bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the safety HME-CM approach of cranes in their service life cycle
Authors: Chen Ying , Jin Lianghai
Published: August 2023

Crane is one of the vital components and lifelines of the construction industry. However, crane accidents happen regularly due to a variety of factors. Among them, the most far-reaching influence is the three factors of the human-machine-environment (HME). Moreover, how to carry out safety management for them is very critical. Considering the barriers to the goal, this study applied configuration management (CM) to HME data change management in cranes’ service life cycle and proposed a HME-CM framework and approach. First, based on the original CM theory, baselines were developed to accommodate changes in HME configuration. Second, we discussed the evolving trajectory of HME configuration and determined the content and updates to the baseline. Third, a marking method based on data provenance theory was proposed to achieve data consistency. Finally, two search procedures were designed to perform the tracking and tracing of HME configuration. This paper contributes to expanding the application of CM theory in crane safety management, ensures the controllability and traceability of crane configuration changes, and provides a new perspective on crane safety.
Motility provides specific adhesion patterns and improves Listeria monocytogenes invasion into human HEp-2 cells
Authors: Abdulkadieva Mariam M. , Sysolyatina Elena V. , Vasilieva Elena V. , Litvinenko Veronika V. , Kalinin Egor V. , Zhukhovitsky Vladimir G. , Shevlyagina Natalia V. , Andreevskaya Svetlana G. , Stanishevskyi Yaroslav M. , Vasiliev Mikhail M. , Petrov Oleg F. , Ermolaeva Svetlana A.
Published: August 2023

Listeria monocytogenes is motile at 22°C and non-motile at 37°C. In contrast, expression of L. monocytogenes virulence factors is low at 22°C and up-regulated at 37°C. Here, we studied a character of L. monocytogenes near surface swimming (NSS) motility and its effects on adhesion patterns and invasion into epithelial cells. L. monocytogenes and its saprophytic counterpart L. innocua both grown at 22°C showed similar NSS characteristics including individual velocities, trajectory lengths, residence times, and an asymmetric distribution of velocity directions. Similar NSS patterns correlated with similar adhesion patterns. Motile bacteria, including both pathogenic and saprophytic species, showed a preference for adhering to the periphery of epithelial HEp-2 cells. In contrast, non-motile bacteria were evenly distributed across the cell surface, including areas over the nucleus. However, the uneven distribution of motile bacteria did not enhance the invasion into HEp-2 cells unless virulence factor production was up-regulated by the transient shift of the culture to 37°C. Motile L. monocytogenes grown overnight at 22°C and then shifted to 37°C for 2 h expressed invasion factors at the same level and invaded human cells up to five times more efficiently comparatively with non-motile bacteria grown overnight at 37°C. Taken together, obtained results demonstrated that (i) NSS motility and correspondent peripheral location over the cell surface did not depend on L. monocytogenes virulence traits; (ii) motility improved L. monocytogenes invasion into human HEp-2 cells within a few hours after the transition from the ambient temperature to the human body temperature.
Structure of BTK kinase domain with the second-generation inhibitors acalabrutinib and tirabrutinib
Authors: Lin David Y. , Andreotti Amy H.
Published: August 2023

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is the target of the therapeutic agent, Ibrutinib, that treats chronic lymphocyte leukemia (CLL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and other B cell malignancies. Ibrutinib is a first in class, covalent BTK inhibitor that limits B-cell survival and proliferation. Designing new inhibitors of BTK has been an important objective for advancing development of improved therapeutic agents against cancer and autoimmune disorders. Based on the success of Ibrutinib, several second-generation irreversible BTK inhibitors have been developed that exhibit fewer off-target effects. However, the binding-mode and their interaction with Btk have not been experimentally determined and evaluated at atomic resolution. Here we determined the first crystal structure of the BTK kinase domain in complex with acalabrutinib. In addition, we report a structure of the BTK/tirabrutinib complex and compare these structures with previously solved structures. The structures provide insight in the superior selectivity reported for acalabrutinb and guide future BTK inhibitor development.
Intertemporal environmental efficiency assessment in China: A new network-based dynamic super-efficiency measure
Authors: Lin Ruiyue , Li Zongxin
Published: August 2023

In order to make a complete ranking of intertemporal environmental efficiency in a dynamic manner, this paper combines the network-based dynamic data envelopment analysis (DEA), super-efficiency with the unified efficiency under natural and managerial disposability, and designs a dynamic DEA model and the corresponding dynamic super-efficiency DEA model. Compared with previous studies, the proposed measure can fully rank the overall environmental efficiency of all decision making units (DMUs) in a dynamic manner, and more importantly, it provides the information about when and what factors lead to inefficiency or efficiency of DMUs. The proposed models are applied to examine the environmental efficiency of 30 provinces in China from 2008 to 2017. The results show that there are significant regional differences of environmental efficiency in China. In addition, slack analysis shows that most eastern efficient provinces have no obvious advantages in energy consumption, labor and waste water emission; most central and western efficient provinces have no advantages in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions and GDP. To improve overall efficiency, eastern inefficient provinces should mainly focus on reducing energy consumption, SO2 emissions and labor, and increasing capital investment in right years, central and western inefficient provinces can focus on reducing SO2 emissions and labor in most years, most of provinces need to increase gross domestic capital formation.
Evaluation of the initial timing of infection control pharmacist-driven audit and monitoring of vancomycin therapy in patients with infectious diseases: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Sugita Hideki , Okada Natsumi , Okamoto Matoka , Abe Masakazu , Sekido Masae , Tanaka Michiko , Tamatukuri Tatsuro , Naito Yuika , Yoshikawa Masayuki , Inoue Eisuke , Tanaka Hironori
Published: August 2023

