bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ocena stanu hydromorfologicznego rzeki
Authors: Tomalski Przemysław
Published: January 2024

Ramowa Dyrektywa Wodna wprowadzona w Unii Europejskiej wymaga, aby ocena stanu hydromorfologicznego rzek była przeprowadzana jako element wspomagający przy klasyfikacji stanu ekologicznego cieków. Jest to istotne zadanie pozwalające chociażby wyznaczyć odcinki rzek wskazane do ochrony (o bardzo dobrym stanie ekologicznym) lub te wymagające działań naprawczych (o złym lub słabym stanie ekologicznym). Celem zajęć ma być zatem wykorzystanie w miarę obiektywnej metody badawczej do oceny wpływu człowieka na rzekę i jej dolinę. Metoda RHS (River Habitat Survey) to jedna z najbardziej rozpowszechnionych metod hydromorfologicznej oceny cieków. Należy jednak pamiętać, że nie nadaje się ona do oceny bardzo silnie przekształconych cieków miejskich. Należy mieć to na uwadze przy wyborze miejsca przeprowadzenia zajęć terenowych. Do przeprowadzenia obserwacji nie jest wymagany żaden dodatkowy sprzęt. Prowadzi się je w 10 przekrojach (w metodzie RHS nazywanych „transektami”). Odległość między nimi wynosi 50 metrów, tak więc docelowo badanie obejmuje 500 metrowy odcinek rzeki. Zastosowanie metody RHS umożliwia obliczenie dwóch syntetycznych indeksów jakości cieku: wskaźnika naturalności siedliska (Habitat Quality Assessment – HQA) oraz wskaźnika przekształcenia siedliska (Habitat Modification Score – HMS). Zestawienie powyższych wskaźników pozwala na jednoznaczne określenie klasy stanu hydromorfologicznego badanego odcinka cieku.
Identification of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Dairy Cow’s Milk in Tulungagung District, Indonesia
Authors: Khairullah Aswin Rafif , Sudjarwo Sri Agus , Effendi Mustofa Helmi , Kurniawan Shendy Canadya , Widodo Agus , Silaen Otto Sahat Martua , Ramandinianto Sancaka Chasyer
Published: January 2024

Background: Mastitis is one of the factors contributing to the health-related decreased milk production and quality for dairy cows. Mastitis in ruminants is a serious bacterial disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcal bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to many classes of antibiotics, particularly β-lactam families like the MRSA strain. Laboratory tests are required to determine the level of bacterial resistance and to identify MRSA isolates sourced from dairy cows in Tulungagung District. Methods: 110 milk samples were isolated on MSA media followed by Gram’s staining and biochemical tests. Kirby-bauer diffusion test-based assessment of antibiotic sensitivity. The S. aureus isolates that underwent the MRSA identification test were S. aureus isolates that had developed a resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. Result: A total 81 samples of the 110 isolated milk samples were determined to be positive for S. aureus. Out of total isolates, 25 isolates of S. aureus had the highest level of oxacillin resistance. As many as 4 isolates were confirmed to be MultiDrug Resistance (MDR) and 17 MRSA isolates were discovered from 100 samples of dairy cows. Early diagnosis of MRSA infection is crucial since it can be challenging to treat because this type of bacteria is known to be resistant to several drugs and spreads readily.
Self-Efficacy Scale Among Iranian Cardiovascular Patients: Persian Translation, Validity, and Reliability Assessment
Authors: Sharif-Nia Hamid , She Long , Rahmatpour Pardis , Sharifi Masib , Goudarzian Amir Hossein
Published: January 2024

Background and Purpose:The purpose of this study was to translate the Sherer Self-Efficacy Scale into Persian and assess its psychometric properties among Iranian patients with cardiovascular diseases.Methods:This cross-sectional research design was done in 2019. The Persian version of the Self-Efficacy Scale was completed by 400 cardiovascular patients. The scale’s reliability and validity (face, content, and construct) were evaluated.Results:A four-factor structure of the Self-Efficacy Scale explained 39.22% of the total variance. Additionally, this Scale demonstrated good construct validity on the basis of the confirmatory factor analysis’s findings. The reliability of the scale was assessed and proved with coefficient α, McDonald’s ω, and ICC.Conclusions:The Persian version of the Self-Efficacy Scale had acceptable reliability and validity. This Scale could be used by Iranian patients with cardiovascular disease to determine how effective they are at treating themselves.
Adaptasi Kebijakan Pengelolaan Wisata untuk Mewujudkan Pariwisata Berkelanjutan di Pantai Dato
Authors: Sirih Muhammad Syahid , Hasyim Muhammad , Nasruddin Nasruddin , Ahsan Amirul
Published: January 2024

