bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online Detection and Fuzzy Clustering of Anomalies in Non-Stationary Time Series
Authors: He Changjiang , Leslie David S. , Grant James A.
Published: January 2024

We consider the challenge of detecting and clustering point and collective anomalies in streaming data that exhibit significant nonlinearities and seasonal structures. The challenge is motivated by detecting problems in a communications network, where we can measure the throughput of nodes, and wish to rapidly detect anomalous traffic behaviour. Our approach is to train a neural network-based nonlinear autoregressive exogenous model on initial training data, then to use the sequential collective and point anomaly framework to identify anomalies in the residuals generated by comparing one-step-ahead predictions of the fitted model with the observations, and finally, we cluster the detected anomalies with fuzzy c-means clustering using empirical cumulative distribution functions. The autoregressive model is sufficiently general and robust such that it provides the nearly (locally) stationary residuals required by the anomaly detection procedure. The combined methods are successfully implemented to create an adaptive, robust, computational framework that can be used to cluster point and collective anomalies in streaming data. We validate the method on both data from the core of the UK’s national communications network and the multivariate Skoltech anomaly benchmark and find that the proposed method succeeds in dealing with different forms of anomalies within the nonlinear signals and outperforms conventional methods for anomaly detection and clustering.
Benchmarking the Functional, Technical, and Business Characteristics of Automated Passenger Counting Products
Authors: Pronello Cristina , Baratti Luca , Anbarasan Deepan
Published: January 2024

Urban transport planning and the integration of various mobility options have become increasingly complex, necessitating a thorough understanding of user mobility patterns and their diverse needs. This paper focuses on benchmarking different Automatic Passenger Counting (APC) technologies, which play a key role in Mobility as a Service (MaaS) systems. APC systems provide valuable data for analysing mobility patterns and informing decisions about resource allocation. Our study presents a comprehensive data collection and benchmark analysis of APC solutions. The literature review emphasises the significance of passenger counting for transport companies and discusses various existing APC technologies, such as pressure sensors, wireless sensors, optical infrared sensors (IR), and video image technology. Real-world applications of APC systems are examined, highlighting experimental results and their potential for improving accuracy. The methodology outlines the data collection process, which involved identifying APC companies, conducting interviews with companies and customers, and administering an ad hoc survey to gather specific information about APC systems. The collected data were used to establish criteria and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the benchmarking analysis. The benchmarking analysis compares APC devices and companies based on ten criteria: technology, accuracy, environment, coverage, interface, interference, robustness (for devices), price, pricing model, and system integration (for companies). KPIs were developed to measure performance and make comparison easier. The results of the benchmarking analysis offer insights into the costs and accuracy of different APC systems, enabling informed decision making regarding system selection and implementation. The findings fill a research gap and provide valuable information for transport companies and policy makers, and we offer a comprehensive analysis of APC systems, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and business strategies. The paper concludes by discussing limitations and suggesting future research directions for APC technologies.
Active Learning for Stacking and AdaBoost-Related Models
Authors: Sui Qun , Ghosh Sujit K.
Published: January 2024

Ensemble learning (EL) has become an essential technique in machine learning that can significantly enhance the predictive performance of basic models, but it also comes with an increased cost of computation. The primary goal of the proposed approach is to present a general integrative framework that allows for applying active learning (AL) which makes use of only limited budget by selecting optimal instances to achieve comparable predictive performance within the context of ensemble learning. The proposed framework is based on two distinct approaches: (i) AL is implemented following a full scale EL, which we call the ensemble learning on top of active learning (ELTAL), and (ii) apply the AL while using the EL, which we call the active learning during ensemble learning (ALDEL). Various algorithms for ELTAL and ALDEL are presented using Stacking and Boosting with various algorithm-specific query strategies. The proposed active learning algorithms are numerically illustrated with the Support Vector Machine (SVM) model using simulated data and two real-world applications, evaluating their accuracy when only a small number instances are selected as compared to using full data. Our findings demonstrate that: (i) the accuracy of a boosting or stacking model, using the same uncertainty sampling, is higher than that of the SVM model, highlighting the strength of EL; (ii) AL can enable the stacking model to achieve comparable accuracy to the SVM model using the full dataset, with only a small fraction of carefully selected instances, illustrating the strength of active learning.
Target Detection in Challenging Environments: Photonic Radar with a Hybrid Multiplexing Scheme for 5G Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Chaudhary Sushank , Sharma Abhishek , Naeem Muhammad Ali , Meng Yahui
Published: January 2024

