bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
СИНЕРГІЗМ СУМІШІ ФОСФІНУ ТА ВУГЛЕКИСЛОГО ГАЗУ ПРИ ФУМІГАЦІЇ ПРОТИ ХЛІБНИХ ШКІДНИКІВ ЗАПАСІВ
Authors: РОМАНКО В.О. , ДУДИНСЬКА А.Т.
Published: April 2023

Робота присвячена пошуку альтернатив бромистому метилу – універсального фуміганта, який був обмежений у застосуванні на вимогу Монреальського протоколу. В статті наведені результати токсичної дії сумішей газів фосфіну з вуглекислим газом проти комірних кліщів та комах-шкідників. Мета: встановити синергізм суміші фосфіну та вуглекислого газу у різних їх концентраціях способом фумігації проти хлібних шкідників запасів (Coleoptera: роду Sitophilus; Lepidoptera: роду Ephestiа; комірних кліщів роду Acarus і Tyrophagus). Методи. Об’єкти досліджень. Комахи-шкідники родів Sitophilus та Ephestiа; комірні кліщі роду Acarus і Tyrophagus. Матеріал досліджень – препаративна форма фосфіну «Магтоксин» (таблетовидна форма) виробництва Detia Degesch GmbH, вуглекислий газ у балонах. Методи: аналітичний огляд по тематиці досліджень вітчизняних та зарубіжних науковців, чинній нормативно-правовій базі у галузі знезараження; аналіз біологічних особливостей комах-шкідників та комірних кліщів; експериментальний – варіювання різних концентрацій фосфіну для встановлення синергізму фуміганта із вуглекислим газом у лабораторних умовах за відповідного обладнання; математико-статистичний – за допомогою комп’ютерних математичних функцій, вбудованих у програму Microsoft Excel 2003. Результати. Оптимальними концентраціями фосфіну проти комах–шкідників, при якій, водночас, відмічався як і його синергізм з вуглекислим газом, так і висока ефективність, є концентрації в межах 0,84–0,91 г/м3, за яких загибель личинок Ephestia kuehniella становила на рівні – 93,4±4,03%, а синергізм – 8,9%. При застосуванні сумішей газів з концентрацією фосфіну в межах 1,20–1,21 г/м3 проти кліщів роду Acarus і Tyrophagus, спостерігали їх значну загибель на рівні 95,4±3,35%. Проте, і в еталоні за аналогічних концентрацій загибель кліщів була також висока – 94,7%. Отже синергізм газів відмічали лише на рівні 0,7%. Висновки. На відміну від комірних кліщів, при застосуванні фосфіну з вуглекислим газом проти комах-шкідників водночас, відмічались як і синергізм газів так і їх ефективність. Отримані результати свідчать про необхідність проведення подальших досліджень, зокрема дослідження впливу тривалості експозиції фумігації та температури, які можуть в значній мірі вплинути на показник синергізму газів.
ПОЄДНАННЯ ПОКАЗНИКІВ КОРМОВОЇ ТА НАСІННЄВОЇ ПРОДУКТИВНОСТІ – ОДИН ІЗ МЕТОДІВ СТВОРЕННЯ СОРТІВ БАГАТОРІЧНИХ БОБОВИХ ТРАВ (ЛЮЦЕРНИ ТА КОНЮШИНИ ЛУЧНОЇ)
Authors: КОРЯГІН О.М. , ОСТАПЕЦЬ Т.А. , БОЧАРОВА М.І. , МІНЯЙЛО В.Д.
Published: April 2023

У процесі досліджень встановлювали характер успадкування основних господарських показників у гібридних популяцій люцерни та конюшини лучної, оцінювали новостворений селекційний матеріал люцерни та конюшини лучної за кормовою та насіннєвою продуктивністю. Отримано 10 гібридних популяцій , які були досліджені у конкурсному випробуванні. В результаті оцінки виділили високопродуктивні за кормовими та насіннєвими показниками селекційні номери багаторічних бобових трав. Мета: встановити характер успадкування основних господарських параметрів у гібридних популяцій люцерни, комплексно оцінити новий селекційний матеріал люцерни та конюшини лучної за кормовими та насіннєвими показниками. Методи: протягом вегетаційного періоду створені віддалені гібриди люцерни та конюшини лучної, селекційні номери оцінювались за комплексом цінних господарських ознак у конкурсних випробуваннях – ознак, які впливають на цінність кормової маси та насіннєвої продуктивності рослин, висотою рослин, кущистістю, масою насіння, строками та інтенсивністю цвітіння і плодоутворення. Результати. За сумою сухої маси з двох укосів за сумою сухої маси з одиниці площі двох укосів виділили номер люцерни: 01(20). Перевищення склало 11,25% відносно середньозваженого стандарту по досліду. За сумою двох укосів урожай сухої маси листя з одиниці площі кращими визначено номери люцерни: 01(20), 03(20), 06(20). Перевищення відповідно склало від 6,68% до 22,11% від середньозваженого стандарту. За насіннєвою продуктивністю кращими були номери люцерни: 03 (20) та 05 (20). Діапазон перевищень склав відповідно від 24,30% до 43,27% відносно середньозваженого стандарту по досліду. За показником суми сухої маси з двох укосів виділили номери конюшини лучної 02(19), 3(14), 6(19), 8(17), які перевищували середньозважений стандарт від 4,08% до 10,40%, відповідно. За сумою двох укосів урожаю сухої маси листя з одиниці площі кращими були номери конюшини: 06(19), 08(17). Перевищення відповідно склало 12,06% та 14,37% від середньозваженого стандарту. За насіннєвою продуктивністю кращими серед виявлених були номери конюшини лучної: 05 (19) та 10 (16). Діапазон перевищень склав відповідно від 18,62% до 24,81% відносно середньозваженого стандарту по досліду. Серед отриманих номерів кращими визначено ті, як поєднують високі показники кормової та насіннєвої продуктивності. Вони будуть використані у подальшому селекційному процесі для створення високопродуктивних сортів люцерни та конюшини лучної. Висновки. У процесі досліджень було встановлено характер успадкування основних господарських показників у гібридних популяцій люцерни та оцінено новостворений селекційний матеріал люцерни та конюшини лучної за кормовими та насіннєвими показниками. Отримано 10 гібридних популяцій , які були досліджені у конкурсному випробуванні. В результаті оцінки виділили високопродуктивні за кормовими та насіннєвими показниками селекційні номери багаторічних бобових трав.
A Comparative Study of Silent Spring and A Sand County Almanac under Ecocriticism Theory
Authors: Zhang Chuyi
Published: April 2023

