bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Culture of E-Arabs
Authors: Al Lily Abdulrahman Essa , Ismail Abdelrahim Fathy , Abunasser Fathi Mohammed , Alhajhoj Alqahtani Rafdan Hassan , Al-Lami Firass , Al Saud AlJohara Fahad
Published: December 2022

This article scrutinises the linkage between ethnicity and people’s behaviour on Twitter. It examines how offline culture manifests itself online among Arabs. The article draws upon the literature to identify the offline ethnic characteristics of Arabs, and through interviews with and observations of Arab social media users, discovers their online ethnic characteristics. It then compares these online and offline characteristics and, through this comparison, finds that offline culture has been enacted online among Arabs, sustaining expressions of generosity, religiosity, traditionalism, female privacy, over-flattery, collectivism, tribalism, pan-Arabism, and social contracts; however, in other ways, offline culture has been counteracted online, which has led to the destabilisation of power relations between genders, elites and non-elites, and majorities and minorities. A further finding is that online culture has been enacted offline among Arabs in that online performance has exerted influence over offline ethnic identity expectations. In short, there are three main findings: offline culture has been enacted online, offline culture has been counteracted online, and online culture has been enacted offline. The take-home finding of this study is the existence of ‘e-ethnic culture’, that is, although ethnic activity online tends to be based on and reinforces offline realities and may alter offline realities as well, not all online performances have roots offline.
Evaluation of Dynamic Triple Modular Redundancy in an Interleaved-Multi-Threading RISC-V Core
Authors: Barbirotta Marcello , Cheikh Abdallah , Mastrandrea Antonio , Menichelli Francesco , Ottavi Marco , Olivieri Mauro
Published: December 2022

Functional safety is a key requirement in several application domains in which microprocessors are an essential part. A number of redundancy techniques have been developed with the common purpose of protecting circuits against single event upset (SEU) faults. In microprocessors, functional redundancy may be achieved through multi-core or simultaneous-multi-threading architectures, with techniques that are broadly classifiable as Double Modular Redundancy (DMR) and Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR), involving the duplication or triplication of architecture units, respectively. RISC-V plays an interesting role in this context for its inherent extendability and the availability of open-source microarchitecture designs. In this work, we present a novel way to exploit the advantages of both DMR and TMR techniques in an Interleaved-Multi-Threading (IMT) microprocessor architecture, leveraging its replicated threads for redundancy, and obtaining a system that can dynamically switch from DMR to TMR in the case of faults. We demonstrated the approach for a specific family of RISC-V cores, modifying the microarchitecture and proving its effectiveness with an extensive RTL fault-injection simulation campaign.
Additive Manufacturing of Slow-Moving Automotive Spare Parts: A Supply Chain Cost Assessment
Authors: Ahlsell Levin , Jalal Didar , Khajavi Siavash H. , Jonsson Patrik , Holmström Jan
Published: December 2022

This study develops a cost model for the additive manufacturing (AM)-produced spare parts supply chain in the automotive industry. Moreover, we evaluate the economic feasibility of AM for slow-moving automotive spare parts by comparing the costs of the traditional manufacturing (TM) spare parts supply chain (SPSC) with centralized, outsourced AM SPSC. Data from a multiple case study of an OEM in the automotive industry regarding SPSC is utilized. The supply chain costs of 14 individual spare parts were analyzed, and the total SPSC cost for the AM and TM, were compared. Three of the fourteen parts showed potential for cost-savings, if they were produced with AM instead of TM. In this context, AM polymer parts showed greater potential than metal to replace TM as the more economical option of manufacturing from a total supply chain cost perspective. This study shows that the AM competitiveness to TM, from a financial perspective, increases for spare parts with low demand, high minimum order quantity, and high TM production price. The SPSC cost model included: cost of production, transport, warehousing, and service costs. This study contributes to the emerging field of part identification for AM and the existing literature regarding cost modeling in SPSCs.
Impact of the Construction of New Port Facilities on the Biomass and Species Composition of Phytoplankton in the Neva Estuary (Baltic Sea)
Authors: Golubkov Mikhail S. , Nikulina Vera N. , Golubkov Sergey M.
Published: December 2022

The construction of new port facilities and the creation of new lands is a natural consequence of the rapid growth in the population of ocean coastlines. Despite the fact that such human activity is becoming more and more widespread, its impact on various components of aquatic ecosystems, including phytoplankton, is still poorly understood. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of the large-scale construction of new port facilities on biomass and taxonomic composition of phytoplankton in the Neva Estuary (northeastern Baltic Sea). Studies have shown that digging and displacing large amounts of bottom sediments during these works led to a significant increase in suspended mineral matter and a decrease in water transparency in the estuary. This significantly reduced the species richness and biomass of phytoplankton. However, the analysis of beta diversity did not show significant changes in the phytoplankton community during the periods of port construction and the periods when no works were carried out. The changes mainly concerned rare species, while the occurrence and biomass of dominant and subdominant species changed to a lesser extent. Due to various adaptations, the phytoplankton species common in the estuary are apparently able to survive under prolonged shading and successfully compete with species that are unable to withstand the lack of light for a long time. To correctly take into account the effects of the construction of new port facilities on phytoplankton and, if possible, minimize it, additional studies of the ecology of certain phytoplankton species, their relationships, and physiological responses to various environmental factors are required.
Numerical Investigation of Wave-Structure Interaction
Authors: Cannata Giovanni
Published: December 2022

