bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Real-Time Monitoring of the Laser-Induced Functionalization of Transparent Conductive Oxide Films
Authors: Hosokai Takuya , Nomoto Junichi
Published: October 2023

Laser-induced functionalization using excimer laser irradiation has been widely applied to transparent conductive oxide films. However, exploring suitable irradiation conditions is time-consuming and cost-ineffective as there are numerous routine film fabrication and analytical processes. Thus, we herein explored a real-time monitoring technique of the laser-induced functionalization of transparent conductive oxide films. We developed two types of monitoring apparatus, electrical and optical, and applied them to magnetron-sputtered, Sn-doped In2O3 films grown on glass substrates and hydrogen-doped In2O3 films on glass or plastic substrates using a picosecond Nd:YAG pulsed laser. Both techniques could monitor the functionalization from a change in the properties of the films on glass substrates via laser irradiation, but electrical measurement was unsuitable for the plastic samples because of a laser-induced degradation of the underlying plastic substrate, which harmed proper electrical contact. Instead, we proposed that the optical properties in the near-infrared region are more suitable for monitoring. The changes in the optical properties were successfully detected visually in real-time by using an InGaAs near-infrared camera.
Causal Relationship between Gut Microbiota and Gout: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Wang Mengna , Fan Jiayao , Huang Zhaohui , Zhou Dan , Wang Xue
Published: October 2023

Gout is a form of prevalent and painful inflammatory arthritis characterized by elevated serum urate (SUA) levels. The gut microbiota (GM) is believed to influence the development of gout and SUA levels. Our study aimed to explore the causal relationship between GM composition and gout, as well as SUA levels, utilizing a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach. A total of 196 GM taxa from five levels were available for analysis. We identified five taxa associated with SUA levels and 10 taxa associated with gout. In reverse MR analysis, we discovered that gout affected the composition of five GM taxa, while SUA levels influenced the composition of 30 GM taxa. Combining existing research, our study unveiled a potential negative feedback loop between phylum Actinobacteria and SUA levels, establishing connections with gout. We also proposed two novel associations connecting GM taxa (genus Faecalibacterium and genus Prevotella9), SUA levels, and gout. These findings provide compelling evidence of causal relationships between specific GM taxa with SUA levels and gout, contributing valuable insights for the treatment of gout.
Integrating Baseline Nutritional and Inflammatory Parameters with Post-Treatment EBV DNA Level to Predict Outcomes of Patients with De Novo Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Receiving Chemotherapy Combination PD-1 Inhibitor
Authors: Guo Jia , Yang Qi , Jiang Qi , Gu Li-Wen , Lin Huan-Xin , Guo Ling
Published: October 2023

Objectives: To develop and validate a prognostic nomogram based on baseline nutritional and inflammatory parameters for risk stratification in patients with de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (dmNPC) receiving chemotherapy combination programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 131 patients with dmNPC (88 and 43 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively) between March 2017 and November 2020. All these patients received chemotherapy combined with PD-1 inhibitor treatment. We identified independent risk factors using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses and established a nomogram to predict the progression-free survival (PFS). The predictive accuracy of the nomogram was evaluated and independently validated. Results: Baseline nutritional risk index (NRI), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), uric acid (UA), and post-treatment Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA were used to develop a nomogram that could divide patients into favorable- and unfavorable-prognosis groups. The median PFS (mPFS) was significantly longer in the favorable-prognosis group compared to the unfavorable-prognosis group (35.10 months [95% CI: 27.36–42.84] vs. 7.23 months [95% CI: 6.50–7.97]; p = 0.001). All results were confirmed in the validation cohort. Conclusions: The proposed model improved the prognostic risk stratification for patients with dmNPC undergoing chemotherapy combined with PD-1 inhibitor treatment.
Antiproliferative Imidazo-Pyrazole-Based Hydrogel: A Promising Approach for the Development of New Treatments for PLX-Resistant Melanoma
Authors: Alfei Silvana , Milanese Marco , Brullo Chiara , Valenti Giulia Elda , Domenicotti Cinzia , Russo Eleonora , Marengo Barbara
Published: October 2023

