bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing sustainability of plastic recycling technologies through Key Performance Indicators from a value chain perspective
Authors: Flores Andrea Carrascosa , Murillo José Carlos Díaz , Sangros Aitor Alcrudo , Jarauta Clara
Published: December 2023

Circular economy initiatives aim to close material loops within an organization and between the different actors in a value chain. The approach of assessing environmental, economic and social impacts throughout different sectors in a value chain can become complex, but the use of life cycle thinking and the Triple Bottom Line approach help correctly evaluate sustainability. Furthermore, the complexity of technological innovations focused on improving the sustainability of value chains requires solutions that help measure, quantify, and evaluate their life cycle more dynamically and precisely. This paper proposes a sustainability assessment of such complex value chains for the circular economy, considering a set of Key Performance Indicators and a calculation platform that facilitates their validation and, thus, decision-making according to the sector's preferences. The case under study assesses the sustainability of a plastic waste value chain, which aims to apply a microwave-assisted pyrolysis recycling technology to improve its circularity. Firstly, a literature review on sustainability Key Performance Indicators is carried out, from which several are selected and prioritized through a multi-criteria decision-making methodology, allowing aggregation and combination of information. A prioritized selection of Key Performance Indicators is presented along with their formulas and indications for input into the calculation platform to anticipate issues such as data gaps that can arise from the different contributions from the plastic value chain actors involved.
From Efficacy to Effectiveness: a Comprehensive Framework for Monitoring, Evaluating and Optimising Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention Programmes
Authors: de Cola Monica Anna , Chestnutt Elisabeth G , Richardson Sol , Baudry Matthieu , Nnaji Chuks , Ibinaiye Taiwo , Moukénet Azoukalné , Sawadogo Benoît , Okafor Joshua , Compaoré Cheick Saïd , Oguoma Chibuzo , Rassi Christian , Feltrer Arantxa , Rotimi Kunle
Published: December 2023

Background
Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) is a highly effective intervention for preventing malaria, particularly in areas with highly seasonal transmission. Monitoring and evaluating (M&E) SMC programmes are complex due to the scale, time-sensitive delivery of the programme, and influence of external factors. Here we present a comprehensive M&E framework tailored specifically for the SMC context. The Framework was developed through a literature and programme review, and stakeholder dialogues across three implementing countries – Burkina Faso, Chad, and Nigeria. Expert consultation further refined the Framework through an iterative approach drawing upon data collected through the three sources. The Framework was designed using the Logical Framework Approach incorporating external factors and intentionally aligned with global malaria M&E standards.
Results
An overall aim and seven programme objectives were developed measured by 71 indicators. The indicators also capture the causal links between the implementation, and results of the programme. The Framework leverages the use of current data sources and existing mechanisms, ensuring efficient data use without requiring a significant increase in resources for overall programme optimisation. It also promotes the use of data triangulation, and stratification for a more nuanced understanding of factors affecting programme performance and timely data informed decision making.
Conclusions
The SMC M&E Framework presented here provides a standardised approach for programme implementers to enhance decision making for optimal programme performance. This is an essential tool as the scope of SMC programmes expands to new geographies and target age groups.
Frequent disturbances enhanced the resilience of past human populations
Authors: Riris Philip , Silva Fabio , Crema Enrico , Palmisano Alessio , Robinson Erick , Siegel Peter , French Jennifer , Jørgensen Erlend Kirkeng , Maezumi S. Yoshi , Solheim Steinar , Bates Jennifer , Davies Benjamin , Oh Yongje , Ren Xiaolin
Published: December 2023

The record of past human adaptations provides crucial lessons for guiding responses to crises in the future. To date, there have been no systematic global comparisons of humans’ ability to absorb and recover from disturbances through time. We present results of the first attempt to synthesise resilience across a broad sample of prehistoric population time frequency data, spanning 30,000 years of human history. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of population decline show that frequent disturbances enhance a population’s capacity to resist and recover from later downturns. Land use patterns are important mediators of the strength of this positive association: farming and herding societies are more vulnerable but also more resilient overall. The results show that important trade-offs exist when adopting novel or alternate land use strategies.
After all, do findings from clinical physical activity interventions among breast cancer patients apply to all socioeconomic groups? A systematic review of representativeness
Authors: Stalsberg Ragna , Darvik Monica Dahle
Published: December 2023

