bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging ChatGPT and Long Short-Term Memory in Recommender Algorithm for Self-Management of Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Afanasieva Tatiana V. , Platov Pavel V. , Komolov Andrey V. , Kuzlyakin Andrey V.
Published: August 2024

One of the new trends in the development of recommendation algorithms is the dissemination of their capabilities to support the population in managing their health, in particular cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) affect people in their prime years and remain the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and their clinical treatment is expensive and time consuming. At the same time, about 80% of them can be prevented, according to the World Federation of Cardiology. The aim of this study is to develop and investigate a knowledge-based recommender algorithm for the self-management of CVD risk factors in adults at home. The proposed algorithm is based on the original user profile, which includes a predictive assessment of the presence of CVD. To obtain a predictive score for CVD presence, AutoML and LSTM models were studied on the Kaggle dataset, and it was shown that the LSTM model, with an accuracy of 0.88, outperformed the AutoML model. The algorithm recommendations generated contain items of three types: targeted, informational, and explanatory. For the first time, large language models, namely ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4, and ChatGPT-4.o, were leveraged and studied in creating explanations of the recommendations. The experiments show the following: (1) In explaining recommendations, ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4, and ChatGPT-4.o demonstrate a high accuracy of 71% to 91% and coherence with modern official guidelines of 84% to 92%. (2) The safety properties of ChatGPT-generated explanations estimated by doctors received the highest score of almost 100%. (3) On average, the stability and correctness of the GPT-4.o responses were more acceptable than those of other models for creating explanations. (4) The degree of user satisfaction with the recommendations obtained using the proposed algorithm was 88%, and the rating of the usefulness of the recommendations was 92%.
Thermodynamic Considerations on the Biophysical Interaction between Low-Energy Electromagnetic Fields and Biosystems
Authors: Lucia Umberto , Grisolia Giulia
Published: August 2024

A general theory explaining how electromagnetic waves affect cells and biological systems has not been completely accepted yet; nevertheless, extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) can interfere with and modify several molecular cellular processes. The therapeutic effect of EMFs has been investigated in several clinical conditions with promising results: in this context a better understanding of mechanisms by which ELF-EMF influences cellular events is necessary and it could lead to more extended and specific clinical applications in different pathological conditions. This paper develops a thermodynamic model to explain how ELF-EMF directly interferes with the cellular membrane, inducing a biological response related to a cellular energy conversion and modification of flows across cell membranes. Indeed, energy, irreversibly consumed by cellular metabolism, is converted into entropy variation. The proposed thermodynamic model views living systems as adaptative open systems, analysing the changes in energy and matter moving in and out of the cell.
Removal of Heavy Metals from Wastewaters and Other Aqueous Streams by Pressure-Driven Membrane Technologies: An Outlook on Reverse Osmosis, Nanofiltration, Ultrafiltration and Microfiltration Potential from a Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Castro Katherinne , Abejón Ricardo
Published: August 2024

A bibliometric study to analyze the scientific documents released until 2024 in the database Scopus related to the use of pressure-driven membrane technologies (microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis) for heavy metal removal was conducted. The work aimed to assess the primary quantitative attributes of the research in this field during the specified period. A total of 2205 documents were identified, and the corresponding analysis indicated an exponential growth in the number of publications over time. The contribution of the three most productive countries (China, India and USA) accounts for more than 47.1% of the total number of publications, with Chinese institutions appearing as the most productive ones. Environmental Science was the most frequent knowledge category (51.9% contribution), followed by Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. The relative frequency of the keywords and a complete bibliometric network analysis allowed the conclusion that the low-pressure technologies (microfiltration and ultrafiltration) have been more deeply investigated than the high-pressure technologies (nanofiltration and reverse osmosis). Although porous low-pressure membranes are not adequate for the removal of dissolved heavy metals in ionic forms, the incorporation of embedded adsorbents within the membrane structure and the use of auxiliary chemicals to form metallic complexes or micelles that can be retained by this type of membrane are promising approaches. High-pressure membranes can achieve rejection percentages above 90% (99% in the case of reverse osmosis), but they imply lower permeate productivity and higher costs due to the required pressure gradients.
Comparison of Adiposomal Lipids between Obese and Non-Obese Individuals
Authors: Hussein Mohamed , Mirza Imaduddin , Morsy Mohammed , Mostafa Amro , Hassan Chandra , Masrur Mario , Bianco Francesco M. , Papasani Subbaiah , Levitan Irena , Mahmoud Abeer M.
Published: August 2024