The rapid deployment of 5G autonomous vehicles has placed a premium on low-latency communication and reliable sensor technologies for the real-time mapping of road conditions, aligning with sustainability objectives in transport. In response to this imperative, photonic-based radar systems have emerged as an increasingly attractive solution, characterized by their low power consumption and cost-effectiveness. This study delves into the application of linear frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) techniques within photonic radar sensors for the precise detection of multiple targets. Our proposed system seamlessly integrates mode-division multiplexing (MDM) and polarization-division multiplexing (PDM) to achieve a robust target detection capability, contributing to sustainable traffic management. To assess its effectiveness, we rigorously evaluated the system’s performance under challenging conditions, marked by a high atmospheric attenuation of 75 dB/km and a low material reflectivity of 20%. Our results unequivocally demonstrate the efficacy of the MDM-PDM photonic radar in successfully detecting all four specified targets, underscoring its potential to enhance road safety in the realm of autonomous vehicles. The adoption of this technology supports sustainable mobility by mitigating human errors and optimizing the real-time mapping of road conditions.
Promoting Sustainable Workplace Routines: The Identity and Practice Interdependence Model
Authors: Frezza Marcia , White Karen E.
Published: January 2024

To clarify how the interaction of socio-material and human factors impacts the implementation of sustainable workplace routines, we developed the identity and practice interdependence model and then applied it to empirical data collected from a major Brazilian steel-producing facility. This qualitative exploratory study examined the model’s assumption that employee identity construction principles (e.g., self-esteem, self-efficacy, distinctiveness, continuity) and elements of practices (e.g., materials, meanings, competencies) provided by organizations directly impact routines and also interact in a continuous, interdependent process. Company documents, on-site observations, and data from three focus group sessions with a total of thirty employees from all levels were examined. A deductive reflexive thematic analysis was carried out on the data using Atlas.ti v 8. The results show that the model allows for the identification of the factors and their interactions, providing insights into how greener routines are created, accepted, resisted, maintained, and/or altered. When changes in practice elements can provide a path towards satisfaction of identity principles, rather than threats, there is good engagement in more sustainable routines. Employees seeking satisfaction of identity principles also take initiative, addressing practice elements that can allow for improved routines. Organizations/companies can apply some of the insights that this model provides to facilitate changes towards more sustainable work routines.
Impacts of COVID-19 and the Russian–Ukrainian Conflict on Food Supply Chain: A Case Study from Bread Supply Chain in Egypt
Authors: Mostafa Noha A. , Hussein Abdelwahab A. , Elsheeta Mohab , Romagnoli Giovanni
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian–Ukrainian war have significantly impacted global supply chains, including the food supply chain, in numerous countries. As one of the leading wheat importers, Egypt has been adversely affected by the simultaneous occurrence of these two events. Baladi bread is an integral part of the daily diet in Egypt, so any disruption affecting its availability can have a severe impact on the country’s food security. This study aims to simulate the causes and effects of potential disruptions that could occur, such as increased transportation time, unavailability of sourcing, and surge in demand due to lockdowns and panic buying. The East Cairo region was chosen as a case study to model the Baladi bread supply chain. A discrete-event simulation model was developed using anyLogistix software (version 2.15.1) for this study. Five key performance indicators were selected to evaluate, analyze, and compare the outcomes of each scenario in terms of the performance and operation of the food supply chain: service level by product, lead time, demand backlog, average daily available inventory in the mills, and on-hand inventory of wheat in the silos. The results indicate that the supply chain has been significantly impacted by the disruptions caused by these two events, leading to decreased availability of Baladi bread, unmet demand, extended lead times, and high backlogs. By utilizing the research findings, proactive strategies can be developed to minimize the impact of such disruptions in the future and maximize food security and supply chain resilience.
The Effect of Seat Layout on the Interaction of Passengers Inside the Train Carriage: An Experimental Approach for Urban Services
Authors: Seriani Sebastian , Aprigliano Vicente , Gonzalez Shirley , Baeza Gabriela , Lopez Ariel , Fujiyama Taku
Published: January 2024

The platform–train interface (PTI) is one of the most complex spaces in metro stations. At the PTI, the interaction of passengers boarding and alighting reaches high density, affecting the boarding and alighting time, among other variables related to safety and efficiency. Developing research was performed to study the effect of seat layout on the interaction of passengers by means of experiments in a controlled environment. The laboratory facility included a mock-up of a train carriage and its adjacent platform. The train was representative of urban services in the Valparaiso Metro (Chile). The results showed that seat layout changed the patterns of interaction of passengers inside the train carriage. If seats were parallel to the movement of the train, then wider corridors inside the train were generated, and therefore, the number of passengers using this space could increase up to three times. However, in urban services, passengers were located closer to the train doors to be prepared for alighting, and therefore, the passenger numbers at the central hall remained the same with the seat layout. In addition, most passengers always used seats even if they were in a different position due to the aforementioned reasons. Further research will include passengers with reduced mobility and remaining inside the train while others are alighting to identify the effect of the space used on the interaction of passengers inside the train.
Exploring the Feasibility for Utilizing Recycled Palm Waste in Decorative Design Applications as Enhancements for Tourist Destinations: A Step toward Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Al-Saud Khaled M. , AlAli Rommel , Abouelela Amira S. , Al Saud Adab M.
Published: January 2024