Silent Spring is important in the field of natural literature. However, studies on it are only few, and most of them are based on traditional literary study methods. Corpus stylistics emerged in the 1980s, providing a new paradigm for literary research which transcends traditional literary research methods in many aspects. Based on ecocriticism, this study conducts a comparative study on the themes, language features and narrative perspectives of Silent Spring and A Sand County Almanac by using corpus tools. The results show that, as for the themes, Silent Spring pays attention to the intervention of human activities on nature, while A Sand County Almanac focuses on the charm of nature itself. In terms of language features, Silent Spring is more objective and convincing, while the language of A Sand County Almanac is more vivid. As for the narrative perspective, Silent Spring often uses an objective third-person perspective, while A Sand County Almanac uses a subjective first-person perspective. Although Silent Spring and A Sand County Almanac are different in themes, language features and narrative perspective, they both reveal a love for nature and strong awareness of environmental protection.
Impact of COVID-19 on Philippines Tourism Industry: Macroeconomic and Microeconomic Implications
Authors: Kalonda Heritier
Published: April 2023

COVID-19 has harmed lives and businesses locally, regionally, and globally, saying worldwide. Before the pandemic, tourism supported the Philippines' unstoppable economic growth. The pandemic slowed it. COVID-19 adversely affected the tourist industry by lowering Global Domestic Product (GDP) and other key macroeconomic and microeconomic indicators. In other words, tourism's decline affected macroeconomics and microeconomics indicators. Covid-19's impact on the tourism sector increased unemployment rate, poverty, household vulnerability due to income loss, and job losses in transportation, travel agencies, tour guides, accommodation, food supply, and other sectors. In short, the fall of the tourism industry affected the economy as a whole, especially in countries like the Philippines that rely on it.
Intangible Losses, Damages and At-Risk Settlements: The Extent of Causality and Burden of Proof for Climate Related Loss and Damage in the Fiji Islands
Authors:   School of Science & Technology, University of Fiji, Saweni Campus, Lautoka, Fiji.  Email: orchertonandsudario@gmail.com, Orcherton Dan Frederick
Published: April 2023

In this article, a plethora of social, cultural, legal and policy related remedies for harm caused by climate related loss and damage (L&D) were examined, particularly in rural and remote Fiji Islands. The meaning of loss and damage, and its relationship to climate mitigation and adaptation, was discussed. The concept of causality and attempt are considered to expose some criteria that the law uses to test causation in the hope to subject these to a much-needed discussion of climate change and causation affecting international law, domestic law, and climate science. A probabilistic event attribution (PEA) is explored having crucial implications in the development of PEA. When vulnerabilities and thresholds are known, changing risks can be calculated ex ante and, therefore, changing risks can be forecasted. The improvement of the methods allows geographically very specific events to be anticipated and, thus, appropriate adaptation measures can be designed. It is considered (at a conceptual level) how those harmed by loss and damage in Fiji from human-induced climate change may pursue remedies against those who have contributed to the harm. Finally, this article explores what that evidence needs to be (extent of causality and burden of proof) for loss and the damages to be awarded. It is concluded by highlighting the values of probabilistic event attribution (PEA), and how vulnerabilities in Fijian communities continue to be a deep concern. Further work needs to be done with respect to social, cultural, and biological interconnectivity that concretely underlines the importance of climate change and how it diminishes well-being and cultural integrity of Indigenous people by affecting endemic plant species. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) needs to be cognizant of social and cultural implications of forced migration. Causality and burden of proof within the legal context has its built-in complexities and, hence, it needs further research.
Contact tensions under the sole of rigid deep laying foundations and ground anchors
Authors: Shapoval V. G , Ivanova H. P , Hapieiev S. N , Yanko V. V , Barsukova S. O
Published: April 2023

