bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ЗМІШАНЕ НАВЧАННЯ: ІННОВАЦІЙНИЙ ПІДХІД ДО ВИКЛАДАННЯ ІНОЗЕМНОЇ МОВИ В УМОВАХ СЬОГОДЕННЯ
Authors: МИРОНОВА Лариса , КИРИЛЛОВА Марина , СТЕПАНЕНКО Олена
Published: June 2024

У статті авторами розглянуті особливості викладання іноземної мови здобувачам вищої освіти у процесі змішаного навчання. Актуальність теми зумовлена сучасними трансформаційними змінами, що відбуваються у світі в контексті пандемії COVID-19 та російсько-української війни, внаслідок чого виникає необхідність нових підходів у освітньому процесі. Встановлено, що змішане навчання поєднує традиційні методи з онлайн-ресурсами та технологіями для створення освітнього середовища, що сприяє активній взаємодії, індивідуалізації та самостійному навчанню здобувачів освіти. Зазначено, що система навчання іноземних мов постійно змінюється, сучасне життя є динамічним і дик тує такий же високий і, водночас, ефективний темп навчання, тому використання інформаційно-комунікаційних технологій у навчанні іноземної мови є дуже актуальною проблемою сучасної освіти. У статті проведено аналіз сучасних підходів до змішаного навчання та їх застосування у викладанні іноземної мови у закладах вищої освіти. Досліджено переваги змішаного навчання, враховуючи актуальні вимоги сучасної освіти та потреби сучасних здобувачів. Окремого всебічного аналізу потребувала проблема пошуку, оновлення підходів підготовки здобувачів освіти у форматі змішаного навчання під час вивчення іноземної мови. Авторами проаналізовані основні форми викладу навчального матеріалу, зокрема лекційні заняття, семінарські заняття, самостійна робота здобувачів освіти, індивідуальні та групові онлайн проєкти, використання QR-кодів та робочих зошитів. З метою визначення відношення здобувачів освіти Одеського національного університету імені І.І. Мечникова та Київського національного університету імені Тараса Шевченка до змішаного навчання, авторами було проведене опитування. У результаті якого було встановлено, що здобувачі освіти позитивно відносяться до змішаного навчання у процесі викладання іноземної мови, встановлені основні переваги та труднощі, з якими зіштовхуються здобувачі. Результати дослідження підтверджують актуальність та ефективність застосування змішаного навчання у викладанні іноземної мови в сучасному освітньому середовищі.
Climatic Variability Shapes Plasticity of Hydric and Thermal Physiology in Tropical Geckos
Authors: Skelton Kade , Moritz Craig , Day Kimberley , Weitzman Chava , Schlesinger Christine , Zozaya Stephen , Christian Keith
Published: June 2024

Phenotypic plasticity in reptiles is a key mechanism enabling individuals to maintain and optimize physiological responses to changing environments. The ability to adjust metabolic rates and thermal physiology in response to seasonal changes is known to be central to the physiological ecology of some reptiles, but less is known about reptiles’ ability to exhibit seasonal flexibility in rates of evaporative water loss (EWL). Physiological acclimatization to seasonal changes was measured in six species of geckos in the genus Gehyra from the highly seasonal tropics of northern Australia. Four species from a mesic, more thermally stable site did not have seasonal differences in thermal preference (Tp), but Tp was significantly lower during the cooler dry season in three species from a semi-arid, more thermally variable site. EWL was significantly lower (42% to 78%) during the dry season compared to the wet season for all species. For most species, EWL decreased rapidly from wet to early dry season, then continued to a minimum in the late dry season. There was no relationship between extent of plasticity and geographic range size. These results demonstrate high plasticity and imply a cost to maintaining low EWL, the basis of which requires further study.
Climate Does Not Predict Thermal and Hydric Traits in Northern Australian Geckos
Authors: Christian Keith , Moritz Craig , Skelton Kade , Day Kimberley , Weitzman Chava , Schlesinger Christine , Kearney Michael , Zozaya Stephen
Published: June 2024

1. Reptiles are challenged with maintaining stable hydric states and viable body temperatures in a variable terrestrial environment. Reptiles can use behaviour to select favourable microhabitats as well as physiological adaptations, such as increased skin resistance to water loss to regulate their hydric and thermal states. The degree to which a species’ physiology is adapted to overcome environmental challenges can indicate if species have become specialised to local conditions; for example, reptiles from arid locations tend to have lower rates of evaporative water loss (EWL). 2. EWL rates were measured in 18 species of Australian geckos in the genus Gehyra collected from 11 Northern Territory and Western Australian locations during the dry season, and preferred temperatures were measured for the nine species sampled from the Northern Territory. 3. Rates of EWL did not differ significantly among most species except between a few species with the highest and lowest rates. There was no association between EWL and the aridity of capture locations, and microhabitat conditions (temperature and humidity in rock crevices) did not explain this lack of association. Thermal preferences differed among species, with G. koira selecting significantly cooler temperatures than all other species. Gehyra moritzi, from the most arid location (Kurundi Station), had the highest preferred body temperature, overlapping only with two sympatric species (G. minuta and G. purpurascens). 4. Unlike some reptiles, Gehyra geckos do not specialise in their EWL to match the local climate despite the strong gradient in aridity across sampling sites. Their nocturnal activity and seasonal plasticity in EWL may explain the lack of association between their physiological traits and climate.
‘But it’s really about …’
Authors: Toft Audun
Published: June 2024