The study aimed to explore the feasibility for repurposing discarded palm tree waste as artistic creations and decorative elements, contributing to sustainability and environmental preservation at tourist destinations. Employing both descriptive and applied approaches, a series of artworks, totaling eight pieces, were conceptualized and crafted by art education students following the chemical treatment of the palm tree material. To assess the sustainability achieved in these artworks, a questionnaire was administered to 55 visitors at tourist destinations who attended an art exhibition organized for this purpose at King Faisal University’s Department of Art Education. Utilizing the SPSS (Version 26) program, the data underwent analysis, including calculating averages, standard deviations, and a t-test to gauge the extent to which sustainability standards were met. The study revealed a high average response score (3.925) for meeting sustainability criteria in creating art pieces from palm waste, particularly as complementary elements to the interior design of tourist resorts. Visitors exhibited positive responses, emphasizing the moral significance of this sustainable practice. This suggests the potential for recycling palm waste to produce decorative elements for interior designs in tourist resorts. The study recommended further specialized research to generate raw materials from palm waste applicable in designs and decorations beyond tourist destinations and in various settings.
Assessment of Yellow River Region Cultural Heritage Value and Corridor Construction across Urban Scales: A Case Study in Shaanxi, China
Authors: Zhang He , Wang Yutong , Qi Yu , Chen Siwei , Zhang Zhengkai
Published: January 2024

Heritage corridors play a pivotal role in preserving linear cultural heritage, especially in economically underdeveloped regions like the Yellow River area. These corridors not only serve as a primary method for safeguarding cultural heritage, but also act as catalysts for enhancing regional economic vitality. The widespread distribution of cultural heritage in the Yellow River region emphasizes the need for targeted protection and utilization at the regional level. To facilitate graded protection and the utilization of regional cultural heritage, this study introduces a method for constructing graded heritage corridors based on the comprehensive value of cultural heritage, thereby establishing a framework for comprehensive assessments. Through leveraging multi-source data, this study assesses cultural heritage’s comprehensive value by integrating the service capacity of heritage sites. Subsequently, this study constructs graded heritage corridors using the minimum cumulative resistance model. The findings reveal a concentrated distribution of cultural heritage in Shaanxi within the Yellow River region, where 19.8% of the sites in the economically and ecologically thriving southern regions were rated as high value (fourth or fifth grades). Finally, this study identifies distinct corridor themes by integrating regional cultural characteristics, thereby forming a cultural heritage region network that propels the overall protection and utilization in the area. The proposed cultural heritage assessment framework and corridor construction method are also applicable to various linear heritage types dispersed across diverse regions.
The Socioeconomic Dimensions of Water Scarcity in Urban and Rural Mexico: A Comprehensive Assessment of Sustainable Development
Authors: Pacheco-Treviño Silvana , Manzano-Camarillo Mario G.
Published: January 2024

Mexico faces severe water scarcity due to population growth, industrial activities, and climate change. The arid and semidesert conditions prevalent in northern Mexico, particularly in Nuevo Leon, significantly accentuate the challenges associated with water scarcity. This region is vulnerable to water scarcity due to minimal rainfall, recurrent droughts, and the increasing pressure of water demand from the densely populated Monterrey. We examined the disparities that contribute to water poverty by comparing water scarcity between rural and urban populations in Nuevo Leon. The results revealed significant contrasts in water scarcity between the two populations, indicating that different factors contribute to water poverty based on regional, territorial, and cultural characteristics. We selected the water poverty index (WPI) as an evaluation metric due to its inherent compatibility with available data sources, which facilitates its application to stakeholders and ensures comparability with other regions. This study contributes to studies on water scarcity assessment by addressing a critical limitation of the WPI. We compared three weighting methods—equal weight, principal component analysis (PCA), and analytic hierarchy process (AHP)—and identified that PCA and AHP demonstrated a superior performance compared to the standard methodology. These findings underscore the importance of considering region-specific conditions, as well as socioeconomic disparities between rural and urban populations and their role in vulnerability to water scarcity in calculating water poverty. These insights provide valuable information for customized solutions to regional challenges, representing leading actions toward sustainable development.
Deformations of Single-Crystal Silicon Circular Plate: Theory and Experiment
Authors: Lychev Sergey , Digilov Alexander , Demin Gleb , Gusev Evgeney , Kushnarev Ivan , Djuzhev Nikolay , Bespalov Vladimir
Published: January 2024

In this paper, the experimental methodology for the single-crystal circular plate deformation measurement and subsequent procedure for the quantitation of its mechanical properties are developed. The procedure is based on a new numerical-analytical solution of non-linear boundary-value problem for finite deformations of a circular anisotropic plate. Using the developed method, a study of the deformation of single-crystal circular plates formed on the basis of a silicon-on-insulator structure was carried out. The values of residual stresses are determined and it is shown that the presence of these stresses increases the flexural rigidity of the plate by several times.
Conformational and Chiroptical Properties of Salicylamide-Based Peptidomimetics
Authors: Raich Ivan , Pauk Karel , Imramovsky Ales , Jampílek Josef
Published: January 2024

