bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The contribution of proteoglycans to heterogeneity and temozolomide resistance of glioblastoma cells
Authors: Nikitina Sofia A. , Sokolov Dmitry K. , Tsidulko Alexandra Y. , Strokotova Anastasia V. , Fasler-Kan Elizaveta , Grigorieva Elvira V.
Published: December 2023

Aim: Heterogeneity of glioblastoma (GB) cells significantly contributes to tumor resistance against temozolomide (TMZ) and the development of disease relapse. Multiple molecular mechanisms are involved in this process, yet the contribution of proteoglycans (PGs) remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the potential involvement of PGs (both at core proteins and polysaccharide chains) in the heterogeneity and TMZ resistance of GB cells.

Methods: Seven human GB cell lines were characterized for TMZ sensitivity, cell phenotypic traits, gene expression for glucocorticoid receptor (GR, NR3C1 ), PG core proteins- and heparan sulfate (HS) biosynthesis-related genes and content of their chondroitin sulfate (CS) and HS chains.

Results: Although the studied cell lines have similar proliferation rates, they significantly differ in their migration activity, clonogenicity, and TMZ resistance (IC50 8.51-369.59 µM in the line of U343, LN215, HS683, U87, LN71, LN405, LN18), creating a specific phenotype for each cell line. Some PGs (NG2/CSPG4, CSPG5, and versican) contributed to the molecular heterogeneity of these cells being cell line-specifically expressed in all cell lines, which also differed in terms of the CS/HS content. Transcriptional activity of the HS metabolic system was low in these GB cell lines, expressing mainly EXT1/2 and NDST1/2, while expression levels of sulfotransferases and SULF2 were cell line-specific. TMZ resistance of these cells was correlated with the expression of stem-cell marker CD44 (+3.5-fold, r = 0.73) and GR (-3-fold, r = -0.81). TMZ treatment of the resistant (LN405) and sensitive (LN215) cells resulted in complex changes in cell migration as well as NG2/CSPG4 expression and CS/HS content.

Conclusion: Differential expression of PGs and CS/HS content contribute to the heterogeneity of GB cells, and CD44 and NR3C1 might be informative biomarkers for TMZ resistance.
A protocol for digital cardiovascular prevention feasibility study using hybrid home blood pressure telemonitoring system
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Nishizawa Masafumi , Yasui Nobuhiko , Fujiwara Takahiro , Kunigita Takahiro , Harada Noriko , Hoshide Satoshi
Published: December 2023

Aim: The DICAP feasibility study aims to determine chronological blood pressure (BP) control status and BP variability up to the end of life in different life settings in the community and their clinical implications.

Methods: A simple, easy-to-use automated hybrid BP telemonitoring system combined cellular and Bluetooth BP monitors, the DICAP (DIgital Cardiovascular Prevention) system, was devised to obtain all the different BP values measured in a time series in different settings in 500 community-dwelling individuals in their homes and local elderly care facilities.

Expected results and Perspectives: This study will confirm the feasibility of collecting BP variability over time until the end of life for the management of hypertension in all community-dwelling patients, including those unfamiliar with digital technology and those in diverse residential settings, such as elderly care facilities. This feasibility study has the potential to serve as a basis for future community and disaster medicine initiatives worldwide.
EFEKTIVITAS E-LKPD BERBASIS LITERASI NUMERASI UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KETERAMPILAN BERPIKIR KRITIS PESERTA DIDIK PADA TOPIK PEMANASAN GLOBAL
Authors: Melani Noor Sri , Suryajaya Suryajaya , Syahmani Syahmani
Published: December 2023

E-LKPD berbasis literasi numerasi yang digunakan untuk meningkatkan keterampilan berpikir kritis peserta didik pada topik pemanasan global. Desain penelitian dan pengembangan menggunakan model Tessmer. Uji dilakukan pada kelas VII A  dengan peserta didik yang berjumlah 17 orang di SMP Negeri 1 Tanjung. Hasil penelitian didapatkan bahwa e-LKPD berbasis literasi numerasi termasuk dalam kategori efektif dilihat dari capaian N-gain score berpikir kritis pada uji kelompok besar dalam kategori sedang sebesar 0,57. Dengan demikian e-LKPD yang berbasis literasi numerasi efektif dalam meningkatkan keterampilan berpikir kritis peserta didik.
DESAIN DAN UJI COBA E-LKPD IPA MENGGUNAKAN LIVEWORKSHEET UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KETERAMPILAN BERPIKIR KRITIS
Authors: Noormiati Noormiati , Zaini Muhammad , Karim Karim
Published: December 2023