This article examines the Norwegian media coverage of and public debate about a series of anti-Muslim demonstrations in which Qur’ans were burned in Sweden and Norway over the Easter of 2022. Conceptualizing Qur’an burnings and the ensuing riots in Sweden and Norway as a media event, the article explores how different actors manage, negotiate, and use the mediated attention constituting such an event. The empirical material consists of all articles published by ten selected Norwegian newspapers between 14 and 30 April 2022, as well as interviews with seven journalists from these newspapers. A key point the article makes is that news journalists are mindful of how they cover and frame such an event. They take steps to ensure that their coverage accords with professional journalistic standards. The analysis shows, however, that the media coverage is complex and multi-layered, and that news journalists’ managing strategies only influence a small part of the total coverage and debate. A media event is by its nature discursive, and the article discusses how the event’s ‘real meaning’ is contested as various actors within and outside the media reframe it to fit already established discourses.
Application of Artificial Intelligence in Stimulating Plant Growth Using Electric Lighting
Authors: Banerjee Sougata , Ahmad Afaq , Mukherjee Aniruddha , Malik Pallavi
Published: June 2024

This paper highlights the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in electric lighting for enhancing smart agriculture. The use of electric lighting in greenhouses is widely practiced in the present time, as sunlight is poorly available in some parts of the world. Different plants have different growth in different spectrum of light. The spectrum of light in which the plant grows maximum is coined as optimum growth spectrum (OGS). Hence, this study aims to choose artificial intelligence in assessing the optimum spectrum of light for a given plant. RGB based LEDs are used and its luminous efficacy is interpreted, considering different blend of mechanisms and the yield current and temperature. Rapid light fluctuations offered by pulse amplitude modulation causes a loss in the output of the LEDs. Hence, there lies a finite gap in the light provided and the light reaching the plant. Since, LEDs are the source of light here, hence, light sources complying with higher CRI should be deployed, as used in this experiment. The overall system was so designed such that when a plant is cultivated, using image processing, AI identifies the specific plant and implements all the available data, like the optimum growth spectrum, temperature, humidity, etc. The experiment clearly emphasizes on the results which were impressive. The OGS of the given plant has been figured out and trained the system through AI to execute the growth functions for the given plant.
Relationship of Braking Distance and Rear Headlight on Highways
Authors: Cengiz Cigdem
Published: June 2024

It is known that the rear headlights have a direct effect on the braking distance on highways. Because when drivers see the braking light of the taillight, they enter the reaction process and apply the braking in the vehicle they are in. The sooner they receive the warning, the sooner they can braking. Since the current regulations do not consider the time, it takes for the rear headlight to reach the driver’s eyes, the braking times of the flocks differ in the face of LED, halogen, and xenon headlights. Even a small delay at high speeds increases the risk of hitting the vehicle in front. LED headlights give instant light, while halogen headlights 0.2 s and xenon headlights respond up to 1 s later. This study investigated the variation of braking distance for these headlight types. Accordingly, it has been concluded that the use of halogen and xenon headlights in taillights poses a danger to life and property safety and that such lamps contribute negatively to rearend collisions.
Optimization of Highways and Roads Lighting
Authors: Benuni George A.
Published: June 2024

In this article is being solving а problem of cost optimization in the construction of highways and road lighting. The construction of highways over the past two or three years and planned for construction are analysed. The method for solving the issue of optimization – the development of a new luminaire, which allows to reduce capital and operating costs in the construction of outdoor road lighting. The optics of the luminaire is chosen as the main element for solving the problem. The need to optimize costs in the construction of highways is of high relevance due to the constantly growing volume of construction of outdoor road lighting.
Protective Glass in the Design of Outdoor Luminaires
Authors: Danilko Andrey V. , Karev Alexander V. , Lagov Ivan S. , Lyapunov Stanislav A. , Pavlov Vadim A.
Published: June 2024