Our recent findings revealed that human adipose tissues (AT)-derived extracellular vesicles (adiposomes) vary in cargo among obese and lean individuals. The main objective of this study was to investigate the adiposomal lipid profiles and their correlation with cardiometabolic risk factors. AT samples were collected from obese subjects and lean controls and analyzed for their characteristics and lipid content. In addition, we measured the correlation between adiposomal lipid profiles and body composition, glucose and lipid metabolic profiles, brachial artery vasoreactivity, AT arteriolar flow-induced dilation, and circulating markers such as IL-6, C-reactive protein, and nitric oxide (NO). Compared to lean controls, adiposomes isolated from obese subjects were higher in number after normalization to AT volume. The two major lipid classes differentially expressed were lysophosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylcholine (LPC/PC) and ceramides (Cer). All lipids in the LPC/PC class were several-fold lower in adiposomes from obese subjects compared to lean controls, on top of which were PC 18:2, PC 18:1, and PC 36:3. Most ceramides were markedly upregulated in the obese group, especially Cer d37:0, Cer d18:0, and Cer d39:0. Regression analyses revealed associations between adiposomal lipid profiles and several cardiometabolic risk factors such as body mass index (BMI), fat percentage, insulin resistance, arteriolar and brachial artery vasoreactivity, NO bioavailability, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C). We conclude that the ability of adiposomes from obese subjects to disrupt cardiometabolic function could be partly attributed to the dysregulated lipid cargo.
Dermatophytosis in Companion Animals in Portugal: A Comprehensive Epidemiological Retrospective Study of 12 Years (2012–2023)
Authors: Lopes Ricardo , Garcês Andreia , Silva Augusto , Brilhante-Simões Paula , Martins Ângela , Cardoso Luís , Duarte Elsa Leclerc , Coelho Ana Cláudia
Published: August 2024

Dermatophytosis, commonly referred to as ringworm, is a common superficial fungal infection in companion animals and humans. Between 2012 and 2023, plucked hair and scraped scale samples from domestic dogs and cats with clinical suspicion of dermatophytosis were collected from 355 veterinary medical centres across mainland Portugal. A total of 4716 animal samples were inoculated onto DERM agar, incubated at 25 °C for up to 4 weeks, and periodically examined macro- and micro-scopically to observe and evaluate fungal growth. Of these, 271 samples were removed due to contaminant fungi. Of the 568 positive cultures, the highest number were from the North (48.1%; 95% CI: 44.0–52.2%) and Centre (32.4%; 95% CI: 28.7–36.4%) regions. Microsporum canis was the most frequently isolated species (63.9%), followed by Trichophyton spp. (20.3%) and Nannizia gypsea (formerly Microsporum gypseum) (8.1%). Felines exhibited a higher frequency (17.4%) compared with dogs (9.1%) (p < 0.001). In dogs, the Yorkshire Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Dalmatian and Miniature Schnauzer demonstrated a significant predisposition to dermatophytosis (p < 0.05). In cats, the Persian and Scottish Fold breeds were significantly predisposed (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between sexes (p > 0.05). These findings underscore dermatophytosis as an increasing public health concern due to its zoonotic and contagious nature, providing comprehensive insights into the epidemiology of dermatophytosis in Portugal.
Dynamics of Cellulose Degradation by Soil Microorganisms from Two Contrasting Soil Types
Authors: Gladkov Grigory V. , Kimeklis Anastasiia K. , Orlova Olga V. , Lisina Tatiana O. , Kichko Arina A. , Bezlepsky Alexander D. , Andronov Evgeny E.
Published: August 2024

The search for active cellulolytic consortia among soil microorganisms is of significant applied interest, but the dynamics of the formation of such communities remain insufficiently studied. To gain insight into the formation of an active cellulolytic community, the experiment was designed to examine the colonization of a sterile substrate (cellulose) by microorganisms from two soil types: sod-podzolic and chernozem. To achieve this, the substrate was placed in the soil and incubated for six months. To assess microbiome dynamics, the experiment employed sequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragment and ITS2 amplicon libraries at four time points. It was demonstrated that, from the second month of the experiment, the prokaryotic component of the communities reached a state of stability, with a community composition specific to each soil type. The results demonstrated no relationship between changes in community diversity and soil respiration. There also was no significant shift in the community diversity throughout the chronosequence. Furthermore, the taxonomic composition of the community shifted towards a decrease in the proportion of Pseudomonadota and an increase in representatives of the Bacteroidota, Bacillota, and Verrucomicrobiota phyla. The network analysis of the community demonstrated that, in contrast to sod-podzolic soil, chernozem is distinguished by a higher modularity, with the formation of taxon-specific groups of microorganisms at each stage of the chronoseries. These differences are attributed to the alterations in the eukaryotic component of the community, particularly in the prevalence of nematodes and predatory fungi, which in turn influenced the cellulolytic community.
MIL-Derived Hollow Tubulous-Shaped In2O3/ZnIn2S4 Z-Scheme Heterojunction for Efficient Antibacterial Performance via In Situ Composite
Authors: Duan Jiao , Zhang Hui , Zhang Jie , Sun Mengmeng , Duan Jizhou
Published: August 2024

