bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SISTEM INFORMASI UNIT KEGIATAN MAHASISWA DAN HIMPUNAN MAHASISWA JURUSAN POLITEKNIK NEGERI FAKFAK
Authors: Mualo Ardhyansyah , Basri Hasan , Syaiful Djamani La Ode
Published: March 2023

Today's information systems are inseparable because they demand a company to create an integrated system that allows others to access the information they need from the company. The Student Activity Unit or UKM organization and the Departmental Student Association (HMJ) are two that are affected, making it simpler for students to obtain information, which is one of the most crucial requirements that must be met. Numerous student organizations are supervised by the Fakfak State Polytechnic and are grouped under the Student Activity Unit (UKM). Student activity units and major student associations at the Fakfak State Polytechnic currently do not have an integrated information system that explains management profiles, vision and mission, and work programs. This has an impact on the lack of information obtained by students and the public regarding UKM and HMJ at the Fakfak State Polytechnic. Therefore, efforts are needed to build and improve an information exchange system in the form of a website-based application for student activity units and departmental student associations that can manage information from each organization in an integrated manner to be able to overcome these problems. The information system that will be built and developed is a web-based application that makes it easier for users to access information and also acts as a promotional medium.
ANALISIS SERANGAN DHCP STARVATION ATTACK PADA ROUTER OS MIKROTIK
Authors: Ariyadi Tamsir , Nur Riyansyah Aidil , Agung M , Ikrar M. Alzi
Published: March 2023

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) adalah protokol client-server yang berfungsi memberikan alamat IP kepada komputer client/ perangkat jaringan secara otomatis. Dalam menggunakan mikrotik OS melakukan analisis lebih lanjut terkait serangan pada DHCP starvation attack. Dimana attacker akan menjadi host pada salah satu komputer dan merequest IP ke mikrotik OS untuk mendapatkan informasi pribadi client yang selanjutnya akan direkam dan dianalisis serangan Man in the Middle.  Tentunya hal ini dapat dicegah dengan teknik filtering yang ada pada miktorik OS. Tentunya  hal ini dapat dicegah dengan teknik filtering yang ada pada mikrotik OS. Kuncinya dapat dilihat pada komputer hostname yang terdaftar pada mikrotik,  sehingga pada proses DHCP Discover yang meminta IP pada DHCP Server mikrotik jika tidak terdaftar hostname nya maka akan di list untuk di blokir.
IMPLEMENTASI METODE PROMETHEE PADA PEMILIHAN REGISTRAR DOMAIN DI INDONESIA
Authors: Wicaksono Maha'd , Ighsan Lucky Maulanay
Published: March 2023

A domain registrar is a commercial company whose job is to register domain names that have been registered with ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) or maintain domain ccTLDs that involve certain country codes. Domain registration is the first step in website development as an effort to the existence of a business entering the digital economy era. To ensure the continuity of a business in the internet world, the selection of a domain registration service is very important. Because the domain is the identity as well as the address of a business on the internet. Domain registration service organizations must meet various important criteria needed as a professional domain registration service. These criteria must be able to answer the crucial characteristics of a domain registrar. This study uses PROMETHEE (Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation). The PROMETHEE method is used to rank among all alternatives based on predetermined criteria. The stages of problem solving in this study are determining alternatives, determining criteria, to ranking alternatives, so that will produce the best alternative output. In this study the PROMETHEE calculation results obtained with the best alternative output being the Domainesia registrar with a net flow value of 0.592.
Hospital Reservoirs of Multidrug Resistant Acinetobacter Species—The Elephant in the Room!
Authors: Fahy S. , O’Connor J. A. , Lucey B. , Sleator R. D.
Published: March 2023

Environmental contamination is estimated to contribute to up to 20% of all hospital acquired infections. Acinetobacter baumannii is an example of one the most prevalent opportunistic pathogens causing severe and persistent infections in immunocompromised patients. It has proven ability to form biofilms, has significant associated multi-drug resistance and is able to transfer mobile genetic elements to other clinically relevant pathogens. All of these factors point to a definite utility of A. baumannii as an indicator organism for effectiveness of decontamination regimens as well as environmental screening. There is an increased cost, both financial and clinical, associated with multi drug resistant organisms, carbapenem resistant A. baumannii. With a dearth of new antimicrobials in development, now is the time to radically transform and lead the introduction of scientifically based environmental screening and microbiological verified decontamination to control the dissemination of further resistance.
Unsupervised vessel trajectory reconstruction
Authors: Chen Chih-Wei , Huang Hsin-Hsiung
Published: March 2023

