bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coaxial Bioprinting of Enzymatically Crosslinkable Hyaluronic Acid-Tyramine Bioinks for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Banigo Alma Tamunonengiofori , Nauta Laura , Zoetebier Bram , Karperien Marcel
Published: August 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has emerged as an important technique for fabricating tissue constructs with precise structural and compositional control. However, developing suitable bioinks with biocompatible crosslinking mechanisms remains a significant challenge. This study investigates extrusion-based bioprinting (EBB) using uniaxial or coaxial nozzles with enzymatic crosslinking (EC) to produce 3D tissue constructs in vitro. Initially, low-molecular-weight dextran-tyramine and hyaluronic acid-tyramine (LMW Dex-TA/HA-TA) bioink prepolymers were evaluated. Enzymatically pre-crosslinking these prepolymers, achieved by the addition of horseradish peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide, produced viscous polymer solutions. However, this approach resulted in inconsistent bioprinting outcomes (uniaxial) due to inhomogeneous crosslinking, leading to irreproducible properties and suboptimal shear recovery behavior of the hydrogel inks. To address these challenges, we explored a one-step coaxial bioprinting system consisting of enzymatically crosslinkable high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid-tyramine conjugates (HMW HA-TA) mixed with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the inner core and a mixture of Pluronic F127 and hydrogen peroxide in the outer shell. This configuration resulted in nearly instantaneous gelation by diffusion of the hydrogen peroxide into the core. Stable hydrogel fibers with desirable properties, including appropriate swelling ratios and controlled degradation rates, were obtained. The optimized bioink and printing parameters included 1.3% w/v HMW HA-TA and 5.5 U/mL HRP (bioink, inner core), and 27.5% w/v Pluronic F127 and 0.1% H2O2 (sacrificial ink, outer shell). Additionally, optimal pressures for the inner core and outer shell were 45 and 80 kPa, combined with a printing speed of 300 mm/min and a bed temperature of 30 °C. The extruded HMW HA-TA core filaments, containing bovine primary chondrocytes (BPCs) or 3T3 fibroblasts (3T3 Fs), exhibited good cell viabilities and were successfully cultured for up to seven days. This study serves as a proof-of-concept for the one-step generation of core filaments using a rapidly gelling bioink with an enzymatic crosslinking mechanism, and a coaxial bioprinter nozzle system. The results demonstrate significant potential for developing designed, printed, and organized 3D tissue fiber constructs.
The Changes in the Inner-Structure and Mechanical Strength of the Composite Cement Materials and Silica-Carbon Nanotube-Nylon 66 Electrospun Nanofibers
Authors: Nguyen Tri N. M. , Nguyen Huy Q. , Kim Jung J.
Published: August 2024

This study presents the feasibility of improving some selected mechanical strengths and the inner-structural analyses of cement matrix by electrospun nanofibers containing nylon 66, nanosilica, and carbon nanotube. The hybrid electrospun nanofibers were fabricated and mixed into ordinary Portland cement. From the mechanical strength test results, the hybrid nanofibers have shown their role in improving the tensile, compressive, and toughness behavior of the mixed cement material. The improvements of 62%, 38%, and 69%, respectively, were observed compared to those of the control paste. The novelty of the surface and inner structure of the hybrid fibers, as well as the modified cement matrix, were observed by the scanned images from electron microscopes. Besides, the additional pozzolanic reaction between the generated calcium hydroxide and the attached silica was clarified thanks to the results of energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal gravimetric analysis. Finally, the consistency between mechanical strength results and inner-structure analyses showed the potential of the proposed fiber to improve cement-based materials.
Carbon Nanotube Sheets/Elastomer Bilayer Harvesting Electrode with Biaxially Generated Electrical Energy
Authors: Oh Seongjae , Kim Hyeon Ji , Lee Seon , Kim Keon Jung , Kim Shi Hyeong
Published: August 2024

Mechanical energy harvesters made from soft and flexible materials can be employed as energy sources for wearable and implantable devices. However, considering how human organs and joints expand and bend in many directions, the energy generated in response to a mechanical stimulus in only one direction limits the applicability of mechanical energy harvesters. Here, we report carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets/an elastomer bilayer harvesting electrode (CBHE) that converts two-axis mechanical stimulation into electrical energy. The novel microwinkled structure of the CBHE successfully demonstrates an electrochemical double-layer (EDL) capacitance change from biaxial mechanical stimulation, thereby generating electrical power (0.11 W kg−1). Additionally, the low modulus (0.16 MPa) and high deformability due to the elastomeric substrate suggest that the CBHE can be applied to the human body.
Probing of New Polymer-Based Microcapsules for Islet Cell Immunoisolation
Authors: Ermakova Polina , Vasilchikova Ekaterina , Baten’kin Maxim , Bogomolova Alexandra , Konev Alexey , Anisimova Natalia , Egoshina Alena , Zakharina Mariya , Tselousova Julia , Naraliev Nasipbek , Kuchin Denis , Lugovaya Liya , Zagainov Vladimir , Chesnokov Sergey , Kashina Aleksandra , Zagaynova Elena
Published: August 2024