In this study, a hollow tubulous-shaped In2O3 derived from MIL (MIL-68 (In)) exhibited an enhanced specific surface area compared to MIL. To further sensitize In2O3, ZnIn2S4 was grown in situ on the derived In2O3. The 40In2O3/ZnIn2S4 composite (1 mmol ZnIn2S4 loaded on 40 mg In2O3) exhibited degradation rates of methyl orange (MO) under visible light (80 mW·cm−2, 150 min) that were 17.9 and 1.4 times higher than those of the pure In2O3 and ZnIn2S4, respectively. Moreover, the 40In2O3/ZnIn2S4 exhibited an obviously improved antibacterial performance against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with an antibacterial rate of 99.8% after visible light irradiation of 80 mW cm−2 for 420 min. The 40In2O3/ZnIn2S4 composite showed the highest photocurrent density, indicating an enhanced separation of photogenerated charge carriers. Electron spin resonance results indicated that the 40In2O3/ZnIn2S4 composite generated both ·O2− and ·OH radicals under visible light, whereas ·OH radicals were almost not detected in ZnIn2S4 alone, suggesting the presence of a Z-scheme heterojunction between In2O3 and ZnIn2S4, thereby enhancing the degradation and antibacterial capabilities of the composite. This offers fresh perspectives on designing effective photocatalytic materials for use in antibacterial and antifouling applications.
In Situ, Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon Derived from Mixed Biomass as Ultra-High-Performance Supercapacitor
Authors: Bai Yuqiao , Wang Qizhao , Wang Jieni , Zhang Shuqin , Wei Chenlin , Cao Leichang , Zhang Shicheng
Published: August 2024

How to address the destruction of the porous structure caused by elemental doping in biochar derived from biomass is still challenging. In this work, the in-situ nitrogen-doped porous carbons (ABPCs) were synthesized for supercapacitor electrode applications through pre-carbonization and activation processes using nitrogen-rich pigskin and broccoli. Detailed characterization of ABPCs revealed that the best simple ABPC-4 exhibited a super high specific surface area (3030.2–3147.0 m2 g−1) and plentiful nitrogen (1.35–2.38 wt%) and oxygen content (10.08–15.35 wt%), which provided more active sites and improved the conductivity and electrochemical activity of the material. Remarkably, ABPC-4 showed an outstanding specific capacitance of 473.03 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. After 10,000 cycles, its capacitance retention decreased by only 4.92% at a current density of 10 A g−1 in 6 M KOH. The assembled symmetric supercapacitor ABPC-4//ABPC-4 achieved a power density of 161.85 W kg−1 at the maximum energy density of 17.51 Wh kg−1 and maintained an energy density of 6.71 Wh kg−1 when the power density increased to 3221.13 W kg−1. This study provides a mixed doping approach to achieve multi-element doping, offering a promising way to apply supercapacitors using mixed biomass.
Enhancing Slurry Stability and Surface Flatness of Silicon Wafers through Organic Amine-Catalyzed Synthesis Silica Sol
Authors: Xing Yi , Wang Weilei , Liu Weili , Song Zhitang
Published: August 2024

The stability of slurries used for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) is a crucial concern in industrial chip production, influencing both the quality and cost-effectiveness of polishing fluids. In silicon wafer polishing, the conventional use of commercial neutral silica sol combined with organic bases often leads to slurry instability. To address this issue, this study proposes organic amines—specifically ethanolamine (MEA), ethylenediamine (EDA), and tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH)—as catalysts for synthesizing alkaline silica sol tailored for silicon wafer polishing fluids. Sol–gel experiments and zeta potential measurements demonstrate the efficacy of this approach in enhancing the stability of silica sol. The quantitative analysis of surface hydroxyl groups reveals a direct correlation between enhanced stability and increased hydroxyl content. The application of the alkaline silica sol in silicon wafer polishing fluids improves polishing rates and enhances surface flatness according to atomic force microscopy (AFM). In addition, electrochemical experiments validate the capability of this polishing solution to mitigate corrosion on silicon wafer surfaces. These findings hold significant implications for the advancement of chemical mechanical polishing techniques in the field of integrated circuit fabrication.
Synthesis of Highly Porous Lignin-Sulfonate Sulfur-Doped Carbon for Efficient Adsorption of Sodium Diclofenac and Synthetic Effluents
Authors: dos Reis Glaydson S. , Conrad Sarah , Lima Eder C. , Naushad Mu. , Manavalan Gopinathan , Gentili Francesco G. , Dotto Guilherme Luiz , Grimm Alejandro
Published: August 2024

Herein, a novel sulfur-doped carbon material has been synthesized via a facile and sustainable single-step pyrolysis method using lignin-sulfonate (LS), a by-product of the sulfite pulping process, as a novel carbon precursor and zinc chloride as a chemical activator. The sulfur doping process had a remarkable impact on the LS-sulfur carbon structure. Moreover, it was found that sulfur doping also had an important impact on sodium diclofenac removal from aqueous solutions due to the introduction of S-functionalities on the carbon material’s surface. The doping process effectively increased the carbon specific surface area (SSA), i.e., 1758 m2 g−1 for the sulfur-doped and 753 m2 g−1 for the non-doped carbon. The sulfur-doped carbon exhibited more sulfur states/functionalities than the non-doped, highlighting the successful chemical modification of the material. As a result, the adsorptive performance of the sulfur-doped carbon was remarkably improved. Diclofenac adsorption experiments indicated that the kinetics was better described by the Avrami fractional order model, while the equilibrium studies indicated that the Liu model gave the best fit. The kinetics was much faster for the sulfur-doped carbon, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 301.6 mg g−1 for non-doped and 473.8 mg g−1 for the sulfur-doped carbon. The overall adsorption seems to be a contribution of multiple mechanisms, such as pore filling and electrostatic interaction. When tested to treat lab-made effluents, the samples presented excellent performance.
The Development of a Chocolate-Based Chewable Tablet of Prednisolone—Enhancing the Palatability of Steroids for Pediatric Use
Authors: Yoo Okhee , Tang Edith , Hossain Md Lokman , von Ungern-Sternberg Britta S. , Sommerfield David , Heath Chloe , Hauser Neil , Khan R. Nazim , Locher Cornelia , Nguyen Minh , Lim Lee Yong
Published: August 2024