A trajectory is a sequence of observations in time and space, for examples, the path formed by maritime vessels, orbital debris, or aircraft. It is important to track and reconstruct vessel trajectories using the Automated Identification System (AIS) data in real-world applications for maritime navigation safety. In this project, we use the National Science Foundation (NSF)'s Algorithms for Threat Detection program (ATD) 2019 Challenge AIS data to develop novel trajectory reconstruction method. Given a sequence of N unlabeled timestamped observations Χ={x1,x2,...,xN}, the goal is to track trajectories by clustering the AIS points with predicted positions using the information from the true trajectories Χ. It is a natural way to connect the observed point xî with the closest point that is estimated by using the location, time, speed, and angle information from a set of the points under consideration xi ∀ i ∈ {1, 2, …, N}. The introduced method is an unsupervised clustering-based method that does not train a supervised model which may incur a significant computational cost, so it leads to a real-time, reliable, and accurate trajectory reconstruction method. Our experimental results show that the proposed method successfully clusters vessel trajectories.
Synthesis by solid route and physicochemical characterizations of blends of calcium orthophosphate powders and mesoporous silicon particles
Authors: Richard Caroline , Alfred-Arulrasa Mélissa , Ramadas Harikrishnan , Mahagamage Pubudu Tharanga , Defforge Thomas , Gaultier Gael , Autret-Lambert Cécile , Poirot Nathalie , Champion Eric , Magnaudeix Amandine
Published: March 2023

The purpose of the study was to investigate the synthesis of economic calcium phosphate powders from recycled oyster shells, using a ball milling method. The oyster shell powder and a calcium pyrophosphate powder were used as starting materials and ball milled, then heat treated at 1,050°C for 5 h to produce calcium phosphate powders through a solid-state reaction. Electrochemically synthesized mesoporous silicon microparticles were then added to the prepared phosphate powders by mechanical mixer. The final powders were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy to analyze their chemical composition and determine the most suitable process conditions. The biocompatibility of the produced powders was also tested in vitro using murine cells and the results showed good biocompatibility.
Effect of IMU location on estimation of vertical ground reaction force during jumping
Authors: Kerns Jordan A. , Zwart Andrew S. , Perez Pietro S. , Gurchiek Reed D. , McBride Jeffrey M.
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Several investigations have examined utilizing inertial measurement units (IMU) to estimate ground reaction force (GRF) during exercise. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of inertial measurement units location on the estimation of ground reaction force during vertical jumping.

Methods: Eight male subjects completed a series of ten countermovement jumps on a force plate (FP). The subjects had an inertial measurement units attached to the sacrum, back and chest. Ground reaction force was estimated from data from the individual inertial measurement units and by using a two-segment model and combined sensor approach.

Results: The peak ground reaction force values for the sacrum, back, chest and combined inertial measurement units were 1,792 ± 278 N, 1,850 ± 341 N, 2,054 ± 346 N and 1,812 ± 323 N, respectively. The sacral inertial measurement units achieved the smallest differences for ground reaction force estimates providing a root mean square error (RMSE) between 88 N and 360 N. The inertial measurement units on the sacrum also showed significant correlations in peak ground reaction force (p < 0.001) and average ground reaction force (p < 0.001) using the Bland-Altman 95% Limits of Agreement (LOA) when in comparison to the force plate.

Discussion: Based on assessment of bias, Limits of Agreement, and RMSE, the inertial measurement units located on the sacrum appears to be the best placement to estimate both peak and average ground reaction force during jumping.
Theoretical study on the optical properties of a phase change material blind in a double skin facade system
Authors: Li Yilin , Peng Yuke , Jing Huaiwang , Fu Sipeng
Published: March 2023

The use of a phase change material (PCM) blind system has great potential in mitigating overheating issues in double skin facade (DSF) systems while maintaining their optical and thermal benefits. However, there is a lack of research information available regarding the optical properties of such systems. This paper establishes a solar radiation model of PCM blinds for use in a DSF system that integrates the optical path of sunlight. The influences of the solar incidence angle, slat inclination angle, the ratio of slat distance to slat width, and slat surface material on the optical coefficient of the blind system are analyzed. The results indicate slat inclination angle significantly affects diffuse absorptance and diffuse transmittance, while solar incidence angle has little impact. Diffuse absorptance gradually increases with increasing slat inclination angle, reaching a peak at 90°, while diffuse transmittance decreases. The optical coefficient of the blind is closely related to the ratio of slat distance to slat width. The smaller the slat inclination angle, the more noticeable the difference in absorptance or transmittance of direct/diffuse solar radiation. The reflectance of the blind surface material has a significant effect on the optical coefficient. As the reflectance of the slat surface material increases, both direct absorptance and diffuse absorptance of the slat show a decreasing trend. Our results suggest that this method could be used for optical properties measurement in PCM blind system. The results of this study provide effective references for the final selection of PCM and the estimation of component dosage.
Theoretical study of the catalytic performance of Fe and Cu single-atom catalysts supported on Mo2C toward the reverse water–gas shift reaction
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Vidal-López Anna , Comas-Vives Aleix
Published: March 2023

The reverse water–gas shift (RWGS) is an attractive process using CO2 as a chemical feedstock. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) exhibit high catalytic activity in several reactions, maximizing the metal use and enabling easier tuning by rational design than heterogeneous catalysts based on metal nanoparticles. In this study, we evaluate, using DFT calculations, the RWGS mechanism catalyzed by SACs based on Cu and Fe supported on Mo2C, which is also an active RWGS catalyst on its own. While Cu/Mo2C showed more feasible energy barriers toward CO formation, Fe/Mo2C presented lower energy barriers for H2O formation. Overall, the study showcases the difference in reactivity between both metals, evaluating the impact of oxygen coverage and suggesting Fe/Mo2C as a potentially active RWGS catalyst based on theoretical calculations.
Twenty-three medication-taking traits and stroke: A comprehensive Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Shao Wenbo , Li Taozhi , Wang Yukun , Shan Shizhe , Zhang Haiyu , Xue Yanxing
Published: March 2023

Background

Certain medication categories may increase the risk of stroke. Nonetheless, the evidence regarding the causal relationship of medication-taking in promoting stroke and subtypes is deficient.

