, executive function, reaction time, processing speed, simple and complex attention, verbal memory, cognitive flexibility, motor speed, and psychomotor speed were not statistically significant.
Conclusions
VR-based cognitive training may prove to be a valuable, efficacious, and well-received tool in terms of improving visual memory and some aspect of sustainability of attention among healthy older adults. Final conclusions will be drawn after the analysis of the target sample size.
Trial registration:
Clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT05369897
Wave Mechanics of Microwave Absorption Films: Part 3 - Multilayered Films
Authors: Liu Yue , Liu Ying , Drew Michael G. B.
Published: October 2023

In the field of microwave absorption, the quarter-wavelength theory (QWM) is commonly employed for films with multiple layers. However, this study demonstrates the inadequacy of QWM as it is fundamentally flawed. The conventional results pertaining to films with or without a metal backing are typically applied to the central layers of multilayer films. Nevertheless, this approach is flawed, as it overlooks the presence of incident microwaves on both sides of the central layer, focusing solely on those in front of the film. To address this gap, our work introduces a novel theoretical framework for multilayer films, filling the void in existing literature. This research introduces a new, robust physical approach to understanding Multilayered films.
Manajemen Keamanan di UPT Perpustakaan Universitas Negeri Semarang
Authors: Ahwan Muh Ahlis
Published: October 2023

Library security is an important factor for the continuity of library administration, without good security management, the library cannot guarantee that its users feel safe and comfortable in utilizing the library, and eventually the library is abandoned by its users. This study aims to describe security management at the Library of Semarang State University (UNNES) which is still in the old UNNES Library building. The method used is descriptive qualitative with observation and interview data collection techniques. The validity test uses technical triangulation, and data analysis uses data reduction, data presentation, and drawing and conclusions. The results found were that the UNNES Library had implemented security features in the form of physical security and security management. Physical security includes placement architecture, building architecture, guards, equipment and exhibition security, while security management includes library material security, access security and surveillance cameras. Weaknesses found in the UNNES Library were that security policy procedures and plans had not been set forth in text form even though they had been implemented. Suggestions for UNNES Library is to be able to make security policy procedures and plans in the form of text that is approved by the leadership and can be a guideline for the library.
Cross domain fault diagnosis method based on MLP-mixer network
Authors: Mao Xiaodong
Published: October 2023

The quality of rolling bearings determines the safety of mechanical equipment operation, and bearings with more precise structures are prone to damage due to excessive operation. Therefore, cross domain fault diagnosis of bearings has become a research hotspot. To better improve the accuracy of bearing cross domain fault diagnosis, this study proposes two models. One is a cross domain feature extraction model constructed using a mixed attention mechanism, which recognizes and extracts high-level features of bearing faults through channel attention and spatial attention mechanisms. The other is a bearing cross domain fault diagnosis model based on multi-layer perception mechanism. This model takes the feature signals collected by the attention mechanism model as input to identify and align the differences between the source and target domain features, facilitating cross domain transfer of features. The experimental results show that the mixed attention mechanism model has a maximum accuracy of 97.3 % for feature recognition of different faults, and can successfully recognize corresponding signal values. The multi-layer perception model can achieve the highest recognition accuracy of 99.5 % in bearing fault diagnosis, and it can reach a stable state when it iterates to 26, and the final stable loss value is 0.28. Therefore, the two models proposed in this study have good application value.
Producer subsidies: Legal problems in the context of economic inhomogeneity
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Kustova Margarita V.
Published: October 2023

Continuing to consistently maintain the public nature of relations on the provision of subsidies to producers of goods, works and services, the author turns to the identification of their economic essence. In this context, we note the legislator’s departure from the classical understanding of a subsidy, the transformation of the gratuitousness nature of subsidies and, in some cases, the obvious conventionality of the legislator’s reference to this instrument. Special attention in the article is paid to the study of economic heterogeneity of subsidies to cover the costs or loss of income of producers, the structure of which is analysed as independent types of subsidies for the reimbursement of relevant costs in the case of imperative involvement of producers in the implementation of public functions; incentive subsidies, and subsidies as an alternative to state (municipal) procurement. The legislator considers the peculiarities of the economic nature of the considered types of subsidies as a necessary prerequisite for ensuring proper legal certainty in the regulation of the relevant relations and increasing the level of guarantees for the protection of their participants. The research into the differences in the economic nature of the relations accompanied by the provision of subsidies to producers to cover costs or loss of income leads the author to the conclusion that there are basis both for the differentiation of approaches at the level of law to establish the legal framework of their public regulation, and for identifying the permissible limits of application of civil law to them. At the same time, the author believes that this does not preclude the universalization, within certain limits, of public rules on subsidies, primarily in terms of establishing basic guarantees of protection for the participants of the relevant relations.
Enhancing rural drinking water safety using an Mg–Al-type layered double hydroxide foil as a new point-of-use disinfection tool
Authors: Ihsan Taufiq , Johan Erni , Fukugaichi Satoru , Matsue Naoto
Published: October 2023