The simulation of the propagation and evolution of sea waves in coastal regions and their interaction with coastal structures is a very useful engineering tool in several problems of coastal and environmental engineering [...]
Human Airway Epithelium Responses to Invasive Fungal Infections: A Critical Partner in Innate Immunity
Authors: Crossen Arianne J. , Ward Rebecca A. , Reedy Jennifer L. , Surve Manalee V. , Klein Bruce S. , Rajagopal Jayaraj , Vyas Jatin M.
Published: December 2022

The lung epithelial lining serves as the primary barrier to inhaled environmental toxins, allergens, and invading pathogens. Pulmonary fungal infections are devastating and carry high mortality rates, particularly in those with compromised immune systems. While opportunistic fungi infect primarily immunocompromised individuals, endemic fungi cause disease in immune competent and compromised individuals. Unfortunately, in the case of inhaled fungal pathogens, the airway epithelial host response is vastly understudied. Furthering our lack of understanding, very few studies utilize primary human models displaying pseudostratified layers of various epithelial cell types at air-liquid interface. In this review, we focus on the diversity of the human airway epithelium and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of oncological cell lines, immortalized epithelial cells, and primary epithelial cell models. Additionally, the responses by human respiratory epithelial cells to invading fungal pathogens will be explored. Future investigations leveraging current human in vitro model systems will enable identification of the critical pathways that will inform the development of novel vaccines and therapeutics for pulmonary fungal infections.
What’s New in Cryptococcus gattii: From Bench to Bedside and Beyond
Authors: Beardsley Justin , Dao Aiken , Keighley Caitlin , Garnham Katherine , Halliday Catriona , Chen Sharon C.-A. , Sorrell Tania C.
Published: December 2022

Cryptococcus species are a major cause of life-threatening infections in immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts. While most disease is caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus gattii, a genotypically and phenotypically distinct species, is responsible for 11–33% of global cases of cryptococcosis. Despite best treatment, C. gattii infections are associated with early mortality rates of 10–25%. The World Health Organization’s recently released Fungal Priority Pathogen List classified C. gattii as a medium-priority pathogen due to the lack of effective therapies and robust clinical and epidemiological data. This narrative review summarizes the latest research on the taxonomy, epidemiology, pathogenesis, laboratory testing, and management of C. gattii infections.
Evaluation of Biological Pretreatment of Wormwood Rod Reies with White Rot Fungi for Preparation of Porous Carbon
Authors: Kong Wen , Wang Shuhui , Zhang Xinyu , Fu Xiao , Zhang Wanju
Published: December 2022

In this work, the wormwood rod residues are pretreated with white rot fungi as the precursor to preparing porous carbon following a simple carbonization and activation process (denoted herein as FWRA sample). The FWRA sample possesses abundant hierarchical pores structure with high specific surface area (1165.7 m2 g−1) and large pore volume (1.02 cm3 g−1). As an electrode for supercapacitors, the FWRA sample offers a high specific capacitance of 443.2 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and superb rate ability holding a specific capacitance of 270 F g−1 at 100 A g−1 in 6 M KOH electrolyte. The corresponding symmetrical capacitor has a superb cyclic stability with a low specific capacitance decay rate of 0.4% after 20,000 cycles at 5 A g−1 in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. Moreover, measurements revealed that when used as adsorbent, the FWRA sample is ideal for removing methyl orange (MO) from water, exhibiting a superior adsorption ability of 260.8 mg g−1. Therefore, this study is expected to provide a simple and environmentally friendly technique for the generation of value-added and functional porous carbon materials from Chinese medicinal herbal residues, thus offering promising candidates for broad application areas.
Sterile Cerebrospinal Fluid Culture at Cryptococcal Meningitis Diagnosis Is Associated with High Mortality
Authors: Skipper Caleb P , Hullsiek Katherine Huppler , Stadelman Anna , Williams Darlisha A , Ssebambulidde Kenneth , Okafor Elizabeth , Tugume Lillian , Nuwagira Edwin , Akampurira Andrew , Musubire Abdu K , Abassi Mahsa , Muzoora Conrad , Rhein Joshua , Boulware David R , Meya David B
Published: December 2022