Methods

We evaluated the causal effect of a genetic predisposition for certain medication categories on stroke and subtypes (ischemic and hemorrhagic categories) by a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Data for 23 medication categories were gathered from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 318,177 patients. The Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit Open GWAS database and the FinnGen consortium were used to gather GWAS data for stroke and subtypes. Inverse variance weighted, MR-Egger, and weighted median were used for the estimation of causal effects. Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analysis were used for sensitivity analyses.

Results

Ten medication categories were linked to a high stroke risk. Nine categories were linked to a high-risk ischemic stroke. Five categories were associated with small vessel ischemic stroke. Nine categories were positively associated with large artery atherosclerotic ischemic stroke. Three categories causally increased the possibility of cardioembolic ischemic stroke. Four categories were associated with intracerebral hemorrhage. Four categories were associated with nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage. Three categories were causally associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Four categories were associated with the combination of SAH, unruptured cerebral aneurysm, and aneurysm operations SAH.

Conclusions

This study confirms that some medication categories lead to a greater risk of strokes. Meanwhile, it has an implication for stroke screening as well as direct clinical signiﬁcance in the design of conduction of future randomized controlled trials.
Structural evolution and mechanism of multi-phase rift basins: A case study of the Panyu 4 Sag in the Zhu Ⅰ Depression, Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea
Authors: Guo Bowei , Yu Fusheng , Li Hui
Published: March 2023

The study of changes in normal fault systems during different rift stages is important to understand the genesis and evolution of multi-phase rift basins, such as the Panyu 4 Sag in the Zhu Ⅰ Depression. Using 2D and 3D seismic data and analogue modelling, the Zhu Ⅰ Depression was characterized as a series of half-grabens bounded by NE-NEE-trending normal faults, it was found to have undergone two phases of the extension during the Paleogene. The Zhu Ⅰ Depression exhibited four fault sets with different strikes, including NNE, NE-NEE, EW, and NWW. The main controlling faults were NE-trending and EW-trending with high activity rates during Rift Phase 1 and Rift Phase 2, respectively. The average azimuths of the dominant strikes for type Ⅰa, type Ⅰb, and type Ⅱ faults were 75°, 85°, and 90°, which revealed that the minimum principal stress (σ3) directions during the rift phases 1 and 2 of the Zhu Ⅰ Depression were SSE (∼165°) and near-EW (∼180°), respectively. Two phases of structural-sedimentary evolution, with different directions and analogue modelling results, illustrated that the Panyu 4 Sag was formed as a superimposed basin under multi-phase anisotropic extension. The structural evolution of the Panyu 4 Sag since the Paleogene was mainly controlled by the combined effects of the Pacific, Eurasian, and Indian plates. Since the orientation of subduction of the Pacific plate changed from NNW to NWW, the stress field shifted from NW-SE-trending tension to S-N-trending tension, causing the superimposition of late near-E-W-oriented structural pattern on the early NE-oriented structural pattern.
The application of Monte Carlo modelling to quantify in situ hydrogen and associated element production in the deep subsurface
Authors: Warr Oliver , Song Min , Sherwood Lollar Barbara
Published: March 2023

The subsurface production, accumulation, and cycling of hydrogen (H2), and cogenetic elements such as sulfate (SO42-) and the noble gases (e.g., 4He, 40Ar) remains a critical area of research in the 21st century. Understanding how these elements generate, migrate, and accumulate is essential in terms of developing hydrogen as an alternative low-carbon energy source and as a basis for helium exploration which is urgently needed to meet global demand of this gas used in medical, industrial, and research fields. Beyond this, understanding the subsurface cycles of these compounds is key for investigating chemosynthetically-driven habitability models with relevance to the subsurface biosphere and the search for life beyond Earth. The challenge is that to evaluate each of these critical element cycles requires quantification and accurate estimates of production rates. The natural variability and intersectional nature of the critical parameters controlling production for different settings (local estimates), and for the planet as a whole (global estimates) are complex. To address this, we propose for the first time a Monte Carlo based approach which is capable of simultaneously incorporating both random and normally distributed ranges for all input parameters. This approach is capable of combining these through deterministic calculations to determine both the most probable production rates for these elements for any given system as well as defining upper and lowermost production rates as a function of probability and the most critical variables. This approach, which is applied to the Kidd Creek Observatory to demonstrate its efficacy, represents the next-generation of models which are needed to effectively incorporate the variability inherent to natural systems and to accurately model H2, 4He, 40Ar, SO42- production on Earth and beyond.
Non-linear mechanical characteristics of tailings in large-scale high tailings dams
Authors: Chen Qinglin , Li Zugui , Zhang Chao , Dai Zeyu , Wang Xiaojun , Zhang Xuepeng
Published: March 2023