Oral liquid prednisolone medications have poor acceptance among paediatric patients due to ineffective masking of the bitterness taste of prednisolone. This study aimed to develop a child-friendly prednisolone tablet using a patented chewable chocolate-based delivery system (CDS) previously applied successfully to mask the bitterness tastes of midazolam and tramadol. Prednisolone sodium phosphate (PSP) and prednisolone base (PB) CDS tablets were prepared, and the manufacturing process was optimised using a design of experiments (DoE) approach. Stability was assessed by quantifying residual drug content via a validated HPLC assay. A pilot randomised crossover taste study involving 25 young adult volunteers evaluated taste-masking effectiveness against Redipred™, a commercial oral PSP liquid medicine. The results showed that the PSP CDS tablet was chemically stable following storage for three months at ambient temperature, while the PB CDS tablet was unstable. The optimised PSP CDS tablet, manufactured at 50 °C with a stirring time of 26 h, was found to release over 80% of its drug load within 20 min in 0.1 M HCl and had a significantly better mean taste score compared to Redipred™ (7.08 ± 2.40 vs. 5.60 ± 2.33, p = 0.03). Fifty six percent of the participants preferred the PSP CDS tablet. In conclusion, compared to Redipred™, the CDS technology provided a more effective taste masking of PSP, potentially offering a child-friendly prednisolone formulation with improved compliance, dosing accuracy, and storage stability.
Solubilization of Paclitaxel with Natural Compound Rubusoside toward Improving Oral Bioavailability in a Rodent Model
Authors: Zhang Jian , Shu Jicheng , Stout Rhett W. , Russo Paul S. , Liu Zhijun
Published: August 2024

Paclitaxel, which features low water solubility and permeability, is an efflux pump substrate. The current paclitaxel drugs are given intravenously after resolving the solubility issue. Yet, oral delivery to achieve therapeutic bioavailability is not effective due to low absorption. This study evaluated a natural compound, rubusoside, to improve oral bioavailability in an animal model. Free paclitaxel molecules were processed into nano-micelles formed in water with rubusoside. The particle size of the nano-micelles in water was determined using dynamic light scattering. The oral bioavailability of paclitaxel in nano-micelles was determined against Cremophor/alcohol-solubilized Taxol after oral and intravenous administration to pre-cannulated Sprague Dawley rats. When loaded into the rubusoside-formed nano-micelles, paclitaxel reached a supersaturated concentration of 6 mg/mL, 60,000-fold over its intrinsic saturation of 0.1 µg/mL. The mean particle size was 4.7 ± 0.7 nm in diameter. Compared with Taxol®, maximum blood concentration was increased by 1.5-fold; the time to reach maximum concentration shortened to 0.8 h from 1.7 h; and, relative oral bioavailability increased by 88%. Absolute oral bioavailability was 1.7% and 1.3% for the paclitaxel nano-micelles and Taxol®, respectively. Solubilizing paclitaxel with rubusoside was successful, but oral bioavailability remained low. Further inhibition of the efflux pump and/or first metabolism may allow more oral paclitaxel to enter systemic circulation.
Curcumin Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Oxidative Stress and Increases Survival in Mice
Authors: Arruda Felipe S. , Tomé Fernanda D. , Milhomem Anália C. , Franco Pablo I. R. , Justino Allisson B. , Franco Rodrigo R. , Campos Erica C. , Espindola Foued S. , Soave Danilo F. , Celes Mara Rubia N.
Published: August 2024

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent used to treat multiple types of cancer, but its clinical application is limited by cardiotoxicity, mainly due to oxidative stress. Curcumin (CUR) is a natural polyphenolic compound with strong antioxidant properties, but its potential protective effects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity need further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate CUR’s efficacy in mitigating DOX-induced oxidative stress in the hearts of BALB/c mice. Mice received a DOX dose of 9 mg/kg or 16 mg/kg; half of the mice received daily doses of 100 mg/kg CUR for 15 days. Survival analysis, histopathological examination, and oxidative stress markers were assessed to determine the cardioprotective effects of CUR. Results showed that CUR significantly reduced oxidative damage and improved survival rates, particularly at the lower DOX dose (9 mg/kg). Mice treated with DOX-9 mg/kg plus CUR showed improved health conditions and reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, sulfhydryl production, and protein carbonylation. Histopathological analysis confirmed reduced cardiac tissue damage. In conclusion, CUR combined with a lower dose of DOX effectively reduces oxidative stress and cardiac injury, enhancing survival in BALB/c mice. These findings suggest that CUR is a promising adjunct therapy to mitigate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, potentially improving the DOX therapeutic index in cancer treatment.
Spatial Pattern of Living Woody and Coarse Woody Debris in Warm-Temperate Broad-Leaved Secondary Forest in North China
Authors: Ma Fang , Wang Shunzhong , Sang Weiguo , Ma Keming
Published: August 2024