Pariwisata di Pantai Dato Kabupaten Majene berpotensi untuk dikembangkan menjadi sektor unggulan daerah. Namun, pengembangan pariwisata perlu memperhatikan keberlanjutan agar memberikan manfaat jangka panjang bagi masyarakat dan lingkungan. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis adaptasi kebijakan pengelolaan wisata di Pantai Dato dalam mewujudkan pariwisata berkelanjutan menggunakan kerangka AGIL. Penelitian kualitatif ini menemukan bahwa secara umum kebijakan pengelolaan wisata di Pantai Dato telah berorientasi pada konsep pariwisata berkelanjutan. Namun, pada tataran implementasi teknis masih terdapat kesenjangan dengan prinsip berkelanjutan terutama terkait regulasi teknis dan sosialisasi. Diperlukan adaptasi kebijakan melalui penguatan regulasi, koordinasi lintas sektor, sosialisasi, dan pemantauan rutin. Rekomendasi kebijakan disusun agar pengembangan pariwisata di Pantai Dato dapat optimal dalam memberikan manfaat ekonomi, sosial, dan pelestarian lingkungan. Dengan adaptasi kebijakan yang tepat, diharapkan pariwisata Pantai Dato dapat tumbuh secara berkelanjutan.
Last Remnants of the French Wild West: Remembering “Colorado” (1990)
Authors: Majewski Jakub
Published: January 2024

Few settings are as quintessentially American as the Wild West. In games, the myth of the American frontier is the myth of American expansion. This myth explores, sometimes with enthusiasm, at other times with a tinge of regret, the conquest of the “wilderness” with its Native inhabitants and wildlife, and its replacement by “civilization” represented by settlers and railroads. Yet, European expansion on the frontier is not exclusively an Anglo-American story. It was the French explorers, traders, and trappers that first set out westward (and southward) along the rivers from Canada and the Great Lakes. The French experience of the frontier was radically different: for them, with the limited resources of their soon-to-be-sold colonial empire, the wilderness was effectively untameable, its Native inhabitants unconquerable: it was thus a place of permanent danger, where one might, with equal probability, eke out a living, earn a fortune, or simply perish. Only once has the French West appeared in a digital game, in Silmarils’s Colorado (1990). This paper examines Colorado as an artefact of French game development in the 16-bit era, as a unique depiction of the forgotten French West, and, finally, as a 2D predecessor of today’s sprawling 3D open-world games.
Are Dwarves Protestant? American Religion and “Dungeons & Dragons”
Authors: Moyzhes Leonid
Published: January 2024

I analyze the ideology of representation of religion in the tabletop role-playing game (TRPG) Dungeons & Dragons. I approach TRPGs as a type of protostory, an interactive set of stories governed by rules which provides affordances to create different stories. Whether a specific story is relatively hard or easy to instantiate from the protostory indicates if this particular instantiation serves as a preferred, negotiated, or oppositional reading of the TRPG rules. Based on an analysis of the dimensions of religion proposed by Ninian Smart, contrasted with Harold Bloom’s idea of American religion, as well as the concept of intrinsic and extrinsic religious orientation, I discuss the similarity between the way Dungeons & Dragons simulates religion, and the traditional understanding of religion in American culture.
La marina mercante del Gobierno republicano y el tráfico marítimo desde la URSS
Authors: García Santamaría José Vicente , Sánchez Illán Juan Carlos
Published: January 2024

Queda fuera de toda duda la importancia que tuvo la marina mercante en la Guerra de España. Según nuestras estimaciones, la flota que llegó a controlar la República suponía algo más del 20 por ciento del tonelaje existente en España en 1936. Aunque en términos cualitativos y en número de modernas motonaves, representaba más de un tercio del total (0,5 millones de toneladas). Al despliegue de toda esta flota, habría que sumarle la del Gobierno vasco y todos los navíos extranjeros que trajeron pertrechos para la República, especialmente de la mano de la compañía France Navigation. Es decir, una logística suficiente para mantener el pulso de la guerra, si no fuese por la rápida captura y hundimiento de una parte de estos navíos. Nuestro objetivo es desentrañar, por tanto, las claves por las que los buques españoles gubernamentales que surcaron la ruta del Mar Negro sufrieron un grave colapso a partir del segundo semestre de 1937 y una paralización casi total a finales de 1938. Las razones de este desenlace habría que atribuirlas al control del Mediterráneo ejercido en poco tiempo por la marina rebelde, así como a la falta de operatividad de la armada republicana.
A modern approach to the treatment of scoliosis with skewed pelvic bones by correcting asymmetric mobile planovalgus deformity of the feet
Authors: Vinderlikh M. E. , Shchekolova N. B.
Published: January 2024

Introduction. The treatment of combined pathology of posture and feet remains an urgent problem of the child population.

Target. To study the effectiveness of using an individually made wedge-shaped corrective heel pad for each foot in the treatment of grade I-II scoliosis with pelvic bone distortion due to asymmetric mobile flat-valgus deformity of the feet for 3 years.

Object and methods. A comparison group and a main group were formed from 39 children and adolescents aged 3 to 15 years with grade I-II scoliosis with skewed pelvic bones and mobile flat-valgus deformity of the feet; patients underwent orthopedic examination every 6 months, radiography of the spine with pelvic bones, photoplantography, measurement of the pronation angle of the calcaneus, the study of quality of life indicators.

Results. There was a decrease in clinical symptoms in 54.2 % of patients of the main group with regression of the II degree of scoliosis to the I degree, the pronation angle of the calcaneal bones decreased by 4.25 ± 0.78 ° with the preservation of minimal asymmetry after 3 years, a decrease in the difference of the iliac crests by 3 .64 ± 1.59 mm and the angle of scoliotic deformity of the spine on radiographs by 5.22 ± 1.36°. Correlation analysis showed a statistically significant strong and moderate direct relationship between the pronation angle of the left calcaneus and the angle of scoliotic spinal deformity on radiographs in the 1st and 3rd years of the study, as well as with the difference in the iliac crests throughout the study. The quality of life of patients of the main group with correction of the asymmetry of foot hyperpronation improved by 15.5 %, in the comparison group by 2.9 %.