Islet allotransplantation offers a promising cell therapy for type 1 diabetes, but challenges such as limited donor availability and immunosuppression persist. Microencapsulation of islets in polymer-coated alginate microcapsules is a favored strategy for immune protection and maintaining islet viability. This study introduces Poly [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (PMETAC) as an innovative coating material for microcapsules. PMETAC enhances biocompatibility and durability, marking a significant advancement in islet encapsulation. Our approach combines alginate with PMETAC to create Langerhans islet microcapsules, simplifying material composition and preparation and ultimately lowering costs and increasing clinical applicability. Our comprehensive evaluation of the stability (including osmotic stability, thermal stability, and culture condition stability) and cytotoxicity of a novel microencapsulation system based on alginate-PMETAC-alginate offers insights into its potential application in islet immunoisolation strategies. Microcapsules with PMETAC content ranging from 0.01 to 1% are explored in the current work. The results indicate that the coatings made with 0.4% PMETAC show the most promising outcomes, remaining stable in the mentioned tests and exhibiting the required permeability. It was shown that the islets encapsulated in this manner retain viability and functional activity. Thus, alginate microcapsules coated with 0.4% PMETAC are suitable for further animal trials. While our findings are promising, further studies, including animal testing, will be necessary to evaluate the clinical applicability of our encapsulation method.
Study on the Factors Affecting the Self-Healing Performance of Graphene-Modified Asphalt Based on Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Guo Fei , Li Xiaoyu , Wang Ziran , Chen Yijun , Yue Jinchao
Published: August 2024

To comprehensively understand the impact of various environmental factors on the self-healing process of graphene-modified asphalt, this study employs molecular dynamics simulation methods to investigate the effects of aging degree (unaged, short-term aged, long-term aged), asphalt type (base asphalt, graphene-modified asphalt), healing temperature (20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C), and damage degree (5 Å, 10 Å, 15 Å) on the self-healing performance of asphalt. The validity of the established asphalt molecular models was verified based on four physical quantities: density, radial distribution function analysis, glass transition temperature, and cohesive energy density. The simulated healing time for the asphalt crack model was set to 200 ps. The following conclusions were drawn based on the changes in density, mean square displacement, and diffusion coefficient during the simulated healing process under different influencing factors: Dehydrogenation and oxidation of asphalt molecules during the aging process hinder molecular migration within the asphalt crack model, resulting in poorer self-healing performance. As the service life increases, the decline in the healing performance of graphene-modified asphalt is slower than that of base asphalt, indicating that graphene-modified asphalt has stronger anti-aging properties. When the vacuum layer in the asphalt crack model is small, the changes in the diffusion coefficient are less pronounced. As the crack width increases, the influence of various factors on the diffusion coefficient of the asphalt crack model becomes more significant. When the crack width is large, the self-healing effect of asphalt is more dependent on these influencing factors. Damage degree and oxidative aging have a more significant impact on the healing ability of graphene-modified asphalt than healing temperature.
Exploring the Effects of Drying Method and Temperature on the Quality of Dried Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Leaves: A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Drying Solution
Authors: Akbar Farah Naz , Mahmood Shahid , Mueen-ud-din Ghulam , Yamin Muhammad , Murtaza Mian Anjum
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of solar drying and oven drying methods on the quality parameters of dried basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) leaves. The dried basil leaves were dehydrated at three different levels of temperature (T1, T2, and T3 = 50 °C, 55 °C, and 60 °C) using a solar tunnel dryer and an electrical oven dryer. Drying time, energy consumption, dehydration ratio, rehydration ratio, pH, and reducing sugar were observed after drying the basil leaves. The results showed that solar drying at 55 °C required the least energy (0.431 kWh) and took the shortest amount of time (110 min) to complete, whereas oven drying consumed more energy. Additionally, oven drying maintained a low pH (4.30) and reducing sugar level (2.24), extending the shelf life of the dried basil leaves, compared to solar drying. Based on energy consumption, drying time, and mineral contents, the solar drying using a solar tunnel dryer was deemed more suitable than oven drying. The best temperature for drying was determined to be 55 °C, which provided a short drying time, the least energy consumption and a statistically non-significant loss of mineral contents and dehydration ratio. Moreover, solar drying demonstrated a significantly higher speed, with a 6.7-times higher drying rate compared to oven drying, with significantly less energy consumption.
Presentation, Characteristics and Features of Lymphoma in a Retrospective Case Series of Patients with Sjogren’s Disease
Authors: Behbodikhah Jennifer , Balistreri Lisa , Carsons Steven E.
Published: August 2024