Background

Early monitoring and feedback on the treatment of infectious diseases are some of the methods for optimising antimicrobial treatment throughout the treatment period. Prospective audits and feedback interventions have also been shown to improve antimicrobial use and reduce antimicrobial resistance. We examined the appropriate use of antimicrobials by focusing on the initial timing for audits and feedback intervention of antimicrobial prescription by Infection Control Team pharmacists.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study in a university hospital in Tokyo, Japan from 1 January 2019 to 31 May 2021. We retrospectively enrolled patients with infections and those patients suspected of having an infection, who were administered vancomycin and assessed at our hospital. The definition of primary outcome was the maintenance of target vancomycin trough blood concentrations of 10–20 μg/ml during treatment. Multivariable logistic regression and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to test the effectiveness of the initial timing of the intervention by Infection Control Team pharmacists as the explanatory variable.

Results

A total of 638 patients were included in this study, with a median age of 69 years (interquartile range: 54–78 years). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that the maintenance of target vancomycin trough concentrations was not associated with the timing of the audit and the initiation of monitoring by Infection Control Team pharmacists (adjusted odds ratio: 0.99, 95% confidence interval: 0.99–1.00, p = 0.990). Multivariate linear regression revealed that the duration of vancomycin administration was significantly correlated with the timing of initiation of monitoring by Infection Control Team pharmacists (adjusted estimate: 0.0227, standard error: 0.0051, p = 0.012).

Conclusions

Our study showed that early initiation of a comprehensive audit and monitoring by Infection Control Team pharmacists did not affect the maintenance of the target vancomycin trough blood concentration. However, it reduced the duration of vancomycin administration.
A yeast-based system to study SARS-CoV-2 Mpro structure and to identify nirmatrelvir resistant mutations
Authors: Ou Jin , Lewandowski Eric M. , Hu Yanmei , Lipinski Austin A. , Aljasser Ali , Colon-Ascanio Mariliz , Morgan Ryan T. , Jacobs Lian M. C. , Zhang Xiujun , Bikowitz Melissa J. , Langlais Paul R. , Tan Haozhou , Wang Jun , Chen Yu , Choy John S.
Published: August 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is a major therapeutic target. The Mpro inhibitor, nirmatrelvir, is the antiviral component of Paxlovid, an orally available treatment for COVID-19. As Mpro inhibitor use increases, drug resistant mutations will likely emerge. We have established a non-pathogenic system, in which yeast growth serves as an approximation for Mpro activity, enabling rapid identification of mutants with altered enzymatic activity and drug sensitivity. The E166 residue is known to be a potential hot spot for drug resistance and yeast assays identified substitutions which conferred strong nirmatrelvir resistance and others that compromised activity. On the other hand, N142A and the P132H mutation, carried by the Omicron variant, caused little to no change in drug response and activity. Standard enzymatic assays confirmed the yeast results. In turn, we solved the structures of Mpro E166R, and Mpro E166N, providing insights into how arginine may drive drug resistance while asparagine leads to reduced activity. The work presented here will help characterize novel resistant variants of Mpro that may arise as Mpro antivirals become more widely used.
Effect of gamma-irradiated chitosan to enhance antioxidant activity of Khai Mod Rin germinated brown rice
Authors: SAENGSANE S. , TEPPAYA N. , Wongchuphan Rattana , SRICHAROEN P. , LIMCHOOWONG N.
Published: August 2023

Khai Mod Rin has been certified as NSRC95001-1-3 grower community enterprise in Hua Sai district, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.  The effect of γ-irradiated chitosan concentrations and soaking time was examined for a proper conditions of germination. The standard phytochemical screening method and quantitative analysis of DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, total phenols and flavonoids, were also  evaluated. The Khai Mod Rin germinated brown rice (KMR-GBR) with the best antioxidant activity and highest in total phenolic and  flavonoid contents was produced after exposure to γ-irradiated chitosan (500 ppm concentration) at room temperature for 36 h germination. Phytochemicals including alkaloids, terpenoids, coumarin, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides were detected still the same  as germination in water and pure chitosan. Evidently, γ-irradiation on chitosan can be used to enhance antioxidant activity during  brown rice germination, which is a potential source of natural antioxidants for food processing.
Anti-glycation and phytochemical properties of cinnamon stem-bark water extract
Authors: Adeniran Oluwaseyefunmi Iyabo , Sethoga Lesibana Samuel , Shai Leshweni Jeremia , Gololo Sechene Stanley
Published: August 2023