Media pembelajaran merupakan sarana yang digunakan agar pembelajaran dapat berlangsung dengan baik. LKPD berbasis teknologi yang dapat meningkatkan keterampilan berpikir kritis yakni dengan menggunakan media LKPD interaktif yang menarik untuk dimanfaatkan. Penelitian ini menggunakan model ADDIE. Tujuannya penelitian ini untuk mendeskripsikan validitas dan kepraktisan E-LKPD menggunakan Liveworksheet yang sudah didesain berdasarkan uji validitas dari validator dan uji kelompok kecil terhadap respon peserta didik. Uji validitas menggunakan instrumen validasi dan uji kepraktisan menggunakan instrumen respon peserta didik. E-LKPD IPA menggunakan Liveworksheet memiliki tampilan yang menarik, memudahkan dalam memahami materi, membuat peserta didik aktif dan komunikatif dalam proses pembelajaran serta mendorong peserta didik untuk berpikir kritis. Hasil validitas diperoleh rata-rata secara keseluruhan sebesar 3,75 dengan kategori valid. Sedangkan hasil kepraktisan diperoleh rata-rata persentase secara keseluruhan sebesar 88% dengan kategori sangat baik.
STUDI EKSPLORASI LITERASI ASPEK PENGETAHUAN LINGKUNGAN LAHAN BASAH SISWA SD ADIWIYATA DI BANJARMASIN
Authors: Jamilah Jamilah , Sadiqin Ikhwan Khairu , Fahmi Fahmi
Published: December 2023

Tujuan penelitian ini ialah mendeskripsikan literasi aspek pengetahuan lingkungan lahan basah siswa SD. Penelitian ini merupakan jenis deskripsi, mengeksplorasi level pemahaman lahan basah siswa dan karakterstik materi dari sudut pandang siswa. Instrumen berupa soal dan angket opini pengetahuan lingkungan, dikembangakan dari rumusan NAEE dan PISA. Pembahasan disajikan secara deskriptif kualitatif berdasarkan dari data kuantitatif berupa test dan wawancara. Subjek adalah siswa di SD adiwiyata kota Banjarmasin dan sekitarnya berjumlah 60 orang. Teknik pemilihan sampel dilakukan secara purposive sampling dengan mempertimbangkan karakteristik tempat tinggal guru dan siswa, kurikulum adiwiyata dan tujuan penelitian. Hasil penelitian ditemukan siswa SD cenderung memiliki kemampuan literasi lingkungan lahan basah siswa pada kategori baik. Skor reratanya mencapai 75,35. Pemicunya siswa didaerah banjarmasin kehidupan sangat bersentuhan dengan alam, baik flora dan fauna sehingga siswa dapat mengetahui dan merasakan langsung. Indikator literasi yang paling dikuasi siswa adalah tentang flora dan fauna, masuk pada kategori sangat baik dengan skor 85,43. Poin ini dikuasai dengan baik karena didukung oleh pengajaran  program PLH dan adiwiyata. Indikator lain yang masih kurang disebabkan belum optimalnya studi lapangan atau observasi langsung ke lahan basah.
Devolution as a Post-Brexit Factor of the British Regions Political Actorness: The Cases of Scotland and Wales
Authors: Shein S. , Belous Y. , Chupriyanova P. , Semenova N. , Koroleva L.
Published: December 2023

Brexit, as a profound political and institutional shock for the United Kingdom and the whole European Union as an integration organization, has significantly changed the context of the functioning of British ethno-regional autonomies. The UK’s exit from the European Union has transformed the parameters of the political actorness of British regions in the context of an ongoing devolution. The devolutionary framework, characterized by asymmetrical relations between the center and the regions, as well as the unthorough nature of the reforms carried out, created barriers to the development of the political actorness of the regions in a situation of redistribution of powers after the elimination of the supranational level of governance after Brexit. Britain’s exit from the EU led to an attempt to recentralize domestic policy by the Conservative government of Boris Johnson, following which he acted in line with the previously pursued devolutionary policy. The authors of the article set out to identify the impact of Brexit on the political actorness of the British regions of the United Kingdom – Scotland and Wales – using theoretical tools of historical institutionalism. The study concluded that the increased demand for expanding the political actorness of British regions after Brexit does not lead to an increase in the powers and preferences of regional administrations, based on the existing devolutionary framework that limits the ability of regions to fight for their status, powers and preferences within the existing political system. The system determines the limits of the strategy of regional government actors in the absence of a clear configuration of multi-level politics in the United Kingdom and the lack of institutional mechanisms to increase the actorness of the regions. It was revealed that the central authorities use an exclusionary policy of ‘soft recentralization’ after Brexit in relations with the regions. Scotland and Wales, in turn, implement strategies of ‘managable confrontation’ and ‘forced cooperation’ in relation to the center based on the lack of effective institutional mechanisms for increasing their own status within the national political system.
Dynamics of Fricke-Painlevé VI surfaces
Authors: Planat Michel , Chester David , Irwin Klee
Published: December 2023

