bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Greenhouse Towards Near Zero Energy Consumption: Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Directions
Authors: Soussi Abdellatif , Zero Enrico , Ouammi Ahmed , Zejli Driss , Zahmoun Said , Sacile Roberto
Published: August 2023

The global agricultural sector is increasingly pressured to adopt sustainable practices and reduce its environmental impact. In this context, greenhouses play a crucial role in enabling year-round crop production, ensuring food security, and minimizing reliance on traditional open-field farming. However, the energy consumption associated with greenhouse operations poses a significant challenge to achieving sustainability goals. As a result, there is a growing emphasis on transitioning greenhouses towards near-zero energy consumption.
Near-zero energy consumption in greenhouses refers to the ambitious objective of minimizing energy usage to the greatest extent possible while maintaining optimal growing conditions for crops. This goal encompasses reducing energy consumption for heating, cooling, lighting, and other operational needs, as well as exploring renewable energy sources to power greenhouse operations.
This review article offers a comprehensive overview of greenhouse energy consumption, with the main goal of analyzing the present situation, identifying key challenges, exploring potential opportunities, and proposing future perspectives for decreasing energy usage in greenhouse environments. As the focus on sustainable agricultural practices grows, the need to reduce energy consumption in greenhouses becomes increasingly important. The review critically examines current technological models and strategies applied in smart greenhouse applications, as well as the monitoring of microclimatic conditions inside the greenhouse, encompassing factors such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, soil quality, and crop cultivation. Moreover, it aims to present existing literature that investigates the advancement of greenhouses toward achieving significant reductions in energy consumption.
Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition (SAMR) Model to Improve Student's Critical Thinking Ability
Authors: Setiyawati Sulis , Basori Basori , Efendi Agus
Published: August 2023

The use of technology in learning creates the need for applications and learning media that can improve students' critical thinking skills. The SAMR model (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition), which offers teaching methods by integrating technology, can affect the learning process by improving students' critical thinking skills. This quantitative study used an experimental approach with a Posttest Only Control Design by dividing the sample into two groups (control and experimental classes) with cluster random sampling technique sampling on 54 students. The results of the post-test cognitive ability of the control class obtained an average value of 16.52, and in the experimental class, 19.63. Furthermore, the results of the post-test effective ability of the control class obtained an average value of 74.76 and in the experimental class of 84.07. This shows differences in students' critical thinking skills between students who use the SAMR model and those who do not use the SAMR model. In the results of the N-Gain analysis that has been carried out on the posttest value of the cognitive ability of the control class and the experimental class, the gain value of 0.33 is included in the medium criteria. While the N-Gain on the posttest value of the cognitive ability of the control class and the experimental class obtained a gain value of 0.19 which is included in the Low criteria. This study proves that the use of the SAMR model influences students' critical thinking skills, and the SAMR model has proven effective in improving students' critical thinking skills.
Pandemic and Online Learning at Engineering Colleges
Authors: Ayuningrum Erica Devi , Wihidayat Endar Suprih , Liantoni Febri
Published: August 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in social restrictions being implemented in all sectors of life, including the scope of education. The closure of schools, higher education, and other educational institutions resulted in face-to-face learning needing to be carried out as usual. Therefore, online learning is a learning strategy that can be applied in times of crisis like this. Application of online learning, which is carried out without planning and suddenly makes several obstacles arise when this learning is carried out. The purpose of this study is to find out what problems arise when implementing online learning in engineering universities during a pandemic and what solutions can be applied to overcome them. This research is a systematic literature review research with keywords used, namely "online learning" or "online course" and "covid-19" or "pandemic" or "Covid 19". In searching articles, articles that are indexed in the Scopus database are used and are limited to publication years, namely from 2019-2022 (during the COVID-19 pandemic). This study used descriptive analysis with secondary data sources. From the results of this study, the application of online learning, for now, is considered the best solution so that learning can still be carried out. But besides that, there are still many obstacles found in its application due to the need for careful planning and preparation for its implementation. Other obstacles are both technically, facilities, and infrastructure, as well as from the human resources themselves. It is hoped that in the future, the solutions found can add insight and be used as a reference in the application of online learning to be effective and better.
Comparison of Propeller Turbine Performance Using Airfoil Blades and Without Airfoil
Authors: Marfizal Marfizal , Wardianto Dedi , Sufiyanto Sufiyanto
Published: August 2023