Sjogren’s Disease (SjD) is associated with an increased risk of lymphoma. We investigated the prevalence of lymphoma in a retrospective case series of patients with SjD and reported on the clinical presentation, treatment, response, and outcome. A retrospective review of 132 patients diagnosed with Sjogren’s Disease was conducted at our institution from June 2000 to November 2023, and 10 cases of malignant lymphoma were identified. Clinical and biological markers known to be predictors of lymphoma, as well as lymphoma characteristics, were examined. The most common predictive lab findings were hypergammaglobulinemia, the rheumatoid factor, and lymphopenia. Persistent parotid gland enlargement was also found in greater than 50% of patients. The majority of patients were Caucasian females, and the average time between the diagnosis of SjD and lymphoma was 14.3 years. The median age at lymphoma diagnosis was 59.5 years, with 9 out of 10 lymphomas identified as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the majority of cases being mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. We identified similarities in our series, such as laboratory markers and clinical symptoms, to those previously identified as possible predictors of lymphoma development. These factors may be useful in determining the risk of malignancy development and justify the need for long-term monitoring, as well as provider education and awareness.
Quad Gaussian Networks for Vehicle Detection in Aerial Images
Authors: Liang Haixiang , Wang Yuqing
Published: August 2024

Vehicle detection in remote sensing images is a crucial aspect of intelligent transportation systems. It plays an essential role in road planning, congestion control, and road construction in cities. However, detecting vehicles in remote sensing images is challenging due to their small size, high density, and noise. Most current detectors that perform well in conventional scenes fail to achieve better results in this context. Thus, we propose a quad-layer decoupled network to improve the algorithm’s performance in detecting vehicles in remote sensing scenes. This is achieved by introducing modules such as a Group Focus downsampling structure, a quad-layer decoupled detector, and the GTAA label assignment method. Experiments demonstrate that the designed algorithm achieves a mean average precision (mAP) of 49.4 and operates at a speed of 3.0 ms on the RTX3090 within a multi-class vehicle detection dataset constructed based on the xView dataset. It outperforms various real-time detectors in terms of detection accuracy and speed.
Impact of Privacy Filters and Fleet Changes on Connected Vehicle Trajectory Datasets for Intersection and Freeway Use Cases
Authors: Saldivar-Carranza Enrique D. , Sakhare Rahul Suryakant , Desai Jairaj , Mathew Jijo K. , Sivakumar Ashmitha Jaysi , Mukai Justin , Bullock Darcy M.
Published: August 2024

Commercially available crowdsourced connected vehicle (CV) trajectory data have recently been used to provide stakeholders with actionable and scalable roadway mobility infrastructure performance measures. Transportation agencies and automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) share a common vision of ensuring the privacy of motorists that anonymously provide their journey information. As this market has evolved, the fleet mix has changed, and some OEMs have introduced additional fuzzification of CV data around 0.5 miles of frequently visited locations. This study compared the estimated Indiana market penetration rates (MPRs) between historic non-fuzzified CV datasets from 2020 to 2023 and a 5–11 May 2024, CV dataset with fuzzified records and a reduced fleet. At selected permanent interstate and non-interstate count stations, overall CV MPRs decreased by 0.5% and 0.3% compared to 2023, respectively. However, the trend in previous years was upward. Additionally, this paper evaluated the impact on data characteristics at freeways and intersections between the 5–11 May 2024, fuzzified CV dataset and a non-fuzzified 7–13 May 2023, CV dataset. The analysis found that the total number of GPS samples decreased 10% statewide. Of the evaluated 54,284 0.1-mile Indiana freeway, US Route, and State Route segments, the number of CV samples increased for 33.8% and decreased for 65.9%. This study also evaluated 26,291 movements at 3289 intersections and found that the number of available trajectories increased for 28.3% and decreased for 70.4%. This paper concludes that data representativeness is enough to derive most relevant mobility performance measures. However, since the change in available trajectories is not uniformly distributed among intersection movements, an unintended sample bias may be introduced when computing performance measures. This may affect signal retiming or capital investment opportunity identification algorithms.
The Contribution of the Management of Landscape Features to Soil Organic Carbon Turnover among Farmlands
Authors: Chiaffarelli Gemma , Tambone Fulvia , Vagge Ilda
Published: August 2024

Background: Landscape features (LF—i.e., the natural and semi-natural areas in agricultural landscapes) positively contribute to soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and storage among farmlands. LF-related SOC partitioning still needs context-specific investigation to properly address climate change mitigation goals. Not many studies address LF phytocoenoses traits relation with SOC partitioning. Our study investigates SOC partitioning (total organic carbon [TOC]; labile dissolved organic carbon [DOC]; stable recalcitrant organic carbon [ROC]) between arable fields (AGR) and semi-natural/natural components (NAT: herbaceous field margins, young/mature hedgerows, young/mature woods) in a temperate alluvial pedoclimatic context (Po Plain, Northwestern Italy). Methods: We compared topsoil SOC and its fractions (0–20 cm depth) between: AGR-NAT sites; hedgerows (HED)-AGR sites; and different ecological quality degrees (phytocoenoses were classified by Biological Territorial Capacity [BTC] values and Index of Vegetation Naturalness categories [IVN]--). Results: Our results confirmed a significantly different SOC partitioning behaviour between AGR and NAT sites (NAT: +79% TOC; +409% ROC); AGR sites were negatively correlated with ROC. TOC was a robust ROC predictor. HED had significantly higher TOC (+71%) and ROC (+395%) compared to arable fields, with the highest values in mature hedgerows. DOC showed contrasted behaviours. A linear regression model on BTC and IVN (predictors) and TOC and ROC showed significant positive relationships, especially for ROC. Conclusions: Our study confirmed the LF role in long-term SOC storage among farmlands, which should be coupled with AGR management (with prevalent short-term SOC fractions). LF ecological quality was a determining factor in total and long-term SOC. Proper LF management is pivotal to aligning climate change mitigation goals with other ecological benefits.
The Impact of Environmental Protection Tax on Green Innovation of Heavily Polluting Enterprises in China: A Mediating Role Based on ESG Performance
Authors: Duan Yihui , Rahbarimanesh Amir
Published: August 2024