The study evaluated the ability of cinnamon stem-bark water extract (CWE) to break established cross-links formed between proteins and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) as well as its anti-glycation effect. The extract showed a dose-dependent anti-glycation effect against total fluorescent AGEs (FAGEs) derived from both glucose and fructose. CWE recorded a uniform IC50 value of 0.13 mg/mL for both glucose and fructose-derived FAGEs while aminoguanidine, a well-known synthetic anti-glycative agent gave IC50 values of 0.14 mg/mL for the glucose and 0.17 mg/mL for the fructose derived FAGEs. The anti-glycative effect of CWE was also significantly higher than aminoguanidine against total immunogenic AGE (TIAGEs) in both sugar models (p < 0.001). While CWE and aminoguanidine showed weak protein cross-link breaking activity selectively on fructose-derived protein cross-links already formed, none whatsoever was detected exerted on the established glucose-derived protein cross-links. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of several important secondary metabolites which may have contributed to the anti-glycative effect of CWE. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry enabled the identification of (+)-alpha-tocopherol acetate, a chain breaker, in the methanol fraction of CWE. Although CWE showed great potential for inhibition of formation of major types of AGEs, it appears to be poor in breaking established cross-links formed between proteins and AGEs.
Regulate or Prohibit: a Review of Hidden Prostitution Law Enforcement Policies in Indonesia
Authors: Mahardika Eriana , Garduño Lizette Ramos , Dar Nasser Montaser Faris
Published: August 2023

Prostitution is an act that is contrary to the norms that exist in society because this act can cause unrest in the community and disrupt the order of life in the surrounding community. Prostitution deviates from the norms of decency where a woman or a man sells himself to get satisfaction from lust. Prostitution is spreading rapidly in Indonesia. Many prostitutions are committed under the guise of, among others, Reflexy Massage Parlors, Beauty Salons, and SPA. This study is motivated by the problem of the practice of hidden prostitution under the guise of these business premises in Indonesia, especially the Sleman Regency area, which are almost entirely unexposed and untouched by law enforcement officials but have the potential for negative impacts on society both socially, psychologically, religiously and culturally. This article aims to find out how law enforcement is against the hidden practice of prostitution under the guise of massage parlors, salons, and spas in Indonesia, especially in the district of Sleman. This study combined field and library research, using an empirical juridical approach with a descriptive-analytic method to explain the data. It also used legal system theory to analyze. This study showed no clear and specific regulations that regulate or prohibit prostitution firmly. So far, the Police and Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) have enforced the law based on Regional Regulation No. 15 2012 concerning Tourism Business Registration in Sleman. However, the participation of every stakeholder in society with local wisdom that has existed so far is expected to create legal awareness about hidden prostitution.
Assessment of Critical Barriers to Industry 4.0 Adoption in Manufacturing Industries of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Sourav , Hassan Sanjida , Karim Rubayet
Published: August 2023

Purpose: Regardless of the potential benefits of Industry 4.0, firms are still experiencing difficulties in properly integrating new technologies into their business. This study focuses on addressing critical barriers to implementing Industry 4.0 in the manufacturing industries of Bangladesh with a view to exploring readiness. The paradigm of adopting new technologies is yet to be unlocked in Bangladesh, which serves as this study's motivating force.
Approach: In order to accomplish the research objectives, "Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM)" analysis is used, which identified and outlined the most significant barriers to adopting Industry 4.0. This was also combined with MICMAC analysis, which categorized the barriers based on their driving and dependent power. To evaluate the industries' preparedness, "cross-tabulation and frequency analysis" is performed using SPSS.
Key findings: According to the findings, “Lack of technical knowledge about industry 4.0” has been identified as the most crucial barrier.
Limitations of the study: To address the firm’s preparedness, we looked at responses from management personnel. Nevertheless, if we could do this on a larger scale, a better scenario of Bangladesh's manufacturing industries toward Industry 4.0 might be shown.
Practical implication: The study's findings will be conceptually linked to relevant aspects of I4.0, particularly for strategic planning, decision-making, future opportunities, and formulating policy-related guidelines.
Originality: While several studies concentrate on particular sectors adopting Industry 4.0, no study has been conducted on manufacturing industries focusing on the industry's preparedness, which makes this study distinctive.
Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Praktik Pertama Kali Melakukan Hubungan Seksual pada Remaja Putri di Sumatera Utara
Authors: Pakpahan Vina Estetika , Wigati Putri Asmita , Budiyanti Rani Tiyas
Published: August 2023