The symmetries of a Riemann surface $\Sigma \setminus \{a_i\}$ with $n$ punctures $a_i$ are encoded in its fundamental group $\pi_1(\Sigma)$. Further structure may be described through representations (homomorphisms) of $\pi_1$ over a Lie group $G$ as globalized by the character variety $\mathcal{C}=\mbox{Hom} (\pi_1,G)/G$. Guided by our previous work in the context of topological quantum computing (TQC) and genetics, we specialize on the $4$-punctured Riemann sphere $\Sigma=S_2^{(4)}$ and the \lq space-time-spin' group $G=SL_2(\mathbb{C})$. In such a situation, $\mathcal{C}$ possesses remarkable properties (i) a representation is described by a $3$-dimensional cubic surface $V_{a,b,c,d}(x,y,z)$ with $3$ variables and $4$ parameters, (ii) the automorphisms of the surface satisfy the dynamical (non linear and transcendental) Painlev\'e VI equation (or $P_{VI}$), (iii) there exists a finite set of $1$ (\mbox{Cayley-Picard})+$3$ (\mbox{continuous platonic})+$45$ (\mbox{icosahedral}) solutions of $P_{VI}$. In this paper we feature on the parametric representation of some solutions of $P_{VI}$, (a) solutions corresponding to algebraic surfaces such as the Klein quartic and (b) icosahedral solutions. Applications to the character variety of finitely generated groups $f_p$ encountered in TQC or DNA/RNA sequences are proposed.
Forecasting by Analogy: A Parallel between the Trend of Confirmed COVID-19 Deaths in the Winters of 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 in Italy
Authors: Roccetti Marco
Published: December 2023

We studied the weekly number and the growth/decline rates of COVID-19 deaths in the period October 31, 2022 – February 9, 2023, in Italy, finding that that COVID-19 winter wave reached its peak during the three holyday weeks extending from December 16, 2022 to January 5, 2023, and it was definitely trending downward, returning to the same number of deaths of the end of October 2022, in the week February 3 – 9, 2023. During this period of fifteen weeks, that wave caused a number of deaths as large as 8,526. Its average growth rate was +7.89% deaths per week (ten weeks), while the average weekly decline rate was -12.32% (five weeks). Currently, Italy is experiencing a new COVID-19 wave, with the latest six weekly bulletins (October 26, 2023 – December 14, 2023) showing that the deaths have climbed from 148 to 322. The weekly growth rate has risen by +14.08% deaths, on average. In the hypothesis that this 2023-2024 wave have a duration similar to that of 2022-2023, with: i) a comparable extension of both the growing period and of the decline period and ii) similar growth/decline rates, a prediction can be cast regarding the number of COVID-19 deaths in the period November 2023 - January 2024. They could reach the amount of 4100-4200
The Combined Effect of Lemon Peel Extract and Calcium Chloride on the Physical and Biochemical Quality Parameters of Dessert Banana (Musa acuminata var. Dwarf Cavendish) Fruit
Authors: NGOKO TCHAMBA Eric-Ivan , AGHOFACK-NGUEMEZI Jean , Tybussek Thorsten , Muranyi Peter , NGUETSOP Francois Victor , Schwab Wilfried
Published: December 2023

The dessert banana is a popular fruit worldwide, but its ripening process is greatly accelerated by high temperatures, which eventually leads to an unpleasant taste and the appearance of spots on the skin of the fruit. To slow down the ripening of bananas, expensive strategies are used, which are usually not practical for conventional farmers in less developed countries. In this study, we try to find a less costly alternative. Therefore, the effects of coatings of lemon peel extract (2.5 %, 5 %, and 10 %), calcium chloride (4 %), and glycerol (2 %) on the shelf life and postharvest quality of banana fruit (Cavendish) stored at 20 ± 3 °C and 50 – 70 % relative humidity were investigated. Treatment with a mixture of 2.5 % lemon peel extract and 2 % glycerol resulted in an extension of the shelf life of the dessert banana by up to 6 days and no detectable fungal infestation. The mixture is an effective alternative to extend the shelf life and reduce quality losses in bananas.
Overview on Permanent Magnet Motor Trends and Developments
Authors: Vlachou Vasileios I. , Sakkas Georgios K. , Xintaropoulos Fotios P. , Pechlivanidou Maria Sofia C. , Kefalas Themistoklis D. , Tsili Marina A. , Kladas Antonios G.
Published: December 2023

The extreme environmental issues and the resulting needs to save energy have turned the attention to electrification of energy applications. One of the key components involved in energy efficiency improvements is the appropriate conception and manufacturing of electric machines. This paper overviews the electromagnetic analysis governing the behavior of permanent magnets that enabled substantial efficiency gains in recent electric machine developments. Particular emphasis is given to model the properties and losses developed in permanent magnets in the emerging high speed applications. In addition, the investigation of properties and harmonic losses related to ferromagnetic materials constituting the machine magnetic circuits are equally analyzed and discussed. The experimental validation of the implemented methodologies and developed models with respect to the obtained precision is reported. The introduction of mixed numerical techniques based on the finite element method intended to appropriately represent the different physical phenomena encountered is outlined and discussed. Finally, fast and accurate simulation techniques including aggregated lumped parameter models considering harmonic losses associated with inverter supplies are commented.
Association of KRAS G12C Status with Age at Onset of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sunagua Aruquipa Marcelo , D'Alpino Peixoto Renata , Jacome Alexandre , Cesar Fernanda , Lorandi Vinicius , Dienstmann Rodrigo
Published: December 2023