This article selects 2992 Chinese heavily polluting listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets from 2014 to 2022 as research samples and conducts a natural experiment based on the implementation of the Environmental Protection Tax Law in 2018. The empirical study investigates the impact of the implementation of the Environmental Protection Tax Law on green innovation in heavily polluting enterprises using the difference-in-differences method. The research finds that the levy of environmental protection tax is beneficial for improving the level of corporate ESG performance, thereby enhancing the green innovation capability of heavily polluting enterprises. At the same time, the promotion of green innovation levels in heavily polluting enterprises by the Environmental Protection Tax Law mainly depends on strategic green innovation rather than substantive green innovation. Moreover, the impact of environmental protection tax on enterprises of different natures and scales varies significantly. Environmental protection taxes have notably enhanced green innovation levels more in state-owned enterprises than their non-state-owned counterparts. Similarly, large-scale enterprises have seen a more substantial increase in green innovation due to environmental protection taxes than smaller enterprises. In addition, corporate ESG performance plays a mediating role in the impact of environmental protection taxes on green innovation in heavily polluting enterprises. From the dual perspectives of environmental protection taxes and corporate ESG performance, this paper proposes ideas for the improvement of green innovation levels in heavily polluting enterprises. At the same time, it provides empirical evidence for the economic consequences of environmental protection taxes and corporate ESG performance and suggests that enterprises improve their green innovation system and enhance the quality of ESG information disclosure. The government is improving the system of environmental taxation and ESG information disclosure, enhancing public awareness of environmental protection, and exercising supervision over energy supply.
Innovating the Moroccan Social and Solidarity Economy: Sustainable Solutions for the Craft Sector
Authors: Saad Aberkane Mohammed , Youness Farhane
Published: August 2024

Innovation is a critical concept that warrants a comprehensive examination. This article aims to elucidate the role of innovation within the social and solidarity economy sector in Morocco. To achieve this, a survey was conducted to identify areas where innovation could be implemented, utilizing a sample of 285 companies. Subsequently, a proposal for an innovative tool was developed to address the identified challenges, specifically within the ceramic industry. The findings indicate that the predominant issue is the chipping of raw materials with a rate of 50%. Furthermore, the proposed tool facilitates the conservation of raw materials for future utilization and enhances the organization of the sector. This is exemplified by a case study involving the decoration of a 10 m2 area, which demonstrates a potential recovery of 10 red shapes, 80 black shapes, and 50 white shapes of raw material. Consequently, the implementation of this solution may lead to certain implications, particularly concerning behavioral and coordination challenges that the company must adeptly manage.
Energy and Exergy Analysis of Transcritical CO2 Cycles for Heat Pump Applications
Authors: Gambini Marco , Manno Michele , Vellini Michela
Published: August 2024

Heat pumps are recognized as a key tool in the energy transition toward a carbon-neutral society, enabling the electrification of the heating sector at least for low- and medium-temperature heat demands. In recent years, natural refrigerants have been reconsidered due to their low environmental impact: among them, CO2 is a safe option without an impact on the ozone layer and low global warming potential compared to synthetic fluids. However, as a consequence of its thermophysical properties, its thermodynamic cycle is transcritical and is particularly suitable for specific end-user temperature profiles. This paper analyzes in a systematic and thorough way the most significant modifications to the reference cycle that have been proposed in the literature to improve the performance, finding how the optimal configurations change with a change in the rated operating conditions (inlet temperature and temperature glide of the heat demand, and ambient temperature). Exergy analysis explains why there is an optimal gas cooler pressure and why its trend with the average temperature is split into two distinct regions, clearly recognizable in all cycle layouts. The maximum coefficient of performance (COP) of the reference cycle varies in the 1.52–3.74 range, with a second-law efficiency of 6.4–36.1%, for an optimal gas cooler pressure of up to 15.45 MPa, depending on the ambient temperature and end-user temperature profile. The most effective modification is the cycle with an ejector and internal heat exchanger, which raises the COP to 1.84–4.40 (second-law efficiency 8.7–45.56%). The presented results provide an extensive guide to understanding the behavior of a transcritical CO2 cycle and predict its performance in heat pump applications.
Emission Durability of a China-6 Light-Duty Gasoline Vehicle
Authors: Wang Junfang , Xu Zhenxian , Lu Wenhui , Ding Yan , Wang Yunjing , Hao Lijun , Ge Yunshan
Published: August 2024