Aiming at developing a dermal formulation against melanoma, the synthesized imidazo-pyrazoles 2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole-7-carboxylic acid (3-methoxy-4-phenoxy-benzylidene)-hydrazide (4G) and 2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole-7-carboxylic acid (4-benzyloxy-3-methoxy-benzylidene)-hydrazide (4I) were screened on patient-isolated melanoma cells (MEOV NT) and on Vemurafenib (PLX4032)-resistant (MEOV PLX-R) ones. Since 4I on MEOV PLX-R cells was 1.4-fold more effective than PLX, a hydrogel formulation containing 4I (R4HG-4I) was prepared in parallel with an empty R4-based hydrogel (R4HG) using a synthesized antibacterial resin (R4) as gelling agent. Thanks to its high hydrophilicity, porosity (85%), and excellent swelling capability (552%), R4 allowed to achieve R4HG and R4HG-4I with high equilibrium degree of swelling (EDS) and equilibrium water content (EWC). Chemometric-assisted ATR-FTIR analyses confirmed the chemical structure of swollen and fully dried (R4HG-D and R4HG-4I-D) hydrogels. The morphology of R4HG-D and R4HG-4I-D was examined by optical microscopy and SEM, while UV–vis analyses were carried out to obtain the drug loading (DL%) and the encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of R4HG-4I. Potentiometric titrations were performed to determine the equivalents of NH3+ in both R4HG and R4HG-4I. The swelling and water release profiles of both materials and related kinetics were assessed by equilibrium swelling rate and water loss studies, respectively, while their biodegradability over time was assessed by in vitro degradation experiments determining their mass loss. Rheological experiments established that both R4HG and R4HG-4I are shear-thinning Bingham pseudoplastic fluids with low yield stress, thus assuring easy spreadability in a future topical application. Release studies evidenced a sustained and quantitative release of 4I governed mainly by diffusion. Upon favorable results from further experiments in a more realistic 3D model of melanoma, R4HG-4I could represent a starting point to develop new topical therapeutic options to adjuvate the treatments of melanoma cells also when resistant to currently available drugs.
Biological Application of the Allopathic Characteristics of the Genus Maclura: A Review
Authors: Sainz-Hernández Juan Carlos , Rueda-Puente Edgar Omar , Cornejo-Ramírez Yaeel Isbeth , Bernal-Mercado Ariadna Thalía , González-Ocampo Héctor Abelardo , López-Corona Betzabe Ebenhezer
Published: October 2023

Maclura is a plant genus little known and used, species of which have been mainly used in the recovery of soils, for medicinal purposes such as dental infection treatments, and as wood for making furniture and construction. The overexploitation of this genus has placed certain species in endangered extinction status in some countries, such as Brazil. In addition, the scarce research and information limit the development, cultivation, and management of its species regarding their biochemical composition, which includes bioactive compounds such as the phenolic and flavonoid compounds found in some species such as M. pomifera, M. cochinchinensis, and M. tinctoria. The plants’ antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities have been attributed to these compounds. Other biochemical components such as ashes, insoluble lignin, holocellulose, and the high content of lipids and carbohydrates have been identified to be used to produce biofuels, with characteristics very similar to fuels derived from petroleum. This review aims to analyze the current knowledge on the plant genus Maclura, exploring its biochemical compounds and potential applications, including as a food additive, antioxidant supplement, in agriculture, for therapeutic purposes, aquaculture, and the cosmetic and industrial sector.
Phyllosphere Microbiome in Plant Health and Disease
Authors: De Mandal Surajit , Jeon Junhyun
Published: October 2023

The phyllosphere refers to the aboveground surface of plants colonized by diverse microorganisms. Microbes inhabiting this environment play an important role in enhancing the host’s genomic and metabolic capabilities, including defense against pathogens. Compared to the large volume of studies on rhizosphere microbiome for plant health and defense, our understanding of phyllosphere microbiome remains in its infancy. In this review, we aim to explore the mechanisms that govern the phyllosphere assembly and their function in host defence, as well as highlight the knowledge gaps. These efforts will help develop strategies to harness the phyllosphere microbiome toward sustainable crop production.
MsYSL6, A Metal Transporter Gene of Alfalfa, Increases Iron Accumulation and Benefits Cadmium Resistance
Authors: Zhang Miao , Chang Meng-Han , Li Hong , Shu Yong-Jun , Bai Yan , Gao Jing-Yun , Zhu Jing-Xuan , Dong Xiao-Yu , Guo Dong-Lin , Guo Chang-Hong
Published: October 2023

Iron (Fe) is necessary for plant growth and development. The mechanism of uptake and translocation in Cadmium (Cd) is similar to iron, which shares iron transporters. Yellow stripe-like transporter (YSL) plays a pivotal role in transporting iron and other metal ions in plants. In this study, MsYSL6 and its promoter were cloned from leguminous forage alfalfa. The transient expression of MsYSL6-GFP indicated that MsYSL6 was localized to the plasma membrane and cytoplasm. The expression of MsYSL6 was induced in alfalfa by iron deficiency and Cd stress, which was further proved by GUS activity driven by the MsYSL6 promoter. To further identify the function of MsYSL6, it was heterologously overexpressed in tobacco. MsYSL6-overexpressed tobacco showed better growth and less oxidative damage than WT under Cd stress. MsYSL6 overexpression elevated Fe and Cd contents and induced a relatively high Fe translocation rate in tobacco under Cd stress. The results suggest that MsYSL6 might have a dual function in the absorption of Fe and Cd, playing a role in the competitive absorption between Fe and Cd. MsYSL6 might be a regulatory factor in plants to counter Cd stress. This study provides a novel gene for application in heavy metal enrichment or phytoremediation and new insights into plant tolerance to toxic metals.
Chromophores’ Contribution to Color Changes of Thermally Modified Tropical Wood Species
Authors: Jurczyková Tereza , Šárovec Ondřej , Kačík František , Hájková Kateřina , Jurczyk Tomáš , Hrčka Richard
Published: October 2023