Conclusions. The results of the study confirmed the effectiveness of the use of individual wedge-shaped corrective heel pads for each foot in the treatment of grade I-II scoliosis with skewed pelvic bones due to asymmetric mobile flat-valgus deformity of the feet.
Modern visualization diagnostic methods of non-invasive breast carcinomas (review of literature)
Authors: Maksimov D. A. , Morozov A. M. , Penyaz' E. V. , Rogovenko V. V. , Belyak M. A.
Published: January 2024

Relevance. Breast carcinomas (BC) remain one of the most actual problems of modern oncology. According to statistics, the incidence of BC is steadily increasing, making it the most common cancer pathology among women. In this situation, the aspect of diagnosing BC at early, non-invasive stages, is certainly important, which still reduces mortality, increases the possibility of organ-preserving treatment, duration and quality of life of patients.

The purpose of study. The purpose of study is to investigate and perform a comparative analysis of imaging techniques for the diagnosis of non-invasive breast carcinomas.

Materials and methods. Modern Russian and foreign literature about the diagnosis of non-invasive breast carcinomas was analyzed. Publications not older than 7 years published in specialized medical editions were taken into account Results. Not only main, but also new, promising imaging modalities that are not currently part of routine practice were analyzed. The main imaging patterns in non-invasive breast carcinomas (DCIS, LCIS and Paget's breast cancer), feasibility and prognostic value of certain diagnostic methods in different nosologies of this disease were also discussed.

Conclusion. The statistics provided explain the importance of breast carcinomas problem, as well as the relevance of its diagnosis at non-invasive stages. According to the authors, the issue of accurate diagnosis of breast cancer in situ is subject to further discussion and study, but we would like to note that when non-invasive breast carcinoma is suspected and doubtful imaging results are obtained, one should not limit oneself only to routine methods of imaging studies, but expand further diagnostic tactics until accurate results are obtained and a final diagnosis is made.
Autological bone marrow concentrate for the treatment of early stages of femoral head avascular necrosis (literature review)
Authors: Panin M. A. , Zagorodnii N. V. , Boiko A. V. , Petrosyan A. S.
Published: January 2024

Relevance. In the treatment of the early stages of the femoral head osteonecrosis core decompression is widely used, which reduces intraosseous pressure and increases blood flow to the femoral head. To increase the efficiency of the core decompression the use of various bioadjuvants, including concentrate of autologous bone marrow cells is needed, the appropriateness of which is actively discussed.

Purpose of the systematic review: evaluation of the effectiveness of autologous bone marrow cells in core decompression in the treatment of the early stages of the femoral head osteonecrosis according to the literature.

Material and methods. Articles with clinical data in full text in English or Russian available in the Internet (PubMed and elibrary databases) were included in the study. Articles containing actual data on the stage of osteonecrosis, the number of femoral heads operated on, the use of autologous bone marrow cells as an adjunct to the core decompression of the femoral head, the number of ineffective surgical interventions after which total hip arthroplasty was required were included.

Results. Sixteen original articles (2011–2022) were analyzed, and the results of 1135 femoral heads treatment (892 with autologous bone marrow cells, 243 without autologous bone marrow cells, control group) were evaluated. Patient follow-up periods ranged from 9 to 120 months, averaging 45 months. When using autologous bone marrow cells, the need for total hip arthroplasty was observed in 168 of 892 patients (18.8 %); when core decompression was used without autologous bone marrow cells, the rate of total hip arthroplasty was 27.2 % (p > 0.05). Only 2 articles out of 16 authors did not consider autologous bone marrow cells to be reasonable in the core decompression of femoral head.

Conclusion. The use of autologous bone marrow cells concentrate as a bioadjuvant in the core decompression slows the progression of osteonecrosis. According to the overwhelming number of authors, the core decompression using autologous bone marrow cells is highly effective, significantly reducing the intensity of pain syndrome and improving the function of the hip joint. The results will be more encouraging with the further development of regenerative medicine, which will provide new samples of cellular preparations for bone tissue structure restoration.
Dynamics of stress-index and spectral indicators of cardiointervalogram of elite skiers-racers in the preparatory, competition and transition periods depending on the volume and intensity of training loads
Authors: Kataev D. A. , Tsirkin V. I. , Trukhin A. N. , Trukhina S. I.
Published: January 2024

Acutality: Heart rate variability, allows you to assess the state of the autonomic nervous system, which is useful for studying the condition of athletes, including endurance athletes, for example, ski racers. The stress index indicator is often used to assess the impact of stress on a person. It is shown that the stress index is closely correlated with the intensity of metabolism and with the indicators of energy consumption of the body.

Objective. To provide information on the values of the stress index for athletes depending on a number of factors, including their sports specialization, and for ski racers on the volume and intensity of the training load during the preparatory, competitive, transitional periods of the ski season.

Materials and methods. The literature analysis in the Pubmed database for the last 10 years in English and Russian languages has been carried out.