The investigation into the spatial distribution of living woody (LWD) and coarse woody debris (CWD) within forests represents a fundamental methodology for probing the inherent mechanisms governing coexistence and mortality within forest ecosystems. Here, a complete spatial randomness (CSR) null model was employed to scrutinize the spatial pattern, while canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and the Torus-translation test (TTT) were utilized to elucidate the distribution patterns of LWD and CWD within warm-temperate deciduous broadleaf secondary forests in Dongling Mountains plot, northern China. The results reveal that both LWD and CWD exhibit an aggregated distribution as the predominant pattern in the Dongling Mountains plot, with the proportion and intensity of aggregation diminishing as spatial scale increases. Specifically, the aggregation intensity g0–10 demonstrates a significant negative correlation with abundance and maximum diameter at breast height (DBH). Notably, the g0–10 of LWD manifests a stronger correlation with the maximum DBH, whereas the g0–10 of CWD exhibits a greater association with the mortality rate. CCA outcomes suggest that elevation, convexity, and aspect significantly impact LWD distribution, whereas CWD distribution shows substantial negative correlations with elevation, convexity, slope, and aspect. TTT findings indicate that ecosystems characterized by a substantial presence of LWD also display a notable prevalence of CWD. Additionally, the majority of species exhibit no habitat preference, displaying neutral habitat connections and low ecological niche differentiation within the sampled plot.
Effect of the Addition of PLA on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Reprocessed HDPE
Authors: Estrada-Monje Anayansi , Silva-Goujon Miroslava Alejandra , Rodríguez-Sánchez Isis , Conejo-Dávila Alain Salvador , Piñón-Balderrama Claudia Ivone , Zaragoza-Estrada Anayansi , Baldenegro-Pérez Leonardo Aurelio , Zaragoza-Contreras Erasto Armando
Published: August 2024

Amid the current environmental crisis caused by plastic accumulation, one of the proposed solutions to manage this problem is using biodegradable polymers. However, the impact of adding biodegradable polymers to the well-established circular economy of recyclable polymers, such as HDPE, has not been fully considered. Therefore, there is a need to reconsider the way we consume, dispose of, and manage biodegradable polymers after use. This study evaluates the effect of varying the contents of a biodegradable polymer, taking poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a model biodegradable polymer, on the thermal and mechanical properties of HDPE. The study highlights the importance of identifying and disposing of biodegradable polymers to avoid mixtures with HDPE, in order not to affect mechanical performance when considering reprocessing and a new life cycle of this conventional polymer.
Residue from Passion Fruit Processing Industry: Application of Mathematical Drying Models for Seeds
Authors: Cavalcanti-Mata Mario Eduardo R. M. , Duarte Maria Elita Martins , Mendes Francisco de Assis , Leite Filho Manoel Tolentino , Almeida Rafaela Duarte , Cavalcanti Anna Sylvia R. R. M. , Almeida Renata Duarte
Published: August 2024

The objective of this research was to study the drying kinetics of passion fruit seeds, a byproduct of the industrial processing of passion fruit with the potential to elaborate food products such as oil and flour. After drying, the seeds were directed for cold press oil extraction, and the quantification of fatty acids was performed. Following the oil extraction, the residues underwent a grinding process to produce flour, which was characterized in terms of its nutritional aspects. The drying process was conducted using an experimental forced convection dryer with controlled temperatures of 40, 50, 60, and 70 °C, and a drying air velocity of 1.5 m s−1. This work introduced a novel approach using mathematical models, all derived from Fick’s equation. For each model, the activation energy and thermodynamic properties related to the drying procedure were determined. Fatty acids in the oils and physicochemical characteristics of the defatted residue’s flour were also analyzed. The Cavalcanti Mata, Henderson and Pabis, and Page models modified by Cavalcanti Mata were found to best fit the experimental data. The highest proportions of unsaturated fatty acids in passion fruit oil were linoleic acid (Omega-6) at 68.8% and oleic acid (Omega-9) at 16.1%. The predominant saturated fatty acid was palmitic acid at 10.61%, with no significant differences observed in relation to the drying temperatures. It can be concluded that the composition of the flour from the residue of passion fruit grain oil extraction varies in terms of crude fiber content, ranging from 56.36% to 58.8%, and protein content, ranging from 15.6% to 18.26%, with significant differences observed concerning the drying temperatures. The lipid content varied from 13.5% to 13.76%, with no significant differences observed across the evaluated drying temperature variations.
Predicting Petroleum SARA Composition from Density, Sulfur Content, Flash Point, and Simulated Distillation Data Using Regression and Artificial Neural Network Techniques
Authors: Shiskova Ivelina , Stratiev Dicho , Sotirov Sotir , Sotirova Evdokia , Dinkov Rosen , Kolev Iliyan , Stratiev Denis D. , Nenov Svetoslav , Ribagin Simeon , Atanassov Krassimir , Yordanov Dobromir , van den Berg Frans
Published: August 2024