Background
Considering the widening social health inequalities, socioeconomic representativeness in clinical trials is essential to analyses of feasibility and validity relating to socioeconomic groups. Physical activity trials on breast cancer patients are particularly relevant because the relationship between socioeconomic status and disease burden reverses after diagnosis and because low socioeconomic groups appear less inclined initially to engage in the type of activity commonly prescribed in such trials. A step-by-step exclusion process in which low-socioeconomic groups are less likely to register if at all included, adhere well, and to complete the intervention, could reinforce health inequality. Hence, our aim was to a) examine representativeness in physical activity trials on breast cancer patients, b) investigate the association between socioeconomic status and physical activity intervention adherence, and c) explore associations between representativeness and the relationship between socioeconomic status and intervention adherence.
Methods
Systematic, computerized searches for articles reporting physical activity trials in breast cancer patients were performed in PubMed, CINAHL, AMED, EMBASE and PsycINFO. Additional citation-based searches resulted in 37 articles. In articles where education, marital status or ethnicity were used as indicators of socioeconomic status, we compared the distribution of socioeconomic groups in the study sample and the country where the study was conducted. Through such proxy calculations, we estimated the studies' socioeconomic representativeness.
Results
Of the 30 studies that applied education as an indicator of socioeconomic status, 23 favoured high-socioeconomic groups; Of the 18 American studies where ethnicity was the socioeconomic indicator, 15 favoured white participants. The difference between study samples and country population was less pronounced in studies where marital status was the socioeconomic indicator. Only six studies reported associations between socioeconomic status and trial adherence, hampering solid conclusions on this relationship and possible associations between estimated representativeness and a socioeconomic status and trial adherence relationship.
Conclusions
Non whites and patients with low education are underrepresented in physical activity trials on breast cancer patients. Using leisure-time physical activity in breast cancer treatment may not be suitable for all groups. Hence, the results from most of these studies may be considered inequitable with regard to different socioeconomic status.
Is tuna ecolabeling causing fishers more harm than good?
Authors: Nakamura Katrina
Published: December 2023

Nearly 70,000 fishing crew are currently at sea catching the ecolabeled tuna in your sandwich or sushi. Their catch equals half of the world’s tuna supply. The purpose of this research was to collect tuna data from the website of the Marine Stewardship Council (fisheries/msc.org) to learn what the data reveal about protecting tuna fishers from labour violations while fishing on certified vessels. The standard-setter does not have a fishing labour standard but posts data to its website (fisheries/msc.org) it says demonstrate that vessels in the program operate with well-managed labour risks. To confirm this, a database of 3260 tuna vessels was built from vessel lists, annual catches, and labour statements and queried for fishing job identifiers. Fishing employers (vessel owners) were identified in the vessel data for 1291 vessels representing 26% of the ecolabeled tuna catch. In labour statements, employers were identified for 1238 vessels and 14% of the tuna catch. Flag state labour laws were identified for 1617 vessels and 50% of the tuna catch. Few tuna vessels were owned by the certificate-holding entities (4%) that submitted labour statements and these data were scant on vessel practices. Certificate-holders disavowed debt bondage, forced and child labour as “non-applicable” on MSC-engaged vessels overall. Jobs, risks, and vessel employment practices could not be tracked from the data. Seven vessels currently listed in the program were reported by fishers for forced labour. Yet, all owners of certified vessels gain logo rights and benefits, due to certification’s pooling mechanism.
5-hydroxymethylcytosine Profilings in Circulating Cell-free DNA as diagnostic biomarkers for DLBCL
Authors: Duolikun Maimaitiyasen , Ding Yangming , Zhang Lei , Li Xuehui , Xiao Hong , Kuerban Subinuer , Zhen Baixin , Wang Yuxi , Chen Long , Chen Hang-yu , Lin Jian
Published: December 2023

Background
5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is an important DNA epigenetic modification that plays a vital role in tumorigenesis, progression and prognosis. Previous studies have shown that it plays an important role in the prognosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and in the prediction of the efficacy of R-CHOP therapy. However, its potential for diagnosing DLBCL has not been reported. Here, we investigated the utility of 5hmC in plasma cfDNA in the diagnosis of DLBCL.
Methods
Applying 5hmC-Seal technique, we obtained genome-wide 5hmC profiles in plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) samples from 176 Chinese subjects, included 86 DLBCL patients and 90 healthy controls. To investigate whether 5hmC can be used as a diagnostic biomarker for DLBCL, we separated patients and healthy controls into training (DLBCL = 56, Healthy = 60) and validation (DLBCL = 30, Healthy = 30) cohorts and developed a 5hmC-based logistic regression model from the training cohort to diagnose the DLBCL patients in the validation cohort.
Results
In this study, we found 10 5hmC biomarkers, and the models created by these differentially regulated 5hmC modified genes showed high accuracy in distinguishing DLBCL patients from healthy controls (validation cohort: AUC = 0.94; (95% CI 88.8% − 99.4%)).
Conclusions
Our study suggested that 5hmC markers derived from plasma cfDNA can served as effective epigenetic biomarkers for minimally invasive diagnosis of DLBCL.
MAPNet: A Multi-scale Attention Pooling Network for Ultrasound Medical Image Segmentation
Authors: Wang Shixun , Wang Mengjiao
Published: December 2023

Deep convolutional neural networks have achieved great success in the field of medical image segmentation and assisted diagnosis due to their excellent autonomous feature extraction capability and good feature representation ability. Traditional convolutional neural networks usually use standard convolutional layers to extract features. However, in medical image segmentation, a pixel may correspond to multiple different scale structures, such as lesion edges, organ boundaries, etc. Therefore, traditional convolutional layers may not be able to capture this complex feature. In this paper, we propose a multi-scale convolution (MC) which realizes more comprehensive feature extraction by introducing multiple differently sized convolution kernels. Additionally, a novel multi-scale attention pooling network (MAPNet) is proposed, including a multi-scale pooling convolution block that combines pooling with multi-scale attention gates to better focus and utilize feature information at different scales and achieves effective skip connections. The proposed model is evaluated on two different medical image segmentation datasets, and the results show that our model achieves good performance in terms of speed and accuracy.
Towards Understanding the Impact of European Agriculture on Biodiversity with an Updated Hierarchical Crop and Agriculture Taxonomy (HCAT)
Authors: Schneider Maja , Gackstetter David , Prexl Jonathan , Meyer Sebastian T. , Körner Marco
Published: December 2023