Point-of-use (POU) drinking water treatment is crucial for residents in resource-constrained areas. This study introduces a layered double hydroxide (LDH) foil, an innovative POU device that eliminates waterborne pathogens via adsorption. It is an aluminum foil coated with magnesium–aluminum (Mg–Al)-type LDH, a recognized human-safe pathogen adsorbent. Its sheet-like morphology enables easy retrieval of inherently powdered LDH from post-disinfected water. Coating with Mg–Al LDH foils was accomplished by immersing aluminum foils in alkaline magnesium solutions, resulting in the on-surface formation of LDH. Using 12 distinct alkaline magnesium solutions, 12 types of LDH foils were prepared. Most LDH foils demonstrated >99% removal of Escherichia coli (DH5α strain) within 3–24 h when 100 mL of water was inoculated with DH5α at approximately 103 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL agitated with a 25-cm2 LDH foil piece. The LDH foil with the highest efficacy had a maximum adsorption capacity of approximately 1.3 × 106 CFU per 1-cm2 LDH foil. Furthermore, the LDH foil was regenerated by submersing it in the alkaline solution during its preparation, enabling multiple reuses. Owing to its straightforward production and application, the LDH foil holds substantial promise as a convenient-to-use adsorbent for batch water disinfection, such as jug water, in rural households.
Waste materials composited into an adsorbent for landfill leachate treatment
Authors: Kumara K. K. P. S. , Dayanthi W. K. C. Neetha
Published: October 2023

The ability of a composite adsorbent composed primarily of various waste materials to adsorb heavy metals, NH3-N, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from landfill leachate was investigated through batch sorption experiments. The study determined the optimal contact time and adsorbent dosage for the removal of Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe, NH3-N, and COD to be 15, 90, 30, 180, 30, and 30 min, respectively. The corresponding optimum adsorbent dosages were determined to be 5, 30, 5, 15, 5, and 30 g, respectively. The composite adsorbent exhibited high removal efficiencies, achieving the following maximum values: 96.4% for Pb, 92.7% for Zn, 60.3% for Cu, 87.1% for Fe, 75.0% for NH3-N, and 67.5% for COD. Pb and Fe showed the best fit with a Langmuir isotherm model, with corresponding adsorption capacities of 0.0165 and 1.14 mg/g, respectively. For Zn, Cu, NH3-N, and COD, the equilibrium data demonstrated the best fit with an Elovich isotherm model, with adsorption capacities of 0.004, 0.005, 0.016, and 4.29 mg/g, respectively. The kinetic data followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. It presented a potential solution for the disposal of the waste from which it was derived.
Wastewater governance in the upstream catchment of the Awash Basin, Ethiopia: challenges and opportunities for better accountability
Authors: Abebe Yosef , Gashaw Mulugeta , Kefale Asenake , Brewer Tim
Published: October 2023

With the growing competition for water, demand for food, and the decline of freshwater resources, wastewater and polluted river waters have been increasingly used for agriculture in Ethiopia. The findings of this study show that untreated wastewater discharged from industries into the environment has been polluting rivers and the surrounding environment. Regulatory bodies did little to enforce rules, regulations, and directives provided for the regulation of wastewater. This paper examines the factors that explain weaknesses with respect to the accountability of institutions meant for wastewater governance. In doing so, it discusses task overlaps, corruption, and the absence of environmental courts that significantly affect environmental protection activities. The study found that due to poor implementation of laws and regulations, and lack of relevant information, including poor evidence of the pollution load, enforcement activities are under a great challenge. The paper concludes urban agriculture has been expanding without concern for its negative health and socioeconomic impacts. The positive economic impacts of wastewater agriculture also need to be reassessed and improved as one livelihood option for the farming communities and calls for awareness creation and other measures to fully understand the existing benefits and impacts of wastewater on human health, and the environment.
Automated Control Systems in Greenhouses
Authors: Skripko L. P. , Skripko A. A.
Published: October 2023

Objective. The purpose of the research is to develop an innovative automated program associated with a completely new irrigation regime based on a closed water supply system.