The saturate, aromatic, resin, and asphaltene content in petroleum (SARA composition) provides valuable information about the chemical nature of oils, oil compatibility, colloidal stability, fouling potential, and other important aspects in petroleum chemistry and processing. For that reason, SARA composition data are important for petroleum engineering research and practice. Unfortunately, the results of SARA composition measurements reported by diverse laboratories are frequently very dissimilar and the development of a method to assign SARA composition from oil bulk properties is a question that deserves attention. Petroleum fluids with great variability of SARA composition were employed in this study to model their SARA fraction contents from their density, flash point, sulfur content, and simulated distillation characteristics. Three data mining techniques: intercriteria analysis, regression, and artificial neural networks (ANNs) were applied. It was found that the ANN models predicted with higher accuracy the contents of resins and asphaltenes, whereas the non-linear regression model predicted most accurately the saturate fraction content but with an accuracy that was lower than that reported in the literature regarding uncertainty of measurement. The aromatic content was poorly predicted by all investigated techniques, although the prediction of aromatic content was within the uncertainty of measurement. The performed study suggests that as well as the investigated properties, additional characteristics need to be explored to account for complex petroleum chemistry in order to improve the accuracy of SARA composition prognosis.
Integration of Slurry–Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence and Machine Learning for Monitoring Arsenic and Lead Contamination: Case Study in Itata Valley Agricultural Soils, Chile
Authors: Medina-González Guillermo , Medina Yelena , Muñoz Enrique , Andrade Paola , Cruz Jordi , Rodriguez-Gallo Yakdiel , Matus-Bello Alison
Published: August 2024

The accuracy of determining arsenic and lead using the optical technique Slurry–Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (Slurry-TXRF) was significantly enhanced through the application of a machine learning method, aimed at improving the ecological risk assessment of agricultural soils. The overlapping of the arsenic Kα signal at 10.55 keV with the lead Lα signal at 10.54 keV due to the relatively low resolution of TXRF could compromise the determination of lead. However, by applying a Partial Least Squares (PLS) machine learning algorithm, we mitigated interference variations, resulting in improved selectivity and accuracy. Specifically, the average percentage error was reduced from 15.6% to 9.4% for arsenic (RMSEP improved from 5.6 mg kg−1 to 3.3 mg kg−1) and from 18.9% to 6.8% for lead (RMSEP improved from 12.3 mg kg−1 to 5.03 mg kg−1) compared to the previous univariable model. This enhanced predictive accuracy, within the set of samples concentration range, is attributable to the efficiency of the multivariate calibration first-order advantage in quantifying the presence of interferents. The evaluation of X-ray fluorescence emission signals for 26 different synthetic calibration mixtures confirmed these improvements, overcoming spectral interferences. Additionally, the application of these models enabled the quantification of arsenic and lead in soils from a viticultural subregion of Chile, facilitating the estimation of ecological risk indices in a fast and reliable manner. The results indicate that the contamination level of these soils with arsenic and lead ranges from moderate to considerable.
Regional Grid Power Supply Radius Planning—A Sensitivity Constraint-Based Approach
Authors: Yu You , Tian Jingfu , Li Tao , Sun Zhenting , Ci Jianbin , Li Jinming , Lai Zengqiang , Yao Zhenji , Mo Jingshan
Published: August 2024

This paper addresses the correlation between the coverage of regional power grid supply and the sensitivity of line backup protection. Through a theoretical analysis of the calculation method for line backup protection sensitivity in power grids, and in accordance with grid regulations, this paper proposes a planning method for the supply range of power grid lines that meets sensitivity constraints. And the reliability of this method in calculating and evaluating the optimal power supply radius of lines is verified by taking the example of an actual 66 kV grid in a region. This method can be used to optimise network structure, improve the reliability and economy of the grid, and guide the planning and construction of regional grids.
Religion, Age, and Sexuality: An Empirical Approach to the Regulation of Female Sexuality through Dress among Indonesian Muslims
Authors: Shin Jiwon
Published: August 2024

This study investigated how religious factors exert social pressure to discipline female bodies through hijab practices in Indonesia. This study identified relationships among factors, such as religiosity, individuals’ involvement with religious communities, subjective norms regarding the hijab practice, and the regulation of sexuality. This study found that religious factors positively influence subjective norms which reinforce the regulation of sexuality. Although recent studies have underscored the role of the hijab as a tool for expressing Muslim identity and as a means for Muslim women to construct modernity, the results of this study reveal that the disciplinary function of the hijab still seems to have a greater impact. A group analysis reveals differences in the influence of religious factors on subjective norms. While religiosity has a larger impact among adolescents than their involvement with religious communities, this impact is insignificant in the age group of 20s and 30s. The varying effects of religious factors among different age groups imply that religious values rather than involvement with religious communities have a much greater impact on the construction of subjective norms among adolescents while the role of religion in socialization might be enhanced as individuals get older.
Analyzing Spatial–Temporal Patterns and Driving Mechanisms of Ecological Resilience Using the Driving Force–Pressure–State–Influence–Response and Environment–Economy–Society Model: A Case Study of 280 Cities in China
Authors: Yuan Xiaoling , Liu Rang , Huang Tao
Published: August 2024