Reducing vehicle emissions and minimizing the impact of the transportation industry on the environment are key to achieving global sustainable development goals. China-6 emissions standard requires light-duty gasoline vehicles to meet the emissions limit requirements for particulate number (PN) emissions. Therefore, light-duty gasoline vehicles must also be equipped with a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) in addition to the three-way catalytic converter (TWC) and meet the emissions limit requirements within a durability mileage of 200,000 km. Currently, there is very little research on the impact of GPF degradation on the fuel economy and emissions of gasoline vehicles, especially on the newly restricted N2O emissions. This study adopts the vehicle test method to study the deterioration of emissions of a China-6 light-duty gasoline vehicle with driving mileage. The research results show that the emissions of gasoline vehicles still meet the emissions limit after driving 200,000 km, and the deterioration factors of various emission pollutants are less than the recommended deterioration factors. The gasoline vehicle’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emission and fuel consumption increase by less than 3%, indicating that the aging of vehicle components, including TWC and GPF, has no significant impact on vehicle fuel economy.
Characteristics of Overburden Damage and Rainfall-Induced Disaster Mechanisms in Shallowly Buried Coal Seam Mining: A Case Study in a Gully Region
Authors: Liu Yilong , Yang Tianhong , Deng Wenxue , Liu Honglei , Gao Yuan , Ma Kai , Zhao Yong , Sun Dongdong
Published: August 2024

Shallow coal mining in gully regions has resulted in significant subsidence hazards and increased the risk of surface water inflow into mining panels, compromising the sustainability of surface water management and underground resource exploitation. In this study, the chain disaster process caused by shallow coal seam mining and heavy rainfall is quantitatively analyzed. The findings reveal that shallow coal seam mining leads to the formation of caved and fractured zones in the vertical direction of the overlying rock. The fractured zone can be further classified into a compression subsidence zone and a shear subsidence zone in the horizontal direction. The shear subsidence zone is responsible for generating compression and shear deformations, intercepting rainfall runoff, and potentially triggering landslides, necessitating crack landfill treatments, which are critical for promoting sustainable mining practices. The HEC-RAS program was utilized to integrate annual maximum daily rainfall data across different frequencies, enabling the establishment of a dynamic risk assessment model for barrier lakes. Numerical simulations based on unsaturated seepage theory provide insights into the infiltration and seepage behavior of rainfall in the study area, indicating a significant increase in saturation within lower gully terrain. Precipitation infiltration was found to enhance the saturation of the shallow rock mass, reducing matric suction in unsaturated areas. Finally, the disaster chain is discussed, and recommendations for managing different stages of risk are proposed. This study offers a valuable reference for the prevention and control of surface water damage under coal mining conditions in gully regions.
Analyzing Porcine Corneal Xenograft Compatibility: In Silico Insights on Graft Outcomes
Authors: De Leon Patricia Mae , Cabrera Heherson
Published: August 2024

Background: Corneal transplantation faces significant challenges due to the shortage in donor corneas. Porcine corneas have emerged as a potential solution due to their similarities in biomechanical properties with pigs, yet xenoimmune rejection poses an obstacle to their efficacy. Methods: In this study, in silico methods were employed to analyze the compatibility of porcine corneal xenografts, focusing on two key aspects: the comparison of corneal matrix proteins and investigation of the immunological mediators and pathways involved in corneal graft rejection. The amino acid sequences of the fourteen (14) most abundant proteins in the corneal matrix were compared to determine their structural and functional differences. The primary amino acid structures and compositions, theoretical pI, and grand average of hydropathicity were determined and compared between the two species. Results: In graft performance, similarities and differences between the donor and recipient tissues influence the success of transplantation. When the proteins closely resemble each other, in terms of structural characteristics and biochemical properties, the host’s immune system is less likely to recognize the tissue as foreign. The immunological mediators and pathways involved in corneal graft rejection were investigated, elucidating the mechanisms underlying xenograft incompatibility. Based on the results generated from STRING, the specific groups of molecules that are involved in the immune-mediated rejection process are costimulatory molecules, cytokines, immune checkpoint molecules, apoptosis regulators, cell adhesion molecules, growth factors, neuropeptides and hormones, certain receptors, the cytotoxic molecule GZMA, and the chemokine CCL5. Conclusions: The results of this study establish that the porcine cornea has a high suitability for corneal xenotransplantation into humans but requires immune-based therapeutic interventions to increase graft acceptance.
Psychophysiological Insights into Child-Centered Play Therapy for Trauma: A Case Study
Authors: Perryman Kristi L. , Robinson Samantha , Schoonover Timothy J. , Conroy Julia
Published: August 2024

Existing literature thoroughly reviews the detrimental consequences that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have physically, emotionally, neurobiologically, and financially. It is imperative to develop effective treatments that offer a sense of hope to children who have been impacted. The established relationship between high ACE scores and physiological hyperarousal due to emotional dysregulation is clear in the literature. This relationship indicates that taking psychophysiological measures may be an effective method of gauging the effectiveness of trauma treatments. This study measured the heart rate of a child who had experienced multiple ACEs, during 16 child-centered play therapy (CCPT) sessions, using the Empatica (E4) wristband. Bayesian change point analysis was conducted and multiple changes in the heart rate mean were detected and identified within each session’s time series. Additionally, changes in heart rate variability during the 16 sessions were observed and points of interest, e.g., highest and lowest observed heart rates, were noted. Results suggested the number of breakpoints in the heart rate means within each session, as well as the location, i.e., the time of each breakpoint, so that each significantly detectable change in heart rate mean as well as sessions of noted differences in heart rate variability were discussed alongside what was occurring within the video recorded sessions.
Characterisation of the Atmosphere in Very High Energy Gamma-Astronomy for Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes
Authors: Dominis Prester Dijana , Ebr Jan , Gaug Markus , Hahn Alexander , Babić Ana , Eliášek Jiří , Janeček Petr , Karpov Sergey , Kolarek Marta , Manganaro Marina , Mirzoyan Razmik
Published: August 2024