Method. Methods of modeling, formalized description, optimal design and control of technological processes and production were used.

Result. An automated control system in greenhouse farming based on Arduino controllers and ONI PLR Studio software for its operation are presented. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the creation of appropriate modes of the climate control system in greenhouses. The ONI PLR Studio program is written in FBD language. It solves important problems of controlling the cultivation of agricultural products, breeding new plant varieties, and controlling the technological process using certain signals. User input is limited to software adjustments and direct setting of controller parameters. The adjustment can be carried out remotely through a computer connected to the controller. The automatic operating mode is provided by sensors and a controller with electronic control circuits, which ensure that the actuators operate in the required mode.

Conclusion. An automated control system (ACS) allows you to control air and soil temperature, soil and air humidity, soil nutrition, disinfection, air pressure, lighting, the presence of carbon dioxide in the greenhouse, and climate control.
‘The Radio, This Unknown’ and La Nouvelle Équipe Française: National and Transnational Public Spheres in Post-1945 France
Authors: Ó Fathaigh Cillian , Ó Fathaigh Cillian
Published: October 2023

This article examines the representation of the radio in an important post-1945 periodical in France, La Nouvelle Équipe Française (La NEF). Analysing a double issue of La NEF, ‘La Radio, Cette Inconnue’ [‘The Radio, This Unknown’], I argue that we witness an implicit tension between a new state monopoly on radio and the transnational nature of radio broadcasting. On the one hand, this issue features the major figures in the new state radio institutions, the RDF and the Club d’Essai, with their contributions functioning as quasi-promotional material. On the other hand, three philosophers (Gaston Bachelard, Louis Lavelle, Brice Parain) all focus on the potential of radio for founding new transnational communities post-1945. We then turn to the status of the periodical within this dynamic. I propose that La NEF presents the periodical as a privileged site of the articulation of this tension between the nationaland the transnational, thus affirming the value of the periodical for the construction of a post-WWII public sphere.
Exile from Eden: Miron Grindea’s ADAM International Review
Authors: Mourant Chris
Published: October 2023

ADAM International Review was the longest-running literary journal published under a single editor in Europe in the twentieth century. Edited by Miron Grindea from 1936 until his death in 1995, the magazine promoted ‘active humanism’ and ‘comparative’ or ‘world literature’ as the grounds for cultural re-evaluation and international collaboration, following the brutalities of Nazism and faced with the existential threat posed by the Cold War. This article examines Grindea’s unique species of ‘eclectic’ editorship, using ADAM as a case study to highlight the significant role played by individual magazine editors in forging and sustaining open, capacious international literary networks. Grindea was idealistic about his editorial mission, but as the twentieth century wore on found himself increasingly out-of-step with the times, instead seeking consolation in the past. This prompts a series of questions. How effective is a magazine when the editor prioritizes archival recovery above the discovery of new work? How useful are international cultural commitments when ‘internationalism’ has been curated by an individual? And what becomes of a magazine when the personality of its editor dominates?
'Going into Europe': Encounter Magazine, European Union and the British Establishment
Authors: Harding Jason
Published: October 2023