Conclusion. A review of the literature on the magnitude of the stress index showed that athletes who train for endurance, this indicator is low, especially among ski racers, if it is compared with the magnitude of the index in representatives of other sports, as well as with healthy people who do not play sports. There is no information about the value of the stress index in athletes in foreign literature, but there is such information in the domestic literature, which allowed us to present this review, which also includes the results of our research.
Modern approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of biliary complications after liver transplantation (literature review)
Authors: Magomedov K. M. , Novruzbekov M. S. , Gulyaev V. A. , Lutsyk K. N. , Kazymov B. I. , Alekberov K. F. , Akhmedov A. R. , Anosova Е. Yu. , Yaremin B. I.
Published: January 2024

Relevance. The choice of biliary anastomosis is the main factor determining the risk of developing biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation. The two most common forms of biliary tract reconstruction are choledocholedochostomy (duct-to-duct anastomosis) and choledochoeunostomy (connection of the bile duct to the jejunum). The choice of biliary tract reconstruction is determined by a variety of factors, including the underlying pathology of the liver, the size of the bile ducts of the donor and recipient, previous transplantation or previous biliary tract surgery, as well as the preferences of the surgeon performing the operation. Despite the correctly chosen method of reconstruction, complications such as strictures, lithiasis, biloma, and bile leakage occur infrequently.

Objective: to present a review of the literature on methods of diagnosis and treatment of biliary complications after liver transplantation.

Materials and methods. The analysis of literary sources in English and Russian from 2010 to 2023 on this topic in the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar was carried out. The review highlights clinical studies, as well as literature reviews on similar topics with an emphasis on the treatment and diagnosis of biliary complications.

Conclusion. The problem of biliary complications of liver transplantation remains relevant and unresolved to the end. Noninvasive imaging techniques for complications arising after biliary tract surgery have prospects for development. The tactics of percutaneous, endoscopic and open interventions on the biliary graft tree require further improvement.
Measurement of X-Ray Radiation Exposure in Thorax Examinations at Radiology Installation of Wajak Husada General Hospital
Authors: Sugiarti Sri , Wahyuni Farida , Anisa Dewi Okta Nur
Published: January 2024

The Study aims to measure radiation exposure on X-ray aircraft on chest radiography at the Radiology installation at Wajak Husada General Hospital. Measurements were carried out on the X-ray source tube and in the X-ray room environment at Wajak Husada General Hospital. This research aims to determine the value of radiation exposure and whether the examination room is safe for workers and the general public. Data collection in this research was direct observation in the radiology examination room; then, radiation exposure using a survey meter at points around the X-ray room. The highest exposure to X-ray aircraft was in the control panel room, which was 0.19 µSv/h or 0.88 mSv/y and was still below the dose limit value set by the Regional Head of Bapeten Regulation Number 4 of 2020, namely the dose limit value for workers of 20 mSv/ year and the community it is one mSv/year, concluded that the X-ray aircraft and environment are suitable for use and safe to occupy to implement radiology services.
Müller kası rezeksiyon cerrahisi: Objektif ve yeni bir method ile cerrahi başarının değerlendirilmesi
Authors: YOLCU Demet , YAYLACİOGLU TUNCAY Fulya
Published: January 2024

Amaç: Çalışmanın amacı, 6mm veya 8mm eksizyonla gerçekleştirilen Müller kası konjonktival rezeksiyon (MMCR) cerrahisi sonrası oto-refraktometrenin (AR) ön monitör görüntülerini (FMI) kullanarak üst göz kapağı pozisyonundaki değişiklikleri değerlendirmektir.

Yöntem: Ocak 2020-Nisan 2023 tarihleri arasında 6mm veya 8mm MMCR cerrahisi uygulanan hastaların tıbbi kayıtları geriye dönük olarak incelendi. Üst göz kapağı yüksekliği (Margin reflex distance: MRD1) AR-FMI ve Image J yazılımı kullanılarak değerlendirildi. Cerrahi öncesi ve sonrası takiplerde alınan AR-FMI’ler incelenerek üst göz kapağı pozisyonu (AR-MRD1) belirlendi.

Bulgular: Çalışmaya dahil edilen 34 kişiden 14'üne 6mm, 20'sine ise 8mm MMCR cerrahisi uygulandı. Cerrahi öncesi ortalama AR-MRD1 değeri 6mm MMCR grubu için 2,1 0,8 mm; 8mm MMCR grubu için 2,30,7 mm idi ve gruplar arasında anlamlı fark yoktu (p:0,45). Cerrahi sonrası AR-MRD1 6mm rezeksiyon grubunda 8mm rezeksiyon grubuna göre daha yüksekti ancak fark anlamlı değildi (6mm MMCR grubu için 3,90,5 mm ve 8mm MMCR grubu için 3,60,7 mm idi) (p:0,14). Ortalama AR-MRD1 farkı 6mm rezeksiyon grubunda 1,4  0,2 mm ve 8 mm rezeksiyon grubunda 1,10,3 mm idi ancak fark anlamlı değildi (p.0,09).