Unveiling the spatial and temporal distribution of urban ecological resilience and analyzing the configuration paths for enhancing its levels are crucial for promoting sustainable development in China. Our study integrates the DPSIR and EES models, considering the causal relationships between systems affecting urban ecological resilience while also examining their internal structures. Based on this, we construct an evaluation system for urban ecological resilience indicators. Utilizing the entropy-TOPSIS method, we assess the ecological resilience index (ERI) across 280 Chinese cities from 2011 to 2021, and the kernel density estimation and Markov chain are used to study the evolution process while the magnitude and source of spatial–regional differences are examined by the Dagum Gini coefficient decomposition method. Additionally, we empirically investigate the driving mechanisms toward high ERI with the focused stepwise quantitative case analysis (fsQCA) method based on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework. The results find that the ERI in China shows a tendency of moderate growth in variability, with an obvious gradient distribution: higher levels in the eastern and southern and lower levels in the western and northern regions. Also, ERI exhibits evolutionary features of increasing polarization and inter-regional differentiation. Spatial disparities gradually increase with fluctuations, driven primarily by transvariation density and intra-regional differences, contributing to a dual non-equilibrium state of east–west and north–south directions. Achieving a high ERI is influenced by various antecedent variables interacting with each other, and there are three predominant driving paths among these variables, with the level of informatization playing a central role in each pathway.
How to Effectively Promote Vaccination during Public Health Emergencies: Through Inter-Organizational Interaction
Authors: Song Yuwei , Ma Ruining , Lian Chenxi , Guo Yanan , An Shi
Published: August 2024

Vaccination is the key to interrupting the transmission of viruses, reducing public health losses, and improving the efficiency of public health emergency management. The implementation of vaccination requires communication between the government and the public, and the participation of multiple subjects. Strengthening the coordination of multiple subjects in the process of vaccination can improve the vaccination rate and broaden its scope. Therefore, from the perspective of inter-organizational interaction, a public health emergency vaccination game model based on health management departments, vaccinologists, and the public was constructed in this study. With the objective of improving the effectiveness of vaccination, the influential factors in a public health emergency vaccination game system and game subjects’ strategy selection were explored using a numerical simulation analysis. The research results showed that the range of vaccination, the diversification of vaccination information release, the level of emergency coordination between health management departments and vaccinologists, and the public’s awareness of emergency protection can all effectively promote vaccination. Among them, the effects of vaccination range (δ) and the diversification of vaccination information release (φ) on game subjects’ strategy selection fluctuated, but did not affect the overall trend. Both the level of emergency collaboration (θ) and public safety awareness (ε) can enhance the initiative of game subjects to participate in vaccination. When the stable strategy combination formed by the game system are positive promotion strategy, active guidance strategy and active vaccination strategy, the convergence rate of health management departments and vaccinologists to form a stable strategy is greater than that of the public. Further, the implications of promoting the effective implementation of vaccination are put forward via improving the vaccination strategy, strengthening vaccination collaboration, mobilizing the enthusiasm of vaccinologists, and enhancing the initiative of the public.
Network Ambidextrous Capabilities, Routine Replication, and Opportunity Iteration of Digital Startups—Evidence from China
Authors: Yu Xu , Jiang Fang , Luo Junmei
Published: August 2024

Amid the rapid advancement of digital technology, a surge of digital startups has emerged, intensifying competitive pressures that pose significant challenges to the growth and survival of these enterprises in China. This study constructs a theoretical model based on optimal distinction theory and upper echelon theory, incorporating network ambidextrous capabilities (network exploitation and network exploration), routine replication (general routines replication and flexible routines replication), digital leadership, and opportunity iteration. Utilizing data collected from surveys distributed to 372 digital startups in China and employing hierarchical regression analysis, we investigate the impact and scope of network ambidextrous capabilities on opportunity iteration. The results indicate that both network exploitation and network exploration capability positively influence opportunity iteration. General routines replication partially mediates the relationship between network exploitation capability and opportunity iteration, while flexible routines replication partially mediates the relationship between network exploration capability and opportunity iteration. Furthermore, digital leadership positively moderates the mediating effect of general routines replication on the relationship between network exploitation capability and opportunity iteration, as well as the mediating effect of flexible routines replication on the relationship between network exploration capability and opportunity iteration, demonstrating moderated mediation effects. This study enhances the understanding of opportunity iteration and offers new insights and solutions for digital startups to adapt to opportunities in response to environmental changes.
Slow Body MHD Waves in Inhomogeneous Photospheric Waveguides
Authors: Ballai Istvan , Asiri Fisal , Fedun Viktor , Verth Gary , Forgács-Dajka Emese , Albidah Abdulrahman B.
Published: August 2024

The present study deals with the investigation of the oscillatory morphology of guided slow body MHD modes in inhomogeneous magnetic waveguides that appear in the solar photospheric plasmas in the forms of pores or sunspots. The eigenvalues and eigenfunctions related to these waves in an isothermal plasma are obtained numerically by solving a Sturm-Liouville problem with Dirichlet boundary conditions set at the boundary of the waveguide. Our results show that the inhomogeneities in density (pressure) and magnetic field have a strong influence on the morphology of waves, and higher-order more are sensitive to the presence of inhomogeneity. Our results suggest that he identification of modes just by a simple visual inspection can lead to a misinterpretation of the nature of modes.
Psychological Security of Urban Dwellers and the Subject–Spatial Environment of the City
Authors: Zotova Olga , Tarasova Lyudmila
Published: August 2024