In accordance with the requirements of the decree of the government (DG) of the Russian Federation, protective glass is a mandatory element of the design of utilitarian outdoor luminaries. The paper analyses the relevance of this requirement and explains the functions performed by this structural element.
The protective glass of the outdoor luminaire provides significant advantages of LED outdoor lighting installations (LOLI), confirmed by analysis of the literature, calculated estimates and during experimental studies of characteristics changes during operation. Considering the identified dependencies is advisable when determining the outdoor luminaire’s maintenance and dirt depreciation factor for luminaries’ various designs.
Influence of China’s Lighting Industry on Urban Nighttime Tourism Economic Development: Based on Co-Integration Test and Granger Causality Test
Authors: Li Mingwei , Yang Haiyan , Tao Jiajie , Fu Yajing , Jiao Junfeng
Published: June 2024

With the upgrading of residents’ consumption and the diversification of the consumption structure, China’s urban night-time tour economy has developed rapidly and become a new bright spot of urban development. As an important constituent part of urban night landscapes, the lighting industry is closely related to the development of nighttime tour economy. To further explore the influence of the lighting industry on urban night-time tour economy, the short-term and long-term cointegration relationship between the lighting industry and urban night-time tour economy was analysed by the cointegration test, and the causal relationship between the two was explored through the Granger causality test. The ADF unit root test revealed that the lighting industry and urban night-time tour belonged to second-order single integration; the Johansen cointegration test exhibited a co-integration relationship between the lighting industrial and urban night-time tour; the regression coefficient of the lighting industry (independent variable) was 0.788, showing a significance level of 0.01 (t=22.470, P=0.000<0.01); the error correction coefficient was –0.489, showing a significance level of 0.01 (t= –3.912, P=0.001<0.01). When the short-term fluctuation of the night-time tour economy deviated from the long-term equilibrium, the lighting industry would pull the night-time tour economy from an unbalanced state back to an equilibrium state with the adjustment power of –0.489. The lighting industry was only the one-way Granger result of urban night-time tour. The research results have important reference value for figuring out how China’s lighting industry can promote the development of urban night-time tour economy, guiding it to achieve high-quality development, and enhancing the strong support from the lighting industry for development of night-time tour economy.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Carbon Emissions Based on Night-time Light Data in Western Provinces of China
Authors: Shi Jun , Dai Xinyu , Chen Guangjiu
Published: June 2024

This study focuses on the fusion and calibration of DMSP–OLS and NPP–VIIRS night-time light data, sourced from the National Geophysical Data Centre in the United States. A long-time series night-time light dataset, spanning from 1999 to 2019, for the western provinces of China is created. In conjunction with carbon emission statistics from these 11 western provinces, an estimation model is constructed to analyse the changes in the spatiotemporal pattern of carbon emissions within the region, revealing the characteristics of carbon emissions caused by human night-time economic activities in western China, and provides theoretical reference for the formulation of energy conservation and emission reduction policies. Results show that:
– A strong correlation coefficient of 0.9067 exists between carbon emissions and the total digital number (DN) value of night-time light in the western provinces, with a negligible average relative error, and this result indicates the effectiveness of the estimation model;
– The study reveals an increasing trend in carbon emissions across all 11 provinces from 1999 to 2019, and this growth forms a radial expansion pattern centred around the provincial capitals of Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia;
– By integrating night-time light images and calculated carbon emissions through the estimation model, a significantly positive spatial correlation of carbon emissions is discernible. This outcome presents as a high carbon agglomeration area in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and a low carbon agglomeration area in Qinghai Province. On the basis of these findings, the study proposes transformation measures to promote low carbon emissions in China’s western provinces. These practical suggestions provide a point of reference for China as it aims to meet its “carbon neutrality” and “peak carbon emissions” targets.
Photo-biological Effectiveness of PAR for Radish Plant Communities Irradiated Using an LED Source with an Adjustable Spectrum
Authors: Tikhomirov Alexander A. , Molokeev Maxim S. , Velichko Vladimir V.
Published: June 2024

The aim of the current study was to find the most effective spectral modes of irradiation of short-season plants (for example, radish) using a fluorescent LED irradiator with a variable spectrum. The research methodology was based on the species-specific response of plants to the spectral composition of light.
Photo-biological experiments were carried out to find effective spectral composition of PAR for cultivating radish communities under stable and variable irradiation modes of electrical lighting.
It was shown that under stable irradiation modes, the highest productivity of economically useful radish biomass had been achieved at spectral composition with a maximum of 60 % radiation in the (600–700) nm region in a variable spectral irradiation mode. The variable spectral irradiation mode turned out to be the most effective when the spectral composition with the dominance of red rays was changed to the spectral composition with the dominance of blue rays. There were no significant differences between the best production parameters for stable and variable modes of irradiation of radish plants, which indicates the expediency of choosing the stable spectral mode of irradiation of radish plants as a short-season crop under electrical illumination.
The results obtained can be used to select spectral irradiation modes for short-season plants grown under electrical lighting in northern regions and in isolated rooms in various climatic zones using “City-farm” technologies.
Light Planograph for Insolation Energy Characteristics of Buildings and Territory of Multi-Storey Structures Modelling
Authors: Abdulrahman Karoum
Published: June 2024