Electricity is a strategic energy resource and is very important for the livelihood of many people. The government has tried to free Indonesia from the electricity crisis and is trying to find alternative uses of new and renewable energy (EBT). The government has committed that NRE will continue to be developed to ensure energy security in Indonesia and meet the growing demand for electricity. The government has set a target of 23% share of clean energy in the national energy mix in 2025 and 31% in 2030 through the National Energy Policy (KEN) and the General National Energy Plan (RUEN). To succeed the government program is to take advantage of the potential energy sources that exist around people's residences. However, one of the obstacles is the remote location so that access is difficult. In addition, the village community lacks knowledge about microhydro technology. Therefore it is necessary to design a turbine that is not complicated to manufacture. The complexity is in the manufacture of turbine blades which must be aerodynamic and affect performance. Therefore, it is necessary to do research on turbine blades that are not aerodynamic and how they perform. This research was conducted experimentally using a propeller turbine and tested on 3 different types of blades, namely, in this study three types of blades were created and designed. The aerodynamic cross-section blade and the square cross-section blade with a thickness of 3 mm without curvature, the blade with a rectangular cross-sectionsquare with a thickness of 2 mm with curvature (camber). which is made of steel plate manufacture by welding. The turbine blade diameter used is 150 mm with a total of 4 blades.
Effect of Adding Primary Epoxy on the Corrosion Rate of Low Carbon Steel in 3.56% NaCl Solution
Authors: Eka Putra Ismet , Wahyudi M. Fachran
Published: August 2023

The corrosion process occurs in almost all materials, especially metals, slowly but surely, which can cause a material to have a limited service life. Corrosion cannot be prevented but the rate can be reduced. One of the methods to inhibit the effective corrosion rate is by giving epoxy primer treatment. This study aims to examine the effect of adding epoxy primer on the corrosion rate of low carbon steel immersed in a 3.56% NaCl solution. This research was conducted using 27 specimens in 9 vessels, each vessel contained 3 specimens immersed in low carbon steel without treatment, oil paint and epoxy primer. Volume of 1 liter of 3.56% NaCl solution for 1 vessel. The results of this study indicate that the epoxy primer is able to inhibit the corrosion rate well. The reduction in weight of low carbon steel treated with oil paint is much greater than that of untreated low carbon steel using epoxy primer. The lowest corrosion rate was given by applying epoxy primer in 20 days of immersion with an average value of 0.0003761136666 mpy and the highest corrosion rate with paint treatment in 10 days of immersion with an average value of 0.004513367 mpy.
Soil-moisture Estimation of Root Zone through Vegetation-Index-Based Evapotranspiration-Fraction and Soil-Properties (SERVES) user’s manual Version 1.0
Authors: Pradhan Nawa
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this user’s guide is to provide background methods and implementation guidance on the Soil-moisture Estimation of Root Zone through Vegetation-Index-Based Evapotranspiration-Fraction and Soil-Properties (SERVES) model (Pradhan 2019).
Development of Methods for Top-Down Methane Emission Measurements of Oil and Gas Facilities in an Offshore Environment Using a Miniature Methane Spectrometer and Long-Endurance Uncrewed Aerial System
Authors: Smith Brendan J. , Buckingham Stuart , Touzel Daniel F. , Corbett Abigail M. , Tavner Charles
Published: August 2023

With atmospheric methane concentrations rising and spurring increased social concern, there is a renewed focus in the oil and gas industry on methane emission monitoring and control. In 2019, a methane emission survey at a bp asset west of Shetland was conducted using a closed-cavity methane spectrometer mounted onboard a long-endurance fixed-wing uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV). This flight represents the first methane emissions survey of an offshore facility with a miniature methane spectrometer onboard a UAV with subsequent flights performed. A small laser spectrometer was modified from an open-cavity system to a closed-cavity onboard the aircraft and yielded in-flight detection limits (3 seconds) of 1,065 ppb methane above background for the 2019/2020 sensor version and 150 ppb for the 2021 sensor versions. Through simulation, the minimum detection limits of sensors in mass flow rate were determined to be 50 kg/h for the 2019/2020 campaign and 2.5 kg/h for the 2021 campaigns, translating to an obtainable measurement for 23% and 82% of assets reporting higher than 1 kg/h according to the 2019 Environmental Emissions Monitoring System (EEMS) data set, respectively. To operationalize the approach, a simulation tool for flight planning was developed using a Gaussian plume model and a scaled coefficient of variation to invoke expected methane concentration fluctuations at short time intervals. Two methods were developed to calculate offshore facility-level emission rates from the geolocated methane concentration data acquired during the emission surveys. Furthermore, a Gaussian plume simulator was developed to predict plume behavior and aid in error analysis. These methods are under evaluation, but all allow for the rapid processing (<24 hours) of results upon landing the aircraft. Additional flights were conducted in 2020 and 2021 with bp and several UK North Sea operators through a Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC)-funded project, resulting in a total of 18 methane emission survey flights to 11 offshore assets between 2019 and 2021. The 2019 flight, and subsequent 2020–2021 flights, demonstrated the potential of the technology to derive facility-level emission rates to verify industry emission performance and data.
Advanced multi-criteria decision-making technique to describe the relationship between criteria and select optimal alternatives
Authors: LE CHAU THI DIEM , OLÁH Judit , PAKURÁR Miklós
Published: August 2023