The physical and spatial environment of a city is closely related to the general well-being of residents and their psychological security. The study aimed to examine the relationship between the physical and spatial urban environment and psychological security of its residents. The sampling consisted of 272 Yekaterinburg residents (Russia) aged 20–70. Psychological security was evaluated through the Urbanites Psychological Security Scale proposed by O.Yu. Zotova and L.V. Tarasova. A questionnaire was employed to identify objective factors in the urban environment. The findings indicate that the period when city dwellers perceive the urban environment as most reliable is between 20 and 45 years, with women evaluating relationships in the city as more trustworthy. The residents whose length of residence in the city is 10–40 years rated the comfort of the urban environment the most highly. Individuals who have resided in various urban areas report a heightened sense of control over their environment, awareness of their surroundings, and environmental competence. As the size of their living space per person expands, their assessment of the dependability of social relationships within their urban environment becomes more favorable, and the intensity of their interaction with the environment is associated with an enhanced sense of psychological security in urban environments.
Enhancing Laying Hens’ Performance, Egg Quality, Shelf Life during Storage, and Blood Biochemistry with Spirulina platensis Supplementation
Authors: Salahuddin Md , Abdel-Wareth Ahmed A. A. , Stamps Kayla G. , Gray Cassandra D. , Aviña Adrian M. W. , Fulzele Sadanand , Lohakare Jayant
Published: August 2024

Enhancing the sustainability of chicken farming involves improving health and productivity and product qualities. This study explores the influence of Spirulina platensis (SP) supplementation on the productivity, egg quality, shelf life during storage, and blood biochemistry of laying hens. A total of 192 thirty-nine-week-old White Leghorn hens were randomly divided into 4 dietary groups: a control group and 3 treatment groups receiving 2.5 g/kg, 5 g/kg, or 10 g/kg of SP, respectively. The study was conducted for six weeks with measuring feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg production, egg quality, shelf life, and blood biochemistry. The results demonstrated significant enhancements in egg weight (p < 0.05) and egg mass (p < 0.05) in the treatment of SP groups. The SP treated hens showed significant improvements in yolk color (p < 0.05) and Haugh unit scores (p < 0.05). The SP supplementation showed a hepatoprotective effect, as indicated by significant reduction in Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.05) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p < 0.05) levels; however, increases in total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were observed. Furthermore, the egg quality of stored eggs for 21 days linearly increased with increments in the SP levels. In conclusion, it can be speculated that adding SP at 2.5 g/kg and 5 g/kg can significantly improve the productivity of laying hens, eggs’ quality, shelf life, and blood biochemistry, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and efficient chicken production.
Platelet-Rich Plasma and Related Orthobiologics for the Treatment of Equine Musculoskeletal Disorders—A Bibliometric Analysis from 2000 to 2024
Authors: Carmona Jorge U. , Carmona-Ramírez Luis H. , López Catalina
Published: August 2024

(1) Background: There is increasing interest in the use of platelet-rich plasma and related orthobiologics for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal disorders in horses; however, there is no information on the bibliometric impact of the literature published in this area. (2) Methods: A bibliometric analysis was performed using the bibliometrix R package by analyzing the documents registered in the WOS and Scopus databases from 2000 to 2024. The included registers were evaluated according to the menu of results from the biblioshiny web app (overview, sources, authors, documents, words, trending topics, clustering, conceptual structure, and social structure). (3) Conclusions: The documents produced were mainly published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, BMC Veterinary Research, and the American Journal of Veterinary Research). The most productive institutions were Universidad de Caldas, Colorado State University, University of California-Davis, and University of Leipzig, and the most productive countries were the USA, Brazil, and Colombia. Horse, platelet-rich plasma, equine, osteoarthritis, and autologous conditioned serum were the most frequently used keywords. The trending topics in this area are platelet lysates and orthobiologics. The collaboration network of authors, institutions, and countries shows an isolated development of individual author networks with modest collaboration between institutions and countries.
Religião e política na Igreja Universal do Reino Deus
Authors: Da Silva Leite Deivit Henrique
Published: August 2024

Este artigo analisa a maneira como o jornal “Folha Universal” mobilizou pautas de gênero e sexualidade nos anos eleitorais de 2018 e 2022. Trata-se de um jornal que pertence à Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus (IURD), em que motivações religiosas e políticas se entrelaçam, de maneira destacada, em contextos de disputas eleitorais. Como foram eleições pautadas na “moralidade”, focamos nossa análise nos posicionamentos sobre gênero e sexualidade. Nossa pesquisa revela que, em 2018, a “ideologia de gênero” foi um dos temas mais mobilizados, produzindo pânico moral que apontava para uma ameaça iminente às crianças, à instituição familiar, à liberdade religiosa e à educação; em caso de vitória da esquerda. Nas eleições de 2022, o periódico relacionou de maneira objetiva a “ideologia de gênero” e as pautas feministas e LGBTQIAP+, ao Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) e à esquerda, adotando um discurso de demonização desses atores políticos. Em ambas as eleições, a posição adotada pelo jornal colocou a IURD como uma das principais aliadas de Bolsonaro, principalmente no que diz respeito à posição sobre os temas, aos inimigos políticos em comum e à defesa do voto alinhado à direita política.