Modern agriculture plays a significant role in driving the decline of global biodiversity. The homogenization of landscapes, the reduction of natural habitats, and the intense use of pesticides are substantial factors for natural species populations to shrink or even disappear. However, despite significant advances in research, still today, the impacts of cropping systems on biodiversity are challenging to quantify. One primary reason for this is the lack of available agricultural data. The data from the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) of the European Union’s (EU) Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) give new potential to improve the basis of information for agroecological research in Europe. Within the framework of the CAP, European farmers are required to declare their cropping arrangements to official authorities to receive corresponding subsidies in exchange. The nationally applied crop taxonomies are, however, not harmonized across Europe, which hinders transnational analyses of agriculture and its environmental impacts. To overcome this barrier, we developed a Hierarchical Crop and Agriculture Taxonomy (HCAT) to harmonize administrative, agricultural data from 16 EU member states. With the release of our upgraded second version of HCAT, we demonstrate that a harmonized CAP data set can aid in unraveling the intricate connections between agricultural crop management and biodiversity at both national and international scales.
Survivorship Program Including Long-Term Toxicities and Quality-of-Life Development Over Ten Years within a Randomized Phase-III Trial in Operable Stage III Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (ESPATUE)
Authors: Schulte Christina , Gauler Thomas Christoph , Pöttgen Christoph , Friedel Godehard , Kopp Hans-Georg , Schmidberger Heinz , Kimmich Martin , Cordes Sebastian , Wienker Johannes , Metzenmacher Martin , Budach wilfried , Rios Rodrigo Hepp de Los , Spengler Werner , De Ruysscher Dirk , Belka Claus , Welter Stefan , Luetke-Brintrup Diana , Guberina Maja , Oezkan Filiz , Darwiche Kaid , Schuler Martin , Joeckel Karl-Heinz , Aigner Clemens , Stamatis Georgios , Stuschke Martin , Eberhardt Wilfried Ernst Erich
Published: December 2023

Purpose
Over 40% stage-III non-small-cell lung cancer patients experience five-year survival following multimodality treatment. Little is known about relevant late toxicities and quality-of-life (QoL) ten years from diagnosis.
Methods
We invited long-term follow-up-patients from our randomized phase-III trial (Eberhardt et al., Journal of Clinical Oncology 2015) to participate within a structured survivorship program (SSP) including follow-up imaging, laboratory parameters, cardio-pulmonary investigations and long-term toxicity evaluations. QoL questionnaires at 10-years were compared to baseline and early follow-up on exploratory basis.
Results
Of 246 patients included, 161 evaluated potentially resectable after induction were randomized to definitive chemoradiation boost (A; 80) or definitive surgery (B; 81) (85 not randomized (C)). 31 of 37 patients (OS > 10 yrs) agreed to the SSP (A:13, B:12, C:6). Significant long-term toxicities of 3°/4° were rarely observed (lung(FEV1) 3° A:0/9, B:1/6, C:0/5; 4° A:1/9, B:0/6, C:1/5; no 3°/4° cardiac toxicity, no 3°/4° chronic kidney disease, no 3°/4° polyneuropathy). A:5/12, B:1/10 and C:1/6 patients showed relevant nutritional disorders (obesity 3°). QoL analysis of both arms showed no relevant signals of worsening compared to earlier and baseline results. Mean QoL in SSP A: 56.41/100 pts., B: 64.39/100 pts., C: 59.72/100 pts.
Conclusions
Long-term surviving patients following definitive chemoradiation or surgery showed comparable long-term toxicities and QoL assessments. Most patients are in good clinical status.
Implications for Cancer Survivors
This is the first comprehensive SSP reported in stage-III NSCLC treated within a randomized multimodality trial and may serve as baseline information for physician and patient deciding for a treatment option.
Does government stringency policy reduce the adverse effects of COVID-19 on Islamic stock?
Authors: Nafez Fayez Hersh  , Tajul Ariffin Masron  , Anwar Allah Pitchay  , Nurhafiza Abdul Kader Malim  , Puteri Nur Balqis Megat Mazlan
Published: December 2023

Over recent years, the stock market has developed into one of the sources of economic development. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the game, resulting in a decline in stock performance. As countries implement initiatives aimed at reviving the economy, it raises the question of whether the government’s intervention, as reflected in the composition of government stringency, influences long-term stock price. Given the question, this study aims to examine if government stringency, which may adversely impact economic activities, brings more confidence to the Islamic stock markets from July 2020 to June 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) estimation results show that government stringency does not help bring certainty and confidence to Islamic stock performance. As a result, we suggest that policymakers and the government should reconsider the imposition of stringent policies, especially on the restricted movement, as it is not only harmful to the economy at large but does not contribute to supporting stock performance.
Transformational leadership and employee’s career satisfaction: Role of psychological empowerment, organisational commitment, and emotional exhaustion
Authors: Syed Ali Raza  , Sara Qamar Yousufi
Published: December 2023