Purpose. To solve the problem of the allocation of contact vertical normal tensions along the sole of a rigid round stamp, located in an elastic isotropic half-space at a certain depth h  0. To compare the obtained solution with the well-known classical result for h = 0, to check the obtained results for adequacy. Methodology. Based on the analysis of the decision on the stress-strain state of the base, inside which there is a vertical arbitrary load distributed over the area of the circle, the necessary formulas are obtained to solve the problem. An algorithm for constructing an approximate solution has been developed, the essence of which is to use a combination of the boundary element method and the iteration process by S.N.Klepikov. For a number of depths, approximate solutions of the considered problem are obtained. Findings. The proposed algorithm for the approximate solution of the problem of indenting a round rigid stamp into the upper boundary of an elastic isotropic half-space has good agreement with the exact solution and can be used to solve contact problems. The outlines of the contact stress diagrams depend on the depth at which they are determined – the greater the depth, the flatter the outlines of the diagrams are, while starting from a certain depth, the diagrams of contact stresses practically coincide. The greater the depth is at which the stamp is located, the more force must be applied to obtain equal displacements of the stamp. Originality. The obtained research results significantly expand the possibilities of solving various problems of soil mechanics and foundation engineering, make it possible to obtain absolutely new results. In particular, a clear dependence of the contact stresses along the sole of a rigid round stamp on the depth at which it is located was identified. In addition, the presented data allow us to designate an absolutely new direction in the calculation of the foundations of ground anchors, namely, the calculation of their deformations. Practical value. For engineering practice, it is important that the greater the value of Poisson’s ratio of the base is, the greater the contact stresses are, other things being equal.
Influence of Industry 4.0 on strategies of companies entering the global market of data integration services
Authors: Tsygankova T , Yatsenko O , Obolenska T , Gordieieva T , Osadchuk V
Published: April 2023

Purpose. To substantiate the theoretical principles and practical recommendations regarding the formation of the strategy of enterprises entering the market of data integration services in the conditions of Industry 4.0. Methodology. Research methods based on the principle of the unity of theory and practice were used in the research process, including: the historical-logical method (to study the evolution of market development and its trends); the analytical-statistical one (to determine the dynamics of market volumes); SWOT-matrix method analysis and DROC-analysis (to study the global market development of data integration services and to determine the company’s development scenarios in the market in the conditions of Industry 4.0); correlation-regression analysis (to study the dependence of marketing costs on net income of IT market leaders); taxonomic analysis (to systematize strategies used by market players under different conditions); qualitative research method (expert interview to analyze the state of the market and identify trends in its development). Findings. The state, conjuncture, key trends and drivers of the development of the data integration services market were comprehensively investigated, and the impact of Industry 4.0 was analyzed. The strategies of the leading players and possible scenarios for the development of companies on the market are determined. Originality. Empirical and theoretical research allowed us to propose directions for the implementation of digital-marketing technologies for enterprises to enter new b2b markets and to substantiate their strategies for entering the market of data integration services; in addition, to take into account the prospects for the development of this market in the post-war development of Ukraine. Practical value. The research results can be helpful to state authorities and researchers, applied in the functional activities of IT enterprises, namely, conclusions regarding the specifics and prospects for the development of the market of data integration services, its drivers, and their development strategies in turbulent times and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, directions for the implementation of technologies digital-marketing for entering new b2b markets, strategies and tactics for entering the data integration services market, in particular, when researching the global data integration services market and developing hybrid entry strategies.
Economic security of Ukraine under the destructive influence of exogenous determinants
Authors: Kalyuzhna N , Khodzhaian A , Baron I
Published: April 2023

Purpose. To design a Methodical Approach to assessing the level of economic security of Ukraine under the destructive influence of exogenous determinants and verification of the results of its application. Methodology. The methods of analysis and synthesis are used to substantiate the functional components and aspects of ensuring the economic security of the state and to develop a system of indicators for their assessment. The index method is used in developing an integral indicator of the level of economic security of the state. Findings. It is proved that for transitive economies the impact on economic security of geopolitical and geo-economics threats of an exogenous nature, which are significantly strengthened in the conditions of globalization, is decisive. The necessity is substantiated to develop a methodology for assessing the economic security of Ukraine in the direction of developing Methodical approaches that allow providing a thorough assessment of the actual determinants of economic security, which primarily include the impact of globalization processes and the escalation of military-political threats. A Methodical Approach to the determination of indicators of economic security of the state is proposed, which is based on the separation of functional components and aspects of provision in the structure of economic security of the state. A system of indicators for evaluating elements of economic security is developed, taking into account the relationship between the values and dynamics of indicators with the influence of exogenous determinants. A toolkit for assessing the level of economic security of the state is proposed, which provides for the calculation of the integral indicator of the level of economic security based on the generalization of the values of indicators of the state of its functional components and aspects of provision. The integral indicator of the level of economic security of Ukraine was calculated during 2006–2020. Based on the analysis of the dynamics of the integral indicator of the level of Ukraine’s economic security and its component indicators, key regularities in their absolute and relative transformations are revealed. Originality. A Methodical Approach to assessing the level of economic security of Ukraine in terms of destructive influence of exogenous determinants is proposed basing on the calculation of an integral indicator, which allows formulating conclusions regarding the state and trends of the transformation of economic security of Ukraine. Practical value. The obtained results create the basis for determining the priorities of ensuring the economic security of Ukraine, which should be both overcoming the destructive influence on the economic development of exogenous determinants, and using the opportunities created in the internal and external environment of the country to prevent threats to the economic security of the state.
Bảo hiểm thất nghiệp và xu hướng nắm giữ tiền mặt của doanh nghiệp
Authors: Hoàng Việt Huy , Nguyễn Thành Công , Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Phượng
Published: April 2023