The non-linear mechanical characteristics of tailings under high pressure are the research foundation of large-scale high tailings dams. Considering the high stress caused by high tailing ponds, consolidated drained triaxial shear tests were carried out. The deterioration mechanism of non-linear mechanics was revealed by particle crushing. The test results show that sample density has a great influence on volumetric strain under low pressure. However, volumetric strain is not related to sample density under high pressure. The shear strength of the tailings is significantly non-linear. The internal friction angle under low pressure can still be obtained by the traditional linear Mohr–Coulomb criterion and the internal friction angle under high pressure by the power function of the Mohr criterion. The particle crushing of tailings occurs not only at high pressure but also at low pressure. The value of the breakage index increases with sample density. The non-linear mechanics of shear strength are affected by particle breakage. The breakage index value increases linearly with increasing shear strength, indicating that the high density of the deep part of the tailings dam is prone to particle crushing, which affects the stability of the large-scale high dam.
Application of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology in basic research, diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer
Authors: Meng Hui , Nan Manman , Li Yizhen , Ding Yi , Yin Yuhui , Zhang Mingzhi
Published: March 2023

Colon cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and its progression is accompanied by a complex array of genetic variations. CRISPR/Cas9 can identify new drug-resistant or sensitive mutations in colon cancer, and can use gene editing technology to develop new therapeutic targets and provide personalized treatments, thereby significantly improving the treatment of colon cancer patients. CRISPR/Cas9 systems are driving advances in biotechnology. RNA-directed Cas enzymes have accelerated the pace of basic research and led to clinical breakthroughs. This article reviews the rapid development of CRISPR/Cas in colon cancer, from gene editing to transcription regulation, gene knockout, genome-wide CRISPR tools, therapeutic targets, stem cell genomics, immunotherapy, metabolism-related genes and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, the limitations and future development of CRISPR/Cas9 in colon cancer studies are reviewed. In conclusion, this article reviews the application of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology in basic research, diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer.
Thermogenic adipose tissue in energy regulation and metabolic health
Authors: Xue Siwen , Lee Derek , Berry Daniel C.
Published: March 2023

The ability to generate thermogenic fat could be a targeted therapy to thwart obesity and improve metabolic health. Brown and beige adipocytes are two types of thermogenic fat cells that regulate energy balance. Both adipocytes share common morphological, biochemical, and thermogenic properties. Yet, recent evidence suggests unique features exist between brown and beige adipocytes, such as their cellular origin and thermogenic regulatory processes. Beige adipocytes also appear highly plastic, responding to environmental stimuli and interconverting between beige and white adipocyte states. Additionally, beige adipocytes appear to be metabolically heterogenic and have substrate specificity. Nevertheless, obese and aged individuals cannot develop beige adipocytes in response to thermogenic fat-inducers, creating a key clinical hurdle to their therapeutic promise. Thus, elucidating the underlying developmental, molecular, and functional mechanisms that govern thermogenic fat cells will improve our understanding of systemic energy regulation and strive for new targeted therapies to generate thermogenic fat. This review will examine the recent advances in thermogenic fat biogenesis, molecular regulation, and the potential mechanisms for their failure.
Epicardial adipocytes in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation: An update on basic and translational studies
Authors: Willar Brooks , Tran Khan-Van , Fitzgibbons Timothy P.
Published: March 2023

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is an endocrine organ containing a host of cell types and undoubtedly serving a multitude of important physiologic functions. Aging and obesity cause hypertrophy of EAT. There is great interest in the possible connection between EAT and cardiovascular disease, in particular, atrial fibrillation (AF). Increased EAT is independently associated with AF and adverse events after AF ablation (e.g., recurrence of AF, and stroke). In general, the amount of EAT correlates with BMI or visceral adiposity. Yet on a molecular level, there are similarities and differences between epicardial and abdominal visceral adipocytes. In comparison to subcutaneous adipose tissue, both depots are enriched in inflammatory cells and chemokines, even in normal conditions. On the other hand, in comparison to visceral fat, epicardial adipocytes have an increased rate of fatty acid release, decreased size, and increased vascularity. Several studies have described an association between fibrosis of EAT and fibrosis of the underlying atrial myocardium. Others have discovered paracrine factors released from EAT that could possibly mediate this association. In addition to the adjacent atrial cardiomyocytes, EAT contains a robust stromal-vascular fraction and surrounds the ganglionic plexi of the cardiac autonomic nervous system (cANS). The importance of the cANS in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation is well known, and it is quite likely that there is feedback between EAT and the cANS. This complex interplay may be crucial to the maintenance of normal sinus rhythm or the development of atrial fibrillation. The extent the adipocyte is a microcosm of metabolic health in the individual patient may determine which is the predominant rhythm.
Do agricultural productive services alleviate farmland abandonment? Evidence from China rural household panel survey data
Authors: Tian Yuan , Gao Yanlei , Pu Chenxi
Published: March 2023