Transformational leadership is essential for employees’ empowerment as it significantly enhances leadership qualities and increases employees’ satisfaction. Accordingly, the lack of comprehensive exploration and understanding has motivated us to examine the relationship between transformational leadership, psychological empowerment, organisational commitment, career satisfaction, and the moderating role of emotional exhaustion. The objectives of this study are (1) to study the relationship between transformational leadership, psychological empowerment, organisational commitment, and career satisfaction of employees, (2) to evaluate the mediating role of psychological empowerment and organisational commitment in relationship between transformational leadership and career satisfaction, and (3) to evaluate moderating role of emotional exhaustion on relationship between transformational leadership, psychological empowerment, and organisational commitment. Data was collected via cross-sectional structured questionnaires by 513 bank employees. Results indicate that transformational leadership significantly relates to empowerment and organisational commitment of employees but is insignificantly associated with career satisfaction. Moreover, transformational leadership significantly influences employees’ career satisfaction through the mediation of empowerment and commitment. Moderation analyses revealed that higher emotional exhaustion weakens employees’ empowerment and transformational leadership, which further weakens the direct relationship between transformational leadership and psychological empowerment and association between transformational leadership and commitment. This research can assist managers in developing retention strategies for employees to enhance psychological empowerment, organisational commitment, and career satisfaction of employees.
Why cognitive absorption is not enough: The role of knowledge absorption capacity and technological opportunity for individual learning
Authors: Ahmad Adeel  , Samreen Batool  , Daisy Mui Hung Kee  , Zain-ul-Abdeen Madni
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this paper is to address the basic question why does high absorptive training programmes are not always beneficial for individual level learning? Thus, we seek to understand when and how cognitive absorption is beneficial for individual learning. The proposed model was tested using data obtained in a field study (N = 371) and in an experiment (N = 119). For field study, data was obtained at two points in time from three data sources (co-workers, subordinates, supervisors) working at a private commercial bank operating in Pakistan. For laboratory experiment, data was collected from the business students of a private sector university in Pakistan. The obtained data for both studies were analysed for random coefficient models with Mplus. Based on the motivation-ability-opportunity theory of behaviour, we proposed a model. It was found that cognitive absorption and highest individual learning was contingent upon the individual level knowledge absorption capacity. It was further found that training programmes with high cognitive absorption are likely to produce high levels of individual learning when the participants also have both high level of knowledge absorption capacity and technological opportunity. With this research, we inform practitioners that in these learner-focused trainings, personal characteristics of the participants and technology play vital role in determining effectiveness for high level of individual learning. The research findings will help practitioners understand what they need to add in training programmes for high level individual learning experience. Doing so will bring best value in form of higher learning to the cost of trainings.
Biotechnology of production of soft cheeses from a mixture of cow’s and goat’s milk with functional ingredients
Authors: Gavrilova Natalya , Dunchenko Nina
Published: December 2023

The aim of this research is to develop a biotechnology of soft cheeses with func-tional ingredients based on a mixture of cow’s and goat’s milk taken in a ratio of 60:40, subjected to acoustic cavitation at 75 kHz and an exposure time of 17 min. To achieve the research aim, the tasks of selecting and determining the number of functional ingredients, determining the technological parameters of the production of soft cheeses with their use were solved. As a result, the biotechnology of two types of soft cheeses «Dieticheskij» and «Funkcionalnyj» has been developed. In the biotechnology of soft cheese «Dieticheskij», a complex preparation «Bivestin-lacto» containing cultures of probiotics Bifidobacterium longum MS-42, Lactoba-cillus plantarum 8PA-3 and dietary fiber «Citri-Fi» of medium grinding was used as a functional ingredient. Soft cheese «Funkcionalnyj» is enriched with a biocomponent containing probiotic cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus, as well as «Selexen» – a source of selenium, «Curcumin» in micellar form and dietary fiber «Citri-Fi». Their organoleptic, chemical, microbiological parameters, as well as nutritional, energy value and shelf life have been determined.
The use of wild berries in soft cheese technology
Authors: Eliseeva Lyudmila , Stepanov Konstantin , Egorova Veronida
Published: December 2023

A functional soft cheese has been developed with the addition of rosehip fruits, the most common type of rosehip with a wide variety of populations in Yakutia. The objects of the study were cow’s milk, rosehip fruits, sourdough prepared on Bulgarian stick

cultures, milk whey, whey that is obtained at the stages of cheese production and ready-made cheese with an additive During the experiments, the effects of additives on organoleptic parameters and the biochemical composition of cheese were studied. According to the results of the study, the expediency of using rosehip fruits in the production technology of soft cheese is justified.
Properties of Stock Cultures of Lactic Acid Bacteria during Long-Term Storage
Authors: Kucherenko Irina , Masegnaya Elena , Duganova Anna
Published: December 2023