Background: The association of age at onset of CRC and prevalence of KRAS G12C mutation is unclear; Methods: Retrospective multicenter study evaluating metastatic CRC patients from January 2019 to July 2023 treated at Oncoclinicas units, tested for tissue-based KRAS/NRAS and BRAF mutations in a centralized genomics lab. Mismatch repair (MMR) status was retrieved from different labs and electronic medical records, as were patient demographics (age, gender) and tumor sidedness. Chi-square test was used to examine the association between clinical and molecular variables, with p value <0.05 being statistically significant; Results: A total of 858 cases were included. The median age was 63.7 years (range 22-95) and 17.4% were less than 50 years old at diagnosis of metastatic CRC. Male patients represented 50.3% of the population. Sidedness distribution was left-side 59.2%, right-side 36.8% and not specified 4%. Prevalence of KRAS mutation was 49.4% and NRAS mutation 3.9%. Among KRAS mutated tumors, the most common variants were G12V (27.6%) and G12D (23.5%), while KRAS G12C was less frequent (6.4%), which represented 3.1% of the overall population. BRAF mutant cases were 7.3%, most commonly V600E. Only 5 (<1%) non-V600E mutations were detected. MSI-high or dMMR was present in 14 cases (1.6%). In the age-stratified analysis, left-sidedness (p<0.001) and KRAS G12C mutation (p=0.046) were associated with younger age (<50 years). In the sidedness-stratified analysis, BRAF mutation (p=0.001) and MSI-high/dMMR status (p=0.009), were more common in right-sided tumors; Conclusions: Our data suggest that KRAS G12C mutations are more frequent in early-onset metastatic CRC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest cohort in the Latin American population with mCRC reporting RAS, BRAF and MSI/dMMR status.
New Evidence for Retrospectively Cued Perception
Authors: Szaszkó Bence , Stolte Moritz , Bachmann Lea , Ansorge Ulrich
Published: December 2023

Past research suggests a continuity between perception and memory, as reflected in influences of orienting of spatial attention by cues presented after a visual target offset (post-target cues) on target perception. Conducting two experiments, we tested and confirmed this claim. Our study revealed an elevated reliance on post-target cues for target detection with diminishing target visibility, leading to better performance in validly versus invalidly cued trials, indicative for contrast gain. We demonstrated this post-target cueing impact on target perception without a postcue response prompt, meaning that our results truly reflected a continuity between perception and memory rather than a task-specific impact of having to memorize the target due to a response prompt. We further showed an influence of attention by the post-target cues with cues presented away from a clearly visible target, meaning that visual interactions at the target location provided no better explanation of our results. Our results generalize prior research with liminal targets and confirm the view of a perception-memory continuum, so that visual target processing is not shielded against visuospatial orienting of attention elicited by events following offset of the visual target.
NN and VV Coordinate Compounds
Authors: Nagano Akiko , Shimada Masaharu
Published: December 2023

Broadly speaking, binominal and biverbal lexical constructions have been studied independently in different research traditions and frameworks. It is true that the two do not necessarily have overlapping areal distributions, but the fundamental question remains whether Indo-European NN compounds and Transeurasian VV compounds have nothing in common. From a purely theoretical perspective also, the cross-categorial parallelism is worthy of serious investigation because a theory of the process of compounding that inherits the spirit of X-bar theory strives to capture commonalities among various compounding patterns and category-specific constraints observed within and across languages. Against this background, a cross-categorial comparison, not within but across languages, is made of coordinative binominal and biverbal constructions. NN and VV coordinate compounds from English and Japanese are examined in detail using the methodology of contrastive morphology and decompositional lexical semantics. It is shown that dvandva is possible not only in NN but also in VV coordinate compounds and furthermore that the dvandva-appositive distinction in NN coordinate compounds recurs in VV coordinate compounds.
Interplay of Angiotensin Peptides, Vasopressin and Insulin in the Heart: Altered Interactions in Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Szczepańska-Sadowska Ewa
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The heart serves as the pivotal organ generating rhythmic contractions allowing blood ejection from the ventricles and its circulation in the cardiovascular system. Contractions of the heart requires oxygen and energy consumption and removal of metabolic factors from cardiac myocytes. The mechanical performance of the cardiac muscle and production of the vasoactive factors are significantly affected in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, especially in the heart failure, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The processes affecting coronary blood flow and cardiac contractility in these diseases are not fully recognized. The present review draws attention to specific role of angiotensin peptides, vasopressin and insulin in the regulation of the coronary blood flow and cardiac contractions. There is evidence for intracardiac production of some of these compounds and their importance in the regulation of the cardiac tissue oxygenation, energy production and metabolism, and generation of other cardiovascular compounds, such as nitric oxide, bradykinin and endothelin. Presence of receptors for angiotensin II, angiotensin-(1-7) and insulin in the coronary vessels and cardiomyocyes sets up conditions for interaction of these factors at the signaling level. Coronary vessels and cardiac muscle possess AT1 and AT2 receptors, angiotensin-1-7 receptor, vasopressin V1 receptor, and insulin receptor substrates. Expression of these receptors and responsiveness to angiotensins, vasopressin and insulin are altered during heart failure, hypertension, obesity and diabetes mellitus, especially when these diseases occur simultaneously. The survey of the literature presented in the review provides evidence for the belief that very individualized treatment, including interactions of angiotensins and vasopressin with insulin, should be selected for patients suffering simultaneously for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Development of End-to-End Artificial Intelligence Models for Surgical Planning in Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Bui Anh Tuan , Le Hieu , Hoang Tung Thanh , Trinh Giam Minh , Shao Hao-Chiang , Tsai Pei-I , Chen Kuan-Jen , Hsieh Kevin Li-Chun , Huang E-Wen , Hsu Ching-Chi , Mathew Mathew , Lee Ching-Yu , Wang Po-Yao , Huang Tsung-Jen , Wu Meng-Huang
Published: December 2023