As an important means to solve “who will farm” and “how to farm” in the future, agricultural productive services change the allocation structure of agricultural factors and play an important role in alleviating farmland abandonment. This study uses the 2017 China Rural Household Panel Survey data and adopts the logistic model, the IV Tobit model, and the mediating effect model to investigate the impact of agricultural productive services on farmland abandonment. The results show: (1) Agricultural productive services significantly reduce farmland abandonment by 1.51% on average. (2) Mechanism analysis implies that agricultural labour substitution, land transfer effect, and technological adoption effect play important intermediary roles in alleviating farmland abandonment. (3) Moreover, compared with the eastern, central, and non-karst regions, agricultural productive services failed to reduce farmland abandonment in the western and karst regions with poor terrain conditions. Agricultural productive services could alleviate the farmland abandonment of small farmers and elderly farmers. Therefore, agricultural productive services contribute to the reuse of small-scale plots.
Varying performance of eight evapotranspiration products with aridity and vegetation greenness across the globe
Authors: Wang Hongzhou , Li Xiaodong , Tong Cheng , Xu Yongkang , Lin Dongjun , Wang Jiazhi , Yao Fei , Zhu Pengxuan , Yan Guixia
Published: March 2023

The wide application of the evapotranspiration (ET) products has deepened our understanding of the water, energy and carbon cycles, driving increased interest in regional and global assessments of their performance. However, evaluating ET products at a global scale with varying levels of dryness and vegetation greenness poses challenges due to a relative lack of reference data and potential water imbalance. Here, we evaluated the performance of eight state-of-the-art ET products derived from remote sensing, Land Surface Models, and machine learning methods. Specifically, we assessed their ability to capture ET magnitude, variability, and trend, using 1,381 global watershed water balance ET as a baseline. Furthermore, we created aridity and vegetation categories to investigate performance differences among products under varying environmental conditions. Our results demonstrate that the spatial and temporal performances of the ET products were strongly affected by aridity and vegetation greenness. The poorer performances, such as underestimation of interannual variability and misjudged trend, tend to occur in abundant humidity and vegetation. Our findings emphasize the significance of considering aridity and vegetation greenness into ET product generation, especially in the context of ongoing global warming and greening. Which hopefully will contribute to the directional optimizations and effective applications of ET simulations.
A cost-effective o-toulidine-based Schiff base as an efficient sorbent for metal ion uptake from aqueous and soil samples: Synthesis, antimicrobial, and acute toxicity analyses
Authors: Khan Noureen , Jamil Nelofer , Jabeen Rukhsana , Akhtar Malik Muhammad , Ali Hussain , Mehmood Rashad , Orfali Raha , Perveen Shagufta , Peng Jiangnan , Al-Taweel Areej M.
Published: March 2023

Heavy metals create serious health problems, so the practical implementation and development of low-cost sorbent materials to remove heavy metals from the ecosystem is a worldwide issue. The purpose of this study is to find a low-cost ligand that has the potential to adsorb heavy metals from aqueous and soil samples and also has biological potential. For this, a Schiff base, dimeric o-toluidine (SBL), has been synthesized through condensation, characterized by spectroscopic analysis, and had its biological activities measured. We also studied its adsorption efficiency through a batch technique to remove Zn(II), Co(II), and Cu(II) from aqueous and soil samples under different conditions such as metal ion concentration, pH, contact time, and SBL concentration. The adsorption potential of SBL was analyzed by the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The values of correlation coefficients revealed that the Freundlich isotherm elucidated results that were more appropriable than the Langmuir model. Adsorption equilibrium was established in 90 min for aqueous samples and in 1,440 min for soil samples. For the maximum adsorption of all metals, the optimum pH was 8, and it showed a capacity to remove 77 to 95 percent of metals from the samples. The maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of SBL were 75.75, 62.50, and 9.17 mg g-1 in the case of Cu(II), Zn(II), and Co(II) ions, respectively, from aqueous samples and 10.95, 64.10, and 88.49 mg g-1 in the case of Zn(II), Cu (II), and Co(II), respectively, from soil samples. The effectiveness of SBL in the sorption of the selected metals was found to be Cu+2 > Zn+2 > Co+2 for aqueous samples and Co+2 > Cu+2 > Zn+2 for soil samples. The antimicrobial activity of SBL was also investigated. The results revealed that SBL showed moderate inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus dysentria, C. albican, and Aspergillus niger, whereas it exhibited weak activity against S. aureus, P. aureginosa, K. pneumoniae, P. vulgaris, and E.coli when compared to Fluconazole and Ciprofloxacin as the standard. Acute toxicity of the synthesized compound was measured through its daily oral administration with various doses ranging from 0.1 to 1,000 mg/kg of the mice’s body weights. Even at the dose of 1,000 mg/kg, the SBL showed no mortality or any type of general behavioral change in the treated mice. Based on preparation cost, metal removal capacity, toxicity, and antimicrobial activities, SBL is an excellent sorbent and should be studied at pilot scale levels.
Water quality variation in the middle route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project, China
Authors: Wang Yuanzhu , Wang Chenglin , Zhang Chunmei , Liang Jiangkui , Mi Wujuan , Song Gaofei , Zhu Yuxuan , Wang Shulei , Shang Yuming , Bi Yonghong
Published: March 2023