Cryptococcus is the leading cause of AIDS-related meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa. The clinical implications of a sterile cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture among individuals diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis using CSF cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) are unclear. We prospectively enrolled 765 HIV-positive Ugandans with first-episode cryptococcal meningitis from November 2010 to May 2017. All persons were treated with amphotericin-based induction therapy. We grouped participants by tertile of baseline CSF quantitative Cryptococcus culture burden and compared clinical characteristics, CSF immune profiles, and 18-week mortality. We found 55 (7%) CSF CrAg-positive participants with sterile CSF cultures. Compared to the non-sterile groups, participants with sterile CSF cultures had higher CD4 counts, lower CSF opening pressures, and were more frequently receiving ART. By 18 weeks, 47% [26/55] died in the sterile culture group versus 35% [83/235] in the low culture tertile, 46% [107/234] in the middle tertile, and 56% [135/241] in the high tertile (p < 0.001). The sterile group had higher levels of CSF interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), IFN-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, G-CSF, GM-CSF, and chemokine CXCL2 compared with non-sterile groups. Despite persons with sterile CSF cultures having higher CD4 counts, lower CSF opening pressures, and CSF cytokine profiles associated with better Cryptococcus control (e.g., IFN-γ predominant), mortality was similar to those with higher fungal burdens. This unexpected finding challenges the traditional paradigm that increasing CSF fungal burdens are associated with increased mortality but is consistent with a damage-response framework model.
Development of a Method for Detecting and Estimating Moniliophthora roreri Spore Loads Based on Spore Traps and qPCR
Authors: Jiménez-Zapata Diana L. , Quiroga-Pérez Manuela , Quiroz-Yepes Manuela , Marulanda-Tobón Alejandro , Álvarez Javier C. , Mosquera-López Sandra
Published: December 2022

Frosty pod rot, caused by Moniliophthora roreri, is the most damaging disease of cacao in Latin America and, to better comprehend its epidemiology, we must understand its dissemination and proliferation. However, we do not know how M. roreri spores loads fluctuate in time and space due to the lack of a reliable technique to quantify M. roreri spores in the fields. Therefore, we developed a method that relies on spore traps and qPCR to detect and quantify M. roreri spore loads. This study demonstrated that the qPCR protocol can detect down to 0.025 ng of M. roreri DNA and quantify between 0.006 ng and 60 ng. Moreover, it demonstrated that qPCR protocol can detect and quantify DNA extracted from spore suspension and spore traps containing at least 2.9 × 104 M. roreri spores. However, the variability of the estimates for spore samples was high. Finally, we described a spore-trap device designed to carry spore traps in the field. The qPCR protocol and spore-trap device here developed will help in the understanding of the M. roreri dissemination patterns since they can be used to assess the environmental loads of M. roreri spore in cacao fields.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Postpartum Maternal Mental Health
Authors: De Chiara Lavinia , Angeletti Gloria , Anibaldi Gaia , Chetoni Chiara , Gualtieri Flavia , Forcina Francesca , Bargagna Paride , Kotzalidis Georgios Demetrios , Callovini Tommaso , Bonito Marco , Koukopoulos Alexia Emilia , Simonetti Alessio
Published: December 2022

Objectives: There are reports of mental health worsening during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to assess whether this occurred in women who were pregnant at baseline (late 2019) and unaware of the pandemic, and who delivered after the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions and threat (March–April 2020). To compare the pandemic period with the pre-pandemic, we capitalized on a retrospective 2014–2015 perinatal sample which had had affective symptoms assessed. Methods: The COVID sample were administered the Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Hypomania Checklist-32 (HCL-32), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) at T0 (pregnancy) and T1 (post-delivery). The Non-COVID sample had completed EPDS and HCL-32 at the same timepoints. Results: The COVID sample included 72 women, aged 21–46 years (mean = 33.25 years ± 4.69), and the Non-COVID sample included 68 perinatal women, aged 21–46 years (mean = 34.01 years ± 4.68). Our study showed greater levels of mild depression in T1 among the COVID sample compared to the Non-COVID sample. No significant differences in terms of major depression and suicidal ideation were found. The levels of hypomania were significantly different between the two groups at T1, with the COVID sample scoring higher than the Non-COVID sample. This may be related to the high levels of perceived stress we found during the postpartum evaluation in the COVID sample. Limitations: There was a relatively small sample size. Conclusions: New mothers responded to the pandemic with less mental health impairment than expected, differently from the general population. Women delivering amidst the pandemic did not differ in depressive and anxiety symptoms from their pre-pandemic scores and from pre-pandemic women. Because stress responses have high energy costs, it is optimal for maternal animals to minimize such high metabolic costs during motherhood. Evidence suggests that reproductive experience alters the female brain in adaptive ways. This maternal brain plasticity facilitates a higher purpose, the continuation of the species. This may point to the recruitment of motherhood-related resources, for potentially overcoming the effects of the pandemic on mental health.
Case Report: A Rare Manifestation of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Yang Tsung-Yuan , Chen Yong-Hsin , Siao Wun-Zhih , Jong Gwo-Ping
Published: December 2022

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease that involves the axial skeleton and can present with extra-articular manifestations. However, there are scarce reports describing the link between AS and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Herein, we report on a 58-year-old man with a history of AS for 32 years who developed PAH as confirmed by echocardiography and right cardiac catheterization. To our knowledge, this is the first case of AS associated with PAH 32 years after the AS diagnosis with a detailed clinical description. We are recommended that physicians should be aware of this rare comorbidity in AS patients. Early echocardiographic screening is necessary for symptomatic patients.
Preoperative Perforator Mapping in DIEP Flaps for Breast Reconstruction. The Impact of New Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Techniques
Authors: Zinser Max J , Kröger Nadja , Malter Wolfram , Schulz Tino , Puesken Michael , Mallmann Peter , Zirk Matthias , Schröder Kai , Andree Christoph , Seidenstuecker Kathrin , Maintz David , Smeets Ralf , Eichler Christian , Thamm Oliver C , Heneweer Carola
Published: December 2022