Based on a survey by the Central Bureau of Statistics in 2012, 48 out of 1,000 pregnancies occurred in adolescents aged 15-19 years. The occurrence of pregnancy at a young age & sexually transmitted diseases are the impact of having sex before marriage in adolescents. This study aims to determine the relationship between several factors with the practice of having sex for the first time and the age at first having sexual intercourse in young women in North Sumatra. The type of research used is explanatory research with a cross sectional study design. Research sampling is based on the research population, which means that all populations are samples. The sample obtained is 643 young women aged 15-24 years. The data used in this study is secondary data from the 2017 IDHS. This study found that the majority of young women aged 15-24 years in North Sumatra had never had sex, and for young women who had had sexual intercourse, it was found more in the age group ≤20 years than in the > 20 year age group. Factors that are not related to the practice of having sexual relations with young women for the first time in North Sumatra are education level (p-value = 0.089), economic status (p-value = 0.096), employment status (p-value = 0.138), and number of accesses. mass media (p-value = 0.102) and the intensity of mass media (p-value = 0.091). Factors related to the age of first sexual intercourse among young women in North Sumatra were education level (p-value=0.000) and economic status (p-value=0.007). The conclusion of this study is that most of the young women aged 15-24 years in North Sumatra have never had sex, but for the young women who have had sexual intercourse, it is found more in the age group ≤ 20 years.
Deletions of the Idh1, Eco1, Rom2, and Taf10 Genes Differently Control the Hyphal Growth, Drug Tolerance, and Virulence of Candida albicans
Authors: Hameed A. , Hussain S. A. , Ijaz M. U. , Umer Muhammad
Published: August 2023

The most recent genome-editing system called CRISPR-Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat system with associated protein 9-nuclease) was employed to delete four non-essential genes (i.e., Caeco1, Caidh1, Carom2, and Cataf10) individually to establish their gene functionality annotations in pathogen Candida albicans. The biological roles of these genes were investigated with respect to the cell wall integrity and biogenesis, calcium/calcineurin pathways, susceptibility of mutants towards temperature, drugs and salts. All the mutants showed increased vulnerability compared to the wild-type background strain towards the cell wall-perturbing agents, (antifungal) drugs and salts. All the mutants also exhibited repressed and defective hyphal growth and smaller colony size than control CA14. The cell cycle of all the mutants decreased enormously except for those with Carom2 deletion. The budding index and budding size also increased for all mutants with altered bud shape. The disposition of the mutants towards cell wall-perturbing enzymes disclosed lower survival and more rapid cell wall lysis events than in wild types. The pathogenicity and virulence of the mutants was checked by adhesion assay, and strains lacking rom2 and eco1 were found to possess the least adhesion capacity, which is synonymous to their decreased pathogenicity and virulence.
Protumorogenic Potential of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma-Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Baj-Krzyworzeka Monika , Mytar B. , Węglarczyk K. , Szatanek R. , Kijowski J. , Siedlar M.
Published: August 2023

Cancer development is a highly complicated process in which tumour growth depends on the development of its vascularization system. To support their own growth, tumour cells significantly modify their microenvironment. One of such modifications inflicted by tumours is stimulation of endothelial cell migration and proliferation. There is accumulating evidence that extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by tumour cells (tumour-derived EVs, TEVs) may be regarded as “messengers” with the potential for affecting the biological activities of target cells. Interaction of TEVs with different cell types occurs in an auto- and paracrine manner and may lead to changes in the function of the latter, e.g., promoting motility, proliferation, etc. This study analysed the proangiogenic activity of EVs derived from human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line (HPC-4, TEVHPC) in vitro and their effect in vivo on Matrigel matrix vascularization in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. TEVHPC enhanced proliferation of HPC-4 cells and induced their motility. Moreover, TEVHPC stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and migration in vitro. Additionally, TEVHPC influenced secretion of proangiogenic factors (IL-8, VEGF) by HUVEC cells and supported Matrigel matrix haemoglobinization in vivo. These data show that TEVs may support tumour propagation in an autocrine manner and may support vascularization of the tumour. The presented data are in line with the theory that tumour cells themselves are able to modulate the microenvironment via TEVs to maximize their growth potential.
Discussion on the consequences of chickpea wilt and management through induced resistance
Authors: Sumanth Reddy , Adesh Kumar  , Sakshi Sharma  , Akhilesh Chandrapati , Ranjna Kumari  , Vipul Kumar
Published: August 2023

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a crucial source of dietary protein and accounts for 18% of global legume production. However, the crop faces a variety of biotic and abiotic constraints, with fusarium wilt being the most common soil-borne disease. This disease poses a significant threat to chickpeas, leading to yield losses of up to 80% worldwide. Fusarium wilt pathogens exhibit host specificity and characteristic symptoms in mature plants include brown to black discoloration of the xylem vessels, wilting, and leaf burning caused by phytotoxins produced by the pathogen. To combat this fungal disease, several cultural, biological, and chemical methods have been extensively employed. While chemical control methods have proven to be highly effective and widely adopted by growers, they come with several adverse consequences for humans, the environment, soil, and water. Moreover, improper and excessive use of fungicides can lead to the development of resistance in plant pathogens. Thus, there is a pressing need for an environmentally friendly approach that promotes plant resistance. One such approach is induced resistance, which involves enabling plants to build their own resistance mechanisms. Induced resistance can take different forms, such as systemic acquired resistance based on the salicylic acid pathway, and induced systemic resistance based on the jasmonic acid pathway.
Application of defoliants alters leaf growth and gas exchange parameters for cotton defoliation
Authors: Chandrasekaran Perumal , Ashok Subiramaniyan , Ajaykumar Ramasamy , Ashokkumar Natarajan , Sathya Ramalingam , Karpagavalli Sivasubramanian , Rajeshkumar Arumugam , Ramadass Sivalingam
Published: August 2023