Ground-based observations of Very High Energy (VHE) gamma rays from extreme astrophysical sources are significantly influenced by atmospheric conditions. This is due to the atmosphere being an integral part of the detector when utilizing Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes (IACTs). Clouds and dust particles diminish atmospheric transmission of Cherenkov light, thereby impacting the reconstruction of the air showers and consequently the reconstructed gamma-ray spectra. Precise measurements of atmospheric transmission above Cherenkov observatories play a pivotal role in the accuracy of the analysed data, among which the corrections of the reconstructed energies and fluxes of incoming gamma rays, and in establishing observation strategies for different types of gamma-ray emitting sources. The Major Atmospheric Gamma Imaging Cherenkov (MAGIC) telescopes and the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO), both located on the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos (ORM), La Palma, Canary Islands, use different sets of auxiliary instruments for real-time characterisation of the atmosphere. In this paper, historical data taken by MAGIC LIDAR (LIght Detection And Ranging) and CTAO FRAM (F/Photometric Robotic Telescope) are presented. From the atmospheric aerosol transmission profiles measured by the MAGIC LIDAR and CTAO FRAM aerosol optical depth maps, we obtain the characterisation of the clouds above the ORM at La Palma needed for data correction and optimal observation scheduling.
Fractal Analysis of Air Pollution Time Series in Urban Areas in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: Biloshchytskyi Andrii , Neftissov Alexandr , Kuchanskyi Oleksandr , Andrashko Yurii , Biloshchytska Svitlana , Mukhatayev Aidos , Kazambayev Ilyas
Published: August 2024

The life quality of populations, especially in large agglomerations, is significantly reduced due to air pollution. Major sources of pollution include motor vehicles, industrial facilities and the burning of fossil fuels. A particularly significant source of pollution is thermal power plants and coal-fired power plants, which are widely used in developing countries. The Astana city in the Republic of Kazakhstan is a fast-growing agglomeration where air pollution is compounded by intensive construction and the use of coal for heating. The research is important for the development of urbanism in terms of ensuring the sustainable development of urban agglomerations, which are growing rapidly. Long memory in time series of concentrations of air pollutants (particulate matter PM10, PM2.5) from four stations in Astana using the fractal R/S analysis method was studied. The Hurst exponents for the studied stations are 0.723; 0.548; 0.442 and 0.462. In addition, the behavior of the Hurst exponent in dynamics is studied by the flow window method based on R/S analysis. As a result, it was found that the pollution indicators of one of the stations are characterized by the presence of long-term memory and the time series is persistent. According to the analysis of recordings from the second station, the series is defined as close to random, and for stations 3 and 4, anti-persistence is characteristic. The calculated Hurst exponent values explain the sharp increase in pollution levels in October 2021. The reason for the increase in polluting substances concentration in the air is the close location of thermal power plants to the city. The method of time series fractal analysis can be the ecological state indicator in the corresponding region. Persistent pollution time series can be used to predict the occurrence of a critical pollution level. One of the reasons for anti-persistence or the occurrence of a temporary contamination level may be the close location of the observation station to the source of contamination. The obtained results indicate that the fractal time series analysis method can be an indicator of the ecological state in the relevant region.
Intra-Host Citrus Tristeza Virus Populations during Prolonged Infection Initiated by a Well-Defined Sequence Variant in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Ferreira Sa Antunes Tathiana , Huguet-Tapia José C. , Elena Santiago F. , Folimonova Svetlana Y.
Published: August 2024

Due to the error-prone nature of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases, the replication of RNA viruses results in a diversity of viral genomes harboring point mutations, deletions, insertions, and genome rearrangements. Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), a causal agent of diseases of economically important citrus species, shows intrinsic genetic stability. While the virus appears to have some mechanism that limits the accumulation of single-nucleotide variants, the production of defective viral genomes (DVGs) during virus infection has been reported for certain variants of CTV. The intra-host diversity generated during plant infection with variant T36 (CTV-T36) remains unclear. To address this, we analyzed the RNA species accumulated in the initially infected and systemic leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana plants inoculated with an infectious cDNA clone of CTV-T36, which warranted that infection was initiated by a known, well-defined sequence variant of the virus. CTV-T36 limited the accumulation of single-nucleotide mutants during infection. With that, four types of DVGs—deletions, insertions, and copy- and snap-backs—were found in all the samples, with deletions and insertions being the most common types. Hot-spots across the genome for DVG recombination and short direct sequence repeats suggest that sequence complementarity could mediate DVG formation. In conclusion, our study illustrates the formation of diverse DVGs during CTV-T36 infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has analyzed the genetic variability and recombination of a well-defined sequence variant of CTV in an herbaceous host.
Acute Chikungunya Virus Infection Triggers a Diverse Range of T Helper Lymphocyte Profiles
Authors: Brito Ramayana Morais de Medeiros , de Melo Marília Farias , Fernandes José Veríssimo , Valverde Joanna Gardel , Matta Guedes Paulo Marcos , de Araújo Josélio Maria Galvão , Nascimento Manuela Sales Lima
Published: August 2024