Deep inferior epigastric artery flaps (DIEP) represent the gold standard of autologous breast reconstruction. Due to significant variations in vascular anatomy, preoperative perforator mapping (PM) is mandatory in order to ensure the presence of a sufficient perforator within the flap. In this regard, CT angiography (CTA) is currently the method of choice. Therefore, we investigated the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) techniques for preoperative PM in comparison to CTA. Patients underwent PM, utilizing both CTA and CEUS techniques. Documentation included the course of the vascular pedicle through the rectus muscle (M), fascial penetration (F), the subcutaneous plexus (P) and the skin point (SP) on either side of the abdomen. Thus, contrast-enhanced B-Flow (BCEUS), B-Flow ultrasound (BUS), CEUS, color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) and CTA were evaluated in terms of the diagnostic consistency and effectiveness of PM. Precision (∆L) was then calculated in relation to the actual intraoperative location. Statistical analysis included Kruskall–Wallis, Levene and Bonferroni tests, as well as Spearman correlations. A total of 39 DIEP flaps were analyzed. Only CTA (∆L = 2.85 mm) and BCEUS (∆L = 4.57 mm) enabled complete PM, also including P and SP, whereas CDUS, CEUS and BUS enabled clear PM throughout M and F only. Regarding the number of detected perforators, PM techniques are ranked from high to low as follows: CTA, BCEUS, BUS, CEUS and CDUS. CTA and BCEUS showed sufficient diagnostic consistency for SP, P and F, while CDUS and CTA had a superior performance for M. BCEUS offers precise image-controlled surface tags and dynamic information for PM without imposing radiation and may, therefore, be considered a feasible add-on or alternative to CTA. However, BCEUS requires an experienced examiner and is more time-consuming.
The Impact of Non-Interest Income on the Performance of Commercial Banks in the ASEAN Region
Authors: Phan Thi Thu Hang , Pham An Ha Thi , Le Hoang Anh , Lam Thai Bao Ngoc
Published: December 2022

This study investigates how non-interest income affects the performance of commercial banks in the ASEAN region. Using data from 36 commercial banks in ASEAN countries from 2008 to 2020 and Bayesian analysis techniques, the results of this study indicate that non-interest income negatively affects commercial banks’ performance in the ASEAN region. In addition, the quantile regression results demonstrated that non-interest income negatively affects commercial banks’ performance in the ASEAN region at all three percentiles (25th, 50th, and 75th). Additionally, we identified a non-interest income threshold of 59.3 percent of total income for commercial banks in the ASEAN region. In light of banking competition and the necessity for commercial banks to diversify their income streams, we offer a variety of policy implications to increase the performance of commercial banks.
Unveiling the Potential of Machine Learning Applications in Urban Planning Challenges
Authors: Koutra Sesil , Ioakimidis Christos S.
Published: December 2022

In a digitalized era and with the rapid growth of computational skills and advancements, artificial intelligence and Machine Learning uses in various applications are gaining a rising interest from scholars and practitioners. As a fast-growing field of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Artificial Intelligence deals with smart designs, data mining and management for complex problem-solving based on experimental data on urban applications (land use and cover, configurations of the built environment and architectural design, etc.), but with few explorations and relevant studies. In this work, a comprehensive and in-depth review is presented to discuss the future opportunities and constraints in meeting the next planning portfolio against the multiple challenges in urban environments in line with Machine Learning progress. Bringing together the theoretical views with practical analyses of cases and examples, the work unveils the huge potential, but also the potential barriers of the complexity of Machine Learning to urban planning strategies.
Exploring the Impact of Industrial Land Price Distortion on Carbon Emission Intensity: Evidence from China
Authors: Gao Bo-yang , Huang Zhi-ji , Zhang Ting-ting , Sun Xiao-yu , Song Ming-yue
Published: December 2022

In the context of tax sharing reform and land reform during the 1990s, local governments in China relied heavily on land finance. Local governments have fierce competition in attracting investment, omitting the development of green economy. Based on the data of industrial land sales and carbon dioxide emissions, this study constructed the panel data of 196 cities in China from 2007 to 2017 and analyzed the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of urban industrial land price distortion and carbon emission intensity. Furthermore, a multiple linear regression model was constructed from the aspects of scale effect to empirically analyze the overall impact and differential impact of urban industrial land price distortion on carbon emission intensity. With the help of the mediating effect model, the mechanism of urban industrial land price distortion on carbon emission intensity was investigated from the perspective of industrial structure upgrading. The results showed that (1) the higher the price distortion of industrial land is, the more detrimental it is to the development of green and low-carbon economy. (2) The regional heterogeneity test showed that the impact of industrial land price distortion on carbon emission intensity is most significant in the central region, medium cities, and cities with low fiscal self-sufficiency rates, respectively. (3) The higher the distortion degree of industrial land price, the greater the restriction on the upgrading of industrial structure, further increasing the carbon emission intensity. This paper provides policy implications for the market-oriented reform of land factors and the realization of the “double carbon” goal.
The Contribution of Land Registration and Certification Program to Implement SDGs: The Case of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Mengesha Ayelech Kidie , Mansberger Reinfried , Damyanovic Doris , Agegnehu Sayeh Kassaw , Stoeglehner Gernot
Published: December 2022