The goal of the current study was to determine how different chemical defoliants and application timing affected defoliation in cotton variety CO 17. The studies were conducted using a split-plot design with three applications at three different times as the main plot and seven defoliants as the subplot. Thidiazuron + Diuron (0.03%) defoliant reduced the gas exchange parameters, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance by reducing plant growth parameters, leaf area, leaf area index, specific leaf weight which significantly increased the defoliation percentage. The negative correlation of cotton growth and gas exchange parameters with defoliation percentage was observed in correlation studies. In conclusion, Thidiazuron + Diuron (0.03%) defoliant was found to be superior in action for improving leaf defoliation and its associated parameters. And also it may be a cost-effective cotton defoliant for aiding the mechanical picking of cotton bolls.
Evaluation of different paddy straw management technologies for their economic viability in rice-wheat system
Authors: Singh Amrik , Chhabra Vandna , Mehta Chandra Mohan , Kaur Gurleen , Sreethu S
Published: August 2023

The study examines the economics of different paddy straw management methods in rice-wheat systems in Gurdaspur, Punjab during the Rabi seasons (2019-20 and 2020-21). The experiment was carried out with 2 wheat varieties, HD 3086 (V1) and PBW 550 (V2), using varied treatment combinations of crop residue management approaches, tillage and seed drilling methods. Based on the pooled data, the PAU (Punjab Agricultural University) cutter cum spreader + incorporation with Mould Board plough + Use of Seed drill (M4) treatment produced the highest plant height (95.87 cm). Treatment PAU cutter cum spreader + PAU happy seeder with press wheel (M2) (437.71) had the highest density of tillers per square meter, significantly outperforming other treatments. A significant interaction was observed between paddy residue management methods and varieties in terms of the number of tillers. Maximum spike length (12.81 cm) was obtained with Stubble Shaver + Burning + Zero Tillage Drill (M1), whereas maximum number of spikelets per spike (18.33) was noted in method (M2). The treatment method (M2) turned out to be the most efficient in terms of yield (44.02 q/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.72).
Origins of the Dinaric troglobiotic mussel and its correct taxonomical classification. Congeria or Mytilopsis (Bivalvia: Dreissenidae)?
Authors: Sket Boris
Published: August 2023

After an analysis of the literature, it is proposed to taxonomically reorder the troglobiotic mussel Congeria kusceri Bole 1962 as Mytilopsis kusceri (Bole 1962). The species had been described and attributed to Congeria when the extant and fossilMytilopsis spp. were all regarded members of that genus. The position of the cave species within the genus Mytilopsis and Dreisseninae is discussed and its inclusion into Mytilopsis is substantiated. In this way we will avoid further missapprehension in biogeographical and phylogenetic discussions. The cave mussel may further be regarded a relict of the diverse fauna in the Miocene Dinaric Lakes System.
Status and distribution of the lynx (Lynx lynx) in the Swiss Alps 2005–2009
Authors: Zimmermann Fridolin , Molinari Jobin Anja , Ryser Andreas , Breitenmoser Würsten Christine , Pesenti Elias , Breitenmoser Urs
Published: August 2023

We evaluated the status of lynx in the Swiss Alps for the period 2005– 2009. Even though the number of lynx presence signs remained almost stable between the present (2,068 signs) and previous pentad (2,091), there was a 7.6% increase in the area occupied by the 5-km circular buffers around the confirmed lynx signs of presence over the five years period (12,637 km2 ). The north-western Swiss Alps (VI) remained the compartment with the highest number of chance observations. It was followed by compartments central Switzerland west (III) and north-eastern Switzerland (II). These sub-populations acted as source in the current pentad, as signs of reproduction were reported almost every year. The translocation to north-eastern Switzerland is still the only significant contribution to the spatial increase of the lynx range in the last 10 years in the Swiss Alps. The small and vulnerable north-eastern Switzerland lynx sub-population plays an important role for the Alpine population. There is hope that in the future this sub-population could act as stepping stone to the eastern Alps and together with individuals dispersing from the central Switzerland west (III) subpopulation would enable to found a new sub-population in central Switzerland east (IV). The status of the sub-population in the Valais (VII) is less clear. As only few signs of reproduction and mortalities were reported over the pentad, it acted more as sink than a source population. From the few signs of lynx presence reported in the remaining compartments (Grisons V, central Switzerland east IV and Ticino VIII) we concluded that only a few single lynx that did not yet establish the typical social organisation occur there. An occupancy-based population estimate from a parallel study resulted in about 111 (SE = 10) independent lynx for the period 2005–2009. This is higher than the 60–90 individuals estimated for the previous pentad.
Survey of the Lynx lynx distribution in the French Alps: 2005–2009 update.
Authors: Marboutin Eric , Duchamp Christophe , Moris Perrine , Briaudet Pierre-Emmanuel , Léonard Yannick , Catusse Michel
Published: August 2023