Sonuç: MMCR cerrahi başarısını etkileyen faktörler incelenmektedir ve daha güvenilir sonuçlar elde etmek için daha objektif ve standartlaştırılmış MRD ölçüm yöntemine ihtiyaç vardır. Mevcut çalışma sonuçlarına göre 6mm veya 8mm MMCR ameliyatı ile benzer göz kapağı yüksekliği elde etmek mümkün olup, kolay değerlendirilebilen ve uygun maliyetli bir cihaz kullanılarak cerrahi sonucu analiz etmek mümkündür.
The Dose Response Effects of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum on Gut Microbiome of Healthy Adults
Authors: Edelman Megan , Wang Qi , Ahnen Rylee , Slavin Joanne
Published: January 2024

Background: Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a water-soluble, prebiotic fiber that is used in foods and supplements. The effects of PHGG and its role in gut health are still being studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the gut microbiome composition of healthy individuals in response to low-dose PHGG supplementation compared with a low fiber diet. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was performed on 33 healthy subjects (17 male, 16 female). Each subject completed three 14-day treatment periods with a 2-week washout between each period. Treatments included supplementation with 3 g PHGG, 6 g PHGG, or placebo. During all periods, the participants followed a low fiber diet (<14 g/day). Stools were collected on days 0 and 14 of each period. Gut microbiome profiling was performed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: Supplementation of 3 g and 6 g PHGG significantly increased Verrucomicrobia on day 14 when compared to the placebo (p=0.0066 and p= 0.0068, respectively). On the genus level, Akkermansia was significantly increased on day 14 with both the 3 g and 6 g PHGG doses (p=0.0081 and p=0.0083). Faecalibacterium was significantly decreased on day 14 with 3 g PHGG (p=0.0054). Conclusion: Supplementing with low doses of PHGG has the potential to cause shifts in gut microbiome composition. By increasing beneficial microbes, PHGG can improve the microbiome composition of healthy individuals and may play a role in the treatment of inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases.
PUMP and PWFA Laws for Women in the USA: What Is It and Why Are Women Still Concerned? Commentary
Authors: Yalley Abena , Azubuike Chibuzor Mirian
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Women bear the biological responsibilities of reproduction to ensure human population sustainability, yet women continue to face discriminatory treatments when they become either pregnant or nursing mothers. The question is, how do we legally reconcile women’s natural child-bearing roles and support their professional endeavors? Against this backdrop, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) were passed by the US government to address workplace biases and discrimination against women and help women during pregnancy and after childbirth. The paper is a commentary highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of these laws. We submit that while these laws mean a breakthrough for women in these categories, there are inherent flaws and areas for improvement. A limitation of the act is that the PWFA and PUMP laws do not protect pregnant women in an all-encompassing manner, with some pregnant women excluded. Pregnant and Nursing mothers should be protected by their employers regardless of the size of the organizations. We conclude that the PUMP and PWFA laws are not enough and there is a critical need for the government to address some of the critical barriers to the laws and provide an encompassing support for women.
Development of Glycyrrhizinic Acid-Based Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP-GA) as an Adjuvant That Improves the Immune Response to Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Spike Recombinant Protein
Authors: García-Cambrón José Bryan , Cerriteño-Sánchez José Luis , Lara-Romero Rocío , Quintanar-Guerrero David , Blancas-Flores Gerardo , Sánchez-Gaytán Brenda L. , Herrera-Camacho Irma , Cuevas-Romero Julieta Sandra
Published: January 2024

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has affected the pork industry worldwide and during outbreaks the mortality of piglets has reached 100%. Lipid nanocarriers are commonly used in the development of immunostimulatory particles due to their biocompatibility and slow-release delivery properties. In this study, we developed a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) complex based on glycyrrhizinic acid (GA) and tested its efficacy as an adjuvant in mice immunized with the recombinant N-terminal domain (NTD) of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) spike (S) protein (rNTD-S). The dispersion stability analysis (Z-potential–27.6 mV) confirmed the size and charge stability of the LNP-GA, demonstrating that the particles were homogeneously dispersed and strongly anionic, that favors nanoparticles binding with the rNTD-S protein, which showed a slightly positive charge (2.11 mV) by in silico analysis. TEM image of LNP-GA revealed nanostructures with a spherical-bilayer lipid vesicle (⁓100 nm). The immunogenicity of the LNP-GA-rNTD-S complex induced an efficient humoral response 14 days after the first immunization (P < 0.05) as well as an influence on the cellular immune response by decreasing serum TNF-α and IL-1β concentrations, which was associated with an anti-inflammatory effect.
Factors Affecting the Decline in Personal Non-pharmaceutical Intervention Adoption during the COVID-19 Wave: A Systematic View Based on Risk Perception
Authors: Yang Lee-Xieng , Lin Chia-Yuan , Zhan Wan-Zhen , Chiang Bo-An , Chang En-Chi
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives: Although researchers suggested that non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI) and vaccination together can provide the best protection from the COVID-19 [1], people’s willingness to adopt personal NPIs seems to decrease through the COVID-19 waves. This study seeks for an explanation for this observation based on the framework of risk perception. Materials and Methods: Two cross-sectional surveys (N = 407 in Survey 1 and N = 505 in Survey 2) were administered before and in the first outbreak of COVID-19 in Taiwan. The survey items were designed to measure people’s recognized severity of COVID-19, worry of COVID-19, intention to adopt personal NPIs, and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines. We established a structural model according to the framework of risk perception, which was applied to fit the data of the two surveys. Results: The multigroup SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) results showed that worry (i.e., emotional component of risk perception) fully mediates the influence of recognized severity of COVID-19 (cognitive component of risk perception) on the intention to adopt NPIs in each survey. Before the outbreak (i.e., Survey 1), people’s attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines has nothing to do with their worry of COVID-19. However, when people have experienced the real outbreak of COVID-d19 (i.e., Survey 2), their attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines negatively predicts their worry of COVID-19, forming an indirectly negative effect on their intention to adopt personal NPIs, suggesting the occurrence of the Peltzman effect. That is, receiving vaccination makes people feel safer, that the other way around relaxes their alert for COVID-19, thus, declining the intention to adopt personal NPIs.
Complex Systems Modelling: A Systematic, Quantitative Systems Engineering Approach
Authors: Slater David , Hill Rees
Published: January 2024

In his Cynefin classification of system behaviours, Snowden (2007), posits that his Simple (Clear ) and even Complicated system categories are sufficiently understandable to be amenable to the traditional methods of system analysis and modelling. Here, relationships between entities in the system are clear and unambiguous and they behave predictably. So, we can build mathematical “models” to describe how the system is expected to function in different situations.