Nghiên cứu này xem xét mối quan hệ giữa lợi ích bảo hiểm thất nghiệp và xu hướng nắm giữ tiền mặt của doanh nghiệp tại Hoa Kỳ trong giai đoạn 1991-2020. Nhóm tác giả đã chỉ ra rằng doanh nghiệp nắm giữ nhiều tiền mặt hơn khi lợi ích bảo hiểm thất nghiệp tăng lên, qua đó cung cấp một góc nhìn mới trong cơ sở lý thuyết về kinh tế lao động về động thái của doanh nghiệp khi chính sách bảo hiểm thất nghiệp thay đổi. Kết quả này không thay đổi khi nhóm tác giả sử dụng các thành tố của lợi ích bảo hiểm thất nghiệp làm biến đo lường cho bảo hiểm thất nghiệp, bao gồm mức bảo hiểm nhận được tối đa mỗi tuần và số tuần tối đa nhận được bảo hiểm thất nghiệp. Kết quả nghiên cứu này khuyến nghị những nhà chính sách cân nhắc phản ứng của doanh nghiệp đối với chính sách bảo hiểm thất nghiệp để có thể đưa ra những điều chỉnh phù hợp với bối cảnh kinh tế hiện tại.
Evaluación de la temporada de influenza, Colombia, 2018
Authors: Malo Sánchez Diana Carolina , Pulido Paola Andrea , Barbosa Juliana , Ospitia Erika
Published: April 2023

Introducción: la influenza estacional es un problema de salud pública global puesto que se propaga fácilmente y puede extenderse con rapidez. En los países de clima templado la estación se produce sobre todo en invierno, mientras que, en las regiones tropicales como Colombia, la estacionalidad es menos evidente con circulación en cualquier momento del año. Métodos: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en el que se analizaron los indicadores de transmisibilidad, gravedad e impacto de la temporada de influenza en Colombia durante el 2018. Se elaboraron canales endémicos y se calcularon umbrales de intensidad mediante el método de medias epidémicas móviles (MEM) y el método de líneas basales de la OMS. Resultados: la temporada de influenza de 2018 en Colombia se presentó desde la semana 17 hasta la semana 29, con un incremento máximo en la semana 23; el subtipo predominante fue A(H1N1)pdm09 con el 98 %. Fue una temporada de transmisibilidad excepcional, con 7 026 693 consultas externas y urgencias, representando un incremento del 1 % en comparación con el 2017, las hospitalizaciones por infección respiratoria aguda grave en sala general se mantuvieron por debajo del límite superior histórico con un aumento del 1,3 %; las hospitalizaciones en unidades de cuidados intensivos superaron el límite superior histórico establecido con 22 748 hospitalizaciones y un incremento del 10,3 % en comparación con 2017. La gravedad y el impacto de esta temporada fueron altos, con predominio de las defunciones en personas mayores de 40 años (63,9 %). Conclusiones: la temporada de influenza en Colombia para el 2018 presentó una transmisibilidad excepcional, con indicadores de gravedad e impacto altos similar a lo presentado en los años 2013 y 2016, años en los cuales el subtipo predominante fue A(H1N1)pdm09.
Recent progress in fiber-based soft electronics enabled by liquid metal
Authors: Yang Bowen , Yang Zihan , Tang Lixue
Published: April 2023

Soft electronics can seamlessly integrate with the human skin which will greatly improve the quality of life in the fields of healthcare monitoring, disease treatment, virtual reality, and human-machine interfaces. Currently, the stretchability of most soft electronics is achieved by incorporating stretchable conductors with elastic substrates. Among stretchable conductors, liquid metals stand out for their metal-grade conductivity, liquid-grade deformability, and relatively low cost. However, the elastic substrates usually composed of silicone rubber, polyurethane, and hydrogels have poor air permeability, and long-term exposure can cause skin redness and irritation. The substrates composed of fibers usually have excellent air permeability due to their high porosity, making them ideal substrates for soft electronics in long-term applications. Fibers can be woven directly into various shapes, or formed into various shapes on the mold by spinning techniques such as electrospinning. Here, we provide an overview of fiber-based soft electronics enabled by liquid metals. An introduction to the spinning technology is provided. Typical applications and patterning strategies of liquid metal are presented. We review the latest progress in the design and fabrication of representative liquid metal fibers and their application in soft electronics such as conductors, sensors, and energy harvesting. Finally, we discuss the challenges of fiber-based soft electronics and provide an outlook on future prospects.
Advances in artificial intelligence models and algorithms in the field of optometry
Authors: Wang Suyu , Ji Yuke , Bai Wen , Ji Yun , Li Jiajun , Yao Yujia , Zhang Ziran , Jiang Qin , Li Keran
Published: April 2023