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a commonly used technique for treating lumbar degenerative diseases. In this study, we developed a fully computer-supported pipeline to predict both the cage height and the degree of lumbar lordosis subtraction from the pelvic incidence (PI-LL) after TLIF surgery, utilizing preoperative X-ray images. The automated pipeline comprised two primary stages. First, a deep learning model was employed to extract essential features from X-ray images. Subsequently, five machine learning algorithms were trained to identify the optimal models to predict interbody cage height and postoperative PI-LL. LASSO regression and support vector regression demonstrated superior performance in predicting interbody cage height and postoperative PI-LL, respectively. For cage height prediction, the root mean square error (RMSE) was calculated as 1.01, and the model achieved the highest accuracy at a height of 12 mm, with exact prediction achieved in 54.43% (43/79) of cases. In most of the remaining cases, the prediction error of the model was within 1 mm. Additionally, the model demonstrated satisfactory performance in predicting PI-LL, with an RMSE of 5.19 and an accuracy of 0.81 for PI-LL stratification. In conclusion, our results indicate that machine learning models can reliably predict interbody cage height and postoperative PI-LL.
Statistical Inference for Interval-Valued Spatial Error Models
Authors: Guan Li , Zhou Hai , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we shall introduce the interval-valued spatial error model. Based on the idea of least square method of single-valued case, we give the parameter estimator for interval-valued spatial error model. The theoretical properties of the proposed estimator are proved. Finally, we give the numerical analysis and a real example.
Spatiotemporal Modeling of Soil Water Dynamics for Site-Specific Variable Rate Irrigation in Maize
Authors: Bantchina Bere Benjamin , Gündoğdu Kemal Sulhi , Arslan Selçuk , Ulusoy Yahya , Tekin Yücel , Pantazi Xanthoula Eirini , Dolaptsis Konstantinos , Paraskevas Charalampos , Tziotzios Georgios , Qaswar Muhammad , Mouazen Abdul Mounem
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to simulate dynamic irrigation management zones (MZs) in two maize fields for a variable rate hose-reel fertigation machine (VRFM) with a 4-section boom control. Soil moisture content was measured from nine and four soil moisture sensors in Field 1 (8.2 ha) and Field 2 (2.5 ha), respectively in different dates during the 2022 crop season. Three- and five-MZs scenarios were simulated per irrigation and the theoretical maps were processed for implementation. The application maps fitted to the VRFM showed significant spatiotemporal variations in irrigation requirements. For instance, in Field 1, 3-MZs modelling showed that the areas requiring High (H), Medium (M), and Low (L) level irrigation on July 21 were 1.60, 4.84, and 1.85 ha, respectively, whereas the farmer applied uniform rate over the whole field. H level sub-areas ranged between 1.22 ha (July 25) and 3.25 ha (July 7), showing a coefficient of variation (CV) of 43.32% for the 3-MZs, whereas H level sub-areas for 5-MZs varied from 0.41 ha (July 2) to 1.49 ha (July 7) with a CV value of 48.84%. High levels of within-field variability can be addressed using precise and dynamic irrigation MZs fitted to the irrigation technology used.
Human Perception of Birds in Two Brazilian Cities
Authors: Graviola Gabriela Rosa , Ribeiro Milton Cezar , Pena João Carlos
Published: December 2023

Understanding how humans perceive animals is important for biodiversity conservation, however, only a few studies about this issue were carried out in South America. We selected two Brazilian cities to assess people’s perceptions of birds: Bauru (São Paulo, Brazil) and Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais, Brazil). From the bird data we gathered, we developed a questionnaire and applied it between September 2020 and June 2021. The data obtained were analyzed by simple counts, Likert scale, and percentages. Also, open questions were placed on the Free Word Cloud Generator website. Our study confirmed that most respondents are aware of the importance of birds to ecological balance and that respondents had a generally positive attitude towards most of the bird species. However, they disliked exotic species such as the Domestic Dove and the House Sparrow, which are associated with disease, dirt, and disgust. Respondents also underestimated the number of birds that can live in urban areas and the song of birds is still a sense less explored and perceived by people. The concept of environmental perception seeks to cover aspects and understanding these human–biodiversity relationships is essential to successfully guide public policies, urban planning interventions, and environmental education activities.
Climate Change: Causes, Impacts, and Strategies for a Sustainable Future
Authors: Rashid Md Redowan
Published: December 2023