The study featured the viability of lactic acid bacteria during long-term storage at 2-4 C. The stock cultures were preserved by vacuum drying with no freezing or lyophilization. In general, the lactococci demonstrated a high survival rate after 3-54 years of storage: the residual viable cell count was 0.98-43 million CFU per ampoule. However, 8.3 % out of 3,552 lactococcal strains demonstrated a significant decrease in acid-inducing activity. Thirty strains, which had been used to produce bacterial starters for the past 25 year, lost their viability. Only 12.9 % of the lactobacilli that had been sublimated 62 years ago could not be revived.
Criterial Aspects of Functional Cheese Production
Authors: Skryabina Ol'ga , Ryabkova Dina
Published: December 2023

The cheese production industry is currently expanding its range of highly-competitive functional products. As a result, it needs to embrace new raw materials and develop new methods of economic assessment. Cheese quality depends on various production criteria while product sales depend on effective risk management mechanisms. The current research featured risk criteria for a new functional cheese. The research objective was to develop a set of production efficiency indicators. The study was performed on the premises of the Department for Animal Feeding and Private Animal Science, Omsk State Agrarian University (Omsk, Russian Federation), and relied on standard sensory, chemical, and microbiological studies. The controlled factors included enzymic operations and their effect on the active acidity and shelf life of the finished product. The resulting risk management tools were able to minimize the effect of hazardous factors at this stage of production on the quality of the finished product. The scientific novelty was confirmed by patent for invention No. 2791553 C1, 03/10/2023.
Natural Radioprotectors of Plant Origin in Dairy Industry
Authors: Donskaya Galina , Krekker Lyudmila , Kolosova Elena , Drozhzhin Viktor , Karapetyan Varazdat
Published: December 2023

Certain dairy products are known for their antiradiation properties. This article opens with some theoretical aspects of long-term radiation exposure and prevention of free radical processes to move on to the methods that counteract oxidative stress and cell damage in the human body. The empirical part of the research featured the radioprotective properties of milk thistle (Silybum), which were determined by conventional analytical and physico-chemical methods. Milk thistle seed flour was studied for antioxidant activity, which appeared to be 2,400 times as high as that of pasteurized milk. The research objective was to develop a dairy product fortified with milk thistle: to reveal the optimal dose of milk thistle flour, to define the technology that would preserve the antioxidant properties, and to select the most efficient introduction method. The mineral composition of milk thistle flour (100 g) included 1006.66 mg Ca, 457.19 mg Mg, 1082.71 mg K; 1.62 mg Cu, 6.07 mg Z, 8.26 mg Fe, and 701.48 mg P. Eggshells served as a source of calcium to fortify the drink. The resulting fermented dairy product with milk thistle flour proved to be functional as it demonstrated alimentary action against radiostrontium. One glass (200 ml) contained 1,000 mg Calcium, which exceeded the daily physiological need. The study also involved microbiological and sensory evaluation, which proved that the samples fermented with acidophilic starter culture had the optimal sensory profile.
A “Style of Abjection” woven with Deficiency and (im)possibility.: A Study on the Writing Style of Han Kang’s 『The Vegetarian』
Authors:   Dong Nam Eo-Mun-Hak-Hoi, Kim Arum
Published: December 2023

This study is a stylistic study of author Han Kang's three series of 『The Vegetarian』. This study takes as its main issue the fact that previous studies have been biased toward aspects of the topic and that stylistic research has not been actively attempted. Therefore, this study analyzes the way the characters in 『The Vegetarian』 are portrayed from a stylistic perspective. Through this, the purpose is to supplement the shortcomings of previous studies.
This study analyzed that the author actively uses various stylistic strategies in the way he depicts characters. First, the conflicting worldviews are clearly revealed through stylistic features. Second, it also presents a “style of (im)possibility” that explores possibilities in (im)possible reality. In this study, these stylistic features were identified in their relationship with the focal speaker and were named the “style of abjection”.
Of course, Han Kang is a contemporary writer, so research on Han Kang's writing style needs to be continuous. However, this study is significant in that it expands the horizon of stylistic research on 『The Vegetarian』 by examining how the stylistic strategies of the focal speakers contribute to the characters and themes of the novel.
A study on the distribution pattern and discourse functions of conjunctive adverbs in the early 20th century
Authors:   Dong Nam Eo-Mun-Hak-Hoi, Song Inseong , Ha Youngwoo
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this paper is to study the distribution and functional characteristics of conjunctive adverbs appearing in spoken language corpus of the early 20th century. Through this, we presented the patterns in which conjunctive adverbs were used in spoken language and attempted to argue that the multi-layered connecting function of conjunctive adverbs was formed and continued during the early modern Korean language. Similar to the 21st century, conjunctive adverbs in the early 20th century had a distributional characteristic in which ‘그러-’ type conjunctive adverbs {그러면}, {그러나}, {그리고}, {그런데}, {그래서} appeared with high frequency. On the other hand, there were differences by period in the distribution of individual lists of conjunctive adverbs, and this was interpreted to be related to the formation period of individual conjunctive adverbs, register, and the expansion and contraction of their functions. Meanwhile conjunctive adverbs in the early 20th century also performed discourse functions in addition to general connecting functions. The discourse functions of conjunctive adverbs showed various aspects, including ‘utterance beginning’, ‘utterance finishing’, ‘utterance evading’, ‘filler’, ‘interruption’, ‘positive’, ‘utterance prompting’.
Integration of machine learning and hydrodynamic modeling to solve the extrapolation problem in flood depth estimation
Authors: Nguyen Huu Duy , Dang Dinh Kha , Nguyen Nhu Y , Pham Van Chien , Van Nguyen Thi Thao , Nguyen Quoc-Huy , Nguyen Xuan Linh , Pham Le Tuan , Pham Viet Thanh , Bui Quang-Thanh
Published: December 2023