This article discusses the problems associated with physical and hygienic studies aimed at determining the influence of insolation – an important climatic factor – on the light, radiation and thermal regime of buildings, and territories in urban development. The article proposes the design of an insolation device of a flatbed type, known as a Svetoplanograph‑2, which can be widely used in solving architectural, construction, urban planning, and energy problems in summer in regions with a warm climate. A method of step-by-step assessment of the insolation-light-thermal regime of buildings and territories with a complex morphological structure of buildings, which is a model of the energy characteristics of insolation, has also been developed. The use of a tablet-type device makes it possible to solve practical urban planning tasks, providing an opportunity to calculate and evaluate the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the insolation regime in order to improve the environmental and climatic situation in urban buildings and development in the summer. The developed method of forecasting the insolation regime using a tablet-type device is the basis for modelling the energy state of insolation in a human environment in buildings and territories of cities with a hot climate.
Freezing and Thawing of Enclosing Structures and Foundation Soils Taking into Account the Effects of Solar Energy: Part 2. Problem Statement
Authors: Ibragimov Alexander M. , Gnedina Lyubov Yu. , Gerasimova Svetlana V.
Published: June 2024

Part 1 provides general information about some of the physical properties of water, ice, and snow necessary to understand the non-stationary processes of freezing and thawing of enclosing structures of wet foundation soils.
Part 2 presents the physical and mathematical formulation of the problem of freezing of wet soil, the solution of Lyame and Clapeyron, the solution of Stefan, the physical and mathematical formulation of the problem of freezing of the ribbon foundation. The following are considered: description of the process of freezing of a single-layer enclosing structure considering the phase transformations of moisture in the material of the structure according to V.N. Bogoslovsky and the process of freezing of an unlimited plate considering the phase transformations of moisture in the material of the structure according to A.V. Lykov. Mathematical model of non-stationary heat transfer process in wet layered media. Based on the method of small-time intervals, solutions of boundary value problems for frozen and thawed zones in the region of large and small Fourier numbers are given. Prospects for the application of the proposed mathematical models to describe the processes of freezing and enclosing structures and foundation soils are outlined.
The Technology of Translucent Skylight Structures Made of Falconnier’s Glass Bricks
Authors: Giyasova Irina V.
Published: June 2024

Falconnier’s blown brick vaults are unique structures preserved in single copies. Most of these structures have been lost and we can only admire them in old photographs. However at present, there are real possibilities for their revival since the technology for manufacturing Falconnier’s blown bricks has been restored. Currently there are manufacturing facilities in Germany, the Czech Republic, and Russia.
The article examines objects with translucent overhead light structures made from Falconnier’s bricks: Villa Wassenberg, Siegfried Bing’s Salon de l’Art Nouveau galleries in Paris, the dome of the Church of Saint-Antoine-de-QuinzeVent, the atrium coverings of the Zürich Stadthaus, etc.
Based on the results of an analysis of patents received by Gustave Falconnier, the technology for making vaults using blown Falconnier’s bricks is described.
Thermal Efficiency of External Walls Steel Buildings with Balconies
Authors: Tusnina Valentina M. , Kuchkanbayev Azamat
Published: June 2024

The vertical enclosing structures of modern buildings are complex multilayer systems with inhomogeneous inclusions, which are “cold bridges” through which heat loss occurs from the building, significantly reducing its energy efficiency. In buildings with a steel frame, powerful “cold bridges” in the external fencing system are steel beams of balconies that extend beyond the warm contour of the building. This article presents the results of a study of the thermal efficiency of a multi-layer building enclosure based on a steel frame with a balcony. A fragment of the structure of a wall made of aerated concrete blocks and a hinged ventilated facade with cladding made of porcelain tiles at the location of the balcony console is examined. In the attachment point of the cantilever beam to the steel frame, a load-bearing heat-insulating connecting element developed by the authors is used. The assessment of the thermal properties of the wall structure under study was carried out based on a numerical calculation in a three-dimensional temperature field using the TEPL computational package. The analysis of 3D temperature fields allows to determine the temperature on the inner surface of the envelope and take account of its design features and heat-conducting inclusions, in the locations of which condensation may occur. Based on the results of numerical calculations in the TEPL computational package, the temperature distribution pattern in the structure was identified and the value of heat transfer resistance was obtained, considering heat loss on the selected heat exchange surfaces. It has been established that the use of a load-bearing thermal insulation structure in the “console-column” assembly makes it possible to eliminate the “cold bridge” in the wall and reduce the overall heat loss through the fence by (17–20) %.
Application of the Finite Element Method in Determining the Reduced Heat Transfer Resistance of a Hinged Facade System in Residential Buildings
Authors: Shchelokova Tatyana N. , Lobareva Alexandra I.
Published: June 2024