Land is the key asset in the agricultural sector and hence land policy is one of the key elements that determine whether SDGs are achieved in developing counties or not. In developing countries, land titling programs have been seen as a strategy for addressing SDGs. Even though the government of Ethiopia launched the rural land registration and certification program (LRCP) to secure the land rights of rural households in 1998, currently, there are limited empirical studies to examine the contribution of LRCP in addressing sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study is employed to fill this knowledge gap by assessing how LRCP supports the achievement of the UN SDGs. The research data were collected through key informant interviews, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and reviewing published and unpublished documents. Content analysis, narrative analysis, and SWOT analysis were applied to examine the research data. The study confirms that LRCP improves tenure security, which greatly contributes to the achievements of SDGs, such as SDG 1 (end poverty), SDG 2 (end hunger), SDG 5 (gender equality), and SDG 15 (life on land). The tenure security of rural societies is a key pathway for the achievement of SDGs in Ethiopia since their livelihood mainly depends on agriculture. Therefore, developing countries should focus on land rights to improve the livelihoods of rural societies in particular and to enable sustainable development in general.
Trade-Off between Land Use Pattern and Technical Efficiency Performance: Evidence from Arable Crop Farming in Tunisia
Authors: Guesmi Bouali , Yangui Ahmed , Taghouti Ibtissem , Gil José Maria
Published: December 2022

Cereal, oilseed, and protein (COP) production is an important sector contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Tunisia. COP farms often diversify their production patterns to stabilize their income sources and spread production risk across crops. However, crop diversity may entail an inefficient use and management of resources to achieve the desired output. In addition, the COP sector still shows a low productivity level, depending on weather conditions in Tunisia. In this context, this study aimed to assess the relationship between the land use pattern and efficiency performance of farms. We used data envelopment analysis (DEA) in the presence of uncertainty based on state-contingent techniques. This approach has not previously been used to examine the links between crop pattern and efficiency. We found that specialized COP farms, on average, exhibited higher technical efficiency levels than those adopted mix cropping systems (83% and 60%, respectively), indicating an important margin to reduce inefficiency. Nevertheless, both diversified and specialized farms could reduce their inefficiency levels through more rational input use to attain the current level of production. Some practical implications were derived to target policy interventions to enhance agricultural productivity and resource use efficiency.
Mountain Landscape and Human Settlement in the Pindus Range: The Samarina Highland Zones of Western Macedonia, Greece
Authors: Biagi Paolo , Starnini Elisabetta , Efstratiou Nikos , Nisbet Renato , Hughes Philip D. , Woodward Jamie C.
Published: December 2022

Past human mountain settlement patterns and resource and high-altitude landscape exploitation are underexplored research fields in archaeology. This study presents data gathered during more than 20 years of fieldwork in the Pindus range of Western Macedonia (Greece), focusing in particular on Holocene land use. The investigated territory is located around the Vlach town of Samarina. The area is partly bounded by Mounts Vasilitsa, Gurguliu, Bogdani and Anitsa, and their interconnecting watersheds between ca. 1400 and 2000 m a.s.l. This research led to the discovery of many sites and findspots of lithic and ceramic artefacts attributed to the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Late Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Bronze Age, and several Historical periods. The radiocarbon results show an unexpected longue durée of Holocene human landscape use. The number of sites, their distribution, location, and subsistence strategies exhibit shifts between the Middle Palaeolithic and different periods of the Holocene, which are closely related to the exploitation of the mountain environment and its resources. Moreover, typical knapped stone artefacts have been used as a proxy for dating the glacial landforms which characterise the Samarina highland zone; we correlate them to the better-known moraine systems of Mount Tymphi in Epirus and contribute to the reconstruction of the Pleistocene glacial landscapes of the Pindus Range.
Role of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 in Sonic Hedgehog-Dependent Taste Bud Differentiation
Authors: Rhee Yun-Hee , Choi Young-Hoon , Hu Allison C. , Lee Min Young , Ahn Jin-Chul , Kim Sehwan , Mo Ji-Hun , Woo Seung Hoon , Chung Phil-Sang
Published: December 2022

Taste bud cell differentiation is extremely important for taste sensation. Immature taste bud cells cannot function during taste perception transmission to the nerve. In this study, we investigated whether hedgehog signaling affected taste bud cell differentiation and whether transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) played a key role in dry mouth. The induction of dry mouth due to salivary gland resection (SGR) was confirmed on the basis of reduced salivation and disrupted fungiform papillae. The expression of keratin 8 (K8) of taste bud cells, neurofilament (NF), sonic hedgehog (Shh), and glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1) around taste bud cells was downregulated; however, the expression of TRPV1, P2X purinoceptor 3 (P2X3), and hematopoietic stem cell factor (c-Kit) was upregulated at the NF ends in the dry mouth group. To investigate the effect of TRPV1 defect on dry mouth, we induced dry mouth in the TRPV-/- group. The K8, NF, and P2X3 expression patterns were the same in the TRPV1 wild-type and TRPV1-/- dry mouth groups. However, Shh and c-Kit expression decreased regardless of dry mouth in the case of TRPV1 deficiency. These results indicated that TRPV1 positively regulated proliferation during taste bud cell injury by blocking the Shh/Gli1 pathway. In addition, not only cell proliferation but also differentiation of taste bud cells could not be regulated under TRPV1-deficiency conditions. Thus, TRPV1 positively regulates taste bud cell innervation and differentiation; this finding could be valuable in the clinical treatment of dry mouth-related taste dysfunction.
Potential Properties of Natural Nutraceuticals and Antioxidants in Age-Related Eye Disorders
Authors: Maiuolo Jessica , Bulotta Rosa Maria , Oppedisano Francesca , Bosco Francesca , Scarano Federica , Nucera Saverio , Guarnieri Lorenza , Ruga Stefano , Macri Roberta , Caminiti Rosamaria , Musolino Vincenzo , Gliozzi Micaela , Carresi Cristina , Cardamone Antonio , Coppoletta Annarita , Nicita Martina , Carnevali Adriano , Scorcia Vincenzo , Mollace Vincenzo
Published: December 2022