This work examines the effect of thermal modification temperature (180, 200, and 220 °C) in comparison with reference (untreated) samples on selected optical properties of six tropical wood species—Sp. cedar (Cedrala odorata), iroko (Chlorophora excelsa), merbau (Intsia spp.), meranti (Shorea spp.), padouk (Pterocarpus soyauxii), and teak (Tectona grandis). The main goal is to expand the existing knowledge in the field of wood thermal modification by understanding the related degradation mechanisms associated with the formation of chromophoric structures and, above all, to focus on the change in the content of extractive substances. For solid wood, the CIELAB color space parameters (L*, a*, b*, and ΔE*), yellowness (Y), ISO brightness, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra were obtained. Subsequently, these wood samples were extracted into three individual solvents (acetone, ethanol, and ethanol-toluene). The yields of the extracted compounds, their absorption spectra, and again L*, a*, b*, ΔE*, and Yi parameters were determined. With increasing temperatures, the samples lose brightness and darken, while their total color difference grows (except merbau). The highest yield of extractives (mainly phenolic compounds, glycosides, and dyes) from thermally modified samples was usually obtained using ethanol. New types of extractives (e.g., 2-furaldehyde, lactones, formic acid, some monomer derivatives of phenols, etc.) are already created around a temperature of 180 °C and may undergo condensation reactions at higher temperatures. For padouk, merbau, teak, and partially iroko modified at temperatures of 200 and 220 °C, there was a detected similarity in the intensities of their UV-Vis DR spectra at the wavelength regions corresponding to phenolic aldehydes, unsaturated ketones, quinones, stilbenes, and other conjugated carbonyl structures. Overall, a statistical assessment using PCA sorted the samples into five clusters. Cluster 3 consists of almost all samples modified at 200 and 220 °C, and in the other four, the reference and thermally modified samples at 180 °C were distributed. The yellowness of wood (Y) has a very high dependence (r = 0.972) on its brightness (L*) and the yellowness index of the extractives in acetone Yi(Ac), whose relationship was described by the equation Y = −0.0951 × Y(Ac) + 23.3485.
Training Integrated Clinicians by Example: A Practical Call for Ongoing Spiritual Formation and Mentoring amongst Christian Integrative Counseling Faculty
Authors: French Haley R.
Published: October 2023

The body of literature on the integration of Christianity and psychology and/or counseling indicates that integration is best learned and taught through spiritual formation and mentoring relationships. More specifically, the ongoing spiritual formation of counseling or psychology faculty in Christian, integrative programs and their ability to mentor students well are significant in shaping the integrative development of those they educate and train, and for ensuring integrative practice. However, what is underexplored in the literature is how faculty members in integrative programs might personally grow and develop in these areas if they are not already in existence or are underemphasized. This article seeks to address this need by providing an overview of practical ways for strengthening the spiritual formation and mentoring opportunities for Christian, integrative faculty, ultimately with the aim of encouraging greater integrative activity in counselors entering the field. Through a review of the pertinent counseling literature, as well as scholarship on spiritual formation, and spiritual formation and mentoring in educational contexts, a summative list of practical strategies is presented. Implications for broader use and application are also discussed, along with potential opportunities for future research.
Machine Learning-Based Calibrated Model for Forecast Vienna Mapping Function 3 Zenith Wet Delay
Authors: Li Feijuan , Li Junyu , Liu Lilong , Huang Liangke , Zhou Lv , He Hongchang
Published: October 2023

An accurate estimation of zenith wet delay (ZWD) is crucial for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) positioning and GNSS-based precipitable water vapor (PWV) inversion. The forecast Vienna Mapping Function 3 (VMF3-FC) is a forecast product provided by the Vienna Mapping Functions (VMF) data server based on the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)-based numerical weather prediction (NWP) model. The VMF3-FC can provide ZWD at any time and for any location worldwide; however, it has an uneven accuracy distribution and fails to match the application requirements in certain areas. To address this issue, in this study, a calibrated model for VMF3-FC ZWD, named the XZWD model, was developed by utilizing observation data from 492 radiosonde sites globally from 2019–2021 and the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm. The performance of the XZWD model was validated using 2022 observation data from the 492 radiosonde sites. The XZWD model yields a mean bias of −0.03 cm and a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 1.64 cm. The XZWD model outperforms the global pressure and temperature 3 (GPT3) model, reducing the bias and RMSE by 94.64% and 58.90%, respectively. Meanwhile, the XZWD model outperforms VMF3-FC, with a reduction of 92.68% and 6.29% in bias and RMSE, respectively. Furthermore, the XZWD model reduces the impact of ZWD accuracy by latitude, height, and seasonal variations more effectively than the GPT3 model and VMF3-FC. Therefore, the XZWD model yields higher stability and accuracy in global ZWD forecasting.
GSDerainNet: A Deep Network Architecture Based on a Gaussian Shannon Filter for Single Image Deraining
Authors: Yao Yanji , Shi Zhimin , Hu Huiwen , Li Jing , Wang Guocheng , Liu Lintao
Published: October 2023