Leaving aside his fourth category, Chaotic, as too hard for the moment, this paper focusses on the third category, Complex systems. Yaneer Bar-Yam [1998] defined "complex systems" as systems that "have multiple interacting components, whose collective behaviour cannot be simply inferred from the behaviour of components."

So, the traditional system modelling approach of decomposition into components and attempting to build up a picture of system performance from individual pieces, alone, is no longer appropriate for this class. The problem is that most of the methods we currently employ, and particularly the methods that attempt to make the case that these systems are safe, (such as Fault trees, FMEA. and Root Cause Analysis), rely on this decomposition into components and attempt to make the parts more reliable individually. Even the more systemic approaches, such as Reason’s (1990) Swiss Cheese Model, and Leveson’s System Theoretic Analysis (STPA) (2004), encourage adding layers of protection, barriers, strengthened control loops and better safety critical systems, in the hope that they are making the systems safer. But without a valid model to test the effectiveness of these add-ons, we cannot be sure that they will not have an opposite effect, of making the systems even more complex, unreliable and unpredictable.

For complex systems, the careful gathering and documentation of system components and their relationships is still a necessary first step, but we need an additional capacity to model these complex systems to test out and prove they work safely and successfully in the real world. (not just draw fixed component relationships as system “models” (wiring diagrams))

In the last 10 years, an original approach developed by Hollnagel, (2012), to model systems as sets of interactive, interdependent “functions”, (abstracted from and independent of component details), has now been developed to the point where it can take the basic data and structures from the current component focussed system engineering “models”, such as MBSE( Goldberg (1994)), and can pull it all together in a dynamic system model from which analysts can discern how it really works in practice, and predict the emergent behaviours characteristic of complex systems.

The paper describes how this methodology developed and how it is currently used to model real situations, to analyse incidents and anticipate events.
Novel Antimicrobial Approaches to Combat Bacterial Biofilms Associated with UTI
Authors: Mancuso Giuseppe , Trinchera Marilena , Midiri Angelina , Zummo Sebastiana , Vitale Giulia , Biondo Carmelo
Published: January 2024

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a prevalent bacterial infection in both community and healthcare settings. They account for approximately 40% of all bacterial infections and require around 15% of all antibiotic prescriptions. Although antibiotics have traditionally been used to treat UTIs for several decades, the significant increase in antibiotic resistance in recent years has made many previously effective treatments ineffective. Biofilm on medical equipment in healthcare settings creates a reservoir of pathogens that can be easily transmitted to patients. Urinary catheter infections are frequently observed in hospitals and are caused by microbes that form a biofilm after the catheter is inserted into the bladder. Managing infections caused by biofilms is challenging due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Biofilms enable pathogens to evade the host's innate immune defences, resulting in long-term persistence. The incidence of sepsis caused by urinary tract infections that have spread to the bloodstream is increasing, and drug-resistant infections may be even more prevalent. While the availability of upcoming tests to identify the bacterial cause of infection and its resistance spectrum is critical, it alone will not solve the problem; innovative treatment approaches are also needed. This review analyses the main characteristics of biofilm formation and drug resistance in recurrent uropathogen-induced UTI. The importance of innovative and alternative therapies to combat biofilm-caused UTI is emphasised.
Applying MICP Technology to Improve the Bond Strength of LWAC after High-Temperature Damage
Authors: Chen How-Ji , Lo Yung-Hsiang , Tang Chao-Wei , Chang Han-Wen
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to use biomineralization technology to improve the bond strength of fiber-reinforced lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) after exposure to temperatures of 300 °C and 500 °C. The specimens of a control group (Group A) and two experimental groups (Group B and Group C) were prepared. These specimens healed themselves in different ways after exposure to high temperatures and pull-out tests. The self-healing method of Group A involved placing the specimen into an incubator. The self-healing method of Group B was the same as that of Group A. The self-healing method of Group C involved immersing the specimen in a mixed solution of urea and calcium acetate for two days, then taking it out and placing it in an incubator for two days. A cycle of four days was undertaken until the desired age was reached. After the specimens were healed to the planned age, the first and secondary pull-out tests and repair compound identification were carried out. After exposure to a temperature of 300 °C and self-healing for 90 days, compared with the specimens in Group A, the relative bond strength ratios of the secondary pull-out tests of the specimens in Group C increased by 20.3%. This indicates that biomineralization can effectively improve the bond strength of LWAC after high-temperature damage.
Dynamic Right-of-Way Allocation on Bus Priority Lane considering Traffic System Resilience
Authors: Hu Jia , Lian Zhexi , Sun Xiaoxue , Zhang Zhen , Lai Jintao
Published: January 2024