The current study proposes a new approach that is a combination of methods: fuzzy and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and distance-based approximation (DBA) so that decision-makers can determine the relationship structures between criteria, how the criteria affect each other, and the weight of each criterion. From that, managers can quickly and easily evaluate and select the best alternative. A previous study using DEMATEL and grey relational analysis (GRA) is presented as an example. Data from this previous study are used to present the implementation process and results of the proposed method and simultaneously show the results of the current problem solved by the fuzzy DEMATEL – TOPPSIS (technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution) method. The comparison of results between three methods including DEMATEL – GRA, fuzzy DEMATEL – TOPPSIS, and fuzzy DEMATEL – DBA is performed to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method. The results show that there is a slight difference in weights between fuzzy DEMATEL and DEMATEL but the error is extremely low. In addition, the correlation of results between methods is very high. Particularly, correlation coefficients between fuzzy DEMATEL and DEMATEL, between fuzzy DEMATEL – TOPPSIS and fuzzy DEMATEL – BDA, and between DEMATEL – GRA and fuzzy DEMATEL – BDA are 0.99, 0.95, and 0.78 respectively. Finally, all three methods suggest alternative 4 as the best option.
Inflow-Velocity and Rotational Effects on Revolving and Translating Wings
Authors: Paulson James , Jardin Thierry , Buchholz James
Published: August 2023

An aspect ratio 9.5 rectangular wing is articulated in revolving and translating motions
at a 45-degree angle of incidence and Reynolds number Re = O(300). The effects of
rotational (Coriolis and centripetal) accelerations and relative inflow velocity profile on
vorticity transport within the LEV system are independently investigated. For the range of
displacements studied (180 deg. rotation and corresponding translational displacement), a
stably attached leading-edge vortex (LEV) is observed when rotational accelerations and/or
a linearly-varying inflow velocity profile is present; however, the inflow velocity profile has
a stronger effect on stability of the LEV. LEV vorticity magnitude and lift are significantly
augmented when both factors are included (i.e. the full revolving wing case). Vorticity
transport analyses are conducted in a planar control region two chords from the axis of
rotation, where LEV stability is typically observed on revolving wings at high incidence,
and at an equivalent spanwise position in the translating case. The fully revolving wing
case exhibits a substantially larger leading-edge shear-layer vorticity flux than the other
cases, whereas Coriolis tilting makes little contribution to regulation of LEV strength. A
correlation is found between the spanwise convective flux and tilting flux contributions in
all cases. Decomposition of the spanwise convective flux term demonstrates that the two
phenomena are kinematically linked and, together, define a new out-of-plane convective
flux term that captures the essence of the spanwise convective flux. The role of this term
and the effect of rotational accelerations on it are examined.
An asymmetrical multilevel inverter with low voltage stress and fewer components for photovoltaic system
Authors: Memon Rabail , Mahar Mukhtiar Ahmed , Larik Abdul Sattar , shah Syed Asif Ali
Published: August 2023

In this proposed work, a new asymmetrical MLI with an optimal number of components for photovoltaic (PV) system is presented. The purpose of this research is to decrease the component count for generating higher output voltage levels with a low standing voltage and cost of the system than other existing topologies of MLI. To enhance the number of output levels, the magnitudes of DC sources are selected in binary order. This article compares the proposed MLI with other topologies based on the DC sources, total standing voltage per unit (TSV-PU ), cost function per level (CF/L), switch count, gate drivers, and components count per level (CC/L). Solar panels with DC-DC converters with fuzzy logic controllers are used as the DC sources of the new topology of MLI. The performance of the proposed topology at step change in solar irradiance and variable loads has been analyzed. To reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD), phase opposition disposition pulse width modulation (POD-PWM) technique is implemented in the proposed system. The simulation results reveal improved performance at a step change in irradiance and under different loads. The suggested inverter is preferable since it has less component count with minimum voltage stress when compared to traditional MLI topologies. Therefore, its installation requires less space and costs. In summary, it offers overall improved performance. Thus, it is feasible for the PV system.
2X2 MIMO Wireless Communication System with Alamouti coding using single USRP 2944R
Authors: C SHYAMALA , J Jayanth , M Shivakumar , S Vedha A
Published: August 2023

Wireless Communication demands high data rate and reliability. With the deployment of multiple antennae at the transmitter and receiver end, this could be achieved to a large extent. Multi antenna technology generally known as MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) refers to a communication circuit created with multiple transmitter antenna and multiple receiver antenna. In MIMO, Space Time Block Coding (STBC) is a technique used to improve data rate, spectral efficiency, and power utilization. Alamouti Coding is a special STBC transmit diversity scheme used to enhance reliability in Communication. In this paper, a 2x2 MIMO with Alamouti scheme is implemented using USRP (Universal Software Radio Peripheral) 2944R along with NI LabVIEW. The Bit Error Rate (BER) is computed for this scenario for different iterations and performance is studied. Keywords—Alamouti, STBC, Spatial diversity, BER, MIMO, USRP, LabVIEW.
Quantifying Hierarchy and Prestige in US Ballet Academies as Social Predictors of Career Success
Authors: Herrera-Guzmán Yessica , Gates Alexander J. , Candia Cristian , Barabasi Albert-László
Published: August 2023