Eye health is crucial, and the onset of diseases can reduce vision and affect the quality of life of patients. The main causes of progressive and irreversible vision loss include various pathologies, such as cataracts, ocular atrophy, corneal opacity, age-related macular degeneration, uncorrected refractive error, posterior capsular opacification, uveitis, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, undetermined disease and other disorders involving oxidative stress and inflammation. The eyes are constantly exposed to the external environment and, for this reason, must be protected from damage from the outside. Many drugs, including cortisonics and antinflammatory drugs have widely been used to counteract eye disorders. However, recent advances have been obtained via supplementation with natural antioxidants and nutraceuticals for patients. In particular, evidence has accumulated that polyphenols (mostly deriving from Citrus Bergamia) represent a reliable source of antioxidants able to counteract oxidative stress accompanying early stages of eye diseases. Luteolin in particular has been found to protect photoreceptors, thereby improving vision in many disease states. Moreover, a consistent anti-inflammatory response was found to occur when curcumin is used alone or in combination with other nutraceuticals. Additionally, Coenzyme Q10 has been demonstrated to produce a consistent effect in reducing ocular pressure, thereby leading to protection in patients undergoing glaucoma. Finally, both grape seed extract, rich in anthocyanosides, and polynsatured fatty acids seem to contribute to the prevention of retinal disorders. Thus, a combination of nutraceuticals and antioxidants may represent the right solution for a multi-action activity in eye protection, in association with current drug therapies, and this will be of potential interest in early stages of eye disorders.
Natural Ghee Enhances the Biochemical and Immunohistochemical Reproductive Performance of Female Rabbits
Authors: El-Gharrawy Hassan T. , Sadek Kadry M. , Mahmoud Sahar F. , Abd Elrehim Attaa. M. , Shukry Mustafa , Ghamry Heba I. , Ibrahim Samah F. , Fericean Liana , Abdo Mohamed , Zeweil Mohamed M.
Published: December 2022

The reproductive effects of several dietary fats (margarine, ghee, and olive oil) on female rabbits were studied. For that purpose, 40 mature female rabbits were designed into four groups of ten rabbits each. Group I was given a control diet, Group II received 10% margarine, Group III received 10% ghee, and Group IV received 10% olive oil; after two months, all rabbits were sacrificed. Lipid profile and reproductive hormones levels were assayed in serum besides ovarian antioxidant enzyme and lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, ovarian tissue was examined using hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemistry of estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor, and caspase 3. Our data revealed that the margarine significantly (p < 0.05) increased lipid profile and malondialdehyde (MDA) level, which decreased in olive oil and ghee compared to the control. In addition, serum FSH and estrogen (estradiol (E2)) were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the group treated with margarine. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in ovarian superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity in the margarine-treated group. In contrast, SOD and MDA showed a significant (p > 0.05) increase in the olive oil and ghee- treated group compared to the control group. At the same time, there was a significant increase in serum FSH and (estradiol (E2)) in the ghee and olive oil groups, respectively, compared to the control. The margarine feed group showed moderate immunoreaction of estrogen, FSH, LH receptor, and strong caspase 3, while ghee and olive oil showed strong immunoreaction of estrogen, FSH, LH receptor, and mild immunoreaction of caspase 3 in ovarian tissue. Photomicrograph of rabbit ovarian tissue showed vacuolation in small and growing follicles in the margarine group but appeared normal in ghee and the olive oil-treated group. In conclusion, based on these results, olive oil and ghee have a strong capability of enhancing lipid profile, antioxidant status, and female hormonal functions.
dSec16 Acting in Insulin-like Peptide Producing Cells Controls Energy Homeostasis in Drosophila
Authors: Zhang Ruo-Xin , Li Sha-Sha , Li An-Qi , Liu Zhi-Ying , Neely G Gregory , Wang Qiao-Ping
Published: December 2022