With the continuous advancement of target detection technology in remote sensing, target detection technology in images captured by drones has performed well. However, object detection in drone imagery is still a challenge under rainy conditions. Rain is a common severe weather condition, and rain streaks often degrade the image quality of sensors. The main issue of rain streaks removal from a single image is to prevent over smoothing (or underclearing) phenomena. Aiming at the above problems, this paper proposes a deep learning (DL)-based rain streaks removal framework called GSDerainNet, which properly formulates the single image rain streaks removal problem; rain streaks removal is aptly described as a Gaussian Shannon (GS) filter-based image decomposition problem. The GS filter is a novel filter proposed by us, which consists of a parameterized Gaussian function and a scaled Shannon function. Two-dimensional GS filters exhibit high stability and effectiveness in dividing an image into low- and high-frequency parts. In our framework, an input image is first decomposed into a low-frequency part and a high-frequency part by using the GS filter. Rain streaks are located in the high-frequency part. We extract and separate the rain features of the high-frequency part through a deep convolutional neural network (CNN). The experimental results obtained on synthetic data and real data show that the proposed method can better suppress the morphological artifacts caused by filtering. Compared with state-of-the-art single image rain streaks removal methods, the proposed method retains finer image object structures while removing rain streaks.
Design and Testing of an Adaptive In-phase Magnetometer (AIMAG), the Equatorial-Electrojet-Detecting Fluxgate Magnetometer, for the CAS500-3 Satellite
Authors: Lee Seunguk , Ryu Kwangsun , Choi Dooyoung , Park Seongog , Kim Jinkyu , Cha Wonho , Gu Bonju , Hong Jimin , Park Suhwan , Jang Eunjin , Choi Cheongrim , Lee Daeyoung
Published: October 2023

Ionospheric Anomaly Monitoring by Magnetometer And Plasma-probe (IAMMAP) is a suite of scientific instruments used in the Compact Advanced Satellite 500-3 (CAS 500-3), which is planned to be launched by the KSLV (Korean Space Launch Vehicle) in 2025. The main scientific objective of IAMMAP is to understand the complicated correlation between the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) and the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA), both of which play important roles in the dynamics of ionospheric plasma in the dayside equator region. The magnetic field generated by the EEJ is tiny (~several nT) compared to the background geomagnetic field (~30,000 nT); thus, a high-resolution magnetometer with a wide dynamic range is required to investigate its correlation with the EIA. To achieve this required resolution, IAMMAP includes a set of improved fluxgate magnetometers named the AIMAG (Adaptive In-phase MAGnetometer), which was developed by adopting new technologies. Here, we report the analysis results of the manufactured AIMAG performance based on trade-off studies for optimizing the circuit and sensor configurations. The results support that the AIMAG sensor and electronic circuits with new concepts and technologies will lead to successful observations of EEJ signatures in the ionosphere.
Thermal Mapping from Point Clouds to 3D Building Model Facades
Authors: Biswanath Manoj Kumar , Hoegner Ludwig , Stilla Uwe
Published: October 2023

Thermal inspection of buildings regarding efficient energy use is an increasing need in today’s energy-demanding world. This paper proposes a framework for mapping temperature attributes from thermal point clouds onto building facades. The goal is to generate thermal textures for three-dimensional (3D) analysis. Classical texture generation methods project facade images directly onto a 3D building model. Due to the limited level of detail of these models, projection errors occur. Therefore, we use point clouds from mobile laser scanning extended by intensities extracted from thermal infrared (TIR) image sequences. We are not using 3D reconstructed point clouds because of the limited geometric density and accuracy of TIR images, which can lead to poor 3D reconstruction. We project these thermal point clouds onto facades using a mapping algorithm. The algorithm uses a nearest neighbor search to find an optimal nearest point with three different approaches: “Minimize angle to normal”, “Minimize perpendicular distance to normal”, and “Minimize only distance”. Instead of interpolation, nearest neighbor is used because it retains the original temperature values. The thermal intensities of the optimal nearest points are weighted by resolution layers and mapped to the facade. The approach “Minimize perpendicular distance to normal” yields the finest texture resolution at a reasonable processing time. The accuracy of the generated texture is evaluated based on estimating the shift of the window corner points from a ground truth texture. A performance metric root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) value that measures this shift is calculated. In terms of accuracy, the nearest neighbor method outperformed bilinear interpolation and an existing TIR image-based texturing method.
Interrelationships among Tourism, Economic, and Environmental Time Series—The Case of Slovenia
Authors: Gricar Sergej , Šugar Violeta , Starc Jasmina
Published: October 2023