The important topic of climate change is discussed in this article, with a focus on the historical background and present effects. It draws attention to the differences between climate change and global warming and attributes the faster pace of climate change to human activity, specifically the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Agricultural practices, deforestation, and the combustion of fossil fuels are examined in conjunction with natural contributors like volcanic emissions. There is discussion of the far-reaching effects of climate change, such as increased temperatures, rising sea levels, harsh weather, and effects on water supplies. The article emphasizes how crucial it is to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change by putting in place climate-resilient infrastructure, switching to renewable energy sources, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. While recognizing the difficulties involved, it examines several approaches, including nuclear energy, wind power, carbon capture and storage, and green building techniques. To successfully address the global challenge of climate change, the conclusion emphasizes the urgent need for joint efforts by scientists, environmentalists, communities, and governments.
Two Stochastic Methods to Model Initial Geometrical Imperfections of Steel Frame Structures
Authors: Jindra Daniel , Kala Zdeněk , Kala Jiří
Published: December 2023

Stochastic modelling of geometrically imperfect steel frame structures requires inputs of statistical values of the imperfection parameters, in some cases also with suitably selected mutual correlations between these input parameters. The paper presents a verification study of two stochastic methods to directly model the initial global geometrical imperfections of the steel frame structures. The stochastic input values of geometrical imperfections are derived from the tolerance criteria of the corresponding European Standard. Two advanced stochastic methods have been developed, referred as #RSS (random story sway) and #RSP (random story position). These methods are verified using random sampling simulations. This study provides useful provisions for the advanced numerical analyses of multi-story steel frames of various geometries. The proposed methods are verified for equidistant story heights and for structures of up to 24 stories, hence might be used for the most types of the standard steel frame structures.
Quality Assurance of Malaria Microscopy in Timor-Leste: One Step at a Time
Authors: Rangel Gregorio
Published: December 2023

The quality assurance of malaria microscopy unit was established by National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health (MoH) in 2009 to respond to the internal malaria microscopy validation process, in microscopy training for malaria diagnosis in the country, monitoring and supervision, and other relevant activities regarding laboratory diagnosis of malaria in Timor-Leste is described. Trained laboratory technicians who are working in the relevant unit. There are two ways of malaria microscopy validation process such as onsite validation and monthly validation after received malaria blood smear from senior analyst at the municipality level. The aim of this work is to describe the quality assurance of malaria microscopy system in Timor-Leste. The management of quality assurance service support, the importance of quality assurance of malaria microscopy, the role of quality assurance of malaria microscopy, challenge and opportunities encountered by quality assurance microscopy unit, National Health Laboratory are highlighted. Key words: Quality assurance of malaria microscopy, system, Timor-Leste.
The Contingency of Trust in Environmental Behaviour: Does the social trap affect Zed Generation? Evidence from Albania
Authors: Kokthi Elena , Gura Kriselda Sulcaj , Gura Servet , Nica Elvira
Published: December 2023

Context and aim: Environmental awareness is the first step to climate change risk perceptions and environmental behaviour. However, this pathway is not always possible within different population segments and trust contexts. This study explores the conditional effect of trust on environmental behaviour in the Zed Generation in Albania. The consideration of the Zed generation due to two opposing traits, such as social courage and anti-social, make them an interesting topic to understand, especially for their importance in online communities.

Method: The youth engagement environmental programme and the climate change risk perceptions framework are adopted in an input-output design. Environmental awareness (input) is the initiating factor, and climate change risk perception and community engagement as mediators of environmental behaviour(output). Individual and institutional trust is the moderating factor that inhibits/enhances engagement and environmental behaviour.

Results: The moderation-mediation show that climate change risk perceptions did not mediate environmental behaviour. Environmental awareness directly affects it. However, low institutional trust inhibits the general trust that, in turn, lowers the impact of awareness in climate change perceptions and community engagement toward environmental protection.

Practical recommendation: The application of the input-output model shows that the pathway that directly affects environmental behaviour among Zed Generation in Albania is not Climate change risk perception. In low-trust contexts, positive environmental behaviour can be generated through community engagement. Policymakers and educational programmes in low-middle-income countries might consider community engagement to mitigate trust issues and effectively deal with environmental problems with a global segment such as the Zed generation.
A Fuzzy-based System for Autonomous UAV Ship Deck Landing
Authors: Tsitses Ioannis , Zacharia Paraskevi , Xidias Elias , Papoutsidakis Michail
Published: December 2023

This paper introduces a fuzzy logic-based autonomous ship-deck landing system for fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The ship is assumed to maintain a constant course and speed. The aim of this fuzzy logic landing model is to simplify the task of landing UAVs on moving ships in challenging maritime conditions, relieving operators from this demanding task. The designed UAV ship-deck landing model is based on a fuzzy system comprised of three interconnected subsystems. Each subsystem consists of three inputs and one output incorporating various fuzzy rules to account for external factors during ship-deck landings. Specifically, the Fuzzy Logic System (FLS) takes inputs such as the airspeed, the relative wind direction and speed, the range from the deck and the UAV's flight altitude. The FLS outputs provide data on the Speed of the UAV relative to the ship’s velocity, the Bank Angle, and the Angle of Descent of the UAV. The performance of the designed intelligent ship-deck landing system is evaluated using the standard configuration of MATLAB Fuzzy Toolbox.
Swine Pudendal Nerve as a Model for Neuromodulation Studies to Restore Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction
Authors: Giannotti Alice , Musco Stefania , Miragliotta Vincenzo , Lazzarini Giulia , Pirone Andrea , Briganti Angela , Verardo Claudio , Bernini Fabio , Del Popolo Giulio , Micera Silvestro
Published: December 2023