Optical rotation (OR), the most frequently used chiroptical method, is used for the characterization of newly synthesized or isolated compounds. Computational predictions of OR are, however, mainly used for the determination of the absolute configurations of chiral compounds, but they may also be used for the verification of conformational analysis results if the experimental values are known. Our computational study deals with the conformational analysis of flexible salicylamide-based peptidomimetics, starting with a conformation search, then a low-level ab initio preoptimization of the hundreds of conformations found, and, finally, a higher-level DFT optimization. For the resulting minima structures, Boltzmann populations were calculated, followed by OR calculations for all the populated conformers using the DFT method with various basis sets with diffuse functions. Weighted averages of the ORs were compared with experimental values, and the agreement, which ranged from excellent to moderate for various compounds, served as a verification of the conformational analysis results.
An Iterative Approach with the Inertial Method for Solving Variational-like Inequality Problems with Multivalued Mappings in a Banach Space
Authors: Farid Mohammad , Aldosary Saud Fahad
Published: January 2024

We formulate an iterative approach employing the inertial technique to approximate the anticipated solution for a generalized mixed variational-like inequality, as well as variational inequality and fixed point problems associated with a relatively nonexpansive multivalued mapping within the context of a real Banach space. Additionally, we delve into the robust convergence of our suggested algorithm. Furthermore, we highlight certain implications and present numerical observations to underscore the significance of our findings. The proposed theorem extends and consolidates several previously published works.
5G Physical Layer-Based Procedure to Support Time-Sensitive Networking
Authors: Bouchmal Faiza , Carrasco Oscar , Fu Yang , Rodrigo Jaime , Monserrat Jose F. , Cardona Narcís
Published: January 2024

Deploying 5G in new and diverse use cases, such as Industry 4.0 and factory automation, requires 5G systems to harmonize with the communication technologies used in these industries. To this end, 3GPP Release 16 and Release 17 have made significant progress in integrating 5G systems with the IEEE 802.1 working group specifications on Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN). This paper explains a method and architecture for supporting TSN over a wireless channel in a 5G network that adds the TSN synchronization function in a Small Cell gNB implementing the TSN Translator function (SC-TT). This TSN-capable small cell provides TSN over the wireless network to synchronize UEs with the Grand Master (GM) using the physical layer signal of the 5G radio frame and the transmission of the GM reference time to provide high-precision synchronization. This paper explores the pivotal role of a Slot Indicator Signal in enhancing synchronization precision, ensuring that the UE-GM synchronization occurs within an exceptionally narrow timeframe as small as 10 ns.
Remembering Professor Peter A. Leggat, AM, ADC (1961–2023)
Authors: Lau Colleen , Frean John
Published: January 2024

Professor Peter Leggat, the Immediate Past President of the Australasian College of Tropical Medicine (ACTM), passed away peacefully in Brisbane on 20 September 2023 [...]
Antiviral Defence Mechanisms during Early Mammalian Development
Authors: Mueller Felix , Witteveldt Jeroen , Macias Sara
Published: January 2024

The type-I interferon (IFN) response constitutes the major innate immune pathway against viruses in mammals. Despite its critical importance for antiviral defence, this pathway is inactive during early embryonic development. There seems to be an incompatibility between the IFN response and pluripotency, the ability of embryonic cells to develop into any cell type of an adult organism. Instead, pluripotent cells employ alternative ways to defend against viruses that are typically associated with safeguard mechanisms against transposable elements. The absence of an inducible IFN response in pluripotent cells and the constitutive activation of the alternative antiviral pathways have led to the hypothesis that embryonic cells are highly resistant to viruses. However, some findings challenge this interpretation. We have performed a meta-analysis that suggests that the susceptibility of pluripotent cells to viruses is directly correlated with the presence of receptors or co-receptors for viral adhesion and entry. These results challenge the current view of pluripotent cells as intrinsically resistant to infections and raise the fundamental question of why these cells have sacrificed the major antiviral defence pathway if this renders them susceptible to viruses.
Optimization and Validation of a Harmonized Protocol for Generating Therapeutic-Grade Dendritic Cells in a Randomized Phase II Clinical Trial, Using Two Varied Antigenic Sources
Authors: Seetharaman Abirami , Christopher Vasanth , Dhandapani Hemavathi , Jayakumar Hascitha , Dhanushkodi Manikandan , Bhaskaran Narmadha , Rajaraman Swaminathan , Ranganathan Rama , Sunder Singh Shirley , Vijayakumar Varalakshmi , Rajamanickam Arivazhagan , Suri Anil , Jagadish Nirmala , Rajkumar Thangarajan , Ramanathan Priya
Published: January 2024