This study examines the relationship between CO2 emissions and economic factors in the hospitality industry, covering the period from January 2000 to December 2021. The research findings reveal an association between prices, fiscal and monetary factors, and wages in the hospitality industry. CO2 emissions contribute to environmental degradation and are among the external variables. To test the validity of their hypotheses, the researchers employ the principal components analysis method, using two main components and new regressors to explain most of the variances in a sample of 18 variables. The study employs monthly time series data to explore the links between the variables in the hospitality industry. The study results reveal a connection between shocks during the analysed period and increased CO2 emissions. The period under review includes Slovenia’s European accession in 2004, adoption of the Euro in 2007, the financial crises in 2008/2009, economic expansion in the previous decade, and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic and the beginning of energy distortions. The study’s primary application involves processing 264 monthly observations, which provide an essential time series vector. The discussion section delves into the country’s sustainable tourism development concept, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Key Action 12.
Desert Locust Invasion in Uganda: Effects on Household Food Consumption and Effective Control Interventions
Authors: Barasa Bernard , Watsusi Cosmas Walyaula , Gudoyi Paul Makoba , Lutaaya Noah , Gumisiriza Loy Turyabanawe , Magaya John Paul
Published: October 2023

Desert locust invasions are still a danger to the well-being of natural and man-made ecosystems in the tropics. This study examined desert locust invasion duration, survival probability, and control as well as their effects on household food item consumption in the drylands of Uganda. Primary socioeconomic data were collected using various methods (household survey, focus group discussion, and key informant interviews) in May/June 2020 to document the perceptions of households regarding locusts. Our findings reveal that the most significant drivers of desert locust invasions were rainfall, surface temperature, strong winds, soil moisture, soil type, and vegetation type (p ≤ 0.05). The locusts lasted between 3 and 4 weeks. The survival probability of locusts beyond 1 week was 90%. There were significant differences in the day’s food items consumed before and after the locust invasion, except for ground nuts and cashew nuts (p ≤ 0.05). The number of days per month the food items were consumed decreased after the locust invasion. The most effective locust control measure undertaken was the use of ground and aerial pesticide spraying. The major sources of desert locust control information were radio and television. This information is a prerequisite in desert locust invasion preparedness, response, and recovery but can also strengthen sustainable green economy efforts, especially in fragile semi-arid ecosystems.
The Study of Historical Progression in the Distribution of Urban Commercial Space Locations—Example of Paris
Authors: Zhang Jingyuan , Song Jusheng , Fan Zouyang
Published: October 2023

Commercial space locations are a long-term investment for developers, and they are crucial for sustainable profitability. The distribution of commercial spaces in Paris has undergone a constant evolutionary process over the past few centuries, influenced by various socioeconomic factors. This study investigates the evolution of commercial space locations in Paris over three historical stages—1690, 1860, and 2023, using Space Syntax and Cluster Analysis. By examining the historical progression of Parisian commercial spaces from an urban planning perspective, this article aims to provide insights for urban developers to strategically plan for commercial spaces. The first part of the study is an analysis of the centrality and accessibility of commercial space locations within the urban street network using Space Syntax. Next, Cluster Analysis is employed to further examine the distribution patterns of commercial spaces with high centrality. By comparing the results from three different historical stages, the study reveals two major patterns. One is a full-scale optimization of commercial space centrality within the historical core of Paris. Another one is the fission and consolidation of commercial spaces into multi-centric clusters and a geographical dispersal from central Paris. Finally, a multi-disciplinary discussion is conducted to decode the socioeconomic motivations behind these patterns and provide guidance for future commercial planning.
Monitoring of Oil Spill Risk in Coastal Areas Based on Polarimetric SAR Satellite Images and Deep Learning Theory
Authors: Liao Lu , Zhao Qing , Song Wenyue
Published: October 2023

Healthy coasts have a high ecological service value. However, many coastal areas are faced with oil spill risks. The Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) remote sensing technique has become an effective tool for monitoring the oil spill risk in coastal areas. In this study, taking Jiaozhou Bay in China as the study area, an innovative oil spill monitoring framework was established based on Polarimetric SAR (PolSAR) images and deep learning theory. Specifically, a DeepLabv3+-based semantic segmentation model was trained using 35 Sentinel-1 satellite images of oil films on the sea surface from maritime sectors in different regions all over the world, which not only considered the information from the PolSAR images but also meteorological conditions; then, the well-trained framework was deployed to identify the oil films in the Sentinel-1 images of Jiaozhou Bay from 2017 to 2019. The experimental results show that the detection accuracies of the proposed oil spill detection model were higher than 0.95. It was found that the oil films in Jiaozhou Bay were mainly concentrated in the vicinity of the waterways and coastal port terminals, that the occurrence frequency of oil spills in Jiaozhou Bay decreased from 2017 to 2019, and that more than 80 percent of the oil spill events occurred at night, mainly coming from the illegal discharge of waste oil from ships. These data indicate that, in the future, the PolSAR technique will play a more important role in oil spill monitoring for Jiaozhou Bay due to its capability to capture images at night.
RNAi-Based Therapy: Combating Shrimp Viral Diseases
Authors: Alam Md. Shahanoor , Islam Mohammad Nazrul , Das Mousumi , Islam Sk. Farzana , Rabbane Md. Golam , Karim Ehsanul , Roy Animesh , Alam Mohammad Shafiqul , Ahmed Raju , Kibria Abu Syed Md.
Published: October 2023