Lower urinary tract dysfunction, such as incontinence or urinary retention, is one of the leading consequences of neurological diseases. This significantly impacts the quality of life for those affected, with implications extending not only to humans but also to clinical veterinary care. Having motor and sensory fibers, the pudendal nerve is an optimal candidate for neuromodulation therapies using bidirectional intraneural prostheses, paving the way towards the restoration of a more physiological urination cycle: bladder state can be detected from recorded neural signals, then an electrical current can be injected to the nerve based on the bladder real-time need. To develop such prostheses and investigate this novel approach, animal studies are still required since the morphology of the target nerve is fundamental to optimize the prosthesis design. This study aims to describe the porcine pudendal nerve as a model for neuromodulation studies aiming at restoring lower urinary tract dysfunction. Five male farm pigs were involved in the study. First, a surgical procedure to access the porcine pudendal nerve without muscle resection was developed. Then, an intraneural interface was implanted to confirm the presence of fibers innervating the external urethral sphincter by measuring its electromyographic activity. Finally, the morpho-physiology of the porcine pudendal nerve at the level of surgical exposure was described by using histological and immunohistochemical characterization. This analysis confirmed the nerve fasciculate nature and the presence of mixed fibers with a spatial and functional organization. These achievements pave the way for further pudendal neuromodulation studies by using a clinically relevant animal model with the potential for translating the findings into clinical applications.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation for Kinesthetic Feedback in AR/VR: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Vrontos Apostolos , Nitsch Verena , Brandl Christopher
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a thorough review of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) in the context of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), specifically focusing on its application in providing kinesthetic feedback. Our systematic review of 17 studies reveals the growing interest and potential of EMS in this domain, as evidenced by the growing body of literature and citations. Key elements presented in our review encompass a catalog of the applications developed to date, specifics of the stimulation parameters used, the participant demographics of the studies, and the types of measures used in these research efforts. We discovered that EMS offers a versatile range of applications in AR/VR, from simulating physical interactions like touching virtual walls or objects, to replicating the sensation of weight and impact. Notably, EMS has shown effectiveness in areas such as object handling and musical rhythm learning, indicating its broader potential beyond conventional haptic feedback mechanisms. However, our review also highlights major challenges in the research, such as inconsistent reporting of EMS parameters and a lack of diversity in study participants. These issues underscore the need for improved reporting standards and more inclusive research approaches to ensure wider applicability and reproducibility of results.
Inhibition of Adult Neurogenesis in Male Mice after Repeated Exposure to Paracetamol Overdose
Authors: Suarez Juan , De Ceglia Marialuisa , Rodríguez-Pozo Miguel , Vargas Antonio , Santos Ignacio , Melgar-Locatelli Sonia , Castro-Zavala Adriana , Castilla-Ortega Estela , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Decara Juan , Rivera Patricia
Published: December 2023

Paracetamol or acetaminophen (N-acetyl-para-aminophenol, APAP) is an analgesic and antipy-retic drug commonly used worldwide, implicated in numerous intoxications due to overdose, and causing serious liver damage. APAP can cross the blood-brain barrier and affects brain function in numerous ways including pain signals, temperature regulation, neuroimmune response and emotional behavior; however, its effect on adult neurogenesis has not been thoroughly investi-gated.
We analyze the effect of APAP overdose (750 mg/kg/day), for 3 and 4 consecutive days and after cessation of APAP administration for 6 and 15 days, on cell proliferation and survival in two relevant neurogenic zones: the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus and the hypothalamus. The involvement of liver damage (plasma transaminases), neuronal activity (c-Fos) and astroglia (GFAP) was also evaluated.
Our results indicated that repeated APAP overdoses were associated with inhibition of adult neurogenesis in a context of elevated liver transaminase levels, neuronal hyperactivity and as-trogliosis. These effects were partially reversed after cessation of APAP administration for 6 and 15 days.
In conclusion, these results suggest that APAP overdose impairs adult neurogenesis in the hip-pocampus and hypothalamus, a fact that may contribute to the effects of APAP on brain function.
A Cryptotephra Layer in Sediments of an Infilled Maar Lake from the Eifel (Germany): First Evidence of Campanian Ignimbrite Ash Airfall in Central Europe
Authors: Schenk Fiona , Hambach Ulrich , Britzius Sarah , Veres Daniel , Sirocko Frank
Published: December 2023