In the recent decade, we have seen major progress in quantifying the behaviors and the impact of scientists, resulting in a quantitative toolset capable of monitoring and predicting the career patterns of the profession. It is unclear, however, if this toolset applies to other creative domains beyond the sciences. In particular, while performance in the arts has long been difficult to quantify objectively, research suggests that professional networks and prestige of affiliations play a similar role to those observed in science, hence they can reveal patterns underlying successful careers. To test this hypothesis, here we focus on ballet, as it allows us to investigate in a quantitative fashion the interplay of individual performance, institutional prestige, and network effects. We analyze data on competition outcomes from 6,363 ballet students affiliated with 1,603 schools in the United States, who participated in the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) between 2000 and 2021. Through multiple logit models and matching experiments, we provide evidence that schools' strategic network position bridging between communities captures social prestige and predicts the placement of students into jobs in ballet companies. This work reveals the importance of institutional prestige on career success in ballet and showcases the potential of network science approaches to provide quantitative viewpoints for the professional development of careers beyond science.
Defining Predictors for Successful Mechanical Ventilation Weaning, Using a Data-mining Process and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: MENGUY Juliette , DE LONGEAUX Kahaia , BODENES Laetitia , HOURMANT Baptiste , L'HER Erwan
Published: August 2023

Objectives: Mechanical ventilation weaning within intensive care units (ICU) is a difficult process, while crucial when considering its impact on morbidity and mortality. Failed extubation and prolonged mechanical ventilation both carry a significant risk of adverse events. We aimed to determine predictive factors of extubation success using data-mining and artificial intelligence.
Design: A prospective physiological and biomedical signal data warehousing project.
Setting: A 21-beds medical Intensive Care Unit of a University Hospital.
Patients: Adult patients undergoing weaning from mechanical ventilation.
Interventions: None.
Measurements and Main Results: Hemodynamic and respiratory parameters of mechanically ventilated patients were prospectively collected and combined with clinical outcome data. One hundred and eight patients were included, for 135 spontaneous breathing trials (SBT) allowing to identify physiological parameters either measured before or during the trial and considered as predictive for extubation success. The Early-Warning Score Oxygen (EWSO2) enables to discriminate patients deemed to succeed extubation, at 72-hrs and 7-days. Cut-off values for EWSO2 (AUC=0.80; Se=0.75; Sp=0.76), mean arterial pressure and heart-rate variability parameters were determined. A predictive model for extubation success was established including body-mass index (BMI) on inclusion, occlusion pressure at 0,1sec. (P0.1) and heart-rate analysis parameters (LF/HF) both measured before SBT, and heart rate during SBT (global performance 62% ; 83%).
Conclusion: The data-mining process enabled to detect independent predictive factors for extubation success and to develop a dynamic predictive model using artificial intelligence. Such predictive tools may help clinicians to better discriminate patients deemed to succeed extubation and thus improve clinical performance.
Analysis of 225 cases of cervical glandular lesions from the Papanicolaou test to total hysterectomy
Authors: qin yan , Ling Yuexian , Gao Hongyi
Published: August 2023

Objective To explore the relative sensitivity of different methods for detecting cervical neoplasia including the Papanicolaou test, cervical biopsy and/or endocervical curettage (ECC), and the subsequent diagnosis following a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), cold knife conization (CKC) or hysterectomy.
Methods A total of 225 patients with cervical glandular lesions diagnosed from January 2018 to February 2023 were retrieved from the pathology database of Guangdong Maternal and Child Health Hospital, and their clinicopathological features were reviewed.
Results Nineteen cases of cervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), 71 cases of cervical adenocarcinoma (ADC) ，and 135 cases of mixed adenosquamous lesion (AIS or ADC complicated with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(LSIL) or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were identified. Their respective median ages were 38 and 46 years Four human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes: HPV18, 16, 45, and 52, dominated all glandular lesions, and accounting for 72.09% of HPV-positive tumors. Furthermore,approximately one-third (36.89%) of abnormal squamous cells were diagnosed as abnormal based on cytological examinations leading to the detection of cervical glandular lesions; only 16.89% were diagnosed based on the initial detection of abnormal glandular cytology. The most common abnormal cervical screening result was ASC-US on cytology (14.22%), followed by HSIL (11.56%). Only afew number of patients were diagnosed with or suspected of having cervical adenopathy via a Pap test (18.22%). Nearly one-third of cervical glandular lesions cases were not detected on the Pap test; but were diagnosed upon cervical biopsy or based on the histological examination of ECC, LEEP, or CKC specimens. All 225 patients (100%) underwent biopsy and/or ECC, 120 patients (44.44%) underwent LEEP or CKC biopsy, and 178 (79.11%) undertook total hysterectomy. The LEEP or CKC biopsy specimens had negative margins in 49 cases (40.83%), while the margins were positive in the other 71 cases (59.17%). Five cases (10.20%) with negative margins still had residual lesions following total hysterectomy, and 19 (26.76%) with positive margins had no residual lesions after total hysterectomy.
Conclusion Our results indicated that the ability to detect cervical glandular lesions varies for routine HPV genotyping, Pap test, or biopsy/ECC, with different sensitivities and advantages and disadvantages for each method. Further standardization is needed for cervical cancer screening in China.
Lower Rounds Lattice-based Anonymous AKA under the seCK model for the IoT
Authors: Wei Guanglu , Fan Kai , Zhang Kuan , Wang Haoyang , Wang Yirui , Yang Kan , Li Hui , Yang Yintang
Published: August 2023