The rapid development of computer science over the past few decades has led to unprecedented progress in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Its wide application in ophthalmology, especially image processing and data analysis, is particularly extensive and its performance excellent. In recent years, AI has been increasingly applied in optometry with remarkable results. This review is a summary of the application progress of different AI models and algorithms used in optometry (for problems such as myopia, strabismus, amblyopia, keratoconus, and intraocular lens) and includes a discussion of the limitations and challenges associated with its application in this field.
Elucidating a fresh perspective on the interplay between exosomes and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Zhao Jianan , Zhang Binbin , Meng Wanting , Hu Jing
Published: April 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic synovitis and the destruction of bones and joints. Exosomes are nanoscale lipid membrane vesicles originating from multivesicular bodies and are used as a vital means of intercellular communication. Both exosomes and the microbial community are essential in RA pathogenesis. Multiple types of exosomes from different origins have been demonstrated to have effects on various immune cells through distinct mechanisms in RA, which depend on the specific cargo carried by the exosomes. Tens of thousands of microorganisms exist in the human intestinal system. Microorganisms exert various physiological and pathological effects on the host directly or through their metabolites. Gut microbe-derived exosomes are being studied in the field of liver disease; however, information on their role in the context of RA is still limited. Gut microbe-derived exosomes may enhance autoimmunity by altering intestinal permeability and transporting cargo to the extraintestinal system. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive literature review on the latest progress on exosomes in RA and provided an outlook on the potential role of microbe-derived exosomes as emerging players in clinical and translational research on RA. This review aimed to provide a theoretical basis for developing new clinical targets for RA therapy.
Authenticity and species identification of Fritillariae cirrhosae: a data fusion method combining electronic nose, electronic tongue, electronic eye and near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Gui Xin-Jing , Li Han , Ma Rui , Tian Liang-Yu , Hou Fu-Guo , Li Hai-Yang , Fan Xue-Hua , Wang Yan-Li , Yao Jing , Shi Jun-Han , Zhang Lu , Li Xue-Lin , Liu Rui-Xin
Published: April 2023

This paper focuses on determining the authenticity and identifying the species of Fritillariae cirrhosae using electronic nose, electronic tongue, and electronic eye sensors, near infrared and mid-level data fusion. 80 batches of Fritillariae cirrhosae and its counterfeits (including several batches of Fritillaria unibracteata Hsiao et K.C. Hsia, Fritillaria przewalskii Maxim, Fritillaria delavayi Franch and Fritillaria ussuriensis Maxim) were initially identified by Chinese medicine specialists and by criteria in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. After obtaining the information from several sensors we constructed single-source PLS-DA models for authenticity identification and single-source PCA-DA models for species identification. We selected variables of interest by VIP value and Wilk’s lambda value, and we subsequently constructed the three-source fusion model of intelligent senses and the four-source fusion model of intelligent senses and near-infrared spectroscopy. We then explained and analyzed the four-source fusion models based on the sensitive substances detected by key sensors. The accuracies of single-source authenticity PLS-DA identification models based on electronic nose, electronic eye, electronic tongue sensors and near-infrared were respectively 96.25%, 91.25%, 97.50% and 97.50%. The accuracies of single-source PCA-DA species identification models were respectively 85%, 71.25%, 97.50% and 97.50%. After three-source data fusion, the accuracy of the authenticity identification of the PLS-DA identification model was 97.50% and the accuracy of the species identification of the PCA-DA model was 95%. After four-source data fusion, the accuracy of the authenticity of the PLS-DA identification model was 98.75% and the accuracy of the species identification of the PCA-DA model was 97.50%. In terms of authenticity identification, four-source data fusion can improve the performance of the model, while for the identification of the species the four-source data fusion failed to optimize the performance of the model. We conclude that electronic nose, electronic tongue, electronic eye data and near-infrared spectroscopy combined with data fusion and chemometrics methods can identify the authenticity and determine the species of Fritillariae cirrhosae. Our model explanation and analysis can help other researchers identify key quality factors for sample identification. This study aims to provide a reference method for the quality evaluation of Chinese herbs.
Akuammiline alkaloid derivatives: divergent synthesis and effect on the proliferation of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes
Authors: Bao Xinye , Wei Jian , Tao Cheng , Bashir Muhammad Adnan , Zhang Hai-Jun , Bao Bian , Chen Jian , Zhai Hongbin
Published: April 2023

During the past decades, rheumatoid arthritis had become a serious problem, torturing millions of patients because of unclear pathogenesis and no ideal therapies. Natural products remain an important source of medicines to treat various major diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) given their excellent biocompatibility and structural diversity. Herein, we have developed a versatile synthetic method for constructing various skeletons of akuammiline alkaloid analogs based on our previous research on the total synthesis of the related indole alkaloids. We have also evaluated the effect of these analogs on the proliferation of RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in vitro and analyzed the corresponding structure-activity relationship (SAR). Among these analogs, compounds 9 and 17c have demonstrated a promising inhibitory effect on the proliferation of RA-FLSs, with IC50 values of 3.22 ± 0.29 μM and 3.21 ± 0.31 μM, respectively. Our findings provide a solid foundation for future pharmacological studies on akuammiline alkaloid derivatives and inspiration for the development of anti-RA small molecule drugs derived from natural products.
The development of stretchable and self-repairing materials applied to electronic skin
Authors: Li Mei , Miao Chuanqi , Zou Muhua , Guo Jiahu , Wang Hongzhen , Gao Miao , Zhang Haichang , Deng Zhifeng
Published: April 2023