This article focuses on the contents of Encounter magazine in 1962–63, the final years that it received secret indirect funding from the CIA. It demonstrates that the editorial policy of the magazine was staunchly pro-European and was often highly critical of British isolationism. In particular, this chapter examines in detail two symposia stage-managed by editor Melvin Lasky: ‘Going into Europe’ and ‘Suicide of a Nation?’ The first symposium, spread over four issues, canvassed the opinions of prominent intellectuals regarding Britain’s application to join the Common Market (they were in favour by a ratio 5:1) and contained an editorial from Lasky reacting to devastating news of Charles de Gaulle’s veto. The second symposium took the form of a special issue guest-edited by the Hungarian refugee, Arthur Koestler, and was provocatively titled ‘Suicide of a Nation?’ In this special issue, Koestler criticized Britain’s apparent failure to adapt to the post-war world. Other contributors, notably Michael Shanks and Andrew Shonfield, elaborated on modern Britain’s economic and social ills, advising the UK to join forces with a resurgent western Europe. This article argues that supporters of US foreign policy were an important force on British public debate regarding Europe and pays close attention to the dynamics of the Cold War as a shaping context for these symposia. It shows that contributions by controversial public intellectual Koestler shed light on aspects of the anti-Communist editorial policy of Encounter. This article closes by gauging the impact of these symposia on attempts to reform the British Establishment.
Efficient social media sentiment analysis using confidence interval-based classification of online product brands
Authors: Guesmi Tawfik , Al-Janfawi Fawaz , Guesmi Ramzi , Alturki Mansoor
Published: October 2023

This paper presents an efficient method for categorizing the sentiments of Internet users, with a focus on social media users, using a confidence interval to estimate the reliability of sentiment predictions. The classification is based on the sentiments expressed in their posts, which are divided into positive, negative, and neutral categories. The paper presents an analysis table that analyzes sentiments and opinions about online product brands. The process includes two steps: 1) analyzing sentiments from text data using machine learning techniques, and 2) describing a five-step sentiment and opinion classification process that includes data collection, preprocessing, algorithm application, validation, and visualization. The proposed solution is implemented using Python, along with the scikit-learn, NumPy, pandas, and Dash libraries, and leverages the use of confidence intervals to assess the accuracy and reliability of the sentiment analysis model.
Predictors of Dropout Among Psychosomatic Rehabilitation Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Secondary Analysis of a Longitudinal Study of Digital Training
Authors: Gao Lingling , Keller Franziska Maria , Becker Petra , Dahmen Alina , Lippke Sonia
Published: October 2023

Background

High dropout rates are a common problem reported in web-based studies. Understanding which risk factors interrelate with dropping out from the studies provides the option to prevent dropout by tailoring effective strategies.

Objective

This study aims to contribute an understanding of the predictors of web-based study dropout among psychosomatic rehabilitation patients. We investigated whether sociodemographics, voluntary interventions, physical and mental health, digital use for health and rehabilitation, and COVID-19 pandemic–related variables determine study dropout.

Methods

Patients (N=2155) recruited from 4 psychosomatic rehabilitation clinics in Germany filled in a web-based questionnaire at T1, which was before their rehabilitation stay. Approximately half of the patients (1082/2155, 50.21%) dropped out at T2, which was after the rehabilitation stay, before and during which 3 voluntary digital trainings were provided to them. According to the number of trainings that the patients participated in, they were categorized into a comparison group or 1 of 3 intervention groups. Chi-square tests were performed to examine the differences between dropout patients and retained patients in terms of sociodemographic variables and to compare the dropout rate differences between the comparison and intervention groups. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess what factors were related to study dropout.

Results

The comparison group had the highest dropout rate of 68.4% (173/253) compared with the intervention groups’ dropout rates of 47.98% (749/1561), 50% (96/192), and 42.9% (64/149). Patients with a diagnosis of combined anxiety and depressive disorder had the highest dropout rate of 64% (47/74). Younger patients (those aged <50 y) and patients who were less educated were more likely to drop out of the study. Patients who used health-related apps and the internet less were more likely to drop out of the study. Patients who remained in their jobs and patients who were infected by COVID-19 were more likely to drop out of the study.

Conclusions

This study investigated the predictors of dropout in web-based studies. Different factors such as patient sociodemographics, physical and mental health, digital use, COVID-19 pandemic correlates, and study design can correlate with the dropout rate. For web-based studies with a focus on mental health, it is suggested to consider these possible dropout predictors and take appropriate steps to help patients with a high risk of dropping out overcome difficulties in completing the study.
Clinical Decision Support System for All Stages of Gastric Carcinogenesis in Real-Time Endoscopy: Model Establishment and Validation Study
Authors: Gong Eun Jeong , Bang Chang Seok , Lee Jae Jun , Jeong Hae Min , Baik Gwang Ho , Jeong Jae Hoon , Dick Sigmund , Lee Gi Hun
Published: October 2023

Background

Our research group previously established a deep-learning–based clinical decision support system (CDSS) for real-time endoscopy-based detection and classification of gastric neoplasms. However, preneoplastic conditions, such as atrophy and intestinal metaplasia (IM) were not taken into account, and there is no established model that classifies all stages of gastric carcinogenesis.