Ensuring bus priority is to improve traffic sustainability at the signalized intersection. To achieve this, the Bus Priority Lane (BPL) is adopted to provide exclusive right-of-way for buses. However, the BPL is underutilization if the frequency of buses is low. To address this issue, many studies focus on improving the BPL’s utilization efficiency by intermittently allowing general vehicles to access it. However, these studies still have some shortcomings: i) bus priority cannot be guaranteed if general vehicles run on the BPL; ii) the traffic system lacks resilience, especially when the traffic demand is unbalanced. This paper proposes a dynamic right-of-way allocation on the BPL considering traffic system resilience. On the one hand, it ensures absolute bus priority by controlling Connected Automated Vehicles (CAVs) to not interfere with buses. On the other hand, it can improve traffic system resilience by allocating right-of-way for CAVs with heavy turning-movement demand. To validate the effectiveness, the proposed control strategy is evaluated against the non-control baseline. Sensitivity analysis is conducted under seven unbalanced traffic demand levels, four congestion levels, and five CAV Penetration Rates. The results show that the proposed control strategy can ensure absolute bus priority and improve traffic efficiency and traffic system resilience.
Research on Three‐Closed‐Loop ADRC Position Compensation Strategy Based on Winch‐Type Heave Compensation System with a Secondary Component
Authors: Li Shizhen , Wu Qinfeng , Liu Yufeng , Qiao Longfei , Guo Zimeng , Yan Fei
Published: January 2024

To mitigate the interference of waves on offshore operation vessels, heave compensation systems find widespread application. The performance of heave compensation systems significantly influences the efficiency and safety of maritime operations. This paper establishes a mathematical model for winch-based active heave compensation system. It introduces a three-loop active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) strategy encompassing piston position control, winch speed control, and load displacement control, enabling real-time estimation and compensation of system disturbances, thereby enhancing the performance of the heave compensation system. To assess the effectiveness of this control strategy, the study employs Matlab/Simulink and AME Sim to construct a co-simulation model and conducts a comparative analysis with traditional PID control systems. The research findings indicate that the three-loop ADRC position control strategy consistently delivers superior compensation performance across various operational scenarios.
Severe Type 2 Inflammation Leads to High PAF-Associated Pathology in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP): Hierarchal Cluster Analysis Using Bulk RNA Barcoding and Sequencing
Authors: Ishino Takashi , Oda Takashi , Kawasumi Tomohiro , Takemoto Kota , Nishida Manabu , Horibe Yuichiro , Chikuie Nobuyuki , Taruya Takayuki , Hamamoto Takao , Ueda Tsutomu , Takeno Sachio
Published: January 2024

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a phospholipid-derived inflammatory mediator, triggering various inflammatory conditions, including eosinophil activation and recruitment. Despite the unclear mechanism underlying the formation and maintenance of nasal polyp in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), there is strongly indication of its association with type 2 inflammation. This study aimed to quantify PAF-associated gene expression, examining enzymes involved in PAF synthesis (lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1), LPCAT2, LPCAT3, and LPCAT4), and PAF degradation (PAF acetylhydrolases 1 B2 (PAFAH1B2), PAFAH1B3, and PAF acetylhydrolases 2 (PAFAH2)), and PAF receptor (PTAFR). Transcriptomic analysis encompassed CRSwNP, including eosinophilic CRS (ECRS) (n=9), nonECRS (n=8), and a subgroup of ECRS with aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (Asp) (n=3) based on the Japanese Epidemiological Survey of Refractory Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis (JESREC) criteria. Gene expression profiles from nasal polyps in CRSwNP patients and the uncinate process in normal subjects (controls) (n=6) were analyzed using bulk RNA barcoding and sequencing (BRB-seq). Hierarchal analysis, utilizing the average linkage method with iDEP1.1, clarified the relationship between Differentially Expressed Genes (DEG) expressions and cluster formation. Two clusters (cluster 1 (n=11) and cluster 2 (n=9)) of CRSwNP divided by hierarchal analysis showed distinct gene expression profiles in the specific pathway of “cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction” in KEGG pathway and upregulated type 2 inflammatory gene expression in cluster 2. In CRSwNP subclassification of ECRS, nonECRS, and Ctrl, PTAFR was only upregulated in ECRS and nonECRS. In cluster analysis, cluster 1 showed significant downregulation of LPCAT2 and upregulation of PTAFR expression, while cluster 2 showed significant upregulation of LPCAT1, PAFAH1B2, and PTAFR and downregulation of PAFAH2 expression. These findings suggest that cluster 2, characterized by severe type 2 inflammatory gene expression, manifest a prominent PAF-associated pathophysiology. Understanding this high PAF-associated pathophysiology in cluster 2 could provide valuable insights into the treatment and management of CRSwNP.
Nuclear Matter Properties and Neutron Star Phenomenology Using the Finite Range Simple Effective Interaction
Authors: Viñas Xavier , Bano Parveen , Naik Zashmir , Routray Tusar Ranjan
Published: January 2024