The authenticated key agreement (AKA) method used in the Internet of Things (IoT) provides identity authentication and agreed symmetric keys to encrypt large amounts of communication messages for devices and servers. With the development of the quantum computing techniques and corresponding algroithms, classical authenticated key agreement methods based on public key, such as RSA and ECC become vulnerable. Many scholars have proposed lattice-based authenticated key agreement schemes to achieve post-quantum security and address this issue. However, these scheme's security models (such as BR, CK, and ROR) only can capture limited types of adversary attacks and require many communication rounds. To this end, we propose a lower communication rounds lattice-based anonymous authenticated key agreement (LA-AKA) protocol under the seCK model, which can capture a wider range of adversary attacks. The LA-AKA scheme utilizes an identity-based public key system for key agreement, and this system avoids complex resource consumption caused by certificate verification. During the identity authentication and key agreement phase, the communication entities do not need to transmit static public keys; they only need to engage in two communication rounds to generate the session key. Furthermore, the LA-AKA scheme can resist signal leakage attacks caused by key reuse in the ring learning with errors (RLWE) security assumption. The LA-AKA scheme provides higher security, as security analysis proves. The performance evaluation shows that as the number of devices and servers in the system increases, the computational advantage of the LA-AKA scheme in the broadcast channel becomes more significant.
Stuck in the mud: experimental taphonomy and computed tomography demonstrate the critical role of sediment in three-dimensional carcass stabilization during early fossil diagenesis
Authors: Waskom Madeleine , Losso Sarah , Ortega-Hernández Javier
Published: August 2023

Exceptionally preserved fossils provide critical information on the morphology and ecology of extinct organisms, but their formation remains poorly understood. Experimental taphonomy has produced critical insights that allow us to better understand preservation biases, but they typically do not reflect realistic depositional environments, employ destructive sampling, and are restricted to a two-dimensional setting. Here, we utilize micro-computed tomography to non-invasively visualize the process of decay of carcasses of the branchiopod Triops longicaudatus for a year of post-burial decay. The earliest stages of post-burial diagenesis are dynamic and produce marked differences in relative density within each of the experimental replicates affecting both the carcass and the surrounding sediment. After 64 weeks, specimens are still detectable as three-dimensional voids that capture the body in life position and external morphological features. Sediment plays a critical role in carcass stabilization and the resulting voids provide sites for mineral precipitation needed for exceptional three-dimensional fossilization.
Modified Diets and Medication in Dysphagia – The effect of thickener on drug bioavailability: A systematic review
Authors: Atkin Jayne , Devaney Christopher , Yoshimatsu Yuki , Smithard David
Published: August 2023

Introduction
Dysphagia is associated with long-term conditions including strokes, dementia, Parkinson’s disease and frailty. Dysphagia affects 30-40% of the population aged over 65-years-old. Adults with dysphagia are likely to experience long-term conditions requiring multiple medications (often >5) to manage this. The thickening of liquids is a common compensatory strategy in dysphagia management. Studies suggest that immersion in thickened liquids affects medicines’ solubility in vitro. Clinicians and pharmacists are unaware of the pharmacokinetic/therapeutic effects of thickened liquids on oral medicines. We conducted a systematic review of existing literature on thickeners’ effects on drug bioavailability.
Methodology
We performed a literature search of MEDLINE and EMBASE. Search terms included: dysphagia/thickened diet (EMBASE only)/ bioavailability or absorption of medicines or pharmacokinetics; excluded: NG feeds/animal studies. Studies included: all genders, countries, >18 years, community and hospital settings. PRISMA guidance was followed.
Results
526 results were found and 15 articles identified following reference list review. Following abstract review, 508 were rejected. 33 received a full text review, 18 were rejected, and the remaining 15 included. Most articles evaluated the effect of thickeners on dissolution profiles of medications in-vitro. Few studies assessed bioavailability or used clinical outcome measures. Often these were small studies on limited numbers of medications.
Conclusion
Despite dysphagia and polypharmacy being common in older adults, little is known about the effects of altering liquid viscosity on the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic effect of most medications. Small single-centre studies suggest that immersion in thickener may negatively affect drug pharmacokinetics and therapeutic outcomes.
Prebiotic inulin ameliorates SARS-CoV-2 infection by modulating the gut microbiome and increasing DCA formation in a Syrian hamster model
Authors: Fukuda Shinji , Song Isaiah , Yang Jiayue , Saito Misa , Hartanto Tenagy , Nakayama Yasunori , Ichinohe Takeshi
Published: August 2023