We analyzed mineralogical characteristics, and major as well as rare earth element concentrations from a cryptotephra layer in sediments of the infilled maar of Auel (Eifel, Germany). The results of detailed geochemical analyses of clinopyroxenes and their glassy rim of the specific layer are most similar to those from the Campanian Ignimbrite (CI) Tephra occurrence in a loess section at Urluia (Romania). Both records show idiomorphic green clinopyroxenes and formation of twisted minerals up to millimeter scale. The cryptotephra in the Auel core has an age of around 39,940 yr b2k in the ELSA-20 chronology, almost identical to the latest Ar/Ar dates for the Campanian Ignimbrite/Y5 eruption. These observations suggest that parts of the CI ash cloud were transported also northwestward into Central Europe, whereas the main branch of the CI ash plume was transported from southern Italy towards the NE, E and SE.
Optimizing Rebar Consumption and Cutting Waste in Column Reinforcement: Integrated Mechanical Couplers and a Special-Length-Priority Minimization Algorithm
Authors: Widjaja Daniel Darma , Kim Sunkuk , Kim Dong-Jin
Published: December 2023

The construction of reinforced concrete (RC) structures inevitably consumes an excessive number of rebars, leading to significant cutting waste and carbon emissions. Extensive research has been conducted to minimize this issue and its consequences; however, these methods consistently consume a substantial number of rebars. This includes a previous study that utilizes the lap splice position optimization and special-length rebar concept without considering the lapping zone regulation. Moreover, conventional lap splices pose inherent drawbacks that could jeopardize the structural integrity of RC members. In contrast, mechanical couplers eliminate the need for rebar lapping, effectively reducing rebar consumption. This research aims to evaluate the impact of an integrated mechanical coupler and special-length-priority minimization algorithm on the reduction in rebar consumption and cutting waste in RC columns, achieving near-zero cutting waste. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, it was applied to the column rebars of an RC building. The results revealed a significant reduction in ordered rebar consumption by 18.25%, accompanied by substantial reductions in cutting waste (8.93%), carbon emissions (12.99%), and total costs (10.81%) compared with a previous study. The outcomes provide the industry with insights into further reducing rebar consumption and its related consequences. Applying the proposed algorithm to various construction projects will further amplify the corresponding benefits.
The Development of a Multi-Modal Cancer Rehabilitation (including Prehabilitation) Service in Sheffield, UK: Designing the Active Together Service
Authors: Humphreys Liam , Myers Anna , Frith Gabriella , Thelwell Michael , Pickering Katie , Mills Gary , Kerr Karen , Fisher Patricia , Kidder John , Keen Carol , Hodson Suzanne , Phillips Gail , Smith Rachel , Evans Laura , Thornton Sarah , Dale Emma , Maxwell Louise , Greenfield Diana M , Copeland Robert
Published: December 2023

Cancer patients undergoing major interventions face numerous challenges, including the adverse effects of cancer and the side effects of treatment. Cancer rehabilitation is vital in ensuring cancer patients have the support they need to maximise treatment outcomes and minimise treatment-related side effects and symptoms. The Active Together service is a multi-modal rehabilitation service designed to address critical support gaps for cancer patients. The service is located and provided in Sheffield, UK, an area with higher cancer incidence and mortality rates than the national average. The service aligns with local and regional cancer care objectives and aims to improve clinical and quality of life outcomes of cancer patients by using lifestyle behaviour change techniques to address their physical, nutritional, and psychological needs. This paper describes the design and initial implementation of the Active Together service, highlighting its potential to support and benefit cancer patients.
Performance Investigation of Force-Projecting Bilateral Control for Pneumatic Manipulator
Authors: Haraguchi Daisuke , Monden Rin
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes the application of force-projecting bilateral control to a master-follower teleoperation system with a pneumatic manipulator on the follower side, and evaluates its effectiveness. The proposed method directly projects the operating force on the master side to the driving force on the follower side, eliminating the need for both position control and external force detection on the follower side, thereby solving the problem of low rigidity and response delay of pneumatic manipulators and providing highly stable sensor-less force presentation against variable environments. In this study, dynamic response analyses of a 1-DOF master-follower system were performed by numerical simulation using a linear system model, followed by experimental verification by implementing an actual system with an external force estimator. The results showed that the proposed force-projecting bilateral control has significantly higher positioning rigidity and better force control stability than the conventional force-reflecting bilateral control. A theoretical consideration was also given using equivalent transformation of force transfer functions to provide evidence for the high stability.
Diversity, Mechanism of Action and Sequences of Plant, Animal and Human Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Satchanska Galina , Davidova Slavena Tihomirova , Gergova Alexandra Alexandrova
Published: December 2023

Abstract: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short peptides, usually made up of less than 100 amino acid residues. They are found in many living organisms and are an important factor in their innate immune systems. AMPs can be extracted from various living sources including bacteria, plants, animals and even humans. They are usually cationic peptides with an amphiphilic structure, which allows them to easily bind and interact with the cellular membranes of viruses, bacteria, fungi and other pathogens. They can act against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens and have various modes of action against them. Some attack the pathogens membrane, while others target their intracellular organelles as well as their nucleic acids, proteins and metabolic pathways. A crucial area of use of AMPs is in their ability to help with emerging antibiotic resistance: some AMPs are active against resistant strains and are susceptible to peptide engineering. This review considers AMPs from three key sources: plants, animals and humans, as well as their modes of action and some AMPs sequences.