Shrimp aquaculture has become a vital industry, meeting the growing global demand for seafood. Shrimp viral diseases have posed significant challenges to the aquaculture industry, causing major economic losses worldwide. Conventional treatment methods have proven to be ineffective in controlling these diseases. However, recent advances in RNA interference (RNAi) technology have opened new possibilities for combating shrimp viral diseases. This cutting-edge technology uses cellular machinery to silence specific viral genes, preventing viral replication and spread. Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of RNAi-based therapies in various model organisms, paving the way for their use in shrimp health. By precisely targeting viral pathogens, RNAi has the potential to provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to combat viral diseases in shrimp aquaculture. This review paper provides an overview of RNAi-based therapy and its potential as a game-changer for shrimp viral diseases. We discuss the principles of RNAi, its application in combating viral infections, and the current progress made in RNAi-based therapy for shrimp viral diseases. We also address the challenges and prospects of this innovative approach.
Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 Does Not Protect against the Development of Anosmia in a Hamster Model
Authors: Reyna Rachel A. , Walker Jordyn , Mitchell Brooke , Shinde Divya P. , Plante Jessica A. , Weaver Scott C. , Plante Kenneth S.
Published: October 2023

Anosmia, a total or partial loss of the ability to smell, is one of the most frequently documented sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Persistent anosmia is associated with a decrease in quality of life. Here, we assess the impact of virus lineage and vaccination status on anosmia development in the golden Syrian hamster model. To characterize anosmia driven by current variants, we assessed olfactory function in hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2 lineages A, BA.2, BA.5, BQ.1, and BQ.1.1 using a buried food detection test. We found that significant anosmia occurs upon infection with all variants with a significant correlation between disease severity and degree of anosmia. Moreover, we found that vaccination with either the Pfizer (BNT16b2) or Moderna (mRNA-1273) mRNA vaccines does not protect against anosmia, despite protection against severe disease.
Parents’ Concerns, Behavior, Perception, and Hesitancy Regarding COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children in Central Saudi Arabia
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Khan Mohd Naved , Qamer Shafqat , Khan Salah-Ud-Din
Published: October 2023

In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has implemented strict rules to ensure COVID-19 vaccination uptake by the general public. However, there is hesitancy about COVID-19 vaccination among parents for their children worldwide. We aimed to determine the concerns, behaviors, perceptions, and hesitancy of COVID-19 vaccination among parents for their children in Saudi Arabia. Parents of children aged 5–11 years were included in this cross-sectional study. A total of 1507 responses were obtained using the convenience sampling technique. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 by applying descriptive and inferential statistics. Of the parents who responded, 74.5% believed that the COVID-19 vaccination could affect the genes of children, and 72.8% believed that the COVID-19 vaccination could have a greater number of positive impacts on the overall health of children. In total, 87% of the parents were satisfied with the vaccination services and effective policies of the MoH, Saudi Arabia. This study concluded that there is a greater need to increase public awareness regarding the beneficial impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the overall health of children. Effective awareness campaigns are also required to provide empirical information to the public that COVID-19 vaccination for children is safe and effective.
Studying consumer experience of purchasing medicines at the present stage
Authors:   I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Shakhovskiy Т. О. , Vyatkina N. Yu. ,   I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow; Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: October 2023

Modern services for searching and purchasing medicines have a variety of capabilities that make the Internet service convenient to use [1, 2]. It is noted that during the pandemic, consumers of online pharmacies began to use the drug delivery service more often, which prompted the active development of this area. In the post-pandemic period, the upward trend in the use of online pharmacies has continued, however, a significant proportion of consumers still prefer pickup from a conventional point of sale when ordering via digital technologies. The authors' research describes various consumer experiences of purchasing medicines in order to predict the creation of Internet services in the pharmacy segment of the pharmaceutical market.
Approaches to outpatient cryodestruction as a method of choice for the treatment of recurrent basal cell carcinoma of the scalp
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Rostov State Medical University» of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Voloshin R. N. , Zelenkov N. P. ,   State Budgetary Institution of the Rostov Region «Rostov Oncological Dispensary», Novocherkassk Branch, Novocherkassk, Russia, Svetitskiy A. P. ,   State Budgetary Institution of the Rostov Region «Rostov Oncological Dispensary», Novocherkassk Branch, Novocherkassk, Russia
Published: October 2023