Current treatment options for COVID-19 are limited, with many antivirals and immunomodulators restricted to the most severe cases and preventative care limited to vaccination. As the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its increasing variants threaten to become a permanent fixture of our lives, this new reality necessitates the development of cost-effective and accessible treatment options for COVID-19. Studies have shown that there are correlations between the gut microbiome and severity of COVID-19, especially with regards to production of physiologically beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by gut microbes. In this study, we used a Syrian hamster model to study how dietary consumption of the prebiotic inulin affected morbidity and mortality resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection. After two weeks of observation, we discovered that inulin supplementation attenuated morbid weight loss and increased survival rate in hamster subjects. An analysis of microbiome community structure showed significant alterations in 15 genera. Notably, there were also small increases in fecal DCA and a significant increase in serum DCA, perhaps highlighting a role for this secondary bile acid in conferring protection against SARS-CoV-2. In light of these results, inulin and other prebiotics are promising targets for future investigation as preventative treatment options for COVID-19.
Elucidation of essentiality of lumazine synthase (RibH) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis survival and discovery of potent inhibitors for enhanced antimycobacterial therapy
Authors: Singh Monica , Dhanwal Anannya , Verma Arpita , Augustin Linus , Kumari Niti , Chakraborti Soumyananda , Agarwal Nisheeth , Sri Dharmarajan , Dey Ruchi Jain
Published: August 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a pressing global health crisis, necessitating urgent interventions to combat drug resistance and improve treatment efficacy. In this study, we elucidate the essential role of lumazine synthase (RibH) for the survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb). Through CRISPRi-based gene knockdown in M. tb, we confirm that deficiency of RibH – the penultimate enzyme in riboflavin biosynthesis cannot be compensated by exogenous supply of Riboflavin, FAD, or FMN. Further, by high-throughput molecular docking-based virtual screening of ~600,000 compounds and in vitro whole cell growth assays, we identify 3 RibH inhibitors that exhibit potent antimycobacterial activity. These compounds also effectively eradicate intracellular M. tb during macrophage infection and prevent the resuscitation of the nutrient-starved persister mycobacteria. Furthermore, they synergistically enhance the bactericidal effect of Isoniazid and Rifampicin. These compounds exhibit high affinity binding to lumazine synthase in vitro and display favorable absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) properties, toxicity profiles, with a high selective index in mammalian cells. By providing mechanistic evidence for the essentiality of RibH in M. tb survival and identification of potent inhibitors that bind to RibH, this study contributes to the development of superior TB treatment strategies and advances the global fight against this devastating disease.
The effects of a CBT-I based app-program on sleep quality, insomnia severity, psychological strain and quality of life: A first efficacy study
Authors: Eigl Esther-Sevil , Hinterberger Alexandra , Topalidis Pavlos , Schabus Manuel
Published: August 2023

Given rising numbers in sleep disorders and insufficient availability of treatment options, the need for well-validated digital interventions rises.
This study aims at assessing the efficacy of an app-program which combines sleep-training based on core elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) with reliable sleep-monitoring based on heart rate variability via an ECG-sensor.
Data of 48 participants (26 female) aged 30-73 (M=50.33±11.88) were included in the analyses. At the beginning of the baseline (T0), at start (T1) and end (T2) of the 6-week training phase as well as 4 weeks after the end of the program (T3; follow-up) several questionnaires assessing sleep quality, insomnia severity, general psychological symptom severity, depression, anxiety as well as quality of life were completed.
Insomnia severity (p<.001), sleep quality (p<.001), general psychological symptom severity (p<.001), depression (p=.002) and anxiety (p<.001) improved significantly during the training phase and persisted until one-month follow-up assessment, while in sleep quality a trend for further improvement during the follow-up period was found (p=.097). Furthermore, quality of life [physical (p=.014) and psychological health (p=.049)] improved significantly during the follow-up-period.
This study adds evidence on the potential of digital interventions and indicates that digital CBT-I can have substantial effects on relevant sleep- and health-related outcome measures.
Hsa_circ_0009092/miR-665/NLK signaling axis suppresses colorectal cancer progression via recruiting TAMs in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: song jialin , Liu Qing , Han Lei , Song Tiantian , Huang Sihao , Zhang Xinyao , He Qiuming , Liang Chenxi , Zhu Shuai , xiong Bin
Published: August 2023