Flood prediction is an important task, which helps local decision-makers in taking effective measures to reduce damage to the people and economy. Currently, most studies use machine learning to predict flooding in a given region; however, the extrapolation problem is considered a major challenge when using these techniques and is rarely studied. Therefore, this study will focus on an approach to resolve the extrapolation problem in flood depth prediction by integrating machine learning (XGBoost, Extra-Trees (EXT), CatBoost (CB), and light gradient boost machines (LightGBM)) and hydraulic modeling under MIKE FLOOD. The results show that the hydraulic model worked well in providing the flood depth data needed to build the machine learning model. Among the four proposed machine learning models, XGBoost was found to be the best at solving the extrapolation problem in the estimation of flood depth, followed by EXT, CB, and LightGBM. Quang Binh province was hit by floods with depths ranging from 0 to 3.2 m. Areas with high flood depths are concentrated along and downstream of the two major rivers (Gianh and Nhat Le – Kien Giang).
Multipurpose optimization of yield production in agriculture using fuzzy self-reproducing automata theory
Authors: He Defu , Liu Nan
Published: December 2023

In determining the irrigation depth of barley, it is inevitable to find the best periods to increase the efficiency of water consumption and also to achieve the highest yield of the product. A multi-objective optimization model has been presented to improve irrigation planning and the allowable amount of irrigation during the growth period using genetic algorithm based on nondominated sorting (NSGAII) and cellular automata. Under this concept, the structure of the optimal water supply allocation model is included in the form of two main objective functions. Therefore, the first objective function is to minimize water allocation and the second objective function is to maximize the total income from the cultivation pattern compared to its costs. The latest data related to the cultivation pattern and economic information such as product sales price and production costs in the planting and harvesting stages were collected for 1 year of study. The daily data of river flow, rainfall and climatic data of Hulunbuir district in Inner Mongolia province were converted into 10-day periods. It shows the optimal irrigation planning results of winter barley in three different scenarios. In ten periods of growth, the rainfall is enough to provide most of the plants’ water needs.
Hydrolytic degradation of methoxychlor by immobilized cellulase on LDHs@Fe3O4 nanocomposites
Authors: Iqbal Nazar , Mu Guangda , Dong Mengyang , Yang Yuxiang , Huang Yan , Yuan Hongming , Liu Xiangnong , Batool Irum , Carlini Riccardo
Published: December 2023

In this study, we synthesized Fe3O4 using the co-precipitation method and then prepared magnetic carrier LDHs@Fe3O4 by immobilizing layered double hydroxide on Fe3O4 by in situ growth method. Cellulase was immobilized on this magnetic carrier by using glutaraldehyde as a coupling agent, which can be used for degrading Methoxychlor (MXC). The results demonstrated the maximum MXC removal efficiency of 73.4% at 45 °C and pH = 6.0 with excellent reusability. Through kinetic analysis, it was found that the degradation reaction conforms to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model and is a first-order reaction. Finally, according to the EPR analysis, the active radicals in the system were found to be OH· and the degradation mechanism was proposed in combination with LC-MS. This study provides a feasible method for degrading organochlorine pesticides, which can be used for groundwater purification.
Strategies to Minimize Access Site-related Complications in Patients
Undergoing Transfemoral Artery Procedures with Large-bore Devices
Authors: Sorrentino Sabato , Di Costanzo Assunta , Salerno Nadia , Caracciolo Alessandro , Bruno Federica , Panarello Alessandra , Bellantoni Antonio , Mongiardo Annalisa , Indolfi Ciro
Published: December 2023

Large bore accesses refer to accesses with a diameter of 10 French or greater and are necessary
for various medical devices, including those used in transcatheter aortic valve replacement,
endovascular aneurysm repair stent-grafts, and percutaneous mechanical support devices. Notably,
the utilization of these devices via femoral access is steadily increasing due to advancements in technology
and implantation techniques, which are expanding the pool of patients suitable for percutaneous
procedures. However, procedures involving large bore devices carry a high risk of bleeding and
vascular complications (VCs), impacting both morbidity and long-term mortality.