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arbovirus causing acute febrile illness with severe joint pain, often leading to chronic arthralgia. This study investigated the adaptive immune responses during the early stages of symptomatic acute CHIKV infection, focusing on the transcription factors and cytokines linked to Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells. Thirty-six individuals were enrolled: nine healthy controls and 27 CHIKV-positive patients confirmed by qRT-PCR. Blood samples were analyzed for the mRNA expression of transcription factors (Tbet, GATA3, FoxP3, STAT3, RORγt) and cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17, IL-22, TGF-β, IL-10). The results showed the significant upregulation of Tbet, GATA3, FoxP3, STAT3, and RORγt in CHIKV-positive patients, with RORγt displaying the highest increase. Correspondingly, cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17, and IL-22 were upregulated, while TGF-β was downregulated. Principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed the distinct immune profiles between CHIKV-positive and healthy individuals. A correlation analysis indicated that higher Tbet expression correlated with a lower viral load, whereas FoxP3 and TGF-β were associated with higher viral loads. Our study sheds light on the intricate immune responses during acute CHIKV infection, characterized by a mixed Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg response profile. These results emphasize the complex interplay between different adaptive immune responses and how they may contribute to the pathogenesis of Chikungunya fever.
Molecular and Evolutionary Characteristics of Chicken Parvovirus (ChPV) Genomes Detected in Chickens with Runting–Stunting Syndrome
Authors: Chacón Ruy D. , Sánchez-Llatas Christian J. , da Costa Antonio Charlys , Valdeiglesias Ichillumpa Stefhany , Cea-Callejo Pablo , Marín-Sánchez Obert , Astolfi-Ferreira Claudete S. , Santander-Parra Silvana , Nuñez Luis F. N. , Piantino Ferreira Antonio J.
Published: August 2024

Chicken Parvovirus (ChPV) belongs to the genus Aveparvovirus and is implicated in enteric diseases like runting–stunting syndrome (RSS) in poultry. In RSS, chicken health is affected by diarrhea, depression, and increased mortality, causing significant economic losses in the poultry industry. This study aimed to characterize the ChPV genomes detected in chickens with RSS through a metagenomic approach and compare the molecular and evolutionary characteristics within the Aveparvovirus galliform1 species. The intestinal content of broiler flocks affected with RSS was submitted to viral metagenomics. The assembled prevalent genomes were identified as ChPV after sequence and phylogenetic analysis, which consistently clustered separately from Turkey Parvovirus (TuPV). The strain USP-574-A presented signs of genomic recombination. The selective pressure analysis indicated that most of the coding genes in A. galliform1 are evolving under diversifying (negative) selection. Protein modeling of ChPV and TuPV viral capsids identified high conservancy over the VP2 region. The prediction of epitopes identified several co-localized antigenic peptides from ChPV and TuPV, especially for T-cell epitopes, highlighting the immunological significance of these sites. However, most of these peptides presented host-specific variability, obeying an adaptive scenario. The results of this study show the evolutionary path of ChPV and TuPV, which are influenced by diversifying events such as genomic recombination and selective pressure, as well as by adaptation processes, and their subsequent immunological impact.
Feasibility Research on Surface Water Reinjection into the Sandstone Geothermal Reservoir of the Guantao Formation in Tianjin Based on Laboratory Experiments
Authors: Wang Bing , Zhao Yanting , Cai Yun , Zhang Sen , Yang Baomei , Liu Fei
Published: August 2024

Tianjin possesses abundant geothermal resources, and geothermal reinjection is an effective strategy for maintaining the sustainable development and utilization of these resources. However, several issues have arisen in the reinjection of sandstone geothermal reservoirs in the Tianjin area, including a mismatch between the reinjection capacity and effluent capacity, as well as challenges related to continuous reinjection. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the reinjection of exogenous water into sandstone pore-type geothermal reservoirs. This study focuses on the geothermal reservoir of the Guantao Formation in the Binhai New Area. The surface water treatment process for reinjection into sandstone geothermal reservoirs was determined through water treatment simulation experiments. Additionally, experiments examining the interaction between the reinjected water and reservoir rock were conducted to assess the feasibility of using treated surface water for reinjection into sandstone geothermal reservoirs. The hydrogeochemical response mechanisms and the impact on the reservoir under reinjection conditions were also investigated. The results indicate that a nanofiltration module and tubular microfiltration membrane are essential to ensure the stability of the system. The pH and TDS of water samples decreased after reinjecting mixed water (HHS) into the sandstone reservoir. The hydrochemical type consistently remained Cl-Na. The conventional water chemistry components and trace elements were influenced by the corresponding water–rock reactions. The reservoir minerals exhibited minimal precipitation, primarily consisting of K-feldspar and Fe-dolomite. The minerals produced during the experiment accounted for only 0.08% of the total cuttings’ mass, indicating a negligible impact on the reservoir structure. PHREEQC was employed to simulate the changes in mineral saturation index before and after the reinjection of mixed water and geothermal water, respectively. Notably, similar hydrogeochemical changes were observed in the geothermal fluids. Thus, this study demonstrates the feasibility of reinjecting treated surface water into sandstone geothermal reservoirs from a hydrogeochemical perspective. This research provides valuable insights for the development of external water reinjection projects in hot spring health care units, contributing effectively to the achievement of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals.
ANALISIS FILOGENETIK PADA SPESIES JERUK (Citrus sp.) BERDASARKAN SEKUENS ITS SECARA IN SILICO
Authors: Muthi’ah Sari Niswatul , Jannah Miftah
Published: August 2024