Background: It has been demonstrated that circular RNA (circRNAs) plays a critical role in various cancers. While the potential molecular mechanism of circRNAs in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains uncertain.
Methods: Differentially expressed circRNAs were identified by RNA sequencing. RT-qPCR detected the expression of circ_0009092, miR-665, and NLK in CRC tissues and cells. Functions of circ_0009092 on tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were investigated by a series of in vitro assays. The underlying mechanism of circ_0009092 was explored by bioinformatics analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase assays. A co-culture assay in vitro was performed to detect the affection of circ_0009092 on macrophage recruitment in the tumor microenvironment (TME). A xenograft mouse model was used to explore the effect of circ_0009092 on tumor growth.
Results: Circ_0009092 was downregulated in CRC and predicted a good prognosis. Overexpression of circ_0009092 reduced tumor cell EMT, proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circ_0009092 elevated the NLK expression via sponging miR-665 and suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. EIF4EA3 induced circ_0009092 expression in CRC cells. In addition, NLK regulates phosphorylation and O-GlcNAcylation of STAT3 by binding to STAT3, thereby inhibiting CCL2 expression, in which it inhibits macrophage recruitment in the tumor microenvironment (TME).
Conclusion: EIF4A3 suppressed circ_0009092 biogenesis, which inhibits CRC progression by sponging miR-665 to downregulate NLK. Circ_0009092/miR-665/NLK suppressed tumor EMT, proliferation, migration, and invasion by acting on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. NLK directly interacted with STAT3 and decreased the CCL2 expression, inhibiting the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the TME. Our study provided novel insights into the roles of circ_0009092 as a novel promising prognostic and therapeutic target in CRC.
Short-term Effects of Cadmium Exposure on Blood Pressure and Vascular Function in Wistar Rats
Authors: Rossi Karoline Alves , Almenara Camila Cruz Pereira , Simões Rakel Passos , Sepulchro Lorraine Christiny Costa , Krause Maiara , Carneiro Maria Tereza W. D. , Padilha Alessandra Simão
Published: August 2023

Chronic cadmium exposure is known to be associated with vascular changes and increased blood pressure, but its short-term effects on the cardiovascular system remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the pressoric and vascular effects of a 7-day exposure to CdCl2 in Wistar rats. The rats were divided in control group (Ct), which received tap water, and the Cd group, which received a 100 mg/L CdCl2 solution via drinking water for 7 days. We analyzed body weight, plasma Cadmium concentration, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and vascular responses. Despite relatively low plasma Cadmium concentration, the Cd group exhibited elevated SBP and increased contractile response to phenylephrine. Endothelium removal and NOS inhibition increased contractions in both groups. In the Cd group's aorta, we observed enhanced levels of phospho-eNOS (Ser1177) and basal NO release. Cd group showed reduced Catalase expression and increased basal release of H2O2, with catalase reducing the contractile response. In arteries pre-contracted with phenylephrine, Cd group showed impaired endothelium-dependent (Acetylcholine) and independent (sodium nitroprussiate - SNP) relaxation responses. However, responses to SNP were similar after pre-contraction with KCl in both groups. These data suggest early effects of Cadmium on blood pressure and aortic function, indicating impaired H2O2-scavenging by catalase. Increased H2O2 due to Cadmium exposure might explain heightened responses to phenylephrine and weakened relaxation responses mediated by the NO-K+-channels pathway. Our findings shed light on Cadmium's short-term impact on the cardiovascular system, providing insights into potential mechanisms underlying its effects on blood pressure regulation and vascular function.
Strongly-interacting bosons at 2D-1D dimensional crossover
Authors: Yao Hepeng , Pizzino Lorenzo , Giamarchi Thierry
Published: August 2023

We study a two dimensional (2D) system of interacting quantum bosons, subjected to a continuous periodic potential in one direction. The correlation of such system exhibits a dimensional crossover between a canonical 2D behavior with Berezinski-Kosterlitz-Thouless (BKT) properties and a one-dimensional (1D) behavior when the potential is large and splits the system in essentially independent tubes. The latter is in the universality class of Tomonaga-Luttinger liquids (TLL). Using a continuous quantum Monte Carlo method, we investigate this dimensional crossover by computing longitudinal and transverse superfluid fraction as well as the superfluid correlation as a function of temperature, interactions and potential. Especially, we find the correlation function evolves from BKT to TLL type, with special intermediate behaviors appearing at the dimensional crossover. We discuss how the consequences of the dimensional crossover can be investigated in cold atomic gases experiments.
Kinetics and Activation Parameters for Dyeing of Cellulose-Polyethylene Terephthalate Blends with a Reactive Dye Using a Convenient, Robust Dye Flow‑System
Authors: Possidonio Shirley , Iar Camila , Novaki Luzia , El Seoud Omar
Published: August 2023