Objective

This study aims to build and validate a CDSS for real-time endoscopy for all stages of gastric carcinogenesis, including atrophy and IM.

Methods

A total of 11,868 endoscopic images were used for training and internal testing. The primary outcomes were lesion classification accuracy (6 classes: advanced gastric cancer, early gastric cancer, dysplasia, atrophy, IM, and normal) and atrophy and IM lesion segmentation rates for the segmentation model. The following tests were carried out to validate the performance of lesion classification accuracy: (1) external testing using 1282 images from another institution and (2) evaluation of the classification accuracy of atrophy and IM in real-world procedures in a prospective manner. To estimate the clinical utility, 2 experienced endoscopists were invited to perform a blind test with the same data set. A CDSS was constructed by combining the established 6-class lesion classification model and the preneoplastic lesion segmentation model with the previously established lesion detection model.

Results

The overall lesion classification accuracy (95% CI) was 90.3% (89%-91.6%) in the internal test. For the performance validation, the CDSS achieved 85.3% (83.4%-97.2%) overall accuracy. The per-class external test accuracies for atrophy and IM were 95.3% (92.6%-98%) and 89.3% (85.4%-93.2%), respectively. CDSS-assisted endoscopy showed an accuracy of 92.1% (88.8%-95.4%) for atrophy and 95.5% (92%-99%) for IM in the real-world application of 522 consecutive screening endoscopies. There was no significant difference in the overall accuracy between the invited endoscopists and established CDSS in the prospective real-clinic evaluation (P=.23). The CDSS demonstrated a segmentation rate of 93.4% (95% CI 92.4%-94.4%) for atrophy or IM lesion segmentation in the internal testing.

Conclusions

The CDSS achieved high performance in terms of computer-aided diagnosis of all stages of gastric carcinogenesis and demonstrated real-world application potential.
Continuous Assessment of Function and Disability via Mobile Sensing: Real-World Data-Driven Feasibility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Sükei Emese , Romero-Medrano Lorena , de Leon-Martinez Santiago , Herrera López Jesús , Campaña-Montes Juan José , Olmos Pablo M , Baca-Garcia Enrique , Artés Antonio
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Functional limitations are associated with poor clinical outcomes, higher mortality, and disability rates, especially in older adults. Continuous assessment of patients’ functionality is important for clinical practice; however, traditional questionnaire-based assessment methods are very time-consuming and infrequently used. Mobile sensing offers a great range of sources that can assess function and disability daily.

OBJECTIVE

This work aims to prove the feasibility of an interpretable machine learning pipeline for predicting function and disability based on the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 outcomes of clinical outpatients, using passively collected digital biomarkers.

METHODS

One-month-long behavioral time-series data consisting of physical and digital activity descriptor variables were summarized using statistical measures (minimum, maximum, mean, median, SD, and IQR), creating 64 features that were used for prediction. We then applied a sequential feature selection to each WHODAS 2.0 domain (cognition, mobility, self-care, getting along, life activities, and participation) in order to find the most descriptive features for each domain. Finally, we predicted the WHODAS 2.0 functional domain scores using linear regression using the best feature subsets. We reported the mean absolute errors and the mean absolute percentage errors over 4 folds as goodness-of-fit statistics to evaluate the model and allow for between-domain performance comparison.

RESULTS

Our machine learning–based models for predicting patients’ WHODAS functionality scores per domain achieved an average (across the 6 domains) mean absolute percentage error of 19.5%, varying between 14.86% (self-care domain) and 27.21% (life activities domain). We found that 5-19 features were sufficient for each domain, and the most relevant being the distance traveled, time spent at home, time spent walking, exercise time, and vehicle time.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show the feasibility of using machine learning–based methods to assess functional health solely from passively sensed mobile data. The feature selection step provides a set of interpretable features for each domain, ensuring better explainability to the models’ decisions—an important aspect in clinical practice.