Many studies show that genetics play a major contribution to the onset of obesity. Human genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified hundreds of genes that are associated with obesity. However, the majority of them have not been functionally validated. SEC16B has been identified in multiple obesity GWASs but its physiological role in energy homeostasis remains unknown. Here, we use Drosophila to determine the physiological functions of dSec16 in energy metabolism. Our results showed that global RNAi of dSec16 increased food intake and triglyceride (TAG) levels. Furthermore, this TAG increase was observed in flies with a specific RNAi of dSec16 in insulin-like peptide producing cells (IPCs) with an alteration of endocrine peptides. Together, our study demonstrates that dSec16 acting in IPCs controls energy balance and advances the molecular understanding of obesity.
Mechanisms behind the Development of Chronic Low Back Pain and Its Neurodegenerative Features
Authors: Mosabbir Abdullah
Published: December 2022

Chronic back pain is complex and there is no guarantee that treating its potential causes will cause the pain to go away. Therefore, rather than attempting to “cure” chronic pain, many clinicians, caregivers and researchers aim to help educate patients about their pain and try to help them live a better quality of life despite their condition. A systematic review has demonstrated that patient education has a large effect on pain and pain related disability when done in conjunction with treatments. Therefore, understanding and updating our current state of knowledge of the pathophysiology of back pain is important in educating patients as well as guiding the development of novel therapeutics. Growing evidence suggests that back pain causes morphological changes in the central nervous system and that these changes have significant overlap with those seen in common neurodegenerative disorders. These similarities in mechanisms may explain the associations between chronic low back pain and cognitive decline and brain fog. The neurodegenerative underpinnings of chronic low back pain demonstrate a new layer of understanding for this condition, which may help inspire new strategies in pain education and management, as well as potentially improve current treatment.
Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction and Antioxidant Potential of Valuable Protein from Ulva rigida Macroalgae
Authors: Pan-utai Wanida , Pantoa Thidarat , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Praiboon Jantana , Kosawatpat Prapat , Tamtin Montakan , Thongdang Bussaba
Published: December 2022

Ulva green macroalgae or sea lettuce are rich sources of protein with nutritional benefits that promote health as a future plant-based functional ingredient in the food industry. Alkaline pretreatment improved ultrasonic-assisted protein extraction from Ulva rigida biomass. Parameters affecting ultrasonic-assisted extraction of protein were type of solvent, biomass-solvent ratio, biomass preparation and extraction cycle. In vitro digestibility was evaluated from oven- and freeze-dried biomass. Results showed highest concentration and extraction yield of protein from U. rigida using alkaline rather than acid and distilled water. A high biomass–solvent ratio at 1:10 or 0.1 g mL−1 increased protein extraction. Higher alkaline concentration increased protein extraction. Highest protein extractability was 8.5% dry matter from freeze-dried U. rigida biomass, with highest protein extraction and antioxidant activity from extraction of U. rigida macroalgae at high alkaline concentrations. U. rigida macroalgae oven-dried biomass presented suitable human digestibility. Efficient pretreatment of U. rigida maximized protein hydrolysate and bioactive peptide production for wide-ranging applications.
COVID-19 Inflammatory Markers and Vitamin D Relationship in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Bagiu Iulia Cristina , Scurtu Ileana Luminita , Horhat Delia Ioana , Mot Ion Cristian , Horhat Razvan Mihai , Bagiu Radu Vasile , Capraru Ionut Dragos , Diaconu Mircea Mihai , Adam Ovidiu , Ciornei Bogdan , Vulcanescu Dan Dumitru , Juganaru Iulius , Bondar Andrei-Cristian , Horhat Florin George
Published: December 2022

Background: Biomarkers play an important role in COVID-19, and more research in this regard is needed, especially in the case of children. This study aimed to look for a link between the C reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), vitamin D and COVID-19 in pediatric patients. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study, performed on children diagnosed positively with COVID-19 at a children’s hospital in western Romania. Available CRP, LDH, CK vitamin D and clinical severity were recorded. For each biomarker, groups were formed by patients’ age. Mean/median group differences were assessed using Student’s t test or Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis with Dunn’s post hoc tests. Association was assessed using the chi2 test, while correlation was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation. Results: 181 positive children were studied between 1 August 2021 and 1 February 2022. Average age was 8.76 years (SD = 3.93). There were 94 (51.93%) males and 87 (48.07%) females. The cases were: 62 asymptomatic (34.25%), 107 mild (59.12%), 9 moderate (4.97%), 3 severe (1.66%). Regarding CRP, a significant difference between older and younger patients was observed (p = 0.0034). Clinical severity was associated with CRP (p = 0.0281), LDH (p = 0.0410) and vitamin D (p = 0.0444). Regarding CK, no differences or associations proved significant. Correlation testing was conducted for CRP, LDH, vitamin D and clinical signs. With the exception of LDH-CRP and LDH-vitamin D, all relationships proved statistically significant. Conclusions: CRP, LDH and vitamin D levels are important biomarkers for COVID-19-positive pediatric patients, while CK was mostly within normal ranges.
Vibrational Raman Spectroscopy of the Hydration Shell of Ions
Authors: Ghosh Nishith , Roy Subhadip , Bandyopadhyay Anisha , Mondal Jahur Alam
Published: December 2022