Autologous dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy is a cell-based advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) that was first introduced more than three decades ago. In the current study, our objective was to establish a harmonized protocol using two varied antigenic sources and a good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant, manual method for generating clinical-grade DCs at a limited-resource academic setting. After obtaining ethical committee-approved informed consent, the recruited patients underwent leukapheresis, and single-batch DC production was carried out. Using responder-independent flow cytometric assays as quality control (QC) criteria, we propose a differentiation and maturation index (DI and MI, respectively), calculated with the QC cut-off and actual scores of each batch for comparison. Changes during cryopreservation and personnel variation were assessed periodically for up to two to three years. Using our harmonized batch production protocol, the average DI was 1.39 and MI was 1.25. Allogenic responder proliferation was observed in all patients, while IFN-gamma secretion, evaluated using flow cytometry, was detected in 10/36 patients and significantly correlated with CD8+ T cell proliferation (p value-0.0002). Tracking the viability and phenotype of cryopreserved MDCs showed a >90% viability for up to three years, while a mature DC phenotype was retained for up to one year. Our results confirm that the manual/semi-automated protocol was simple, consistent, and cost-effective, without the requirement for expensive equipment and without compromising on the quality of the final product.
Adjuvanted Vaccine Induces Functional Antibodies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Filamentous Bacteriophages
Authors: Román-Cruz Valery C. , Miller Shannon M. , Schoener Roman A. , Lukasiewicz Chase , Schmidt Amelia K. , DeBuysscher Blair L. , Burkhart David , Secor Patrick R. , Evans Jay T.
Published: January 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa), a WHO priority 1 pathogen, resulted in approximately 559,000 deaths globally in 2019. Pa has a multitude of host-immune evasion strategies that enhance Pa virulence. Most clinical isolates of Pa are infected by a phage called Pf that has the ability to misdirect the host-immune response and provide structural integrity to biofilms. Previous studies demonstrate that vaccination against the coat protein (CoaB) of Pf4 virions can assist in the clearance of Pa from the dorsal wound model in mice. Here, a consensus peptide was derived from CoaB and conjugated to cross-reacting material 197 (CRM197). This conjugate was adjuvanted with a novel synthetic Toll-like receptor agonist (TLR) 4 agonist, INI-2002, and used to vaccinate mice. Mice vaccinated with CoaB-CRM conjugate and INI-2002 developed high anti-CoaB peptide-specific IgG antibody titers. Direct binding of the peptide-specific antibodies to whole-phage virus particles was demonstrated by ELISA. Furthermore, a functional assay demonstrated that antibodies generated from vaccinated mice disrupted the replicative cycle of Pf phages. The use of an adjuvanted phage vaccine targeting Pa is an innovative vaccine strategy with the potential to become a new tool targeting multi-drug-resistant Pa infections in high-risk populations.
The Modeling of a River Impacted with Tailings Mudflows Based on the Differentiation of Spatiotemporal Domains and Assessment of Water–Sediment Interactions Using Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Moura João Paulo , Pacheco Fernando António Leal , Valle Junior Renato Farias do , de Melo Silva Maytê Maria Abreu Pires , Pissarra Teresa Cristina Tarlé , Melo Marília Carvalho de , Valera Carlos Alberto , Sanches Fernandes Luís Filipe , Rolim Glauco de Souza
Published: January 2024

The modeling of metal concentrations in large rivers is complex because the contributing factors are numerous, namely, the variation in metal sources across spatiotemporal domains. By considering both domains, this study modeled metal concentrations derived from the interaction of river water and sediments of contrasting grain size and chemical composition, in regions of contrasting seasonal precipitation. Statistical methods assessed the processes of metal partitioning and transport, while artificial intelligence methods structured the dataset to predict the evolution of metal concentrations as a function of environmental changes. The methodology was applied to the Paraopeba River (Brazil), divided into sectors of coarse aluminum-rich natural sediments and sectors enriched in fine iron- and manganese-rich mine tailings, after the collapse of the B1 dam in Brumadinho, with 85–90% rainfall occurring from October to March. The prediction capacity of the random forest regressor was large for aluminum, iron and manganese concentrations, with average precision > 90% and accuracy < 0.2.
Optimization of Forest and Grass Vegetation Distribution in the Aksu River Basin by Water Resources Carrying Capacity
Authors: Qi Zhao , Xi Lei , Cui Mengchun , Wang Lili , Feng Yiming , Cao Xiaoming
Published: January 2024

In arid areas, vegetation is the basis for maintaining the virtuous cycle of ecosystems, while water resources are the key factor restricting the survival of vegetation communities. The balance between water resources and vegetation is related to the sustainable development of ecological benefits and economic benefits in arid areas. Although research on the carrying potential of vegetation in arid areas has been emphasized, there is still a lack of spatial analysis of different vegetation types over large areas. Therefore, this study takes precipitation as the basic source of water resources, calculates the amount of available water resources in the basin from the available effective precipitation and available irrigation water, and it analyzes the spatial distribution of forest and grass vegetation types under the water resources constraint, combined with the ecological water demand of different vegetation types and based on the principle of “Water to determine the Vegetation”. The results showed that the ecological water demand of each vegetation type was as follows: Forest > Shrub Vegetation > Grassland Vegetation > Desert Vegetation. The range of comprehensive available water resources of vegetation was from 0 to 221.71 mm, which decreased with the altitude gradient. Then, the spatial distribution pattern of vegetation types constrained by the water resources in the Aksu River Basin showed a striped distribution from north to south, with shrub vegetation in the high-altitude mountainous area, grassland vegetation in the low-altitude area, and desert vegetation in the desert plain area, respectively, accounting for 29.05%, 10.74%, and 53.45% of the total basin. This research approach provides a scientific basis for the planning of forest and grass vegetation construction in arid regions.
Amplification of Immune Genes in Ancient Stony Corals for Adapting to Unstable Marine Environments
Authors: Wu Tianzhen , Lei Yanli , Jian Zhimin
Published: January 2024