Skin cancer ranks second among the most common types of malignant neoplasms in Russia. Radiation therapy, surgery, and combination therapy are commonly used for the treatment of skin cancer. Unfortunately, the above methods are not always successful. The reason for the incomplete effect of surgical treatment may be insufficient radicality of the intervention due to the surgeon's desire to inflict the least trauma on the surrounding healthy tissues in order to obtain a good cosmetic result. Selective destruction of tumor tissue during cryogenic exposure with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues is accompanied by a hemostatic effect, which is especially important in the treatment of both primary and recurrent disintegrating tumor ulcers. The aim was to determine the expediency of cryodestruction as a method of choice for outpatient treatment. The study was controlled and non-randomized. The criterion for inclusion in the study was the diagnosis of recurrent basal cell carcinoma and subsequent cryogenic treatment at the outpatient clinic of the State Budgetary Institution of the Rostov Region «Rostov Oncological Dispensary», Novocherkassk Branch. The patient underwent tumor cryodestruction in several freeze-thaw cycles, lasting 2–3 minutes. The result of this study, i.e. complete recovery, indicates high efficiency of cryodestruction. Subsequently, the patient did not experience continued growth or new relapses. In the presence of recurrent basal cell skin cancer, cryogenic exposure is effective and is the method of choice for treatment on an outpatient basis.
Planning in the economy of the XXI century: the lessons and conclusions from the experience of the USSR state planning committee
Authors:   Regional economy and nature management department, State University of Land Use Planning, Moscow, Burov M.P.
Published: October 2023

The article analyzes the experience of the USSR State Planning Committee, methodological drawbacks and mistakes, examines the problems of interregional cooperation, the investment sphere and the current socio-economic situation in Russia. The author discusses the application of planned methods of managing the economy of a mixed type and the possibilities of forming a national development plan of the country in the conditions of modern foreign policy and internal socio-economic challenges and problems facing by our country. This paper also presents the conclusions from the experience of the USSR State Planning Committee, thanks to which the bulk of the national wealth of modern Russia was created.
Economic stimulation as a method for the implementation of target programs to increase the efficiency of land use
Authors:   Land Use Planning Department, State University of Land Use Planning, Moscow, Fedorinov A. V. , Semochkin V.N. ,   Land Use Planning Department, State University of Land Use Planning, Moscow, Shubin V. V. ,   Land Use Planning Department, State University of Land Use Planning, Moscow
Published: October 2023

The article provides an analysis of the development of economic incentives for the intensification of land use. The authors present the existing land management system and propose the ways to improve it. The paper also describes the mechanisms of economic regulation of land relations.
Innovative energy-saving technologies in agriculture in conditions of urbanization
Authors:   Architecture Department, State University of Land Use Planning, Moscow, Bykova G.I. , Kostochkina O. V. ,   Architecture Department, State University of Land Use Planning, Moscow, Ivanova E. I. ,   Architecture Department, State University of Land Use Planning, Moscow, Golubeva T. P. ,   Architecture Department, State University of Land Use Planning, Moscow
Published: October 2023

The article reflects the issues of creating harmonious architectural objects in conditions of urbanization, which implies a symbiosis of nature, architecture and human agricultural activity. The necessary conditions for the construction of buildings are the use of modern achievements in the field of technical equipment of structures that ensure the vital activity of plants. The recommendations for the inclusion of agricultural facilities and buildings in the structure of an urbanized city contribute to expanding the importance of this sphere of life. Use of the advanced power model of development of future world based on transformation of the sun energy in power plants with use of resonant technologies of N. Tesla can become perspective approach in this direction.
Experience of Belgorod region in carrying out complex cadastral works
Authors:   Agriculture, agrochemistry, land management, ecology and landscape architecture department Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Belgorod State Agrarian University, Belgorod, Kovaleva E. V. , Severinova A. V. ,   Agriculture, agrochemistry, land management, ecology and landscape architecture department Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Belgorod State Agrarian University, Belgorod
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this article is to study the complex cadastral works and arising problems. In the process of writing the article, the authors used the Federal laws, the Land Code, the Urban Planning Code, special scientific literature, as well as working and statistical materials of the Belgorod region (from complex cadastral works in the Krasnensky and Prokhorovsky districts). To date, a large number of real estate objects throughout the Russian Federation have not been included in the Unified State Register of Real Estate, and some land plots do not have correct boundaries and exact areas preventing the successful maintenance of the Register and reliable determination of cadastral value for tax purposes.
Improvement of organizational and technological support of cadastral works and interaction with cadastral registration authorities
Authors:   Real Estate Cadastre and Natural Resources Department, Perm State Agrarian-Technological University, Perm, Russia, Ponosov A.N. , Zhernakova N.N. ,   Real Estate Cadastre and Natural Resources Department, Perm State Agrarian-Technological University, Perm, Russia
Published: October 2023