The South-to-North Water Division Middle Route Project (MRP) is currently the longest inter-basin water diversion project in the world. It benefits a large population and its water quality has attracted much attention. In this study, seasonal investigations on 11 sampling sites along the MRP were conducted from 2018 to 2019; water temperature, pH, turbidity, transparency, CODMn, dissolved oxygen, total phosphorus, phosphate, total nitrogen, ammonia, nitrate, and chlorophyll a were determined synchronously. Single leakage distance clustering analysis identified the spatio-seasonal heterogeneity of physiochemical parameters. The trophic level index (TLI) and the water quality status were assessed: TLI increased and WQI decreased from south to north; TLI and WQI had seasonal differences (p < 0.001), the best water quality was observed in autumn, and the lowest TLI was observed in winter. The trophic level was “oligotrophic to mesotrophic”; water quality status was “good.” The multiple linear stepwise regression analysis confirmed that total nitrogen (TN), Chl a, and CODMn were the driving factors in water quality. These factors were applied to build the simplified WQI model, which was confirmed as a reliable method of water quality assessment for the MRP and a fitting substitute for TLI and WQI. The results provided support for the water quality evaluation of the MRP.
Delay in reaching health facilities and its associated factors among mothers giving birth in South Gondar zone hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020: A facility-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kassa Bekalu Getnet , Tiruneh Gebrehiwot Ayalew , Solomon Abayneh Aklilu
Published: March 2023

Background

Delays in reaching health facilities are one of three models identified as major contributors to maternal mortality and morbidity in developing countries, including Ethiopia. However, little is known about the prevalence and associated factors of delays in reaching healthcare facilities in Ethiopia, particularly in rural areas.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of delays in reaching health facilities and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in South Gondar zone hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was used from 28 November to 25 December 2020, with 417 mothers who had recently given birth participating in the study, selected through a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a face-to-face interview with pretested structured questionnaires. The EpiData software (version 3.1) was used to record collected data and then exported to SPSS (version 23) for statistical analysis. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were conducted, and the odds ratio with 95% CI was used to identify factors associated with delays in reaching health facilities. The statistical significance was declared at p < .05.

Results

The prevalence of delay in reaching health facilities among mothers who gave birth in South Gondar zone hospitals were 50.6%. Mothers who had no antenatal care (ANC) visits [adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.52, 6.56], an unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.16, 2.72), and a distance from home to a health facility greater than 5 km (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.08, 2.65) were positively associated with delays in reaching health facilities.

Conclusions

The prevalence of delays in reaching health facilities was higher in the study area. Women's empowerment through health education about ANC follow-up, choice of family planning methods, and creating accessibility to health facilities are essential measures to minimize delays in reaching health facilities.
Rapid, early, and potent Spike-directed IgG, IgM, and IgA distinguish asymptomatic from mildly symptomatic COVID-19 in Uganda, with IgG persisting for 28 months
Authors: Serwanga Jennifer , Ankunda Violet , Sembera Jackson , Kato Laban , Oluka Gerald Kevin , Baine Claire , Odoch Geoffrey , Kayiwa John , Auma Betty Oliver , Jjuuko Mark , Nsereko Christopher , Cotten Matthew , Onyachi Nathan , Muwanga Moses , Lutalo Tom , Fox Julie , Musenero Monica , Kaleebu Pontiano ,   The COVID-19 Immunoprofiling Team
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Understanding how spike (S)-, nucleoprotein (N)-, and RBD-directed antibody responses evolved in mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 in Africa and their interactions with SARS-CoV-2 might inform development of targeted treatments and vaccines.

Methods

Here, we used a validated indirect in-house ELISA to characterise development and persistence of S- and N-directed IgG, IgM, and IgA antibody responses for 2430 SARS-CoV-2 rt-PCR-diagnosed Ugandan specimens from 320 mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, 50 uninfected contacts, and 54 uninfected non-contacts collected weekly for one month, then monthly for 28 months.

Results

During acute infection, asymptomatic patients mounted a faster and more robust spike-directed IgG, IgM, and IgA response than those with mild symptoms (Wilcoxon rank test, p-values 0.046, 0.053, and 0.057); this was more pronounced in males than females. Spike IgG antibodies peaked between 25 and 37 days (86.46; IQR 29.47-242.56 BAU/ml), were significantly higher and more durable than N- and RBD IgG antibodies and lasted for 28 months. Anti-spike seroconversion rates consistently exceeded RBD and nucleoprotein rates. Spike- and RBD-directed IgG antibodies were positively correlated until 14 months (Spearman’s rank correlation test, p-values 0.0001 to 0.05), although RBD diminished faster. Significant anti-spike immunity persisted without RBD. 64% and 59% of PCR-negative, non-infected non-contacts and suspects, exhibited baseline SARS-CoV-2 N-IgM serological cross-reactivity, suggesting undetected exposure or abortive infection. N-IgG levels waned after 787 days, while N-IgM levels remained undetectable throughout.