The Late Devonian period was known for disturbances such as lower temperatures and abnormal ocean carbon and nitrogen levels, leading to the extinction of approximately 21% of genus-level and 16% of family-level marine organisms. However, evolutionary responses of marine organisms to hardships have not yet been fully explored, even though these organisms may soon face another extinction event. Stony corals, one of the few marine organisms that survived the Late Devonian Period, may provide some insight into the adaptive evolution mechanism underlying survival in unstable marine environments. The current study revealed that the gene families related to signal transduction and immunity, such as G protein-coupled receptors and Toll-like receptors, expanded in stony coral ancestors (SCAs), possibly improving the efficiency of stress and immune responses and maintaining internal environmental homeostasis. Interestingly, the first horizontal gene transfer event of
MSHA
from actinomycetes to corals and the subsequent expansion in SCAs were discovered.
MSHA
encodes D-inositol 3-phosphate glycosyltransferase, which is naturally found in actinomycetes and is responsible for the synthesis of mycothiol with antibacterial properties. The
MSHA
family members diverged throughout the development of stony corals, but their essential function in glycosyl transfer remained unchanged. Therefore, the evolutionary history of ancient coral shows that efficient signal transduction and increased immunity may have driven the survival of SCAs throughout the Late Devonian period, which may provide new insights into how current corals avoid extinction.
The FTO Mediated N6-Methyladenosine Modification of DDIT4 Regulation with Tumorigenesis and Metastasis in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Zhao Yue , Hu Xin , Yu Haoran , Sun Huimin , Zhang Lei , Shao Chen
Published: January 2024

The progression of numerous malignancies has been linked to N6-methyladenosine (m6A) alteration. However, the opposite trend of m6A levels in the development and metastasis of cancer has not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the biological function and mechanism of fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) in regulating m6A modification in prostate cancer development and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). An EMT model of LNCaP and PC-3 cells was established with transforming growth factor-β treatment, and FTO knockout cell line was established in prostate cancer cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. The level of m6A modification in tumor tissues was higher than that in normal prostate tissues; m6A levels were decreased after EMT. FTO deletion increased m6A expression and enhanced PC-3 cell motility, invasion, and EMT both in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing and functional investigations suggested that DDIT4, a novel EMT target gene, plays a role in m6A-regulated EMT, which was recognized and stabilized by the m6A effector IGF2BP2/3. Decreased FTO expression was an independent indicator of worse survival, and the level of DDIT4 was considerably elevated in patients with bone metastasis. Thus, this study revealed that the m6A demethylase FTO can play different roles in prostate cancer as a regulator of EMT and an inhibitor of m6A modification. Moreover, DDIT4 can be suggested as a possible biomarker for prostate cancer metastasis prediction.
ADP-Hep-Induced Liquid Phase Condensation of TIFA-TRAF6 Activates ALPK1/TIFA-Dependent Innate Immune Responses
Authors: Li Liping , Wang Jia , Zhong Xincheng , Jiang Yaoyao , Pei Gaofeng , Yang Xikang , Zhang Kaixiang , Shen Siqi , Jin Xue , Sun Gaoge , Su Chaofei , Chen Shuzhen , Yin Hang
Published: January 2024

The ALPK1 (alpha-kinase 1)-TIFA (TRAF-interacting protein with fork head-associated domain)-TRAF6 signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating inflammatory processes, with TIFA and TRAF6 serving as key molecules in this cascade. Despite its significance, the functional mechanism of TIFA-TRAF6 remains incompletely understood. In this study, we unveil that TIFA undergoes liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) induced by ALPK1 in response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-β-D-manno-heptose (ADP-Hep) recognition. The phase separation of TIFA is primarily driven by ALPK1, the pT9-FHA domain, and the intrinsically disordered region segment. Simultaneously, TRAF6 exhibits phase separation during ADP-Hep-induced inflammation, a phenomenon observed consistently across various inflammatory signal pathways. Moreover, TRAF6 is recruited within the TIFA condensates, facilitating lysine (K) 63-linked polyubiquitin chain synthesis. The subsequent recruitment, enrichment, and activation of downstream effectors within these condensates contribute to robust inflammatory signal transduction. Utilizing a novel chemical probe (compound
22
), our analysis demonstrates that the activation of the ALPK1-TIFA-TRAF6 signaling pathway in response to small molecules necessitates the phase separation of TIFA. In summary, our findings reveal TIFA as a sensor for upstream signals, initiating the LLPS of itself and downstream proteins. This process results in the formation of membraneless condensates within the ALPK1-TIFA-TRAF6 pathway, suggesting potential applications in therapeutic biotechnology development.
Bifunctional TRPV1 Targeted Magnetothermal Switch to Attenuate Osteoarthritis Progression
Authors: Lv Zhongyang , Wang Peng , Li Weitong , Xie Ya , Sun Wei , Jin Xiaoyu , Jiang Ruiyang , Fei Yuxiang , Liu Yuan , Shi Tianshu , Guo Hu , Sun Ziying , Lin Jintao , Wang Xucai , Tan Guihua , Wu Yizhang , Bao Nirong , Shi Dongquan
Published: January 2024