:

In this review article, we will first discuss the incidence, determinants, and prognostic impact of VCs
in patients undergoing large bore access procedures. Subsequently, we will explore the strategies
developed in recent years to minimize VCs, including techniques for optimizing vascular puncture
through femoral cannulation, such as the use of echo-guided access cannulation and fluoroscopic
guidance. Additionally, we will evaluate existing vascular closure devices designed for large bore
devices. Finally, we will consider new pharmacological strategies aimed at reducing the risk of periprocedural
access-related bleeding.
A Review on Psoriasis Pathophysiology, Clinical Appearance, and
Pharmacotherapeutic Interventions
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Majhi Sagarika , Sharma Meenakshi
Published: December 2023

A chronic skin condition called psoriasis can manifest as plaque, flexural, guttate, pustular, and erythrodermic lesions, among other clinical
symptoms. Sixty million people are believed to be affected by psoriasis worldwide. In India, the frequency ranges from 0.44 to 2.8%, with males
affected two times more frequently than females in their third or fourth decade of life. An immune-mediated inflammation condition with a sizable
genetic component is psoriasis. Due to its connection to psoriatic arthritis and the increased prevalence of cardiometabolic, hepatic, and psychiatric
problems, a thorough and interdisciplinary strategy for treatment is required. Corticosteroids and analogs of vitamin D are examples of topical
treatments for psoriasis. Phototherapy includes NB-UVB, psoralen, and ultraviolet radiation (PUVA). Standard systemic treatments include
methotrexate, acitretin, and ciclosporin. This disease is useful for physicians and scientists since it might be used as a model for research into the
underlying causes of chronic inflammation. It is also crucial for clinical trial scientists as a first-choice disease indication for preliminary research
of new pathogenesis-based treatment approaches. This review covers both the therapeutic choices that have resulted from the analysis of the
aggressive psoriatic pathways and the processes involved in the onset and progression of the disease. We start by writing regarding the important
cell kinds and inflammatory mechanisms that initiate and maintain psoriatic inflammation. Next, we discuss how skin flora interacts with heredity,
related epigenetic processes, and the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Finally, we provide a thorough analysis of recently targeted medications as well as
well-known, extensively used treatments.
A Comprehensive Review of Abroma Augusta (Devil's Cotton): Phytochemical
Constituents, Ethnomedicinal Applications, and Pharmacological Properties
Authors: Balkrishna Acharya , Mishra Shailja , Dhyani Ashish , Saini Priyanka , Arya Vedpriya , Sharma Nidhi
Published: December 2023

The nutritional and therapeutic potential of medicinal plants is constantly being investigated. This is especially relevant in today's world, where an
increasing number of people are turning to complementary and alternative therapies to address their health-related concerns. Traditional
knowledge, as a valuable resource, plays a crucial role in the development of new herbal medicines. Abroma augusta stands out as one such
medicinal plant that has a rich history of use in traditional medicine. It has been employed to address a wide spectrum of health issues, including
diabetes, menstrual irregularities, respiratory problems, musculoskeletal disorders, urinary ailments, and sexual dysfunctions, among others. While
various parts of this plant species are believed to possess pharmacological properties, the active compounds and underlying mechanisms remain
largely unexplored. To facilitate the development of innovative drugs for the benefit of individuals, this study places significant emphasis on
delving into the phytochemical and ethnomedicinal attributes of A. augusta. Moreover, it seeks to bolster its findings with scientifically validated
pharmacological investigations conducted through both in vivo and in vitro methodologies.
One-step Synthesis of Deep Eutectic Solvents and Dissolution of Kraft Lignin
Authors: Merino Pérez Omar , Cerón-Camacho Ricardo , Martínez-Palou Rafael
Published: December 2023

Lignin is a very abundant biopolymer with great potential to produce other high-value polymers with aromatic groups. Its valorization has been limited principally by its poor solubility in conventional organic solvents, which makes it difficult to deconstruct or transform it into other products with higher added value. In this work, we describe a one-pot procedure to prepare vari-ous Deep Eutectic Solvents and study their ability to dissolve Kraft lignin with the aid of micro-wave dielectric heating efficiently.

Background::

Lignin is a widely available aromatic biopolymer that is largely discarded or used as a low-value fuel when separated in paper production processes, so researchers are engaged in the development of lignin dissolution processes that allow its easy deconstruction and transfor-mation into other products with higher added value.

Objective::

The main objective of this work is to find deep eutectic solvents capable of dissolving significant quantities of lignin with the aid of microwaves as a heating source.

Method::

The present work developed a simple, fast, and efficient method to dissolve lignin using Deep Eutectic Solvent/acetonitrile as solvents and irradiation by dielectric microwave heating.

Results::

Most of the DESs studied achieved significant dissolution of purchased lignin with com-mon organic solvents by employing microwave irradiation as the heating method.

Conclusion::

Some DESs studied in this work are good alternatives as solvents for lignin solvent option of simple preparation from renewable precursors from biomass, such as glycerol, choline chloride, and urea, of low toxicity and cost for this application. The effectiveness of these systems appears to be based on molecular recognition by hydrogen bonding interactions involving the three species that make up the eutectic and the hydroxyl groups of the lignin. These solvents can be recovered and recycled.
An Environmental Objects Feature Detection Algorithm based on Image Detection in the Power Transmission System
Authors: Zhu Zhongxian , Cai Kewei , Liu Wentao , Du Yao , Wang Ying
Published: December 2023

Background:

The image processing technology can be adopted in the power transmission
incident detection system, when it is combined with artificial intelligence and machine learning
academic knowledge of power transmission surveillance video analysis system, it can automatically
detect abnormal objects in the power transmission system. It can quickly and accurately
detect abnormal objects, known as environmental object feature detection necessary for the safety
of power transmission system.