Discussion

Lower N-IgG seroconversion rates and the absence of N-IgM indicate that these markers substantially underestimate the prior exposure rates. Our findings provide insights into the development of S-directed antibody responses in mild and asymptomatic infections, with varying degrees of symptoms eliciting distinct immune responses, suggesting distinct pathogenic pathways. These longer-lasting data inform vaccine design, boosting strategies, and surveillance efforts in this and comparable settings.
Protection from COVID-19 disease in hamsters vaccinated with subunit SARS-CoV-2 S1 mucosal vaccines adjuvanted with different adjuvants
Authors: Sui Yongjun , Andersen Hanne , Li Jianping , Hoang Tanya , Bekele Yonas , Kar Swagata , Lewis Mark G. , Berzofsky Jay A.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Adjuvant plays an important role in directing the immune responses induced by vaccines. In previous studies, we have shown that a mucosal SARS-CoV-2 S1 subunit vaccine adjuvanted with a combination of CpG, Poly I:C and IL-15 (named CP15) induced effective mucosal and systemic immunity and conferred nearly sterile protection against SARS-CoV-2 viral replication in macaque models.

Methods

In this study, we used a hamster model, which mimics the human scenario and reliably exhibits severe SARS-CoV-2 disease similar to hospitalized patients, to investigate the protection efficacy of the vaccines against COVID-19 disease. We compared the weight loss, viral loads (VLs), and clinical observation scores of three different vaccine regimens. All three regimens consisted of priming/boosting with S1 subunit vaccines, but adjuvanted with alum and/or CP15 administrated by either intramuscular (IM) or intranasal (IN) routes: Group 1 was adjuvanted with alum/alum administrated IM/IM; Group 2 was alum-IM/CP15-IN; and Group 3 was CP15-IM/CP15-IN.

Results

After challenge with SARS-CoV-2 WA strain, we found that the alum/CP15 group showed best protection against weight loss, while the CP15 group demonstrated best reduction of oral SARS-CoV-2 VLs, suggesting that the protection profiles were different. Sex differences for VL and clinical scores were observed. Humoral immunity was induced but not correlated with protection. Moreover, S1-specific binding antibody titers against beta, omicron BA.1, and BA.2 variants showed 2.6-, 4.9- and 2.8- fold reduction, respectively, compared to the Wuhan strain.

Discussion

Overall, the data suggested that adjuvants in subunit vaccines determine the protection profiles after SARS-CoV-2 infection and that nasal/oral mucosal immunization can protect against systemic COVID-19 disease.
Mucosal-associated invariant T cells in hematological malignancies: Current knowledge, pending questions
Authors: Treiner Emmanuel
Published: March 2023

Non-classical HLA restricted T cell subsets such as γδ T and NK-T cells are showing promises for immune-based therapy of hematological malignancies. Mucosal-Associated Invariant T cells (MAIT) belong to this family of innate-like T cell subsets and are the focus of many studies on infectious diseases, owing to their unusual recognition of bacterial/fungal metabolites. Their ability to produce type 1 cytokines (IFNγ, TNFα) as well as cytotoxic effector molecules endows them with potential anti-tumor functions. However, their contribution to tumor surveillance in solid cancers is unclear, and only few studies have specifically focused on MAIT cells in blood cancers. In this review, we wish to recapitulate our current knowledge on MAIT cells biology in hematological neoplasms, at diagnosis and/or during treatment, as well as tentative approaches to target them as therapeutic tools. We also wish to take this opportunity to briefly elaborate on what we think are important question to address in this field, as well as potential limitations to overcome in order to make MAIT cells the basis of future, novel therapies for hematological cancers.
Interannual variation of summer sea surface temperature in the Amundsen Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Yu Lu-Sha , He Hailun , Leng Hengling , Liu Hailong , Lin Pengfei
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates the interannual variability of January sea surface temperature (SST) in the Amundsen Sea (AS) during the period 1982–2022. SST in the Pine Island Bay (PIB) is found to exhibit the most significant interannual variation, with a standard deviation up to 0.6°. Composite analysis indicates that, in warmer years, the January SST at PIB is approximately 1° higher on average than that in cooler years, and its variation in warmer (cooler) years corresponds to lower (higher) sea ice concentration (SIC) and more (less) surface heat flux; the latter factor is primarily influenced by the albedo of SIC. Further analysis suggests that variability in January SIC is largely dominated by northward sea ice motion during the previous November (r = −0.82), which is consistent with the presence of a contemporaneous northerly 10 m wind anomaly trigged by the Amundsen Sea Low (ASL). The ASL-associated northerly wind anomaly drives northward sea ice motion, reduces SIC, and thus increases the downward heat flux that ultimately results in warmer SST, and vice versa. This study identifies the possible mechanism of anomalous January SST in the PIB, which could provide an important clue for seasonal forecasts of summer SST in the AS.
Reliability evaluation of reservoir bank slopes with weak interlayers considering spatial variability
Authors: Zhang Wengang , Meng Xuanyu , Wang Luqi , Meng Fansheng , Wang Yankun , Liu Pengfei
Published: March 2023