Transient receptor potential vanilloid family member 1 (TRPV1) has been revealed as a therapeutic target of osteoarthritis (OA), the most common deteriorating whole joint disease, by impeding macrophagic inflammation and chondrocytes ferroptosis. However, the clinical application for capsaicin as the TRPV1 agonist is largely limited by its chronic toxicity. To address this issue, we developed a bifunctional controllable magnetothermal switch targeting TRPV1 for the alleviation of OA progression by coupling of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to TRPV1 monoclonal antibodies (MNPs-TRPV1). Under the alternating magnetic field (AMF) stimulation, MNPs-TRPV1 locally dissipated heat, which was sufficient to trigger the opening and activation of TRPV1, and effectively impeded macrophagic inflammation and chondrocyte ferroptosis. This magnetothermal modulation of TRPV1 simultaneously attenuated synovitis and cartilage degeneration in mice incurred by destabilization of medial meniscus surgery, indicating the delayed OA progression. Furthermore, MNPs-TRPV1 with AMF exposure remarkably reduced knee pain sensitivity, alleviated the crippled gait, and improved spontaneous ambulatory activity performance in the mice OA model. Overall, this work provides a potential pathogenesis-based precise OA therapy with temporally and spatially magnetothermal modulation of TRPV1 in a controllable manner.
Advancing Sustainable Practices in the Bangladeshi Ready-Made Garments Industry: A
Systematic Review and Future Research Avenues in Green Human Resource Management
Authors: Chowdhury Dr. Shah Ridwan
Published: January 2024

This paper focuses on Green Human Resource Management in the Bangladeshi Ready Made Garments
industry. It is claimed that the concept of GHRM fits in the Bangladeshi RMG industry context, especially in aspects such as HRM, sustainability, environmental management, green management, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). However, there is a paucity of researcher that has suggested potential research avenues by focusing on GHRM in the early mentioned industry context. To address this gap in literature and to fully understand and develop further knowledge on GHRM, this paper contextualizes the notion of GHRM in the context of export-oriented small, medium, and large firms predominantly in the RMG industry in all five geo-political regions in Bangladesh to offer a comprehensive future research avenues. Systematically reviewing 57 papers, this paper has provided a comprehensive overview of different aspects of the Bangladeshi RMG industry and the extent of GHRM practices implementation there. The review has revealed six contextual gaps for the potential researchers in the relevant field. The originality of this paper lies in the fact that it has highlighted the GHRM research gaps in the Bangladeshi RMG industry context which is found absent in the literature.
IDENTIFIKASI PENGGUNAAN ALAT PELINDUNG DIRI PADA PERTOLONGAN PERSALINAN DI POLINDES BATI BATI
Authors: Yunita Andhini Siti , Istiqamah Istiqamah , Zulliati
Published: January 2024

Latar Belakang: Salah satu kelompok risiko tinggi untuk menderita infeksi Hepatitis B adalah bidan, dimana mereka melakukan pekerjaan sehari-hari kontak dengan penderita. Potensi bahaya di ruang bersalin selain penyakit infeksi juga ada potensi-potensi bahaya lain yang mempengaruhi situasi dan kondisi di ruang bersalin, yaitu bahaya biologis, bahaya fisik, bahaya kimia. Bahaya ini dapat diatasi dengan menggunakan alat pelindung diri.
Tujuan: Mengidentifikasi penggunaan APD dalam pertolongan persalinan di polindes wilayah kerja Puskesmas Bati-Bati Kabupaten Tanah Laut.
Metode: Jenis penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian kualitatif. Informan penelitian terdiri dari 5 orang bidan sebagai informan utama dan 1 orang Kepala Puskesmas sebagai informan triagulasi. Data diambil menggunakan teknik wawancara mendalam dan observasi. Data dianalisis dengan cara reduksi data dan penarikan kesimpulan.
Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan APD pada informan dalam menolong persalinan tergolong ke dalam perilaku yang baik, terbukti dari 5 orang informan yang menggunaan APD saat menolong persalinan dan dibenarkan dengan pernyataan informan triangulasi. Hasil observasi juga menunjukkan hal yang sama terhadap penggunaan APD oleh informan
Associations of the left ventricle myocardial deformation parametrs with cardiovascular risk in patients with an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator
Authors: Ilov N. N. , Stompel D. R. , Boytsov S. A. , Zorin D. A. , Romantcov E. I. , Nechepurenko A. A.
Published: January 2024

Aim. To study the impact of left ventricle (LV) deformation parameters by the two-dimensional strain method to assess the intended use of cardioverter defibrillator implantation for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death.