In this paper, the energy efficiency of a ventilated facade is considered by calculating the reduced heat transfer resistance of a hinged facade system (HFS). We have approved three options for fixing the hinged ventilated facade to three types of walls of residential buildings based on the material of: monolithic reinforced concrete, aerated concrete blocks, and solid brick masonry. The choice of these wall filling materials is due to their wide application, both in new construction and in the reconstruction of existing residential buildings, both in mass development and in private housing construction. The thickness of the insulation is also selected. For the selection of insulation, and in general for the calculation of the enclosing structure, the most important factor is the appearance of a dew point. The dew point depends on the thickness and material of the wall filling, the heat and humidity regime inside the building, and climatic conditions. In this paper, research is carried out in terms of calculating the reduced heat transfer resistance of suspended ventilated facades, taking into account in homogeneities using the finite element method, as well as using the traditional method, taking into account the above factors. A comparison of these calculation methods is made and a conclusion is drawn about the expediency of taking into account point bridges of cold. Through cold bridges, energy losses occur, which leads to a change in the temperature regime in the rooms (temperature decrease) during the cold period of the year, and vice versa, to increased heating of the room during the warm period of the year, which leads to the appearance of a dew point in the wall. On a ventilated facade, the most vulnerable point is the brackets, which belong to the group of point bridges of cold. Based on the calculation results, the best wall filling was determined, which reduces the thickness of the insulation from 30 % to 50 % and reduces the specific weight of the wall structure by 1.25–2.1 times, which significantly affects the load on the building foundation.
Extraction of Optical Characteristics of Diffuse Particles for Modelling a Dispersed Medium
Authors: Ershov Sergey V. , Voloboy Alexei G. , Pozdnyakov Sergey G. , Galaktionov Vladimir A.
Published: June 2024

Currently, virtual prototyping, i.e. preliminary modelling of processes on a computer has become ubiquitous. It is also applied to modern automobile paints in order to correctly reproduce the colour of the paint. The most practically important task is colour matching: calculation of the paint composition necessary to obtain a given colour. The complexity of modelling the propagation of light in paint is due to its complex structure and the wide variety of pigments, including diffuse ones. This problem can be solved by simulation of the light scattering by the dispersed pigment particles. To do this we need the optical properties of pigments, which are often unknown. In this paper, we propose several different methods for extraction of the pigment properties by measuring the light scattering of specially prepared samples. All methods are based on minimizing the difference between measured and calculated scattering values as a function of pigment properties. The methods differ in the types of paint samples that must be prepared and measured to obtain the pigment data. We describe the operation of the methods and test their robustness. As a result, one method has proven to be much more robust to the measurement errors. The colour of the real sample was also compared with the calculated colour of the paint, in the modelling of which the obtained properties of the pigments were used.
One year of warming leads to the total loss of productivity in a widespread photosymbiosis
Authors: Makin B , Lowe CD
Published: June 2024

Photosymbioses, in which photosynthetic microorganisms reside within heterotrophic hosts, are important components of aquatic ecosystems and are under threat from environmental warming. The immediate ecological consequences of acute warming for archetypal photosymbioses, such as those between corals and zooxanthellae, are well documented. In contrast, understanding of the evolutionary responses of photosymbioses to persistent warming remains limited and direct observations of evolution in response to warming are scarce, as many associations are slow-evolving and do not enable observations on a tractable timescale. To address this knowledge gap, we exposed the widespread microbial Paramecium bursaria-Chlorella spp. photosymbiosis to 295 d of continuous growth under +5°°C of persistent warming. We subsequently quantified the thermal responses of traits associated with symbiosis persistence and ecological function (growth rate, symbiont density [the number of symbionts within hosts], and metabolic rates) compared with cultures maintained at ambient temperature and cultures exposed to -5°°C of cooling for the same time period. Strikingly, while growth rate thermal optimum increased with warming, net photosynthesis and carbon-use efficiency (the proportion of photosynthetic carbon available for growth) both strongly declined to zero. These data suggest a significant change in ecological function with persistent warming. We also detected larger autonomous symbiont populations following 295 d of warming, and symbionts from the warm-adapted symbiosis demonstrated a ‘switch’ from exclusive growth on organic to inorganic nitrogen, suggesting that symbionts could have evolved increased autonomy from hosts. Thus, warming could erode the ecological function and promote symbiont autonomy in photosymbiosis over evolutionary timescales.
Irradiation of colorectal and liver tumors
Authors:   , Andel Daan Stephanus Henricus
Published: June 2024

Radiation therapy is a cornerstone in cancer treatment, but for a large proportion of cancer patients it will prove ineffective. This thesis explores how radioresistance develops as well as a technique called radiation lobectomy to treat patients with liver cancer.