As part of the survey of the pan-alpine population of Eurasian Lynx, the French national network of large carnivores experts collected N = 301 data, out of which 159 (n1 = 2 C1, n2 = 62 C2, n3 = 95 C3) were regarded robust enough from a technical point of view to evidence the presence of lynx (compared to 224 data in the previous pentad). Such a rejection rate (46%) significantly differed from that (24%) observed elsewhere in the Lynx area during the same period, but not from that during the previous pentad in the Alps (43%). The rejection rate was dependent on data type: hair and faeces samples were significantly more often rejected than other presence signs (78% vs. 41%). Among other presence signs, prints were more often rejected (55%) than expected, and sightings were less rejected (35%) than expected. Preys were rejected according to expectations given sample sizes. As noted during the previous pentad, a north-south gradient was evidenced in presence signs collected: C1+C2 were more often encountered north to Grenoble than in the southern part of the lynx area, contrary to C3. Using a modelling approach of the trend in the presence area detected, area with regular presence was increasing then stable, whereas a declining trend was noticed in the area newly colonized during the last years.
The advantages of flow cytometry in comparison to fluorometric measurement in algal toxicity test
Authors: Eleršek Tina
Published: August 2023

Fluorometric measurements in algal toxicity tests are very commonly used as surrogate parameters for algal biomass. Although, fluorometry is a powerful technique, we have demonstrated that it is not suitable for determination of toxic effects of chemicals, which alter the fluorescence spectra. We recommend the flow cytometry as the best technique for detecting algal and/or cyanobacterial cell count and fluorescence per cell. Flow cytometry has many advantages: little volume of algal/cyanobacterial sample required, suitable also for little algal/cyanobacterial cells, distinction between live and dead cells. Furthermore, flow cytometry reveals the early changes in fluorescence spectra as a consequence of the specific chemicals presence or stress, even though the cell count is not yet affected (an early marker for ecotoxicology testing).
The presence of invasive alien plant species in different habitats: case study from Slovenia
Authors: Zelnik Igor
Published: August 2023

Invasive alien plants present a threat to diversity of native species. An attempt to evaluation of potential endangerment of specific habitats due to the presence of invasive alien plant species was made and results are presented in this paper. Data about the presence of invasive alien plants in specific habitats were extracted from the database Flora of Slovenia (at the Centre for Cartography of Fauna and Flora). The list of the most frequent invasive alien plant taxa in natural and semi-natural habitats is presented as well as the lists of invasive alien plants with potentially most negative influence on the biodiversity in different habitats. In general, taxa with potentially most negative influence on the biodiversity of natural habitats in Slovenia are: Robinia pseudacacia, Solidago gigantea, Fallopia japonica and F. × bohemica, Rudbeckia laciniata,Helianthus tuberosus. In the dataset the highest number of data about presence of invasive alien plants referred to riparian zones (44%). Thesecond highly infected group of habitats was floodplain woods. According to the Ellenberg indicator values the most of the invasive alien plants prefer nutrient-rich and sunny sites. The negative effect of Fallopia × bohemica on light conditions in established stands andconsequently on the species richness of native plants was also detected.
Achenes of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) in packages of sunflower achenes for outdoor birds
Authors: Strgulc Krajšek Simona , Novak Marko
Published: August 2023

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is a highly invasive annual plant, introduced to Europe from North America. One of the important spreading vectors of Ambrosia is trading with contaminated sunflower achenes. We analysed the content of ragweed achenes in the packages of sunflower achenes for outdoor birds, which are available in Slovenian shops and markets. The ragweed achenes were found in 29 % of the 28 analysed packages. In three packages, the mass percentage of Ambrosia achenes per kg of animal feed exceeded the maximum content (50 mg/kg) allowed by EU law. The analysis showed that it is not possible to infer the presence or absence of Ambrosia achenes in a sample from the amount of impurities in the package of sunflower achenes for bird feed.
2 The interactions between UV radiation, drought and selenium in different buckwheat species
Authors: Golob Aleksandra , Kugovnik Ana , Kreft Ivan , Gaberščik Alenka , Germ Mateja
Published: August 2023

Here we summarise the outcomes on biochemical response and growth of buckwheat with respect to UV radiation, drought and selenium, as well as their interactions. Buckwheats are taxonomically and morphologically very diverse. They  have been subjected to more or less intensive breeding, which results in higher susceptibility to environmental constraints including drought and also in different potential to cope and exploit UV radiation. The responses of different buckwheats to UV, drought and their combination differed in different species. Selenium treatment may mitigate negative effects of environmental constraints on buckwheat. Regarding the production of UV absorbing compounds, buckwheats mainly positively respond to UV dose. Ca druses in buckwheat seem to be important in affecting UV penetration.
Allelopathic effect of aqueous extracts of Canadian goldenrod on germination and growth of radish
Authors: Leticia Anžlovar Alvina , Anžlovar Sabina
Published: August 2023