Flexible electronic devices play a key role in the fields of flexible batteries, electronic skins, and flexible displays, which have attracted more and more attention in the past few years. Among them, the application areas of electronic skin in new energy, artificial intelligence, and other high-tech applications are increasing. Semiconductors are an indispensable part of electronic skin components. The design of semiconductor structure not only needs to maintain good carrier mobility, but also considers extensibility and self-healing capability, which is always a challenging work. Though flexible electronic devices are important for our daily life, the research on this topic is quite rare in the past few years. In this work, the recently published work regarding to stretchable semiconductors as well as self-healing conductors are reviewed. In addition, the current shortcomings, future challenges as well as an outlook of this technology are discussed. The final goal is to outline a theoretical framework for the design of high-performance flexible electronic devices that can at the same time address their commercialization challenges.
Rapid detection of Heterobasidion annosum using a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay
Authors: Hong-min Zhou , Jian Yu , Ying Liu , Yuan Yuan , Cui-ping Wu , Yu-cheng Dai , Jia-jia Chen
Published: April 2023

Heterobasidion annosum is one of the most aggressive pathogens of Pinus forests in Europe, causing considerable economic losses. To detect H. annosum for disease diagnosis and control, we developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) reaction with a primer set designed from the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) DNA sequences of H. annosum. In our study, this LAMP assay was found to be capable of efficiently amplifying the target gene within 60 min at 63°C. In specificity tests, H. annosum was positively detected, and other species were negative. The detection limit of this assay was found to be 100 pg·μL-1, and the assay was also successfully tested for use with basidiospore suspensions and wood samples. This study provides a rapid method for diagnosing root and butt rot caused by H. annosum, which will be of use in port surveillance of logs imported from Europe.
Accelerometer-derived physical activity and sedentary time and cardiac biomarkers: The Maastricht Study
Authors: Vandercappellen E. J. , Koster A. , Savelberg H. H. C. M. , Eussen S. J. P. M. , Dagnelie P. C. , Schram M. T. , van Greevenbroek M. M. J. , Wesselius A. , Kooman J. P. , Kroon A. A. , Henry R. M. A. , Stehouwer C. D. A.
Published: April 2023

Background

Cardiac troponins and NT-proBNP are biomarkers of cardiac injury that are used clinically in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction and heart failure. It is not known whether the amount, types and patterns of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour are associated with levels of cardiac biomarkers.

Methods

In the population-based Maastricht Study (n = 2,370, 51.3% male, 28.3% T2D) we determined cardiac biomarkers hs-cTnI, hs-cTnT, and NT-proBNP. PA and sedentary time were measured by activPAL and divided into quartiles [quartile 1 (Q1) served as reference]. The weekly pattern of moderate-to-vigorous PA (insufficiently active; regularly actives; weekend warriors) and coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated. Linear regression analyses were conducted with adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

There was no consistent pattern between physical activity (different intensities: total, light, moderate-to-vigorous and vigorous) and sedentary time on the one hand and hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT on the other. Those with the highest levels of vigorous intensity PA had significantly lower levels of NT-proBNP. With regard to PA patterns, weekend warriors and regularly actives had lower levels of NT-proBNP but not with hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT (reference:insufficiently actives). A higher weekly moderate-to-vigorous PA CV (indicating more irregular activity) was associated with lower levels of hs-cTnI and higher levels of NT-proBNP, but not with hs-cTnT.

Conclusions

In general, there was no consistent association between PA and sedentary time and cardiac troponins. In contrast, vigorous and possibly moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA, especially if done regularly, were associated with lower levels of NT-proBNP.
Efficacy and safety of rituximab for primary membranous nephropathy with different clinical presentations: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Shasha , Huang Jing , Dong Jianwei , Li Zhuo , Sun Mengyao , Sun Yujiao , Chen Bing
Published: April 2023

Background

Rituximab (RTX) is gaining increasing clinical acceptance in the treatment of primary membranous nephropathy (PMN), with demonstrated efficacy and safety. However, there are few clinical studies on RTX for PMN in Asian populations, especially in China.

Methods

To observe and analyse the efficacy and safety of RTX treatment, 81 patients with PMN suffering from nephrotic syndrome (NS) were enrolled and divided into an initial therapy group, a conventional immunosuppressive therapy relapse group, and a conventional immunosuppressive therapy ineffective group according to their pre-RTX treatment background. Patients in each group were followed up for 12 months. The primary outcome was clinical remission at 12 months, and the secondary outcomes were safety and the occurrence of adverse events.

Results

At 12 months, 65 of 81 (80.2%) patients achieved complete (n=21, 25.9%) or partial (n=44, 54.3%) remission after rituximab treatment. Thirty-two of 36 (88.9%) patients in the initial therapy group, 11 of 12 (91.7%) patients in the relapse group and 22 of 33 (66.7%) patients in the ineffective group achieved clinical remission. All 59 patients with positive anti-PLA2R antibodies showed a decreasing trend in antibody levels after RTX treatment, and 55 (93.2%) of them achieved antibody clearance (<20 U/mL). Logistic regression analysis showed that a high anti-PLA2R antibody titer (OR=0.993, P=0.032) was an independent risk factor for nonremission. Adverse events occurred in 18 (22.2%) patients, of which 5 (6.2%) were serious adverse events, and none were malignant or otherwise fatal.