The organizational, legal and technological problems of cadastral works on the preparation of documents provided for entering information about land plots and other real estate objects into the Unified State Register of Real Estate are revealed in this paper. The authors carried out a general analysis of the information exchange with the Rosreestr authorities during the interaction of participants of cadastral relations and proposed the ways to improve the activities of cadastral engineers in case of their interaction with the state registrar, that can increase the efficiency of cadastral works.
Human and land
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education ", Lobkov V. A. ,   State University for Land Management",   , Moscow, Lobkova T. V. ,   Department of Computer Science Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "State University for Land Management", Moscow
Published: October 2023

The earth feeds man and gives him everything he needs from ancient times to living days. However, the true depth of spiritual and moral affiliation in relation to the land and agriculture requires the presence of a spiritual assessment.
Discriminación hacia las minorías sexuales de género en el personal de salud de primer nivel de atención
Authors: Morales Iguago Erika Lourdes , Paredes Morales Estuardo Beethoven , Fonseca-Bautista Silvio , Castro Castro Alex Vinicio , Gamboa Moreno Irma Jimena
Published: October 2023

Las conductas de rechazo hacia las minorías sexuales de género es una problemática social. Los sujetos sexualmente activos con una orientación diferente a la heterosexual han sido excluidos y rechazados en diferentes contextos sociales, incluidos los servicios de salud. El objetivo de la investigación fue conocer las conductas sexuales discriminatorias del personal de salud hacia las minorías sexuales de género. La metodología fue del tipo cualitativa a nivel documental, bajo un método PRISMA, se utilizó como criterio de inclusión material bibliográfico (artículos, libros y tesis) que estuviera en inglés o español, entre 2013 al 2021 y aborden la temática en estudio.” Se incluyeron solo 11 documentos para la selección, análisis y procesamiento de información. Se concluyó que las principales conductas discriminatorias que perciben las minorías sexuales en el personal de salud son la inequidad en la atención, las actitudes discriminatorias, la falta de sensibilidad, el trato frío y distante.
Prolonged use of Screens in Children and their Harm
Authors: Rocha Neto Luiz José da , Alvim Costa Mariana Isabel , Bragança Barros Isabella de Caux Saez , Bolina Batista Fernanda Ribeiro Gonçalves , Mandacaru Gabriel Plazzi
Published: October 2023

The development of a child encompasses the definition, measurement, and assessment of the expected normal patterns at each growth stage corresponding to their age. The child's passivity in response to stimuli has wide-ranging effects on a variety of domains, including communication skills and, consequently, cognitive, motor, and social development. Additionally, excessive screen time has a negative impact on the sleep-wake cycle, which in turn affects learning capacity and attention, as well as the risk of heart disease and depression. The lack of outdoor activities is closely linked to the growing trend of remote learning, which has resulted in an increased substitution of these activities with online games and video apps. Additionally, the use of electronic devices for more than three hours daily is associated with the worsening of symptoms related to ADHD, anxiety, and parental stress. However, following the COVID-19p and emic and the wide spread adoption of remote learning, screen time has significantly increased, making parental control more challenging, while the absence of physical activities has been exacerbated during this period, potentially leading to future consequences.
Teaching Thai Language Literacy: Proposed of Using Speech Recognition Technology Techniques to Detect Read Aloud in Thai Tonal Conjugation for Primary Education Students
Authors: Philuek Wudhijaya , Puttasem Duangjai
Published: October 2023

This academic article has objectives were 1) to study the techniques in data analyzing of speech recognition systems techniques to detect reading aloud skills in Thai tonal conjugation for Primary Education Students, and 2) to study the effect of speech recognition systems techniques to detect reading aloud skills in Thai tonal conjugation for Primary Education Students. Sample group in this research were 30 Primary Education Students in Grades 4 – 6 of Wat Na Klang School in Nakhon Sawan Province, Thailand. Research tools was speech recognition systems techniques to detect reading aloud skills in Thai tonal conjugation.Results showed that,1) the three techniques involved in sound analysis consisted of Spectrogram Sound Wave Change Techniques, Wavelet Transform Audio Format Conversion Techniques, and two sets of data similarity comparison techniques named Dynamic Time Warping (DTW). The researchers used three techniques in analysis and comparison for making the more similar to the sound signal than using a single technique to analyze. 2) the effect of using speech recognition system to detect reading aloud skills in Thai tonal conjugation showed results of pronunciation practice and compared the similarity of audio signals that after using the technique in 5 analytical times, the largest average result was 93.52 Percent, the least average result was 87.75 Percent, and the total average result was 90.66 Percent.
Fostering Learner Autonomy in Higher Education through Coaching and Mentoring for Non-Traditional Learners
Authors: Holmes Andrew G D
Published: October 2023

This article considers the potential ways for coaching and mentoring practices in higher education to support the development of learner autonomy, a key espoused aim of university education. I argue that coaching and mentoring can foster self-regulated learning, critical thinking, and goal-setting among students, empowering them to take greater responsibility for their learning, and that higher education institutions should make greater use of coaching and mentoring practises, particularly for non-traditional learners[what in the UK are identified as ‘widening participation’ students]. The aim is to stimulate reflection and discussion among higher education practitioners.