In this study we tested the effects of Solidago canadensis extracts on seed germination and early growth of radish (Raphanus sativus). The aqueous extracts of 2.5% (m/v) concentration were prepared from roots, rhizomes, stems, leaves and inflorescences and applied onto the filter paper in Petri dishes where radish seeds were sown. We determined the germination rate and seedling growth for four days. The extracts from leaves and inflorescences delayed germination, whereas extracts from stems and roots had no significant effect on seed germination. The extracts from rhizome had a slightly stimulatory effect on the seed germination and promoted shoot length of radish seedlings, while extracts from leaves inhibited root and shoot length and seedlings development.
Investigation of the toxicity, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of some cyanobacterial strains isolated from different habitats
Authors: Rajabpour Nooshin , Nowruzi Bahareh , Ghobeh Maryam
Published: August 2023

Cyanobacteria are known as a source of fine chemicals, renewable fuels, and toxic compounds. The present study aimed at evaluating the toxicity and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of four cyanobacterial strains isolated from different habitats. Due to the lack of information regarding the relationship between toxicity and biological activity of the cyanobacteria in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of Iran, we decided to conduct a preliminary study on the cyanobacterial strains in order to identify the potentially toxic cyanobacteria strains. In this respect, biosynthesis genes related to cyanobacterial toxins, anatoxins (anaC gene), nodularins (ndaF gene) and microcystins (mcyG gene) were amplified. In addition, antioxidant, antimicrobial and biochemical properties of cyanobacterial strains have also been evaluated. The results of the molecular analysis demonstrated that only Fischerella sp. contained the microcystins (mcyG) gene. In fact, this strain encounters numerous predators in its habitat, therefore antibacterial and antioxidant metabolites found in this strain have thought to play an important role in defense mechanisms. This case is the documentation of toxicity and promotion of biological activities of a soil cyanobacterium regarding survival in competitive ecological niches.
Skupina za biološko izobraževanje
Authors: Tomažič Iztok
Published: August 2023

/
Cover for Acta Biologica Slovenica Vol. 66 No. 1 (2023)
Authors: Grašič Mateja
Published: August 2023

/
Scattering of an inhomogeneous coupled Schrödinger system in the conformal space
Authors: Saanouni Tarek , Peng Congming
Published: August 2023

This paper studies the inhomogeneous defocusing coupled Schrödinger system

i
⁢

u
˙

j

+

Δ
⁢

u
j

=

|
x
|

-
ρ

⁢

(

∑

1
≤
k
≤
m

a

j
⁢
k

⁢

|

u
k

|

p

)

⁢

|

u
j

|

p
-
2

⁢

u
j

,

ρ
>
0

,

j
∈

[
1
,
m
]

.

i\dot{u}_{j}+\Delta u_{j}=\lvert x\rvert^{-\rho}\bigg{(}\sum_{1\leq k\leq m}a_%
{jk}\lvert u_{k}\rvert^{p}\biggr{)}\lvert u_{j}\rvert^{p-2}u_{j},\quad\rho>0,%
\,j\in[1,m].

The goal of this work is to prove the scattering of energy global solutions in the conformal space made up of

f
∈

H
1

⁢

(

ℝ
N

)

{f\in H^{1}(\mathbb{R}^{N})}

such that

x
⁢
f

∈

L
2

⁢

(

ℝ
N

)

{xf\in L^{2}(\mathbb{R}^{N})}

. The present paper is a complement of the previous work by the first author and Ghanmi
[T. Saanouni and R. Ghanmi,
Inhomogeneous coupled non-linear Schrödinger systems,
J. Math. Phys. 62 2021, 10, Paper No. 101508]. Indeed, the supplementary assumption

x
⁢

u
0

∈

L
2

{xu_{0}\in L^{2}}

enables us to get the scattering in the mass-sub-critical regime

p
0

<
p
≤

2
-
ρ

N

+
1

{p_{0}

0

{\alpha>0}

and a range of Lebesgue norms. The decay rate in the mass super-critical regime is the same one as of

e

i
⋅
Δ

⁢

u
0

{e^{i\cdot\Delta}u_{0}}

. This rate is different in the mass sub-critical regime, which requires some extra assumptions. The novelty here is the scattering of global solutions in the weighted conformal space for the class of source terms

p
0

<
p
<

2
-
ρ

N
-
2

+
1

{p_{0}<p<\frac{2-\rho}{N-2}+1}

. This helps to better understand the asymptotic behavior of the energy solutions. Indeed, the source term has a negligible effect for large time and the above non-linear Schrödinger problem behaves like the associated linear one. In order to avoid a singular source term, one assumes that

p
≥
2

{p\geq 2}

, which restricts the space dimensions to

N
≤
3

{N\leq 3}

. In a paper in progress, the authors treat the same problem in the complementary case

ρ
<
0

{\rho<0}

.
Surface treatment of PET multifilament textile for biomedical applications: roughness modification and fibroblast viability assessment
Authors: Khoffi Foued , Khalsi Yosri , Chevrier Julie , Kerdjoudj Halima , Tazibt Abdel , Heim Fréderic
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of tuning the topography of textile surfaces for biomedical applications towards modified cell-substrate interactions.

Methods

For that purpose, a supercritical Nitrogen N2 jet was used to spray glass particles on multi-filament polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarns and on woven fabrics. The influence of the jet projection parameters such as the jet pressure (P) and the standoff distance (SoD) on the roughness was investigated.