Methods. The study included 133 patients with congestive heart failure NYHA 3-4 functional class with a LV ejection fraction ≤35%, taking optimal drug therapy. The speckle-tracking echocardiography with the estimation of LV deformation indicators (segmental strains, global longitudinal and circular strain [GLS and GCS, respectively]) was carried out, after which the implantation of defibrillator for the purpose of primary prevention of sudden death was performed. The patients enrolled in the study were observed prospectively for two years after the operation (visits to the clinic after 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 months) for the registration of first-time ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT) paroxysms and assessment of one-year cardiovascular mortality.

Results. The arrhythmic endpoint appeared in 27 patients (20%), 19 patients (14%) died due to acute decompensation of heart failure. Comparative analysis of the studied parameters of LV deformation did not reveal statistically significant differences in the groups of survivors and deceased patients. Patients with VT had the worst deformation characteristics. It was found that at absolute values of GLS<6% the risk of the first VT manifestation during the observation period increased almost threefold (odds ratio (OR)=2.59; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07-6.26; p=0.031). The second independent predictor of the arrhythmic point was the longitudinal strain of the anterior wall (OR=1.28; 95%CI: 1.14-1.45; p=0.0001 for univariate analysis and OR=1.55; 95%CI: 1.18-2.04; p=0.002 for multivariate analysis). Based on the multifactor analysis, which included indicators of myocardial deformation, age, sex, and ischemic heart disease, predictive model was obtained to predict VT with 71% sensitivity and 97% specificity. The area under the curve was 0.916 (95%CI: 0.850-0.981; p=0.0001).

Conclusion. LV deformation parameters do not help to predict cardiovascular mortality, but may be useful in stratification of VT risk. To achieve this GLS value as well as the segmental map of regional strains can be used.
Functional ability of mitochondria and mitochondrial genome polymorphism as factors affecting arrhythmogenesis in chronic coronary artery disease
Authors: Afanasiev S. A. , Korepanov V. A. , Babushkina N. P. , Rebrova T. Yu. , Muslimova E. F. , Golubenko M. V. , Garganeeva A. A. , Atabekov T. A.
Published: January 2024

Aim. To investigate functional state of mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphism in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with life-threatening cardiac rhythm disorders (CRD).

Methods. We investigated venous blood samples of 45 patients with uncomplicated CAD and 120 CAD patients with CRD. Oxygen consumption rate of mitochondrias of leukocytes in V3 and V4 states were determined in pyruvate-malate and succinate buffers, as well as in the presence of palmitic acid (PA). In patients with complicated CAD, mtDNA haplogroup and substitutions in gene encoding proteins of the respiratory chain complexes and mitochondrial rRNA were determined. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon tests and Chi-square test with Yates’ correction.

Results. In CAD and CAD with CRD, oxygen consumption rate of intact mitochondria did not different in either pyruvate-malate or succinate buffers. In uncomplicated CAD, PA supplementation increases oxygen consumption rate by mitochondria in both succinate and pyruvate-malate buffers. The majority of patients (41%) with CAD and CRD were carriers of the haplogroup «H» and, in this indicator, the sample did not differ from patients with uncomplicated CAD. However, mtDNA of patients with complicated CAD was characterized by a more frequent combined carriage of two and more missense substitutions in genes of respiratory chain and rRNA.

Conclusion. Mitochondria of patients with coronary artery disease and life-threatening cardiac rhythm disorders have reduced functional reserve. The distribution of frequencies of main mtDNA haplogroups of patients with coronary artery disease with life threatening cardiac rhythm disorders corresponds to the population. The mtDNA of such patients is characterized by a high frequency of carriage of combined polymorphisms in gene of electron transport chain proteins and rRNA.
"Wenn Sie über den Markt gehen und nichts kaufen ...". Institutionelle Adressierungen und transsituative Re-Adressierungen zu Beginn des Studiums zum Lehrberuf
Authors: Güvenç Ezgi
Published: January 2024

Bei der Einführung von Studierenden in den BA-Studiengang zur Kindergarten- und Unterstufenlehrperson wird in einer Pädagogischen Hochschule der Deutschschweiz zentral mit einer (Markt-)Metapher gearbeitet, anhand derer die Erwartungen an die Neustudierenden formuliert werden. Auf Basis einer teilnehmenden Beobachtung im Sinne der ethnografischen Forschungsstrategie und der Dokumentation zentraler Ereignisse der Einführungsveranstaltung wird u. a. diese zentrale Metapher theoretisch als institutionelle Adressierung der Studierenden aufgefasst und adressierungsanalytisch rekonstruiert. Die im Rahmen des Projekts TriLAN ebenfalls durchgeführten Eingangsinterviews, die nach den Einführungstagen stattfanden, enthalten studentische Bezugnahmen auf ebendiese Tage. Im Verlauf dieses Beitrags werden zwei kontrastierende Bezüge auf das institutionelle Programm als Re-Adressierungen dargelegt. (DIPF/Orig.)