Ionic perturbation of water has important implications in various chemical, biological and environmental processes. Previous studies revealed the structural and dynamical perturbation of water in the presence of ions, mainly with concentrated electrolyte solutions having significant interionic interactions. These investigations highlighted the need of selective extraction of the hydration shell water from a dilute electrolyte solution that is largely free from interionic interactions. Double-difference infrared (DDIR) and Raman multivariate curve resolution (Raman-MCR), as well as MD simulation, provided valuable insight in this direction, suggesting that the perturbed water mainly resides in the immediate vicinity of the ion, called the hydration shell. Recently, we have introduced Raman difference spectroscopy with simultaneous curve fitting (Raman-DS-SCF) analysis that can quantitatively extract the vibrational response of the perturbed water pertaining to the hydration shell of fully hydrated ions/solute. The DS-SCF analysis revealed novel hydrogen-bond (H-bond) structural features of hydration water, such as the existence of extremely weakly interacting water–OH (νmax ~ 3600 cm−1) in the hydration shell of high-charge-density metal ions (Mg2+, Dy3+). In addition, Raman-DS-SCF retrieves the vibrational response of the shared water in the water–shared-ion pair (WSIP), which is different from the hydration shell water of either the interacting cation and anion. Herein, we discuss the perturbation of water H-bonding in the immediate vicinity of cation, anion, zwitterion and hydrophobes and also the inter-ionic interactions, with a focus on the recent results from our laboratory using Raman-DS-SCF spectroscopy.
Surface Preparation for Coating and Erosion MRR of SS 304 Using Silicon Carbide Abrasive Jet
Authors: Adak Deb Kumar , Pal Vivekananda , Das Santanu , Ghara Tina , Joardar Hillol , Alrasheedi Nashmi , Haldar Barun
Published: December 2022

The surface preparation of shiny stainless steels is a must for applying esthetic paints, effective functional plasma spray coating, laser cladding, welding, etc., applications. The current work aims for effective surface roughening and erosion MRR of SS 304 work surface using SiC abrasive jet erosion and optimization of the process parameters. The response surface approach is used to design and conduct the studies using the Box–Behnken design method. The surface topography of the eroded surfaces is examined by a 2D profilometer, 3D profilometer, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The abrasive grit size and working gas pressure greatly affect the surface roughness of SS 304 samples. The influence of the process parameters on the variation of these topographical features is analyzed and confirmed. The working jet pressure is seen to significantly impact erosion MRR. The lower working gas pressure shows a typical influence on Ra (surface preparation) and as pressure increases, erosion MRR rises, and the surface preparation mode shifts to the erosion metal removal/cutting zone. The quality of SS 304 surface prepared from SiC abrasive jet impact is characterized by 3D profilometry.
Impact of the Initial Phase Composition of Alloys on the Effects Manifested by Yield Sites That Occur on Sheet Aluminum Alloys Subjected to Impact-Oscillatory Loading
Authors: Chausov Mykola , Pylypenko Andrii , Maruschak Pavlo , Zasimchuk Vira , Brezinová Janette , Brezina Jakub , Viňáš Ján
Published: December 2022

The impact of the initial phase composition of alloys was evaluated, in particular, the content of Cu, Mn, and Mg in aluminum alloys D16ChATW, 2024-T351 and aluminum alloy T, which in its physical and mechanical characteristics is close to alloy 6013. The impact was evaluated on the effects manifested by yield sites that occur on aluminum alloys that were subject to the dynamic non-equilibrium processes (DNPs) at the expense of impact-oscillatory loading of different intensities under conditions of static tensioning, The one-time DNP, to which the investigated aluminum alloys were subjected at the pre-set levels of elastic strain followed by static tensioning, was found to cause yield sites formation. This is due to self-organization of the alloy structure, which contributes to alloy plasticization. The initial phase alloys composition impact on the yield sites, which occurs when impulse energy of a different intensity is applied to the alloys, was analyzed. The specimens from the aluminum alloys undergoing DNPs of the same level were compared. This made it possible to conclude that alloys D16ChATW and 2024-T351, which have a higher content of Cu, Mn, and Mg, have longer yield sites upon subsequent static tensioning. On the basis of the experimental results, in particular, physical studies, the authors derived a physical and mathematical model of the yield sites that appear after DNPs.
Synthesis and Characterization of Biodegradable Polymers Based on Glucose Derivatives
Authors: Gawdzik Barbara , Bukowska-Śluz Izabela , Koziol Anna E. , Mazur Liliana
Published: December 2022

Syntheses of two new monomers, namely the glucose derivatives 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-1 methacryloyl-glucopyranose (MGlc) and 2,3,4,6 tetra-O-acetyl-1-acryloylglucopyranose (AGlc), are presented. Their chemical structures were determined by the FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopies, the single-crystal X-ray analysis, supported by the powder X-ray diffraction, and the DSC analyses. Molecules of both monomers exist in the β-anomeric form in the solid state. The variable temperature X-ray diffraction studies, supported by the DSC analyses, revealed AGlc’s propensity for polymorphism and temperature-induced phase transitions. MGlc and AGlc crystallised from methanol were polymerized or copolymerized with methyl methacrylate and N-vinylpyrrolidone. The biodegradabilities of polymers as well as thermal and optical properties were studied. The results show that some properties of the obtained homopolymers and copolymers resemble those of PMMA. The main difference is that the AGlc and MGlc homopolymers are biodegradable while PMMA is not. The ternary copolymers, i.e., MGlc/AGlc-MMA-NVP lose more than 10% of their weight after six months.