Results

The impact of the particles created local filament ruptures on the treated surfaces towards hairiness increase. The results show that the treatment increases the roughness by up to 17 % at P 300 bars and SoD 300 mm while the strength of the material is slightly decreased. The biological study brings out that proliferation can be slightly limited on a more hairy surface, and is increased when the surface is more flat. After 10 days of fibroblast culture, the cells covered the entire surface of the fabrics and had mainly grown unidirectionally, forming cell clusters oriented along the longitudinal axis of the textile yarns. Clusters were generated at yarn crossings.

Conclusions

This approach revealed that the particle projection technology can help tuning the cell proliferation on a textile surface.
Determination of cryogenic temperature loads for finite-element model of LNG bunkering ship under LNG release accident
Authors: Nubli Haris , Sohn Jung Min , Kim SangJin
Published: August 2023

The rising demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled ships requires the LNG bunkering facility that partially uses a ship-to-ship operation. The bunkering process of LNG fuel may have a greater risk due to LNG volatility. The cryogenic temperature of LNG poses a threat to the personnel and structural embrittlement to ships. Therefore, cryogenic spill protection optimization was introduced concerning the structural strength analysis using finite element (FE) by utilizing cryogenic temperature loads provided by the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of an LNG release. This study aims to build a platform for transferring the temperature load profile from CFD to FE software accurately. The CFD model usually uses a structured Cartesian grid, and the FE method adopts an unstructured tetrahedral or hexahedral mesh. As a result, both configurations store results at different positions, and it is not preferred for the load profile to be transferred directly. The error will be greater due to the variance of positions. Random Forest, a machine learning method, has been employed that uses a regression technique to deal with a continuous variable. An accurate load profile for the FE model can be obtained by adopting decision tree learning in Random Forest. The procedure for determining the temperature load profile is presented in this article.
Exploration on the application of electronic information technology in signal processing based on big data
Authors: Liu Li
Published: August 2023

Mobile phones are the most commonly used electronic devices in people’s daily life. The image, voice, and other information in these devices need to be processed through signal transmission. The role of signal processing is to process the acquired information in a certain way to get the final result. In order to ensure that the whole processing program can work normally, it is necessary to implement good control to achieve the desired effect. However, with the continuous progress and development of science and technology, its requirements are becoming increasingly strict. The traditional signal processing method is unreliable, has poor real time, and has error-prone characteristics, which can no longer meet the accuracy requirements of current information acquisition equipment. Therefore, people begin to study more complex and precise information processing methods and apply these algorithms to various advanced electronic devices to achieve better results. From the perspective of big data, electronic information technology is generated and developed based on massive data processing. It not only has a strong storage function but also has strong computing power and a wide range of application scenarios. It has strong applicability in real life. In this article, the signal to be processed was divided into several wavelet components in different frequency ranges by empirical mode decomposition technology, and then the signal was denoised by combining three wavelet denoising methods to obtain noise data with good signal-to-noise ratio and high classification accuracy. Finally, the corresponding feature information was extracted according to the signal-receiving model to improve the system recognition rate. This article compared the traditional signal processing methods with the signal processing approaches from the perspective of electronic information technology. The results showed that the processing method had a high computing speed and could better solve the problem of detection performance degradation caused by interference. User satisfaction had also increased by 2.87%, which showed that signal processing based on big data and information processing technology had broad application prospects in communication systems. The core of open computer science is to build a unified, efficient, and scalable computing platform based on massive data processing and use signal processing and computer technology to manage and optimize the scheduling of information resources to better meet various business needs.
Mathematical modelling of water-based biogas scrubber operating at digester pressure
Authors: Saini Sunil Kumar , Rane Milind V.
Published: August 2023

The socio-economic feasibility of biogas as a renewable source of energy has been analyzed for the energy security of India. The impact of Indian government schemes such as the National Biogas and Manure Management Programme (NBMMP) for the implementation of Bioenergy has been discussed in detail. The feasibility of a water-based scrubber (high as well as low pressure) for Bio-methane production in the Indian scenario was analyzed. Theoretical modeling for Steady-State Digester Pressure Water-based Biogas Scrubber (DP-WBS) was performed using the Sum Rate Method. Design parameters for a DP-WBS-based scrubber having a capacity of 60 Nm3/h were optimized at the digester pressure of 110 mm of the Water Column (WC). Modeling for raw biogas (CH4 64 %, CO2 30 %, H2S 1000 ppm) scrubbing was done with and without water recirculation. Sensitivity analysis shows that a 90 m3/h water flow rate and a total of 7 theoretical stages are required to reduce the CO2 concentration in biogas from 30 % to <2.58 % and H2S concentration from 1000 ppm to <20 ppm. H2S removal efficiency in the scrubber was found to be highly dependent on operating conditions at the regeneration section.
Algebraic independence of topological Pontryagin classes
Authors: Galatius Søren , Randal-Williams Oscar
Published: August 2023

We show that the topological Pontryagin classes are algebraically independent in the rationalised cohomology of

B
⁢
Top
⁢

(
d
)

{B\mathrm{Top}(d)}

for all

d
≥
4

{d\geq 4}

.