In Part I of this thesis, we employed organoid technology, single-cell whole genome sequencing, and RNA sequencing to investigate the mechanism by which cancer cells are or become radioresistant. We reveal that within organoids, subclones respond differentially to radiation and that this response may be associated with chromosomal instability. We also identified a combination of two drugs; -RRx-001 (which increases oxidative stress) and BSO (which inhibits a key antioxidant enzyme)- as very effective in killing radioresistant cancer cells.

Part II explores the effects and clinical utility of radiation lobectomy, which is used for patients with liver cancers to improve the outcome of liver resection. Radioactive microspheres are infused in the tumor-bearing liver parts, as such treating the tumor locally, but also stimulating the non-treated parts of the liver to grow sufficiently to sustain liver function after resection. We find that the response of tumor cells to radiation lobectomy is correlated with the number of cancer stem cells and that the function of lymph vessels surrounding the tumors is impaired. Finally, the clinical outcome of surgical resection following radiation lobectomy is discussed, as well as the first prospective study of radiation lobectomy, the RALLY study.
Enhancing Aesthetic and Structural Integrity in Necrotic Permanent Incisor with Open Apex: A Case Report
Authors: Surwade Manasi , Patil Anuradha , M. V. Sumanthini , Naik Divya
Published: June 2024

Traumatic injuries in immature teeth often lead to complications in endodontic treatment due to difficulty in managing the open apex. Also, the restoration of these teeth poses significant challenges due to thin dentin walls, high configuration factors, and other biomechanical and adhesive issues. Standard fibre posts are often not suited for flared root canal preparations, leaving excessive cement space between the post and the tooth structure. To reduce postoperative complications (e.g. root fracture), reinforcement of radicular dentin becomes mandatory after endodontic treatment. The reinforcement of the canal can be done using a fibre post relined with composite resin. Direct anatomical posts offer a promising alternative that minimises the risk of debonding. This case report details the use of platelet rich fibrin as a internal matrix and how mineral trioxide aggregate can be used to form an immediate apical seal for apexification and a custom fiber post technique for reinforcing an immature maxillary central incisor in an 18-year-old patient.

Keywords - Adhesive cement, Apical seal, Dentin reinforcement, Esthetics, Fiberglass, MTA, Post and core technique
On generalizations of some fixed point theorems in semimetric spaces with triangle functions
Authors: Petrov Evgeniy , Salimov Ruslan , Bisht Ravindra K.
Published: June 2024

In the present study, we prove generalizations of Banach, Kannan, Chatterjea, Ćirić-Reich-Rus fixed point theorems, as well as of the fixed point theorem for mapping contracting perimeters of triangles. We consider corresponding mappings in semimetric spaces with triangle functions introduced by Bessenyei and Páles. Such an approach allows us to derive corollaries for various types of semimetric spaces such as metric spaces, ultrametric spaces, and b-metric spaces. The significance of these generalized theorems extends across multiple disciplines, such as optimization, mathematical modeling, and computer science. They may serve to establish stability conditions, demonstrate the existence of optimal solutions, and improve algorithm design.
Mechanical characterization of porcine ureter for the evaluation of tissue-engineering applications
Authors: Casarin Martina , Toniolo Ilaria , Todesco Martina , Carniel Emanuele Luigi , Astolfi Laura , Morlacco Alessandro , Moro Fabrizio Dal
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Clinics increasingly require readily deployable tubular substitutes to restore the functionality of structures like ureters and blood vessels. Despite extensive exploration of various materials, both synthetic and biological, the optimal solution remains elusive. Drawing on abundant literature experiences, there is a pressing demand for a substitute that not only emulates native tissue by providing requisite signals and growth factors but also exhibits appropriate mechanical resilience and behaviour.

Methods: This study aims to assess the potential of porcine ureters by characterizing their biomechanical properties in their native configuration through ring and membrane flexion tests. In order to assess the tissue morphology before and after mechanical tests and the eventual alteration of tissue microstructure that would be inserted in material constitutive description, histological staining was performed on samples. Corresponding computational analyses were performed to mimic the experimental campaign to identify the constitutive material parameters.

Results: The absence of any damages to muscle and collagen fibres, which only compacted after mechanical tests, was demonstrated. The experimental tests (ring and membrane flexion tests) showed non-linearity for material and geometry and the viscoelastic behaviour of the native porcine ureter. Computational models were descriptive of the mechanical behaviour ureteral tissue, and the material model feasible.