Conclusion

RTX alone can effectively induce remission PMN and maintain stable renal function. It is recommended as the first choice of treatment and is also effective in patients who relapse and have poor responses to conventional immunosuppressive therapy. Anti-PLA2R antibodies can be used as a marker for RTX treatment monitoring, and antibody clearance is necessary to achieve and improve the rates of clinical remission.
The hyperinflammatory spectrum: from defects in cytotoxicity to cytokine control
Authors: Planas Raquel , Felber Matthias , Vavassori Stefano , Pachlopnik Schmid Jana
Published: April 2023

Cytotoxic lymphocytes kill target cells through polarized release of the content of cytotoxic granules towards the target cell. The importance of this cytotoxic pathway in immune regulation is evidenced by the severe and often fatal condition, known as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) that occurs in mice and humans with inborn errors of lymphocyte cytotoxic function. The clinical and preclinical data indicate that the damage seen in severe, virally triggered HLH is due to an overwhelming immune system reaction and not the direct effects of the virus per se. The main HLH-disease mechanism, which links impaired cytotoxicity to excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines is a prolongation of the synapse time between the cytotoxic effector cell and the target cell, which prompts the former to secrete larger amounts of cytokines (including interferon gamma) that activate macrophages. We and others have identified novel genetic HLH spectrum disorders. In the present update, we position these newly reported molecular causes, including CD48-haploinsufficiency and ZNFX1-deficiency, within the pathogenic pathways that lead to HLH. These genetic defects have consequences on the cellular level on a gradient model ranging from impaired lymphocyte cytotoxicity to intrinsic activation of macrophages and virally infected cells. Altogether, it is clear that target cells and macrophages may play an independent role and are not passive bystanders in the pathogenesis of HLH. Understanding these processes which lead to immune dysregulation may pave the way to novel ideas for medical intervention in HLH and virally triggered hypercytokinemia.
Effects of Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum culture on the macrobenthic community
Authors: Hou Wenhao , Wei Xiangtao , Bai Weihao , Zheng Yajuan , Tan Qiyin , Liu Zhaojun , Rong Bowen , Ge Changzi
Published: April 2023

Macrobenthic bioturbation affects the environment, and variances in habitat, such as decreased dissolved oxygen concentration and increased ammonia concentration, affects the macrobenthic community. The relationship between macrobenthos and habitat factors may be a mutually causal relationship. The bottom-sowing culture for Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum in many coastal countries plays an important role in coastal fisheries, and the relationship between Manila clam and other macrobenthos affects the ecological stability of the bottom-sowing culture zone. It is necessary to explore the relationship between them to manage the waters used for the bottom-sowing culture for Manila clam. In this study , from June to October 2021, the field investigation on macrobenthos including Manila clam and their habitat factors, such as particle size, nutrient content, redox potential, and organic matter content, in 21 experimental communities enclosed by bolting-silk net in Shuangdao Bay, Weihai, Shandong, China was conducted, during which macrobenthos functional groups were determined by feed sources and motor behavior. The results showed that Manila clam biomass was 7.215±0.984 g/m2 (calculated by dry soft tissue weight), and it was positively correlated with the biomass of macrobebthos functional groups B1, G1 and P1; water content in sediment; sulfide content in interstitial water; the Shanon-Wiener diversity index; Pielou’s evenness index and the W statistic of the ABC (Abundance-Biomass Comparison) curve (p< 0.05). Moreover, it was negatively correlated with sediment particulate size and HCl-NO3 content in sediment (p< 0.05). The action of Manila clam to habitats was the dominant role of the interaction between clam and habitat. Thus, the bottom-sowing culture for Manila clam does not decrease the macrobenthic community stability, and the invasion of other macrobenthos into the bottom-sowing culture zones for Manila clam may be accidental or inevitable. The results of our study suggest that the management of the bottom-sowing culture for Manila clam should be conducted from ecosystem level; i.e., fishing and aquaculture in the same waters are regarded as two components of an ecosystem; manage them together, rather than treat them separately.
Simultaneous tracking of multiple whales using two fiber-optic cables in the Arctic
Authors: Rørstadbotnen Robin André , Eidsvik Jo , Bouffaut Léa , Landrø Martin , Potter John , Taweesintananon Kittinat , Johansen Ståle , Storevik Frode , Jacobsen Joacim , Schjelderup Olaf , Wienecke Susann , Johansen Tor Arne , Ruud Bent Ole , Wuestefeld Andreas , Oye Volker
Published: April 2023