Objective:

In order to improve the object detection ability of the power transmission system, it
adopts artificial intelligence and machine learning knowledge in the power transmission surveillance
system and it can automatically detect abnormal events or objects.

Methods:

Compared with differential binary target detection technique, it proposes a new adaptive
background subtraction threshold algorithm to adapt the complex power transmission monitoring
environment. Meanwhile, it takes special recognition algorithm for power transmission monitoring
environment to ensure the accuracy and stability of the detection system.

Results:

The proposed method can be used in the monitoring system and the accuracy and stability
of the detection system have been verified through experiments.

Conclusion:

Through adopting the special recognition algorithm for power transmission monitoring
environment, it can ensure the accuracy and stability of the detection system, in the detection
experiments, it can analyze the objects more easily than before.
Mechanoluminescence and Its Recent Applications
Authors: Shukla Dipti
Published: December 2023

Mechanoluminescence (ML) refers to the light emission from numerous
organic and inorganic materials upon mechanical stimulation. As a brand new class of
smart materials, mechanoluminescent materials are broadly relevant for fluorescence
switches, mechanic sensors, protection papers, optoelectronic gadgets, record garages,
and many others. In the past few years, systematic investigations have been executed,
resulting in the production of an expanding number of mechanoluminescent
substances. In this evaluation, the late developments in natural organic mechanoluminescent
substances are summarized, along with mechano-fluorescent and triboluminescent
results from conjugated small molecules. Organic-inorganic Nanocomposite
substances have attracted great interest, given that they cover an extensive
variety of properties by combining contrasting properties and/or developing novel
residences. Composites’ useful properties may also be manipulated by stimuli, such
as mildness, pH, magnetic or electric discipline mechanical pressure, and heat.
While the stimuli have the ability to control a wide range of material properties, they
can also be transferred and manipulated by stimuli, such as mildness, pH, magnetic or
electric discipline, mechanical pressure, and heat. While the stimuli have the ability to
control a wide range of material properties, they can also be transferred to a device with
an ON-OFF machine: a transfer. A switchable cloth must showcase the belongings; this
is quite distinctive upon stimulation (i.e., ON and off states) with the reversible mechanism.
Switchable materials have been actively studied in order to maximize the difference
between ON and stale states by editing the shape and composition of Nanocomposites,
as well as on stimuli to control the response time. Switchable substances
find their programs in numerous fields consisting of catalysts, sensors, photodetectors,
reminiscence devices, and drug delivery systems. In this overview, we talk about the
most current design innovations and synthesis of natural and inorganic nanoscale materials,
whose properties can be controlled in reaction to a particular stimulus.
Redox Modulation of Meniere Disease by Coriolus versicolor Treatment, a
Nutritional Mushroom Approach with Neuroprotective Potential
Authors: Paola Rosanna Di , Siracusa Rosalba , Fusco Roberta , Ontario Marialaura , Cammilleri Gaetano , Pantano Licia , Scuto Maria , Tomasello Mario , Spanò Sestina , Salinaro Angela Trovato , Abdelhameed Ali S. , Ferrantelli Vincenzo , Arcidiacono Antonio , Fritsch Tilman , Lupo Gabriella , Signorile Anna , Maiolino Luigi , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Calabrese Vittorio
Published: December 2023

Background:

Meniere's disease (MD) is a cochlear neurodegenerative disease. Hearing loss
appears to be triggered by oxidative stress in the ganglion neurons of the inner ear.

Objective:

Here, we confirm the variation of markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients
with Meniere and hypothesize that chronic treatment with Coriolus mushroom helps in the response to
oxidative stress and acts on α-synuclein and on NF-kB-mediated inflammatory processes.

Methods:

Markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were evaluated in MD patients with or without
Coriolus treatment for 3 or 6 months.

Results:

MD patients had a small increase in Nrf2, HO-1, γ-GC, Hsp70, Trx and sirtuin-1, which were
further increased by Coriolus treatment, especially after 6 months. Increased markers of oxidative
damage, such as protein carbonyls, HNE, and ultraweak chemiluminescence, associated with a decrease
in plasma GSH/GSSG ratio, were also observed in lymphocytes from MD patients. These parameters
were restored to values similar to the baseline in patients treated with Coriolus for both 3 and
6 months. Furthermore, treated MD subjects showed decreased expression of α-synuclein, GFAP and
Iba-1 proteins and modulation of the NF-kB pathway, which were impaired in MD patients. These
changes were greatest in subjects taking supplements for 6 months.

Conclusions:

Our study suggests MD as a model of cochlear neurodegenerative disease for the identification
of potent inducers of the Nrf2-vitagene pathway, able to reduce the deleterious consequences
associated with neurodegenerative damage, probably by indirectly acting on a-synuclein expression
and on inflammatory processes NF-kB-mediated.