Discussion: This analysis will be useful for future comparison with decellularized tissue for the evaluation of the aggression of cell removal and its effect on microstructure. The computational model could lay the basis for a reliable tool for the prediction of solicitation in the case of tubular substitutions in subsequent simulations.
RETRACTED: Critical safety climate dimensions for improved safety behavior: perspectives of construction workers
Authors: Chandra Sathvik Sharath , Baghdadi Ahmad , Shakor Pshtiwan , Alsharef Abdullah , Singh Atul Kumar , Kineber Ahmed Farouk
Published: June 2024

Although extensive research has been conducted to explain the high accident rates in the Indian construction industry, studies focusing on the contributions of the prevailing safety climate as an enabler of such incidences remain sparse. Safety climate plays a crucial role in shaping workers’ safety behaviors. Therefore, eliciting the perspectives of construction workers concerning safety climate dimensions that are critical for engendering improved safety behavior will provide valuable insights into the dimensions required to sustain the desired safety performance levels on construction sites. This study adopted a sequential mixed-methods research design. Purposively selected respondents and interviewees were surveyed and interviewed at various intervals. The study established that safety climate dimensions, such as effective leadership, effective communication, consultation, training, resources, incentives, and recognition, are critical in improving safety behavior among construction workers. The results of this study have significant implications for practice and knowledge, as they provide an approach for assessing the impact of different safety climate dimensions on the safety behavior of construction workers in India. Understanding these dimensions will lead to a framework for managing these challenges and improving construction safety performance. The study reported in this paper remains one of the few studies seeking to explore the impact of safety-climate dimensions on worker safety behavior in the construction industry.
Carbon dioxide removal efficiency of iron and steel slag in seawater via ocean alkalinity enhancement
Authors: Moras Charly A. , Joannes-Boyau Renaud , Bach Lennart T. , Cyronak Tyler , Schulz Kai G.
Published: June 2024

Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) via the enhanced weathering of alkaline minerals is a promising carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology. Theoretically, these includes iron and steel slags, although their dissolution kinetics in seawater are unknown. Here, we conducted lab-scale experiments to assess the alkalinity generation potential and dissolution kinetics of various slags in seawater. We show that the alkalinity generated per mass of iron slag was logarithmic, i.e., higher amounts of iron slag added had diminishing alkalinity returns. In contrast, the relatively quick dissolution of steel slags and their linear generation of alkalinity per mass of feedstock dissolved in seawater makes them better OAE candidates. Furthermore, despite the presence of potentially toxic metals in these feedstocks, their low to non-existent presence as dissolution products suggests that harmful concentrations should not be reached, at least for the slag tested here. Finally, if all steel slag produced annually was used for OAE, between 10 and 22 gigatonnes of CO2 could be captured cumulatively by 2,100, highlighting significant CDR potential by slags.
Recent advances in engineering fast-growing cyanobacterial species for enhanced CO2 fixation
Authors: Kim David S. , Moreno-Cabezuelo José Ángel , Schulz Eduardo Nicolas , Lea-Smith David J. , Sagaram Uma Shankar
Published: June 2024

Atmospheric CO2 removal (CDR) is a fundamentally endergonic process. Performing CDR or Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) at the gigatonne scale will produce a significant additional burden on the planet’s limited renewable energy resources irrespective of the technology employed. Harnessing photosynthesis to drive industrial-scale CO2 fixation has been of significant interest because of its minimal energy requirements and potential low costs. In this review, we evaluated the thermodynamic considerations of performing atmospheric carbon removal using microalgae and cyanobacteria versus physicochemical processes and explore the implications of these energetic costs on the scalability of each respective solution. We review the biomass productivities of recently discovered fast-growing cyanobacterial strains and discuss the prospects of genetically engineering certain metabolic pathways for channeling the fixed carbon into metabolic ‘carbon sinks’ to further enhance their CO2 capture while concurrently extracting value. We share our perspectives on how new highly productive chassis strains combined with advanced flux balance models, essentially coupling synthetic biology with industrial biotechnology, may unlock more favorable methods for CDR, both from an economic and thermodynamic perspective.
Mechanisms modulating foam cell formation in the arterial intima: exploring new therapeutic opportunities in atherosclerosis
Authors: La Chica Lhoëst M. T. , Martinez A. , Claudi L. , Garcia E. , Benitez-Amaro A. , Polishchuk A. , Piñero J. , Vilades D. , Guerra J. M. , Sanz F. , Rotllan N. , Escolà-Gil J. C. , Llorente-Cortés V.
Published: June 2024