Indonesia merupakan negara tropis yang memiliki keanekaragaman yang tinggi untuk produk pertanian. Salah satu tanaman tahunan yang berasal dari Asia, khususnya Indonesia, adalah jeruk. Manfaat dari buah jeruk digunakan untuk industri produk buah kalengan, minuman, pektin, asam sitrat, seed oil, peel oil, essential distilated oil dan lain sebagainya, selain itu kulitnya juga dimanfaatkan sebagai penenang, penghalus kulit hingga obat anti nyamuk. Identifikasi hasil pemuliaan tanaman jeruk dapat dilakukan secara molekuler. Maka pada penelitian ini dilakukan identifikasi tanaman jeruk secara molekuler yaitu dengan cara analisis menggunakan pohon filogenetik. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk melihat kekerabatan dari beberapa jenis spesies Citrus berdasarkan sekuens ITS secara molekuler menggunakan analisis pohon filogenetik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pohon filogenetik terbagi menjadi 2 kelompok. Kelompok in group terbagi dalam dua klad besar yaitu klad 1 dan klad 2. Klad 1 terdiri dari 5 spesies yaitu Citrus hystrix 1, Citrus aurantiifolia 1, Citrus hystrix 2, Citrus limon 1 dan Citrus aurantiifolia 2. Klad 2 terdiri dari 9 spesies yaitu Citrus maxima 1, Citrus aurantium 2, Citrus aurantium 1, Citrus maxima 2, Citrus sinensis 1, Citrus limon 2, Citrus reticulata 2, Citrus sinensis 2 dan Citrus reticulata 1. Kemudian kelompok out group terdiri dari 1 spesies yaitu Actinidia deliciosa.
BIODIVERSITAS GASTROPODA DI PERSAWAHAN KANDARA KECAMATAN KAMBERA KABUPATEN SUMBA TIMUR
Authors: Awang Sriratna Maramba , Lalupanda Erfy Melany , Ina Anita Tamu
Published: August 2024

This study aims to determine the level of gastropod diversity in Kandara Rice Fields,. This research is an ecological research with a quantitative approach. This study uses a quadratic transect method and sampling using the purposive sampling method. The gatropoda found were Pomacea canalicuta, Melanoides tuberculata, Achatina fulicia, which consisted of 2 orders (Mesogastropoda and Pulmonata), 3 families (Ampullaridae, Thiaridae, and Achatiniadae), 3 genera (Pomacea, Melanoides, and Achatina). The results of the calculation of the ecological index showed that the highest species abundance index was Pomacea canalicuta species with a total of 138 while the lowest species abundance was Achatina fulicia with a number of 12 and a relative abundance of 10.00%, which means it has a low abundance level. The dominance index is 0.50 which means it is in the medium category. The diversity index is 0.81which means the level of diversity is low.
PENGARUH LIFESTYLE, BRAND IMAGE, HARGA, DAN FASILITAS TERHADAP PREFERENSI GENERASI MILENIAL PADA BANK SYARIAH
Authors: Sulistiani Sulistiani , Zubaidi Ahmad
Published: August 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh dari lifestyle, brand image, harga, dan fasilitas terhadap preferensi generasi milenial pada bank syariah. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penilitian kuantitatif. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan teknik non probability sampling terhadap 100 responden. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode analisis Regresi Linier Berganda dengan bantuan software Eviews versi 10. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh secara parsial pada variabel lifestyle, brand image, harga, dan fasilitas terhadap preferensi generasi milenial pada bank syariah. Selain itu, secara simultan variabel lifestyle, brand image, harga, dan fasilitas berpengaruh terhadap preferensi generasi milenial pada bank syariah. Pada hasil output perhitungan koefisien determinansi (R2) dalam penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa variabel lifestyle, brand image, harga, dan fasilitas mendapatkan nilai sebesar 0,665 yang artinya keempat variabel bebas tersebut menjelaskan 66,5% dari preferensi generasi milenial menggunakan bank syariah, sedangkan sisanya sebesar 33,5% dipengaruhi oleh variabel lain yang tidak termasuk dalam penelitian ini.