Reservoir bank slopes with weak interlayers are common in the Three Gorges Reservoir area. Their stabilities are affected by multi-coupled factors (e.g., reservoir water fluctuations, rainfall, and earthquakes in the reservoir area). Meanwhile, the differences in mechanical parameters of reservoir banks make it more difficult to determine the dynamic stability of bank slopes under complex mechanical environments. In this paper, the multiple disaster-causing factors and spatial variability of the landslide were comprehensively considered to study the long-term evolution trend of the bank slopes with weak interlayers. Specifically, the limit equilibrium method combined with the random field was performed to calculate the reliability. Furthermore, the long-term effects of dry-wet cycles on reservoir bank landslides and the sensitivity analysis of the statistical parameters of the random field were discussed. The results show that the earthquake action had the most significant impact on the failure probability of the landslide. The failure probability was more significantly affected by the vertical fluctuation range of the parameters and the coefficient of variation of the internal friction angle. The increase in failure probability under the action of dry-wet cycles was mainly caused by the reduction of the parameters of the weak interlayer. The reliability evaluation method of reservoir bank slopes can be applied to predict the long-term stability of the coastal banks.
Development and performance of a clear aligner film loaded with sustained release hydrogen peroxide gel
Authors: Cheng Yuxun , Fang Shishu , Liu Xulin , Li Xin , Song Zhixin , Ma Yanning , Jin Zuolin
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Clear aligner treatment (CAT) has become popular over recent years because it is both comfortable and aesthetically acceptable. However, most of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment request dental bleaching. A safe and controlled bleaching treatment at the same time as the clear aligner treatment can save time and improve patient satisfaction with the outcome of the treatment.

Aim: This study was aimed to develop a thermoforming film loaded with hydrogen peroxide as a clear aligner and detect its efficiency on teeth blenching and its influence on shear bonding strength for attachment.

Methods: The thermoforming film loaded with sodium alginate-dopamine/Mesoporous silica nanoparticles compound gel was immersed in 6 wt% hydrogen peroxide solution and the hydrogen peroxide was loaded into mesoporous silica nanoparticle channels by capillary action. Then, a thermoforming film loaded with sustained-release hydrogen peroxide gel was made. Six dentition models were prepared with 90 isolated human premolars and divided into the experiment group, the condition control group and the blank control group, respectively. Then, the experiment group wore the clear aligner made by the thermoforming film loaded with hydrogen peroxide for 40 days; the conditional control group wore the clear aligner made by the ordinary thermoforming film for 40 days; and the blank control group wore no clear aligner. The aligners were updated every 10 days and the color of teeth was measured every 10 days. Tooth color should be determined by specific parameters (L, a* and b*). What’s more, in order to determine the influence of the thermoforming film loaded with sustained-release hydrogen peroxide gel on shear bonding strength for attachment. The shear bonding strength of attachment of isolated premolars were measured.

Results: Isolated premolars treated by bleaching experiments showed an increase in L value (ΔL = 7.76 ± 0.64) and a decrease in both a* (Δa = −0.82 ± 0.12) and b* (Δb = −3.10 ± 0.21) values. However, the isolated premolars in conditional control group and blank control group exhibited that an decrease in L value (ΔLCCG = −0.91 ± 0.24; ΔLBCG = −0.86 ± 0.15)and a increase in both a* (ΔaCCG = 0.19 ± 0.05; ΔaBCG = 0.18 ± 0.04) and b* (ΔbCCG = 0.43 ± 0.11; ΔbBCG = 0.31 ± 0.10) value. While the shear bonding strength for attachment after bleaching was 22.78 ± 2.28 MPa, which had no significant change compared with the shear bonding strength for attachment without bleaching experiment (22.21 ± 2.77 MPa) (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: A thermoforming film featuring the sustained release of hydrogen peroxide had a good bleaching effect on isolated teeth and had no significant influence on the shear bonding strength for attachment.
Exploration of the slope effect on the uplift capacity of single straight and belled piles supporting transmission towers
Authors: Bian Meihua , Qin Songlin , Peng Jianing , Li Junhua , Zhang Xingsen
Published: March 2023

Single piles are normally used to support the transmission tower in mountain areas. Uplift capacity of piles is a key factor in the engineering design to increase the stability of transmission tower foundation. This study numerically investigated the uplift capacity of single straight and belled piles in the sloping ground which consisted of a clay layer underlain by medium weathered sandstone. A non-linear 3D finite element model was proposed to describe the uplift behavior of single piles and was calibrated against a field test on single piles subjected to uplift loading. A parametric study was conducted to investigate the effect of the slope angle (θ) on the uplift behavior of single piles. The uplift capacity decreased as θ increased for either straight piles or belled piles. Moreover, the range of the equivalent plastic strain was greatest for single piles in the level ground. For piles in the sloping ground, the range of equivalent plastic strain was wider at the position of the downstream slope than that at the position of the upstream slope when the uplift load of single piles reached the maximum. As the expansion angle increased to 30° and 45°, the uplift capacity of belled piles (Ru) was increased by 100% and 180% with respect to that of straight piles, respectively. The increase percentage in Ru was independent of θ. A practical method was proposed to quantify the slope effect on Ru.