The saturation properties of symmetric and asymmetric nuclear matter have been computed using the finite range simple effective interaction having Yukawa form-factor. The results of higher order derivatives of the energy per particle and the symmetry energy computed at saturation, namely, Q0, Ksym, Kτ, Qsym, are compared with the corresponding range of values extracted from studies involving theory, experiment and astrophysical observations. The ability of the equations of state computed with this simple effective interaction in predicting the threshold mass for prompt collapse in binary neutron star merger and gravitational redshift have been examined in terms of the compactness of the neutron star and the incompressibility at the central density of the maximum mass star. The correlations existing between neutron star properties with the nuclear matter saturation properties have been analyzed and compared with the predictions of other model calculations.
Wheat Bread Enriched with House Cricket Powder (Acheta domesticus L.) as an Alternative Protein Source
Authors: Gantner Magdalena , Sadowska Anna , Piotrowska Anna , Kulik Klaudia , Sionek Barbara , Kostyra Eliza
Published: January 2024

The house cricket (Acheta domesticus L.) is one of four edible insect species introduced to the EU market as a novel food and alternative protein source. Innovative products, such as cricket flour, are increasingly appearing on supermarket shelves and can offer an alternative to traditional cereals, while providing the body with many valuable nutrients of comparable quality to those found in meat and fish. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using cricket powder as a substitute for wheat flour in the production of bread. The physicochemical properties of cricket powder were evaluated in comparison to wheat flour, such as water and fat binding capacity, pH, water activity, colour, water content, protein, fat, fibre content and amino acid and fatty acid profile. As a result of the echnological studies, the composition of breads with 5%, 10% and 15% replacement of wheat flour by cricket flour was designed and their quality characteristics (physicochemical, sensory and microbiological) were evaluated. Cricket powder was character-ised by higher protein (63% vs. 13.5%) and fat (16.3% vs. 1.16%) content and a lower carbohydrate (9.8% vs. 66%) and fibre (7.8% vs. 9.5%) content as compared to wheat flour. The tested preparations had similar pH (6.9 and 6.8, respectively for cricket powder and flour), and fat-binding properties ( 0.14 vs. 0.27 g oil/g powder respectively for cricket powder and flour) but different water-binding properties and completely different color components. Despite the differences obtained in phys-icochemical properties for cricket powder and flour, most of the functional parameters obtained for bread with 5% cricket flour were not significantly different from the control sample. All breads had good microbiological quality after baking and during 7 days storage. The 10 and 15 per cent cricket flour treatments affected the darker colour of the breads and caused a significant increase in the hardness of the breads. In the overall sensory evaluation, the bread with 5% cricket flour did not differ significantly from the control bread, while the breads with higher levels of cricket flour had significantly lower overall scores compared to the control sample. In all cases, cricket flour in-creased the protein and fat content and decreased the carbohydrate content compared to the control sample. Considering nutritional properties such as high protein digestibility, breeding consid-erations, relatively low environmental impact and the possibility of intensive production in places where traditional agricultural production is not possible, insects seem to be the future of human nutrition.
A Comparison of Probability Density Functions Fitted by Derivative (Moments) and Optimization (Maximum Likelihood Estimation) Methods Used for Diameter Distribution Estimation
Authors: Gorgoso-Varela J. Javier , Adedapo Segun M. , Ogana Friday Nwabueze
Published: January 2024

Modelling diameter distribution is an integral part of forest management. It requires the use of a suitable probability density function or cumulative distribution function with the appropriate fitting method. In this study, we compared the suitability of eight probability density functions fitted by derivative and optimization methods used for diameter distribution estimation of forest stands. The derivation and optimization were used on A Charlier, beta, generalized beta, gamma, Gumbel, Johnson’s SB, and Weibull (2 and 3-parameter). We used data from 167 permanent sample plots from Atlantic forest (Quercus robur) and 59 temporary sample plots from tropical forests (Tectona grandis). The quality of the fits was evaluated with different indices such as Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Cramer-von Mises, mean absolute error, bias and mean squared error. The results showed Johnson’s SB function was more suitable for describing the diameter distribution of the stands. Johnson’s SB, 3-parameter Weibull and generalized beta had consistent performance regardless of the fitting methods. The quality of fits produced by gamma, Gumbel and 2-parameter Weibull was poor.
Chalcone Synthase-Encoding RdCHS1 Is Involved in Flavonoid Biosynthesis in Rhododendron Delavayi
Authors: Huang Ju , Zhao Xin , Zhang Yan , Chen Yao , Zhang Ximin , Yi Yin , Ju Zhigang , Sun Wei
Published: January 2024

Flower color is an important ornamental feature, often modulated by the contents of flavonoid. Chalcone synthase is the first key enzyme in the biosynthesis of flavonoid, but little is known about the role of R. delavayi CHS in flavonoid biosynthesis. In this paper, three CHS genes (RdCHS1-3) were successfully cloned from R. delavayi flowers. According to multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis, only RdCHS1 contained all the highly conserved and important residues, and classified into the cluster of bona fide CHSs. Thus RdCHS1 was then subjected for further functional analysis. Real-Time PCR analysis revealed that transcripts of RdCHS1 was the highest in leaves and lowest in root, did not match the anthocyanin accumulation patterns during flower development. Biochemical characterization displayed that RdCHS1 could catalyze p-coumaroyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA molecules to produce naringenin chalcone. Physiological function of RdCHS1 was checked in Arabidopsis mutant and tobacco, the results showed RdCHS1 transgenes could recover the color phenotypes of tt4 mutant and made tobacco flower color from pink to dark pink through modulating the expression of endogenous structural and regulatory genes in tobacco. All these results demonstrated that RdCHS1 is a bona fide CHS and contribute to flavonoid biosynthesis in R. delavayi.