Dyeing of cellulose with reactive dyes (RDs) is an important commercial process because the fibers/fabrics have vivid colors with excellent fastness, since the RD is covalently bonded to cellulose. The subject of the present study is dying of cotton-polyethylene terephthalate (PET) blends using a flow system where the RD absorbance is contentiously monitored by UV-Vis spectroscopy. This allows the collection of extensive data points (≥ 300) to calculate the rate constants, hence the corresponding activation parameters. At a fixed pH = 11.2, a pseudo second-order rate law fits the absorbance vs. time data satisfactorily. At a constant temperature, the order of the dyeing rate constant (k2) is higher for the blend containing 88.9% cotton. The dyeing activation energy, on the other hand, is higher for the blend containing 50% cotton. These results were attributed to the adverse effects of (hydrophobic) PET on the diffusion of RD into the blend. We calculated an equation that shows the dependence of k2 on the temperature and cotton wt.% of the blend.
Experimental Mechanical Characterization of Silica Fume-based No-fines Concrete Reinforced by Steel or Nylon Fibers
Authors: Hussain Saddam , Ahmed Zaheer , Ahmed Aqeel , Bedon Chiara
Published: August 2023

Aims:

In this study, the mechanical characterization of no-fines concrete solutions is addressed experimentally, with the purpose of possibly increasing their strength by using silica fume and embedded fibers (steel and nylon fibers) as possible efficient reinforcement.

Background:

Due to competition between developed and advanced countries, the contemporary construction sector is currently experiencing a shortage of fundamental building materials. In this regard, no-fines concrete is becoming increasingly popular, and it has been proven in the literature that it can offer some advantages as an economic and lightweight solution compared to conventional concrete. However, experiments and investigations are still needed to investigate the potential mechanical advantages for its efficient use in buildings, given that the major limitation compared to normal concrete is represented by limited strength.

Objective:

The primary objective of the present study is to assess the mechanical strength of no-fines concrete samples in which steel fibers, nylon fibers, and partial cement replacement with silica fume are used. For this purpose, no-fines concrete specimens are produced with fixed mix proportions of 1:6 cement-aggregate (c-a) ratio, various coarse aggregate gradations ((20-10) mm and (10-5) mm), and fixed w/c ratio (0.42).

Methods:

The experiments are carried out on cubes, cylinders and prisms of concrete samples with various aggregate solutions. The nominal length of both types of fibers is fixed at 20 mm. Steel fibers with 1 mm in diameter and nylon fibers with 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, or 0.6 mm diameters, respectively, are taken into account to explore their effects on compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength.

Results:

The presented experimental results showed various mechanical advantages, such as increased compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strength parameters, for most of the examined samples. Nylon fibers, in particular, proved to significantly increase compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strength values, compared to normal concrete, with additional benefits compared to steel fibers (for the examined arrangements and configurations).

Conclusion:

Overall, the examined compositions and mixtures of silica fume-based no-fines concrete samples encourage further investigations for the optimization of these solutions. In this regard, in addition to mechanical capacities, further key parameters (such as weight, cost, impact on concrete microstructure, etc.) will be taken into account.
Resilience, Burnout and Wellbeing of Nurses during the Third Wave of COVID-19 in Cyprus
Authors: Prodromou Maria , Stylianou Neophytos , Protopapas Andreas , Leontiou Ioannis
Published: August 2023

Background:

Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion, and when experienced among healthcare workers, it is a sign of major concern for the health system. COVID-19 has induced a plethora of negative consequences, like extra workload on nurses, emotional stress, risk of infection to close family, and factors leading to burnout.

Aim:

This study aimed to measure the prevalence of burnout and resilience among nurses in Cyprus.

Materials and Methods:

An online questionnaire-based survey using Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and the Conor Davidson scale was carried out among all registered nurses in Cyprus. Burnout and resilience were defined at a cut-off score of 50 for each domain.

Results:

The prevalence of overall burnout was 54.26%. No significant difference was identified between the different demographics collected and burnout prevalence. Burnout was lower in the category of patient-related burnout (32.77%) compared to personal or work-related burnout (68.30% and 66.81%, respectively).

Conclusion:

There has been a significant prevalence of burnout found during the COVID-19 pandemic among nurses. On the contrary, our findings reflect that nurses have high resilience, something that is a benefit to the system as they never stop working. Nurses experiencing burnout have a higher tendency to leave their department/organization and their job, a fact that their management should have in mind. We suggest that management should be proactive and supportive in improving working conditions and providing assurance to employees. The long-term effects of the current pandemic need to be assessed later.