In recent years, the role of macrophages as the primary cell type contributing to foam cell formation and atheroma plaque development has been widely acknowledged. However, it has been long recognized that diffuse intimal thickening (DIM), which precedes the formation of early fatty streaks in humans, primarily consists of lipid-loaded smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and their secreted proteoglycans. Recent studies have further supported the notion that SMCs constitute the majority of foam cells in advanced atherosclerotic plaques. Given that SMCs are a major component of the vascular wall, they serve as a significant source of microvesicles and exosomes, which have the potential to regulate the physiology of other vascular cells. Notably, more than half of the foam cells present in atherosclerotic lesions are of SMC origin. In this review, we describe several mechanisms underlying the formation of intimal foam-like cells in atherosclerotic plaques. Based on these mechanisms, we discuss novel therapeutic approaches that have been developed to regulate the generation of intimal foam-like cells. These innovative strategies hold promise for improving the management of atherosclerosis in the near future.
More evidence for widespread antagonistic pleiotropy in polymorphic disease alleles
Authors: Lockwood Cynthia , Vo Ashley S. , Bellafard Hanna , Carter Ashley J. R.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Many loci segregate alleles classified as “genetic diseases” due to their deleterious effects on health. However, some disease alleles have been reported to show beneficial effects under certain conditions or in certain populations. The beneficial effects of these antagonistically pleiotropic alleles may explain their continued prevalence, but the degree to which antagonistic pleiotropy is common or rare is unresolved. We surveyed the medical literature to identify examples of antagonistic pleiotropy to help determine whether antagonistic pleiotropy appears to be rare or common.

Results

We identified ten examples of loci with polymorphisms for which the presence of antagonistic pleiotropy is well supported by detailed genetic or epidemiological information in humans. One additional locus was identified for which the supporting evidence comes from animal studies. These examples complement over 20 others reported in other reviews.

Discussion

The existence of more than 30 identified antagonistically pleiotropic human disease alleles suggests that this phenomenon may be widespread. This poses important implications for both our understanding of human evolutionary genetics and our approaches to clinical treatment and disease prevention, especially therapies based on genetic modification.
Macrophages and pulmonary fibrosis: a bibliometric and visual analysis of publications from 1990 to 2023
Authors: Min Yi , Wu Lifei , Xu Cheng , Han Wen , Yin Zhi , Pan Xu , Sun Luyao , Zhang Jinrong , Wan Guoqiang , Zhou Tongxin
Published: June 2024

Background

The role of macrophages in the symptomatic and structural progression of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) has garnered significant scholarly attention in recent years. This study employs a bibliometric approach to examine the present research status and areas of focus regarding the correlation between macrophages and PF, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of their relationship.

Methodology

The present study employed VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Microsoft Excel software to visualize and analyze various aspects such as countries, institutions, authors, journals, co-cited literature, keywords, related genes, and diseases. These analyses were conducted using the Web of Science core collection database.

Results

A comprehensive collection of 3,479 records pertaining to macrophages and PF from the period of 1990 to 2023 was obtained. Over the years, there has been a consistent increase in research literature on this topic. Notably, the United States and China exhibited the highest level of collaboration in this field. Through careful analysis, the institutions, authors, and prominent journals that hold significant influence within this particular field have been identified as having the highest publication output. The pertinent research primarily concentrates on the domains of Biology and Medicine. The prevailing keywords encompass pulmonary fibrosis, acute lung injury, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and others. Notably, TGFβ1, TNF, and CXCL8 emerge as the most frequently studied targets, primarily associated with signaling pathways such as cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction. Additionally, cluster analysis of related diseases reveals their interconnectedness with ailments such as cancer.

Conclusion

The present study employed bibliometric methods to investigate the knowledge structure and developmental trends in the realm of macrophage and PF research. The findings shed light on the introduction and research hotspots that facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of macrophages and PF.
Metagenomic analysis of core differential microbes between traditional starter and Round-Koji-mechanical starter of Chi-flavor Baijiu
Authors: Liang Jinglong , Deng Lichuan , Li Zhipu , Fei Yongtao , Bai Weidong , Zhao Wenhong , He Songgui , Cao Rongbing
Published: June 2024

Xiaoqu starter serves as the saccharifying and fermenting agent in the production of Cantonese soybean-flavor (Chi-flavor) Baijiu, and the complex microbial communities determine the flavor and quality of the product. Round-Koji-mechanical starter (produced by using an automated starter-making disk machine) is advantageous as it decreases operator influence, labor costs, and fermentation time, but the product quality is lower compared to traditional starter. Thus, two types of starters (traditional and Round-Koji-mechanical starter) from a Cantonese Baijiu factory were compared in a metagenomic analysis to investigate the differences in microbial community composition and core microbes. The results showed that several core microbes related to carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism, were differentially enriched in the traditional starter. Mucor lusitanicus and Rhizopus delemar were significantly positively correlated with the three key metabolic pathways. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Cyberlindnera fabianii, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Lactobacillus fermentum, Mucor ambiguous, Rhizopus microspores, Rhizopus azygosporus, Mucor circinelloides, and Ascoidea rubescens were significantly positively correlated with two of the three key metabolic pathways. The results of this study provide a basis for understanding the differential core microbes in traditional and Round-Koji-mechanical starters of Chi-flavor Baijiu, and they also provide guidance for improving Round-Koji-mechanical starter.