Climate change is impacting the Arctic faster than anywhere else in the world. As a response, ecosystems are rapidly changing. As a result, we can expect rapid shifts in whale migration and habitat use concurrent with changes in human patterns. In this context, responsible management and conservation requires improved monitoring of whale presence and movement over large ranges, at fine scales and in near-real-time compared to legacy tools. We demonstrate that this could be enabled by Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS). DAS converts an existing fiber optic telecommunication cable into a widespread, densely sampled acoustic sensing array capable of recording low-frequency whale vocalizations. This work proposes and compares two independent methods to estimate whale positions and tracks; a brute-force grid search and a Bayesian filter. The methods are applied to data from two 260 km long, nearly parallel telecommunication cables offshore Svalbard, Norway. First, our two methods are validated using a dedicated active air gun experiment, from which we deduce that the localization errors of both methods are 100 m. Then, using fin whale songs, we demonstrate the methods' capability to estimate the positions and tracks of eight fin whales over a period of five hours along a cable section between 40 and 95 km from the interrogator unit, constrained by increasing noise with range, variability in the coupling of the cable to the sea floor and water depths. The methods produce similar and consistent tracks, where the main difference arises from the Bayesian filter incorporating knowledge of previously estimated locations, inferring information on speed, and heading. This work demonstrates the simultaneous localization of several whales over a 800 km area, with a relatively low infrastructural investment. This approach could promptly inform management and stakeholders of whale presence and movement and be used to mitigate negative human-whale interaction.
An intelligent modeling framework to optimize the spatial layout of ocean moored buoy observing networks
Authors: Liu Shixuan , Song Miaomiao , Chen Shizhe , Fu Xiao , Zheng Shanshan , Hu Wei , Gao Saiyu , Cheng Kaiyu
Published: April 2023

This research is motivated by the practical requirements in the sustainable deployment of ocean moored buoy observing networks. Ocean moored buoys play an important role in the global marine environment monitoring. Ocean buoy station layout planning is a typical multiple-objective spatial optimization problem that aims to reduce the spatial correlation of buoy stations and improve their spatial monitoring efficiency. In this paper, we develop a multi-objective mathematical model for allocating ocean buoy stations (MOLMofOBS) based on Tobler’s first law of geography. A spatial neighborhood model based on a Voronoi diagram is built to represent the spatial proximity of distributed buoy stations and delimit the effective monitoring region of every station. Then, a heuristic method based on a multiple-objective particles swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm is developed to calculate the MOLMofOBS via a dynamic inertia weight strategy. Meanwhile, a series of experiments is conducted to verify the efficiency of the proposed model and algorithms in solving single- and multiple-buoy station location problems. Finally, an interactive portal is developed in the Cyberinfrastructure environment to provide decision-making services for online real-time planning of the ocean buoy station locations. The work reported in this paper will provide spatial decision-making support for the sustainable development of ocean buoy observing networks.
The impact of marine heatwaves on rocky intertidal communities: evidence of accumulative carryover effects of marine heatwaves
Authors: Ishida Ken , Tachibana Michikusa , Yao Yuan , Wada Yoko , Noda Takashi
Published: April 2023

The frequency and duration of marine heat waves (MHWs) have recently increased. There is therefore an urgent need to understand the response of marine organisms to MHWs. However, most estimates of MHW impacts on abundances include the effects of environmental stochasticity other than the MHWs. In addition, although MHWs sometimes persist for year-round or occur repeatedly for shorter periods, the accumulative carryover effects (ACEs)— the effects of sequential events accumulating additively over time— of MHWs on organisms have never been evaluated. Furthermore, the relationship between species niche traits other than thermal niches and susceptibility to MHWs is unknown. We examined the impacts of MHWs in southeastern Hokkaido, northern Japan, in summer from 2010 to 2016 on rocky intertidal communities by distinguishing MHW effects from environmental stochasticity. We asked (1) Did MHWs have ACEs on four major functional groups: macroalgae, sessile invertebrates, herbivorous invertebrates, and carnivorous invertebrates? (2) Does ignoring ACEs lead to biased assessments? (3) How did the effects of the MHWs on functional groups and their subsequent recovery differ? And (4) How does the susceptibility to MHWs differ with species niche (thermal and vertical) traits? We detected ACEs of MHWs and found that if they are ignored, the effects of MHWs can be underestimated. Although MHWs are known to reduce the abundance of macroalgae and increase that of sessile invertebrates in rocky intertidal habitats, our results show that macroalgal abundance increased during and after MHWs, whereas sessile invertebrates showed no change during or after MHWs. The abundance of herbivorous mollusks decreased during and after MHWs. Carnivorous invertebrates declined during MHWs and in the first year after MHWs. During and after MHWs, abundances of species with low thermal niches decreased and those with high thermal niches increased. There were no differences in response to MHWs between vertical niches when accumulative carryover effects were ignored. These results emphasize the importance of considering ACEs when assessing the response of marine organisms to MHWs, and that more studies of these responses are needed for a variety of ecosystems, regions and organisms to predict the responses of marine organisms.
Effectiveness of REAC neuro postural and neuro psycho physical optimization in improving peripheral vasospasm dysfunction: a case report
Authors: Bechelli Fabio
Published: April 2023

This case report discusses an elderly male patient (86 years old), suffering from limb pain related to ulcers in the lower limbs resulting from peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Clinically evaluated with the aid of infrared thermal imaging before, during and after treatment, he was submitted to treatment with neuromodulation protocols with REAC Technology, Neuro Postural Optimization (NPO) and Neuropsychophysical Optimization (NPPO) in association with traditional treatments for PAD. It was followed clinically with the aid of infrared thermal imaging of the lower limbs before, during and after treatment. He had a clinical result with a significant reduction in pain and infrared thermal images with complete revascularization of both feet. Evidencing that the treatment of dysfunctional adaptive responses by managing psychological factors often associated with anxiety, depression and stress performed by the REAC NPO and NPPO protocols can be a useful intervention to improve symptoms of patients with lower limb pain and circulatory disturbances.